PIC controller with Infrared

[LanciaFreak]

Hi There,

Is there anybody who can help me started. I am completely ignorent on PIC
controllers (I have a programmer and must deeper into it).I do however know
something about Visual Basic.

Is it possible to program a PIC to send a stream of serial communication
data by infrared which I can read out with my infrared receiver. The goal is
to have a number (lets define 30) different small PCB's which send out a
different data string. Then I can recognize the different PCB's while
reading out the comm port in VB. Speed (and reliability) is
essential.....Therefore, better ideas are also very welcome. It is for a
selfmade counting (and recognition) for moddeling cars..

Any help codewise and electronically wise is very welcome.

Would it also be smart to use a PIC on the receiver side to readout more
safely and faster? Or is it possible to create a kind of storage of the data
untill read out by the PC?

Udo (Thats my name and does not stand for Unidentified Dirty Object)

 

[happyhobit]

Hi Udo,

If you haven't decided on a brand of microcotrollers than start researching
PIC, AVR and Others based on your application. I like AVR, others like PIC,
others like Others. If you have decided then try to determine which of
their processors will work best in your application, than download the
datasheets and start reading. Based on your description the only thing you
might need in the processor is a PWM output and possibly a serial I/O

Different processors support different Compilers / Languages so research
that, based on your programming requirements. Free PIC basic compiler
http://xcprod.com/titan/XCSB/

I'd recommend learning assembler, unless you have specific requirements that
cannot be easily met in assembly. It's much more efficient for small
applications. Others like 'C' and it's fine if your application can benefit
from it.

Your hand held receiver might have problems with 30 voices calling out for
attention. Having your receiver 'Poll' the PCB's and having them respond in
order might create a little order out of Chaos. A 38 or 40 kHz modulated
beam with a Panasonic or Sharp receivers work well unless you're outside.
The data format is another huge field. You can try to send ASCII with
parity, checksum and CRC to improve reliability or you can use a
self-clocking multi field format. And there are many others.

Little can be taught, much must be learned. Use Google, combine words,
learn.

There I hope I've simplified things a bit.

Jay