If you wanted to learn how to program microcontrollers then you've found the right book. Microchip PIC microcontrollers are being designed into electronics throughout the world and none is more popular than the 8-pin version. Now the home hobbyist can create projects with these little microcontrollers using a low cost development tool called the CHIPAXE system and the BASIC software language. Chuck Hellebuyck introduces how to use this development setup to build useful projects with an 8-pin PIC12F683 microcontroller. All the projects include a detailed schematic and directions of how to build the hardware on a breadboard. Then he details how to write the software so you not only recreate the project but also learn how to write and modify the program. His down to earth style leaves you feeling comfortable and capable to create your own unique project ideas. Inside you'll learn about: *Controlling digital outputs by driving LEDs and Speakers *Sensing digital inputs by monitoring switches *Sensing analog signals using an Analog to Digital converter *How to sense light and vibration *How to make sound *How to write software using the PICBASIC PRO language Each project ends with questions to test your knowledge so this book can even be used in the classroom. Future volumes are in the works as well so this is just the beginning of your journey to learning how to Program PICs in BASIC.

The chipKIT is a Microchip PIC32 based Arduino compatible module released by Digilent Inc. In this book Chuck Hellebuyck, who has authored many entry level technical books, shows you how to get started with the chipKIT UNO32 using some very simple example sketches that demonstrate how to use digital inputs, digital outputs, analog inputs and analog outputs. These are the fundamental building blocks every electronic project needs. With the examples in this book you'll have the building blocks to get your electronic project, gadget or product up and running quickly and easily.

In the January 2006 Nuts & Volts Magazine, Chuck Hellebuyck started a column titled "Getting Started with PICs" that focused on the beginner. It became a popular column and continues in Nuts & Volts Magazine today. A collection of those articles was released as a book titled "Getting Started with PICs - A Collections of 2006 Nuts & Volts Articles." This book continues where the first book left off. This book contains the collection of the next 12 articles that were published in Nuts & Volts magazines of 2007.

In the January 2006 Nuts & Volts Magazine, Chuck Hellebuyck started a column titled "Getting Started with PIC's" that focused on the beginner and PICBASIC PRO. It became a popular column and continues in Nuts & Volts Magazine today. Many readers missed the early columns so this book contains the original 2006 articles compiled into a book for easy reference. The list below describes the topics covered in this collection of Chuck's articles. * January 2006 - Designing with Microchip PICs * February 2006 - Microchip PIC Based Resistor Checker * March 2006 - PIC to PC Communication * April 2006 - Going Beyond 31 Commands * May 2006 - Using the Microchip PIC Timers * June 2006 - Using the PIC External Interrupt * July 2006 - Developing with a PIC Bootloader * August 2006 - Multiplexed LED Displays and Relays * September 2006 - Real Time Clock * October 2006 - USB PIC Programmers * November 2006 - PIC Hardware Interface * December 2006 - Christmas Music

In "Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming - Volume 3" Chuck Hellebuyck takes another leap forward by showing you the steps to create the SimpleC library of functions that make programming in C even easier. This approach shows the reader how they can create their own functions and expand the SimpleC library to make creating microcontroller projects much quicker than writing in raw C code. This book will clearly be the reference for future programmers who want to build electronic gadgets without all the pain staking steps of writing every C statement while producing a working project in less time and with less effort. The SimpleC library will make the following functions as easy as one command line: Controlling Digital Outputs Reading Digital Inputs Monitoring Analog Voltages Driving Liquid Crystal Display Modules Driving Digital PWM Signals Sending/Receiving via SPI and I2C Communication Writing to/Reading from External EEPROM Writing to/Reading from External I/O Expanders And More The book uses the open source PIC16F886 based CHIPINO module for the hardware and also forms the platform to make future electronic projects and gadgets easier to build.

If you liked his first C book "Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming" then you will love this one. In this "Volume 2" Chuck takes the reader to the next level by introducing how to drive displays, how to use interrupts, how to use serial communication, how to use the internal hardware peripherals of the PIC16F690 Microcontroller such as SPI, PWM and Timers. He even introduces how to drive a stepper motor for those looking for electromechanical design help. He tackles these topics with his typical down to earth style of writing that makes the reader comfortable as they learn what some consider very difficult topics for the beginner. In addition he continues to use the very powerful HI-TECH C compiler in its free Lite mode so the reader can program along with little or no expense. This is a great companion to the "Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming" but also stands well on its own.

This is the first book written that covers the Microchip PIC based Basic Atom modules and chips and is a great first step to the world of Embedded BASIC Language programming. Through his unique way of making the complicated understandable, Chuck takes the reader through the inner workings of the Basic Atom by explaining the Microchip PIC and its role in the Atom module. From there Chuck explains the various Basic Atom modules and how to use the Basic Atom compiler. Chuck then delivers 13 projects that include Timers, Interrupts, RS232, LCD, Relays, Digital I/O and Analog to Digital Conversion. The reader can then use this knowledge to develop their own Basic Atom projects. If you are just getting started in the world of digital embedded electronic microcontrollers then this book and the Basic Atom is your best option.

The C language has been covered in many books but none as dedicated to the embedded microcontroller beginner as the Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming. Through his down to earth style of writing Chuck Hellebuyck delivers a step by step introduction to learning how to program microcontrollers with the C language. In addition he uses a powerful C compiler that the reader can download for free in a series of hands on projects with sample code so you can learn right along with him. For the hardware he found the best low cost but effective development starter kit that includes a PIC16F690 microcontroller and everything else the beginner needs to program and develop embedded designs, even beyond the book's projects. There isn't a better entry level guide to learning embedded C programming than the Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming.