Looking at Parallax's photo of the Prop BOE (w/ speaker and USB cable), just to the right of the DC jack, there appears to be a 2x4 header and to its right two ICs. Anyone's guess what the header is for and what the ICs provide?
Oooh, waiting for pre-release items to begin shipping sure tries one's patience. I know they are busy. Looking for the documentation to be released.
Looks nice, I'm just a little surprised at yet another pinout, with the C3, the Demo, the QS, the proto, etc. When will a schematic be available? Which chips are used for a/d and d/a?
So p0 - 21 are on headers. If you jumper over for VGA and XBee, what are you losing off the headers? Is the SD card hardwired or do you have to jumper for it? I can barely see on the photo, but are e.g p28/29 shared so you can't have VGA and analog in at the same time?
I don't have the fab for it so i won't, and I realize there are some issues, but I hope somebody makes an Arduino adapter for it so newcomers can easily get some specialized add-ons.
Let me please suggest something about example code. If the objective is ease of entry, is it possible for someone to go through and un-"optimize" some of the SPIN example code so it's immediately comprehensible to someone coming from another language?
Nice board Ken. Like being able to use a 9V battery for students. Lots of good stuff on this board!
Noticed you do not have Composite Video (TV) on the board, only VGA. Was there a reason for this? Just curious because I have been tempted to only provide TV and not VGA on some new boards.
Composite not only looks bad, aren't those old displays getting hard to find?
I have a Sony CD/DVD player and it has video input which displays composite video nicely. Use it on one project for display of registers while debugging a two Prop 1 board.
I suppose you are thinking of the 'glass bottle' CRT display monitors.
I picked up a starlight security camera for use with a telescope a year or so ago. Composite video is used extensively with security cameras so it will be around for a long while.
I picked up a starlight security camera for use with a telescope a year or so ago. Composite video is used extensively with security cameras so it will be around for a long while.
Yeah, that's why you can't identify anything on those surveillance videos ;-)
Looks nice, I'm just a little surprised at yet another pinout ....
Considering the large numbers of BOE-BOT kits in customer's hands, this is a pretty valuable board.
The BOE series has a very long history in education.
The Boe-Bot prop board is a very powerful board in its own right. Lots of expansion already built-in. ANd with the breadboard and the pluggable I/O and optional onboard VGA this is indeed (repeating myself) a very powerful board. There will be large numbers of these sold. It certainly does not need to be an arduino clone as it has its own market.
For TV (composite video out) using the vga connector connect as follows (presuming without looking at schematics that the VGA)
VGA pin 1 is TV(video) out and pin 6 is ground
Also join VGA pins 1 --- 2 and join pins 3 --- 13
On the pcb add the following jumpers...
P12 --- H of the VGA header
P12 --- R0
P13 --- R1
G0 --- B1
To add a termination resistor (Phils method to better match the 75 ohm impedance) approximately using a 240R termination
Add the following jumper
G1 --- Gnd
The above circuit gives
P12 as 930R (240R{H} + 240R{B1} + 470R{G0})
P13 as 470R (470R{R0})
P14 as 240R (240R{R1})
Optional termination
240R (240R{G1})
Optional RF modulation may be tried by
P15 --- B0 as 470R (470R{B0})
Hope this makes sense. No time to add a dwg atm.
Fernand: From eBay. There is a thread something like cheap TV monitor for propeller. It works extremely well with text too.
Just got to thinking about this board. Will wire(s) be supplied to patch SD card, audio, etc.? If not, what size wire is required. Time for me to order some.
And, does the Veho speaker plug in directly or is some sort of adapter required?
Is the Prop BOE capable of stereo output? Is there code in Obex for stereo?
Just got to thinking about this board. Will wire(s) be supplied to patch SD card, audio, etc.? If not, what size wire is required. Time for me to order some.
And, does the Veho speaker plug in directly or is some sort of adapter required?
Is the Prop BOE capable of stereo output? Is there code in Obex for stereo?
Hello Harley,
The Propeller BOE has an 1/8" stereo jack, sized to fit the veho360 and headphones, etc. Therefore no adapter is required. I'm sure there's OBEX code for stereo output, but I don't know if we've published much beyond the singing monks demo.
The micro SD card socket is routed to Propeller I/Os, so no wiring is required.
The only part you need is wire so you can access VGA, XBee and serial flow control on the black header in the middle. The A/D and D/A is also accessed via a header at the bottom of the breadboard. I'm not sure if we're including the 3" jumper wires but I'll find out. I think we should, because then we could say "you don't need a darned thing except the board".
Did you see the post (#31) about the Veho360 USB cable being power only?
It might be worth mentioning on the product page (URL has changed since your first post) so people don't thing they can program the Prop BOE with it.
Aha! Got it, Duane. Sometimes I've got to get it spoon-fed to understand. I'll make a revision to that page right away so that we don't put ourselves in a position of (a) sending a customer via UPS Red a true USB cable because they're certain that their "Parallax" USB cable [which really came with their veho360 speaker] doesn't work; and (b) save the customer the hassle ahead of time by letting them know they should chuck the cable.
While we're at it, I have two questions for you and anybody else:
(a) Although the veho360 speaker cable doesn't have Tx/Rx lines, it's true that a regular Parallax USB cable can recharge a veho360 speaker, right? <= proof that there's no such thing as a stupid question.
(b) Do you want us to include a set of (10) 3-inch jumpers included in the PropBOE? I think you do, so I'll see that they're added.
Are listening? The USB cable on the product page looks like it's the one that comes with the Veho360. You might want to add a warning about the cable only providing power, not data.
I see a USB cable is listed as an accessory sold-separately but it would probably be a good idea to clarify what the one in the product photo can (and can't) do.
Duane - the USB cable listed as an accessory, sold-seperately, has data lines, power and ground. The USB-form factor "charge cable" is included with the veho360 speaker but not sold seperately.
But to your point - we need to clarify that the USB-form factor charge cable can't program anything.
(a) Although the veho360 speaker cable doesn't have Tx/Rx lines, it's true that a regular Parallax USB cable can recharge a veho360 speaker, right? <= proof that there's no such thing as a stupid question.
Yes, you can charge the Veho360 with a regular USB cable. I don't know if I've used a USB cable from Parallax to do so, but I'd be willing to make a large wager they would work. (I think I used a cable that came with a GPS data logger to charge mine.)
(b) Do you want us to include a set of (10) 3-inch jumpers included in the PropBOE? I think you do, so I'll see that they're added.
Hey, I'm the one who thought everyone had more USB cables than they knew what to do with. Apparently not everyone is me (good thing). I think Harley has show, it would be good to include some wires with the PropBOE.
If you don't include some jumper wires, I'll add some to go with the USB cables I have in an envelope that will soon be headed Harley's way.
The Propeller BOE has an 1/8" stereo jack, sized to fit the veho360 and headphones, etc. Therefore no adapter is required. I'm sure there's OBEX code for stereo output, but I don't know if we've published much beyond the singing monks demo.
The micro SD card socket is routed to Propeller I/Os, so no wiring is required.
The only part you need is wire so you can access VGA, XBee and serial flow control on the black header in the middle. The A/D and D/A is also accessed via a header at the bottom of the breadboard. I'm not sure if we're including the 3" jumper wires but I'll find out. I think we should, because then we could say "you don't need a darned thing except the board".
My question about 'wire' was just what gauge wire provides a good connection with the breadboard area and header 'sockets' without damaging the contacts, yet is firm enough to be retained without being too loose?
That is great the SD card is already wired. Will the Prop BOE schematic soon be available?
Hey, I'm the one who thought everyone had more USB cables than they knew what to do with.
Which brings me to another question, preceded by a comment.
I have enough mini USB cables to repel down the side of a mountain. I suspect most of our customers do as well. We really don't feel like making this problem worse, and shipping our customers parts they don't need. We will not include a USB cable with the PropBOE. Rather, it would remain a linked item that can be bought for a couple of bucks.
My question about 'wire' was just what gauge wire provides a good connection with the breadboard area and header 'sockets' without damaging the contacts, yet is firm enough to be retained without being too loose? That is great the SD card is already wired. Will the Prop BOE schematic soon be available?
Which brings me to another question, preceded by a comment.
I have enough mini USB cables to repel down the side of a mountain. I suspect most of our customers do as well. We really don't feel like making this problem worse, and shipping our customers parts they don't need. We will not include a USB cable with the PropBOE. Rather, it would remain a linked item that can be bought for a couple of bucks.
See any problem with that approach?
Ken Gracey
It's better than adding $15 to the price like RadioShack did for the QuickStart board.
It's better than adding $15 to the price like RadioShack did for the QuickStart board.
Thanks Perry - and just to clarify in case people are wondering, the price of the Propeller BOE will stay the same at $129 and Parallax will save a couple of bucks. We need the added space to recover some NRE, production startup, tooling, P&P feeders, learn.parallax.com program, etc.
We will not include a USB cable with the PropBOE. Rather, it would remain a linked item that can be bought for a couple of bucks.
See any problem with that approach?
I don't see a problem with not including a USB cable. I personally think it doesn't make sense to send a USB cable when most people buying the product will already have plenty. I agree with you, it should be very clear the USB cable in the product picture can't program the PropBOE (I'd suggest removing USB cable from the product picture completely). I do think it's helpful to have a USB cable listed in the "Compatible with these accessories, sold separately:" section (as it is currently), as a reminder that a USB cable is needed.
If the schematic had been available, then I'd be aware of what was connected (ie: SD card, apeaker driver, etc.) and what wasn't (VGA, XBee and serial flow control). Probably other questions too would be answered. Of course, that sometimes brings up other questions, unfortunately. Difficult to 'win' at times.
I just noticed the ship date had moved out to 12 Mar. I suppose this is a firm date now.
I think it should be an option but it needs to be made OBVIOUS that you do need one (either purchased or from your collection).
I just did some cleaning in my office the other day and filled a box with USB A to B, A to mini-B and even some A to mini-B (5-pin) and some A to micro-B. I'm glad there's a USB standard!!!
My question about 'wire' was just what gauge wire provides a good connection with the breadboard area and header 'sockets' without damaging the contacts, yet is firm enough to be retained without being too loose?
That is great the SD card is already wired. Will the Prop BOE schematic soon be available?
I'm with you on the usb cables. Of course I can never find one when I need it but that's a personal problem that won't be solved by bundling another one with the propboe!
If the schematic had been available, then I'd be aware of what was connected (ie: SD card, apeaker driver, etc.) and what wasn't (VGA, XBee and serial flow control). Probably other questions too would be answered. Of course, that sometimes brings up other questions, unfortunately. Difficult to 'win' at times.
I just noticed the ship date had moved out to 12 Mar. I suppose this is a firm date now.
Hey Harley - we'll get that schematic up soon. I'm working with the team to coordinate that effort. The schematic will answer all of the questions you are asking, for certain.
And yes, 12th of March is firm. If we miss that date the evil side of me might become more apparent in the office.
Thanks Perry - and just to clarify in case people are wondering, the price of the Propeller BOE will stay the same at $129 and Parallax will save a couple of bucks. We need the added space to recover some NRE, production startup, tooling, P&P feeders, learn.parallax.com program, etc.
Ken Gracey
Ken, no slight to you or Parallax, I just resent that RadioShack charged $15 more for a retail QuickStart with a $1 USB cable. If I can pick up a USB cable at the Dollar Tree that is better quality than the one RIM ships with the Blackberry, something is seriously messed up.
If the schematic had been available, then I'd be aware of what was connected (ie: SD card, apeaker driver, etc.) and what wasn't (VGA, XBee and serial flow control). Probably other questions too would be answered.
The schematic will be posted on the Propeller Board of Education product page on Wednesday, February 15th.
You can keep your usb cable Ken, just post the schematic already!
The natives are getting restless...
I know - I'm having visions of them pulling an Occupy Parallax movement. We'll quit worrying about the stupid cables and get that schematic posted pronto! You got it, rogersyd!
And Rick's a nice guy, too, but he's using big fonts and red colors!
Comments
Looking at Parallax's photo of the Prop BOE (w/ speaker and USB cable), just to the right of the DC jack, there appears to be a 2x4 header and to its right two ICs. Anyone's guess what the header is for and what the ICs provide?
Oooh, waiting for pre-release items to begin shipping sure tries one's patience. I know they are busy. Looking for the documentation to be released.
So p0 - 21 are on headers. If you jumper over for VGA and XBee, what are you losing off the headers? Is the SD card hardwired or do you have to jumper for it? I can barely see on the photo, but are e.g p28/29 shared so you can't have VGA and analog in at the same time?
I don't have the fab for it so i won't, and I realize there are some issues, but I hope somebody makes an Arduino adapter for it so newcomers can easily get some specialized add-ons.
Let me please suggest something about example code. If the objective is ease of entry, is it possible for someone to go through and un-"optimize" some of the SPIN example code so it's immediately comprehensible to someone coming from another language?
Composite not only looks bad, aren't those old displays getting hard to find?
I suppose you are thinking of the 'glass bottle' CRT display monitors.
So tv is definately not dead.
Yeah, that's why you can't identify anything on those surveillance videos ;-)
Hey, Cluso, where did you get that for $24?
Considering the large numbers of BOE-BOT kits in customer's hands, this is a pretty valuable board.
The BOE series has a very long history in education.
For TV (composite video out) using the vga connector connect as follows (presuming without looking at schematics that the VGA)
VGA pin 1 is TV(video) out and pin 6 is ground
Also join VGA pins 1 --- 2 and join pins 3 --- 13
On the pcb add the following jumpers...
P12 --- H of the VGA header
P12 --- R0
P13 --- R1
G0 --- B1
To add a termination resistor (Phils method to better match the 75 ohm impedance) approximately using a 240R termination
Add the following jumper
G1 --- Gnd
The above circuit gives
P12 as 930R (240R{H} + 240R{B1} + 470R{G0})
P13 as 470R (470R{R0})
P14 as 240R (240R{R1})
Optional termination
240R (240R{G1})
Optional RF modulation may be tried by
P15 --- B0 as 470R (470R{B0})
Hope this makes sense. No time to add a dwg atm.
Fernand: From eBay. There is a thread something like cheap TV monitor for propeller. It works extremely well with text too.
Just got to thinking about this board. Will wire(s) be supplied to patch SD card, audio, etc.? If not, what size wire is required. Time for me to order some.
And, does the Veho speaker plug in directly or is some sort of adapter required?
Is the Prop BOE capable of stereo output? Is there code in Obex for stereo?
Hello Harley,
The Propeller BOE has an 1/8" stereo jack, sized to fit the veho360 and headphones, etc. Therefore no adapter is required. I'm sure there's OBEX code for stereo output, but I don't know if we've published much beyond the singing monks demo.
The micro SD card socket is routed to Propeller I/Os, so no wiring is required.
The only part you need is wire so you can access VGA, XBee and serial flow control on the black header in the middle. The A/D and D/A is also accessed via a header at the bottom of the breadboard. I'm not sure if we're including the 3" jumper wires but I'll find out. I think we should, because then we could say "you don't need a darned thing except the board".
Ken Gracey
Did you see the post (#31) about the Veho360 USB cable being power only?
It might be worth mentioning on the product page (URL has changed since your first post) so people don't thing they can program the Prop BOE with it.
Aha! Got it, Duane. Sometimes I've got to get it spoon-fed to understand. I'll make a revision to that page right away so that we don't put ourselves in a position of (a) sending a customer via UPS Red a true USB cable because they're certain that their "Parallax" USB cable [which really came with their veho360 speaker] doesn't work; and (b) save the customer the hassle ahead of time by letting them know they should chuck the cable.
While we're at it, I have two questions for you and anybody else:
(a) Although the veho360 speaker cable doesn't have Tx/Rx lines, it's true that a regular Parallax USB cable can recharge a veho360 speaker, right? <= proof that there's no such thing as a stupid question.
(b) Do you want us to include a set of (10) 3-inch jumpers included in the PropBOE? I think you do, so I'll see that they're added.
Thanks,
Ken Gracey
Duane - the USB cable listed as an accessory, sold-seperately, has data lines, power and ground. The USB-form factor "charge cable" is included with the veho360 speaker but not sold seperately.
But to your point - we need to clarify that the USB-form factor charge cable can't program anything.
Ken Gracey
Yes, you can charge the Veho360 with a regular USB cable. I don't know if I've used a USB cable from Parallax to do so, but I'd be willing to make a large wager they would work. (I think I used a cable that came with a GPS data logger to charge mine.)
Hey, I'm the one who thought everyone had more USB cables than they knew what to do with. Apparently not everyone is me (good thing). I think Harley has show, it would be good to include some wires with the PropBOE.
If you don't include some jumper wires, I'll add some to go with the USB cables I have in an envelope that will soon be headed Harley's way.
My question about 'wire' was just what gauge wire provides a good connection with the breadboard area and header 'sockets' without damaging the contacts, yet is firm enough to be retained without being too loose?
That is great the SD card is already wired. Will the Prop BOE schematic soon be available?
Which brings me to another question, preceded by a comment.
I have enough mini USB cables to repel down the side of a mountain. I suspect most of our customers do as well. We really don't feel like making this problem worse, and shipping our customers parts they don't need. We will not include a USB cable with the PropBOE. Rather, it would remain a linked item that can be bought for a couple of bucks.
See any problem with that approach?
Ken Gracey
22-24 AWG wire works well in our breadboard.
I'll find out about the schematic for you.
Ken Gracey
It's better than adding $15 to the price like RadioShack did for the QuickStart board.
Thanks Perry - and just to clarify in case people are wondering, the price of the Propeller BOE will stay the same at $129 and Parallax will save a couple of bucks. We need the added space to recover some NRE, production startup, tooling, P&P feeders, learn.parallax.com program, etc.
Ken Gracey
I don't see a problem with not including a USB cable. I personally think it doesn't make sense to send a USB cable when most people buying the product will already have plenty. I agree with you, it should be very clear the USB cable in the product picture can't program the PropBOE (I'd suggest removing USB cable from the product picture completely). I do think it's helpful to have a USB cable listed in the "Compatible with these accessories, sold separately:" section (as it is currently), as a reminder that a USB cable is needed.
I just noticed the ship date had moved out to 12 Mar. I suppose this is a firm date now.
I just did some cleaning in my office the other day and filled a box with USB A to B, A to mini-B and even some A to mini-B (5-pin) and some A to micro-B. I'm glad there's a USB standard!!!
I'm with you on the usb cables. Of course I can never find one when I need it but that's a personal problem that won't be solved by bundling another one with the propboe!
Hey Harley - we'll get that schematic up soon. I'm working with the team to coordinate that effort. The schematic will answer all of the questions you are asking, for certain.
And yes, 12th of March is firm. If we miss that date the evil side of me might become more apparent in the office.
Ken Gracey
Ken, no slight to you or Parallax, I just resent that RadioShack charged $15 more for a retail QuickStart with a $1 USB cable. If I can pick up a USB cable at the Dollar Tree that is better quality than the one RIM ships with the Blackberry, something is seriously messed up.
OK, I'm all better now.
The schematic will be posted on the Propeller Board of Education product page on Wednesday, February 15th.
Thanks,
Ken Gracey
You can keep your usb cable Ken, just post the schematic already!
The natives are getting restless...
I know - I'm having visions of them pulling an Occupy Parallax movement. We'll quit worrying about the stupid cables and get that schematic posted pronto! You got it, rogersyd!
And Rick's a nice guy, too, but he's using big fonts and red colors!
Ken Gracey