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Introducing Gadget Express GX25A: An open source gadget maker — Parallax Forums

Introducing Gadget Express GX25A: An open source gadget maker

TubularTubular Posts: 4,717
edited 2010-03-24 19:46 in Propeller 1
Gadget Express is a simple system for creating and finishing your ideal gadget. It's based on a Propeller "Loco" in the middle, with up to 7 module "cars" coupled to either side. GX25A goes beyond other rapid proto systems by including demo software on every module car, and including metal fascia panels for that truly professional finish.

Here's an example of a GSM based "smart information appliance" (ie pPad)

attachment.php?attachmentid=68863

Features & Benefits.
* Expandable. Connect new modules using a 20 way ganged shunt or other bridge (IDC cable etc)
* Smart. Each module includes an EEprom packed with Obex/demo/cog/status code, and graphic mimic.
* Easy to use. Press the big button to show that module's current status. No programming required to do that.
* Train similarities. Powered by a Propeller "Loco" which can "pull" up to 7 modules on each side.
* Atomic. Each module performs one "atomic" function
* Professional. Laser cut brushed stainless fascias for instant professional finish for industrial applications
* Sustainable. Each module only consumes the resources it needs (pins from the "stack", module length, power)
* Reusable. Disconnect or split modules off and reuse in another design.
* Customizable. Make, share, sell your own module or train of modules using ExpressPCB or OurPCB
* Open Source in this GX25A series. Derived from and compatible with other GX25 series with advanced features
* Compatible with GG's platform using simple adapter to close the gap between P0 and Vss

Post Edited (Tubular) : 3/24/2010 1:03:35 AM GMT
Gadget_Express_GX25A_SmartPhone.jpg.JPG
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Comments

  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2010-03-24 04:10
    I think it's pretty clever - it looks like you can use different width modules, too, which is cool. What are the colored squares for?

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  • TubularTubular Posts: 4,717
    edited 2010-03-24 04:27
    That's correct, the modules can be any width. I have made some that are as narrow as 0.43", using SMT address switch and SOIC8 eeprom. This cost $2.70 to produce through Batchpcb

    The colored square is actually an illuminated 12mm tact button.
    Pressing it once brings up the live status page for that module (loads it as an overlay from the 24LC256 eeprom which is under the button)
    Pressing it more than that first time cycles through the various operating modes / demo codes for that module

    I'm also working on being able to press "chords", of two buttons on different modules, for "cause and effect" style programming.
  • Timothy D. SwieterTimothy D. Swieter Posts: 1,613
    edited 2010-03-24 14:26
    Very interesting hardware concept!!

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    Timothy D. Swieter, E.I.
    www.brilldea.com - Prop Blade, LED Painter, RGB LEDs, 3.0" 16:9 LCD Composite video display, eProto for SunSPOT, PropNET, PolkaDOT-51
    www.tdswieter.com
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2010-03-24 15:01
    I'd like to see more pictures of the "locomotive" and a schematic. I have been looking for a very small, through-hole, basic prop circuit on a PCB.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
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  • TubularTubular Posts: 4,717
    edited 2010-03-24 16:22
    Tim - thanks!

    Andrew, here's the next revision of the prop "loco" which is a smaller footprint (0.9" by 2.5").

    I'll get you a schematic shortly as I'm in the process of changing the designs across to ExpressPcb and/or Eagle. Most of the board is "classic prop" except for some extra passives used on the SCL line to detect when the remote buttons are pressed. I might have to sneak a PNP in there, but the external interface pins are fixed.
    GX25A-PROP-9L.PNG
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  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2010-03-24 19:01
    Thanks for the layout picture. I have been looking for a basic layout exactly like this since many of my projects can get by with just the basic circuit. Plus many of my projects need to be compact. Hence, my usage of the Propstick USB and Propmodule1x1 in projects. I also am looking into the SpinStamp for a few projects.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
  • Bill HenningBill Henning Posts: 6,445
    edited 2010-03-24 19:46
    Nice work!
    Tubular said...
    Tim - thanks!

    Andrew, here's the next revision of the prop "loco" which is a smaller footprint (0.9" by 2.5").

    I'll get you a schematic shortly as I'm in the process of changing the designs across to ExpressPcb and/or Eagle. Most of the board is "classic prop" except for some extra passives used on the SCL line to detect when the remote buttons are pressed. I might have to sneak a PNP in there, but the external interface pins are fixed.
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