Questions about new setup

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Javed Ali

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Mar 10, 2013, 6:21:15 AM3/10/13
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Hey guys - sorry if these have been asked before.

1) Is it possible to setup the software with the Adafruit IoT kit? 

2) If not, can the AdaFruit kit be purchased simply for some of the components and case? Would a breadboard fit inside?

3) Is there an automated task printing app available publicly? 

Thanks guys, can't wait to set this up.

Javed Ali

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Mar 10, 2013, 6:39:39 AM3/10/13
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Mark Bilandzic

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Mar 10, 2013, 7:06:17 PM3/10/13
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hi javed,

re 1)
yes, it's the same hardware. it's be compatible.

re 2) 
you can buy the Adafruit kit, or simply buy the components yourself. the printer is sold just by itself on https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10438 too.

I put a slightly modified version of the case on thingiverse. you can download and lasercut it yourself if you have access to a lasercutter.

the case is designed to fit an arduino + ethernetshield. a breadboard won't fit inside. unless you go with an Etherten (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=XC4216) which has integrated ethernet on the arduino board. that might give you some extra space fo a bread board, but don't count on it...

mega should be compatible, but won't fit in the case....

re 3)
I blogged about different printing frameworks / software here: http://kavasmlikon.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/getting-started-with-a-thermal-printer/

hope this helps,
mark


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J. Ali

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Mar 10, 2013, 10:26:44 PM3/10/13
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Thanks Mark.

How did you manage to fit it all in your case without a breadboard?

I'll probably just buy the kit from Adafruit including their case.

Is there an already available task printer for the GoFree?

Thanks again,

Javed

Mark Bilandzic

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Mar 10, 2013, 11:16:34 PM3/10/13
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Hi Javed,

I soldered the joints together, so no breadboard required. a breadboard is good for prototyping purposes, but if you're looking for a long term solution, you should solder your joints, it's much more stable solution anyway...

not sure what you mean by "task printer", but you should be able to come up with a custom solution fairly easily.

check out this project, for example:
http://www.suppertime.co.uk/blogmywiki/2012/10/howtopoems/

cheers,
mark

J. Ali

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Mar 11, 2013, 1:55:27 AM3/11/13
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Thanks Mark.

Can I ask what aurdrino kit you use yourself?

What I was meaning by task printer was something I could use to print to do lists etc.

Cheers.

J. Ali

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Mar 11, 2013, 2:04:53 AM3/11/13
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Also Mark, are there any instructions for setting this up using solder instead of a breadboard? I don't want to solder everything together incorrectly.

Cheers.

On 11/03/2013 2:16 PM, "Mark Bilandzic" <markbi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Mark Bilandzic

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Mar 11, 2013, 2:36:33 AM3/11/13
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I use an off-the shelf arduino uno (https://www.adafruit.com/products/50) + ethernet shield (https://www.adafruit.com/products/201), and bought the thermal printer from adafruit (https://www.adafruit.com/products/597)

in regards to the todo lists you could built a mashup with the google tasks API https://developers.google.com/google-apps/tasks/ ?

cheers,
mark

Mark Bilandzic

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Mar 11, 2013, 2:40:49 AM3/11/13
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usually, you start with the breadboard to make sure everything is working fine.
once you got everything working, your transfer your project from breadboard and solder all wires and components directly together. that step is trivial. just check out how a breadboard works and replace the breadboard connections with solder, that's it....


cheers,
mark

J. Ali

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Mar 11, 2013, 3:28:50 AM3/11/13
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Thanks a lot mate.

Lastly, is there a specific version of the R3 Uno I'm after? I saw on AdaFruit it mentions MEGA in the serial number, and this model looks much cheaper and the same: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Arduino-UNO-R3-Mega-328-ATMEGA328P-ATMega16U2-Free-USB-Cable-01042-/251240357864?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3a7f179fe8&_uhb=1#ht_955wt_1220

Cheers mate, sorry for being such a pain.

Javed Ali

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Mar 11, 2013, 3:37:48 AM3/11/13
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And lastly, is there any reason why the Etherten might not work? Looks like a fairly viable solution, I can't seem to find the ethernet shields in stock anywhere for a reasonable price.

Cheers.
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J. Ali

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Mar 11, 2013, 3:51:32 AM3/11/13
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Or the Arduino Uno Ethernet for that matter: https://www.adafruit.com/products/418

James Adam

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Mar 11, 2013, 9:21:40 AM3/11/13
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Hi Javed,

I assume you've looked at the component list on the wiki[1]? In a nutshell, yes you can use an Arduino Ethernet, or an Arduino Uno (R3 and probably previous versions) plus a shield. I can't confirm about the Etherten I'm afraid, but as long as it has at least as much flash as the Uno, and is compatible with the Arduino ethernet libraries then I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

Its also possible to use all the components from the Adafruit IoT kit, although that kit doesn't use the same pins or status LEDs, so you'll need to either adjust the sketch or the wiring to compensate. It's also quite possible to use an Raspberry Pi - the micro-controller's job is just to download content and then spit it directly to the printer, and anything which can do that will work.

As for soldering instructions, we have made up a few prototype shields but they are all based on the wiring of the breadboard. You can also see the schematic using the Fritzing[2] diagram in the repository[3].

- James

J. Ali

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Mar 11, 2013, 3:59:18 PM3/11/13
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Thanks a lot James - that makes sense.

Are there any instructions available for setting this up with the Raspberry Pi? Or would I have to edit the code?

Cheers mate.

Mark Bilandzic

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Mar 11, 2013, 6:25:16 PM3/11/13
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The Arduino Uno Ethernet https://www.adafruit.com/products/418 will work!

The EtherTen http://www.freetronics.com/products/etherten#.UT5XpdEd5WY on the other hand is based on an Arduino Duemilanove, so it depends on what software you want to use for the printer... The GoFree framework requires Arduino Uno, so probably won't work with a Duemilanove (in fact, I think I tried it at some stage and had problems...)

the adafruit kit comes with an Arduino Uno Ethernet, but not sure if it would work with EtherTen as well... haven't tried.

Cheers,
Mark




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J. Ali

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Mar 12, 2013, 6:32:20 AM3/12/13
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Thanks guys!

I need to think about whether spending $200 on all the hardware is worth it, but the ability to set it up with iift and print out random stuff does seem appealing.

Cheers guys.

James Adam

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Mar 12, 2013, 7:25:57 AM3/12/13
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I'd be surprised if you need to spend $200 - my component listing[1] estimates around $140.

J. Ali

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Mar 12, 2013, 7:28:26 AM3/12/13
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Yeah, it comes to $215 with shipping to Australia ($35) and the special USB cable for the Ethernet ($20).

Cheers.

James Adam

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Mar 12, 2013, 7:32:14 AM3/12/13
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Have you investigated any Australia-native Sparkfun/Adafruit resellers?

- James

J. Ali

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Mar 12, 2013, 7:35:28 AM3/12/13
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Thanks for the suggestion James. I didn't find any resellers when I had a brief look earlier, but I'll have another look.

Cheers.

Mark Bilandzic

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Mar 12, 2013, 9:02:43 AM3/12/13
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checkout littlebirdelectronics.com.au

...that's the australian sparkfun reseller.

cheers,
mark

sent from my mobile

andrewn

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Mar 12, 2013, 12:43:01 PM3/12/13
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On Monday, March 11, 2013 7:59:18 PM UTC, Javed Ali wrote:
Are there any instructions available for setting this up with the Raspberry Pi? Or would I have to edit the code?

Javed, I've got this working with a Pi. You can find the instructions and code here here: 

Let me know how you get on.

Javed Ali

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Mar 13, 2013, 2:24:17 AM3/13/13
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Thanks guys,

Just noticed that the kits are now available (or maybe I missed it earlier?). http://gofreerange.com/printer-kit

Is shipping available to Oz? Would the pre-configured kit fit inside a case?

Cheers.

James Adam

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Mar 15, 2013, 7:03:27 AM3/15/13
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Hi Javed,

I'll investigate what postage to Australia would be. Which city do you live in?

- James

Chris Roos

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Mar 15, 2013, 7:07:30 AM3/15/13
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Hey Javed,

I'm going to Australia in a couple of weeks so could potentially bring it over and post within the country if that makes it any cheaper. I work with James Adam at Go Free Range, just for a bit of context.

Cheers, Chris

J. Ali

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Mar 15, 2013, 7:54:13 AM3/15/13
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Cheers guys.

I'm in Sydney, postcode is 2077 if that helps.

Thanks again.

Javed Ali

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Mar 16, 2013, 7:46:34 PM3/16/13
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Did you guys manage to get a shipping quote? I'm now even more interested in the kit from you as Adafruit are now out of stock of the thermal printer.
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James Adam

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Mar 16, 2013, 7:48:10 PM3/16/13
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Hi Javed,

I'll try to get you a quote on Monday (GMT). Thanks for your patience.

- James

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J. Ali

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Mar 16, 2013, 7:48:54 PM3/16/13
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Great - thanks mate.
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