>>I'm very sorry for the MLIST.VBX missing in my ProPic Programmer, but it
>>is avaible in my home page.
>>
>Hi,
> I've just downloaded your pic programmer and the schematic looks good.
>How about adding a pcb overlay to the file?
>
>I have a problem when I try and run the software. It says it can't find
>INPOUT.DLL any suggestions?
I just wrote it (even as I am not the author...) the compiled version
is attached, I suppose it should work, I only sent it to help those
who cant wait until mister noguiera puts it on his web page :)
Full source of missing InpOut.DLL (Borland Pascal 7.0)
---------- chop -----------
Library InpOut;
Function Inp(a: Word): Byte; Export; Begin Inp := port[a]; End;
Procedure Out(a: Word; data: Byte); Export; Begin port[a] := data; End;
Exports Inp, Out;
Begin End.
---------- chop -----------
> >I have a problem when I try and run the software. It says it can't find
> >INPOUT.DLL any suggestions?
>
> I just wrote it (even as I am not the author...) the compiled version
> is attached, I suppose it should work, I only sent it to help those
> who cant wait until mister noguiera puts it on his web page :)
Yksi asia josta voin antaa vahan uutta tietoa on se NitPIC
kieli. Se kirjoittaja sano faxanneen PRoforma invoicein
minulle (joka ei ole tullut perille) jossa silla on oletettavasti
kysymys demo versiosta. Han on nyt Kapkaupungissa ja en pysty
otaan yhteytta ennenkuin huomenna varmaan. Selitan uutisia
kun kuulen tai naen.
Ala vastaa viella tahan eika seuraavaan vastaukseen niin saadaan
'back-log' poin viesteista.
Sinum systeemi aika on vahan vaarassa ja panee sinun viestit
vanhaan paahan listasta.
Cheers
--
Kalle Pihlajasaari kalleKILLspamdata.co.za
Interface Products Box 15775, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
+27 (11) 402-7750 Fax: +27 (11) 402-7751
Here's a problem and fix I ran into writing a control package (yes, with a
PIC) with VB3 in Win3.11. I set up a couple of timer controls to perform
some scheduled events. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. OK, try
this: create a form with a control group of 10 timers with an interval of
100ms. Add a control group of 10 labels. In the timer events have each time
update a count in it's own label everytime the timer event occurs. When you
run the program you might expect all the counts to be reasonably close.
Such is not the case. My problem, as illustrated, is that Windows places a
low priority on timers and, as such, they are not necessarily serviced all
the time. The result is what you saw, some timers are serviced consistently
and some not often at all. OK, so what to do? This is where the good folks
at DesaWare come in. The have a high priority timer control that, when used
in the demo above, are serviced regularily and all counts match. You are
not limited to 10 timers either. Thanks DesaWare! The moral: use the
DesaWare timer or don't use a lot of timer controls in your apps. Note that
this is not an issue in Win95 or NT.
>Here's a problem and fix I ran into writing a control package (yes, with a
>PIC) with VB3 in Win3.11. I set up a couple of timer controls to perform
>some scheduled events. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. OK, try
>this: create a form with a control group of 10 timers with an interval of
>100ms. Add a control group of 10 labels. In the timer events have each time
>update a count in it's own label everytime the timer event occurs. When you
>run the program you might expect all the counts to be reasonably close.
>Such is not the case. My problem, as illustrated, is that Windows places a
>low priority on timers and, as such, they are not necessarily serviced all
>the time. The result is what you saw, some timers are serviced consistently
>and some not often at all. OK, so what to do? This is where the good folks
>at DesaWare come in. The have a high priority timer control that, when used
>in the demo above, are serviced regularily and all counts match. You are
>not limited to 10 timers either. Thanks DesaWare! The moral: use the
>DesaWare timer or don't use a lot of timer controls in your apps. Note that
>this is not an issue in Win95 or NT.
>
Alternatively, use the multimedia timers for better resolution and priority.
I don't know how you get to them from VB though - I'm using C++, but the
problem with WM_TIMER messages is there too.
> Here's a problem and fix I ran into writing a control package (yes,
> with a PIC) with VB3 in Win3.11. I set up a couple of timer controls
> to perform some scheduled events. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it
> didn't.
...
> My problem, as illustrated, is that Windows places a low priority on
> timers and, as such, they are not necessarily serviced all the time.
...
> Note that this is not an issue in Win95 or NT.
I wouldn't be too sure! I migrated from WIN31 to WIN95 because I
found the latter serviced (comms) IRQs in dos programs whereas the
former simply DIDN'T, particularly when a program was running in the
background. And this on the same machine. Obviously WIN31 contains
certified faulty code, but whether '95 is unreservedly fixed in this
regard (it still fails on a certain proportion e.g. 10^-4 of background
interrupts) is moot.
Note: I am referring to DOS window events, whereas the VB matter is
about native Windoze calls but, ... one has to wonder.
I would like to build a clock based on the time code from WWVB
(not a TRF type receiver that uses the carrier). I am looking
for an IC that outputs the time code so that I can use a PIC to
then drive either an LED or LCD display.
On Sun, 19 Oct 1997 09:51:29 -0700 Brooke <spamBeGonebrookespamBeGonepacific.net> writes:
>I would like to build a clock based on the time code from WWVB
>(not a TRF type receiver that uses the carrier). I am looking
>for an IC that outputs the time code so that I can use a PIC to
>then drive either an LED or LCD display.
Start with a conventional shortwave radio reciever. Unless you want to
recover the 5 or 10 MHz carrier frequency there is no need to do anything
with the RF part. The time code is a 100 Hz subcarrier with on-off
modulation at I think 1 second or 1/2 second periods. It comes out of
the AM detector as a 100 Hz audio signal. The receiver may filter most
of a 100 Hz signal out of the speaker output. You may need to modify it
for more low frequency response or take the signal output from a point
inside.
The first stage of processing would naturally be a 100 Hz bandpass
filter. It should have about 10Hz bandwidth to follow the modulation.
An MF10 switched capacitor filter would work well. Follow it with an
envelope detector and lowpass filter. A slightly better design would use
another filter with very tight bandwidth so it "rings" at the 100 Hz
carrier frequency and drives a synchronous demodulator. You could also
try a PLL. All these designs may need AGC. Unless you live in Fort
Collins, Colorado, there will be times when no WWV signal reaches you.
I don't think there are any chips dedicated to this purpose. It is easy
enough to use conventional op-amps or whatever you prefer to process a
100 Hz signal though.
What frequency were you planning on receiving? WWVB is on
60kHz, isn't it?
Regards,
Adi
>I would like to build a clock based on the time code from WWVB
>(not a TRF type receiver that uses the carrier). I am looking
>for an IC that outputs the time code so that I can use a PIC to
>then drive either an LED or LCD display.
It is said that the PC only has 16 timer channels - using 10 controls in VB
might be OK for your machine - but one another there might not be that many
available. Why not just use one and update all ten - that would definately
keep everything in sync.
In VB I like to keep all that I can in one routine - easier to make updates
in one place instead of ten....
Actually, uh..., the idea was to not to make a label updating program, but
to show an example of how multiple timers do not get serviced regularily in
VB3/Win3.1x due to the prioritization of software interrupts. Further, to
point to a simple solution and perhaps help someone who might not be aware
of the inconsistency. Perhaps I should have made that a little
clearer....but hey, if I ever need a label updating program I'll be sure to
use your suggestion:)
KcW
----------
> From: Kahn-Syd <TakeThisOuTklassEraseMEspam_OUTSUN-LINK.COM>
> To: RemoveMEPICLISTTakeThisOuTMITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: [OT] VB3 or Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?
> Date: Tuesday, October 21, 1997 3:45 AM
>
> It is said that the PC only has 16 timer channels - using 10 controls in
VB
> might be OK for your machine - but one another there might not be that
many
> available. Why not just use one and update all ten - that would
definately
> keep everything in sync.
>
> In VB I like to keep all that I can in one routine - easier to make
updates
> in one place instead of ten....
>
> my $.02
> Syd
>
>
> {Original Message removed}
Yes. 60 kHz is the carrier frequency.
NIST is in the process of increasing the power of WWVB
from 13 kW to 40 kW so that people on the East Coast
well have a good signal (I think > 100 uV/m).
I've been looking into the same idea. First I'll have to get a bit
more involved with PIC programming. Years ago I built a receiver for
the DCF77 signal. DCF77 is a time signal on 77.7kHz transmitted in
Germany. It's coding is virtually identical to WWVB. I did the
software on a single board 6502 system. The RF section had a ferrite
stick antenna, a tuned RF amplifier and a 77.7kHz filter crystal.
I've looked into this stuff again the past couple of months and I
have two ideas. One would be a conversion receiver with a mixer and a
455kHz ceramic filter. I have plenty of parts from discarded cordless
phones. The other idea is a direct-conversion receiver. It uses a
doubly balanced mixer and a BFO. I think the last one is what I'll be
persuing. First, though, I'll be getting more involved with PIC
programming...
Regards,
Adi
> Yes. 60 kHz is the carrier frequency.
> NIST is in the process of increasing the power of WWVB
> from 13 kW to 40 kW so that people on the East Coast
> well have a good signal (I think > 100 uV/m).
>
> Brooke
>
Hi,
For what it's worth, Heartland (I'm not associated with them) has a WWV
clock for $70. They have a couple different versions- one analog and one
digital. I don't know what microprocessor they use though.
<http://www.heartlandamerica.com/dprod46.html>
Eric Johnson.
>I would like to build a clock based on the time code from WWVB
>(not a TRF type receiver that uses the carrier). I am looking
>for an IC that outputs the time code so that I can use a PIC to
>then drive either an LED or LCD display.
RadShack has 'em too but for 40 bucks. I have one and it's right on
time...works like a clock! Seriously, the clock really works well and
locks right onto the wwv signal.
> Hi,
> For what it's worth, Heartland (I'm not associated with them) has a
WWV {Quote hidden}
> clock for $70. They have a couple different versions- one analog and one
> digital. I don't know what microprocessor they use though.
> <http://www.heartlandamerica.com/dprod46.html>
>
> Eric Johnson.
>
> >I would like to build a clock based on the time code from WWVB
> >(not a TRF type receiver that uses the carrier). I am looking
> >for an IC that outputs the time code so that I can use a PIC to
> >then drive either an LED or LCD display.
>
It has been a couple of weeks since this topic was discussed, but
I think I should add a bit. "QST" which is the magazine published by the
American Radio Relay League has had articles from time to time about time
and frequency standard stations. I detect a slight bit of confusion, here.
The HF time signal stations of WWV and it's sister, WWVH in Hawaii
do use the 100-HZ carrier method for sending the time and date to receivers
capable of receiving it. It takes a whole minute to receive a frame of data
which is clocked out at one bit/second. The signal is mixed in with the
voice announcements, standard frequency tones, and ticks indicating the
passage of seconds. These transmitters are meant to be heard by the human
ear as well as mechanically received. The same is true for Canada's time
and frequency station, CHU. It transmits voice time announcements, ticks,
and a binary time update in the form of a 300-baud Bell103-style data burst
sent each second between about the 31ST and 40TH seconds in every minute.
Both the U.S. and Canadian short wave time services take at least
a minute to automatically update clocks so I would put my money on the
WWVB signal if one can receive it. It should provide complete updates almost
continuously since its binary code is constantly being sent and is not
time-shared with voice. WWVB should also not be quite as susceptible to
the random Solar flares and daily/seasonal changes in signal propagation that
plague short wave signals. The same holds true for the other VLF time
signal transmitters around the world although I have no idea as to whether
they all use different digital data formats. Even if they do, the signal
propagation characteristics should be the same so they all represent a good
technical solution for automatically synchronizing clocks.
Something I've done which works really well is this:
If I need to sink a medium-current sort of load to ground,
I use a ZTX849 NPN transistor (Zetex, great part!) and
put a series LED in the connection between the PIC pin
and the base of the transistor. This seems to work
adequately for most kinds of loads, though you'd probably
want a 10K base/emitter resistor to handle leakage currents
for very light loads.
The LED provides an extra 1.5-2 volts of drop, and *I don't
use a base resistor at all*. I rely on the PIC's natural
current limiting, coupled with the couple-or-three volts of
LED and Vbe that I've already got out there. As an added
bonus, I get a visual indicator of whether it's 'on' or not.
>Something I've done which works really well is this:
>
>If I need to sink a medium-current sort of load to ground,
>I use a ZTX849 NPN transistor (Zetex, great part!) and
>put a series LED in the connection between the PIC pin
>and the base of the transistor. This seems to work
>adequately for most kinds of loads, though you'd probably
>want a 10K base/emitter resistor to handle leakage currents
>for very light loads.
That should work well, as long as the output is a voltage source, plus you
get the added on/off indicator. Remember that a transistor, unlike a logic
gate is a current device, input voltage dosen't mean a hoot except that it
causes current to flow.
Although prototyping isn't particularly cost-sensitive, it's a very good
idea to proto what you will produce. Otherwise come production time, you can
get the "boobytrap suprise". Still, I've seen times when 10 protos worked
flawlessly, and production had 50% dead. That one was a clear violation of
the spec, and the justification was that "all the protos work"..
Hobbyists can get away with a lot that wouldn't fly in production, but I
think that's where a lot of them get in trouble, when they accurately build
someone's "cool device" and include the other fellow's mistakes, which don't
work with the batch of parts they got. Hobbyist magazines are full of
things that Horowitz and Hill wouold have put in the "bad ideas" section!
It's always a good idea to walk back through the specs and make sure you're
doing it right.
Zetex parts are wonderful, I've used that 849 in a couple of devices, no
problems ever. Their ZVN4206 is a nice little FET too. TO-92, low RDSon,
but beware of inductive loads. It goes into avalance so fast that a 350 mhz
DSO can't see it!
Anyone know if a Win 95 program developed with VB and the MSCOMM.OCX will
work with win NT? What, if anything do I need to do to make it win NT
compatible?
Anyone with a TM4 based programmer and windows NT willing to test this for
me?
OnComEvent will WAIT for an event when the program runs on win95 and
will NOT wait (as i think it should) on win NT.
Query OS at runtime and place loops inside the code to wait for the
event
if NT is the OS otherwise do not loop as on win95 OnComEvent will not
return if there is no ComEvent.
You should also use timeouts as on win95 you will not be in control if
OnComEvent hangs...
>
> Hi folks,
>
> Anyone know if a Win 95 program developed with VB and the MSCOMM.OCX will
> work with win NT? What, if anything do I need to do to make it win NT
> compatible?
>
> Anyone with a TM4 based programmer and windows NT willing to test this for
> me?
>
> Thanks if you can help any!
>
> Jim
Status Reporters
Type From
Initials CR
Name Domain NOTES
Native Name CN=Claudio Rachiele IW0DZG/OU=Italy/O=IBM@IBMIT
Foreign Native Name CN=Claudio Rachiele IW0DZG/OU=Italy/O=IBM\nIBMIT\n\n
Organization IBM
Org Unit 1 Italy
Last Name IW0DZG
First Name Claudio
Status 769
Explanation Invalid recipient
X.400 Status 769
Explanation Router: Unable to open mailbox file D14HUBM1/14/H/IBM mail.box: Server not responding
----------
> From: Claudio Rachiele IW0DZG <@spam@75805312@spam@spam_OUTIT.IBM.COM>
> To: spamBeGonePICLISTKILLspamMITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: [OT] Is Win NT VB - MSCOMM compatible
> Date: Wednesday, June 24, 1998 11:11 AM
>
> Status Distribution June 23, 1998 15:04:12
>
> The message regarding "[OT] Is Win NT VB - MSCOMM compatible" sent on
June 23, 1998 15:04:12 was sent by {Quote hidden}
IW0DZG/OU=Italy/O=IBM@IBMIT
> Foreign Native Name CN=Claudio Rachiele
IW0DZG/OU=Italy/O=IBM\nIBMIT\n\n {Quote hidden}
> Organization IBM
> Org Unit 1 Italy
> Last Name IW0DZG
> First Name Claudio
>
>
>
> Status 769
> Explanation Invalid recipient
>
> X.400 Status 769
> Explanation Router: Unable to open mailbox file D14HUBM1/14/H/IBM
> Is W0DZG a HAM Operator call? Would 0 be in MO, Perhaps? Sorry I
> misunderstood.
That was a zero. The structure of an amateur call is:
Country code: One letter may be preceeded by a letter or digit, i.e.,
may be one letter, two letters or digit then letter. Some
countries, notably America, have more than one such code, which
may indicate different operator classes.
State code: One digit.
Personal group: Two or three letters. Possibly one. The first of
these is often a class denotation e.g. here in Australia, "two letter"
calls and infixes "A" to "E" are unlimited, "N" and "M" are novices,
"Z", "Y" and "X" are limited, "L" are novice + limited, "R" are fixed
(unmanned) repeater stations, and various others. In NZ, "T" calls are
limited ("Technician" - rude, isn't it?).
Some temporary or special event codes are also used, some of which do
not follow this pattern at all!
Someone may care to post the URL for the search engine.
I am trying to communicate to a Visual Basic application using a pic, at
first I thought it was my code (pic), but then when I tried to use a
terminal program on another computer it didn't accept the input either.
The cable should be fine, because I can communicate between two computers,
in dos using a terminal program. Can anyone help me with this, any
example code, I am trying to use the mscomm control to make my life simple
but I must be missing something simple with the On_comm() event.
I think your question is not so OT, Visual Basic is very nice for making a
user interface - we use it for control systems and remote data logging -
despite the fact you sometimes have to use rather a lots of tricks in order
to have it work correctly.
Well, you cannot read the comm buffer immediately on a comm event, it
doesn't work (why perhaps Bill Gates can explain you, although I have my
doubts). The trick is starting a timer on the comm event or when the
inbuffer count is greater than 0, and do the reading of the buffer contents
when the timer fires.
I've attached a small program (VB3 code) for communication with a Panasonic
PBX system, there you can find a way to do it..... The sample program
monitors InBufferCount, you can also start the timer in the On_Comm event as
another way to have things work.
>Sorry for being a bit off topic,
>
>I am trying to communicate to a Visual Basic application using a pic, at
>first I thought it was my code (pic), but then when I tried to use a
>terminal program on another computer it didn't accept the input either.
>The cable should be fine, because I can communicate between two computers,
>in dos using a terminal program. Can anyone help me with this, any
>example code, I am trying to use the mscomm control to make my life simple
>but I must be missing something simple with the On_comm() event.
>
>BTW, I can send easily with the mscomm control.
>
>Thanks,
>Joe Hoffmann
>E-Mail jhoffmanEraseMEit.sait.ab.ca
>Sorry for being a bit off topic,
>
>I am trying to communicate to a Visual Basic application using a pic, at
>first I thought it was my code (pic), but then when I tried to use a
>terminal program on another computer it didn't accept the input either.
>The cable should be fine, because I can communicate between two computers,
>in dos using a terminal program. Can anyone help me with this, any
>example code, I am trying to use the mscomm control to make my life simple
>but I must be missing something simple with the On_comm() event.
>
>BTW, I can send easily with the mscomm control.
>
>Thanks,
>Joe Hoffmann
>E-Mail RemoveMEjhoffmanEraseMEspam_OUTit.sait.ab.ca
>
>
The Plumber wrote:
>
> Sorry for being a bit off topic,
>
> I am trying to communicate to a Visual Basic application using a pic, at
> first I thought it was my code (pic), but then when I tried to use a
> terminal program on another computer it didn't accept the input either.
> The cable should be fine, because I can communicate between two computers,
> in dos using a terminal program. Can anyone help me with this, any
> example code, I am trying to use the mscomm control to make my life simple
> but I must be missing something simple with the On_comm() event.
>
> BTW, I can send easily with the mscomm control.
>
> Thanks,
> Joe Hoffmann
> E-Mail @spam@jhoffmanRemoveMEEraseMEit.sait.ab.ca
part 0 366 bytes content-type:text/x-vcard; (decoded 7bit)
>
>
>unsubscribe PICLIST
>
Content-Type: text/x-vcard;
name="vcard.vcf"
Content-Description: Card for Mohammad Mustafa Qureshi
Content-Disposition: attachment;
filename="vcard.vcf"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
> Ciao PICer friends,
>
> I need to emulate on VB form an LCD (2 x 16) with a caracter cell of 7 x 5 ,
> a seven segment LED display and a couple of 5mm LED.
>
> Anyone know were I can found the OCX.
>
> Thanks
>
> Saluti
>
> Leo
Leo:
Scan them and store the bitmaps, then you can simply call up the bitmaps
as required for each digit. If you want a professional result, then
either put in the time and effort yourself, or PAY someone else who
*has* the required skill.
regards,
Graham.Leonardo De Palo wrote: {Quote hidden}
>
> Ciao PICer friends,
>
> I need to emulate on VB form an LCD (2 x 16) with a caracter cell of 7 x 5 ,
> a seven segment LED display and a couple of 5mm LED.
>
> Anyone know were I can found the OCX.
>
> Thanks
>
> Saluti
>
> Leo
--
Steam engines may be out of fashion, but when you consider that an
internal combustion engine would require recovery of waste heat by
transfer just before top dead centre then fashion becomes rather
redundant, USE STRATIFIED HEAT EXCHANGERS ! and external combustion.
You heard it first from: Graham Daniel, managing director of Electronic
Product Enhancements.
Phone NZ 04 387 4347, Fax NZ 04 3874348, Cellular NZ 021 954 196.
part 0 1045 bytes content-type:application/octet-stream;It's your lucky day, have my LED built with MS Visual C++ 6 ocx for free. It
is fully functional (but a few extras are to be added in the future). I have
added two properties, one for Status, True = Led ON, False = Led OFF, and Led
Colour which can either be Red Green or Yellow. You scale the size of each
Led control to whatever dimensions you like (it uses bitmap stretching).
Here's a hint - use control arrays, it makes life easier. I can send a test
VB application if you wish.
The reason I created this control is that all the ones I found on the net were
either crap or cost too much, so i thought i'd do it myself. I'm currently
working on a 7 - segment display and an alphanumeric LCD, not sure whether
i'll be giving the others away for free, it's taking ages to do!!
Leonardo De Palo wrote:
>
> I need to emulate on VB form an LCD (2 x 16) with a caracter cell of 7 x 5
This doesn't seem the correct forum for this type of question, but
speaking from experience, it's not as hard as you think, although I did
it in Delphi not VB. Have a go, you might surprise yourself.
I agree that my post request is just a little out of argument, but i need
some support/ideas/comment in a project that use a 16F84 to manage a 2x16
LCD display, and a seven segment display, trought a PC via RS232.
My needs is to give a real rappresentation on PC screen of what append on
LCD.
I have read some time ago on a USA magazine about an OCX for VB but after
some researc on different internet engine I do not have found nothing of
interesting.
As the comunity of PICLIST is great I suppose some frinds can help me with
suggestions and or comments as the spirit of the list.
Leonardo De Palo wrote:
>
> I need to emulate on VB form an LCD (2 x 16) with a caracter cell of 7 x 5
This doesn't seem the correct forum for this type of question, but
speaking from experience, it's not as hard as you think, although I did
it in Delphi not VB. Have a go, you might surprise yourself.
I am new to Visual Basic and wondered if anyone would share the VB code to
communicate with a PIC.
I don't have a clue as to where to begin. Possibly with the MScomm
statement?
If the code is too large it could be e-mailed directly to me.
Put a comm control on your form, call it say "mycomm"
In the form load event, open the comm port by doing the following:
sub form_load()
mycomm.portopen=true
end sub
to send something via RS232 in VB type:
mycomm.output="whatever you want to send"
whatever the PIC sends to the PC port, VB automatically collects it and you
can view what has been selected by say debugging the contents of the port
thus:
David Covick wrote:
>
> I am new to Visual Basic and wondered if anyone would share the VB code to
> communicate with a PIC.
> I don't have a clue as to where to begin. Possibly with the MScomm
> statement?
>
> If the code is too large it could be e-mailed directly to me.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> David
> RemoveMEdacspamBeGonewest.net
David, You are on the right track.
you can actually place multiple MSComm onto a form.
on the PIC end, the easy way is to use a MAX202 chip to generate the
correct levels.
Microchip have application notes for software asynchronous code(bit
banged), otherwise you can use a 'C63 or 'C73 or upwards processor with
inbuit hardware UART
As far as the VB6 goes, just open up some text windows onto your form
for debugging and you will be able to use various comm events to get it
going. Just type MSComm1.(dot) and scroll through the list to find out
the options.
Do While MSComm1.InBufferCount > 1
RawDataIn$ = RawDataIn$ + MSComm1.Input: ' buffer data
Loop
With MSComm1
Select Case .CommEvent
Case comEventBreak
Label2.Caption = "Break": EC = EC + 1: ErrorCount.Caption =
EC
Case comEventFrame
Label2.Caption = "Frame": EC = EC + 1: ErrorCount.Caption =
EC
Case comEventOverrun
Label2.Caption = "Overrun": EC = EC + 1: ErrorCount.Caption
= EC
Case comEventRxOver
Label2.Caption = "RxOver": EC = EC + 1: ErrorCount.Caption =
EC
Case comEventRxParity
Label15.Caption = "RxParity": EC = EC + 1:
ErrorCount.Caption = EC
Case comEventTxFull
Label2.Caption = "TxFull": EC = EC + 1: ErrorCount.Caption =
EC
Case comEventDCB
Label2.Caption = "DCB": EC = EC + 1: ErrorCount.Caption = EC
Case Else
Label2.Caption = .CommEvent: ErrorCount.Caption = EC
End Select
End With
regards,
Graham Daniel.
--
Steam engines may be out of fashion, but when you consider that an
internal combustion engine would require recovery of waste heat by
transfer just before top dead centre then fashion becomes rather
redundant, USE STRATIFIED HEAT EXCHANGERS ! and external combustion.
You heard it first from: Graham Daniel, managing director of Electronic
Product Enhancements.
Phone NZ 04 387 4347, Fax NZ 04 3874348, Cellular NZ 021 954 196.
>
> I am new to Visual Basic and wondered if anyone would share the VB code to
> communicate with a PIC.
> I don't have a clue as to where to begin. Possibly with the MScomm
> statement?
>
> If the code is too large it could be e-mailed directly to me.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> David
> spamBeGonedacKILLspam@spam@west.net
David Covick wrote:
>
> I am new to Visual Basic and wondered if anyone would share the VB code to
> communicate with a PIC.
> I don't have a clue as to where to begin. Possibly with the MScomm
> statement?
>
> If the code is too large it could be e-mailed directly to me.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> David
> dacspam_OUT@spam@west.net
Ola
Que bom encontrar alguem para escrever em nosso idioma.
Ha algum tempo existia o PICLIST que era uma unica mensagem e esta continha
v‡rios e-mails. Agora assinei este forum e recebo 100 mensagens por dia.
Sabe se Ž possivel configurar alguma coisa para receber uma mensagem
contendo todos os
e-mails.
Obrigado pela atencao
Ricardo
-----Mensagem original-----
De: WF AUTOMACAO <spamBeGonewf@spam@AMBIENTE.COM.BR>
Para: RemoveMEPICLISTEraseMEKILLspamMITVMA.MIT.EDU <spamBeGonePICLISTspam_OUTRemoveMEMITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Data: Segunda-feira, 26 de Abril de 1999 13:12
Assunto: Re: VB6 Code - to - RS-232 - to - PIC
>David Covick wrote:
>>
>> I am new to Visual Basic and wondered if anyone would share the VB code
to {Quote hidden}
>> communicate with a PIC.
>> I don't have a clue as to where to begin. Possibly with the MScomm
>> statement?
>>
>> If the code is too large it could be e-mailed directly to me.
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> David
>> .....dacRemoveMEwest.net
>
>http://www.mashallsoft.com
>
>U$80 for registered version,,,
>
>Non registered version runs only 20 minutes :(
>
I am officially announcing my web site which contains information on:
PIC uControllers, DMX-512, Phase Controlled light dimming, Rotary encoders;
and a very little bit on TI graphing Calculators and power supply stuff.
No banners or frames, only necessary graphics (well, there is *one* unnecessary
graphic on my home page ;-)
Notably:
I copied Dave Tait's PIC archive and links pages, and have verified/modified
every link on the archive page, and about half the links on the link page. I am
planning on forming them into a searchable db of some form, and adding my own
large list as well.
<x-flowed>At 07:05 PM 10/31/99 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi,
>
> Anyone know of a Visual Basic mailing list?
> Please let me know if you do.
>
> Cheers,
>Darren
The VISBAS-L list can be subscribed to via an email to:
Be aware that the volume is about 100kB in messages per day!
================================================================
Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: spamBeGoneral@spam@lcfltd.com
Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/
824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947
"Vere scire est per causae scire"
================================================================
This isn't all that OT because the end result IS with a PIC. I'm hoping there
are VB programmers out there that have tried to do this... I'm wanting to
program some SEEPROMs via my printer port, but my only language is Visual
Basic. I've studied Peter Anderson's code only to be left with a big "?" on
my forehead. Sure, I could use someone else's code, but I want to know what's
going on. Has anyone done this using VB? I know it's possible... Any info is
much appreciated.
I appreciate the offer...but I use VB6 and a DLL to access ports. I don't
have a problem with clocking (low...high), all I have a problem with is
actually sending data TO the eeprom -- shifting it, OR'ing it with a bit to
keep CS high, etc.
<x-flowed>At 02:47 AM 11/20/99 -0500, Tim wrote:
>This isn't all that OT because the end result IS with a PIC. I'm hoping there
>are VB programmers out there that have tried to do this... I'm wanting to
>program some SEEPROMs via my printer port, but my only language is Visual
>Basic. I've studied Peter Anderson's code only to be left with a big "?" on
>my forehead. Sure, I could use someone else's code, but I want to know what's
>going on. Has anyone done this using VB? I know it's possible... Any info is
>much appreciated.
1. WinNT will not allow you to access the parallel port. You must install a
Win device driver that gives you permission. These are available on the
internet.
2. In Win95 and Win98, you can access the parallel port, but VB does not
have the facilities to do so. You must install a C-based DLL to give VB the
capability. There are freeware DLLs of this type available on the parallel
port info sits.
3. The typical parallel data port is 0x'378'. Pins 2-9 of the connector are
D0 ... D7.
4. Inputs are available from the status port at 0x'379'.
5. Ground is at pin 18 of the connector.
6. I've driven a PIC 16F84 and LEDs just by plugging a few PIC input lines
into the parallel port data-out lines! Apparently you can get > 10 mA per pin!
================================================================
Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: ralspamlcfltd.com
Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/
824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947
"Vere scire est per causae scire"
================================================================
I apologize for not being clearer in some areas. I have experience with the
parallel port, it's just this one thing that's got me stuck. To be exact.. to
read a byte from the EEPROM, the opcode is 110000000b Ok, now, I'm using Pin
2 of the parallel port (which is bit 0 of 0x378), so my question is...how do
I flip that value around so it's 000000011b so that I can start
outputting/shifting it? That's my exact problem right there!
> 1. WinNT will not allow you to access the parallel port. You must install a
> Win device driver that gives you permission. These are available on the
> internet.
>
> 2. In Win95 and Win98, you can access the parallel port, but VB does not
> have the facilities to do so. You must install a C-based DLL to give VB the
> capability. There are freeware DLLs of this type available on the parallel
> port info sits.
>
> 3. The typical parallel data port is 0x'378'. Pins 2-9 of the connector are
> D0 ... D7.
>
> 4. Inputs are available from the status port at 0x'379'.
>
> 5. Ground is at pin 18 of the connector.
>
> 6. I've driven a PIC 16F84 and LEDs just by plugging a few PIC input lines
> into the parallel port data-out lines! Apparently you can get > 10 mA per
> pin!
>
<x-flowed>At 05:11 AM 11/20/99 -0500, Tim wrote:
>I appreciate the offer...but I use VB6 and a DLL to access ports. I don't
>have a problem with clocking (low...high), all I have a problem with is
>actually sending data TO the eeprom -- shifting it, OR'ing it with a bit to
>keep CS high, etc.
>
>Tim Hamel
1. VB operations:
OR: iResult = iOper1 or iOper2
AND: iResult = iOper1 and iOper2
XOR: iResult = iOper1 xor iOper2
Right shift 1-bit: iResult = iOper1 \ 2
Left shift 1-bit: iResult = iOper1 * 2
E.g. iResult = (iOper and &Hf7) or &H10
2. Work on bytes individually, and use INTEGER variables (16-bit) to hold
numbers. This will avoid sign extension problems.
3. Output the 16-bit integer to the port (8-bits). Only the low 8 bits will
be sent.
================================================================
Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: ralspam_OUTlcfltd.com
Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/
824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947
"Vere scire est per causae scire"
================================================================
<x-flowed>At 05:36 AM 11/20/99 -0500, Tim wrote:
>I apologize for not being clearer in some areas. I have experience with the
>parallel port, it's just this one thing that's got me stuck. To be exact.. to
>read a byte from the EEPROM, the opcode is 110000000b Ok, now, I'm using Pin
>2 of the parallel port (which is bit 0 of 0x378), so my question is...how do
>I flip that value around so it's 000000011b so that I can start
>outputting/shifting it? That's my exact problem right there!
Presumably you meant 1100 0000 for the value, as your's above is 9 bits.
To output bit-by-bit starting with msb:
iDiv=2^7
for iPos=7 to 0 step -1
iBit=iData \ iDiv 'this will be 0 or 1 for bit in position i
call OutPort(&H378,iBit)
iDiv=iDiv \ 2 'shift to next lowest bit
next iPos
================================================================
Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: RemoveMEralKILLspam@spam@lcfltd.com
Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/
824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947
"Vere scire est per causae scire"
================================================================
You are the man! =) I guess the "step -1" REALLY makes a difference. As far
as the EEPROM goes, it is 9 bits (Start bit + Opcode (2 bits) + 6 bit
address). Now, all I do is OR the value that goes out to 378 with 2 and CS
will be high constantly. Woohoo! I thank you VERY much!
> Presumably you meant 1100 0000 for the value, as your's above is 9 bits.
>
> To output bit-by-bit starting with msb:
>
> iDiv=2^7
> for iPos=7 to 0 step -1
> iBit=iData \ iDiv 'this will be 0 or 1 for bit in position i
> call OutPort(&H378,iBit)
> iDiv=iDiv \ 2 'shift to next lowest bit
> next iPos
>
I used picBASIC Pro for the pic-based hardware,
and VB4.0 for the windows interface.
Coming soon...
Im working on a second product for Reynolds Electronics,
basically an RS485 network of 10x DALLAS 1620 temperature
ic's + pic host, interfaced to a pc.
With the windows interface, you can program Hi and Lo
setpoints of each DS1620 node, and also program the
devices for stand-alone (thermostat mode) - for use in
other circuits.
Included in the windows interface is an automatic temperature
acquisition facility, where the pc collects the temperature from
each DS1620 node and displays it in an easy to read table, along
with date and time. Highest and Lowest temperatures of each node
are also displayed, along with global highest and lowest temperatures
recorded. If Hi or Lo setpoints are reached, the cells in the table
turn red / blue accordingly to let the user know.
All data is logged to chosen filename.
Ok, I am now both confused and quite frustrated. I finally have a logic
probe connected to the TX line (which goes from PIC to PC), and it indicates
something is indeed being sent. However, when I used the mscomm1.input
method to put the input buffer into a variable, all I'm left with is an
empty variable. Its not null, just empty. I have tried leaving the port open
for an entire second, still nothing. It's not likely that my timing is off.
I've tried setting the recieve threshold such that an interrupt will be
generated for every single character recieved. Nope. No interrupt is
generated. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.
One last thing. I am really confused as to how the hardware flow control is
supposed to work. I understand the concept, however, I am unable to find any
sources as to which lines are asserted when.
If you're confused as to what I'm talking about above, I just started a new
thread, mostly because I have no idea how to reply to an existing one.
> Ok, I am now both confused and quite frustrated. I finally have a logic
> probe connected to the TX line (which goes from PIC to PC), and it
indicates
> something is indeed being sent. However, when I used the mscomm1.input
> method to put the input buffer into a variable, all I'm left with is an
> empty variable. Its not null, just empty. I have tried leaving the port
open
> for an entire second, still nothing. It's not likely that my timing is off.
> I've tried setting the recieve threshold such that an interrupt will be
> generated for every single character recieved. Nope. No interrupt is
> generated. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.
>
> One last thing. I am really confused as to how the hardware flow control is
> supposed to work. I understand the concept, however, I am unable to find
any
> sources as to which lines are asserted when.
>
> If you're confused as to what I'm talking about above, I just started a new
> thread, mostly because I have no idea how to reply to an existing one.
>
> Thanks for bearing with a newbie,
> Joe
>
I'm in the early development stages of creating a bundle
of ActiveX controls for the electronics engineer to use in
his / her windows applications (such as Visual Basic, Delphi,
Visual C or any other language which supports ActiveX technology).
The controls will consist of LED's, Bargraphs, LCD displays,
Relays etc. etc.
I'm giving away the relay control FREE. It's real easy to use.
A Visual Basic example:
1) Add the relay control to your VB project in the normal way.
It's called Relay.ocx
Place the relay onto your form. The control will appear as
a graphic of a relay in the "open" state, and by default is
given the name Relay1
To change the relay state, put the following code into your
VB app (maybe associated with button clicks):
To open the relay add the code:
Relay1.State = "open"
To close the relay add the code:
Relay1.State = "closed"
That's it!
If you would like the relay control for FREE, please e-mail me
at KILLspamdazloganspamBeGoneaol.com with the subject heading as "Free relay control"
If you have any ideas as to a) how this control could be improved or b)
any other controls you would like, please drop me an email.
I plan to sell the bundle of controls through my web site which will
be launched within 4 to 6 weeks from now. Along with PIC,
Basic Stamp, Visual Basic, PicBaisc Pro tools, Web page design
tools and offers to name a few things!.
Projects in the pipeline are:
1) General purpose PID control circuit (using a PIC)
- P.I and D / other settings programmed through a simple to use
windows interface. Will come with a basic tutorial on how P.I.D
digital controllers work for those who are interested.
2) PIC based digital multimeter kit (Windows interface)
3) Electronics ActiveX bundle
4) Simple Web page design offers (lowest cost ever!)
5) PIC over the internet (longer term - before end of the year hopefully!)
6) Multi-purpose pic-based data acquisition system
plus many more
other off topic subjects:
1) Make money on the stock market using online stockbrokers
2) Where to find FREE video games and FREE music on the internet
to run on your pc
plus many more of my favourite sites
Im based in Cambridge, UK.This is my first time venture onto the world
wide web. Im a one-man band with multiple disciplines in the electronics
and programming field and I can't wait to share them with you. 8-)
>
> I'm in the early development stages of creating a bundle
> of ActiveX controls for the electronics engineer to use in
> his / her windows applications (such as Visual Basic, Delphi,
> Visual C or any other language which supports ActiveX technology).
>
> The controls will consist of LED's, Bargraphs, LCD displays,
> Relays etc. etc.
>
> I'm giving away the relay control FREE. It's real easy to use.
What a coincidence, I'm actively working in X and my stuff is free too -
free in the sense of freedom and not as in free beer.
> A Visual Basic example:
>
> 1) Add the relay control to your VB project in the normal way.
> It's called Relay.ocx
>
> Place the relay onto your form. The control will appear as
> a graphic of a relay in the "open" state, and by default is
> given the name Relay1
>
> To change the relay state, put the following code into your
> VB app (maybe associated with button clicks):
>
> To open the relay add the code:
>
> Relay1.State = "open"
>
> To close the relay add the code:
>
> Relay1.State = "closed"
>
> That's it!
In my project, gpsim, we'll be working on module interfaces shortly. I
don't have a relay yet, but the LCD is coming around: http://www.dattalo.com/gnupic/lcd.html
I unfortunately don't have a Visual Basic interface although the
interfaces are basically visual. In fact I don't support any language in
particular, but I suppose any language that can open dynamic libraries
would work okay.
>
> If you would like the relay control for FREE, please e-mail me
> at dazloganspamaol.com with the subject heading as "Free relay control"
>
> If you have any ideas as to a) how this control could be improved or b)
<x-flowed>At 8:24 -0800 7/3/00, James Newton wrote:
>
>with 2400 baud rate. the u-controller here only send data and would
>not receive any data from PC. after run the program with attached
>external circuit, the vb program stucked with " PORT ALREADY OPEN" error.
>for
I am using Vb with a different comms tool, but that sounds like the
error I get when I already have a program open using that serial
port. So it sounds like you might either have another program open
that uses that port or you are opening the port twice.
Jeff
---
Jeff Davis "Imagination is more important than knowledge.
(425) 702-1741 Knowledge is limited.
8323 158th PL NE Imagination encircles the world."
Redmond, WA USA 98052 -Albert Einstein-
A few have asked that I send them the source to my serial port program, and many
have struggled with the MSCOMM control, so I set up a small program and a small
page for it.
Please read the entire (short) web page about it before trying to use it.
The software includes source code, and uses the MSCOMM control in visual basic.
It is not as polished as I like, but it will give you an idea of how to set
things up. It currently only operates at 9600bps, 8n1, no handshaking, though
you can set the port to any port com1-4 while it is running.
I hope this is useful. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated, but I
don't plan on having this do much more than it does now.
Hi All.
I'm ending a project that uses 2 radio HDLC interfaces, they read
several devices (sensors and stuff like that) and report the changes over
the radio to the base station, programming for this was ok (ASM love it),
2 month of work :), but now, I have to program a GUI (in Visual Basic)
so I can easily display all the information collected by the radio
interfaces, and I'm facing a very DUMB problem, and I don't know how
to solve it , It will sound stupid but, I don't know how to convert
a 8 bit (2 ascii Char , Hexadecimal value) to Binary (8 Char ascii bin)
Ej: If a Have in a X variable the "F0" value, I need to get "11110000"
How can i do it under VB?, it is so easy in ASM that I cannot believe that
I can't do it in VB.
Thanks in advance.
see you, bye.
Leandro J. Laporta (LU2AOQ)
mail: KILLspamlu2aoqspamBeGoneyahoo.com
wrk: Arg. Assoc. for Space Technology.
ham: TCP/IP high speed group HSG
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com
<snip>
to solve it , It will sound stupid but, I don't know how to convert
a 8 bit (2 ascii Char , Hexadecimal value) to Binary (8 Char ascii bin)
Ej: If a Have in a X variable the "F0" value, I need to get "11110000"
How can i do it under VB?, it is so easy in ASM that I cannot believe that
I can't do it in VB.
<snip>
I'm sure that more elegant ways to do this abound, but this works and it
shows the
basics of base conversion.
Take each digit in X and convert it to a 4 bit string (F = '1111', 0
= '0000'),
then put them together to make the 8 bit string.
First, X will be a string - access each character in the string with the
mid$ string
function:
binary_string = ""
For j = 1 To Len(X) 'this watches for single character; should
also trap
hex_char = mid$(X,j,1) ' for lengths > 2
Then hex_char needs to be converted to a number, using something like:
number = Asc(hex_char) - 48 'Asc converts char to
ascii number
if (number > 9) Then number = number - 7 'upper case
letters
if (number > 15) Then number = number - 32 'lower case letters
Then run each resulting number through a base conversion routine to build
the 4 bit string:
For i = 3 To 0 Step -1
divisor = 2 ^ i
digit = Int(number / divisor)
number = number - (digit * divisor)
' "&" is string concatenation; Chr is the inverse of Asc
binary_string = binary_string & Chr(digit + 48)
Next i
Next j
'pad with leading '0000' if single digit input
if (Len(X) = 1) Then binary_string = "0000" & binary_string
Here is the source of the page at
techref.massmind.org/method/math/bindecbits.asp
which sort of does this in VBScript
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2 Final//EN">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE></TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<TABLE BORDER=1>
<TR><TH>Decimal</TH><TH>Binary</TH>
<%
aryBin = split("000,001,010,011,100,101,110,111", ",")
intI = 60000
intD = 10000
while intI > 9
strOct = Oct(intI)
response.write "</TR><TR><TD ALIGN=RIGHT>" & intI & "</TD><TD ALIGN=RIGHT>"
for intJ = 1 to len(strOct)
response.write aryBin(cint(mid(strOct,intJ,1)))
next
strOct = Oct(intI-1)
response.write "</TR><TR><TD ALIGN=RIGHT>" & intI - 1 & "</TD><TD
ALIGN=RIGHT>"
for intJ = 1 to len(strOct)
response.write aryBin(cint(mid(strOct,intJ,1)))
next
if intI > intD then
else
intD = intD / 10
end if
intI = intI - intD
wend
Thanks to those who replied on the Visual Basic question. I tried the
SHBrowseForFolder option and it looks pretty good. Just two more quick
questions about it:
#1) The documentation lists a whole bunch of Flags constants to be used
with it, but nowhere can I find what the numerical values of them are so
Ican define them. WHere do I find this?
#2) Is there a way to allow it to select multiple directories at once? If
not, I suppose I might consider going with a custom dialog. Any pointers
on where to find out info on making custom dialogs?
Private Type BROWSEINFO
hwndOwner As Long
LPCITEMIDLIST As Long
lpszDisplayName As String
lpszTitle As String
ulFlags As Long
lpfn As Long
lParam As Long
iImage As Long
End Type
Private Declare Function SHBrowseForFolder Lib "shell32.dll" _
(lpbi As BROWSEINFO) As Long
Private Declare Function SHGetPathFromIDList Lib "shell32.dll" _
(ByVal pidl As Long, ByVal sFolder As String) As Long
Private Function PromptForFolder() As String
Dim bInfo As BROWSEINFO
With bInfo
.hwndOwner = hwnd
.lpszDisplayName = String(260, 32)
.lpszTitle = "Select Directory:"
.ulFlags = BIF_RETURNONLYFSDIRS
.lpfn = 0
End With
Dim retval As Long, foldername As String
foldername = String(260, 32)
retval = SHBrowseForFolder(bInfo)
retval = SHGetPathFromIDList(retval, foldername)
PromptForFolder = RTrim$(foldername)
> Thanks to those who replied on the Visual Basic question. I tried the
> SHBrowseForFolder option and it looks pretty good. Just two more quick
> questions about it:
>
> #1) The documentation lists a whole bunch of Flags constants to be used
> with it, but nowhere can I find what the numerical values of them are so
> Ican define them. WHere do I find this?
>
> #2) Is there a way to allow it to select multiple directories at once? If
> not, I suppose I might consider going with a custom dialog. Any pointers
> on where to find out info on making custom dialogs?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sean
>
Worry not thyself over such petty things as the proclamation (read:
declaration) of such constants in the universe (read: your program), for the
heavens shall look down well upon you (read: VB does it for you. Just type
in the constant's name.)
(ooh, a little bit too much residual Shakespeare... studying Othello right
now)
> Sure, but that makes no comment as to it's real-world usefulness. No
> serious application is well served by Visual Basic. VB programmers tend
unsnip...
I *hate* VB, but that doesn't mean that it has no real world usefulness.
In the IS world, VB is the defacto standard for Client-Server database
access.
I personally worked on two such systems, one for a large telecommunications
company in the midwest, and another for a world-wide consulting firm. I
hated it, but I have to admit it got the job done.
>
> I personally worked on two such systems, one for a large telecommunications
> company in the midwest, and another for a world-wide consulting firm. I
> hated it, but I have to admit it got the job done.
>
As well as a one-wheeled cart pulled by an epileptic camel will get you
from point A to point B, but will it do a good job of the task? VB is
probably one of the least portable languages I've ever seen, it's big,
slow, and encourages bad programming habits. The world would be a much
better place if BASIC had never been invented(it's mediocre even at it's
designed task - teaching introductory programming).
Winge bitch winge and bitch.
It has been with great remourse and the deepest sorrow that I have
been watching this thread, a sigh of deep dissapointment and a grey cloud
now covers the list on seeing the old fashion, mine is bigger and better
than yours rubbish arguments surface. Get a grip on reality as you may drown
in your own evloving excretations of of ozzing human waste.
Any language that the user is comftable with will get the job done.
ALL languagues have troble in forcing the user to create code rather then to
coble code. Not all languages are portable, even thoes that are have
limitations. You can scan the alphabet from A to Z and all the languages
inbetween, for each one there are the good points and bad points, non of
them have created "Great" programmers, but all languages have created
"Great" disarters.
As I have pointed out on the list time and time before, time to
market is the greatest g-d of all, failing to meet this even with the
greatest compiler and language will still put you out of a job :)
<Superior flame suit off>
Smile and get the job doen the best way you know how and with the
tools you have
part 0 7620 bytes <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> <Superior flame suite on></FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> Winge bitch winge and bitch.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> It has been with great remourse and the deepest sorrow that I have</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">been watching this thread, a sigh of deep dissapointment and a grey cloud</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">now covers the list on seeing the old fashion, mine is bigger and better</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">than yours rubbish arguments surface. Get a grip on reality as you may drown</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">in your own evloving excretations of of ozzing human waste.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> Any language that the user is comftable with will get the job done.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">ALL languagues have troble in forcing the user to create code rather then to</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">coble code. Not all languages are portable, even thoes that are have</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">limitations. You can scan the alphabet from A to Z and all the languages</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">inbetween, for each one there are the good points and bad points, non of</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">them have created "Great" programmers, but all languages have created</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">"Great" disarters.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> As I have pointed out on the list time and time before, time to</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">market is the greatest g-d of all, failing to meet this even with the</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">greatest compiler and language will still put you out of a job :)</FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> Smile and get the job doen the best way you know how and with the</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">tools you have</FONT>
</P>
<BR>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> Dennis</FONT>
</P>
<BR>
</UL>
<P><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I absolutely agree with this. Visual Basic has it's place, along with with C, Pascal, Asembly, Forth and god knows what else. It's just as easy to write horrendous code in C as it is in VB. Whatever the langauge, the quality of code is purely down the skill and experience of the programmer. As I have said before, Visual Basic is totaly unmatched in certain areas such as it's debug facilitys. Yes. it can be too slow for some operations and yes, it requires rather large runtime dll's, but that dosen't stop it being a usefull tool.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Paul Anderson wrote:</FONT>
</P>
<UL>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Really, BASIC is a very ugly language - most other languages at</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">least have some level elegance to them(Perl has regex, C has pointers and</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">indentation, assembler is logical and simple, python has some neat object</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">orientation, etc.), but basic, UGH, it's a kluge through and through.</FONT>
</P>
</UL>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">VB from version 5 onwards is also exteremly object orientated. VB also has many C like constructs such as Do loops, a switch-like statement. It also uses pointers in a transparent way.</FONT></P>
<UL>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Visual Basic reinforces this klugery, and tends to discourage actually</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">THINKING about the code. For example, a friend of mine who recently</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">learned C had programmed in visual basic for a number of years. He sends</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">me this program full of if() statements, like so:</FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> if ((xx == 13) || (xx == 18))</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> if ((yy == 2) || (yy == 3) || (yy == 4))</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> yn = FALSE;</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> if (((xx == 13) || (xx == 15) || (xx == 17)) && (yy == 5))</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial"> yn = FALSE;</FONT>
</P>
</UL>
<P><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">This is only saying that your friend was a fairly inexperienced VB programmer as well. In fact a fairly inexperienced programmer period. It's possible to write programs in VB that are absolutely clear and readable. VB also supports the equivalent of structures BTW.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">To be honest I don't think VB is much worse than any other RAD tool, such as C++ builder. They are, by definition, designed to get projects up and running as quickly as possible. If that compromises certain areas, such as speed and resource useage, then that's the trade-off you make for the ease of use. Actually I installed C++ builder 4 a couple of days ago, and I was pretty shocked when it had to compile over 100,000 lines for a quick "Hello world" type program!!</FONT></P>
>As well as a one-wheeled cart pulled by an epileptic camel will get you
>from point A to point B, but will it do a good job of the task? VB is
>probably one of the least portable languages I've ever seen, it's big,
>slow, and encourages bad programming habits. The world would be a much
>better place if BASIC had never been invented(it's mediocre even at it's
>designed task - teaching introductory programming).
Cor blimey mate - you will start world war three with this. I have lost track of
how many flavours of Basic I have used over the last 25 or so years, and one
would have to say that is pretty portable, at least as portable as C. (here one
ducks below the trench and puts flame suit on).
Currently working on ground support test equipment for a satellite instrument,
where the code is written in VB3 running on windows 3.1!!!!!!!!!!
It's the person usinf the program Not The Program
At work we have the all the programing tools you could think of. but that
does not make Mal our Vb programer when hes using c++ suite the best or most
compact coder.
but his project's with Vb are High earner's for the firm....
Any Why my computer is bigger than your's *Not knowing What's in The Box*.
<big Grin>;-)
Art
{Original Message removed}
Subject: Re: [OT] VB and the real world (was: Question: C vs
Asm)
On Wed, 19 Apr 2000, Mark Skeels wrote:
>
> I personally worked on two such systems, one for a large telecommunications
> company in the midwest, and another for a world-wide consulting firm. I
> hated it, but I have to admit it got the job done.
>
As well as a one-wheeled cart pulled by an epileptic camel will get you
from point A to point B, but will it do a good job of the task? VB is
probably one of the least portable languages I've ever seen, it's big,
slow, and encourages bad programming habits. The world would be a much
better place if BASIC had never been invented(it's mediocre even at it's
designed task - teaching introductory programming).
At 04:41 PM 4/20/00 +1000, you wrote:
> As I have pointed out on the list time and time before, time to
>market is the greatest g-d of all, failing to meet this even with the
>greatest compiler and language will still put you out of a job :)
>
> <Superior flame suit off>
>
> Smile and get the job doen the best way you know how and with the
>tools you have
>
> Dennis
I agree, I use (not very often) VB as Visual Interfase only on many of my
projects, and I think that VB is a disaster BUT, It allows me to get the
job done quickly, and as consequence of this, get paid quickly .
I don't like VB, has a lot of problems,and very unstable, but It works
and it's quickly to learn and apply, so it's still useful.
Anyway some day I will have to learn VC, when time allows me :-)
Hail!!! all mighty PIC list....Guardian of all knowledge.....
This morning the TV reports of another Trojan horse (virus)....
Resume:..(something)
I remember a while back some one on the list, had said that we can disable
VBX scripting in Outlook Express. This will solve the problem of worms and
Trojan horse viruses attacking without warning. Am I wrong about this, or
can some body offer a simple "turn this off" solution?
Gordon Varney B.S.E.E.
tel: 573-243-5186
Note: The information contained in this message may be privileged and
confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message
is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for
delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified
that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is
strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error,
please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from
your computer. Thank you.
No, you're not wrong. Without VBS (no X <g>) installed, windoze has no way of
running VB scripts. Here's a site with instructions on the removal; I've been
tempted to write a program to do this, but....
> Hail!!! all mighty PIC list....Guardian of all knowledge.....
>
> This morning the TV reports of another Trojan horse (virus)....
> Resume:..(something)
>
> I remember a while back some one on the list, had said that we can disable
> VBX scripting in Outlook Express. This will solve the problem of worms and
> Trojan horse viruses attacking without warning. Am I wrong about this, or
> can some body offer a simple "turn this off" solution?
>
>
> Gordon Varney B.S.E.E.
> tel: 573-243-5186
>
>
Let me see if i have this straight. Someone claims to have
discovered a Very Bad Thing. He claims to have notified
Uncle, but Uncle cant find the notification. Then he claims
that the files disappeared off his system. Meanwhile, Uncle
can't duplicate the problem from the info he sent. A
'friend' claims that an email he sent caused her machine to
malfunction, and was later fixed by him.
Why does this sound like the 1000 miles-per gallon- gasoline
additive scam to me? Loss of the files sounds too convenient.
If he knew enough to find this flaw, why didnt he run the
proposed fix on his own computer?
alice
> If you think the LoveBug virus was dangerous, then try this first link for what
> a kiwi guy reckons, and the second link for Microsoft's answer!!!!
>
> www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=138622&thesection=technology&
> thesubsection=general
>
> www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=138739&thesection=technology&
> thesubsection=general
>
> Hi Gordon,
>
> No, you're not wrong. Without VBS (no X <g>) installed, windoze has no way of
> running VB scripts. Here's a site with instructions on the removal; I've been
> tempted to write a program to do this, but....
>
> Here's the site:
> http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/u-vbs/
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Hamel
>
> In a message dated 5/30/00 7:28:59 AM Pacific Daylight Time, EraseMEvarneyRemoveMECLAS.NET
> writes:
>
> > Hail!!! all mighty PIC list....Guardian of all knowledge.....
> >
> > This morning the TV reports of another Trojan horse (virus)....
> > Resume:..(something)
> >
> > I remember a while back some one on the list, had said that we can disable
> > VBX scripting in Outlook Express. This will solve the problem of worms and
> > Trojan horse viruses attacking without warning. Am I wrong about this, or
> > can some body offer a simple "turn this off" solution?
> >
> >
> > Gordon Varney B.S.E.E.
> > tel: 573-243-5186
> >
> >
<x-flowed>>No, you're not wrong. Without VBS (no X <g>) installed, windoze has no way of
>running VB scripts. Here's a site with instructions on the removal; I've been
>tempted to write a program to do this, but....
>
>Here's the site:
>http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/u-vbs/
>
>Regards,
>
>Tim Hamel
>
>
The following URL also shows how to disable WSH windows scripting host http://www.sophos.com/support/faqs/wsh.html I am unclear as to whether
WSH is part of VB, they say that it is installed by default with IE5.
What exactly is the difference/relationship between WSH and VBS?
> The following URL also shows how to disable WSH windows scripting host
> http://www.sophos.com/support/faqs/wsh.html I am unclear as to whether
> WSH is part of VB, they say that it is installed by default with IE5.
>
> What exactly is the difference/relationship between WSH and VBS?
>
> Ray Gardiner .....rayspam.....dsp.com.au
>
> Hi Gordon,
>
> No, you're not wrong. Without VBS (no X <g>) installed, windoze has no way
of
> running VB scripts. Here's a site with instructions on the removal; I've
been {Quote hidden}
> tempted to write a program to do this, but....
>
> Here's the site:
> http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/u-vbs/
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Hamel
>
>
> In a message dated 5/30/00 7:28:59 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
@spam@varneyspamKILLspamCLAS.NET
> writes:
>
> > Hail!!! all mighty PIC list....Guardian of all knowledge.....
> >
> > This morning the TV reports of another Trojan horse (virus)....
> > Resume:..(something)
> >
> > I remember a while back some one on the list, had said that we can
disable
> > VBX scripting in Outlook Express. This will solve the problem of worms
and
> > Trojan horse viruses attacking without warning. Am I wrong about this,
or
> > can some body offer a simple "turn this off" solution?
> >
> >
> > Gordon Varney B.S.E.E.
> > tel: 573-243-5186
> >
> >
"My Finder has died of fits, chokin',
My Finder has quite ceased to be.
OS X's new Finder looks broken,
Please bring back my Finder to me!" - A concerned Mac user
Additionally (maybe I'll make 'the list' this time!) -
I wouldn't indiscriminately double-click on any unsolicited
messages received with attachments bearing ".js" file
extensions either ...
... as ".js" identifies a --Javascript file-- (versus a ".vbs" or
VBscript or VBA file) that the Windows Scripting Host is *also*
supposed to be capable of executing as well ...
"My Finder has died of fits, chokin',
My Finder has quite ceased to be.
OS X's new Finder looks broken,
Please bring back my Finder to me!" - A concerned Mac user
It depends on the transistor, it's usually about 7 volts or so.
>I want to use one to switch direct RS232 levels. (ie ignore -ve swings)
>
>Is this possible with a very simple circuit?
Just add a diode to prevent the -ve excursions!.
--
Nigel.
/--------------------------------------------------------------\
| Nigel Goodwin | Internet : nigelgSTOPspamKILLspamlpilsley.co.uk |
| Lower Pilsley | Web Page : http://www.lpilsley.co.uk |
| Chesterfield | Official site for Shin Ki and New Spirit |
| England | Ju Jitsu |
\--------------------------------------------------------------/
I have written a program that sends out a serial command to an external
'F874 based
device. The PIC runs fine, but I am having problems with the VB.
The external device returns some serial data that triggers an "OnCommEvent"
which reads the data. I wish to repeat this process 256 times - which is
where my problem starts - how do I do this. I have tried For/Next looping
which resulted in hanging.
I have tried clearing a flag at the end of the serial reception, before
sending a request for more data, but this did not work either.
It is important that I receive the data from the external device in 256 bit
chunks.
Does anyone know how I can "hold" execution while the serial reception
finishes??
Apologies for the length opf this post.
thanks for any help
Rob
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]: PIC only [EE]: engineering [OT]: off topic [AD]: advertisements
You may have to set up your computer buffer property so that so many bytes
are received and stored in the comport buffer. I have some VB code that does
the following:
Wakeup once the first byte is receives and keeps recieving until the PIC
stops transmitting for 2 seconds. Then writes all the data to a file.
If similar then left me know directly for email to you.
<< I have written a program that sends out a serial command to an external
'F874 based
device. The PIC runs fine, but I am having problems with the VB.
The external device returns some serial data that triggers an "OnCommEvent"
which reads the data. I wish to repeat this process 256 times - which is
where my problem starts - how do I do this. I have tried For/Next looping
which resulted in hanging.
I have tried clearing a flag at the end of the serial reception, before
sending a request for more data, but this did not work either.
It is important that I receive the data from the external device in 256 bit
chunks.
Does anyone know how I can "hold" execution while the serial reception
finishes??
Apologies for the length opf this post.
thanks for any help
Rob
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]: PIC only [EE]: engineering [OT]: off topic [AD]: advertisements
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Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2000 08:05:00 +0800
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From: Rob Symmans <RemoveME.robsymmansspamBeGonespamQ-VIS.COM>
Subject: [OT] PIC - VB Serial comms problem
To: @spam@PICLISTspamMITVMA.MIT.EDU >>
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]: PIC only [EE]: engineering [OT]: off topic [AD]: advertisements
I'm not entirely sure what you are trying to do, but one way to recieve in
chunks is to set the RThreshold property of the mscomm control to 256. This
way the OnComm event would only fire once for every 256 characters. You also
have to pay special attention to the InputLen property. If it's set to 0 you
will retrieve everything in the buffer upon reading the the port.
Good luck,
Joe
> I have written a program that sends out a serial command to an external
> 'F874 based
> device. The PIC runs fine, but I am having problems with the VB.
>
> The external device returns some serial data that triggers an
"OnCommEvent"
> which reads the data. I wish to repeat this process 256 times - which is
> where my problem starts - how do I do this. I have tried For/Next looping
> which resulted in hanging.
> I have tried clearing a flag at the end of the serial reception, before
> sending a request for more data, but this did not work either.
>
> It is important that I receive the data from the external device in 256
bit {Quote hidden}
> chunks.
>
> Does anyone know how I can "hold" execution while the serial reception
> finishes??
>
> Apologies for the length opf this post.
>
> thanks for any help
> Rob
>
> Hi Rob,
>
> You may have to set up your computer buffer property so that so many bytes
> are received and stored in the comport buffer. I have some VB code that
does {Quote hidden}
> the following:
>
> Wakeup once the first byte is receives and keeps recieving until the PIC
> stops transmitting for 2 seconds. Then writes all the data to a file.
> If similar then left me know directly for email to you.
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>
>
> In a message dated 7/5/00 7:07:49 PM Central Daylight Time,
> KILLspamrobsymmansTakeThisOuTQ-VIS.COM writes:
>
> << I have written a program that sends out a serial command to an external
> 'F874 based
> device. The PIC runs fine, but I am having problems with the VB.
>
> The external device returns some serial data that triggers an
"OnCommEvent"
> which reads the data. I wish to repeat this process 256 times - which is
> where my problem starts - how do I do this. I have tried For/Next looping
> which resulted in hanging.
> I have tried clearing a flag at the end of the serial reception, before
> sending a request for more data, but this did not work either.
>
> It is important that I receive the data from the external device in 256
bit {Quote hidden}
> chunks.
>
> Does anyone know how I can "hold" execution while the serial reception
> finishes??
>
> Apologies for the length opf this post.
>
> thanks for any help
> Rob
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
> [PIC]: PIC only [EE]: engineering [OT]: off topic [AD]: advertisements
>
>
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08:03:03 {Quote hidden}
moshe wrote:
>
> Dear members.
> Can anyone tell me, where I found the file - cscalndr.vbx file ??
> It's very urgent to me.
>
> Thank you.
> Moses.
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
> (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
I have VB 6 Enterprise and for some reason i cannot find a rotate ( RRF,
RLF ) function in it. Does anyone have and idea on how i can do this , or
where i can get a dll/lib/whatever that has this function?
Having Enterprise, Pro, etc. doesn't make a difference sadly. I WOULD be nice
if there were a bit shift routine. What I do is run a For loop for the amount
of bits I'm dealing with and divide or mulitply by 2. I think that's about as
close as you'll get.
> I have VB 6 Enterprise and for some reason i cannot find a rotate ( RRF,
> RLF ) function in it. Does anyone have and idea on how i can do this , or
> where i can get a dll/lib/whatever that has this function?
>
> John
>
I am VERY interested in checking out this chip, and others like it. But so
far, I am unable to locate ANY suppliers of it.
The Harris chips mentioned previously, are no longer in production (so I've
been told).
The VB409 is a relitively new semiconductor, so I would assume they are
still making it. I've already checked out the usual suspects (digikey,
mouser, jameco, etc..), without any luck. I've tried to contact ST
directly, but they haven't gotten back to me (And from previous experience,
they probably won't either).
Any help locating a supplier for this part would be greatly appreciated
I am doing a project that involve communication
between
PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
to
use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me some informations
regarding communication between the two and a VB
reference book for me to read.
Thank you.
>Gugus<
__________________________________________________
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I am doing a project that involve communication
between
PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
to
use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me samo information
regarding coomunication between the two and a VB
reference book for me to read.
Thank you.
>Gugus<
__________________________________________________
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>Hi all
>
>I am doing a project that involve communication
>between
> PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
>to
>use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me samo information
>regarding coomunication between the two and a VB
>reference book for me to read.
>Thank you.
>
>>Gugus<
>
>__________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
>http://calendar.yahoo.com/
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
>
>
>
I am doing a project that involve communication
between
PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
to
use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me some informations
regarding communication between the two and a VB
reference book for me to read.
Thank you.
>Gugus<
__________________________________________________
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>
> Hi all
>
> I am doing a project that involve communication
> between
> PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
> to
> use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me some informations
> regarding communication between the two and a VB
> reference book for me to read.
> Thank you.
>
> >Gugus<
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
> http://calendar.yahoo.com/
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
> ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
> Hi all
>
> I am doing a project that involve communication
> between
> PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
> to
> use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me samo information
> regarding coomunication between the two and a VB
> reference book for me to read.
> Thank you.
>
> >Gugus<
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
> http://calendar.yahoo.com/
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
> ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
basicaaly u need to connect the 16f84 to the pc thru
the serial port...emulate the serial comm. (no RX,TX
available here) so go to http://www.microchip.com and get the
code for 84.interfacing the serial port in VB is very
simple ... so go ahead ..
all the best !!
ajay
> Hi all
>
> I am doing a project that involve communication
> between
> PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am planning
> to
> use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me some informations
> regarding communication between the two and a VB
> reference book for me to read.
> Thank you.
>
> >Gugus<
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
> http://calendar.yahoo.com/
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived
> three different
> ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for
> details.
>
>
__________________________________________________
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Hi thank you for your response...I believe there was
some discussion about the serial communication between
PIC and VB. Do you know where can I retrive that
information back or maybe a FAQ site. I try to search
from the uChip site but I still can't find it.
Thank you very much for your time and help.
Regards,
Gugus P Nugroho
--- "M. Adam Davis" <EraseMEadavisKILLspamUBASICS.COM> wrote:
> You'll find the source code to a simple VB serial
> communication program on
> my site here:
>
ubasics.com/adam/electronics/ha/software/software.shtml {Quote hidden}
>
> It goes with my home automation terminal (yes, I'm
> still plugging away at
> it when I have time) which is here:
> http://ubasics.com/adam/electronics/ha/
>
> And includes some information that might be useful
> to you (schematic, C
> code for onboard UART, etc)
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> -Adam
>
> Gugus P Nugroho wrote:
> >
> > Hi all
> >
> > I am doing a project that involve communication
> > between
> > PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am
> planning
> > to
> > use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me some
> informations
> > regarding communication between the two and a VB
> > reference book for me to read.
> > Thank you.
> >
> > >Gugus<
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
> > http://calendar.yahoo.com/
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is
> archived three different
> > ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for
> details.
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived
> three different
> ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for
> details.
>
>
=====
Gugus P Nugroho
__________________________________________________
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[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
The web page supports PIC Basic, but the information re VB is still
applicable, the file "RS232.BS2" was written for a BASIC Stamp-2 but is easy
to modify for the PIC. Everything is defaulted to 9600 BAUD, 8 bits, 1 stop
bit. There are four files devoted to the VB-4 program.
It ran just fine under VB-6, so it should work on VB-5 just as well.
Download the file RS232.ZIP which is the five files compressed using PKZIP
(4 VB files + 1 PIC basic file). Just uncompress them into a sub-directory
and have a blast. The VB brogram sends out a string consisting of "##"
followed by a number. The number is determined by which button you press on
the control panel. If you send out the number 0, I.E. "##0", the Stamp will
perform a "soft reset". This means it will jump to the top of the program,
set variables to 0, etc. It is sprinkled it with comments
> Hi thank you for your response...I believe there was
> some discussion about the serial communication between
> PIC and VB. Do you know where can I retrive that
> information back or maybe a FAQ site. I try to search
> from the uChip site but I still can't find it.
> Thank you very much for your time and help.
>
> Regards,
> Gugus P Nugroho
>
>
> --- "M. Adam Davis" <@spam@adavisEraseMEspamUBASICS.COM> wrote:
> > You'll find the source code to a simple VB serial
> > communication program on
> > my site here:
> >
> ubasics.com/adam/electronics/ha/software/software.shtml
> >
> > It goes with my home automation terminal (yes, I'm
> > still plugging away at
> > it when I have time) which is here:
> > http://ubasics.com/adam/electronics/ha/
> >
> > And includes some information that might be useful
> > to you (schematic, C
> > code for onboard UART, etc)
> >
> > I hope this helps.
> >
> > -Adam
> >
> > Gugus P Nugroho wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > I am doing a project that involve communication
> > > between
> > > PIC and Visual Basic. For the project I am
> > planning
> > > to
> > > use PIC 16F84. Can anyone give me some
> > informations
> > > regarding communication between the two and a VB
> > > reference book for me to read.
> > > Thank you.
> > >
> > > >Gugus<
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays!
> > > http://calendar.yahoo.com/
> > >
> > > --
> > > http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is
> > archived three different
> > > ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for
> > details.
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived
> > three different
> > ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for
> > details.
> >
> >
>
>
> =====
> Gugus P Nugroho
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Shopping - Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products.
> http://shopping.yahoo.com/
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
> [PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
>
>
I use BCD to Decimal routines in a pic project (because of a DS1302 real time clock). Everything went OK until the PIC run out of Program Memory. I now use the PC(VB) to do the convertions for me and left some space on the pic for other functions...
I have done this by writing the byte in a array "Binary(7)" and return the answer in BCD_Binary or the Binary_BCD as an Integer type.
This code works well, but does anybody know of a better way in Visual Basic?
Regards
Francois
______________________________________
Function BCD_Binary(BCD As Byte) As Integer
Dim Binary(7) As Byte
Dim i As Integer
Dim Temp As Integer
If BCD = 0 Then
BCD_Binary = 0
Exit Function
End If
'write BCD into binary array
For i = 0 To 7
Temp = BCD - (2 ^ (7 - i))
If Temp >= 0 Then
BCD = BCD - (2 ^ (7 - i))
Binary(7 - i) = 1
Else
Binary(7 - i) = 0
End If
Next i
'convert
Temp = 0
For i = 0 To 3
Temp = Temp + (Binary(i) * (2 ^ i))
Next i
For i = 4 To 7
Temp = Temp + (10 * (Binary(i) * (2 ^ (i - 4))))
Next i
BCD_Binary = Temp
End Function
Function Binary_BCD(BCD As Byte) As Integer
Dim Binary(7) As Byte
Dim i As Integer
Dim Temp As Integer
Dim tens As Integer
Dim ones As Integer
Dim BCDString As String
If BCD = 0 Then
Binary_BCD = 0
Exit Function
End If
BCDString = Val(BCD)
If Val(BCD) >= 10 Then
tens = Val(Mid(BCDString, 1, 1))
ones = Val(Mid(BCDString, 2, 1))
Else
tens = 0
ones = Val(Mid(BCDString, 1, 1))
End If
'write binary into bcd array
For i = 0 To 3
Temp = ones - (2 ^ (3 - i))
If Temp >= 0 Then
ones = ones - (2 ^ (3 - i))
Binary(3 - i) = 1
Else
Binary(3 - i) = 0
End If
Next i
For i = 0 To 3
Temp = tens - (2 ^ (3 - i))
If Temp >= 0 Then
tens = tens - (2 ^ (3 - i))
Binary(7 - i) = 1
Else
Binary(7 - i) = 0
End If
Next i
'convert
Temp = 0
For i = 0 To 7
Temp = Temp + (Binary(i) * (2 ^ i))
Next i
Binary_BCD = Temp
End Function
_______________________________________________
I'm in an interesting position of needing to update an old Crystal Reports
version 2.0 .RPT file that is a part of an old VB application. I desperately
need to change the font that one of the labels is printed in or add a new
label in that font. (long story) The source for the VB program is not
available and upgrading would be cost prohibitive.
Any help with the following questions would be very, very much appreciated.
A) What version of Visual Basic includes Crystal Reports v2.0? I've found a
place where I can buy VB 1.1 through 6.0 ( http://www.emsps.com/oldtools/ )
B) What is the file format of Crystal Reports v2.0 .RPT files? Wotsit has
NADA
C) Is the file format different or the same for more recent versions? E.g.
Can Crystal Reports v8.0 do a "Save as..." in Crystal reports v2.0 format?
Crystal reports
Do you know if you are running a 16 bit or 32 bit version of VB? I am not sure
if this will help you, but I have an app that I am modifying done in VB3 (i.e.
16 bit only). I have not been able to find a Crystal Reports version, but it
does say the MSJet DLL files appear to be version 110 as part of the DLL name,
i.e. MSAJT110.DLL and MSAES110.DLL. This may give you a pointer to version
number.
However further browsing of the Office Developers CD that is part of the VB3
Professional Kit I have seems to indicate that Microsoft Jet 1.1 is the normal
release, and on the Developers CD is the files for the Jet 2 engine, so it may
be VB3 that the application is written in.
If you really needed to get at the source code there is a decompiler out on the
web for VB3, called DoDi.
Once again, I have a Visual Basic question and you are the most
knowledgeable group I know on this subject.
I'm trying to run an external program from a VB program (the external
program is actually XXCOPY, as mentioned on this list not long ago,
because I am using it for backing stuff up over a network). It is working
well except that I can't find a way to make it wait for the first process
to finish before spawning a new one (so, if I want to sequentially call
XXCOPY 10 times, I instead get 10 copies running simultaneously).
I could probaby do some kind of trick where I have XXCOP log it's output
to a file and then keep checking the file for the last line to be
written, but I thought that possibly VB would have a built-in way of
doing this (I'm currently using the SHELL command and that appears to not
have any option like this).
I have used this code before to do something similar before...
If you go to: http://www.mvps.org/vb/ and look in the Samples area for
'Shell32.zip', it has a library with several methods to call and wait for
applications to shell, etc.
I think that you are looking for locking. Locking can be done by writing a
temporary file f.ex. and checking that file's presence. If it is present,
the command is likely running. This is not foolproof because the access
should be atomic (between checking whether the files exists and creating
it). A better approach uses a variable in your program that is checked
before each shell is spawned. The variable needs to be global and
'volatile' in the C sense of the word (and you still need to make sure
access is atomic). I don't know how to do that in VB.
There is an elaborate scheme using two flags to attain atomic manipulation
of the second flag when you cannot guarantee atomicity otherwise (by
disabling interrupts).
Peter
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I have used this code before to do something similar before...
If you go to: http://www.mvps.org/vb/ and look in the Samples area for
'Shell32.zip', it has a library with several methods to call and wait for
applications to shell, etc.
Check out http://www.planetsourcecode.com It's in there somewhere. If you
can't find it let me know and I'll see if I can dig it out of one of my
programs.
I am building a WWVB receiver for my Applied Signal Processing class and
I'm having some trouble that I think some people here may be able to help
with. I had it working fine several days ago in northeast Pennsylvania(I
was getting a strong signal, at least 12dB S/N ratio and I could hear it
loud and clear). When I came back up to New York (Ithaca, central
southern-tier,only 100 miles away) I haven't been able to get it to work
(I've been trying since about 11pm last night and I get no signal at all,
just quiet static, as if the transmitter were off the air). I have checked
over the wiring and I don't think anything has changed. I am also able to
hear weak signals from computer monitors in nearby rooms and my own monitor
saturates the audio output so I think it is working.
First of all, can anyone who has a WWVB receiver or self-setting clock tell
me if you have received a WWVB signal in the last 12 hours(from 9:00 until
21:00 Wednesday 18 April UTC)? They have been doing antenna repairs lately
and have had some outages, so it is possible that they have been off the air.
Secondly, my understanding is that in most of the continental US, WWVB is
received through ground-wave propagation (it's at 60kHz) which should have
no problem entering a valley which is several miles wide, right?I know that
my area is well within the stated coverage area for at least a large part
of the time I have been listening.
Thanks to all those who responded about this, I will check out your
suggestions.
Sean
At 09:50 AM 4/10/01 +0100, you wrote:
>Sean,
>
>Check out http://www.planetsourcecode.com It's in there somewhere. If you
>can't find it let me know and I'll see if I can dig it out of one of my
>programs.
>
>Joe
Is this station located in Colorado? Have you tried receiving on
the shortwave frequencies? (5, 10, 15, 20Khz?). Or what about
WWVH (Hawaii). Of course this is doubtful. Just a thought.
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I am building a WWVB receiver for my Applied Signal Processing class and
> I'm having some trouble that I think some people here may be able to help
> with. I had it working fine several days ago in northeast Pennsylvania(I
> was getting a strong signal, at least 12dB S/N ratio and I could hear it
> loud and clear). When I came back up to New York (Ithaca, central
> southern-tier,only 100 miles away) I haven't been able to get it to work
> (I've been trying since about 11pm last night and I get no signal at all,
> just quiet static, as if the transmitter were off the air). I have checked
> over the wiring and I don't think anything has changed. I am also able to
> hear weak signals from computer monitors in nearby rooms and my own monitor
> saturates the audio output so I think it is working.
>
> First of all, can anyone who has a WWVB receiver or self-setting clock tell
> me if you have received a WWVB signal in the last 12 hours(from 9:00 until
> 21:00 Wednesday 18 April UTC)? They have been doing antenna repairs lately
> and have had some outages, so it is possible that they have been off the air.
>
> Secondly, my understanding is that in most of the continental US, WWVB is
> received through ground-wave propagation (it's at 60kHz) which should have
> no problem entering a valley which is several miles wide, right?I know that
> my area is well within the stated coverage area for at least a large part
> of the time I have been listening.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sean
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
> (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
> I am building a WWVB receiver for [...] class
>
> First of all, can anyone who has a WWVB receiver or self-setting
> clock tell me if you have received a WWVB signal in the last 12
> hours (from 9:00 until 21:00 Wednesday 18 April UTC)? They have
> been doing antenna repairs lately and have had some outages, so
> it is possible that they have been off the air.
www.boulder.nist.gov/timefreq/stations/wwvboutages.htm
lists station outages. Latest one listed was 4-14-1. Don't
know how long it takes them to update that page after they have
an outage.
I personally don't know if they are currently on-air or not.
> Secondly, my understanding is that in most of the continental
> US, WWVB is received through ground-wave propagation (it's at
> 60kHz) which should have no problem entering a valley which is
> several miles wide, right?
I'd expect you'd be able to receive the signal.
Have you tried checking the signal by going to a local Radio
Shack store and forcing one of they WWVB based clocks into a
hunt for signal mode? The one I own shows current signal
strength when forced (i.e. power cycled or toggled to auto-off
then to auto-on) for about 2 minutes as it's trying to acquire
signal. Is there a RS in the valley with you?
At 03:57 PM 4/18/01 -0700, you wrote:
>www.boulder.nist.gov/timefreq/stations/wwvboutages.htm
>lists station outages. Latest one listed was 4-14-1. Don't
>know how long it takes them to update that page after they have
>an outage.
It seems as though it takes them about a day or two (I've been monitoring
that page over the last week), so that page doesn't really help me right now.
>I'd expect you'd be able to receive the signal.
That's what I would think, too.
>Have you tried checking the signal by going to a local Radio
>Shack store and forcing one of they WWVB based clocks into a
>hunt for signal mode? The one I own shows current signal
>strength when forced (i.e. power cycled or toggled to auto-off
>then to auto-on) for about 2 minutes as it's trying to acquire
>signal. Is there a RS in the valley with you?
That's a very good idea but my report on this is due tomorrow (so I don't
have time to go to RS now, they will be closing soon for the day anyway) so
I think I will just have to say that I had it working and that presently it
is receiving nothing but it may be due to WWVB itself.
Originally I was supposed to test out a decoder for it, too, in addition to
the receiver, but I will have to test that on a simulated signal if I don't
get anything in an hour or two.
It just bothers me that it isn't receiving anything so I just asked to see
if anyone had any clues or info on whether they are on the air. You said
that you own such a receiver. Would it be possible for you to check it to
see if you are getting anything?
Yes, it's located in Colorado (and is also run by NIST), but this is a
separate station from WWV (which transmits on 5,10,15, and 20 MHz). WWVB
is intended to provide a single frequency which can reliably be received
during at least part of every day in the whole continental US. That's why
they use such a low frequency, to make the dominant propagation mode ground
wave (although if you look at their coverage diagrams it does appear that
some skip occurs at the edges of the coverage area during some parts of the
day).
So, no, I haven't recently tried listening on the shortwave freqs, but even
if I did, it wouldn't really tell me anything about whether WWVB in on the
air or not.
Of course, it doesn't help that this project is due tomorrow (I did have a
longer time to do it but couldn't really start until about a week ago
because of other work) :-)
I have tried emailing the people who run WWVB to ask if there has been an
outage but I have not yet gotten a response.
> Sean,
>
> Is this station located in Colorado? Have you tried receiving on
> the shortwave frequencies? (5, 10, 15, 20Khz?). Or what about
> WWVH (Hawaii). Of course this is doubtful. Just a thought.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jim KA9QHR
>
>On Wed, 18 April 2001, "Sean H. Breheny" wrote:
>
> >
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > I am building a WWVB receiver for my Applied Signal Processing class and
> > I'm having some trouble that I think some people here may be able to help
> > with. I had it working fine several days ago in northeast Pennsylvania(I
> > was getting a strong signal, at least 12dB S/N ratio and I could hear it
> > loud and clear). When I came back up to New York (Ithaca, central
> > southern-tier,only 100 miles away) I haven't been able to get it to work
> > (I've been trying since about 11pm last night and I get no signal at all,
> > just quiet static, as if the transmitter were off the air). I have checked
> > over the wiring and I don't think anything has changed. I am also able to
> > hear weak signals from computer monitors in nearby rooms and my own monitor
> > saturates the audio output so I think it is working.
> >
> > First of all, can anyone who has a WWVB receiver or self-setting clock tell
> > me if you have received a WWVB signal in the last 12 hours(from 9:00 until
> > 21:00 Wednesday 18 April UTC)? They have been doing antenna repairs lately
> > and have had some outages, so it is possible that they have been off
> the air.
> >
> > Secondly, my understanding is that in most of the continental US, WWVB is
> > received through ground-wave propagation (it's at 60kHz) which should have
> > no problem entering a valley which is several miles wide, right?I know that
> > my area is well within the stated coverage area for at least a large part
> > of the time I have been listening.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Sean
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
> > (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
>
>jim.....@spam@jpes.com
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
>(like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
> That's a very good idea but my report on this is due tomorrow (so I don't
> have time to go to RS now, they will be closing soon for the day anyway)
so
> I think I will just have to say that I had it working and that presently
it
> is receiving nothing but it may be due to WWVB itself.
Why not bring it to the top of a hill to see if that helps? Also make sure
the antenna is oriented for reception from the west. This can make a big
difference. I have a clock that works on two parallel walls, but not the
other two that are perpendicular to those. Of course I'm almost in the
worst location for receiving WWVB in the continental US, but you're only a
little closer than I am.
> Have you tried checking the signal by going to a local Radio
> Shack store and forcing one of they WWVB based clocks into a
> hunt for signal mode? The one I own shows current signal
> strength when forced (i.e. power cycled or toggled to auto-off
> then to auto-on) for about 2 minutes as it's trying to acquire
> signal. Is there a RS in the valley with you?
I'm in Massachusetts, about 1,500 miles from the transmitter in Boulder. I
know of several WWVB clocks around here that only receive the signal at
night when there is less interference. The one in the conference room is a
good example. If I put a new battery in it in the morning, it just sits
there all day long waiting for a signal, but by next morning its gotten a
signal and is showing the right time.
Thanks to all who responded to my question. I turned in my project (even
though I am still not getting any signal from WWVB) and explained that the
problem could be due to WWVB itself. Scott Newell (who has a WWVB clock)
told me last night that his clock had not gotten a signal from WWVB in the
last 24 hours, either.
I would still appreciate it if anyone who has a WWVB receiver or clock
could tell me if they are getting any signal.
Actually, I am most of the way up one of the hills on the side of the
valley, so location shouldn't be an issue. I have tried rotating the
antenna around and still no signal from WWVB.
Your location shouldn't be that bad, Olin, because the coverage area
expands at night (presumably due to reduced ionization in the D layer of
the ionosphere, allowing some skip to occur off the E or F layers), and it
looks like it just barely includes Massachusetts during several hours of
the night. I don't think it has to do with reduced noise.
> > That's a very good idea but my report on this is due tomorrow (so I don't
> > have time to go to RS now, they will be closing soon for the day anyway)
>so
> > I think I will just have to say that I had it working and that presently
>it
> > is receiving nothing but it may be due to WWVB itself.
>
>Why not bring it to the top of a hill to see if that helps? Also make sure
>the antenna is oriented for reception from the west. This can make a big
>difference. I have a clock that works on two parallel walls, but not the
>other two that are perpendicular to those. Of course I'm almost in the
>worst location for receiving WWVB in the continental US, but you're only a
>little closer than I am.
>
>
>********************************************************************
>Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
>(978) 742-9014, spamolinKILLspam@spam@embedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>Thanks to all who responded to my question. I turned in my project (even
>though I am still not getting any signal from WWVB) and explained that the
>problem could be due to WWVB itself. Scott Newell (who has a WWVB clock)
>told me last night that his clock had not gotten a signal from WWVB in the
>last 24 hours, either.
>
>I would still appreciate it if anyone who has a WWVB receiver or clock
>could tell me if they are getting any signal.
>
>Actually, I am most of the way up one of the hills on the side of the
>valley, so location shouldn't be an issue. I have tried rotating the
>antenna around and still no signal from WWVB.
>
>Your location shouldn't be that bad, Olin, because the coverage area
>expands at night (presumably due to reduced ionization in the D layer of
>the ionosphere, allowing some skip to occur off the E or F layers), and it
>looks like it just barely includes Massachusetts during several hours of
>the night. I don't think it has to do with reduced noise.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Sean
>
>At 11:50 AM 4/19/01 -0400, you wrote:
>> > That's a very good idea but my report on this is due tomorrow (so I don't
>> > have time to go to RS now, they will be closing soon for the day anyway)
>>so
>> > I think I will just have to say that I had it working and that presently
>>it
>> > is receiving nothing but it may be due to WWVB itself.
>>
>>Why not bring it to the top of a hill to see if that helps? Also make sure
>>the antenna is oriented for reception from the west. This can make a big
>>difference. I have a clock that works on two parallel walls, but not the
>>other two that are perpendicular to those. Of course I'm almost in the
>>worst location for receiving WWVB in the continental US, but you're only a
>>little closer than I am.
>>
>>
>>********************************************************************
>>Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
>>(978) 742-9014, olinspamTakeThisOuTembedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
>>
>>--
>>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
>
>
At 05:17 PM 4/19/01 -0600, you wrote:
>Just curious....
>What kind of an antenna is used to broadcast 60Khz ?
>That's a wavelength of almost 5 kilometers!, isn't it?
>Dan
I went to Yahoo!, typed "WWVB" and clicked the first
thing that came up (NIST) and there I was looking at
a picture of the antennas. Down below in the text
it describes them.
BTW I see in the notes that they are operating at
reduced power (only 37 kW :) but I guess that
would lose you guys in the fringe areas.
Their antenna (which is quite large and consists of a radiating downlead
attached to a capacitive hat, all suspended by four non-radiating towers)
is much shorter than even a quarter wave, but they have a very complex
matching system which changes automatically to provide the optimum match
under varying conditions (essentially an automatic antenna tuner). Even so,
they only get about 50% efficiency (from transmitter to radiated power,
IIRC). They actually have two such antenna systems, one oriented to radiate
in two directions, the other in an orthogonal direction, so they overall
get an omnidirectional pattern.
My receiving antenna is only a 10cm long ferrite rod with 122 turns of wire
on it. I was pretty amazed to see that pick up a fairly strong signal from
Colorado (especially since, as an amateur radio operator, I'm used to
resonant dipole antennas).
Sean
At 05:17 PM 4/19/01 -0600, Dan Larson wrote:
>Just curious....
>
>What kind of an antenna is used to broadcast 60Khz ?
>
>That's a wavelength of almost 5 kilometers!, isn't it?
>
>Dan
Yeah, but they have been operating at 37 kW for a while now, and I was able
to receive them in Pennsylvania a few days ago (getting a clear signal) and
now, only 100 miles away, I get nothing, so it may be something on my end,
but I doubt that it has to do with the reduced power.
Sean
At 03:45 PM 4/19/01 -0700, you wrote:
>BTW I see in the notes that they are operating at
>reduced power (only 37 kW :) but I guess that
>would lose you guys in the fringe areas.
>
>Barry
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>Hi Barry,
>
>Yeah, but they have been operating at 37 kW for a while now, and I was able
>to receive them in Pennsylvania a few days ago (getting a clear signal) and
>now, only 100 miles away, I get nothing, so it may be something on my end,
>but I doubt that it has to do with the reduced power.
>
>Sean
To that end I was wondering to what extent you can look at
the recieved signal (speaker, signal strength meter, oscilloscope)
since there might be a big 60 KHz signal sitting on that
frequency (being radiated from something in the house, for
example).
I also thought about building an oscillator (or finding it
on a signal generator somewhwere) to test the receiver. I
said as much in another message but it somehow got put through
the sever's command interpreter and chewed to bits so it may
not show up on the list.
I guess I didn't explain enough about my receiver. I just built it myself
(it is a bunch of components on a breadboard) and right now all it does is
give audio output, so I have it going to a speaker. All I hear is static
right now(with a few really weak steady carriers in the background,
presumably from monitors and computers in the surrounding area). Before, I
could hear about the same amount of static, but with a strong WWVB signal
on top of it (very distinctive since it is modulated at a 1Hz rate with PWM).
I don't really need to build an oscillator to test it because my computer
monitor is a nice source of 60kHz emissions :-) Just turning my monitor on
causes so much output from the receiver that the output stage clips (I get
a square wave out). I can also tell that the circuit works because the
noise in the output goes way down when the antenna is disconnected, and the
noise peaks as you tune the local oscillator past 60kHz.
The receiver consists of a ferrite rod type antenna with a capacitor in
parallel to create an LC tank circuit for 60kHz. The output of this goes
into an RF amp based on a PN2222 transistor (gives about a gain of 200),
and then into a very simple mixer (just another PN2222) driven by a 555
acting as a local oscillator (I also have a frequency counter hooked up to
allow me to tune it exactly). The mixer output goes to a sharp active
bandpass filter (gain of 100 and 50Hz bandwidth at 1.18kHz, meaning that I
receive 60kHz at either 58.82 kHz local oscillator or 61.18kHz LO), which
is then followed by just an audio gain stage (gain=150). This is then fed
into a pair of cheap computer speakers.
Originally, I was going to feed this into an ADC and then use a
microcontroller (AVR, shhhh! don't tell anyone ;-) to decode it and display
the time on an LCD, but since I haven't had a signal for a while, I
scrapped that idea and just implemented a simulation of the decoder in MATLAB.
> >Hi Barry,
> >
> >Yeah, but they have been operating at 37 kW for a while now, and I was able
> >to receive them in Pennsylvania a few days ago (getting a clear signal) and
> >now, only 100 miles away, I get nothing, so it may be something on my end,
> >but I doubt that it has to do with the reduced power.
> >
> >Sean
>
>To that end I was wondering to what extent you can look at
>the recieved signal (speaker, signal strength meter, oscilloscope)
>since there might be a big 60 KHz signal sitting on that
>frequency (being radiated from something in the house, for
>example).
>
>I also thought about building an oscillator (or finding it
>on a signal generator somewhwere) to test the receiver. I
>said as much in another message but it somehow got put through
>the sever's command interpreter and chewed to bits so it may
>not show up on the list.
>
>Barry
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
Sean,
Last night I listened to WWVB on 60 Khz. It was there, but week compared to
when they did not have the antenna problem. I also have a clock, but it is still
working. It may be "close " and not correcting it self however, it did do the
DST correction.
> Thanks to all who responded to my question. I turned in my project (even
> though I am still not getting any signal from WWVB) and explained that the
> problem could be due to WWVB itself. Scott Newell (who has a WWVB clock)
> told me last night that his clock had not gotten a signal from WWVB in the
> last 24 hours, either.
>
> I would still appreciate it if anyone who has a WWVB receiver or clock
> could tell me if they are getting any signal.
>
> Actually, I am most of the way up one of the hills on the side of the
> valley, so location shouldn't be an issue. I have tried rotating the
> antenna around and still no signal from WWVB.
>
> Your location shouldn't be that bad, Olin, because the coverage area
> expands at night (presumably due to reduced ionization in the D layer of
> the ionosphere, allowing some skip to occur off the E or F layers), and it
> looks like it just barely includes Massachusetts during several hours of
> the night. I don't think it has to do with reduced noise.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sean
>
> At 11:50 AM 4/19/01 -0400, you wrote:
> > > That's a very good idea but my report on this is due tomorrow (so I don't
> > > have time to go to RS now, they will be closing soon for the day anyway)
> >so
> > > I think I will just have to say that I had it working and that presently
> >it
> > > is receiving nothing but it may be due to WWVB itself.
> >
> >Why not bring it to the top of a hill to see if that helps? Also make sure
> >the antenna is oriented for reception from the west. This can make a big
> >difference. I have a clock that works on two parallel walls, but not the
> >other two that are perpendicular to those. Of course I'm almost in the
> >worst location for receiving WWVB in the continental US, but you're only a
> >little closer than I am.
> >
> >
> >********************************************************************
> >Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
> >(978) 742-9014, RemoveMEolinRemoveMEembedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
> >
> >--
> >http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
> >ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
> ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>Just curious....
>
>What kind of an antenna is used to broadcast 60Khz ?
>
>That's a wavelength of almost 5 kilometers!, isn't it?
>
>Dan
I remember seeing an article on an antenna for working at 21kHz. It was
about 5 miles long, and they decided to lay it across the ice in Antarctica.
I cannot remember what it was being used for, it may have been research into
radio waves received from deep space or something similar, but I remember
thinking at the time that ice was probably as good an insulation material
they were going to find to support it without heaps of lamp post type poles
for miles.
There is also a time standard transmitter at Rugby in the UK. I am pretty
sure it also works at 60kHz. You can see an aerial farm when driving up the
M1 motorway (freeway to you Americans) that looks very similar to what has
already been described. I believe there is another similar transmitter in
Europe, I think Germany.
> Their antenna (which is quite large and consists of a radiating
> downlead attached to a capacitive hat, all suspended by four
> non-radiating towers) is much shorter than even a quarter wave, but
> they have a very complex matching system which changes automatically
> to provide the optimum match
Why can't they use four 2.5km segments of power line in a cross ? The
voltage at the ends when resonating would be obscene but power lines are
built to 500kV and more.
>and it looks like it just barely includes Massachusetts during several
>hours of the night. I don't think it has to do with reduced noise.
Don't the Canadians have some sort of clock signal broadcast you could use
instead in Massachusetts ? I think someone had a HF broadcast clock source
at 5, 10, and 15MHz. This may be easier to receive than 60kHz.
I also just realized that I made an error in my description of the
antennas: they are both apparently omnidirectional, so I guess the purpose
of having two is for redundancy? I'm not sure and the web site doesn't
really explain other than to say that the combination of two antennas was
more efficient than just one. Perhaps, but for 65% instead of 50%
efficiency, considering the size of these antennas, I'm surprised it wasn't
more economical to just transmit more power.
> > What kind of an antenna is used to broadcast 60Khz ?
> >
> > That's a wavelength of almost 5 kilometers!, isn't it?
>
>5 megameters actually.
>
>Does WWVB really use 60Hz? I thought it was higher than that. 60Hz sounds
>like asking for trouble because of the strong signal from the power grid.
>
>
>********************************************************************
>Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
>(978) 742-9014, EraseMEolinRemoveME@spam@embedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us!
>email RemoveMElistservspamEraseMEmitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body
> Does WWVB really use 60Hz? I thought it was higher than that. 60Hz
sounds
> like asking for trouble because of the strong signal from the power grid.
Carrier frequency used is 60kHz. From what I read from the webpage data is
sent at 1bit / sec.. Is this correct?
> > What kind of an antenna is used to broadcast 60Khz ?
> >
> > That's a wavelength of almost 5 kilometers!, isn't it?
>
> 5 megameters actually.
>
> Does WWVB really use 60Hz?
> I thought it was higher than that. 60Hz sounds
> like asking for trouble because of the strong signal from the power grid.
>
> ********************************************************************
> Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
> (978) 742-9014, @spam@olinspamBeGoneembedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us!
> email spam_OUTlistservspammitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body
--
*
| __O Thomas C. Sefranek spamtcsspamspamcmcorp.com
|_-\<,_ Amateur Radio Operator: WA1RHP
(*)/ (*) Bicycle mobile on 145.41, 448.625 MHz
ARRL Instructor, Technical Specialist, VE Contact.
hamradio.cmcorp.com/inventory/Inventory.html http://www.harvardrepeater.org
> Don't the Canadians have some sort of clock signal broadcast you could use
> instead in Massachusetts ? I think someone had a HF broadcast clock source
> at 5, 10, and 15MHz. This may be easier to receive than 60kHz.
The canadian station I know of is called CHU. The shortwave CHU signal is a
bit stronger around here than the shortwave WWV signal. I don't know if the
Canadians have an equivalent of the low frequency WWVB.
However, the automatic clock devices I've seen for sale and the ones I have
all use the WWVB signal. The ones I have don't provide any choices, but
fortunately do seem to pick up the signal at night.
Have been watching these WWVB notes about the 60Khz freq. I believe the
Navy talks to subs with a much lower freq and are supposed to have a
cple antennas(east and west) that are buried in mountainsides. All
highly classified of course... We were talking about this back in the
70's and somebody joked that the frequency was so low they resonated the
Earth.
>
> Olin Lathrop wrote:
>
> > > What kind of an antenna is used to broadcast 60Khz ?
> > >
> > > That's a wavelength of almost 5 kilometers!, isn't it?
> >
> > 5 megameters actually.
> >
> > Does WWVB really use 60Hz?
>
> KILLO Hertz, a feww orders of magnitude.
>
> > I thought it was higher than that. 60Hz sounds
> > like asking for trouble because of the strong signal from the power grid.
> >
> > ********************************************************************
> > Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
> > (978) 742-9014, EraseMEolinEraseMEembedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us!
> > email spamBeGonelistservspam_OUT.....mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body
>
> --
> *
> | __O Thomas C. Sefranek spamtcscmcorp.com
> |_-\<,_ Amateur Radio Operator: WA1RHP
> (*)/ (*) Bicycle mobile on 145.41, 448.625 MHz
>
> ARRL Instructor, Technical Specialist, VE Contact.
> hamradio.cmcorp.com/inventory/Inventory.html
> http://www.harvardrepeater.org
>
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> email RemoveMElistservKILLspamKILLspammitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
The main developer got called away to Korea and we need a VB GUI, RS232,
"gather and present the data", programmer to slam out some quick code to
talk to a logger and present the data then save it to a data file or so.
Take over part written code or re-write. No DSP. Weird hours ok. Needs to be
in the San Diego (North is best) area. Pretty good quick money. I've got the
logger done but there may be some debugging so you would have to work with
me some... <EVIL GRIN> Timeline is starting middle of next week and
delivering no later than June 1. Should be between 16 and 40 hours total
work. We need to know when you will be available by tomorrow so we can plan
the work schedule.
Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
I've tried local VB groups (no embedded or RS-232), calling friends,
etc...
The main developer got called away to Korea and we need a VB GUI, RS232,
"gather and present the data", programmer to slam out some quick code to
talk to a logger and present the data then save it to a data file or so.
Take over part written code or re-write. No DSP. Weird hours ok. Needs
to be in the San Diego (North is best) area. Pretty good quick money.
I've got the logger done but there may be some debugging so you would
have to work with me some... <EVIL GRIN> Timeline is starting middle of
next week and delivering no later than June 1. Should be between 16 and
40 hours total work. We need to know when you will be available by
tomorrow so we can plan the work schedule.
> Could they be all off line due to a lack of electricity ?
>
> 8-)
> Chris
>
> > Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
> > are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
> > extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
> >
> > I've tried local VB groups (no embedded or RS-232), calling friends,
> > etc...
> >
> > Does anyone have any other suggestions?
> >
> > James Newton (PICList Admin #3)
> > @spam@jamesnewtonpiclist.com
> > 1-619-652-0593
> >
> >
> > James Newton wrote on 01-5-16 20:30:
> >
> > The main developer got called away to Korea and we need a VB GUI, RS232,
> > "gather and present the data", programmer to slam out some quick code to
> > talk to a logger and present the data then save it to a data file or so.
> > Take over part written code or re-write. No DSP. Weird hours ok. Needs
> > to be in the San Diego (North is best) area. Pretty good quick money.
> > I've got the logger done but there may be some debugging so you would
> > have to work with me some... <EVIL GRIN> Timeline is starting middle of
> > next week and delivering no later than June 1. Should be between 16 and
> > 40 hours total work. We need to know when you will be available by
> > tomorrow so we can plan the work schedule.
> >
> > James Newton
> > jamesnewtonRemoveMEgeocities.com
> > 1-619-652-0593 phone
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList
> > spampiclist-unsubscribe-requestmitvma.mit.edu >
> >
> > --
> > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList
> > piclist-unsubscribe-requestspam_OUTTakeThisOuTmitvma.mit.edu >
> >
> >
> >
>
This is the third attempt. With any luck I will have got the "To" field and
the
Subject Line correct. Should I be wasting all this bandwidth on a very poor
attempt at a joke.
That was a rhetorical question.
Regards Chris
I will now crawl back under my stone and stop annoying everyone.
> Didn't get the "To" field correctly filled out the first time, sorry
James.
>
>
> > Could they be all off line due to a lack of electricity ?
> >
> > 8-)
> > Chris
> >
> > > Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that
there {Quote hidden}
> > > are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
> > > extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
> > >
> > > I've tried local VB groups (no embedded or RS-232), calling friends,
> > > etc...
> > >
> > > Does anyone have any other suggestions?
> > >
> > > James Newton (PICList Admin #3)
> > > spamjamesnewtonspampiclist.com
> > > 1-619-652-0593
> > >
> > >
> > > James Newton wrote on 01-5-16 20:30:
> > >
> > > The main developer got called away to Korea and we need a VB GUI,
RS232,
> > > "gather and present the data", programmer to slam out some quick code
to
> > > talk to a logger and present the data then save it to a data file or
so.
> > > Take over part written code or re-write. No DSP. Weird hours ok. Needs
> > > to be in the San Diego (North is best) area. Pretty good quick money.
> > > I've got the logger done but there may be some debugging so you would
> > > have to work with me some... <EVIL GRIN> Timeline is starting middle
of
> > > next week and delivering no later than June 1. Should be between 16
and {Quote hidden}
James:
This email only now just showed up on my system. Your original posts did not
come through on the PIC List. Perhaps they didn't make to anyone else
either?
I do have some experience in the area you mention although I don't know if
I'd have time - already working 50 - 60 hour weeks. If you want to pursue an
offline conversation, I can be reached at (714) 236-8979 x1186.
Sam....
>Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
>are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
>extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
>
>I've tried local VB groups (no embedded or RS-232), calling >friends,
>etc...
>
>Does anyone have any other suggestions?
>
>James Newton (PICList Admin #3)
>jamesnewtonspam_OUTspam_OUTpiclist.com
>1-619-652-0593
>
If you are unable to find someone in the CA I would be willing to take the job
from Indiana.
> Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
> are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
> extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
James, I think you'll find that embedded people don't do VB, and VB types
will run away screaming at the slightest smell of hardware.
VB may be useful for quick prototyping of GUIs, but I don't consider it a
serious tool for doing real work. I often do host side code to support an
embedded project. Most of the time the customer doesn't care how it's done
as long as it works. In that case I use code ultimately compiled by MSVC.
If the customer insists on a VB app I tell them to get someone else.
> > Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
> > are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
> > extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
I must be the exception to that rule then. However, Guildford, UK is a long
walk from San Diego.
Regards, Kevin
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
>Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
>are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
>extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
>
>I must be the exception to that rule then. However, Guildford, UK is a long
>walk from San Diego.
>
>Regards, Kevin
I can do this too. But I'm not in San Diego or L.A. either. How about
Kansas? (Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word, for what can an
antelope say...)
>Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
>are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
>extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
>
>I must be the exception to that rule then. However, Guildford, UK is a long
>walk from San Diego.
>
>Regards, Kevin
Yeah so is Didcot, UK, and I was in Palo Alto just a couple of weeks ago
too.
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
> > Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that there
> > are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
> > extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
>
> James, I think you'll find that embedded people don't do VB, and VB types
> will run away screaming at the slightest smell of hardware.
>
> VB may be useful for quick prototyping of GUIs, but I don't consider it a
> serious tool for doing real work. I often do host side code to support an
> embedded project. Most of the time the customer doesn't care how it's done
> as long as it works. In that case I use code ultimately compiled by MSVC.
> If the customer insists on a VB app I tell them to get someone else.
>
>
> ********************************************************************
> Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
> (978) 742-9014, olinTakeThisOuTembedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
>
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I agree with Patrick on this one. Each environment and language has it's value!
Although I very much dislike many MS products, I find VB to be very useful at
times. Much easier to code than VC. Nothing against 'C', but MSVC has always
been more complicated to use than VB, for me anyway. Then, again, I haven't
spent months trying to learn its various quirks. PIC C is more my speed now.
But PicBasic Pro has worked out well for prototyping some of my PIC hardware...
We have lot's of use for quickly prototyped interfaces to PIC projects! VB works
fine for this. In fact, I have to code up a VB app this week which sends
commands to a new PIC command interpreter I need to test! It's got to be done by
Thursday evening. I know it would take me longer than a couple of days using
'C'.
Ron
Patrik Husfloen wrote:
> I'm another exception to your rule.
>
> {Original Message removed}
> I agree with Patrick on this one. Each environment and language has it's
value!
> Although I very much dislike many MS products, I find VB to be very useful
at
> times. Much easier to code than VC. Nothing against 'C', but MSVC has
always
> been more complicated to use than VB, for me anyway.
That's because mickysoft didn't invent VB they just bought it and messed it
up. (sorta like Front Page)
> Then, again, I haven't
> spent months trying to learn its various quirks.
Only months? You must be a fast learner.
> PIC C is more my speed now.
> But PicBasic Pro has worked out well for prototyping some of my PIC
hardware...
>
> We have lot's of use for quickly prototyped interfaces to PIC projects!
VB works
> fine for this. In fact, I have to code up a VB app this week which sends
> commands to a new PIC command interpreter I need to test! It's got to be
done by
> Thursday evening. I know it would take me longer than a couple of days
using
> 'C'.
I totaly agree. VB is plenty good (professional) enough for most simple
GUI's. And you don't even have to spend countless hours trying to
understand why one line of code won't work.
> Ron
>
> Patrik Husfloen wrote:
>
> > I'm another exception to your rule.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Olin Lathrop" <olin_piclistEraseMEEMBEDINC.COM>
> > To: <EraseMEPICLISTspamBeGoneMITVMA.MIT.EDU>
> > Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 2:21 PM
> > Subject: Re: [AD]: Need a VB RS232 programmer urgently
> >
> > > > Ok... This has now reached emergency levels! I can't believe that
there
> > > > are no PICListers with VB / RS-232 experience who want to make some
> > > > extra cash in the San Diego north or L.A. south area.
> > >
> > > James, I think you'll find that embedded people don't do VB, and VB
types
> > > will run away screaming at the slightest smell of hardware.
> > >
> > > VB may be useful for quick prototyping of GUIs, but I don't consider
it a
> > > serious tool for doing real work. I often do host side code to
support an
> > > embedded project. Most of the time the customer doesn't care how it's
done
> > > as long as it works. In that case I use code ultimately compiled by
MSVC. {Quote hidden}
> > > If the customer insists on a VB app I tell them to get someone else.
> > >
> > >
> > > ********************************************************************
> > > Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
> > > (978) 742-9014, TakeThisOuTolinTakeThisOuTembedinc.com,http://www.embedinc.com
> > >
> > > --
> > > http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
> > > [PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
> > >
> > >
> >
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> > [PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
>
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>That's because mickysoft didn't invent VB they just bought it and messed it
>up. (sorta like Front Page)
Are you sure about that? My experience with it is that it shows its roots
all the way from GWBasic which was developed from the MS 8080 basic. The
original IBM basic in ROM was quite obviously passed through an 8080 to 8086
translator that Intel had available, and MS have developed from there
through GWBasic, QuickBasic and QBasic to VB. Really the only differences
between Basic and VB is the windows interface.
> >That's because mickysoft didn't invent VB they just bought it and messed
it
> >up. (sorta like Front Page)
>
> Are you sure about that? My experience with it is that it shows its roots
> all the way from GWBasic which was developed from the MS 8080 basic. The
> original IBM basic in ROM was quite obviously passed through an 8080 to
8086
> translator that Intel had available, and MS have developed from there
> through GWBasic, QuickBasic and QBasic to VB. Really the only differences
> between Basic and VB is the windows interface.
· MS DOS -- purchased QDOS (Quick and Dirty OS) from the Seattle Computer
Company for a mere $ 50,000.
· Internet Explorer -- based on code licensed from Spyglass, Inc.
· Flight Simulator -- purchased from the Bruce Artwick Organization.
· Powerpoint -- purchased from Forethought, Inc.
· FrontPage -- purchased from Vermeer Technologies.
· FoxPro -- part of Fox Software which was bought out by Microsoft.
· HotMail -- company purchased by Microsoft.
· OLE -- Microsoft settled a patent infringement suit with Wang Labs.
· SQL Server -- based on code purchased from Sybase.
· Visual Basic -- based on code purchased from Cooper Software.
· Visual C++ -- based on the purchased Lattice C compiler.
· Windows -- portions of the interface licensed from Apple Computer;
multitasking technologies were from a company, Dynamical Systems, bought by
Microsoft
part 1 1643 bytes content-type:text/plain; (unknown type 8bit not decoded)
Hi Danie,
I attach some code I have written for the Dallas DS1302 chip, a small and
cheap RTC.
Enjoy!
--------------------------------------------
Hans Nielsen
NIELSEN Elektronik spam_OUTnielsen.elekTakeThisOuTKILLspamwanadoo.fr
-------------------------------------------
> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
> Fren: pic microcontroller discussion list
> [RemoveMEPICLIST@spam@spamMITVMA.MIT.EDU]Fvr Danie Prinsloo
> Skickat: den 25 september 2001 11:51
> Till: RemoveMEPICLISTRemoveMETakeThisOuTMITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Dmne: [PIC]How to make use of realtime clock
>
>
> HI
> Is there anyone who has any suggestions on how to use
> a realtime clock. I need to use it for datalogging.
> I am a student and need to do a project on
> datalogging.
> What I am planning to do is to use a keypad to enter
> an individual's code to get access to a workshop.
> When he gains access through a gate the clock has to
> start as to record the hours he is inside. When he
> goes out with his own code from the other side of the
> gate, the clock must stop. This data must be
> available for someone to access from another keypad
> and LCD.
> I have to use the 16F84A.
> Can someone help me with the 'time' problem.
> Regards Danie
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo!
> Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com
>
> --
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> (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
>
>
part 2 5998 bytes content-type:application/octet-stream; (decode)
Hi Danie,
I attach some code I have written for the Dallas DS1302 chip, a small and
cheap RTC.
Enjoy!
--------------------------------------------
Hans Nielsen
NIELSEN Elektronik nielsen.elekTakeThisOuT@spam@wanadoo.fr
-------------------------------------------
> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
> Från: pic microcontroller discussion list
> [PICLISTTakeThisOuTspamBeGoneMITVMA.MIT.EDU]För Danie Prinsloo
> Skickat: den 25 september 2001 11:51
> Till: spamPICLISTTakeThisOuTMITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Ämne: [PIC]How to make use of realtime clock
>
>
> HI
> Is there anyone who has any suggestions on how to use
> a realtime clock. I need to use it for datalogging.
> I am a student and need to do a project on
> datalogging.
> What I am planning to do is to use a keypad to enter
> an individual's code to get access to a workshop.
> When he gains access through a gate the clock has to
> start as to record the hours he is inside. When he
> goes out with his own code from the other side of the
> gate, the clock must stop. This data must be
> available for someone to access from another keypad
> and LCD.
> I have to use the 16F84A.
> Can someone help me with the 'time' problem.
> Regards Danie
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo!
> Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
> (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
>
>
;**************************************************************************
; RTC1302.ASM
; Real time clock routines
; v 1.0 010502
; Uses a Dallas DS1302 RTC
; NIELSEN Elektronik
; .....nielsen.elekspamBeGonewanadoo.fr
;**************************************************************************
; Variables used in the unit
cblock RTCvar
Temp0
sdata
scount
endc
; Sets i/o pin to input for data read from RTC
RTCin macro
banksel TRISB ; select bank 1
bsf TRISB,5 ; set RB5 (ioRTC) to input
banksel PORTB ; select bank 0
endm
; Sets i/o pin to output for data write to RTC
RTCout macro
banksel TRISB ; select bank 1
bcf TRISB,5 ; set RB5 (ioRTC) to output
banksel PORTB ; select bank 0
endm
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
; The time registers in DS1302 RTC
; The time is:
; Reg Pos Data
; 1 1 second
; 2 2 minute
; 3 3 hour
; 4 4 date
; 5 5 month
; 6 6 day
; 7 7 year
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
; RTC clock burst mode write, data fetched from RAM
; Provided data:
; sdata Start RAM location of data to put into RTC
; scount Number of bytes to write (up to 8)
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WriteToRTC
bsf csRTC ; Set RST for RTC
movlw b'10111110' ; load RTC burst write command
call RTCwrite ; RTC shift routine
; send data:
movf sdata,w ; pointer to first RAM data loc.
movwf FSR ; put in File Select Register
movf scount,w ; data bytes count
movwf Temp0 ; local counter
SendRTCByte
movf INDF,w ; load data using Indirect Addressing
call RTCwrite ; RTC shift routine
incf FSR,f ; step to next data pos
decfsz Temp0,f ; decrement data counter
goto SendRTCByte ; if not zero, send next byte
bcf csRTC ; Clear RST for RTC
return
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
; RTC clock burst mode read, data put in RAM
; Provided data:
; sdata Start RAM location to place received data
; scount Number of bytes to read (up to 8)
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ReadFromRTC
bsf csRTC ; Set RST for RTC
movlw b'10111111' ; load RTC burst read command
call RTCwrite ; RTC shift routine
; read RTC data to RAM
RTCin ; Set i/o pin RB5 to input for data read from RTC
bcf INTCON,RBIE ; clear PORTB int mask
movfw sdata ; pointer to first RAM data loc.
movwf FSR ; put in File Select Register
movfw scount ; data byte count
movwf Temp0 ; local counter
ReadRTCByte
call RTCread ; RTC shift routine
movwf INDF ; save data using Indirect Addressing
incf FSR,f ; step to next data pos
decfsz Temp0,f ; decrement data counter
goto ReadRTCByte ; if not zero, read next byte
bcf csRTC ; Clear RST for RTC
RTCout ; Set i/o pin RB5 to output for data write to SPI and RTC
return
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
; RTC data read, shifts 8 bits into inbyte and w
; Data is valid after a falling clock edge.
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RTCread
clrwdt ; clear watchdog timer
movlw 8 ; load loop counter
movwf count ; stash it
RTCrdloop
bcf sck ; clock low, data is now valid
clrc ; preclear carry
btfsc ioRTC ; if i/o line low then skip
setc ; else set carry
rrf inbyte,f ; rotate C in place, LSB bit first
bsf sck ; clock high, i/o 3-stated
decfsz count,f ; do loop counter
goto RTCrdloop ; loop until 8
movf inbyte,w ; put read result in w
return ; all done
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
; RTC data write, shifts w into RTC
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RTCwrite
clrwdt ; clear watchdog timer
movwf outbyte ; put data in shift out variable
movlw 8 ; load loop counter
movwf count ; stash it
RTCwtloop
rrf outbyte,f ; get bit to send, LSB first
bcf sck ; clock low
bcf ioRTC ; preclear i/o line
skpnc ; if carry low then skip
bsf ioRTC ; else set i/o line
bsf sck ; clock high, data is now clocked in
decfsz count,f ; do loop counter
goto RTCwtloop ; loop until 8
bsf sck ; clock high, i/o 3-stated
return ; all done
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
; End of include file
;--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I made a small test using a thermostat, a thermistor, and a BC547C with C
and B shorted. The test resistors (to put current into the BE junction)
were 4k7 and 47k respectively. They were switched alternatedly (when one
was in the circuit the other was not - not by paralleling 47k with 4k7).
The measurement was done by hand in a block of foam used as thermostat
(jury rigged). The reference was a glass lab thermometer that should be
better than +/- 3C at 100C (I tested it in ice water so the 100C point
should be ok too).
All errors are almost certainly due to measurement error, parallax reading
the glass etc etc. Anyway the trends are clear imho:
- By not using a current source the instrument constant is not clean (last
column).
- It is probably not worth the effort to do this without a proper current
source. The error induced by the changing current is too big. The effort
required to correct this could go into a table lookup for a thermistor.
- I did not try to change devices and see what gives. I will try this with
a proper thermostat and automated measurement. Even so the thermistor
creeps badly (see zero repeat at 20C).
The application note (the one with the baby bottles) was very helpful,
but they CLEARLY used a current source and other parts that made it
somewhat expensive. Any comments are welcome.
Here is a table (it was clobbered together so no comments on quality
please) (YOU WANT TO SEE THIS ON A WIDE SCREEN WITH FIXED FONT):
Thermostat measurements BC547C with C and B shorted, 5k6 thermistor
I was just looking at the Linear Tech apnote recently about this so your
data was of interest to me. Your conclusion about using a good current
source is certainly on the mark. The deltas are so small that they are
easily lost if attention to details is not paid. I would think that the
current source needed should not present a problem. Of course, if you are
looking for rock bottom parts cost, it might be.
The theory does look interesting; Jim Williams writes interesting ap notes.
I do believe as he claims that you can do away with calibration from unit
to unit if you do a good implementation here.
Good luck and please let us know how any further work goes on this. Thanks
for taking the time to fill us in.
At 06:50 PM 1/6/02 -0800, Tom wrote:
>Hi Peter
>
>I was just looking at the Linear Tech apnote recently about this so your
>data was of interest to me. Your conclusion about using a good current
>source is certainly on the mark. The deltas are so small that they are
>easily lost if attention to details is not paid. I would think that the
>current source needed should not present a problem. Of course, if you are
>looking for rock bottom parts cost, it might be.
When using a diode-wired transistor as a sensor, the principal error arises
from variations in current. The current should be low enough to avoid
voltage drops across the base-spreading resistance and high enough to avoid
shot noise issues. Typically the current used is 50-100 uA.
The current source must be temperature stabilized or a large error will
result. Typically the current source used is a matched transistor pair
wired as a current mirror.
Given the difficulties associated with obtaining high accuracy from
transistor sensors, it's usually better and cheap enough to simply buy a
solid-state sensor package with the details buried internally.
In principle, solid-state sensors are capable of accuracies on the order of
0.01 C if used correctly.
================================================================
Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: spamBeGoneralspamspamBeGonelcfltd.com
Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/
824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947
"Vere scire est per causas scire"
================================================================
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>...Anyway the trends are clear imho:
>
>- By not using a current source the instrument constant is not clean (last
>column).
Even with just your pair of resistors it's not bad, though. These are
nice results.
>- It is probably not worth the effort to do this without a proper current
>source. The error induced by the changing current is too big. The effort
>required to correct this could go into a table lookup for a thermistor.
Also, this method doesn't product much of an output change per Deg. C;
that's one of its drawbacks. It isn't necessary to keep the currents
themselves constant, but it is important to have a constant ratio
between the two currents.
>- I did not try to change devices and see what gives. I will try this with
>a proper thermostat and automated measurement. Even so the thermistor
>creeps badly (see zero repeat at 20C).
>
>The application note (the one with the baby bottles) was very helpful,
>but they CLEARLY used a current source and other parts that made it
>somewhat expensive. Any comments are welcome.
I think where this "Delta-Vbe" sensing method shines best is in
situations where the ability to interchange sensors without having to
re-calibrate is extremely important, along with extremely low sensor
cost, but where the cost of the measurement circuitry is relatively
unimportant. It's ideal for monitoring die temperatures on CPU chips.
Dave
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>
> I think where this "Delta-Vbe" sensing method shines best is in
> situations where the ability to interchange sensors without having to
> re-calibrate is extremely important, along with extremely low sensor
> cost, but where the cost of the measurement circuitry is relatively
> unimportant. It's ideal for monitoring die temperatures on CPU chips.
I wasn't follow this subject but if delta means diference I have some
doubts about the interchangeability of the sensors. Maybe a ratio.
There are five basic methodes of measuring temperature with a transistor:
1. Ib = constant, measuring Vbe, only be junction is used
2. Vbe = constant, measuring Ib, only be junction is used
3. Ib = constant, measuring Ic
4. Ib = constant, measuring Vce
5. Ib = constant, measuring both Vce and Vbe
But all methodes are too complicated if we think to the LM35 family.
>I wasn't follow this subject but if delta means diference I have some
>doubts about the interchangeability of the sensors. Maybe a ratio.
This "delta Vbe" technique is a well established and documented
technique. Linear Technology, Inc. application note AN45, by Jim
Williams, discusses this method and shows an example design on page 7,
Figure 11.
Circuits of this type produce a voltage output which is proportional to
the log of the ratio of the two currents times the absolute temperature.
The output shows very little dependency on transistor characteristics or
device type; Williams obtained less than 0.4 degrees C spread over 25
randomly selected 2N3904s and 2N2222s from various manufacturers.
>There are five basic methodes of measuring temperature with a transistor:
>1. Ib = constant, measuring Vbe, only be junction is used
>2. Vbe = constant, measuring Ib, only be junction is used
>3. Ib = constant, measuring Ic
>4. Ib = constant, measuring Vce
>5. Ib = constant, measuring both Vce and Vbe
>But all methodes are too complicated if we think to the LM35 family.
I think that last statement oversimplifies just a bit: there are many
ways to measure temperature, and each method has its strengths,
weaknesses, and a set of applications where its use is appropriate.
The "delta Vbe" method of sensing temperature has two application areas
where it is especially attractive:
1. When the temperature sensing element MUST be a semiconductor
junction, such as measuring the die temperature of a CPU chip
for purposes of cooling control. The delta-Vbe technique allows
highly accurate die temperature measurement without any need for
calibration.
2. When there is a need for EXTREMELY low sensor cost (but NOT total
circuit cost), together with a requirement that sensors be
interchangeable without re-calibration. For example, I can bond
a small, cheap transistor to an assembly to monitor its
temperature during testing or some other process (e.g., potting)
and then discard it when I'm done, at little expense.
If you'd like to go back and follow the original thread to see how we
got to this discussion, look in the archives for "[PIC]: current
generator with a PIC" by Ashly Dearden on 27 December; that thread will
provide some context.
> Vasile Surducan wrote...
>
> >I wasn't follow this subject but if delta means diference I have some
> >doubts about the interchangeability of the sensors. Maybe a ratio.
>
> This "delta Vbe" technique is a well established and documented
> technique. Linear Technology, Inc. application note AN45, by Jim
> Williams, discusses this method and shows an example design on page 7,
> Figure 11.
>
> Circuits of this type produce a voltage output which is proportional to
> the log of the ratio of the two currents times the absolute temperature.
>
> The output shows very little dependency on transistor characteristics or
> device type; Williams obtained less than 0.4 degrees C spread over 25
> randomly selected 2N3904s and 2N2222s from various manufacturers.
>
> >There are five basic methodes of measuring temperature with a transistor:
> >1. Ib = constant, measuring Vbe, only be junction is used
> >2. Vbe = constant, measuring Ib, only be junction is used
> >3. Ib = constant, measuring Ic
> >4. Ib = constant, measuring Vce
> >5. Ib = constant, measuring both Vce and Vbe
>
> >But all methodes are too complicated if we think to the LM35 family.
>
> I think that last statement oversimplifies just a bit: there are many
> ways to measure temperature, and each method has its strengths,
> weaknesses, and a set of applications where its use is appropriate.
>
> The "delta Vbe" method of sensing temperature has two application areas
> where it is especially attractive:
>
> 1. When the temperature sensing element MUST be a semiconductor
> junction, such as measuring the die temperature of a CPU chip
> for purposes of cooling control. The delta-Vbe technique allows
> highly accurate die temperature measurement without any need for
> calibration.
>
> 2. When there is a need for EXTREMELY low sensor cost (but NOT total
> circuit cost), together with a requirement that sensors be
> interchangeable without re-calibration. For example, I can bond
> a small, cheap transistor to an assembly to monitor its
> temperature during testing or some other process (e.g., potting)
> and then discard it when I'm done, at little expense.
>
> If you'd like to go back and follow the original thread to see how we
> got to this discussion, look in the archives for "[PIC]: current
> generator with a PIC" by Ashly Dearden on 27 December; that thread will
> provide some context.
>
> Dave Dilatush
>
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> (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
>
>
> very stable current source to drive transistor sensor
I was half hoping that the math that promises one-point calibration when
using the two-current method would also help if the current would change a
little bit together for the h and l value (it does not help). This was the
point of setting up the experiment as I did.
It is already known from at least two references that the system works
when done properly (and with lots of parts).
I understand that the constant ratio is very important, I will concentrate
on this point. Also I am trying to make a sensor with gain (f.ex. by
leaving the collector unshorted to B and using it as a current sink on a
timing capacitor - or to drive a second transistor in current mirror style
with 'bad' thermal contact between them).
This is the next planned step. I think that I'll use a single JFET+R
current source, with a split R shunted by a PIC pin when necessary. I have
had good results with those before (<30ppm/C without even trying hard -
maybe I was lucky with the R tempco ;-).
I found very few pointers on beta change with temperature. I'd be grateful
for some ideas ;-).
In support for our hardware devices, we need to deploy some software GUI software. I am having a couple of problems and wonder if someone here with VB6 experience may be able to help (I realize VB is way off topic but there are plenty of very smart people in this forum with a wide variety of experience)
When I deploy an application from VB6 and copy the setup files to CD Rom and
run Setup.exe, I get a message
"an access violation occurred while copying a file" the file concerned is
(MSVCRT.DLL).
If I click Ignore, the application installs fine. Is there any way I can
stop this occurring ?
Also, I am writing a small program to Autorun when the CD is loaded to bring
up a menu that allows the user to choose which program to install. I use the
API call below... The error reported is "Can't find DLL entry point
openprocess in Kernel32
On Error GoTo err
Dim hProcess As Long
Dim RetVal As Long
Dim s1AppToRun As String
> When I deploy an application from VB6 and copy the setup files to CD Rom
and
> run Setup.exe, I get a message
> "an access violation occurred while copying a file" the file concerned is
> (MSVCRT.DLL).
>
> If I click Ignore, the application installs fine. Is there any way I can
> stop this occurring ?
This sounds like setup.exe is trying to replace MSVCRT.DLL while windows is
running. It should be setting a flag to replace the file during boot time
instead.
I haven't used the built-in setup stuff in a long time, I use the Visual
Studio Installer (free from Microsoft for VB/VC users).
Just tried the built-in setup stuff and I don't get the error so, do you
have VB6 Service Pack 5 installed?
Are you using the Package & Deployment Wizard in the Add-Ins menu to create
the setup? (The P&D Wizard does not load by default you have load it using
the Add-In Manager)
> Also, I am writing a small program to Autorun when the CD is loaded to
bring
> up a menu that allows the user to choose which program to install. I use
the
> API call below... The error reported is "Can't find DLL entry point
> openprocess in Kernel32
I get the same error using the OpenProcess API call. Can you use the
built-in "Shell" command instead of the OpenProcess API call. Like this:
Dim s1AppToRun As String
Dim vntReturnVal As Variant
> > When I deploy an application from VB6 and copy the setup files to CD Rom
> and
> > run Setup.exe, I get a message
> > "an access violation occurred while copying a file" the file concerned
is
> > (MSVCRT.DLL).
> >
> > If I click Ignore, the application installs fine. Is there any way I can
> > stop this occurring ?
>
> This sounds like setup.exe is trying to replace MSVCRT.DLL while windows
is
> running. It should be setting a flag to replace the file during boot time
> instead.
This file is usually marked read-only for some strange reason. This could
be causing the message.
In the private e-mail Patrick H. wrote
(reproduced with his permission):
> I have been following the rolling median filter thread
> on the PIC list, I found your neat idea using VBA (MS Excel)
> very interesting. I have been trying to implement
> a system to read the data from an analytical Lab balance
> fitted with an RS232 port. My approach to date has been
> using VB6 to communicate with the balance and to save
> the data to a text file and then import the text file into Excel.
> It would seem to me to be much more efficient to directly
> import the data in real time to excel, but I could not seem
> to find any sort of comms communication system in vb
> components of Excel. I hope you may be kind enough
> to give me some pointers in the right direction with this problem.
Thanks for the question, Pat.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- First direction:
As you have VB6 and Excel experience, you can use Automation.
Search MSDN on Automation and you'll get a lot of information.
Rather than saving data to a text file and then importing into Excel,
you could programmaticaly insert it into an Excel application from
within a VB6 application. It's an easy and quick way.
--- Second direction:
As you are a VB6 programmer, you can use MS ActiveX technology.
Redevelop your VB6 standart EXE project into ActiveX (I prefer
standalone EXE), so you could utilize it from VB6, MS Office ...
It's not an easy way, especially when you have to work in event
driven fashion.(When ActiveX is to start some sub in a parent app).
To do so you should use "Callbacks" (by events or by callback
interface. I tried both). You need not MSComm controle
in a parent app (Excel for example) , as it was implemented in
ActiveX)
--- Third direction: - .Net - will be later, I hope.
I've bought PIC16F876 just for fun 3 month ago, when walked down
a sort of flea market (Ukraine). With no background on microcontrollers
I've assembled a board with this PIC and a board logic on one MAX232,
one 7401, one 7474, some other components. The PIC didn't serve
boad logic, it did application logic.
Then I've made ActiveX EXE, encapsulating
board managing logic and low level programming logic. Now I have
an Excel workbook as a shell communicating with the ActiveX by
commands like "Switch the board to programming mode", "Switch
the board to normal mode", "Programm binary block", "Read binary
block", "Load configuration","Read configuration"...
It lacks programmable power supply now, but I'll do it later.
Now I'm playing with the idea to store all the low and middle level
logic in MS SQL 2000, since a board and ActiveX component seems
to be quite common for all devices with In-Circuit Serial Programming
(ICSP) abilities (MicroChip,Atmel,Philips,TI...). The idea is aiming to
n-tier architecture.
As you see the cost of an _APPLICATION_ board to be assembled
of blank PIC and then be dynamically reprogrammed through
COM port is one 7401and one 7474, not counting programmable
power supply.
Where am I going to, finally.
Could anybody on the Globe explain me why did not Microchip
propose to customer a cheapest as possible application circuit
scheme, to be assembled by customer, then attached to customer's
computer COM port. Then this board is to be tested and programmed
in on-line over Internet by Microchip server using low-level
programming logic stored on the server in SQL 2000 for example.
The approach could dramatically increase the army of PIC developers.
(China,India - over 2 H of population, smart people)
You need only about ten dollars to assemble an application board,
then attach it to the computer, the Microchip server would do the rest
(test and programm).
/\
--/ \ /\------------------------------------------->==>
\/ Mike Singer, Ukraine.
-- http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads
Hello List,
Anybody knows where to find some Vbasic code about how to read the RS-232
data from the PC serial port which is connected to PIC MPU sending data in
continous way. Any links,ideas are all welcomed.
Regards,
Salah.
>Hello List,
> Anybody knows where to find some Vbasic code about how to read the RS-232
>data from the PC serial port which is connected to PIC MPU sending data in
>continous way. Any links,ideas are all welcomed.
>Regards,
>Salah.
Hi, Salah.
Didn't you see, all PICList heavy-weights dislike M$ software?
You mean MS VB, yeah? Most of the community are extremely
software-ascetic, being EE. Have look at postings in threads:
"Best small windows developer platform??"
"You Can Make it if You Try, Roman."
Personally, I can't afford myself to be a software spartan,
since I have to make my living in any way, so what can I say:
You are on a right way, Salah. MS VB is a good choice, sure.
As for me, the best way to handle RS-232 from VB is using
MS Comm control.
Going this way, you absolutely need MSDN, installed on
your computer, particularly "VBREF98.CHM" book. In the chapter
"Controls reference"-"ActiveX controls" it has a lot of documentation
on "MSComm Control" with examples.
To handle RS-232 from PIC side, if you going to start with 16F87X,
you may read: "PICmicro MID-RANGE MCU FAMILY", DS31018A,
Section 18. USART
In addition I'd like to mention Olin Lathrop's posting "Re: [EE]: Class AB
output stage clipping". It goes about electronics, but the idea how to choose
learning curve is the same.
>If the purpose is to learn something about electronics, then doing a project
>like this is a good idea. However, you have to take it one step at a time.
>Stop trying to get an overall result and instead focus on undertanding every
>piece of this circuit, one stage at a time. You will also need to learn
>more about electronics and amplifiers as you go along. Nobody here has time
>to walk you thru a couple semesters of electronics theory, so you need to
>find a book, take a course, or whatever on your own. In particular you seem
>to be missing the whole concept of feedback. We can help with specific
>questions, but you have to understand enough of the theory first to make
>sense of the answer.
>The circuit you attached of the new final stage makes a lot more sense than
>the previous one. I suggest you start with it by driving it from an opamp
>and watching the various waveforms on a scope. Then take out the diodes and
>see what happens. Can you partially correct for this effect using feedback?
>Is it oscillating now? If so, why? How do you stop it?
Great thoughts, by the way.
Why not to strike them on a PICList facade wall?
Serial port communication in VB is almost always done with an activex
control, and that control is usually the MSCOMM control. IIRC, MSCOMM
control did not come with certian lower version of VB (I belive it has
always been in enterprise and pro, but unsure about standard and
student). If it is not included in your version then you can get it
wrapped up in someone elses activex control - do a search for it. If
not then look for other serial port controls.
>Hello List,
> Anybody knows where to find some Vbasic code about how to read the RS-232
>data from the PC serial port which is connected to PIC MPU sending data in
>continous way. Any links,ideas are all welcomed.
>Regards,
>Salah.
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Virtually every design we have done for the past 15 years has included an RS-232 port and companion Visual Basic program for initial loading, production diagnostics, etc.
I would get any version of VB (although the newest, VB.NET is a bit steeper learning curve) and use a copy of the sample code for Terminal.com (or VBTerm). The ways of including the MSCOMM control on the forms and reacting to the incoming and outgoing messages should become clear.
Other bits of advice:
1. Have a database (probably ACCESS) behind the program. You'll find a million uses for it, both in storing the data and program settings, etc.
2. Leave your communications in ASCII with CR's both ways. That way you can diagnose comms problems before they get to your program.
>2. Leave your communications in ASCII with CR's
>both ways. That way you can diagnose comms
>problems before they get to your program.
It also means you can use some sort of snooper or even Hyperterminal or
other terminal program to do debugging if you use printable ASCII that makes
(human) sense for the command structure, and Hex or Dec for the values
passed across.
Or, if you have the standard version of VB and thus don't have VB, and if
you are a masochist, then you can do serial comms with the low-level Win32
API, just the way we C++ programmers do ;-)
>Or, if you have the standard version of VB and thus don't have VB, and if
>you are a masochist, then you can do serial comms with the low-level Win32
>API, just the way we C++ programmers do ;-)
No, the masochists use VBComm, normal people use read/write on serial
ports which are like normal DISK FILES on SANE systems so you can read and
write to them like to any file. This even works on MSDOS fyi. Of course
they had to improve things.