Re: [LHA-misc] Cassiopeia PV

[John K. <li...@pr...>]

On Wed, 14 Aug 2002, Neil Cherry wrote:

> I just picked one up (last one on the shelf but I'm certain they have more.
> I've got to see if this thing can be upgraded to the 6M version.

I think that's more hassle than its worth... OTOH, the microprocessor is a
NEC V30 derivative, so perhaps one of the micro-*nix's can be installed.

My nit is that I don't (yet) see a way to autolaunch an app at power-on.

OTOH, my pipe-dream is that with the application I have in mind, I could
create enough of a market that a custom batch could be built
specifically for home automation command & control:

- multidrop serial (rs485, etc.)
- custom start up
- j-box mountable form factor and packaging 
- different startup contrast
- external power

At a minimum.  

The default backlight timeout is a joke, but it seems that it can be
overridden by a running application.  (The e-book reader does this).

> Well I opened it but you'd have to be very good with fine pitch pins to
> do it.

Hrm, did you notice if the connector for the serial cable could handle an
external power supply?

> I checked the links, looks good,  I guess we really need to wireless 
> attachment to really take full advantage of it. :-) Anyway I'll see what
> I can come up  with at a later date. Right now I have way too much on my
> plate to take on anything else.

Hum.

Well, if you wanted to do 802.11b, you'd probably wind up spending the
diff between the cost of this device and a cheap WinCE with a CF wireless
nic.

OTOH, somewhere on the webring, somebody built an IR emitter that plugged
into the serial cable.


John