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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : "The Most Basic Basic Computer"

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vegipete

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Joined: 29/01/2013
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Posted: 10:11am 19 Aug 2014
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Hackaday has a posting today with the above title. It's an ATMEGA 1284P running Tiny Basic, which is functional but falls far short of what MMBasic running on Maxi, Mini, Micro and other Mites can do. I added a short comment there about 'Mites that others might learn the BASIC path to nirvana.
Visit Vegipete's *Mite Library for cool programs.
 
Geoffg

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Posted: 11:00pm 19 Aug 2014
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With the new PIC32MX170 it would be possible to do the same thing except that it would be running full MMBasic. Ie, a Micromite + composite video + keyboard + 15 I/O pins. All in a single 28-pin chip.

The only issue is that I cannot see why it would be needed. The Maximite does a better job in the video output department and a Micromite does a better job as a controller.

Geoff

BTW, I am still planning a Micromite version of MMBasic (with a much greater memory capacity) for the PIC32MX170. I just need the time.
Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net
 
Grogster

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Posted: 12:02am 20 Aug 2014
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Bring it on, Geoff!


EDIT: I should clarify that - I mean the 170 MicroMite with the extra memory.Edited by Grogster 2014-08-21
Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!
 
viscomjim
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Joined: 08/01/2014
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Posted: 01:56am 20 Aug 2014
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I second that!!!!!!!!
 
Lou

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Joined: 01/02/2014
Location: United States
Posts: 229
Posted: 03:28am 20 Aug 2014
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Geoff,

More memory is just what the doctor ordered, Great !! I hope you're having fun on your travels.

Does anyone know if the 170 is completely compatible with the 150 for current MicroMite projects ?? If so I will order only 170 chips in the future and upgrade when the new code is ready (only about 40 cents difference in price).

Lou
Microcontrollers - the other white meat
 
viscomjim
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Posted: 03:49am 20 Aug 2014
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Hi Lou, I can't remember where in the forum that info is but from what I remember, the 170 is good to go with current code. DigiKey has 244 in stock of the 28 pins at $3.58 for qty 10. Not too shabby.Edited by viscomjim 2014-08-21
 
Lou

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Joined: 01/02/2014
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Posts: 229
Posted: 04:44am 20 Aug 2014
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Thanks Jim,

I remember seeing that thread but I don't remember if it was tested and proven correct.

If anyone has tried the 170 in place of the 150 and found working 100% please chime in.

Thanks,

Lou
Microcontrollers - the other white meat
 
WhiteWizzard
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Joined: 05/04/2013
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Posted: 05:51am 20 Aug 2014
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Hi Lou - CONFIRMED 100% works when replacing a 150 with a 170 (and running the 150 .hex file).

I found it easy to program with MPLabX IPE; simply select part number, load hex file, then press the 'Program' button.

I am exhausting the last few 150's that were globally available the other week (now got just 14 left) and will then only use the 170s going forward on the 44-pin MicroMite Module.

Obviously you don't get the 'extra' memory when doing this with a 170 in place BUT watch this space . . .

WW
For everything Micromite visit micromite.org

Direct Email: whitewizzard@micromite.o
 
Lou

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Joined: 01/02/2014
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Posted: 07:25am 20 Aug 2014
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Thanks Wiz,

Will make the switch to the 170's. Microchip has a few of each in stock.

Lou
Microcontrollers - the other white meat
 
WhiteWizzard
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Posted: 08:02am 20 Aug 2014
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Just found out they don't work - best you or Don or Mick don't buy any then I won't have another global shortage on my hands again)!!


Only kidding - they are ok; or at least from what I have tested so far. Other BSF members have said the same. I did find one bug but as it turned out, it also occurred on the 150 so Geoff is looking into that one.

At only 20 cents more per piece I would recommend everyone moving over to the 170 (but please do leave me some spare at MicroChip). When the 170 .hex file is released then people can have a 'free' memory upgrade (be great if John's firmware programming works on this too for those people without a PicKit3).

@ Lou - When can we expect your exciting new 44-pin boards??

WW
For everything Micromite visit micromite.org

Direct Email: whitewizzard@micromite.o
 
JohnS
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Joined: 18/11/2011
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Posted: 09:13am 20 Aug 2014
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  WhiteWizzard said  When the 170 .hex file is released then people can have a 'free' memory upgrade (be great if John's firmware programming works on this too for those people without a PicKit3).


It's built for all PIC32 chips so should work. I don't have a 170 or I'd try it myself.

edit: er, will need tweaks for PIC32MZ as I also don't have one!!

JohnEdited by JohnS 2014-08-21
 
CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
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Posted: 10:45am 20 Aug 2014
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Some Jackass posted:

  Quote  Jack says:
August 20, 2014 at 12:50 am
Micromite basic on PIC32 runs 70!!! times slower than Arduino 328P.
Single precision float is the only datatype, lot of problems with conversions and accuracy, not to mention the horrible slow speed.
Very poor functionality for embedded application.
No, shift or rotate functions, YES they recommended writing them in slow basic, what a joke.
No direct access to any hardware peripherals, timers etc.
You want functionality or timing in sub milliseconds, FORGET IT!
You want to interface peripherals and devices that original author does not support, FORGET IT!!
Now some users are developing a PC programmer that requires an I7 processor with USB3 to program the PIC32 in ONE HOUR, they are hailing this a huge success????
Do I need to keep going?
BOTTOM LINE, current users appear to be OLD forgotten generation from 1970’s that are totally ignorant, incompetent and lazy to move to 21st century.
If you have half a brain, don’t waste your time with BASIC interpreter of any type. It was the only thing available 40 years ago. Now you have so many other better choices.



> Micromite basic on PIC32 runs 70!!! times slower than Arduino 328P.

The Arduino 328P runs 1000x slower than my PC. But to say that I'd be idiotic in comparing different things. Compiled (Arduino) vs interpreted is comparing apples and oranges.

> Single precision float is the only datatype, lot of problems with
> conversions and accuracy, not to mention the horrible slow speed.

A lot of problems? Few, really.

> Very poor functionality for embedded application.

Based on what? Your opinion? Certainly not an absolute.

> No, shift or rotate functions, YES they recommended writing them in
> slow basic, what a joke.

A horse walks into a bar. Bartender says "Why the long face?"

That's a joke.

Few people need shift or rotate.

> No direct access to any hardware peripherals, timers etc.

Because this is what the product is. Do you have direct access to hardware on a PC? No. Different hardware. Different design/use.

> You want functionality or timing in sub milliseconds, FORGET IT!

Use what works for you. If it is an Arduino, great. Mature people don't needlessly denigrate one product immaturely like you have.

> You want to interface peripherals and devices that original author
> does not support, FORGET IT!!

Not true and you know it.

Does Arduino have built-in support for every peripheral?

> BOTTOM LINE, current users appear to be OLD forgotten generation from
> 1970’s that are totally ignorant, incompetent and lazy to move to 21st
> century.
> If you have half a brain,

All you can do is throw around insults?

So let me suggest something rather insulting to you (original poster): You have the maturity level of a child and bolster your own shortcomings by trashing something you don't like. Good for you. I hope you feel good patting yourself on the back. Or perhaps you have programmed an Arduino to do that for you.




Edited by CircuitGizmos 2014-08-21
Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
WhiteWizzard
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Joined: 05/04/2013
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Posted: 11:07am 20 Aug 2014
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@CircuitGizmos - Please provide a link to the post you refer too!!
For everything Micromite visit micromite.org

Direct Email: whitewizzard@micromite.o
 
CircuitGizmos

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Posted: 11:09am 20 Aug 2014
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http://hackaday.com/2014/08/19/the-most-basic-basic-computer /
Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
Grogster

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Location: New Zealand
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Posted: 04:10pm 20 Aug 2014
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Jack needs some calm-u tablets.

I agree with all your responses, CG, but was a little disappointed to see that you had not replied there to that nutter, with all your great replies as in your post on the last page of this thread....

EDIT: However, on 2nd thought - perhaps he is a troll?Edited by Grogster 2014-08-22
Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!
 
CircuitGizmos

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Posted: 04:29pm 20 Aug 2014
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I've learned that there are trolls on Hack a Day. Nothing I can say will pull his head out of his jack. :-)


Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
Gizmo

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Joined: 05/06/2004
Location: Australia
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Posted: 05:07pm 20 Aug 2014
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Yep Jack is a troll. Seen the same sort of thing on Whirlpool forums quite often. As soon as you mention a "older" language, people like Jack have a rant. Very immature and shows a lack of experience in real world situations.
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
JAQ
 
Grogster

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Posted: 05:14pm 20 Aug 2014
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@ CG - I guess a case of "Don't feed the troll" then.
Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!
 
vasi

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Joined: 23/03/2007
Location: Romania
Posts: 1697
Posted: 07:29pm 20 Aug 2014
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Well, @Jimbo said it well. Almost Gizmo style ...

Although, the child can flash the LED with Arduino IDE (I suppose it is installed already in the computer's school/workshop by the teacher) in the time required by compiling the sample and uploading it to the board. Anything else is true and in MicroMite's advantage. We can finally have the best micro for teaching at an unbeatable price.

Anyway, for MX170 I would really love to have a bytecode compilation, providing us with a better execution speed and preventing others to badmouth the project. In a .hex file upload-able with Pickit2 and Pic32prog.

____________
BTW, anyone at Sydney Maker Faire with a micromite based project? Edited by vasi 2014-08-22
Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton
Elvish name: Mablung Miriel
Beyound Arduino Lang
 
WhiteWizzard
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Posted: 10:41pm 20 Aug 2014
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  vasi said   Well, @Jimbo said it well. Almost Gizmo style ...

Wizzard style actually . . . . . .

WW (aka Jimbo!!)
For everything Micromite visit micromite.org

Direct Email: whitewizzard@micromite.o
 
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