Thread: Nilok Qube - USB IO, Bluetooth, ALMOST DONE!

Originally Posted by TruckinMP3

Turning this around, what would I do with it?

It's a digital I/O board. You could control an automated HVAC system with it, put your windows up and down via remote, have it control lighting or special effects, monitor voltage, monitor sensors or temperature, the possibilities are near endless.

Exactly what he said. Here's what I'll be doing with mine:

Beside my screen I want a rotary encoder that is backlit and 5 backlit buttons. I bought a clear frame for the encoder and 5 clear light pipe buttons. The high-power PWM output will dim the blue LEDs at night and make them bright during the day. The normal I/O/A will be connected to the buttons and also to the LEDs so that they can be switched by ANOTHER PWM that will cause them to visibly blink if something exciting happens, such as a new notification.

Under that, there will be an IR detector so that I can use my Lilliput remote (with the number keys) to control my radio station and my songs. Even the punks in the back seat can have a go at it.

You can also use it when the computer messes up or when it's not even on. If you have it preconfigured, you can press a button to latch your outputs -- useful for HVAC when you have to hold something down, or window defrosts where a simple momentary switch would not work.

The analog inputs will be set to read the temperatures of the front cabin area, the back cabin area, and the outside. Based on these temperatures, the HVAC will automatically adjust to a set temperature.

Because of the serial interface, I can control two of these boards with only one USB slot.

Theres about a thousand things I forgot to mention.

Bump.

I'm still going ahead on this project. I submitted my enclosure design for some samples. I'm getting one free piece out of ABS and one piece out of aluminum. They will run from $12.50 to $18.00 depending on the type.
If these enclosures come back fine on the first try (which they wont, I'm sure), then I'll be ready to have the PCBs produced. I've written about 25% of the firmware already, and I have to completely re-design the PCB but I'll do that starting right now.

I'm keeping a blog of all this stuff here:
http://nilokproductions.wordpress.com/

It has a picture of the enclosure and design specs so far.

I've started to order some parts, just a few, for a small initial run. These will be ready probably by the end of October assuming school goes okay.

Keep voting!

Enjoy the project and good luck... I like the controls I currently have (stock) for wipers, windows, locks and such... thus my earlier comments.

I've re-designed the PCB as promised to fit the enclosure. I also received pictures of the aluminum enclosure yesterday.

Once I get the actual pieces shipped to me, I will test out the shape of the PCB to make sure it fits. If all the components work okay together then I can start producing the PCBs and get this on the road.

My first run will be of 20 complete products.

Pictures and more information are at the blog:
http://nilokproductions.wordpress.com/

Just in case someone is interested, I received the first enclosure the other day, along with all the components required to start assembly. I need to get the rest of the enclosures and more PCBs.

Following up,

Received the prototype PCB yesterday. Had a working prototype going for a little bit today before I pulled out the soldering iron and lifted a few traces accidentally. At least I know it works

Again, the blog in my signature has all the information regarding this project. If anyone would like to help write code or be a beta tester let me know!

Update:

Blog is now at a new address: http://blog.nilok.ca

Ordered SCREWS.
Got connectors and capacitors

Preorders will be opening within a month or two. If anybody wants to donate some time to writing some C code, let me know!