Thomas Stickney said...
For the Propeller development board, a suitable 16 or 17 segment LED alphanumeric display driver chip
that is easy to program and use, like the MAX-7219. Thanks
Yeah, I was wondering about that. What do people use to interface with those fancy 16-segment LEDs on the PPDB?
I second SRLM's gyroscope idea. Rate gyro and Accelerometer combo, but with built in processor and kalman filter, and the option of either a fast (SPI?) or simple (async serial) interface. Basically the sparkfun IMU with an SX or some other processor. I think there's a market for that, especially with everyone who is getting into DIY UAVs. Leave them to worry about navigation, not signal processing.
Two things I'd really like to see are more RF module options for microcontroller communications applications, and a Propeller-based version of the Penguin robot.
John Abshier said...
A wireless device to replace the usb based PropPlug. I would like to be able to program my Robot without having to move it to where a cable can reach.
I would secound this.··Some times its very limiting to have to have it pluged in to the computer.
This isn't a product idea but its a related idea...
Could you Parallax people take the list your compiling, pick a few of the best that your considering making, and let the forum vote on which one should be produced?
If cheating is a concern, you could always limit it to people who have proof of ordering from you in the past (although this would be more work for you).
It'd be good PR if you could hold up an item and say that the customers help choose and design it.
Of course, then they'd be held liable for actually producing that product as voted upon. I guessing that Parallax does lots of potential product testing before finding something that 'works' for them. Could be wrong though. Incidentally, the forum software has a (currently disabled) poll option if forum members are a representative audience of parallax.
I'll also put in a vote for a 3-axis gyro, or a 3-axis gyro/accelerometer combo with an on-board MCP3208 for readings, much like the H48C module you sell. I also think something with hall-effect sensors would be great, as I find myself wanting to both measure current, and control brushless motors, but don't have any experience with either. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
For the person who suggested a DMX module, check out BrillDea's web site - They graciously provide source and schematics for their DMX receiver, and the Max487 chip is a snap to deal with - I'd say a module would be overkill if you want it for a Propeller.
Just a suggestion - Evaluation Boards not just specifically related to the Parallax Product itself (Propeller) but broken down into areas of interest. The following are just a few suggestions as most of my time with the prop is industrial control related - I rarely get the opportunity to 'Play' with the prop rather I have to 'work' with it - no bad complaint in itself !!!. But these would help the 'play' aspect -
In General ..
- Audio - An audio evaulation board combining the propeller,SDSlot and audio decoders like VLSI 1053B and others - sold with the likes of a manual discussing both the third party vendors product , the propellers purpose and functions in the same app. and details of codecs used to decode compressed media.
- Video - An evaluation board combining the propeller and Video support I.C's with on board RAM . With added feature Manual details and interaction specifics -showing Propeller as a standalone video generator but also as a support IC - as in the audio example above.
- Specific Evaluation modules (as already mentioned) e.g I/O expanders, A/D converters, Stepper drivers, ethernet modules, etc.
- General Purpose Propeller and FPGA combo Boards ... and associated detail as above..
- Multiple Propeller Boards e.g 2 or more propellers per board .. Highlighting clock synchronizing and pitfalls, task offloading and pitfalls - perhaps combining some of the features of the aforementioned eval modules . Perhaps sold in a kit form with one propeller attached but option to add another ...
and then maybe for the hobbyist ..
Interesting Kits like the Vellerman kits of old ..
I have also read many times in the basic stamp forum that some new users of the stamp want to connect relays and seem to have issues with the basics -·So a little module with a transistor, reverse biased diode,a relay and perhaps an LED and resistor (as a visual for state). - a small module to get those ' new to the basics' a little head start. Might help solve·some repetitive / recurring posts .
Just a few of my late night ramblings..
Rgds,
John
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Those who can, do.Those who can’t, teach.
Post Edited (QuattroRS4) : 1/24/2009 3:31:27 AM GMT
A wireless device to replace the usb based PropPlug. I would like to be able to program my Robot without having to move it to where a cable can reach.
I'd like the third this. I can see some custom software running on my PC across the room allowing me to send the .spin code from the device and return with binary code.
Another vote for Solar power experimenters boards with Solar cells , re-chargeable batteries, RGB LED's, white LED's PIR sensor etc..
Another vote for a multi-prop board
LED experimenters board: Various styles of LED lights to experiment with. PWM examples etc..
All in fun:
Propeller QuadRover Robot - Attachments
-Lawn mower
- Snow plow
Don't laugh. It's easier for most guys to get funding for a lawn mower(even if it's a little over 5,000) than a Robot.
Filters: We live in a DSP world
A experimenter board with preset or programmable filters. They could be pre-programmed with common filters values to conduct experiments. They use a SPI interface and can use 3.3V.
Filters would be handy to use with Viewport, audio , video filters etc.
That could turn into a filters Edu kit
Propeller 3 could add the quick filter filters system to the silicon. [noparse]:)[/noparse] There was an example on the website for an audio type function but I can't locate it at this time.
Well, I decided to make a list of what's been suggested so far. I've sorted them by category, and no particular order after that. The Roman numerals are the number of times that they were mentioned. I mentioned all the serious proposals (I excluded, namely, the "Fix the economy" widget and the Quad rover lawn mower blade). I tried to get the gist of a suggestion, for full details look in one of the 44 previous posts.
Wireless
I GSM Module
I IR Transmitter, 38 kHz.
I 2.4 GHz Wireless
IV Transceivers
I Nordic nRF2401
Robotics
I Prop based Penguin
I MiniSumoBot Propeller board
I Treads for 12V motor kit
II Propeller Based BOE-BOT
I Medium motor controller
I robotic arm
I Prop based Hexapod
Sensors
II IMU with filters
III Laser Range Finder
I Thermopile array
I different modules of Ping with differing beam shapes
I Water proof Ping
I IR range detector
I Battery level monitor
II Single board Hall effect current sensor
I GPS in Plastic case
I Barometric Pressure
I Gas Sensors
I Resonant coils
III Gyroscope
II Altitude Sensor
I RFID with external antenna
I High temperature infrared thermometer
Parallax Oriented ICs and Setups
I BS2 Coprocessors
I 17 segment LED alphanumeric driver chip
II intermediate IC starter packs
I DMX Light Control
I OBD2 Interface
I I/O expansion Pack
I Keypad with encoder IC
I A/D Converter pack
I Eval boards for specific experimentation categories
ILED Experimenter board
I RGB drivers
I Joystick interface
I DMX decoder module
I USB peripheral device
I Filters education kit
I LED Drivers
Other Propeller
III Wireless propPlug
I Propeller Motherboard and daughterboards
I Stamp works manual for PPDB
II Dual propeller protoboard
I Propeller Camera
I Printed Propeller Educational material
Miscellaneous
II Solar devices
I Rechargeable batteries
I Compact pan and tilt systems
I Pluggable BOE power supply
I Touch screen
I Soldering based products
I Protoboard Cases
II Educational products
It's a small thing, but I'd like to see all the Propeller boards upgraded to have at least a 64K byte EEPROM (including the Spin Stamp and the PropSticks)
A tiny (and INEXPENSIVE in production quantities) dedicated composite video driver subsystem (SMT) with ALL the text display bells & whistles (user-definable fonts, double-sized characters, etc), plus basic pixel graphics, with a serial SPIN language command interface on 4 through-hole pins (power,ground,Tx,Rx) - to take advantage of all the great 3.5" TFT LCD displays out there. Ship the RCA jack loose so it can be soldered on or not (allowing for direct video connection). When tiny VGA displays finally start to cost less than a 20 incher, then do the same for VGA too.
This is a pretty simple one, but I think a moderate-power PWM unit would be nice. What I mean by that, is a simple board that takes in a PWM signal from the propeller, stamp, whatever... and just drives a couple parallel mosfets from a mosfet driver.
I've needed something like this for testing the power output of a solar panel, and other things. I think it would be a very versitle and simple unit. Oh, how about a power H-bridge too?
This may be a rather daring thing to say for someone who will be in the halls of Parallax in 72 hours.
How about an Ardunio shield with an onboard Propeller chip?
Ardunioheads woudn't be able to resist a setup that would give them advanced video and sound,
and perhaps raise their expectations of what is possible with a Microcontroller.
Yes, Yes, Yes. . I would much rather worry about navigation than signal processing.
Jay Kickliter said...
I second SRLM's gyroscope idea. Rate gyro and Accelerometer combo, but with built in processor and kalman filter, and the option of either a fast (SPI?) or simple (async serial) interface. Basically the sparkfun IMU with an SX or some other processor. I think there's a market for that, especially with everyone who is getting into DIY UAVs. Leave them to worry about navigation, not signal processing.
Even better offer the board again WITH the cool inkjet cartridge holder and Boe-bot mount. But just being able to get that board again would be amazing.
Or even offer just the board (and parts kit?) for assembly if producing them is not cost-effective.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
I've been thinking about this a little, and something I'd really like to see is a hybrid of the PropStick and the Prop ProtoBoard. The ProtoBoard is awesome because it's got the regulators, crystal, EEPROM, caps, and PropPlug connections all on board, which saves dev time, but I don't use the extras, like the VGA, mouse, or servo connections.
The PropStick USB has most of the above, but it's also got the USB connector and FTDI chip. A PropStick variant that had a PropPlug programming interface with EEPROM, crystal, 3.3 regulator, and support caps at a similar price point to the ProtoBoard would be great. I'm not at a point yet where I'm doing SMT, so having the PDIP package is nice, but having that footprint include all the support hardware for less than the $80 tag for the PropStick USB would be -REALLY- nice.
I've been considering trying to make one as my first SMT project, but I'm sure Parallax could do it better. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
That's something we just can't do. The cost of manufacturing it is so high that you'd come to the same conclusion as us. Unless you want to pay $150 each, it's not going to exist. The high cost is a function of low volume, high parts count, and significant setup time.
If you or anybody else wants to manufacture these boards, have at it. I'll give you the design files, firmware, bill of materials and whatever else we have on file. There's a problem you have to overcome, though: finding the inkjet cartridge holder. This may even involve making an agreement with HP, which is yet another consideration on its own.
Most of my suggestions have been said before but I will say them again.
-Gyro-accelerometer/absolute-position board
-Propeller Based BOE-BOT (Prop-Bot)
-Reliable range finder. Something that is less sensitive to interference than IR and not effected by echoing "pings". Could be laser, could not.
-Battery monitor
-I have been having the hardest time switching from the BS2 to the Prop, so something that would help with the transition would be great.
Thanks for asking.
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The pessimist is never disappointed.
Why focus just on the prop plug? Why not make a truly universal product and make a wireless serial port?
Something with a somewhat decent range that'll run off a rechargable power supply that can receive all serial data transmitted from a nearby computer's serial port (or a USB adapter).
Speed maybe an issue, I'm not sure what speed the transmissions take place, but I'm sure something can be worked out.
This would have applications far beyond Parallax products... and thus expand Parallax's customer base.
Comments
Yeah, I was wondering about that. What do people use to interface with those fancy 16-segment LEDs on the PPDB?
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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering
Could you Parallax people take the list your compiling, pick a few of the best that your considering making, and let the forum vote on which one should be produced?
If cheating is a concern, you could always limit it to people who have proof of ordering from you in the past (although this would be more work for you).
It'd be good PR if you could hold up an item and say that the customers help choose and design it.
Just a thought
For the person who suggested a DMX module, check out BrillDea's web site - They graciously provide source and schematics for their DMX receiver, and the Max487 chip is a snap to deal with - I'd say a module would be overkill if you want it for a Propeller.
Jason
In General ..
- Audio - An audio evaulation board combining the propeller,SDSlot and audio decoders like VLSI 1053B and others - sold with the likes of a manual discussing both the third party vendors product , the propellers purpose and functions in the same app. and details of codecs used to decode compressed media.
- Video - An evaluation board combining the propeller and Video support I.C's with on board RAM . With added feature Manual details and interaction specifics -showing Propeller as a standalone video generator but also as a support IC - as in the audio example above.
- Specific Evaluation modules (as already mentioned) e.g I/O expanders, A/D converters, Stepper drivers, ethernet modules, etc.
- General Purpose Propeller and FPGA combo Boards ... and associated detail as above..
- Multiple Propeller Boards e.g 2 or more propellers per board .. Highlighting clock synchronizing and pitfalls, task offloading and pitfalls - perhaps combining some of the features of the aforementioned eval modules . Perhaps sold in a kit form with one propeller attached but option to add another ...
and then maybe for the hobbyist ..
Interesting Kits like the Vellerman kits of old ..
I have also read many times in the basic stamp forum that some new users of the stamp want to connect relays and seem to have issues with the basics -·So a little module with a transistor, reverse biased diode,a relay and perhaps an LED and resistor (as a visual for state). - a small module to get those ' new to the basics' a little head start. Might help solve·some repetitive / recurring posts .
Just a few of my late night ramblings..
Rgds,
John
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Those who can, do.Those who can’t, teach.
Post Edited (QuattroRS4) : 1/24/2009 3:31:27 AM GMT
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www.fd.com.my
www.mercedes.com.my
I'd like the third this. I can see some custom software running on my PC across the room allowing me to send the .spin code from the device and return with binary code.
OBC
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New to the Propeller?
Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS
Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 1/24/2009 5:19:30 AM GMT
Another vote for a multi-prop board
LED experimenters board: Various styles of LED lights to experiment with. PWM examples etc..
All in fun:
Propeller QuadRover Robot - Attachments
-Lawn mower
- Snow plow
Don't laugh. It's easier for most guys to get funding for a lawn mower(even if it's a little over 5,000) than a Robot.
Filters: We live in a DSP world
A experimenter board with preset or programmable filters. They could be pre-programmed with common filters values to conduct experiments. They use a SPI interface and can use 3.3V.
Examples with other Micros: http://www.quickfiltertech.com/html/content_page.php?content_id=71&
Filters would be handy to use with Viewport, audio , video filters etc.
That could turn into a filters Edu kit
Propeller 3 could add the quick filter filters system to the silicon. [noparse]:)[/noparse] There was an example on the website for an audio type function but I can't locate it at this time.
QF1D512 Reference Designs
www.quickfiltertech.com/html/content_page.php?content_id=70
www.quickfiltertech.com/files/ARM%20Mojo%20Schematic.pdf
Overview:
*
Programmable (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x) Gain Amplifiers
* Anti-Aliasing Filter, 3rd Order Bessel
* 16-bit Programmable A/D Converter
* Internal Voltage Reference
* Individually Programmable 512-tap Digital FIR Filters
* 3 Wire SPI Port Interface
* Digital 3.3V I/O, 5 Volt Tolerant
* 4K Byte EEPROM for non-volatility
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Aka: CosmicBob
Incorrect. It was not promised, but under consideration. We reviewed the possibility but it didn't pass our filters.
Ken Gracey
Wireless
I GSM Module
I IR Transmitter, 38 kHz.
I 2.4 GHz Wireless
IV Transceivers
I Nordic nRF2401
Robotics
I Prop based Penguin
I MiniSumoBot Propeller board
I Treads for 12V motor kit
II Propeller Based BOE-BOT
I Medium motor controller
I robotic arm
I Prop based Hexapod
Sensors
II IMU with filters
III Laser Range Finder
I Thermopile array
I different modules of Ping with differing beam shapes
I Water proof Ping
I IR range detector
I Battery level monitor
II Single board Hall effect current sensor
I GPS in Plastic case
I Barometric Pressure
I Gas Sensors
I Resonant coils
III Gyroscope
II Altitude Sensor
I RFID with external antenna
I High temperature infrared thermometer
Parallax Oriented ICs and Setups
I BS2 Coprocessors
I 17 segment LED alphanumeric driver chip
II intermediate IC starter packs
I DMX Light Control
I OBD2 Interface
I I/O expansion Pack
I Keypad with encoder IC
I A/D Converter pack
I Eval boards for specific experimentation categories
ILED Experimenter board
I RGB drivers
I Joystick interface
I DMX decoder module
I USB peripheral device
I Filters education kit
I LED Drivers
Other Propeller
III Wireless propPlug
I Propeller Motherboard and daughterboards
I Stamp works manual for PPDB
II Dual propeller protoboard
I Propeller Camera
I Printed Propeller Educational material
Miscellaneous
II Solar devices
I Rechargeable batteries
I Compact pan and tilt systems
I Pluggable BOE power supply
I Touch screen
I Soldering based products
I Protoboard Cases
II Educational products
-Dave
Post Edited (softex) : 1/24/2009 6:16:19 PM GMT
I've needed something like this for testing the power output of a solar panel, and other things. I think it would be a very versitle and simple unit. Oh, how about a power H-bridge too?
How about an Ardunio shield with an onboard Propeller chip?
Ardunioheads woudn't be able to resist a setup that would give them advanced video and sound,
and perhaps raise their expectations of what is possible with a Microcontroller.
(Ducking shoes..)
"Is he really serious?"
OBC
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
New to the Propeller?
Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS
Ken Gracey
Searider
A Basic Compiler for the Propeller would be great. No OBJECT,PUB,PRIV. stuff, Just some good old Basic....
_______________$WMc%___Of all the stuff I've lost, Its My TRS-80 I miss the most!!!!!
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The Truth is out there············································ BoogerWoods, FL. USA
Bring back the Serial Inkjet Board
Even better offer the board again WITH the cool inkjet cartridge holder and Boe-bot mount. But just being able to get that board again would be amazing.
Or even offer just the board (and parts kit?) for assembly if producing them is not cost-effective.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
1uffakind.com/robots/povBitMapBuilder.php
1uffakind.com/robots/resistorLadder.php
That is a good one. The Return of the INKJET!
____________$WMc%____________
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The Truth is out there············································ BoogerWoods, FL. USA
The PropStick USB has most of the above, but it's also got the USB connector and FTDI chip. A PropStick variant that had a PropPlug programming interface with EEPROM, crystal, 3.3 regulator, and support caps at a similar price point to the ProtoBoard would be great. I'm not at a point yet where I'm doing SMT, so having the PDIP package is nice, but having that footprint include all the support hardware for less than the $80 tag for the PropStick USB would be -REALLY- nice.
I've been considering trying to make one as my first SMT project, but I'm sure Parallax could do it better. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Jason
That's something we just can't do. The cost of manufacturing it is so high that you'd come to the same conclusion as us. Unless you want to pay $150 each, it's not going to exist. The high cost is a function of low volume, high parts count, and significant setup time.
If you or anybody else wants to manufacture these boards, have at it. I'll give you the design files, firmware, bill of materials and whatever else we have on file. There's a problem you have to overcome, though: finding the inkjet cartridge holder. This may even involve making an agreement with HP, which is yet another consideration on its own.
Sorry. . .good news next time!
Ken Gracey
Why does it suddenly feel like Christmas Eve again?
1. Second on the idea for plastic cases that fit BOE and proto boards.
2. How about an 'everything included' wire-wrapping tool kit?
3. A single color or multi color 8x8 LED matrix controlled by an SX, interprets serial commands
4. A good SPIN tutorial book/manual
5. a few great SMT based chips soldered onto DIP adapters for sale at a reasonable price
That's about all I can think of for now, hope it helps.
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Thomas Talbot, MD
Gunpowder, MD, USA
-Gyro-accelerometer/absolute-position board
-Propeller Based BOE-BOT (Prop-Bot)
-Reliable range finder. Something that is less sensitive to interference than IR and not effected by echoing "pings". Could be laser, could not.
-Battery monitor
-I have been having the hardest time switching from the BS2 to the Prop, so something that would help with the transition would be great.
Thanks for asking.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
The pessimist is never disappointed.
I love the wireless Prop Plug idea too. I also second Mike on larger EPROM on Prop boards!
OBC,
Have fun at Disneyland... I mean Parallax - don't forget to wear you Propeller Beanie!
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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
Something with a somewhat decent range that'll run off a rechargable power supply that can receive all serial data transmitted from a nearby computer's serial port (or a USB adapter).
Speed maybe an issue, I'm not sure what speed the transmissions take place, but I'm sure something can be worked out.
This would have applications far beyond Parallax products... and thus expand Parallax's customer base.