hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Need someone with a BeMicro Max10 board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 1uk3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 05:13:57 pm
content: HiI have got 2 faulty BeMicro Max 10 FPGA boards for free. Both had a short between 5V and ground. I tracked it down to the FT240X USB-Parallel converter.After desoldering i measured <0.05? from each supply pin to ground (even the 3.3V output)So i ordered new ones, changed PID/VID, PC detected it as Altera USB Blaster, tried to program and ... nothingAfter a quick look into the schematics i noticed that CBUS5 and CBUS6 are connected to CLK2 and CLK 3 pin of the MAX V and the 24MHz crystal(Y2) is not populated.I tried different settings for CBUS5/6: 24MHz, 12MHz, 6MHz, high, low,...With 24MHz on 5 and anything on 6, the LED D11 comes on as soon as i click "auto detect" in the programmer, but nothing happens(timeout).Is anyone here with a working board? Could you please measure these two signals (or read the setting with the FTDI tool)?Pins: 40 and 42 on the MAX V or 19 and 20 on the FT240X.Many thanksLukasSchematics: Page 6http://www.alterawiki.com/uploads/e/ec/BeMicro_Max_10-Schematic_A4-20141008.pdf

author: Gabri74
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2015, 11:58:59 am
content: Dumped the eeporm using linux utility ftdi_eeprom, see attach 'dump.hex'I hope it is in a format useful to you.Sorry, I've no access to a windows machine but tried dumping with FTDI FT_PROG using a VirtualBox VM but it did not find any device (probably due to the VM usb hardware abstraction).If this is not sufficient, I'll try to read those signals on the PCB using a scope probe, but pins are really small...

author: 1uk3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2015, 09:39:57 pm
content: Thank you!I will try to read my eeprom and compare or just flash yours. Will report back on Saturday.QuoteDidn't work for me either (virtualbox and vmware)Edit: The app note suggests it is 6MHz on CBUS5 and !keep_awake on CBUS6

author: 1uk3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 08:38:04 pm
content: Thank you Gabri74! It worksIt took me quite a while to find another solder bridge on the CPLD. The alignment of the components is horribleIf someone else has the same problem:PID: 6001VID 09FBCBUS5: 6MHzCBUS6: not keep alive

author: Gabri74
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 09:14:31 am
content: Glad it helped
[BitCloud] Sprintf and ExtAddr_t - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: danergo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 01:21:29 pm
content: Hello,This should be a very easy stuff. How can I send back on usart an ExtAddr_t?Usart is up and works okay, however:Code://extaddr is declared and defined somewhere elsechar buffer;sprintf(buffer, "ADDR: %llu\n\r", extaddr);sendonusart(buffer, strlen(buffer));This code only sends "ADDR: " (and \n\r).So usart is working, sprintf is working, but %llu looks not working somewhy. Have you seen this?Thanks!danergo

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 07:33:08 pm
content: Quote from: danergo on November 27, 2015, 01:21:29 pmThat depends on your compiler and libc, not BitCloud.The easiest way that is supported by all possible combinations is to print the address in hex and split it into two parts:Code:char buffer;sprintf(buffer, "ADDR: %08lx%08lx\n\r", (uint32_t)(extaddr>>32), (uint32_t)(extaddr & 0xffffffff));sendonusart(buffer, strlen(buffer));I think some sample application print out 64-bit values, but they might do the same thing.
Equivalent of MPLAB Code Configurator for Atmel AVR or Ti  MSP430  ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JacquesBBB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 07:52:01 am
content: I just discover the MPLAB X IDE with the Code Configuratorwith its nice interface for generating the code to configure the pins of a MCU.What would be the equivalent (if any) for Atmel AVR, or Ti MSP430, or STmicro chips ?

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 08:25:25 am
content: For Atmel, there ishttp://start.atmel.comFor MSP430, you have "Grace":http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Grace_Quick_Start_Guide(For TI ARM, there is their PinMux utility:http://www.ti.com/tool/pinmuxtool)For ST, there is the STM "Cube":http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/productcatalog/app?page=partNumberSearchPage&levelid=FM141&parentid=2004&resourcetype=SWThese are usually pretty tightly coupled to the respective companies' IDEs. Quality, bloatedness, and readability of the created code varies...

author: MickM
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 04:59:09 pm
content: Atmel has an IDE.It's called "Studio".http://www.atmel.com/tools/atmelstudio.aspxThey only support WIndows, which is really annoying as I run Linux.

author: JacquesBBB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 06:06:15 pm
content: @westfw : Thanks, this is helpful.@MickM: Thanks, but I am not asking about IDE, but aboutgraphical interface for generating the code for the configuration of the MCU pins.Is this included in Atmel Studio ?

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 06:33:16 pm
content: Quoteoops. It looks like this is only for the Atmel ARM chips. I don't know of anything for AVR, off the top of my head. :-(An IDE is not the same as a "configurator" (although sometimes the configurator is part of the IDE.)A good configurator will throw up a list of available functions on your chip, along with which pins they can appear on (perhaps graphically - ST's tool is graphical, TI's is spreadsheet-like), and generate a code skeleton that manipulates the proper pinmux, clock, and initialization. It seems to be pretty difficult (which is to say, the ones I've looked at haven't been very good.) Even a not-very-good configurator can be useful for visualizing pin placement and conflicts.
Free Microsemi FPGA workshop, Redditch UK - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 11:06:06 am
content: http://www.sssltd.com/seminars/designing-with-microsemi-fpga-s-workshop.html?ftUrlPreviewMode=true
[AVR] pin change interupts (PCINT) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 04:14:22 pm
content: I'm looking into the pin change interupts on AVR's. If i have understood correctly the interupts are grouped every 8 pins so any one of the 8 pins will generate an interupt that will run the same code, so how do I know which pin was the source of the interupt ? presumably I will then have to run a check on each pins state (or rather on each pin that has the interupt enabled) to work it out and presumably the pin state must remain for long enough fo me to enter the routine and check the states of the pins.

author: obiwanjacobi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 04:21:49 pm
content: Yes. In addition you can filter some pins so they don't generate an interrupt. So make the number of pins as small as possible and when an interrupt comes, go see which pin it was...There are also external interrupt pins - but only a couple, usually.Be careful with connecting buttons/keyboards etc for the bounce may cause more interrupts than you'd expect. Not recommended - at the very least debounce in hardware (RC).

author: FreddyVictor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 05:19:25 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on December 19, 2015, 04:14:22 pmit's actually relatively straightforward to spot the changes using a technique like this:Code:#define PIN00ISR(PCINT1_vect){uint8_t pinc = PINC & PCMSK1;// mask so we only get the pins we are interested in !uint8_t pinc_change = pinc ^ pinc_old;// flag those pins which have changedpinc_old = pinc;// save port state// repeat this for all pins required..if ( pinc_change & (1<<PIN0) ){if ( pinc & (1<<PIN0) ) {// hi} else {// lo}}}
BTree, looking for an algorithms book - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 12:48:26 pm
content: hi guysI have to implement a Btree algorithm in C, without recursion, but I happen to have no knowledge of the Btree properties, so i'd like to learn a bitis there a good book about these algorithms ? binary trees, with/without recursion, tricks, properties, and best practice.thank you(edit:hobby purpose, so I can reschedule with low priority)

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 03:43:24 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on November 26, 2015, 02:25:08 pmthank you forthisarticle (with source code in pastebin)but … any good book about algorithms?

author: GNU_Ninja
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 03:53:59 pm
content: The Art of Computer Programming, Vol 1. Fundamental Algorithms, 3rd Edition, Donald E KnuthISBN 0-201-03801-3

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 04:00:10 pm
content: Knuth is comprehensive but can be heavy goingTry Horowitzhttp://vitconference.com/vit_mca/images/resources/DAOA/Fundamentals-of-Computer-Algorithms-By-Ellis-Horowitz-1984.pdf

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 05:24:07 pm
content: Yea but everyone should have a copy of TAOCP, you don't often need it, but when things get hardcore the answer usually lies in Knuth.Sedgewick (ISBN 032157351X) is good for more basic things.Regards, Dan.

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 06:41:17 pm
content: thank you guys

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 08:09:15 am
content: Sedgewick has a really nice set of online classes about Algorithms (via Coursera)Here's the "booksite" page associated with searching:http://algs4.cs.princeton.edu/30searching/(This is apparently meant as a supplement to his book and class, but it might be a good intro. And: code! (in Java, but that's pretty close.)

author: Gabri74
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 09:22:24 am
content: Quote from: GNU_Ninja on November 26, 2015, 03:53:59 pmThis!
ESP8266 Forum - www.esp8266.com - already 2 days DOWN? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:08:28 pm
content: Has anybody any idea what's behind the big downtime of the main ESP8266 Forum?Heard some rumours about a heavy DOS attack followed by a hostile takeover and all info+accounts lost.Others are saying that it was Espressif itself...sounds quite a stupid idea.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:33:41 pm
content: works for me ... where are you located ?

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:40:06 pm
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on November 21, 2015, 12:33:41 pmNow in Austria, but didn't work also in Germany yesterday.This is how is looking(see attach)

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:46:08 pm
content: Here Innsbruck it works just fine.

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:47:49 pm
content: Strange enough. Have somebody from Spain having the same message as me.

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 12:58:34 pm
content: Works just fine from Malaysia....

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 01:05:24 pm
content: Works fine here too.

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 01:09:15 pm
content: Then looks like all OK out there, just not accesbile from some places/networks. Misteries of Cloud hosting

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 02:18:52 pm
content: check your dns servers on your computer(s)change them to the global google dns 8.8.8.8 just to check.

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 04:20:33 pm
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on November 21, 2015, 02:18:52 pmDone it. I was not DNS, something else somewhere. Now is OK also here.
Atmel-3.5.0 avr8 gcc-compiler for RasPi , as a .deb package - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2015, 08:49:43 pm
content: Just built Atmel-3.5.0 avr8 gcc-compiler for RasPi , as a .deb packageBuilt from sources herehttp://distribute.atmel.no/tools/opensource/Atmel-AVR-GNU-Toolchain/3.5.0/If anyone would like to play , read herehttp://www.avrfreaks.net/forum/just-did-my-own-build-atmel-350-avr-gcc-avr8/Bingo

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 05:14:54 am
content: QuoteLOL, that is even worse than the compiles we did for our accounting software we did back in 1983-84 on our VAX-11/730 :-)

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 07:09:49 pm
content: Quote from: matseng on November 17, 2015, 05:14:54 amHe..He , sounds like Cobol compilingI did a lot of Vax (VMS) assembly language in late 80's , device drivers.I even got my own VAX-11/730 to play with.Mostly because after i crashed the VAX-11/780 twice , the Cobol guys went ballistic (they lost hours of compilation)/Bingo

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 09:05:56 pm
content: Just updated to avrdude 6.2 , in the new package - dated 2015-11-19/Bingo
ARM, Farnell, pricing policy's? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MT
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 07:07:35 pm
content: How do Farnell and many other suppliers come up with their pricing policy for ARM based MCU's?ST for instance have 10 year commitment which should suggest a price increase as the device approaching thiscommitment to force users to migrate to newer devices. But that do not tell why some devices from samefamily or close related families with very similar manufacturing dates with very similar specifications or betterhave a rather large price difference. ST devices at Farnell is one such hoopla of pricing mess.The "old days" concept of xxx number of RAM/Flash peripheral equals xxx increase in price is not entirely applicable.Typically small price differences only matters to very large volumes and those who buy very large volumes buysdirectly from manufacturer. Im not specifying any particular number of units since it depends on many things.Since it's a ARM's race going and as i have understood ARm have fixed license per unit made price what kindof pricing policy would ST apply to its distributors?
Intel claims to sell $2B in IOT . How ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: autobot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 07:27:47 pm
content: Intel claims to sell $2B in IOT , while on the other hand their mcu's aren't that competitive , relatively. How do they achieve that ? Is it based on software and such ?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 08:44:56 pm
content: Quote from: autobot on November 18, 2015, 07:27:47 pmThey include all sorts of junk into IoT. Like Atmos for some embedded applications are IoT.

author: autobot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 09:03:37 pm
content: Ah that makes sense, who need engineering when you can do some financial engineering

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 09:07:19 pm
content: Quote from: autobot on November 18, 2015, 09:03:37 pmThat's all IoT is anyway. Marketing hype and noting more. Engineering keeps on doing what they were doing before the IoT arrival anyway.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 05:34:33 pm
content: if they count atoms they seem to forgot to mention that $2B is at a MINUS $1B profit :-)
GNU ARM Eclipse: full Cortex-M7 support added - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ilg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 05:37:28 pm
content: OverviewTheGNU ARM Eclipse projectincludes a set of open source Eclipse plug-ins and tools to create/build/debug/manageARM(32-bits) andAArch64(64-bits) applications and static/shared libraries, using the latestGNU ARM GCCtoolchains.ARM family and FPU typeStarting with GNU ARM Eclipse version 2.10.2, from November 2015, full Cortex-M7 support was added to theC/C++ Build->Settings->Tool Settingspage; it is now possible not only to select theARM family:cortex-m7, but also to select the new specificFPU type:The Hello World Cortex-M C/C++ Project wizardThe project wizard was updated to create generic Cortex-M7 projects.The STM32F7xx C/C++ Project wizardAnd last, but probably the most useful, a new template to create STM32F7 projects was added.The wizard currently supports STM32F745xx, STM32F746xx, STM32F756xx, and can create blinky projects for the STM32F746_EVAL and STM32F746_DISCOVERY boards.The created projects not only pass the build, but are ready to run on the selected boards.More infoFor more details about theGNU ARM Eclipseproject, please refer to the project sitehttp://gnuarmeclipse.github.io/.
Bitcloud Node decrease power consumption - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: danergo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 01:12:19 pm
content: Hi, guys,I've built a custom board which is able to use BitCloud successfully.Now my next wish is to reduce it's power consumption while keeping the reaction latency low (it needs to react to radio messages).My board is now eating 15-16mA @ 3.3V if configured as a Router.So I have 3 possible options:decrease the consumption with some configuration in BitCloud, is this possible at all?configure it as End Device, and put into sleep. However in this case how much time is the wakeup? I need 1 second react time worst case. Do you think is possible?configure it as End Device without sleeping, and just because of this, can I expect lower consumption (because EDs have limited functionality by design than Routers)?If you have any experience, it's welcome!Thanks,danergo

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 05:20:40 pm
content: Quote from: danergo on November 18, 2015, 01:12:19 pmWell, that's everyone's dream, unfortunately it is impossible.Quote from: danergo on November 18, 2015, 01:12:19 pmNo, power consumption in active listening mode is determined by the power consumption of the correlator in the receiver. It is a fixed number, and unlike TX power can't be changed at all.You did not say what radio you are using, but newer radios, like AT86RF233 support smart receive modes, so they consume about half as much as the regular radio.Quote from: danergo on November 18, 2015, 01:12:19 pmDepends on how many devices you have in the network. Wake up process of the ED is traffic-intensive, so if you have more than 3-5 devices, then they will just step on each other trying to wake up every second.Quote from: danergo on November 18, 2015, 01:12:19 pmNope, again, all the power consumption in the receive mode comes from the receiver itself. If you want to react to the frame, you need to receive it first
Do USB D-/D+ lines for PIC18 require EMI (RC) filtering? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pratiken
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 12:55:13 am
content: Hi guysI recently ran into an issue with USB cable lengths and an FT230XS where I didn't include the 47R and 27pF on the data lines. I'm working on a project now where I use CDC for communication so I have the D+/D- lines going directly to a PIC18F2550. Do I need to include any RC for this situation? I've had some trouble locating answers for this specific situation.edit: also, for whatever reason, would the 5 pin header for programmer jtag need filtering as well? I haven't used any RC on the programmer jtag before, but if it's the "correct" way to do it I'd like to.Thanks for the help
Microcontroller + BT + Wifi - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 06:46:19 pm
content: Hey GuysDoes anyone know of a good micro-controller which incorporates both BT and Wifi? I'm working on a small factor design and if I could isolate the Wifi and BT module into the uC, that would be super helpful. The max size of the board is 37 mm x 37 mm, hence why everything I can do to save space would help.Thanksdocmur

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 06:48:53 pm
content: The ESP32 is supposed to come soon.

author: docmur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 12:58:14 am
content: Looks likes what I want, to bad there is no documentation yet.

author: richardman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 03:11:17 am
content: Do you need both Wifi and BT in the same chip/module?
PCB Design: Tips, Guidelines, and Resources, Learn How to Design good PCBs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 04:24:42 pm
content: hi guysmy skills are limited to simple PCBs made with Eagle/CAD, I'd like to improve my skillsany good book/course around? (commercial or open, I have 1000 euro of budget)p.s.I have bought an used PC (IBM intellestation Xeon from Ebay), it comes with an installed old version of Altium/CADI also have a Professional version of Eagle/Cad v7.2.0

author: obiwanjacobi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 06:11:09 pm
content: I know Dave wrote a PCB Design Tutorial pdf but I can't find it... Its on his site somewhere (not the forum IIRC)...

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 06:26:52 pm
content: let me knowany university course ?

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 11:06:27 pm
content: I haven't personally taken the course, but I hear great things about Robert Ferranec (Fedevel Academy?) not 100% sure on the spelling, but he is on YouTube and runs a course might be worth looking at at least?

author: RogerRowland
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 06:16:54 am
content: Quote from: obiwanjacobi on November 06, 2015, 06:11:09 pmYou can find Dave's tutorial here -http://alternatezone.com/electronics/pcbdesign.htm

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 11:07:04 am
content: you can do fedevel course for Altium for abou 100 bucks or so. It is really good

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 11:13:54 am
content: Quote from: Spikee on November 07, 2015, 11:07:04 amwhere? which is the commercial name?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 03:50:02 pm
content: Read some of my posts?Probably wouldn't hurt to pull an archive of my writings and compile a Q&A or FAQ sort of thing...Tim

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 06:42:10 pm
content: Quote from: legacy on November 06, 2015, 06:26:52 pmPractical skills in an academic setting, Hah! we got a funny guy here.

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 07:51:38 pm
content: Quote from: ConKbot on November 07, 2015, 06:42:10 pmYoMan, I already got my degree in computer science and got my bachelor's degree in electronics engineering. I always had an interest in electronics and understanding of how to design embedded objects from scratch, but ... my University has provided no skills, nor about how to design the electronics, neither how to design the firmwareI got engaged in avionics, there is no chance to learn anything about electronics, so I am trying to evolve myself in my free time (weekend). I guess The University should provide a few theoretical guides(1) about designing pcb, rules, constraints, useful tips, things that you can master (improving your skills) once engaged into practical things (= job experience)(1) and in case, It's exactly what I am looking for!
SOFI SP16 programmer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: android
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2015, 09:23:07 am
content: After having no success trying to get a Minipro TL866 to program a 128 Mbit SPANSION S25FL127S flash chip, my "Plan B" turned up today...from eBay...a SOFI SP16 programmer fromwww.sofi-tech.comand it worked a treatThe web site is in Chinese (not a problem with Google Translate) and the programmer software (FlyPro) was in English by default. So far it's fine.Very happy
USB-to-PS/2 Convert USB keyboard and mouse for connection to a PS/2-based system - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 08:27:51 pm
content: hi guysI have a pretty "Graphite" USB Keyboard + optical mouse and I'd like to use them on a machine that has PS/2 kb&mouseIdea? suggestions? Any good project around?thanksedit:better described: I am looking for an adapter (or a project) designed to convert USB devices to a PS/2 interface, enabling you to use USB-based keyboard and mouse via a pair of PS/2 ports.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 08:44:08 pm
content: PS/2 is not that hard for as a protocol to implement in MCU. Connect MCU to PC and translate USB keyboard/mouse messages to PS/2 protocol.There are cheap USB-to-PS/2 adapters on the market, but these actually contain only wiring/contacts (no active elements). This is because older USB type mouse devices support both USB and PS/2 protocols via the same pin-out. But I don't think this would help you with your problem.

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 08:49:04 pm
content: get a 4 port usb pci card

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 09:23:36 pm
content: emmm, there is NO PC, there is an embedded device with with 2 PS/2 portsthe problem is on the USB side.

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 09:29:15 pm
content: oh, interestingtoy

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 09:38:23 pm
content: Quotefound a device that achieves my purpose: "PS22USB-PS" made by STARTECH dot COM(it's very expensive, ~120 USD, I'd like to replicate it with cheaper technology)

author: wblock
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 01:10:44 am
content: Is there something special about the USB keyboard? Why not just find a PS/2 keyboard at a thrift store? PS/2 mice are less common, but there is probably one in the bottom of a thrift store box also.

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 02:27:23 am
content: An add-on USB card is cheaper. Or hub. Does the PC really not have any USB ports? And it's still useful?!(Just because a MB has PS/2 ports for mouse/keyboard does NOT mean that it can only use PS/2 devices. Most bioses even include enough USB support to make it look like USB things are actually PS/2 things (to SW that uses the BIOS for access, anyway.) (a thing that can bite you if you were expecting to use "bare metal" PC hardware :-)))

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 02:34:03 am
content: 4th post the O.P. states its *NOT* a PC but is an embedded device. Adding a USB controller is *NOT* an option.
Very simple Logic Analyzer DIY - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: conducteur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 07:57:09 pm
content: I Don't want to buy a logic analyzer, or a new oscilloscope, but sometimes (like now), i'm in a situation where I need to monitor multiple TTL signals.So I'm trying to build one DIY-style. I don't aim to achieve high frequencies. My goal is to achieve te highest possible bandwith with the hardware that i already have(often i can drive the circuit at a much lower clock frequency to test it).I grabbed my Easypic v7 devboard from Mikroe with a PIC18f45k22. This thing has a 4x PLL and a 16MHz internal Oscillator. The PIC runs on 64Mhz. This means that 16 million instructions can be executed in a second. People are now screaming at me that i should use a FPGA or something like that, but that's maybe something for a future project. First try with the things that i have now. (a pic devboard, a pc....-The best display i have is... my pc, I want to learn how to write a program that displays the waveforms.I am a bit familiar with Java for simple programs, but maybe i'll try to do it wit c#.NET. I still need to do some research how to create waveforms in such a program. If anyone can help me with this?So far so good, i created a little program in JAL (just another language), that reads the µc PORTD and sends it over the usb-uart to my laptop.This program works just fine, in a terminal window (putty), i see the numbers representing the signals at the corresponding pins on the pic.one thing that makes me worry is that i can't achieve high baudrates? Is a PLL/INTOSC such an unstable clock that it will generate rubbish at 115200 baud?I'm now stuck at 2400 Baud. (maybe a bit higher should work, but at 9600 things start to go wrong).Can i enhance the baudrate in a way that it still is reliable and doesn't generate rubbish when having a look at the data in putty terminal?

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:18:02 am
content: It might not be the stability, but the divider can't get close enough to a standard baudrate with the clock frequency you have.Please check that first.

author: rs20
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:21:13 am
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on November 05, 2015, 12:18:02 amClarify? Are you saying that 115200 baud can't be generated by dividing down a 16 MHz clock?

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 11:52:21 am
content: Quote from: rs20 on November 05, 2015, 12:21:13 amCorrect, you can't get 115200 by dividing 16MHz with an integer value. This is why you often see 'odd' frequencies used such as 7.2838MHz, as you can get an exact baud rate.16MHz is particularly problematic for 115200, since the resulting baud rate error is high enough that problems can be expected.

author: rs20
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 12:03:37 pm
content: OK, thanks. But with the OP having trouble attaining 9600 baud, I think that's not the issue since there's plenty of scope to hit 9600 very accurately?
Raspberry PI - Standalone Thingspeak Server installation for data logging - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2015, 10:14:43 am
content: As you might already read in my previousESP8266 Battery Monitor SystemArticle, I was using Thingspeak.com, because of it's flexibility, as a logger for live data uploading.In the latest week I was exploring deeper Thigspeak capabilities. What I was interested for was to check the possibility to build/configure and use a standalone Thingspeak Server that can run independently of Internet infrastructure on a small footprint, low power consumption platform.The interesting part regarding the Thingspeak Server deployment is the chosen platform, the new RASPBERRY PI 2 Board!Youtube Video:For reference:Raspberry PI - Thingspeak Server installationESP8266 Battery Monitor System

author: TJ232
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 09:14:36 am
content: UPDATE:New fresh install instructions based on the new RASPBIAN Jessie:Raspberry PI2 + Thingspeak Server on RASPBIAN JessieFIRST GOOD NEWS : The issue with the r8188eu WIFI chipset drivers seems to be solved. At least my dongle worked this time out of the box, nothing fancy to be done anymore.
Micron Process Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 10:24:30 am
content: In prep. for an upcoming exam on VHDL design, I've been going through previous years exams. There's a sort of bonus/advanced multiple choice section on ASIC design and I'm a little stuck on one of the questions.The question reads;In a 0.18 micron process:A. all transistors are 180nm wideB. lambda = 90nmC. the narrowest polysilicon track is 0.09 microns wideD. all nFETS are 0.18 microns wide.I've been reading around online but haven't found many resources which explain the process enough to help answer the question.Anyone know of any material on this that could help?If were to answer this question now, my answer would be B.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 11:07:15 am
content: B seems like a good choice.

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 11:10:52 am
content: Ah coppice, once again you come to my rescue.Thanks mate.
which optical reflection is that? 3D printer, auto leveling - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 12:09:42 pm
content: they argued "auto levelingoptical-reflection's sensor", I wonder what they have used

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 12:26:20 pm
content: Based on infrared sensor with two fix holes spaced 20mm.Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F, IR distance sensor (10cm-80cm) -I'd like to see the data sheet of this optical reflection sensor used to auto leveling, and its response, it's said that it's "Based on infrared sensor ", but I don't know if it's similar to my SHARP GP2Y0A21YK0F IR distance sensor(and I guess NO, too inaccurate for the purpose of measuring micron)

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 12:42:19 pm
content: I'd say it's a TCRT5000L with bend leads.

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 12:58:14 pm
content: DescriptionTheTCRT5000 and TCRT5000Lare reflective sensors which include an infrared emitter and phototransistor in a leaded package which blocks visible light.The package includes two mounting clips. TCRT5000L is the long lead version.

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 09:52:12 pm
content: I just wonder about the analog part, I mean, the gain of the Operational Amplifier you have to use to amplify the output from TCRT5000L in order to see 1µmis it possible?

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 11:28:45 pm
content: The precision which can be attained mostly depends on the consistency of the reflectivity of the bed I think.I think one half of the LM358 is used as a transimpedance amplifier and the other as a comparator.

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 11:08:30 am
content: Studying the data sheet, and looking around for professional solutions, I guess they(@PiBot-kit) say bullshit, I do not believe that sensor is able to have a resolution of nor 1um neither 0.1mm (100 um), I guess it's 0.5mm of resolution in the best case.

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 01:28:25 pm
content: It's really hard to say, it sounds implausible but these sensors have a fairly wide beam and thus a fairly large surface reflecting and evening out any inhomogeneity in it. Over a long time it might not have repeatability with past measurements, but for a short term it might very well be able to very accurately match distances at different points which might be enough for this application.As a pure end stop at constant temperature I wouldn't be surprised at all if it had micron level repeatability.
Cannot reprogram a microchip PIC12F1822 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ggchab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 09:19:52 am
content: I could program once a 12F1822 with the PICKIT3 from MPLAB X. My application needs 6 I/O lines. So I selected the internal clock and mclr is used as an input (for the SPI CS line). Now, I can no longer reprogram it (MPLAB X says "The target circuit may require more power than the debug tool can provide"). The PIC is directly connected with a ZIF socket (not in circuit) and powered by the PICKIT 3.Is there any way the blank the chip ? Thank you for your ideas.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 09:49:09 am
content: Have you used the PGC and or PGD pins as outputs in your code?

author: hli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 10:02:24 am
content: When the PK3 cannot power it, why not power it externally (from your circuit)? MPLAB X has a setting for that in the PK3 config screen.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 10:19:32 am
content: Wont help if there is a bus conflict with the programmer on PGC or PGD, causing the PIC to exceed the programmer's 30mA VDD current capibility. Fortunately the 50mA polyfuses inside the PICkit 3 should prevent any programmer damage if you do power the chip externally at no more than 5V.

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 10:37:20 am
content: I'm thinking the same thing as Ian.M - are you using the PGD and PGC pins as outputs in your code?If so, and you'er going to try with a new PIC, make sure you insert a short delay at the top of the program, before clearing TRIS for those two pins.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 11:19:23 am
content: It can probably be salvaged with the PICkit 3 v3.10 standalone software as that allows you to set a Vpp first mode that prevents code executing before the chip can be put iinto programming mode. N.B. it is IMPOSSIBLE to use Vpp first mode with external power.It may also need you to reduce the programming Vdd as much as possible to get the chip successfully detected and erased.Once you've recovered it, to prevent further problems, if possible reallocate the pins to avoid having outputs on PGC,PGD, and if you cant do that, add a minimum of a 1/2 second delay after startup before making them outputs (as H.O. just recommended).

author: ggchab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 12:44:59 pm
content: Many thanks. With the standalone software for the PICKIT3, I could erase the chip and then, reprogram it from MPLAB XI will also try to add the delay before changing TRIS to output.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 12:56:15 pm
content: QuoteIPE defaults to Vpp first, too.
Arduino 8 bit counter LED sketch problem(s) - SOLVED - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2015, 12:15:57 am
content: First I had a software problem. Solved that but now have a hardware problemhttp://www.electroschematics.com/9809/arduino-8-bit-binary-led/The sketch loads fine but the counter doesn't run - no LED action whatsoever.As shown in the image I didn't exactly follow the breadboard instructions but I can't see what the problem is. One symptom is that the resistor near the button is somewhat warmer than I would have expected.I'm betting it's something pretty obvious and goofy....Any suggestions? Thanks!Update: I turned the button 180 degrees and now the first LED lights but the button doesn't seem to advance the counter. The resistor near the button is still overly warm. (I know I used 200 ohm resistors instead of 220 ohms but I'm doubting that is the issue.) I'll try substituting another button just in case it's a button defect.Update: tried another button and noticed that when I plugged in the new button the LED counter advanced - but pressing the button didn't advance the counter further. So I removed the button and just manually jumpered the on-off with a wire touch to the breadboard and it advances the counter. Pretty sure I just have a wiring issue with the button.Update: figured out how to rewire the button. Counter is advancing as intended.

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2015, 01:29:25 am
content: Was your button rotated 90 degrees from where it should be, when you had the problem? That would put the resistor in series between the positive and negative rails, thus accounting for the heating.

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2015, 01:36:35 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on November 02, 2015, 01:30:34 amThat wouldn't cause the resistor to heat up. Only connecting the resistor directly across the rails will do that. Both leads on each side of the button are connected together. So if the button was in 90 degrees from the correct orientation, the two leads on the side closest to the Uno would directly connect the resistor to the negative rail, no matter if button is pressed or not.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2015, 07:43:16 am
content: Quote from: alsetalokin4017 on November 02, 2015, 01:29:25 amYes, I think this was probably the issue. Thx

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 05:27:17 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on November 02, 2015, 07:59:30 amThere is also some possibility that I was getting an intermittent contact due to the short leads on the button. Thanks for the help.
STM32 linker scripts and open-source - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 03:47:32 am
content: The linker scripts ST seems to provide for STM32 have this absolute insanity at the top:Code:** You may use this file as-is or modify it according to the needs of your** project. Distribution of this file (unmodified or modified) is not** permitted.Am I mistaken, or is that really all they provide? It's a shame if they really are that hostile towards open source. I can't really say I can be bothered to write one clean-room for every microcontroller I use...

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 05:31:34 am
content: Quote from: c4757p on November 04, 2015, 03:47:32 amYes that's a crazy way they used to do it.Grab some from the mbed site , most of the chipmakers have made their scripts under a bsd clause over there./Bingo

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2015, 08:43:48 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on November 04, 2015, 03:47:32 amwhat do you mean 'hostile'They gave you the sourcecode, you get to use it for free and you are allowed to modify it to your likes. What more do you need ? Satisfy the urge to give your linker script to someone else ? that person may not even want your linker script.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 05:40:08 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on November 05, 2015, 08:43:48 pmYeah, who would want to share source code? They are probably communists, anti-capitalists or something.

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 09:18:07 am
content: There's a simple solution for that. If you would like to distribute a modified version, distribute a "diff" instead.Only string attached is that both original files must be equal i.e. same version.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 10:13:53 am
content: Mbed , looks fairly usablehttps://developer.mbed.org/users/mbed_official/code/mbed-src/file/a11c0372f0ba/targets/cmsis/TARGET_STM/TARGET_STM32F1/TARGET_NUCLEO_F103RB/TOOLCHAIN_GCC_ARMhttps://developer.mbed.org/users/mbed_official/code/mbed-src/file/a11c0372f0ba/targets/cmsis/TARGET_STM//Bingo

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 10:50:28 am
content: You could modify the gnu linker script instead. How complicated (or different) can it be? (and, when was the last time you modified a linker script, anyway? I always considered that to be part of the "toolchain"...)
Atmel ATSAM4S SAM4S-EK2 Dev kit F_CPU issues (and other questions) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2015, 11:03:56 pm
content: After finally sorting myself out an Atmel-ICE programmer and a suitable breakout board to allow me to connect to my SAM4S-EK2 dev board, I have finally managed, after a few days of on-off searching for tutorials that will help me with it... managed to turn an LED on!Now, shortly after this, I followed the tutorial further to get it to blink, however I noticed a problem, the LED seems to blink very -very- slowly compared to what it was meant to.using the delay library and led library in Atmel's ASF setup I formed this program together:Code:#include <asf.h>#include "led.h"#include "delay.h"int main (void){/* Insert system clock initialization code here (sysclk_init()). */board_init();LED_On(LED1_GPIO);/* Insert application code here, after the board has been initialized. */while(1){delay_ms(1000);LED_Toggle(LED1_GPIO);}}this seems to make it blink at an exceedingly slow rate (on / off for over 30 seconds each?)if I change the time to 5 I can get it to blink on and off about 2-3 times per second instead, however I cannot seem to work out how to set the frequency correctly (or why it is detecting the incorrect frequency setting considering the IDE knows what board I am running and has some sort of auto-detect code in there that is obviously not working...Now, does anyone know how I can resolve this issue?I would also really appreciate any suggested tutorials or readings for continuing on with this, especially in the area of PWM.Thanks in advance!

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2015, 11:25:21 pm
content: Alright, amazingly I managed to sort out the clock issue (randomly reading through someone else's unrelated code I saw someone running 'sysclk_init();' in it and decided to try adding that to my code.It fixed it.Such is life, I spend hours looking around on how to fix it, and half-hour after posting the issue to a forum I near instantly find the solution myself.