I'd like to see a "stand-alone development" interface containing a TV video and PS/2 keyboard interface along with a microSD card. Because of the number of I/O pins needed for that (4 + 2 + 4 = 10), it might be better to use a 1-pin TV and 1-pin keyboard interface. The interface would be most useful if it were on a short flat cable that plugs into the expansion connector, maybe 3" long.
Great work! I was about to embark on this process myself, since I recently was introduced to the Arduino, but have been fascinated with the Propeller since it's announcement. The combination of the power of the Propeller and the vast available hardware for the Arduino is just mind boggling.
I'm sure to be ordering one next paycheck.
As for AUX, I'd probably want both the KVM and the VGA boards on hand, depending on the project I'm planning on.
On a related note, I liked the under-mount for the VGA connector you had on page 1 of this thread, seemed to make sense to me to have AUX go down, to avoid Adruino Shield interference.
Thanks for your kind words, Alderin. The reason I had that first prototype VGA underneath was because I didn't have a piece of pre-sensitized PCB big enough for a full shield size adapter. The latest design for those add-ons extend all the other headers up so you can stack a shield on top of it. It gets a little bulky, but for prototyping it's really cool. Check out the stack below, a spin-net-cube. From the bottom up: ASC, KVM, W5100 Ethernet w/uSD, 64-pin IO. All that and a few Prop pins to spare plus 6 analog in's.
I put together a little package of the upcoming KVM board, PDF's and Eagle files. It's single sided, PTH only. Should be a breeze if one wanted to etch their own. I should have around 25 of these ready in a couple of weeks.
That's great news, Alderin. If you have any problems or questions, I'm always here to help. And all the geniuses here can help with general Propeller questions too. Keep us posted on your adventures.
I'd like to see a "stand-alone development" interface containing a TV video and PS/2 keyboard interface along with a microSD card. Because of the number of I/O pins needed for that (4 + 2 + 4 = 10), it might be better to use a 1-pin TV and 1-pin keyboard interface. The interface would be most useful if it were on a short flat cable that plugs into the expansion connector, maybe 3" long.
There are actually 11 pins on the aux header now if you don't mind sharing 3 of them with the current-limited Arduino header. So we could do the 4 + 2 + 4 scheme with an extra pad for GPIO. It would be easy to bring off analog-in 6 and 7 as well.
Well, I just ran my first propeller program on the Propeller ASC, made a little 3mm 10ma green LED blink. It was plugged directly into pin 13 and the ground next to it. Programmed using BST since I'm running Linux. Detected the Propeller and sent a program to the EEPROM with no problems, errors, or hassles.
Fun!
It would be nice if there were one of those little surface mount LEDs on pin 13 as on the Arduino... but it really isn't a requirement. Propeller projects are really a step above Arduino projects. Faster, smarter, multi-tasking...
Ken, so glad you decided to give it a try. Since that was your first post I assume you are new to the Propeller? If so, please feel welcome to ask questions and post comments. The Propeller takes some getting used to if you're used to other controllers. Whereas the Arduino IDE comes bundled with loads of "official" libraries and drivers, the Propeller uses the online object exchange at obex.parallax.com. You have to do a little more work than with an Arduino, but the possibilities really open up. And if you outgrow the ASC, there's the new C3 being released soon by Parallax that has all kinds of goodies built in.
Not really. The ASC is intended to plug directly into Arduino add-on cards. The GGPP has it's own header configuration and is not limited to the Arduino footprint.
Martin: May I suggest (if it's not too late) you use the microSD socket from DigiKey HR1941CT-ND which is easily hand soldered. This is the part I use on RamBlade and TriBlade and a few others are also using it now.
The KVM boards arrived and they work great. The P16 through P23 header in the middle is provided to add your own connections or for test points. A knife can be run down the center of this header on the back to cut the traces and then add your own jumpers or intermediate circuitry of some sort. These will be in kit form.
Martin: Yes. With work over Xmas, I think the 4th pin of the TV should be linkable to the TV pin and to a separate 2 pin header (with gnd) - Why? So that the 4th pin, which is rarely if ever used, can be used as a second TV via the 2pin header (for 1pin debugging). So what is required is a 1x3 pin header with the center pin going to the resistor. Then say pin 1 goes to the existing TV so to use it that way (the audio) put a shunt on pins 1-2. Pin 3 goes to gnd, so if a 2-pin header to a TV cable is inserted on pins 2-3 (which forces the shunt to be removed) then a mono debug terminal can be attached.
Very interesting. It looks like an MCU with built in USB connectivity. Or a USB chip with built in MCU as they describe it. I see they also use an MCP3008 for ADC.
Also looking at the FTDI site I'm glad I didn't name the ASC the "Propello"!
I'm setting up a repository (of sorts) for the Propeller ASC at http://1mgh.com/forum/ Registration is not required to browse. If you're interested in (or own) the ASC you're invited to register and post your thoughts and experiences. Constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome too. Since the ASC overlaps a lot of non Parallax subject matter, I thought I'd try this.
Comments
I'm sure to be ordering one next paycheck.
As for AUX, I'd probably want both the KVM and the VGA boards on hand, depending on the project I'm planning on.
On a related note, I liked the under-mount for the VGA connector you had on page 1 of this thread, seemed to make sense to me to have AUX go down, to avoid Adruino Shield interference.
k.
On the to-do list is to test the Spinneret drivers.
You really, really want one!
Now what do I do with it? lol
Looking forward to the VGA and KVM "shields".
There are actually 11 pins on the aux header now if you don't mind sharing 3 of them with the current-limited Arduino header. So we could do the 4 + 2 + 4 scheme with an extra pad for GPIO. It would be easy to bring off analog-in 6 and 7 as well.
Fun!
It would be nice if there were one of those little surface mount LEDs on pin 13 as on the Arduino... but it really isn't a requirement. Propeller projects are really a step above Arduino projects. Faster, smarter, multi-tasking...
What a great job you've done.
I've just ordered two of the Propeller ASC+, but I'm in the UK, so it may take a few days. Can't wait!
Ken
http://www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/PropellerDevelopmentBoards/tabid/514/ProductID/711/List/0/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName
thanks.
microSD
4pin composite vid
2pin PS/2
pads for A6 and A7
3.3v 100mA LDO vreg.
Perm attached ribbon cable connects to ASC
--edit--
Forgot to mention it's currently down to 1.5" x 2" in size
@bytedude. I'm sure its possible. Look into xbee.
I just noticed a new product "Vinculo" at mouser. These are Vinculum 2 shields (twin USB host) with power supply that might work with your ASC.
Also looking at the FTDI site I'm glad I didn't name the ASC the "Propello"!
http://electronic-hacks.com/index.php/topic,5.0.html