The Propeller chip and a Linux/Unix network
LoopyByteloose
Posts: 12,537
Hi,
I've been deeply into Linux/Unix via Ubuntu of late and one of the more interesting features is the RS-232/485 network that is still provided.
In a home, a farm, or a shop, one can set up a good network using one and only one old computer if you have serial terminals where you need them. RS-485 can provide serial links at a quite distance and in some case power can be provide via solar or battery. The beauty of using the Propeller chip in such a context is that you don't have to go out any buy old power hungry terminals. You can build a terminal using an old TV or old VGA monitor or newer low power VGA displays, any keyboard, and if needed - a mouse.
The added benefit is that such a network doesn't log on to the web in the usual fashion - it is just internal to the site (unless you offer a dial in modem or access vial ADSL). And it uses far less money and electricity than running a LAN with multiple workstations. Personal and Broadcast Email is included in the software and many resources are available for free via the GNU license. One can even mix control and monitoring of machinery; such as well pumps, security lighting, electric wire fences on a farm or greenhouse temperature and ventilation.
In sum, low power consumption, low entry cost, good security, and diverse utility. It all seems to be there and easy to deploy. Besides, you won't have employees surfing the internet on company time and playing games in this format. Neither will you have to worry that someone unauthorized is peeking into your accounting or other sensitive data as the robust Unix group security features allow you to assign users access to only the applications that are appropriate to their role in the organizations.
About the only thing you might have to acquire is enough RS-232 or RS-485 ports in a bus card to service all your terminals.
Has anyone done something like this with the Propeller?
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Ain't gadetry a wonderful thing?
aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan
I've been deeply into Linux/Unix via Ubuntu of late and one of the more interesting features is the RS-232/485 network that is still provided.
In a home, a farm, or a shop, one can set up a good network using one and only one old computer if you have serial terminals where you need them. RS-485 can provide serial links at a quite distance and in some case power can be provide via solar or battery. The beauty of using the Propeller chip in such a context is that you don't have to go out any buy old power hungry terminals. You can build a terminal using an old TV or old VGA monitor or newer low power VGA displays, any keyboard, and if needed - a mouse.
The added benefit is that such a network doesn't log on to the web in the usual fashion - it is just internal to the site (unless you offer a dial in modem or access vial ADSL). And it uses far less money and electricity than running a LAN with multiple workstations. Personal and Broadcast Email is included in the software and many resources are available for free via the GNU license. One can even mix control and monitoring of machinery; such as well pumps, security lighting, electric wire fences on a farm or greenhouse temperature and ventilation.
In sum, low power consumption, low entry cost, good security, and diverse utility. It all seems to be there and easy to deploy. Besides, you won't have employees surfing the internet on company time and playing games in this format. Neither will you have to worry that someone unauthorized is peeking into your accounting or other sensitive data as the robust Unix group security features allow you to assign users access to only the applications that are appropriate to their role in the organizations.
About the only thing you might have to acquire is enough RS-232 or RS-485 ports in a bus card to service all your terminals.
Has anyone done something like this with the Propeller?
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Ain't gadetry a wonderful thing?
aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan
Comments
P.S. Yes, I use Ubuntu on all my PCs now.
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*Peter*
Kubuntu for me, but how did you get the prop tool to run (and communicate) reliably?
WINE?
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For me, the past is not over yet.
I meant RS-232 or RS-422/485 established in a full duplex mode. The Propeller would pretty much handle them the same except for driver chips.
The main point is that Linux/Unix has the legacy of a terminal network and was intended for one and only one computer to time-share between many users.
Using a Lan and having multiple computer workstations is a rather expensive choice, but many choose it because the cost of a serial terminal is usually similar to the cost of a whole compter. But now, the Propeller really changes that economics. One can set up a serial terminal using a Propeller board for a very reasonable price. And, any T.V. or monitor can be used.
I use Ubuntu Linux 9.04 now, but I have set up my computers to be dual boot so that I have XP and Visa available. About the only thing I am using Windows for is legacy software to program microcontrollers as the Linux is quite wonderful for being online. I don't have anywhere near as much paranoia or preventitive maintenance to do. And I don't have to pay for 3rd party security software.
I'll have to try BST. Thanx.
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Ain't gadetry a wonderful thing?
aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan
I do see that RS-422 is the only full duplex specification. Confusion comes from the fact that two RS-485 drivers are often adapted to provide an RS-422 configuration with the least about of chips.
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Ain't gadetry a wonderful thing?
aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan