Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Prop demo portable computer PDPC — Parallax Forums

Prop demo portable computer PDPC

codevipercodeviper Posts: 208
edited 2012-04-21 11:32 in General Discussion
This is a portable experimenting platform based on the prop demo-board schematic.
it has a cyber home DVD player LCD.
a NES port
AV mini-jack
headphone connection
uses 6 Ni-cads or 7.2 volt AC to DC adapter
I now have under the main board a bidirectional transceiver to separate the prop from experiments and the transceiver is 5 volt compatible at 3.3volt supply.
oh and under the main board is also a 1307RTC
this is to retire my Apple2E which has served me well over the years.
I use femtoBasic to write little programs to test and interface to circuits that don't need high speed.
it runs about 2 hours on well charged 2600 mAH AAs
I hope to replace the back-light and improve that.
its a little rough I know.
IMG_2032.jpg
IMG_2030.jpg
IMG_2038.jpg
IMG_2041.jpg
IMG_2046.jpg
IMG_2042.jpg

fun facts:
the screen folds flat.
there are 2 power switches one for the prop, one for the screen.
the AV can go to a TV and the LCD can stay off.
the AV can be connected to a DVD player VCR or video game system and the LCD and speakers can be turned on acting as a monitor.
I made a calculator for it.
spintris, jetpac, dodgey kong, xracer, battle zowned,Final fight, baggers Trex maze, defender, and Xracer is there to keep me occupied while OSes are installing and other things forcing me to wait.
I have SIDPLAY and lots of SIDs to listen to.
I use the text editor to write with.


future:
temp sensor.
Ultra Sonic and laser range finder.
relay switch box
barometric sensor
humidity
wind speed anemometer
solar cell power
and maybe for laughs a built in set of legs a la hexapod style.
IMG_2032.jpg
1024 x 575 - 56K
IMG_2030.jpg
1024 x 575 - 89K
IMG_2038.jpg
1024 x 575 - 63K
IMG_2041.jpg
1024 x 575 - 87K
IMG_2046.jpg
1024 x 575 - 79K
IMG_2042.jpg
1024 x 575 - 85K

Comments

  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2012-04-20 14:10
    I think I recognize one of those screens! :)

    Nice!

    OBC
  • ctwardellctwardell Posts: 1,716
    edited 2012-04-20 15:53
    Neat project!

    C.W.
  • codevipercodeviper Posts: 208
    edited 2012-04-20 17:34
    thanks.
    I do want to use the prop like a 1980s style portable computer.
    but with more native new applications.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2012-04-20 20:52
    A copy of Femtobasic would be a cool addition..

    Here's a mod of a slightly earlier version I matched up with the font you are already using in KyeDOS

    Also, this is a fun toy for your setup as well..

    OBC
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2012-04-21 07:43
    You rock!

    I've been meaning to hack together something like this for a Jupiter ACE

    How much did it end up costing? Looks like you got 40x21 characters of 8x8 font?

    How long does it run on a set of batteries?
  • codevipercodeviper Posts: 208
    edited 2012-04-21 11:32
    everything is salvage except the prop the regulators and resistors and crystal.
    the LCD comes from a portable DVD player I can tell you if you want to find one that's actually a NTSC LCD module look for a dirt cheap DVD player that excepts video in.
    often this yields a LCD that whith some multimeter magic you can find the pins you need to use.
    I found this out from BenHecks forums.
    the case is a pencil paper box
    the PS2 connector is is from a dead MOBO so is the socket for the RTCs battery, and the pin headers.
    in total it costed the price of the PROP about $4 in regulators and such $3 for the broken DVD player and everything else was just lying around.
    so less then $20
    the bread boards are optional and I had them around too.
    and average time per battery sets is in first post but its about 2.5 hours.
Sign In or Register to comment.