Hi Stev,

I agree!  See below.

> >
> > At times, it's not even possible to use C on the smaller ones.
> > 3 level hardware stack with C?  :)
> >   
> So use a decent compiler that has a software stack.
> 
> -- 
> cheers,
> Stef Mientki
> http://pic.flappie.nl
> 
> 

I've used Bytecraft C for more than a decade now.  In fact I also
recently used it for a small project that used an RFPIC12F675.  With the
growing pains of that compiler I've had to develop an intimate
understanding of what the compiler does and what the code it generates
looks like.  With only a few exceptions, I couldn't write it any tighter
in assembly; so I don't.

The 12F675 was a radio transmitter inside Wireless Operated Replica
Mines (WORMs) used for testing demining equipment.  The little RF
transmitters are buried up to 25cm into the ground which can be wet,
iron laded sand (such as on the Cambodia Thailand border).  The demining
equipment runs over this and the receiver listens for mines that are
tripped.  

Then they go back over the area looking for all the pieces.  Broken
mines that never sent a message are considered mechanically destroyed.
Broken or intact mines that sent a message are considered blown up.
Intact mines that still function when the button is pressed are
considered missed.

The transmitter code which sends the bit stuffed preamble, ID and
compliment of the ID is all written in Bytecraft C.  You don't have to
write in assembler but I think it's important to understand the
assembler the compiler generates to create efficient C programs.  Some
statements become compact, others quite large strings of machine
instructions.

In the case of the WORM, the client was able to easily modify the code
without impacting the application when then needed other information
transmitted.

http://www.itep.ws/pdf/WORMBrochure_LowResolution.pdf

John Dammeyer


Automation Artisans Inc.
http://www.autoartisans.com
Ph. 1 250 544 4950


> -----Original Message-----
> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu 
> [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of stef mientki
> Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2007 3:33 PM
> To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
> Subject: Re: [PIC] Why bother with Assembly?
> 
> 
> 


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