Electronics projects and ideas
PIC microcontroller
I have been using the 16c84 (and 16f84) for a couple of years now. Here's
some info on my hard-and-software.
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Core module
These days, this is my starting point for just about any electronic
project.
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Boot code
Set up the various registers, interrupts, input/output pins etc.
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Interrupt-driven code (for regular time intervals)
State machine-based. Techniques for running tasks in parallel.
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Serial interface
For inter-module comms plus debug/development. Actually this is composed
of two state machines.
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Extended memory
Interface to static RAM chip, uses shift registers to generate address
lines - plus an ingenious software technique.
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Toy (model) traffic lights
A simple project - if you're a beginner or new to the PIC, it's worth
looking at this. This interrupt driven, battery-powered module even shuts
itself off (sleep mode).
Robotics
Here's some info on my robot project plus sections that may be of interest
to other roboticists.
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Modular mobile robot
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Scotty
Motor controller
Bumper switches (reflex actions)
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Uhura
Communication with external world
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Sulu
Controls the "turret" for sonar and navigation (using infra-red beacons
placed in corners of the room)
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Chekov
Tractor beam (well OK the gripper really). Check out my simple (hardware)
design.
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Kirk
Handles higher-level commands. Dispatches low-level commands to other
modules, waits for responses etc. Maintains a map of the "known universe".
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Starfleet
Interface to PC running interactive program
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Using off-the-shelf servos (for radio-controlled models)
There's a couple of problems for the roboticist when using these things.
There's no feedback to the robot program (what is the position at any given
time) and generating the RC waveforms.
It's much more interesting to remove the control electronics
and make your own feedback control software.
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Photo detector speed/position sensor
Detect rotation of a shaft to give speed, distance or angular feedback.
Model Railway Electronics
A few designs ideas etc
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Simple speed controller
Very simple design for Pulse Width Modulation control (good at low
speeds)
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PIC (microcontroller) based speed controller (PWM)
Optional serial interface to PC (for control, feedback , debugging).
Versatile interface to knobs, switches, display(s) e.g. 7 segment LED.
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