Electronics > Beginners

Beginner here: how to start with PIC micros? PICKIT 3 or 4 or Mplab snap?

<< < (4/5) > >>

rstofer:
Some years back I used the Teensy RawHID code to add switches and readouts to Microsoft Flight Simulator via USB HID.  It was pretty easy, as I recall.  I'm pretty sure I used the Teensy 2.0 which was based on an ATmega32U4  This chip comes in a 44 pin TQFP but that is pretty easy to solder.  Adapters are useful for breadboarding:

http://www.proto-advantage.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2200108

Nevertheless, experiment with the PIC and see how it goes.

L_Euler:
I have a PicKit 4 with a ZIF socket that accomodates up to 40 pin DIP.  The combo works well for me, but you may also want to look at just getting the Curiosity board that includes a re programmable PIC ucontroller, IO board, and programmer in one package for about $20. It's foolproof when used with MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler.

FreddieChopin:

--- Quote from: iamericmin on September 24, 2019, 01:42:21 pm ---Hi rstofer,

I know Paul's amazing work on the Teensy lineup, and I have messed a round with the Teensy 3.2. However, I think they are a bit overkill for most of my projects as I don't need DAC-quality audio or intense mathematical computation.

The reason I like PIC micros(from what I see so far) is because they have everything AVR chips don't have. For example, Full-speed USB in a 28-pin DIP package just seems too good to be true for me. As a novice hobbyist I just "bounce around" here and there, discovering/trying out new things every now and then.

--- End quote ---

"Overkill for hobby" is such :bullshit: unless your hobby is to develop production-grade systems where cost is important. What you should be looking at is how efficiently the device will help you accomplish your goals of learning.

PIC C compilers are either:

* ancient (that is - bugged) and expensive
* somewhat modern but horribly expensive
* free but crippled
* pirated with possibility of FUD (fully undetectable) crypter being used to hide malware
Writing PIC assembly is borderline S&M stuff.

PIC architecture itself is also crap with memory banking, stupid design decisions (analogs ON by default anyone?) and cucked instruction set  :palm:


With ARMs you'll learn far more than with PIC and you won't waste your time cocking about with half-assed development software. Don't count on Microchip for help - they won't care unless you are bringing them $$$.

It's somewhat like with soldering irons - "Oh I'm new to electronics, that $10 iron looks good" but soon you realize how crap it is and you buy something decent anyway. You've wasted money and more important - time - on something that was obviously crap but marketed at "beginners".

stoyanoff:

--- Quote from: iamericmin on September 24, 2019, 01:42:21 pm ---The reason I like PIC micros(from what I see so far) is because they have everything AVR chips don't have. For example, Full-speed USB in a 28-pin DIP package just seems too good to be true for me. As a novice hobbyist I just "bounce around" here and there, discovering/trying out new things every now and then.

--- End quote ---
Yes! Check the PIC32MM series! For this price they are beasts! And the other manufacturers have no equivalent!
You need to understand all the people who write to this theme are correct in some ways! Every manufacturer has advantages and disadvantages. It depends on many factors.
Just read the book! It is not quite new (it`s for 8 bit controllers) but it`s perfect for beginners!
Best regards!
PP: These PICs 32MM are no joke! I`ve a device with uploaded a PPP stack+3 opened ports and transferring data through 2xRS485 simultaneously - no problem! I have more then 10k buf on every RS485. And this for 2$...

MarkF:

--- Quote from: FreddieChopin on September 24, 2019, 05:37:26 pm ---"Overkill for hobby" is such :bullshit: unless your hobby is to develop production-grade systems where cost is important. What you should be looking at is how efficiently the device will help you accomplish your goals of learning.

PIC C compilers are either:

* ancient (that is - bugged) and expensive
* somewhat modern but horribly expensive
* free but crippled
* pirated with possibility of FUD (fully undetectable) crypter being used to hide malwareWriting PIC assembly is borderline S&M stuff.

PIC architecture itself is also crap with memory banking, stupid design decisions (analogs ON by default anyone?) and cucked instruction set  :palm:

With ARMs you'll learn far more than with PIC and you won't waste your time cocking about with half-assed development software. Don't count on Microchip for help - they won't care unless you are bringing them $$$.

--- End quote ---

Developing "production-grade systems" no longer fits into the hobby category.
I found working with PIC registers a beneficial learning experience.  Although, my experience goes back to the paper-tape era.

The newer FREE Microsoft XC8 compiler doesn't seemed to be as crippled as you put on. 
I have found it very capable for my projects (some quite involved) in both memory size and execution speed.

Every MCU has its quirks.  Getting hung up with what's under the hood if it gets the job done is just silly.

Clearly you are an ARM FanBoy and nothing else will please you.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page

There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod