Hi, I am just learning how microcontrollers and i was wondering how to connect a microcontroller to a computer and then was software to program it will.
++I am taking about the ones that you can buy at radio shack, I do not mean computer by microcontroller. I am talking about the little black chips that you buy at radio shack, often called IC's or Transistors!
Please Help
2007-02-23 12:23:27 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
Radio Shack sells the Basic Stamp by Parallax. It is a microcontroller which is programmed using a form of BASIC. Very easy to learn and program. Communication is via an RS232 serial port so if your PC does not have and serial ports you either have to install a serial card or use a USB to RS232 adapter.
If you use a USB adapter be warned that the BASIC Stamp is fussy and not all USD to serial adapters will work. I found this out the hard way dropping $20 on a cheap adapter. Parallax does sell a newly designed USB adapter for arround $15. I used a previus version they sold made by FTI which worked flawlessly. Parallax guarrantees theirs to work withthe Basic stamp
The BASIC stamp will easily communicate with the PC either by the Parallax programming software or with Hyper Terminal.
the Basic Stamp comes in several types The BS1 is the smallest in price, memory I/O. The next model BS2 is a littel faster and has more I/O. Either would be a good choice for an absolute beginner.
The magazine Nuts & Volts has had a long running column devoted to programming and using the Basic Stamp. Also Parallax has a large support and educational section online with many tutorials and app notes to get you started...
2007-02-23 13:07:52 · answer #1 · answered by MarkG 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wait until you have a command at programming the little black chips before communicating with a computer.
I don't know what chips radio shack sells, but consider learning Microchip microcontrollers.
Microchip 16 series microcontrollers are powerful, inexpensive, and can be programmed with basic (along with C and assembler) if you buy their compiler. 16 series have usarts built into them making RS232 communications easy. Your computer just needs a terminal program which usually comes with windows, including windows xp.
2007-02-23 12:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to get into micro controller processors, try reading about Microchip's PIC series, and their website has tons of good info as well as buying opportunities.
PIC:
"Programmable interface controllers (PICs) are a family of low cost, Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) micro-controllers that are powerful and easy to use."
SEE: http://www.microchip.com
If you want to build electronics circuits that interface with a PC, then you need to search the net for "analog to digital" or similar keywords. You will need to use an analog to digital converter chip for serious twidget work :)
If you are VERY new to electronics, you may want to buy a "lab" and do some learning and experimenting first, it's really fun! Checkout: http://www.controlsupply.com/lab/91501.htm
Have fun, and happy learning! :)
2007-02-23 12:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by Life after 45 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need an interface. USB is on most computers. So decode an usb address into a serial to parallel port and 'tie' that port to what ever.
You can be more specific with divulging what it is you want to do.
2007-02-23 12:30:43 · answer #4 · answered by Wonka 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋