Jawi just released version 0.9.0 of the forked SUMP logic analyzer client that works with the Logic Sniffer. This client is so good now, we highly recommend you upgrade if you’re still using the original app. Download it here. Here’s the major updates, see the changelog for more: Added export to image (PNG) and VCD […]
Author Archives: Ian
Free PCB Sunday: Bus Pirate v3 prototype
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service. This week we’re giving an updated […]
Beta Microchip IDE for Linux, Mac
ahri tipped us to a new beta version of the Microchip development software for PIC microcontrollers, MPLABX. Looks like it’s Java based, and there’s Linux and Mac versions too. This will make a lot of people happy. Grab the preview here, and share your experience in the comments. We’re installing it now. Via the forum.
Updated WinLIRC, IR Toy plugin
There’s a new version of WinLIRC and the WinLIRC plugin for the USB Infrared Toy. I’ve released a new version of WinLIRC. Also fixed a thread handle leak in the irtoy dll. So I suggest an upgrade. Sending support also should be fixed Here’s some tutorials on using the USB IR Toy with WinLIRC to […]
Updated miniscope oscilloscope release
miniscope turns your Bus Pirate into a low speed oscilloscope. A new version is available that supports slope trigger and continuous sampling modes. The developer made a convenient Bus Pirate miniscope download with just the essentials (7-zip format). We started a miniscope wiki page with basic setup details, please add your notes. Via the forum.
Soldered prototypes
A big box of PCBs arrived earlier today. Here’s the current progress: 3 PIC USB LCD backpacks, 2 Bus Pirate v4, and a USB POV Toy. Still waiting on a couple parts, but these boards are almost done.
TinyG G-code motor controller
TinyG is a multi-axis motor controller for DIY CNC machines. Most CNC controllers receive instructions from a PC, but the TinyG executes G-code directly. By running the Gcode interpreter directly on the chip it avoids the expense and problems of trying to precisely control step timing with a general purpose computer that has other things […]
Big box of circuit boards
A box of PCBs just arrived from Seeed Studio’s Fusion PCB service. This batch includes: Bus Pirate v4 USB POV Toy Through-hole IR Toy PIC USB LCD backpack version We’ll be flinging lead today, watch for prototype updates later.
DIY offline Wikipedia reader
This DIY Wikipedia reader uses a touchscreen for display and navigation. Articles are stored on SD cards in a compressed format. This version is based on the LPC1114 ARM Cortex M0 microcontroller, but there’s earlier prototypes based on AVRs. Video after the break. Via the forum. Thanks Markus!
Assemble the Synthetos acrylic Bus Pirate case
The Bus Pirate is sold as a bare circuit board to keep costs down, but a little protection is helpful when you toss it in your bag for hacking on the go. We’ve seen lots of great cases, but Ril3y’s laser-cut acrylic case is one of our favorites. It protects the bare circuit board, and […]
USB LCD backpack display trials
Testing the USB LCD backpacks with two different character LCDs. We’ve noticed ghosting in several different brands of blue/white LCDs, have you had a similar experience? Follow our progress in the development thread.
USB Infrared Toy firmware v09
USB Infrared Toy firmware v09 is ready to download. New bitbang and UART commands make it easy to manipulate I/O pins and send serial data in response to infrared input. There’s some other user-requested commands rolled into the infrared sampling mode too. Transmit duty cycle adjustment in IR sample mode Added bitbang commands to IR […]
Infrared Toy plugin for EventGhost updated
spanner888 updated the USB IR Toy EventGhost plugin to support transmitting. Now the EventGhost automation program can replay remote control codes in response to timers and events. Download the new version. Via the forum. Thanks spanner888!
More USB LCD backpack testing
IPenguin tested the full and mini USB LCD backpack. Follow our progress on this project in the forum.
USB Infrared Toy hacking
Siklosi mega-sized his IR Toy with a second wide-angle LED from an old remote. In certain situations the LEDs will compete for current and one will dominate, but Siklosi’s video test (after the break) shows them both working pretty well. Grab a regular IR Toy for $20, including worldwide shipping.
TPS54232 constant current source
YourITronics explains the TSP54232 constant current source and uses it to power a bunch of LEDs.
Miniscope v3 followup
Here’s a few followup comments to the miniscope oscillocope app support for the Bus Pirate. First a correction. Miniscope source is available under the GPL now, we got it wrong: Actually source code is available, take a look inside i.e. miniscope_v3_0_0_21.7z and bus_pirate_dll_20101016.7z 7-zip archives. It may be ugly but it’s quite mature and dll […]
USB LCD backpack testing
The full and mini version of the FT232 USB LCD backpack worked right away. Follow our progress in the development thread. We’ve requested a quote for this project, an initial batch will be available about three weeks after we send the final manufacturing package.
Open Source Control Systems has the Bus Pirate
Open Source Control Systems is the newest Bus Pirate distributor, pick one up here. They also carry other well-known open hardware projects like the BrewTroller. Thank you to Open Source Control Systems for supporting the Bus Pirate! If you’d like to be a Bus Pirate distributor please drop us a line.
PaperTeclado, a paper keyboard
PaperTeclado, a paper keyboard made from a printed sheet of paper, tape, and some cables. Via the forum. Thanks Liyin!