Propeller mini, prop plug conductive thread and what else?

garyg

Hi
I'm looking at possibly using a Propeller Mini in a project that I'm currently building.
The programming will be a very simple timer that will flash LEDs
It is a wearable project that I could use the Adafruit products, but I think I would be better off using
the Propeller Mini.
I really don't know why, other than I'm somewhat familiar with the Parallax products.

If I purchase a Propeller Mini and something called a Prop Plug, would that be all I need to
set up circuits in a similar manner to using my BS1 controller?

I do realize that it's almost an insult to use a propeller for such a simple task, but as I'm looking at the
Parallax stuff, it appears that the cost of setting up a very simple controller such as the BS1 would be more costly
than using the Propeller Mini controller.

It looks like the Propeller Mini would be less of a footprint on my wearable project than the BS1.

I am having some trouble adopting Spin programming language to my current skills, but I will keep working on that problem.

I know that ANYONE on this forum and the tech people at Parallax will help me with any problem I can define.

My first Parallax project journey was quite an adventure, with purchasing BS1, then purchasing Super Carrier Board,
then purchasing some type of USB to serial adapter and possibly some other things.

I'll be attempting to do my simple programming on my Prop QuickStart setup.

I just need to know that Purchasing the Prop Mini and Prop Plug will enable me to get my project going.
I also need to know how to adapt Contuctive thread to the input/output of the Prop Mini.

I realize that the conductive thread thing and standard procedures of soldering are very different.

Any discussion about this particular subject would be appreciated.

I've attempted to search for forum threads on this subject, but it is quite alusive to me. I'm not very good at proper search terms.

Thanks

bomber

Gary, I don't have much experience with wearable electronics, so someone please correct me if I am wrong. The Prop Mini's pins were designed for soldering, and may be too closely spaced for conductive thread. It would probably be fairly simple to add a breakout board or something to make it work. It is a rather large leap in programming from the BS1 to the Prop (Low Level vs High Level languages), but I am sure that you can handle it (LEDs and I/O are fairly simple, compared to the prop's full capabilities). The boards designed for wearable electronics (such as Adafruit's FLORA GPS kit (http://parallax.com/product/28507)), have some pre-built in features such as power connectors, power switches, USB support, and a wider pin base better designed for sewing. Good luck on your project!

JonnyMac

I program the BS1 and Propeller every day, as both controllers are used in EFX-TEK products. Programming is programming; the rules of logic apply to any language. The great thing with a flexible language like Spin is that one can create methods that duplicate commands from simpler languages. The attached file is a starter template that includes pause(), high(), low(), toggle, and input() -- things you're probably used to with PBASIC.

That's step 1. Beyond that you can do things that the BS1 cannot: dimming and fading of multiple LEDs. Controlling neat parts like Adafruit NeoPixels, etc. My involvement in wearable electronics is at the professional level, and we don't sew electronics into fabric. Here's a "wearable" LED project that I worked on very recently:

-- http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/150675-For-League-of-Legend-and-Wes-Borland-(Limp-Bizkit)-Fans?highlight=limp+bizkit

You can do this, too -- it will just take a little practice programming. The great thing is, that's the fun part!

WBA Consulting

garyg wrote: »

If I purchase a Propeller Mini and something called a Prop Plug, would that be all I need to
set up circuits in a similar manner to using my BS1 controller?

Yes, a Propeller Mini and Prop Plug gives you a small propeller setup that connects to a PC via the USB port for programming. The Prop Plug does not supply power to the device it communicates with, so the Propeller Mini will need to be powered separately through it's Vin and Gnd pins per the product guide PDF (6.5-12VDC)

garyg wrote: »

I'll be attempting to do my simple programming on my Prop QuickStart setup.

That is a good way to start. Keep in mind that the Quickstart gives you access to all 32 IO pins of the Propeller, but the Propeller Mini only gives you access to 19 I/O pins: P0-P18. If you limit your programs to P0-P18, they will work on both boards without any changes.

garyg wrote: »

I also need to know how to adapt Contuctive thread to the input/output of the Prop Mini. I realize that the conductive thread thing and standard procedures of soldering are very different.

I have very little experience with conductive thread, but some with conductive epoxies and inks. My first thought would be to tie the end of the thread through the hole on the Propeller Mini and then secure it with some conductive ink or epoxy for a solid connection. I have used MG Chemicals 8420-P Silver Conductive Pens for similar connections.

shimniok

If you're familiar with Propeller and this is a first project why not, right? I can understand shying away from the learning curve of a totally new platform.

The Mini is probably the best choice for wearable due to small size and cost if you don't need 32 pins (like on PropStick USB, Propeller Powered stuff, my eeZee Prop, or Sparkfun's breakout, etc).

Generally I can't think of a reason you couldn't use the Mini for the project. There are lots of folks on here to help with the migration to Spin, which is nice. Best of luck!

garyg

Thanks for the encouraging info.

I'll be attempting to keep things as simple as is possible.
_Simple.spin will, I believe get me started.
I'll checkout the Adafruit Flora Kit.
I'll go over the Propeller Mini product guide
and set up a program on my Quickstart board that will use only the I/O available on the Mini.
Then, when I order the Mini, I'll be able to just upload and go.

Thanks again.