PropellerCode.com was created for the purpose of providing fully usable and documented code for the absolute beginner to the Parallax’s Propeller microcontroller. This multi-core microcontroller by Parallax has many capabilities. However, few people have realized it’s full potential for completing tasks in which other microprocessors cannot do. Much of the documentation for the Propeller caters toward experienced coders, which puts beginners at a disadvantage. Many of the struggles for a beginner working with microcontrollers is often not just software issues, but hardware as well. PropellerCode.com aims to bridge that gap and provide fully documented code with working hardware configurations that match. This code is provided solely for educational purposes and is not affiliated with Parallax. It is not our intent to duplicate what Parallax has already provided. We here at PropellerCode.com aim to fill any confusion you may have, and we hope you will have fun learning more about your new Parallax Propeller!!!
Why choose the Parallax Propeller?
There are several advantages to the Parallax Propeller chip over other microprocessors.
Multi-Core:
First, the Propeller is a multi-core microprocessor. Parallax designed the Propeller chip to have 8 cores called “COGS” that allow you to dedicate an individual task to process. These cogs can by uses permanently or temporarily depending on the way you code the microprocessor. The cogs can communicate through a bus that rotates through the 8 different cogs every 2 clock cycles of the processor. With this, you the programmer, have the ability to have one cog processing while the other cog is just waiting for an input. Overall it helps simplify your coding.
Architecture:
The propeller uses a 40 pin architecture which gives you 32 working pins to assign functions to. In addition, it’s fast too! the Propeller chip runs at up to 80mHz and that includes all 8 cogs at the same speed! The 8 cogs have their individual ram as well as the main ram shared by all. Together, the propeller can even support processing for 3D video applications!
Object Oriented Code:
Another advantage to the Parallax Propeller chip is that the code is object oriented. Object oriented code is desirable because it allows you to use “objects”, code that other people may have written, and implement them into you code and seamlessly use their functions will little effort on your part. Object oriented simplifies the coding process, especially in the debugging process. The propeller uses two different code languages; Spin and Assembly. The Spin code is a lower level code that is the primary source used to link and control most processes. Assembly is a higher level code that is used in creating the functions of objects. It is not required to use Assembly code for basic controls, but is necessary for using more advanced features of the Propeller.
Cost:
The Parallax Propeller chip is an amazing value for what you get. The Parallax Propeller chip is not a traditional microcontroller, and yet Parallax was able to reduce manufacturing costs relative to their previous lines of chips that are not nearly as capable as the Propeller. The current cost for a single unit is $12.95 on the Parallax online store, and some comparable chips the same size were upwards of $80 to $90. Now the more advanced chip is only $12.95! I’m not sure how they managed to drop the prices to much, but all the better for you!
Ease of Use:
Very user friendly compiler that even works great with Windows Vista! Unfortunately, some of the demonstration code lacks documentation for the absolute beginner, but that’s what propellercode.com is for! Another thing that make the propeller easy to use is that you can use code other people wrote for you! That is what object oriented code is all about. An “object” is similar to a “plugin” for your code. You can almost “plug n’ play” the code another person wrote and use it to your advantage, and you may not have much work when doing so. This is one of the biggest advantages of the Parallax Propeller over other microprocessors.
Community:
As a coder for the Parallax Propeller chip, you have an entire community of Parallax Propeller enthusiasts who will to help you every step of the way. That also should give you a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that when you get stuck, people are willing to help you out. We here at PropellerCode.com are willing to donate our time to helping you. So log-in or register today an become a part of our Parallax Propeller community.