On completely embedded devices we typically write a front
end and down load new stuff.

On stuff with and LCD we do the above and add similiar
functions to the keypad and LCD.  Just that this code
takes up a LOT of code.  One new product has 14K lines
of PIC code.  Over half is the UI.  :( :(

I like the download feature of serial.
The LCD and keypad are good because you don't have
to have an external device.
All our stuff uses a similar protocol so changing
our VisulBasic Userinterfaces is easy enough.
It is ASCII so you can even use a terminal to
talk to a device.

Using some PDA like device would be real slick.

Oh ya, we use serial EE Proms to store our "screens"
for the LCD.

GL,
Walt...

-----Original Message-----
From: Rock Thompson [mailto:rock_t@YAHOO.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 1:58 PM
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: User interface for PIC model aricraft controller


I've nearly finished a remote control in which a PIC
monitors pots manipulated by a user, does the AD
conversions and mixes the inputs as the user has
programmed.  This mix is then transmitted to an
aircraft or other vehicle.

The most difficult aspect is proving to be coming up
with an easy-to-use user interface. At the moment I'm
reprogramming the PIC everytime I want to make an
adjustment - this is a very effective form of torture.
 I would be very appreciative to learn what others
have done when needing extensive user input.

The particulars are:
The user interface must allow assigning various
controls to different channels on the aircraft. The
effect of the control must also be specified, such as
direction and travel distance. The interface needs to
show a field to fill out and then check to be sure the
input number is within range.

An Excel spreadsheet or simple database program with
simple programming would be fine, but my application
needs to be portable for field use and the cost must
be low (less than a lap top computer).

I see three possibilities:
1) Use a big (40x4) charactor LCD or one of the
graphic LCDs, install the needed key switches and have
the PIC, or its slave, do everything.

2) Have a Palm (or the new Visor) PDA be the
interface, communicating the user input to the PIC and
receiving current status from the PIC and displaying
it.

3) I just thought if this. What about a graphing
calculator, such as the HP-49G?  It has a serial
interface, can be programmed in several languages and
would allow graphing of the control functions, which
would be nice. These calculators are supposed to have
advanced list handling abilities - would this be
practical?

All three solutions cost about the same. Any opinions
or better ideas?  Thanks!

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