Guru
Joined: 07/09/2016
Location: United KingdomPosts: 2171
| Posted: 12:24pm 09 Mar 2025 |
'tis true... It has proven itself to be such a workhorse for me. Plenty fast enough for some demanding applications including encrypted 433MHz star network with Rx -> RC4 decode -> response -> RC4 Encode -> Tx in under 1.5 seconds in the snooker table controller (big packets can push this very hard), High temperature applications (160C of steam) in a beer barrel sterilising autoclave. Feedback pod with integration to the alarm system to relay a message for anyone in the lavatories
years ago, I made my own little board just so I could drop a mite in where needed. It has several iterations with improvements and mistakes. This has now settled on my SIL "compute module" which I can just drop into anything where it needs a bit of "brains" for something - it doesn't need to be mounted on a bord or anything - just dangling on a connector on the end of some wires will do if necessary. This is currently in design for a Mk2 which will include add-ins like breakable link for diode on a serial multi-drop (allows RS485-like addressed multi drop but without the 485 driver)
I aim for "fit n forget" solutions and the above combo delivers that.
I have no interest in retro-esque computing so the various game incarnations and the CMM2 don't really have much to offer me. Not playing Pi because no 5V tolerant pins, dodgy ADC etc... I love my H7 & F4 but I really need a projects for them and to be honest the cheap little 170 deputises with ease and so I can't justify more - compute or expense. I really wanted the black pill to replace the 170 for just a bit more "oomph" but some things are not meant to happen.
here's some pix
prototype Dusk2Dawn controller for exterior(?) lights. still in use, just looked at the code running - 2017 without a hiccup - this is why I love the '170+MMBasic 5.04.08 (don't judge - I have my reasons) it really can be relied upon for outrageous uptimes.
became this
my 170 MM2
became this bright little thing with RTC and 8MB flash on-board, multi drop serial, multi <18V supply - very capable combo
garage controller that does the roller door, the interior and exterior lights, keeps a cold water pipe warm (had two bursts over the years) with bluetooth and it's own Android App
which became this (spot the bug)
My daily drivers are a MMX with tiddly VGA monitor and a SIL compute module where I play MMBasic and use them to test software and solve daily tribulations.
then there is my 3D printer build plate heater, my multi input tacho-graph, the rat-o-cutor, aquarium lighting controller... I throw a 170 at most projects... it is so capable, why break your back?
that's all... well it isn't, but don't wanna hog the thread
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Edited 2025-03-09 22:44 by CaptainBoing