----- Original Message ----- From: "David de Regt" Subject: RE: [PIC] Looking for a PIC with ADC, DAC, and UART... > Simple - typing: > > WORD Output = pow(input,somepower); > > is a lot easier than writing my own fixed point function, when the > compiler does it for me. Rapid Application Development at its finest. I've spent decades in control, and while this may be fine for scientific calculation, for control it is a recipe for disaster. When doing control, it is very important to understand the range and precision, not only of all the inputs an outputs, but also of all the intermediates. If you don't get into this habit, you WILL get yourself into trouble sooner or later. Using the floating point crutch will keep you from ever really understanding the problem you are trying to solve. The thread with Olin was a small example. Here, of course, Olin was merely pointing out that in the real world, you need a lot less complexity (cost) than you might think., But lack of understanding of the problem can also lead to more serious consequences. OK, sure, if I'm flashing a LED what's the harm? But you are proposing controlling a car. Your "Rapid Application Development at its finest" could get someone killed. Better to be sure you THOROUGHLY understand the problem. --McD -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist