You will need to download FT-Prog from FTDI. The FT230X needs to be flashed with this template for the Propeller Development Stick to function correctly.
Also the Propeller Tool needs a tweak to its options to make it use the RTS signal to reset the Propeller instead of the DTR signal (which the FT230X does not have). Do this by opening Propeller Tool and clicking Edit. At the bottom there is “Preferences”. Under the tab “Operation” there will be Propeller Reset Signal. Change it from “DTR” to “DTR & RTS”. Press accept to save the settings. Propeller GCC using SimpleIDE also allows you to change the reset signal in the general tab of properties.
Both these chips are the Parallax P8X32A-Q44 purchased from the same vender (Mouser). The one on the left was purchased a month ago and the one on the right just arrived today. Anyone know if Parallax changed the etching?
The Propeller Development Stick (PDS or Prop Dev Stick for short) is a simple development board for the Parallax Propeller Microcontroller. I already had an older design but I wanted to expand the usefulness of the platform. The Redux version throws out the old version completely and starts over from scratch.
The new PDS features a ADC and a micro SD card slot for storage. Also the speed of the Propeller gets a 16MHz speed bump (from 80MHz to 96Mhz) with the addition of a 6Mhz crystal. Form factor is improved by slimming down the design which enables it to fit on a breadboard. The old USB male plug is gone and it now uses a standard micro USB. This way the user can embedded the device and still program or pull data off of it.
It fully complies with the USB standard. The device uses the FT230X USB to Serial chip and waits to turn on the power buss in till the PC gives the device permission to pull power. This is done by a p-channel mosfet. To switch from USB power to external power (like a battery) a power mux is used. The mux has built in current limiting which is set to 500mA.
Last night I soldered the new REV 1 board. Everything is working correctly and the footprints/silkscreen are also correct. Will be working on the page documenting the progress of the PDS. Will also upload the design files.
Progression from the first PDS on the left to the newest one on the right. Slightly longer but slightly thinner now. Changed the USB port to a micro usb port. Added an ADC and mirco SD card slot.
