Today, the last Minibloq's Alpha version was sent to backers and alpha testers. This means that the next version (v0.8.Beta) will be available for download. I think this will be soon. Here is a small video showing some of the new features:
I will upload examples (with videos) and improve the online documentation these days. So once the Beta becomes ready, it will be easy to get started!
Hey Julián, nice work, even though I know there's a lot more work ahead.
ReplyDeleteSince your website doesn't have a full-on forum, I figure I'd just use this comments section instead so anyone can chime in if they wish.
One of the features that is going to be critical in terms of usability is some kind of re-configurable HMI/telemetry and control utility (open-source, of course) similar to LabVIEW. I've been searching around for one, but nothing so far that's fully usable... only bits and pieces.
I look forward to the next step in your project's development, as always.
Kris.
Hi Kris, thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, there isn't a forum yet. Once I have released the Beta, I will work on the website, because this is just a blog, and has a lot of constraints.
I don't understand exactly the "HMI/telemetry and control utility" thing. Please tell me your thoughts about that. Thanks!
Cheers,
Julián
Hi Julián,
ReplyDeleteHMI (Human-Machine Interface) and telemetry (mostly data acquisition and monitoring via HMI, often from a distance) is an important aspect of instrumentation and control.
A good example is LabVIEW from National Instruments. It's a very nice piece of instrumentation and control software, but it's proprietary. A stripped down version is used in LEGO's Mindstorms NXT. It provides HMI (Human-Machine Interface) functionality, data acquisition, and lots more.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
Kris
Hi Kris!
ReplyDeleteSo now I think that I understand what you are talking about. And I can tell you that data logging was already in the roadmap, because there are functions in the Arduino core that supports SD cards, and I was planning to work on that in a future version. About making Minibloq able to show acquired data in the computer screen (perhaps in real time), I have big plans, but not for the near future, sadly.
Thanks!
Julián
Hey Julián,
ReplyDeleteYep, that's pretty much it. I did eventually come across something close to being useful out-of-the-box:
http://www.genlogic.com/free_community_edition.html
Though it seems to have a lot of Java and VB.NET items, it gives you an idea of what Minibloq can potentially work in conjunction with. If I come across anything else that's more "native." I'll be sure to pass it on your way.
Cheers,
Kris.
Thanks again! Seems great. Well, in the future who knows? I hope this kind of things will grow after the sources becomes available for everybody.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Julián