KitsAndParts.Com Forum

GrahamC · 2010-04-18 14:00:05

Hello Diz (and all),

First off, I must say it is a pleasure doing business with you - buying your kits and what not. Smooth, easy to use web interface, quickly mailed and priced right as well. Thanks.

Now, on the subject of the Frequency Counter. I purchased one of the kits maybe 3 weeks ago, maybe a 4 - that is not important.

It was quickly assembled upon arrival (I am an old hand at electronics assembly).

However, I have been testing it on the bench before I put it in a case and I am having a bit of an issue. It does not always "start up" properly and frequently needs to have to reset button pushed in order to get it going. I did not install either the 78l05 or 7805 regulator but instead feed it 5V directly (I have jumpered the appropriate holes where the regulator goes).

I tried a couple of different values (.1uf and 2.2uf ) for C10 (some on line circuits have a different set of components around the RESET) thinking that it may help. At first it seemed to but it was only wishful thinking.

I have not looked at the source code very closely yet but will be shortly. Does your code use the Brown Out feature of this chip? Is there something else in the code that might make the program sensitive to RESET on startup?

cheers, Graham ve3ghm / ve3gtc

W8DIZ · 2010-04-18 16:25:57

Hi Graham,

I concur that there is an interemittent startup problem with the freq ctr.
I am 95 percent sure that the problem is with the LCD intialization and not with the CPU.
Reason I say that is because when I use the preprogrammed AVR chip with the LED firmware, it starts up 100 percent of the time; and does not need the LCD

Hope to have time soon to address the problem. Let me know if you find anything specific.
Been busy with the DDS DEV kit and having no startup problems with the CPU nor the LCD so it should be easy (I hope) to get to the bottom of the problem.

73, Diz, W8DIZ

W8DIZ · 2010-04-19 18:57:30

OK Folks,
Looks like I fixed the LCD init timing problem.
New code is available at w8diz.com/qq-fc-project/fc-code/fc.asm
If you wish that I reprogram your AVR CPU, send it to me with two (2), one dollar bills for shipping
and I'll get it back to you ASAP. Make sure you put the AVR IC in an anti-static tube or short/wrap the pins with aluminum foil.
73, Diz, W8DIZ

GrahamC · 2010-04-22 12:31:42

Hi Diz,

I found some time to fuss over this issue. Your updated code works a treat. I have been testing it on and off for the past couple of days and start up now is quite predictable.

I use AVR studio on a Windows platform - compiling and programming the chips is a trivial exercise. If it helps, I can reprogram chips anyone in need under the same conditions as you have outlined. I am sure you can get the job done quickly in any case but if I can help off load some of the work I can do so.

Once I get more comfortable with the 2313 chip and understand programming the LCD and your code a bit better I plan on adding a few features - the design already has an LED so I will add a "heart beat" in the form of a blinking LED - sort of tied to the "gate time" of the counter plus adding some serial port support so that readings can be recorded via a USB port on a remote computer (also provide power via the USB connector).

cheers, Graham ve3gtc / ve3ghm

WB2FYZ · 2010-05-09 10:09:14

Diz,

Thanks for posting the QQ-FC updated code v02. It is working fine here with no more start up problems!

73,
Vince - WB2FYZ

KB7VHF · 2010-09-11 17:57:44

Diz,

I've just finished my frequency counter and it is displaying 2X the input frequency. I have the prescaler jumper set to divide by 0. My scope shows the crystal running at 20.48ish MHz?

I also have the LCD start up problem. I'll take a look at and try the new code!

73,
Jack, KB7VHF

W8DIZ · 2010-09-12 05:58:48

KB7VHF wrote:
Diz,
I've just finished my frequency counter and it is displaying 2X the input frequency. I have the prescaler jumper set to divide by 0. My scope shows the crystal running at 20.48ish MHz?
I also have the LCD start up problem. I'll take a look at and try the new code!
73, Jack, KB7VHF

Hello Jack,
You will definitely want to load the new code to fix the old startup problem.
Not sure about the 2x freq readout...need more info.
73, Diz, W8DIZ

KB7VHF · 2010-09-12 16:16:25

It happens depending upon offset, symmetry and very low signal level from my function generator. All most all combinations are correctly measured.

Thanks!
73, Jack, KB7VHF

KitsAndParts.Com Forum

#1 2010-04-18 14:00:05

QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

#2 2010-04-18 16:25:57

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

#3 2010-04-19 18:57:30

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

#4 2010-04-22 12:31:42

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

#5 2010-05-09 10:09:14

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

#6 2010-09-11 17:57:44

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

#7 2010-09-12 05:58:48

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

KB7VHF wrote:

#8 2010-09-12 16:16:25

Re: QQ Frequency Counter minor problem

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