Re: Was 3.2, G298, Now: Tony's PIC
Posted by
Tony Jeffree
on 2002-04-11 01:54:19 UTC
At 21:54 10/04/2002 +0000, you wrote:
The PIC is a 16F877; code is mostly written in "C" using the FED PIC C
development tools & programmers (website: http://www.fored.co.uk/). The
FED software works pretty well, although inevitably the code generated is
bulkier than the equivalent hand-crafted assembler. Mind you, with
Microchip just recently announcing a PIC with a meg of program memory, "C"
looks more and more attractive for these devices.
I found a couple of bugs in the early versions of the compiler, but they
fixed them pretty promptly & the current version seems stable as far as I
can tell. Their programmers are pretty good too - they use a serial
interface & will work happily on Win 2K - I've had problems using (or I
should say, trying to use) parallel port-based programmers because W2K
makes it hard to gain direct access to the parallel port.
FED's "C" compiler supports byte, word (16 bit) and long (32 bit) variables
& also floating point. The really nice feature though is the sim
environment - you can sim the hardware & attached peripherals (keypads,
LCD, memory...etc) & do most of your debugging without raising a soldering
iron. Very handy. Their prices are good too. Usual disclaimer - just a
satisfied customer.
Regards,
Tony
>Hi Tony,Alan -
>
>Thanks for the reply. I'd be curious what PIC and compiler you used, if
>you wouldn't mind. I have 'C' and .ASM code for motion control (also
>uses some floating point), and I'd planned to "drop it in" when I got
>back on the PIC's. Easier said then done! Seems I need a LOT of space!
The PIC is a 16F877; code is mostly written in "C" using the FED PIC C
development tools & programmers (website: http://www.fored.co.uk/). The
FED software works pretty well, although inevitably the code generated is
bulkier than the equivalent hand-crafted assembler. Mind you, with
Microchip just recently announcing a PIC with a meg of program memory, "C"
looks more and more attractive for these devices.
I found a couple of bugs in the early versions of the compiler, but they
fixed them pretty promptly & the current version seems stable as far as I
can tell. Their programmers are pretty good too - they use a serial
interface & will work happily on Win 2K - I've had problems using (or I
should say, trying to use) parallel port-based programmers because W2K
makes it hard to gain direct access to the parallel port.
FED's "C" compiler supports byte, word (16 bit) and long (32 bit) variables
& also floating point. The really nice feature though is the sim
environment - you can sim the hardware & attached peripherals (keypads,
LCD, memory...etc) & do most of your debugging without raising a soldering
iron. Very handy. Their prices are good too. Usual disclaimer - just a
satisfied customer.
>Alan KM6VVThanks!
>P.S. Good luck on your project. I've enjoyed your website!
Regards,
Tony