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Fluffy2 PCB? — Parallax Forums

Fluffy2 PCB?

Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
edited 2005-06-19 05:49 in General Discussion
Okay; I can't print out .prn files that are in the fluf2pcb.zip folder (and I've already tried every possible way to print it out), the .bmp file that's included is not to scale, and when I try to scale it, it becomes distorted, and I can open up the .brd file in BoardMaker3 DEMO, but it won't let me print because it's a demo version. So I'm asking if someone can provide me with the pcb image, either as an image or a gerber file or something that I can open (I'd prefer either a circuit maker, Gerber or Eagle PCB file please) [noparse]:)[/noparse]

UPDATE: Okay everyone; I just solved my own problem smile.gif I used SwiftView to open up the .prn file, and it printed (although very slowly).

Post Edited (Ultimate Dev'r) : 6/12/2005 1:57:24 PM GMT

Comments

  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2005-06-13 10:02
    Frankly, when I looked into Fluffy2 I found that the SXKey solved the whole problem for about the same costs and much faster. Keep in mind that you get several books AND some chips with the SXKey package. Individual SXKeys are or once were·about $50USD.

    Also, keep in mind that you have to buy printed circuit supplies, build a PIC programer, populate the PCB, and so on. Then, you may find that it will only take the SX Ubicom's software, not the Parallax software [noparse][[/noparse]which is much better].

    Additionally, it seemed to be one of those abandoned projects that remains on the Internet. So, you really can't get much help for the dead ends. You just have to carry the ball.

    Are you going to lay claim to being the inventor of Fluffy#3? Ubicom seems to think so highly of Parallax's product that it has made them a world distributor and apparently let go of much further development of PIC based programmers in support of the SX-based product.

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    G. Herzog in Taiwan

    Post Edited (Kramer) : 6/16/2005 4:26:15 PM GMT
  • Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
    edited 2005-06-13 17:00
    I was thinking about a Fluffy 3, but then thought better of it.

    [noparse][[/noparse]QUOTE]Also, keep in mind that you have to buy printed circuit supplies, build a PIC programer, populate the PCB, and so on.

    I already had the parts in my room, so I didn't have to buy much. About how much is the SXKey package go for?

    [noparse][[/noparse]QUOTE]Then, you may find that it will only take the SX Ubicom's software, not the Parallax software [noparse][[/noparse]which is much better documented].

    ?? What do you mean?
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2005-06-13 17:34
    If you use the SX-Key and our development tools you can select between Ubicom's SASM (now preferred) or Parallax Assembler mnemonics. Either way, you can program in circuit and debug in *real time* with the SX-Key.· And ... you don't have to build anything, we've done all that work for you.· Here's a link to our SX-Key tools:

    http://www.parallax.com/sx/programming_kits.asp

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
    edited 2005-06-15 17:13
    freaked.gif That's really expensive for me right now...
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2005-06-15 18:22
    Really? Versus having to make your own boards, procure the parts, then solder them together? Remember, your time is also worth money and there's nothing like having a manufacturer's warranty to back you up....

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
    edited 2005-06-15 18:26
    I'm one of those people who likes to build things themselves and see them working versus just buying it. Also, I believe it's much cheaper this way; I have lots of time to spare.

    Now then; when I try to program an SX28 through ICProg with my Fulffy2 PCB, it programs the device in a split second, then proceeds to verify the device, which takes like 20 seconds, and then it gives me an error saying that the verification failed at 0000h. I know the PCB is put together properly and all voltages are correct; however, I've noticed that when I read the SX28, it shows up as all 0000 instead of all 0FFF. Help?
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2005-06-15 20:30
    Sorry, I don't know how to help. That's not a Parallax product and we can't guarantee design or construction integrity -- I'm sure you understand. Perhaps the Fluffy designer has some sort of support mechanism and can offer guidance.

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2005-06-16 16:12
    You problem is somewhat circular. If you buy the SXKey with documentation books [noparse][[/noparse]especially Gunther's] it will explain to you how the SX jumps at startup. I suspect that is your problem.

    When you complain about cost I assume you looked at the complete package with books and a few SX-28s included. There used to be SXKeys available without all the other stuff [noparse][[/noparse]maybe try Digikey or EBay]. But, you really need the books and the software to eventually get into the virtual peripheral concept.

    Without his book, you have to go the long route of reading all of Ubicom's technical material. Additionally, they are very, very frugal with explaining how the programing process works. So, you really have to think about it quite a bit.

    The guys at Fluffy 2 lost interest a long time ago. The guys at Parallax never were interested in Fluffy 1 or 2. Nonetheless, I enjoyed trying to engineer my own programer as 'black boxes' just drive me crazy. I hafta know or try to know.

    When all is said and done though, you are still far behind the leading edge. It is a lot like fooling around with model T's, beautiful stuff - but. . .

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    G. Herzog in Taiwan

    Post Edited (Kramer) : 6/16/2005 4:28:52 PM GMT
  • Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
    edited 2005-06-16 19:47
    Hey everyone; good news! [noparse]:)[/noparse] [noparse]:D[/noparse] I got the Fluffy2 programmer to work!!! PARTY!!!!! smilie_beer.gif

    Turns out Mouser mislabled the bag of transistors I ordered from them mad.gif So I had to reach into my parts bin and find the right type of PNP transistors, and viola! It works! burger.gif
  • Ryan ClarkeRyan Clarke Posts: 738
    edited 2005-06-16 23:27
    I thought the fluffy line was dead...I remember reading about it a long time ago....

    Ryan
  • Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
    edited 2005-06-17 14:16
    Yeah, it's been dead a long time now...he hasn't updated his site since 2001.

    And I have a question about the SX chips; do you have to pull-up all unused I/O pins to VDD like you have to do with PICs?
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2005-06-17 15:16
    It's a good idea to pull-up unused pins.

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • Ultimate Dev'rUltimate Dev'r Posts: 8
    edited 2005-06-17 16:25
    Alright. Well, that's all the questions I have right now; will be back when I either

    a. mess something uplol.gif

    or

    b. have a question
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2005-06-19 05:49
    Boy, you really love to do it the hard way.

    Buy Gunther's book at you will understand all of it.· You technically don't have to use pull up resistors at slow clocking speeds; but if you really want to run the microcontroller all out, you have to make sure the i/o is stable.

    And, if you have SX questions - go to the SX forum.

    Have you figured out all the hidden commands? Heh... heh...

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    G. Herzog in Taiwan
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