SARL  mécASTROnic
FAQ Ethernaude (English)


Accueil

You can make a research by keyword with standard function of your explorer.

1- What is "complete device" (does I need to order something else) ?
        The complete Ethernaude device don't include the power source needed for its normal use. But it is very simple to modify your Audine power source to keep a 12V from inside using a wire and a 3.5mm base jack and wire. Then you'll use a extra wire with to jack to plug in the Ethernaude. You need too a network cable (cross if you want to plus Ethernaude directly to your computer, and right if you use a hub or switch). Then the Ethernaude device is deliver (with insurance), user and technical manual, software to change IP address and new release for PRISM (if your have licence agreement) and Audela (in first time).

2- What is "nude device for AlAudine" (how can I order a regulated power AlAudine and who will integrate the Ethernaude on it and the cost of that) ?
        Is named "nude EthernAude device for AlAudine" only the two board together, without the box neither some internal cables, regulation components, ... It must be integrate inside an AlAudine NT and will be deliver a little time later (I will make an order status with Robert SOUBIE to save corresponding AlAudine). The payment of AlAudine is at your charge (see directly with Robert).
        You can prefer integrate yourself the Ethernaude device in your own power source or other, in this case, this release (seem to be OEM) is sell at a very attractive price if your a little bit handyman.

3- What is the purpose of the EtherIO board alone and how does it work ?
        This board is for experts only that want to drive anything on the Ethernet network. The equipment need to bring all the necessary to dialog with the EtherIO board (a micro controller in particular) and to power the board. Some accessories already work (see EtherIO page). The EtherIO board include two FIFO that transmit order and data with asynchronous method between the two board. An EEPROM will keep some information and a SRAM memory is used as a buffer with the network. It bring a serial RS232 port too thanks to a MAX232. The software inside the micro controller of the EtherIO board is enough flexible to avoid modification for this purpose. The software inside the micro controller of your application is your job. Some accessories will be offer to you in some weeks (motor drive, power relay, ...).

4- What network cable do I need (do I need Hub or Switch) ?
        In the case of an indirect connexion between the camera and your computer with a right calbe, it's better to use a SWITCH rather than a HUB. In fact, on a HUB, the frequency band is divided between all the ports, even though it is the same (and maximum) on all ports with a SWITCH. In local department store we can find a NETGEAR kit with one SWITCH100 / 5 ports, two PCI cards 10/100 et two right cables for 119 Euros (it's very interesting and that's work very fine).
        Recent switchs (professional with 16 ports) are "autosense" on every ports. They accept cross calbes and right cable without any question. The last port of normal SWITCH can work to connect switchs together. This port use a inverter to be configured. We can plug the computer with a right cable to the switch and the camera with a cross cable on the last port of the switch...
        In the case of a direct connexion, you must use a cross cable. As you can use it to connect two computer together without using a Hub ou a Switch. You can find them easily in computer shop or others at a good price.
    Another thing (don't offer here) is that some network cable are shielded (a part of the plug is in metal and a conductive sheet wrap the wire). This is not needed here for the Ethernaude because the internal plug is in plastic and this kind of shielded plug are only used in interference environment and when the speed is very critic (100Mbits and more). But if it is on your cable, that is not a problem.

5- Do I need a special power source (regulated or not) to use the Ethernaude device properly (and the EtherIO board alone) ?
        The EthernAude device needs, to work properly, a power source from 7 to 15V and will consume near 500mA on 5V (internal regulated). This power come from a jack base of 3.5mm. It is very easy to keep this power from the normal Audine power source (this prevent to plug another wire to the wall). This modification is easy, even if your are not a handyman and will be detailed in technical manual (I only warning you on the polarity of the source). 
        If you really don't do this modification, you need to purchase a special power adaptor with a 3.5mm jack plug. It's not included in the ev11 device... (but you probably already have this in your house). The "basr" adaptor is universal, and you will use it for others assembly.
        The EtherIO board need a power source too (when it is not plug on then EtherAudine board). You must provide a regulated 5V (because it is not done by the board). It is at your charge to bring this power source with your assembly.

6- What is the purpose of a shorter replacement cable for Audine ?
        This cable allow you to replace the multicolour ribbon of 5 meters that connect the camera and your computer. Shorter is this cable and better will be the transmission of data. Replacement of this cable is not obligatory, it is possible to simply cut your own cable (on a flat portion) to make two shorter (you need two little connector to crimp). This ribbon is very expensive. I Warning you for the crimping of the connector, make attention on the side of the cable because the connectors are for only one use (you can't open them after the first close).

7- Do I need to change my software to drive my camera with Ethernaude ?
        No. But you will need to make an upgrade (some will be bring with the device). Software that actually support the Ethernaude device is Prism and Audela. The first pre-run will help us to integrate the Ethernaude un others current software. Upgrades will be possible by Internet.

8- How do I configure my Ethernaude device to plug it in my existing network ?
        If you already have a network, you will need to find a free IP address for the Ethernaude (it don't work with DHCP functions, this is a mean to automatically affect IP address and it is sometimes use to share Internet access between many computer with Windows 98). You will use a little software bring with the device, that can let you enter the IP address you want, as many time you want. This is use a broadcast call that is understand by the Ethernaude.

9- Why does each device require two CCD reference  (KAF400/1600, KAF400/3200, ...) ?
        The software, included in the micro controller of the Etheraudine board, drive the Audine camera with optimal orders. The software is specific for each CCD reference (different size of device but different clock form too...). We have enough space in the memory for 2 release. The choice is obtained by a jumper inside the Ethernaude device. If you tell us your Audine reference with your order, the Ethernaude will be already configured before send it to you. Don't worry, if you change your CCD device and that the Ethernaude doesn't include the right software, we only need to reprogram the micro controller to make it work properly. This behaviour will help us to adapt the Ethernaude device to others camera later.

10- Can I use an USB to LAN (network) adaptor with the Ethernaude ?
        If your notebook don't have a network port inside it, you need to add one. You can do that by two ways, using a PCMCIA LAN10/100 card or using an USB to LAN adaptor. The first one work perfectly. The second one don't have already been tested but, some with a pre-run Ethernaude must do that for us. If you purchase an Ethernaude and you want to use this sort of device and finally that don't work, you will be immediately refund on simple demand, without penalty.

Others Questions/Answers coming soon !

Envoyez un email à mathieu.senegas@mecastronic.com pour toute question ou remarque concernant ce site Web.

Send an email to mathieu.senegas@mecastronic.com for any question or remark concerning this Web site.

Dernière mise à jour / Last update : 30 juin/june 2011
SARL mécASTROnic    3,rue du Gué    02120 LANDIFAY ET BERTAIGNEMONT    -    RCS Vervins 44286902000036