Product Comparison

PICBASIC™ Compiler  $99.95

PICBASIC PRO™ Compiler  $249.95
   
Limited to first 2K code space. Uses all available code space.
Interrupt handlers must be Assembly language. Interrupt handler routines may be either PICBASIC PRO or Assembly.
Uses Peek and Poke commands to access internal registers and move contents to and from pre-defined variables. Internal register names may be used directly, even in calculations and conditional statements.
Some built-in commands can only be used on PortB, PortC or GPIO.  While all ports may be accessed with Peek and Poke, some aren't available for commands like Serout, Pulsin, etc. Software-based commands may be used on any available port/pin.  (Commands that utilize a hardware module are limited to the pins dedicated to that module.  Some pins have special characteristics that might cause compatibility issues.)
Clock speed pre-defined at 4MHz. Clock speeds from 3.5975 to 48MHz, depending upon device capabilities.
BASIC Stamp I compatible variable names pre-defined. Define your own custom variables, including arrays of bits, bytes or words.
Most 14-bit core PICmicro® MCUs supported. (see compatibility list) ALL PICmicro® MCUs are supported, including 12-bit core, 17CXXX, 18CXXX, and 18FXXX.
Additional commands available only in PICBASIC PRO:
  • LCDOut / LCDIn - for controlling parallel interfaced LCD modules.
  • HSerin / HSerout - for controlling the hardware USART available on many PICmicro MCUs.
  • HPWM - for controlling the hardware PWM modules available on many PICmicro MCUs.
  • Serin2 / Serout2 - RS-232 serial commands capable of sending and receiving ASCII formatted numeric data.  Serin2 can be invoked with a timeout parameter to avoid lockup caused by missed serial data.
  • Select Case - Visual BASIC style case statement.
  • ReadCode / WriteCode - read and write locations in the code space of self-programming microcontrollers.
  • OWin / OWout - communicate with One Wire devices.
  • USBin / USBout - access the USB module on specially equipped microcontrollers.
  • Xin / Xout - send and receive X-10 commands for household remote control.
  • ADCin - perform analog-to-digital conversion on devices so equipped.

Other PICBASIC PRO advantages:

  • Uses 5-10% less code space than standard compiler.
  • Syntax is less demanding, making Pro easier to learn.
  • Debug information can be generated for Microchip development tools.