Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] A Z80 guy needs help!

mariss92705 wrote:

>
> Hi,
>
> I'm a newbie on this list and I'm hoping someone will steer me the
> right way. I have looked at all the posts here from a year ago to
> present and I didn't see a reference to what I need so here goes.
>
> I don't know how to program in C but I am very comfortable in Z80
> assembly. I picked the Rabbit 2000 for that reason.
>
> My application is for motion control, meaning it is interrupt driven
> (1,024 per second, or about 18,000 clock cycles) and involves a lot
> of fp math, up to and including transcendental functions. This
> requires very tight code that is best done in assembly.

Your samples may be rapid, but the calculations only need to
be done at a rate that suits the control loop response time.
If you keep the calculation rate in a separate slower loop
compared to the parts that keeps track of the instantaneous
servo movement, slower code and more efficient use of the
cpu can be had. It depends on what the exact control methods
are.

> My problem is my ignorance of C programming. It seems Dynamic C does
> not have a stand alone assembler / emulator. I have looked at the
> SoftTools ASM2000 but it can't seem to work with my Rabbit board and
> it is very unstable. My question is:
>
> (1) Does anyone know of a good assembler / emulator for the Rabbit.
>
> (2) If not, should I learn C so I can use the Dynamic C development
> system. If I have to, I will.

C programs are much easier to write, debug, and maintain.

> (3) If it's yes to (2), can someone suggest a good tutorial or primer
> for learning C.

Rudd: Mastering C is the one i've used.

> I have a lot of Z80 assembler code I would really like to upgrade and
> optimize for the Rabbit since it is so much better than what Zilog or
> anyone has to offer. I just need to get from here to there in the
> shortest period of time to do it.