Hi guys!
     Been doing some Spring Cleaning and I put a bunch of stuff on Ebay. I
thought you might like a look at some of it.

ComputerBoards DAQ board for IBM PC
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1736862793&ssPageName=ADME:B:\
LC:US:1

National Instruments PCMCIA DAQ Card
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1736867025&ssPageName=ADME:B:\
LC:US:1

Heathkit Analog breadboard unit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1357044291&ssPageName=ADME:B:\
LC:US:1

HP Optical Encoders or Digital Pots
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1737062137&ssPageName=ADME:B:\
LC:US:1

IBM ThinkPad Laptop
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2028929179&ssPageName=ADME:B:\
LC:US:1

Bill Ruehl


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'd like to use a Tokin ceramic rate gyro (CG-16D0) to correct yaw
motion on a PPRK type bot that has 3 omniwheels for holonomic drive
motion.  Does anyone have any firsthand experience interfacing the Tokin
gyro to a microcontroller - I happen to be using a BX24.  Specifically,
can anyone suggest an amplifier circuit - an actual diagram would be
helpful.  I can also provide a fax number if that would help.  Anyway,
thanks in advance.

Bruce.

I'll second that recommendation. From what I've seen, pro/DESKTOP Express
is an exceptionally functional solid modeling CAD program -- completely
free and apparently not crippled in any way. -Ted



At 04:10 PM 5/31/02 -0600, you wrote:
>ProDesktop Express. You can get it at www.ptc.com
>look for the link to download it. It is a fully functioning 2D-3D CAD
>made by the company that made ProEngineer.
>
>
>
>Steve wrote:
>
> >Hello All,
> >
> >Does anyone know or can recommend a CAD program that is free, shareware or
> >trial that can do the following:
> > 1) Draw 3D design (such as a robot)
> > 2) Label the objects
> > 3) Produce a list of all the materials, lengths and how many
> >
> >I am looking for something really basic and very simple.  Nothing really
> >elaborate.  I've some paper drawings but it's a pain to keep track of things
> >like I-bracket, T-Bracket 1/4" bolt, hole in position x,y on L-bracket etc.
> >I've gotta go back and count everything and sometimes (mostly it's more than
> >just a few ;) I miss a number of things to buy, or didn't compute the
> >correct position of the holes etc.
> >
> >Basically it'll help me with dimensions and produce a shopping list.  I
> >don't really care about all the animation and bells whistles that most CAD
> >apps offer.  If it cost less than $75 I'd be happy to buy it.
> >
> >Maybe I am really in another zone but I just wanted to ask you all if anyone
> >has come across something like this?
> >
> >Any info is much appreciated.
> >Steve
> >
> >
> >Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
> >
> >To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> >SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

John,
        You wrote:  "I use TurboCad V7 for all my design work. It does 3D
drawing, has text to label and dimension but as far as a list of materials
goes, you will have to write your own.  This list of materials can be
incorporated right on the drawing though. I bought mine at Office Depot for
$39.95 if I remember correctly."
        Is that $39.95 for a full suite version or an upgrade from a previous
version?   $39.95 sounds a bit cheap for a full version.
        Tom Carroll


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Due to attachments being stripped (a good thing, just something I
forgot about) the "glorious" mini-sumo code was missing.  I have a zip
file with all the sample code, including the minisumo stuff, at
http://www.barello.net/ARC.  Look down the page under "Downloads".

  Note: this is written in BASCOM basic compiler and works on the ARC
mini-sumo board I developed.  It is an alternative to the PIC based
controller that the Portland MarkIII group sells.  In fact, if you go
to http://www.barello.net/ARC/projects/Minisumo/index.htm, the
mini-sumo looks just like the MarkIII except that the electronics are
slightly different.

Anyway, enjoy.  I expect to see a lot of very *smart* sumos appearing
next fall.

P.S. this mail is slightly redundant because I re-organized my web
site and the previous "here is the code" pointers don't work anymore.

Hi All:

For what this is worth, there is a note in the June 2002 issue of Nuts
and Volts (green box on page 36) that states "into robotics and want to
learn about geometry, kinematics, and dynamics? Download the latest
version of FreeCAD 5, a 3-D CAD software package with advanced motion
simulation capabilities that can be applied directly to robotics design
and testing.  It's simple to learn and easy to use, and it's free! "
  They give a FTP site on the Nuts and Volts web site that didn't work to
well; I downloaded mine from

www.simtel.net/pub/pd/31884.shtml

I haven't tried mine yet, so I cannot comment as to how well it works,
how easy it is to use, etc.

Bruce

Steve wrote:

>Hello All,
>
>Does anyone know or can recommend a CAD program that is free, shareware or
>trial that can do the following:
> 1) Draw 3D design (such as a robot)
> 2) Label the objects
> 3) Produce a list of all the materials, lengths and how many
>
>I am looking for something really basic and very simple.  Nothing really
>elaborate.  I've some paper drawings but it's a pain to keep track of things
>like I-bracket, T-Bracket 1/4" bolt, hole in position x,y on L-bracket etc.
>I've gotta go back and count everything and sometimes (mostly it's more than
>just a few ;) I miss a number of things to buy, or didn't compute the
>correct position of the holes etc.
>
>Basically it'll help me with dimensions and produce a shopping list.  I
>don't really care about all the animation and bells whistles that most CAD
>apps offer.  If it cost less than $75 I'd be happy to buy it.
>
>Maybe I am really in another zone but I just wanted to ask you all if anyone
>has come across something like this?
>
>Any info is much appreciated.
>Steve
>
>
>Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

Monday Night Chat

Date: Monday, June 3, 2002
Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM PDT (GMT-07:00)

Monday Night Chat happens every Monday at the SRS. Come ask
questions or offer advice live.

Directions:

The chat requires that you use an Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
program. Details on finding one are below.

For you experts, the chat is held on us.chatjunkies.org in the
#SeattleRobotics group.

For Windows users:

See the SRS website at

http://www.seattlerobotics.org/contact.html#Monday

Hey,
	 I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
five bits of the port is output. My code is:

	 org $b600
main bset $1000, %11111000
	 bra main

How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
differently?

Thanks,
	 Ryan

I don't know about the bset instruction, but the way I would do this is:

	 org  $b600 'org to eeprom
main ldaa #$F8 'load accumulator with F8 (binary 11111000)
	 staa $1000 'store accumulator contents to port A
	 bra main 'loop to main

I have not checked this code, just came up with it on the fly -  Also, check
your hardware.  You may just want to disconnect the LED's for now and see if you
can toggle the pin voltage with a DMM.

Peter



	 mr_robotman@...
	 06/03/2002 12:48 PM

		  To: SeattleRobotics@yahoogroups.com@Internet
		  cc: (bcc: Peter Welty/Americas/NSC)
		  Subject: [SeattleRobotics] 68hc11 PortA

Hey,
  I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
five bits of the port is output. My code is:

  org $b600
main bset $1000, %11111000
  bra main

How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
differently?

Thanks,
  Ryan


Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com


Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

I don't remember the default, but is the data direction register for Port A set
to output?  The BSET version should work.

Doug

peter.welty@... writes:
>I don't know about the bset instruction, but the way I would do this is:
>
> org  $b600 'org to eeprom
>main ldaa #$F8 'load accumulator with F8 (binary 11111000)
> staa $1000 'store accumulator contents to port A
> bra main 'loop to main
>
>I have not checked this code, just came up with it on the fly -  Also, check
>your hardware.  You may just want to disconnect the LED's for now and see if
>you can toggle the pin voltage with a DMM.
>
>Peter
>
>
>
> mr_robotman@...
> 06/03/2002 12:48 PM
>
> 	 To: SeattleRobotics@yahoogroups.com@Internet
> 	 cc: (bcc: Peter Welty/Americas/NSC)
> 	 Subject: [SeattleRobotics] 68hc11 PortA
>
>Hey,
> I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
>as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
>special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
>Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
>five bits of the port is output. My code is:
>
> org $b600
>main bset $1000, %11111000
> bra main
>
>How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
>wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
>differently?
>
>Thanks,
> Ryan
>
>
>Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

Here is a little example that came with sbasic and does work.

include  "regs11.lib"
declare I
main:
do
pokeb porta, $ff
for i = 0 to 2000 next
pokeb porta, 0
for i = 0 to 2000 next
loop
end



Peter Welty wrote:

>I don't know about the bset instruction, but the way I would do this is:
>
> org  $b600 'org to eeprom
>main ldaa #$F8 'load accumulator with F8 (binary 11111000)
> staa $1000 'store accumulator contents to port A
> bra main 'loop to main
>
>I have not checked this code, just came up with it on the fly -  Also, check
your hardware.  You may just want to disconnect the LED's for now and see if you
can toggle the pin voltage with a DMM.
>
>Peter
>
>
>
> mr_robotman@...
> 06/03/2002 12:48 PM
>
> 	 To: SeattleRobotics@yahoogroups.com@Internet
> 	 cc: (bcc: Peter Welty/Americas/NSC)
> 	 Subject: [SeattleRobotics] 68hc11 PortA
>
>Hey,
> I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
>as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
>special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
>Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
>five bits of the port is output. My code is:
>
> org $b600
>main bset $1000, %11111000
> bra main
>
>How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
>wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
>differently?
>
>Thanks,
> Ryan
>

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

Monday Night Chat

Date: Monday, June 3, 2002
Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM PDT (GMT-07:00)

Monday Night Chat happens every Monday at the SRS. Come ask
questions or offer advice live.

Directions:

The chat requires that you use an Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
program. Details on finding one are below.

For you experts, the chat is held on us.chatjunkies.org in the
#SeattleRobotics group.

For Windows users:

See the SRS website at

http://www.seattlerobotics.org/contact.html#Monday

Ryan,
     I suggest you read the M68HC11 Reference Manual at section 7.3.1 Port A.
It explains the way you can use the 4 pins PA6..PA3 as general output pins.
These pins are controlled by OMx and OLx in TCTL1 ($0020).  After Reset,
TCTL1 = $00 , and therefore those 4 pins should be available as general
output ( Timing functions disabled).
     On A series, only Pin PA7 direction can be controlled by a data
direction register: DDRA7 ( bit 7) in PACTL ($0026). I believe that by
default, it is an input ( DDRA7 = 0 after reset). You may have connected
your LED to PA7 that is an input by default.
     On E series, Pin PA3 and PA7 direction are controlled by DDRA3 and
DDRA7.  Both are inputs by default.

     Finaly, beware of the HC11 bset and bclr instructions that only work
with Direct, Index X oy Y adressing modes. The same applies to brset and
brclr instructions.  That is "bset $1000, %11111000"  will assemble as 14 00
F8 by most assemblers, which is not what you want, and it will not inform
you of any mistake.  This is very dangerous for early baldness.
     Instead try:

PortA    EQU    $00
         org $b600
start    ldx    #$1000    ;initiate IX = $1000
         bset    PortA,x,    %01110000    ;Turn on bits PA6..PA4
         bra    start

     I hope it helps.

     Regards.

     Jean St-Pierre

I signed up for some Seattle Robotic tapes a while back.  Are these still
available or did that plan fall through?
    Kevin.

I signed up for the tapes also, with the same question.

Doug Leppard
Doug.Leppard@...


-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin J.Rock [mailto:kevinrock@...]
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2002 11:44 AM
To: Seattle Robotics
Subject: [SeattleRobotics] video tapes


I signed up for some Seattle Robotic tapes a while back.  Are these still
available or did that plan fall through?
    Kevin.



Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com


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Greetings All,

The post about programming the 6811 got me to wondering about
programming preferences of electronics and robotics hobbiests in
general.  I work in a missile reserach and development shop for the
US Army and have worked with microcontrollers before, but never using
assembly language.  We have always used a C compiler to write the
code in and then the compiler turns it into assembly which is then
loaded into the program memory of the MCU.

I've noticed that the 68xx family of MCU's is very popular amomg
hobbiests as well as the PIC line of controllers.  I don't doubt
these devices merits for hobbiests use, but why does everyone program
them in assembly?  I've always thought of C as being much easier to
program in than assembly.  Are there not C compilers for these
devices?

Just Wondering,
Ande

--- In SeattleRobotics@y..., "mr_robotman" <mr_robotman@h...> wrote:
> Hey,
>  I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
> as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
> special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
> Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
> five bits of the port is output. My code is:
>
>  org $b600
> main bset $1000, %11111000
>  bra main
>
> How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
> wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
> differently?
>
> Thanks,
>  Ryan

We didn't get enough interest so it fell through.  Sorry about that; I'm cc'ing
the group since I never formally announced that we weren't going to do this.

Doug

kevinrock@... writes:
>I signed up for some Seattle Robotic tapes a while back.  Are these still
>available or did that plan fall through?
>   Kevin.
>
>
>
>Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

Ande,

Just curious, but what kind of MCU's are you programming in your
research?  I have just started using the 68332 and it is really nice.
I am doing my coding in C++.


Regards,

Chris


--- Ande_3 <boyerj@...> wrote:
> Greetings All,
>
> The post about programming the 6811 got me to wondering about
> programming preferences of electronics and robotics hobbiests in
> general.  I work in a missile reserach and development shop for the
> US Army and have worked with microcontrollers before, but never using
>
> assembly language.  We have always used a C compiler to write the
> code in and then the compiler turns it into assembly which is then
> loaded into the program memory of the MCU.
>
> I've noticed that the 68xx family of MCU's is very popular amomg
> hobbiests as well as the PIC line of controllers.  I don't doubt
> these devices merits for hobbiests use, but why does everyone program
>
> them in assembly?  I've always thought of C as being much easier to
> program in than assembly.  Are there not C compilers for these
> devices?
>
> Just Wondering,
> Ande
>
> --- In SeattleRobotics@y..., "mr_robotman" <mr_robotman@h...> wrote:
> > Hey,
> >  I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
> > as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
> > special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
>
> > Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
> > five bits of the port is output. My code is:
> >
> >  org $b600
> > main bset $1000, %11111000
> >  bra main
> >
> > How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
> > wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
> > differently?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >  Ryan
>
>
> Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

On Tuesday 04 June 2002 10:16 am, Ande_3 wrote:

> I've noticed that the 68xx family of MCU's is very popular amomg
> hobbiests as well as the PIC line of controllers.  I don't doubt
> these devices merits for hobbiests use, but why does everyone
> program them in assembly?  I've always thought of C as being much
> easier to program in than assembly.  Are there not C compilers for
> these devices?

There are people using C and other higher-level languages on the
68HC11 and 68HC12.

However, for many simple tasks it's easy enough to program in assembly
language.

I think there may also be a couple of other factors behind the
widespread use of assembly language in the low-end micros:

* hobbyists are often not software types and are may be more afraid of
C than of assembly language

* assemblers often are available for free, while C compilers often
cost money (though GCC produces pretty good code for the 68HC12).

--
Ned Konz
http://bike-nomad.com
GPG key ID: BEEA7EFE

Results may vary, but for those of us who don't know how to write a lick
of code in C or C++ just stick to what we already know - I suppose that
it's a comfort thing.
I use assembly for little things, and for when I am using a controller
that I don't have a BASIC compiler for.  It's what I learned in school,
and I actually enjoy using it.  (Strange, I know)  I did learn quite a bit
of BASIC, but that was in the day of line numbers and GOTO.  When I first
started working with the 8080, we used dip switches and programmed them in
machine code by latching our program directly into RAM addressed by
another bank of dip switches. (Okay, that was outdated when we were doing
it, but really, that was not THAT long ago!  You learn a great
appreciation for being able to do things like storing your program to
nonvolatile media.)

  I know that a good assembly programmer can make really tight code - far
tighter and faster running then most compiled code. (I, however, am NOT
that guy)

I'm basically an analog hardware guy - Why would a computer guy want to
know how to design an active linear filter?  (I used to work with a bunch
of "do it in software" type guys who would DSP a signal that a simple 2
pole butterworth filter would handle - but they would rather spend the
extra money for a faster processor and the time and frustration to figure
out how to so it in software because "digital is better" and our boss
thought "part count is everything")

I suppose that it all comes down to what you know.

Peter




boyerj@...
06/04/2002 10:17 AM


         To:     SeattleRobotics@yahoogroups.com@Internet
         cc:     (bcc: Peter Welty/Americas/NSC)
         Subject:        [SeattleRobotics] Re: 68hc11 PortA

Greetings All,

The post about programming the 6811 got me to wondering about
programming preferences of electronics and robotics hobbiests in
general.  I work in a missile reserach and development shop for the
US Army and have worked with microcontrollers before, but never using
assembly language.  We have always used a C compiler to write the
code in and then the compiler turns it into assembly which is then
loaded into the program memory of the MCU.

I've noticed that the 68xx family of MCU's is very popular amomg
hobbiests as well as the PIC line of controllers.  I don't doubt
these devices merits for hobbiests use, but why does everyone program
them in assembly?  I've always thought of C as being much easier to
program in than assembly.  Are there not C compilers for these
devices?

Just Wondering,
Ande

--- In SeattleRobotics@y..., "mr_robotman" <mr_robotman@h...> wrote:
> Hey,
>       I'm using a 68hc11 to turn on an LED. I want to use the PortA
> as a general output for it and am wondering if I have to set any
> special registers to use it as general output. When I tried it, the
> Port would not work for the life of me. I know that only the upper
> five bits of the port is output. My code is:
>
>       org     $b600
> main  bset    $1000, %11111000
>       bra     main
>
> How do I use the 5 general outputs on the PortA? What am I doing
> wrong here? And is there anything that I am missing, or should do
> differently?
>
> Thanks,
>       Ryan


Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com


Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

------- Start of forwarded message -------
From: Kevin J. Rock <kevinrock@...>
To: Ned Konz <ned@...>
Subject: Fwd: Re: [SeattleRobotics] Re: 68hc11 PortA
Date: 6/4/2002 11:28:27 AM

I agree, my first consideration is cost.  Since assemblers are free for the
68HC11 and 12 I will use them.  When it comes to high level languages for
microcontrollers I
will
choose Forth every time.  It allows coding and testing on the fly and interfaces
with assembly language quite easily.  I use a number of different Forth
implementations
for
the 6812.
    Kevin.

6/4/2002 11:23:30 AM, Ned Konz <ned@...> wrote:

>On Tuesday 04 June 2002 10:16 am, Ande_3 wrote:
>
>> I've noticed that the 68xx family of MCU's is very popular amomg
>> hobbiests as well as the PIC line of controllers.  I don't doubt
>> these devices merits for hobbiests use, but why does everyone
>> program them in assembly?  I've always thought of C as being much
>> easier to program in than assembly.  Are there not C compilers for
>> these devices?
>
>There are people using C and other higher-level languages on the
>68HC11 and 68HC12.
>
>However, for many simple tasks it's easy enough to program in assembly
>language.
>
>I think there may also be a couple of other factors behind the
>widespread use of assembly language in the low-end micros:
>
>* hobbyists are often not software types and are may be more afraid of
>C than of assembly language
>
>* assemblers often are available for free, while C compilers often
>cost money (though GCC produces pretty good code for the 68HC12).
>
>--
>Ned Konz
>http://bike-nomad.com

-------- End of forwarded message --------

If you have ever taken a class in Autocad or would like a cheep
Autocad package look at IntelliCAD 2001 from
http://www.cadopia.com/.  This is a ~$100 version of AutoCAD (it has
less 3D components than the latest version of AutoCAD) but for my 2D
stuff I really like it.

-Jim


--- In SeattleRobotics@y..., "Steve" <scp2000@h...> wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> Does anyone know or can recommend a CAD program that is free,
shareware or
> trial that can do the following:
>  1) Draw 3D design (such as a robot)
>  2) Label the objects
>  3) Produce a list of all the materials, lengths and how many
>
> I am looking for something really basic and very simple.  Nothing
really
> elaborate.  I've some paper drawings but it's a pain to keep track
of things
> like I-bracket, T-Bracket 1/4" bolt, hole in position x,y on L-
bracket etc.
> I've gotta go back and count everything and sometimes (mostly it's
more than
> just a few ;) I miss a number of things to buy, or didn't compute
the
> correct position of the holes etc.
>
> Basically it'll help me with dimensions and produce a shopping
list.  I
> don't really care about all the animation and bells whistles that
most CAD
> apps offer.  If it cost less than $75 I'd be happy to buy it.
>
> Maybe I am really in another zone but I just wanted to ask you all
if anyone
> has come across something like this?
>
> Any info is much appreciated.
> Steve

I am having a problem with a Basic Stamp 1 Project. The problem is in the
downloading of the program. I am using a BS1/robot that I know works and has
been programmed on another computer before. I have tried several cables, all
of which have been used to program a BS1 before. I think the problem is in
the computer because that is the only part of the system that has changed...
When I try to run a program I receive an " Error - EEPROM verify failed "
message. If the BS1 is off I get a " no hardware found " message. I receive
the same message when the computer is running in DOS and Win98. The computer
I am using is running @ 450 Mhz perhaps the problem is in the Par. Port
driver....

Thanks

Ryan

_________________________________________________________________
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Actually, there are two possibilities. There was a bunch of discussion on
this topic down here at the Portland robot club. One reason is fast CPU's
seem to not like the BS1 programmer software. I don't know if it is just
because of raw processor speed, or if they changed the design of the
parallel port hardware on new motherboards.

The second case is in laptops. Some laptops implement a slightly lower
power/voltage parallel port which drops below what the BS1 expects. Parallax
tech support has a little circuit which can help in that case, although a
couple of guys in the club have tried it with no success.

So far the best solution we have found is to dig up an old PC, that just
runs DOS say, and use that for BS1 programming. I kept my old 386 around for
just BS1 programming in fact.

Mark Medonis


> From: "ryan wistort" <ryansrs@...>
> Date: Wed, 05 Jun 2002 04:43:05 +0000
> To: SeattleRobotics@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [SeattleRobotics] BS1 Problem
>
> I am having a problem with a Basic Stamp 1 Project. The problem is in the
> downloading of the program. I am using a BS1/robot that I know works and has
> been programmed on another computer before. I have tried several cables, all
> of which have been used to program a BS1 before. I think the problem is in
> the computer because that is the only part of the system that has changed...
> When I try to run a program I receive an " Error - EEPROM verify failed "
> message. If the BS1 is off I get a " no hardware found " message. I receive
> the same message when the computer is running in DOS and Win98. The computer
> I am using is running @ 450 Mhz perhaps the problem is in the Par. Port
> driver....
>
> Thanks
>
> Ryan
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
>
>
> Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

I highly recommend Pro/Desktop.  I started out learning AutoCad and
Pro/Desktop is much easier and faster to use--in my opinion.


Regards,

Chris

--- srs_jimwright_org <SRS@...> wrote:
> If you have ever taken a class in Autocad or would like a cheep
> Autocad package look at IntelliCAD 2001 from
> http://www.cadopia.com/.  This is a ~$100 version of AutoCAD (it has
> less 3D components than the latest version of AutoCAD) but for my 2D
> stuff I really like it.
>
> -Jim
>
>
> --- In SeattleRobotics@y..., "Steve" <scp2000@h...> wrote:
> > Hello All,
> >
> > Does anyone know or can recommend a CAD program that is free,
> shareware or
> > trial that can do the following:
> >  1) Draw 3D design (such as a robot)
> >  2) Label the objects
> >  3) Produce a list of all the materials, lengths and how many
> >
> > I am looking for something really basic and very simple.  Nothing
> really
> > elaborate.  I've some paper drawings but it's a pain to keep track
> of things
> > like I-bracket, T-Bracket 1/4" bolt, hole in position x,y on L-
> bracket etc.
> > I've gotta go back and count everything and sometimes (mostly it's
> more than
> > just a few ;) I miss a number of things to buy, or didn't compute
> the
> > correct position of the holes etc.
> >
> > Basically it'll help me with dimensions and produce a shopping
> list.  I
> > don't really care about all the animation and bells whistles that
> most CAD
> > apps offer.  If it cost less than $75 I'd be happy to buy it.
> >
> > Maybe I am really in another zone but I just wanted to ask you all
> if anyone
> > has come across something like this?
> >
> > Any info is much appreciated.
> > Steve
>
>
> Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

I highly recommend Pro/Desktop.  I started out learning AutoCad and
Pro/Desktop is much easier and faster to use--in my opinion.


Regards,

Chris

--- srs_jimwright_org <SRS@...> wrote:
> If you have ever taken a class in Autocad or would like a cheep
> Autocad package look at IntelliCAD 2001 from
> http://www.cadopia.com/.  This is a ~$100 version of AutoCAD (it has
> less 3D components than the latest version of AutoCAD) but for my 2D
> stuff I really like it.
>
> -Jim
>
>
> --- In SeattleRobotics@y..., "Steve" <scp2000@h...> wrote:
> > Hello All,
> >
> > Does anyone know or can recommend a CAD program that is free,
> shareware or
> > trial that can do the following:
> >  1) Draw 3D design (such as a robot)
> >  2) Label the objects
> >  3) Produce a list of all the materials, lengths and how many
> >
> > I am looking for something really basic and very simple.  Nothing
> really
> > elaborate.  I've some paper drawings but it's a pain to keep track
> of things
> > like I-bracket, T-Bracket 1/4" bolt, hole in position x,y on L-
> bracket etc.
> > I've gotta go back and count everything and sometimes (mostly it's
> more than
> > just a few ;) I miss a number of things to buy, or didn't compute
> the
> > correct position of the holes etc.
> >
> > Basically it'll help me with dimensions and produce a shopping
> list.  I
> > don't really care about all the animation and bells whistles that
> most CAD
> > apps offer.  If it cost less than $75 I'd be happy to buy it.
> >
> > Maybe I am really in another zone but I just wanted to ask you all
> if anyone
> > has come across something like this?
> >
> > Any info is much appreciated.
> > Steve
>
>
> Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

http://www.robotgeeks.com/article.php?sid=110&mode=thread&order=0


http://www.gallamine.com - William's personal website
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coincidences are spiritual puns. -G.K. Chesterton, essayist and novelist
(1874-1936)

Hello SRS,
        Does anyone in the Seattle area know of a good place to find an
inexpensive laptop PC or have one to sell that I can use for Power Point
presentations to school groups on robotics.  I have an old Mac notebook that
has seen it's better days.
        A Pentium II at 300 MHz or so,  a CD-ROM and maybe a 14" TFT would be
nice.  I have worked up some drawings on AutoCAD LT and Power Point that I'd
like to use with a high school group here on Orcas Island and maybe get them
into a few of the kits and ultimately a FIRST type of competition,  or at
least a mini sumo.
        Thanks,
        Tom Carroll


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,
     More on Assembly vs C, Basic etc...

     I found that when using a C compiler, I have to debug my program is
Assembler anyway. So, why not use Assembly to begin with ?
     I mean, while using C, I end up with an object file ( file.s19 for
instance) and some map file where you can follow what the compiler did.  In
order to debug the program, one has to trace the actual program while
watching for assembly instructions with a debugger like Buffalo or the much
better JBug11 anyway.  I heard some compilers provide C level debugging but
I believe most hobbyist cannot afford those compilers.
     I found that my C programs would seldom compile correctly the first
time, and once you finally got it compiled, the program does not always work
as you tought it would.  I often lost hours wondering why the hell my
programs did not compile !  Decoding what those error messages mean is
sometimes a PITA.
     This being said, depending on the job you want to accomplish, a C
program can greatly speed up the job, providing that you are good at it.
     But when you have a HC811E2 with only 2K bytes of memory, you obviously
cannot waste too much valuable EEPROM to space eating high level programming
languages.
      I think we touched a sensitive subjet and every one's experience
dictates every one's preferences.

     Cheers

     Jean

Hi guys, I'm new to the group.  As a quick introduction, I'm a Caltech
undergrad working towards a professional career in robotics research (if I'm
really lucky.)  Good to meet y'all.

Anyway, Tom, I have seen a lot of cheap low-end laptops on www.ubid.com.  I
bought one from them a few months ago and it was uneventful.

Good luck!

-Lyle Chamberlain

----- Original Message -----
From: <twcarroll@...>
To: <seattlerobotics@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2002 4:22 PM
Subject: [SeattleRobotics] Inexpensive Laptop for School Presentations


> Hello SRS,
>        Does anyone in the Seattle area know of a good place to find an
> inexpensive laptop PC or have one to sell that I can use for Power Point
> presentations to school groups on robotics.  I have an old Mac notebook
that
> has seen it's better days.
>        A Pentium II at 300 MHz or so,  a CD-ROM and maybe a 14" TFT would
be
> nice.  I have worked up some drawings on AutoCAD LT and Power Point that
I'd
> like to use with a high school group here on Orcas Island and maybe get
them
> into a few of the kits and ultimately a FIRST type of competition,  or at
> least a mini sumo.
>        Thanks,
>        Tom Carroll
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> Visit the SRS Website at http://www.seattlerobotics.org
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> SeattleRobotics-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>