Bright Sparks PICAXE Page

Basic Circuit Diagrams:

Here is the basic circuit diagram I use. Turn the chip around so the indent is on the right then the +ve is
at the top and -ve is at the bottom. This makes sketching circuits easy. Note the 3 volt supply which is
strongly recommended to prevent it from being damaged or overloaded. At 3 volts all pins current limit.

(Click on thumbnail images to enlarge)

Proto Board: - No soldering, an easy way to try out different ideas

A good way to go for trying ideas out and learning about what the PICAXE-08

can do. After a year I am still learning new tricks this amazing little PIC has up it's

sleeve.

KEI Patch Board System:

A simple method of prototyping, making, simple circuits or just having fun. Make a toy, data logger
or serious industrial control project. Simple 5 x three terminal interface with all types of I/O; Digital,
Analogue IR, I2C, Serial Data, Relay, Servo, DC Motor, LDR, Thermistor... A range of ready made
interface modules are also available. Patch board was developed to be a useful solution for the
experimenter or developer. One off projects and can be made quickly with just a screwdriver and a PC.
Each chip I/O pin and input output circuit can be configured by simply plugging in components without
soldering. RS 232 compatible I/O and analogue in/out.

www.kei.co.nz

Teachers & Students:

PICAXE in action in the classroom from South Taranaki Schools New Zealand Y5 to Y8

Vero Strip Board Ideas:

Vero is a good cheap option if you only have a few hand tools, have the time and can solder.

It is not the easiest way to go as you have to be able to fault find. I have used Eagle Lite CAD

freeware board editor to sort out designs for a neat finish.

Nail and Clip Boards: - The original Crocodile Clips?

I have taken one of the small Vero circuit boards as above and mounted it onto a block
of wood or laminate using nails as connection points for each "Pin" of the PICAXE-08.

Make up a selection of colour coded jumper leads by cutting bunches of jumper leads

In half and mounting components using sleeving and hot melt glue. A fast and reliable system.

"Spider Boards" - A Non Etching Copper Clad Board Idea:

Here is an ideas used by one Taranaki school, surface mount components onto some copper
laminate that has been cross hatched with a hack saw. Surface mount soldering can make it easy
for for students and beginners.

Electroflash:

A PICAXE module is now available for the popular electroflash system used in many schools.

This module can be used and experimented with on it's own or with just a few components to
teach programming and simple PIC techniques.

Getting Around: - Introducing the Warp Drive:

Simple locomotion and movement can be achieved with one transistor and direct driving a motor shaft
onto a smooth surface. Rubber sleeving or hot glue re-treads can be added for speed and traction.

Teacher Ideas, Tutorials and Lesson Plans:

Loads of quality documentation can be found within the Programming Editor:

Help / PIXACE-08 / Cyber pet Project, Alarm Project, Safety Light Project.

Getting Help:

Extensive documentation is available within the Free Programmer software. These include:

Press F1 for a quick help syntax reference
Help / PIXACE-08 / PIXACE-08 Manual - Basic wiring diagrams and some good getting started tips.
Help / PIXACE-08 / PIXACE-08 Manual Basic Commands Summary - Commands, syntax, example code.
Help / PIXACE-08 / Electronic Interfacing Circuits - How to hook it up to typical inputs and outputs.

Cheat Sheet:

Single sheet programming summary Cheat Sheet
Simplified version for beginners Cheat Sheet for Beginners