Comment Re:Noob (Score 1) 58
Don't worry. Linux is in there.
We've (I'm working with Steve on the project) got an embedded Linux board in there to handle the networking details. A separate, always-on microcontroller (an Atmega128) handles the communications and makes connections via the audio matrix. As for the strangeness of serial, we've got several off the shelf boards that talk that way, so it made sense to add a multiplexer for the two serial ports on the Atmega. One port always receives commands and queries (from the Linux board when it's turned on) and the other talks to the other peripherals (including the two ham radios) to get its work done. Async serial wouldn't be my first choice either, but not enough random comms gadgets are on the CAN bus right now.
Among the value-added features provided by the Linux board is generic ham radio control (provided by hamlib). It's nice to not have to reverse engineer every radio on the market.
The Linux board is also providing access point and bridge functions for IP. The WET11 is only in ther e because the embedded board we're using doesn't have a PC Card slot for the Senao WiFi card.
We'll be open sourcing the code, of course. Our "target market" right now is other hams, many of whom would want to hack the unit for their own purposes.
Ned Konz
KE7DYH
We've (I'm working with Steve on the project) got an embedded Linux board in there to handle the networking details. A separate, always-on microcontroller (an Atmega128) handles the communications and makes connections via the audio matrix. As for the strangeness of serial, we've got several off the shelf boards that talk that way, so it made sense to add a multiplexer for the two serial ports on the Atmega. One port always receives commands and queries (from the Linux board when it's turned on) and the other talks to the other peripherals (including the two ham radios) to get its work done. Async serial wouldn't be my first choice either, but not enough random comms gadgets are on the CAN bus right now.
Among the value-added features provided by the Linux board is generic ham radio control (provided by hamlib). It's nice to not have to reverse engineer every radio on the market.
The Linux board is also providing access point and bridge functions for IP. The WET11 is only in ther e because the embedded board we're using doesn't have a PC Card slot for the Senao WiFi card.
We'll be open sourcing the code, of course. Our "target market" right now is other hams, many of whom would want to hack the unit for their own purposes.
Ned Konz
KE7DYH
