ioBridge Wiki

IO-204 - Monitor and Control Module

ioBridge — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:25:31 -0400

IO-204 - Monitor and Control Module

Introduction

The IO-204 Monitor & Control Module helps bridge the gap between the physical world and the World Wide Web. The IO-204 module and online tools at www.ioBridge.com allow you to easily get your projects on the web. There is no need to run a home web server or track ever changing dynamic IP addresses. The IO-204 module takes care of the internet connectivity and the user customizable widgets on the ioBridge website remove the need for complex programming. Just plug in your IO-204 module, register on the ioBridge website and within minutes, you’ll be interacting with lights, switches, servos and sensors. Keep your widgets private on your secure ioBridge dashboard or publish them on your website for the entire world to enjoy!

Features

4 I/O channels, with separate digital input, analog input and digital output
Pulse Counting, Pulse Output and Serial Data Output functions available on all 4 digital outputs
Attach up to 4 Smart Boards for more complex functions
Time interval based or event based data delivery
On-board logic rules for control even when it's offline.
Works on any 10/100/1000Base-T auto-negotiated network
Works on Static or Dynamic IP based networks, through firewall
Highly secure encryption based communication
Configurable MAC address and DHCP host name
Network status indicator
Non-volatile memory keeps your settings during power down
Configurable network disconnect failsafe settings
Upgradeable firmware over Internet
RoHS Compliant

Module Breakdown

I/O Channels

Analog Input

The analog input on each channel uses 10bit analog-to-digital conversion (ADC). As an input voltage varies from 0v to 5v the raw analog values range from 0 - 1023.

Digital Input

The digital input accepts voltages of 0v and +5v DC to indicate digital logic of 0 and 1. The digital input can also count the negative and positive edges of input signals.

Digital Output

The digital output pin on each channel can generate digital logic of 0 and 1 by outputting 0v and +5v DC. The output current is limited to 20ma. The digital output also transmits pulses at microsecond pulse widths and asynchronous serial data at bauds rates of 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 at variable pacing.

Pin-outs

Requirements

Network

The IO-204 module requires a 10/100/1000Base-T auto-negotiated Ethernet connection. Because of the way the IO-204 module communicates with the server, no additional ports need to be opened on the firewall or router.

MAC Filtering

If the network uses MAC address filtering, the module’s MAC address will need to be added to the router’s “allow” table. The MAC address of the module is configurable via the ioBridge.com Interface.

IP Addressing

If the network uses DHCP, the module will request an IP address and obtain an IP automatically by default. If DHCP fails, the module sets itself to an IP address of “169.254.19.77”. By using the telnet menu, the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Addresses are configurable.

Getting the IO-204's IP Address

It is possible to check the IO-204's IP address by rapidly pressing the LINK button 3 times row. The IP address will shown on the LED display one digit at a time. An underline character represents a dot.

Accessing the Configuration Menu

By default, the IO-204 is configured to dynamic IP assignment. The unit's IP address, gateway, subnet mask and DNS can to changed through a configuration menu. The menu is only accessible via telnet when the IO-204 is in “LINK” mode.

1. Attach the IO-204 to your network.

2. Check the IO-204's IP address by rapidly clicking the LINK button 3 times.

3. After you have the IP address, hold down the LINK button for a few seconds until the LED display begins to flash.

4. Open a telnet client and access the menu…

On Windows XP: click Start, Run, then type “telnet XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX” (replacing XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX with the IO-204's IP address and without the quotes) into the box and click OK.

On Windows Vista/7: By default, the telnet client is disabled. To enable it, go to Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Turn Windows Features On or Off. Then check the box beside “Telnet Client”. Now open the start menu and type “telnet XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX” (replacing XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX with the IO-204's IP address and without the quotes) into the box.

On Mac OS X and higher: not sure yet

5. From the telnet configuration menu, change to static IP by typing 1 then enter. The other addresses are configurable by choosing the menu number and hitting enter.

Note: The backspace and delete keys to not work with the telnet menu. If a mistake is made while entering an IP address, it is best to exit the option by hitting enter and trying again.

6. Some options require the IO-204 to be rebooted before the setting takes affect. For example, switching from static IP to dynamic IP. If a reboot is needed the IO-204 will show a message to let you know. Typing r at the command prompt will cause a reboot.

7. If no reboot is required, use q to quit the configuration menu.

Electrical

The IO-204 module requires a regulated electrical supply of 5V at 200mA on a 2.5mm coaxial connector (center is +5V). The standard wall adapter supplied with the module is rated for approximately 1 Amp. This extra current allows external circuits and devices to be powered directly from I/O channel connectors.

Firmware

Upgrade

The IO-204 module's firmware can be upgraded. This is initiated from the module settings page of the ioBridge web interface (Look for the upgrade link on the left side under “Module Details”).

Upgrading a module will require the following steps:

Make sure all the channel are set to I/O mode
Unplug any boards or circuits from the I/O channels
Make sure the module is online
Click the “Start Upgrade” button
The LED display will begin to make a circular pattern as the new firmware is downloading. The LED display will show an F when download is finished (usually within 1 or 2 minutes).
Hold down the module's LINK button until the LED display begins to flash and immediately let go of the button.
Within a few seconds the module will begin to reprogram itself. During the time, both the red and green indicator LEDs will be lit. It is important not disturb the module's power supply at this time. This should only take a few seconds.
The module will reset and come back online with the new firmware.
Plug your interface boards back in and reconfigure your channel modes for the proper settings
If any on-board rules were running on the module, they will need to be “re-synced” as they get deleted during the upgrade process

Tip: When holding down the LINK button to get the LED display flashing in step 6, make sure you release the button as soon as it starts flashing. If you hold it down too long the module will think something is wrong and it will abort the upgrade.

Firmware Versions

C4.3

- Fixed a bug that stopped DNS resolution on certain networks.
- Modified the UDP checksum routine to increase compatible with other wireless bridges.
- Modified the DHCP routine to time-out and reset when the transaction fails.
- Changed the on-board rules routine to ensure that the rules are executed in proper order to support pulse count data logging.

C4.2

- Fixed a bug that kept the on-board rules from reading the state of a digital output correctly when an output pulse was being used on the same pin.
- Tweaked network initialization routine. This should help with the twitching servo problem during local network outages.
- Fixed a bug that delayed the start of pushed updates after power up.

C4.1

- Fixed a bug that stopped the Serial Smart Board from receiving bursts of data. This fix should also make smart channel communication more robust.

C4.0

- Added user configurable on-board logic rules. This will allow the module to perform functions regardless of whether it is online or offline.
- Added Telnet configuration menu for DHCP/Static IP option, Gateway, Subnet Mask and DNS. The menu is only accessible when the module is in LINK mode.
- Changed the module to assign itself an IP address if DHCP isn't available.
- Added the ability for the module to display its IP address. This feature is initialized by quickly pressing the LINK button 3 times in row.
- Added pulse counting to all four digital inputs. The pulse edge count types are positive, negative and both.
- Completely rewrote parsing routines. Processes commands considerably faster now.
- Fixed DHCP issue when using the IO-204 with Mac OS X as a wireless bridge
- Changed the hard-reset feature. The IO-204 now requires the button to be pressed for a few seconds as power is applied. Previously, it was possible to accidentally hard-reset the module when plugging in the power cable.
- Removed the need to put the module in LINK mode when upgrading the firmware. This makes it easier to upgrade the firmware when physical access to the unit it difficult. (actually this hasn't fully been implemented yet.)
- The IO-204 no longer resets itself when the network goes down or the LAN cable is unplugged.
- Changed the display to show no number when there is no network preset. It used to show a zero which was very bright and basically unnecessary.
- Changed the start-up network negotiation sequence to end in 8 instead of 9.
- Changed IO-204 to knows immediately when LAN cable is unplugged. It used to take up to 25 seconds.

C3.9x

This is a beta firmware. If you have it, upgrade.

C3

- Module now pushes data on analog input trigger and reset
- Pulse function added for digital output
- Shortened the length of time a number is displayed during a channel command
- Added a UDP checksum routine
- Added support for networks using the DHCP broadcast flag
- Module would sometimes reset if a channel was set for a smart board, but none was plugged in. This fix will decreased the likelihood of this happening.
- Module now averages 16 analog input samples instead of using a single data point. This should help in noisy environments
- Added a work-around for legacy DHCP/BOOTP relays on large enterprise networks. (Thanks Lennon)
- Added serial out function on the digital output pin

C2.9

This is a beta firmware. If you have it, upgrade.

C2

Original firmware version.

Factory Defaults

The module contains non-volatile memory, meaning settings are stored even when the device is not powered. In the event that the module’s memory needs to be returned to the factory default settings, a hard reset is required.

To perform a hard reset:

Unplug the power cord
While holding down the LINK button, plug the power cord in - keep the LINK button pressed until the LED display shows a rotating pattern for a second or two indicating the module is re-writing its memory
Release the LINK button

Indicators

When performing various operations on the module, the module will indicate the status through two visual indicators: surface-mount Red/Green Connectivity Status LEDs and a 7-segment LED display.

Connectivity Status LED

When the Connectivity Status LED is green, the module is authenticated and connected to a server. When the status LED is red, the module is not fully associated to a server. During a hard-reset or firmware upgrade, both the red and green LED will flash rapidly for about a second.

LED Display

The LED display is used to convey information for a variety of reasons. In general if the the Connectivity Status LED is red the LED Display is an error message and if the Connectivity Status LED is green, the LED Display is which channel is currently active when commands are being processed.

LED Display during startup (Connectivity Status LED is red)

The module goes through a series of steps to get Internet connectivity. Normally the entire process takes just a few seconds. The current step is shown on the LED display during startup. If the module fails to get online, knowing the step that fails may be helpful for troubleshooting network problems.

Red Status Light Only - Module has booted successfully, looking for network connection
1 - Network connection has been established
2 - Successful DHCP transaction, the module now has an IP address
3 - Starting DNS resolution
4 - DNS resolved
5 - Looking for an Internet gateway
6 - Internet gateway found, initialing connection with server
7 - Connected to server
8 - Authencation
Green Status Light Only - Everything is OK, begin normal operation

LINK Mode

Programming Mode

Hard-reset Mode

Onboard Rules Acknowledgment

Channel Activity

IP Address Display

Getting Started

Power up

The module doesn’t have a power switch. It’s a piece of networking equipment that is meant to be on all of the time. To power it up, just plug in a network cable and the power cord. Assuming the basic network requirements are met, the module will get online by itself. Digits, increasing from 1 to 8, will be shown on the LED display and the Connectivity Status LED will turn green. The module may restart itself and start the process over again if a connection attempt fails.

Link Module

If you have a new module, the first step is to link the module to your account. You will have to have physical access to the module and know the serial number.

Under the Module tab, click “Link Module”
Enter Serial Number (found on top label of module) and click “Next”
Press and hold the “Link” button on module and click “Next”
Enter the numbers that appear on the module

Additional Resources

IO-204 User Manual

ioBridge Support

ioBridge Store

Serial LCD (FB-7)

ioBridge — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:23:17 -0400

Serial LCD (FB-7)

This 16×2 serial LCD display plugs directly into an I/O channel and can be controlled from an ioBridge serial output widget or any other serial device.

Adjustable backlight and contrast

16×2 characters

Scrolling messages up to 100 characters

Configurable backlight timer

Built in vertical and horizontal gauge

Control LCD by ioBridge widgets, javascript, or serial devices

Connections

+5VDC
GND
Data

Connect data line to a serial output at 9600 Baud 8-N-1 (8 data bits, No parity bit, and 1 stop bit)

Serial Support

The Serial LCD supports RS-232 serial connections from the Serial Out of the IO-204, the Serial Transmit of the Serial Smart Board, and microcontroller hardware and software serial outputs (Arduino, BasicStamp, Rabbit, etc.).

Displaying Text

Send ASCII text straight to the LCD. Text displays in the order it's received from the cursor position.

Commands

All commands start with the BYTE 0xFE / 254 / %FE (URL Encoded). Commands reference in brackets ”[]” indicate options and not sent with the command. Commands may also be grouped together, which means you can set the backlight, move the cursor, and write text all in one command.

Send byte 1 0xFE, then

Byte2	Byte3…	Controls
'B'	X	brightness X='0'-'9'
'C'		clear
'G'	RLLHHX	horizontal bar on row with labels R='0'-'1' LL=“Lo” HH=“Hi” X='a'-'k'
'H'		home
'J'		cursor on
'K'		cursor off
'L'	RRCC	move RR=“01”-“02” CC=“01”-“16”
'P'		cursor blinking
'Q'		cursor steady
'S'	RS…*	scrolling message on row at speed R='0'-'1' S='0'-'9' …=message *=0xFE
'T'	XD	delayed brightness X='0'-'9', D=0-59
'V'	X	vertical bar X='0'-'8'
'Z'		reset

Control Backlight

The brightness of the LCD backlight can adjusted.

%FEB[0-9]

Brightness Options [0-9]

9 - Brightest
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 - Very Dim
0 - Off

Example Command: %FEB0

This command would turn the LCD backlight completely off.

Delay Backlight

You can also delay the control of the LCD backlight brightness up to 60 seconds after command is issued.

%FET[0-9]%[01-60]

Time Options [01-60]

Send a number between 01 to 60 control the delay. “01” represents 1 second and the maximum is “60” seconds. (Hexadecimal.)

Example Command: %FET1%30

This command would turn the LCD backlight to “1” (dim) after 48 seconds.

Clear Screen

To clear all of the text on screen issue the following command:

%FEC

Clear All

To clear the screen, scrolling messages, and buffers returning the LCD to its first powered on state, issue the following command:

%FEZ

Move Cursor Home

To move the cursor to the home position, issue the following command:

%FEH

Move Cursor

You can move the cursor around the screen and start from any position.

%FEL[01-02][01-16]

Row Options [01-02]

Select a row number from 01 to 02 (top to bottom)

Column Options [01-16]

Select a column from 01 to 16 (left to right)

Example Command: %FEL0201

This command would move the cursor to the second line (row) in the first position (column).

Display Cursor

The cursor can be shown or hidden by issuing the following commands:

%FE[J-K]

Display Options [J-K]

“J” turns on the cursor and “K” turns off the cursor.

Display Blinking Cursor

If you want the cursor to blink or stop blinking, issue the following commands:

%FE[P-Q]

Display Options [P-Q]

“P” starts the curso blinking and “Q” stops the blinking.

Scroll Messages

You can scroll two different messages - one on each line of the LCD. You can also set the speed at which the messages move across the screen. The message limit is 100 chacters.

%FES[1-2][0-9]____Up to 100 character message____%FE

Row Options [1-2]

Enter “1” to scroll a message on line 1 and “2” on line 2.

Speed Options [0-9]

Enter a speed between 0-9 with 0 being the slowest and 9 being the fastest.

Example Command: %FES16ioBridge.com%FE

This command will scroll “ioBridge.com” on line 1 of the LCD at a speed of 6.

Draw Horizontal Gauge

You can draw a horizontal bar graph / gauge on the LCD on either line of the LCD. You can set the extreme labels.

%FEG[1-2][AA-ZZ][AA-ZZ][a-k]

Row Options [1-2]

Enter “1” to place gauge on line 1 and “2” on line 2.

Left Label [AA-ZZ]

Enter a label to placed on the left of the gauge. The label can be any two digit letters from AA to ZZ.

Right Label [AA-ZZ]

Enter a label to placed on the right of the guage. The label can be any two digit letters from AA to ZZ.

Length Options [a-k]

Select a letter between “a” and “k” to control how much of the gauge is filled in from left to right, with “a” being empty and “k” being full.

Example Command: %FEG1LOHId

This command would place the horizontal gauge on line 1 of the LCD, with “LO” on the left, “HI” on the right, and 3 positions filled in the gauge.

Draw Vertical Gauge

You can also draw a vertical gauge from the position of the cursor. This fills in a block from the bottom to the top.

%FEV[0-8]

Fill Options [0-8]

From the bottom (0) to the top (8) you can fill in the space.

Example Command: %FEV5

This command will draw a vertical gauge from the last place the cursor was located with 5 steps filled in.

Character Set

Here is a chart of the entire character set support by the Serial LCD. To send a special character like the right-arrow, locate the character in the chart. Send ”%” followed by the colmun HEX digital followed by the row HEX digit.

%7E

Arduino Library

Visit the Arduino Playground to get the Arduino Demo and Function Library for the ioBridge Serial LCD.

Resources

Arduino

ioBridge — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:20:31 -0400

Arduino

Almost any microcontroller is compatible with the ioBridge IO-204 via its native Serial Out our full-duplex Serial Smart Board. Currently, the Arduino is by far the most popular starter MCU platform.

Projects

Web Controlled Christmas Lights

Automated Airsoft Range with iPhone Controls

RFID Enabled Phone Dialing, Alternative Telephone Control

Internet Message Center

Data Logging

ioBridge — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:17:35 -0400

Data Logging

Included for free with your user account is the ability to create four data logs per module that log digital and analog input at 10 to 60 minute intervals. You can set the frequency at which the data is log, view historical graphs, and download the log file.

Types of Logs and Requires Settings

Analog Input Logging

Log an analog input at a specific interval.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Analog Input Value Periodically
Auto Message Period: greater than zero and less than or equal to the data log frequency

Analog Input Averaging

Average the analog inputs collected over a period of time. This is similar to Analog Input Logging except multiple data points received within a specific period will be averaged together and recorded as a single data point.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Analog Input Value Periodically
Auto Message Period: greater than zero and less than or equal to the data log frequency

Digital Input Logging

Log a digital input at a specific interval.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Digital Input State Periodically
Auto Message Period: greater than zero and less than or equal to the data log frequency

Digital Input Counting

Count the number of digital state transitions.

I/O channel settings
Channel Push Update Mode: Push Update on Digital State Change

Pulse Count Logging

Log the pulse count from a module channel via the digital input pin.

I/O channel settings
Pulse Count Type: Negative Edge Counting

Pulse Count Type: Positive Edge Counting

Pulse Count Type: Both Negative and Positive Edge Counting

Onboard Action
Add Rule »

Push Update Rule »

Pulse Count (Push at Interval and Reset Count) »

Select Channel »

Enter a push interval in seconds

Setup

To create a log, select the Modules tab and click “Add Log”. You get to choose the log type, module, channel, frequency, analog scale, and digital state options.

Viewing Data Log

Once your log starts to fill up with data you can view a chart and the ability to download the log from any given time period.

Compatible Hardware

ioBridge — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:18:42 -0400

Compatible Hardware

Arduino