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Most expensive Propeller addon yet.. — Parallax Forums

Most expensive Propeller addon yet..

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
edited 2009-10-16 15:44 in General Discussion
After my refurbished acer notebook wouldn't do VGA output at UPENE, I figured it was time
to do some notebook shopping. I needed something that was small (and cool enough) to
allow Propeller programing from my easy chair to help the spouse keep reign on the kids.
(Hard to abandon her to the shop and leave her with 2 1/2 teenagers to manage.)

This has got to be the most I've spent to date on a single Propeller Accessory. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4424398&CatId=3987

Initial review is that it is certainly powerful enough to do everything I want to do with the Prop, but
the tiny keyboard wil take a little getting used to.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 9/22/2009 1:57:25 PM GMT
«1

Comments

  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,403
    edited 2009-09-02 20:02
    Great idea, Jeff. In my "ideal Propeller setup" I'd also have a mini USB-powered Propeller module. This way you'll only need a Netbook, USB cable and a Prop module as you sit in the E-Z chair. When you transport yourself to the room of 2.5 teenagers, are you also bringing power supplies, boards and T&M equipment? I've got a couple of long flights to China pretty soon, and I'm thinking about a similar airplane-ready setup in the cheapo-economy class E-Z chair. Putting a guy like you or me into one of those airplane E-Z chair seats is like stuffing a huge octopus into a potato sack.

    Ken Gracey
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-02 20:15
    @Ken

    This is the other half of my easy-chair Propeller setup.
    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=835481

    I'm still working out the composite screen. (maybe video glasses?)

    The only issue is that anything with breadboard isn't going to be airplane
    friendly (wires which imply a bomb.)

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2009-09-02 20:41
    @OBC,

    I think you are going to love it. It is so handy to have something that you can take with you.

    @Ken,

    Are you talking about something like Bean's Prop Board?

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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
  • fullspecengfullspeceng Posts: 76
    edited 2009-09-02 21:08
    You can buy these netbooks on sale for $109.99 with free shipping.

    http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/944458?highlight_key=y&keyword1=asus+eee

    If you get 7" lcd screen, 40w AC/DC adapter, Intel Cpu, case, keyboard, trackpad, etc, you must wonder how in the world do they make money when Kinkos charges me $50 to photocopy a color manual?
  • HollyMinkowskiHollyMinkowski Posts: 1,398
    edited 2009-09-02 21:20
    @fullspeceng

    I didn't get a netbook but I found a cute new top and a 52 piece makeup kit
    and they were almost giving the stuff away!

    Great links to bargains on that fatwallet site!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    - Some mornings I wake up cranky.....but usually I just let him sleep -
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-02 21:42
    fullspeceng said...
    You can buy these netbooks on sale for $109.99 with free shipping.

    http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/944458?highlight_key=y&keyword1=asus+eee

    If you get 7" lcd screen, 40w AC/DC adapter, Intel Cpu, case, keyboard, trackpad, etc, you must wonder how in the world do they make money when Kinkos charges me $50 to photocopy a color manual?


    Yes, but I tried the 7" version before I bought this. I have to have the 10" inch screen. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • fullspecengfullspeceng Posts: 76
    edited 2009-09-02 23:07
    If you want to spend around $300ish then I would go for a Dell Mini 10 http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-10?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs. www.dell.com/outlet usually has them with the high res 10" screen (1300x768 I think) and hdmi out. A lot nicer because most windows don't show up fully on my 10" 1024x600 screen (too short).

    Don't confuse with the cheaper mini 10v (no high res screen)
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-09-03 00:29
    Ken/OBC: You guys are killing me!!! I have something in the works that would give you both what you want, but it's still a month out at best.

    Hmmm, maybe I'll send you two the details for your input since your desires are exactly my target market.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
  • Beau SchwabeBeau Schwabe Posts: 6,568
    edited 2009-09-03 05:09
    Oldbitcollector,

    How about an opaque version of the carying case?· I picked this up at Hobby Lobby for $12 ... It measures 10"x16"x4" ... you can even put a nice 1/4" lock on either side of the handle.

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    Beau Schwabe

    IC Layout Engineer
    Parallax, Inc.
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  • BradCBradC Posts: 2,601
    edited 2009-09-05 16:47
    Ken Gracey (Parallax) said...
    Great idea, Jeff. In my "ideal Propeller setup" I'd also have a mini USB-powered Propeller module.

    With the judicious application of some fine green wire and a steady hand you can easily add a jumper on the USB proto board to power it from USB and allow development on the road with only a laptop and a propeller. It's not _entirely_ compliant with the USB spec, but provided you don't turn on the servo switch you are pretty right.

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    lt's not particularly silly, is it?
  • potatoheadpotatohead Posts: 10,261
    edited 2009-09-05 17:05
    Since we are talking about portable, hack on Propeller ideas, here's my want item:

    Put a Propeller and simple video capture on a PCMCIA card. Let the video capture do simple VGA (640x480) and NTSC / PAL. Also on that PCMCIA card, put an EEPROM and a serial chip recognized by windows like the Prop Plug is. Finally, expose the Propeller pins with an end connector, and switchable buffer chip to cut down on "mistakes" static, etc... Sound seems a no brainer at this point, but I could be wrong.

    The net result would be a Propeller that can be inserted into a laptop, provide serial and video outputs, and be connected to project breadboards with a simple ribbon connector cable.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Propeller Wiki: Share the coolness!
    Chat in real time with other Propellerheads on IRC #propeller @ freenode.net
    Safety Tip: Life is as good as YOU think it is!
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-05 17:25
    You mean like Bean's little USB propeller board??

    It's a shame he didn't sell more of these, as I don't think he's making them anymore.

    The only drawback with these is the little breadboard would make people nervous on
    an airplane. I'd love to see a "version 2" of this with SD, composite out, keyboard,
    and USB connection.


    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

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  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2009-09-05 18:40
    It did have composite video output, keyboard (with jumpers), and a USB connection. The only thing it didn't have is an SD card and that's easy to add. You could glue one of SparkFun's SD card breakout boards on the backside and run a couple of jumpers to 4 of the breadboard headers.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-06 01:43
    True..

    @potatohead: Made the next purchase.. A usb capture device for composite video
    and audio from Ebay. $9.00 (shipping included from China) This "should" complete
    my go anywhere propeller setup.

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • WhitWhit Posts: 4,191
    edited 2009-09-06 02:09
    Oldbitcollector said...


    ·This "should" complete
    my go anywhere propeller setup.
    I doubt it! smilewinkgrin.gif

    I'm betting you'll find something else you can't live without. I know that I always do...

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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
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-09-07 02:01
    Just scored myself a 2" composite video screen in a nice little durable package that's splashproof for $13 (marked down from $49.87!!!!!) Found it at Wal-Mart on the clearance shelf in sporting goods. It's made by Moultrie Feeders and is meant to be a portable preview screen for the line of digital game cameras. It's on their website for $55 Runs on 4 AAs and has a 3' cord with a mini stereo jack (which will be removed). The unit comes out of the case to change the batteries to make it even smaller. I tried it with the SHT11 demo and the image quality is unbelievable. I opened it up to see how small it could be ifI used it for something else, and the entire PCB is the size of a business card and about 3/8" thick (not counting the battery clips). It will probably end up in one of my Polycase handheld enclosures with a prop project.

    www.moultriefeeders.com/productdetail.aspx?id=mfh-vwr

    www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6023332

    The first picture doesn't do the screen justice. I used my week-old Canon T1i 15MP, so it picked up the texture of the screen itself in the picture.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module

    Post Edited (WBA Consulting) : 9/7/2009 2:10:01 AM GMT
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  • Roger LeeRoger Lee Posts: 339
    edited 2009-09-07 02:36
    OBC said...

    Initial review is that it is certainly powerful enough to do everything I want to do with the Prop, but
    the tiny keyboard wil take a little getting used to.
    Don't think I'll ever get used to tiny keyboard, did not get mine for lots of typing anyhow. They sure are handy for travel programming. Anything else is just a plus.

    I remember you eying mine at Wooster micro gathering. Hope your happy with yours.

    Roger
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2009-09-07 05:04
    Woot has a Netbook today for $155 shipped.

    Sellout has a slightly better one for $20 more.

    Rich H

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    The Servo Boss, a 12 channel servo tester kit from Gadget Gangster.

    Post Edited (W9GFO) : 9/7/2009 5:12:31 AM GMT
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-08 15:48
    Now that I've jumped back into "Game creation" mode, I'm finding that I'm switching back over to
    using uController's Spinstudio Stacker again. Adding one of Bean's battery packs to the underside
    makes it a near perfect portable development platform.

    My current active portable development setup is:

    * Netbook (I can get two hours out of the batteries)
    * USB composite video/audio capture (on it's way)
    * Either my PE-style kit box (demoboard), or the Game Stacker module. (Using Bean's 5cell battery holder)

    I've been able to run the demoboard with video out for HOURS without having to change the batteries.
    As soon as I switch to a fresh set, I'll start keeping track of the battery usage.

    @Ken, I'd say for "airplane" friendliness, the "stacker" is pretty close. Just need to find a small (clear?) box for it.
    (The last thing you want on an international flight is to create a panic with a breadboard & wires.)
    (Naturally, it would be some silly American on board who would cause the panic.)

    2009 has been the year of getting out of the basement lab. I'm pretty pleased with the results.

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

    Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 9/8/2009 3:55:25 PM GMT
  • hinvhinv Posts: 1,255
    edited 2009-09-09 09:42
    Hi OBC,

    I think the 2 hours is a bit low for your new Netbook. I thought that one of the big selling points was the battery time, low power.
    I get 5 hours on my VAIO T350P, which is quite a bit older, had hard drive, and DVD burner. You might want to check with the manufacturer to see if that is normal...it doesn't sound like it.

    Doug
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-09 15:11
    Thanks DOUG: Will do.

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • rjo_rjo_ Posts: 1,825
    edited 2009-09-09 15:23
    I've been considering making my car into a propeller accessory. I have an old LED projector and a car whose headlights never seem bright enough... so I was thinking how nice it would be to be able to project a Prop screen onto my garage door through my headlights... while I am waiting for my daughter to finish her hair[noparse]:)[/noparse]
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2009-09-09 15:28
    One of the ways the manufacturers keep costs down on the lowest priced netbooks is to use smaller battery packs. I know 3 cell is common on the Acer Aspire One series. Though specified by Acer for 3 hrs, these are doing good to get 2 hrs in the real world. I know because I have one.

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    - Rick
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-10 01:09
    rjo_ said...
    I've been considering making my car into a propeller accessory. I have an old LED projector and a car whose headlights never seem bright enough... so I was thinking how nice it would be to be able to project a Prop screen onto my garage door through my headlights... while I am waiting for my daughter to finish her hair[noparse]:)[/noparse]

    I love this! (and I can soooo relate!)

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • potatoheadpotatohead Posts: 10,261
    edited 2009-09-13 00:17
    I just added USB extender cables to my setup.

    When just programming video related things, it's really easy to just mount propeller, batteries or AC adapter and capture device together in small box. Add packing to keep things sane. Then just open it, turn it on, connect two USB cables to computer, and go. One for video capture, the other for prop programming.

    This can be running in minutes, and is the sweetest deal I've done yet.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Propeller Wiki: Share the coolness!
    Chat in real time with other Propellerheads on IRC #propeller @ freenode.net
    Safety Tip: Life is as good as YOU think it is!
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-13 02:00
    This is EXACTLY the direction I'm heading as well..

    Just waiting for a package from Hong Kong.. tongue.gif

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-13 02:07
    I'm actually thinking toward the "small box" approach, but considering adding a USB hub,
    so that I can have a single cable from the PC to the "prop-box" for both the video and
    programming plug. I was also thinking that one of those $2.00 USB soundcards might be
    an interesting way to capture the audio from the Propeller and pass it along the same
    connection.

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-09-21 18:15
    Finally got my USB video capture device in...

    The software that comes with it won't work at netbook resolution, but VLC does
    fine after the driver is loaded. I suspect my colors are a little off, as the lines
    in the graphics demo are red instead of blue.

    Here's a snapshot.

    OBC

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    New to the Propeller?

    Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

    Post Edited (Oldbitcollector) : 9/21/2009 6:20:52 PM GMT
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  • potatoheadpotatohead Posts: 10,261
    edited 2009-09-21 19:22
    Nice!

    Looks like you ended up with a full resolution one.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Propeller Wiki: Share the coolness!
    Chat in real time with other Propellerheads on IRC #propeller @ freenode.net
    Safety Tip: Life is as good as YOU think it is!
  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    edited 2009-09-22 04:51
    Hi All;

    Regarding netbooks and battery life.... that was one of my issues, and after trying the ASUS 7 inch, and 9 inch units, I am now happy with their 10 inch EEPC that caims 9.5 hours on a charge, and actually delivers close to that.

    Very impressed. Connects anywhere at n speed, and built-in bluetooth for my wireless mouse to boot. Love it!

    Cheers,

    Peter, (pjv)
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