EZ-8+ Right Around the Corner

[JonnyMac]

For fans of the EZ-8 you'll be happy to know that the EZ-8+ is right around the corner. "What's new?," you wonder... well, let me share.

As requested by the majority of EZ-8 users, the EZ-8+ is a dual show controller. The 32K show memory is divided 1/4 for Show 1, 3/4 for Show 2. Using the default frame timing of 50ms (20FPS), Show 1 has a maximum run time of about 6.7 minutes; Show 2 has a maximum run time of 20.4 minutes. Note that when using Vixen to download a show, you can change the frame timing (this is a new feature).

As with the original EZ-8, the EZ-8+ uses a socketed ULN2803A for outputs, and has TTL (5V) output pins. The TTL pins make connecting to Amigo boards a breeze, allowing the EZ-8+ to control AC and high-current DC devices with plug-and-play ease.

Each show has its own set of trigger and sensor inputs. Power is provided for the trigger terminal blocks to allow the use of normally-open sensors (button, pressure mat, etc.).

The shows can be used independently, or linked via the LOOP mode. In LOOP mode, Show 1 will run in a loop until there is an input on either the Trigger 2 or Sensor 2 inputs; at that point Show 1 will stop and Show 2 will start. When Show 2 is finished, Show 1 will resume looping.

When not using LOOP mode, there is a configuration switch marked INTR (interrupt) that allows one program to interrupt the operation the other. When the INTR switch is off, a trigger on one show will not affect the operation of the other that is presently running.

The EZ-8+ is AP-16+ enabled. There is a pin marked SIO that is intended to connect to an external, serial-controlled audio player. The current software supports the AP-16+. When a show is started, the appropriate play message is sent to the AP-16+ (plays either SFX01.WAV or SFX02.WAV). At the end of a show (normal stop or user intervention), a stop command will be sent to the AP-16+. The great news is that you don't have to use a normal output to start the audio player; all eight outputs are available for valves, relays, lights, etc.

Speaking of outputs, when in pre-record mode (LED is red), you can press the RECORD button to test an output. This helps you validate wiring before entering your program.

We've worked closely with K.C. Oaks (creator of Vixen) to update the EZ-8 interface tools for Vixen so that they work with the EZ-8 (classic) or the EZ-8+ (see screen shot). When creating a show for the EZ-8+ you can set the frame timing from 25 to 250 milliseconds. This allows very precise control of your sequences. Note: You will need to purchase a Prop-Plug adapter for uploading and downloading shows to the EZ-8+.

Is it hackable? Yes, and after release we will provide a code base for those of you that want to develop custom applications for the EZ-8+ hardware. As with the HC-8+, the processor used is the multi-core Propeller processor from our friends at Parallax.

We're getting very close to release and wanted to let you know where we stand.

Photos:
* Rev A (prototype) PCB (Rev B markings are updated).
   -- As you can see, the EZ-8+ is the same size/format as the Prop-2 and HC-8+
* Updated Vixen interface

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[livinlowe]

Just noticed these are in stock! Cool!