20070130

Evaluation for 32bit ARM7-based MCUs

Low-cost evaluation board is based on the STR750FV2T6 processor - the latest series of super-integrated single-chip 32bit ARM7-based MCUs from STMicroelectronics.... Source: http://rss1.mediafed.com/feed/protalk/electronics/?link=0c4f1274eda21e674c5e04d05613d530 

18-bit ADC in SOT-23 package

Microchip claims its MCP3421 ADC is the highest resolution ADC available in a 6-pin SOT-23 package. The low-power, 18-bit, delta-sigma device features an integrated voltage reference, oscillator and programmable gain amplifier. This reduces the need for external components and enables a smaller overall design. The ADC uses an I²C compatible serial interface, operates from a single power supply (2,7 to 5,5 V), and consumes just 155 μA during continuous conversion at 5 V. The onboard PGA allows users to select gains of x1, x2, x4 or x8 before the A-to-D conversion takes place, allowing very high-resolution conversion of even small input signals.... Source: http://dataweek.co.za/news.aspx?pklNewsId=23425 

20070118

Run 3.x firmware while retaining 1.5 homebrew

It's been a while since I've played with my PSP. Recently I got my hands on the Sony Location Free Base station and decided to try out the LF Player on the PSP. To do this I needed to upgrade my PSP's firmware, but I did not want to lose my homebrew, otherwise all of my LUA apps, and other software would stop working. I've decided to figure out how to use DevHook to emulate a new firmware, and while I was expecting a long and complicated process, it was actually really simple to do on my PSP.

This is due to the hard work of a lot of developers, and I applaud their efforts for making it to this point. A user on PSPUpdates has posted a simple tutorial detailing the process. What it does is pretty slick... You need to download 3 things. The normal PSP Update PBP, DevHook, and a script that will extract the update file and make it usable in DevHook. In less than 5 minutes I was running an emulated PSP Firmware 3.01.

I was able to get the locationfree base station streaming to the PSP after manually linking the two using Sony's Setup mode button. When the base station is streaming to the PSP, the LF LCDTV just goes black. No message is displayed to let you know what's happening and why the video signal has been lost. Apparently you can only stream to one device at a time. Pretty Lame.

The video quality to the PSP wasn't great, watchable, but not for a long period of time. The sound wasn't very good, but I think that was because the sound on my cable box was too low. I cranked the PSP to it's max volume and it was not loud and sounded very tinny.

Bottom line, the LCDTV + Sony base station works great, but the PSP player is not very useful, and the 1 stream limit needs to be increased, I'm not sure if slingbox has the same limitations, but I think I'm going to give that a shot next.

Also, you may want to take a look at PMP, which will allow you to stream media from your PC to your PSP. It works quite well, and the video quality is not bad. They have just released version 1.02 which includes even more GUI improvements and lots more. This is a much better streaming solution for your media.