PropPlug Board with a difference - any interest ???

Cluso99

I am just concluding (yes still) a few pcb designs and thought I may also do a PropPlug with some extras...

• Small pcb less than 1.75"x1.75" but maybe smaller
• Fits into a Hammond 1551 box (2"x2" or smaller)
• Has a prop plug output with an extra pin for 5V, plus headers for 5V and 3V3.
• Build time options...
  • miniUSB-B connector
  • FT232RL
  • Transistor reset circuit (used with FT232RL or Serial)
  • Serial 1x4 header and Transistor circuit (inverters)
  • Links to bypass FT232RL/Serial with added resistors to use USB Serial code (BradC)
• Power options...
  • USB powered (already 5V regulated)
  • DJ21S (the 2.1mm socket) {for plugpack) and 5V Regulator
  • 3V3 Regulator (just in case you want it)

The purpose is to emulate the PropPlug with the options for generating the power from USB or a plugpack. So it should work with any of the prop pcbs requiring an external PropPlug.

The PropPlug section can be done with an FT232RL chip or it can be used with a serial connection using the transistor circuit.

It also has the ability to bypass (by links) the FT232RL or Serial, so that the USB code written by BradC can be used to communicate with the PC via USB without the FTDI chip. (I know there is a reset issue but think that can be resolved.) The USB resistors are on this pcb. This should be a good way to transition to using USB on the prop without requiring the expensive FTDI chip.

FWIW my new prop pcbs have the USB and resistors in place ready to use the USB without FTDI.

If space permits I may add a USB-A and the pull-down resistors in parallel with the miniUSB-B for USB Host software (to run Micah's host code including Bluetooth).

I expect it to be all through-hole except for the FTDI chip which will have longer pads to make it a little easier to hand solder.

My aim would be to sell the bare pcb. Postage will cost more than the pcb.

Is there any interest in such a pcb ??

WBA Consulting

Just a thought: If you make the USB adapter more universal, it would have a wider market. Going off a square PCB, one side could be the USB, opposite side the Propeller pinout, third side an Arduino pinout, and the fourth side a standard RS-232 Serial port. Think of it as a Swiss Army Prop Plug...........

Brian Riley

WBA Consulting wrote: »

Just a thought: If you make the USB adapter more universal, it would have a wider market. Going off a square PCB, one side could be the USB, opposite side the Propeller pinout, third side an Arduino pinout, and the fourth side a standard RS-232 Serial port. Think of it as a Swiss Army Prop Plug...........

Why reinvent the wheel? What you describe I have been selling for the past three years. It was essentially designed by Paul Badger at Modern Device, an Arduino outfit, in collaboration with myself. Paul calls it the "BUB." I additionally designed and packaged an accessory kit called the "Multi-BUB" which provides several small adapter boards and a small assortment of connectors which let you program Arduino, Propeller, PICAXE, BS2, etc.

You can see it here
http://www.wulfden.org/TheShoppe/pa/index.shtml
scrolll down a couple screens to see the Multi-BUB and BUB2Prop adapters

Cluso99

Brian: Nice set of pcbs and reasonably priced too. My idea was a single pcb which could do all things by links. I actually do not expect the FTDI chip to be used much (so it probably would not get fitted by those who already have a propplug or equivalent) as my intention is to run USB from the prop over this pcb. Power regulators would also be available for those pcbs without supplies. Anyway, so far not much interest.