UPDATE: .NET Micro Framework on Topaz

While the blog may have been quiet, we have been working away on getting the .NET Micro Framework running on the Topaz CPU module and Development kit.  We have managed applications running with output on the LCD.  Download and debug is via serial for now.

Before we get this out to anyone there is some more testing to be done and a couple more drivers to add to make it useful.  This is our priority after returning from a short Christmas/Summer break!

If you would like to be added to the list to receive the alpha release, please contact us here.

Rich Media Extensions for MFW 4.1

Innobedded have updated their Rich Media Extensions component suite to support v4.1 of the .NET Micro Framework.

The graphics and touch performance has improved in this version.

A demo is available for download, and they have pricing for commercial and non-commercial projects.

Interview with Colin Miller

Scott Hanselman has posted an interview with Colin Miller, Product Unit Manager for the .NET Micro Framework.

Colin talks about the history of the Micro Framework from the beginnings as part of the SPOT watch project, through to the decision to make it  open source.

A bit of a shake up…

We are located very near to the Earthquake that struck Christchurch on Saturday morning local time. No-one was hurt, but things are a bit of a mess. Please excuse us if we take a little longer to get back to your enquiries.

Be more productive on the road (or the couch)

While this is not one of our products, it is “micro” and will make you more productive.  It is a new mouse designed for laptops, and comes from Swiftpoint, a startup company based in Christchurch, NZ.  I have had mine for a couple of weeks and I’m really impressed!   The video explains the features better than I can:



And no, I’m not an investor in this company – just a fan of the product!

New Windows CE release for Topaz

GuruCE have released an update for their Windows CE support on Topaz.

The new update includes a fully configurable GPIO driver and updated SDK libraries.  There is also access to CAN, SPI and GPT drivers from your application.

The update page includes an image you can flash into your Topaz (using the Topaz Flasher application), a getting started guide, and a binary Board Support Package (BSP) which you can use to create a custom Windows CE image.  GuruCE can also support the BSP in source form along with custom development services and support.  Pricing for these options is on the GuruCE Topaz web page.

Long term support for Topaz

If you are looking to design a product with a long life-time, one of the big questions you consider is component availability. Having to re-design in 3 years just to account for an end-of-life part is an unnecessary cost and drain on resources.  Designing with a CPU module takes away a lot of this pain (and transfers it to us!).   We manage the availability risk for the components that go into the module, and can re-design if necessary, while keeping the interface to your board the same as before.

The only really hard part to manage is the processor – without the i.MX25, we couldn’t really make Topaz!  Fortunately, Freescale have a longevity program that clearly indicates how long a part will be supported for.  In the case of the i.MX25, this is 15 years from launch.  You can look this up here - filter on MX25 to find it quickly.

Micro Framework v4.1 Firmware Released

Yesterday, Microsoft announced the availability of v4.1 of the .NET Micro Framework.  This has a number of new features (including support for Visual Studio 2010) and is the first release to include code contributed from the community.

You can try out this new release on Tahoe and Tahoe-II boards.  The new firmware, and supporting SDK is available for download here.  An update to our Board Support Package and firmware for Meridian/P will follow in the next few days.

Topaz Introduction Video

Sometimes it’s easier to watch than read…

 

BETA firmware for .NET Micro Framework v4.1 available for Tahoe-II

Microsoft released a refresh to the 4.1 beta late last week and we have firmware available for you to try out on Tahoe-II!

One of the biggest reasons to take a look at this is the support for Visual Studio 2010 (including the express edition).  Other features are listed in this post.

The downloads page has the new Tahoe-II firmware and a new SDK. 

Something to watch out for when converting your projects: VS2010 does a good job most of the time, but we have found at least one instance where it wasn’t 100%.  If your application is not working correctly (especially when deploying or starting), either review the .csproj file and make sure it is not referencing the 4.0 tools, or create a new project in VS2010 and move your code into it.

Let us know what you think.