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Considering a ND Go! for next project


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#1 Gorf

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 02:42 PM

I've got a ND+ which was going to be the basis for a new project. I'm now considering whether to go with a Go! just because it looks much easier.

I need to control two of these relays based on values sent to the Go! along a TTL serial connection.

How do I find out if they can be controlled by the Go! ?

I also can't seem to find what I need to add a USB socket to read serial data...

All help very much appreciated...


I'm also considering a nice display. That may have to wait until later, but it's worth mentioning now in case the components above affect which one I'll be using.

#2 ItsDan

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 03:08 PM

So the model used by the N-Go will be that components are connected to a 'module' that is specifically designed to work with the Go board. 3rd party components can however be added using either the Shield Base or Protomodule. The former is still in beta, the latter requires custom firmware to be written. So those comments relate to connecting arbitrary hardware.

What you linked is a type Y gadgeteer module, and I believe the Go only supports SUX types. The 'equivalent' Go module is the Nwazet Relay Module, which has a single relay on it.
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#3 Gorf

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 03:55 PM

Many thanks for that. I did actually look at that relay earlier today, but can't see it for sale anywhere in the UK.

#4 NXTwoThou

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 06:25 PM

Do be aware the shieldbase is in beta and they haven't finalized the specs(not just on the sheildbase). If you are wanting anything half way serious, wait until they finish baking the product. I'm currently rather screwed because I assumed in April that it was a completed project since it was on sale. Then after finding out about the shieldbase being in beta status, I made the bad mistake of assuming the messages targeting newer firmware in May(not ready yet) would correct the issues I was having. If you are just experimenting, its amazing and fun as to what you can do with it. The existing hardware is all flashable to the final so you won't be out anything except time. Just have reasonable expectations of its current status.

#5 Billy Propes

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 08:40 PM

Do yourself a favor and don't use the Netduino Go yet. Pretty much nothing on it has been finalized, and it's no where near production quality yet. Since the ShieldBase module is still in beta, half of the features don't work on it yet and it's just about useless for anything except breaking out I/O pins. So, most of the Arduino boards don't work with it. In addition, no USB adapter currently exists to where you can transfer data in and out of a USB port (you can't use the Micro USB connector on the board for data transfer). Please be aware that this post is in no way ment to be derogatory towards the Go. I am just trying to make it completely clear that the Go is not production quality YET and that if you need a production quality product, you should stick with your Plus. The Go will be a wonderful product when it gets finalized and the bugs get worked out of the ShieldBase. But, it's not there yet. I am in the same boat as NXTwoThou. I was assuming that the Go was production quality; since it was being produced and sold - and I was planning on using it for a production project. Once I got it, I found this forum and found out the opposite and had to go with the Plus instead. Hope this helps with your decision/

#6 Arron Chapman

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 09:25 PM

Pretty much nothing on it has been finalized, and it's no where near production quality yet.

I want to be bit clear about this
Finalized:
  • Hardware
  • Go Firmware
Not Finalized:
  • GoBus protocol
  • ShieldBase Firmware

Since the ShieldBase module is still in beta, half of the features don't work on it yet and it's just about useless for anything except breaking out I/O pins. So, most of the Arduino boards don't work with it.


That isn't exactly true
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iVuuBZACP0&feature=plcp


In addition, no USB adapter currently exists to where you can transfer data in and out of a USB port (you can't use the Micro USB connector on the board for data transfer).

I'm not entirely sure why you'd *expect* there to be a module for USB communication, however any of the existing module developers (such as myself or Fabien & Bertrand) can produce one at anytime. You are also welcome to do so, encouraged even.

... I was planning on using it for a production project.

Unless that project is a learning kit, I wouldn't even consider it. To be perfectly honest I wouldn't buy a board from most anyone to use in a production product. At the end of the day you can build the hardware youself (assuming moderate volume) for cheaper.

In my opinion, the Netduino Go, as a platform, shines in 3 tasks; First, as a learning aid. Second as a (extremely) rapid prototyping platform. Finally, for the tinkerer who doesn't want to screw with the hardware and just wants a quick project that works with minimal effort.

I think you need to bear in mind as well that the Netduino Go is only just 2 months old, and that the ecosystem is just getting started. As a 3rd party module developer I have a decent idea of some of whats coming with regards to module availability, personally I have half a dozen more modules in the works.

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#7 carb

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 09:39 PM

Gorf, Are you building something because you want to or because you have to (you have a boss and a dead line to get it done)? If it is because you want to the Neduino Go is good choice, it is progressing well with new modules coming out from both SecretLabs and a host of individuals from the Netduino Community. I know that the relays can be controlled from a shield base and the rest I believe is possible (meaning I have not tried to do it yet myself). As for the timeliness of the release of the shield base and updates. From day 1 when I purchased the Netduino Go with shield base it was marked as a beta product which means that it is still changing, any problems that I have had with it have been from lack of knowledge on my part. The short falls that I have run into the forum has helped me work around. I can't say enough about the helpfullness and support of people on the forum and Chris Walker. I for one am happy that the shield base was released when it was so that we could see some of the potential of the Netduino Go and help influence the future of the product. So far the dates have not slid much and the delays I feel certain will make a better finished product. Chuck

#8 Stefan

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 09:47 PM

Funny thing, actually the Shield Base can do anything. I used it in some strange ways already. By using this: http://forums.netdui...e-to-run-alone/ I deployed an app on the shield base which did a part of the logic, and communicated that straight to the main board. I agree the current firmware isn't 100% up and running, but with a bit of creativity it can do some things that you wouldn't expect. I hope this will open some minds for new and bright ideas? ;) Also, for relays, general purpose output ports will do just fine, and they're working perfectly on the shieldbase.
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#9 Gutworks

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 10:26 PM

I think there has been some blurriness between the Netduino Go! and the Shield Base module that is causing some confusion. The Netduino Go! is indeed a finalized product and is a power platform that provides some really interesting possibilities as more modules are developed for it. Albeit, as with all boards on the market, the firmware is always being improved upon and bugs discovered and fixed. The Shield Base on the other hand is a different beast. It was clearly billed as a beta module. Even so, many of us, including myself, could not resist using it. For me it's become one of the more important modules in that it bridges the gap between the Arduino formfactor and existing Netduino shields with that of the new and better Netduino Go!. Unfortunately I too have spent countless hours trying to get shield base to bend to my will, with little luck. But I do need to keep reminding myself that I knew what I was getting into when I bought it and there were no promises made of compatibly from the start. With that said, as a part of the beta community it is refreshing to know that our feedback is taken seriously and the folks at Secret Labs have been working diligently on fixing the issues. From my understanding there are also several bugs within the actual 4.2 .Net Microframework that are also causing a lot of complications. Hopefully these too will get ironed out by the .NETMF team in conjunction with the feedback from Chris and his team. In the end I am pleased with where the Netduino Go! is heading, and think that once we have a broader selection of modules to compliment the platform, we'll all be singing a different tune. Cheers, Steve

#10 Gorf

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 02:17 PM

Many thanks for the replies, folks. I need it for a commercial project - time is not an issue really, until the weather in the UK improves. As long as I can control the relays using the plugs on the Go! and can do some TTL serial work via the shield base, I'm fine. The development board approach is very advantageous for me, because the role it will perform is only going to last a few months. Then, I can use it for something else...

#11 carb

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 03:54 PM

Gorf,

The shield base will definately drive relays. There a several relay boards that will work fine. This is one project that I wrote using a TMP36 temperature sensor and a 4 relay board. The relays provide 2 stages of heating and 2 stages of cooling. Visual Basic Temperature Control.

Have fun,
Chuck

#12 Gorf

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 05:04 PM

I was rather hoping the relays I'd chosen would just plug directly onto the Go!

Many thanks for the link to your work. Although my project involves multi-stage heating, the temperature control is managed elsewhere.

#13 carb

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 07:20 PM

They will, they plug directly into the main Go board sockets and do not require the use of the shield base digital IOs. The link was only to show that you could control relays using the shield base. Sorry for the confusion :unsure:




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