In this video, we cover how to breadboard and write the firmware for a motor controller (controlling a servo, 2 DC motors, and a stepper) with the PIC 18F4550. A few notes on this video: -I recorded most of the video during the evening of July 4th here in the U.S., there were fireworks going […]
Due to its simplicity (requires minimum external components) and high availability, LM386 is very popular among hobbyists for use in low-voltage audio amplification applications. Most of the time a potentiometer is used at the input side of LM386 to provide a volume control in the output speaker. The potentiometer does not control the gain of the […]
Introduction I have made the game pong using a pic 16F84 running @ 12MHz. The game Pong was the world’s first video game in the early 70’s, this is a modern version of it, made with a little bit less hardware than the original version. In my version, the video signal is generated in software. […]
The circuit shown will convert logic level voltages to and from RS232 serial voltages levels. For basic serial comms between a Microchip PIC and a PC or other device you generally only need to connect the Gnd, Txd and Rxd lines. This little circuit will work with a supply voltage of 3.3v to 5v making […]
This project is an update to the original RGB LED PWM Driver. The new version allows the use of either 5mm LEDs or the square bodied Superflux / Piranah style LEDs. The circuit now uses bipolar transistors rather than MOSFETs which make it more suitable for novice constructors and for the first time this project […]
Ever get confused by GMT, or just wish you had a cooler way to keep track of time? Build a New Earth Time clock! Using a PIC microcontroller, some code, and a couple discrete parts, you too can have a unique timekeeping device to keep on your desk. New Earth Time (NET) is an idea […]
Last week I was browsing my old backup hard drive and I found a source code for a very simple PIC based digital timer that I made a couple of years ago. The actual hardware of the project isn’t with me anymore. I might have lost it when I moved from my old apartment into […]
*** There’s a firmware update. Please check out! *** LEDs are taking over conventional lighting every day. High-power LEDs over 1W are becoming more and more affordable, and I wanted to start using them to replace the lighting fixtures around me. However I realize that finding and configuring the power supply was a bit of […]
Introduction This little project was one of my first projects with microcontrollers. First, I made the circuit then, for years, I was wondering what I could do with it, until one day I came across this IKEA plastic bag dispenser. I knew immediately, it would make a perfect “housing” for my mood light. Hardware I […]
When it comes to debugging a microcontroller circuit, there aren’t a lot of simple options. Since a microcontroller circuit might have multiple things going on at the same time, measuring voltages with a DMM isn’t an option. Using an computerized In-Circuit-Debugger solution is expensive and elaborate, and time-consuming to set up. People often resort to […]
