Review of Anaren AIR CC2530 BoosterPack Kit

Table of contents

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 theimage

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: imagewww.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..

Analysisimage: 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.image

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,

 

image 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

image

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.

  • I found a really good blog about PIR Sensors ladyada.net which you can pick up for about 10 bucks each.
  • I needed a cool interface so why not use LCARS. You know the inter-active panels from Star Trek, and besides I plan on using the QVGA display that I already own.
  • I will add a MSP430 with a Anaren Module to a dehumidifier that I just picked up. This way I just have to plug it in during the summer months (that's 8 months out of the year in Ft. Worth).
  • Keeping the system decentralized will reduce that cost dramatically. Consider all the wire you need in a full size house. 

httpspringwald.de/LCARS/image

Anonymous
  • Hi Chris,

     

    No, I have not used Eclipse, unless you include the Arduino version, though I think it was also part of the Diligent software.  Hmm, maybe I have after all.

    I suspect that all of the vendors are trying to out do one another to make their support software look and feel close enough to woo people from one to the other.

     

    I mentioned CCS5 because of the GUI feature video I saw on the TI website.

    From what I have seen, all of the vendors are making it easier to setup and use their products. 

    I must say, given the very crude tools I used in the 1970 and 1980's, the current tool sets are mana from heaven.

     

    If you ever used the dot editor, you will fully understand what I am talking about.

     

    Thanks

    DAB

  • DAB have you ever used Eclipse? If you have then CCS5 is nothing new.. It is just Eclipse with the TI parts included (compilers, for each part etc..) how have you programed any of the TI parts with out CCS5????

     

    Cris

    Maybe I should have included my system map that I was working on..

  • Hi Chris,

     

    I did not intend to imply that your report was deficient, your closing sentance indicated that more would follow.

     

    Overall I think you did a very good review.

     

    Did you tryout the GUI part of CCS5 to help debug the hardware?

    I have been meaning to give it a try, but I have been overtaken by events.

     

    Thanks

    DAB

  • DAB if it was only a good start what would have made it better? that is to post my code base.

    When I read reviews here they mostly just quote that dam manual or tech brief for the product..

     

    Please send me any comments my why...

    Regards

    Cris

     

    BTW I think I got carried away with using Eclipse / CCS5 vs Ardunio style Wire... image

  • Hi Chris,

     

    Good start on your review.

     

    DAB