TheBackShed.com

Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Micromite MX170 as USB host?

Author

Message

jsand
Newbie

Joined: 02/07/2014
Location: South Africa
Posts: 15

Posted: 11:32am 04 Jul 2019

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

Hello TBS,

I've built a few MMites for various 'private' jobs over the last couple of
years so consider myself a bit beyond complete newbie.

Anyways my next project is nearing definition-completion but there is still an oint in the flymint.
I really want to use the MX170 if I can manage but one requirement is to be able to
use the device to read the likes of bar-code readers, or standard keyboards maybe.
The MMite has to be a USB-host to do this (not so?).

How to do this? It doesn't look like the microbridge 16F1455 can act in this role.
Am I wrong? Maybe there's an easy workaround.

I look forward to suggestions!

(it's a pity the TBS search function is still kaput.....)

best regards, John

viscomjim
Guru

Joined: 08/01/2014
Location: United States
Posts: 925

Posted: 11:45am 04 Jul 2019

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

I believe someone posted a version for the 270 (?) that had usb, but not sure if that worked as a host or not... can't search

CaptainBoing

Guru

Joined: 07/09/2016
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 2171

Posted: 01:09pm 04 Jul 2019

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

in the absence of a 100% mite solution... I have used this before.

https://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-keyboard

you have to use their USB Host Controller Board and then burn this firmware onto it but it works... �15 might be on the expensive side but it got me out of a barcode-reader shaped hole. It was a while ago so hopefully it's still available/doable. Cheapie HID USB barcode readers are all over places like ebay and they work well and seem to last. These tend to be a mix of image/LED based ones that require contact with the barcode (1 dimension) and laser based with oscillating mirror. I tend not to use the former as you'll always find an instance where you cant get the reader head. I did a solution for reading codes on the end of tote baskets and the barcode was in a recess on the end... just narrower than the head of the reader so you couldn't place it over the code properly.

URL=https://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-ssop . If you grab some of those PICs from your favourite supplier, you may be able to use their free-download software. It's supplied as a HEX file so no chance of directly using that PIC as your solution... you could disassemble but you'd probably fall foul of licensing https://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/download/usb_host_keyboard_142.zip

EDIT: According to my DB, I have one in stock and two pre-programmed PICs:

so if you get really stuck we could probably come to an arrangement.

Edited by CaptainBoing 2019-07-05

MicroBlocks

Guru

Joined: 12/05/2012
Location: Thailand
Posts: 2209

Posted: 03:09pm 04 Jul 2019

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

Bar code readers are also available with an rs-232 so that would be an option.
Many keyboards still support PS/2 as many have a common chip in it that supports both USB and PS/2. They are getting more difficult to get, but an older keyboard will often work.

Keeps it simple. :)

Microblocks. Build with logic.

jsand
Newbie

Joined: 02/07/2014
Location: South Africa
Posts: 15

Posted: 06:19pm 04 Jul 2019

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

Thanks viscomjim, microblocks, captainboing,

The project is for a commercial product. Low qty., high value niche
market for quality control labs.

I'll have to do a decent job that is:
1. Repeatable into the future.
2. Serviceable, even at a distance.
3. Uses generic parts and does not tie me to a proprietory supplier of
sub-assemblies, exotic software, etc.

Maybe the Maximite or MMite+ is the answer?

Thanks for your suggestions again,

best regards, John

isochronic
Guru

Joined: 21/01/2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 689

Posted: 01:40am 05 Jul 2019

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

I am wondering if it is for an instrument, in which case there will probably [ edit - already will] be a embedded microprocessor of some sort ?
Some labs process several thousand samples an hour - the equipment gets a real hammering. Get the most reliable barcode reader available.Edited by isochronic 2019-07-06

Print this page

To reply to this topic, you need to log in.