Working on a new USB interface

[Discriminator]

I'm currently developing a new version of the RS232 interface. I'm incorporating a custom USB module.

Main advantages:
- Interface gets its power from the USB port, so no separate power supply needed
- No RS232 to USB cable needed
- The module uses an FTDI chip; stable drivers available for most operating systems



Next steps:
- Design an adapted circuit board
- Build and test a prototype
- Have the final version of the circuit board produced professionally

I expect the new interface to be available later this year.

-Rene

[VidarParry]

Great Rene.. Any idea of approx price?

Can you design the board so that it can slide into slots for mounting (particularly if you have a number of them to mount).

Cheers
...Steve

[Discriminator]

Any idea of approx price?

Probably in the same range as the existing interface

Can you design the board so that it can slide into slots for mounting (particularly if you have a number of them to mount).

Great idea. I already configured the audio input and USB output on the same side of the circuit board. Will add some empty space on both sides.

[Discriminator]

Next steps:
- Design an adapted circuit board

[Discriminator]

Build and test a prototype

[oz1jua]

I am very interestet in this layout. When do you think I can order this.
I now have 2 customer that want this fast.

[chris021]

I am also very interesting in ordering some of these

[oz1jua]

I forgot to mention that I alredy have the USB board.
So i am very interested in the board and PIC.

[Discriminator]

The interface will probably be available by the end of October. I'm currently fine tuning and regression testing the software.

-Rene

[Discriminator]

The interface will probably be available by the end of October.

The interface is available as of today: built and tested or a circuit board plus microprocessor. You can find more information on http://www.discriminator.nl/usb/index-en.html

-Rene

[oz1jua]

I have now received 2 baords but I am not shure about smd R3. what is this missing, there are 2 smd pads on the solder site ?
Sory I think I have foud it. The other is C5.

[Discriminator]

I have now received 2 baords but I am not shure about smd R3. what is this missing, there are 2 smd pads on the solder site ?
Sory I think I have foud it. The other is C5.

Correct. From http://www.discriminator.nl/usb/index-en.html:

[Discriminator]

Version 2 of the USB interface is under development.

[wonky]

Does it have any decoding improvements Rene over the existing version?

[Discriminator]

Does it have any decoding improvements Rene over the existing version?

The decoding algorithm has not been changed since the RS232 version from 2010. It doesn't get better than 100%