ADXL335 - Getting started

On the process on learning of pic18f, I like to start with existing code or hardware. So I like modules very much as my pcb design is still in the "room" of improving. I cant get the correct version until the 3rd or 4th version of pcb.

I have this three axis accelerometer breakout, bought from cytron (some time ago). It is the cheapest I can found. Since it is lying on my drawer and I am bored, I decide to test it.

Also, I have a soldering station which I bought from taobao 2 months ago, time to put it on test.

First, I align all the pin at the breadboard,

Then, I place the ADXL335 module on top the pin,

After switch on the soldering station, you need to wait until the red led indication on the soldering station went off, then the solder tip temperature is as set temperature. 

I verify it using vc890 multimeter.

My first try, it is really not bad. The soldering station really not bad, perform better than the 10 ringgit soldering iron that sold at jalan pasar. My soldering station only cost me 45 ringgit, really worth the money.

Actually I had tried popular brand of soldering station before like hakko, weller, goot, but I think this kasadi soldering station "soldering" performance is comparable to those top notch. Maybe the question lied on the robustness,  how long will it last before it break down. Last time, my 15 ringgit soldering iron from jalan pasar only been used for a few times, after leave it for few months, end of life.

Also, my lab weller soldering station is really robust, sometimes, we forgot to switch off it, leave it for two days, but it is still working great. 

I didnt dare to put test on the kasadi soldering station robustness, I handle it with cares, you should not expect much from cheap but working equipment.

Back to story, this is the soldered module

After I have finished solder all the pins, I realise that the top three pins are not necessary, just some dummy pads placed, no track connection to any component.

Now to the coding part, just the simple adc would be fine, c18 comes with some library on pic18f peripheral. However, my purpose is learning so I always look at existing code, datasheet, then start writing my own code.

It make the learning easier and your own code really suit your own need.
I go to c18 library file, copy the adc file out and start editing it for my own use.

In the end, I have only two functions 

- void ADC12_Init(void);
- int ADC12_ReadChannel(unsigned char channel);
which make it very convenient to use, but hard to modify settings (you have to edit the source code).
Overall, the settings of adc are quit general and easily applied to most conditions.

I supply the 5V to the ADXL335 module, it has on board regulator that regulate it to 3.3V. You can also supply the 3.3V to the ADXL335 module directly.

I have disassembly the connections so I have no output picture to show your guys. Nevertheless, the program have been tested and it is working fine.

In this program, the displayed value for X, Y, Z axis are adc value, I have no idea on the calibration (how to convert the adc value to angle using limited equipment). Maybe after some time of learning, trying and googling, I will post it up.

The project file is downloadable at link.