gnupic: beginning microcontroller programming
Subject:
Re: beginning microcontroller programming
From:
Declan Moriarty ####@####.####
Date:
25 Jul 2002 08:34:39 -0000
Message-Id: <02072510220301.00850@genius.chateau.dec>
Was it Terry Porter who wrote on Thursday 25 July 2002 02:30:
> On Wed, Jul 24, 2002 at 09:24:18AM -0400, ####@####.#### wrote:
> > hi everyone --
> >
> > i sent an email to scott dattalo a few days ago, and he suggested a good
> > starting point might be this list. i'm interested in learning
> > microcontroller programming, and with the research i've done, the PIC
> > seems to be a good chip to start with. i'd like to learn for the sake of
> > learning, but I'm also particularly interested in building MIDI devices
> > (primarily for output). my first project would be a footpedal controller
> > that sends a MIDI note (i need a trigger my pianist can step on for a
> > computer music piece i'm writing)
> >
> > i have working knowledge of programming in C, C++, perl, etc. so the
> > programming part won't be a problem. i have some electronics experience
> > (repairing DAT decks, etc.) but i'm not sure how to crack into it. any
> > guidance you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated. i'd like to do
> > this on linux, and it seems the tools are available.
> >
> > is there a good source for hardware online? what should i get to start
> > with? how about textbooks ?
The hardware end of Electronics is something messier to learn than the
programming. You ideally need math, formulae, and preferably, training,
although many, like myself do well without a great deal of the latter. You
can use application notes, and magazine circuits to make this easier. Elektor
is good, 'cos they explain why some piece of hardware is the way it is.
I would reccomend writing one assembler program. It is wonderful for actually
giving you a feel for what the cpu is doing, and opens your eyes to
perspectives not otherwise seen. Then you'll be able to use a pic. You'll
suffer, but you'll learn.
It sounds like your idea might not need a pic, but you might even get away
with a microswitch, (i.e. a readymade guitar distortion pedal) if you can get
the note out of your computer. It's good to learn about pics anyhow though.
Chase up the music fraternity on the web.
--
Regards,
Declan Moriarty
Applied Researches - Ireland's Foremost Electronic Hardware Genius
A Slightly Serious(TM) Company
Experience is like a comb,
that Life gives you - AFTER all your hair has fallen out!
