Architecture

[A]

I've been working on a few ideas in my head, but the biggest question at this point is architecture.

I would rather go with a board that is pre-wired for ethernet. I think time would be better spent on the implementation of the project rather then getting an AVR talking to a 8019 controller.

So that narrows it down to off the shelf boards with a uC and ethernet all wired. Here is what I've come up with:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rabbit Semi rcm3700
http://www.rabbitsemiconductor.com/products/rcm3700/
z180-like instruction set
22.1Mhz
33 I/O lines
~$50

EDTP Electronics
http://www.edtp.com/
Atmega 16 (16Mhz, 16 I/O); PIC 16F877(20Mhz, ~12ish I/O); 18F452(40Mhz, ~12ish I/O)
8051 based
$59+

Zilog eZ80F91 Mini Ethernet Module
http://www.zilog.com/products/partde...eZ80F915005MOD
z80
50Mhz
32 I/O
$46

Modtronix SBC44EC
http://www.modtronix.com/product_inf...products_id=73
PIC18F452
8051 based
20?Mhz
20+I/O
$55

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thats what I've come up with so far. Anyone have some more models that might work out.

Anyone used any of these products?

[hackajar]

have you looked at the sokris stuff? It's dirt cheap x86 and comes with RS232c and 3 ethernet ports for like $120

I was concidering doing my own PCB for the contest, but this could take a lot of board desgn skills I don't have. Especially when I run across remarks like "you will need to design a 4-layer PCB and be sure to add ground shielding around your DAC's and ADC's" Kinda freaky, anyway's GOOD LUCK TO YA!!!

[LosT]

Actually wiring your own ethernet isn't that big of a deal, and it can be done rather inexpensively with parts that are easily obtainable...

As far as design goes, it depends on what your device is going to do; try to keep the 'subsystems' as simple and independent as possible, that will lead to greater flexability later on.

The TCP/IP boards are not the solution in and of themselves, that's what your microcontroller is going to do. The rabbit boards are fun to play with. Digikey sells them at a reduced cost (last I looked). Have you considered using SX chips from Ubi? The are inexpensive, and will be a great learning experience, but you have to take the time to learn about them and know what you are doing. (How's your assembly?) I've used Rabbit and Zilog products before. If you are narrowing down to the two go with the Rabbit boards.

I would suggest getting hardware that is best suited to your design. Sometimes you won't need a faster uProcessor, so you don't need to spend the money on one....

LosT

[A]

have you looked at the sokris stuff? It's dirt cheap x86 and comes with RS232c and 3 ethernet ports for like $120

Doesn't quit vibe with me for an embeded type device. They are some kick ass, grade A+ product, but just not what I'm thinking for my project.

Actually wiring your own ethernet isn't that big of a deal, and it can be done rather inexpensively with parts that are easily obtainable...

Are you speaking of the various packet wacker type modules:
http://tparker.customer.netspace.net.au/projects/ether/

the webserver ready to be interfaced, i.e. the Red-i that you used:
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30005

Or more grassroots etch or mill a board and solder on an 8019 and some sort of uC?

The reason I'm wanting to go with an off the shelf board for this project is so that others could reproduce it without needing to break out the smd toaster oven.

Good advice, please keep it comming.

[LosT]

Doesn't quit vibe with me for an embeded type device. They are some kick ass, grade A+ product, but just not what I'm thinking for my project.



Are you speaking of the various packet wacker type modules:
http://tparker.customer.netspace.net.au/projects/ether/

the webserver ready to be interfaced, i.e. the Red-i that you used:
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30005

Or more grassroots etch or mill a board and solder on an 8019 and some sort of uC?

The reason I'm wanting to go with an off the shelf board for this project is so that others could reproduce it without needing to break out the smd toaster oven.

Good advice, please keep it comming.

The Red-i isn't brew your own, it was a cheap and dirty way to get my device built quickly ;)

Building a carrier board for something like a Siteplayer is what I'm talking about. It doesn't take much. Building an interface for Ubi's SX chips isn't *that* complicated either (or for various other PICs for that matter)- hell, lots of people have already done the board design for 'carrier' boards that require minimal components- There are many online sites that don't require huge orders to etch boards for you either....

LosT

[Tacitus]

have you guys taken a look at http://www.gumstix.com/ ? they look pretty interesting size-wise and while limited they could be good for a small app.

[murakami]

have you guys taken a look at http://www.gumstix.com/ ? they look pretty interesting size-wise and while limited they could be good for a small app.

Rich Gibson posted a couple of articles on the gumstix in his O'Reilly blog. Not sure where he is on his project, but you can reach him at testingrange.com

Linkage:

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/4552

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/4546

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/4561

The problem I see with the gumstix is that it has serial and bluetooth only. I was looking at old palms or ipaqs as a platform. There are also a mini-itx's running under $100.

[LosT]

The problem I see with the gumstix is that it has serial and bluetooth only. I was looking at old palms or ipaqs as a platform. There are also a mini-itx's running under $100.

miniITX boards are neat, but can be overkill for certain projects which are better addressed with uControllers.

LosT