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Broadcast USB to Serial device over UDP (or other method) using Propeller — Parallax Forums

Broadcast USB to Serial device over UDP (or other method) using Propeller

russ christensenruss christensen Posts: 84
edited 2012-02-25 16:51 in Propeller 1
I have no idea if this is even possible, but I need a way to connect a usb device using an FTDI usb to serial chip, read the data in, and retransmit it over another medium such as bluetooth, network, etc. Does the propeller even have a way to connect to a usb host device? In doing research I came across an Arduino Usb Host module which I have considered using as well. This will eventually be used for mass production so it needs to be easily reproducible with readily available parts. Does anybody have any ideas/suggestions? I am posting this on the propeller forums because I have a PPDB and a propeller protoboard at my disposal to put together a prototype of this. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Russ

Edit:
After some research I have found that this likely isn't going to be possible with the current state of usb support on the propeller. If anybody has any idea's I'm still open to them, however I am looking into a different solution.

Comments

  • RaymanRayman Posts: 14,844
    edited 2012-02-25 07:02
    I've used a Roving Networks WiFi module... it works nicely with serial i/o from propeller...
    They have a bluetooth module, but I haven't tried it yet...

    I think you could also use the regular ethernet chip ENC28..something and connect it with wire to a wifi endpoint adapter. I think Parallax sells one of these...
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-02-25 07:25
    russ christensen wrote: »
    Does the propeller even have a way to connect to a usb host device?

    I'm guessing this is a typo. You want the Propeller to be the USB host, right? If so, then yes, this will be hard.

    What device do you want to connect to the Propeller?

    The Vinculum chips can act an USB host for some devices.

    Do you have a link to the Arduino USB Host module? That sounds interesting.
  • RaymanRayman Posts: 14,844
    edited 2012-02-25 14:34
    Like Duane says, the Vinculum chip may be the easiest way to host a USB device...
    I've played around with the VNC2 a bit and things like keyboards and mice (HID) are pretty easy to get going...
  • CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
    edited 2012-02-25 14:48
    The USB Host Shield uses the MAX3421E USB host controller which uses SPI to connect to the master. No reason the prop couldn't use that, but I don't know if anyone has used it yet, so there could be a fair amount of new coding involved.
  • CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
    edited 2012-02-25 14:51
    Just found this thread about USB hosts. MAX3421E is mentioned, but seems to be expensive, and there are cheaper options. See thread for details.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2012-02-25 16:51
    russ: I think we need a little more info on what is at the other end.
    Is UDP required?
    What is the distance required?
    Since this is obviously commercial, what licence would it operate under?

    There are ZigBee modules, Bluetooth modules and WiFi modules available and all can be purchased with serial or SPI interfaces.

    Micah has done a non-compliant USB Bluetooth interface that works on the prop. But it does use 3 or 4 cogs. And it works with some $1.50 bluetooth USB sticks. I am unsure whether it could be recoded to use less than 3-4 cogs.
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