lme shared a Perl script that feeds text files to the #twatch through the Matrix Orbital-compatible TCP/IP server. The project SVN has several example scripts for the #twatch, if you’ve got something interesting we’d like to host a copy. Thanks for the tip! Via the forum.
Category Archives: #twatch
Personal Twitter timeline on the #twatch
twonk submitted an awesome Python script that pushes your personal Twitter timeline to the #twatch. We’ve added a new folder with a few user-contributed scripts for the #twatch in Python, Perl, etc. If you come up with a script for the #twatch, please share it in the #twatch forum.
#twatch firmware with backlight enabled
The white-on-blue screen that shipped with the #twatch really requires the backlight to be visible. Here’s an updated firmware that has the backlight on at power-up. The new firmware is loaded over the network using tools already available in most operating systems, Windows instructions here. We apologize for the lack of refinement. We prototyped with […]
#twatch scripts folder
We’ve added a folder to the SVN with a few user-contributed scripts for the #twatch in Python, Perl, etc. If you come up with a script for the #twatch, please share it in the #twatch forum.
Creative #twatch holder
Another #twatch picture from Twitter user andrewholmes.
Ping the #twatch
The #twatch has a simple ICMP (ping) server that shows if the #twatch is alive and kicking on your network, and how long it takes to respond. First, get the #twatch IP address from the LCD screen or the announcement packet. Next, start a ping client and ping the #twatch IP address. Windows has a […]
Another #twatch unboxing
Twitter user andrewholmes posted a #twatch unboxing pic.
#twatch forum
If you have questions or comments about the #twatch, the forum is a great place to post them. We get notified of new questions right away, and it’s easy to aggregate the posts into a helpful FAQ later.
#twatch network firmware upgrades
See the latest version on the documentation wiki. The #twatch can be updated from a PC on the local network thanks to Microchip’s network bootloader. Bug fix updates, new features, and alternate functions can be programmed into the #twatch using the bootloader. The 18F ethernet PICs can only be programmed an average of 100 times, […]
Compile the #twatch firmware
See the latest version on the documentation wiki. You don’t need a Microchip programmer to develop firmware for the #twatch. You can use Microchip’s free development tools and upload code through the network bootloader. It’s a mini PIC 18F67J60 development board, but remember that the chip is only rated for 100 program cycles. Compile instructions […]
View the #twatch IP announcement
The #twatch acquires an IP address automatically using the DHCP server on your network. It displays the IP address on the LCD screen, but it also sends an announcement packet to every computer on the network. The packet is directed to port 30303 at the broadcast address. Microchip provides a small Windows utility called MCHPDetect […]
#twatch unboxing
Twitter user Tinyblob tweeted these pictures of a #twatch unboxing.
#twatch backlight control from Python
It looks like the #twatch is starting to arrive worldwide. WA5ZNU received a #twatch and wrote a Python script to control the backlight. You can use this thread to discuss your #twatch unboxing experience. There’s still a few #twatches at Seeed Studio for immediate delivery, $45 including LCD and worldwide shipping.
#twatch army
Nicked this picture of the #twatch ready to ship, from the Seeed Studio blog. We’re excited to get one and start developing some interesting new firmware. First up is a simple RSS reader with compiles for a couple popular sites.
#twatch, Bus Pirate accessories
Seeed found a #twatch compatible frame ($2.50) that should work with many 4*20 LCDs. They also put together a Bus Pirate probe cable kit ($4.90). We’re not involved in this, but it’s nice to see accessories for our projects.
#twatch shipped, Bus Pirate shipping
Seeed Studio just sent word that the #twatch shipped over the past few days. Bus Pirate v3 preorder 1 is shipping now. The #twatch shipped about 2 weeks later than the earliest possible delivery date. There was a major holiday in China that slowed everything down. Bus Pirate v3 preorder 1, by comparison, started after […]
Tracking orders from Seeed Studio
We’ve gotten a few questions about tracking packages from Seeed Studio, like the Bus Pirate and #twatch preorders. Seeed uses Hongkong Post by default, in our experience these packages usually take 4-7 days to arrive. When your order ships, Seeed sends a status update with a tracking number like EE123456789HK. Use the Hongkong Post tracking […]
#twatch network LCD preorder update
The #twatch ethernet LCD backpack preorder is over, shipments will start around October 10, 2009. Our first project was a big success. Thank you for participating with comments and preorders! If you missed out on the preorder, Seeed is making a few extra units you can buy for $45, worldwide shipping included. We don’t plan […]
Network LCD (#twatch) availablility update
**UPDATE*** Seeed is listing the #twatch again. They located additional PIC chips. The #twatch preorder has an estimated October 10 ship date. #twatch production is limited by the number of PIC 18F67J60 ethernet microcontrollers Seeed can find for immediate delivery. Here’s some of the options at this point: Seeed locates more PIC18F67J60s, they add more […]
#twatch: backlight control
The #twatch backlight is controlled through a TCP server on port 1337. We use Herculese as our TCP client. Connect to the #twatch TCP server at the IP address shown on the LCD screen. Send the command 0xFE 0x42 0x00 to turn on the backlight. Send the command 0xFE 0x46 to turn it off. Programs […]