ComputerVoltageSources

"John Loffink" <jloffink@...> wrote:
>
> Assuming we want a new module to retain compatibility with PSIM
programs, I
> believe that limits us to the Hitachi/Renasas and PIC microcontrollers
> suppported by BASIC ATOM and BASIC ATOM PRO.  BASIC ATOM PRO is
compatible
> with BASIC ATOM, according to the Basic Micro site, even though two
> different processors are used.  
> 
> As Gary mentioned, I can see where having programmable functions
embedded in
> otherwise analog modules is very desirable.  I assume PICs would be
better
> for this task since they come in hundreds of flavors and are very
> inexpensive.  The PIC in the BASIC ATOM system is fairly expensive
though,
> as PICs go...
> 
> Here's the microcontroller info I dug out of the Basic Micro docs:
> 
> Basic Atom 24/28/40 Micro:  Microchip PIC16F876, 20 MHz DIP part is
$7.70
> from Digi-Key
> Basic Atom Pro 24/28 Micro:  Hitachi/Renasas 3664, 16 MHz 64 LQFP
part is
> $9.50 from Digi-Key
> 
> John Loffink

John (and everyone),

Here is my comment on the higher expense of the Basic Atom Pro system,
FWIW....

A few years ago, Grant was besieged with overhead cost issues relative
to front panel fabrication, and the financial and managing costs of
having to order several units at once to keep costs down, etc. - now
he is using .fpd files and Front Panel Designer to fabricate his front
panels - each panel costs more, but can be ordered piece by piece,
including customizations.

I believe that the Basic Atom Pro is like front panel designer in this
scenerio - more expensive, but it offers many more people an
opportunity to contribute.  

In fact, using the PSIM as a developement platform, we have a fairly
evolved forum for testing new ideas and applications; with both
sophisticated writers and end users having the same hardware, trouble
shooting, modifications and revisions can easily be done between
author and beta tester very efficiently.

For example, when Woody Wall created the Shift Register Program, I
made some suggestions, based on how I used my pair of Serge ASRs;  he
made a few adjustments for me and sent me the new file, and that
application is STILL in one of my PSIMs - the other is Mike's
quadrature oscillator.  I could easily see creating permanent,
dedicated modules for these programs....  


Gary