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Diy hydra? — Parallax Forums

Diy hydra?

VaatiVaati Posts: 712
edited 2009-07-27 16:24 in Propeller 1
Is it possible to make a HYDRA system without buying the whole kit?· I would imagine it would be a LOT less expensive, as I already have the Propeller and a lot of the ports...
What do you think?· idea.gif

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Comments

  • BaggersBaggers Posts: 3,019
    edited 2009-04-28 21:13
    I don't think they sell Hydra's in kit form or as empty PCB's
    You could PM Coley for a price on a Hybrid PCB

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    ·
  • VaatiVaati Posts: 712
    edited 2009-04-28 21:32
    I'm not sure if I explained correctly.· Is it possible to make your own HYDRA?· i.e.; are the parts easily attainable at a low price?· But it would be nice if Parallax sold the HYDRA platform by itself...

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  • KPRKPR Posts: 189
    edited 2009-04-28 21:49
    The hydra kit is more for the book than anything

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  • VaatiVaati Posts: 712
    edited 2009-04-29 01:29
    ...· So, let me get this straight:· KPR, you said that the HYDRA kit is more for the book than anything.· Why's that, when you can get the book·separately for $50?· I would think that it would be more for the actual HYDRA system, as that isn't sold separately.

    My intention of this thread was to ask whether or not one can construct a HYDRA out of a custom PCB/Gadget Gangster Boss Board (http://www.gadgetgangster.com/images/stories/boards.pdf) and components and ports of your own...· So, is it possible to do that, or is there a unique component/port or other part required that is otherwise unattainable?· That is all I would like·to know.

    Thanks.

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  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2009-04-29 03:30
    With enough time, dedication, and money, you could make a pin compatible Hydra. You'll just have to look around to find all the parts (the difficult and potentially expensive part).
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2009-04-29 04:20
    Sure you could make your own Hydra. The book has schematics. It's not difficult to find the parts, just a tedious task looking through catalogs. You could even leave out pieces that you're not using. For example, most of the software doesn't use the HydraNet port or the VGA port. If you're happy using a PropPlug, you could leave out the USB to serial adapter.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-04-29 14:12
    You could even build your own system which used both Demoboard & Hydra
    configuration. (I did this on my first Propeller board)

    Check the link in my sig for something called "The Propeller Cookbook"
    I've outlined a breakdown of individual connections in that document for
    folks building their own.

    OBC

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  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-06-05 23:42
    The archetecture of the Hydra is not that complex, You would be able to do it in just a simple setup. The vidio connections are just like on the Demo board, and the Mouse and Keyboards are the same only they have some kind of transistor setup for increased protection. The VGA has a SMD chip that I think just does the same as the resistor setup on the Demo board. Here's what you can do: If you have a demo board then take four pins and make a seperate circut board in which you connect a NES jack and make all nessissary connections (have 22K resistors between the prop pins and the Clock and Data pins on the NES controller. solder the connections to a pin strip that you can plug into your breadboard and then make these connections(should have put this earlyer) Your adio out for the TV can run through the headphone amp and then through a plug converter to convert it to an RCA. There you go, a homebrew Hydra!!

    P.S. once again, Vaati, I have given you Hydra advice. Ha Ha Ha! smile.gif (just kidding)

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  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2009-07-21 18:14
    It's not too hard to make a Hydra from scratch. I originally bought the Hydra book/CD (which is excellent BTW) to learn more about the Propeller. Since I already had the book and couldn't buy a Hydra separately I just built one, the whole thing, with cartridge slot, network, etc. The only difference is that I added a built in MAX3232 chip for the programming port.

    When I first tried the Propeller I hand wired it as a DEMO board and later re-wired it to convert it into a Hydra. I just working on it a little bit each night after the kids went to sleep. Just do it a section at a time and you'll have it done before you know it.

    Robert
  • VaatiVaati Posts: 712
    edited 2009-07-21 18:23
    Ah... as I have an excessive amount of spare time and a few potential HYDRA boards, I just need the expansion port and a nice ethernet module. (which I will build)

    I am hoping to get the HYDRA book for my birthday... My mom said I might even get a HYDRA if I can clean up my room... smile.gif


    Well, I had better get cleaning--only 5 days till my birthday!

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  • ericballericball Posts: 774
    edited 2009-07-23 18:05
    Also check out the SpinStudio from uController.com - lots of expansion boards with mix & match capabilities.

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  • Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL) Posts: 1,720
    edited 2009-07-27 01:58
    Re: Posted 7/21/2009 2:23 PM (GMT -4) : only 5 days till my birthday!

    I guess today (the 26th) is it. Happy birthday!! I wished a Hydra for you. smilewinkgrin.gif If you don't get one for your birthday it will be a great experience building one.

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  • VaatiVaati Posts: 712
    edited 2009-07-27 16:24
    Well, instead of a HYDRA, I got a lot of money. smile.gif Now, I can get parts AND the HYDRA book AND some breadboard adapters AND....

    It goes on and on... All I need to do now is make sure I save *some* for UPENE.... smile.gif

    I found the expansion port connector from digikey. Just search for "digikey connector" on the parallax search page and a thread about the connector should be the first result.


    Thanks for all of your suggestions.

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    Quit buying all those fixed voltage regulators, and·get an Adjustable Power Supply·for your projects!· Includes an LED testing terminal!

    *-NEW-* SD Card Adapter·Now available!· Add extra memory to your next Propeller project with ease!
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