TIL about Xbee WiFi

Xbee, one of the popular wireless modules for Arduino and the like, now comes in a WiFi version (802.11b/g/n) allowing us to connect more directly to the Internet/network without having a intermediate host to relay the data. Should be interesting to play with.


... the XBee Wi-Fi offers 802.11 b/g/n networking and flexible SPI and UART serial interfaces. Because the module includes the 802.11 b/g/n physical layer, baseband MAC and TCP/IP stack, developers can add Wi-Fi to their products simply by connecting to the XBee Wi-Fi's serial port. The XBee Wi-Fi is fully tested at manufacture and comes with modular certification for the U.S., E.U., Canada and a number of other countries, further reducing the time to market, development expense and design complexity.

XBee Wi-Fi development kits are available now for $149. For more information about the XBee Wi-Fi, visit http://www.digi.com/xbeewifi.

TIL about Netduino/Plus

TIL about Netduino and Netduino Plus, an alternative/improved version of the Arduino...

Netduino is an open source electronics platform using the .NET Micro Framework (not Microsoft .NET). Featuring a 32-bit microcontroller and a rich development environment.

Interface with switches, sensors, LEDs, serial devices, and more.

Offers 20 GPIOs combined with SPI, I2C, 2 UARTs (1 RTS/CTS), 4 PWM channels and 6 ADC channels.

.NET Micro Framework combines the ease of high-level coding and the raw features of microcontrollers. Enjoy event-based programming, multi-threading, line-by-line debugging, breakpoints and more.

3rd-party accessories offer pre-built functionality like GPS location, servo control and battery power. Netduino is also pin-compatible with Arduino shields.

Netduino is an open source electronics platform. All design files and source code are included.


Netduino Plus

Netduino Plus includes all hardware features of the Netduino, plus MicroSD storage capabilities and an Ethernet jack for fast integrated IP networking.


Sounds pretty good. I'd like to get the Plus version to try it out.

DSO Quad Clone

Here's another interesting one from the DealExtreme shop in HK:


DS-203 3.0" LCD Pocket Mini Oscilloscope

They're selling it for $174 shipped, or about $25 cheaper the the original. I don't see any reviews yet, but it should be interesting to see how this one works out as well.