Jee Labs Talk

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1. zooer
   

   Hi, just put together two JeeNodes. I read the docs pages, but as sort of a newbie here I'd like to know What can be done with just the three units.

   I guess I cannot communicate with JeeNodes without having first set up the comm parameters for them? What is needed for connecting a JeeNode to PC -- doc pages (http://news.jeelabs.org/docs/jn23%20tips.html "Initial test") refer to a USB-BUB. Can this be replaced with some more general USB-serial converter that many have readily available?

   Sorry for rumbling, just really like the project and have lot's of ideas where to utilize this platform.

   Thanks for all your effort!

   Posted 24/09/2009 10:13:14

2. jcw
   

   Between a PC and a JeeNode, you need some sort of serial interface. An FTDI cable or something like the USB-BUB does USB/serial conversion, but also TTL level conversion, reset-on-open for easy re-flashing, and supplying 5V power to the JeeNode. There are several more equivalent units - such as this one http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/productinfo.php?productsid=8772

   Note that the RF12 driver code in the JeeNode is packet-based. It does not set up a virtual terminal connection between two nodes, although you could build a higher-level layer on top to do that. To use a network analogy: RF12 does "UTP" not "TCP". There are many reasons for this, such as simpler code, better use of resources, and more robust recovery from lost packets.

   Another way to put is, is to see the RF12 driver as a "message passing" approach. You can send/receive packets with messages in them.

   You could have a look on the Arduino forums for the FTDI/serial options, and perhaps go through some code examples here for how the RF12 approach can be used - see http://code.google.com/p/jeelabs/source/browse/trunk#trunk/libraries/RF12/examples

   Posted 24/09/2009 12:55:30

3. zooer
   

   Thanks for the reply. It really seems that this FTDI cable is way to go.

   Posted 25/09/2009 06:27:23

4. zooer
   

   OK, got the FTDI cable and everything looks working just fine. Great! This is my first step with Arduino environment, that's why the question about the cable.

   Now, the real fun begins. More learning, of course, but then. Should I start with HVAC automation. No wait, perhaps just basic temperature measurements shown on a webpage. Should be possible with the info given in JeeLabs site.

   It'd be really interesting to hear what kind of setups others have implemented.

   Posted 29/09/2009 08:23:05

5. amvv
   

   Hi!

   I connect the Jeenodes to the Pc by connecting it via a Arduino (Diecimila).
   I take the chip out of the Arduino, and connect the JeeNode to it by connecting the:
   Vcc (pin 3) to a 5V on the Arduino
   GND (pin 1) to a GND on the Arduino
   RX (pin 4) to RX - digital IO 0
   TX (pin 5) to TX - digital IO 1
   Reset(pin 6)to RESET in the power header of the Arduino

   I installed male headers on the jeenode, plug it onto a breadboard, and then I can extend little wires to the arduino.

   this allows the JeeNode to be programmed directly from the PC Arduino environment! and also allows to check the Serial port of the JeeNode via the Arduino environment! Great for debug!

   Posted 04/10/2009 20:18:53

6. jcw
   

   That's a fine way to do it if you have an Arduino. The FTDI cable does the same thing. So does a USB-BUB interface. Lots of options - to suit everyone, I hope!

   Posted 04/10/2009 22:38:13

7. zooer
   

   Hey! Any updates from anyone on experiments, application etc? Myself haven't had enough juice to come up with practical results yet. However, THE plan is to integrate the Jee platform with LinuxMCE... check it out here at www.linuxmce.org. A magnificent open source system.

   Posted 06/11/2009 17:30:45

8. jcw
   

   Fixed typo in above url. interesting site, btw...

   Posted 06/11/2009 18:14:51