Perhaps, or maybe set up one of the other spots on the board as a GPIO through u-boot.
Until that is figured out, we can use external USB and a propplug.
Quite ironic isn't it? The propplug is more expensive than the computer!
So what are the chances we could do a PropDOS/ZipitZ2 connection where you do your
editing on a much larger TV/VGA screen etc, and simply do a remote compile on the Zipit?
I know we have a compiler that will run on the Propeller, but having all this horsepower
on hand would certainly make things easier it seems.
The obvious goal is dumping my laptop in favor of a propeller/Zipit environment.
So what are the chances we could do a PropDOS/ZipitZ2 connection where you do your
editing on a much larger TV/VGA screen etc, and simply do a remote compile on the Zipit?
Let me get this straight:
You want a Prop with PropDOS ( I have never seen this) on which you edit files with a nice keyboard and VGA screen.
Then upload the source to Zipit where it is compiled.
Then download to Prop + PropDOS to run.
Or:
Serial line from Prop to Zipit.
Open a session on the Zipit using PropDOS + VT100 emulator on the Prop.
Edit on the Zipit using keybard/VGA on the Prop.
Then compile.
Then download to the Prop to run.
Excellent idea, a Linux coprocessor for the Prop:)
What we need for either of these is BradC to cross-compile BSTC and BSTL for the ARM architecture.
BradC, I say BradC.....
By the way, the Zipit is now cheaper than a Prop chip around here:(
Either of these solutions will require a serial connection to the Zipit.
Personally, I like the idea of doing the edit through the terminal as the linux side is better equipped to handle multiple files and filename longer than 8 characters. A simple transfer from the Zipit to the Propeller after compile (xmodem?) would executing the code on the Propeller.
This is really getting interesting. The ZipIt2 has a serial connection and a USB connection, so we can connect to the prop via the serial and when we want we can connect the ZipIt to the PC via USB.
I really am dumb when it comes to linux, but hey, this is an opportunity that cannot be missed. If I understand linux correctly, we can redirect the I/O back to the prop for display on a TV or VGA and use a full size keyboard. Heck, why connect the keyboard to the prop? Just use a bluetooth keyboard to the ZipIt via the USB OTG and a $2 bluetooth adapter.
As for downloading to the prop, I suspect if we add a reset button to the prop, modify the downloader (bst) so that it will poll longer, so we can ultimately sync the prop and ZipIt for downloading/programming.
Taking this a step further, a ZipIt app that gives the SD file access to the prop too! ... What are we using the prop for again ???
heater: PropDos is the predecessor to PropCmd. I based the original ZiCog SD access on PropDos. Next they'll be asking for PropWindoze!
No idea about the USB connection, The serial is easy get at though, just tack some wires onto some test points on the board.
As for a connection to the PC, the zipit has WIFI that works under Linux, I can log into it using ssh from my PC through my wireless router at home or in my office.
If I understand linux correctly, we can redirect the I/O back to the prop for display on a TV or VGA and use a full size keyboard
What you can do is log in via the serial port, like the good old days of using dumb green terminals. Skip the Blue tooth stuff.
So I imagine:
Prop + keyboard + VGA monitor plus VT100 terminal emulation gets you a dumb terminal.
Use that to log into to the Prop via serial.
Edit compile stuff there.
xmodem the compiled binary down to the Prop. put it on an SD card.
Use PropDos to run the binary. (Can it do that ?)
Problem with using a normal Prop loader, BSTL etc on the Zipit is getting another line to use as reset for the Prop.
Taking this a step further, a ZipIt app that gives the SD file access to the prop too! ... What are we using the prop for again ???
Yes indeed. We are using the Prop to provide the I/O for all those devices that the robot artificial intelligence running on the Zipit needs. Perfect symbiosis.
heater: Yes, PropDos can run any binary from the SD card. Basically, PropDos is just a command line prompt, able to load and run prop binaries. IIRC it can also write to the eeprom. It can do a dir, del, etc on the SD card. SO it is FAT16 aware. That and Sphinx and hinv's OS can all be put together.
It is easy to transfer a file to the prop over serial and put onto an SD card - this has been done before. OBC has zmodem working.
As for an extra pin, there is JTAG support and surely we can use one of these pins. It is well documented.
The USB interface is available on the expansion connector and also is now documented and running under linux - see the link a few posts back by hinv.
I will contact BradC and see if he can recompile for the ARM
OBC: Yes, the WiFi should work fine. A cheap powerful peripheral to the prop eh! Or is the tail wagging the dog!?!?!?
Until a compatible "arm" compatible compiler can be had, how about just a internet accessible BSTC?
For that matter having an internet accessible compiler would also lend for writing and compiling from other web devices as well. (Say those cheap Android units?)
I suspect that GPIO0 & GPIO1 will be available (pins U20 & U21 on the CPU). These 2 GPIOs do not have secondary functions. I need to pull my ZipIt2 apart again.
I got ubuntu working on the zipit now, and it includes a working gcc C compiler!
I also have tcl, tk, expect, gforth, ctorrent, man, and python on it, but I can't seem to find pyserial for the python serial loader. But, since I have a c compiler right on it, anybody have something similar to PropLoader.py?
What I have done is a work in process, but if anybody want's a copy of my image as well as the files to flash the zipit to linux, let me know, and I will upload it. My next step is to get a working with u-boot so I can try out the USB hosting stuff. Then, of course, I have to get a ftdi driver working.
I like the idea of a 2 headed beast. Since the Zipit running linux is multitasking, it could be used as a glorified peripheral for the prop(with it's own keyboard and screen) at the same time as running as the head in a development system, etc.
I, for one, want to build a prop backpack like modem thing to plug into the back of the zipit so I can connect to my radio. I want to use the zipit keyboard and screen to send encrypted packets over radio.
@oldbit: Do you currently use your netbook as a peripheral? Like for the network connection, or mass storage, or compiling?
What kind of wagging exactly does your prop make your netbook do?
heater: If you look at the pic two below on that thread you will see the photo of the actual wire is on the pin up and to the left of the one identified in red. Which is one correct?
hinv: It would be nice if you could post the files. I do not currently have the time to test but hopefully I will over Xmas. Other things plus a few pcbs (props) to send to mfr first!
First I want to use the ZipIt2 as a terminal for my RamBlade and CPM emulations. Next I want to be able to compile on the ZipIt and download (can be easy as file transfer to the SD card via serial preferred, but if necessary by copying to the SD card in ZipIt initially). While I have no great expectations of editing large amounts of code on the Zipit - I will do that on a pc - I want to be able to do this for the portable experience. Following on will be connection to the pc either by USB or WiFi (hopefully both will work). Then I want to be able to use the Prop as a terminal (VGA & Keyboard) to the zipit. The zipit will be my linux learning curve as I am really not all that interested in linux.
If I get a chance I will do a small pcb to mount in the expansion connector shell to make wiring simpler (Farnel #1425707). Has anyone seen the expansion connector pinouts without becoming a registered member? I don't want to sign up for the restrictions imposed.
At $10.00 apiece, I could not resist. So, what is everybody doing with there zipit? Anybody have a working hack that they can talk about? I figure my first step, before I try to look inside the device, will be, to maybe try to get a linux on there, and see what that experience would be like. Anybody have some suggestions as to how to proceed with this thing?
I have Debian Linux running on my Zipit. I used the instructions on this pagehttp://mythopoeic.org/zipit-on-linux-debian/
You will see some comments about by experience with it on that page.
Basically I found it easier to get linux running and then do an apt-get update via a basic wireless connection rather than use the wpasupplicant package he links to.
Investigating the Linux stuff a little further, most of it overwrites what is on the zipit. Is there a way of creating a bootable sd card, and then run Linux from the card, maybe with a ramdisk? I would think that somebody would have come up with a way of copying what is on the zipit first, so you have something to restore, if something goes wrong.
Since this thread is "ZipIt Z2 + Propeller", has anybody made any progress in connecting up with a Propeller system. Since I am looking at getting a C3, I wonder would could be gained by having a ZipIt Z2 + C3 setup? I guess one limitation would be that the ZipIt only has 3.7V to work with. Anybody know what the connector on the back edge is?
After spending some time looking at some sites, I found this to be the most informative: [url]HTTP://linux.zipitwireless.com/[/url] . Under the heading of Documentation, ->internal pictures, this site contains pictures of the zipit board. It also contains pictures of the connection points for a serial port. Some of you hardware guys may be able to make some sense of this, but it looks like to delicate of a soldering job for my failing eyes. I am at the stage of plug and play; it would be nice if someone came up with a adapter for the expansion port that had an RS232, or some kind of connector to the outside world.
I also tried Z2S-v204 program, which did not work as expected. The zipit acknowledged that the SD card was inserted, but nothing happened. This is a program that is supposed to work with the existing zipit UI, which is supposed to give you more functionality. At this point I am still a little reluctant to install a new Linux OS as a replacement.
It failed the first time at Step 7 under "Making Root FS:". This was because the Debian package he linked to at that point had been updated and would not install with the old root fs.
Easy solution, skip that step and install the packages using "apt-get install bla bla" when you have the base Linux running and an WEP wireless connection working.
By the way did you unzip the Z2S-v204 onto an SD card prior to booting? Did you check the resulting script has executable permissions?
Some web site talked about "installs on any un-upgraded original firmware". Did I read that right, does the firmware upgrade itself to thwart hacks?
I powered up the first unit and it did some sort of update. But I did test the streaming radio, it sounds great through mediocre headphones. Does the wireless/streaming audio work under linux?
Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mex0PWkDOoI
http://www.mozzwald.com/node/60
Until that is figured out, we can use external USB and a propplug.
Quite ironic isn't it? The propplug is more expensive than the computer!
So what are the chances we could do a PropDOS/ZipitZ2 connection where you do your
editing on a much larger TV/VGA screen etc, and simply do a remote compile on the Zipit?
I know we have a compiler that will run on the Propeller, but having all this horsepower
on hand would certainly make things easier it seems.
The obvious goal is dumping my laptop in favor of a propeller/Zipit environment.
OBC
Let me get this straight:
You want a Prop with PropDOS ( I have never seen this) on which you edit files with a nice keyboard and VGA screen.
Then upload the source to Zipit where it is compiled.
Then download to Prop + PropDOS to run.
Or:
Serial line from Prop to Zipit.
Open a session on the Zipit using PropDOS + VT100 emulator on the Prop.
Edit on the Zipit using keybard/VGA on the Prop.
Then compile.
Then download to the Prop to run.
Excellent idea, a Linux coprocessor for the Prop:)
What we need for either of these is BradC to cross-compile BSTC and BSTL for the ARM architecture.
BradC, I say BradC.....
By the way, the Zipit is now cheaper than a Prop chip around here:(
Personally, I like the idea of doing the edit through the terminal as the linux side is better equipped to handle multiple files and filename longer than 8 characters. A simple transfer from the Zipit to the Propeller after compile (xmodem?) would executing the code on the Propeller.
OBC
I really am dumb when it comes to linux, but hey, this is an opportunity that cannot be missed. If I understand linux correctly, we can redirect the I/O back to the prop for display on a TV or VGA and use a full size keyboard. Heck, why connect the keyboard to the prop? Just use a bluetooth keyboard to the ZipIt via the USB OTG and a $2 bluetooth adapter.
As for downloading to the prop, I suspect if we add a reset button to the prop, modify the downloader (bst) so that it will poll longer, so we can ultimately sync the prop and ZipIt for downloading/programming.
Taking this a step further, a ZipIt app that gives the SD file access to the prop too! ... What are we using the prop for again ???
heater: PropDos is the predecessor to PropCmd. I based the original ZiCog SD access on PropDos. Next they'll be asking for PropWindoze!
No idea about the USB connection, The serial is easy get at though, just tack some wires onto some test points on the board.
As for a connection to the PC, the zipit has WIFI that works under Linux, I can log into it using ssh from my PC through my wireless router at home or in my office.
What you can do is log in via the serial port, like the good old days of using dumb green terminals. Skip the Blue tooth stuff.
So I imagine:
Prop + keyboard + VGA monitor plus VT100 terminal emulation gets you a dumb terminal.
Use that to log into to the Prop via serial.
Edit compile stuff there.
xmodem the compiled binary down to the Prop. put it on an SD card.
Use PropDos to run the binary. (Can it do that ?)
Problem with using a normal Prop loader, BSTL etc on the Zipit is getting another line to use as reset for the Prop.
Yes indeed. We are using the Prop to provide the I/O for all those devices that the robot artificial intelligence running on the Zipit needs. Perfect symbiosis.
We need BradC to cross compile BSTC and BSTL....
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?108928-CoggyTerm-2.0d-Terminal-w-VT100-emulation&highlight=VT100+Coggyterm
So what's it going to take a twist someone's arm into an "arm based" compiler?
Odd thought
Heck, I want to be able to surf the net wirelessly from my Propeller.
This looks like it will provide that too!
OBC
It is easy to transfer a file to the prop over serial and put onto an SD card - this has been done before. OBC has zmodem working.
As for an extra pin, there is JTAG support and surely we can use one of these pins. It is well documented.
The USB interface is available on the expansion connector and also is now documented and running under linux - see the link a few posts back by hinv.
I will contact BradC and see if he can recompile for the ARM
OBC: Yes, the WiFi should work fine. A cheap powerful peripheral to the prop eh! Or is the tail wagging the dog!?!?!?
For that matter having an internet accessible compiler would also lend for writing and compiling from other web devices as well. (Say those cheap Android units?)
OBC
The tail wags the dog every time I hook my Propeller to my netbook. Why shouldn't it become smaller???
OBC
Re GPIO0 & GPIO1 they are between the 32KHz xtal pins and the Jtag nTRST & TCK pins, but I have not found them.
I also have tcl, tk, expect, gforth, ctorrent, man, and python on it, but I can't seem to find pyserial for the python serial loader. But, since I have a c compiler right on it, anybody have something similar to PropLoader.py?
What I have done is a work in process, but if anybody want's a copy of my image as well as the files to flash the zipit to linux, let me know, and I will upload it. My next step is to get a working with u-boot so I can try out the USB hosting stuff. Then, of course, I have to get a ftdi driver working.
I like the idea of a 2 headed beast. Since the Zipit running linux is multitasking, it could be used as a glorified peripheral for the prop(with it's own keyboard and screen) at the same time as running as the head in a development system, etc.
I, for one, want to build a prop backpack like modem thing to plug into the back of the zipit so I can connect to my radio. I want to use the zipit keyboard and screen to send encrypted packets over radio.
If so, why not use dosbox?
http://hunterdavis.com/archives/40
@oldbit: Do you currently use your netbook as a peripheral? Like for the network connection, or mass storage, or compiling?
What kind of wagging exactly does your prop make your netbook do?
hinv: It would be nice if you could post the files. I do not currently have the time to test but hopefully I will over Xmas. Other things plus a few pcbs (props) to send to mfr first!
First I want to use the ZipIt2 as a terminal for my RamBlade and CPM emulations. Next I want to be able to compile on the ZipIt and download (can be easy as file transfer to the SD card via serial preferred, but if necessary by copying to the SD card in ZipIt initially). While I have no great expectations of editing large amounts of code on the Zipit - I will do that on a pc - I want to be able to do this for the portable experience. Following on will be connection to the pc either by USB or WiFi (hopefully both will work). Then I want to be able to use the Prop as a terminal (VGA & Keyboard) to the zipit. The zipit will be my linux learning curve as I am really not all that interested in linux.
If I get a chance I will do a small pcb to mount in the expansion connector shell to make wiring simpler (Farnel #1425707). Has anyone seen the expansion connector pinouts without becoming a registered member? I don't want to sign up for the restrictions imposed.
Ray
OBC
I have Debian Linux running on my Zipit. I used the instructions on this pagehttp://mythopoeic.org/zipit-on-linux-debian/
You will see some comments about by experience with it on that page.
Basically I found it easier to get linux running and then do an apt-get update via a basic wireless connection rather than use the wpasupplicant package he links to.
Since this thread is "ZipIt Z2 + Propeller", has anybody made any progress in connecting up with a Propeller system. Since I am looking at getting a C3, I wonder would could be gained by having a ZipIt Z2 + C3 setup? I guess one limitation would be that the ZipIt only has 3.7V to work with. Anybody know what the connector on the back edge is?
Ray
I also tried Z2S-v204 program, which did not work as expected. The zipit acknowledged that the SD card was inserted, but nothing happened. This is a program that is supposed to work with the existing zipit UI, which is supposed to give you more functionality. At this point I am still a little reluctant to install a new Linux OS as a replacement.
Ray
What can I say, I installed Debian on my Zipit from the instructions here: http://mythopoeic.org/zipit-on-linux-debian/
It failed the first time at Step 7 under "Making Root FS:". This was because the Debian package he linked to at that point had been updated and would not install with the old root fs.
Easy solution, skip that step and install the packages using "apt-get install bla bla" when you have the base Linux running and an WEP wireless connection working.
By the way did you unzip the Z2S-v204 onto an SD card prior to booting? Did you check the resulting script has executable permissions?
Got mine! Ordered on 11th, posted on 15th, arrived on 20th
I powered up the first unit and it did some sort of update. But I did test the streaming radio, it sounds great through mediocre headphones. Does the wireless/streaming audio work under linux?