Aruidno MEGA is amazing, but when I use it , I always think that there so many I/Os I can not use with my shields. One day, a thought come into my mind: I can divide the 4 UARTs and 16 analog inputs into 4 units, then each unit will have 4 analog inputs, one UART and I2Cs.
Finally after a few days, I come up with a complete idea: break out MEGA into 4 UNO R3 interfaces, each unit has one UART, 2 I2Cs and 4 analog inputs. Two of the 4 units have the same SPI interface(Unit 1 and Unit 3), and the other two units have the same ICSP of ATmega2560 (datasheet), and I name it - Mega Olympic, which not only can expand vertically but also can extend laterally, and almost compatible with all the shields designed for the Arduino UNO, Duemilanove or Diecimila and their clones.
I hate to rain on your parade but if the Olympic Committee lawyers spot that logo on your board they ... ur ... well ... this should give you an idea of what to expect...
I think that's one of the sexiest adaptations of an Arduino board that I've seen so far. I haven't used the Mega because I don't think my projects have pushed the Uno to it's limits yet, but I finally see a brilliant use for it. Part design, part engineering, wholly amazing.
Well, a controversy for the Arduino community wouldn't be bad. Think of all the free publicity and recognition the knitting folk are getting for their passion. We'll start our own petition and letters
Quick suggestion. The SPI going into the lower right corner uses the same SS pin as the one on the top left. If you used a different IO pin for the bottom one, it would be possible to use both at the same time without having a jumper wire on one of the sheilds.
And yeah, the name breaches intellectual property laws on the olympic trademark.
Neat idea and layout. I would suggest if you can, put some separation between the four quarter planes, to allow for using multiple shields that overhang somewhat over the UNO pin layout. In your photo, it looks like the shields at the upper left (ethernet) and lower right (display) might not work if they were side by side. I wonder if you might have power problems if you are trying to use four full shields at the same time.
I have thought about the legal issues. But I really want to put some Olympic elements into my design, so I only make a few dozens PCB, so that my idea of MEGA Olympic can come to life.
MichaelMeissner:
Neat idea and layout. I would suggest if you can, put some separation between the four quarter planes, to allow for using multiple shields that overhang somewhat over the UNO pin layout. In your photo, it looks like the shields at the upper left (ethernet) and lower right (display) might not work if they were side by side. I wonder if you might have power problems if you are trying to use four full shields at the same time.
I have thought of the separation between the 4 units. I think the separation is enough, the shields at the upper left (ethernet) and lower right (display) do work side by side, the illusion you see may cause by the angle of taking picture.
Power consumption is based on the shields you install. Most of the shields for arduino is low power consumption, so driving four shields hardly will be problem.
I'm not absolutely certain, but I believe the logo of the Olympics is a registered trademark in WIPO signatory countries (you may want to think carefully about this, and possibly consult a lawyer).
It is indeed. Currently LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) is chasing people down in the UK. It has been mentioned in one of the other identical threads.
Personally, being in the UK (but outside of London), I am already totally fed up of the Olympics, given that it has cost us over £9billion ($14 billion), when hospitals and schools are being closed due to lack of money, so something with the Olympic logos splattered over it would put me right off buying.
dxw00d:
It is indeed. Currently LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) is chasing people down in the UK. It has been mentioned in one of the other identical threads.
Personally, being in the UK (but outside of London), I am already totally fed up of the Olympics, given that it has cost us over £9billion ($14 billion), when hospitals and schools are being closed due to lack of money, so something with the Olympic logos splattered over it would put me right off buying.
I have thought about the legal issues. But I really want to put some Olympic elements into my design. So I make a few dozens PCB, so that my idea of MEGA Olympic can come to life.
I know. It's the same answer you gave on one of the other cross-posted threads. Doesn't change the fact that if you attempt to market them, and are discovered, you will be in trouble. Both the rings symbol and the word Olympic are legally protected.
Just looked at the linked web page and saw the back, with the London Olympic logo. You really are asking for trouble. LOCOG are fanatical about protecting their interests.
If you market them in quantity with that logo though you will be shat on from a great height. Meanwhile I think you are probably safe unless there is a LOCOG employee who is also an Arduino fan.
I have think of this condition, although the 2 units have SPI with same SS, you can sitll use two other SPI shields on the other two ICSP connectors, the SS won't be the same.
As for the same SS, most SPI shields have selectable SS pin, it also won't be a problem.
dxw00d:
I know. It's the same answer you gave on one of the other cross-posted threads. Doesn't change the fact that if you attempt to market them, and are discovered, you will be in trouble. Both the rings symbol and the word Olympic are legally protected.
Do you mean I can't named it - MEGA Olympic? I think olympic is just a work. As for the logo, may have legal issues, any way, I only make a few dozens. I really want my idea come to life.
I think olympic is just a work. As for the logo, may have legal issues,
I think Olympic is just an adjective too.
However, with the hoops, the London 2012 logo and the sporting connotations, I think you're on very dodgy ground, and I'm going to lock the thread pending an opinion from the forum administrators.
(Personally, I think Audi are sailing a little close to the wind with their logo, but what can you do?)
