Difference between revisions of "Picorder 2"

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[[File:Unit00 and unit01 202103031.jpg|thumb|The current prototype test rigs Unit 00 (left) and Unit 01 (rig)]]
+
[[File:Unit00 and unit01 20210929.jpg|thumb|The current prototype test rigs Unit 00 (left) and Unit 01 (right)]]  
  
  
−
The TR-109 Picorder 2 project aims to develop and produce a portable, self contained, Raspberry Pi based sensor data acquisition platform in the shape of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricorder Tricorder] from Star Trek the Next Generation.
+
The TR-109 Picorder 2 project aims to develop and produce a portable, self contained, Raspberry Pi based sensor data acquisition platform in the shape of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricorder Tricorder].
  
 
It is the successor to the original [[Picorder]]. Originally the projects goal was to make a single Tricorder replica, but the Picorder 2 project has slowly lead to a set of standards for the Picorder family of devices I want to make.
 
It is the successor to the original [[Picorder]]. Originally the projects goal was to make a single Tricorder replica, but the Picorder 2 project has slowly lead to a set of standards for the Picorder family of devices I want to make.
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<span style="color:#008000">Latest update:</span>
 
<span style="color:#008000">Latest update:</span>
  
−
Prototype 00 is now complete. Prototype 01 is under construction.
+
Prototype 01 is now complete. Unit 02 construction is now underway.
−
 
+
−
 
+
  
 
<span style="color:#ff0000">To Do:</span>
 
<span style="color:#ff0000">To Do:</span>
  
−
-Finish Prototype 01
+
-Unit 02 Assembly.
  
−
-Finish database groundwork.
 
  
−
-Revise sensor board to account for missing connections on 74HC595, and floating pins on BME680.
+
==Software==
  
−
-Revise main board to account for disconnected ground fill.
+
Picorder 2 uses [[PicorderOS]] a python library that unifies a number of different modules under a custom user interface.
  
 +
==Hardware==
  
 +
===Downloads===
 +
All of the TR-109's build files are freely available and hosted at the [https://github.com/directive0/TR-109 Git repo].
  
−
==Software==
+
===Basic Parts List===
 +
While more info can be found below, a basic list of all the off the shelf (not including PCB components) parts is:
 +
* [https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w/ Raspberry Pi Zero W] or drop-in-compatible SBC
 +
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32895086244.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2cba4c4dZwNOxr St7735 Screen]
 +
* [https://www.adafruit.com/product/3885 Stemma Speaker Module]
 +
* [https://www.tindie.com/products/pkawas/tiny-ups-30-tiny-sized-ups-for-usb-devices/ Tiny Ups 3.0] or [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001315194333.html comparable DC-DC boost module].
 +
* [https://www.pishop.ca/product/lithium-ion-polymer-battery-3-7v-1000mah/ 1000 mAh Lithium Ion Polymer Battery]
  
−
Picorder 2 will use [[PicorderOS]] a python library that unifies a number of different modules under a custom user interface.
 
−
 
−
==Hardware==
 
  
 
===Prototype Units===
 
===Prototype Units===
Line 35: Line 38:
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
 
File: Prototype 20201017.jpg| An initial "proof of concept" build. Using the first revision of the custom mainboard pcb as well as several off-the-shelf breakout boards from adafruit. Sensor board was a pi-hat protoboard with adafruit sensor breakouts. Unit 00 also served as a test bed for shift register controlled lighting, sticker fit and finish, and printed light diffusers. This prototype utilized a development sensor array and cap and was not indicative of the final version. Construction of this prototype is considered "complete".
 
File: Prototype 20201017.jpg| An initial "proof of concept" build. Using the first revision of the custom mainboard pcb as well as several off-the-shelf breakout boards from adafruit. Sensor board was a pi-hat protoboard with adafruit sensor breakouts. Unit 00 also served as a test bed for shift register controlled lighting, sticker fit and finish, and printed light diffusers. This prototype utilized a development sensor array and cap and was not indicative of the final version. Construction of this prototype is considered "complete".
−
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
  
 
====Unit 01====
 
====Unit 01====
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
−
File: Prototype 20210331.jpg| This "production" prototype will be used to iron out the remaining problems with integrated systems and hardware. It features a revision 2 mainboard and sensorboard PCB. Already problems have been found with the rev2 boards, and these are being catalogued for the rev3 boards. Unit 01 employs a new case design that attempts to more accurately capture the shape of the Tr-590 Mark VI Tricorder. The case changes are completely superficial and no changes have been made to the underlaying chassis-rail system. Early chassis designs will still work with this new enclosure.
+
File:Unit01-210929.jpg| This "production" prototype is being used to iron out the remaining problems with integrated systems and hardware. It features a revision 3 mainboard and sensorboard PCB. Unit 01 employs a new case design that attempts to more accurately capture the shape of the Tr-590 Mark VI Tricorder. The case changes are completely superficial and no changes have been made to the underlaying chassis-rail system. Early chassis designs will still work with this new enclosure.
−
 
+
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
  
 
====Unit 02====
 
====Unit 02====
−
This final prototype will be used to finalize the means of assembly. It will likely be the last Picorder of this series.
+
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
 +
File:TR109-02-SHELL-ASSEMBLY.jpg| Unit 02 is a further refinement in what I learned in Unit 01. It will incorporate the same basic electronics packages, but use new tweaks to the case. I will use the oppourtunity to streamline the assembly process and make any final adjustments.
 +
</gallery>
  
 
===PCBs===
 
===PCBs===
−
Custom PCBs are being produced for this project, they are designed in KiCad and will be available to the public when finished.
+
Custom PCBs were designed for the project. KiCAD files are available at the [https://github.com/directive0/TR-109/tree/main/pcb_design github page].
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
 +
|+ Main Board Pinout
 +
|-
 +
! BCM Pin !! IC Pin !! TR109 Device
 +
|-
 +
| 0 || 27 || CAP1208 Event Ready Pin
 +
|-
 +
| 1 || 28 || Unused
 +
|-
 +
| 2 || 3 || I2C SDA
 +
|-
 +
| 3 || 5 || I2C SCL
 +
|-
 +
| 4 || 7 || Hall Effect Sensor 2
 +
|-
 +
| 5 || 29 || Power Status GPIO
 +
|-
 +
| 6 || 31 || Mainboard Shift Register Latch
 +
|-
 +
| 7 || 26 || Unused
 +
|-
 +
| 8 || 24 || Screen (CS)
 +
|-
 +
| 9 || 21 || Unused
 +
|-
 +
| 10 || 19 || Screen (SDA)
 +
|-
 +
| 11 || 23 || Screen (SCK)
 +
|-
 +
| 12 || 32 || Hall Effect Sensor 1
 +
|-
 +
| 13 || 33 || Audio Out
 +
|-
 +
| 14 || 8 || Unused
 +
|-
 +
| 15 || 10 || Screen (LED)
 +
|-
 +
| 16 || 36 || Shift Register Serial
 +
|-
 +
| 17 || 11 || GPIO Button 1
 +
|-
 +
| 18 || 12 || PocketGeiger (Noise)
 +
|-
 +
| 19 || 35 || Sensor Board Shift Register Serial
 +
|-
 +
| 20 || 38 || Main Board Shift Register Clock
 +
|-
 +
| 21 || 40 || Sensor Board Shift Register Latch
 +
|-
 +
| 22 || 14 || GPIO Button 3
 +
|-
 +
| 23 || 16 || Screen (AO)
 +
|-
 +
| 24 || 18 || Screen (RESET)
 +
|-
 +
| 25 || 22 || PocketGeiger (Signal)
 +
|-
 +
| 26 || 37 || Sensor Board Shift Register Clock
 +
|-
 +
| 27 || 13 || GPIO Button 2
 +
 
 +
|}
  
  
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The Main Board hosts all the control electronics for capacitive touch, LED indication (operator facing), door close hall effect sensors, and graphical and audio output.
 
The Main Board hosts all the control electronics for capacitive touch, LED indication (operator facing), door close hall effect sensors, and graphical and audio output.
  
−
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
+
Capacative touch is provided by a CAP1208 capacitive touch sensor, LED operation is driven by an 8-bit Shift Register, Bipolar Hall Effect sensors are used for the door state detection. Audio is not yet finalized, and so an external audio connection can be bodged.
−
 
+
−
File:Rev1mainboard-inproduction20210331.jpg |The revision 2 mainboard with integrated capacitive touch, shift register LED driver and on board single transistor audio amplifier.
+
−
 
+
−
File:Unit01-assembly 20210331.jpg |The prototype chassis holds the mainboard which connects to the display, supports the interface elements, hall effect sensors, and main indicator LEDs.
+
  
 +
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
  
 +
File:Rev3mainboard - 2021 05 23.jpg | Unit 01 with Rev 3 mainboard exposed and peripheral boards.
  
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
  
 
====SensorBoard====
 
====SensorBoard====
−
The Sensor Board hosts all the control electronics for LED indicators (forward facing) as well as any sensors that the device will address.  
+
The Sensor Board hosts all the control electronics for LED indicators (forward facing) as well as any sensors that the device will address.
  
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=400px>
−
File:Unit01 sensorboard 20210331.jpg | Revision 2 sensor board with full LED compliment installed. Bodge wires are visible on the hc595 shift register (missing pull up/down pin pads). No sensors have been tested on this board yet.
+
File:Rev3 sensor board 2021 05 23.jpg | Revision 3 sensor board with full LED and sensor compliment installed.
  
−
File:Rev2sensorboard20210331.jpg| Revision 2 sensor board backside
 
  
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 +
===CPU===
  
−
=====Changes=====
+
The TR-109 is designed to use a:
−
I had to change some elements of the design to allow for shift register controlled lighting and so the prototype pcb has been modified.
+
  
−
===CPU===
 
 
;[https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w/ Raspberry Pi Zero W]
 
;[https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w/ Raspberry Pi Zero W]
−
: My old favourite will return for this model. Power consumption was a MAJOR problem with the first [[Picorder]], I have found a really [https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blogs/jeff-geerling/raspberry-pi-zero-conserve-energy good article] on some ways to reduce power consumption. I am playing with the idea of using something like an arduino or just an ATTINY, but the Pi has so many advantages.
+
: I have found a really [https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blogs/jeff-geerling/raspberry-pi-zero-conserve-energy good article] on some ways to reduce power consumption.
 +
 
 +
;[https://www.banana-pi.org/m2z.html BPI-M2 Zero]
 +
: The quad core Banana Pi M2 Zero is a great candidate for this project, offering multiple cores and more ram. But the practicality of using a BPI has proven a problem. The BPI uses a custom Raspbian distro that needs seperate GPIO modules and has different setup requirements.
  
 
===Sensors===
 
===Sensors===
−
Im using these sensors to develop the prototype:
+
The intention of the Picorder project is to create a device that can accept any arbitrary sensor arrangement and map it (assuming the appropriate software has been written to support it). But the TR109 PCBs and case is planned to be capable of supporting 3 main sensor packages on it forward facing array:
  
−
;[https://www.adafruit.com/product/3660 Bm860 VOC, Temp, Humidity, Pressure sensor]
+
;[https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/products/environmental-sensors/gas-sensors/bme680/ BME680 VOC, Temp, Humidity, Pressure sensor]
−
: The [[BME680]] is a basic environmental sensor. VOC is a nice added feature. This sensor will provide ambient environmental information. I've found a good [https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-bme680-humidity-temperature-barometic-pressure-voc-gas/python-circuitpython guide] for how to connect it to a Pi.
+
: The BME680 is a basic environmental sensor. VOC is a nice added feature that adds some real world use, but interpreting the reading requires some analysis. This sensor will mostly be to provide ambient environmental information. For prototyping I found a good [https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-bme680-humidity-temperature-barometic-pressure-voc-gas/python-circuitpython guide] for how to connect it to a Pi and used Adafruits circuitpython library to integrate it into [[PicorderOS]]. Because the BME680 includes 4 seperate data sources in one device I am making it the "base model" sensor for this project. I will direct most of my efforts to make the best experience when using this sensor.
  
 
;[https://www.adafruit.com/product/3538 AMG8833 IR Thermal Camera]
 
;[https://www.adafruit.com/product/3538 AMG8833 IR Thermal Camera]
−
: This is a VERY low resolution and low range thermal camera. It will basically only be useful for detecting dramatic temperature differences. It was relatively cheap so I want to include it. This sensor will provide inaccurate CONTEXTUAL temperature information at range.
+
: The AMG8833 is a relatively low resolution and low range thermal camera. It will basically only be useful for detecting dramatic temperature difference. It is also relatively cheap and so I am going to include it. This sensor will provide quasi-accurate contextual temperature information at range.
  
 
;[https://learn.adafruit.com/using-melexis-mlx90614-non-contact-sensors/wiring-and-test MLX90614 Non Contact Thermometer]
 
;[https://learn.adafruit.com/using-melexis-mlx90614-non-contact-sensors/wiring-and-test MLX90614 Non Contact Thermometer]
Line 105: Line 173:
 
===Audio===
 
===Audio===
  
−
Audio was missing on the Picorder 1, I'd like to add it to this picorder if possible. I found a great instructable post by [https://www.instructables.com/id/One-Transistor-Audio-for-Pi-Zero-W/ rgrokett] for an audio solution that might work. In the comments I found a link to the raspberry pi forums that has some [https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=273646 updated dtoverlay arguments] that work on the newer pi os.
+
Audio is provided by a [https://www.adafruit.com/product/3885 Stemma Speaker Module] for now, but I hope to have audio integrated into the mainboard.
  
 
===Shell===
 
===Shell===
−
Picorder 2 will officially support a standardized 3D printed enclosure. This file will likely be included with picorderOS software. The case is designed to be several pieces that fasten together.
+
The TR-109 is designed to use a custom made 3D printed enclosure. The STLs are available at the [https://github.com/directive0/TR-109 Git repo].
  
 
{|
 
{|
Line 125: Line 193:
 
The current design of the Picorder 2 shell incorporates a main body and chassis with a lower door. All of the major components are housed in the main body with the lower door being used for extra buttons and battery storage. The mainboard PCB is attached to the chassis, along with the Raspberry Pi, the sensor board and all internal lighting. The chassis slides in and out of the main body on tracks, and is secured to the main body with 4 M2 screws.
 
The current design of the Picorder 2 shell incorporates a main body and chassis with a lower door. All of the major components are housed in the main body with the lower door being used for extra buttons and battery storage. The mainboard PCB is attached to the chassis, along with the Raspberry Pi, the sensor board and all internal lighting. The chassis slides in and out of the main body on tracks, and is secured to the main body with 4 M2 screws.
  
−
Custom printed stickers are used to add the labeled button areas.
+
Custom printed stickers are used for the labeled button areas.
  
−
Before I decided to use a 3D printed enclosure there were two "off the shelf" options that seemed suitable for the shell
+
===Input===
  
−
;Mark 7 Tricorder Replica
+
;[https://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/en/CAP1208 CAP1208 Capacitive Touch Sensor IC]
−
: I've acquired a prop replica kit for the mark 7 tricorder from [https://www.facebook.com/Stapleton-Productions-156609151162729/ Stapleton Productions].
+
: Originally I was going to use the [https://www.adafruit.com/product/1982 MPR121], I found a [https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-mpr121-12-key-capacitive-touch-sensor-breakout-tutorial/python-circuitpython good guide on how to use it], but since the chip is discontinued I decided to look for other options. I became interested in a chip I saw mentioned in the [https://github.com/pimoroni/explorer-hat/blob/master/documentation/Technical-reference.md documentation] for a pimoroni product; the [https://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/en/CAP1208 CAP1208].
−
 
+
: The chip includes a number of features like hold detection, and has an interrupt pin. The entire CAP1xxx series is supported by a library maintained by Pimoroni and I have been pleased with its performance.
−
;1993 Playmates Tricorder Toy
+
−
:For the prototype, this is easy to get and modify.
+
−
 
+
−
And I hope to be able to maintain support for those ideas as I continue developing the P2.
+
−
 
+
−
===Input===
+
−
;[https://www.adafruit.com/product/1982 MPR121 Capacitive Touch Buttons] <<OBSOLETE>>
+
−
: It turns out this component has been discontinued.
+
−
: Controller to use small metal pads for capacitive buttons for inputs. I found a good guide and software info for the Pi [https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-mpr121-12-key-capacitive-touch-sensor-breakout-tutorial/python-circuitpython here.]
+
  
 
===Display===
 
===Display===
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: I've been using screens with of this type with the [https://pypi.org/project/luma.lcd/ Luma.lcd python module]. I bet you could also use [https://github.com/notro/fbtft/wiki#install FBTFT] to use it as a display target (requires additional software modifications, but makes it usable as a small computer). The display I found (pictured) had no pins listed as MOSI or MISO (for SPI) but I found a [https://luma-lcd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/install.html#st7735 pin chart] in the Luma docs that helped.
 
: I've been using screens with of this type with the [https://pypi.org/project/luma.lcd/ Luma.lcd python module]. I bet you could also use [https://github.com/notro/fbtft/wiki#install FBTFT] to use it as a display target (requires additional software modifications, but makes it usable as a small computer). The display I found (pictured) had no pins listed as MOSI or MISO (for SPI) but I found a [https://luma-lcd.readthedocs.io/en/latest/install.html#st7735 pin chart] in the Luma docs that helped.
  
 +
: I found [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32895086244.html this] was a decent source for these screens.
  
−
 
+
I had considered the idea of also supporting a low cost screen, but the availability is poor.:
−
I had considered the idea of also offering a low cost screen, but the availability is poor.:
+
  
 
[[File:5110 3310 monochrome LCD.jpg|200px]]
 
[[File:5110 3310 monochrome LCD.jpg|200px]]
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===LEDS===
 
===LEDS===
−
As with the original [[picorder]] I want to make sure that this one has a feel of the actual prop. the TOS tricorder only had 3 indicator lights but the TNG tricorder has many more. Since it seems ill advised to drive all the leds directly from the 3v3 GPIO pins of the Pi Zero I have decided to have a secondary driver for the LEDs capable of supplying the higher current. In order to facilitate this both the main board and the sensor board will include a 74HC595 shift register to drive the many lights on board. This should do for most of the lights on the picorder, but I am still testing.
+
As with the original [[picorder]] I want to make sure that this one has a feel of the actual prop. The LEDs on the TR-109 are designed to be as faithful as possible to the original Mark Vii prop as possible, while making some compromises for layout and electronic constraints.
  
−
I'm going to try and include at the very least:
+
The LEDs on the sensor board and the light riser board are entirely SMD, but on the main board the ABGD lights are 3mm Green LEDS.
  
−
*the four green indicator lights (alpha, beta, delta, gamma)
+
===Power===
−
*the front panel sensor array (the green ripple lights, the various and sundry sensor illuminations)
+
Umbilical power as supplied by the Raspberry Pi Zero W's onboard USB port.
−
*the EMRG button
+
−
*the PWR button.
+
−
*GEO, MET, BIO buttons.
+
  
−
====ALPHA BETA GAMMA DELTA====
+
Portable power is stored by a [https://www.pishop.ca/product/lithium-ion-polymer-battery-3-7v-1000mah/ 1000 mAh Lithium Ion Polymer Battery]. Power can then regulated by an [https://www.tindie.com/products/pkawas/tiny-ups-30-tiny-sized-ups-for-usb-devices/ Alchemy Power Tiny-UPS]. As an alternative I recommend something like a [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001315194333.html J5019 DC-DC Boost Module].
−
Its always perplexed me that these indicator lights seem to ripple (light up and turn off one after the other) in different directions depending on the season of TNG you're watching.
+
  
−
It makes sense to me that the LEDs on the Tricorder should ripple from top to bottom (ALPHA to DELTA).
 
  
−
I have read (somewhere) that the TNG Tricorder lights were changed by a prop maker to run in the opposite direction only so they could tell when their work was being used on screen.
 
  
−
===Power===
+
====Video Updates====
−
Umbilical power as supplied by the Raspberry Pi Zero W's onboard USB port.
+
I've been releasing update videos to catalogue my progess.
  
−
Portable power is stored by a 1000 mAh Lithium Ion Polymer Battery. Power is then regulated by an Alchemy Power Tiny-UPS. The Tiny-UPS is no longer made, and so it is hard to find. I fortunately have two for testing purposes but I am researching other options.
+
 
 +
{{#evt:
 +
service=youtube
 +
|id=https://youtu.be/FyRxHhpjpfk
 +
|container=frame|alignment=inline
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{#evt:
 +
service=youtube
 +
|id=https://youtu.be/S3Ucf63uZ6A
 +
|container=frame|alignment=inline
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{#evt:
 +
service=youtube
 +
|id=https://youtu.be/9Y9hRy4ev4Q
 +
|container=frame|alignment=inline
 +
}}
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
  
 +
File:Tr1090 cappads.jpg | Unit 02's possible Cap Pad assembly before soldering.
 +
File:Rev2sensorboard20210331.jpg| Revision 2 sensor board backside
 +
File:Unit01 sensorboard 20210331.jpg | Revision 2 sensor board with full LED compliment installed. Bodge wires are visible on the hc595 shift register (missing pull up/down pin pads). No sensors have been tested on this board yet.
 +
File:Rev1mainboard-inproduction20210331.jpg |The revision 2 mainboard with integrated capacitive touch, shift register LED driver and on board single transistor audio amplifier.
 +
File:Unit01-assembly 20210331.jpg |The prototype chassis holds the rev 2 mainboard which connects to the display, supports the interface elements, hall effect sensors, and main indicator LEDs.
 +
File: Prototype 20210331.jpg | Unit 01 front panel in early development (March 2021)
 +
File:Unit00 and unit01 202103031.jpg | Unit 00 and Unit 01 in early development (March 2021)
 
File: 201201-sensorboard-bs.png |KiCad render of the backside of the revision 2 sensor board PCB design showing off its beautiful livery
 
File: 201201-sensorboard-bs.png |KiCad render of the backside of the revision 2 sensor board PCB design showing off its beautiful livery
 
File:201201-sensorboard-fs.png |KiCad render of the frontside of the revision 2 sensor board PCB, showing off it's single side of SMD components.
 
File:201201-sensorboard-fs.png |KiCad render of the frontside of the revision 2 sensor board PCB, showing off it's single side of SMD components.
Line 206: Line 285:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
====Video Updates====
 
−
I've been working on some update videos to catalogue my progess.
 
−
 
−
{{#evt:
 
−
service=youtube
 
−
|id=https://youtu.be/9Y9hRy4ev4Q
 
−
|container=frame|alignment=inline
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==Media Coverage==
 
==Media Coverage==
Line 225: Line 296:
  
  
−
 
+
This project is a "MyCorder" build and so I'm using [https://discord.gg/VbjYYdSZMb Discord] to communicate directly with fellow builders and [https://www.reddit.com/r/MyCorder/ this] subreddit to solicit advice from the community.
−
This project is a "MyCorder" build and so I'm using [https://www.reddit.com/r/MyCorder/ this] subreddit to solicit advice from the community.
+
  
 
[[Category:Electronics]]
 
[[Category:Electronics]]
 
[[Category:Software]]
 
[[Category:Software]]

Latest revision as of 19:30, 16 March 2024

The current prototype test rigs Unit 00 (left) and Unit 01 (right)


The TR-109 Picorder 2 project aims to develop and produce a portable, self contained, Raspberry Pi based sensor data acquisition platform in the shape of a Tricorder.

It is the successor to the original Picorder. Originally the projects goal was to make a single Tricorder replica, but the Picorder 2 project has slowly lead to a set of standards for the Picorder family of devices I want to make.

Latest update:

Prototype 01 is now complete. Unit 02 construction is now underway.

To Do:

-Unit 02 Assembly.


Software

Picorder 2 uses PicorderOS a python library that unifies a number of different modules under a custom user interface.

Hardware

Downloads

All of the TR-109's build files are freely available and hosted at the Git repo.

Basic Parts List

While more info can be found below, a basic list of all the off the shelf (not including PCB components) parts is:


Prototype Units

Unit 00

  • An initial "proof of concept" build. Using the first revision of the custom mainboard pcb as well as several off-the-shelf breakout boards from adafruit. Sensor board was a pi-hat protoboard with adafruit sensor breakouts. Unit 00 also served as a test bed for shift register controlled lighting, sticker fit and finish, and printed light diffusers. This prototype utilized a development sensor array and cap and was not indicative of the final version. Construction of this prototype is considered "complete".


Unit 01

  • This "production" prototype is being used to iron out the remaining problems with integrated systems and hardware. It features a revision 3 mainboard and sensorboard PCB. Unit 01 employs a new case design that attempts to more accurately capture the shape of the Tr-590 Mark VI Tricorder. The case changes are completely superficial and no changes have been made to the underlaying chassis-rail system. Early chassis designs will still work with this new enclosure.


Unit 02

  • Unit 02 is a further refinement in what I learned in Unit 01. It will incorporate the same basic electronics packages, but use new tweaks to the case. I will use the oppourtunity to streamline the assembly process and make any final adjustments.

PCBs

Custom PCBs were designed for the project. KiCAD files are available at the github page.

Main Board Pinout
BCM Pin IC Pin TR109 Device
0 27 CAP1208 Event Ready Pin
1 28 Unused
2 3 I2C SDA
3 5 I2C SCL
4 7 Hall Effect Sensor 2
5 29 Power Status GPIO
6 31 Mainboard Shift Register Latch
7 26 Unused
8 24 Screen (CS)
9 21 Unused
10 19 Screen (SDA)
11 23 Screen (SCK)
12 32 Hall Effect Sensor 1
13 33 Audio Out
14 8 Unused
15 10 Screen (LED)
16 36 Shift Register Serial
17 11 GPIO Button 1
18 12 PocketGeiger (Noise)
19 35 Sensor Board Shift Register Serial
20 38 Main Board Shift Register Clock
21 40 Sensor Board Shift Register Latch
22 14 GPIO Button 3
23 16 Screen (AO)
24 18 Screen (RESET)
25 22 PocketGeiger (Signal)
26 37 Sensor Board Shift Register Clock
27 13 GPIO Button 2


MainBoard

The Main Board hosts all the control electronics for capacitive touch, LED indication (operator facing), door close hall effect sensors, and graphical and audio output.

Capacative touch is provided by a CAP1208 capacitive touch sensor, LED operation is driven by an 8-bit Shift Register, Bipolar Hall Effect sensors are used for the door state detection. Audio is not yet finalized, and so an external audio connection can be bodged.

  • Unit 01 with Rev 3 mainboard exposed and peripheral boards.


SensorBoard

The Sensor Board hosts all the control electronics for LED indicators (forward facing) as well as any sensors that the device will address.

  • Revision 3 sensor board with full LED and sensor compliment installed.

CPU

The TR-109 is designed to use a:

Raspberry Pi Zero W
I have found a really good article on some ways to reduce power consumption.
BPI-M2 Zero
The quad core Banana Pi M2 Zero is a great candidate for this project, offering multiple cores and more ram. But the practicality of using a BPI has proven a problem. The BPI uses a custom Raspbian distro that needs seperate GPIO modules and has different setup requirements.

Sensors

The intention of the Picorder project is to create a device that can accept any arbitrary sensor arrangement and map it (assuming the appropriate software has been written to support it). But the TR109 PCBs and case is planned to be capable of supporting 3 main sensor packages on it forward facing array:

BME680 VOC, Temp, Humidity, Pressure sensor
The BME680 is a basic environmental sensor. VOC is a nice added feature that adds some real world use, but interpreting the reading requires some analysis. This sensor will mostly be to provide ambient environmental information. For prototyping I found a good guide for how to connect it to a Pi and used Adafruits circuitpython library to integrate it into PicorderOS. Because the BME680 includes 4 seperate data sources in one device I am making it the "base model" sensor for this project. I will direct most of my efforts to make the best experience when using this sensor.
AMG8833 IR Thermal Camera
The AMG8833 is a relatively low resolution and low range thermal camera. It will basically only be useful for detecting dramatic temperature difference. It is also relatively cheap and so I am going to include it. This sensor will provide quasi-accurate contextual temperature information at range.
MLX90614 Non Contact Thermometer
A cheap and accessible non contact thermometer. This sensor provides accurate specific temperature readings at range. I've managed to find Adafruits own circuitpython implementation and this page looks fruitful too.

Other Options

Other possible sensor options include

MiCS6814
I was turned onto the idea of an 8 gas sensor by the ODROID-GO Ticorder project where they used this IC to measure carbon minoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen, ammonia, methane, propane, and iso-butane. I found a great blogpost on some ways to use it. Because it is an analog sensor I would need to use an ADC and some way to connect it to the Pi.
An EMF sensor of some kind.
Probably a resistor on an ADC to give me basic environmental electrical readings. I found this site that shows you how you can use at AT tiny as an i2c device, which I could use with this guide to make a small EMF detector to read low frequency interference. Another option suggested to me by reddit user 2CNK is to use an Elektrosluch like device to convert ambient EMI into some kind of data. I found a circuit example that might prove useful.

Audio

Audio is provided by a Stemma Speaker Module for now, but I hope to have audio integrated into the mainboard.

Shell

The TR-109 is designed to use a custom made 3D printed enclosure. The STLs are available at the Git repo.

Rev1b.png Picorder2 3d plan.png

General Design

  • New shell (right) will be used for Prototype Unit 01.

Recently I redesigned the shell on the Picorder to use a more accurate style of enclosure

The current design of the Picorder 2 shell incorporates a main body and chassis with a lower door. All of the major components are housed in the main body with the lower door being used for extra buttons and battery storage. The mainboard PCB is attached to the chassis, along with the Raspberry Pi, the sensor board and all internal lighting. The chassis slides in and out of the main body on tracks, and is secured to the main body with 4 M2 screws.

Custom printed stickers are used for the labeled button areas.

Input

CAP1208 Capacitive Touch Sensor IC
Originally I was going to use the MPR121, I found a good guide on how to use it, but since the chip is discontinued I decided to look for other options. I became interested in a chip I saw mentioned in the documentation for a pimoroni product; the CAP1208.
The chip includes a number of features like hold detection, and has an interrupt pin. The entire CAP1xxx series is supported by a library maintained by Pimoroni and I have been pleased with its performance.

Display

TFT ST7735.png

Generic ST7735 LCD Display
I've been using screens with of this type with the Luma.lcd python module. I bet you could also use FBTFT to use it as a display target (requires additional software modifications, but makes it usable as a small computer). The display I found (pictured) had no pins listed as MOSI or MISO (for SPI) but I found a pin chart in the Luma docs that helped.
I found this was a decent source for these screens.

I had considered the idea of also supporting a low cost screen, but the availability is poor.:

5110 3310 monochrome LCD.jpg

Nokia 5110 LCD screen
To provide low power information output to the user, and maybe to play some snake. I looked in a number of places to find a good guide on how to connect the Adafruit part I have with various descriptions around the web. I found this guide to have some important information, but the wiring information seemed incorrect. This guide lays out how to connect the screen properly..

LEDS

As with the original picorder I want to make sure that this one has a feel of the actual prop. The LEDs on the TR-109 are designed to be as faithful as possible to the original Mark Vii prop as possible, while making some compromises for layout and electronic constraints.

The LEDs on the sensor board and the light riser board are entirely SMD, but on the main board the ABGD lights are 3mm Green LEDS.

Power

Umbilical power as supplied by the Raspberry Pi Zero W's onboard USB port.

Portable power is stored by a 1000 mAh Lithium Ion Polymer Battery. Power can then regulated by an Alchemy Power Tiny-UPS. As an alternative I recommend something like a J5019 DC-DC Boost Module.


Video Updates

I've been releasing update videos to catalogue my progess.




Gallery

  • Unit 02's possible Cap Pad assembly before soldering.

  • Revision 2 sensor board backside

  • Revision 2 sensor board with full LED compliment installed. Bodge wires are visible on the hc595 shift register (missing pull up/down pin pads). No sensors have been tested on this board yet.

  • The revision 2 mainboard with integrated capacitive touch, shift register LED driver and on board single transistor audio amplifier.

  • The prototype chassis holds the rev 2 mainboard which connects to the display, supports the interface elements, hall effect sensors, and main indicator LEDs.

  • Unit 01 front panel in early development (March 2021)

  • Unit 00 and Unit 01 in early development (March 2021)

  • KiCad render of the backside of the revision 2 sensor board PCB design showing off its beautiful livery

  • KiCad render of the frontside of the revision 2 sensor board PCB, showing off it's single side of SMD components.

  • The Picorder 2 revision 1 main board prototype showing off some new modifications that will be part of revision 2.

  • The frontside of the Rev 2 main board PCB design showing off its beautiful livery

  • The Picorder 2 prototype, August 2020

  • The Picorder 2 prototype, March 2020

  • The Picorder 2 test platform, March 2020

  • The Picorder 2 test platform, March 2020

  • The Picorder 2 test platform, March 2020

  • On March 4th 2020 I received word the first prototype boards were being shipped out.

  • The Picorder 2 test platform, February 2020

  • The Picorder 2 test platform, February 2020

  • General 3d printed plan

  • The Picorder 2 test platform, Nov 2019

  • Older prototype

  • alt language

    Major components being tested

  • alt language

    Example thermal cam output

  • Actual Dot Matrix UI Being Tested

  • Picorder 2 Laid Out on Breadboard

  • Picorder 2 laid out on breadboard with dual displays.

  • PicorderOS LCARS mockup


Media Coverage

I'm delighted that my project has been noticed by some online publications

Raspberry Pi Tricorder: The Next Generation - Ian Evenden, Tom's Hardware
"TR-109 RASPBERRY PICORDER 2 REALLY NAILS THE STAR TREK AESTHETIC" - Lewin Day, Hackaday


This project is a "MyCorder" build and so I'm using Discord to communicate directly with fellow builders and this subreddit to solicit advice from the community.

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