This Zip File Archive contains the files for the PIC_DAS project 
published in the January 2001 issue of QEX. The PIC DAS is a 
PIC16C63A based Data Acquisition System. In a self contained 
package it has a 8 bit data I/O port, 8 channel, 12 bit A/D 
and a 4 channel 12 bit D/A. Communication and control of the 
PIC DAS is via 9600 Baud RS232 using ASCII commands for control.

A QBasic (DOS BASIC) program called pic_das.bas is included 
that shows common usage of all the commands.

The pic_das.c and pic_das.hex files contain the C source 
code for the firmware that is loaded in the PIC. 
The pic_das.hex file is a Microchip PicStart Plus compatible 
HEX file for programming the PIC16C63A. 

The ActiveX zip file contains a setup program to install 
a 32 bit AcitveX control on your system (works on Win9x and NT, 
I have no idea about Win2000, but it should be OK). The ActiveX 
control provides a highlevel interface to the PIC DAS from many 
programs and languages including Visual C, Visual Basic and Agilent VEE. 
Even programs like Excel can call and use the ActiveX commands 
to communicate and control the PIC DAS directly. 

An HTML user guide is also in this Zip File, it should help if
you have any programming questions.

A schematic of the PIC DAS is in this zip file in two forms. An 
HPGL plot file named pic_das.hp and as a PCX file named pic_das.pcx.


Enjoy...
Steve Hageman - November 2000

Search the Internet for "Steve Hageman" or "Hagtronics" 
on nearly any search engine to find the home of Steve's Workshop 
and an up to date FAQ page about this project.


