Is there a procedure to start a LED flashing (Pulse a PIN) when the program is at an INPUT prompt and restore the LED when the INPUT prompt is satisfied?

OA47

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Hi oa,

Write a small SUB. that toggles the  LED pin.

Just before the input statement set a time interrupt with SETTICK pointing to that SUB.
After the input, use SETTICK,0,0 to stop the blinking.
Then a PIN() = x to restore the old led state.

Volhout
Edited 2026-02-02 15:59 by Volhout

Volhout, unfortunately this is a very old Maximite project and according to the manual

  Quote  

Interrupts can occur at any time but they are disabled during the execution of INPUT statements.

I will have to work another way.

OA47

The best way around this issue is to use non blocking INPUT$() and some logic to get the input data, then you could do as Volhout suggested.  I did have a function to do that but I'm overseas and cannot find it, perhaps someone else can help.

Geoff
Edited 2026-02-03 11:56 by Geoffg

Hi OA47,

This could do it, the LED blinks until <ENTER> is typed on the keyboard.


Tested on micromite MKII

Volhout
Edited 2026-02-03 18:26 by Volhout

Volhout,

It looks like th version 4 MBasic does not use Loc() for keyboard



From the handbook

  Quote  

LOC( [#]fnbr )
For a file opened as RANDOM this will return the current position of the
read/write pointer in the file.  Note that the first byte in a file is
numbered 1.  See Appendix I for more details of random file access.
For a serial port this will return the number of bytes received and
waiting in the receive buffer to be read.  
The ‘#’ character is optional.

OA47

I might have a better idea ! (rare occurence)
how about using PWM to flash the led?
maybe adds 3 lines of code

Marks out of 10 anyone ?

DaveJacko, that is a great idea but unfortunately I only have one PWM output and currently that is wired for sound. In this situation sorry no marks out of 10.

OA47

LOC() doesn't seem necessary, just use INPUT$() or even INKEY$()

John

G'day OA47,
In the distant past I had a similar need, don't have access to the original but it was something like this:



It's good to go back to the early MMbasic from time to time to be reminded just how far it has come and how much power we now have at our finger tips  

You could also use the ON KEY interrupt but this is simpler.

Another option is a flashing led (eg Jaycar ZD0245)

Hope this helps and good luck.

Regards,
Lyle.
Edited 2026-02-04 11:01 by mozzie

This might give some help. Was initially for MMBasic 4.5
Uses  Inkey$, concatenating the keypresses until Enter is received.
  ' wait on key press
   Do: key = Asc(Inkey$): Loop Until key

LINEEDIT on FotS

Expanding Disco4now's code to include flashing LED:-


If V4.5 doesn't like reading back a DOUT pin you will need to add a variable.

LED = Not LED : pin(1) = LED

Stupid idea: Why not use a self-blinking LED?

https://cdn-reichelt.de/documents/datenblatt/A500/LEDBL5MM~KIN.pdf

Frank

Hi OA47,

I must have mis-read your question. I was under the impression you used a micromite (thread title)... but it was a maximite 1.

OK, this code is tested on a CG-COLORMAX-II running MMBasic 4.5C. On the CG-ColorMax-II pin(0) is the power LED. You can of coarse change the LED_pin to any pin you like.
CG stands for Circuit Gizmo (I assume).



The essential change is that in your code you have to replace the

with


Volhout

P.S. after pulling out the CG-ColorMax-II and powering it ON, I realized how much perfection was put in the Maximite. The nice colorfull MaxiMite logo that welcomes you. Very different from the cool "PICOMITE V6.02.00, Copyright...." text. The MaxiMite feels more mature, polished.
P.P.S. The MaximMIte was in storage since the first "MMBasic Programming Contest", 5 or 6 years ago. I turned it ON, and the unit immediately showed the correct time and date (except daylight saving).... another plus. Good battery.
Edited 2026-02-04 19:01 by Volhout

@Geoff,

Since my motoric memory was trained on PicoMite I cannot fail noting that between PicoMite and CMM1 the F1 and F2 functions are swapped when on commandline.

CMM1 : commandline F1 = run, F2 = save
CMM1 : in editor   F1 = save, F2 = run
PICO : F1 = save, F2 = run both commandline and in editor

Volhout

I have to put this one on the backburner as I have just realised that I have only 4 interrupts to use in this version of basic and they are all spoken for. It looks like a change in hardware is the most acceptable path at this stage. Thankyou all for your contributions.

OA47

G'day OA47,
If a lack of free interrupts is the only issue, perhaps the code I posted earlier is still an option.

Short Version:

Still have not found the complete original but this was close:

This starts off slow flashing for 5 secs, goes fast for 5 secs unless a key is pressed or it will return with a blank string.

Might be useful for someone.

Regards,
Lyle.