lzoDSO – Documentation

Posted by May 27, 2013

oscilloscopeI have set up a routine that automates the generation of documentation for the prototype firmware on every commit to the repository.

The documentation is generated using Doxygen, which scans for comments in the source files and compiles into one structured document. The result is available here.

DEC’s PC Challenge 1982

Posted by May 24, 2013

lzoDSO – legacy firmware … evolving

Posted by May 22, 2013

oscilloscopeYeah! We have finally managed to fix some stupid things, related the the firmware used for our lzoDSO scope. There where files missing (which had been referenced by the Makefile but where outside of the projects repository) and loads of files in either the wrong place or simply cruft.

The files have now been added (which should allow anyone to build the firmware) and things have been cleaned up slightly. There is still much work, so be sure you will find spots in the source that have a smell. I have also documented the fuse-bits that are configured in the micro controller used.

Ah .. note, after having the missing files in the project, these “sub-projects” have their own dependency which is CppUTest in that case (this is a dependency to be proud of I think). So make sure you have CppUTest on your machine and your users environment set up with the corresponding variables (see the Software page in the lzoDSO wiki for details on how to setup the build environment).

Funny smoke

Posted by May 22, 2013

Just burned a 10K poti … I hate when that happens, which is somehow discouraging.

I was trying to replicate my own NE555 timer circuit (see wiki page) on a breadboard. This circuit will be the central piece of a signal/function generator I’m building.

For now it is simply an oscillator, but  I will add a circuit which will convert the oscillator signal to different wave forms (sinus, triangle, saw tooth). Later on I’ll also add a micro controller to be able to have the device controlled using a serial interface or USB and give it a display and some keys.

I have already drawn a schematic and worked on a board layout, even though the thing is not totally finished. So, if you are interested, checkout the schematic and layout files from this directory in the labs repository (there is also a wiki page but its content is in a draft state).

Lecture about Grace Hopper

Posted by May 19, 2013

Bergheim 34 – Random Access Memory

Posted by May 19, 2013

lzoDSO – prototype demo

Posted by May 15, 2013

Demonstrates the (currently limited) capabilities of the lazlo labs digital storage oscilloscope (lzoDSO) prototype. The test probe of the scope is connected to a timer circuit in mono-stable astable configuration so that it produces a more or less defined test signal. There is also a test signal source inside the scope that we need integrate into the firmare to get it working.

Uses an ATmega644 at 16 MHz and the internal 10-bit A/D converter (only using 8 bits).

See the lzoDSO project page for more at labs.lazlo.de/trac/lzodso.

lzoDSO – finished prototype board assembly

Posted by May 14, 2013

P1070973_modified_medium-1024x768_modified

Yesterday I finished the assembly of the new front panel controller board, which evolved out of the old display carrier board). The circuit signal lines have  already been tested (using continuity testing) and I’m not far away from having the prototype be contained inside its case.

In the new board I basically merged the core board with the display carrier board, since there was enough space available. A slight change I introduced is that I adjusted some pin mappings (namely we moved the LCD control lines from port B to D).

Schematic and Circuit Board

PDF files for schematic and board.

schematic board

Now I’m updating the wiki page of the prototypes to get things in sync again.

lzoDSO – new prototype board

Posted by May 13, 2013

Actually I’m right in the middle of assembling a new circuit board I have created for the oscilloscope prototype. This “new” board is nothing more but the core controller board merged with the display carrier board into one.

You can find an image of the schematic and circuit board at the prototype branch directory inside the lzoDSO projects repository.

 

Grace Hopper on Letterman

Posted by May 6, 2013