hardtux

[hardtux]

HOWTO: PCM1808 I2S ADC on a Raspberry Pi

i2s Configuration

Several files need to be modified. Uncomment #dtparam=i2s=on and dtparam=audio=on in /boot/config.txt and add snd-bcm2835 to /etc/modules.

Configure ADC as Master and connect to RPi:

Note: You need external master clock source.

Next, we'll make sure sound support is enabled in the kernel with:

sudo nano /etc/modules

Add snd-bcm2835 on its own line, to the modules file and reboot RPi:

sudo reboot

Confirm the modules are loaded:

lsmod | grep snd

Kernel Compiling

Start by updating your Pi:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install rpi-update

sudo rpi-update

And reboot.

Install the compilation dependencies:

sudo apt-get install git bc libncurses5-dev bison flex libssl-dev

Download kernel source & compile:

sudo wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/notro/rpi-source/master/rpi-source -O /usr/bin/rpi-source

sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/rpi-source

/usr/bin/rpi-source -q --tag-update

rpi-source --skip-gcc

Compile the i2S module

Mount the previously compiled kernal and check that the module name matches the source code 3f203000.i2s.

sudo mount -t debugfs debugs /sys/kernel/debug

This may already be done - mount: debugs is already mounted - in which case keep going.

Download the module, written by Paul Creaser:

git clone https://github.com/PaulCreaser/rpi-i2s-audio

cd rpi-i2s-audio

rewrite the following lines of my_loader.c.

sudo nano my_loader.c

.daifmt = SND_SOC_DAIFMT_I2S | SND_SOC_DAIFMT_NB_NF | SND_SOC_DAIFMT_CBS_CFS,

↓

.daifmt = SND_SOC_DAIFMT_I2S | SND_SOC_DAIFMT_NB_NF | SND_SOC_DAIFMT_CBM_CFM,

If you are using a Raspberry Pi Zero, also change the two lines:

.platform = "3f203000.i2s",

and

.name = "3f203000.i2s",

with

.platform = "20203000.i2s",

and

.name = "20203000.i2s",

Compile the module with

make -C /lib/modules/$(uname -r )/build M=$(pwd) modules

sudo insmod my_loader.ko

Verify that the module was loaded:

lsmod | grep my_loader

dmesg | tail

Autoload Module on Startup

sudo cp my_loader.ko /lib/modules/$(uname -r)

echo 'my_loader' | sudo tee --append /etc/modules > /dev/null

sudo depmod -a

sudo modprobe my_loader

Reboot now.

Test

Use the following command to list the available input devices:

arecord -l

you should see a snd_rpi_simple_card

Now you can record music in stereo with this command:

arecord -D plughw:1 -c2 -r 48000 -f S32_LE -t wav -V stereo -v file_stereo.wav

Mission complete!

I use this sources for this work:

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-i2s-mems-microphone-breakout/raspberry-pi-wiring-and-test

https://kentaromitsuyasu.medium.com/creating-an-audio-input-output-board-for-raspberry-pi-jetson-nano-pcm5102a-pcm1808-e3e6f3ad0834

https://github.com/nejohnson2/rpi-i2s

https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=230645

#RPi #raspberrypi #kernel #I2S #Audio #PCM1808 #tutorial

[hardtux]

A new life of an old machine tool.

As the crisis begun customers more often request us on the issues concerning upgrade of the equipment. When there is no opportunity to purchase a new mashine or a tool, one starts asking questions about how to increase productivity, reduce costs on maintenance, or just repair the equipment one already has. A lot of small workshops use old equipment, which completely solves their tasks, but their electronic part is so obsolete that it can’t be repaired because of the lack of the necessary components. In this case, we can offer development of the electronic system based on the modern components, which will allow not only repair the equipment but to add new functionality.

The other issue of old equipment is low efficiency of power electronics.  It is expressed most forcefully in the control systems of engines, pumps, and in the power supply schemes of the lasers and heaters. Having replaced these components by the modern ones you will finally stop warming air and pay out of your pocket.

May be your equipment isn’t automated at all, but there are many same-type and routine operations in the technological process. Text us and we will offer you options for automation so you could boost labour activity.

And, finally, there is another issue customers request us - an issue of control and accounting. For example, your equipment demands periodic maintenance (in a certain number of motohours, in a certain amount of time or due to the reason of the finish of certain consumables).  Usually, such control is conducted by a single individual or a staff employee who keeps a record. But, it’s frequently when people fault or carelessly fulfill this obligation. As a result an equipment breaks at the most inappropriate point. We propose you to trust this task to the electronics and we are ready to develop devices taking into account peculiarities of your industry. We can also offer a cheap monitoring system for fulfillment of the maintenance service. When maintenance is carried out by the temporary worker, it may be the case that he neither fulfills his obligations responsibly enough nor monitors and maintains the equipment in full. We have already developed a monitoring system that tracks if the maintenance engineer has monitored all the necessary assemblies and did it in the right order.

These are the only a couple of examples of how our team may be of assistance to you and your business. If you observe that some part of your manufacturing can be automated or improved and you would like to know what can be automated or which processes may be simplified or eased in your individual case  –  don't hesitate texting or calling us! Consultation is free, further, you will be able to count how many funds, time, and resources our solution can save for you.

If you want to ask questions, discuss your project or just chat about the weather, feel free to send me a email or contact with us in any other way convenient for you.

#electronic #electronics development #analog electronics #digital electronics #work #workshop #automation #robots #industry #hardwork

[hardtux]

Optimize your farm!

Automation and replacement of human labour by robots is a widespread tendency in many fields and agriculture is not an exception. Farming is a labour-intensive occupation that involves a great deal of monotonous, oft-recurring actions, therefore it's the most suitable sphere for robotics and automation. Let's look at what you can automate and optimize at your farm even today.

Let's divide cases into branches:

1. Plant cultivation. Out team has already created systems for automation of greenhouses(temperature, soil and air humidity, carbon dioxide level, illuminance and optimization of light spectrum, control and automation systems for hydroponic and aeroponic installations(including those for different composition of dissolved fertilisers). We have taken part in development of fully automated and robotized box for growing greens(parsley, dill, and etc. are meant here). And even if you don't use indoor growing technology, where it's easy to maintain good microclimate and you prefer open soil, we have something to offer you. Subsurface drip irrigation has already allowed farmers to control, when and how much of water crops get. By adding sensors that track soil humidity level and state of plants to irrigation systems and by automating fertiliser addition and rationing as well, we can make them practically completely autonomous. It will only be necessary to intervene in the process in case if there are some kind of problems. Finally, when it comes to fields the size of many hundreds hectares, autonomous sensors will collect data on state of soil and plants and signalise a need for urgent measures.

Mushrooms growing deserves a special mention. Fungi require completely different growing conditions to those of green plants. That's why while there are a great number of developments in automation of greenhouses and hydroponic installations, fungiculture is still poorly automated. But, meanwhile, the technology itself very suitable to be completely automated and robotized. We are ready to develop automation for a mushroom farm of varying degree of complexity – from simple microclimate control to complete robotization of all processes, from preparing substrate to harvesting.

2. Animal husbandry. Not only plants, but also animals need a certain microclimate and balanced nutrition. Automatics can control the indoor climate, keep records of animals, control feed consumption and weight gain for each individual. We can also help with the automation of feed mixtures. Separately, I want to address the health and safety of livestock issue. This problem is especially relevant for breeding animals. We are working on a system for monitoring the location of free-range animals. In addition to location monitoring, this system is able to assess the condition of the animal. And in a timely manner it signalises, if an animal has left a safe area, its movement activity has changed dramatically, its temperature has risen, or pulse and breathing rate is out of normal values. If you are interested in such a system, you can find out more here.

3. Beekeeping. Beekeeping remains a poorly automated field. Almost all existing systems allow you to get information about the hive weight and temperature. We wouldlike to do more. If you want to automate your apiary as much as possible and are ready for experiments, then contact us and we will find an opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation.

4. Fish farming, crayfish, crabs and shrimp breeding in closed reservoirs. Unfortunately, we have not yet had any experience in automating these fields. Nevertheless, we see a great potential and possibilities of automation in this branch and are ready for cooperation.

5. Security and protection. Any farm needs to be protected and guarded. We have several developments in security systems, including those with wireless sensors, microwave proximity sensors and seismic sensors, which allow us to secure any perimeter. Access control systems will allow you to monitor employees, prevent petty theft and, on the other hand, simplify interaction with suppliers by allowing them to access the territory remotely.

6. Energy security. A modern farm can no longer exist without electricity. And there is a risk of losing crops or livestock in the event of power outages. We can help you and develop backup and emergency power systems, optimization and integration of alternative energy systems.

As you can see, virtually all sectors of agriculture can be automated. Modern electronic systems will reduce the need for human resources, increase yields and productivity and provide security. That means, in the end, they will reduce costs, increase profits and save your time.

If you want to ask questions, discuss your project or just chat about the weather, feel free to send me a email or contact with us in any other way convenient for you.

[hardtux]

How can techies help a restaurateur ?

We all know that the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted service sector, and public catering facilities owners as such. This situation urges to reduce the costs utmost and to search for new ways of attracting the clients, new forms of operation in order to save the business...  

What's it got to do with us – a team of hardware developers? The thing is, that we have ready solutions, which will help to reinvigorate your business and reduce costs. Let`s consider some cases.

1. Coctail machine. Bottles with the drinks are loaded into the machine. Various recipes are formulated. A user chooses a drink he wants after what automatics mixes a cocktail, precisely following the sequence, proportions, and cooking technique. Light version of the device may be applied for the pouring of beer and other beverages. Automatics signals that bottles or a keg must be changed before the drink is finished. Besides this, the device may be equipped with the cash acceptor or we can integrate any system of contactless payment. Thus, your customers will be completely protected and spared from contacts with the bartender and a cashier. You, as a business owner, save on bartender`s salary, you won`t need to control a drink`s consumption and you can add new recipes every day. Besides this, automation systems are still a know-how in the catering business and can attract new customers.  

2. "Electronic menu". You can equip tables with the electronic menu, which will rid your customers of necessity of the contact with the waitress (at least at the step of making the order), it will also rid you of the necessity of reprinting the prices even in the event of a minimum change of the assortment. We know that similar systems already exist, but we also know that customers often need advice and they need to learn more about the content and the cooking technology. That`s why we propose to complement electronic menu with the function of the voice communication Also, as opposed to the existing systems, that are strictly programmed, our system can have feedback with the kitchen and can update the menu in a real-time.

3. Automated loyalty program Loyalty programs are widely used in the catering business. Because it`s extremely pleasant when you are recognized and asked: "As usual"? Don`t be surprised if we tell you that it can also be automated. High-solution camera will make a shot of your customer at the entrance, and the AI system will recognize a face, find it in the database, define what the customer usually orders, and will recommend something giving the taste of the customer and will also offer special price.

These are only a couple of options of the automated systems our team has dealt with. Maybe these examples will inspire you on your personal idea. Or, maybe you have been dreaming to automate something. Don`t hesitate. Text or call us and tell a bit about your business and issues, we will offer you a solution anyway. Modern technologies in combination with our experience can bring to life almost every your idea.

#restoration #bar #automation #small business #coctails #startup #robots #electronics development #electronic

[hardtux]

Where to order the development of electronics?

So, you have an idea, a hardware start-up, or you just need an electronic device that will automate or simplify the processes in your business.

As I said earlier, you can make such a device yourself if you have sufficient skills. Or hire an engineer in your company's staff, if you have free space in the office, the necessary test equipment and your company can afford another employee. But if you are just launching a startup or owning a small business, then you will want to save money. In this case, it is logical to outsource the development of electronics. Let's see what are the options.

At the beginning of the 90s of the last century, companies that provide custom electronics and embedded systems development services - from the design of printed circuit boards and writing system software to the creation of turnkey electronic products - formed on the world market. These companies were called differently: contract developers, electronics design centers or IDH, independent design house.

To date, these companies have grown and the contracting firm with 15-20 engineers is considered a small company in this market. Typically, these companies specialize in a narrow area. The output will be only a prototype of the device without being put into serial production. The customer gets a good development, but he himself must deal with production issues. In addition, if your device is rather complicated or you need not one device, but an electronic complex, then you will need to contact several highly specialized companies.

Larger engineering companies (design centers and contract developers) can specialize in the whole industry. Accordingly, they should be addressed if the development of a device for a specific market plus the launch of mass production is required. These companies will take into account production issues at the design stage, implement integration testing and, if necessary, prepare the device for certification. Also, if you do not have enough experience for the author’s supervision over your project, he will be able to outsource this task. Thus, the developers of a complete cycle can be entrusted with designing the whole system, which consists of several electronic devices.

As you can see, similar companies are a fairly large business. And they are focused on working with medium and large businesses. Of course, you get a very high-quality development, focused on mass production. But the cost of such development will amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, it is still cheaper than hiring your own staff for this amount of work.

This is not a very bad option for startups that have passed several rounds of investments, have 500+ thousand dollars and are ready to start mass production.

Stop! But we are talking about a small business. Perhaps you only need one device for your business. Or you have only an idea and some amounts, but you don't even have a prototype to show investors. In this case, your path is hiring a remote employee or freelancer. Of course, your first thought is to go to the upwork, guru.com, freelanser.com or another similar platform. But hiring a freelancer on such a platform is a separate skill. I started my way on such a platform and I know this business "from the other side". And you can find my post, where I do not advise accessing these platforms. And I repeat once again: to be successful and have many good orders on the platform, the freelancer should work in the interests of the platform, but not in the interests of your business! The best way is to find a remote employee who will work only on your task. You will still save on the office, special equipment and so on. But at the same time, you will receive a full-fledged employee who does not seek to close the contract as soon as possible by completing the formal requirements. You do not need a well-developed technical task. And if you are not an expert in electronics, then you will not be able to write a technical requirement well enough to get the desired result from the first time on the freelancing platform. Your business may not be related to electronics at all, you may only need a small device that will help automate some business process and save some money. The remote developer will be able to take on all the work associated with the development of the device. You will only need to control the stages of work without going into the technical details.

We tried to combine the advantages of an employee with the profits of working with a freelancer. We work on a “employee for rent” scheme. So, you essentially get a employee, but save money on the workplace, equipment and mandatory payments. In addition, we work ONLY with small businesses and start-ups, so we know your problems well and try to simplify our cooperation process as much as possible.  Often we do not even require a fixed technical assignment. We set goals and deadlines and work flexibly on your priorities. You are involved in product creation at all stages.

If you want to ask questions, discuss your project or just chat about the weather, feel free to send me a email or contact with us in any other way convenient for you.

#electronics development #startup #business #freelance #production

[hardtux]

Should I order electronics development on the UpWork?

Hello. Today we will talk about whether to hire a freelancer to develop electronics and how to do it right.

I understand your desire to save money. I have been working with startups and small businesses for many years. I also work as a self-employed person. And I also often resort to outsourcing and hire freelancers. It is convenient and it really saves money. I do not need to provide a workplace and pay for a larger office, I do not need to pay a salary to an employee at a time when I do not need his services, I don’t need to pay social taxes and buy new computer and tools.

But is it possible to outsource when developing electronics, especially in the case when the freelancer is in another country? Definitely yes (otherwise, how would I support my big family?). I have been freelancing for over 10 years and for the last three years I have been working with clients from other countries only.  I will not discuss the features of such work in this post, this is a separate topic, which I promise to discuss later.

And now I propose to talk about the features of working with freelancers through such platforms as Upwork. I started my business on the international market with this platform and reached a success rate of 98% (this is the internal rating of the platform, that not reflecting real success), And I become the top rated freelancer for a couple of months on this platform. And I want to tell you how this system works on the side of a freelancer and how it affects your business.

It is important to understand that in order to achieve a high rating (which means to increase the chance of being hired for a higher paying projects), a freelancer MUST act in the interests of the platform, not your business. The customer and the contractor are forced to play on different sides. The customer wants that freelancer made much as possible. But the contractor trying to close the contract quicker.  He has to take care to close the contract. This directly affects his rating. Therefore, the freelancer will work clearly within the framework of the technical task, trying to formally fulfill all the requirements. But about 90% of a ToR (TERMS OF REFERENCE) is changed on the go. This leads to conflict with the customer and contractor. But the freelancer is right (according to the rules of the platform) and you either stay with the device you no longer need or have to create a new technical task and pay again for the new work.

The second point is a huge commission platform. It takes 10% from you and another 20% from the freelancer. And taking into account additional fees for operations with funds, the freelancer will receive a little more than half of the funds you have paid. What  must a performer do to survive? He must make several "templates" in advance for the most common tasks. Then he sells these "templates" many times to different people. You will be glad that the performer has already done such work before and knows what to do. But are you sure that the proposed solution is really the best for you? Or very old (or opposite, modern) components are applied and you will not face the problem of the out stock components when you move from prototype to mass production? And this is an option for a really good freelancer. But you may face an insufficiently conscientious worker who will save at the expense of quality. For example, I redesigned the PCB design after such a freelancer. All tracks on the board were made of the same thickness. Both power and signal. The board somehow worked at short-term tests, but when the client put it in a real device, then after a while it burned. Saving a few minutes by a freelancer resulted in huge financial damage and loss of time by the customer. But about the cost of an error in the development of electronics, we'll talk another time.

So how do you work with freelancers with minimal risks? First of all, you should not use freelancing platforms to order something more serious than a prototype. Secondly, it is necessary to ask the right questions to the applicants. It is also a very big topic and it deserves separate consideration. Thirdly, the contractor should receive the maximum information about the device and its working conditions in order to prevent unintended errors. Do not try to hide the details of the device in an effort to preserve privacy. This can lead to huge losses.

Having understood all these things I left the freelancing platforms. I do not want to "fight" with the client. On the contrary, I want to help. It is not enough for me to fulfill the formal requirements of the technical specification. I want to know that thanks to me a new device has appeared that helps someone in business or makes our life easier and more convenient. Since childhood I have loved science fiction and I am happy that I did things that I only dreamed of 20-30 years ago. Therefore, I found a win-win strategy.

How it work? We set the goals and deadlines and work on priorities flexibly. We are involved in all stages of product creation, from planning to demonstrations, reporting back to you regularly. Transparent pricing. You pay by the hour and we deliver a result according to milestones. You won't ever hear we say: "This isn't in the ToR." We work by the FBSC model: fixed-budget, scope-controlled.

If you want to ask questions, discuss your project or just chat about the weather, feel free to send me e-mail. Or contact me in any other way convenient for you.

#freelance #upwork #electronics development #startup

[hardtux]

Who am I?

Hello. My name is Roman and I’m is a hardware and electronics engineer. MY MISSION: To help Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Startups founders and others Prosper with Purpose! If you have an idea for a device that will change the world or you need unique electronic equipment for your business, or maybe you have problems at any stage of creating an electronic device, let me help you. For over 10 years I have been helping people like you in their business. And now I've made a team of like-minded researchers, engineers and programmers.  We propose the development of electronic devices from idea and scratches to mass production. R & D (Research and development), prototyping, creation of MVP, troubleshooting, small-scale production and preparation for mass production. This is what we love and know how to do.

What is your benefit from working with us? First of all you save your money. Secondly you save your time. Ok, let me show it.

So, you need an electronic device that you can not go and buy in the store. There are four ways to get it.

The first is to do it yourself. Great! If you have the experience and knowledge that allows you to do this - just great. I am not kidding. Perhaps you will encounter problems in the preparation of production, but in general you can handle it, I believe. You spend your time, but if electronics is your hobby or favorite profession, then maybe this is your way.

The second way is to hire an employee. You spend time searching for the right person, you may have to pay the recruitment agency. But these are only initial costs. You need to provide a workplace, purchase the necessary equipment, pay for insurance eventually, etc...

The third option is to order contract development in a specialized company. for example Promwad or something else. But these companies prefer to work with large customers and their business processes are focused on large business. In addition, their services cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Are you sure this is a good price if you need one unique device or prototype to show a potential investor?

And finally, the fourth way is to hire a freelancer on the Upwork or same platform. But you must understand that in order to succeed, a freelancer must work in the interests of the platform business, but not in yours. In particular, the platform encourages taking several clients at the same time and applying template solutions that may not be the best for you, etc. I had experience of such work (I was a top rated freelancer on the Upwork) and I know what I'm talking about. I think I should make another post to cover this topic.

We tried to combine the advantages of an employee with the profits of working with a freelancer. We work on a "employee for rent" scheme. So, you essentially get a employee, but save money on the workplace, equipment and mandatory payments. In addition, we work ONLY with small businesses and start-ups, so we know your problems well and try to simplify our cooperation process as much as possible.  Often we do not even require a fixed technical assignment. We set goals and deadlines and work flexibly on your priorities. You are involved in product creation at all stages.

If you want to ask questions, discuss your project or just chat about the weather, feel free to send me a email. Or contact with us in any other way convenient for you.

Welcome to our site: http://hardtux.tech/

#startup #digital electronics #analog electronics #electronics development #hardware #hardware design #hardtux

[hardtux]

A few words about me and my work.

[hardtux]

#fpga #quartus #altera #DIY #ham-radio

[hardtux]

Проектируем КВ-радиоприемник на ПЛИС

#radio #ham #altera #fpga

[hardtux]

How to connect Nokia 1100 LCD display to Arduino? Download library: https://github.com/cattzalin/Arduino-library-nokia-1100-lcd--PCF8814 Connect pins: LCD > Arduino LED > 3.3v (Moved to Pin 8 for custom on/off control) VDD > 3.3v VDDI > 3.3v SCLK > Pin 13 SDA > Pin 11 GND > GND CS > Pin 10 RES > Pin 12 Write a sketch and go!

#arduino #lcd display #nokia #diy #how to make it

[hardtux]

This is my first project on FPGA Altera: “Logic elements”. Russian language.

#fpga #electronic #tutorial #digital electronics #altera #usb-blaster #project

[hardtux]

This is my post about installation Quartus II on CentOS. Russian language.

#fpga #electronic #linux #centos #altera #article