RoadTest: Anaren AIR CC2530 BoosterPack Kit
Author: phoenixcomm
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Evaluation Boards
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: None: I did not want to use a wired network.
What were the biggest problems encountered?: null
Detailed Review:
Well I finally got round to play with the Aneren BoosterPack. As you can see the kit comes with three (3) modules, a battery holder ( big whoopie), and the software.. The installation of the
module is straight forward. It just connects to the header and they are stackable of course. The Aneren module is designed to go on the standard headers like on the MSP430 as well as the XL headers of the Stellaris boards. The software seamlessly works with TI's Code Composer Studio ie CCS5. Some of you folks seem to think that CCS5 ie Elcipse IDEs are bloat ware. That is not the case. Once you take the time to learn the IDE you will find it is one of your best friends. I think that I now have at least 4 of them spread over my boxes with 3 OS's: Windows 7, Linux, and Solaris. If you use the Ardunio IDE you get a broken language not C. So good luck in code re-uses. I most likely have an advantage I went to the local TI class for both LaunchPad modules. Each class cost me under $30 and came with the LaunchPad Kit and a BoosterPack. You can check out their training here: trainingcenter.ti.com/ti/training. They also have the training on-line for you as well.
The Aneren Module has a part number of A2530E24AZ1 AIR module which conform to the ZigBee standard witch can be found here: www.zigbee.org. For those of you that are not familiar with ZigBee, it is a low power energy-efficient self-configuring, self-healing mesh wireless network. It is used in a host of applications from you lowly TV remote control to building automation and smart energy (ie reducing your energy bills), and every thing in between.
My Project: Have you ever seen the Nest thermostat? Its a super little programmable thermostat for your home. But I think it really doesn't go far enough. I think that I can build a better mouse trap..
Analysis: I think I can do this with two units, (1) a Stellaris LaunchPad with a touchscreen display, a relatively cheap sensor for measuring
temperature and humidity (DHT11), and a Air module in the living room, and I will need to drive three relays as well: AC, Heat, and Fans. (2) a MSP430 LaunchPad with a Air module. Optionaly (3) I could use one more MSP430 with a DHT11 outside to monitor the temperature and humidity in the real world as well.
I will also need a USB connection to my Linux Pc so that the whole mess can talk with my web server, which is located out of state, in a co-location facility. With the addition of my web server I will be able to look or set the temperature of the house any time any where.
The Code: For the code that is on the Stellaris or the MSP430 LaunchPads I will be using TI's Code Composer Studio. My installation of CCS5 supports both compilers and of course the whole thing is written in C. Well that's all for now. As it is I have a lot on my plate and this will have to be written in the Fall. I will keep you updated with the progress of this project.
enjoy,
Keep tuned in more to come....
NOTES: I have uploaded to my public documents a DHT11 spec sheet which has a description of how to talk to the sensor. DHT11.pdf
BTW: I have included below a flowchart / diagram of the project.
I live in a two bedroom 900 sq ft apartment. But if you had a house you could put one of each of the Stallaris systems in each room, and add a RFID sensor so the system can turn off lights, and a host of other things.. Also with the same system by adding a MSP40/AIR/DHT11 outside you know know the outside air temp, etc. so you can could control your solar water heater, pumps, etc. etc. CAH 7/26/13
UPDATE DEC 10, 2013 I was poking around the web and I came across some cool things that could be added to this. So instead of a simple thermostat, why not add some household automation to it as well.