[time-nuts] time-nuts Digest, Vol 109, Issue 57

[Russ Ramirez]

Hi Chris,

The fundamental issue was that the same code that worked elsewhere could
not decode the 0x8F-AB packet data 100% of the time. I saw the length of
this packet vary by a few bits at the code level, so I used a logic
analyzer with serial decode to examine the raw data coming in to the
Arduino, but that was perfect 100% of the time, and thus the serial port
breakout card was functioning OK as I expected. I am reasonably certain my
code was fine, but there is always room for some uncertainty there. The
project was not so important to me that I was going to spend the time to
wrestle down the problem until it was solved.

I like the Arduino platform, and because of Wiring and Processing it
definitely has a place out there and have had no issues using the same UNO
with XBee for example doing some neat mesh networking projects. I also have
a Leonardo and a Netduino and about a dozen other micro-controller boards,
but I just felt that had I used a TI or a PIC board I would have nailed
this first-time with less effort. As far as a PCB goes, you're correct of
course, but I already do that sort of thing and would not shy away from it.

Yeah, if you can get a LH-like application, maybe optionally driving a
color LCD, that would be very cool. For any of these TB apps, I agree that
using a PC is overkill, but when you already have them sitting around it's
not so bad. I like Adam's board, and any approach like this, because when
you put together a TB and a power supply in an enclosure, you're probably
going to have room to add a control panel and I think it makes for a nice
self-contained solution.

Russ

What was the problem you found.  Other then a "new to you" platform?  I'm
> trying to understand why reading serial data would be hard.
>
> An advantage of the Adruino is that you don't need to make a PCB.  Even if
> you want to do something like add a graphical display or and SD card for
> logging they just plug in, no solder required.
>
> Of course the pre-buillt display is even easier but can't be modified.
>
> One of my loner term goals is to move lady heather like functions onto a
> small uP based device.  It seems wasteful to use a PC for this.
>