.NET Micro Framework and CC.PowerManager
Recently I started a project tenatively named CC.PowerManager. This project will consist of client/server software and is designed to control the AC power distribution to each component in my entertainment center. Allowing me to cut the power to each device to eliminate their current draw while “Off”. The client software will run on an embedded computer and use GPIOs to toggle relays connected to each power outlet. I wanted to start “simple” so I purchased an alix1c from PC Engines which should allow me to run Windows XP and play on familiar ground. Turns out a buddy at work is also working on a similiar project and is more in the know than I as he recently pointed me towards the .NET Micro Framework which looks pretty slick.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Update: I’ve been impressed with the alix1c so far. Even though it’s only a 500mhz processor with 256mb of ram it runs XP decently. My only frustration so far has been locating a local source for a 44 pin IDE cable. My workaround is two 44-40 pin IDE converters connected together with a 40 pin IDE cable but this won’t work when I want to close the case
April 20th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Hi, do you have any sample code about GPIO ? I’ve bought the alix.1c just for the GPIO availability and small power consumption to use it as an home-automation center, but I still haven’t found anything about the GPIO addresses/registers. I should probably read with more attention the Winbond data-sheet… I was thinking to use linux (I’ve succesfully run Slax and I’m about to test iMedia), but your considerations about XP (home ?) are interesting ! I’d like to connect a USB Webcam to the alix.1c for surveillance purposes: with XP it should be simple. Thanks in advance for your attention. Regards, Dexxster
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
Dexxster,
Unfortunately I have not been able to program the Winbond GPIO included on the Alix1c yet. I had trouble finding the datasheet for the chip but eventually located this:
http://www.charltonfamily.net/downloads/W83627HF_HGb.pdf
For now I’ve resorted to using the paralell port to provide my GPIO rather than try to figure out the Winbond chip. Although the datasheet does provide the details I think I’d need to use it.
I am currently running XP Professional on my box as it was all that I had a license for. However you may get slightly better performance if you went with XP Home. I like Linux and wanted to run it on my alix but I’m a .NET programmer by trade and decided it would be easier to run XP.
– Cory