TI Multi-Node IoT Bundle Roadtest - Review

Table of contents

RoadTest: TI Multi-Node IoT Bundle Roadtest

Author: phoenixcomm

Creation date: 27 Sep 2015

Evaluation Type: Independent Products

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?: I have used the Araren ZigBee module, but they have their own MSP430 on the module. So if this RoadTest used that product, I could have put the module directly onto the CC3200 module. Also, they are a mesh system, and not proprietary.

What were the biggest problems encountered?: The Air Module CC110L requires an MSP430G LuanchPad, as the Air Module has a replacement, reprogrammed MSP430 for the LuanchPad. The MSP430FR5969 has no removable CPU. In addition, to make the kit of parts that we received, to work there should have been two (2) MSP430Gs.

Detailed Review:

An Araren Air Module installing on an MSP430G Figure 1

MSP430FR5969 Figure 2

When I opened the box. I found the following: CC3200-LAUNCH, MSP430FR5969 (Figure 2) and CC1100L Air Module. After reading the Air Module Instructions and looking at the MSP430FR5969 for the  second time, I knew that we were in for some fun and games.  After a quick call to Anaren to double check and to find out that the CC110L Air Modules will only work point to point and they utilize proprietary software, and that the MSP430 LaunchPads CPU must be swapped out for the MSP430 that is provided in the Air Module (Figure 1). This meant that the Air Module requires the MSP430G LaucnhPads and you would need two (2) of them, one for each of the Air Modules.

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My Roadtest Block Diagram Figure 3

So that leaves this Roadtest looking at it one way as a bust!

But what do I see in my TI Goodie Box, why it is two of the MSP430G LaunchPads!! So lets the games begin!

If you look at Figure 2 you will see that my goals are as follows:

Phase 0: Getting CCS6 installed on my Linux Mint 17r2 box. Nov 1, 2015 Just this took 1 1/2 months!!!

Phase 1: Getting the C2200-LAUNCHXL to talk to my WiFi network. I don't use DHCP as it is easier to troubleshoot.

Phase 2: Getting an MSP430G to talk to the C2200-LAUNCHXL via I²C

Phase 3: Replacing the MSP430 CPU and repeating phase 2.

Phase 4: Repeat Phases 2 & 3 with the second MSP430G

Phase 5: Verify that both MSP430Gs can talk to each other via the Araren Air Modules.

Phase 6: Install the DHT11/22 Temperature / Humidity Sensor and print out values every 15 seconds, as well as the last time the fans were on. The DHT11/22 is a raw device so there will be some work there. (There is an application of this part working on an Arduino.)

Phase 7: Verify that I can command the remote MSP40, to turn on - off various outputs and read the inputs.

Phase 8: View, and control environmental functions from the Kentec QVGA Display Board

Phase 9: Command the system from the Internet, and or a smartphone.

My goals are currently RED when that task is completed I will turn it GREEN.

Getting CSS6 to support Linux was painful. On early installs both the App and Help centers just went away or blows up Chrome. With both more installs and updates, this was finally fixed. Getting Simplelink and the CC3200 was  painful. There was a missing add-on 'CC3200 Support Package'. This was a problem with 6.0, 6.01x which caused more reloads and installs. Finally in 6.1.1.00022 they added CC3200 into the installer. There was no problem installing the MSP430 components, just as in my old CCS5, that was on my laptop that was stolen.

UPDATE: NOV 16, 2015 There was a sad tail of woe trying to program the MSP430G2 with the USB debuger which is built into CCS6, as it is NOT SUPPORTED under Linux. But wait there is a solution it is to use the MSP430FR5969 which was part of our kit, as a in-circuit debuger with the target the MSP430G2 by using the JTAG interface and a software product called EZ-FET. There is a great write up in the TI e2e Comuminty: MSP-EXP430G2 Launchpad, Linux, CCS, one solution that works.