lack of simple Ethernet connectivity?

propellifly

Can anyone explain why there isn't at least one OTS offering for Ethernet on the Propeller? Maybe this is a dumb question, but it seems like making something like an Arduino shield, but plugs into the Propeller QuickStart board would be really useful for the community. Pair that with an object on a cog and everyone could have fun networking. I just went on OBEX and saw that there is a W5100 object already, but I have yet to find a board that I can just buy and start using right away. I guess most would say that I should buy the Spinneret Web Server and just use that, or pair my QS with the WIZ812MJ Ethernet SPI/Bus Module, but I'm just surprised that there isn't something that plugs right into the QS. Am I incorrect in thinking of the QS as something like an Arduino that begs to have "shields" made for it?

smbaker

Previously I've used the PropNIC, at http://ucontroller.com/index_pro1.html, with my PPDB and other prototype boards. It's a relatively simple design based on the ENC28J60. There's a TCP stack available for it. For some reason all of the products at ucontroller.com are now listed as 'not available', which is unfortunate as it was a good little board.

Gadget Gangster has an ENC28J60 based module as well for their platform.

The quickstart is new, that's why there's not much stuff for it yet.

Bean

The Parallax Spinneret http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/spinneret/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/710/Default.aspx

I just posted a "Spinneret Simple TCP" object here http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?134400

Bean

propellifly

Thanks, guys. I guess I'll consider ordering those boards to try. I did also find the propNIC but eliminated it from the list of possibilities since it's not available anymore. Any opinions on the WIZ812MJ Ethernet SPI/Bus Module? I'd rather use that with a protoboard than have to pay for the Spinneret, which looks a little light on I/O and also needs the Prop Plug...

Computer Geek 101

I use the Xport. Its easy to use and works very well for udp and tcp.

http://www.gridconnect.com/xport.html

BigFoot

We have been using the Lantronix Match Port, it is rather inexpensive and will do Ethernet and WiFi.
So far it is working out very well in the field and just needs a serial port on the Prop chip to connect.

http://www.lantronix.com/device-networking/embedded-device-servers/matchport.html

Nick McClick

The E-Net module is ENC28J60 based (http://www.gadgetgangster.com/349), and fits on breadboards / protoboards and the Propeller Platform. I haven't played with other ethernet solutions - that matchport looks cool, but I didn't see a price.

propellifly

Wow, those are some nice looking options. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to do some reading on them. I think the ideal solution would be something that has an object available, or at least uses SPI. The gadget gangster offering looks quite nice. I'll have to see if there's a way to integrate it on my own PCB at some point.