atmega8 programming

[6666]

Hey Dave
somewhere you mentioned that the AT8 needed a pulse to get the software started did you find an answer to this problem ?
and what information do you see on the LCD ?
thanks
6666

[satdaveuk]

Hi 6666
Sorry for the very late reply
The answer was yes, it needs a pulse from Q2( main circuit) to pin PBO of the ATMEGA8 in order to fire the detector up.
The problem had been installation of directional diodes instead of bi-directional. (Worth taking note: as shown as equivlents on more than one data sheet)
Once that was rectified all worked well.

[6666]

Thanks Dave
what information do you see on the LCD when you are using the MD ?

[satdaveuk]

Well it has no discrimination, thought I would get that in before anyone asks
At first switch on its senses the battery level to see if theres enough charge to drive the machine, if not it will tell you to charge battery and wont let you go any further.
Interesting point to mention here, the point at which it will do this is governed by you with adjustable preset on main pcb, however my findings were at best set up as per spec sheet fits the bill, if you try and run much less than 11.8v the detector becomes unstable and near useless.
From first switch on if batterys ok it takes you to displaying version number, short delay then display says starting detector, then your display shows sense bar graph above with 4 digit numbers to the bottom right, numbers and bar graph increase as when sensing metal object. (look at pictures I posted here)
The lcd display in my opinion is a must when setting the detectors up and a option once detecting commences because then most of us are using are ears via headphones, thats why I introduced a toggle switch to shut display down to save on battery draw when not required.
I did fit a good quality speaker inside my build because the sounds are quite impressive, not the typical click of PI and it was easer for carrying out experiments.

[satdaveuk]

Off Topic
Anyone know how Tepco got on with his project he mentioned here?
Also if it went forward can anyone lead me to his project thread, Like to have a look and see how he got on.
Ive looked and cant find anything on the project.

[Tepco]

Off Topic
Anyone know how Tepco got on with his project he mentioned here?
Also if it went forward can anyone lead me to his project thread, Like to have a look and see how he got on.
Ive looked and cant find anything on the project.

Hi to everyone on this forum, let me answer this. As you can see, i’m inactive here for some time due to number of reasons, mostly one unexpected contract job and some “home improvement” operation here, so my workplace is temporarily out of order. Actually, it will take a month to clean up the mess and dust, and to find my soldering iron again. This particular project (Krot-Moal) i planned to put in separate topic-project, also two of my own PI’s but this will be postponed for at least some time, month or two. After all, long winter is ahead, and lot of time…

I built this detector on prototyping board, tested and modified it somewhat, also new software is released from original website, i’m very satisfied with operation and performance. This easily may be new “blockbuster” project here, considering its simplicity, features, low part count, easy adjustment etc. I designed PCB for it, two actually, two mod. versions, display sized, but not managed to made them and test. If anyone is interested, i will post files (UNTESTED) if someone wants to try, i can just recommend building this machine. I can post all details about what i tried so far, but complete project must wait for at least some time. Best regard.

[satdaveuk]

Hi Tepco
Yes im game for it when not busy will just do a bit at a time, Got most, if not all the parts in stock, The important bit for me personal is needing the flash file as ive never tryed to write programs myself and draw the line at trying, just to dam, old lol.
Many thanks in advance Tepco, when you have the time throw at me all you got and I will go from there.
If your starting a new thread then great, if not my email is [email protected]
Thanks in advance
Dave

[6666]

Hi tepco
yes we would like to see your project
thanks
6666