RoadTest: AVNET Azure Sphere MT3620 Starter Kit
Author: garymii
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Development Boards & Tools
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?: Ardoino with additional parts to make it equal to the Azure
What were the biggest problems encountered?: I am not a programmer so the learning curve was very steep. I had difficulty finding any program samples or tutorials, had to do alot of trial and error
Detailed Review:
Once I figured out the programming, interfacing the board was easy since it included a 3 axis accelerometer and WiFi. I mounted the board to the Z-Axis of a 3 Axis dispensing machine. I was able to measure and monitor all 3-Axis as the dispensor operated. The purpose of the test was to verify accelerations on each axis and to observe and vibrations or misalingment on the x and y axis. When moving in the Y direction the X axis should not be moving and vic-versa. I did observe very sight movement in the X when the dispenser moved in the Y direction. The movement occured in the exact same locations when the Y moved in either direction. The Y axis had a very slight S bend that was verifed be careful measurement.
The nice thing about using the Azure Sphere was the built in WiFi. This allowed remote mounting on the Z axis with out having to run data cables to it (just power, which was readily available.
My ratings for the Azure Sphere reflect me fustration in the programming portion. The Hardware worked very well, but my limited programming skills prevented me from fully evaluating the board.
Other development boards and data aquisition equipment I have used came with an easy to use program that allowed the user to use the device without having to learn a programming language.
Perhaps they could develop a similar program on disc that would be shipped with the evaluation board in the future, instead of learning to program, you could evaluate all of the features and functions of the board.
