BASIC networking for the PICmicro®

Introduction

Back to basics! Iosoft now offer a simple low-cost entry into TCP/IP networking on the PICmicro using the BASIC language.

Iosoft Ltd. have teamed up with Crownhill Associates to bring you:

• A low-cost PICmicro network prototyping board
• PICBASIC Pro compatible source code, with User Datagram (UDP) functionality
• A PC interface, using Visual Basic

This kit demonstrates simple network data transfers between PCs, target boards, and the Internet, all using the BASIC language.

Hardware

Proton-Net development board

The Crownhill Associates Proton-Net board provides an ideal development platform for PICmicro network experimentation. It includes:

• Fully compatible with existing PICmicro Ethernet designs
• PIC 16F877 or PIC18F452 microcontroller with in-circuit programming
• RTL8019AS Ethernet controller
• 32 Kbyte storage for Web pages
• Requires a single 9 volt supply
• Generous prototyping area
• Full access to all PICmicro pins
• Solder or solderless prototyping options

The Proton-Net is fully compatible with all the existing PICmicro Ethernet software in the 2nd edition of 'TCP/IP Lean', providing a 'C' language upgrade path to handle more complex networking requirements.

PICmicro Software

PICBASIC software

A PICBASIC-PRO compatible source-code package is available.

• Full BASIC source code - no hidden libraries
• Compatible with popular low-cost compiler (not supplied)
• IP, ICMP and UDP capability
• Message-passing and time-client applications included
• Comprehensive software manual

Visual Basic Software

Datagram utility

A PC-based Visual Basic utility is provided to demonstrate PC-to-PICmicro network communications.

• Full Visual Basic source code provided - no hidden libraries
• UDP server provides data for the PICmicro
• UDP client can control the PICmicro
• Diagnostic display to assist debugging

Availability

The hardware and software is available from our partner Crownhill Associates www.crownhill.co.uk Tel. +44(0)1353 66709 Fax +44(0)1353 666709; credit-card orders accepted. It is not available direct from Iosoft Ltd.