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*** Propeller [C3] Demo Coders Needed!!! *** — Parallax Forums

*** Propeller [C3] Demo Coders Needed!!! ***

AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
edited 2010-08-18 18:18 in Propeller 1
I have been working on a new project in collaboration with Parallax (Ken Gracey and I have been talking about this for a year!) called the "Prop C3" - "Credit Card Sized Computer". It's basically a Propeller chip surrounded by a lot of extra memory, logic, IO, etc. Very slick product. The prototype is complete, working, and I am getting ready to start software development for it. This product is very compatible with the Demo boards, HYDRA, etc. So most things will port with a few IO pin changes, but the real power of the device will be when you take advantage of the various extra memory features and capabilities on the board.

I am looking for a few really awesome coders that have done a lot of Propeller work and are interested in getting early prototypes to develop cool apps and port things. Basically, the idea is when the product comes out, we will have 90% of all the demo, proto, HYDRA stuff all ported, working, plus some really cool demos and apps that only the C3 can support.

The details and features of the board I will disclose privately for now -- its a surprise, so don't want to let the cat out of the bag too early [noparse]:)[/noparse]

If you're interested and have time to work on it please PM me or email me at ceo@nurve.net -- this is a Parallax project, we (Nurve Networks) are developing the product, but Parallax will manufacture and market FYI. The prototypes are quite expensive, hand built, so only those that are serious please [noparse]:)[/noparse]

Thanks,

Andre'
Nurve Networks LLC
ceo@nurve.net
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Comments

  • MacTuxLinMacTuxLin Posts: 821
    edited 2010-07-15 03:12
    Just curious, how many prop will it have?

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    Ken
  • william chanwilliam chan Posts: 1,326
    edited 2010-07-15 03:31
    What is the application (use) for such a credit card sized computer?

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  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-07-15 03:58
    Common Andre! You can just give a few minor details and buzz out..

    Spill the beans man! Specs, Details! If not, what can I expect to be able to do with this thing?

    BTW, Open Source?

    OBC

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    Propeller Feature Projects: PropellerPowered.com
    Visit the: PROPELLERPOWERED SIG forum kindly hosted by Savage Circuits.
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-15 03:59
    @MacTuxLin -- it has 64 Props on it --

    Just Kidding [noparse]:)[/noparse] One prop, its very small.

    @William Chan - Control, gaming, emulation, robotics, image processing, etc. Basically, if you like the Propeller chip, but wish there was a small credit card sized product (like arduino for example), but with lots of IO devices and lots of memory all on board then this is the perfect product.

    Andre'
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-15 04:07
    @oldbitcollector -- YES, we are doing this one 100% open source, hopefully the C3 will become a model platform for higher level computing with the Propeller chip in a credit card sized platform where you demo board, hydra, etc. code can run nearly unchanged in moments, BUT you can take advantage of the extra features if you wish. As far as specs it has a LOT onboard, I am going blind from all the miniature work I have been doing [noparse]:)[/noparse] But, extra RAM, FLASH, IO, SD, everything you want all mashed into a tiny space, so full featured apps, OS's, emulators etc. can be developed. Basically, a tiny computer -- The goal is for people to be able to write little tiny programs as usual, but also GIGANTIC programs in C, or other languages for the Propeller, so that's a single board without any extra add ons can do all the computation and processing for whatever you are doing.

    Andre'
  • william chanwilliam chan Posts: 1,326
    edited 2010-07-15 04:18
    Can it surf web pages?

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  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-15 04:41
    @william -- No, there is no ethernet on it, we had to decide at what point to stop adding features and such a small percentage of customers need ethernet abilities, it doesn't warrant the cost for the base version. However, a wiznet chip and parts, or module, or netburner and you are in business. However, if we find that enough customers are interested then another "ethernet" enabled version will be designed that has the wiznet or similar built in with connector and electromagnetics, but it adds a good $10 to design, and 90% of customers don't need it, so for now, no web surfing [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    Andre'
  • TinkersALotTinkersALot Posts: 535
    edited 2010-07-15 06:33
    it does sound intriguing....
  • markaericmarkaeric Posts: 282
    edited 2010-07-15 07:07
    Something that small with some ram and SD sounds pretty yummy!
  • WynandWynand Posts: 39
    edited 2010-07-15 07:34
    Andre'

    Do you have a +- release date in mind (I know it is difficult to answer) because this C3 sounds exactly like what I need for one of the project that I have to start.

    Wynand.

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    Why didn't I think of THAT!!!!
  • RsadeikaRsadeika Posts: 3,837
    edited 2010-07-15 12:51
    "... and lots of memory all on board ...", so, how many megabytes of memory are we talking about?

    Ray
  • KPRKPR Posts: 189
    edited 2010-07-15 12:55
    In today's day and age, everything should be net accessible.. So I'd want some sort of Ethernet.. That and good video support..

    Is it a single prop, or multiple props.. or a prop / arm hybrid??

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    I always have someone watching my back.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2010-07-15 13:01
    He said it's a single Propeller.

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    Leon Heller
    Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-07-15 14:12
    Open Source is the ticket Andre! A lot of us felt we had out hands tied adding the Hydra software to our projects as the code
    could not be distributed to those who hadn't purchased the book or kit. It sounds like this won't be a problem with C3.

    I don't think that I'm the coder you are looking for, as I lean pretty hard on efforts of Potatohead for my current project,
    however I've done my part and added an entry to Propellerpowered.com.

    Looking forward to seeing this release! I know with you and Parallax at the helm, it will be really great!

    OBC

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    Propeller Feature Projects: PropellerPowered.com
    Visit the: PROPELLERPOWERED SIG forum kindly hosted by Savage Circuits.
  • william chanwilliam chan Posts: 1,326
    edited 2010-07-15 14:28
    Why not bluetooth networking instead with Micah Dowty's USB Bluetooth code.
    It would be cheaper than Ethernet and we can surf the net.

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    www.fd.com.my
    www.mercedes.com.my
  • Ahle2Ahle2 Posts: 1,179
    edited 2010-07-15 16:07
    @AndreL
    I'm really interested in making demos for this hardware, but I'm afraid I'm lacking the time at the moment [noparse]:([/noparse]

    /Ahle2
  • Bill HenningBill Henning Posts: 6,445
    edited 2010-07-15 17:48
    Congratulations Andre, sounds like a great little board. I look forward to seeing it!
    AndreL said...
    I have been working on a new project in collaboration with Parallax (Ken Gracey and I have been talking about this for a year!) called the "Prop C3" - "Credit Card Sized Computer". It's basically a Propeller chip surrounded by a lot of extra memory, logic, IO, etc. Very slick product. The prototype is complete, working, and I am getting ready to start software development for it. This product is very compatible with the Demo boards, HYDRA, etc. So most things will port with a few IO pin changes, but the real power of the device will be when you take advantage of the various extra memory features and capabilities on the board.

    I am looking for a few really awesome coders that have done a lot of Propeller work and are interested in getting early prototypes to develop cool apps and port things. Basically, the idea is when the product comes out, we will have 90% of all the demo, proto, HYDRA stuff all ported, working, plus some really cool demos and apps that only the C3 can support.

    The details and features of the board I will disclose privately for now -- its a surprise, so don't want to let the cat out of the bag too early [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    If you're interested and have time to work on it please PM me or email me at ceo@nurve.net -- this is a Parallax project, we (Nurve Networks) are developing the product, but Parallax will manufacture and market FYI. The prototypes are quite expensive, hand built, so only those that are serious please [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    Thanks,

    Andre'
    Nurve Networks LLC
    ceo@nurve.net
    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    www.mikronauts.com E-mail: mikronauts _at_ gmail _dot_ com
    My products: Morpheus / Mem+ / PropCade / FlexMem / VMCOG / Propteus / Proteus / SerPlug
    and 6.250MHz Crystals to run Propellers at 100MHz & 5.0" OEM TFT VGA LCD modules
    Las - Large model assembler Largos - upcoming nano operating system
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-15 18:11
    @Bill thanks, yes, I have had the design in my head for 2-3 years, we almost did it then, but it was put on the back burner, so I did the Chameleons last year. But, now we have revisited it, the timing is better for everyone. I just saw your morpheus, cool, a Matrix fan I see [noparse]:)[/noparse] Anyway, looks all thru hole, a good kit design -- if you're not selling it as a kit, that's a good idea, people still buy a lot of my XGS Pico since they like to solder it together.

    Andre'
  • Christof Eb.Christof Eb. Posts: 1,247
    edited 2010-07-15 19:08
    Hi, AndreL,
    if there is some adc and dac >=12 bit >10kHz, low noise and perhaps some user interface, I could port my "ProperSound" Guitar Sound Processor to it. (PropBasic)
    Delay/Reverb could use the memory. But my time is rather limited.... Open source?!
    Christof
  • Bill HenningBill Henning Posts: 6,445
    edited 2010-07-15 19:14
    You are welcome - and thanks for the nice comments on Morpheus. Yes, I did like the Matrix - but it was actually named Morpheus because it was capable of morphing into a system for many different applications, depending on configuration and add-on boards.

    You also might want to take a look at my PropCade board, once that is available for sale I will also be offering it as a bundle with your EXCELLENT Hydra book [noparse]:)[/noparse]
    AndreL said...
    @Bill thanks, yes, I have had the design in my head for 2-3 years, we almost did it then, but it was put on the back burner, so I did the Chameleons last year. But, now we have revisited it, the timing is better for everyone. I just saw your morpheus, cool, a Matrix fan I see [noparse]:)[/noparse] Anyway, looks all thru hole, a good kit design -- if you're not selling it as a kit, that's a good idea, people still buy a lot of my XGS Pico since they like to solder it together.

    Andre'
    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    www.mikronauts.com E-mail: mikronauts _at_ gmail _dot_ com
    My products: Morpheus / Mem+ / PropCade / FlexMem / VMCOG / Propteus / Proteus / SerPlug
    and 6.250MHz Crystals to run Propellers at 100MHz & 5.0" OEM TFT VGA LCD modules
    Las - Large model assembler Largos - upcoming nano operating system
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-15 20:29
    @Chris, yes there is A/D onboard, so that's definitely something to port --

    @Bill, that's cool -- PropCade, I will check that out as well, glad you are bundling with the book, that's a nice package. In the mid 90's a lot of my success was with kits where I would bundle one of my books with a compiler or tool from microsoft, so that's always a good value putting two things together.


    Andre'
  • KyeKye Posts: 2,200
    edited 2010-07-15 20:33
    Does it have an SD card interface using the SPI SD setup and does it have a DS1307?

    I'm planning to use my free time during the school semester (August to December) to PIMP out my SD2.0 file system to supprt much faster reads and writes, the CD and WP pins on the SD card, and to support path names and file copying and moving using file system paths... and a few other things.

    Only thing I can't say I have is a lot of time so it will take me the school semester to update the SD2.0 driver.

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    Nyamekye,
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-15 21:34
    SD card with standard SPI interface.

    Andre'
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2010-07-16 05:11
    Sounds great Andre.

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    · Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBlade,·RamBlade,·SixBlade, website
    · Single Board Computer:·3 Propeller ICs·and a·TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
    · Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
    · Emulators: CPUs Z80 etc; Micros Altair etc;· Terminals·VT100 etc; (Index) ZiCog (Z80) , MoCog (6809)·
    · Prop OS: SphinxOS·, PropDos , PropCmd··· Search the Propeller forums·(uses advanced Google search)
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  • schillschill Posts: 741
    edited 2010-07-16 16:06
    I don't have the time or the Prop experience to help at the level you require, but I am now anxiously waiting for the boards to become available.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-07-16 17:01
    @Andre:

    There is a long thread here: Getting the Prop out to everyday JOE... thoughts?
    that might be worth your time to read if you haven't already.

    What are the chances that we could see the C3 product be compatible with some end-user friendly box, or even drop inside a keyboard?

    Have you done the layout designs yet?

    OBC

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    Visit the: PROPELLERPOWERED SIG forum kindly hosted by Savage Circuits.
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-16 18:09
    Not sure what you mean here: "end-user friendly box" - as far as putting inside a keyboard, that's a whole other kind of product. In fact, when the propeller came out a few years ago and I did all the investigation of what it could do to write the book and build the hydra, I made a prototype product like that, 2 actually, we talked about it, thought it was cool, put it on the shelf.

    And the C3 is done, I am on the 8th iteration of the design, so pencils down, I am DONE [noparse]:)[/noparse] I have prototypes in my hand, and soldering more, I will do some mechanical changes to the mounting holes, but this is done, no more time, need to get it out. This has been from concept to complete in a very short time.

    Andre'
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-07-16 18:14
    Chuck George, of Mountain King Technologies did a really nice case for your Hydra.
    d1068410.mydomainwebhost.com/mkt_002.htm

    I was wondering if you had planned anything like this, or could release your size, holes, and port specs for this purpose?
    (And others of course!)

    OBC

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    Propeller Feature Projects: PropellerPowered.com
    Visit the: PROPELLERPOWERED SIG forum kindly hosted by Savage Circuits.
  • AndreLAndreL Posts: 1,004
    edited 2010-07-16 18:51
    We will release all the tech specs as soon as its in manufacturing, otherwise, we would have a to change them and confuse people. Right now, is just demo coder time, get things ported while I am wrapping this up, and we are getting it ready for the manufacturing pipeline. I have seen these cases though, they are cool, and very nice, but a bit expensive, we need nice injection molded or vacuum formed cases, someone needs to build a REALLY NICE vacuum forming table that can do high detail, OR get their hands on a 10-20 year old big injection molder and start making cases that are like $10, $20 at most with different colors, features, then people would buy a lot more of them.

    However, I think Parallax (Ken G. is a machining guru) wants to make a case(s) for it, so we will see what he comes up with when its locked down.

    Andre'
  • dr hydradr hydra Posts: 212
    edited 2010-07-20 21:03
    Andre

    What is the price range for the finished product?
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