I've wanted to get a graphic LCD working for a long time but never could find the time to read through all the data sheet info and then develop the code. It was a great surprise when I found that the Great Cow Basic compiler had built in support. Problem is the documentation was missing. So I sorted through the header file and was able to get a KS0108 128x64 LCD to work directly with a CHIPINO mini module.

The commands are structured so that ASCII characters don't start displaying until 15 decimal. So I created a looping program that displayed the decimal number for the ASCII character and then drew a box that contained the ASCII character so I could verify the capability.

The Great Cow Basic compiler has commands to draw ASCII phrases and individual characters. It can also draw lines both horizontal and vertical and also an open or filled box.

More detail can be found at the greatcowbasic.com sample programs page.

I want to add either a 3D printer and/or desktop CNC machine to my lab but I still haven't decided which one to get first. I'm not great with CAD software so its a learning curve either way. 

I've been trying to find the best software options to get started and they are both getting easier. But I don't think you can beat this new software called MakerCase by Jon Hollander. You just put in the dimensions and it creates the box for you. Then you can add round or square holes. On top of that you can add text to be etched on top of the panels. When your done it outputs a .svg file for direct import into a Laser Cutter. 

I'm just getting started with this software to see how well it works and I have a place near my workshop that does laser cutting for a low price, so this may be my first step towards making my own boxes for my electronic projects.

I bought one of these matrix shield kits on ebay. I had to search a little for the assembly instructions and schematic which were not included but after getting all that sorted out I was able to make a sample program to display ASCII characters using a CHIPINO module and Great Cow Basic.

The project can be downloaded from the GreatCowBasic.com website under the Sample Projects section. It's a start and I hope to create more in the future. 

Getting the correct orientation and pixel settings was a bit difficult but to help create the characters I used one of the many character creator applications on the web.
Here are a few of the best ones I found:
Pattern Library
LCD Creator
Character Calculator

In my last post I mentioned I like to use ExpressPCB software for creating circuit boards. One complaint many people have with ExpressPCB is you have to pay $60 to get the gerber files for your project. Nothing is ever really free is it? But the ExpressPCB software works so well and the few click ordering without having to deal with gerber files is actually something I really like about ExpressPCB. But occasionally you need the Gerbers.

Well David Cook has created a software package that works with ExpressPCB files and then produces a set of gerber files. He also has added features that ExpressPCB doesn't offer but the main advantage to me is the Gerber file outputs. You can output the files for toner transfer, or files for direct to manufacture. The software is free but you have to buy the studio version to get the Gerber output. Studio version costs $49. So for a one time fee of $49 instead of a project fee of $60 you can now get Gerbers from your ExpressPCB files.

Check it out at this link CopperConnection.

My favorite circuit board layout software is ExpressPCB. You can download it for free and it includes a free schematic drawing software as well called ExpressSCH. And you can easily link the schematic to the PCB for highlighted netlist connections.

It's really an easy software to learn but doesn't have many of the advanced features some people are looking for (like autorouting). It works great for me and with a few clicks I can get three 2.5"x3.8" boards with silk screen and solder mask delivered for under $85.

I'm working on a beginner's book for this software to help someone get started plus I'll include many tips and tricks.

Check out ExpressPCB at ExpressPCB.com.

In my Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming book series I used what was the latest IDE (MPLAB) and C Compiler (HI-TECH) available at the time I wrote the books. I liked how the MPLAB installation included the HI-TECH compiler in the installation setup. By installing just one package, both would get installed. This was great for a beginner to reduce confusion. But that's not the case with all MPLAB installation levels anymore. After a certain level you have to install them separately. 

Now both MPLAB and HI-TECH have been replaced by the MPLABX IDE and the XC8 compiler but that doesn't mean you can't use the MPLAB and HI-TECH to learn C programming. They still work just fine. They just don't support any new components that may be released in the coming years.  At some point I plan to update the books but there are many schools using my books to teach C programming. So here is a link to the archive where you can still download the MPLAB/HI-TECH combination installation files. 

MPLAB Archive

Here is a summary of which level of compiler installs with the various MPLAB levels:

Any later versions requires you to install the HI-TECH compiler separately.

Did you know that you can get free samples of Microchip PIC Microcontrollers?
Go to www.microchip.com/samples

You will have to login so create a login account and then enter the site. From there you can select the family of parts you want to choose from and then the specific part you want.

Find the package type you need, in this case I've selected the PIC16F886 - I/SP which is the DIP package part used in the CHIPINO module. Then click on the little grey sample box to the left to load the part in your checkout basket. 

You can click on that up to three times to get three samples of one part number and you are allowed to get two different part numbers in one sample order. I believe you are limited to 6 total samples per month but for a hobbyist, this can be a monthly way to stock up your lab.

When you are done selecting your samples, you step through the check out process. Enter your shipping address and then complete the final order submission. In most cases they are shipped out for free.
It's Microchip's way of letting you learn and test your design with their parts.