StickOS

**ScaleRobotics** · - 11th May 2010, 01:13

This thread is about the StickOS (which is also used in hardware called soBasic http://www.sobasicsoeasy.com/). It is an operating system that allows development through a telnet like terminal. This interface can be made over the serial port, USB port, or wireless port. StickOS has been compiled to run on a few different types of chips. Two Microchip series that it can run on are the PIC32MX3 and the PIC32MX4 families.

A description from the www.cpustick.com website:

StickOS™ BASIC is an entirely MCU-resident interactive programming environment, which includes an easy-to-use editor, transparent line-by-line compiler, interactive debugger, performance profiler, and flash filesystem, all controlled thru an interactive command-line user interface. In StickOS, external MCU pins may be bound to “pin variables” for manipulation or examination, and internal MCU peripherals may be managed by BASIC control statements and interrupt handlers. A StickOS-capable MCU may be connected to a host computer via a variety of transports and may then be controlled by any terminal emulator program, with no additional software or hardware required on the host computer. Once program development is complete, the MCU may be configured to autorun its BASIC program autonomously.

For more information on this system, see this post for a few videos that describe the development/operating sytem: http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/show...9397#post89397

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 01:14

FYI: Just had several email conversations with Rich Testardi (the inventor behind StickOS), and he's one very likeable person, and someone that's very interested in making complex embedded control applications simple for students, and anyone else interested in embedded programming. With ZERO experience in embedded applications.

If these initial boards work as expected, we will for sure be producing a lot more with various options, including the MC13201 2.4GHz wireless chip on board for wireless programming & communcations between boards.

Imagine development programming a PIC32 via wireless with this simple system!

Pretty cool stuff.

**ScaleRobotics** · - 11th May 2010, 01:27

Originally Posted by Bruce

A heart-beat LED on a PIC32 processor running at 80MHz is pretty trivial stuff..;o)

Definately trivial, just wanted an LED on the board. StickOS already has it programmed (and allows it to be changed to any available IO), just wanted a pin to set it to, and it would be handy if the LED was on the board.

Thanks,

Walter

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 01:34

Oh - great - the cost just went up by $0.001 per board...

Surface mount - or through-hole? Blue, red, green, yellow?

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 02:02

OK guys - so far it's;

Me
Walter
Mark
Dave

Walter wants the BASIC Stamp type layout with header pads down both sides for a Stamp type board that can be inserted directly into a breadboard.

I prefer the board with header pads around the processor in a square type arrangement like an Explorer16 type PIM module - with an area large enough to place a small breadboard on top of the solder pad area.

That's 1 to 1, so we need at least one more vote to tip-the-scales, and we'll go with that design factor.

I've already started the board design, but have to wait for the final vote before moving on - so let me know ASAP.

I can have the board design ready long before we get the PIC32 controllers.

**Darrel Taylor** · - 11th May 2010, 02:20

Curious,

Are these the PIC Sticks that PBP already supports?
(PS1-5)

Or a different "Stick"?

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 02:27

Hi Darrel,

These will be boards based on the PIC32MX440F512H-80I/PT running at 80MHz.

See this thread on the StickOS http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=13221 and the videos.

**rmteo** · - 11th May 2010, 02:35

Anyone notice how slow this is (considering it uses an 80MHz processor) - or am I missing something?

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**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 02:46

Slow - compared to what?

http://www.cpustick.com/mcus.htm

**Darrel Taylor** · - 11th May 2010, 02:51

These will be boards based on the PIC32MX440F512H-80I/PT running at 80MHz.
See this thread on the StickOS http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=13221 and the videos.

Oh, I see...

Didn't watch that thread after the "propeller" stuff.
Sorry, my bad.

What the hey, I'll take a couple.
Got a couple of brain cells left that need toasting.
That ought to do it.

I think you split the thread a little short though.
Didn't know what it was.

P.S. And fooy on the speed tests.
An empty FOR/NEXT is a terrible test of a "Systems" performance.

**mackrackit** · - 11th May 2010, 02:56

Bruce,
Being you have already started the board design I say go with the Explorer 16 type.

Blue SMD.

**ScaleRobotics** · - 11th May 2010, 02:56

A BASIC Stamp 2px Module does about 19,000 instructions per second. So it's definitely faster than that.

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 03:05

Hey Darrel,

Yeah - I did stop that thread a tad short, but only because it totally didn't pertain to anything MeLabs related, so it was moved to off-topic - out of respect.

As for speed, what on earth would anyone expect when the whole user interface, compiler, and the works, is incorporated within the processor. What a silly question..

Got you down for 2 units.

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 03:09

A BASIC Stamp 2px Module does about 19,000 instructions per second. So it's definitely faster than that.

And a low-end PIC running at a mere 4MHz (1 million instructions per second) stomps the living mud out of even the fastest BASIC Stamp..

And it only costs $0.99 VS 50 bucks.

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 03:28

Dave,

Done. I'll make it with a blue SMD LED.

**Sneaky-geek** · - 11th May 2010, 04:23

Bruce,
PLEASE INCLUDE a port for a MEL U2. I wil take 2 also. I like the blue LED idea.

Thank you,
Terry
AKA
K9HA
Sneaky-geek

**mackrackit** · - 11th May 2010, 04:36

Bruce,
Just curious.
I have a rough count of a dozen units for folks here on forum:
Walter 3
Darrel 2
Sneaky 2
Malc 1?
Me. 4

How many can you do in a run with your oven?

**ScaleRobotics** · - 11th May 2010, 04:45

Originally Posted by mackrackit

I have a rough count of a dozen units for folks here on forum:
Walter 3
Darrel 2
Sneaky 2
Malc 1?
Me. 4

Sorry, I never said. I have 3 chips coming that I will send. But I would like two boards, if that is ok? Someone else can use the third chip for theirs.

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 04:49

Oh - I think we could build about 500 per day with so few components on a simple board like this, so keep em coming. We have a dual batch oven. Shove one set in one side, and others go in when you shove the hot batch out..;o)

Dave,

Can you keep the tally for me? I've got three commercial jobs to push out-the-door between now & next Friday, so it would be a BIG help!

Walter,

No problemo. We'll work out qtys once we have the boards & other stuff. I'll get initial quotes on the boards, hardware, etc, then we'll all get together to sort stuff out.

Never expected it to grow like this, but that's cool. We'll have more folks to bounce new ideas off of.

Been chatting a lot today with the StickOS creator. He's one very cool person. And a heck of a lot smarter than I am..;o)

Kinda nice talking to someone like that if you know what I mean.

**mackrackit** · - 11th May 2010, 05:17

Bruce,
I can keep the tally. No problem.

Walter,
note made

**tenaja** · - 11th May 2010, 05:23

I'll take two. More if they come out supercheap.

**Archangel** · - 11th May 2010, 06:52

Originally Posted by Bruce

And it only costs $0.99 VS 50 bucks.

Stamp's price caused me to avoid all micro controllers for YEARS !

Originally Posted by Bruce

Been chatting a lot today with the StickOS creator. He's one very cool person. And a heck of a lot smarter than I am..;o)

Kinda nice talking to someone like that if you know what I mean.

Oh Yeah !
It is exactly that which attracts many of us HERE.

I am not fully up to speed here, cause his video is a bit long . . . and I was getting sleepy . . . anyway if the price is moderate, sign me up for a couple of the first run too . . . I tend to agree with Walter about the header strips, but You're making it, as long as we can interface it without too much brain damage, it's good.

EDIT: OK, now up to speed, wow he talks fast, THAT LOOKS REALLY COOL ! OH YEAH, Deal me in. Please.

**Ioannis** · - 11th May 2010, 08:03

Please count me in too. Sorry I got on the train a little late!

Now about the chips. I think it is a little silly to order the chips here in Greece nd then send them back to you Bruce. Is there any chance to have it complete from you?

Pin headers for breadbording is my preference too, but you are the boss.

2-3 is OK for starters.

Ioannis

**Dave** · - 11th May 2010, 12:17

Bruce , What type of I/O hardware is going to be available? Will there be RS-232, USB, Voltage regulator, Reset button.... ect. onboard? If the schematic you are going to post looks applicable to prototyping then put me down for two.

Dave Purola,
N8NTA

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 14:46

Ioannis,

We'll get the PICs. It would cost you more to ship them here than the cost of the PICs.

What type of I/O hardware is going to be available? Will there be RS-232, USB, Voltage regulator, Reset button.... ect. onboard? If the schematic you are going to post looks applicable to prototyping then put me down for two.

I was planning to keep the boards as simple as possible. Like these;

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...oducts_id=9645

http://www.schmalzhaus.com/UBW32/

Which type would everyone prefer? The layout with pins on both side, or the Sparkfun type board?

**mark_s** · - 11th May 2010, 17:31

Hi Bruce,

I'll vote with Walter on a BS2 style board (breadboard plugable). Put me down for two.

I am curious. For instance you want to use a LCD charactor display. We have no "LCDOUT" command. I am assuming we go retro and write subroutines like the original stamp programs or Pic Basic? I need to study the user manual and example some more.

Thanks
Mark

**ScaleRobotics** · - 11th May 2010, 17:45

Originally Posted by mark_s

I am curious. For instance you want to use a LCD charactor display. We have no "LCDOUT" command. I am assuming we go retro and write subroutines like the original stamp programs or Pic Basic?

It looks like you go retro, as you say. Or you can just use a serial LCD display. There are definitely some things that are not here, but it looks like it can do a lot with what it does have. Perfect for simple projects, or getting beginners into the mix. Might even pull more newcomers into upgrading to PicBasicPro, after they have the basic skills, and learned some of the logic.

Here is the quick reference guide: http://www.cpustick.com/downloads/quickref.v1.70.pdf

**wolwil** · - 11th May 2010, 19:20

Sounds like a good way to fry some cells, put me down for 2 if the price is right - bread board style

What are we looking at for a ballpark price???

**mackrackit** · - 11th May 2010, 21:00

Originally Posted by Bruce

I was planning to keep the boards as simple as possible. Like these;

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...oducts_id=9645

http://www.schmalzhaus.com/UBW32/

Which type would everyone prefer? The layout with pins on both side, or the Sparkfun type board?

If we still have a choice and the above are the two options I think the second one would be better in the long run.

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 21:45

OK. If everyone's happy with the Stamp-like module with pins down both sides, then we'll go with that. If not - let me know ASAP. I'm in a holding pattern until it's decided.

**Nicmus** · - 11th May 2010, 23:19

If I understand it correctly there will be an initial load of the OS. I do not have the tools to do that but, if it comes preprogrammed or somebody can do it for me, count me in with 4.

Thanks,

Nick

**Bruce** · - 11th May 2010, 23:23

All boards will be pre-programmed & tested with the StickOS. It will be up to you, and everyone else, that gets a board, to read the instruction manual on how to setup & use the board.

**tenaja** · - 11th May 2010, 23:37

Originally Posted by Bruce

OK. If everyone's happy with the Stamp-like module with pins down both sides, then we'll go with that. If not - let me know ASAP. I'm in a holding pattern until it's decided.

I'm good with that.

Do we have a price guesstimate yet?

**Nicmus** · - 11th May 2010, 23:38

I'm in with 4 if is not too late.

Nick

**mackrackit** · - 12th May 2010, 04:09

This is what I have for the tally so far. If anyone sees something that is wrong let me know.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...abUZzVWc&hl=en

Bruce,
Do you have a cut off date for this?

**Ioannis** · - 12th May 2010, 11:42

Originally Posted by Bruce

Ioannis,

We'll get the PICs. It would cost you more to ship them here than the cost of the PICs.

Many thanks Bruce. I vote for the Stamp-like too.

Ioannis

**Bruce** · - 12th May 2010, 15:41

No cut off date yet, and no cost estimates yet. Can't get to costs until I've finished the board, received quotes on those, and have a full BOM ready.

I have a few projects to finish first, and then will get moving on the board. It's already started, but have to wait to get my samples in.

**ScaleRobotics** · - 20th May 2010, 16:45

Originally Posted by Bruce

I have a few projects to finish first, and then will get moving on the board. It's already started, but have to wait to get my samples in.

Hello Bruce,

You should receive my PIC32 samples in the mail tomorrow. Hope work is slow for you .... (briefly of course)!

Thanks!

Walter

**jrprogrammer** · - 21st May 2010, 13:34

I sent 6 chips via Priority Mail. I only need 3 back on the board, so you will have 3 to donate or deduct off the board charge.. StickOS looks real interesting...
JR

**mackrackit** · - 22nd May 2010, 16:26

Originally Posted by jrprogrammer

I sent 6 chips via Priority Mail. I only need 3 back on the board, so you will have 3 to donate or deduct off the board charge.. StickOS looks real interesting...
JR

You have been added to the list.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...abUZzVWc&hl=en