OT: Maplin
- Thread starter boriz
- Start date
Nope, I use google to search for the part number and put 'datasheet' after it. Most datasheets show pinouts and sample schematics.
Then I save the datasheet pdf to my hard drive so I've got it for future use.
The only gripe I do have in this regard is the new Picaxe chips.
Their datasheets don't show max voltage or current per pin. Also there is no easy-to-understand layout of what memory is where and what memory is multipurpose.
Angie
Then I save the datasheet pdf to my hard drive so I've got it for future use.
The only gripe I do have in this regard is the new Picaxe chips.
Their datasheets don't show max voltage or current per pin. Also there is no easy-to-understand layout of what memory is where and what memory is multipurpose.
Angie
Fair point.
Especially as on the newer ones Rev Ed. wont directly admit which actual Microchip processors they really are ...........
They allude to the fact that they may be 'like' a particular Microchip part, but the reality is that they are standard Microchip parts flashed with Rev Ed Firmware, in my experience.
inglewoodpete
Senior Member
Well they do say but they're in an awkward position where the chips are not identical. The PICAXE chip have "PICAXE" stamped on them, making them physically different. I am not disputing that the electricals are the same.
hippy
Ex-Staff (retired)
The unfortunate reality is that latest datasheets from Microchip sometimes only provide "preliminary" data for electrical specifications and no details of DC and AC characteristics. This is a matter outside of Rev-Ed's control.
I read a pdf written by westaust55 the other day (somewhere on this forum) regarding the mapping of the memory allocation but it was all prior to the M2 series as far as I could see. I've also read a reply to someone who asked which IC their specific picaxe chip was built upon. The reply was, select the chip in programming editor and it displays the IC it's buit on. The problem here is I have 20M2 chips and that says it's based on a 20M2 
I realise the chip might be proprietry but if these are designed to teach the yoot of today about 'lectronics then surely a datasheet with necessary info should be available.
And now I'm done and I duck for cover
Angie
I realise the chip might be proprietry but if these are designed to teach the yoot of today about 'lectronics then surely a datasheet with necessary info should be available.
And now I'm done and I duck for cover
Angie
westaust55
Moderator
I do exactly the same - and have some files with paper copies of quite a few so I can sit away from a PC and study them.
Do the PICAXE tables provided in posts 10 and 13 here help: http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?11514-PICAXE-Memory-Map-and-SFR-Details-Chart
The table in post 10 was prepared pre M2 parts but the concepts still apply.
The table in post 13 basically replaces much of the the information (ie SFR's) on the bottom left of the post 10 table and based upon subsequent information by Technical applies across the M2 range.
Maybe I should get around
For the newer chips they cannot do that, as I gather contractually they are not permitted to reveal which Microchip PIC is being used.
Although summary information (when Microchip eventually publish it) could be made available in redacted form.
westaust55
Moderator
You got in there while I was posting
as a "guide":I've also read a reply to someone who asked which IC their specific picaxe chip was built upon. The reply was, select the chip in programming editor and it displays the IC it's buit on. The problem here is I have 20M2 chips and that says it's based on a 20M2
I realise the chip might be proprietry but if these are designed to teach the yoot of today about 'lectronics then surely a datasheet with necessary info should be available.
And now I'm done and I duck for cover
Angie
08M2 - see PIC 12F1840,
14M2 - see PIC 16F1825, and
20M2 - see PIC 16F1829
westaust55
Post 10 was the one I referred to above. I loved the layout (read as ... I could understand it) but it was the Eeprom and scratchpad bits I was (am) a little confused over.
Is Eeprom, on the 20M2, part of the prog space (doc says 'part of prog apace in 08/18 & all M parts) or is it seperate as in 18A/18X/X1 and X2 parts.
Does the 20M2 have scratchpad (doc says '20X2 and ALL non X2 parts') but manual 2 page 12 doesn't mention the 20M2.
Sorry if I'm missing something obvious but I've read and read again various posts on this great forum and the manuals but some things seem a bit blurred
As for the pdf in your post 13, well, I can read and design schematics and solder it up but that pdf is a little too deep for me
Angie
Post 10 was the one I referred to above. I loved the layout (read as ... I could understand it) but it was the Eeprom and scratchpad bits I was (am) a little confused over.
Is Eeprom, on the 20M2, part of the prog space (doc says 'part of prog apace in 08/18 & all M parts) or is it seperate as in 18A/18X/X1 and X2 parts.
Does the 20M2 have scratchpad (doc says '20X2 and ALL non X2 parts') but manual 2 page 12 doesn't mention the 20M2.
Sorry if I'm missing something obvious but I've read and read again various posts on this great forum and the manuals but some things seem a bit blurred
As for the pdf in your post 13, well, I can read and design schematics and solder it up but that pdf is a little too deep for me
Angie
westaust55
Moderator
Does this Rev Ed brifing sheet for the M2 parts help: as a "guide": http://www.picaxe.com/docs/picaxem2.pdf
Only the early 18M2 and 08M2 still shared EEPROM with Program space.
The 14M2, 18M2+ and 20M2 have a separate EEPROM area.
The M2 parts do not have scratchpad memory hence do not use the prt and @ptr functions/variables, but
M2 parts do have "TABLE memory" which is part of program memory (See the READTABLE command) and do have the bptr plus @bptr functions/variables for access to the general RAM area (where variables B0, b1, b2, b27 and beyond/above are).
Contractually a chip with PICAXE on the top cannot be described as a PICxxx. It's simply a trademark legality which we have to stick to in our documentation.
But you can simply follow the links below...
Simply follow the published links on picaxe.com ...
http://www.picaxe.com/What-is-PICAXE/PICAXE-Chip-Labels/
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Thanks westaust55, I'd seen that before.
The last explanation was just what I wanted to know and put so succinctly.
Angie
Ok Technical, I didn't find that link before. Did I miss it or did it just arrive?
Thanks.
Angie
mrburnette
Senior Member
'tis been there for a while... at least a few weeks... maybe longer. I stumbled across it while updating my PDF's on a backup machine.... Did I miss it or did it just arrive?
Thanks.
Angie
- Ray
See post #3 here:Ok Technical, I didn't find that link before. Did I miss it or did it just arrive?
Thanks.
Angie
http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?20077-Datasheets-for-M2-devices&p=190472&highlight=chip+labels#post190472
e
LOL Ray 'stumbled across it' and another poster couldn't find it. I don't feel so bad now
Thanks all.
Angie
inglewoodpete
Senior Member
They don't call it the World Wide Wilderness for nothing!LOL Ray 'stumbled across it' and another poster couldn't find it. I don't feel so bad now
Thanks all.
Angie
Hi,
In my humble opinion, Maplins has stopped being one of the best sources of components for the hobbyist,
to one of just selling 'gimmicky toys'. The components they do sell are about three or four times the price
of pratically anyone else. I used to look forward to their project books, and I have a few.
A real shame they had to go like that..
regards john
In my humble opinion, Maplins has stopped being one of the best sources of components for the hobbyist,
to one of just selling 'gimmicky toys'. The components they do sell are about three or four times the price
of pratically anyone else. I used to look forward to their project books, and I have a few.
A real shame they had to go like that..
regards john
Agree with john, personally gave up with Maplin's years ago. Use CPC (part of the Farnell group) nowadays, but I'm only 20 minutes away. Find their handling/delivery quite high if you only want a couple of small items. Good comprehensive catalogue/web site: 256 EEPROM chips quite cheap I found.
http://cpc.farnell.com
256 EEPROM chips quite cheap I found.
http://cpc.farnell.com
256 EEPROM chips quite cheap I found.
I agree. And I still have a few Project Books from years ago too.
There is some good stuff in those books that would be educational and very useful to today's hobbyists.
I seem to remember good explanations on op-amps, transistors, H-Bridges... loads of things.
And designed by designers.
There is excellent stuff on nerdynet too, but so much is done by 3-year olds where operation is more by luck than judgement.
Maplin is my last 'port of call' for bits these days. But we brave hobbyists are a minority.
But I guess high-markup flashing toys is where the quick cash is.
I agree too - especially about the pricing.
Last time I tried to buy something in Maplin (a 16x1 LCD, possibly in 2010), the bloke behind the counter said that the item was web-only and that Maplin are stocking less and less electronic components in-store. As it turns out, the only LCD module that they keep in stock in store is an overly expensive small 16x2 module that costs the same as TWO serial LCD modules from Rev-Ed (or one and a bit OLED modules) or THREE normal LCD modules from Rapid.
7805 linear regulators cost £1 which is ridiculous for inefficient dinosaur technology (compare with Rapid and Techsupplies) - although at least they keep them in stock in store! An look at the price of their RAM. Now this argument is well sourced and citated! Maplin are also obsessed with external hard drives (the first 'popular serach' in the list) and knock-off Android tablets (although there are some genuine big-name ones from Apple and Archos and um... in there).
And whilst it's fair to acknowledge that Maplin need to pinch more pennies in order to pay for loads of physical stores, employees and electricity for those stores and of course adverts and snooker sponsorships whereas other (better) retailers such as Rapid and Techsupplies don't, the pricing is still excessive.
Less component related now, which retailer charges £150 for a 10" TV - but for that premium you're getting a built in MP3 PLAYER and JPG PHOTO VIEWER!!! On the other hand Tesco charges the same amount for a big-brand 22" LCD TV with DVD combi. Tesco have stores too which they have to spend money on running.
Don't get me started on PICAXE Programming jacks. Shocking.
Maplin still charge for their catalogue which says 'See web for latest pricing' in the pricing boxes of most items. Amazingly, their iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch app is free.
[HUMOUR]
Finally, the Maplin catchphrases are "No sorry this product does not support that", "We can see no reason why not" and "Yes the product does support that". Their FAQ answerers probably just have the product page open on one side of the screen and on the other side are four buttons which say "Click here to answer 'No sorry this product does not support that'", "Click here to answer 'We can see no reason why not'", "Click here to answer 'Yes the product does support that'" and "Click here to write something more constructive".
And sure I'm going to be gaming and editing HD video on a laptop that takes this RAM.
[HUMOUR]
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I know exactly what you mean by 'good bedtime reading'.Yes I do. Not so much for the technical data, as already said Google finds it. The catalogue was good bedtime reading. Lots of ideas. I've seen a web version of it but the content isn't like it was in the "good old days"
AndyGadget
Senior Member
Yep, I agree with all that's been said. I've got a couple of Maplins near me but they are way overpriced and I'll use them only if I need something in a hurry. Very silly prices for most items. Yes, they have a fair bit of stuff in stock but try buying any more than 3 of things like pots, knobs or switches.
(I suppose there's a fair few of you here who remember the RS catalogue as a flimsy single volume #;¬)
(I suppose there's a fair few of you here who remember the RS catalogue as a flimsy single volume #;¬)
Dont you mean "Programming PICAXEs on a laptop that takes this ram and an AXE027"?
If it takes that RAM, it'll have a serial port so the AXE027 won't be needed. The gaming and HD video editing sarcasm joke was regarding the RAM being "essential for applications such as gaming, HD video and image editing" according to Maplin.
Buzby
Senior Member
How can you tell the laptop will have a serial port, just because it uses that RAM ?.
I'm intrigued !
It isn't definate, it's just likely since newer laptops that don't have serial ports tend to use DDR2 and later and ones that do tend to have DDR1 and earlier.
Of course, my claim is poorly sourced through the comparison between a DDR laptop from 2004 with a serial port and my school's DDR2 laptops without serial ports. Searching for 'ddr laptop without serial port' doesn't help and the Dell Latitude D800 that appeared in the search results has DDR ram and it does have a serial port.
This laptop chipset from Intel with both DDR and DDR2 support has support for a serial port (SIO).
On the topic of Maplin, the Wikipedia article is tagged as being written as an advertisement.
A REAL SERIAL PORT!!! And not just one stuck in an expresscard port!
You can even type 'fujitsu laptop with' into Google and the two suggestions that appear are 'fujitsu laptop with projector' and 'fujitsu laptop with serial port'.
Are those two people head of the PICAXE programming division where you work?
Your Malpin discussions sound quite like our 'Radio Shack' discussions here in the USA. I used to build complete projects from the components on their racks. Now I don't think the sales help would know what you were talking about if you asked them for a 7805. In fact, I'm quite sure they wouldn't. If it's not a cellphone, Karaoke machine or radio controlled race car, they're clueless.
inglewoodpete
Senior Member
I think its important to support your local component suppliers if you possibly can. If I can get components at a local hobby electronics store (Altronics also sell PICAXEs), then I don't include those components in orders I have to place from suppliers elsewhere, particularly overseas. Retailers have to carefully watch their cashflow and dollars-per-square-metre of floorspace. Without high turnover, prices will have to rise and that starts a spiral of these suppliers being replaced by high volume offshore ones.
Radio Shack opened in Australia around 1980 as "Tandy Electronics" but was uncompetetively priced and got taken over by Woolworths and later merged with Dick Smith Electronics. They used the $/squ metre formula that big retailers use and gradually moved over to consumer electronics (phones/mp3 players/LCD TVs and computers). They are now up for sale if anyone wants to throw money at a lossmaker!
Radio Shack opened in Australia around 1980 as "Tandy Electronics" but was uncompetetively priced and got taken over by Woolworths and later merged with Dick Smith Electronics. They used the $/squ metre formula that big retailers use and gradually moved over to consumer electronics (phones/mp3 players/LCD TVs and computers). They are now up for sale if anyone wants to throw money at a lossmaker!
OMG there's a blast from the past, 'Tandy'. We had one of them in Southend when I lived there back in the 80's. Then a Maplin opened about 1/2 mile away and Tandy couldn't compete.
Now Maplin's not trying to compete so components go up in price.
Sad, just sad
Angie
I'd forgotten Tandy .We had one nearby too. Ah, childhood memories.
I still have some "Realistic"(?) speakers kicking around somewhere which I bought from Tandy.
The Tandy shop went after about 2 or 3 years.
I remember buying a great bundle of Tandy books by Babani on various aspects of electronic basics.
Really useful. I still used the one on filters until a couple of years ago.
Components may change, but the physics and maths doesn't.
Going back to the comments by Nick and Buzby.
Are real serial ports making a come-back?
Can you give me a PC model number?
About 6 months ago I ordered a dozen notebooks (Fujitsu coinicidentally) and confess I didn't even bother looking for a serial port.
As a slight aside I ordered 'Brainbox' Expresscard plugins.
(I have to say that they are the most flawless, slick and never-go-mental devices I've ever used. Top quality for those with a slightly bigger budget. Apparently 'Brainbox' Ethernet-Serial devices are just as flawless but that's another story.)
I only ask as Serial is still widely used in Industry and having it as 'standard fitment' on the PC makes life easier.
I still have some "Realistic"(?) speakers kicking around somewhere which I bought from Tandy.
The Tandy shop went after about 2 or 3 years.
I remember buying a great bundle of Tandy books by Babani on various aspects of electronic basics.
Really useful. I still used the one on filters until a couple of years ago.
Components may change, but the physics and maths doesn't.
Going back to the comments by Nick and Buzby.
Are real serial ports making a come-back?
Can you give me a PC model number?
About 6 months ago I ordered a dozen notebooks (Fujitsu coinicidentally) and confess I didn't even bother looking for a serial port.
As a slight aside I ordered 'Brainbox' Expresscard plugins.
(I have to say that they are the most flawless, slick and never-go-mental devices I've ever used. Top quality for those with a slightly bigger budget. Apparently 'Brainbox' Ethernet-Serial devices are just as flawless but that's another story.)
I only ask as Serial is still widely used in Industry and having it as 'standard fitment' on the PC makes life easier.
Buzby
Senior Member
The Fujitsu is a Lifebook Series E.
The engineers work for Siemens Automation ( I don't ), and Siemens used to have some link with Fujitsu, if I remember correctly.
Serial is still used a lot in industry, so that's one reason why these laptops were chosen.
On my personal laptop I use a PCMCIA card with two serial ports, made by Black Box.
The card is years old, but it just works. No hassles with incompatible USB drivers !.
One port is for programming my PICAXEs, and the other for running a terminal to view PICAXE output.
Thanks.
Bloomin' heck: E781 has serial. The E751 E780 has serial AND parallel? Am I in a timewarp? (Please say yes).
I must get the Reccy Forms out tomorrow and spend someone else's money.
Good shout!
Yes, I used to use PCMCIAFBIMI5MI6BBCTSBVDSTI cards too. But I got exhausted having to say all those letters when discussing
(Mine were Brainbox, both (like yours) flawless every time, 100% perfect - hence my 'leaning').
Yes, a good one pees all over a cheap USB-Serial adaptor.
Good old Serial. Slow but sure.
Bloomin' heck: E781 has serial. The E751 E780 has serial AND parallel? Am I in a timewarp? (Please say yes).
I must get the Reccy Forms out tomorrow and spend someone else's money.
Good shout!
Yes, I used to use PCMCIAFBIMI5MI6BBCTSBVDSTI cards too. But I got exhausted having to say all those letters when discussing
(Mine were Brainbox, both (like yours) flawless every time, 100% perfect - hence my 'leaning').
Yes, a good one pees all over a cheap USB-Serial adaptor.
Good old Serial. Slow but sure.
Did Maplin ever reply to this and were they made aware of this thread?
From the talk page of Wikipedia - this claim originally made by Maplin
Let's count that now:
1 - 1 ohm resistor
2 - 1.5 ohm resistor
3 - 1.8 ohm resistor
4 - 2.2 ohm resistor
5 - 3.3 ohm resistor
..........................
4400 - 0.01 microfarad capacitor
..........................
4900 - 4700 microfarad capacitor
4901 - 47 ohm trimmer pot
4902 - 100 ohm trimmer pot
........
4929 - 10 megaohm trimmer pot
4930 - 47 ohm potentiometer
4931 - 100 ohm potentiometer
........
4969 - 10 megaohm potentiometer
4970 - PIC microcontroller picxxxxx
........
4990 - Arduino Uno
4991 - Overpriced 16x2 lcd
4992.......
Well 5000 components quickly runs out when you consider how many different sizes of resistor and capacitor exist.
Other quotes from the talk page: