Compiling PingPong-sample

I downloaded the BitCloud software.

I received an error upon building the PingPong-sample-code, because i placed it in a folder with spaces in the name. After removing the invalid-foldername the pingpong-code compiles succesfully to 106334 bytes of code.

Installing AVR Studio

I downloaded and installed:
* AVRStudio v4.16
* AVRStudio v4.16 sp1 (incremental update on v4.16)
* WinAvr

Modules bought

I found it quite hard to make a decision which module to use. I've created a spreadsheet for myself with properties of the various modules.

Mandatory properties:
* RF-Module. This because factory created hardware is much smaller in comparison to DIY.
* MCU based. This because I want to be able to do customizations.
* Small. I want to be able to automate many different things, so space might be sparse.

I really liked the IDwaRF, Decibit- and the Busware CPM modules because they are super small sized and I know there is a big and friendly community (Arduino, Sanguino, AVRFreaks, etc.).

I also liked the "TI EZ430-RF2500". Because this solution comes with an USB host adapter.

Size ranking:
1. Panasonic PAN4555 12,2 * 16,4 mm = 200 mm2
2. Busware CPM (estimated, excluding antenna) 21 * 10,3mm = 216 mm2
3. Decibit DCBT-24AX 25 * 10mm = 250 mm2
4. ZigBit ATZB-24-B0 (exlcuding antenna) 18,8 * 13,5 mm = 254 mm2
5. ZigBit ATZB-24-A2 13,5 * 24mm = 324 mm2
...
Strobit 70 * 30,5 mm = 2135 mm2

My reasons to choose for the ZigBit modules:
* They are quite small. Although not the smallest
* There is "free" software to be found. (BitCloud-stack, Contiki-port)
* There are experienced users to be found.
* There is a free Development-solution for download (WinAVR, AVRStudio)
* The module has a MCU which has enough memory for customization.
* By choosing for a ZigBee-module I hope to have chosen a stable future platform.
* By choosing for a ZigBee-module I hope not to have much to do with protocols and lowlevel things.

I've ordered two ZigBit-modules (MNZB-24-A2) from Digi-key 20,51euro a piece. Hopefully I will receive the modules in a week or so.

Project started

A while ago I use to be quite busy with receiving, decoding and transmitting RF-based signals. The main components for doing this i had been using a 433Mhz tuned receiver module, a simple 433Mhz tuned transmitter module and an Arduino (later replaced with the Sanguino). Although everything worked quite well, i never achieved a complete hassle-free functioning of it all. I had troubles with the range and also the reliability.

I've decided to make a brand new start and today i ordered two Meshnetics/Atmel ZigBit OEM modules.

To set myself goals, i've created the following list of ToDo's:
1. Select which module to start out with (Completed on 30 juni 2009)
2. Get the ZigBit modules running of a 3volt coin-cell.
3. Create a prototype-platform with which i'm able to upload and/or monitor the modules.
4. Get a sample/test application running on the modules.
5. Get the modules to communicate with each other.
6. Get the latest BitCloud-stack compiled.
7. Upload the newest BitCloud-stack to the module.