Programming 16-Bit PIC Microcontrollers in C: Learning to Fly the PIC 24 (Embedded Technology) (Embedded Technology) (ISBN 0750682922) Book Reviews 1-10 Sorted By Most Recent, at VeryWellSaid.com

Enough of the flight analogies...

This is a pretty decent PIC programming book. I used it in my PIC class and was able to do fairly well (B+), which is awesome considering I never had a day of C-programming. The software that is bundled with the book is pretty easy to use, and the book does a good job explaining many of the programs aspects. And the sample code was very beneficial in solving both lab and homework problems.

The only down fall is that the author of this book obviously is a flying enthusist/pilot. Every chapter (and seemingly, every paragraph) has some reference to a plane, flying, or pilot training. It becomes annoying and repetitive. If you get past it though, it's a decent book.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-30 11:01:36 EST)

03-05-08

1\1

This is the best book on embedded gcc

This book pretends to be a programming book on the PIC24 16-bit microcontroller family from Microchip. And if it were only that, it would easily earn a 5 rating. But the author has gone way beyond his calling. He turned this into a real insider's view of what gcc is doing under the covers with this MCU. This is better than good because there are so few good books on embedded C programming, and none of them do a good job of showing both sides. As a C programmer you normally don't care what the computer is doing under the covers. But as an embedded C programmer this is critical information! So I'd like to give this book a 10: 5 for PIC24 coverage and 5 for under-the-cover info on what gcc is doing. Even if you don't use the PIC 24, you need this book!

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-05 10:08:40 EST)

01-08-08

0\12

DESPERATE TO READ THE BOOK

I WAS REFERRED TO AMAZON.COM TO PURCHASE THE BOOK. TRUSTING MY FRIEND WHO REFERRED ME THAT THEY ARE A REPUTABLE COMPANY, I TRANSFERRED THE CASH FOR THE PURCHASE. AMAZON CONFIRMED HAVING RECVEIVED THE CASH AND PROMISED TO SHIP THRE BOOK IMMEDIATELY. THAT WAS MORE THAN A MONTH AGO.

I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE BOOK YET AND HAVE CHECKED WITH ALL THE SHIPPING COMPANIES IN SOUTH AFRICA (BEARING IN MIND THAT AMAZON.COM IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A TRACKING NUMBER). THE BOOK HAS POSITIVELY NOT ENTERED INTO THE COUNTRY THROUGH ANY OF THE ENTRY POINTS.

NUMEROUS E-MAILS SENT TO VARIUS E-MAIL ADDRESSES AT AMAZON.COM FAILED TO PRODUCE ANY RESPONSE FROM THEM. I DESPERATELY NEED THE BOOK, AND IT SEEMS AS I WILL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER SUPPLIER WHO CAN DELIVER BEFORE THE BOOK IS SO OUTDATED THAT I WOULD NOT WANT TO READ IT ANYMORE.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-05 20:44:19 EST)

01-02-08

(NA)

Excellent book written by a professional

I've bought several books on microcontrollers, and most of them have been poorly written. This book is exceptional: the writing is clear, it has been professionally edited, and the audience focus is clearly stated. It contains a lot of valuable background that only someone who works at Microchip would know.

I have to take off a star because the book does not mention the numerous hardware problems these microcontrollers have. All microprocessors have some issues, but the errata for PIC24F parts is unusually lengthy. Jasio neatly sidesteps the hardware minefields, for example by using an SPI communication protocol rather than the more elegant I2C. Don't get me wrong: I'm a big fan of these parts, and I think everyone who designs with microprocessors should look at them seriously. Still, I can't believe that someone could write a book like this and not mention the errata.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-09 08:59:28 EST)

11-23-07

2\2

A good book for me (C programmer)

I already had a problem to solve in my mind when I statred to read this book. The book worked out for me in two ways: First, the topics of the book cover my problems very well, and secondly the code in the book worked well as I tested them project by project as a learning process. Also, I agree with the points other reviewers made before my review. So, no need to repeat them. I am not an EE and new to microcontroller. To understand a topic of the book I still need to cross-check some sections in the data sheet of a PIC24 and its corresponding C header file. This slows down my reading, but turns out to give me a better understanding. I completely recommend this book.

David W. at Ferndale, MI, USA

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-02 20:51:23 EST)

08-01-07

3\3

A Great Resource

I have thouroughly enjoyed reading and using this great publication. It is absolutely the best introduction to PIC24 in particular and C30 as well. This book makes a great companion for the Explorer 16 development board from Microchip.
I look forward to a follow up edition with a few more projects and peripheral code segments.

Very Well Done Lucio

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 07:29:15 EST)

05-21-07

6\6

We need more books like this!

I just bought this book and managed to read through it over a few days. I must say that I'm very impressed by it! The book covers programming the PIC24 in C using MPLAB's C30 C compiler. It covers the PIC24 architecture and peripherals in as much detail as required by a C programmer as well as various non-ANSI C PIC24 specific addons available in the C30 compiler. It also includes a myriad of cool interfacing projects with minimal additional hardware (SPI EEPROM , 3 resistors for the video example flash card, PS2 interfacing e.t.c.) Finally it also introduces all the debugging tools available in MPLAB such as the simulator/logic analyzer and stimulus generator. This book is not for the absolute microcontroller / programming in C beginner however. Its target audience is embedded systems programmers considering to switch to Microchip's PIC24 family and EE students/hobbyists with some background in embedded systems/ microcontrollers / C programming.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 07:29:15 EST)

05-13-07

4\4

A thorough workbook

The analogy with piloting aircraft aside...

This book takes a very practical approach, using the tools on the CD and doing exercises with C code. The explanations are clear. Be aware that though introductory, this is a technical book.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 07:29:15 EST)

05-12-07

6\6

Not Fly by Night!!

This is an interresting and organized compilation of projects which walks you through the daunting experience of microcontroller use. I am an RF hardware engineer with little programming experience, but have worked on several projects which included microcontroller or DSP control. I've never touched an 8 bit device, but jumped directly into the 16 bit family. In my past experience, someone else has always done the controler functions. Lucio presents a methodology for someone without too much experience and a lot of desire to learn a very complex subject with the starting point in the 16 bit arena.

His use of C programming takes you through an easier learning curve than if you were to approach this with machine language. The Explorer 16 gives you plenty of practial applications to play around with the technology and monkey around with things yourself. The chekclists are invaluable. especially in the early stages of using the tools.

Perhaps the most refreshing thing I found was that Lucio personally answers emails and gives you educational insights if you ask him questions. I have taken on learning the PIC controller on my own and Lucio has helped me over a hurdle or two in this adventure.

One other note: The microchip applications team is ecellent. I have had a few issues with a real project using the PIC device and the local FAE stopped by on a number of ocassions to help troubleshoot both the HW/SW issues I couldn't overcome on my own. What better way to learn than with the guys who work with it every day.

Well Done!!

Paul

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 07:29:15 EST)

04-14-07

2\2

Other Technical Authors should take a page out of this book!