Uzebox enters the matrix...take two!
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 4:56 am
I never let go...it just takes time!
Last time I fiddled with an Ethernet interface was with the Redpine module. Was nice, but you had this nasty NDA to sign in order to get the documentation. It also came in a castellated module, not so easy to solder after all. I checked the wiznet, but no nice and easy to use modules with all the features needed. Was about to let go when, woot, saw Adafruit had the same thinking and finally decided to make their own around the Texas Instrument CC3000 module. It's SPI based, 1.5"x1", with chip antenna or uFl connector and works with both 3v & 5v I/O, has holes for a 1x9 header and costs a mere 35$. I simply wired it directly to the Uzebox extension header and voila!
Contrary to Redpine, TI made all docs public, provides source code to the driver, examples and encourages community exchanges. So that was a no brainer, bought 2 of them and started porting the driver to the Uzebox. Was not easy, but it's progressing steadily...it can connect and memorise my access point, resolve domain names and open TCP connections to retrieve a file on belogic.com via HTTP! As you can see on the picture I also indulged myself with a nice Commodore 1702 monitor grabbed from eBay for a mere 50$, the picture quality is just amazing with the s-video input! With this monitor I now have two screens...so next step is Uzebox-to-Uzebox communication! More to come, stay tuned!
Last time I fiddled with an Ethernet interface was with the Redpine module. Was nice, but you had this nasty NDA to sign in order to get the documentation. It also came in a castellated module, not so easy to solder after all. I checked the wiznet, but no nice and easy to use modules with all the features needed. Was about to let go when, woot, saw Adafruit had the same thinking and finally decided to make their own around the Texas Instrument CC3000 module. It's SPI based, 1.5"x1", with chip antenna or uFl connector and works with both 3v & 5v I/O, has holes for a 1x9 header and costs a mere 35$. I simply wired it directly to the Uzebox extension header and voila!
Contrary to Redpine, TI made all docs public, provides source code to the driver, examples and encourages community exchanges. So that was a no brainer, bought 2 of them and started porting the driver to the Uzebox. Was not easy, but it's progressing steadily...it can connect and memorise my access point, resolve domain names and open TCP connections to retrieve a file on belogic.com via HTTP! As you can see on the picture I also indulged myself with a nice Commodore 1702 monitor grabbed from eBay for a mere 50$, the picture quality is just amazing with the s-video input! With this monitor I now have two screens...so next step is Uzebox-to-Uzebox communication! More to come, stay tuned!