From e6c6035aace0aa7dfd399df4d38fff0dc98000cc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: lampmerchant <66847847+lampmerchant@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2022 22:10:11 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Create README.md --- README.md | 36 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 36 insertions(+) create mode 100644 README.md diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..492c35e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +# TashTalk + +## Elevator Pitch + +It's a LocalTalk interface, contained entirely within a single Microchip PIC12F1840 (8 pins, ~$1.50) microcontroller. + +It handles all the time-sensitive aspects of LocalTalk, bidirectionally bitbanging the SDLC and FM0 (a.k.a. differential +Manchester) based protocol at the data link and physical layers, sending and responding to control frames with CRC +calculation and checking, and collision avoidance and retransmission. It can also respond to any number/combination of +node IDs for use in bridging applications. It can be interfaced directly to user-mode software on a Raspberry Pi or +BeagleBone or full PC, or it can be part of a larger embedded system. It slices, it dices, etc. + + +## Project Status + +Stable. + + +## Caveats + +Because of the PIC12F1840's limited memory and the way its UART is used, the host's UART needs to be able to handle a baud +rate of 1 Mbps. Conventional UARTs don't expect to be pushed beyond 115.2 kbps. In addition, the PIC has a 128-byte receiver +queue, which is considerably smaller than the largest possible LocalTalk frame (605 bytes). As such, the host needs to respect +when the CTS hardware flow control line is deasserted so the queue doesn't overflow and be quick about resuming transmission +when CTS is reasserted so the queue doesn't underflow either. + +Also, "single-chip" doesn't include the separate and necessary driver/receiver chip for RS-422/485. Sorry. =) + + +## Projects Using It + +* [TashTalkHat](https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/tashtalk-single-chip-localtalk-interface.38955/page-4#post-422138) + by bdurbrow - hat for Raspberry Pi +* [AirTalk](https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/introducing-and-interest-check-airtalk-wireless-plug-and-play-localtalk-dongles.39661/) + by cheesestraws - wireless plug-and-play LocalTalk dongle +* Yours? =)