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Terry Massey's Content

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#26481 Redacted 00101100

Posted by Terry Massey on 04 April 2012 - 10:13 PM in General Discussion

From the specs page:

"
all 8 sockets: go!bus modules
up to 2 sockets: Gadgeteer S-U-X
"

So it looks like there is some gadgeteer compatibility, right?


Any one else think maybe the S-U-X was on purpose???



#24366 What's in the magical, mysterious, box of crappy surplus?

Posted by Terry Massey on 18 February 2012 - 03:08 PM in General Discussion

funny Dan I think you just did



#24040 Netduino Firmware v4.2.0 RC4 (Netduino + Netduino Plus)

Posted by Terry Massey on 10 February 2012 - 05:31 AM in Beta Firmware and Drivers

ok I am quoting my self but can anyone tell me if I am doing something wrong here.

I am having I2C issues.. I am working on My drivers forthe RFID reader and I am running into issues. I am not sure if it is a codeissue maybe I am doing this all wrong but I have had no problems in the pasttalking to EEProms over i2c but with 4.2 RC3 I had no data going out my I2Cports and on 4.2 RC4 I am getting weird stuff. Here is my code for my commandmaybe I am doing something wrong. And I have attached an image of the Logicanalyzer it doesn't even seem to be sending the right Bits. Any Ideas.


private I2CDevice rfid = new I2CDevice(new I2CDevice.Configuration(0x42, 400));


private byte[] ExecuteReadCommand(ERfidCommands cmd, byte[] data)
        {
            byte[] b;
            if (data == null)
                b = new byte[2];
            else
            {
                b = new byte[data.Length + 2];
            }
            var rb = new byte[12];
            b[0] = (byte) cmd;
            var csum = (int) cmd;
            if (data != null)
            {
                for (int x = 0; x >= data.Length; x++)
                {
                    b[x + 1] = data[x];
                    csum += data[x];
                }
            }
            b[b.Length - 1] = (byte) csum;
            I2CDevice.I2CTransaction[] t = new I2CDevice.I2CTransaction[2]
                                           	{
                                               	I2CDevice.CreateWriteTransaction(B),
                                               	I2CDevice.CreateReadTransaction(rb)
                                           	};

            rfid.Execute(t, 100);
            while (rb[0] == 0x00)
            {
                rfid.Execute(t, 100);
                Thread.Sleep(10);
            }
          
       	
            return rb;
        }




#23923 Netduino Firmware v4.2.0 RC4 (Netduino + Netduino Plus)

Posted by Terry Massey on 07 February 2012 - 08:23 PM in Beta Firmware and Drivers

I am having I2C issues.. I am working on My drivers forthe RFID reader and I am running into issues. I am not sure if it is a codeissue maybe I am doing this all wrong but I have had no problems in the pasttalking to EEProms over i2c but with 4.2 RC3 I had no data going out my I2Cports and on 4.2 RC4 I am getting weird stuff. Here is my code for my commandmaybe I am doing something wrong. And I have attached an image of the Logicanalyzer it doesn't even seem to be sending the right Bits. Any Ideas.

private I2CDevice rfid = new I2CDevice(new I2CDevice.Configuration(0x42, 400));


private byte[] ExecuteReadCommand(ERfidCommands cmd, byte[] data)
        {
            byte[] b;
            if (data == null)
                b = new byte[2];
            else
            {
                b = new byte[data.Length + 2];
            }
            var rb = new byte[12];
            b[0] = (byte) cmd;
            var csum = (int) cmd;
            if (data != null)
            {
                for (int x = 0; x >= data.Length; x++)
                {
                    b[x + 1] = data[x];
                    csum += data[x];
                }
            }
            b[b.Length - 1] = (byte) csum;
            I2CDevice.I2CTransaction[] t = new I2CDevice.I2CTransaction[2]
                                               {
                                                   I2CDevice.CreateWriteTransaction(B),
                                                   I2CDevice.CreateReadTransaction(rb)
                                               };

            rfid.Execute(t, 100);
            while (rb[0] == 0x00)
            {
                rfid.Execute(t, 100);
                Thread.Sleep(10);
            }
          
           
            return rb;
        }



#23688 RN-XV WiFly Module driver

Posted by Terry Massey on 02 February 2012 - 04:37 PM in Project Showcase

Stefan, I was in the middle of writing drivers myself for this module for work and after chatting with Walker telling me about the drivers. Well I tried them out today. OMG frigging awesome. way less complex than i was making mine and well quite incredible. I have found a few minor bugs but they might be related to some timing issues. Mostly when adding in my own command Mode settings such as Scan and Sleep. I see that there are times your ignoring some of the garbage that comes back. so it might just be an issue with me debugging. but occasionally I expect my code to get a value back and you have ignored something like DHCP=on coming back. Here is a few methods I have implemented you could add to the WiFlyGSX class and an additional class I implemented. public void GoToSleep() { CommandModeStart(); WriteBuffer("sleep\r"); } public WirelessNetwork[] Scan() { CommandModeStart(); WriteBuffer("set sys printlvl 0x4000\r"); CommandModeRead(true); WriteBuffer("scan\r"); Thread.Sleep(3000); CommandModeRead(); string found = CommandModeRead(true); short count = Convert.ToInt16(found.Split("SCAN:Found ".ToCharArray())[11]); var retVal = new WirelessNetwork[count]; for (short x = 0; x < count;x++ ) { string s = CommandModeRead(); string[] cols=s.Split(",".ToCharArray()); var w = new WirelessNetwork { Id = Convert.ToInt16(cols[0]), Channel = Convert.ToInt16(cols[1]), Rssi = Convert.ToInt32(cols[2]), Security = (AuthMode) Convert.ToInt32(cols[3]), Capibilities = cols[4], //This is not documented well at least that I can find and can be more than on comma delimited Field MacAddress = cols[cols.Length-2], Ssid = cols[cols.Length-1] }; retVal[x] = w; } WriteBuffer("set sys printlvl 0\r"); CommandModeRead(true); CommandModeStop(); return retVal; } public class WirelessNetwork { public short Id; public short Channel; public int Rssi; public AuthMode Security; public string Capibilities; public string MacAddress; public string Ssid; }



#23679 Resistors

Posted by Terry Massey on 02 February 2012 - 01:57 PM in General Discussion

I have to admit I would have probably thought of the web cam idea myself but as I was reading this post it became clear to me there might be a better solution. We have these color sensing sensors. Why not a small pen type device that could be easily ran across the side of a resistor with a readout of the colors and the value. not sure how acurate the sensors are but I wouldn't think it would be too hard to do. some bright white led source and the color sensor.
Just a thought

I really don't know how many are the people having visual inabilities, or whatever they call.
BTW, this post makes me thinking a lot about this problem...and how to solve it. The multimeter way is obvious, but if I were -even an hobbist- testing almost all the resistors...surely I'll throw everything out of the window...

My "open" question is: suppose having a normal webcam connected to the PC, then a imaging-processing software capable to "rotate" the colors. I mean acquiring a certain HSL (Hue-Sat-Luma), then change it upon the user's preferences. The result is displayed directly on the PC.
Well, surely *NOT* a panacea, but it's pretty simple to do, taking advantage of tons of free libs anywhere. Also a webcam is just an affordable device.

I must admit that this question is slightly off-topic, but...anyone would like to comment?
Cheers




#22453 SerialPort.BaseStream

Posted by Terry Massey on 05 January 2012 - 12:52 AM in General Discussion

hi all, Does anyone know which stream the Serialport.BaseStream is. Is it the write or read or both. I don't see how it could be both but I could be wrong.



#22295 What's in the magical, mysterious, box of crappy surplus?

Posted by Terry Massey on 01 January 2012 - 12:45 AM in General Discussion

yea I know it expired while I was without Internet and GoDaddy is not being nice about the renewal process since I let it slip.



#22269 What's in the magical, mysterious, box of crappy surplus?

Posted by Terry Massey on 31 December 2011 - 03:30 AM in General Discussion

It is a little disheartening since he has had it for over a month.


Apologies all I will have it out on Tuesday. I unfortunately have been disconnected for a bit as I have been moving and started a new Full time job. Again I do apologize.



#18684 How to use xbees to transmit the data to pc from my netduino ???

Posted by Terry Massey on 03 October 2011 - 05:22 AM in General Discussion

beowolf: sorry I mised you in chat.

I have a video series I did on that on the TheShieldStore.com website.

http://www.theshield...ewsarchive.aspx



#17957 Proto Board or Perf Board

Posted by Terry Massey on 14 September 2011 - 01:16 AM in General Discussion



Without a production facility surface-mounted components would be hard to use, and size might not be a major issue, so I would go for hole-mounted components to start with. That would then also work in production, if I would ever get that far.

Volume production is an area that requires much more logistics and that I haven't had to deal with much (except in terms of test mounts and such), so I would surely consult an expert for that.



I have some experiance in the logistics of it and 99% of them prefer the surface mount design. it can be done primarly automated where a through hole requires manual labor in most cases. yes there is wave soldering however generally that is not an option most facilities have. As for my original question I think the answer is clear no one really would use a protoboard. or if so the cost is not reasonable so other ideas tend to surface. also while through hole is easier it tends to be much more expensive. a 0603 10k resistor is about $0.003 where a through hole equilivlent is well much more. same for other components like capacitors and even chips if there is a surface mount version it is likely that version is cheeper.


I will make an offer any one seeking to have boards made for a design be it you need help with layout or even schematic design I have the team and the tools to not only have the board designed but also to do any level of manufacturing from prototype to full on production. I will offer very reasonable and competative rates. I can even offer some distribution options and the shieldstore is not the only place I can help with that.



#17222 Proto Board or Perf Board

Posted by Terry Massey on 29 August 2011 - 02:28 AM in General Discussion

All, Before we get off topic too much Which I like where your starting to head Bill because it kinda leads into why I asked the question in the first place. I have designed something I cant give out details yet but we are very close to launching it maybe 6 weeks or less if all goes well. The question is based on the need for me to develop a special ProtoBoard for this lets call it extended platform. or if most will end up jsut using a breadboard/Perfboard own custom PCB to interface with it. I personally am not a big fan of perfboard I find that it is cheeply made and While ProtoBoards are typicaly much nicer for components I usualy go from Breadboard to custom PCB and skip the middle step all together. Now Bill you and I are on a very similar playing field with reguard to PCB's Nothign beats a nicely made Prototype on a nice PCB. However Home etching is ok but I havent made the leap to Photo Etching. I am kinda stuck on the Sharpy and a board. And I dont like how horiable that ends up looking. and no way I can do any kind of Surfacemount two or more layers very nicely going that route. The problem is Proto Boards can get expencive to produce as the more Holes you have the PCB Fab House drill the more they can and do charge. but If i Had to choose I would rather use a nicely designed protoboard anyday. the Boards are typicaly much thicker and the Holes are nicely EING. if you dont know what EING is it is a emersion and plating that gets done to make it preserve the exposed copper from crossion and make it much easier to get a good solder joint. The problem is in the end Proto or Perf still are not a good Final solution. But from a Hobby or getting started testing out a project the perf board or Proto Board seem to be a good choice as I personally would find them a more perminate solution to a breadboard in a box.



#17039 Proto Board or Perf Board

Posted by Terry Massey on 25 August 2011 - 04:46 AM in General Discussion

Yea you did. this is more an oppion type question. just looking for some perspective from the community.



#17034 A Hardware guy drowning in a Software world!

Posted by Terry Massey on 25 August 2011 - 03:09 AM in General Discussion

Can you explain to me a little more detail. when you say read wheel spin as in rotery encoder data?



#17029 Proto Board or Perf Board

Posted by Terry Massey on 24 August 2011 - 11:30 PM in General Discussion

Hi all,

So I wanted to start a dicussion today what do you use on your projects. Do you use standard perf board from places like radio shack or do you use proto boards like this one from sparkfun.
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/7914



#16356 Contest Time!!!!!

Posted by Terry Massey on 05 August 2011 - 07:28 AM in General Discussion

I thought I would followup with my earlier post about the Contest and provide some details about our sample project which is missing a video. You see one should always put reverse polarity protection diodes on a power input. When I went to record the video for the demo of the awesome integration example of a rover 5 powered by a Netduino, a ROBO Shield and an XBee; all controled by a PoGA; I pluged in my Lipo Battery backwards. Yea me so lets see I just fried a $40 XBee PRO a $2 dollar 7805 5V regulator and I hope I didnt fry the 2 $5 L298N Chips. I have a new XBee on order and hope to have the video up soon. !!!Dont do what I did and plug in your batteries backwards!!!!



#16142 Contest Time!!!!!

Posted by Terry Massey on 01 August 2011 - 07:13 AM in General Discussion

The poga does not have to be the main component in the contest. As In our example scenario we only use the poga as a control device. the rest is handled by the netduino and the robo shield. Good Luck



#16137 Contest Time!!!!!

Posted by Terry Massey on 01 August 2011 - 05:02 AM in General Discussion

Hi All,

I have some awesome news for those who love to compete. If you’relike me or most engineers be it software or hardware we love to be the best atwhat we do. Every once in a while we love some recognition for it. So we’reputting on a contest. There are some pretty awesome prizes in this contest.

So it’s time to put on your engineering caps to come up witha truly awesome idea. There are a few rules to the challenge and there are twochoices. One is strictly a programing one. The other is all about integratingtechnologies. Secret Labs Makers of the Netduino have provided some of the prizes;other sponsors include 4D Systems and The Shield Store.

Our example project uses a Netduino from Secret labs, A ROBOShield from The Shield Store, 2 XBee’s from Digi, a Rover 5 Platform, and thePoGa from 4D Systems. All integrated to bring a comprehensive integrated solution.

Visit: http://www.pogachallenge.comfor all the details.




#15087 Large 8inX10in 7 Segment Displays Netduino Mini Powered

Posted by Terry Massey on 05 July 2011 - 06:21 PM in Project Showcase

Mario, I have not tested it in your Scenario I finished my original prototype with 2 led's per segment 2 days ago and used it last night for the first time. for my use it worked ok I would have preferred higher MCD LED's for mine but Mine were pretty low. here is a pic of mine after I finished my first segment. I will post more pics later this evening of the finished prototype. http://dl.dropbox.co...68/_MG_6155.JPG



#15083 Large 8inX10in 7 Segment Displays Netduino Mini Powered

Posted by Terry Massey on 05 July 2011 - 05:47 PM in Project Showcase

Hi Terry.
The idea is pretty nice indeed, but...
If you were proposing that display 2-3 months ago, probably you could have count on me. We had a village festival and we need such a large display for show the queue counter for serving the dinner. I solved in a hurry with a lcd frame.
Perhaps I could have need in the future, but no ideas at the moment.

Anyway, I'd point out some perplexities about the circuit...

  • IMHO, such a large display deserve more than 3 leds per segment. Why not five, for example?
  • It looks that the leds are in parallel, instead of series: that sucks much higher current. Why don't connect them in series?
  • Each segment is driven by the HC595, but it cannot sink so much current. Why don't drive the led by a transistor?
Cheers


Thanks Mario
Yea like i said this is a purposed design not the final. I did that one in an hour after getting tired of perf board for my two day project. I was planning on using a transistor for drive. it was more to show what a 7 segment is. The other thing is I use while acrylic as a diffuser and I block the light with a foam template between the acrylic and board. The reason behind parallel and not series. Is 2 reasons series if one led goes the whole segment is out. secondly if a person wanted to go with 2 LED's or just one if they have a high enough intensity they could in parallel not in series not unless they ran wires instead of the led's. I also plan on a resistor for each LED which is not shown in the quick board layout. I however could make it so 5/6 LED's could be used and in my scenario the end user could decide how many he/she wanted.



#15076 Large 8inX10in 7 Segment Displays Netduino Mini Powered

Posted by Terry Massey on 05 July 2011 - 03:12 PM in Project Showcase

Hello,
So I shoot fireworks for my local town professionally on the 4th of July and for our Winter Wonderland display the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We have a long 45min show filled with ground and aerial displays and we have rounds. Each round has specific display piece's that we shoot with a team of about 8 on the ground team. When the explosives are going off and the adrenalin is pumping though our pyro blood it is easy to lose track of what round we are on. So I was asked if I could come up with a large display this year that would indicate the round we are on for the shooters. what i came up with was a large 8inX10in 7segment Display using a SN74HC595 for each Digit. Since we shoot 12 rounds I needed 2 digits.

For this design I used several different construction materials however it took me longer than it should have to build. So I have designed a board that I want to use for next year and replace my low intensity Red Led's with High Intensity Blue LED's. The display only really worked well once the lights went out. I also only had 2 led's per segment where I think three would be better.

Because of this I designed a board for my uses next year. However since it is 8inX10In it is a little pricey to produce only the number I need for my purposes. So I was wondering how may people would be interested in a kit to build your own clock or large 7segment displays with netduino drivers. Since I am part owner and president of a electronics design and distribution company it seemed Ideal that I make this into to kit we can sell. However the kit would likely be in the range of $40 for just 4 7segment Display boards. it will contain 21 high intensity LED's of your chosen color and instructions on how to build your own large display and drivers for the netduino. I have added a poll to this post. Also Each board has it's own 5V regulator with power direct from the 6-12VDC Power source provided throughout the displays. This resolves other issues encountered with the fast 2 day build with supplies on hand. For instance when both displays were showing 8 the available power dropped off dramatically and was noticeably in the intensity of the LED's.

Below is a potential Candidate for the production Board. I will follow up this post with pictures of my quick display.

Posted Image



#13952 DipTrace

Posted by Terry Massey on 04 June 2011 - 10:50 AM in Netduino 2 (and Netduino 1)

I use eagle and the sparkfun lib has a template. That would be my recommendation. so whats this shield your building? any thing I can do to be of assistance? I have built a few myself.



#13379 Little Tutorial on the NetduinoMini and XBee Connections

Posted by Terry Massey on 17 May 2011 - 02:10 PM in Netduino Mini

Part 4 Published today intro on configuring the XBee using the application X-CTU
http://www.theshield...rt-4-x-ctu.aspx



#13155 Little Tutorial on the NetduinoMini and XBee Connections

Posted by Terry Massey on 12 May 2011 - 06:59 AM in Netduino Mini

I am using series 1 however the pin outs are the same on series 2. The difference is the serial commands which will discussed in video 3 on Friday's tutorial Video. Todays Video Which I am about to Just Posted shows the ease of connecting with the Breakout.



#13141 Little Tutorial on the NetduinoMini and XBee Connections

Posted by Terry Massey on 11 May 2011 - 09:01 PM in Netduino Mini

Hi Everyone,
Today I was asked a few questions in the chat that prompted a tutorial video to be produced. The question was on a recommendation for taking moisture levels from a garden and transmitting them to the PC in the house. While there are several solutions in the end based on power consumption, Wireless Range, and size I made the following recommendations. A Netduino Mini, an XBee, and the addition of a 3.3v regulator to power the XBee. So then the question came up how do I hook all of this up. So part one of the tutorial I published today.

Part 1: Raw Mini Hookup
http://www.theshield...g-tutorial.aspx

Part 2: Mini Breakout Hookup
http://www.theshield...ing-part-2.aspx

Part 3: Communicating (Lets look at some code)
http://www.theshield...ing-part-3.aspx




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