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In preparation for KD8CEC V2.0 Alpha release with associated Raduino boards...

 

Hi,

So, let's we are probably 2 months away from declaring V2.0 of KD8CEC (Alpha release). The bug list is getting down to a manageable number (the ones I know are in the Issues section of??).

But you can't have a software release without boards that support it...? (Yes, could run it on a Nano, but why would you? Stay with KD8CEC 1.2!)? I currently have designs for Raduino boards in a v3,v4,v5 form factor (approx 40mm x85mm):
  • RaspberryPI Pico
  • Teeny 4.0
  • Arduino Nano 3.0
  • Arduino Nano Every
  • Arduino 33 IOT?
  • Arduino BLE (Have not tried it on "Sense" version)?
  • Arduino RP2040 Connect

See:?

All the Arduino platforms are supported by the same board (jumpers for power, and hardware vs software serial). I also have two designs for these boards: One with an onboard 5V PS and one with an external 5V PS.?

The Teensy and the Pico have their own boards and their PS is external.

All the boards include space for an onboard S-meter circuit, VolHi connector, and a connector for a Nextion (TX/RX on external PS, TX/RX/Vcc/GND for boards with on onboard PS.). External PS boards also have a connector for I2C that could connect to a second daughterboard for S-Meter and SWR. I addition, all the boards are electrically compatible with V6 with the proper connector.?

One external PS design is at:??A non-tested board for the Nano daughterboard is at:?https://github.com/AJ6CU/ubitx-Supporting-Boards/tree/main/DaughterBoard


On the next run, I am going to design a V6 form factor Raduino that will be more compatible with the physical configuration of the V6. (There are also some nits I want to cleanup in the prior release of boards).

NOTE: These are all SMT designs! Consequently, I am thinking a small run of boards for Alpha that will have all the SMT components pre-installed at the FAB.?

To be clear, the boards need an Alpha too as well as the software. Given the experience of earlier pioneers in designing Raduino clones, I am very worried about noise and other issues. I fully expect that some folks on this list with say "Nice try, let me do better". And they will have my thanks!

Here is where I could use some input:

I am thinking that the Alpha board runs will only be for the Pico: External PS for V3,4,5 Raduino form factor and Onboard PS for the V6 form factor. So no Teensys and no Arduino boards. The Pico is inexpensive, and has plenty of speed.

Agree/Disagree?

And please, I am not ready or willing to take pre-reservations on even these alpha boards. This is a hobby and I will get to it when I get to it. Please don't take offense.

73
Mark




--
AJ6CU
KD8CEC 2.0, Nextion Screens,? and open source uBITX Raduino boards for Arduino IOT, BLE, RP2040, Teensy 4.0, and Raspberry Pi Pico
https://github.com/aj6cu
 

Hi Mark,

Is there a build of the KD8CEC firmware available at present that will run on a Teensy ?

Thanks!

Best regards, Peter.


On Sun, 19 Mar 2023 at 21:21, Mark Hatch <mark2382@...> wrote:
Hi,

So, let's we are probably 2 months away from declaring V2.0 of KD8CEC (Alpha release). The bug list is getting down to a manageable number (the ones I know are in the Issues section of??).

But you can't have a software release without boards that support it...? (Yes, could run it on a Nano, but why would you? Stay with KD8CEC 1.2!)? I currently have designs for Raduino boards in a v3,v4,v5 form factor (approx 40mm x85mm):
  • RaspberryPI Pico
  • Teeny 4.0
  • Arduino Nano 3.0
  • Arduino Nano Every
  • Arduino 33 IOT?
  • Arduino BLE (Have not tried it on "Sense" version)?
  • Arduino RP2040 Connect

See:?

All the Arduino platforms are supported by the same board (jumpers for power, and hardware vs software serial). I also have two designs for these boards: One with an onboard 5V PS and one with an external 5V PS.?

The Teensy and the Pico have their own boards and their PS is external.

All the boards include space for an onboard S-meter circuit, VolHi connector, and a connector for a Nextion (TX/RX on external PS, TX/RX/Vcc/GND for boards with on onboard PS.). External PS boards also have a connector for I2C that could connect to a second daughterboard for S-Meter and SWR. I addition, all the boards are electrically compatible with V6 with the proper connector.?

One external PS design is at:??A non-tested board for the Nano daughterboard is at:?


On the next run, I am going to design a V6 form factor Raduino that will be more compatible with the physical configuration of the V6. (There are also some nits I want to cleanup in the prior release of boards).

NOTE: These are all SMT designs! Consequently, I am thinking a small run of boards for Alpha that will have all the SMT components pre-installed at the FAB.?

To be clear, the boards need an Alpha too as well as the software. Given the experience of earlier pioneers in designing Raduino clones, I am very worried about noise and other issues. I fully expect that some folks on this list with say "Nice try, let me do better". And they will have my thanks!

Here is where I could use some input:

I am thinking that the Alpha board runs will only be for the Pico: External PS for V3,4,5 Raduino form factor and Onboard PS for the V6 form factor. So no Teensys and no Arduino boards. The Pico is inexpensive, and has plenty of speed.

Agree/Disagree?

And please, I am not ready or willing to take pre-reservations on even these alpha boards. This is a hobby and I will get to it when I get to it. Please don't take offense.

73
Mark




--
AJ6CU
KD8CEC 2.0, Nextion Screens,? and open source uBITX Raduino boards for Arduino IOT, BLE, RP2040, Teensy 4.0, and Raspberry Pi Pico
 

Peter,

Yes there is. I have it running on one of the Teensy boards I designed that supports Teensy 4.0. It is driving a Nextion 4.2 Intelligent (replacement for the Enhanced) screen. Note this is not the Teensy 4.1 board that Jim Sheldon has designed. If you want to port it to another Raduino running a Teensy, you will may have to adjust the pin definitions and then compile from source. There needs to be an EEPROM somewhere (either emulated - which I have not tried to support) or an I2C EEPROM which I do support on 0x50.

I recorded a video of this.



73
Mark



--
AJ6CU
KD8CEC 2.0, Nextion Screens,? and open source uBITX Raduino boards for Arduino IOT, BLE, RP2040, Teensy 4.0, and Raspberry Pi Pico
https://github.com/aj6cu
 

Wow Mark!

I looked at the Raduino design (just for the pico) and it's pretty nice!? I love all your comments in the silkscreen on the board.? That's one of my pet peeves when working with my current v6 PCBs...pin #1 gets swapped a lot and there are many missed opportunities for silkscreen information for better usability.? When I have to reference the schematic every time I try to do something it gets a little tiresome.

Keep up the good work!? I'd probably be interested in one of these at the proper time.? Running a v6 here.

Bryce, AK4MG
 

Bryce,

Thanks for the nice comments! Not perfect yet, the PTT connector was *supposed to be"? to trigger an external RF switch, but made the rank amateur mistake of not realizing the PTT signal was an input and I needed to grab the T/R line. Next rev!

73
Mark
--
AJ6CU
KD8CEC 2.0, Nextion Screens,? and open source uBITX Raduino boards for Arduino IOT, BLE, RP2040, Teensy 4.0, and Raspberry Pi Pico
https://github.com/aj6cu

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