The PICAXE ‘Programming Editor’ software is free and so the only cost per computer is the download cable (£3). In the educational environment this enables students to buy their own cable and for schools to equip every single computer with a download cable. Other systems that require an expensive. PICAXE BASIC is much simpler to learn (and to 'debug') than traditional microcontroller languages such as assembler code or 'C'. The software for BASIC programming is completely free and available for Windows, Mac and Linux. Windows users should select the PICAXE Editor; Mac and Linux users should select Visual Studio Code, AXEpad or Blockly. The main Windows application used for programming the PICAXE chips is called the ‘PICAXE Programming Editor’. This software is free of charge to PICAXE users. Please see section 1 of the manual (‘Getting Started’) for installation details and tutorials. This manual was prepared using version 5.2.3of the Programming Editor software.
PICAXE is a microcontroller system based on a range of MicrochipPICmicrocontrollers. PICAXE devices are essentially Microchip PIC devices, with pre-programmed firmware that enables bootloading of code directly from a PC, simplifying hobbyist embedded development (not unlike the Arduino and ParallaxBASIC Stamp systems). PICAXE devices have been produced by Revolution Education (Rev-Ed) since 1999.[citation needed]
There are currently six (6) PICAXE variants of differing pin counts (8-14-18-20-28-40) and are available as DIL and SMD.[1]
PICAXE microcontrollers are pre-programmed with an interpreter[2] similar to the BASIC Stamp but using internal EEPROM instead, thus reducing cost. This also allows downloads to be made with a simple serial connection which eliminates the need for a PIC programmer.[3] PICAXE is programmed using an RS-232 serial cable[4] or a USB cable[5] which connects a computer to the download circuit, which normally uses a 3.5 mm jack and two resistors.[6]
PICAXE microcontrollers are programmed using BASIC.[7]
The PICAXE interpreter features bit-banged communications:
The 'readtemp' command reads the temperature from a DS18B20 temperature sensor and converts it into Celsius.[15]
All current PICAXEs have commands for using hardware features of the underlying PIC microcontrollers:
All current PICAXE chips have at least 2048 bytes of on board program memory available for user programs:[1]
The default clock speed for all M2 and X1 parts is 4 MHz and for the X2 parts is 8 MHz.
The SETFREQ command allows speeds from 31 kHz up to 8 MHz for X1 parts, 31 kHz up to 32 MHz for M2 parts and 31 kHz up to 16 MHz for X2 parts (up to 64 MHz for the 20X2) using the internal resonator.
An external resonator can be used with the X1 parts for from 4 MHz to 20 MHz clock speeds and with the X2 parts for 16 MHz to 64 MHz clock speeds.[28]
Choose Hardware tab. Click on Device Manager button. 4 Find your Creative Game Port device in the list and press double click on the media device. Click Reinstall driver button. 5 Choose Install from the specific location and click on the Browse button. Creative Game Port Driver Windows 10 This software/driver pack is unofficial, not supported by Creative Labs. Use it at your own risk. Supports any model of the following Sound Blaster cards (based on Emu10kx DSP): - Audigy - Audigy 2 - Audigy 2 ZS - Audigy 4. Download drivers for Creative Game Port sound cards (Windows 10 x64), or install DriverPack Solution software for automatic driver download and update. Are you tired of looking for the drivers for your devices? DriverPack Online will find and install the drivers you need automatically. /creative-game-port-windows-10.html. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options. On the Security tab, click the Trusted Sites icon. Click Sites and then add these website addresses one at a time to the list: You can only add one address at a time and you must click Add after each one. Creative Game Port - Driver Download. Vendor:. Product: Creative Game Port. Hardware Class: CDROM. Windows 10 32-Bit Driver. Total Driver Versions: 1. Recommended Driver. Driver Date:: Release Notes: Driver Version: PC Matic Notes: Version History. Version Popularity Release Notes.
Project boards for different applications are sold[29] by Rev-Ed which contain the PICAXE, download circuit and may also contain a prototyping area[30] or high power output drivers.[31]
Revolution Education develop software for writing programs for PICAXE.
PICAXE Programming Editor is a Windows-only IDE for writing PICAXE programs in BASIC code or a simple flowchart.
PICAXE Programming Editor features:[32]
AXEpad is a cross-platform application recommended for Linux and Mac users.[33] It lacks some of Programming Editor's wizards, simulation and MDI.
Logicator is an easy to use shareware flowcharting program.[34] The Logicator web page is out of date as the free version does support all commands but shows nag screens.
PICAXE Programming Editor 6, the successor to PICAXE Programming Editor 5, has Logicator flowcharting merged into it so separate Logicator software is no longer required.[35] Like PICAXE Programming Editor 5, PICAXE Programming Editor 6 is freeware.
Yenka is a program developed by Crocodile Clips Ltd which has flowcharts and simulation.[36]
Many companies and organizations have put out their own editors with special features. Some include language translators or serial connectors, so there is a wide variety of consoles to be used.[citation needed]
Support is available at the Technical Support section of the PICAXE website and at the PICAXE Forum.[37]
The PICAXE Forum has a finished projects section where completed projects and PICAXE programs are posted,[38] plus there is a similar section on the PICAXE website.[39]