Microcontrollers with housing / case / shell / enclosure ??
Archiver
Posts: 46,084
I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
Microcontrollers of any kind.
The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or shell
or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s) or
cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
Background:
In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box" between
two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to RS-
232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other side
it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals, as
commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or if
I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
finished commerical unit.
Backdoor:
One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the microcontroller
with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making the
open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
that I don't need and can't explain.
Fallback:
I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-controllers,
Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module and
development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that. Modifying
a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-built
generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a neater
result, plus a $time savings.
Why not a packaged Stamp?
I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC Stamp,
especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed version.
Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make the
support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to keep
pricing low and popular.
Microcontrollers of any kind.
The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or shell
or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s) or
cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
Background:
In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box" between
two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to RS-
232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other side
it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals, as
commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or if
I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
finished commerical unit.
Backdoor:
One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the microcontroller
with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making the
open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
that I don't need and can't explain.
Fallback:
I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-controllers,
Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module and
development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that. Modifying
a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-built
generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a neater
result, plus a $time savings.
Why not a packaged Stamp?
I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC Stamp,
especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed version.
Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make the
support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to keep
pricing low and popular.
Comments
Original Message
From: Daniel A. Veselitza [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=fsUVaiBBmZYozfepNGMuQGJ_-y7EvapqSlhAKiw3lIlv3b86tg4dEb3alnklIJiCgmB1d9LQjC8a]dv567@n...[/url
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 1:30 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Microcontrollers with housing / case / shell /
enclosure ??
I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
Microcontrollers of any kind.
The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or shell
or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s) or
cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
Background:
In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box" between
two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to RS-
232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other side
it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals, as
commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or if
I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
finished commerical unit.
Backdoor:
One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the microcontroller
with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making the
open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
that I don't need and can't explain.
Fallback:
I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-controllers,
Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module and
development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that. Modifying
a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-built
generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a neater
result, plus a $time savings.
Why not a packaged Stamp?
I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC Stamp,
especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed version.
Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make the
support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to keep
pricing low and popular.
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One problem is that project needs dictate size, and so it hard to do a "one
size fits all" box. I have never seen a product such as you describe.
If you are only making one device, then using a case from a dead piece of
equipment is the way to go. If the previous device had stuff like a keyboard
in the way, you can make a faceplate. Covers the old holes, looks nice if
well done and easy to mount your equipment. Many enclosure have a faceplate
already, so you can use it as a template for the mounting and make a new
one.
Good enclosures can be made from all kinds of stuff. The main power
controller for my large Tesla coil was built in an old army ammo can.
Repainted and all the equipment mounted, people always wow it. Nice handles
and tough. I often take a dead device just because I like the case and plan
to gut it for one of my projects. Luckily for me, I enjoy the enclosure
making part. If nothing else it means I am close to done!
If you are making a bunch of devices, then obviously you have to get the
enclosures made or find one on the market that works. But if you are making
a few but not a lot, I think it's a tough nut to crack.
Jonathan
www.madlabs.info
Original Message
From: "Jim Forkin" <jjf@p...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 11:41 AM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Microcontrollers with housing / case / shell /
enclosure ??
> check out http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/
>
>
Original Message
> From: Daniel A. Veselitza [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=WJfmxSyle_roUbWfx68fYsEBMiUjgZqYyzCSE3gc8yiEhoPicYcV7O6kRIlkhc6HIb5gEWd0_xMV]dv567@n...[/url
> Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 1:30 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Microcontrollers with housing / case / shell /
> enclosure ??
>
>
> I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> Microcontrollers of any kind.
>
> The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
> BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
> stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or shell
> or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s) or
> cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
> DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
>
> Background:
> In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box" between
> two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to RS-
> 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other side
> it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals, as
> commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
> might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
> with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or if
> I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
> lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
> any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> finished commerical unit.
>
> Backdoor:
> One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
> would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the microcontroller
> with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
> additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making the
> open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
> sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
> that I don't need and can't explain.
>
> Fallback:
> I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-controllers,
> Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
> with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module and
> development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that. Modifying
> a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-built
> generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a neater
> result, plus a $time savings.
>
> Why not a packaged Stamp?
> I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
> BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC Stamp,
> especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed version.
> Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
> support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
> plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make the
> support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to keep
> pricing low and popular.
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
> Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
I have a BasicStamp-PLC that is really just a board with a micro and
a bunch of connectors.
I have a couple versions,
one uses a PIC for it's internal ADC chip, another uses a BS2 with an
ADC on-board.
yet another is a BS2 with a buch of plug in connections similar to CD-
ROM connections.
as you can imagine, these are small units some require an external
board to support the parts needed to complete the circuits for
devices. for instance, if you wanted to monitor a strain gauge or
load cell or humidity chip, you will need to have that circuit
seperate.
I have never put these on a web page as we really made them for in-
house applications.
The stuff is out there, but since it is so simple to make your own,
it most of us who make this stuff don't advertise.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
<dv567@n...> wrote:
> I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> Microcontrollers of any kind.
>
> The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
> BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
> stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or shell
> or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s)
or
> cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
> DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
>
> Background:
> In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box"
between
> two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to
RS-
> 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other
side
> it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals,
as
> commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
> might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
> with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or
if
> I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
> lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
> any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> finished commerical unit.
>
> Backdoor:
> One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
> would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the
microcontroller
> with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
> additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making the
> open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
> sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
> that I don't need and can't explain.
>
> Fallback:
> I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-controllers,
> Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
> with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module and
> development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that.
Modifying
> a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-
built
> generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a
neater
> result, plus a $time savings.
>
> Why not a packaged Stamp?
> I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
> BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC Stamp,
> especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed
version.
> Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
> support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
> plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make
the
> support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to keep
> pricing low and popular.
this problem.
See www.basicmicro.com. Look under Atom, Prototype boards.
They now have a package with a board and an enclosure,
finished product 1.5" thick by 2.6" wide by 4.5" long.
(not including connectors).
They have two boards, one for a 9-volt battery (batt door
in enclosure, short board) and one without 9-volt
(enclosure has no battery door, board has larger
prototype area.) Both boards fit in both enclosures.
Kit is around $30.00, plus $10.00 for a kit of parts.
The Basic Atom is pin compatible with the Stamp, so their
board is too. The kit of parts includes a regulator,
socket, power connector, DB9, a few capacitors, etc.
It can be soldered together in a few minutes.
Check it out, I highly recommend it!
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
<dv567@n...> wrote:
> I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> Microcontrollers of any kind.
>
> The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
> BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
> stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or shell
> or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s)
or
> cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
> DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
>
> Background:
> In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box"
between
> two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to
RS-
> 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other
side
> it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals,
as
> commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
> might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
> with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or
if
> I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
> lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
> any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> finished commerical unit.
>
> Backdoor:
> One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
> would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the
microcontroller
> with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
> additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making the
> open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
> sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
> that I don't need and can't explain.
>
> Fallback:
> I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-controllers,
> Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
> with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module and
> development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that.
Modifying
> a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-
built
> generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a
neater
> result, plus a $time savings.
>
> Why not a packaged Stamp?
> I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
> BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC Stamp,
> especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed
version.
> Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
> support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
> plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make
the
> support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to keep
> pricing low and popular.
www.automationdirect.com has some relatively cheap PLC's with 2 serial
ports. I would check out the new DL06 series (<$200+software) as I don't
think the DL05 series can receive RS232 data -- only transmit.
AMG
> --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
> <dv567@n...> wrote:
> > I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> > Microcontrollers of any kind.
> >
> > The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
> > BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
>
> > stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> > I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or
> shell
> > or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part(s)
>
> or
> > cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
>
> > DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
> >
> > Background:
> > In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box"
> between
> > two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to
>
> RS-
> > 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other
> side
> > it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command signals,
>
> as
> > commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
>
> > might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> > I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> > microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> > The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
>
> > with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board. Or
>
> if
> > I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
>
> > lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
>
> > any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> > finished commerical unit.
> >
> > Backdoor:
> > One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
>
> > would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> > example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the
> microcontroller
> > with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
>
> > additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making
> the
> > open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
>
> > sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
>
> > that I don't need and can't explain.
> >
> > Fallback:
> > I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic
> micro-controllers,
> > Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
>
> > with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module
> and
> > development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that.
> Modifying
> > a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-
> built
> > generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a
> neater
> > result, plus a $time savings.
> >
> > Why not a packaged Stamp?
> > I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
>
> > BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC
> Stamp,
> > especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed
> version.
> > Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
>
> > support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> > transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
> > plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> > jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make
>
> the
> > support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to
> keep
> > pricing low and popular.
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thinking about scavenging a working new product like a sprinkler
controller unit. By replacing the controller chip with one I can re-
program, I get the complete housing and complete circuit board, all
the packaging new and neat and commercially done.
It reminds me of the paradox of buying empty glass jars, cans or
bottles. I can look in a chemistry catalog to get empty jars. But I
can get the same jars for less if I just go to the supermarket for
and buy the jars with product in them.
Another story was the guy who opened up dot-matrix printers,
disassembled the microcontroller inside, and reprogrammed it. He
added a modem so that someone could turn on the printer and it would
call a phone number, download some text and print it out as a
report. 1980s.
But it's just too much a luck factor to find a complete piece of
equipment that has what I want in it -- the right peripherals,
including clock generation capability, with a controller that I can
replace. Unless I knew of such a unit, AND knew where to buy the
development tools, I could not consider it.
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Peakall"
<jpeakall@m...> wrote:
> Jim,
>
> One problem is that project needs dictate size, and so it hard to
do a "one
> size fits all" box. I have never seen a product such as you
describe.
>
> If you are only making one device, then using a case from a dead
piece of
> equipment is the way to go. If the previous device had stuff like a
keyboard
> in the way, you can make a faceplate. Covers the old holes, looks
nice if
> well done and easy to mount your equipment. Many enclosure have a
faceplate
> already, so you can use it as a template for the mounting and make
a new
> one.
>
> Good enclosures can be made from all kinds of stuff. The main power
> controller for my large Tesla coil was built in an old army ammo
can.
> Repainted and all the equipment mounted, people always wow it. Nice
handles
> and tough. I often take a dead device just because I like the case
and plan
> to gut it for one of my projects. Luckily for me, I enjoy the
enclosure
> making part. If nothing else it means I am close to done!
>
> If you are making a bunch of devices, then obviously you have to
get the
> enclosures made or find one on the market that works. But if you
are making
> a few but not a lot, I think it's a tough nut to crack.
>
> Jonathan
>
> www.madlabs.info
>
>
>
Original Message
> From: "Jim Forkin" <jjf@p...>
> To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 11:41 AM
> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Microcontrollers with housing / case /
shell /
> enclosure ??
>
>
> > check out http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/
> >
> >
Original Message
> > From: Daniel A. Veselitza [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:dv567@n...]
> > Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 1:30 PM
> > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Microcontrollers with housing / case /
shell /
> > enclosure ??
> >
> >
> > I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> > Microcontrollers of any kind.
> >
> > The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
> > BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
> > stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> > I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or
shell
> > or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part
(s) or
> > cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial unit.
> > DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
> >
> > Background:
> > In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box"
between
> > two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to
RS-
> > 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other
side
> > it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command
signals, as
> > commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.) We
> > might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> > I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> > microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> > The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end up
> > with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board.
Or if
> > I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
> > lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something, connect
> > any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> > finished commerical unit.
> >
> > Backdoor:
> > One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
> > would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> > example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the
microcontroller
> > with one that I can program, this is something I could use. Maybe
> > additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making
the
> > open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
> > sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a display
> > that I don't need and can't explain.
> >
> > Fallback:
> > I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-
controllers,
> > Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
> > with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module
and
> > development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that.
Modifying
> > a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-
built
> > generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a
neater
> > result, plus a $time savings.
> >
> > Why not a packaged Stamp?
> > I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
> > BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC
Stamp,
> > especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed
version.
> > Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with selected
> > support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> > transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
> > plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> > jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make
the
> > support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to
keep
> > pricing low and popular.
The housing is strange. They don't cut out for the DB-9 connector,
you have to cut it out yourself.
The combination is strange -- they only offer the housing with a bare
board, how a i supposed to populate it? They should offer the
housing as an accessory, and/or in a Complete kit.
They have hardware PWM, even one that free-runs! Great thought, but
they can only count to 16K, so the lowest frequency is 20MHz/16383 =
1.221KHz. My app needs clock 20Hz to 200Hz max.
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Allan Lane" <allan.lane@h...>
wrote:
> I got into Stamps because I finally found a solution to
> this problem.
>
> See www.basicmicro.com. Look under Atom, Prototype boards.
> They now have a package with a board and an enclosure,
> finished product 1.5" thick by 2.6" wide by 4.5" long.
> (not including connectors).
>
> They have two boards, one for a 9-volt battery (batt door
> in enclosure, short board) and one without 9-volt
> (enclosure has no battery door, board has larger
> prototype area.) Both boards fit in both enclosures.
> Kit is around $30.00, plus $10.00 for a kit of parts.
>
> The Basic Atom is pin compatible with the Stamp, so their
> board is too. The kit of parts includes a regulator,
> socket, power connector, DB9, a few capacitors, etc.
> It can be soldered together in a few minutes.
>
> Check it out, I highly recommend it!
>
> --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
> <dv567@n...> wrote:
> > I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> > Microcontrollers of any kind.
> >
> > The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the BARE
> > BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One project
> > stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> > I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or
shell
> > or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part
(s)
> or
> > cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial
unit.
> > DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
> >
> > Background:
> > In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box"
> between
> > two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond to
> RS-
> > 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the other
> side
> > it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command
signals,
> as
> > commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.)
We
> > might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> > I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> > microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> > The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end
up
> > with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board.
Or
> if
> > I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board that
> > lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something,
connect
> > any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> > finished commerical unit.
> >
> > Backdoor:
> > One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged microcontroller
> > would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> > example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the
> microcontroller
> > with one that I can program, this is something I could use.
Maybe
> > additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making
the
> > open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this seems
> > sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a
display
> > that I don't need and can't explain.
> >
> > Fallback:
> > I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic micro-
controllers,
> > Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get started
> > with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module
and
> > development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that.
> Modifying
> > a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-
> built
> > generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a
> neater
> > result, plus a $time savings.
> >
> > Why not a packaged Stamp?
> > I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-packaged
> > BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC
Stamp,
> > especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed
> version.
> > Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with
selected
> > support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> > transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a decent
> > plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> > jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even make
> the
> > support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to
keep
> > pricing low and popular.
packaged microcontroller is often called a PLC.
It would take a lot of searching to find a PLC that matches my
application.
The DL05 series can only transmit, i think i confirmed that.
The DL06 series is more advanced, they can receive -OR- send, but not
both in the same program!!, if you can believe what I think I read.
There's a bit of a hill to climb with standard PLCs anyway. The PWM
output is probably easier to control than in various Stamps or
microcontrollers, but it could be very difficult to code for a serial
dialog, using Ladder Logic. (Some PLCs might allow BASIC or other
sequential language.)
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, Joo Z Kdio
<controlsdude2000@j...> wrote:
> Could you do this with a PLC?
>
> www.automationdirect.com has some relatively cheap PLC's with 2
serial
> ports. I would check out the new DL06 series (<$200+software) as I
don't
>
> think the DL05 series can receive RS232 data -- only transmit.
>
> AMG
>
> > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
> > <dv567@n...> wrote:
> > > I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> > > Microcontrollers of any kind.
> > >
> > > The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the
BARE
> > > BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One
project
> >
> > > stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> > > I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or
> > shell
> > > or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part
(s)
> >
> > or
> > > cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial
unit.
> >
> > > DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?
> > >
> > > Background:
> > > In our commercial application, we need to add a "black box"
> > between
> > > two other devices. On one side it needs to listen and respond
to
> >
> > RS-
> > > 232 commands according to an established protocol. On the
other
> > side
> > > it needs to generate a clock signal and pulse two command
signals,
> >
> > as
> > > commanded. (Loads need 5V @ 10mA, so bare TTL is not enough.)
We
> >
> > > might only need to make two or three of these, ever.
> > > I could make this black box box using one of many kinds of
> > > microcontroller, from a $2.00 PIC chip to a $1000 SBC.
> > > The problem I encounter is, whichever controller I use, I end
up
> >
> > > with a bare chip plus support chips that needs a custom board.
Or
> >
> > if
> > > I buy something integrated, I still end up with a bare board
that
> >
> > > lacks a case and a power supply. I want to buy something,
connect
> >
> > > any needed part(s) or cable(s), program the thing, and have a
> > > finished commerical unit.
> > >
> > > Backdoor:
> > > One desperate / hackerly way to find a packaged
microcontroller
> >
> > > would be: Buy someone else's complete magic box somewhere, for
> > > example a sprinkler controller. If I can replace the
> > microcontroller
> > > with one that I can program, this is something I could use.
Maybe
> >
> > > additional mods are needed, like removing the relays and making
> > the
> > > open-collector drivers available outside instead. But this
seems
> >
> > > sloppy as well -- it will still have a little keypad and a
display
> >
> > > that I don't need and can't explain.
> > >
> > > Fallback:
> > > I found only one maker of pre-packaged generic
> > micro-controllers,
> > > Blue Earth Research. Their stuff costs more, $519 to get
started
> >
> > > with an 8051-based controller with optional buffered i/o module
> > and
> > > development kit. $199 to $319 per controller after that.
> > Modifying
> > > a sprinker control could be a lot cheaper, but using a purpose-
> > built
> > > generic unit that comes with development tools has to yield a
> > neater
> > > result, plus a $time savings.
> > >
> > > Why not a packaged Stamp?
> > > I suggested that Parallax should consider making a pre-
packaged
> >
> > > BASIC-Stamp product. More people would consider using BASIC
> > Stamp,
> > > especially at the commercial end, if there was a pre-packed
> > version.
> > > Take the current top-line Stamp, add a circuit board with
selected
> >
> > > support chips, RS-232 connector, and some kluge space for
> > > transistors, relays, optos, whatever. Assemble it with a
decent
> > > plastic package and battery-eliminator that plugs in to a power
> > > jack. They could make the battery eliminator optional, even
make
> >
> > the
> > > support chips optional (just leave them off the board), all to
> > keep
> > > pricing low and popular.
offer such a perfect box, and then not
provide a cut-out panel for it.
http://www.basicmicro.com/Products.aspx?CategoryID=11
has a $10.00 kit of parts for the "LCD Enclosure"
which populates it.
You wind up with a 24-pin socket which will take
the Stamp2, BasicAtom, or BasicX-24.
I've tried all three with no problems.
It has a 2-1/2 x 2 inch prototyping area on-card,
fully tinned. I like the "LCD Enclosure" kit because
it has a larger prototyping area. Note I have
never actually used one for an LCD.
The Atom provides a Basic Interrupt to three
hardware timers, this should be perfect for your application.
And yes, they sell Box only, Board only, Parts
only, or Board With Box. You just have to browse
the page above to find the combination you want.
BTW, the box is the PacTec HML-ET ($5.00 from PacTec).
The 9-volt box is the PacTec HML-9VB-ET.
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
<dv567@n...> wrote:
> BasicAtom looks very interesting.
>
> The housing is strange. They don't cut out for the DB-9 connector,
> you have to cut it out yourself.
>
> The combination is strange -- they only offer the housing with a
bare
> board, how a i supposed to populate it? They should offer the
> housing as an accessory, and/or in a Complete kit.
>
> They have hardware PWM, even one that free-runs! Great thought,
but
> they can only count to 16K, so the lowest frequency is 20MHz/16383
=
> 1.221KHz. My app needs clock 20Hz to 200Hz max.
>
>
>
>
> --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Allan Lane" <allan.lane@h...>
> wrote:
> > I got into Stamps because I finally found a solution to
> > this problem.
> >
> > See www.basicmicro.com. Look under Atom, Prototype boards.
> > They now have a package with a board and an enclosure,
> > finished product 1.5" thick by 2.6" wide by 4.5" long.
> > (not including connectors).
> >
> > They have two boards, one for a 9-volt battery (batt door
> > in enclosure, short board) and one without 9-volt
> > (enclosure has no battery door, board has larger
> > prototype area.) Both boards fit in both enclosures.
> > Kit is around $30.00, plus $10.00 for a kit of parts.
> >
> > The Basic Atom is pin compatible with the Stamp, so their
> > board is too. The kit of parts includes a regulator,
> > socket, power connector, DB9, a few capacitors, etc.
> > It can be soldered together in a few minutes.
> >
> > Check it out, I highly recommend it!
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Daniel A. Veselitza"
> > <dv567@n...> wrote:
> > > I just endured a frustrating WWW search for Pre-Packaged
> > > Microcontrollers of any kind.
> > >
> > > The products and projects I found all seem to stop at the
BARE
> > > BOARD stage. You 'never' see an enclosed solution. (One
project
> > > stuffs a PIC chip inside the end-shell of a DB-9 connector.)
> > > I need a microcontroller complete with a housing or case or
> shell
> > > or enclosure. I want to buy something, connect any needed part
> (s)
> > or
> > > cable(s), program the thing, and have a finished commercial
> unit.
> > > DOES ANYONE MAKE THIS PRODUCT?