On Mon, Aug 12, 2002 at 08:07:32PM +0200, jumanji wrote:
> Hello,
> I cut a whole lot, I hope my reply still makes sense :)

I'm cutting too.

>
> > So wouldn't it be helpful if the common hardware (PIC, I/O, software
> modules)
> > were all grouped together? Wouldn't it be really really helpful if those
> > items were in a standard configuration? Because then the hex file that
> you're
> > talking about above would be drop in?
> > That's what I'm talking about.
>
>
> Yes, with 'required' circuit for the PICbase I was thinking, a
> powersupply/power LED; some oscillator/ frequency setting(if appliccable); a
> reset button perhaps & some feature to connect the IO pins & it's as cheap
> as possible.
> OK, its directly programmable without connecting to a seperate programmer,
> no problem with that. & whether it has a pll, serial, usb or firewire
> connection, I leave it all to you ppl :)
>
> In my idea, all the other stuff that isn't required to have a PIC running
> isn't onboard the PICbase.
>
> The novice could plug this for example in a 'level1 educational' board,
> which contains the features u need to get started with, like some LEDS
> (doesnt matter what, just single ones, a bargraph or a 7digit display) a
> button matrix, & to keep it cheap, a header for an optional LCD, & watever
> you think would be level1 stuff.
>
> After this, if he decides to continue, he buys an LCD & plugs it on the edu
> lvl1 board.
>
> The guy can't get enough of it, & buys the lvl2 board, this has eeproms,
> serial connectors, IR stuff, i don't know what.
>
> His learning hunger still isn't satisfied, & he buys board lvl3 with
> steppers & actuators or watever.
>
> What is on the boards is up to you experts (here my newbieness makes me
> knowing not :) I've just given some examples,

And excellent examples you've given. The only problem that I have with it is
that the PICbase isn't usable out of the box. One would have to attach some
type of I/O to it in order to use it, which by definition would mean having
to purchase something else anyway.

> If its cheap enough you can put a whole bunch of stuff on 1 board.
>

I'm hearing the litany of "keep it cheap". I have one of the cheapest
programmers around as it's really nothing more than a glorified cable.

But I really feel that it may be an instance of "penny wise, pound foolish".
That by keeping the focus on cheap, that it strips the target of the very
features that makes it useful, valuable, and more importantly supportable.

I'm going to go off and do a retail cost analysis of Geert's level1+LCD, which
I believe is about the right I/O device point for the PICbase.

I need to split this message. So I'll pick up the rest in another post.

BAJ

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