Microcontrollers programs?

toxic · 2006-11-30 18:46:09

I was hoping to perform some programming on microcontrollers and embedded systems. I'm about to purchase a motorola hcs12 (hc12) where I can comebine assembler with c code. I've previously worked with this processortype and bus system (16 bit), implementing algorithms and even a simple program to automate a drillingprocess using a keyboard connected to the system.

Anyway, I'm interested in this types of system and would fancy a nice project as a hobby. It would turn to be increasingly fun though if I actually had something cool to program/develop; something that gives a little bit more then just experience. I just can't figure out what, thereby throwing out this call for an idea. If anyone have previously worked with systems like this, and could throw a few pointers to equipment or possibly something cool to do with it, it'd be appreciated.

tardo · 2006-11-30 19:18:24

I'm using a variation of that controller in one of my courses right now. We're only doing simple stuff but you can combine them to make larger projects. Some people in my class attach a speaker and play music (combined the small LEDs which give a light show). There's lots of stuff, guess it just depends on what you want to do.

phrakture · 2006-11-30 21:23:06

If you want a hobby project, use it to drive an LCD for something... LCDs are always fun.... here's some simple 2x16 ones: http://www.hobbyengineering.com/SectionHC.html

toxic · 2006-11-30 22:59:44

LCD's are always pretty neat. I'll probably end up attaching a thermometer to it or something, creating a really overkill system for something that's resource poor. And there's always the aspect of playing with virtual ram to take into considerition. Relearning by doing

phrakture · 2006-11-30 23:53:28

Even better, do something with a photoresistor (varying resistance based on light) or a thermistor (varying resistance based on temp)!

chrismortimore · 2006-12-01 00:18:54

Or something really stupid like when the core gets hotter, it brightens a little red LED next to it so it looks like it's glowing red hot... I know, you can do it with discreet components, but it'd be amusing! For like... a nanosecond...

bboozzoo · 2006-12-01 07:35:25

bunch of possible projects: home monitoring system (bunch of sensors hooked up to your doors, windows, motion sensors, possibly over 1-wire) coupled with GSM notification system; frequency alayser (anyway some DSP should do better here, make it portable!!), small robot (stepper motor, some basic mechanical engineering, wireless?!?!), build custom board with realtek's 8029, 8139 chip (always fun having net on the device), though you will need something more powerful than hcs12 family

toxic · 2006-12-01 14:33:33

Thanks for all the great ideas. If possible, I'd stay away from DSP and signal processing as I'd find other things more fascinating (easy) . Motion sensors, toghether with some communication device, bluetooth,gsm,whatever would make a really cool and at least somewhat usable system.
I'd expect it to take some time to get started, as I'd likely forget to order half the components needed

Arch Linux

#1 2006-11-30 18:46:09

Microcontrollers programs?

#2 2006-11-30 19:18:24

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

#3 2006-11-30 21:23:06

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

#4 2006-11-30 22:59:44

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

#5 2006-11-30 23:53:28

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

#6 2006-12-01 00:18:54

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

#7 2006-12-01 07:35:25

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

#8 2006-12-01 14:33:33

Re: Microcontrollers programs?

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