This topic will be to discuss sourcing parts to build CALCnet2.2 hubs, in all of the various interesting configurations and permutations that I'm hoping people will create.

3/32 Stereo Plug RadioShack ID 274-244
This part is necessary to plug into a calculator, and possibly to a hub containing 3/32 stereo sockets, if you don't want to use or destroy a unit-to-unit I/O cables.
Pros: easy to find in your local Radioshack
Cons: expensive, plastic cover too large to use without trimming
http://octopart.com/274-244-radioshack-7530821
As one of the first to play around with the hub design and such, it's quite interesting to design the case! Smile (Project ConnectME!)

With that said, what is a good case that you think can fit the components, board, wires, etc. in? Note that both are customizable.
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-68p.html
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-73p.html
alberthrocks wrote:
As one of the first to play around with the hub design and such, it's quite interesting to design the case! Smile (Project ConnectME!)

With that said, what is a good case that you think can fit the components, board, wires, etc. in? Note that both are customizable.
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-68p.html
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-73p.html
Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.
KermMartian wrote:
This topic will be to discuss sourcing parts to build CALCnet2.2 hubs, in all of the various interesting configurations and permutations that I'm hoping people will create.

3/32 Stereo Plug RadioShack ID 274-244
This part is necessary to plug into a calculator, and possibly to a hub containing 3/32 stereo sockets, if you don't want to use or destroy a unit-to-unit I/O cables.
Pros: easy to find in your local Radioshack
Cons: expensive, plastic cover too large to use without trimming
http://octopart.com/274-244-radioshack-7530821

Would it not be easier to make one of your own to make sure it fits better?
Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart. Smile
KermMartian wrote:
Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart. Smile


I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<
Sonlen wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart. Smile


I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<
Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.
KermMartian wrote:
alberthrocks wrote:
As one of the first to play around with the hub design and such, it's quite interesting to design the case! Smile (Project ConnectME!)

With that said, what is a good case that you think can fit the components, board, wires, etc. in? Note that both are customizable.
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-68p.html
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-73p.html
Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.


Another part: 4xAA battery case! Smile
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Eagle-Plastic-Devices/12BH441A-GR/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bZJQXhW3gsUnw3Y%252bJQRzR7s%3d

2.5 mm socket alternatives?
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kycon/STX-2500-3N/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV/ZoItaEitJf5dR6ZC8WJJM%3d
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kobiconn/161-3403-E/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV5XzudKkjILtM/I4nCi6bW4%3d

Opinions?
KermMartian wrote:
Sonlen wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart. Smile


I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<
Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Well I assumed that, though if you had all TI-84+ calcs, would it work with both ports, or is the speed difference from each a big problem?
alberthrocks wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
alberthrocks wrote:
As one of the first to play around with the hub design and such, it's quite interesting to design the case! Smile (Project ConnectME!)

With that said, what is a good case that you think can fit the components, board, wires, etc. in? Note that both are customizable.
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-68p.html
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-73p.html
Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.


Another part: 4xAA battery case! Smile
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Eagle-Plastic-Devices/12BH441A-GR/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bZJQXhW3gsUnw3Y%252bJQRzR7s%3d

2.5 mm socket alternatives?
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kycon/STX-2500-3N/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV/ZoItaEitJf5dR6ZC8WJJM%3d
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kobiconn/161-3403-E/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV5XzudKkjILtM/I4nCi6bW4%3d

Opinions?
That's a 4xAAA case, isn't it? Is it less than 2" wide? Go with the second socket; the first is surface-mount, and I don't think you want to deal with that. The second will be much sturdier, because you screw on the ring on the outside of the case to anchor it.

@Sonlen: It uses the I/O port only, not the USB port. It's not an issue of speed (TI-83+ and TI-84+SE calculator can work together in a CALCnet network) but one of protocol and wiring.
Sonlen wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
Sonlen wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart. Smile


I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<
Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Well I assumed that, though if you had all TI-84+ calcs, would it work with both ports, or is the speed difference from each a big problem?


Unfortunately, that won't work for now. Someone (cough KermM cough) refuses to implement USB support for Calcnet2... Razz
alberthrocks wrote:
Sonlen wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
Sonlen wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart. Smile


I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<
Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Well I assumed that, though if you had all TI-84+ calcs, would it work with both ports, or is the speed difference from each a big problem?


Unfortunately, that won't work for now. Someone (cough KermM cough) refuses to implement USB support for Calcnet2... Razz


I don't blame him, I know that it will include a lot more coding to get it to work, and just sticking with the common port is better and more efficient.
Also is this box going to be something you are going to make, test, and show how to make?
Only because of how challenging it would be to synchronize and interoperate with the I/O-based protocol. I don't feel like it would be worth my time at this point.

Sonlen wrote:
Also is this box going to be something you are going to make, test, and show how to make?
I sure hope so! Smile
KermMartian wrote:
Only because of how challenging it would be to synchronize and interoperate with the I/O-based protocol. I don't feel like it would be worth my time at this point.

Sonlen wrote:
Also is this box going to be something you are going to make, test, and show how to make?
I sure hope so! Smile


This seems like a really nice idea, though the downside is I probably won't have a really good use for something like that anytime soon(if ever.... x.x)
KermMartian wrote:
alberthrocks wrote:
KermMartian wrote:
alberthrocks wrote:
As one of the first to play around with the hub design and such, it's quite interesting to design the case! Smile (Project ConnectME!)

With that said, what is a good case that you think can fit the components, board, wires, etc. in? Note that both are customizable.
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-68p.html
http://www.polycase.com/item/sl-73p.html
Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.


Another part: 4xAA battery case! Smile
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Eagle-Plastic-Devices/12BH441A-GR/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bZJQXhW3gsUnw3Y%252bJQRzR7s%3d

2.5 mm socket alternatives?
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kycon/STX-2500-3N/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV/ZoItaEitJf5dR6ZC8WJJM%3d
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kobiconn/161-3403-E/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV5XzudKkjILtM/I4nCi6bW4%3d

Opinions?
That's a 4xAAA case, isn't it? Is it less than 2" wide? Go with the second socket; the first is surface-mount, and I don't think you want to deal with that. The second will be much sturdier, because you screw on the ring on the outside of the case to anchor it.

@Sonlen: It uses the I/O port only, not the USB port. It's not an issue of speed (TI-83+ and TI-84+SE calculator can work together in a CALCnet network) but one of protocol and wiring.

Oops, looks like Mouser's filter wasn't applied. Razz

AA battery case, again:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kobiconn/161-3403-E/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV5XzudKkjILtM/I4nCi6bW4%3d

or

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Eagle-Plastic-Devices/12BH341-GR/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bYV78dQAzhIHPu1p5dZ1dlM%3d?

Remaining parts needed (copied from a post):
(2) 330-ohm resistors, 1/4 watt (or 500 ohm, if needed)
(2) ~2.1V LEDs of your choice
(4) 10K-ohm resistors, 1/4 watt
(2) 1K-ohm resistors, 1/4 watt
(4) 2N3904 NPN bipolar transistors
Now you showed me a socket and the same AAA case. Wink How many sockets do you want to use?
KermMartian wrote:
Now you showed me a socket and the same AAA case. Wink How many sockets do you want to use?


Me thinks my copy paste fu is epic failing. Razz

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Eagle-Plastic-Devices/12BH348-GR/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bS9jcusZjSP01E7ueP1Fmh4%3d
16±.50 mm
(.63±.02 in)

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Eagle-Plastic-Devices/12BH341-GR/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bYV78dQAzhIHPu1p5dZ1dlM%3d
I don't really think you need the pull tab. Smile .63" height is awesome, but what about width and depth? Those are gonna be your limiting factors, especially with the "slender" case.
KermMartian wrote:
I don't really think you need the pull tab. Smile .63" height is awesome, but what about width and depth? Those are gonna be your limiting factors, especially with the "slender" case.


Hehe, I'm still looking for something without a pull tab. Smile
I'll keep on looking. If you find any parts, could you suggest them to me?
So, I will be attempting to make a hub tomorrow. I've got most of the parts, I just need a PNP transistor, and the cables/plugs. I will get those tomorrow at RadioShack. I also need another graphing calculator to test this with, as I just have one. I might also pick a couple up tomorrow, depending on how cheap I can find them (probably not very. $130 for an 83+SE or something stupid like that...).
  
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