Re: [mh] mh platform candidates - need input

[peter <p.w...@gm...>]

Thanks Dan,

I appreciate your and other comments that followed. I have been traveling and 
unable to find time to prepare a response.

Some time ago I had looked at the Pi. As far as I recall, no mainstream support 
for Ubuntu was present at the time. I don't know how it is now. This raised 
concerns about whether all dependencies would be met easily because of the non x86 
architecture. Also, a variant Linux version, modest discrete I/O, and unneeded 
HDMI/video were all reasons I looked for an alternative. I have had another quick 
look and my interest is once again piqued.

I checked out the black and the price appeals but I need to find out if the 
support for the serial chips used - mainly in the Insteon PLM and 1-wire usb 
dongles is up to scratch. Also,what issues there might be in getting 1-wire fully 
supported(OWFS, OWHTTPD, etc.). For 1-wire, I must have both the ability to read 
discrete inputs and write discrete outputs in a complex multi-level network 
connected via USB. I do not want to use the Pi I/O lines for 1 wire so I will need 
to find out how to prevent interference on that front. Since this system since it 
is not x86 based, I need to see what is needed to get OWFS and Co. to operate 
properly on it.

If all I need to do is download an image and load it on the board, boot and add a 
few packages (festival, OWFS, MH and thier dependencies) I will be set for a while!

I did find this http://qwhomeautomation.com/raspberrypi.html which suggests the 
PLM support is there. But I also found this thread 
http://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=8010&sid=c33d39af1eecbcff2ba18ed60338d3de&start=100 
that raises concerns that I may end up with issues communicating with both of the 
key peripherals for my setup.

Have you actually got this running? Are the FTDI driver issues resolved? I 
wouldn't want to get involved with 'fixes' that lock the USB interface to low 
speed for all peripherals either.

Thanks again.

Peter


On 11/16/2013 5:18 PM, Dan Bemowski wrote:
> Have you considered a raspberry pi?  I am working on a similar setup for
> a pi that I got steal of a deal on.  I am still waiting on my 2 - RS232
> USB dongles, but I think this is going to work well.  Here is a list of
> the hardware I will be using:
>
> Raspberry Pi        - Main computer running MH.
> 7 port USB hub      - Needed for all my USB devices.
> 2 USB RS232 dongles - 1 each for CM11A and MR26A X10 controllers
> USB RS485 adapter   - For my RCS TR40 thermostat
> USB9097 adapter     - For all of my 1-wire sensors
> USB paralel adapter - for some sensors (may use raspberry pi GPIO pins)
>
> I have read that the pi costs about $2.00US/year to run.  I am running
> the pi version of debian called raspian.  Updates are easy, no need to
> compile every time.
>
> Hope that helps
>
> Dan B.
>
> On Sat, 2013-11-16 at 13:44 -0500, peter wrote:
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> My MH test bed just died (the disk) so I am now re-examining hardware for what I
>> hope will be a more sustainable and final configuration. I was trying to use a
>> D2plug Running Ubuntu 12.4 as the next evolution but ran into problems with the
>> kernel not having proper serial drivers for (I think) both Insteon and 1-Wire
>> dongle. Essentially it appeared that If one wanted to keep the os up to date, the
>> D2 will require regularly building from source with all the attendant complexities
>> that entails. If anyone is wants one, I will consider offers...
>>
>> Back on topic - I am considering these two platforms for MH core and would like
>> know if anyone is using or considering using either and why.
>>
>> These are the boards:
>> http://www.mouser.com/pdfdocs/Galileo_ProdBrief_329680_002-2.PDF
>>
>> http://www.crystalfontz.com/CFA10036-Linux-SOM.php?ref=home+page
>>
>> My system configuration I am working towards will require:
>>
>> USB interface to support multiple audio, 1-Wire and an Insteon PLM.
>>
>> Discrete I/O bits numbering about 150 in 100 out.  Most being fast (not over
>> 1-wire) so I2C or USB for that.
>>
>> Insteon for some lighting as well as keypad inputs and indicators to/from MH.
>>
>> Audio - play sounds on events (this has to be fast), TTS to local USB connected
>> audio devices and over net to tablets and other systems. I would like this
>> platform to allow at least two usb dongles for sound playback (mostly an
>> OS/software issue).
>>
>> Ethernet for obvious reasons.
>>
>> Energy efficient system wide
>>
>> Solid state storage and confidence that flash will not be 'damaged' by write
>> behaviors.
>>
>> These are some of my observations on the two boards. Any advice would be appreciated.
>>
>> The Intel board (Galileo) is less costly in a functional all-in-one configuration.
>> The Crystalfontz board (CFA) requires a breakout board.
>>
>> Both boards are fairly new. With Galileo being newer. I will need to get in line
>> for it but the wait should not be very long...
>>
>> The Galileo runs on an x86 code base which along with the open BSP allows for very
>> easy inclusion in the mainstream software distribution channels. I may not have
>> said that in the most correct way but I believe it is essentially correct.
>>
>> The CFA board has greater discrete I/O just by adding drivers etc. The Galileo has
>> modest discrete I/O in terms of number of bits.
>>
>> I believe that the Galileo platform is more capable in terms of computing power &
>> capacity but this comparison may not be correct or fair.
>>
>> The CFA board seems to have more types of I/O interfaces but the basics of the
>> Galileo, I believe, meet the needs of all of most MH systems.
>>
>> With all due respect to the makers of the CFA board and their company, the Galileo
>> is made by the megacorp Intel. They have the resources to produce and support the
>> board to a greater extent and for a longer period - whether or not they actually
>> do... At any rate a more diverse market base is likely and will benefit all around.
>>
>> The Galileo is being marketed as an Arduino platform with shield compatibility.
>> The CFA board is physically compatible with shields (using the required breakout
>> board) but lacks the software AFIK. This also suggests to me that the Galileo will
>> have broader market interest and higher volumes with an attendant depth in
>> community based resources.
>>
>> I am not familiar with the Debian 7.0 that the Galileo references. I have been an
>> Ubuntu user for some time and would choose to build on my experience with it
>> (using 12.4 LTS) if possible. The time taken to understand the differences between
>> Ubuntu and Debian is not time I can consider productive. I have already lost too
>> much time and resources to getting a viable, working low power platform.
>>
>> The X86 compatibility of the Galileo suggests getting main line distribution
>> (Ubuntu) support will come more easily, be complete (I am thinking of hardware for
>> I/O) and be viable longer.
>>
>> Thanks for any advice offered.
>>
>> Peter
>>
>>
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