MicroTRAK/51-E Complete Support & Frequently Asked Questions

[1] Why does Switch 2 (SW2) on TB-1 not work ?

[2] Is MicroTRAK/51 a good tool to learn about microcontrollers and/or assembly language ?

[3] Why is the download slow ?

[1] Why does Switch 2 (SW2) on TB-1 not work ?

If you press SW2 on TB-1 and the program does not detect it ( or the corresponding LED on the 8051 I/O Module on the MicroTRAK does not change state ), it is more than likely due to a port pin conflict.SW2 on TB-1 conflicts with MMC-RTC-1 board. This is a known conflict.As a workaround, you can remove MMC-RTC-1 from your microcontroller system ( either from the board stack or from MicroTRAK if you have a MicroTRAK ) when using SW2.

[2] Is MicroTRAK/51 a good tool to learn about microcontrollers and/or assembly language ?

Yes, absolutely! Using the built-in assembler of Micro C 8051 Development System or the SDCC 8051 Development System, combined with our low-cost 8051 Simulator option ( free with limited code size ),you can single step through assembly or mixed C/assembly code, look at register values, watch memory locations and set breakpoints. <br><br>As each assembly instruction is executed, you can examine the register values and immediately see the results of the operation. You can also see all port activity using the LED's on the real hardware. You can force ports to logic 0 or logic 1 levels using DIP switches. This hands-on process allows the beginners to get up to speed with microcontrollers fast.

[3] Why is the download slow ?

If you are using a USB to COM converter such as CBL-USB-COM-1 from BiPOM, please change the latency timer settings of the USB to COM converter. See the document: CBL-USB-COM-1 Speed Improvements