The low-cost PicBasic Compiler (PBC) makes it easy to write programs for the fast Microchip PICmicro MCU. PBC converts these programs into hex or binary files that can be programmed directly into a PICmicro microcontroller. The easy-to-use BASIC language makes PICmicro MCU programming available to everyone with its English-like instruction set. No more scary assembly language! PicBasic Compiler Features: Quicker and easier than "C" or assembler Expanded BASIC Stamp I compatible instruction set True compiler provides faster program execution and longer programs than BASIC interpreters I2CIN and I2COUT instructions to access external serial EEPROMs More user variables Peek and Poke instructions to access any PICmicro MCU register from BASIC Serial speeds to 9600 baud In-line assembler and Call support Supports most 14-bit core PICmicro microcontrollers Use in DOS or Windows Compatible with most PICmicro MCU programmers (see melabs Serial Programmer)

The PicBasic Compiler instruction set is compatible with the Parallax BASIC Stamp I. BS1 programs can be compiled into PICmicro MCU code and programmed directly into a PICmicro MCU, eliminating the need for a BASIC Stamp module. These programs execute much faster and may be longer than their Stamp equivalents. They may also be protected so no one can copy your code. Other benefits include substantial cost savings over a BASIC Stamp.

All of the PicBasic Compiler library routines act on the 8-bit PORTB of the PICmicro MCU. PicBasic programs may use up to 2K of code space.

The PicBasic Compiler has many features beyond the BS1. Peek and Poke instructions let you use additional microcontroller features not available on the BASIC Stamp I. These include access to PORTA, B, C, D and E (if the particular device has them), A/D converters, hardware serial ports and other on-chip features in BASIC, foregoing the need to use assembly language.

But if you really want to use assembly language instructions, they may be mixed with BASIC instructions through the use of the PicBasic Compiler's in-line assembler and Call instruction. Our PICmicro MCU macro assembler is included and automatically invoked by the PicBasic Compiler.

The I2C commands let the PICmicro MCU talk to external I2C devices, such as serial EEPROMs, using only a 2-wire interface. Two PORTA pins have been dedicated to the task (the particular pins assigned may be easily changed if desired) so there is no need to tie up any of the special purpose PORTB pins.

PBC has more user variables. The BS1 only provides variables from B0 - B13 and W0 - W6. The PicBasic Compiler allows variables from B0 - B79 and W0 - W39 when used with PICmicro MCUs having 96 RAM registers in bank 0 like the PIC16C622 and 16C74.

The PicBasic Compiler is a DOS command line application (it also works in Windows) and runs on PC compatibles. It can create programs for the PIC12C67x, PIC14Cxxx, PIC16C55x, 6xx, 7xx, 84, 92x and PIC16F8xx microcontrollers and works with most PICmicro MCU programmers, including the melabs Serial Programmer. A printed manual and sample programs are included to get you started.

Download PICBasic Manual (.PDF file 443K)

The PicBasic Compiler is also available bundled with the EPIC Plus Programmer.

The PicBasic Compiler can now be used inside Microchip's MPLAB IDE. This allows programs to be edited and simulated within Windows.

For a more powerful instruction set, we recommend the PicBasic Pro Compiler.

12C508(A), 12C509(A): Not supported because of 12-bit core.

12C671, 12C672, 12F629, 12F675, 12F683: Supported. All Pin operations act on 6-pin GPIO port since there is no PORTB.

14000: Supported. All Pin operations act on PORTC since there is no PORTB.

16C505, 16C52, 16C54, 16C55, 16C56, 16C57, 16C58: Not supported because of 12-bit core.

16C432, 16C433, 16C554, 16C557, 16C558, 16C61, 16C62(AB), 16C620(A), 16C621(A), 16C622(A), 16C63(A), 16C64(A), 16C642, 16C65(AB), 16C66, 16C662, 16C67, 16C71, 16C710, 16C711, 16C712, 16C715, 16C716, 16C717, 16C72(A), 16C73(AB), 16C74(AB), 16C76, 16C77, 16C770, 16C771, 16C773, 16C774, 16C781, 16C782, 16C84, 16C923, 16C924, 16C925, 16C926, 16F627(A), 16F628(A), 16F648A, 16F716, 16F72, 16F73, 16F74, 16F76, 16F77, 16F737, 16F747, 16F767, 16F777, 16F818, 16F819, 16F83, 16F84(A), 16F87, 16F870, 16F871, 16F872, 16F873(A), 16F874(A), 16F876(A), 16F877(A), 16F88: Supported.

16F630, 16F676, 16F684, 16f688: Supported. All Pin operations act on 6-pin PORTA port since there is no PORTB.

17Cxxx, 18Cxxx, 18Fxxx: Not supported because of 16-bit core.

PicStic1, PicStic1 2K, PicStic2, PicStic2 2K, PicStic3, PicStic3 2K, PicStic4, and PicStic4 2K: Supported.

rfPIC12C509AF, rfPIC12C509AG, rfPIC12F675F, rfPIC12F675H, rfPIC12F675K: Supported (select 12C509A or 12F675)