Backpack and testing using a Prop Plug with PC
marcwolf
Posts: 38
Hi Folks. Please be kind as I am a Prop Newbee
I have just brought a Propeller Backpack and a Prop Plug.
With these can I use a serial program on my Windows PC to test various commands firstly in Terminal mode, and secondly in Overlay mode. Or do I need to do some additional work re RS232 levels.
My target is to use the Backpack in Overlay mode and chatting to it using a FEZ Mini. I've also brought a NTSC camera so I don't have to do a PAL conversion since I am in Australia.
Many thanks for any advice you can provide..
Take Care
Dave
I have just brought a Propeller Backpack and a Prop Plug.
With these can I use a serial program on my Windows PC to test various commands firstly in Terminal mode, and secondly in Overlay mode. Or do I need to do some additional work re RS232 levels.
My target is to use the Backpack in Overlay mode and chatting to it using a FEZ Mini. I've also brought a NTSC camera so I don't have to do a PAL conversion since I am in Australia.
Many thanks for any advice you can provide..
Take Care
Dave
Comments
You can certainly communicate with the Backpack via the PropPlug. Just set whichever serial I/O driver you choose to receive on pin A31 and to transmit on A30, using positive logic and the baud rate of your choosing.
-Phil
I'm up Brisbane way. My main processor of choice for quick jobs is the PicAXE as I am a basic programmer from WAY back (started in computer in '74)
I use the PicAXE akin to the old 555 timers - except they are programmable.
About the largest PicAXE I had ever needed to use was a 28X2 and that was so I could make a I2C slave.
I've looked at Arduino's amd although they are nice they still don't have the processing power that I need.
Currently I am working on a high level project using a FEZ Mini. This is a 80Mhz processor that runs C# and the NET MicroFramework so I have a good highend language to use. Great for string manipulation and threading. Plus the Mini is in the same formfactor as a Basic Stamp 2
I got the Propeller Backpack solely for it's OSD capabilities so it's really a means to an end. I've looked at the MAX7456 but it does have som limitation re colors etc and you chat to it using SPI which again means more I/O to control things.
Not sure if Ill go down the path of learning the Propeller - I'll play around with the Backpack first and try a couple of things.
I've mentioned the project I am doing. I play around with Animatronics, Special Effects and Costume Making as a hobby. With costumes think of things like the Werewolves from Underworld where there is animatronics to control the facial features.
Now - to control something like that you generally need 4 helpers off to one side doing the remote control work and the actor moving the suit around. Really not good if want to go out on your own.
So.. I have been designing a low cost system where preset emotions can be programmed onto an SD card and then play whenever the actor wants to do something like smile, snarl, look interested etc.
I hope I can put this system out for about $150 sans's servos.
With the current costume it's very difficult to see out of it so I am using a head's up display made from iPod video glasses and small vid camera's. This gives me sterioscopic vision. As an added bonus I can also display using the Prop Backpack critical information about the costume like wearer's body temp, battery life, currently running commands and a few more.
Anyway - look forward to hearing from you
Dave a.k.a. Marcwolf