Prop Magazine - March 2008

Next issue April 2008

The Prop Magazine, with many thanks to the work put in by Fred Hawkins.

http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256872

Shock News

DeSilva Tosses Towel (or takes Sabbatical) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256944 Sabbitical seems likely, see book below

Basics

bookmarked Propeller manual pdf, w/ google search tips, Ray's logic link http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254507

external web pages: "Building blocks" Useful information for new propeller users. Simple audio interface boards get a mention with two pictures. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=251102

book: DeSilva outlines his How to start Microcontrolling using the Parallax Propeller, http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257218

cognew or coginit and kiss thoughts. (IE don't make stuff hard to do) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257791

clear thinking is possible -- kiss http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255146

division, spin, with tips for flogging integer math to do floating point work http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258422

spin instruction timing http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259389

variables between cogs http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257464

Spin, global variables across cogs and objects: discussion. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254609

bit masking, in spin and assembly http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256775

spin, bit masking. Code fragments included. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260279

controlling servos, using Beau's servo32v3.spin (in Prop Tool, starting with version 1.06). http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255594

lots to chew on -- laptop serial to prop, robot fits where? http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258177

prop plug and reset avoidance, w/ nested links to previous threads. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258255

mosquito's timer module http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258441

Prop Demo board's tv clipping http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259567

prop UI theory discussion http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259991

Basics and Beyond

CommentedFullDuplexSerial.spin (grasshopper's collation of Mike Green's wisdom) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258162

Assembly: Sample code that uses a cog's $1f0-1ff special purpose registers as part of the program space. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256591

Assembly, ina is source only. Plus nice code minimalization discussion. (w/ examples) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258143

assembly, remember sign of cnt when comparing. (w/ code sample.) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260776

synchronizing cogs, program counter http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257095

PropMonitor, PropTerminal links http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257718

hyperterminal settings http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259697

Spin, 1 second timers: http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254589

event timestamping, spin http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256874

simple ADC, link to rayman's web page with program zip, schematic and resistor calculator applet. sending serial data (to Pololu Micro Dual Serial Motor Controller) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256547

spin and assembly, towards a micro-stepping controller program. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=261026

more simple ADC in spin. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256645

bare bones adc links and Perry's vid capture code http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260159

spin execution speed, profiling http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256763

on FloatMath timing (a bit). & Stevenmess' remark on Float pdf error. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260417

towards closed loop controller (industrial) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257608

Spin syntax, OR's in Cases: Peter's Ladder Logic thread (below) spun out of this thread where Ron suggests the CASE construct is much like PLC's. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256295

"Is my propeller dead?", troubleshooting gambits. Not mentioned, low 9v battery on ed kit http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255083

spin, LOCKSET, LOCKNEW review http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259235

spin, LOOKDOWN LOOKUP discussion http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259987

spin, ascii string to integer conversions and, marginally, gps/rtc stuff. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258771

spin to assembly, advice http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259580

spin niceties: i/o pin notation () versus subscript declaration [] http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260027

spin, writing long variables (remember: byte by byte transfer from @address) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260064

spin strings, function referencing (misleading metaphor) Links to workarounds http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260504&p=1

Possible? guitar to midi conversion http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260907

Sine wave generation http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=261056

PropDOS 1.6 released by Oldbitcollector http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=224206

and then a full text editor for PropDOS -- "Think of this as NOTEPAD" http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255771

Mirror releases current code for Gear. This is the current Gear thread including the stimulus plug-in. Also links backward to the original version. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=242685

Oldbitcollector's PropBBS for Ethernet http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257661

and now, FemtoBASIC in Color http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=231506

tvIRC client for propeller http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258073

Games

Spinpong http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256210

Hardware

Beau troubleshoots his 3axis H48C module's prop code http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=225297

a different 3axis sensor: LIS3LV02DQ test program by JoMo (nice chip, no external adc needed, runs on 2v to 3.6v, qfn package though) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=151211

position sensing, kicks around using a LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) to measure an physical movement. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255994 { LVDT: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_variable_differential_transformer }](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_variable_differential_transformer }) Also Beau points back to his July 31 2006 post for a homemade LVDT joystick, an overlooked wonder. Good stuff. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=138059

towards implementing ADS8341 16 bit 4 channel A/D converter http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257373

links to chinese caliper threads http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255194

towards interfacing with vinculum vdrive 2 from FTDI to USB memory stick http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257357

messing w/magnets (railguns and why one needs a blockhouse on range) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=253606

on XBee modules, briefly. Link to Martin's site. Demo I/O programs added. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258257

Ping, briefly w/ links. Mike Green's ground plane discussion. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257936

managing ground traces http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260436

Handy GPS search link for prop forum. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258918

tips for pulling protoboard prop chip http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259005

shhh, let sleeping props lie: power down alternatives. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258976

about qfn chips. with Ti's qfn.pdf (nice!) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260015

technochip's Vinculum SPI, with spec sheet corrections. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260159

sinking 5v to the prop, discussion only no schematics. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259960

Ymodem: transfer files from prop's SD to a pc http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260146

towards USB hosting. Nifty proposal: making a sniffer first. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260298

PCA9555 IO expander driver. W/link to deSilva's Small I2c Driver http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260896

FTDI ComPort to Propeller: 2M baud, 3M still theoretical. (w/ link to FTDI app notes). No code yet, but one can hope. Exploits on Stephen's blog: http://propcandev.blogspot.com Discursive prose about probs and props, yes! (de-obscurify: probs ~ problems) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260892

advice on making pcbs with cnc's, and alternatives. (w/ links.) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254578

Images & displays

text over camera image http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259649

spudview: displays ppm images http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259578

Tim's assembly graphics driver for µOLED-96-Prop (eeprom bin release). In Object Exchange. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258383 (Subtext: Beat this to win the contest.)

Resurgent threads

steppers in assembly. Alberto adds a driver. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=241108

'Objects' module for PE Kit Labs -- hyperterminal alternative. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=169419

new vid of Alberto's led curtain. (follow more-vids-from to see his mp3 player) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=5&m=179824

Advanced

cogstop, coginit and cognew considerations. (Use cogstop....or not; nor CASE) and finally, add a wait so that a new stack settles down. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=2&m=250812

assembly, towards programs bigger than cog memory. A rudimentary introduction to this topic but has links to LMM and prior threads http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254117

notes on high speed sampling (25MHz), towards low rez vision. [no code, schematic, just theory]. sidebars: assembly 8x8 font routine (w/ bugs, more or less squashed), size & alignment issues http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=255764

Malloc memory manager, version 011. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256052

advanced skinny branches, Forth: Peter Jakacki offers up a droll implementation of Ladder Logic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_logic used typically by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_logic_controller The discussion delves into the how-to but not so much the why-do-it. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256393

high frequency synthesis, with link back to a 2006 thread with Chip's teaser about a quickie microphone to fm transmitter (no specifics alas, shall we pester him?) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255074

towards a prop mp3 player (or just an UI frontend -- that's doable) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259258

TV object color limitations http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258584

Prop VGA IRC Client http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260624

adjusting video refresh rates with crystals http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260446

towards FFT, DFT implementation. Links to past work. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259917

networking props. Links back to transfer speeds, Phil's reverse LMM. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260226

Fundamentalists

Skinning the onion -- any further and you're scraping hardware. Chip Gracey releases ROM source code. Booter, spin interpreter and runner. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=252691

programming advanced, towards developing an independent spin compiler. Some solid ground here too, with fundamental text links. Sourceforge details too. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=253050

spawning eeproms for the prop http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257265

under development, Ale's Large Memory Model assembler http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=233324

Esoterica

CP/M operating system on a prop. Still handy. (links to reference sites) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=2&m=252784

JVM (Java Virtual Machine) for the prop. Long thread documenting its implementation. Latest entries have best/stable/working code. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=001&m=244721

England, props, importers and VAT, egads! http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260775

Schedule

Prop Graphics Workshop at ATEA (April 2 - 4) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=233234

uOLED-96-Prop design contest (April 30) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=248327

2008 Prop design contest (September 1, 2008) http://www.parallax.com/Default.aspx?tabid=603

IRC Saturdays at 17:00 gmt http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=252351

IRC Thursdays at 8pm to 10pm Eastern Australia (Canberra) time. (GMT+10?) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=253060

Unofficial NE Prop Expo in Sandusky, Ohio (tentative Aug 22-23, 2008) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=246525

Propeller Tool

Running multiple tools simultaneously now possible http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255765

Propeller Tool 1.1 re-released. Near bulletproof prop programming. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=244899

Prop Tool 1.1 problems http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260734 http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260683 http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260801 linux flavored wine: http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=261123

DYI tales

automobile lcd (rca input) from ebay http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=249064

on Printed Circuit Boards, shops and tools (link to toner technique) http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258070

Outside apps

character (cursor) bitmap encoder for Windows http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257207

Luggable towtruck. Get one for your trunk today, because you never know http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258479

STM32 Primer http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259602

Projects

two player game console http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=251914

Alberto's homemade mp3 player. (using Vmusic2 chip) With code. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259540

Remote control props. With recursion sidebar discussion. http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=2&m=256003

Adverts

guitar effects pedal, Howler goes metal http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=252772

prop powered stickers http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=242622

PropGFX Lite DIP40 almost ready http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=248778

PropGFX: new modes http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=259544

almost here: ImageCraft C http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=254114

ImageCraft C alpha is here http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260575