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Wiki reader

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  Wiki reader Mark Wills <forthfreak@gmail.com> - 2012-10-06 12:02 -0700
    Re: Wiki reader Mark Wills <forthfreak@gmail.com> - 2012-10-06 12:10 -0700
      Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-09 13:28 -0400
        Re: Wiki reader Paul Rubin <no.email@nospam.invalid> - 2012-10-09 20:09 -0700
          Re: Wiki reader paulhidecs@gmail.com - 2012-10-12 03:57 -0700
            Re: Wiki reader Mark Wills <forthfreak@gmail.com> - 2012-10-12 05:35 -0700
              Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-12 23:17 +0100
            Re: Wiki reader Mark Wills <forthfreak@gmail.com> - 2012-10-12 05:36 -0700
            Re: Wiki reader Mark Wills <forthfreak@gmail.com> - 2012-10-12 05:38 -0700
              Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-13 00:37 -0400
                Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-16 19:13 -0400
                  Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-17 18:36 +0100
                    Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-17 13:48 -0400
                      Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-18 18:35 +0100
                        Re: Wiki reader Hannu Vuolasaho <hannu.vuolasaho@nospam.tut.fi.invalid> - 2012-10-18 18:01 +0000
                          Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-18 19:37 +0100
                            Re: Wiki reader Hannu Vuolasaho <hannu.vuolasaho@nospam.tut.fi.invalid> - 2012-10-19 08:43 +0000
                        Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-18 15:21 -0400
                          Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-18 21:37 +0100
                            Re: Wiki reader Mark Wills <markrobertwills@yahoo.co.uk> - 2012-10-18 13:48 -0700
                              Re: Wiki reader visualforth@rocketmail.com - 2012-10-18 16:37 -0700
                                Re: Wiki reader visualforth@rocketmail.com - 2012-10-18 16:50 -0700
                                  Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-18 20:13 -0400
                                    Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-19 19:28 +0100
                                      Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-19 17:53 -0400
                                        Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-19 23:24 +0100
                                          Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-19 18:39 -0400
                                          Re: Wiki reader rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> - 2012-10-19 18:51 -0400
                                            Re: Wiki reader "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> - 2012-10-20 09:48 +0100
                                              Re: Wiki reader Mark Wills <forthfreak@gmail.com> - 2012-10-20 02:59 -0700
                                                Re: Wiki reader visualforth@rocketmail.com - 2012-10-20 10:08 -0700
    Re: Wiki reader Ian Osgood <iano@quirkster.com> - 2012-10-20 11:21 -0700
      Re: Wiki reader visualforth@rocketmail.com - 2012-10-20 11:55 -0700

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#15980 — Wiki reader

The price of the handheld WikiReader on Amazon has tumbled from the
100's of dollars to $14 (in the USA).

In the UK, it's £20:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pandigital-Handheld-Electronic-Encyclopedia-Wikipedia/dp/B0039NLVB2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1349549948&sr=8-4

Looks like they're selling the stock out and then that'll be it. If
anyone is interested in getting one, now might be a good time.

Note: These machines run Forth. You can place ANS Forth text files on
the SD card and it will happily compile and run them. It comes with a
number of Forth words to allow GUI interaction, SD card access etc.

Also, if you hook it up to a serial port and a terminal emulator you
get a Forth prompt and you're off.

I just bought mine! At that price, I couldn't resist it!

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#15982

On Oct 6, 8:02 pm, Mark Wills <forthfr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> The price of the handheld WikiReader on Amazon has tumbled from the
> 100's of dollars to $14 (in the USA).
>
> In the UK, it's £20:
>
> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pandigital-Handheld-Electronic-Encyclopedia-W...
>
> Looks like they're selling the stock out and then that'll be it. If
> anyone is interested in getting one, now might be a good time.
>
> Note: These machines run Forth. You can place ANS Forth text files on
> the SD card and it will happily compile and run them. It comes with a
> number of Forth words to allow GUI interaction, SD card access etc.
>
> Also, if you hook it up to a serial port and a terminal emulator you
> get a Forth prompt and you're off.
>
> I just bought mine! At that price, I couldn't resist it!

Some more links:

http://createuniverses.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/wikireader-forth-simulator.html
http://toddbot.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/wikireader-forth-and-hacking.html
http://www.tuxbrain.com/en/content/wikireader-hidden-menus
http://www.pulster.de/info/openmoko/wikireader/openmoko-wikireader-faq-pulster.htm
http://github.com/wikireader/wikireader/wiki/software-information

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#16103

On 10/6/2012 3:10 PM, Mark Wills wrote:
> On Oct 6, 8:02 pm, Mark Wills<forthfr...@gmail.com>  wrote:
>> The price of the handheld WikiReader on Amazon has tumbled from the
>> 100's of dollars to $14 (in the USA).
>>
>> In the UK, it's £20:
>>
>> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pandigital-Handheld-Electronic-Encyclopedia-W...
>>
>> Looks like they're selling the stock out and then that'll be it. If
>> anyone is interested in getting one, now might be a good time.
>>
>> Note: These machines run Forth. You can place ANS Forth text files on
>> the SD card and it will happily compile and run them. It comes with a
>> number of Forth words to allow GUI interaction, SD card access etc.
>>
>> Also, if you hook it up to a serial port and a terminal emulator you
>> get a Forth prompt and you're off.
>>
>> I just bought mine! At that price, I couldn't resist it!
>
> Some more links:
>
> http://createuniverses.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/wikireader-forth-simulator.html
> http://toddbot.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/wikireader-forth-and-hacking.html
> http://www.tuxbrain.com/en/content/wikireader-hidden-menus
> http://www.pulster.de/info/openmoko/wikireader/openmoko-wikireader-faq-pulster.htm
> http://github.com/wikireader/wikireader/wiki/software-information


Interesting.  I found the info about updating the wiki info so it can be 
kept relatively up to date, at least for now.  If they are closing them 
out they might not continue to provide updates.  I wonder if they are 
replacing it with a new model?

I'd like to use these as front panels if I can get to the serial port. 
I'm a little confused about that.  I can't find much info on it.  Did I 
miss that?  The github page talks about a console port in the battery 
compartment.  But that's all.

Is there an easy way to connect a wall wart?  Todd says it uses up to 
80/90 mA when doing something, but pulster.de says one set of batteries 
will last a year.  That doesn't add up.

Rick

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#16144

rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> writes:
> Interesting.  I found the info about updating the wiki info so it can
> be kept relatively up to date, at least for now.  If they are closing
> them out they might not continue to provide updates.  I wonder if they
> are replacing it with a new model?

I think they have pretty much given up, but I may be wrong.

It looks to me like you can deal with updates yourself.  Wikipedia text
is distributed as compressed xml files (dumps.wikimedia.org) and you
would download the current dump and install it on the reader.

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#16214

On Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:09:47 AM UTC+1, Paul Rubin wrote:
> rickman <gnuarm@gmail.com> writes: > Interesting. I found the info about updating the wiki info so it can > be kept relatively up to date, at least for now. If they are closing > them out they might not continue to provide updates. I wonder if they > are replacing it with a new model? I think they have pretty much given up, but I may be wrong. It looks to me like you can deal with updates yourself. Wikipedia text is distributed as compressed xml files (dumps.wikimedia.org) and you would download the current dump and install it on the reader.

Had a look at the one I just bought from Amazon and wondered where the lead would connect. Found out that the Debug connections are under a sticky tab in the side of the battery compartment. With the device upside down and battery compartment to the top and battery cover removed, the sticky cover is right of centre near you. Removing the sticky plate will reveal a hole of 8mm by 4mm that is approximately 11mm to 12mm deep. The connections are 8 flat gold pads at the bottom. I shall be looking for a suitable connector for this (even if I have to make one).

Paul E. Bennett
(via Google Groups)

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#16215

On Oct 12, 11:57 am, paulhid...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:09:47 AM UTC+1, Paul Rubin wrote:
> > rickman <gnu...@gmail.com> writes: > Interesting. I found the info about updating the wiki info so it can > be kept relatively up to date, at least for now. If they are closing > them out they might not continue to provide updates. I wonder if they > are replacing it with a new model? I think they have pretty much given up, but I may be wrong. It looks to me like you can deal with updates yourself. Wikipedia text is distributed as compressed xml files (dumps.wikimedia.org) and you would download the current dump and install it on the reader.
>
> Had a look at the one I just bought from Amazon and wondered where the lead would connect. Found out that the Debug connections are under a sticky tab in the side of the battery compartment. With the device upside down and battery compartment to the top and battery cover removed, the sticky cover is right of centre near you. Removing the sticky plate will reveal a hole of 8mm by 4mm that is approximately 11mm to 12mm deep. The connections are 8 flat gold pads at the bottom. I shall be looking for a suitable connector for this (even if I have to make one).
>
> Paul E. Bennett
> (via Google Groups)

I've heard of people mounting a female stereo 3.5mm jack and using a
stereo 3.5mm male jack on the serial cable, giving you RX, TX and GND.
I'll see if I can dig some links up...

Here you go:

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?136770-OpenMoko-WikiReader-Now-With-Programming

The first post has pictures. Click 'em to see them full size.

Mark

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#16227

Mark Wills wrote:

> On Oct 12, 11:57 am, paulhid...@gmail.com wrote:
>> On Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:09:47 AM UTC+1, Paul Rubin wrote:
>> > rickman <gnu...@gmail.com> writes: > Interesting. I found the info
>> > about updating the wiki info so it can > be kept relatively up to date,
>> > at least for now. If they are closing > them out they might not
>> > continue to provide updates. I wonder if they > are replacing it with a
>> > new model? I think they have pretty much given up, but I may be wrong.
>> > It looks to me like you can deal with updates yourself. Wikipedia text
>> > is distributed as compressed xml files (dumps.wikimedia.org) and you
>> > would download the current dump and install it on the reader.
>>
>> Had a look at the one I just bought from Amazon and wondered where the
>> lead would connect. Found out that the Debug connections are under a
>> sticky tab in the side of the battery compartment. With the device upside
>> down and battery compartment to the top and battery cover removed, the
>> sticky cover is right of centre near you. Removing the sticky plate will
>> reveal a hole of 8mm by 4mm that is approximately 11mm to 12mm deep. The
>> connections are 8 flat gold pads at the bottom. I shall be looking for a
>> suitable connector for this (even if I have to make one).
>>
>> Paul E. Bennett
>> (via Google Groups)
> 
> I've heard of people mounting a female stereo 3.5mm jack and using a
> stereo 3.5mm male jack on the serial cable, giving you RX, TX and GND.
> I'll see if I can dig some links up...
> 
> Here you go:
> 
> http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?136770-OpenMoko-WikiReader-Now-
With-Programming
> 
> The first post has pictures. Click 'em to see them full size.
> 
> Mark

I was aiming to bring out all eight connections via a thin cable into a 
small box which will allow interfacing to a decent comms port. I'll make 
details available as and when. I shall also include the reset button and 
programme switch as part of the box. May even make the device sit on the box 
and eliminate the need for the thin cable (idea still evolving).

I think the device could end up being a useful small terminal for other 
programmable projects.

-- 
********************************************************************
Paul E. Bennett...............<email://Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk>
Forth based HIDECS Consultancy
Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972
Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979
Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk..
********************************************************************

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16216

This guy has turned it into a data logger, in Forth, of course!

http://toddbot.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/wikireader-data-logger.html

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#16217

On Oct 12, 11:57 am, paulhid...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:09:47 AM UTC+1, Paul Rubin wrote:
> > rickman <gnu...@gmail.com> writes: > Interesting. I found the info about updating the wiki info so it can > be kept relatively up to date, at least for now. If they are closing > them out they might not continue to provide updates. I wonder if they > are replacing it with a new model? I think they have pretty much given up, but I may be wrong. It looks to me like you can deal with updates yourself. Wikipedia text is distributed as compressed xml files (dumps.wikimedia.org) and you would download the current dump and install it on the reader.
>
> Had a look at the one I just bought from Amazon and wondered where the lead would connect. Found out that the Debug connections are under a sticky tab in the side of the battery compartment. With the device upside down and battery compartment to the top and battery cover removed, the sticky cover is right of centre near you. Removing the sticky plate will reveal a hole of 8mm by 4mm that is approximately 11mm to 12mm deep. The connections are 8 flat gold pads at the bottom. I shall be looking for a suitable connector for this (even if I have to make one).
>
> Paul E. Bennett
> (via Google Groups)

More piccies of the same sort of serial port hack:

http://toddbot.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/wikireader-serial-port-hack-pictures.html

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16239

On 10/12/2012 8:38 AM, Mark Wills wrote:
> On Oct 12, 11:57 am, paulhid...@gmail.com wrote:
>> On Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:09:47 AM UTC+1, Paul Rubin wrote:
>>> rickman<gnu...@gmail.com>  writes:>  Interesting. I found the info about updating the wiki info so it can>  be kept relatively up to date, at least for now. If they are closing>  them out they might not continue to provide updates. I wonder if they>  are replacing it with a new model? I think they have pretty much given up, but I may be wrong. It looks to me like you can deal with updates yourself. Wikipedia text is distributed as compressed xml files (dumps.wikimedia.org) and you would download the current dump and install it on the reader.
>>
>> Had a look at the one I just bought from Amazon and wondered where the lead would connect. Found out that the Debug connections are under a sticky tab in the side of the battery compartment. With the device upside down and battery compartment to the top and battery cover removed, the sticky cover is right of centre near you. Removing the sticky plate will reveal a hole of 8mm by 4mm that is approximately 11mm to 12mm deep. The connections are 8 flat gold pads at the bottom. I shall be looking for a suitable connector for this (even if I have to make one).
>>
>> Paul E. Bennett
>> (via Google Groups)
>
> More piccies of the same sort of serial port hack:
>
> http://toddbot.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/wikireader-serial-port-hack-pictures.html

Yeah, but the pics don't really show where to connect the wires.  Here 
is a page that lists some details on the pin out.

https://github.com/wikireader/wikireader/wiki/Hardware-Specifications

I haven't had a chance to view your link at parallax.com

I should have some 2mm surface mount connectors, but they may need some 
trimming to fit the pads.  I can send you a couple if you want.  I won't 
have my wikireaders until next week.  I ordered two.

My main concern is how fast a Forth can run the serial port.

Rick

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#16368

On 10/13/2012 12:37 AM, rickman wrote:
>
> My main concern is how fast a Forth can run the serial port.
>
> Rick

Has anyone gotten their units yet and used the serial port?  I won't 
have mine until next week.

I am looking to buy a USB to TTL adapter from eBay and it seems to be 
hard to find one with much info on the pins.  Most units use a PL2303 
chip.  Anyone know if that will interface ok to the Wikireader?  Are the 
Wikireader pins 3.3 volts?

Rick

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16397

rickman wrote:

> On 10/13/2012 12:37 AM, rickman wrote:
>>
>> My main concern is how fast a Forth can run the serial port.
>>
>> Rick
> 
> Has anyone gotten their units yet and used the serial port?  I won't
> have mine until next week.
> 
> I am looking to buy a USB to TTL adapter from eBay and it seems to be
> hard to find one with much info on the pins.  Most units use a PL2303
> chip.  Anyone know if that will interface ok to the Wikireader?  Are the
> Wikireader pins 3.3 volts?
> 
> Rick

Mine arrived last Thursday and I already have a schematic being sketched up 
to provide a reasonable driver for the Debug port, along with a couple of 
switches (prog and reset).I have contacted a firm who do spring loaded pins 
and I am going to build a location block that I will mount on the PCB of the 
jig on which the driver circuit is located. Yes, all the Wikireader pins are 
3.3V (apart from the Bat+ and Bat-)

-- 
********************************************************************
Paul E. Bennett...............<email://Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk>
Forth based HIDECS Consultancy
Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972
Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979
Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk..
********************************************************************

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16399

On 10/17/2012 1:36 PM, Paul E. Bennett wrote:
> rickman wrote:
>
>> On 10/13/2012 12:37 AM, rickman wrote:
>>>
>>> My main concern is how fast a Forth can run the serial port.
>>>
>>> Rick
>>
>> Has anyone gotten their units yet and used the serial port?  I won't
>> have mine until next week.
>>
>> I am looking to buy a USB to TTL adapter from eBay and it seems to be
>> hard to find one with much info on the pins.  Most units use a PL2303
>> chip.  Anyone know if that will interface ok to the Wikireader?  Are the
>> Wikireader pins 3.3 volts?
>>
>> Rick
>
> Mine arrived last Thursday and I already have a schematic being sketched up
> to provide a reasonable driver for the Debug port, along with a couple of
> switches (prog and reset).I have contacted a firm who do spring loaded pins
> and I am going to build a location block that I will mount on the PCB of the
> jig on which the driver circuit is located. Yes, all the Wikireader pins are
> 3.3V (apart from the Bat+ and Bat-)

I understand the processor is an Epson device.  What debugger is used 
with it?  Or is this just to reprogram the flash?  I have the impression 
that there is not much need to program the serial flash since nearly all 
the data and much code are on the SD card.

How are you going to use the debug port?  How are you going to use the 
WikiReader?

The spring loaded contact pads are typically used in manufacturing where 
you want to save the cost of the connector.  Is the spring loaded cable 
expensive?  Why not solder a standard connector?

Rick

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16440

rickman wrote:

> On 10/17/2012 1:36 PM, Paul E. Bennett wrote:
>> rickman wrote:
>>
>>> On 10/13/2012 12:37 AM, rickman wrote:
>>>>
>>>> My main concern is how fast a Forth can run the serial port.
>>>>
>>>> Rick
>>>
>>> Has anyone gotten their units yet and used the serial port?  I won't
>>> have mine until next week.
>>>
>>> I am looking to buy a USB to TTL adapter from eBay and it seems to be
>>> hard to find one with much info on the pins.  Most units use a PL2303
>>> chip.  Anyone know if that will interface ok to the Wikireader?  Are the
>>> Wikireader pins 3.3 volts?
>>>
>>> Rick
>>
>> Mine arrived last Thursday and I already have a schematic being sketched
>> up to provide a reasonable driver for the Debug port, along with a couple
>> of switches (prog and reset).I have contacted a firm who do spring loaded
>> pins and I am going to build a location block that I will mount on the
>> PCB of the jig on which the driver circuit is located. Yes, all the
>> Wikireader pins are 3.3V (apart from the Bat+ and Bat-)
> 
> I understand the processor is an Epson device.  What debugger is used
> with it?  Or is this just to reprogram the flash?  I have the impression
> that there is not much need to program the serial flash since nearly all
> the data and much code are on the SD card.

Most of the data is on the SD card from what I have gleaned so far. The SD 
card seems to be quite well buried inside the device and thus you need to 
take it apart to get at it. Access to the debug port (from under the battery 
compartment lid) should give an easier in. I also have other plans for the 
Wikireader as a potential small terminal for other systems.
 
> How are you going to use the debug port?  How are you going to use the
> WikiReader?

As a Wikireader (updated as required) and as a small terminal for embedded 
systems testing and debug.
 
> The spring loaded contact pads are typically used in manufacturing where
> you want to save the cost of the connector.  Is the spring loaded cable
> expensive?  Why not solder a standard connector?

The company I have been in touch with do them for bed-of-nails test jigs. I 
have a price from them and am organising the making of teh support block at 
the moment. I shall probably be adding the LTC1387 to get a decent RS232 
signal for the onward comms connections. The RESET and PROG pins will also 
be connected to a switch and pushbutton as appropriate. 

I am aiming at a worthwhile and useful tool out of this.

-- 
********************************************************************
Paul E. Bennett...............<email://Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk>
Forth based HIDECS Consultancy
Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972
Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979
Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk..
********************************************************************

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16441

On 2012-10-18, Paul E. Bennett <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Most of the data is on the SD card from what I have gleaned so far. The SD 
> card seems to be quite well buried inside the device and thus you need to 
> take it apart to get at it. 

I got mine today. Bad batteries and o boot. Now I have new batteries 
and bigger card and downloading newest wikis.

The card comes out nicely when you first push it in and let the spring 
throw it out for you.

--
Hannu Vuolasaho

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#16443

Hannu Vuolasaho wrote:

> On 2012-10-18, Paul E. Bennett <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>> Most of the data is on the SD card from what I have gleaned so far. The
>> SD card seems to be quite well buried inside the device and thus you need
>> to take it apart to get at it.
> 
> I got mine today. Bad batteries and o boot. Now I have new batteries
> and bigger card and downloading newest wikis.
> 
> The card comes out nicely when you first push it in and let the spring
> throw it out for you.

My Wikireader does not seem to have a visible access to the SD card slot. I 
haven't yet had the bottom cover off. Where is your SD card located?

-- 
********************************************************************
Paul E. Bennett...............<email://Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk>
Forth based HIDECS Consultancy
Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972
Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979
Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk..
********************************************************************

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#16487

On 2012-10-18, Paul E. Bennett <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> wrote:
> Hannu Vuolasaho wrote:
>
>> On 2012-10-18, Paul E. Bennett <Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>> Most of the data is on the SD card from what I have gleaned so far. The
>>> SD card seems to be quite well buried inside the device and thus you need
>>> to take it apart to get at it.
>> 
>> I got mine today. Bad batteries and o boot. Now I have new batteries
>> and bigger card and downloading newest wikis.
>> 
>> The card comes out nicely when you first push it in and let the spring
>> throw it out for you.
>
> My Wikireader does not seem to have a visible access to the SD card slot. I 
> haven't yet had the bottom cover off. Where is your SD card located?
>
In battery compartment. First inserted and then spring ejected.
http://www.cs.tut.fi/~vuolasah/IMGP2926.JPG
http://www.cs.tut.fi/~vuolasah/IMGP2927.JPG

--
Hannu Vuolasaho

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#16451

On 10/18/2012 1:35 PM, Paul E. Bennett wrote:
> rickman wrote:
>
>> On 10/17/2012 1:36 PM, Paul E. Bennett wrote:
>>> rickman wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10/13/2012 12:37 AM, rickman wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> My main concern is how fast a Forth can run the serial port.
>>>>>
>>>>> Rick
>>>>
>>>> Has anyone gotten their units yet and used the serial port?  I won't
>>>> have mine until next week.
>>>>
>>>> I am looking to buy a USB to TTL adapter from eBay and it seems to be
>>>> hard to find one with much info on the pins.  Most units use a PL2303
>>>> chip.  Anyone know if that will interface ok to the Wikireader?  Are the
>>>> Wikireader pins 3.3 volts?
>>>>
>>>> Rick
>>>
>>> Mine arrived last Thursday and I already have a schematic being sketched
>>> up to provide a reasonable driver for the Debug port, along with a couple
>>> of switches (prog and reset).I have contacted a firm who do spring loaded
>>> pins and I am going to build a location block that I will mount on the
>>> PCB of the jig on which the driver circuit is located. Yes, all the
>>> Wikireader pins are 3.3V (apart from the Bat+ and Bat-)
>>
>> I understand the processor is an Epson device.  What debugger is used
>> with it?  Or is this just to reprogram the flash?  I have the impression
>> that there is not much need to program the serial flash since nearly all
>> the data and much code are on the SD card.
>
> Most of the data is on the SD card from what I have gleaned so far. The SD
> card seems to be quite well buried inside the device and thus you need to
> take it apart to get at it. Access to the debug port (from under the battery
> compartment lid) should give an easier in. I also have other plans for the
> Wikireader as a potential small terminal for other systems.

That is exactly how I plan to use it.  But there must be some access to 
the card.  I thought you only had to remove the batteries to reach it? 
Otherwise how could they sell you Wikipedia updates by SD card?


>> How are you going to use the debug port?  How are you going to use the
>> WikiReader?
>
> As a Wikireader (updated as required) and as a small terminal for embedded
> systems testing and debug.
>
>> The spring loaded contact pads are typically used in manufacturing where
>> you want to save the cost of the connector.  Is the spring loaded cable
>> expensive?  Why not solder a standard connector?
>
> The company I have been in touch with do them for bed-of-nails test jigs. I
> have a price from them and am organising the making of teh support block at
> the moment. I shall probably be adding the LTC1387 to get a decent RS232
> signal for the onward comms connections. The RESET and PROG pins will also
> be connected to a switch and pushbutton as appropriate.
>
> I am aiming at a worthwhile and useful tool out of this.
>

Ok.  I will likely wire directly or through a jack as others have done. 
  Some of my tasks don't need the level converter and can talk TTL 
levels.  In fact, I had trouble with a USB converter once because the 
converter chip had a very slow slew rate on one edge which distorted the 
edge timing for fast data rates.  I don't see that with TTL and my cable 
is rather short.

Still, I'd like to see what you end up with.  I guess there is some 
advantage to not having to open the case, but are you sure you can 
update the SD card via the RS-232 port?

Rick

Rick

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#16460

rickman wrote:

> Still, I'd like to see what you end up with.  I guess there is some
> advantage to not having to open the case, but are you sure you can
> update the SD card via the RS-232 port?

I'll put details up somewhere when I get some of it more together. I'll 
probably make some arrangements for the TTL levels as well but I will need 
the RS232 at near proper levels for quite a lot of my systems. At least then 
I could add standard converters for RS485 if I need that aspect.

As for updating the SD card, I would hope a little coding could provide an 
easy way to do that across the serial interface. From what I can see of 
mine, the access to the SD card does not seem to be anywhere around the 
outside of the casing. The only holes under the battery cover that I could 
see are where the cover latch locates and the debug port (under a sticky 
patch). Might end up having to take the bottom plate off to have a look but 
the notes suggest that this is not as easy as it may seem because of the 
case construction tending to keep the halves firmly together.

-- 
********************************************************************
Paul E. Bennett...............<email://Paul_E.Bennett@topmail.co.uk>
Forth based HIDECS Consultancy
Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972
Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979
Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk..
********************************************************************

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#16461

On Oct 18, 9:38 pm, "Paul E. Bennett" <Paul_E.Benn...@topmail.co.uk>
wrote:
> rickman wrote:
> > Still, I'd like to see what you end up with.  I guess there is some
> > advantage to not having to open the case, but are you sure you can
> > update the SD card via the RS-232 port?
>
> I'll put details up somewhere when I get some of it more together. I'll
> probably make some arrangements for the TTL levels as well but I will need
> the RS232 at near proper levels for quite a lot of my systems. At least then
> I could add standard converters for RS485 if I need that aspect.
>
> As for updating the SD card, I would hope a little coding could provide an
> easy way to do that across the serial interface. From what I can see of
> mine, the access to the SD card does not seem to be anywhere around the
> outside of the casing. The only holes under the battery cover that I could
> see are where the cover latch locates and the debug port (under a sticky
> patch). Might end up having to take the bottom plate off to have a look but
> the notes suggest that this is not as easy as it may seem because of the
> case construction tending to keep the halves firmly together.
>
> --
> ********************************************************************
> Paul E. Bennett...............<email://Paul_E.Benn...@topmail.co.uk>
> Forth based HIDECS Consultancy
> Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972
> Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979
> Going Forth Safely ..... EBA.www.electric-boat-association.org.uk..
> ********************************************************************

Place the unit on the table, screen facing down.
Remove battery cover and remove batteries
Run your finger around the top of the battery compartment opening.
You should feel the edge of the SD card under your finger.

Mark

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