GHI Electronics - Latest News http://www.ghielectronics.com Get the latest news from GHI Electronics. en-us Sat, 25 May 2013 04:32:19 GMT .NETMF Gadgeteer Robot http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11929 .NETMF makes it ideal for young adults and schools. The expandability of the FEZ Cerbot, through .NET Gadgeteer sockets, makes it ideal for advanced users and universities.

Out of the box, FEZ Cerbot includes a speaker to generate tones, 16 front LEDs, two gear motors with wheels and a four AA battery holder. It also includes two reflective sensors allowing developers to create a line-follower, a maze-solver or to prevent it from falling off desks and tables.

Thanks to .NET Gadgeteer, the six compatible sockets allow FEZ Cerbot to be extended in many ways. Add a WiFi RN171 module to control the robot from a mobile phone or add a Serial Camera module to take snapshots along the way and save using a SD or Micro SD module. By adding a Distance U3 module FEZ Cerbot can detect objects, with information showing on the Character Display or the N18 Display. Let’s not forget about the numerous available sensors, like Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass and Temperature, just to name a few.

The design is completely open-source (OSHW) allowing developers to make changes and utilize the system to its fullest. The complete .NETMF runtime sources are provided, including GHI’s extended OSHW library. On the hardware side, the complete schematics and design files are provided in EAGLE format.

While FEZ Cerbot ships with .NETMF and .NET Gadgeteer, a standard JTAG connection is included for direct access to the STM32F4 Cortex-M4 processor. With the design being open source, FEZ Cerbot can be programmed using a developer’s favorite tools.

There are two options, FEZ Cerbot - Assembled and FEZ Cerbot - Unassembled . They are both identical but the assembled version makes it simpler for those with no soldering experience.

]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 14:26:15 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11929 New Product Announcement and The Spring 2013 Sale http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11919 Cerb40 II, which replaces the original Cerb40. The new revision includes a 3.3 V regulator and the 32 kHz RTC crystal on-board. This allows developers to plug a USB cable in and begin programming without adding any additional circuitry!

Need more excitement? Check out our new WiFi RN171 Module. This is not your typical WiFi module. It broadcasts its own standard access point, allowing for WiFi devices to connect to it (such as smart phones, Android tablets and Microsoft's Surface, among others). Things get even better because it's not AdHoc, which can be problematic on mobile platforms. Possible applications include controlling a robot from a phone or reading sensor data on a tablet. Module driver already includes a HTTP server to aid developers in hosting webpages right on the device.

We've also added other modules, such as the Radio FM1 Module, Accel G248, Power Extender Module, and many more. Our new Latest Products RSS feed is an excellent resource to help you keep track of new releases. They are also listed on the catalog's home page.

As for File System related products, ALFAT USB is now available to extend ALFAT's family and replace uALFAT-USB. This brings USB storage with a Microsoft-licensed Long File Name support to any product with SPI, UART or I2C bus.

To end excitement at an all time high, the Spring Sale is going on. The sale won't last very long, so get your order in before it's too late!

]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 12:09:10 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11919 Visual Studio 2012 support added in latest SDK package http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11849
For a list of changes, additions and known issues, visit our NETMF 4.2 Developer page.

Click here for installation steps.
IMPORTANT: Windows 8 will not let you install until you click "More info" and then click "Run anyway" button. See attached images please.

Note about 4.3 Firmware

This SDK is still a 4.2 firmware but the new .NET MF 4.3 (RTM) accepts devices using 4.2 firmware. Remember to change the target framework to .NET Micro Framework 4.2 in the project properties. As for 4.3 firmware, we will hold off a while for a few reasons. First, it doesn't add any major functionality over .NET MF 4.2 (RTM QFE2). Second, once we switch to 4.3 firmware, you will no longer be able to use Windows XP or Vista. Third, while the current SDK is nearly perfect, we'd like to spend a little time making it even better. This information can also be found on the NETMF 4.3 Developer page.

As for the firmware updater applications, they were removed from the SDK. Instead, we will be improving on our new configuration and update tool. We previewed the application before at http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=10954

The old updater applications are found at http://www.ghielectronics.com/downloads/NETMF/GHI%20NETMF%20Firmware%20Updaters.zip

Tip: This SDK is not the same one posted few days ago on the beta forum. Couple small updates were added.

]]> Thu, 02 May 2013 13:01:51 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11849 Introducing G400-D, the most advanced NETMF SoM yet! http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11281
This full-featured SoM is full of hardware capabilities from SPI, CAN, USB and UART busses to Analog and PWM signals. All fully supported by the provided software. The software also includes GHI’s premium libraries bringing WiFi, SQLite, USB Host to your product with minimal efforts.

When compared to existing products, G400-D is a power house. It is about 20 times faster than EMX/G120 when doing floating point operations and about 12 times faster with normal operations. The LCD controller supports multilayer rendering for optimized user interfaces.

GHI Electronics didn’t stop at a great product, we made it even better by keeping a compatible pinout with ChipworkX. Designs utilizing ChipworkX can switch to G400-D with little or no changes.

While G400-D packs loads of more features and processing power over ChipworkX, it comes at a lower price tag. No prices are set yet but expect to save 30% or more over ChipworkX prices. As for the release date, we expect to have the hardware ready to ship 2Q/2013. We will start by releasing a beta-tester kit in the near future, which includes G400-D and G400HDR. We still have a long list of related products that will be released, starting with G400HDR and a Gadgeteer mainboard, that will follow the release of G400-D SoM.

A demo video showing off G400-D



We are also introducing our new gadgeteer compatible Display T43, a 4.3” display with 480x272 pixels and a resistive touch screen. At under $100, this is must have module for any gadgeteer fan!

-------------------
G400-D Module: http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/400
G400-D Brochure: http://www.ghielectronics.com/downloads/G400/G400-D_Module_Brochure.pdf
Display T43 Module: http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/421
System on Modules: http://www.ghielectronics.com/technologies/system-on-module
.NET Micro Framework: http://www.ghielectronics.com/technologies/.net-micro-framework
.NET Gadgeteer: http://www.ghielectronics.com/technologies/.net-gadgeteer

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:48:12 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=11281 G120HDR Rev2 and a new 4.2 SDK package http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=10904
The new Rev2 improvements:
  • Built in 32.768Khz crystal for RTC
  • Buttons for LDR1 and LDR2
  • User LED
  • One of the user sockets is replaced with SPI socket, allowing for easier use of networking modules, Ethernet ENC28 and WiFi RS21 modules. There is still one free user socket. Other sockets can be added using the $1 Breakout Module.
  • CE, FCC qualification testing

G120HDR Rev2: http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/431

On the software side, a new 4.2 SDK package is now available for download on our support page. This new SDK includes some major improvements and it adds in-field update feature to premium NETMF offers.

The SDK package is always located at: http://www.ghielectronics.com/support/dotnet-micro-framework
Release notes and up-to-date known issues: http://wiki.tinyclr.com/index.php?title=NETMF4.2_developer

]]> Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:10:28 EST http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=10904 Introducing the LED 7C Module and the Display N18 Module http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=10646
The bright multicolor LED on this module can be used to display seven colors, with on/off control of the Red, Blue, and Green LEDs built inside.

http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/422

The Display N18 module is a 128x160 1.8" Color Display Module with controllable backlight. Image quality is excellent, as good as the larger displays.

http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/425

]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:02:16 EST http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=10646 Holiday sale and a look back at year 2012 http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=9739

Stronger Team

As GHI Electronics is committed to helping our local communities and having top quality products and support, all done locally. We have expanded our team, from packaging products to engineering to business management. Our new organizational structure will help us expand our offerings while lowering our prices even further.

Expanding to a New Facility

It has been months of hard work but we finally moved into our new facility in Troy, Michigan. The assembly line machines will be moved next week but the rest of production, order fulfillment, engineering and the rest of our staff are all in the new location and fully operational.

New Equipment

Our latest addition to our line is a US$250,000 solder jet printer. Typically, solder stencils are used to place solder on raw circuit boards, this requires time and money. To give you an idea, we have spent about US$50,000 on solder stencils in 2012! Another great feature of this printer, that can’t be done with a stencil, is in controlling how much solder to place on each pad individually. For example, large parts can take a lot of solder where less solder is placed for a BGA. We expect the new printer to arrive in a couple of weeks. We will share some pictures on our forums.

Cutting-edge Products

The newly introduced ALFAT has been a big hit. It offers a complete file-system solution on a single chip.

Our goal for 2012 was to release several new .NET Micro Framework SoM and Gadgeteer-related products. We have proudly exceeded our goals. We shipped G120, G120HDR and have FEZ Cobra II on pre-order. As for Gadgeteer there are over 80 Gadgeteer-related products on our catalog today, and about 10 more before the end of the year.

THANK YOU!

On this Thanksgiving Day, we want to thank all of our commercial customers and our online community. You will accept nothing less than a perfectly working product, with the latest technology and at the lowest price. Thank you for making us work harder and thank you for making us love what we do, thank you!

A gift from us

We would love to share our excitement with every single one of you through this holiday special sale. Not only that, we are also accepting pre-orders on FEZ Cobra II, at a very special price as well. The sale includes few new products, make sure to check them out.


Learn more about GHI products: http://www.ghielectronics.com/products
Online ordering catalog: http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog
The holiday sale: http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/43

]]> Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:49:38 EST http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=9739 FEZ Cobra II Preview http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=9457
What changed in FEZ Cobra II?
It's now using a G120 Module, bringing 120Mhz of power to the system. You also have the option of having WiFi built-in. Unlike most offers on the market that use a WiFi serial bridge module, G120 Module's WiFi support is provided as a standard socket interface. Users can open over 100 simultaneous connections and enjoy TCP, UDP, FTP, HTTP and SSL to name a few. The board also offers six Gadgeteer compatible sockets, allowing users to add any of the Gadgeteer modules with ease, especially displays.

FEZ Cobra II (WiFi) is priced at $149.95 and the economical version (non-WiFi) is only $99.95. Ethernet can be easily added to either board using the ENC28 Module.

FEZ Cobra II is also our reference design for G120 Module. Developers can use FEZ Cobra II as an end product or to evaluate and create designs based on G120 Module.

As requested by many customers who are already designing products based on G120 Module, we are providing the schematics and previewing FEZ Cobra II two months before it's available.

FEZ Cobra II (WiFi)
FEZ Conra II (Eco)
.NET Micro Framework
.NET Gadgeteer

Finally, we'd like to mention that GHI Insiders were able to pre-order FEZ Cobra II (WiFi) at 50% off.

]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:30:11 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=9457 Introducing G120HDR, New Prices and New Gadgeteer Modules http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8697 G120 Module
We're happy to report that the G120 Module is right on schedule, we have production samples and we are prepared for high volume. We are now accepting pre-orders for samples (limit two). Orders will ship before the end of this month.

G120HDR Module
As requested by many customers, we are offering G120 Module in a through-hole format, the G120HDR Module. This System on Module (SoM) is 100% identical to G120 except it exposes all pins to 0.1" pitch-pads and adds a few Gadgeteer sockets to take advantage of the numerous modules available. Rev 1.0 of G120HDR is available to order immediately and has an introductory priced of $24.95! Just like G120, this premium offer includes all NETMF's core features and all our exclusives, like SQLite database, WiFi, RLP and USB Host. Our offers page lists the features found on premium offers. We are accepting pre-orders today, to ship before the end of this month.

Relay ISOx16 Module
No more relay-noise issues that cause processors to reset. This optically-isolated relay module includes 16 1A relays. The module uses Y socket making it simple to add many of these to any mainboard.

FLASH Module
Need to store your application configuration somewhere? Or even save some resources independent from the application? This FLASH module includes 4 MB of non-volatile memory. We provide drivers to read/write/erase sectors and our community has been generous enough to start working on file system drivers.

Current ACS712 Module
The chip used on this current-measuring module uses isolated magnetic field to measure current. This keeps the mainboard safely isolated, even if measuring current on a 220V powered device.

Pulse InOut Module
Need more PWM channels? This daisylink-capable module has eight of them. Not only that, this module also offers eight pulse-measuring inputs. These can be used to measure pulses from flow sensors for example, but its main purpose is actually RC robotics. The inputs can be used to connect any RC receiver from two to eight channels. These receivers simply generate pulses matching the knob positions. The output PWMs can be use to control servo motors directly or brushed and brushless motors through appropriate controllers. Advanced developers can take advantage of the 50 Mhz processor used on this module to handle specific tight-timing robotic needs by modifying the open-source C-language software. This module is tested and will be available in about four weeks.

USB Client Battery 4xAA Module
This "red" module is another power option for Gadgeteer users. Pictures of the board currently show green because it is of the prototype not production. This module has a USB connector for deploying and debugging applications and uses four AA batteries to run a Gadgeteer system. The switch can be used to select the power source; USB or battery. The output voltage is generated though a modern 1A buck-boost regulator. The module allows the use of any AA batteries, from 1.5V lithium batteries to 1.2V rechargeable batteries. The module allows for the use of rechargeable batteries (but does not charge them). The raw battery voltage is available on a terminal block. This is needed for robotic applications. Production for this module has started and will be available in about four weeks.

GasSense Module
This module is designed with an on-board transitory to optionally control the sensor's heat element and also hosts a standard socket. The module will be offered with multiple common options like alcohol and CO2 but since they are placed through the socket, a user can easily replace the sensor with whatever their application needs. There are plenty of sensor options, even on ebay! This module is under preview only and not available yet.

Reduced Prices
We've lowered some networking modules to help the internet-of-things world get connected!
WiFi RS21 Module from $99.95 to $79.95
Ethernet ENC28 Module from $34.95 to $19.95

TE35 Display Module at $74.95 is a cheaper alternative to the $99.95 T35 Display Module.

Sorry, no refunds for orders placed before today.

Website Improvements
Our main website remains under continuous improvement. We have just finished the all new comparison page. We'll be adding more products soon. We also made identifying Premium vs. OSHW offers easier by updating the offers page and adding a logo by each applicable product (view .NET Gadgeteer Mainboards to see it in action).

Serial Camera Modules
Both Serial Camera L1 Module and Serial Camera L2 Module announced earlier are available for order today.

World Maker Faire NYC
GHI Electronics and many community remembers will be in NYC visiting Maker Fair Sep 29th and 30th, and Open Hardware Summit on Spe 27th. Come join us if you can!

]]> Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:45:01 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8697 Super Friday Announcement (Glide, Linux, 4.2 QFE2 and SQLite) http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8499
New Building

We have just purchased a building to keep up with our ever-growing production needs. The new building is about 40,000 sqf in a techy area in Troy, Michigan. We plan to install more assembly lines and expand our production capabilities, from custom-customer-builds to laser-cutting enclosures and more. We are currently renovating the building and expect to have completely moved by the end of this year.

Glide is now Apache License 2.0

Glide is our popular graphical library for NETMF that comes with a graphical designer. We changed the GLP License to Apache License 2.0 allowing users to use the code in commercial applications without paying royalties or the need to release any private code. This is also to match the licensing with .NET Micro Framework and .NET Gadgeteer.

Linux for NETMF Devices

We'd like to thank Chris Walker and Brian Jepson for starting the work on proving that NETMF can be used with Mono Develop on Linux. The process was difficult and we weren't able to do the complete compile to deploy steps. That's when we decided to build an open-source Linux tool to automate the process. The tool simply takes your Mono Develop project file and parses it to determine what libraries are needed. Next, it invokes the compiler with proper NETMF switches. The compiled DLLs are then converted to NETMF PE files, which are combined into one database file and converted to SREC HEX file ready for deployment to any NETMF device using a Linux-compiled MFDeploy tool. Find the video and tutorial on our wiki.

SDK Package Support for NETMF 4.2 QFE2

NETMF 4.2 QFE2 was just released recently by Microsoft. It includes many bug fixes and improvements. Our favorite is the faster boot time. We have merged QFE2 into our code-base and a release candidate is available for immediate download.

SQLite Database Support added to EMX and G120

Having database capabilities in a NETMF system has been a GHI Electronics exclusive for years on ChipworkX. We thought it was important to add this feature to more boards, so SQLite is now available on EMX and G120. No additional licensing or charges are needed, just download the latest SDK package.

]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:32:01 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8499 Mountaineer Mainboards, with integrated power and Ethernet option http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8166 announced partnership between Mountaineer group and GHI electronics, we've been working hard to bring the new Mountaineer boards to our catalog and distribution channels. Both USB and the Ethernet versions, are now on our catalog.

What make these board special is their small size and on-board voltage regulators. Similar to FEZ Cerbuino Bee, these mainboards are ready to run using a USB cable. The Ethernet version is the first .NET Gadgeteer compatible mainboard to include a built-in Ethernet. The "Internet of Things" was never easier. Add one or more modules and you have a low-cost solution at a very affordable price.

Both are in stock and ready to ship immediately.

Mountaineer USB Mainboard
Mountaineer Ethernet Mainboard

]]> Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:30:36 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8166 The FEZ Story http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8071
Why FEZ? Why the monkey? This is the story...

A few years ago, GHI Electronics only worked with professionals like most electronics companies. GHI had no interest in education or hobbyists. Due to the simplicity of NETMF prducts, we started seeing some hobbyists using USBizi Development System. Here is an example of an old Youtube video of someone who controlled an old 5 1/4" floppy drive motor using USBizi DevSys.



These hobbyists were challenged as the offers were designed with professional developers in mind, yet many still used it and loved it. At that time, Arduino was catching on very quickly as "the way" for hobbyists to build projects. Its biggest strength was in the large open community that built demos and code for almost anything you can think of. During this time many ideas were tossed back and forth at GHI to see how we can make our boards more user friendly. We didn't want to make "toys," nor did we want to be perceived as such a company. Instead, we wanted to take our commercial offers and make them easier for educators and hobbyists.

On a dull winter weekend in 2009, Joe Issa was flipping through the pages of Circuit Cellar checking on advertised platforms like Arduino and BASIC Stamp. It was at this moment when a light bulb went off. He thought, "why not use GHI's commercial chipset running .NET Micro Framework and Visual Studio." Joe called Gus Issa and explained that there was already a market for it. The more they talked about the idea the more it was accepted. They spent hours thinking of a good name for the new product line. These products were highly-capable yet easy enough for students and non-professional programmers and hardware designers.

After throwing ideas back and forth, they thought, "it is easy--very easy. No, it's freakin' easy. It's actually so easy a monkey can do it." What would be a good name for that? Then Joe said, just use "FEZ" for "Freakin' Easy." They looked it up online to make sure it's not copyrighted and what they found out is that fez is actually a hat which sealed the deal. They'd use a monkey wearing a fez.

On Monday, the idea was shared with other employees and they immediately fell in love with the idea. But there was a catch, this market was completely new to GHI. We weren't sure how to fit this new line with our commercial offerings so we decided to keep the FEZ line away from our main business. We were afraid that GHI's image would suffer by making these "toys." So we started our experiment on a separate website, TinyCLR.com. If you didn't know, TinyCLR is the name of the "tiny" CLR that runs .NET Micro Framework. GHI's main website had nothing to do with the FEZ line. That's when Josh Young and team were tasked with building a complete website within a couple weeks. The website was up and ready by the end of 2009. TinyCLR even said "Freakin' Easy" right on the home page and we used monkey art everywhere, even in documentation. The first product, FEZ Domino was announced on January 9th, 2010. It was a big hit and the only thing left to build was the community to back it up.

TinyCLR started building a community as GHI added FEZ Mini and FEZ Cobra to the line-up. GHI wasn't sure how the community would react to new offers. FEZ Rhino was supposed to be the best offer for hobbyists, but GHI actually took a loss on it to everyone's surprise. After months of talking with the community, we learned more about their needs. Using their feedback, FEZ Panda was released and quickly became the most popular FEZ yet. Thousands were sold worldwide and Panda was updated to FEZ Panda II. Over two years later FEZ is still in full production and loved by many.

Out of all this success a new problem arose. FEZ was now on a separate website with no real catalog; far from GHI's main website. We needed to put them together. The move was not simple as GHI's catalog was not suited for these offers. That's when GHI and TinyCLR were rebuilt, GHI now held the catalog and TinyCLR became the community website.

FEZ became an important part for GHI and its commercial users. Some engineers were not happy seeing "Freakin' Easy" in documentation as they were not sure how to explain it to their managers. Professors and educators were not happy with it either due to students using these materials. The catch phrase, "so easy a monkey can do it" was loved but some didn't agree, so over time, FEZ became "Fast and Easy".

When .NET Gadgeteer came around to make things "fast and easy," GHI had already been working in this area, so adopting Gadgeteer was a no-brainer. Especially since the Gadgeteer team had used GHI's Embedded Master Module (an older EMX) to develop Gadgeteer. On July 29th, 2011, FEZ Spider was born. The first .NET Gadgeteer offer in the market and still the most popular offer. In November 2011, FEZ Hydra followed to cover users who needed 100% open-source with more horsepower. For users who wanted an extremely low-cost open-source board, FEZ Cerberus and its derivatives were made available on March 2012.

We want to thank the TinyCLR community, who've helped us build this great social hub. Some even consider TinyCLR their new "facebook" since they check it so often. To give you an idea, Mike logged in 478 times in June, that is about 16 times per day! Not only that, he never asks any questions, he only helps others. Another notable figure is Architect, our highest ranked member. He and many others are not short when it comes to providing help.

The 50% one-time coupon code is embedded somewhere on the FEZ Spider page. Edit: No longer available, coupon was found and used, congratulations to Ian lee.

]]> Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:26:30 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8071 OSHW, Maker Faire and New Products http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8006 Maker Faire. Aside from USB Host library, FEZ Hydra, FEZ Cerberus, FEZ Cerbuino, FEZ Cerb40 are all complete and ready for your next project. These are probably some of the most sophisticated and beneficial OSHW products on the market. The hardware is done in EAGLE, the most popular circuit designer for open-source projects, and the software is licensed Apache 2 instead of GPL, which allows for easier integration in commercial projects and in close-sourcing the derived work.

In case you didn't know, all these products are proudly designed, manufactured and supported from our facility in Michigan, USA.

So which product should you select?
FEZ Hydra is the speedy machine with a powerful 200Mhz processor and enough RAM for graphics, capable of even running linux.
FEZ Cerberus is a tiny board that's excellent for robotic applications.
FEZ Cerbuino is your bridge from 16Mhz 8-bit Arduino and limited-shields to a powerful 168Mhz 32-bit microprocessor with Gadgeteer capability.
FEZ Cerb40 is the size of a stick of gum, yet as powerful as its cousins, Cerberus and Cerbuino.

Take any of these mainboards and plug in a module from our ever expanding module list, from displays and lights to sensors and relays, everything is plug and play.

We will be showing these off at Detroit's Maker Faire at Henry Ford Museum. We look forward to meeting you this weekend.

We have two very exciting surprise modules. The first one is a 7" 800x480 TFT Full-Color LCD with capacitive touch screen capable of reading 5 simultaneous finger-touches, with a built-in gesture decoder. This gorgeous display is a perfect match for FEZ Hydra and FEZ Spider.

The second surprise is a Serial Camera Module. This camera supports resolutions up to 640x480 and will work on any .NET Gadgeteer mainboard, OSHW or Premium. Developers can take the images and show them on screen if the mainboard has a JPEG decoder like FEZ Hydra and FEZ Spider. You may also store the images on SD cards or send them over the network.

]]> Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:08:21 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=8006 New DaisyLink Modules built with the new Open DaisyLink Project http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=7257
The Open DaisyLink Project includes everything a developer needs to build DaisyLink modules. Not only does it cover the hardware design and software drivers, it also includes mainboard drivers for loading the software on modules. Currently, we use NXP's Cortex-M0. The LPC11xx series is available in a DIP package, costs about $1 and has a built-in bootloader that GHI’s drivers use to re-program the chip without the need for any programmers.

While using GCC is possible, the software is provided as a Keil MDK project. This professional tool is free for projects under 32KB (so basically it's free with these chips). This allows for easier debugging if using an optional JTAG and also offers better code optimization.

We are demoing the open-source project though three new module offers:
  1. ParallelCNC: It's a parallel port that connects to stepper motor controller boards.
  2. LED Matrix: 8x8 LEDs which can be chained using DaisyLink to create larger displays.
  3. DL40: A tiny board in DIP40 format to prototype DaisyLink modules or enable the mainboard with real-time requirements.

Here is a demo video, enjoy!



]]> Wed, 30 May 2012 12:08:43 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=7257 GHI Electronics is partnering up with CSA Engineering and Oberon Microsystems http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=7110
Mountaineer group announcement http://www.mountaineer.org/news/
Switzerland and Michigan, USA. The Mountaineer Group announces that GHI Electronics will be their preferred partner for the distribution, support, and production of the .NET Gadgeteer mainboards designed by Mountaineer. Thanks to GHI's efficient production facilities and established distribution network, the high-quality Mountaineer Platform will become available to a far larger audience than the medium to large enterprises and government organizations that the Mountaineer Group usually serves.

Details and brochures for the Mountaineer mainboards are found at http://www.mountaineer.org/mountaineer-platform/

]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 14:02:29 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=7110 Introducing FEZ Cerbuino Bee, an Arduino inspired, .NET Gadgeteer mainboard. http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6937
FEZ Cerbuino Bee's page:
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/351

.NET Gadgeteer modules
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/275/

Just like FEZ Cerb40, FEZ Cerbuino runs the same open-source FEZ Cerberus firmware, which is being developed by companies and community members alike. You are invited to join the project at https://stm32f4.codeplex.com/

]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 12:50:00 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6937 Introducing G120, a low cost, feature filled NETMF System on Module (SoM) http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6847
G120 is in the final stages of testing. Available in the third quarter of 2012. Expected volume price is $30 each.
Please see G120 product page for more details http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/373

]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:47:09 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6847 Over ten new .NET Gadgeteer modules are joining our family http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6634
VideoOut Module: A display module that supports both VGA and Analog Video RCA output. Capable of outputting 320x240, 640x480, and 800x600 resolutions. Adding a 60" TV is a one module away.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/356

OBD II Module: This module will allow you to communicate with any vehicle that supports OBDII. With this module, you can read statistics from your car such as RPM, Vehicle Speed, Fuel Type/Level and much more.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/365

HD44780 Display Module: Adds a very simple and quick way to connect 16x2 and 20x4 character displays. We will also have one (or more) options with display included as well.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/358

MaxO Module: A chain-able output extender. Through a single S-socket a developer can add 32 outputs for each module added. Only 4 of these modules will add 128 outputs to a single socket.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/361

IO60P16 Module: A single socket from mainboard will add 60 inputs/outputs with interrupt capability. Also, 16 of these pins can be PWM signals. The signals with PWM are exposed on header-placement so it is easy to add standard RC servo motors. Adding 16 servo motors was never easier.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/363

RED LED Matrix Module (DaisyLink): The on-board 50Mhz Cortex-M0 handles all the timing ad drawing leaving the system free to control many of these modules with minimal system resources. Thanks to Gadgeteer's dasylink protocol, this is all handled automatically by the system.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/370

Load Module: Seven digital switches capable of 3Amp 30V to control motors, relays and even solenoids.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/364

IR Receiver Module with Remote:
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/360

MicroSD Card Module:
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/359

PIR motion detection module:
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/357

RFID Reader Module.
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/366

RS232 Module:
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/355

There is more to come, we are just getting started.

]]> Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:37:34 EDT http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6634 FEZ Cerberus and FEZ Cerb40, small low-cost open source .NET Gadgeteer mainboards. http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6141
Engineering Manager Joe Issa believes open source is helping many developers achieve their goals in less time. He thanks Microsoft for the NETMF sources and Oberon Microsystems for contributing STM32F1 processor support. This gave GHI Electronics a head start in porting NETMF to STM32F4.

The 8 Gadgeteer sockets on FEZ Cerberus are packed with functionalities. "FEZ Cerberus is small and compact yet has many inputs and outputs to control a magnitude of different applications, especially in robotics and home automation," says Aron Phillips, NETMF Porting Lead, OSH Division.

FEZ Cerberus is also offered in a kit aimed at jump-starting users. This kit can be extended through the numerous available modules on the market.

GHI Electronics didn't stop at low-cost, we took the cost even lower. FEZ Cerb40 is a $24.95 NETMF board. Smaller than a stick of gum, FEZ Cerb40 uses the same processor and firmware as FEZ Cerberus but instead of exposing sockets, it exposes the processor pins in a DIP40 format. Non-Gadgeteer and Gadgeteer users alike will enjoy this board.

"We believe in Open Source Hardware and we are proud to have FEZ Cerberus and FEZ Cerb40 open," says Founder and CEO Gus Issa. This allows our TinyCLR.com and the open source communities to contribute to the firmware. It also opens doors for non-NETMF and non-Gadgeteer users to benefit from these powerful boards, thanks to the available JTAG pins.

FEZ Cerberus and FEZ Cerb40 are both in stock and available for sale. Please visit GHI Electronics catalog for .NET Gadgeteer at http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/265/

]]> Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:53:01 EST http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6141 SDK release covering some important updates http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6067
Important notes:
1. This SDK also includes the changes in previous beta so check the previous release notes for full details.
2. Update your device with latest firmware
3. Read the release notes
4. Start with a new project (or update the DLLs if you know how)


As always, the package installer is found at http://www.tinyclr.com/support/

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:06:58 EST http://www.ghielectronics.com/community/forum/topic?id=6067