StickOS

[Bruce]

Slow - compared to what?

http://www.cpustick.com/mcus.htm

[mackrackit]

Bruce,
Being you have already started the board design I say go with the Explorer 16 type.

Blue SMD.

[ScaleRobotics]

Hey Bruce,
I know you are a busy man. But any updates on the StickOs project?

I noticed that someone is making a zigflea wireless board for the SparkFun StickOS product. Here is the link: http://overtone-labs.ning.com/profil...oard-for-cui32

Thanks,

Walter

[Bruce]

Sorry for the delay Walter. I'll see if I can't get this ready by Monday.

[Bruce]

Walter,

Here's a couple of screen captures of the board so far. I've attached the DipTrace board file also if anyone wants to have a go at making it better, smaller, etc. It would be nice if someone else verified all connections also.

It's similar to the SparkFun board, but I dropped the USB host option, rearranged things a lot, and attempted to make it Stamp-Like, but it's tough to route if you keep the headers close enough together to insert in a small breadboard, and I did NOT want to go any smaller than 0805 resistors/caps.

Board size is 3.2" x 1.8". The smaller capture is 100%. The large is blown-up so you can see everything with connections.

I can have a BOM ready in a day or two, but will wait for feedback, changes, yada-yada...;o)

[Darrel Taylor]

Bruce,

What kind of breadboard will they fit into?

If JP6 is 0.1" spacing, then JP5 and JP7 are 1.5" apart.
But all my solderless breadboards are 1.1" max.

The headers would end up in one of the power rails.

[Darrel Taylor]

Duh! Nevermind.

It would go across the power rails between two breadboard strips.

Sorry, I'm just excited about it.

Carry On.

[Bruce]

Hi Darrel,

I suppose it could be done, but the board would be pretty long, and there wouldn't be any room for labels on the connection headers. The 64-pin PIC32 TQFP package is pin-to-pin/side-to-side 12mm wide, so you have little to no room.

[ScaleRobotics]

Looks great Bruce. Yeah, I kind of hoped it would fit on ONE breadboard, but that sure is a lot of I/O! I have two or three breadboards to put it on if I need to.

One other thing. What kind of USB connector is that? It looks like one of the printer styles, but I could be wrong. Not sure why I think it matters, but it would be cleaner to keep the low profile over the whole thing and do a smt mini usb connector instead. Who knows, someone might want to send this thing up in a model airplane or rocket or something. (Maybe that's just me )

Thanks a bunch Bruce.

Walter

[Bruce]

3 breadboards! Yikes...

I'm putting female headers on mine for the analog pins.

I could suck-it-in for a version that would drop right into a standard single breadboard, but I'm just not in the mood to sit & hand-assemble 30+ boards under a microscope for a freebie...

And - it's really a drag for someone that gets one to replace any parts < 0805 by hand.

If someone prefers SMD switches, I can change that, but they're normally more expensive. I definitely do not want the SMD USB-A connector. These things tend to rip-off & lift traces with just a little wiggle. I tried really hard to keep it super cheap, but I'm open to feedback if someone wants something changed.

You should be able to edit/view it with the free version of DipTrace. The raw file is there if anyone wants to have a go at making it better or smaller.

Walter - the mini USB connectors are a pain, and not everyone has those teeny cables. I used a standard through-hole A type for stability, and it's easier for me to assemble. And - if we used the SMD mini USB connector, it's way too easy to rip-off the board if you lift up on the USB cable. These need to be installed in an enclosure (like say a PICKit2 or 3) where the enclosure itself provides support.

[mackrackit]

I do not have a problem with three bread boards.

It all looks good to me Bruce!

THANKS!!!

[ScaleRobotics]

I'm putting female headers on mine for the analog pins.

That's a good idea!

I could suck-it-in for a version that would drop right into a standard single breadboard, but I'm just not in the mood to sit & hand-assemble 30+ boards under a microscope for a freebie...

Can't blame you there, totally understand.

If someone prefers SMD switches, I can change that, but they're normally more expensive. I definitely do not want the SMD USB-A connector. These things tend to rip-off & lift traces with just a little wiggle. I tried really hard to keep it super cheap, but I'm open to feedback if someone wants something changed.

I don't see a need for smt switches, and I can get by with whatever USB connector, or pinout you put on it.

You should be able to edit/view it with the free version of DipTrace. The raw file is there if anyone wants to have a go at making it better or smaller.

Looks like a nice layout, and I know I will be happy with the silkscreen labeling, so I don't have to refer back and forth to a pdf file. Not too big, and with your idea of the female header for the analog, I'll be able to fit it on one of my larger breadboards (not three).

Walter - the mini USB connectors are a pain, and not everyone has those teeny cables. I used a standard through-hole A type for stability, and it's easier for me to assemble. And - if we used the SMD mini USB connector, it's way too easy to rip-off the board if you lift up on the USB cable. These need to be installed in an enclosure (like say a PICKit2 or 3) where the enclosure itself provides support.

Bruce, I totally agree with you keeping the cost down, and you have done an excellent job. I know that this kind of project takes time, even for someone as professional as you, so thank you again for jumping in and offering to do this!

As for the mini-usb, I can see your point of not wanting to install them, and I can live with that just fine. But I have purchased plenty of cheap boards from Sparkfun, Microchip, Olimex, and other board manufacturers who include a mini USB connector on their board, but offer no case. Don't take me wrong, I am just saying that in my opinion, I don't think they "need" to be installed in an inclosure. But I agree that would make them stand up to more use/abuse.

Your pinout would certainly be one of the most durable, compact, and cheap. So by all means, I agree it is a good way to go. Just think a few people will have to make an easy cable to connect it with.

[ScaleRobotics]

Only because I like the way it fits on my breadboard, I chose the UBW32.


Bruce's board is available on the BatchPCB site

[mackrackit]

Does the UBW32 takes the same chip as Bruce's board? And what will the cost be per board? I think you said but I do not know for sure.

[ScaleRobotics]

Does the UBW32 takes the same chip as Bruce's board? And what will the cost be per board? I think you said but I do not know for sure.

Thanks for Asking Dave! I stupidly thought they were the same package. The UBW32 uses the 100 pin package, Bruce's design (and the CUI32) use the 64 pin PIC32MX440F512H chip. Let me do an about face ... Will order up one of Bruce's boards from BatchPCB and build it up. When all works as planned will place a larger order.

Thanks for catching me.