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Program microcontroller using MPLAB X IPE software.

This is a simple and safer way to upload your compiled firmware onto a microchip microcontroller.

A second method is loading the project source code files, compile and load. It is not a preferred method for uploading as the source code may be accidentally edited.

The following is the recommended method to load firmware safety.

Checklist before proceeding.

  1. A computer with USB port.
  2. IPE software installed on your computer.
  3. PICKit programmer hardware.
  4. The *.hex file of your project.
  5. Your microcontroller board.

Installing IPE Software

IPE software (Integrated Programming Environment) is a tool from Microchip that allows you to upload your compiled firmware the the microcontroller.

Visit this page to download MPLAB X IDE from Microchip website.
https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources/develop/mplab-x-ide

  1. Visit this page to download MPLAB X IDE from Microchip website.
    https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources/develop/mplab-x-ide
  2. Install this application.
  3. Please take note to select the following options during the installation process.
    • “MPLAB IPE”
    • “8 bit MCUs”
    • “16 bit MCUs”

Loading Firmware to Microcontroller.

This section will guide you in programming your controller board.

Step 1:

Connect the PICkit programmer tool to your controller circuit board.

Ensure that pin 1 (which is indicated by the triangle arrow marking) is aligned with the same marking on the circuit board.

Step 2:

Open up the “MPLAB IPE” software.

Select the “Family” and “Device” names for your controller board.

eg.

Family: 16-bit MCUs (PIC24)
Device: PIC24FJ256GA702

Click on the “Apply” button to select.

Step 3:

Connect up your USB PICKit tool to your computer.

Select the “Tool” for your PICkit programmer tool.

Step 4:

Under the section “Hex File”, click on the button “Browse” to select the *.hex file that you want to load to your controller.

Step 5:

Ensure that the pins on the PICkit programmer tools are properly connected/touching your controller board, by the programmer with some pressure.

Then click on the “Connect” button.

Step 6:

Maintain contact of the PICkit programmer tool with the controller board, then click on the “Erase” button.

You should see on the output window that the erase operation is completed successfully.

Step 7:

Maintain contact of the PICkit programmer tool with the controller board, then click on the “Program” button.

Messages will be displayed on the output window to indicate that the programming is done successfully.

Design a vending machine to accept digital cashless payments.

Modern vending machine design involves integrating modern peripheral like cashless payment terminal and telemetry system. MDB Multi Drop Bus is a communication standard established in the vending industry to enable vending peripherals to talk to one another by simply plug-and-play. This made integration among the devices used on a vending machine much easier.

Most cashless payment terminal for digital and cashless payment are MDB ready. They allow you to accept payment like Visa/Master credit card, Apple Pay Google Pay, NFC payment, WeChat pay, etc…

This is where MDB to Pulse or RS232 converter comes in. They enable newly developed vending system to seamlessly connect to a modern cashless payment terminal. Through simply plug-and-play, your vending machine can accept a wide range of payment method fast. There is no need to spend time and effort in the learning and development work on the MDB protocol. communication protocol. Using converter enables your vending machine to accept a wide range of digital cashless payment instantly.

Convert Coin Vending to Cashless Payment

This solution is to buy PIC-031 to enable a modern cashless payment terminal to collect payment for the old coin vending machine. PIC-031 is an MDB to Pulse Converter.

MDB is also known as Multi Drop Bus. It is a “plug & play” standard connection commonly used in the vending industry which allows peripherals to talk to one another.

Convert old coin vending machines to accept modern cashless payment methods like credit cards, QR codes, NFC, PayPal, WeChat, etc…

Convert your coin vending machine to cashless payment

Increase your vending sales by enabling modern cashless payment method.

You can purchase a cashless payment terminal from your local area. They are configured for payment suitable for local transactions.

Most of these modern terminals can easily connect to modern vending machines that can accept MDB connect. Little to no integration effect is required. For old vending machines that were not designed to the MDB standard, it is much harder and expensive to integrate.

PIC-031 is designed to resolve this issue. It converts the complex MDB protocol into simple pulse command that the old coin type of vending machine can easily understand.

Modern payment terminals can be enabled to accept a wide range of new digital and cashless modes of payment. Any new mode of payment can easily be upgraded on a payment. This is not the case for old coin-accepting vending machines.

The payment method over digital and cashless means has become more and more common. By enabling these modern payment channels, you can increase your sales compared to a vending machine that only collects physical cash coins and notes payment.

Credit Cards and Payment Networks:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover

Mobile Wallets:

  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay

Digital Wallets:

  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Cash App

Online Payment Platforms:

  • Stripe
  • Square
  • Braintree (a PayPal service)

Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

  • Google Pay (in some regions)
  • PhonePe
  • Paytm

Contactless Payment Solutions:

  • PayWave (Visa)
  • PayPass (Mastercard)
  • Express Transit (Apple Pay)

Cryptocurrency Platforms:

  • Coinbase
  • Binance
  • Kraken

Banking Apps:

Many banks offer their mobile apps for cashless transactions.

Upgrade your old coin vending machine today.

Upgrade Old Vending Machines

Click here for more information about PIC-031 MSB to Pulse converter.

or Contact our engineer today.

Electronic Component Footprint

Reverse engineering guide for identifying component footprint.

SMD Resistor/Capacitor/Inductor

  • 01005
  • 0201
  • 0402
  • 0603
  • 0805
  • 1008
  • 1206
  • 1210
  • 1806
  • 1812
  • 2010
  • 2512

6 Lead Packages

TSOP6

  • SOT457
  • SM6
  • SMT6
  • Mini6
  • SOT23-6
  • SC-74
  • SC-59-6

SC-88

  • SOT363
  • US6
  • UMT6
  • S-Mini6
  • SC-70-6

SOT563

  • SOT666
  • ES6
  • EMT6
  • SS-Mini6
  • SC-75-6

Diode Packages

  • SMC
  • SMB
  • SMA
  • SOD-123
  • SOD-123FL
  • SOD-323
  • SOD-523
  • SOD-723
  • SOD-923

https://electrical-information.com/package-types-sod/

  • SOD-80C
  • DO-213AA
  • DO-231AB
  • SOD-123
  • DO-214AC (SMA)
  • DO-214AA (SMB)
  • DO-214AB (SMC)

Transistor/Regulator Packages

  • SOT-523
  • SOT-323
  • SOT-23
  • SOT-89
  • SOT-143
  • SOT-223
  • DFM
  • DFS
  • DO-213AA
  • DO-213AB
  • ITO-220AB
  • ITO-220AC
  • MBM
  • MBS
  • NSMC
  • SMA
  • SMAFL
  • SMB
  • SMC
  • SOD-123FL
  • SOT-89
  • TBS
  • TMB
  • TO-3P
  • TO-92
  • TO-126
  • TO-220AB
  • TO-220AC
  • TO-251
  • TO-252
  • TO-263
  • TO-277B
  • DFN1006-2
  • SOD-123
  • SOD-323
  • SOD-523
  • SOT-23
  • SOT-89
  • SOT-143
  • SOT-323
  • SOT-363
SOT23-3
SOT23-5
SOT23-6
SOT323-3
SOT223
TO-252
TO-263

IC Chip Packages

Others

Converting Coin/Notes Acceptor Vending Machine to Cashless Payment.

Introducing the Ultimate MDB to Pulse Converter: Revolutionize Your Vending Machine with Cashless Payment Terminals

Are you ready to take your vending machine business to the next level? Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional coin and note acceptors, and say hello to a new era of convenience and profitability. Our cutting-edge MDB to Pulse Converter is here to transform your vending machines into modern, cashless wonders that cater to today’s tech-savvy consumers.

Why Choose Our MDB to Pulse Converter?

  1. Seamless Integration: Our converter seamlessly integrates with your existing vending machine’s MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) protocol. This means you can upgrade your machines without the need for extensive technical modifications.
  2. Cashless Convenience: Tap into the growing trend of cashless payments. With our converter, your customers can pay using credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, or even NFC-enabled devices, making transactions faster and more convenient.
  3. Expanded Customer Base: By offering cashless payment options, you’re not just catering to traditional cash users. You’ll attract a broader customer base, including those who prefer digital transactions for security and convenience.
  4. Enhanced Security: Say goodbye to concerns about theft or vandalism of cash. With cashless payments, there’s no need to worry about handling and storing physical money. You don’t need manpower to collect the cash on your vending machine.
  5. Simple User-Friendly Interface: Our user-friendly interface makes it simple for customers to select items and complete transactions. The intuitive design ensures a smooth experience for every user.
  6. Customizable Solutions: We understand that each vending machine business is unique. Our converter can be tailored to your specific needs, offering customizable features to suit your business model.

How It Works:

  1. Installation: Our skilled technicians will guide you through the installation process, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
  2. Configuration: Customize the converter’s settings to match your pricing, product lineup, and branding.
  3. Go Cashless: Once installed and configured, your vending machine is ready to accept cashless payments. Watch as your customers embrace the convenience and speed of digital transactions.

Join the Cashless Revolution Today!

Upgrade your vending machines with our MDB to Pulse Converter and bring your business into the 21st century. Embrace the cashless revolution, attract new customers, and enhance your profitability. Contact us now to learn more about how our converter can transform your vending machine business. Your success is just a click away!

Click here to find out more about our MDB converter for cashless payment.

Convert old vending machines to cashless payment

How to convert your older pulse and legacy vending machines to accept modern cashless payment terminals via the MDB Interface?

Vending machines provide convenient 24-hour transactions for buyers as well as sellers. It is a very efficient way of distributing daily needs products. Vending is made possible with the cash coin/notes acceptor which uses pulsed output to activate the machine to dispense.

With the advancement trend in payment, more and more people are using digital cashless payment.

  • Credit Card
  • QR code payment
  • Mobile phone NFC
  • etc…

Many of these new payment modules has adopted the vending industry MDB (multi-drop bus) interface. Using MDB interface allows vending machine and its peripheral to use the same language to communicate with each other, making the entire vending system plug & play. This means that it is simple to install and integrate. No matter the vending accessories you buy, you know that it is going to be compatible work when the MDB cable is connected to your machine.

Older legacy machines that are still using the old pulsed output coin/notes acceptor will find difficulty in integrating into the modern MDB payment collecting module.

Introducing PIC-031 MDB to Pulse converter

PIC-031 MDB to Pulse converter is designed to support older legacy machines or simple machines that accept pulse input as a means to start operating. With PIC-031 converter board, your machine can now accept modern MDB based cashless payment terminals. Your legacy machine can now accept cashless payment modes like Credit Card, QR code, NFC payment from your customers.

For developer of vending or gaming machines, you do not need to understand the technical details of the MDB (Multi-Drop Bus). Simply use PIC-031 MDB to Pulse converter, and you can interface your machine to a MDB cashless device to help you collect payment.

Click here to find out more about our MDB converter for cashless payment.

Pelican Case Supplier in Singapore

Pelican Case supplier in Singapore

Pelican is a very popular branded box case in Singapore. This case is widely used for protecting fragile or sensitive equipment on the move.

You can easily purchase this online or from many stores in Singapore.

Here is a list of stores (online and physical stores) in Singapore selling Pelican cases.

List of Pelican Case Suppliers in Singapore

North of Singapore

South of Singapore

East of Singapore

West of Singapore

Online Supplier in Singapore

More box case to choose from.

Looking for an alternative box case to Pelican brand?
Click here to check up for more box cases for your equipment storage.

Custom RS232 Cable Production

We can help you custom mould RS232 cables (Dsub09 connectors) or other types of cables for your production. Customised your cable connection.

custom mould RS232 cable

RS232 cable connection

Default of two color to choose from. Black or Light Grey in color.

  • Connector type (Dsub09, Dsub15, etc…)
  • Cable color (Black, Light Grey, etc…)
  • Number of copper wires core. (3 cores, 7 cores)
  • Cable copper wiring size (AWG, 3*0.3mm2, 7*0.1mm)
  • Custom wiring connection, shielding connection.
  • Cable length

Contact us

Contact our sales engineer today to custom make your RS232 cable requirement.

Reference

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CCT-01 Cable Tester Tool
Click here to check out our cable tester tool.

Setting up Eclipse for ARMS Cortex development work

The reason I am doing this page is because I find development work using SEGGER IDE is really painful. It is really not a fun IDE to work with. Maybe in future, it will be better. But for now, I have a project to do, and I cannot spending time on a lousy development environment, knowing how fast it would be using a good IDE platform.

It is fortunate enough that a kind soul had developed a “GNU ARM Eclipse plugin” for development of ARMS firmware, currently supprted and maintain by Liviu Ionescu. While SEGGER does not support this plugin, it is recommended by them for developer who refer to use a better development environment for their programming.
https://www.segger.com/products/debug-probes/j-link/technology/ides/eclipse/

The only disadvantage is that the developer would not be able to use the SEGGER debugging function. Being a developer, I seldom find the need to use a debugger, nor I understand how important a hardware debugger is. I don’t find it very useful so far, and managed to turn out many projects without using it. Perhaps there is a better purpose of using a debugger that I did not understand.

This is my attempt to setup Eclipse IDE for ARM Cortex firmware development work. I hope this works as it can increase my productivity tremendously. I really have a lot of blocks using SEGGER IDE, after working with many better other IDE products.

Setting Up Eclipse IDE for ARM Cortex Microcontroller development work.

reference: https://gnu-mcu-eclipse.github.io/

  1. Download and install the Eclipse IDE. (for C/C++ Developers)
  2. Open the Eclipse program, go to the menu Help -> Eclipse Marketplace…
  3. Search for “GNU MCU Eclipse” plugin, or go to this page
    https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/gnu-arm-eclipse
    to drag the install button onto the Eclipse Marketplace dialog box.
    Click the <Confirm> button to install the plugin.
  4. Install “xPack GNU Arm Embedded GCC” program.
    https://gnu-mcu-eclipse.github.io/toolchain/arm/install/
  5. Install the SEGGER J-Link
    https://gnu-mcu-eclipse.github.io/debug/jlink/install/

UART to USB Keyboard Wedge IC Chip

Looking for a simpler solution to send keyboard key stroke for data entry or control a computer like a HID keyboard device?

Check out this UART to USB Keyboard Wedge IC chip. Simply send your ASCII character via the UART communication, it will automatically be converted to a USB HID keyboard key stroke to your computer device.

Application

  • Development of application to send keyboard stroke to computer.
  • Data entry of scanned items onto a spreadsheet.
  • Make your customised device works like a barcode scanner

Features

  • IC chip in a TSSOP-14 pins package.
  • Input data is UART 9600bps.
  • Output data is USB HID Keyboard device.
  • IC Chip is 3.3 to 5V voltage input.

We can also customed a custom HID keyboard wedge IC chip solution.
Contact our sales engineer for further enquiry.

Custom HID Keyboard Keypad Software

HID software to convert keypad keys into triggering action. Allows you create a key to activate short-cut keys action any software application.

HID macros: http://www.hidmacros.eu/