Palindrome sez:
*That* I want to see (code, interface, all). I'd learn to program with awl
on stainless steel if I could do create project like that as my first (c:
...
That's another thing about PICcies - they always say, "Use a PIC", without
ever saying "THIS IS HOW you 'use a pic'" or providing any kind of docs.
I say, anybody who says "use a pic", without providing "HOW" or "WHY" to
"use a pic" (e.g., how is it cheaper than an astable multivibrator, which
is done THIS way) should be deemed a troll.
And, for that matter, "use a 555" fits into the same category. It's as if
I, who have 20 years' experience slapping together astable multivibrators,
were to say, "Use an astable multivibrator" to some newbie (which each and
every single one of us [and the married ones too, <rimshot>] was at one
time) who hasn't even heard the term "astable multivibrator".
Bottom line, I deem myself much too classy to pull that kind of stunt. ;-)
Erm, can point out anywhere in this thread that I have proposed using a
PIC for this project, or indeed anything electronic?
I wrote purely in response to a self-confessed PIC Virgin, who seemed to
want to develop skills in using them. I wrote purely about the learning
process.
It is extremely unlikely that a PIC will be the most appropriate
solution for a one-off project being undertaken by someone who has never
used one. It's much the same as suggesting that a "welding virgin" welds
two bits of aluminium together, when a pop rivet will do.
However, just as spending a bit of time learning to weld aluminium can
come useful in project after project after project, spending the time
learning to program PICs can pay off, if you have project after project
after project to complete.
I notice that, in another thread, when I suggested the poster considered
using a portable generator instead of an inverter + batteries, you
didn't complain about me not describing in detail how to spec the
generator. Yet you seem to think that a PIC solution can't be suggested
without that level of detail included...
There is an advantage to mentioning the possibility of using a PIC in a
thread - even when the OP clearly hasn't got the necessary skills. I am
sure that the OP, and other readers unfamiliar with PICs, will see the
number of times that they are suggested and get to maybe start thinking
that they are missing out and it might be worth spending a bit of time
adding them to their skill set.
BTW, it is extremely easy to give you an example of where a PIC will be
cheaper than using a standard astable. A PIC "astable" circuit board can
be reprogrammed in situ to change parameter over a huge range - with no
change in physical components. Or the same board can be reprogrammed to
an entirely different functionality, with no change in physical
components. Rather than develop and stock a large number of boards for
different applications, you just develop one, stock one and just program
it for the application, when it is put into use.