SXmicro.com

Over in the Complete Projects thread on the Parallax Forum is a project that PJ Allen and T&E Engineer cooked up. The project is an LED Matrix sign controlled by an SX Micro. Check it out.

Project Thread

To get back on track, maybe I should provide a breif outline of what is to come. I was thinking the next steps I should show is how to write your first program for the SX. There will be several posts looking at the hardware and the software for a couple simple programs that light an LED or read a button. I think I have some new ideas and content to add to the standard “hello world” programs.

After the simple hardware/software examples I think it will be a good idea to start a small project. Often times I learn by example and applications. Having a problem and solving it is an excellent way to learn.

After reading Nuts & Volts, Servo, Elektor, Everyday Practical Electronics, and similar magazines, I have a small list of ideas for projects. What would you like to see in an SX beginner project? Let me know in the comments. We will walk together step by step through the design, fabrication and assembly of the project.

Let’s take a small break from the data sheet series. I was reviewing some old posts and thought a few more pictures need to be added to this blog. How about an overview of the SX Tech Demo board?

The SX Tech Demo board is only available in the SX Kit from Parallax. The board design is simple as you can see. There is a plug for power input, a 5V DC voltage regulator, an LED to indicate power, a socket for an SX28 DIP chip, a spot to plug in either an SX-Key or an oscillator and a breadboard for prototyping your circuits.

The back side of the PCB isn’t anything special, but I thought I would show it to you anyway.

Here is the plug for power input. Note the symbol on the left side. First the text tells us that the input voltage should be 6 to 9 volt direct current (DC). The symbol above the text says that the center of the barrel power plug should be positive and the outer ring should be negative or common. Why is the minimum 6V DC? The on-board regulator is a linear regulator. Since the on-board regulator regulates the voltage to 5V DC, the incoming voltage must be above 5V.

Finally here is a close up of a USB SX Key attached to the board. Note the orientation. This is very important. The back side of the SX Key has text indicating which pin is which. Be sure to double or triple check all connections to before applying power.

Allow me a moment to say something about the breadboard. I am happy that the breadboard is included with this board. I am even happier that all the I/O signals are brought to convenient headers next to the breadboard. This breadboard should do well for prototyping small circuits. If your circuits require more real estate, consider using a larger external breadboard and extend your I/O to the other breadboard. Be cautious though, if your I/O is operating at fast rates, then your wires in between the breadboard and SX Tech board may cause circuit problems.