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Sneak Preview - a New Prop Computer — Parallax Forums

Sneak Preview - a New Prop Computer

HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
edited 2010-02-15 15:05 in Propeller 1
Sneak Preview - a New Prop Computer
After years of computer product development, decades, half a century of time passes by and along comes a new chip that opens up new invention and discovery - the Parallax Propeller chip.


In some ways, the computer hobbyist is no different from the amateur astronomer. Both can make discoveries with their hardware. It is not completely uncommon to discover a comet, a new star gone supernova or a dust storm on Mars, with a homemade reflector telescope.

Likewise, the computer hobbyist has the freedom to design and create new products based on new hardware components and software ideas. In similar fashion, it too can lead to discovery. In many cases, something old made into something new can bring about a revolutionary new thinking.

With the introduction of the Propeller chip, many new unique cottage industries have sprung up, with potential products in development and those already for sale. Some of these new computers include:
    Dracblade Zicog CPM single prop computer
    ProtoBlade computer
    RamBlade computer
    TriBlade computer
    SixBlade computer
    Propeller Based Single Board Computer on TriBladeProp
    Pro-VIC Board Computer - 
    ManAtWork Prop Board computer
    Propeller System Module www.gadgetgangster.com
    Morpheus computer
    Proteus computer
    Propteus computer
    The Briel PockeTerm www.retrothing.com/2009/07/the-briel-pocketerm.html
    pPropQL computer
    pPropQL020 computer
    Hive Project Retro Style Computer http://hive-project.de/
    The OctoCore! Computer www.fedev.eu/index.php/OctoCore
    Chameleon PIC/AVR Computer www.chameleon-dev.com[/i][/list]
    


    Each of these computers have specific function and purpose. Now for a moment, imagine a completely new computer, with a function and purpose unique unto itself...

    Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/18/2010 8:50:56 AM GMT
    «134

    Comments

    • stevenmess2004stevenmess2004 Posts: 1,102
      edited 2010-01-08 07:55
      No more hints, or pictures or anything freaked.gif
    • heaterheater Posts: 3,370
      edited 2010-01-08 08:04
      OK, I'm imagining it now.

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      For me, the past is not over yet.
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-08 08:11
      The project has received a lot of intense work, all under wraps due to disclosure methods, but the enthusiasm has continually surmounted until finally a thread start beckoned, where information gradually released over time will come together, culminating in the complete release of the entire project... so each time I log into the Forum, I'll think about providing one hint.

      humanoido
    • AleAle Posts: 2,363
      edited 2010-01-08 08:34
      You forgot the hive !!! A three propellers beast !

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      Visit some of my articles at Propeller Wiki:
      MATH on the propeller propeller.wikispaces.com/MATH
      pPropQL: propeller.wikispaces.com/pPropQL
      pPropQL020: propeller.wikispaces.com/pPropQL020
      OMU for the pPropQL/020 propeller.wikispaces.com/OMU
    • Peter JakackiPeter Jakacki Posts: 10,193
      edited 2010-01-08 09:20
      What "sneak preview"? Sounds more like Prop-aganda.

      To think I used to pay for entertainment, now I get it for free, whether I want it or not. shakehead.gif

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      *Peter*
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-08 09:52
      Peter:

      Have patience with the Prop'ound Prop'osal. Prop' yourself up in the arm chair in a Prop'itiate fashion, and Prop'el your thinking into what Prop'hets might say, and think about the Prop'ensity of the invention, and then you'll come to terms at the speed of Prop'jet Prop'ellant - imagination Prop'agation of information. Remain of Prop'er respect and keep your Prop'erty at hand, because soon you will be Pro'pining and a Prop'itious Prop'onent of this new computer at a Prop'portion you had not imagined before. Don't worry, I won't keep it Prop'rietary for long, so hold onto your Prop'ioceptors, keep out of the bottle of Prop'enol, and you'll be fully prepared to enter the Prop'eller Prop'ylaeum. What have you started?

      humanoido
    • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
      edited 2010-01-08 10:53
      If it's like those strange Stamp contraptions don't bother!

      Leon

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
    • heaterheater Posts: 3,370
      edited 2010-01-08 11:43
      I think humanoido is starting another one of his lists[noparse]:)[/noparse]
      A complete catalogue of all general purpose computer platforms built with the Propeller.

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      For me, the past is not over yet.
    • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
      edited 2010-01-08 13:03
      Perhaps we should have a sweepstake on it. As it's described as a "New Prop Computer" we could guess how many Propellers it uses and Humanoido could donate one to the winner.

      Leon

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM

      Post Edited (Leon) : 1/8/2010 1:09:47 PM GMT
    • Mike_GTNMike_GTN Posts: 106
      edited 2010-01-08 13:10
      A classic Line if ever saw one ...... "Prop' yourself up in the arm chair" I think he has only gone and done Windows 3.0 on the Propeller. Shall await his next posting with interest.

      Mike.
    • Graham StablerGraham Stabler Posts: 2,510
      edited 2010-01-08 13:29
      It seems that it is not only the processor that is running on spin.

      [noparse];)[/noparse]
    • edited 2010-01-08 13:33
      Graham Stabler said...
      It seems that it is not only the processor that is running on spin.

      [noparse];)[/noparse]

      I’m dizzy already [noparse]:)[/noparse]
    • simonlsimonl Posts: 866
      edited 2010-01-08 13:49
      @humanoido: It couldn't possibly be another "supercomputer" could it?! (BTW: Mind you do do a M.I.T. here wink.gif Just cut to the chase and divulge.)

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      Cheers,
      Simon

      www.norfolkhelicopterclub.com

      Announcement: To cut costs in the current economic climate, we have switched-off the light at the end of the tunnel.
    • Mike_GTNMike_GTN Posts: 106
      edited 2010-01-08 21:40
      @humanoido,

      Please tell us what this top secret development is all about, sure no one here will go telling others. Is it one of the funny arty type things you have done before? - I could never understand them, but is probably just me really...

      My guess for the sweepstake is A full version of OS/2 Warp Server. Could you provide a mere glimpse of some hardware for us to see better what you are working on?
    • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
      edited 2010-01-08 23:35
      No one uses OS/2 Warp Server anymore...

      It's eComStation now.
      (I'm waiting for V2.0 to go from RC7a to Gold now so that I have something decent to install on my Asus Eee 701 )

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      Don't visit my new website...
    • localrogerlocalroger Posts: 3,452
      edited 2010-01-09 01:35
      I would call this more of a "tease" than a "sneak preview." Just sayin.
    • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
      edited 2010-01-09 03:30
      It's finally happened: humanoido has graduated from supercomputers to hypercomputers!

      -Phil
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-09 11:48
      Mike_GTN: (This one) is not an advanced space-time simulator computer that resembles an art creation. I think the appearance will not shock too many people, though, given the wide range of diversity within the Forum (which is a good thing), I have come to expect nearly anything these days.

      Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi): What you said is actually music to my ears, but it serves much better for another project I'm working on.

      localroger: It could be called a Teaser or a Trailer, like the short cliffhanger clips preceding a movie.

      Heater: I know, you are exactly imagining it. BTW, your imagination is remarkable on a great number of projects you have developed. It would not surprise me if you know exactly, because you have contributed such thoughtful comments to my other posts.

      Gadgetman: Correct, it is not the OS2 Warp Server.

      stevenmess2004: You got one of your wishes.

      Ale: Updated the list to include the HIVE.

      Leon: It is not a strange STAMP contraption. LOL!!! Though, I'd like to have one, it sounds very interesting...

      heater: Correct, another list is now begun. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

      Leon: You may guess the number of props but it is not advisable.

      Mike_GTN: It is not Windows 3.0 on the Propeller. It may blow you mind if I say your thinking could be most interesting.

      Graham Stabler: It is true, other things run on SPIN and I keep getting a muscle "PASM" in my mind. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

      simonl: in my mind, a supercomputer can be super for many things other than speed, so the question is... is it a computer with things that are super other than speed, and would I call it a supercomputer?

      Gadgetman: Yes, it may be used with an ASUS EEE PC.

      humanoido
    • Graham StablerGraham Stabler Posts: 2,510
      edited 2010-01-09 14:59
      Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) said...
      It's finally happened: humanoido has graduated from supercomputers to hypercomputers!

      -Phil

      Woooooooooosh (the sound of it flying over his head?)
    • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
      edited 2010-01-09 15:03
      I was thinking of this sort of Stamp contraption:

      http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=817126

      Leon

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-09 18:26
      humanoido said...
      Leon: It is not a strange STAMP contraption. LOL!!! Though, I'd like to have one, it sounds very interesting...
      leon said...
      I was thinking of this sort of Stamp contraption:
      forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=21&m=361377
      I got my wish! I have one!!! And it is very interesting!!! Thanks for the total recall. But Leon, been there, done that.

      humanoido
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-09 18:28
      Graham Stabler: Nope. It does not fly in the physical sense.

      humanoido
    • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
      edited 2010-01-09 23:06
      Go humanoido go!

      People who operate outside of the "rulebook" tend to come up with very interesting solutions.
      Stuff that the rest of us would never try because it "could never work."

      Inspirational stuff afoot! Just quit teasing us. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

      OBC

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      New to the Propeller?

      Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
    • JonnyMacJonnyMac Posts: 9,208
      edited 2010-01-09 23:16
      Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) said...
      It's finally happened: humanoido has graduated from supercomputers to hypercomputers!

      -Phil

      Hypebole, indeed.
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-10 07:35
      It's all going into the computer cabinet setting next to the lab bench. A cabinet "boiler faceplate" was designed using a very simple text program. The Rising Sun provided a clear plastic covering for the faceplate. I wanted to attach the under-lay boiler plate with double stick tape to hold the edges in place while drilling. Unfortunately, double stick (Scotch or 3M) tape is not yet discovered in this neck of the woods. Maybe the nuts and bolts will keep it in place.

      OBC: I like to try new things and see if new discoveries and inventions can be made. When I was a little kid age 7, I had a lot of home science projects that led to interesting things. I was lucky to survive this in some cases. We lived in the country-side, and I talked my dad into giving me one of the vacant tiny buildings so I could use it as a science laboratory. I had to trade my "tree house" for it, which he thought was less safe. However, the building held a deep dark secret - it was a chicken coop! The chickens were gone, but I remember their feathers and long lasting remnants took weeks to clean out while holding breath. Certainly, that was one of the things that other people would not try!

      humanoido
    • Mike_GTNMike_GTN Posts: 106
      edited 2010-01-10 15:08
      humanoido,

      Is it an automated Chicken sorter? Plump .and. or.not plump enough kind of logic decisions.

      If Chicken = Fat
      Eat
      Else
      Feed up
      Elseif
      Do something else
      Endif

      Obviously this code might not run, not been able to test yet. Is A work in progress or proof of concept more than anything else. I shall have to make A flowchart to get it all straight in my mind before diving in to more months of coding. This really could be something commercial. To handle more than one Chicken we need to Farm out the data to an additional Propeller based board. As the Chickens increase the firmware will take this fully in to account and will generate realtime hardware devices. If A chicken also went missing the firmware is fully able to ungenerate the last hardware incarnation. Does this sound like magic? - Well this is already being done in a basement workshop near each and everyone of us.

      ** Edit, Oh my code does not run on the Propeller, I think could be my clock settings. I used the following: -

      CON

      _chickenmode = xtal1 + pll16x '96MHz Fast Chicken
      _xinfreq = 6_000_000

      Never one to be stopped on simple problems, have A concept of my own. Building furniture from Propeller Prototype boards......

      Mike.
    • Graham StablerGraham Stabler Posts: 2,510
      edited 2010-01-10 16:55
      humanoido said...
      Graham Stabler: Nope. It does not fly in the physical sense.
      humanoido

      Not a flying pig then.

      Graham

      p.s. In case you really didn't get it I was talking about Phil's comment going over your head.
    • Graham StablerGraham Stabler Posts: 2,510
      edited 2010-01-10 16:58
      humanoido said...
      Graham Stabler: Nope. It does not fly in the physical sense.
      humanoido

      In case you really didn't get it I was talking about Phil's comment going over your head.
    • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
      edited 2010-01-10 17:12
      humanoido said...
      I talked my dad into giving me one of the vacant tiny buildings so I could use it as a science laboratory. I had to trade my "tree house" for it, which he thought was less safe. However, the building held a deep dark secret - it was a chicken coop! The chickens were gone, but I remember their feathers and long lasting remnants took weeks to clean out while holding breath.

      I grew up around Chickens... Want to have some fun? If you ever have your eyes checked, ask the optometrist if they can tell you had a chicken coop for a laboratory.
      There is a bacteria in Chicken feces that gets in your eyes. the bodiy's natural defenses
      take car of it, but the little skeletons stay there forever. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

      Ok, enough off topic stuff. How about some more details about your ideas? [noparse]:)[/noparse]

      OBC

      ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
      New to the Propeller?

      Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.
    • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
      edited 2010-01-10 21:40
      I drilled 21 holes into the front cabinet today.
      The drilling guide worked sucessfully but it's trash now.
      I have the printed overlay and clear plastic that goes onto the front panel.
      But how to cut out the holes in the paper and clear plastic where the lights and switches are located?
      A paper hole punch cannot reach the inner switche locations.
      An exacto knife will take forever and a day.
      Punching paper with an awl will tear it....

      OBC: I wore goggles... Want to have more fun? Have your blood tested next time you are at the doctors. Anyone touch a chicken egg or breathe the air around one? It has the same bacteria.

      Graham Stabler: I got it. But guess who's head my comment went over... [noparse]:)[/noparse] No, not a flying pig.

      Mike_GTN: automated Chicken sorter? Nope. That was OBC's project... [noparse];)[/noparse]

      JohnyMac: if it was a parabola, it would all come back at you... be glad.

      Ok, that's the tips for this log in. See you next time.

      humanoido

      Post Edited (humanoido) : 1/10/2010 9:58:01 PM GMT
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