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Unboxing: first impressions?


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#1 Chris Walker

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Posted 19 July 2010 - 06:29 PM

Just curious...when you received and opened your Netduino, what were your first impressions? Anything we can do better to improve the "unboxing" experience? Chris

#2 XmegaPilot

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Posted 05 August 2010 - 04:44 AM

Hi...I ordered mine today from Amzn and will be here this Friday! I can't wait to play with it...will let you know then. Mike

#3 zackprice

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Posted 06 August 2010 - 03:57 PM

Just got mine in. The experience was clever. For the target audience, using the barcode for documentation 'fits'. It would have been nice to have a qrcode on the opposite side of the paper just in case you didn't have an hccb reader. Or to have mercy on those cell phone less souls, a tinyurl on the backside. My personal preference would be that the landing page be the Getting Started PDF instead of the tools and docs page. Two reasons behind that logic: 1. This code 'IS' the documentation. In another product, it would be a book. So to have the code go directly to what is the documentation completes the analogy. 2. The person scanning this code is almost certainly a first timer and should be started at the very very first step. Lastly, if the barcode was a sticker on the back of the board (one that was easily removable, of course) it would one up the puzzle/cool factor. Overall, very impressed! The board looks great and oozes a cool factor. Time to boot it up.

#4 Chris Walker

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Posted 06 August 2010 - 05:45 PM

My personal preference would be that the landing page be the Getting Started PDF instead of the tools and docs page.
Two reasons behind that logic:
1. This code 'IS' the documentation. In another product, it would be a book. So to have the code go directly to what is the documentation completes the analogy.
2. The person scanning this code is almost certainly a first timer and should be started at the very very first step.

Lastly, if the barcode was a sticker on the back of the board (one that was easily removable, of course) it would one up the puzzle/cool factor.


That's great feedback. I especially like the "sticker on back of Netduino" angle. We'll have to look into that...

Right now, the Tag takes you to http://www.netduino.com/start/ -- which then redirects you. Our plan is to create a "start hub" on the website which gives you a launchpad for designing your projects, learning how to use Netduino, etc. We're still working out the particulars. We'll take your feedback here into that design process for sure.

Glad you like the look/feel! The engineers worked hard to make it look pretty--even the layout of caps/resistors--while maintaining affordability and strong electrical design. And from a design perspective, well, electric blue on black just looks nice.

Chris

#5 zackprice

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Posted 06 August 2010 - 08:16 PM

Sounds like you already were thinking something similar with the start hub redirect. Good deal. As a complete newb with arduino about 2 years ago, I can appreciate how helpful it will be when the device points me to the step by step starting place to work with it. One more thing. The Boxes around the pin numbering, as well as the high contrast white letter on black board is really appreciated. On most of my arduino boards, I'm always having to triple check if my wire really is in pin 3 or if it moved to 2.

#6 mellis

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Posted 07 August 2010 - 05:36 PM

Hmm, I'm not sure Micro-USB was the best choice. I didn't get one in my bag (ordered from the Maker Shed), and I can't find one that works (I have a different micro-USB cable and lots of regular and mini ones, but nothing that works). It's not strictly unboxing related, but the choice of connector seems likely to delay people's opportunity to get started programming the board.

#7 Chris Walker

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Posted 07 August 2010 - 06:06 PM

Hmm, I'm not sure Micro-USB was the best choice. I didn't get one in my bag (ordered from the Maker Shed), and I can't find one that works (I have a different micro-USB cable and lots of regular and mini ones, but nothing that works). It's not strictly unboxing related, but the choice of connector seems likely to delay people's opportunity to get started programming the board.


mellis,

Thank you for the feedback. MicroUSB vs MiniUSB is an interesting issue. We chose MicroUSB because: (a) new mobile phones are predominantly shipping with MicroUSB as their charging standard; (B) some MiniUSB standards have been discontinued; © USB 3.0 will be MicroUSB only; (d) we want to make sure our users don't invest in an "old" standard...and then have to move to MicroUSB in the future anyway. MiniUSB has some advantages (the way the connects force proper insertion), but some disadvantages (much lower connect/disconnect cycles).

First, please contact MakerSHED and let them know that you didn't get your cable. We are providing free 3' MicroUSB cables to the resellers for a limited time--so they should include it with the Netduino.

As far as the MicroUSB cable you have, what happens when you plug in your Netduino? If your computer says that the device is not recognized, you might want to try inserting it into your Netduino first...and then your PC. Some lower-quality cables can cause the computer to try discovering the Netduino before it's in a valid power state.

There's also a very small chance that your Netduino got damaged somehow...but let's try the cable first.

Chris

#8 JonnyBritish

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 05:01 AM

Just curious...when you received and opened your Netduino, what were your first impressions?

Anything we can do better to improve the "unboxing" experience?

Chris


I received an email on thursday telling me about netduino and magically while reading the email my credit card jumped into my hand :-)

I ordered via amazon and it arrived friday. I could have waited and saved shipping costs but could not wait. The price is excellent and the board works well. Tried the first examples quickly. A colleague who saw this board and is new to microcontrollers could not believe how easy it is to use it with C#.

The packging is cool and sort of does not get you ready for the device itself. I loved the comment on the back like a small box.

This device makes me think..what can I build, oh and mine came with a cable.

Great stuff

#9 Jason Smith

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 05:32 AM

Just curious...when you received and opened your Netduino, what were your first impressions?

Anything we can do better to improve the "unboxing" experience?

Chris


I received my Netduino around 8:00 this morning. Personally, I think the packaging is awesome. It comes in the perfect size box, and I love that the packaging isn't wasteful. I had no problems getting the board up and running, and so far everything is working perfectly... great product.

For my first couple of projects I plan on trying to integrate my Netduino with my Parkzone Radian R/C Sailplane. Thought I might mess around with the Memsic 2125 Dual-axis Accelerometer, an altimeter (maybe using a pressure sensor?) and eventually some type of GPS system for a Netduino autopilot. I've also thought it would be a lot of fun to use the Netduino to launch a few model rockets off of my Radian in mid-flight, but I will have to check some local laws to make sure that is legal. ;)

Super excited to begin working with the Netduino!

#10 Chris Walker

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 05:48 AM

Hmm, I'm not sure Micro-USB was the best choice. I didn't get one in my bag (ordered from the Maker Shed), and I can't find one that works (I have a different micro-USB cable and lots of regular and mini ones, but nothing that works). It's not strictly unboxing related, but the choice of connector seems likely to delay people's opportunity to get started programming the board.


mellis,

We just posted an update to the Netduino firmware. It addresses issues using the Netduino with certain types of MicroUSB cable plugs...and also fixes a bug which could occur when using MicroUSB and external power simultaneously.

Link to new firmware:
http://forums.netdui...e-v410-patch-1/

Could you please try updating to the new firmware (v4.1.0 patch 1) and let us know if your existing MicroUSB cable now works for you?

Also, I spoke with the reseller and it looks like the missing cable was a rare shipping error; please give them a call, and they should be able to get you your free MicroUSB cable.

Chris

#11 Chris Seto

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 05:58 AM

I received my Netduino around 8:00 this morning. Personally, I think the packaging is awesome. It comes in the perfect size box, and I love that the packaging isn't wasteful. I had no problems getting the board up and running, and so far everything is working perfectly... great product.

For my first couple of projects I plan on trying to integrate my Netduino with my Parkzone Radian R/C Sailplane. Thought I might mess around with the Memsic 2125 Dual-axis Accelerometer, an altimeter (maybe using a pressure sensor?) and eventually some type of GPS system for a Netduino autopilot. I've also thought it would be a lot of fun to use the Netduino to launch a few model rockets off of my Radian in mid-flight, but I will have to check some local laws to make sure that is legal. ;)

Super excited to begin working with the Netduino!



I would be very interested if you did a NETMF based autopilot.

My Netduino should be coming soon, and I'll be including it on my (slightly more ground based ;) ) hobby grade RC car robot project, but I'll probably be using similar control loops to what would be used in an airplane.

#12 JohnH

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Posted 09 August 2010 - 02:00 AM

I received my Netduino on Friday afternoon, August 6. I had already seen the unboxing video on YouTube, so I knew what to expect. I do like that the packaging is minimal. The "sticker" thingy in the box was totally lost on me. What exactly is that, and what am I supposed to do with it? Also, am I supposed to attach the rubber feet, or are they optional? I know you just launched, but there has got to be more tutorials and "getting started with Netduino" material coming, right? For the time being I'm studying how to do things with an Arduino (work with sensors and such), but I'm just guessing at how to accomplish the same things with Netduino and the .NET MF. Overall, I'm very impressed with the product and how easy it is to write code to turn LEDs on and off! I even got a 7-segment LED panel working. I can't wait to take on more complex tasks, like reading data from sensors. BTW, I'm planning on doing a presentation on the .NET Micro Framework to the .NET user group in Detroit (www.migang.org) in February 2011. The Netduino will play a very prominent role in that presentation. I'll bet you see a few more sales in late February or early March from Detroit! Keep up the great work!

#13 Chris Seto

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Posted 09 August 2010 - 02:25 AM

I received my Netduino on Friday afternoon, August 6. I had already seen the unboxing video on YouTube, so I knew what to expect. I do like that the packaging is minimal. The "sticker" thingy in the box was totally lost on me. What exactly is that, and what am I supposed to do with it? Also, am I supposed to attach the rubber feet, or are they optional?

I know you just launched, but there has got to be more tutorials and "getting started with Netduino" material coming, right? For the time being I'm studying how to do things with an Arduino (work with sensors and such), but I'm just guessing at how to accomplish the same things with Netduino and the .NET MF.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the product and how easy it is to write code to turn LEDs on and off! I even got a 7-segment LED panel working. I can't wait to take on more complex tasks, like reading data from sensors. BTW, I'm planning on doing a presentation on the .NET Micro Framework to the .NET user group in Detroit (www.migang.org) in February 2011. The Netduino will play a very prominent role in that presentation. I'll bet you see a few more sales in late February or early March from Detroit!

Keep up the great work!



The sticker is a Microsoft tag. If you scan the tag with a compatible device (EG, a smartphone), something will happen (EG, a webpage might open on your phone).

#14 dab

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Posted 09 August 2010 - 05:51 AM

Just curious...when you received and opened your Netduino, what were your first impressions?

Anything we can do better to improve the "unboxing" experience?


I just received mine this weekend from the Maker Shed. I'm not sure exactly when it arrived, since I was out of town this weekend, but it was waiting patiently for me in the mailbox when I got home Sunday evening. ;)

Around 9:00 PM I finally got a chance to open the box. I had ordered another item from Maker Shed, and at first I thought the Netduino had been back-ordered. After looking closer, I saw its little black anti-static bag with the blue label.

It's a little smaller than I expected (exact same footprint as Evil Mad Science's Diavolino board). I also found the little rubber feet and the tag, but I don't have a phone that will read it :(

I got VS2010 Express installed on my machine, then the .NETMF, and finally the Netduino package. I jumped right into the blinkenlight tutorial, and plugged in the Netduino. FWIW, mine didn't come with the micro-USB cable, but I have plenty from other devices, so it wasn't a show stopper for me.

At first, Win7 didn't install the driver - then I closed VS2010, unplugged and re-connected the Netduino, and the drivers installed fine.

Then I deployed the project to the board, and basked in the glow of the blinking blue light B).

I must say, it's a better OOBE than my recent foray into the Arduino world (about a month ago). Arduino is cool and all, and I'm sure in many ways it made the Netduino possible. But the Arduino tools feel hacked together, and I've spent way more time futzing around with the tools than actually working on hardware.

This is what Arduino should have been, IMO. Leveraging Visual Studio, .NET MF, and C# was an inspired choice. It puts professional-quality development tools in the hands of hobbyists and startups.

This is very cool, and I can't wait to spend more time playing with it.
Thanks,
~ David ~

#15 Chris Walker

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Posted 09 August 2010 - 06:27 AM

I received my Netduino on Friday afternoon, August 6. I had already seen the unboxing video on YouTube, so I knew what to expect. I do like that the packaging is minimal. The "sticker" thingy in the box was totally lost on me. What exactly is that, and what am I supposed to do with it? Also, am I supposed to attach the rubber feet, or are they optional?

I know you just launched, but there has got to be more tutorials and "getting started with Netduino" material coming, right? For the time being I'm studying how to do things with an Arduino (work with sensors and such), but I'm just guessing at how to accomplish the same things with Netduino and the .NET MF.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the product and how easy it is to write code to turn LEDs on and off! I even got a 7-segment LED panel working. I can't wait to take on more complex tasks, like reading data from sensors. BTW, I'm planning on doing a presentation on the .NET Micro Framework to the .NET user group in Detroit (www.migang.org) in February 2011. The Netduino will play a very prominent role in that presentation. I'll bet you see a few more sales in late February or early March from Detroit!


Hi John,

Welcome to the Netduino community!

Yes, we'd recommend attaching the rubber feet. It's not required, but if you set your Netduino on a conductive surface without the feet you can short the connections on bottom.

Yes, we have many more tutorials coming--and we're working on an "introduction to Netduino" text as well. In fact, we just posted two new videos this morning: "pushing the button: action and reaction" and "event handlers (advanced): the button revisited". http://www.netduino.com/projects/

It sounds like you're already up and running with a few fun things. I'm really looking forward to seeing the projects you build. And thank you very much for sharing your experiences (both here in the online community--and at the .NET user group in Detroit)!

Chris

#16 Chris Seto

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Posted 11 August 2010 - 10:08 PM

The nice FedEX man gave me my Netduino today! Everything looks really top notch, including the build quality overall, soldering, etc. The only real suggestion I have is that it might be a good idea to keep using Mini USB instead of Micro for the time being. I know that USB 3.0 is going to do away with parts of Mini, but Micro USB is still rather obscure right now. In fact, this is the first device I have ever owned with a Micro USB port, so I won't be able to test the software until I buy a cable from somewhere. But again, that's a minor squawk. Everything else about the board looks and feel really nice! I especially like the very clear and defined white silk screening next to the IO headers.

Attached Files



#17 Chris Walker

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Posted 11 August 2010 - 10:33 PM

In fact, this is the first device I have ever owned with a Micro USB port, so I won't be able to test the software until I buy a cable from somewhere.


Thanks for the initial feedback!

We're including free MicroUSB cables with Netduinos as a promotion; you should have received one.

Please double-check the packaging. If it's not there, PM me offline and I'll make sure you get your free MicroUSB cable...

Chris

#18 RedHermit

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Posted 11 August 2010 - 10:51 PM

Congratulations on getting your Netduino today Seto - mine showed up as well!
It's unfortunate a micro usb cable didn't come with yours, where did you order from?

I purchased mine from Makershed last week - took it's time getting here, but was lucky enough they included a cable for me. It didn't come in the stylish blue box though, just the black bag with the Netduino and the sticker.

I took the day off from work since I knew it was coming - it's been like Christmas eve for me all day waiting for the mail to show up.

First impressions have been great, I love the coloring; blue on black, the blue LED is slick, silk-screening is perfect and easily legible, and the lack of any large caps or a large usb port give it a nice, clean, minimilistic look.

The tutorials that are up so far were very informative and easy to follow. Once I got through the "hello world" phase of learning the very basics of the board I jumped right into trying to replicate what David Powell at Harford Hackerspace has done with the color sensor from SparkFun. I happened to have one on hand I bought a few weeks back for testing the best approach for a project I've been slowly piecing together. I'm working towards automating CAT6 ethernet cable end crimping, and one of the main hurdles is pair identification and layout for proper 568A or B crimping. I've got a whole server room at work that I want to re-cable, I figure it's over 3000 ends to crimp. I've crimped enough cables in my life, it's time to automate it!

So back to the topic though... First impression has been great, I had a few times where my PC and Netduino didn't want to talk to each other, but I applied the firmware patch and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

Great work on the product guys, I look forward to what I can do with this!

#19 Chris Seto

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Posted 11 August 2010 - 10:57 PM

Congratulations on getting your Netduino today Seto - mine showed up as well!
It's unfortunate a micro usb cable didn't come with yours, where did you order from?

I purchased mine from Makershed last week - took it's time getting here, but was lucky enough they included a cable for me. It didn't come in the stylish blue box though, just the black bag with the Netduino and the sticker.

I took the day off from work since I knew it was coming - it's been like Christmas eve for me all day waiting for the mail to show up.

First impressions have been great, I love the coloring; blue on black, the blue LED is slick, silk-screening is perfect and easily legible, and the lack of any large caps or a large usb port give it a nice, clean, minimilistic look.

The tutorials that are up so far were very informative and easy to follow. Once I got through the "hello world" phase of learning the very basics of the board I jumped right into trying to replicate what David Powell at Harford Hackerspace has done with the color sensor from SparkFun. I happened to have one on hand I bought a few weeks back for testing the best approach for a project I've been slowly piecing together. I'm working towards automating CAT6 ethernet cable end crimping, and one of the main hurdles is pair identification and layout for proper 568A or B crimping. I've got a whole server room at work that I want to re-cable, I figure it's over 3000 ends to crimp. I've crimped enough cables in my life, it's time to automate it!

So back to the topic though... First impression has been great, I had a few times where my PC and Netduino didn't want to talk to each other, but I applied the firmware patch and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

Great work on the product guys, I look forward to what I can do with this!


An auto Cat5 crimper is a really great idea. I think we need a projects forum for stuff like thi, especially if someone wants to post a detailed build log ;)

#20 Flores

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Posted 12 August 2010 - 08:29 AM

Ordered with Makershed 2 units to be shipped to the Netherlands, and they did come with a cable. But not in a box, mine were in their anti static bags only.. They look very cool, even smaller than I thought they would be.




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