Opta PWM, I2C, or SPI capability?

Official Hardware Opta
1

Hey folks, new to Arduino and considering the Opta for a project. Interested in controlling string LED lights. Using the analog outputs, will the frequency be high enough to send the serial data? Let me know if there's something I'm missing, thanks!

2

Please provide the link to the "string LEDs"

3

In this specific example, the question would be if the Opta has any SPI capable outputs!

5

The Opta only has 8 inputs wich are programmable as analog or digital and has no analog outputs. It does not provide I2C pins or SPI. Communication only possible troughout RS485, RJ45 and Wifi.

Correct me if i am wrong.

6

I was just in disbelief when I first saw the product that there were zero digital outputs! I thought I must be imagining things. Makes it difficult to use in a number of applications, but as a network controller, still plenty useful. Thanks everyone for chiming in!

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7

There is a so-called expansion port, TBD. I'm hoping it's SPI

8

The procesor PCB on OPTE features 10 lines on onboard expansion connector. Discounting 3V(?) power, 8 lines are available. So, it could support I2C + 4 SPI devices.
I'm pretty sure it will enable both protocols. Maybe there is room for PWM, but direct connectio to MCU may cause problems without adequate interfacing with the wild exeternal world. The lack of schematics is a big issue on this product.

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9

I agree. I have purchased two Opta's to evaluate for a project, but without a schematic it is difficult to defend a design.

10

I've got an Opta RS485 and was also horrified that there were no digital output pins, but I've just written the following code:

pinMode(PIN_A0, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(PIN_A0, HIGH);

Connecting my multimeter to I1 and the - port, I appear to get about 3V on the pin. Not sure how sustainable this is and it doesn't appear to be documented.

Why? I'm on a quest to get RX/TX on any of the I1-8 ports for UART comms. Preferably with h/w UART, but a software one if I can't find a way to do that.

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11

I have just ordered some Optas for a project and was looking for a HMI solution. Came across this thread and found this video which demonstrates its possible to access I2C but its certainly not an out-of-the-box experience.

12

There is a way to use 3V3 RX/TX with AUX connector

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