Thanks Carb,
What I am also wondering... (sorry to keep asking questions in here, but I doubt creating a new topic would be better)
When applying shields, you lose some I/O pins...
- Can you still use a breadboard to prototype some things using the pins not used by the shield?
- Can we combine shields? I guess this is hard to do, since it might be possible that both shields will use the same I/O ports... Thats not working then right ?
- Are there any good lcd displays to prototype on a breadboard ? Since if I attach a wifi shield, I can not attach a LCD shield, or am I wrong here?
Thanks
Frederik,
You will lose some of the IOs depending on the shields being used. Outputs can be shared if they are needed by more than one shield for the same purpose i.e. an on/off signal. Inputs normally are not shared because each shield would provide signals back to the Netduino. Power and grounds can be shared assuming you don't overload the power supply. Pins used for communications can sometimes be shared i.e. I2C uses an Id code for each item that is on the channel.
IOs that are not being used can be used by a bread board.
Some shield can be stacked as long as the IOs and shield functions are compatable which each other.
Depending on the shields being used many allow configuration of the IOs to avoid conlict with the other shields that are being used. For example you may be able to select Com1 or Com2 for serial communications, this is often done with jumpers on the shield.
There are good LCD that can be breadboarded, But I would consider using an LCD shield with I2C or SPI control (uses fewer pins) or a LCD with SPI backpack. This macks the connections easier and there is code that will minimize your work. Check Adafruit.com for some ideas of what is available
LCD shield or
Serial LCD display
Adafruit has a lot of options and ideas, unfortunately most of the code is for Arduinos but that can be coded for C# or visual basic and has often already been done by others. They normally have good tutorials on how to use the products.
Also take a look at Stefan's Netmf Toolbox, he provides code in C# and Visual Basic, gives you sample codes, components needed and normally a circuit diagram on how to connect the items. Like this one
Motor Control
I think I got most of the questions,
Chuck