Rian_Colorado
New Member
Hello all! I’m excited to know that there are forums in the world for darn near everything!
To open, I’ll classify myself as 98% green newbie. I’ve done some programming in the past (small amounts, mainly basic) and I had 1 semester of ladder logic/PLC’s, and about 4 weeks of exposure to PIC’s in my industrial engineering coursework in college. This occurred though 4 semesters of electronics exposure during my degree. I DO have some memory of circuit design, and old course books, so the design part I think I can get along ok with, or at least ask somewhat informed questions! I’ve designed some small projects, but understand that it’s been 8 or 9 years. That all being said, I’ve always been an automation junky, and I’ve decieded to start learning about this topic once again. I have a project in mind, and I would REALLY appreciate any input the more experienced members might have.
The first project I’d like to try has the following requirements. I think it’s a good starter project for re-learning PIC’s, but I’m totally lost on the equipment I’ll need so please suggest what you would recommend I learn with!
I need to design a circuit that:
Has 2 switches (these are going to be proximity sensors) these are 2 inputs
Has two outputs (momentary contact switches to activate doors) these are 2 outputs
Will function on a timed basis (ie, I’d like it to check the condition of either of the two switches, at varying times, similar to a sprinkler clock? and if they are open, then momentarily close the loop on the appropriate output)
I have the proximity sensors (magnetic reed sensors, similar to home security applications) and the outputs are set. I need a PIC that I can program that has internal time circuitry to function the rest of the project.
Please suggest:
A)Which PIC is best for this project, or perhaps best to learn on. I have no problem buying WAY more chip then I need in order to have the ability to program much broader things in the future as I learn. I prefer going EEPROM to learn/develop, then later I’d look into more inexpensive devices for any kind of mass production..
B)A device to program the PIC with (or write… burn…blow… however you want to say it) I’ve seen very simple “JDM” 16F84 programmer on e-bay for about 10$ but I’d prefer some recommendations!
C) I know it depends on the above to a degree, but what programming language / software would be best for me? Please keep in mind that I’m a beginner to a degree so cheap = increased interest! If I get more into it, I’d be much more likely to spend $$ on software etc. once I’ve discovered that I’m hooked!
d) Any reference material/books that you think someone at my level would benefit from. I’ve purchased one (PIC in practice, D.W. Smith) but I’d love qualified opinions
Thank you all for ANY input you might have I’m looking forward to learing again!
Rian
To open, I’ll classify myself as 98% green newbie. I’ve done some programming in the past (small amounts, mainly basic) and I had 1 semester of ladder logic/PLC’s, and about 4 weeks of exposure to PIC’s in my industrial engineering coursework in college. This occurred though 4 semesters of electronics exposure during my degree. I DO have some memory of circuit design, and old course books, so the design part I think I can get along ok with, or at least ask somewhat informed questions! I’ve designed some small projects, but understand that it’s been 8 or 9 years. That all being said, I’ve always been an automation junky, and I’ve decieded to start learning about this topic once again. I have a project in mind, and I would REALLY appreciate any input the more experienced members might have.
The first project I’d like to try has the following requirements. I think it’s a good starter project for re-learning PIC’s, but I’m totally lost on the equipment I’ll need so please suggest what you would recommend I learn with!
I need to design a circuit that:
Has 2 switches (these are going to be proximity sensors) these are 2 inputs
Has two outputs (momentary contact switches to activate doors) these are 2 outputs
Will function on a timed basis (ie, I’d like it to check the condition of either of the two switches, at varying times, similar to a sprinkler clock? and if they are open, then momentarily close the loop on the appropriate output)
I have the proximity sensors (magnetic reed sensors, similar to home security applications) and the outputs are set. I need a PIC that I can program that has internal time circuitry to function the rest of the project.
Please suggest:
A)Which PIC is best for this project, or perhaps best to learn on. I have no problem buying WAY more chip then I need in order to have the ability to program much broader things in the future as I learn. I prefer going EEPROM to learn/develop, then later I’d look into more inexpensive devices for any kind of mass production..
B)A device to program the PIC with (or write… burn…blow… however you want to say it) I’ve seen very simple “JDM” 16F84 programmer on e-bay for about 10$ but I’d prefer some recommendations!
C) I know it depends on the above to a degree, but what programming language / software would be best for me? Please keep in mind that I’m a beginner to a degree so cheap = increased interest! If I get more into it, I’d be much more likely to spend $$ on software etc. once I’ve discovered that I’m hooked!
d) Any reference material/books that you think someone at my level would benefit from. I’ve purchased one (PIC in practice, D.W. Smith) but I’d love qualified opinions
Thank you all for ANY input you might have I’m looking forward to learing again!
Rian
