[Elecraft] Programming language and tools used by Elecraft and other for PIC programming - OT

[Alan Bloom]

On Sun, 2010-02-07 at 14:09 -0500, Ken Nicely wrote:
...
> Recently I have started learning how to program PIC controllers, partly
> because I am interested and curious about how it is done and partly because
> I would like to start building some of my own software controlled radio
> electronics.  I am wondering what language Elecraft uses for programming
> their radios and what software package they use.  

The P3 firmware is written almost entirely in C.  (There are just a few
snippets of assembly here and there to get precise timing pulses, etc.)
When I started the project, I was assuming that I'd have to re-write
major portions of the code in assembly to get the desired performance,
but we're getting 20 Hz display update rates just using Microchip's free
evaluation version of their C compiler which has optimization disabled.
So there's plenty of room for improvement in the future for added
features or better performance.

I've been pleased with the Microchip integrated development environment
(IDE).  It is quite powerful, easy to use and free.  I believe the same
IDE is used for all their processors, from simple 8-bit devices in 8-pin
DIP packages up to their 32-bit processor line in 100-pin QFPs.  They
have lots of useful application notes and documentation on their web
site.  When I post questions to their on-line tech support I generally
receive a useful reply from a knowledgeable person within a day or two
(including questions on the C compiler that I didn't even pay for!)
They have even replied by telephone a couple times.  They also have an
on-line user forum that I have found helpful.

Alan N1AL