New UIRT2 hardware ready

[_Darius_]

That's what I'm looking for! :D

I would like to preview the schematic. Is it possible?

I vote for IRDA connector on the motherboard. :) My WOL is occupied, so I will have to use a WOR connector.

[Luc]

Wykat: This design allows In Circuit Serial Programming so no problem to program the PIC in a SMT version.

I will try to post schematics, PCB etc beginning next week.

[oe1k]

I'm still willing to make up a batch of single-sided PCB's at the EE lab on campus for free and help coordinate kits. I'll watch here for PCB.
-Richard

[Wykat]

I've been looking into a SMT version too, but how do you then program the PIC ?? :oops:

Further I think the new PS2UIRT is more user friendly since no internal wiring is required. I'm still not sure how to make the present UIRT2 work with the internal WOL connector :( . This would however still be an alternative.

Wykat

[Luc]

It's still simple but as I said before it has components so that it will work in different circumstances also ICSP....
There are "only" 19 2-pad parts, 2 chips and the DB9 = 83 pads already plus some for power, in and outputs, IR receiver, emitter output ....
The PCB has been revised and now measures 3 x 6.5 cm.
I will post the schematic as soon as it's finalised but I hope you didn't expect a fully featured non-SMT UIRT in a matchbox :wink:

[GoldServe]

103 pads??? Oh wait, there are at least 2 pads for every part right? So around 40 parts for the uirt? I thought it was going to be simple =| I'd like to seen some early drawings of this uirt2 tho!

[Luc]

This is a new version for the existing UIRT's connected to the comm port.
The design uses all the features incorporated in the PIC firmware by Jon Rhees:

There is one switch input to RB0.
Four darlington buffered outputs: RA0, RA1, RB1 and RB2.
Girder can see the input change and can control the 4 outputs: pulse, set, reset and toggle. There are also 4 IR commands wich can be programmed in the PIC itself and change the outputs when the PC is off or Girder not running.

Two darlington buffered IR led drivers from RB4 and RB5. These provide more power and can be routed externally if needed.

It uses the 5V standby power from the ATX power supply and eliminates all problems generated by RS232 powered devices, this can be taken from several places, the Wake On Lan connector is the most interesting one: it can also be used to powerup the PC.

In Circuit Serial Programming works with Danjiel Pticar's programmer software.

So far I have tested all features on the 10MHz firmware version exept:
Power up the PC, but this has already been done before and should work.
4MHz firmware still to be tested, should work also.

I need to finalise the schematic and PCB design but would like to know what you guys want. There is no problem making several PCB layouts.
The current PCB is single sided and approx 8 x 4 cm but it also has a DB9 connector to simplify assembly and wiring, it could be reduced in size with some more puzzling. SMD would significantly reduce the size but will require a double sided PCB and good skills to assemble.
Another option is to mount the UIRT2 inside the PC on a bracket holding the connectors (DB9 and jacks for IR receiver and emitters).

[gkour]

It all sounds great!
I would go for the the version without the db9 plug since john's schematic uses only Rx and Tx, the rest is overkill.I also think that the darlingtons are a tad much on the output, but driving the LEDs would be great!.As for SMD you are right it would take too much skill! :-( . One question though, the switch on RB0 is it a toggle switch or a push button with pullup or pulldown?
I tried to use RB0 with a pushbutton but the input oscillated alot, when it was floating.I tried on a schematic myself but my CAD skills are a bit nonexistent.
:)

[GoldServe]

I would very much like to see a SMT version. I could make plenty of pcbs with a very small piece of board. IF not, you could reconmend me a good pcb layout program so i can make my own. Thank you! Now i don't know which one to go for, the serial or the new ps2 uirt!!

[jediperry]

One question though, the switch on RB0 is it a toggle switch or a push button with pullup or pulldown?
I tried to use RB0 with a pushbutton but the input oscillated alot, when it was floating.


A simple pullup (or down, i can't remember which way round its set up) resistor will solve this.

[windtrader]

Luc,

Sounds great. I like the idea of having the option to mount the board inside the PC. Since it needs to get the power from inside and ties to a wakeup connector, it makes sense to just put it inside and have the receiver and transmitters connected via a wire. It can be short to go to the front of the PC or go 20-30' for mounting in another room.

Make the board design simple to make it as easy as possible to assemble. Now we just need to get some boards made and part kits put together.

[Luc]

The schematic is made so that the PIC is well protected from the outside :D, it also has some components to let it work without being connected to the PC. ICSP also requires more components. Thus it's bigger than the original UIRT :cry: .

gkour:
The DB9 uses 6 pins to allow ICSP, if this isn't needed then the schematic can be simplified. It's also possible to solder wires if you don't want the DB9.
The darlington's are there to protect the PIC and to allow switching currents of 200-300 mA. In fact I use a 7 darlington array chip, 2 of these are for the IR led's.
RB0 may not float, you must connect a pull-up resistor to +5 and the pushbutton to ground.

Goldserve:
I can make a SMT version but would like to wait untill the design is fully completed. You can download a demo version from www.ivex.com wich has full functionality but you are limited to 100 pads, my PCB has 103.

Windtrader:
It's possible to mount the current design on a bracket but requires wiring to the jacks. If there's enough interest I can make a PCB design for this.

[Luc]

Preliminary versions of the schematics and PCB's are available at:
http://users.skynet.be/sky50985/

I will try to post pictures as soon as possible.
The UIRT2 A is the normal version, B is the bracket mounting.
Space is not so important for the B version, thus this one has some more components for flexible configuration of the outputs. Some are only required in certain output configurations, thus you only have to install the parts you need.

The WOL function has been tested and works. :D

Please remember that the PCB's are fresh designs and have not been tested, maybe tomorrow.....

[Robin]

Wow ... Darlington outputs for IR LEDs ?

I understand that pulsing IR LEDs with higher currents is the accepted way to increase range, but I have to say that Jons design (driven direct from the PIC) easily controls my hifi across the room (~ 4 meters) ... so I would have to ask are they really necessary ?

[Luc]

They are not necessary for a "normal" design but I needed 4 darlingtons to switch loads on the outputs. Using a darlington array-chip (ULN2003) reduces PCB space and cost. The ULN has 7 so I used 2 of the remaining ones for the emitters.
When you drive them directly from the PIC you can only have two emitters. My schematic has two separate emitter outputs, if needed each output can have multiple sets of emitters, this can be very usefull if equipment is in different area's or even in other rooms.

Please remember that this design has been made to fully implement all features of Jon's firmware and may look complicated but in reality it isn't.

For a basic configuration Jon's schematic is sufficient but it doesn't have ICSP. Is there a need for a schematic (and PCB) wich features WOL and ICSP only?

[GoldServe]

Yes, ICSP and WOL circuits would be appreciated. Anyways, i found the following darlington arrays...will any of these work?

MC1413
MC1416
ULN2803LW
PIC610
PIC645

[Luc]

The MC1413P is an equivalent for ULN2003 and must work, don't know about the others.
ICSP and WOL work in both designs, but I need to find some space for a resistor to the WOL connector on the A version, the bracket version is complete.

[GoldServe]

MC1413-SMT is a 16pin smt part over here. How many of those arrays are there in that chip?? I'm interested in a SMT version becuase i can get most of the parts in smt version. I want to also see how small the board can be. Thanks!

Oh sorry...i just looked at your schematic again and noticed the ulc part is also a 16pin part...but i'm looking into an SMT version still, 0805 resistors and caps =}

[Luc]

Well you didn't say what suffix, both the ULN2003 and MC1413 exist in SMT versions.
I think it doesn't makes much sense to build an SMT version, if you want all features there are just too many connectors wich will keep the PCB relatively big, even without the DB9.
If you want the visible part small it would be better to extend the receiver and emitters on a cable and hide the electronics somewhere like I did on the bracket version.

[Luc]

I just finished building the latest versions, there are still a few details to be sorted out but everything seems to work fine.
For the bracket version I used the 4 MHz PIC firmware from JON and this one also works.

The pictures are now also available at:
http://users.skynet.be/sky50985/

These will probably give you a better idea of the projects.

On the A version I used a darlington output to control the power button (similar to Jon's schematic) and a second one for the reset button: very usefull when windows decides to lock-up :evil:
The 5VSB was available on a seperate header on the MB.

For the bracket version I used the WOL connector.

This was done just for testing purposes, both versions support WOL or power button, it all depends on the MB you have and your needs.

[GoldServe]

I just work at a SMT plant so i could get most of the parts from there. Is there a software that i could use to design my own smt board?

[GoldServe]

Is the ULN2003A and mc1413p Ping compatible? I am using Cadsoft Eagle schematic editor and i can't find the mc1413 part in it.

[Luc]

You can download a demo version of Winboard from www.ivex.com, it supports SMT.
Yes they are pin compatible.

[GoldServe]

What program do you use to make your schematics? Would it be possible to get a copy of your schematic because i am just trying to learn how to use eagle rigth now and redrawing that schematic will take some time! I hear mnay good things about it's pcb autorouter so i want to maybe convert some part packages to SMD and see how well that goes for me! Thanks in advance!!

[PGPfan@home]

Luc,

The bracket mounted PCB looks great! The only change that I'd make would be to mount a 3-pin header on the board to allow an 'internal' connection of the IR detector for those of us who would like to mount the detector behind a 'window' in the PC case. Other than that it looks perfect!

-PGPfan

[pk]

Just a simple question. Would it be somehow possible to have an LED on the board that blinks when the command received from the remote is understood by girder?

I use it with a laptop, screen closed and it would be good to see if the signal I sent to the laptop is acknowledged. I have not tried the OSD for this, and I am not sure if the Margi dvdtogo card is able to display it. If the dvd player is not running then the tvout is disabled, so if I want to turn on the player with the remote there is no other way then to wait and see if it starts up.

pk

[gkour]

PK
Yes, just connect a Led to one of the contolable outpouts, and make an action in Girder, with the plugin, that executes on any girder event. That way whenever girder does something the Led will flash.

[pk]

Hi gkour,

seems to be quite easy, but I am afraid I need more help with this. Can you help me with a bit more detailed description? How to make that action with the plugin?

I use the code from Danijel Pticar and have the 10MHz board from Ruud's page.

Thanks,
pk

[Luc]

I use the code from Danijel Pticar and have the 10MHz board from Ruud's page.


Controlling a led is only possible with the firmware and plugin from Jon Rhees... :cry:

This is why I designed the new hardware, you need external power for these additional features.

[Luc]

The only change that I'd make would be to mount a 3-pin header on the board to allow an 'internal' connection of the IR detector for those of us who would like to mount the detector behind a 'window' in the PC case. Other than that it looks perfect!

-PGPfan

I have put the latest files on my website: http://users.skynet.be/sky50985/

Both versions needed a modification for ICSP.
The "A" version now has a real WOL connector also.
The "B" version has the internal receiver header and required some other changes also.

I did not yet build these but am quite confident that they are OK (the pictures are still the old ones). We are getting into the finalising stage and if there are more suggestions, wishes etc.. I would need them ASAP.

The connectors for WOL and WOR are also uploaded, I need to investigate the WOR powerup configuration as it's different from WOL but this header can already be used to take the 5VSB if WOL is unavailable or if you want to use the powerswitch itself.

Did anybody try to print the PCB layouts? If there are problems I would like to have some feedback, I could create the prn files in other formats like Laserjet 2 wich is maybe more commonly used.

[PGPfan@work]

Hi Luc,

Great work so far! I did print out the file using a conversion utility for WinXP. It looked good. I would love to get a parts list so that I could start getting the needed items and make a website to document construction.

Thanks!

-PGPfan

[gkour]

PGPfan@work

Can you point out the utility you used to convert the .prn files?
I've been trying to google it out :-) but without success:-(

[Robin]

Luc ... I had a look at your site, with interest in the WOR (which I currently take my 5vsb from) ...

Which motherboard did you get that connector info from ? Mine is a cheap'n'cheerful ECS K7SVA, which has identical WOL & WOR headers (3 pin), but I couldn't get either to wake (didn't try grounding though).

It looks like WOL is clearly defined (as I've bought NICs with WOL connectors) but I've not seen an internal modem with WOR connectors yet.

Looking at your bracketed version ... although it would be more costly, could we not use the PCI connector ... perhaps include a standard(ish) UART option taking away the requirement for an external 9 pin connector, but definitely remove any requirement for 5vsb !

[Luc]

WOL is indeed standardized, all motherboards I've seen had the same connector and pinout. The info comes from an MSI motherboard, today I received an ABIT motherboard and the modem WOR is the same pin header but I still need to verify if the connections are the same, I expect they will be.
I will try to find technical info on WOR (sometimes it's also called WOM or MDM), anyway if I ground the wake pin on my MSI board it powers up. :D

WOL should work, I pull the input high through a 3K3 resistor and it works everytime. Did you check your BIOS settings, you can enable or disable these features.

I think it doesn't make much sense to develop a full board with UART etc.. for the following reasons:
Costly PCB, it needs a card edge connector.
I think 5VSB will still be required, it probably is not present on a PCI slot.
Similar boards already exist like the ir-X from Applied Digital. I have some of these and they have even more features: X10 communication and analog inputs. Cost is "only" 99$. We just need a plugin for girder .......

[Mark F]

OT: Do you have a web address for "the ir-X from Applied Digital" mentioned above?

[Luc]

Mark,

www.appdig.com

But today I couldn't find the page anymore, I have downloaded it on my system but it seems to be gone on their website.

I could mail you the info wich you want.

[Mark F]

Thanks. If they aren't being manufactured anymore, this would be less attractive. :( At least from MY perspective.

[PGPfan@work]

Gkour-

The conversion s/w I used is available at www.pcltools.com . They have a 30-day trial version which is what I used. Good luck!

-PGPfan[/url]

[jon_rhees]

Gee, I go away for a while and come back to find UIRT has a forum of its own! Go figure!

How's everyone doing? The UIRT2 design looks great!

-Jon

[jediperry]

Just remade my uirt to the new schematic (on breadboard) and it seems to all be working fine. Not tried the programming yet but using the darlington driver definatly seems to have improved the tx range.

Cheers,
Mike

[HTfun]

I can wire wrap a setup but I'd rather buy a PCB and make it a bit nicer.

Anyone have these made yet?

[scrybe]

I used to put together little projects when I was younger but it's been quite a while. I would really like a complete part list so I don't have to re-learn all the electronics theory I have so gladly forgotten :)

Also Richard has said that he will be unable to provide kits or PCB's in the near future. Anyone else here able to make some boards? that is a skill I never mastered. (used all my PCB echant with aluminum foil to blow up soda bottles) ;)

[Luc]

Hi all,

I have placed a price request for the PCB production at 2 locations here in Belgium, hope to have some more info tomorrow but I don't expect them to be real cheap. Then there will also be shipping, duties etc...
If somebody knows a good company for PCB manufacturing: I can mail all the required Gerber and drill files.

When I find some more time I will update my website with partlists and descriptions.

And of course it would be great if PGPfan could make a website for the construction.

[PGPfan@work]

Hi folks!

I'm putting together the website for construction of the UIRT2. I'll post the url for it by the end of the week, but there won't be much in the way of content yet so please be patient. Thanks!

I hope (no promises) to have kits available also so we can really get this 'ball rolling'.

-PGPfan

[Wykat]

http://www.pcb-pool.de/
http://www.conradcom.de/information/tools/leiterplattenservice.html

these 2 I know, but I've never used them (since I don't know how to make the files :oops:

Wykat

[HTfun]

Luc, if you send me the files I can research the cost here in the US for those in North America.

Anyone in NA interested?

[Caffiend]

I'm interested. I haven't stayed on top of the whole UIRT development at all, but if the PS2 schematic in the other thread is this same UIRT then it looks like a quick home-etch and $10-$15(US) in parts would do the trick. Jameco (http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/Jameco/searchResult.d2w/report?sort=BKW&search=16f84) has the 16F84 (4MHz) for $6.

-will

[Wykat]

Maybe we should contact Conrad directly and have them distribute the kit. This would solve several problems; logistics (they have an online delivery service) and finance (they can handle payments). It would not be the cheapest, but at least most european people would be able to order a complete kit.

Wykat

[Luc]

The price I received for the PCB's for 50 pcs each (no soldermask):
A version 5.28€ and the bracket version: 6.36€

I suppose Conrad will only be interested above a certain volume and I have no idea about the quantities. How could we get approximate figures, a poll maybe?

I could make kits or even full units but am limited for accepting payments and logistics. Will ask a quote for the price so that we have an idea.

[SouthyPar]

ta ta ta ta.... (hums along, patiently waiting for all you electronites to work out everything so I could order my pre-made PS2 UIRT).

[Xanthorax]

I decided that my pc needed an ir reciever so i could use a remote, and while i was browsing over the web a stumbled acros the UIRT design wich i realy like :P. I was wondering if the pcb artwork is available in gerber or gerber RS274X or even odb++. This way i might be able to produce a nice pcb for myself, since i'm doing an internship at an pcb plant (i'm writing scripts to automate cam tooling, no background in electronics tho). I might just be able / allowed to use some leftover space on a prototype panel.

[Wykat]

Hmmm,

I have to admit that my 'idea' to distribute the UIRT2 via Conrad just came up to make it available to a large number of people. I still believe that the receiver is a major bottleneck for many people.

It would be no problem to contact Conrad, but I don't wan't to "sell" any product not belonging to me.

An alternative would be to find a producer for the receiver and distribute it via an online distributor like ebay. Nevertheless both the designers of Girder and the UIRT should support this.

Wykat

[Luc]

I was wondering if the pcb artwork is available in gerber or gerber RS274X or even odb++. This way i might be able to produce a nice pcb for myself, since i'm doing an internship at an pcb plant (i'm writing scripts to automate cam tooling, no background in electronics tho). I might just be able / allowed to use some leftover space on a prototype panel.
OK, you are now promoted to test my gerber files.. :wink: I will mail them to you.

Update: The final versions have been build and tested.
I have added some files + corrections on my website, there is also a price proposal. I can have PCB's made and order parts to make kits but first I need to know what the interest is. :-?

[PGPfan@work]

Hi Everybody,

Things have been busy for me so no website yet, but I have the domain name "UIRT2.com" so I hope to be piecing the site together this week.

Luc, I'd like to get approx 15-25 pcb's of each style from you. I've been trying to get estimates myself but just haven't had the time. If you can supply the pcb's, I can source the parts over here in the US and host the "kit site". If this sounds like a possibility, let me know. Feel free to email me at: travelinman@monroe.net if you need to take this 'offline' or just want to work out the details without filling up this thread. Thanks!

-PGPfan

[windtrader]

PGPfan and Luc,

I'm interested!! I've been waiting for quite awhile for this to finally come together. If you want to get more folks interested I can post for interest in a few other boards.

I think the kits should be designed for the novice and due to the modest costs involved, would like to have the kits designed for ease of assembly and high reliability. Some of the items to include in the kit: printed board, parts, and pre-programmed chip. What about length of solder, bracket, case?

Instructions with pictures in printable form available on the Internet would be nice; how about UIRT2.com? :-)

I know both Luc and PGPfan are working on this, I hope these efforts are complimentary and not overlapping.


Let me know if you need any help getting this launched.

Don

[Eelector]

UIRT2 looks great! Just what i need for my HTPC. :)

Just one thing..
I've got a Asus A7V133-VM motherboard. (MicroATX, Athlon or XP). WOL and WOR connectors seems to be very expencive stuff, because Asus have left them out on my board. (They are mentioned in the manual, and the soldering points are there, but no connector)
Therefor I have to use the power button method for UIRT power-on.
I don't know how my MB does this (negative or positive voltage), which pin is ground and so on.
Is there a failsafe way to do this?

[Ron]

Your friendly moderator here: start a new thread for new questions. Long threads tend to be very confusing and non-informative. I'll lock the thread if it goes on for much more with off-topic questions, nothing personal against anyone, just trying to keep it 'neat'.

[Luc]

Things have been busy for me so no website yet, but I have the domain name "UIRT2.com" so I hope to be piecing the site together this week.
GREAT news and indeed it would be better to take this offline. I've mailed you already, thanks.

Don (Windtrader),
it is my intention to include adequate documentation but I didn't think about including solder. Anyone owning an iron should have solder also, no? The bracket will be included.
About the case for the A version: didn't think about it neither. There will be different requirements like size, shape, color. Also with the additional outputs there could be quite some wiring and even external devices, I think it would be best to leave that to the "end-user".
My website contains the basic files for building the thing, some additional info and files are required. Several people already made one or are busy, all comments, suggestions and corrections are welcome.

[Luc]

Progress update:

The PCB's and parts have been ordered, I expect to have everything next week and could then also start shipping. Some US based people are helping with the documentation and uirt2.com. We are also looking for a distribution point in the US to reduce shipping costs.


I recently discovered a problem when transmitting IR codes through the IR led's. :oops: The symptom is heavy activity in Girder and sometimes an error message: "No ACK from UIRT". The frequency of the problem depends on different settings for the UIRT.
During IR transmission RB7 is changed from output to input causing the COMM and the RB7 input to float, this is only required for the hardware design of Ruud's Uirt. The floating inputs can create problems on almost all hardware designs but is more frequent on the UIRT2 due to the ICSP components.
Jon Rhees is looking if there's a firmware solution for this problem, I have also a hardware solution but a firmware one would be nicer. :D
To solve this problem on the UIRT2: Remove or lift one pin of R7 (4K7), it will have to be replaced if another firmware needs to be programmed using ICSP. The best solution is to lift the pin of R7 wich connects to DTR and ground this side of R7. This will result in R7 creating a load on the floating inputs and disturbances will be surpressed.
There were several people experiencing problems with the transmit option on other designs, sometimes schielded cable would solve it. The root cause of these problems could well be the above.

[Antti]

Hi Luc!

Could it be possible to also have "normal" .jpg format pictures of PCB layouts on your site? Along with the width and height of the board too.

Thanks!

Antti

[Luc]

Antti,

I tried to create high quality jpg files but my CAD program doesn't allow it, I have to do too much conversions and loose quality.
Today I found a way with acrobat, I will post them on my website.
They look ugly on the screen but the printout is very good.

[GoldServe]

Would it be remotely possible to post the shematic files or send them to me for modifications? And if that is not possible, a PDF file of the layout would be most grateful!

[Antti]

Luc,

You don't have to make it high-quality. A picture like the one on Ruud's site will do just fine. If your CAD won't do .jpg just take a screen capture with some software? Then we only need the size of the board. 40mm x 70mm or something like that? That way I can scale the picture by half a millimeter while printing.

Antti

[Luc]

I just placed the files on my website in PDF format and also in Postscript format (not EPS, just regular PS).
Hope this will suit everybody's needs, if not I can post a jpg, just let me know.

Luc.

[GoldServe]

Someone suggested me to use the PIC16f627, 628 series microchip instead. Cheaper but what is the difference? They say it is compatible with the 84 series? Also, i'm trying to redraw this schematic in eagle but i'm having difficulty finding the packages you used, ie. 2 ping header (shunt), 3 pins for the ir-receiver....

[el84]

Goldserve, you'd need a hex file made specifically for the 'F627/8.

The 'F62x powers up with pins RA0-4 unavailable for digital I/O (see the PIC16F62X datasheet section 5.1). It's real easy to fix this, but you'd need to modify that in the source file and recompile/reassemble as the case may be.

Another problem is the ram adresses. F84 has user ram at 0x0C to 0x2F, whereas the user ram in the F62x starts at 0x20. Again, simple fix if you have the source.

The config fuse bits are also different.

Other than those issues, the code would (should!) function identically on an 'F62x.

Unfortunately, the source code is considered proprietary and is not available.

[Antti]

Hi Luc!

The PDF works great! Measures just right. Thanks.

And a little something for all of you. Not just Luc. Heh.

Now I would like to have at least some "about" values for R10, R11, and R13. Just to point me to right direction. By looking the picture of UIRT2B I'd say Luc used 10ohm. Or not? How about R5 and R6 then? Any simple calculation to be done to get those five values right? What kind of resistors do I get if I order a kit or an assembled unit? I just want to be sure that everything works and I don't burn up my equipment :) . Or should I simply leave out other features than the ones I need and add them later if needed?

For now I need to have one 2-led emitter and a receiver (of course) and WOL ability. WOL is the main thing for me to move from UIRT to UIRT2. So I don't actually need all those great features of UIRT2 but I would maybe like to have them ready like "just in case" :) . If I build an exact copy (with same values) of the one in the picture on Luc's page what do I have?

Regards,
Antti

[Luc]

Antti,

the value for R5 and R6 should be 10 ohm. They will allow a current of approx. 100mA through the IR led's.
The values for R10, R11 and R13 depend on the load. For a normal visible led powered from 5V they should be approx 270 ohm, if you use 12V then they should be approx 560 ohm. But if you drive a 12V relay they should be 0 ohm (wire).
In your case you should leave them out untill you need one of these options.
R5 and R6 will be in the kit. R10,R11 and R12 not.
You can find more info in the UIRT2 A external connections (still need to find some time to write the B version). The A version doesn't have R10,11 and 12: they need to be mounted externally.

Luc.

[Antti]

All right.. now I have parts for UIRT2B. I couldn't get those 3.5mm jacks though. The ones that were available had a bit different pin layout so they didn't fit on the PCB. I got ones that don't mount directly on the board but to the bracket with a little nut. So now I have to use short wires from board to jack. Which is connected to where? I'll use only one emitter and the receiver of course. Basically the same way as in UIRT1.

Antti

[Luc]

I just uploaded some new and modified files: the new firmware from Jon wich fixes the problem with Uirt2 and the connections for the B version.
Have a look at the last one and with the schematic you should be able to figure it all out, I will add a drawing for other people needing this, maybe even tonight...

I now consider the design as finished, my website should have all info required to build the units by (semi-)experienced "electronic hobbyists".
But I could use some remarks and feedback by the people who build one already, if it has no relevant info for others please use private mail.

Luc.

[Antti]

Wow. This is what I call service. :) Just unbelievable. Thanks Luc. Just the info I needed.

Just have to say once more that this whole development-stuff going on around UIRT and Girder is amazing. Immedeate response for almost any question. First I thought Ron and all you other developers were involved in this like for a hobby.. :D

Thanks again,

Antti

[GoldServe]

I'm in the process of gathering the required parts. I'm looking to make my own pcb so some pointers on how you guys do it, links, sites would help me and everyone else! Thanks!

[Antti]

Luc,

Correct me if I'm wrong but since the x-tal must not be connected while programming UIRT2 do I have to remove it if I want to update the firmware and so on? Or is it enough if I just short its pins? Wouldn't it be easier to have a jumper for this?

Just assembled one last weekend and used my old UIRT to program the PIC. Something wrong with that? I just get "No 'OK' reply" from Girder.

And by the way, I modified your design a little bit. Instead of using 3.5mm stereo plugs I used a 8-pin mini-DIN connector. That way I can easily have just one cable for the receiver, emitters and indicator led etc.

Antti

[Luc]

Correct me if I'm wrong but since the x-tal must not be connected while programming UIRT2 do I have to remove it if I want to update the firmware and so on? Or is it enough if I just short its pins? Wouldn't it be easier to have a jumper for this?

Some people reported ICSP problems with the crystal installed using other designs and it worked without the crystal or shorting the pins, that's why I've put I in my documentation. I programmed several with the crystal and didn't have problems, maybe I was lucky...
A jumper would be easier but reprogramming won't be done very often thus I decided not to provide an additional jumper.

Just assembled one last weekend and used my old UIRT to program the PIC. Something wrong with that? I just get "No 'OK' reply" from Girder.

It should work if the programming went OK. Did you change the UIRT plugin in Girder? You should use the one from Jon Rhees.

[Antti]

Hi again Luc. Thanks for your fast reponse.

It should work if the programming went OK. Did you change the UIRT plugin in Girder? You should use the one from Jon Rhees.

Ah. Stupid me. That's what you get from using same head all the year. :) I used Jon Rhees's firmware. Where can can I get this plugin from? Couldn't see one on Jons page or anywhere in Girder Download area.

Antti

[Luc]

Antti,

it's included in the 1.6 zip file on Jon's site, the plugin hasn't changed, only the firmware.

Luc.

[Antti]

it's included in the 1.6 zip file on Jon's site, the plugin hasn't changed, only the firmware.

Oh. My head again. :) This works with Girder 3.2 too?

Antti

[Antti]

Ok. Now I got it working. Just had to get that plug-in and re-solder one wire. :) Now I just have one problem. With UIRT my remote sent always one and same signal for one button. With UIRT2 it shows many different signals when I press a button a couple of times. What's wrong? Anything to do with the reiceiver module which is now 36MHz instead of 38MHz one I used on UIRT? Or is it just the plugin and different hex-file? What can I do to fix this?

Antti

[Luc]

Do you know the frequency of your remote? If not I would use a 38KHz receiver, you can try with the one you have on the old uirt.
Also check the settings for the uirt under "File", "Settings", "Hardware plugins", use the default settings.
Hope this helps,
Luc.

[GoldServe]

Sorry, do you apply the 5V from the WOl connector while programming the pic too? so that means i need 12V to the side of the shunt connected to the resistor and 5v to the wol connector?

*EDIT* Also, i would like to know the part number or where to get the WOL connector and the female side so i can make my own custom cables! Thanks!

[Luc]

Yes, you need both 5 and 12V for programming.
The partnumber for the PCB connector :AMP 173981-3 or equivalent and for the female: AMP 173977-3 or equivalent.