PPDB: Awesome product!

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Just getting thing back in semi-organized order in my electronics shop.

Just hooked up the PPDB (Propeller Professional Developement Board)
What a sweet product! Ground connections are already established for most everything,
so hooking up video was just a matter of attaching data lines. I even discovered I think
I like the video better omitting P12. (At least with the Graphics Demo)
(Want to fine tune the video? Run P12 through POT1 to V0) Neat stuff!

Paul, you did a fantastic job with this product! It's impressive all the way around.

Any chance you could publish some more specs on DS1, DS2, and DS3?
Nevermind, the Schematic had everything I was looking for!

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 8/26/2008 2:34:52 AM GMT

Paul Baker

Glad you like it but I can't take the credit for the product, it was first developed by John Barrowman who is now with EFX-TEK. While it was my product I fixed some problems and made recommendations on how to better tune it towards the Propeller. But generating the data for the datasheet consumed so much of my time that·Chris Savage·finished the product and dealt with the long process of getting it manufactured. There were many stumbling blocks he had to overcome, and he deserves the·credit. Have you tried the custom manufactured alphanumeric LEDs yet?

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Post Edited (Paul Baker (Parallax)) : 8/26/2008 2:40:31 AM GMT

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Thought I was understanding the schematic, but got lost.

Could you give me a simple example for lighting 1 segment 3.3/Grd?

Thanks!

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Got it!

Missed my initial ground connection! (Started getting spoiled from the rest of the board. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

Pretty!


Edit: Just hit me.. scrolling text is going to be a breeze on this product!
OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Ken Gracey

Those many-segment (17?) LEDs were carefully matched for brightness at our factory. You'd think that it's quite easy to get consistent LEDs of this type, but it's not always the case. Not only did we test the individual current draw, we also tested them for matched brightness.

Ken Gracey

Paul Baker

Yes, to illuminate a single segment, attach 3.3V to one of the segments, and attach ground to one of the digits. All segments are connected to all the digits, so if a digit is left floating it will not illuminate, but each digit which is grounded will have that segment illuminated.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Not sure why you labeled them the names you used, but the connection groupings for the LCD
are perfect! DP=dot G1-H=center F-A1=standard numbers. perfect.

Care to share the logic of the connection names?

Only only one gripe.. The connection names are pretty small to read.
I'll have them committed to memory soon, but until then a magnifier will be in my box.
(Ordered a PE-style case from the hardware store for the PPDB.)

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Paul Baker

Its meant to follow the standard of the 7 segment displays. Those segments which have been split in half are given the standard letter and a number to deliniate the two, accending clockwise on the perimeter and left to right in the center. Segments which aren't part of the standard 7 segment are given accending letters starting at 9 o clock and moving clockwise. It follows the "general vectoring" of the 7 segment standard.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Post Edited (Paul Baker (Parallax)) : 8/26/2008 3:22:28 AM GMT

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Looks like 13 I/O connections to the LCD should give me a clock.
(given proper .spin) Nice..

A little off topic, but with the new Protoboards and PPDB going USB,
I get the sense that Parallax is moving away from the Propplug?

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Paul Baker

Each has thier place, as a general rule complete development boards will have the integrated USB and kit-like products use the PropPlug. The protoboard straddles the two domains.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

@Guys, last check there was 14 of these left from Parallax's initial order..
You've just got to check this thing out!

The PPDB is the board I didn't know I wanted when I built my first propeller setup.
Time to boot up Word and start the next beginners guide.

@Paul: I'm betting you've already written some .spin code for this thing?

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Paul Baker

Been too busy, but I'll see what I can do to squeeze some time in for some, I might be able to borrow someone's board.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Started hooking up the LCD across P0-P5. Looks like it ships with a little test program on the EEPROM.
My segments are turning on and off in an intelligent order. (I haven't overwrote the EEPROM yet)

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Whit

Stop OBC,

Your whipping me into a frenzy!

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Wait until you see the little game I came up with for this thing..
(Just using the onboard stuff..)

Playing with these display modules has taken me back to the 80's.
Edit: Bet a KIM-1 emulator would be cool on this thing
(Chip: We'll make your chip emulate a Commodore yet! <smirk>)

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 8/26/2008 3:10:32 PM GMT

Mike Huselton

That looks like a lot of fun! OBC, I suspect you may be inspired by this prototype board, if you don't
watch out. Already thinking up new game ideas and you just now really examined it.

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JMH

Timothy D. Swieter

Perhaps I will have to pick up one of the Prop PDB before I leave back to Hong Kong. Hmmm......

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Timothy D. Swieter, E.I.

www.brilldea.com·- Prop Blade, LED Painter, RGB LEDs, uOLED-IOC, eProto fo SunSPOT, BitScope
www.sxmicro.com - a blog·exploring the SX micro
www.tdswieter.com

Mike Huselton

The first microcomputer I owned was a KIM-1. Wow, those were some fond memories...

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JMH

Chris Savage

Oldbitcollector said...(trimmed)
Not sure why you labeled them the names you used, but the connection groupings for the LCD
are perfect! DP=dot G1-H=center F-A1=standard numbers. perfect.
Care to share the logic of the connection names?
Only only one gripe.. The connection names are pretty small to read.
I'll have them committed to memory soon, but until then a magnifier will be in my box.
(Ordered a PE-style case from the hardware store for the PPDB.)

Sorry to take so long to answer, I've been very busy lately.· The segment names were derived from the datasheets of several other 16-segment displays as well as the IC driver chips I found that support them.· There are at least two configurations for 16-segment displays, but the segment names are the same on both.· The segments that are common to a 7-segment display will be familiar.· Originally there was going to be some logic in the display to make it easier to drive so many segments, but then there were so many options to choose from we decided to leave it in the hands of the developer and not commit them to specific circuitry.· You can multiplex and drive the displays directly or using shift-registers.· You can also opt to use one of the few driver ICs that support 16-segment displays.

As for the small text.· That will go into notes for a future run.· Now is the time to get feedback from our customers and try to make any adjustments or improvements if we can.· We appreciate the feedback and are glad you are enjoying your new PPDB!· Take care.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering


Post Edited (Chris Savage (Parallax)) : 8/26/2008 10:58:28 PM GMT

Agent Cobalt

From what I saw of the PPDB at the Expo Saturday and after having spent some time with my proto boards, I just had to spring on this (the site currently reports only 5 left!) because even with adding female headers and a few other miscellaneous parts to the proto board, I'd rather go with the PPDB since I can easily connect up to composite video or some LEDs without having IO lines always tied up to them. Guess my last paycheck before college starts back up had a use after all. Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with the free $100 gift card I have coming to me.

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Truth can be dangerous... Trust can be deadly.

"I'm leaving!"
"But I haven't set you on fire yet!"

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Paul said that the small quantity was an accident in translation on their first order.
They should have had Chip sign the bottom of them and released them as "limited edition"

Maybe I'll bring mine with me to Propstock and have him sign it. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Picked up a couple Solderless Breadboard Jumper Kits from Rat Shack 276-173.
They are a little pricey given what they are, but are perfect for working with this board.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

I claim first official .spin code for the PPDB! (Where's my cookie??) [noparse]:)[/noparse]

This has wiring diagram and a counter to test digits on all six LED digits.

Edit: Much more refined version (no flashing numbers)

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 8/27/2008 2:56:45 AM GMT

Agent Cobalt

If you're in the market for a PPDB, it looks like they're down to the last one. Glad I already ordered mine. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

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Truth can be dangerous... Trust can be deadly.

"I'm leaving!"
"But I haven't set you on fire yet!"

Paul Baker

These are good values as far as breadboard wire is concerned:

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/JW-140/140-PIECE-JUMPER-WIRE-ASSORTMENT/-/1.html

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/JW-350/350-PIECE-JUMPER-WIRE-ASSORTMENT/-/1.html


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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

RobotWorkshop

Oldbitcollector said...
Picked up a couple Solderless Breadboard Jumper Kits from Rat Shack 276-173.
They are a little pricey given what they are, but are perfect for working with this board.

OBC

A long time ago I picked up a set of pre-cut wires for the protoboards but have yet to use them. Want an inexpensive solution?? What works best for me is the solid telephone wire. Find a building that is having some work done and you can usually get several lengths of the stuff for free. Most of the time there are at least 50+ wires in the bundle with assorted colors. Just use the regular solid wire and avoid the twisted pair wiring. The good wire is ones that you can strip some insulation off with your nails by hand. If the insulation is really old and sticks making it hard to remove even with wire strippers than throw it out (better yet recycle it) and find some other source. You can usually get a lifetime free supply like this. They moved a PBX here at work and abandoned all the old thick runs that have tons of the solid wires in it. Needless to say I'm covered.

Robert

Paul Baker

Oldbitcollector said...
I claim first official .spin code for the PPDB! (Where's my cookie??) [noparse]:)[/noparse]

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

LOL!! Thanks Paul

I think I've hit on an accurate description for the PPDB, "A theme park for the Propeller" [noparse]:)[/noparse]

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Getting started with a Propeller Protoboard?
Check out: Introduction to the Proboard & Propeller Cookbook 1.4
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 8/27/2008 8:01:47 PM GMT

Whit

@ Paul-Thanks for those links Paul!

@OBC-Paul's pic is the only cookie you deserve. You·already received·a PPDD!

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Post Edited (Whit) : 8/27/2008 8:14:55 PM GMT

Agent Cobalt

Dunno exactly where I should post this but after placing my order yesterday for a PPDB I didn't get an email confirming my order and so I'm not sure if I should be expecting it in the mail or if I need to redo my order.

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Truth can be dangerous... Trust can be deadly.

"I'm leaving!"
"But I haven't set you on fire yet!"

william chan

Why is a SD card holder missing from the PPDB?

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