Okay, could somebody write a list (with explanations -- please) of what I need to program these chips (preferably with C, right now -- I think learning assembler would be too much right now).
Thanks.
--Garfield
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Okay, could somebody write a list (with explanations -- please) of what I need to program these chips (preferably with C, right now -- I think learning assembler would be too much right now).
Thanks.
--Garfield
Hmm, I never used C before, you'd need to get a compiler that would compile for the chip you want.
I do, however, have a suggestion for someone who wants to get into the field of microcontrollers.
Parallax makes a chip called the STAMP II which you can use PBASIC (a language often used for microcontrollers), which is a derivative of BASIC. It's easy enough to learn that anyone with programming experience can learn it pretty fast.
You can get the chip, software, plus a proto board here:
http://www.parallaxinc.com/html_file...tarter_kit.asp
I'd recommend the bottom of the kits, the one with the better IC and the "board of education". I've personally used this very controller (in fact, I have it sitting on my desk right now, although it belongs to a professor of mine).
This is nice to begin with, because the microcontroller, EEPROM, and some other ICs are provided for you, in one package. Normally, you'd need to connect them, which you could do in a few ways. First you could put components on a solderless breadboard, but that gets messy fast. Second, you could solder or wire wrap a lot of wires, but that's messy, and prone to breaking wires.
You could also make your own printed circuit board, which can be hazardous due to chemicals, or you could pay some company $75 to make the board for you.
If you do get the STAMP II, you probably want a solderless breadboard for other components, as the provided one can only hold a few components. They are available for about $15 or so. Radio shack has them, and I am sure DigiKey carries them.
well, i have done programming in IC8051. Actually, garfield, every chip has it's own instruction set. so, if you wish to interface your chip with the hardware you have to code it in assembly language. I have found assembly language very challenging, accompanied with a lot of headache because you are not allowed the special features in C or any high level language. Finding out bugs in such programs is a herculean task. Also, you need to have good fundamentals of electronics to succeed in interfacing your chip with the hardware.
If you are programming with IC8051, i would suggest you 8051 Programming by Kenneth Ayala. It is an excellent guide for people using this IC.
cheers,
Take a look at my final decision in GD:
http://www.cprogramming.com/cboard/s...9984#post38225
Thanks! I'll look into it. I think (since I already have the tools), I'm going to first work with the Z8 processor. Then move onto the 8086 or 8052.
--Garfield