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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Micromite Beta 6

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Geoffg

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Joined: 06/06/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 3282
Posted: 10:54pm 13 Feb 2014
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Yes, I am looking at a Maximite MKIII using the PIC32MZ but it is a long way off. I have only just got a sample of the latest revision of the chip (rev A3) in a 144 pin package (0.2mm space between pins, that was a soldering challenge).

I will need samples of the 100 pin 14x14mm TQFP package to build a prototype and goodness knows when they will be available. Then there is the PCB revision (the first always has a fault), firmware to develop, magazine lead time, etc.

Probably 4+ months.

GeoffEdited by Geoffg 2014-02-15
Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net
 
Grogster

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Joined: 31/12/2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 9590
Posted: 11:01pm 13 Feb 2014
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You just take all the time you need.
There is NO hurry - we all here have a veritable banquet of current offerings to feast on for the moment.

Mmmmmmmmm - Feast - Argahhhhhhhh(Homer Simpson)

I feel hungry.

0.2mm pin spacing - Ah - no thanks. I admire your making the attempt. Normally robots would do that spacing, would they not? (I am not suggesting you are a robot!)Edited by Grogster 2014-02-15
Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!
 
MicroBlocks

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Joined: 12/05/2012
Location: Thailand
Posts: 2209
Posted: 11:47pm 13 Feb 2014
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I am almost afraid to ask because the uMite is already a superb product even in beta.

Did you find some room for the second I2C?
It would be the cherry on top.

Microblocks. Build with logic.
 
Geoffg

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Joined: 06/06/2011
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Posts: 3282
Posted: 12:06am 14 Feb 2014
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  TZAdvantage said  Did you find some room for the second I2C?

I tried but it almost doubled the I2C footprint. There might be other ways around the issue so I have not given up.

Geoff
Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net
 
bigmik

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Joined: 20/06/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 2949
Posted: 01:17am 14 Feb 2014
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Gday Geoff,

With the IR READ addition would it be possible to do an IR SEND? This would enable the uMite to perform as a Remote sender..

Regards,

Mick


Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<<
 
atmega8

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Joined: 19/11/2013
Location: Germany
Posts: 724
Posted: 02:41am 14 Feb 2014
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Geoff,

so you disable all "USER" Interrupts during the 200ms conversion time for the DS18B20?
Is this how it is implemented?

Are there other functions, that disable interrupt's (i know "Input" will also do)?

Thanks



  Geoffg said  
  atmega8 said  how will Interrupts be handled, if you use a function as the new DS18B20 read, that takes about 200ms to complete?

The interrupts will only be checked after the 200mS (which means that you can loose some high speed interrupts).

Geoff
 
Geoffg

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Posted: 02:56am 14 Feb 2014
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Hi Mick,
I was going to include an IR send function but then it dawned on me - what protocol would I use? There are *millions* of IR protocols, every bit of equipment is different. So I gave up on that idea.

atmega8
No, only INPUT. You can even get interrupts in the middle of a PAUSE command. If you want to accept interrupts while waiting for a DS18B29 you can use the 1-wire commands and use PAUSE to wait for the conversion to complete.

Geoff
Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net
 
f1fco

Senior Member

Joined: 18/03/2012
Location: France
Posts: 155
Posted: 04:10am 14 Feb 2014
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a little problem with RTC

hello to all, from France
I have just finish my micromite protoboard with a PIC32MX250F128B
it work well, I can flash a led on pin 14...

I want to use a PCF8583 on RTC
on paper, it is the same as PCF8563, just the possibility to change adress with pin 3
if pin 3 is high, adress is the same as PCF8563 (hA2)
I verify with an oscilloscope oscillation of 32768Hz on pin 1 and 2
if I write : RTC SETTIME 14,02,14,14,00,00 no message of error
but when I write : RTC GETTIME I read the message "Error : PCF8563 not responding"
with the oscilloscope, I can see the I2C pulses on clock and data

whereis the problem ? is it possible ONLY with a PCF8563 ? (internal instructions are not the same ?)

thank you for answer
and excuse me for bad english
Pierre, F1FCO, from south of France
73s de F1FCO
 
MicroBlocks

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Joined: 12/05/2012
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Posted: 04:16am 14 Feb 2014
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I think if the IR receive can decode Sony type signals then a IR send function could use only the Sony protocol as well.
Would be neat to have uMites 'talking' to each other over IR.


Microblocks. Build with logic.
 
CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
Location: United States
Posts: 1427
Posted: 05:05am 14 Feb 2014
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I'll be happy just to get these cool new features in the other Maximite firmware. Looking forward to that.
Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
f1fco

Senior Member

Joined: 18/03/2012
Location: France
Posts: 155
Posted: 05:50am 14 Feb 2014
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RTC problem :
I try this RTC : https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/Time/MOD-RTC/
with a PCF8563
it WORKS fine !!!
the PCF8583 is not same as PCF8563

thanks Geoff for this command

Pierre
73s de F1FCO
 
Lou

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Joined: 01/02/2014
Location: United States
Posts: 229
Posted: 12:57pm 14 Feb 2014
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Thanks Geoff for all the new beta 6 additions.

I especially love the IR and LCD functions. 8 out of 10 remotes I have here used the NEC IR protocol but like you said a cheap universal remote will do the Sony protocol, that's how I tested the IR on a uMite 44 - works great. IR send would be a nice addition, just use the same protocol as IR receive and uMites can talk to each other without wires.

PIC32MZ - Wow, the hits just keep on coming !!

So many new toys, so little time....

Lou


Microcontrollers - the other white meat
 
bigmik

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Joined: 20/06/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 2949
Posted: 03:38pm 14 Feb 2014
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  Lou said   IR send would be a nice addition, just use the same protocol as IR receive and uMites can talk to each other without wires.



Hey thats a good idea Lou, I was thinking for another application but Geoff explained there are a million different protocols so that makes it non-viable but if we select one protocol (the SONY one for example) then wireless communication between mites is another great idea.

Whilst it probably wont help me in my application I can see it being a very useful addition if Geoff can squeeze the code in.

Regards,

Mick

Edited by bigmik 2014-02-16
Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<<
 
Geoffg

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Posted: 04:13pm 14 Feb 2014
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  TZAdvantage said  Would be neat to have uMites 'talking' to each other over IR.

I agree that it would be cool, but would anyone want to do that? Why?

That is the real criteria.

Geoff

P.S. That does not mean that I will not include it, it would be cool after all!
Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net
 
bigmik

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Posted: 06:39pm 14 Feb 2014
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  Geoffg said  
I agree that it would be cool, but would anyone want to do that? Why?



Actually I can think of an immediate use..

I have a garden light/ fountain/ Spa plus add extra features controller in my back yard.. If I wanted to create some SMARTS to it (currently controlled via an FM remote control manually switched) I could put a slave uMite to trigger the contactors (Basically Big Relays) I could have a 'mite under the eaves of my house to control it without having to run cables (with line drivers) under the concrete/pavers..

Not an immediate plan but something I like.. Of course my 'mite could just trigger the FM remote as well but its not as cool. If I wanted to do data logging it would probably be more practical.

Regards,

MickEdited by bigmik 2014-02-16
Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<<
 
JohnL
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Joined: 10/01/2014
Location: Seychelles
Posts: 128
Posted: 07:12pm 14 Feb 2014
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  Quote  Hi Mick,
I was going to include an IR send function but then it dawned on me - what protocol would I use? There are *millions* of IR protocols, every bit of equipment is different. So I gave up on that idea.


How about an IR "Learning" micromite. Similar to those learning remote controls.
Then use micromite as replacement and/or select specific functions by learning from original remote?
 
Lou

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Joined: 01/02/2014
Location: United States
Posts: 229
Posted: 07:30pm 14 Feb 2014
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Geoff wrote:
I agree that it would be cool, but would anyone want to do that? Why?
That is the real criteria.
Geoff
P.S. That does not mean that I will not include it, it would be cool after all!

I'm thinking a portable uMite master unit could program multiples or slave units with updated data or code from a battery powered handheld uMite. Something like the PICkit3 Programmer-To-Go function.

After all, 2AA cells and a uMite 28 (or 44) could make a portable unit do most anything.

Lou
Microcontrollers - the other white meat
 
MicroBlocks

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Joined: 12/05/2012
Location: Thailand
Posts: 2209
Posted: 08:04pm 14 Feb 2014
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Controlling robots, cars for instance.
It would be nice to build the transmitter with custom controls.
The cheap remotes are only useful for tv like stuff.
Connecting analog parts like sliders, benders, pots, touch etc to a uMite and then send that info over IR to another would open up lots of possibilities.

I am already planning to use the uMite in our makerspacer and squeezing every little bit of functionality out of it would be great fun.

The 'cool' factor is as important as its usability. It gets people interested.



Microblocks. Build with logic.
 
bigmik

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Joined: 20/06/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 2949
Posted: 08:16pm 14 Feb 2014
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Geoff, All,

Would a `learning' mode not actually be easier to implement and still end up with the same functionality as a having specific protocol as you could learn the keys you want..

Anyway, I for one am grateful no matter which way you decide is best in the final version, the uMite is already performing way above what its name would have you think.

Regards,

Mick


Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<<
 
atmega8

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Joined: 19/11/2013
Location: Germany
Posts: 724
Posted: 10:39pm 14 Feb 2014
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Hi,

some dozen uMite Robots seeking around in my living room talking to each other via IR,

FANTASTIC!


Dietmar
 
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