Sending Word Variable from PICAXE to PC via RS232

[superworm]

Hey Guys!

I have some word variables that I'd like to send from PICAXE to PC via RS232.
I have to use word variables because im working with relatively large numbers, but a look in the PICAXE manual and a quick scout around here reveals that only bytes can be send via serial eg: b0 or b4 etc

Is there any way to send words serially to the PC via RS232? If I convert them to ASCII by including a # will the PC be able to read it? If so can anyone recommend a program?

Sorry to bother you guys again!

Matt

 

[SilentScreamer]

Each word variable is made up of two bite variables (i.e. w0 = b1:b0 w1 = b3:b2 w2 = b5:b4) so you can just send the byte variables individually.

 

[Technical]

As already stated you could send the two bytes separately, RS232 only works with bytes not words.

However if you use the # conversion to ASCII byte characters a word can be used directly to output a text stream like "65432".

 

[kewakl]

@Technical...

does this mean that if I want to send the value of 254 to a serially connected device, then I can

Let B1=254
Serout 0, N4800_4, (#B1)

or am I missing something.

I am sending string representations of values to an AB PLC (micrologix 1100 on channel 0 -- if anyone cares)
I have a way to convert a value of 254 to string "254" , so the PLC sees 2 5 4 as a string "254",
but does #B1 do the same?


EDIT Just read Section 2 Pg. 173. -- looks like the answer to this Q!

 

[hippy]

Yes, #b1 with b1=254 will send "2", "5" then "4". The only thing to be aware of is that using # doesn't send any leading zeroes; #b1 with b1=12 sends "1" then "2".

 

[kewakl]

Ahhh, I need the leading zeroes for the ascii instructions in the PLC

thanks again, hippy

 

[Technical]

Check out the bintoascii command instead then.

let b1=254
bintoascii b1,b2,b3,b4
Serout 0, N4800_4, (b2,b3,b4)

Also works for words.

 

[kewakl]

@technical
looks promising

when I looked in the manual at

Convert a binary value into separate ASCII bytes.

it never occurred to me that it would provide LEADING zeroes
that should remove about 150 bytes from the code!

thanks

 

[hippy]

If savings are not in the region you expect or desire ( BINTOASCII simplifies coding, not necessarily program space ), consider putting it in a subroutine which you call when you need to output such a number. Savings will depend upon exactly what code you were using,