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Introducing the USB7 (March 28, 2008)
I'd like to introduce you to my latest idea, the USB7. 6 digits of 7 segment awesomeness all controllable from a USB virtual com port (via AVR-CDC). You send it numbers, it displays them, what could be easier?
The protocol is very simple; the device accepts a string of numbers, '+', '-', '.', space, and upper/lower hex digits (A-E). The device will buffer up to 6 characters to display. When you send a newline or carriage return (0x0A or 0x0D) the display will update with the buffered data. Any other character is thrown away. It is important to remember that decimals take up no character space because they share a digit with the previous number. This means you can't start a string with a '.', you must first send a character (even space) then the '.'.
After the jump I'll set it up to show my download speed using LCD Smartie.
So go download LCD Smartie.
In the LCD Smartie directory, we need to create a TestDriver.ini file that describes how the display behaves. Fill the file with the following snippit:
[Test Driver]
Init=32,10
Fini=32,10
CharMap=32,10
Good, now start LCD Smartie (and open the setup dialogue if you have to).
Set the Display Plugin to Test Driver. Set the Startup Parameters to use whatever virtual com port your USB7 is assigned (mine uses 22). Set the screen size to something small like 1x10. Finally set the first screen to $NetSpDownK(4) (insert an appropriate adapter number instead of 4) and make it sticky.
Here's my display showing network speed as I stream a movie.
Some other tasks it might be well suited for:
- High scores on a video game server
- Users logged into a terminal server
- Realtime webpage hit counter
- Seconds from/till an event
- POS price display.
- Current score on a mame cabinet
- Anything else you can send to a serial port.
Finally, some source code and the schematic/board. I promise to have detailed instructions along with kits later.
Buy
I'm pleased to offer these as a kit, bare PCB, and fully assembled. Use the below options to purchase with the default colored displays or explore your other options.
Regular version
| Full Kit | Board Only | Fully Assembled |
|---|---|---|
With Mounting Holes
| Full Kit | Board Only | Fully Assembled |
|---|---|---|
Atmel (9) Kit (11) LED (1) Serial (5) USB (3)
Posted by spiffed at March 28, 2008 9:47 AM
Comments
Can I attach multiple USB7 to one PC?
Posted by: Reinhard at July 18, 2008 11:31 AM
Yes, you can connect multiple USB7 units (or cdc devices) to the same PC. The USB7s will be assigned COM ports depending on which USB port they are plugged into.
I have successfully tested 5 USB7 units on a single PC, unfortunately, that's all the demo units I have. In theory you should be able to connect up to 19 USB7 devices to a single PC/controller. Depending on your particular setup, you may need to use powered hubs to avoid USB over-current conditions.
Posted by: Spiffed at July 21, 2008 12:10 PM