Running DotStars with PIC in C code

[finzrt2]

I wanted to find some type of example for running DotStars using a Microchip PIC in C. I have used Arduino with no issues, but for the project I am working on, I need to use a Microchip PIC. I have done 1 other project which involves SPI communication using a Microchip PIC in C, but would consider myself a newbie. I am a hardware guy trying to learn a little bit of software. Thanks! Dan

[davidl13]

I haven't done the actual work but I suspect it would be feasible to adapt the PICsellator (https://learn.adafruit.com/the-picsellator) to use an MSSP as a SPI instead the existing mechanism I used to drive WS2812B's. I'm pretty sure it would take some digging through the Data Sheet and my code, though... ;-)

Let me know if there's some interest. The original PICsellator uses a PIC16F1847 but I've since ported it to a PIC16F1825 (for reduced cost/pin count). (I believe I posted the '1825 version a while back and was trying to help a guy get it going - a forum search may help.)

[finzrt2]

OK, so I have the PIC16F687 up and running with the DotStars (aka p/n APA102)! I am trying to get a moving rainbow pattern for my 1m, 48pixel, strip. I can get the rainbow effect without issue, but now I am having trouble thinking of a way to make it move. Anyone have code ideas??? There doesnt seem to be anything on Google for this one.

[Franklin97355]

Have you looked at the Arduino code for hints on how they move the colors?

[finzrt2]

I did, but thats a little over my head as far as coding experience and confidence goes. I did get a rainbow effect working to some extent. It's not as fast and fluent as I would like but I am running my pic16f689 at 25 megahertz. I really don't know how to use timers and interrupts yet, that is next on my list.