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Embedded and Microcontrollers
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Embedded and Microcontrollers
Embedded Forum Is there such a thing as  a "Microcontrollers for Dummies"  book ?
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  • at:development_kit
  • microcontroller
Related

Is there such a thing as  a "Microcontrollers for Dummies"  book ?

cityswift
cityswift over 14 years ago

Hi - I have recently been looking at using a PIC microcontroller to do some clever things in my house to save energy costs and have a PICKit 1 development kit. With energy costs at £1 per watt per year the idea of using a PC to do this job - 120watts + - and leaving it on 24-7 is not an option. The Microchip documentation with the kit is very comprehensive, but it leaves out so many of the fundamentals that progress is slow. It is really suited to someone who has already used microcontollers. What I would like to see is a sample programme in assembly in which full details are given on what every line of the programme does and why it is necessary. The comments in the Microchip lessons are brief, and miss out many of the critical lines. Can anyone help?

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  • terryking
    terryking over 14 years ago +2
    If not PIC-fixated, take a look at http://arduino.cc which I believe is a great way to get started... If you go that way and want access to my (unfinished) Educational Materials, email terry@terryking…
  • awinning
    awinning over 14 years ago +1 suggested
    How about something like this? http://www.amazon.co.uk/PIC-Microcontroller-Personal-Introductory-Course/dp/0750666641/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295023105&sr=8-1
  • Catwell
    Catwell over 14 years ago +1 suggested
    Cityswift, Take a look at my reply to a similar question here : http://www.element-14.com/community/message/20120#20120 I recommend starting with the PIC 10F or 12F series. Good luck. Cabe
Parents
  • terryking
    0 terryking over 14 years ago

    If not PIC-fixated, take a look at http://arduino.cc  which I believe is a great way to get started...

     

    If you go that way and want access to my (unfinished) Educational Materials, email terry@terryking.us

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  • terryking
    0 terryking over 14 years ago

    If not PIC-fixated, take a look at http://arduino.cc  which I believe is a great way to get started...

     

    If you go that way and want access to my (unfinished) Educational Materials, email terry@terryking.us

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  • diablero
    0 diablero over 14 years ago in reply to terryking

    Yes, indeed, Arduino is a beautiful concept and a nice way of learning embedded software! The only difference is that it's about Atmel AVR not PIC.

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  • terryking
    0 terryking over 14 years ago in reply to diablero

    The basic learning and perspective about Microcontrollers is the same no matter which manufacturer you finally choose. . At $30 or less to get started, 100% Open Source Development environment, AND 100% Open Source Hardware, it may make sense to start with Arduino no matter where you may think you are headed.

     

    I've done almost very Micro line out there, and today all the major players have very good, very capable chips..

     

    I'm opening up my Educational site at: http://yourduino.com to the public, probably today.  Lots more work to have really good material leading to good non-trivial projects... Hope it helps some people.

     

    Regards, Terry King

    On The Red Sea

    terry@yourduino.com

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