Robotics
C
C
S
By Fred Eady
When you think of C compilers, do you normally associate
them with mechanical servos or robots? Well, get yourself
out of that box and climb into this one as we’re about to
assemble a proximity sensing, line following, jive talking,
compass reading, IR detecting robot that comes with its
own supporting C compiler.
The C compiler/Robot package is the brainchild of the folks at Custom Computer Services, Inc. If you’ve ever
considered purchasing a C compiler for the Microchip family
of PIC microcontrollers, you most likely took a look at and
may have purchased a copy of the CCS C compiler.
CCS has been around for over 15 years. As a matter
of fact, I cut my PIC C compiler teeth way back when
with an early copy of the CCS 12-bit PIC C compiler.
The CCS Robotics Development Kit comes
packaged in a heavy duty padded black box.
I’m sure you’re ready to dive in and pull out the
contents. After all, this is SERVO Magazine.
So, let’s you and I examine the robotic hardware
that resides in the black box together.
of the Robotics Development Kit black box include an
updated CCS ICD-U64 programmer/debugger (Photo 1)
which is faster in debug mode than Microchip’s ICD2
and the older CCS ICD-U40. All of the necessary USB and
ICD-U64 microcontroller interface cables come as standard
equipment with the kit.
An RS-232 interface cable is also included and allows
the robot builder to serially communicate with the robot’s
The CCS Robotics
Development Kit
In addition to an exercise booklet, the contents
Photo 1. The
ICD-U64 is the link
between the CCS
C compiler IDE
complex and the
PIC16F877A. This
module replaces
the CCS ICD-U40
and is faster in
debug mode than
the Microchip
ICD2.
38 SERVO 09.2009
