"This is a pretty busy board with a lot of SMT devices - I can't imagine many hobbyists would want to assemble this at home."
I agree, but its not that hard - i've just done one. I'll post a pic at the weekend when I can get a high-res picture.
You just need a decent $70 temp controlled soldering iron, a fine tip and some de-solder wick. Look at the sparkfun tutorials. The only thing I found going Prop QFP's was that its easier and you get a working joint by dragging solder over the pins onto the pads - rather than soldering on the pads first.
I have the PCBs coming today. I should have be able to post a picture tomorrow.
I have made some tweaks to the overlay driver, and I still have a good bit of work to do on the main code that handles all the inputs. I have the keyboard working, the RTC working, the save/load to/from eeprom working (just 1 page). The serial in for now just handles characters and a couple commands (need work), the GPS needs tested, but I think it's complete.
After I make sure the layout is correct, I will put a link on my site to purchase the PCB, and download the (unfinished) software.
It will probably be a couple weeks until I'm ready to sell the complete module.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"A problem well defined is a problem half solved"
"Just because you're approved, doesn't mean you can afford it."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cheap used 4-digit LED display with driver IC·www.hc4led.com
Low power SD Data Logger www.sddatalogger.com
SX-Video Display Modules www.sxvm.com
Coming soon! Propeller based OSD module www.hittconsulting.com ·
Quattro, · It's not ready to sell yet. · I have decided to try a something new, and I hope it doesn't bite me in the butt. · I'm going to freely distribute the schematic and ALL the source code for the module. · My hope is that more hobbiest will be interested in customizing the code, but won't want to do their own layout, make PCBs, buy parts and populate the boards. · If someone does want to do all that for non-commerical purposes (education or whatever) they are free to do so.
· To that end, here is ALL the source code for the board. It's not finished yet, as I still need to support PAL video generation. · I'm not an expert in spin by any means, so if anyone sees something dumb I'm doing please let me know. I won't take any offence.
· Preliminary pricing looks like $129.95 for the completed module. I know the price is kinda high, but there alot of stuff on this board. · I will also sell a limited number of boards that have all the SMT parts installed, and the thru-hole parts will be included, but will need to be installed by the customer. (I will probably only sell these to the forum members or people I KNOW can solder). These will be $79.00
[noparse][[/noparse]EDIT] Schematic file is for expressPCB.
Here is the "almost ready for release" version 0.9 of the software.
The video overlay now auto-detects between NTSC and PAL video signals.
If there is no video input, then F9 switches between NTSC and PAL video generation.
The PAL mode is still only 192 lines, so it only cover about the middle 2/3 of the screen (top to bottom).
If anyone has a PAL tv that can verify the PAL signal, I would appreciate it. I used my digital camera and a TV card in my computer.
I see there has been quite a few downloads of the last version, but no comments yet ?
Good ? Bad ? Ugly ? Let me know.
P.S. If any Parallax employees want one to "play" with one, let me know.
[noparse][[/noparse]edit] Schematic is in the previous post above. And a picture is in the post dated 3/16/07.
I don't think the name does justice to what you have done here!!! Yes it does video overlays... but it could a lot more.
For example, there are a lot of MRI systems that have funny little quirks intentionally thrown into the video display modules... so that the companies can single source a $10,000 part for what in reality should cost about $250(new). Then when the systems get old... but remain useful enough to stock with cryogens... what you find is that even for $10000 you can't quite find what you want unless you know the "right" guy and he wants to help you.
My ex-wife actually shut down an entire MRI system... without telling me, because a monitor went out and she thought that $10000 was extortion. I liked her principles... but those are the kinds of principles that can put you into a deep hole[noparse]:)[/noparse], which is exactly what happened and the thing is still sitting there... rusting away.
I'll bet dollars to donuts that your little board and some minor software tweeks would let me put a different monitor on it...
Is there an after market for this sort of thing? I haven't looked at it seriously for about 10 years... but I am planning to buy your board and find out. There are a lot of old MRI units scattered around the world, still doing useful work.
My note looked ok til I posted it... and I don't know how to post-edit it. So, 4give me Anglish.
By the way... if you could double the video-in stuff and then take alternating lines from each video-in... all you'd have to add is two sync'd cameras and some lcd glasses and you'd have 3d. (Personally, I'm lobbying for twin oled's on a Propeller hat... [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Of course you could use two boards just as they are and then add a black box to work on the signals coming out... that would give you the added bonus of composing a nice 3D overlay...
One more thing... about the comments or lack there of.
Personally, I have the feeling that the Parallax guys are leading a bit of a dual life... talking about the current product and working real hard on the next one.
But, I also noticed that you didn't post your final schematic. And... maybe they are wondering?
My suggestion? Assume they are real busy... and send the usual suspects a first off...individually numbered and signed by you.
I don't know much about electronics, but I know true art when I see it.
Bean (Hitt Consulting) said...
Here is the "almost ready for release" version 0.9 of the software.
The video overlay now auto-detects between NTSC and PAL video signals.
If there is no video input, then F9 switches between NTSC and PAL video generation.
The PAL mode is still only 192 lines, so it only cover about the middle 2/3 of the screen (top to bottom).
If anyone has a PAL tv that can verify the PAL signal, I would appreciate it. I used my digital camera and a TV card in my computer.
I see there has been quite a few downloads of the last version, but no comments yet ?
Good ? Bad ? Ugly ? Let me know.
P.S. If any Parallax employees want one to "play" with one, let me know.
[noparse][[/noparse]edit] Schematic is in the previous post above. And a picture is in the post dated 3/16/07.
Rich,
No sorry I already have the PCB made.
There is an expansion header (CN11) that has 2 propeller pins, +5V, +3.3V and ground.
I have the software finished and I will post it soon.
I still need to work on the documentation.
[noparse][[/noparse]edit] Here is the latest firmware and a BS2 demo program. Unless any bugs are found, this is the firmware that will be in the production HC-OSD module.
Hi Bean,
I was just going to have a look at your PCB (HC-OSD Rev A.sch)... what application was it generated in? I opened it in Altium Designer 6 (Protel) but I just get a blank document.
Cheers,
Shane.
Rich,
Yes you can order now. I'm still getting geared up for mass production, but for now each module is being hand assembled by me. No extra charge [noparse];)[/noparse]
Sorry I've had so many problems with non-US purchases that I just don't do it any more. If you have a friend in the US that can forward it to you, you can have them order it.
As an absolute propeller beginner I would like to request a push in the right direction. I purchased a proto board with accessory kit and have been playing with the VGA and TV display programs (added the resistors and rca video out connector). I have decided to try to implement Bean Hitt's video overlay, just the video and keyboard sections, not GPS, RTC or serial. Since the pins he uses are taken by the VGA connector I decided to use pins 0 - 7. I mapped pin 16 to 0, 17 to 1 etc. I have changed the constants _syncPinMask through _genPinSyncMask to match the new pin layout and set the pin group to 0.
In his HITT_Video_Overlay_017 he defines
VideoColorsOverlay LONG $0C_04_08_00 ' Modify if not using pins 18 & 19 for output
VideoColorsOvrBlank LONG $04_04_04_04 ' Overlay value for blank video
VideoColorsGen LONG $01_00_01_00 ' Modify if not using pin 16 for output during generation
The comment indicates that I have to change the LONG value if I'm using other output pins. These constants are use only in WAITVID. So my question is, how does the value assigned to colors in WAITVID affect the output pins assigned for video.
Sorry about the long rambling message but I been trying to get my head around this one for a few days. Needless to say my overlay project is not working yet.
They are are offsets into a pin "group".
Since you are using pins that are 16 bits away, you shouldn't have to change those constants.
You will have to change the contants that setup the pin group though.
Thank-you for the reply, so if I understand you correctly as long as my output pins have the same relationship as your setup (ie 16 – 0, 17 – 1, 18 – 2 etc) then all I will have to do is set the group to 0
MOVD vcfg,#0 ' Use pin group 0 (P0-P7)
and change the masks
_syncPinMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_1000_0000 ' Sync output from EL1881 IC P7
_videoPinMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_1100 ' Video output from propeller (~470 Ohm) P2,P3
_videoSinkPin LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0100 ' Video Sink (darken) pin mask P2
_genPinsMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0011 ' Mask for both generation pins P0,P1
_genPinSyncMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0010 ' Mask for generation sync pin P1
if that is all it takes I guess I will have to look long and hard at my wiring job again. Time to drag out the scope.
Comments
Thanks for posting this - good work (as usual )
How are you handling the colour burst? I got mine going reasonably as we spoke about ages ago - but haven't really progressed it.
I checked your Prelim code.zip and looks like you just wait the colour burst region to pass? Are you doing color?
No worries if you don't want to give out specifics!
Cheers,
James
"This is a pretty busy board with a lot of SMT devices - I can't imagine many hobbyists would want to assemble this at home."
I agree, but its not that hard - i've just done one. I'll post a pic at the weekend when I can get a high-res picture.
You just need a decent $70 temp controlled soldering iron, a fine tip and some de-solder wick. Look at the sparkfun tutorials. The only thing I found going Prop QFP's was that its easier and you get a working joint by dragging solder over the pins onto the pads - rather than soldering on the pads first.
James
Just wondering how things are progressing? Do you have sample pics ?
Quattro
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'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Funny you should ask...
I have the PCBs coming today. I should have be able to post a picture tomorrow.
I have made some tweaks to the overlay driver, and I still have a good bit of work to do on the main code that handles all the inputs. I have the keyboard working, the RTC working, the save/load to/from eeprom working (just 1 page). The serial in for now just handles characters and a couple commands (need work), the GPS needs tested, but I think it's complete.
After I make sure the layout is correct, I will put a link on my site to purchase the PCB, and download the (unfinished) software.
It will probably be a couple weeks until I'm ready to sell the complete module.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"A problem well defined is a problem half solved"
"Just because you're approved, doesn't mean you can afford it."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cheap used 4-digit LED display with driver IC·www.hc4led.com
Low power SD Data Logger www.sddatalogger.com
SX-Video Display Modules www.sxvm.com
Coming soon! Propeller based OSD module www.hittconsulting.com
·
Have a client·who is looking for something similar ...
Rgds,
Quattro
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Of course now the software is giving me a fit... Arrgg.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 3/23/2007 11:15:04 AM GMT
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
· It's not ready to sell yet.
· I have decided to try a something new, and I hope it doesn't bite me in the butt.
· I'm going to freely distribute the schematic and ALL the source code for the module.
· My hope is that more hobbiest will be interested in customizing the code, but won't want to do their own layout, make PCBs, buy parts and populate the boards.
· If someone does want to do all that for non-commerical purposes (education or whatever) they are free to do so.
· To that end, here is ALL the source code for the board. It's not finished yet, as I still need to support PAL video generation.
· I'm not an expert in spin by any means, so if anyone sees something dumb I'm doing please let me know. I won't take any offence.
· Preliminary pricing looks like $129.95 for the completed module. I know the price is kinda high, but there alot of stuff on this board.
· I will also sell a limited number of boards that have all the SMT parts installed, and the thru-hole parts will be included, but will need to be installed by the customer. (I will probably only sell these to the forum members or people I KNOW can solder). These will be $79.00
[noparse][[/noparse]EDIT] Schematic file is for expressPCB.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 3/30/2007 12:03:50 PM GMT
The video overlay now auto-detects between NTSC and PAL video signals.
If there is no video input, then F9 switches between NTSC and PAL video generation.
The PAL mode is still only 192 lines, so it only cover about the middle 2/3 of the screen (top to bottom).
If anyone has a PAL tv that can verify the PAL signal, I would appreciate it. I used my digital camera and a TV card in my computer.
I see there has been quite a few downloads of the last version, but no comments yet ?
Good ? Bad ? Ugly ? Let me know.
P.S. If any Parallax employees want one to "play" with one, let me know.
[noparse][[/noparse]edit] Schematic is in the previous post above. And a picture is in the post dated 3/16/07.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 3/23/2007 11:15:40 AM GMT
I'm always good for a comment.
I don't think the name does justice to what you have done here!!! Yes it does video overlays... but it could a lot more.
For example, there are a lot of MRI systems that have funny little quirks intentionally thrown into the video display modules... so that the companies can single source a $10,000 part for what in reality should cost about $250(new). Then when the systems get old... but remain useful enough to stock with cryogens... what you find is that even for $10000 you can't quite find what you want unless you know the "right" guy and he wants to help you.
My ex-wife actually shut down an entire MRI system... without telling me, because a monitor went out and she thought that $10000 was extortion. I liked her principles... but those are the kinds of principles that can put you into a deep hole[noparse]:)[/noparse], which is exactly what happened and the thing is still sitting there... rusting away.
I'll bet dollars to donuts that your little board and some minor software tweeks would let me put a different monitor on it...
Is there an after market for this sort of thing? I haven't looked at it seriously for about 10 years... but I am planning to buy your board and find out. There are a lot of old MRI units scattered around the world, still doing useful work.
GREAT WORK
Rich
My note looked ok til I posted it... and I don't know how to post-edit it. So, 4give me Anglish.
By the way... if you could double the video-in stuff and then take alternating lines from each video-in... all you'd have to add is two sync'd cameras and some lcd glasses and you'd have 3d. (Personally, I'm lobbying for twin oled's on a Propeller hat... [noparse]:)[/noparse]
Of course you could use two boards just as they are and then add a black box to work on the signals coming out... that would give you the added bonus of composing a nice 3D overlay...
So... am I buying two boards ... or just one?
Rich
One more thing... about the comments or lack there of.
Personally, I have the feeling that the Parallax guys are leading a bit of a dual life... talking about the current product and working real hard on the next one.
But, I also noticed that you didn't post your final schematic. And... maybe they are wondering?
My suggestion? Assume they are real busy... and send the usual suspects a first off...individually numbered and signed by you.
I don't know much about electronics, but I know true art when I see it.
Rich
The schematic is in the previous post. It hasn't changed, and I didn't want to keep reposting it.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·
Good PAL!!! We like PAL i Sweden...
I can check the PAL signal for you.
...JKq
At this point, is there any way to bring the unused Prop pins out to a couple of "headers"?... maybe on the backside?
Rich
No sorry I already have the PCB made.
There is an expansion header (CN11) that has 2 propeller pins, +5V, +3.3V and ground.
I have the software finished and I will post it soon.
I still need to work on the documentation.
[noparse][[/noparse]edit] Here is the latest firmware and a BS2 demo program. Unless any bugs are found, this is the firmware that will be in the production HC-OSD module.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 3/28/2007 6:38:57 PM GMT
I looked right at it and didn't see it.
Thanks,
Rich
I was just going to have a look at your PCB (HC-OSD Rev A.sch)... what application was it generated in? I opened it in Altium Designer 6 (Protel) but I just get a blank document.
Cheers,
Shane.
P.S. Love the picture.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·
These are available from www.hittconsulting.com or you can make your own.
Schematic is for ExpressPCB.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 4/9/2007 4:43:28 PM GMT
I have absolutely no intention of building a board or modifying one that I already have... unless I really, really, really, really have to...
Any general idea of when you might be ready to start shipping.
Can I place an order now?
Rich
Yes you can order now. I'm still getting geared up for mass production, but for now each module is being hand assembled by me. No extra charge [noparse];)[/noparse]
Sorry I've had so many problems with non-US purchases that I just don't do it any more. If you have a friend in the US that can forward it to you, you can have them order it.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·
As an absolute propeller beginner I would like to request a push in the right direction. I purchased a proto board with accessory kit and have been playing with the VGA and TV display programs (added the resistors and rca video out connector). I have decided to try to implement Bean Hitt's video overlay, just the video and keyboard sections, not GPS, RTC or serial. Since the pins he uses are taken by the VGA connector I decided to use pins 0 - 7. I mapped pin 16 to 0, 17 to 1 etc. I have changed the constants _syncPinMask through _genPinSyncMask to match the new pin layout and set the pin group to 0.
In his HITT_Video_Overlay_017 he defines
VideoColorsOverlay LONG $0C_04_08_00 ' Modify if not using pins 18 & 19 for output
VideoColorsOvrBlank LONG $04_04_04_04 ' Overlay value for blank video
VideoColorsGen LONG $01_00_01_00 ' Modify if not using pin 16 for output during generation
The comment indicates that I have to change the LONG value if I'm using other output pins. These constants are use only in WAITVID. So my question is, how does the value assigned to colors in WAITVID affect the output pins assigned for video.
Sorry about the long rambling message but I been trying to get my head around this one for a few days. Needless to say my overlay project is not working yet.
Thank-you
Since you are using pins that are 16 bits away, you shouldn't have to change those constants.
You will have to change the contants that setup the pin group though.
Change the line:
·
to
·
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·
There was a bug that caused the F4-Save and F5-Load to lockup.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 4/25/2007 7:49:18 PM GMT
Thank-you for the reply, so if I understand you correctly as long as my output pins have the same relationship as your setup (ie 16 – 0, 17 – 1, 18 – 2 etc) then all I will have to do is set the group to 0
MOVD vcfg,#0 ' Use pin group 0 (P0-P7)
and change the masks
_syncPinMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_1000_0000 ' Sync output from EL1881 IC P7
_videoPinMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_1100 ' Video output from propeller (~470 Ohm) P2,P3
_videoSinkPin LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0100 ' Video Sink (darken) pin mask P2
_genPinsMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0011 ' Mask for both generation pins P0,P1
_genPinSyncMask LONG %0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0000_0010 ' Mask for generation sync pin P1
if that is all it takes I guess I will have to look long and hard at my wiring job again. Time to drag out the scope.
Thanks again
I am absolutely not going to order one if you have to spend your time making it. I would like you to use your time thinking about a stereo version.
But... when you go into production... give me a 24 hour lead time...
Thanks again.
Rich
LOL I just got in a batch that have been populated by my friend Brian Carpenter.
All I need to do to is solder in the thru-hole stuff. Or you can buy one cheaper and solder in the thru-hole stuff yourself (Parts included). $70
See this thread http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=646860
Bean.
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"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society"
Benjamin Franklin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·
http://www.hittconsulting.com/products/hcosd/
If you are interested in doing video overlay with the propeller, the source code will give you a good start.
I'd like to hear if anyone has used a GPS besides the Parallax one with these. And if it worked or not.
Bean.
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“The United States is a nation of laws -· poorly written and randomly enforced.” - Frank Zappa
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www.hittconsulting.com
·