Radio Controlled House Lights
by Peter Brunning (2nd Edition)
In this short PIC training course, we work through a complete
development cycle. Our objective is to create a system that
will switch house lights in exactly the same way as when
someone moves around the house. Lounge light off, one
second later hall light on, ten seconds later bathroom light
on, and so on. To achieve true synchronism, we use a PIC
as a central controller which sends data to three radiocontrolled house lights. We start with the simplest PIC
programme which switches the lights on and off. Next, we
expand the system using the PIC to count real time. We split
the day into three time zones and set up switching patterns
for each zone: LightAwake, DarkAwake and Asleep. Finally,
we use Visual C# to programme a PC to send serial data to
the PIC to set up the RTC and zone times.
The hardware needed is shown in the picture. There is
also a 170-page training manual and CD with assembler
programme and assembler text. This course can be bought
as a kit with four PCBs and components, or part built or
fully built. See www.brunningsoftware.co.uk for full details.
The Brunning Software P955H
PIC Training Course
We start by learning to use a relatively simple 8-bit PIC microcontroller.
We make our connections directly to the input and output pins of the
chip and have full control over the internal facilities of the chip. We work
at the grassroots level.
he first oo teaches a solute eginners to rite
rogra
es
using asse ler hich is the natural language o the
. he first oo
starts by assuming you know nothing about PICs, but instead of wading
into the theory we jump straight in with four easy experiments. Then,
having gained some experience, we study the basic principles
of PIC programming, learn about the 8-bit timer, how to drive
the alphanumeric liquid crystal display, create a real-time clock,
and experiment with the watchdog timer, sleep mode, beeps
and music. Then there are two projects to work through. In
the space of 24 experiments, two project and 56 exercises we
work through from absolute beginner to experienced engineer
level using the latest 8-bit PICs (16F and 18F).
The second book introduces the C programming language for
8-bit PICs in very simple terms. The third book, Experimenting
with Serial Communications, teaches Visual C# programming
for the PC so that we can create PC programmes to control
PIC circuits.
In the fourth book, we learn to programme 32-bit MX PICs using fundamental C instructions. Flash the LEDs, study
the 16-bit and 32-bit timers, write text to the LCD, and enter numbers using the keypad. This is all quite straightforward
as most of the code is the same as already used with the 8-bit PICs. Then life gets more complex as we delve into serial
co
unications ith the final tas eing to create an audio oscillosco e ith advanced triggering and ad usta le scan rate.
The complete P955H training course is £259, which includes the P955H training circuit, four books (240 × 170mm,
1200 pages total), six PIC microcontrollers, PIC assembler and programme text on CD, two USB-to-PC leads, a pack of
components, and carriage to a UK address. (To programme 32-bit PICs you will need to plug in a PICkit 3 or 4. You can buy
PICkit 4 from Microchip for £44).
Prices start from £175 for the P955H training circuit with Books 1 and 2 (240 × 170mm, 624 pages total), two PIC
microcontrollers, PIC assembler and programme text on CD, USB-to-PC lead, and carriage to UK address. (PICkit 3 or 4
not needed for this option.) You can buy Books 3 and 4, USB PIC, 32-bit PIC and the components kit as required later. See
the Brunning website for details: www.brunningsoftware.co.uk
Mail order address:
138 The Street, Little Clacton, Clacton-on-sea,
Essex, CO16 9LS. Tel 01255 862308
