Messages

1

TinyDuino Processors & TinyShields / USB Shield Question - USB Host?

« on: June 12, 2023, 03:16:01 PM »

Hello there,

I'm working on a small project using a TinyZero - essentially a data-storage unit that I can connect to my computer and read data from. However, I would like to utilize it on-the-go thanks to it's small size. One solution is using an equally-portable USB Host device that can read and display my data-storage TinyZero's signals, in place of my computer. I know there is a USB shield, but it normally is used for programming Tinyduinos that did not have a built-in USB port.

Though, since it refers to "add[ing] USB communication capabilities to your projects" in the description (and that it mentions this as a separate, distinct function from programming the board), and also that the "entire USB protocol [is] handled on the chip" in the Tech Specs, I'm wondering: can this shield also be used as a USB Host? If so, that would be super helpful for my project!

If it cannot be used as a USB Host, is there at least a way to read data sent from the TinyZero's USB port without using a computer?

2

New Product Ideas / Re: Pre-soldered Breakout Wireling

« on: April 18, 2023, 01:30:08 PM »

I did consider the proto screw-terminal shield for my design, and while it would enable me to directly access many of the microcontroller's pins (which is a very appealing option), I'd still opt for a 0.1" wireling breakout with screw terminals for a different design reason.

My project is very small, a handheld data storage unit, so I'm designing it to be as space-efficient as possible. The proto screw-terminal shield might not fit in the enclosure for my project, whereas the Wireling shield is much smaller.

3

New Product Ideas / Re: Pre-soldered Breakout Wireling

« on: April 18, 2023, 12:45:08 PM »

After doing some searching, I found two sellers that sell the needed 5-pin screw terminals. Screw terminals are my preference, but 5-pin headers (the style used on Arduino shields) will work as well.

The first seller is Adafruit/Digi-Key. I'll provide both links here - Adafruit is currently out of stock, but their page references to purchase it from Digi-Key, which appears to have the part in-stock. From both Adafruit and Digi-Key, a single 5-pin screw terminal is $1.85.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/2139
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/2139/6827102

The second seller is on Amazon, sold by Cermant. I've had good experience with Amazon-bought products before. A particular advantage for cost-efficiency is that Cermant offers the terminals in a bundle, which results in significantly cheaper costs per piece (the bundle of 10 pieces is $8.99, but per piece is $0.45).

(https://www.amazon.com/Cermant-XK128-2-54MM-Terminal-Connector-2-54MM-5P-10Pcs/dp/B09BVFT6MN/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1XWPYJFVLVE2T&keywords=5-pin%2Bscrew%2Bterminal&qid=1681835160&sprefix=5-pin%2Bscrew%2Btermin%2Caps%2C596&sr=8-6&th=1)

Both options are rated for very high voltages and high currents. The first option handles 5A, the second, 6A.

4

New Product Ideas / Pre-soldered Breakout Wireling

« on: April 17, 2023, 03:07:06 PM »

For new developers getting started with electronics, it's often preferable to avoid soldering to take advantage of being able to change designs as needed. While the existing 0.1 Breakout Wirelings are excellent for the purpose of turning sensors or accessories into Wirelings, they require soldering, which can limit their marketable audience to only engineers who know soldering. And even if some of them would be willing to learn soldering, not everyone has the needed resources to solder components together.

To help new developers easily prototype and design, and to market to a wider audience, I suggest a 0.1" Breakout Wireling with either pre-soldered screw terminals or pre-soldered headers. Though it is an investment to pre-solder, the returns can be quite viable. The ease of buying and plugging in a pre-soldered system cannot be overstated, and having a pre-soldered option may prove the difference between selling a product or losing the sale.