Little Helper - a custom designed DIY iPod like device - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: pschuster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 09:13:06 am
content: Hi all,when tinkering with electronics in my lab space I always run into the same (small) issues that are easy to fix, but take time to fix. Some of these issues are:* What is the I2C address of this device* Does this circuit lying in front do anything* Reading Serial Port (log messages)* Generating a PWM signal* Getting regulated 3.3VI have everything I need to get these things resolved. A scope, a logic analyzer and a power supply unit. But they have a lot of cables, are in use for another project and it just takes time.Well, to get this fixed I built Little Helper. This device is a battery powered, rechargable, mobile device with an iPod like Click Wheel like User Interface and a small LCD. It has 3 ports + 3.3V and GND to connect it to other circuits. Connect the port to SDA and SCL, select I2C Scanner from the menu and a few seconds later you have the I2C address of this component. This works in-circuit, too of course.I recently built a Light Box with a lot of neo pixels to get good photographs of my devices. To control this I just added a module to Little Helper as all I need was already there: A User Input and a Display to show information and state.I decided to release Little Helper as Open Source under the MIT License. Including Schematics, PCB Layout, 3D model of enclosing, complete Source Code of the firmware.More Info, all details and download here:http://www.appfruits.com/littlehelperHave fun and a nice christmas.Phillip Schuster

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 06:06:28 am
content: Wow nice work. Looks very professional.Sent from my phone using Tapatalk

author: RogerRowland
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 07:14:55 am
content: Excellent job!Very nice design, very well explained and documented, a really nice piece of work. As a software engineer for 38 years who has spent the last 4 years getting into hardware I can understand your passion. You have some real talent there.Respect.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 10:25:52 pm
content: This is exactly what I needed and asked about 6 months ago on this forum. It did not exist then.Brilliant 👍Any plans to offer a kit or built version as I would happily purchase one from you. I have not found anyone else making such a useful self contained little unit. I would even buy one of your prototypes !Fraser

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 10:33:42 pm
content: BRILLIANT! I would be very interested in a kit.Do you need somebody to make enclosures?I can experiment with CNC or laser-cut case pieces.

author: pschuster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 11:14:55 pm
content: Hi,thank you very much for your kind feedback. Didn't think about offering a kit until now. It makes sense as it doesn't make sense everybody buys min 3 PCBs at OSHPark ;-). I will have to calculate costs. Components aren't cheap, but they get much cheaper when buying more than 10 or so.I have a reflow oven, I could build finished Little Helpers but enclosures would be 3D printed which is ok but takes too much time to produce more than a few items a week.The enclosure should be CNCable and works great for 3D printing. The best way would be injection molded parts but costs for setup are quite high as far as I know. Haven't done that yet.I would love to see a CNC made enclosure. What material would you use/makes sense?Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate it and would love to work with you on it beyond what I did so far.Phillip

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 11:54:02 pm
content: High Philip,Please place me on you 'interested parties' list for one unit, with or without the case. I meant what I said about buying one of the prototypes, so if you do want to sell a less than perfect board, I am interested.Best WishesFraserUK