The Handy Board

USB Interface

The Handy Board has a USB-serial interface for communications with the host computer.

Handy Board USB-Serial Interface Board

The USB Interface has similar features as the original Serial Interface:

• RJ11 telephone-style cable to connect to Handy Board
• trickle and rapid charge modes for Handy Board’s built-in nicad battery
• charge circuit powered by external 12v, 500mA DC adapter

It also provides communications with the Handy Board via the USB connection.  The board has a driver chip from FTDI; download the “VCP” (virtual COM port) driver for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux) from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.

Here is a schematic of the USB Interface Board. In addition to connecting to the Handy Board’s serial communications lines, the USB board also provides 0.1” headers for connecting to your own TTL-level serial circuit.  Pads for supplying +5v, ground, TxD, and RxD are available.

3 Responses

1. USB Interface info posted – The Handy Board

   June 30, 2009 at 7:09 pm | Log in to reply.

   [...] ListPCB LayoutsExpansion BoardInstallationSoftwareSchematicRevision HistoryUSB InterfacePurchaseFAQGeneral FAQsCan I have some quick-start information, please?Where is the old Handy Board [...]

2. Pedro A. Diaz-Gomez

   July 8, 2009 at 8:54 pm | Log in to reply.

   Please tell me what ports to use for the Optical Rangefinder and for encoders.

   Thanks in advance for your time.

   Pedro A

3. Paul Castiglione

   August 6, 2009 at 11:20 am | Log in to reply.

   do you have a part list for the usb interface board