Please send all orders to:
Embedded Acquisition Systems
c/o Kin Fong
Please have checks made payable
to Kin Fong
We buy most of our electronic parts from Digikey. If the item is out of stock or no longer available, use FindChips to locate another distributor.
We now offer prototyping and circuit board design layout. Just email us about your requirements and ask for a quote.
9/20/2008 I realize we haven’t
posted anything here in a while. Both of us have been busy with other projects.
We do keep the website current. I’ve just been busy with RC and other projects.
I have created a blog on RCgroups http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=23712
on some of my projects. Another interest recently are Ebikes. Here is my thread
on that project. http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6348
11/6/2007 Short video demonstration on CNC milling circuit boards
11/1/2007 UHU Servo demo featured on Hackaday.com
5/14/2007 New UHU Servo board.
7/27/2006 Updated Microstep source code to fix a internal LMD18245 hardware bug.
1/6/2006 PIC 16F628 quadrature optical encoder to step/direction output source code. Useful for manual control of stepper motor drivers using a rotary encoder.
4/9/2005 New Microstep source code with automatic current reduction. Stepper motor current reduced after 3 minutes of no step pulse activity.
2/09/2005 It is now easy to order parts for our Microstepper boards from Digikey.
Minimum parts
count for Microstep click on this link http://sales.digikey.com/scripts/ru.dll?action=pb_view&pb_glue=1007454
Full parts count
for Microstep click on this link http://sales.digikey.com/scripts/ru.dll?action=pb_view&pb_glue=1007455
Note: on some of the Digikey parts such as
resistors and capacitors they require a minimum qty order of 5
11/22/2004 Start of our X3 Mill conversion to CNC.
8/04/2004 Run a PIC cpu core in a FPGA.
7/30/2004 New firmware update source code for the microstep driver with increased stepper motor speed. Requires a PIC16F627 and a PIC flash programmer. This update is only required if you run your motor faster than 1200rpm.
12/1/2003 Two new stepper driver boards, microstep and microstepPLD.
10/12/2003 A couple of new Xilinx boards are now available, AVRCPLD and cpldLAB
7/24/2003 We have some new microcontroller boards based on PIC's and AVR's available. Our newest hobby is metalworking. We will be using our CNC mill to create parts for robots and other projects.
1/12/2003 For those only interested in purchasing a single bare pcb board, shipping and handling can be avoided by sending us the cost of the pcb and include a self addressed stamped envelope with your order. Please attach three first class stamps to the envelope with your legible return address. We suggest using cardboard floppy disks envelopes that can be purchased at office supply stores. US only.
6/16/2002 The newest version of Interactive C, version 4, will run on the Finger Board but downloading the firmware pcode will give an error. To download the pcode, rename lib_hb_exp.frm to fb.s19, then use any downloader program to load the fb.s19 pcode to the Finger Board. Start ICv4, choose Handyboard w/ expansion and select the correct com port. ICv4 will connect and begin downloading the basic library functions to the Finger Board.
11/11/2001 Our current project, Ethernet board for the 68HC11.
11/2/2001 Many have asked if Minidaq will work with Windows NT/2000/XP. We have found a simple kernel mode driver, UserPort.zip, for Windows NT/2000/XP that will give programs access to I/O ports. This makes it possible to access the hardware I/O ports directly under Windows NT/2000/XP just like 95/98/ME. Under XP, you may have to set the compatibility mode for the executable to "Windows 98" mode. We do not support Minidaq running on Windows NT/2000/XP operating systems due to using a 3rd party driver, however it does seem to run fine with the systems we have here in the lab.
3/30/2001 Our web site is now located at www.embeddedtronics.com. Our previous ISP is having some difficulties and their web servers may no longer be functional. Stay tuned, we plan to update our site with new projects and information.
10/28/2000 Updated FB FAQ, added the aquarium project to the ftp section, works wonderfully well for those who are into fishies. Software could be improved, but works fine for what I need. Verified that Minidaq works with the newest version of Labview 6i.
8/14/2000 We have been busy working on our own projects with the Finger Board II. Currently there is a network interface in the debug stage, a Java board, a relay controller board and a small I/O board. There also is an aquarium board that is working quite well, it controls a stepper motor to feed the fishies 3 times a day. I've also incorporated a water pump to top off the tank as the water evaporates. Here are pics of the various IO boards. FBIOBOARD.jpg. I'll post the designs once they are available and cleaned up.
6/7/2000 We have verified minidaq drivers with the latest version of Labview 5.1 and it works great.
8/1/99 Here is a picture of the DS1233 installed on the Finger Board II to clear up any questions on the orientation, notice it is backwards. The white insulation is used to keep the leads from shorting together. DS1233.jpg
3/28/99 We are very impressed with the new DS1233 reset chip, for a long term test we used a solar panel from Jameco Electronics (#141751) for our experiment. To date we have logged over 180 sunlight hours and over 800 resets. Every time a cloud passes by a reset occurs. It's been a fun experiment since no batteries are ever used.
2/28/99 We have updated both Minidaq and Finger Board II manuals, mostly minor changes added to reflect some of the new mods and correct some typos.
2/11/99 We are currently replacing mc34064 with Dallas DS1233 from JDR Microdevices. We are still looking for a source for the DS1233m, this is an equivalent part but has the same pin configuration as the mc34064. The DS1233 is a far superior reset chip, we are very happy with the results and highly recommend it over the mc34064. It will also reduce your parts count. If you are using the DS1233, you will need to put the part in backwards and move the center pin to pin 1 (square pad on the board). You should also put an insulation sleeve to prevent the wires from touching. (ie. pin1 now goes to pin 3 on the pcb board, 2=>1, 3=>1). If you have the DS1233m, no changes are needed since it is a direct replacement for the mc34064.
11/24/98 Updated pcode_fb.s19 for the Finger Board. This version fixes the floating point divide error found in the original version of the Handyboard pcode.
7/4/98
The Finger Board giveaway contest winner is Glenn Blauvelt from Golden
Colorado. We would like to thank all who entered our drawing.
6/17/98
Here's faster version of the MiniDaq DLL library, 12mf.zip. The DLL A/D
routine was rewritten to run up to 35% faster. On a 200Mhz Pentium, a little
over 9000 samples/sec can be achieved. Because of the way the A/D routine was
rewritten, digital output port 6 is no longer available. If you need to use
digital output port 6, use the standard MiniDaq DLL library.
6/17/98
Updated MiniDaq DLL
library. Fixed a bug in the digital output port PA6 routine. It would not
toggle on/off correctly under Win95 on some systems.
6/16/98
For MiniDaq users: We found the Radio Shack
shielded RS-232 serial jumper box (CAT 276-1403A)
is a perfect fit for the MiniDaq. This jumper box is coated with a metallic
paint that may help reduce noise if you plan to use the MiniDaq in a less than
ideal environment.
6/8/98
pcode_fb.s19, the
Handyboard version of the pcode modified so it will run on the Finger Board.
The Start button routine was removed so programs will autostart when the
processor is reset. The LCDbusy routine also removed so the Finger Board can
run without a LCD display. This version of the pcode also includes the Smooth PWM
motor drivers. For use with the Smooth PWM version of the lib_hb.c library.
To save the s19 file, right click on your browser and do a "Save Target As..."
6/1/98
Interactive C 9600 and 2400 baud serial
drivers using PORT D I/O pins.
5/2/98
Here's some new MiniDaq demo programs, md_demo.zip. Requires
Win95.
4/28/98
I have put together a icc11(freeware
version) library routine, icc_fb.zip,
for the Finger Board (or Handy Board) with LCD print routine. The library was
modified from the original Miniboard library written by Fred Martin. It is
pretty basic but will get you started if you are interested in using icc11.
4/24/98
Finger Board II online assembly manual to help
in the construction of the bare PCB. This page may take awhile to load due to
the many images.
4/22/98
Updated MiniDaq Manual
in Acrobat PDF format.
4/16/98
Updated Manual
for the original Finger Board in Acrobat PDF format. The header interface
section has been updated with a new map showing connection pinout.
4/9/98
New for '98. Announcing our latest version of our embedded processor board, the
Finger Board II
All the older features PLUS:
Improved layout and better parts spacing. No extraction tool required for
processor removal.
Improved silkscreen.
Jumper selectable reset address. Reset can now be located at 0xFFFE,0xFFFF.
Now fully compatible to Sbasic, Tiny4th, ICC, and all other commercial 68HC11
compilers.
Optional external battery backup capable.
External memory mapped LCD capable.
Optional Low Dropout voltage regulator ready.
Optional remote reset through serial port.
Reset switch now added along side download switch.
Smaller overall footprint 2" x 4".
Same professional board quality as before.
We will be updating our web page with the new Finger Board II images and manual as soon as possible.
4/1/98
Construction tips on how to make a simple robotic rover.
3/22/98
Announcing our newest mobile robot, Betty. This is our
first prototype version and is fully functional.
2/23/98
HOWTO: R/C Servo
modification for 360 degree rotation.
2/12/98
The 2.86HB IC pcode version with Smooth PWM modified by EAS to compile under
MS-DOS. pcodepc2.zip
2/12/98
Schematic showing how to add 24 more A/D inputs using analog multiplexers to
the Finger Board. Requires Adobe Acrobat PDF. 24 A/D input
1/30/98
Application note on hooking up our MiniDaq A/D unit to the Finger Board SPI
port. Requires Adobe Acrobat PDF. EAS-AN002
1/23/98
Application note on hooking up a EEPROM to the Finger Board SPI port. Requires
Adobe Acrobat PDF. EAS-AN001.
Oops, for those who tried to open the file with Netscape earlier today, you
received a File Not Found error. Fixed the problem. Apparently Netscape doesn't
like directory names/path with a space in it while Explorer doesn't care.
1/14/98
New C programming library for the
MiniDaq. Library's are now available for djgpp for MS-DOS, Linux x86 gcc, and
Microsoft C for MS-DOS.
12/23/97
MiniDaq online assembly manual to help in the
construction of the bare PCB. This page may take awhile to load due to the many
images.
Updated MiniDaq Manual
in Acrobat PDF format. The assembly section now matches the online version
12/10/97
Here's a schematic showing how to replace the standard 7805 voltage regulator
on the Finger Board with a Low Drop Out
version. This will enable you to run the Finger Board with a input voltage as
low as 4.8volts. Useful for solar cell applications or running off 4 cell
batteries. Schematic is in Adobe Acrobat PDF.
12/4/97
Updated Finger Board Manual
in Acrobat PDF format. The assembly section now matches the online version.
This is a large file, about 1.2megs.
12/3/97
Update to the Windows Help
file for the Finger Board. This will help users in facilitating connections to
the Finger Board. Unzip the file and click on fb_help.hlp to run. This is a
32bit help file and will not run under Windows 3.1. Version 1.1 fixed a
schematic entry error in the input/output circuit diagram.
11/24/97
Finger Board online assembly manual to help in
the construction of the bare PCB. This page may take awhile to load due to the
many images.
11/21/97
Some of you have asked us how a Finger Board can be expanded using a prototyping board. These are some images of how we do
it here at EAS.
11/19/97
A Windows Help
file for the Finger Board. This will help users in facilitating connections to
the Finger Board. Unzip the file and click on fb_help.hlp to run. This is a
32bit help file and will not run under Windows 3.1
Minor update to the Finger Board schematic.
Added a missing capacitor reference, C13, to the circuit diagram.
Minor update to the Finger Board Manual. Added the
above missing capacitor reference.
11/11/97
Finger Board interface
circuits in Acrobat PDF format. For those who want to add the missing Handy
Boards circuits to the Finger Board.
10/6/97
Updated Finger Board Manual
in Acrobat PDF format. This is a large file, about 1.2megs.
Updated Quick Basic source code and quick library for MiniDaq.
9/19/97
Updated MiniDaq DDE
Server program. This is a program that will let you create Dynamic Data
Exchange links to any Windows program that supports DDE. MiniDaq DDE Server manual in Adobe PDF. Excel
DDE spreadsheet
example.