Newbie's Point of view

[AZdave]

As I am learning how to drive a µC I would like to relate my experience to learning how to drive a car.

First I'd like to thank the experienced folks for their inputs to questions asked on this forum. I have learned quite a bit (no pun intended) from reading your replies.

I've heard of the automoble (µC) and hear that it is fun to drive (program). I studied the drivers manual (datasheets) and understand the theory so 'thought' I was ready to drive. I sat down in the drivers seat (started the assembler program) only to find out that I hadn't been told about the key and how to start the car (how/where to start the program). So I got out of behind the driver's seat and walked down to keysmith (Nigel's Tutorials) and learned about the how to start my car. Although I understand the theory of driving (instruction set) and see how to start it I am left with many questions.

1. If the code file is simply a text document can I use any text editor or do I need to use something like MPLAB IDE or Nigel's WinPicProg?

2. The '__CONFIG' line is different from example code to example code. What should, or needs, to be included in this line of code?

3. Where can I find a list of the second and successive code words e.g. bsf STATUS, RP0 so I'll know what they are and what to put behind the opcode (i.e. bsf)?

BTW, I am medically retired and live with a very small budget so most books are priced out of my reach. If anyone knows of any free to read e-book(s) I'd appreciate a link.

Thanks, Dave

 

[csaba911]

BTW, I am medically retired and live with a very small budget so most books are priced out of my reach. If anyone knows of any free to read e-book(s) I'd appreciate a link.

Thanks, Dave

**broken link removed**
Guide to use the PIC
**broken link removed**

PIC16F84 Fundamentals
**broken link removed**
**broken link removed**
**broken link removed**
**broken link removed**
PickNPoke and PickNPrac was my altime favorites, try to find it !



Good luck

STEVE

 

[GRC]

Great Links. Thank you

Gordon

 

[AZdave]

Thanks Steve I do appreciate the help!

 

[williB]

1 Yes you can use any text editor..
2 what chip are you programming? If you are using the 628A and dont need the comparaters you can turn them off, for example..

 

[AZdave]

WilliB,

As I am retired and have lost intrest in watching the grass grow I have decided to build a 'full blown' weather center.

I am using the 16F877A. I will have 2 analog inputs using AN0/AN1, 10 logic inputs (checking reed switches - open/closed) using RB0:RB7 and RE1:RE2 and one digital input (coming from a 555 chip) using RE0. Once the data is collected I need to send it via the USART to a 16F88 (I hope to make this data xfer wireless). The 16F88 will have 2 additional logic inputs, process all the data, format it and send it SSP (serial) to a graphic LCD screen.

This may sound like a big undertaking for a newbie but I have plenty of time on my hands. I have 18 years experience talking to computers and large networks but this is my first exposure to µC's. I have been doing µC's now for nearly 18 days , and am trying to learn how to speak µC.

Thanks for your help,

 

[jfunkie]

woah.. sounds like a read big project..

anyway.. i'm a newbie too! but i'm not retired.. Uni student needing to learn this for a project!

wanted to ask if anyone can point me to some helpful webpages on PIC programming in C?

Thanks!!

 

[Beefer3]

jfunkie

try www.microchipc.com

that sould give you some good starting points...