3 replies to this topic

[ruben_verschueren]

some questions for the guru's.

My first post here was about a project idea (underwater ROV camera platform) and the reply I got was super helpful, but it made me realize that it was going to be too dificult as a first project.

I do have programming experience in c# and web based languages as javascript and php, but i'm a novice when it comes to hardware.

 

So here I am again with a different idea :-)

I was (perhaps foolishly) thinking of making a super basic gameboy type console.

The plan being I would start with collecting the parts and testing/adding them one at a time.

 

 

I don't have any soldering experience (or gear) and I would like to avoid that part if I can.

 

so here are the parts I was thinking of getting:

 

- netduino go

- nwazet touch display (any larger available for less than 100$?)

- 2 joysticks

- go shield base if needed

 

- sd card module (for storing/loading games etc)

- mini speaker (because every game needs sound )

 

What I mostly need is some help in selecting the specific parts (what brand etc) as i'm a complete noob at the hardware game most of the terminologie is lost on me :-)

 

The Idea behind the sd card module is, that once I get this up and running i may want to expand it with software/hardware to use the project for remote control (see first ambitious project proposal).

 

any help would be greatly apreciated.

I won't ask about the gadgeteer boards, but to me It seems I could use that as well.

 

 

 

[Arron Chapman]

 don't have any soldering experience (or gear) and I would like to avoid that part if I can.

I highly recommend you change this, more info on why below, but I think Go isn't the right answer for you. Not right now.

 

so here are the parts I was thinking of getting:

 

- netduino go

- nwazet touch display (any larger available for less than 100$?)

- 2 joysticks

- go shield base if needed

 

- sd card module (for storing/loading games etc)

- mini speaker (because every game needs sound )

So far not too bad.  There are no existing joystick modules for Netduino Go, while someone could make some it isn't a trivial task for a self described Noob, it will also require some soldering.  The SD Card Module also isn't currently available and doesn't have a firm ETA.  For your speaker, if you want to go retro the piezo module (from Secret Labs) will produce beautiful 8-bit sound for you.

 

 won't ask about the gadgeteer boards, but to me It seems I could use that as well.

 

Gadgeteer Boards with port type S, U or X should work fine, however note that each one of those modules will take up 4 ports on your Go Mainboard.

 

Overall I think that for tinkering with parts when there aren't existing Go Modules for them puts Go is a bad position overall.  You can get done what you want with the Shield Base, but it's less than an ideal solution, IMO.  I'd prefer you to start with the Netduino Plus 2 and a soldering iron.  You don't need an expensive one, I use a ~$5 iron from Radio Shack and manage to solder Surface Mount parts without much trouble.  With the hardware (and of course the software to) itself if you stop by chat we can often help.

[ruben_verschueren]

thanks for the great information. I was having trouble deciding on the Go vs the plus.

I only chose the Go in the end because it seemed easier (plug and play modules).

 

You're probably right about the plus being a better fit, so I'll start researching that one.

thanks again for the info.

[Arron Chapman]

thanks for the great information. I was having trouble deciding on the Go vs the plus.

I only chose the Go in the end because it seemed easier (plug and play modules).

 

You're probably right about the plus being a better fit, so I'll start researching that one.

thanks again for the info.

Don't get me wrong, I love Netduino Go, I even build modules for it (see my signature).  But with the currently limited ecosystem it isn't the most useful platform.  If you want to get playing now, then I highly suggest the N+2, even if you think you don't need SD or Ethernet right away, in my experience you'll quickly out grow the classic Netduino.  Then N2 or N+2 are so much faster and have so much more memory than the older counterparts they are a great upgrade.