Learn PicBasic from from Chuck Hellebuyck



 



 

Chuck's Comments:

This book took about 2 1/2 years to write and what a project. I never dreamed writing a book was so much work. I'm proud of the way it turned out. The book was written for the beginner to the somewhat experienced user. It covers both PicBasic and PicBasic Pro. Much of this book can also be applied to the Atom Modules, BasicBoard, RoboBoard and MBasic compilers since they all share the same form of BASIC language.

So far the feedback I've gotten from readers of the book has been positive. Since my goal was to help others enjoy programming PICs in BASIC as much as I do, I have to claim the book a success.

Now you can build the same bootloader development board Chuck used in his book.

Click here for instructions on how to build this board.

 

 Book Description

The PICBASIC programming language makes it possible to create powerful software for the PIC microcontroller in days instead of the weeks required when using assembly language. This comprehensive tutorial assumes no prior experience with PICBASIC.

It opens with an introduction to such basic concepts as variables, statements, operators, and structures. This is followed by discussion of the two most commonly used PICBASIC compilers. The author then discusses programming the most common version of the PIC microcontroller, the 16F876. 

The remainder of the book examines several real-world examples of programming PICs with PICBASIC. In keeping with the integrated nature of embedded technology, both hardware and software are discussed in these examples; circuit details are given so that readers may replicate the designs for themselves or use them as the starting points for their development efforts. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Offers a complete introduction to programming the world’s most commonly used microcontroller, the Microchip PIC, with the powerful but easy to use PICBASIC language.
  • Gives numerous design examples and projects to illustrate important concepts. 
  • Accompanying CD contains the source files and executables discussed in the book as well as an electronic version of the book 

From Amazon.com - Customer Reviews

December 21, 2002 
Reviewer: kennygardner from Dana Point, CA United States 
Excellent book about PicBasic and the PIC Microcontroller. The book briefly discusses each of the PicBasic and PicBasic Pro commands (with lots of code snippets and examples) without trying to duplicate the information in the PicBasic manual.

Despite the product description given above and on the back cover, the book does not use the PIC15F84 (sic) but the much more advanced PIC16F876.

Examples are provided for BOTH the standard and Pro versions of the compiler, not one or the other as in other books. If you use the Pro version of the compiler you are not required to read the examples provided for the standard version since the relevant information is duplicated.

The Projects include:

The obligatory LED experiments.
Analog to Digital Conversion
Driving a Servo Motor
Using a Parallel LCD module
Serial Communications
Using External Memory
Making Music

There's a nice chapter on Robotics which demonstrates Line Tracking and Obstacle Detection and Avoidance.


From PicBasic List:
I've read about 20 pages so far, and thumbed through the rest.  Mr. Hellebuyck has an excellent and clear writing style.  Not too formal, not too casual.  In the first chapter, I learned a bunch of stuff that I didn't know about the history and specifics on the different families of PICs.

It looks like a large section of the book (about 25%?) is ye olde 
PicBasic manual, but with more clarification and explanation.  And in better looking type.  The projects are based around the 16F876, which I personally prefer over the '84, and cover a lot of good stuff.  Lots of code printed in the book, too, so I don't have to have a computer around to read the code listings referred to in the text.  Of course, there is a CD included which, in addition to the source code, *also* has a complete electronic version of the book.  A nice touch.

So, *my* initial review is that this will a great book for beginning 
and intermediate PICBasicers.


Other Reviews:
I should like to make you my best compliments for your book "Programming PIC Microcontrollers with PICBASIC".

I found it excellent in any side: clear text, useful tips & code, complete schematics, and so on. A cornerstone for beginners like me that use the PBPro, a fantastic compiler that completely changed my approach to the world of microcontrollers. Some time ago it was a hard and unsatisfactory job, with that assembly code which, in my opinion, is worth to learn only by professionals; today I have real fun with PBPro, and have developed with great pride some very special code by myself. I've learned a lot from your book and wish to thank you for writing it.


"First I want to thank you for your fine products and exceptional web site. Pic programming has brought my son and I closer together after retiring from 22 years of Naval service. Your Book is used as a reference and we are quoting page and paragraph to each other when emphasizing programming techniques. Within three chapters, we had a working project. Your book is well illustrated and easy to follow. This book is a great resource for the novice or professional embedded programmer. We are moving into a new venture. I thank you for my second chance" ........Doyle and Ben Maleche

 
Corrections:
I'll try to keep a list of all corrections here. I hope the list is short. I tried to catch them all but some got through.
  • Page 140 and 147 schematics should have all the connections shifted up one pin.
  • Any reference to a 15F84 should be 16F84 but all the projects are built around the 16F876.