Using the PICAXE system

Using the PICAXE system is a four step process:

	Step 1 Select the most appropriate size of PICAXE microcontroller.
	Step 2 Develop the program using the free Programming Editor software. Programs can be created using flowcharts or by directly typing BASIC programs.
	Step 3 Connect the cable directly to the project board. No programmer is required and the microcontroller chip is not removed from the project board.
	Step 4 After a 10 second download the new program starts running and the cable can be removed. The program runs automatically on the microcontroller and is not lost when the battery is removed. However the program can be changed at any time by carrying out a new download.

A sample program is shown here. This program flashes an LED (connected to output 1) on and off every second.

main:             ' make a label called 'main'
    high 1        ' switch on output 1
    pause 1000    ' wait 1 second (1000 ms)
    low 1         ' switch off output 1
    pause 1000    ' wait 1 second (1000 ms)
    goto main     ' jump back to the label

Click here for more information on getting started with the PICAXE system.