Overview:

When MicroGUI software is running on a PC, it provides a set of Graphical Input and Output Controls for interfacing with any Stamp or Micro. Only a serial link is needed between the PC and the target device. In the case of a Stamp or a Self-Loading AVR, then the existing programming cable can serve both purposes - no new hardware is needed.

MicroGUI is all about interaction, and when combined with the appeal of analog controls it makes the whole human interface real-world, and more natural. To be totally correct, the analog controls are 'Virtual' since they are implemented graphically on a screen - but when compared to 'Real' ones, they do not need wiring, debugging, and are essentially 'for free'.

Typical uses for these controls could be grouped into three categories:

1. For learning about Microcontroller technology

2. As tools during the development of a Micro product

3. As a PC Operator interface to a Micro system

There are no restrictions on the combination of different types of controls, but those three areas were the influence for what has been incorporated so far. Also note that the user determines the actual mix of Real and Virtual devices. For instance, one example below has a 'Real' potentiometer controlling the speed of a 'Virtual' stepper motor on the PC screen.

The Scope: 

This is an important extension to MicroGUI, and especially for learning. It offers up to 4 channels where each can represent 1 Analog, or 4 Digital signals for maximums of 4 and 16 signals respectively. Any combination of analog and digital is permissible.

To assist in the interpretation of port pin digital data, the user can change the default allocation of 'Pins to Channel numbers' or reverse the order of significance. Normally digital data is plotted 'by event' which means that the traces only step across the screen when one or more signals change. This allows excellent interaction between the User and the Micro for a deeper understanding.

Sensor inputs or internal variables can both be plotted as analog data. Seeing variables as analog data is very revealing in comparison to scrolling Debug values. For example, a counter becomes a ramp generator, if it misses a beat or gets reset, it is abundantly clear.

Combining both also has value. When conducting experiments with analog sensors for instance, adding digital signals can readily identify events and conditions for a complete picture.

Speed could become a factor in capturing sensor data, in that all values need to be sent serially to the PC which takes time. However, in the case of a Self-Loading AVR with its relatively enormous 1024 bytes of RAM, all data can be captured at microsecond speeds, then dumped to the PC at a slower rate when complete.

Benefits in Education:

1. With only a Stamp or a Self-Loading AVR to be purchased up front, this will allow considerably more Students to get involved
2. 'Real' LCDs, Stepper Motors etc. can be purchased later when budgets allow
3. Every lesson, every Student hits the ground running - their projects are 'safe on disk', as compared to finding non-functional hardware when shared by multiple classes
4. 'Safe on disk' also means there is nothing to be physically preserved from one class to another, thereby allowing all Students to progress at their own pace
5. The Educator can concentrate on teaching, rather than with an unfamiliar task of resolving hardware problems

Ready-to-run Projects for Education:

The ready-to-run Projects below are just a few of the current 20 or so that come with the Download. Once downloaded, nothing more is needed than 'Run' microgui.exe for it to automatically self-extract and install. That also includes the creation of separate directories for the PC Projects, and matching BS2 and Bascom programs.

To run each of the examples (some are shown below) requires for instance \Projects\Starter1.prj to get the PC end setup. Followed by a 'matching' \BS2_Code\Starter1.bs2 'Program' to load a Parallax Stamp - or \BC_Code\Starter1.bas to load a Self-Loading AVR.

Immediately, you are running the example project - in the exact same way each student hits the ground running at the start of every class.

To get first hand experience:

Download Demo v1.0 of MicroGUI

For educators who would prefer a CD, please supply a School/College address for delivery to: support@rhombus-tek.com

Basic Controls

Ready to Run Projects

LEDs 1

The speed of the 'accurately animated' Stepper motor can be changed with the on screen slider, or by using a potentiometer in the local bread board - code below. It demonstrates that the user is not committed to all devices being virtual.

The reverse of the above would have the PC's slider controlling a real stepper and that would also be fine. Both real and virtual I/O can be used together in a project.

The pot costs less than $1, the stepper plus drivers much more - and you cannot look inside a real motor as it is running. The manual version (prior project above) allows full experimenting and animates all fault conditions without burning out the drivers and windings.