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RPi and TFT Touchscreen Set Up, Programming & Calibration

By in Engineering, Laboratory

Today I finished the Linux upgrades, updates, and corresponding TFT calibration. Via puTTY and over WiFi, it took 2-days of continued remote server code query, download, transfer, extraction, and installation onto a 32GB microSD Linux O/S. No exaggeration.

This is what it took to get the monitor calibrated and aligned from a Linux Jessie config file.

Section “InputClass”
Identifier “calibration”
MatchProduct “stmpe-ts”
Option “Calibration” “150 3912 3843 255”
Option “SwapAxes” “1”
Option “InvertX” “0”
Option “InvertY” “0”
EndSection

Very pleased with the outcome of the touchscreen. Moving on to the sensor station’s schematic capture, PCB layout, and fabrication.

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RPi and TFT Touchscreen Integration with Linux

By in Engineering, Laboratory

The micro slot sensor integration module continues along its path. Today I integrated the Linux operating system and TFT display onto the micro slot module base station mockup. It was a beast to get it integrated and set up. Still not fully calibrated yet.

The point is to bring an integrated touch-sensitive display onto the single board computer platform which hosts the various sensor ports and micro slot module I made just a week or so ago.

It will take tethered sensor readings and read those back to a viewer. It will provide an input path via mouse and keypad in addition to the touch screen.

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Frequency Selectability Experiment with Arduino

By in Arduino, Engineering, Laboratory

Here is a short effort to program the control of crystal frequency output. 8MHz as the standing frequency with multipliers asserted one at a time.

This is an experiment to encode in binary a selectable output pulse rate from a 555 timer. Where selected GPIO pins become asserted to set the desired rate. Over an Uno connection with code, I set up a user interface to push millions of pulses through to a defined output. All in a single second each instance. Staring from a single pulse rate with multipliers of 16, 20, 32, and 40. Each one separately is chosen by simply entering what a user wants over a GUI interface.

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Stacked Power

By in Engineering, Laboratory

This power supply generally stacks underneath all SBC modules developed and for those to follow. It is supplied through a 120VAC detachable plug-in to an isolated receptacle. The circuit breaker is protected with bottom-side fische paper to insulate against harmful voltages. The module produces a +/-15V (500mA) and +5V output at 3A. +5V for digital logic module support. +/-15V for analog line level module support.

No power switch, just plug in and go.

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RPi Shield

By in Engineering, Laboratory

idXR.010 specifications served up. Deeply satisfying making these technologies. This time I made a break out assembly for a Raspberry Pi 2. Also with the same footprint as the Raspberry Pi 3. There will probably be a second revision of the PCB to enlarge some holes and remove or re-position a port.

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Arduino to RPi Code Origination, Conversion & Test

By in Engineering, Laboratory

Tonight’s successful concept test with Python conversion from Arduino to Raspberry Pi. Happened to find the experimental Arduino code to drive an external sensor module. For it to behave as it should and provide acknowledgment and function as expected. It is often better to work with Arduino with available analog ports as compared to RPi with only digital ports.

This exercise served as an example of how to port code over from one platform to another. With necessary and simple edits unique from each area of operation.

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Micro-Slot Build of Physical Timer Prototype

By in Engineering, Laboratory

Completed first build of revision A. The new PCB fabrication company turns out okay so far. Comes from the U.S., less money and faster delivery. I still have to debug the hardware and look for flaws. Initial tests show functionality, but there are component values that probably need attention. Plus the need for a jump or two.

The blue trim control is for duty cycle variable control and the momentary switch-button sends a one-shot pulse to the output header. The second pass will be with an Arduino SBC to control its output clock speed.

Micro slot module test and debug.
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Prototype Micro-Slot Module & Proof of Concept

By in Engineering, Laboratory

Unraveling nested nodes to get the prototype unit fabricated and built. It’s inevitable, jumps and via’s shall be sprinkled throughout to overcome the entanglements. This is the first micro slot module among others to follow. A sort of proof of concept to arrange a vertically mounted assembly that inserts into base station modules that host SBCs.

Suitable for socketed on perforated boards as well to accommodate prototyping or one-and-done projects. The idea is to set a template project for modules overall whereas time to completion is accelerated from idea to development and completion. The framework by which originated or reference design materials is dropped-in to become far easier to implement with more attention placed upon interface or code requirements to satisfy intended functions.

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