FAQ

There are several reasons why download doesn't work properly.
a. Check power at RESET and Vcc pins on PICBASIC module
b. Check download cable
c. Check "Processor speed setting" when using PB LAB series
d. Check if the power management of your PC is off or not. If not, turn it off.

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# I encounter the Firmware mismatch error on executing compiler.

You should upgrade the firmware to version 3.9a or higher.

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# PICBASIC module doesn't work after restarting my PC.

You should unplug a download cable before restarting your PC.

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# What is differences between PICBASIC and TinyPLC?

The most distinguished difference is programming method. PICBASIC is programmed in PICBASIC while TinyPLC is programmed in Ladder Logic.
PICBASIC has advantages in sequential control while TinyPLC has that in time-sharing control.

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# What is differences between PB series and PBM sires?

PBM is advanced model of PB and has lots of advantages over PB such as floating point number operation, hardware RS232C, receiving interrupt, built-in DA converter, string support, increment of memory and higher execution speed.

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# How can I display floating point number on LCD with PBM series?

To display floating point number on LCD with PBM series, you should FLOAT instruction just as examples shown below.
EX) PRINT FLOAT(I,6,7)

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# What kind of development kit do I need to program PICBASIC modules?

You need only a PICBASIC module and a cable in order to program PICBASIC module. Appropriate software, PICBASIC studio, is provided free of charge. If you get PICBASIC PnP board or PROTO board, you can make it much easier.

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# Is it possible to make communication between PICBASIC and TinyPLC?

Yes. It is possible to make communication between PICBASIC and TinyPLC through RS-232C or RS485. Refer to TinyPLC user's manual for details.

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# How about the processing speed of PICBASIC modules?

As each PICBASIC instruction has different execution speed, it is hard to inform exact processing speed. it is around 1mS. The number of instruction per second which each PICBASIC module executes as follows;
- PB-1S/2S : 1,000 instructions/second
- PB-2H : 5,000 instructions/second
- PBM-R1/R5: 40,000 instructions/second

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# I want to make floating point number operation with PICBASIC.

You should use PBM-series. Some trick to make floating point number operation with PB series is described in PICBASIC user's manual.

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# Can I make 7-bit RS232C communication with PICBASIC module?

The data bit format in RS232C communication with PICBASIC is fixed 8-bit. There is no way to change the format into 7-bit.

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# I want to know sampling time of A/D converter in PICBASIC.

The sampling time of A/D converter in PICBASIC is approximately 1mS.

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# What do I have to know in using interrupts?

You must use "RETURN" on returning to main loop from branch. If not, there will be occurred Stack over-flow.

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# I want to make a PICBASIC module receive 4mA~20mA of current from a pressure sensor.

Most cases, pressure sensors output their signal in the form of current. However, a PICBASIC module can not receive the signal in the form of current. You have to convert it into voltage-signal (1~5V) by applying 250 ohm of pull-down then use ADIN() function in PICBASIC in order to receive the voltage-signal.

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# How can I use SLEEP mode with PICBASIC modules?

PICBASIC doesn't support SLEEP mode.

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# Does PB-2H support SCI communication?

Yes. You can make SCI communication with PB-2H by using SHIF IN/SHIFT OUT instruction. These instructions use Clock and data I/O line and support I2C communication mode.

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# How can I use more than two LCD in a PICBASIC module?

To use two LCD in a PICBASIC module, connect one LCD to PICBASIC pin and use the other LCD by SEROUT instruction.

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