NuttX RTOS is now Apache TLP

My favorite NuttX RTOS [1] that is “Tiny Unix on MCU” has graduated to Apache Top-Level-Project [2], congratulations! :-)

Apache NuttX [1] is a real-time operating system (RTOS) that emphasizes standards compliance and small footprint, usable in all but the tightest micro-controller environments. It runs on 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit microcontrollers across RISC-V, ARM, MIPS, ESP32, AVR, x86, and other architectures with a high degree of standards compliance. NuttX is used to power the Fitbit fitness tracker, as well as satellites, IoT devices, bluetooth headphones, drones, and more.

What I like most in NuttX is the development team / community.. and scalability starting upwards from 8-bit CPU’s. One day I wish porting NuttX to my 8-bit Atari and 16-bit Amiga and Atari ST and push new life to these amazing machines :-)

[1] https://nuttx.apache.org
[2] https://news.apache.org/foundation/entry/the-apache-software-foundation-announces-apache-nuttx-as-a-top-level-project

Blender 3D and DS4 PS4 Bluetooth controller

Blender 3D can work with DualShock4 Playstation4 wireless controller over Bluetooth [1].

[1] http://www.blendswap.com/blends/view/78315

Cura Configuration Reference Manual

Starting up the Configuration Reference Manual for Ultimaker CURA 3D printing Open-Source software :-)

https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/wiki/Cura-Configuration-Reference-Manual

Android Open Source and Hardware Obsolescence

Why only NEXUS devices are sensible choice for Advanced Android Users and Developers? Because NEXUS device vendors provide source code and device drivers.

This makes is possible to re-compile and re-create any customization of the Android by advanced users and developers. The most popular among them is CyanogenMod based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project).

Why is such customization really necessary? Because Vendors does not keep up with the Android development, their releases are flawed, contains unwanted modifications, quite often development is abandoned just after product release.

I know that Drivers Development is time and money consuming task for Vendors. Still, providing source code for device drivers would make it possible to run alternative and/or customized OS, also prolong device life for second-hand users in poor countries. Vendor sells the device anyway and Users can make fixes and customization. Why this Win-Win scheme is so hard to achieve in reality? Is really enforcing sales with mass garbage so important?

CeDeROM CASING for M24LR-DISCOVERY

As an exercise, I have just designed (using FreeCAD) and 3D-Printed (using semi-translucent PLA material) a casing for M24LR-DISCOVERY (CR95HF NFC Reader). Let me know if you need one :-)

Read More

OpenOCD on FreeBSD

My port of OpenOCD has just been committed. Enjoy Open On-Chip-Debugger on FreeBSD! =)