More Digital Content..

[David Halliday (Volt Computer)]

> The option described by David Hallyday is the most interesting,
> although it goes way too far (in my opinion) on the technological
> level for the kind of project you're working at.
> 
> I don't really think so...  <grin>  These units are *very* easy to
> work with.  There *is* a learning curve but it is a lot smoother than
> the learning curve for discrete digital logic.  The people making
> these have made every effort to make them easy to use...
> 
> 
> Actually, before suggesting the ROM solution, my first thought was to
> suggest going microprocessor or (even better) micro-controler.
> 
> 15 years ago, 99% of the digital part of DIY synths projects used to
> be handled by incredibly complex AND - OR gates systems. Today, all
> that stuff can be sent to the trash and micro-programmed solutions
> are the way to go. Of course, it requires some assembler language
> developments & debugging. But according to my experience, the time
> spent on that part of a project is much shorter than designing and
> debugging wired logic boards.
> And you learn something new at the same time. Isn't it great ?
> 
> 
> Here is what I was talking about - the nice thing with the BASIC Stamp
> is that you don't have to learn Assembly language for that chip (
> unless you want to! ) The native language is a dialect of BASIC with
> some functions for control and signal generation bult into it.
> Additionally, the developers kit has a lot of tools for debugging.
> You can have the Stamp wired into your circuit and testing it at the
> same time you are pluged into your computer.  Try something - does it
> work?  Tweak a line of code, send it to the Stamp, try it again...
> This is a very fast cycle - you get immediate feedback with what you
> do - not like having to tear apart a digital breadboard, re-wire a
> bunch of chips, xxx, xxx, xxx...
> 
> 
> Again, there is a learning curve but it isn't bad and these are fun
> things to work with!
> 
> TTYL - Dave