Custom BlackBerry-Like Arduino System

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Troubleshooting
1

Hello. I'm a beginner to the Arduino so I'm still getting used to everything. I have, however, used C++ for the past two years and am quite well at it. Since Wiring is based on C, I hope I don't find any trouble using it.

My project is to create a BlackBerry-Like Arduino system. Of course, I can just use the TouchShield Slide. But I don't want to spend $175+ for just the screen and another $45 for an arduino. This with other parts will total $250+. That's why I want to create this system with the least costs possible. I searched the net and found all I might need.

These are all the parts that I want:

  1. Arduino Mega
  2. 2.8" TFT Color LCD (http://www.nuelectronics.com/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=19)
  3. MP3 Shield (micro4you.com is for sale | HugeDomains)
  4. ButtonShield (http://www.liquidware.com/shop/show/BUT/ButtonShield)
  5. DoubleWide Extender
  6. Lithium Battery Pack
  7. Mid-Range Speakers (For sound output from the MP3 Shield)
  8. Accelerometer

I'd like to know what you think about it. Is it possible? Do you have any recommendations? Advice?

Thanks in advance..............

2

Is it possible?

Depends on what features of the BlackBerry you want to implement. Want to tell us more about that?

3

Thanks for the reply!! :smiley:

what features of the BlackBerry you want to implement

For now, I'm not aiming for a full blackberry system. Nothing fancy for the time being. I just want to implement the basics and build on from there. For example, I want the screen to display a picture, say a car. Then with the touch of a certain area of that pic, say a tire, the MP3 Shield will play a mp3 file that say "The Tire" or something of that sort.

I know this is not impossible as only the sky is the limit with an arduino and determination. But I'm asking about the difficulty.

By the way, when I say BlackBerry I mean something that looks like a BlackBerry but is actually more of a PDA.

For example, I don't intend to include internet capabilities, text message, etc.

4

I just want to implement the basics and build on from there. For example, I want the screen to display a picture, say a car. Then with the touch of a certain area of that pic, say a tire, the MP3 Shield will play a mp3 file that say "The Tire" or something of that sort.

That is more in the do-able range. The picture that gets displayed will need to be pretty small, since the entire graphic needs to be in memory at once, in order to send it to the screen. Might need a Mega to be able to manage a reasonable display.

Responding to touches, knowing where they occur, and playing an MP3 file are relatively easy.

5

Once again, thanks for the explanation.

I have a few questions.

The picture that gets displayed will need to be pretty small, since the entire graphic needs to be in memory at once, in order to send it to the screen.

Is there any way to solve this problem? For instance, can the memory be upgraded? I'm ready for a little soldering if required.

I'll be using a Mega so will a full-screen picture work?

By the way, do I have to upload a pic to a website, like tinypic, to attach an image in a post? I drew some diagrams and wanted to share it with you.....

6

This is the chip on the Duemilanove that has the memory limit.

I'm not sure where you'd go about soldering on more memory.

I'll be using a Mega so will a full-screen picture work?

If the screen is small enough.

By the way, do I have to upload a pic to a website, like tinypic, to attach an image in a post?

Yes.

7

OK These are two designs I made with Paint.

Arduino Project Design

This is how I want everything to be positioned. Just an idea I might modify it later on. But I think this is a good start.

ButtonShield Key Functions

This is how I want each key to operate. Some keys have a one alternate mode and some have two alternate modes. Again, this is just another concept. I'm still not fixed on anything.

Please give me your recommendations and advice. What do you think of the design? Any improvements needed? Thanks... :slight_smile:

8

Is it possible to change the function of each key when an the alt button is pressed? I want to use the bottom-left corner key for caps-lock so I'll need another button to switch the keypad to alternate modes. Please reply quickly as I wish to start the project as soon as possible.

Thanks

9

Is it possible to change the function of each key when an the alt button is pressed?

You're writing the code. You tell how you are going to write code to handle the "alt" button.

10

Thanks for the help.
I'll post pics and video once I'm done.