Michael's Blog

.NET Micro Framework Library FusionWare.SPOT

Michael Schwarz — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:37:43 GMT

Library of classes and tools useful for development with the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework. This library originally shipped as part of the SDK for the EmbeddedFusion Tahoe Development kit. All of the code was covered by a BSD like license, however since it was only included in the Tahoe kit that fact was lost and most users didn't realize that. So the plan came to place the code up on CodePlex so there as no confusion about what is covered under the BSD license.

This is the new home of the FusionWare.SPOT libraries. We hope that developers will find this code useful in exploring and using the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework. We are excited about the future of the Micro Framework in embedded systems as it brings the development experience of .NET to embedded systems. There is a LOT of interest in the Micro Framework from hobbyists and academics as well as professional embedded developers. We hope these libraries make things easier and even more fun - enjoy!

There are a number of useful classes in the FusionWare.SPOT libraries including:

Support for creating device drivers for devices attached to SPI and I2C buses
Enhancements to simplify creation of custom emulators
Classes for serial streams, MemoryStream and much much more!

Download it today, keep checking for updates and have lots of fun creating the next "gotta have it" gadget with the .NET Micro Framework!

There are new firmware updates available, too.

MFDeploy and MAC Address / DHCP

Michael Schwarz — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:27:29 GMT

Today I got a Embedded Master development kit from GHI Electronics. First I tried the examples that are already on the board, wow, working great. To get a network application working I had to change the IP address (or change it to use DHCP). I downloaded MFDeploy (MSDN Library) from the Microsoft Download site. The manual says that you have to enter 00-21-03-80-00-00 and for the last two numbers you have to use the hex value of the serial number of the board. I tried this but MFDeply didn't accept my value until I have noticed that I have to use the colon instead of the dash as separator.

For those of you trying to use DHCP enter 0.0.0.0 for all IP addresses, but don't forget to put in your MAC address as DHCP servers need this.

TFT LCD Support for Embedded Master Module

Michael Schwarz — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:15:00 GMT

Embedded Master Module is adding support to TFT LCDs. The new version is based on LPC2478 processor with built in LCD controller. The module includes a 0.5mm 40 pin connector for LQ043T3DX02 or LQ043T1DG01 TFT displays from Sharp. These color TFT LCDs are 480x272 and are compatible with LCDs used in PSP from Sony. Using any other TFT LCD is possible, as well.. The new board will have 70 pins instead of 60 with more Analog inputs and PWM pins. New board is backward compatible as far as the old pins. All new pins are on the extra added space, total size 1.55x1.8 inches.

This new module will *not* be available till NXP start shipping LPC2478.

LQ043T3DX02 TFT LCD Manual Download
LQ043T1DG01 TFT LCD Manual Download

Microsoft TCP/IP Stack on .NET Micro Framework Devices

Michael Schwarz — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:11:08 GMT

More an more devices are ready for the Microsoft TCP/IP stack that is available with the .NET Micro Framework version 2.5 introduced at the EmbeddedWorld2008 in Nuremberg.

GHI Electronics have updated their firmware. Now their Embedded Master Module supports DHCP and Debugging over Ethernet using the new TCP/IP stack. Bluetooth support is not yet supported, but you can plug-in a USB Bluetooth dongle and send files over Bluetooth. Embedded Master SDK is updated, too, and includes source code of the demo show in the new video.

Device Solutions have published a new firmware release yesterday that offers Ethernet. The release includes the new stack and a driver for the Microchip ENC28J60 Ethernet controller. Note that this version is an evaluation version which will only run for 30 continuous days. There will be a Ethernet add-on board available in May 2008. Download and debug of application is still setup to use USB.

Digi Connect ME added a own TCP/IP stack with the older version 2.0 already. Until now I didn't get any news if they will offer a firmware upgrade for 2.5. Download and debug is running over Ethernet, USB and serial port.

Ajax.NET and IIS 7 Integrated Mode

Michael Schwarz — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:55:27 GMT

As there are some questions on how to run Ajax.NET on IIS 7 (i.e. Windows Vista) in integrated mode instead of classic mode here are two things you have to check:

First check that the IIS_ISSRS group has access to your Web site folder. If you are using the default folder for Web sites with Visual Studio .NET 2005 the simplest way is to add read access at C:\Users\Username\Documents\Visual Studio 2005\WebSites.
Run following command to automatic migrate your web.config file:
%windir%\system32\inetsrv\Appcmd migrate config "<ApplicationPath>"

The breaking change for Ajax.NET Professional is that you have to move the httpHandler (and httpModule if used) to a new section system.webServer and rename httpHandler to handler; next you have to add a name attribute for the handler:

<configuration>

    <location path="ajaxpro">
        <system.webServer>
            <handlers>
                <add verb="*" path="*.ashx" name="AjaxPro"
                     type="AjaxPro.AjaxHandlerFactory,AjaxPro.2" />
            </handlers>
        </system.webServer>
    </location>

</configuration>

For more breaking changes for ASP.NET 2.0 applications running in Integrated mode read this post.

Tahoe .NET Micro Framework Development Platform

Michael Schwarz — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:47:54 GMT

For those of you didn't noticed the lower price of the Tahoe .NET Micro Framework development platform: it is now USD $299 (~~USD $399~~). The Tahoe development platform provides an ideal development system for the Meridian CPU and the .NET Micro Framework. The platform includes:

Meridian CPU with .NET Micro Framework
2.7 inch LCD
Push Buttons (9) (5 arranged in classic NSEW with center pattern)
Easy access to all of the pins from the Meridian CPU
DB-9 serial
Easy access to all Meridian CPU signals through 0.1" pin-headers
SDK with customized emulator for .NET Micro Framework
Lot's of sample code, including custom emulator extensions and managed drivers

The reduced price will be available until end of April, so hurry up and order your kit at www.devicesolutions.net (click on the shop tab). Another interesting add-on is the 3D Accelerometer at USD $49.

Silverlight Roadmap Questions

Michael Schwarz — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:34:28 GMT

I came across a great post about updated Silverlight 2 roadmap.

Silverlight is about 7 month old kid but it is already making such a big buzz. One of my colleague Rahul did excellent job in terms of putting up a FAQ regarding the roadmap.

When exactly will Silverlight support all the codecs that a standard Windows Media Player support? How about supporting .flv since most of the video on Internet currently is using this format?
Which streaming server protocols does Silverlight support currently and which will be supported in near future?
Why the support for displaying a .gif image is is missing? When it will be added?
Is the size of Silverlight 2 Beta plug-in expected to increase by the time of final release? Which namespaces Microsoft is planning to add in final release.
What would be the full and final set of controls that are expected to be included with Silverlight 2 - final release?
When is Silverlight 2 - final version expected to be released?
Is there going to be a big difference in terms of features/component model etc. in Silverlight 2 beta and final release (just like it is the case with 1.1 Alpha and 2.0 Beta)?
Will Silverlight 2 final release offer some local Caching API (with automatic expiration, notifications etc.) just like System.Web.Cache API in ASP.Net 2.0/3.5?
In order to call a WCF Service from Silverlight 2 Beta, you have to use “basicHttpBinding” currently. Will Silverlight support additional bindings in near future like MSMQBinding and others?
Does Microsoft have any authentic estimates of Silverlight usage by the end users? Adobe claims 90% coverage of Flash, We know Silverlight is new but would like to know the current coverage, estimated coverage in next 1 year and Microsoft’s plans to increase its coverage, to move forward with our development efforts with even more confidence.

Read all answers at source.

GHI Electronics Embedded Master Module

Michael Schwarz — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:00:08 GMT

Embedded Master™ implements Microsoft's .NET Micro Framework. This allows users to run C# managed code right inside Embedded Master. Users will use Visual Studio to develop and debug programs.

Not only that, Embedded Master is the first and only OEM device that implements .NET Micro Framework and adds FAT file system and USB host capabilities. Users can access files on SD cards or USB memory devices (thumb drive, USB hard drive...etc.) and also use many other USB devices such as, mice, keyboards, joystick, printers, Bluetooth dongles and many more.

Windows SideShow is also fully supported through USB or Bluetooth, and this is (next to the FAT support) the second big feature I will love. Not to connect the device with a USB cable to the PC.

Have a look at this short video:

Here are some key features of the module:

Software

Micro Framework V2.5
Windows SideShow V1.4
USB Host (MS, HID, Printer and more)
FAT File System
Full TCP/IP Stack
Bluetooth (SSP, OBEX)
Peripherals (SPI, PWM...etc.)

Hardware

72Mhz ARM7 Processor
8MB SDRAM
4.5MB FLASH
10/100 Ethernet Interface
USB Host/Device
Graphics (Dedicated SPI)
45 Digital I/O
30 Interrupt Inputs
SPI (8/16 bit)
I2C
4 UART
2 CAN Channels
4 10-bit Analog Inputs
10-bit Analog Output
4-bit SD Memory Interface
2 PWM
-40 to +85 Operational
Lead Free
Connector-less Mounting

Silverlight Control Skin Sets

Michael Schwarz — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:44:25 GMT

Corrina Barber has publish four different Silverlight control skin sets that looks very nice and shows the power of skinning in Silverlight.

See online previews of each skin:

Download Surface Demo including DeepZoom

Michael Schwarz — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:37:53 GMT

Well, I forgot to publish the source code of the changed Microsoft Surface Demo written for Silverlight 2 beta 1. The original demo can be found at the Silverlight community gallery. I have added the video support from my first Surface demo and a the new DeepZoom control that enables streamed zooming of high resolution files inside Silverlight control.

[de] .NET User Group Franken trifft sich wieder

Michael Schwarz — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:48:55 GMT

Die .NET User Group Franken trifft sich wieder, am Donnerstag den 3. April bei der conplement AG im Südwestpark. Ich werde eine kurze Einführung/Demo zum .NET Micro Framework machen, als auch ein paar nette neue Funktionen in Silverlight 2 zeigen. Außerdem habe ich noch ein paar Visual Studio .NET 2005 Lizenzen als auch Expression Web zu verteilen. Bücher kann ich auch noch ein paar mitbringen.

ASP.NET MVC Source Code at Codeplex

Michael Schwarz — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:46:49 GMT

Today Microsoft published the source code of ASP.NET MVC Framework at Codeplex:

We’re delighted to give you an early preview of the first release of the ASP.NET MVC source code on to Codeplex. You will be able to find this project at http://www.codeplex.net/aspnet and it represents the first of a number of planned releases of the source code for the ASP.NET MVC framework as well as some others in the future. Please take a look and feel free to send us feedback about the MVC framework and about using Codeplex for this type of release

The license won't enable you to redistribute your patched version of ASP.NET MVC (Microsoft wants to avoid having multiple incompatible ASP.NET MVC versions floating around and colliding with each other). But it will enable developers who want to get started building ASP.NET MVC applications immediately to make progress - and not have to worry about getting blocked by an interim bug that they can't work around.

Read ScottGu's post for more details...

Breaking Changes in Silverlight 2

Michael Schwarz — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:57:07 GMT

There is an MSDN article that focuses on changes that might cause your older Silverlight-based applications to now fail or behave differently not on new features/enhancements for this release:

Important! Migrating Older Code to the Newer Release
Update Silverlight.js
Template Breaking Changes
Error Messages May not be Available
2-D API Changes
HttpWebRequest/HttpWebResponse Supports New Functionality
PresentationFrameworkCollection<T> Change
Mouse and Keyboard API Changes
Changes to TextBlock and its Helper Classes
XML DTD API Changes and Default XmlResolver
XamlReader.Load() Requires xmlns
Removal of Managed FontSource (downloader) Signature
XmlResolver Changes
Assembly Changes
Regenerate Web Service Client Proxies
WCF JSON Services May Need SOAP Endpoints
In Visual Studio, Use "Add Service Reference" Instead of "Add Web Reference"
Loaded Event Signature Change
Removal of Managed Downloader
BrowserHttpWebRequest Removed
Removal of managed MediaElement/Image.SetSource(downloader, partName)
SetValue Changes
Miscellaneous API Changes
System.Net.Sockets Namespace Added

Read full Breaking Changes in Silverlight 2 article.

Surface Demo - Silverlight 2 Update and DeepZoom

Michael Schwarz — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:26:26 GMT

Today I updated my Surface Demo (original source from Silverlight examples). Well, there are only some small changes since last beta 1.1. So I have added a DeepZoom control (MultiScaleImage) to the demo:

See the online demo here.

Marc Julian Starting Writing

Michael Schwarz — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:56:52 GMT

My oldest son Marc Julian (5 years old) will start school this summer. He's still in kindergarten and today we did some games with mathematics and writing some words, playing with what he has learned.

Well, for most German it is easy to read, but here is the translation of the words above:

BLTAH which should be BILDER is in English PICTURES
LICHT is LIGHT
PAPIR (correct PAPIER, but hears the same) is PAPER
RASEN (well, the S is written a little bit wrong) is GRASS
PAPE (correct PAPPE) is PAPERBOARD
ZAN (ok, the Z is wrong, and the correct German word is ZAHN, pronounced similar) is TOOTH
NOTBUK, this is the English word NOTEBOOK
AUTO is CAR
MESSER is KNIFE
KESE (the German Ä instead of the first E) is CHEESE
NASE is NOSE

My favorite is, of course NOTBUK and BLTAH.