Arduino Project just not fully working looking for help.

I think this thread is a lesson to all of use really. Back in the day when programming on 286 based PC's with 640Kb RAM, the memory problem was forever an issue. My suggestion is to always use the "example" libraries as just that - examples. I think my approach to this project would be to create bare-bones libraries from the examples for each item connected to the Arduino i.e. the end result libraries only do what you require as a maximum - no bells and whistles. It may be a bit of a pain to start with but pays dividends when trying to get the solution working as a whole as you have no doubt found. Besides, just imagine how much your personal knowledge and programming skills will improve!

I think this thread is a lesson to all of use really. Back in the day when programming on 286 based PC's with 640Kb RAM, the memory problem was forever an issue. My suggestion is to always use the "example" libraries as just that - examples. I think my approach to this project would be to create bare-bones libraries from the examples for each item connected to the Arduino i.e. the end result libraries only do what you require as a maximum - no bells and whistles. It may be a bit of a pain to start with but pays dividends when trying to get the solution working as a whole as you have no doubt found. Besides, just imagine how much your personal knowledge and programming skills will improve!

Does re-enforce the issue about what you develop on vs what your deploying to, in this case you can use bloated libraries for development on a Mega2560 but then trim the fat to deploy to a lesser mega 328 (Uno) assuming it is close and your not using all the IO. A 2560 allows additional debug while in that phase, I have been in situations where even adding the free_Ram() function was the cause of me blowing the stack, going to the 2560 alowed all the checks to be completed and issues resolved before final deployment to a 328

michael

You are quite right, unfortunately the Arduino IDE tells you how much memory your sketch uses.

This leads you into a false assumption that you are fine.

Because the platform is so easy to use, many 'non-programmers' use it, and will get caught out.

I was the same, now I'm aware it could be an issue, and how to get around it.

Mark

Mark/Peter/Michael

I thank all of you for the in sites to my issue. I am going to try this out on a mega 2560 as soon as I get some time.

I will also trim the libraries I am using and see if that helps.

Again ,thank you for your valuable time in trying to help me solve an issue that I would have probably not discovered for myself as quickly as you did.

Bob

I don't know if you noticed but I did also provide my code, you may have to view the thread in the main view, it does not show if your simply looking in your inbox

ie click this http://www.element14.com/community/thread/33961/l/arduino-project-just-not-fully-working-looking-for-help

good luck

Peter

You are correct along with Mark.

The problem was memory, so I cleaned up some libaries and some of my code and built this project on a mega 2560 along with a serial 16x02 LCD and a SRF-05, but a SR04, will work also.

I have had the project running now for several hours. All is well. I think I will try sometime later to see if I can get this down to where a UNO will work correctly.

Again Thanks

Bob Warren 

nice to know it all worked for you

Good luck