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

I think Qube is pretty catchy, and unique, and somewhat stylish. When people say "I plugged in my Qube" its pretty simple to understand.

You say you do graphics? I do need a sticker designed and an interface for the application... PM me if you might be interested. I couldn't pay you but I could probably get you a free "Qube" to "beta test"... I need a forum review anyway before I can start selling it around here.

It's another one of those "Sooo many ideas, soooo hard to actually make use of them" items.
I'd have loved one if I had kept my carputer in the Fiero, they're so mechanically/electrically easy to modify, I could just about control the whole car with one of these.

I'm sure I'd find useful stuff to use one for anyway. Automation is almost limitless.

As for the name, I agree. qube sounds good. Short and sharp.

Dunno what sort of graphic you're looking for. I whipped up the first thing I thought of, if it helps with brainstorming, great. If not, no biggie, just one possible idea.

Keep up the good work! If nobody else makes what you want, make it yourself!

Originally Posted by Superduck

It's another one of those "Sooo many ideas, soooo hard to actually make use of them" items.
I'd have loved one if I had kept my carputer in the Fiero, they're so mechanically/electrically easy to modify, I could just about control the whole car with one of these.

I'm sure I'd find useful stuff to use one for anyway. Automation is almost limitless.

As for the name, I agree. qube sounds good. Short and sharp.

Dunno what sort of graphic you're looking for. I whipped up the first thing I thought of, if it helps with brainstorming, great. If not, no biggie, just one possible idea.

Keep up the good work! If nobody else makes what you want, make it yourself!

Hey, thanks for the input! I have a question regarding "sooo many ideas, soooo hard to actually make use of them". Are there any ways you could think of to make it a bit more worth while? I've tried implementing things such as rotary encoder support for volume knobs because everyone wants one but nobody has them, for the most part.

The graphic looks like a very good start! Thanks for helping out!

So what's the difference between this and the fusion brain? Seems like it's exactly the same thing, just a different look. Ok and different firmware. But functionality-wise, what's different? Why would I want this over a fusion brain?

Also, I think Qube is not a good name by itself. Include something with it, as there are already a load of computer products out there using the "qube" name, and even a PC OEM. http://www.buyqube.com/

How about C^2 (c squared) short for control cube. Whoever suggested that name a couple posts back was on to something. It's short, memorable, and describes what it is (to a point).

Tidder: AFAIK This device has the ability to be run without the PC attached, and still use the logic you program it with even without a PC. It also has some added features which are listed in the first post that the FB does not have such as interrupts, serial interface, and switchable pins (from I to O). (bug me on irc and I'll explain more if you really care)

Originally Posted by Tidder

So what's the difference between this and the fusion brain? Seems like it's exactly the same thing, just a different look. Ok and different firmware. But functionality-wise, what's different? Why would I want this over a fusion brain?

Also, I think Qube is not a good name by itself. Include something with it, as there are already a load of computer products out there using the "qube" name, and even a PC OEM. http://www.buyqube.com/

How about C^2 (c squared) short for control cube. Whoever suggested that name a couple posts back was on to something. It's short, memorable, and describes what it is (to a point).

Originally Posted by malcom2073

Tidder: AFAIK This device has the ability to be run without the PC attached, and still use the logic you program it with even without a PC. It also has some added features which are listed in the first post that the FB does not have such as interrupts, serial interface, and switchable pins (from I to O). (bug me on irc and I'll explain more if you really care)

What Malcolm said was right. This device is intended to expand on the features that the Fusion Brain is already providing. It is not only intended for in-car use either, it can be any automation controller or a high speed prototyping board.

There is a huge benefit to the "new look" and the "firmware" of my device. Having a rugged aluminum enclosure custom machined to suit the device is a huge step. It provides electrical isolation and a large heat barrier to protect it from certain environments. Did I mention it also looks really cool and slick?

There is another advantage, the price tag. With the Fusion Brain running at $59.99 for a main board, mine will be similarly priced including the aluminum case and many additional features.

The final point I will make is this: my device (so far called the Nilok Qube), provides an easily expandable interface. Along with the VERY easy to use software (with flash tutorials explaining how to hook up a new device), you can attach full modules as opposed to "dumb" boards. With the fusion brain, you hook up analog sensors or relays, with the Qube, you can hook up analog sensors or relays, sure, but you can ALSO hook up full devices such as an ethernet interface board (coming right after production).

It comes with a simple bootloader too and an upgrade application built right in so that the end user will never even notice a change, except for new features. In later versions I am planning I2C, SPI, serial connections, etc.

EDIT: Did I mention you can directly interface it to a quadratic encoder for a volume knob (which I have done), or a 2 or 4 line LCD screen to display your current song. Later versions will enumerate as a COM port, a keyboard AND a mouse so you can do anything you want.

The project is going to be called the Nilok Qube. It can still be changed but I sort of like it. Today (and yesterday, and the day before) I have been working on the bootloader for this. The bootloader is what allows you to update new code without a programmer. I used one by the company Diolan. It sucks. It was poorly written and there is little to no documentation. Luckily, I figured it all out (after learning ASM and extended op codes) and got it working. I officially ran my first USB demo today.

I am adding a new post to the BLOG right now regarding the process, and within a week there will be a tutorial about how to use the Diolan bootloader at my website www.nilok.ca under products.

Hope I helped some people out!

Nilok Qube Updates!

For the month of November I have been SO busy with school (midterms) and this project. I am also SO tight on cash due to a spring break trip that I decided to go on (woo Cancun!).

Anyway, I wrote that tutorial as promised, Tutorial: How to Use the Diolan Bootloader. I also added a few posts to my blog.

I ordered a ton of wire to start making the accessories, I ordered solder paste to start putting things together, and last but not least, I ordered the PCBs!

That was a huge step. Now, when everything is done and ready, I should have all the PCBs, all the enclosures, all the wires, all the connectors, etc. Everything I need to actually sell is ready! I just need to finish the firmware.

Firmware:

For the firmware I plan on making a quick and dirty version at first and then working out new additions as the first 20 sell.

Accessories:

I need to sell a few of the modules first to make back some money, but I already have plans for some serious accessories! Hint: bluetooth, ethernet, IR, LCD, etc

There is a new post with a ton of new pictures from the machinist! Make sure to take a look if you're interested!