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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Interesting multi-function USB host

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matherp
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Joined: 11/12/2012
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Posted: 07:05am 15 Jul 2015

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Just found this

I have no information other than that on the website but it looks like a great way to interface specific USB devices to a MM2

The various software modules are uploaded using a bootloader (DS30) which I have used before and this means no programmer (PicKit etc.) is needed to swap between the various images

CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
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Posted: 07:36am 15 Jul 2015

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I have one of those, but I have not put it to use yet.

Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite

plasma
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Posted: 09:45pm 15 Jul 2015

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Great info , thx matherp

WhiteWizzard
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Posted: 09:55pm 15 Jul 2015

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By the way, these guys also supply a lower cost pre-programmed PIC chip by itself for use on your own PCB/breadboard. Available in DIP, SOIC, and SSOP packages.

To view details about these, click on matherp's link in the original post above, then on the HobbyTronic's page, click 'Related Products' and scroll down . . .

PS - The guys are one of my regular suppliers and I find their products very good quality

Geoffg

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Posted: 10:30pm 15 Jul 2015

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It is a great gadget. This is one of these times whn I say to myself "why didn't I think of that".

Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net

Grogster

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Posted: 02:24am 16 Jul 2015

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Perhaps this could be the solution to the USB Keyboard concept that was floating around the threads for the MM+?

Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!

Chris Roper
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Joined: 19/05/2015
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Posted: 02:34am 16 Jul 2015

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Or a Micromite implementation on the PIC270MX with the different USB modes loadable via CFunctions.

http://caroper.blogspot.com/

BobD

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Posted: 02:35am 16 Jul 2015

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Grogster said Perhaps this could be the solution to the USB Keyboard concept that was floating around the threads for the MM+?

that's what I thought when I first read about it but it ends up being expensive. The card would probably cost AU$35 to 40 landed in OZ then you need a keyboard.

Chris Roper
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Posted: 02:36am 16 Jul 2015

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Or a Micromite implementation on the PIC32MX270 with the different USB modes loadable via CFunctions.

EDIT: Duplicate due to Internet error, my apologies, I can't even edit the erroneous post above.Edited by Chris Roper 2015-07-17

http://caroper.blogspot.com/

BobD

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Posted: 02:49am 16 Jul 2015

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Chris, It's a forum implementation that edit capability is closed when there is a subsequent posting.
Bob

Grogster

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Posted: 02:53am 16 Jul 2015

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BobD said

Grogster said Perhaps this could be the solution to the USB Keyboard concept that was floating around the threads for the MM+?

that's what I thought when I first read about it but it ends up being expensive. The card would probably cost AU$35 to 40 landed in OZ then you need a keyboard.

Hmmmmmmm..............good point........

Perhaps not.

Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!

BobD

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Posted: 02:59am 16 Jul 2015

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I just took that card to the checkout and it was AU$42.60 delivered and then there would be card or Paypal fees on top. So looking like $45 all up.

matherp
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Posted: 05:24am 16 Jul 2015

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Quote So looking like $45 all up.

Sounds like WhiteWizzard micromite.org has a relationship with the supplier. Why not PM him to see if he can do something on postage and/or bulk shipping

Positron

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Joined: 09/08/2015
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Posted: 04:37pm 13 Aug 2015

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Hi all !, I bought the HobbyTronics USB Host Keyboard to Serial chip in DIP package and works ok for standard ASCII input, I' m using it with a wireless mini keyboard. The problem arises when you try to use it as the Console input, as it does not implement the proper VT100 escape sequences recognized by the MMite built-in Editor ( arrow keys, function keys, etc).

So it doesn't work as a full PS/2 keyboard replacement

The firmware is not open source and the key mappings are not user reconfigurable, at least in the current version. As Grog suggested in another post adding a simple PIC with a serial- in serial-out translation table could solve the problem, but in the end it will be a 3 chip solution, kinda' overkill !

boss

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Posted: 05:28am 15 Aug 2015

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Good morning Gents,

I purchased roughly 9 month ago similar (if not the same) device on eBay for $10. The device was made by renowned Chinese company so I didn't expect any serious problems. The reality was shocking. Only what works was read/write to USB stick, but there was stick capacity limit (I think 4GB max) if I remember well. Unfortunately very limited number of Dell and HP keyboards and mice was properly recognized. Btw I received full source code written by Microchip, but in C and buggy. If someone is interested in the source code I could to find it.There was also enclosed a written permission to change and modify this source code. I believe that source code origin might be Microchip library.

Regards
Bo

Positron

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Posted: 08:12am 15 Aug 2015

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boss said Good morning Gents,

... Btw I received full source code written by Microchip, but in C and buggy. If someone is interested in the source code I could to find it.There was also enclosed a written permission to change and modify this source code. I believe that source code origin might be Microchip library.

Regards
Bo

Hi Boss, I could check that source and see I can remap the escape codes , could you Send me a link, Thanks !

boss

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Posted: 09:35am 15 Aug 2015

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@Positron

I'll do it ASAP and send the file to you via PM.

Bo

Chris Roper
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Posted: 10:55am 15 Aug 2015

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Sounds interesting, I have a few PIC24FJ64GB002's sitting on my bench and would love to try the code.

I am not much good with C though so may have to wait and see what Positron can do with it.

I had a look at the Microchip Library's but, as with most Microchip Documentation, the comments were way over my head and the code somewhat obfuscated at times.

Cheers
Chris

http://caroper.blogspot.com/

boss

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Posted: 11:05am 15 Aug 2015

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@ Chris Roper

Neither I am. I think this is challenge for some of C gurus on this forum. If you are interested in code, please send message with your email address to my PM.

Bo

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