BeRTOS by Example

Posted on November 16, 2011 by e8johan

In this installment we will look at an example project based on BeRTOS. The goal is to learn a bit about how processes works and at the same time play around with the drivers provided by BeRTOS.

For new readers, BeRTOS is a real-time operating system for small embedded systems based on AVR, Arm7 or Arm Cortex M3. It provides a minimal kernel and a set of modules adding functionality to the API. This way, the system can be configured to be small, but at the same time, the API provided is rich enough for the task at hand.

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DIY USB HID

Posted on November 14, 2011 by e8johan

The Teensy development board is an Arduino cousin. It is based on the ATMEGA from Atmel, has a real small physical size (18x31mm) and development tools for Windows, Linux and OS X.

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A Bone to the Beagle

Posted on November 11, 2011 by e8johan

The BeagleBoard project is bringing a new board to the world. The low-cost BeagleBone board will provide Arm power to the embedded community.

It boasts a 700MHz Cortex-A8, 256MB of RAM, Ethernet and USB, but also headers just like the Arduino. The board is not pin compatible with the Arduino family, but will provide “capes” (instead of “shields”) expanding the functionality of the board.

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BeRTOS

Posted on November 9, 2011 by e8johan

BeRTOS is an open source real-time kernel, coupled with drivers and code modules for various common tasks. The target is small systems – BeRTOS can even be used with Arduino. It is being developed by the Italian company Develer.

Targets are AVR, Arm7 and Arm Cortex M3. PowerPC and x86 are also supported, but there are no actual boards supported for these platforms, so you are limited to using the simulator. Still, you can develop your software in a simulated x86 environment before deploying it to an actual target.

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Uzebox – an 8-bit Gaming Console

Posted on November 7, 2011 by e8johan

The Uzebox is an old school gaming console hardware designed for today’s hobbyists.

It is based around an ATmega MCU and an RGB-to-NTSC (or PAL) converter chip. The system has 4kB of RAM and 64kB of FLASH. The system can display 256 colours on screen at any given moment.

The software kernel is built for game development and employs some old tricks to make such a limited system perform. For instance, instead of only providing a pixel-based framebuffer, all graphics can be built from tiles and sprites. This frees up a considerable amount of RAM. On the I/O side the Uzebox supports NES controllers and optionally, MIDI IN. For storage, an SD-card is used. This makes it easy to swap games, etc.

Being originally built for the NTSC (US) market, there now is a European (SCART-based) version. It is sold both as kits or preassembed. For those of you who want to start to play right away, there even is an emulator available for download.

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Classic Auction in one Month

Posted on November 4, 2011 by e8johan

In one month time, December 3rd, Elektroteknologsektionens Teletekniska Avdelning, ETA, of Chalmers University of Technology , my alma mater, will host their annual auction. Being based in western Sweden, this auktion is a must. Instruments, components, computers, etc – both in modern and vintage versions are being sold.

I hope to see you there!

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Summarizing 3D Printing

Posted on November 2, 2011 by e8johan

Over the last weeks, we have been looking at 3D printing. From the origins in the RepRap project, through various commercially available kits. We’ve also been looking at the work flow involved, as well as the tools and sites.

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Korg Monotron Schematics

Posted on October 31, 2011 by e8johan

The KORG Monotron is an old school analog synthesizer in a portable format. Sporting a VCO, LFO and VCF, i.e. a voltage controlled oscillator, a low frequency oscillator and a voltage controlled filter, it sports all the components needed to create the sounds of the future.

For all the makers and tinkerers out there, KORG has released the schematics of this little gem. While you ponder on the details and what to modify you can watch the video below for some Monotron action.

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Retro AVR Computer

Posted on October 28, 2011 by e8johan

Mark Wilson has recreated the classic KENBAK computer using an AVR and some support electronics. This not only brings back a classic computer in a modern form, it provides a computer basic enough to be fully understood in a few hours. Tutor a novice on it over a weekend and you will have taught him/her more about computers than a .net or php training ever can give.

I personally like the low-level, bare metal user interface provided through 12 red coloured LEDs and 15 switches. Who would ever need more than that. You can learn more from this Flickr set, including video clips.

via Retro Thing.

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Finding Models

Posted on October 26, 2011 by e8johan

The site Thingiverse is a great source for 3D printable models – and open source designs in general. The site is run by MakerBot Industries, but the contents is in no way tied to the MakerBot 3D Printer. Instead, the nature of the site is an open source community for sharing plans and instructions for building various contraptions – ranging from printable toys to a printable 3D printer.

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