💬 MDMSGate

[gonzalonal]

Hi Kalina.
Nice design. Congratulations.

Two questions for you:
1-Have you considered adding RS485 support so as to comply with all the supported GW for MySensors? It would make your desing really complete and extremely flexible and adaptative.
2- Are you willing to share your design files so we can make custom modifications to it?

Thanks!

[kalina]

@gonzalonal Hi Gonzalonal! Thank you for your interest in my project. I'm answering your questions.

1. I'm new in the project "Mysensors" and I applied in my device Atmega328 microcontroller (exactly the same as in the Arduino uno and nano). The use of this microcontroller will give an opportunity to create quickly software for all users. One of the drawbacks of this microcontroller is just one UART, but for adding RS-485 need one more. I do not use a software UART.
2. I see no reason to make the modifications until the original version hasn't checked. For this question we can come back after the software will be developed and the device will be tested.

As I wrote earlier, in September I will produce about 10 devices and if you wish, you may join for the device testing.

[sincze]

@kalina interesting device indeed put me on the list of people being interested in your design board :)

[Koresh]

Can you a little clarify how this device will work in mysensors environment? If I understand right this board has two uplink transport modules (rfm & nrf) and three gateway modules (standard serial, ethernet and wi-fi via ESP8266). So are you planning solder all of those modules on the board? I am not sure, but as I know we can use only one uplink transport (nrf ir rfm or rs485) and one gateway (serial/ethernet/wi-fi). So we can use only one of six possible configurations. May be it is not cost effective to solder all components at once?

Thanks!

PS
Only one small suggestion from me. Your board contains only one chip with QFN package. It can raise PCBA price so it may be reasonable to use usb-ttl converter not in QFN\BGA package. But of course it's for you to decide :)

[kalina]

@Koresh Thanks for a good question. Yes, you are right, and I want to explain the main idea.

1. My pcb is universal. At this moment, I don't know who of the first users will choose one of available operating modes (serial or Wi-Fi or Ethernet, NRF24 or RFM69) and therefore I will solder the first 10 devices completely. Of course, in the future I will divide assemblies into RFM or NRF24, and also Ethernet or Wi-Fi or Serial. It is six possible configurations about which you spoke.
2. I want to accent on main idea of my device. The sketch for the Atmega328P microcontroller in all three modes will be as a serial gateway. Conversion of TCP packets to serial data will be execute in the PIC18F67J60 (Ethernet) microcontroller or in the ESP-12 (Wi-Fi). The necessary mode can be selected by jumpers of XP2 connector (see added picture).
3. About the choice of QFN package – I will think.

[kalina]

Hi everyone!
Today i have completed the development of new design of the enclosure. The sticker is printed on Oracal film.

[sincze]

@kalina very nice very nice :)

[kalina]

@sincze Thank you, I try to make it nice and reliable!

[kalina]

I have good news - i have made 15 pcs MDMSGate, and as soon as i will add it to ebay you can buy it. Price for each (assembled board+enclosure+2.4GHz antena+microUBS cable) - 35$. Also, i have already updated my project files, you should look at their if you are going to buy this device.

[hek]

@kalina

Will you also please add the design files to your project.

[kalina]

@hek This is my first complete device and I would like to know what else I have to add? Gerber files and scheme I have already added.

[hek]

I'm referring to the KIcad or Eagle source files so people can learn and fork from your fine project.

[rubenverhoef]

I like the product and want to buy two of them. Is shipping to the Netherlands possible?

[kalina]

Hi @rubenverhoef. In my opinion, it shouldn't be problems with the delivery. There are some questions:

1. How quickly will MDMSGates come to you?
2. How much will shipping be cost (i mean DHL or other post service) ?
3. What hardware (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) and software (bootloader, sketch, etc.) configuration do you need?

We can discuss the details in the chat or on Skype, as you wish...

[rubenverhoef]

@kalina I will send you a PM!

[Cliff Karlsson]

Maybe for future version of the gateway would it be possible to add RF-link ? I guess you can still use a rflink by connecting it to a raspberry pi gateway in the normal way but it would be cool to be able to also control 433/868Mhz and Mi-light products from one gateway.

[kalina]

@Cliff-Karlsson said:

I guess you can still use a rflink by connecting it to a raspberry pi gateway in the normal way

Actually, not as you think, I'm going to use rflink to control my nodes. Gateway connects directly to the controller (as an example to raspberry pi) via USB, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

[damsh]

@kalina When are you going to sell your devices? I'm going to buy one or two...

[kalina]

@damsh I can sell MDMSGates already. I have sent to you PM.

[damsh]

@kalina Received gateway and tested it. The gateway is good made and work fine. Thank you!
I'm using it as serial gateway for no, but late going to use it as MQTT ethernet gateway with Openhab.
Thank you once more!