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Controller Update


lduncan

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  • 2 weeks later...

128 x 64 pixel graphic display

USB Host port: for connecting things like cameras, etc

MMC Port: Maybe for storing timelapse sequences caught by a webcam.

Ethernet: For management / web interface

At least 6 BNC ISE analogue inputs. For software selectable probes. This will allow any combination of pH, salinity, or even Mg, Calcium, Alkalinity probes for those wanting to pay.

A bus system which will allow a virtually unlimited number of temperature sensors, controlled power sockets, digital io, remote displays, plus any other add on which may be needed.

Most importantly, unlike most other controllers around today, it will allow significant expansion though firmware updates, due to the speed of the processor and the (relatively) large amount of memory.

The IKS runs off a 8-bit 80535 processor at 12 MHz compared to a 32-bit ARM9 at 180MHz

64kB Flash vs. 8MB Flash

128kB Ram vs. 32MB RAM

So there is plenty of scope to add significant functionality in software well after the unit has been built.

For the software features... well there are probably too many to list. You'll have to wait until i send a test one up to akl. ;-) I think the important thing is to get the software and configuration as simple a possible, without being limiting. The last thing I want to end up with is what Neptune Systems have done with the Aquacontroller, and make people write a "program" for their controller. It's not exactly an elegant solution.

Layton

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so you got time frames for each stage? are you going to get the base model done first then add new features as you go or the whole thing in one hit? its gonna run a linux kernel right? so you should be able to keep the code small enough :D what flavour? are you writing it all or having someone help? i have a mate who is uber smart with electronics and he's wanting to get back into it (purely on the hobby side) if you need any assistance - he's an extreme brain box - one of those people who reads a book one night then is a guru on the subject the following day :D i hate when he does it too...

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yeah, it's going to run a linux kernel 2.6.xx . What do you mean by what "flavour"?

I should have all the hardware and casings done before Christmas. As well as some basic software at that time.

As you probably know, a software project is never really finished, there's always something to add, or improve on.

Knowing virtually nothing about linux a couple of months ago (other than an good knowledge of other *nix systems like OS X), i've definitely learned a lot.

Right now my kernel size is sitting at about 1.3 MB.

Layton

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can you build in a self cleaning probe. :D

It is such a hassle to clean the probes every month. My ph currently reads 7.20, which is incorrect, so i will have to see if i can calibrate it some time.

It would be great if you could add in a po4 and nitrate probe. but it cant be cheap otherwise everyone else would have added them in.

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:lol: , it's not quite that easy. I can't just download a distribution and run it.

I've had to download the source code (from www.kernel.org) which is all c , mixed with a bit of assembler, then write all the drivers I need for things like ethernet, the lcd, flash, usb etc. Then compile it myself.

So in effect i'm creating my own distribution.

Of course there is the issues of actually getting a working compiler in the first place which will create valid binaries for and ARM processor, when actually executing on a PowerPC. That's no walk in the park itself. Some people spend weeks trying different combinations of tools and libraries to get a cross-compiler to actually compile and build good binaries.

Layton

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  • 4 weeks later...

Just on pause for a bit, other uni assignments are taking over at the moment. Exams are coming up soon too. Done a bit of work on the gui code structure and stuff, but nothing really too visible.

There are a few problems with the first prototype board, so they need to be fixed, and a second prototype made, which I'll probably do within the next month / month and a half. This will likely be the final board, so it will take a bit more work in taking into account the housing, connector layout and stuff like that.

Layton

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  • 9 months later...

It's on the shelf at the moment. I've got the second prototype board made, but I'm having problems with it. They could be hardware or software related. But really to get any further I need a logic analyser which run from about $8,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. So it's just a matter of accumulating the cash for that, or getting access to one down here. The University ones are shit. There are a couple of companies which have suitable ones, but getting access is a problem.

What are you wanting to control? This (even if it was finished) may be overkill for what you want.

Here is the latest circuit board anyway:

proto2w.jpg

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Layton,

Why cant you run a cut down version of slackware. This would make it easier than reinventing the wheel by creating your own distro.

Or even look at embedded linux distros, can't think of any off hand but there are alot out there.

That should save you alot of time.

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