Parallax - FlexiPanel

Archiver

Has anyone tried these out? I'm having a heck of a time even getting
mine setup. I'm starting to think the Dell Axim X5 might not have a
strong enough IR port even at 2 inches.

-Rob

--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Erik Wood" <ewood@p...> wrote:
> **********************************************
> Connect BASIC Stamps to Pocket PC's
> with the FlexiPanel Module
> #30070 $99
> **********************************************
>
> Hello Parallax Customers,
>
> Happy Holidays from everyone at Parallax!
>
> Have you ever wanted to connect a Pocket PC to a BASIC Stamp? With
the
> FlexiPanel Module it is now possible. The door is open for you to
> create
> incredible user interface programs such as datalogging and
industrial
> applications.
>
> The FlexiPanel Module allows BASIC Stamps (BS2P24, BS2P40, BS2PE) to
> create
> an operator interface on Pocket PC handhelds and other computers
via an
> IrDA
> infrared link. The FlexiPanel Module acts like a memory device
which
> stores
> all the controls that appear on the remote FlexiPanel operator
> interface.
> The BASIC Stamp 2p communicates via I2C and can read or write
values as
> desired. If a remote device comes in range, the FlexiPanel module
> transmits
> the control information to it and the controls are displayed.
>
> The FlexiPanel is manufactured and designed by Societe Hoptroff of
> Paris,
> France. For applications of 1,000 or more units, please contact
Hoptroff
>
> directly to learn about reducing your costs. Parallax is proud to
offer
> technical support and be the worldwide distributor of the
FlexiPanel
> Module(#30070). Due to the advanced nature of the software and
> documentation, it is only available from Hoptroff's web site
> at this link as a free download -
> http://www.hoptroff.com/downloads/
>
> Get a grip on the capabilities of this amazing device. Sample
> applications
> are on Hoptroff's site - http://www.hoptroff.com/demonstrations/
>
> Visit the FlexiPanel product page for ordering and additional
> information -
>
> http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30070
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Erik Wood
> ewood@p...
> www.parallax.com
>
> Parallax Holiday Hours: The Parallax office will be closed from
December
>
> 24-January 5 so that the Parallax elves may enjoy the holidays with
> their
> families.

Archiver

Hi Rob

I handle technical support for FlexiPanel. Here is a list of the
initial checks we make if we are having difficulty with a module:


General Checks:

- Check NMCLR is being pulled up either by the host controller or
hard-wiring.
- Check Factory is being pulled down either by the host controller or
hard-wiring.
- Check a factory reset has not accidentally occurred. Check by
communicating to it with the Pocket PC. It will say, "Device has no
Controls" if a factory reset has occurred. If this is has happened,
the irGUI must be reprogrammed with the configuration tool.
- Check the Test pin is generating a 1Hz square wave.


If not communicating with a Pocket PC:

- Try a hard reset on the Power PC.
- Try a hard reset on the irGUI module (power off followed by power
on).
- Check Attn pin is low. If the pin is floating, pull it down with a
10k resistor. (Bear in mind the pin may float during resets
or "NAPs" if connected to a Basic Stamp.)


If not communicating with a Windows PC:

- You must be running Windows 98 or later to communicate to the
module using infrared.
- Check the infrared port is enabled.


If not communicating with host controller via I2C:

- Try a hard reset on the irGUI module (power off followed by power
on). If the host controller does not automatically reset the module
during initialization, hard reset the irGUI each time the host
controller is reprogrammed or otherwise reset
- Check SDA and SCL have 4k7 pull-up resistors.
- Check the resource script used to program the irGUI includes the
lines:

I2C [noparse][[/noparse]read address]
I2CADDRESSING [noparse][[/noparse]addressing method]

- Check a factory reset has not occurred.
- Check correct read address is being used.
- Check correct write address is being used. (It should be an odd
number one greater than the read address.)


The following are not known issues, but things you might to try:

- Get the host controller to reset the irGUI module during
initialization. (Pull pin NMCLR low for 10ms, then pull high, wait
10ms and then leave the pin high. )
- Wait not only for the Ready pin to go high after Attn is pulled
high, but also for the Ready pin to go low after Attn is pulled low.
- Try a 4k7 pull down resistor in place of a 10k resistor on the Attn
pin.


I hope that helps! If you have any further problems, send me an
email at richard@h....

Cheers
Richard Hoptroff