Review of Easy Microcontrol'n

A YEAR ago I would have never imagined myself programming a PICmicro MCU in assembly language. Even just considering learning the assembly code seemed a daunting task, let alone writing my own programs in it. But all that changed when around four months ago my boss (I worked for an electronic engineer but am now attending tertiary education to become one myself) lent me a book that he once bought called Easy PIC'n. He'd never got around to reading the book or delving into the world of programming PICmicros and thought that I'd enjoy having a read. It turned out to be probably the most educative read I'd ever had!

Easy Microcontrol'n
Author: Dave Benson
Publisher: Square 1
Rating: 5/5
Notes: THE starting block for PICmicro programming


Easy Microcontrol'n is the latest version of the book Easy PIC'n, which required renaming due to trademark issues. I have to say that it is the most straight-forward, simple and well written technical books I have ever read! Although prior basic electronics and programming principles knowledge is assumed, Easy Microcontrol'n quickly and concisely expands this knowledge into programming in assembly.

The experimenters' choice PICmicro part - the PIC16F84 - is the only one to be presented in this version of the book, allowing for much better understanding of the part. Plus, because of the general ease of portability between devices, the techniques taught are almost all completely relevant for all devices. I found that the focusing solely on the PIC16F84 to be a much better approach than the inclusion of the not-as-popular PIC16C54 in the previous version.

Every aspect of the PICmicro's design is addressed, including the use of MPLAB, interrupts, EEPROM memory usage, configuration bits and much more. These features are arranged into appropriate sections, each one focusing on fully explaining that feature.

There are over two-dozen projects and examples packed into the book, all of which are complete with circuit diagrams, program block diagrams and program code listings. I especially enjoyed the way that program code was actually written in the book and not supplied on disk - it allows the learner to familiarise themselves with the program and code in the simplest way possible. Plus it is good practice to have to type out the program code as one can gain a better understanding whilst typing.

Although Easy Microcontrol'n contains all that you need to get started with the assembly programming, I did find it handy to have a printout of the PICmicro instruction set summary (as included in most of the PICmicro datasheets) as it gives complete information on everything to do with each command (such as status flags set, etc.). Easy Microcontrol'n also presents a number of useful software tips, such as timing/delay loops, lookup tables and a very nice little section on programming style - performing tasks in code in the most efficient way.


I really cannot say enough nice things about this book. Dave Benson is an excellent technical writer, whose clear, concise way of describing PICmicro assembly programming really is the best I've read. I really do urge anyone who wants to program PICmicros to get a copy of Easy Microcontrol'n as it really does take away the overwhelming aspects of assembly programming. Actually, I have now reached a point where I rather program in assembly than other higher lever languages as it allows for so much better control over the device - I know exactly what's going on!
I give it 5 stars out of 5.


Buy it here!