.net-micro-framework
I'm a .NET developer interested in the .NET Gadgeteer. Based on what's public, how does it compare to other devices?
If you're interested, here is a Channel9 video that shows you how to use VS2010 to create an embedded application. It is due to release in Spring of 2011…
TinyCLR produces several different boards that support the .Net Micro Framework, the most popular was once the Fez Domino, now deprecated and replaced by the Fez Panda II:
FEZ (Freakin' Easy!) is a tiny open-source board running Microsoft .NET Micro Framework. This means, you can write code with much more efficiency using C# programming language under free Microsoft Visual C# express. Build your next projects in minutes by connecting FEZ Domino to one of the shields or the many available components. Includes USB cable.
Many libraries are already included like FAT file system, threading, USB Client, USB Host, UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, PWM, ADC, DAC and many more.
FEZ offers many features not found in Arduino, BASIC STAMP and others:
- Based on Microsoft''s .NET Micro Framework.
- Runs on 72Mhz NXP ARM processors.
- Supports runtime debugging (breakpoints, variable inspection, stepping, etc.)
- Use Visual C# 2010 Express Edition for development.
- Advanced capabilities like FAT, USB device and USB host.
- Easily upgrades to hardware such as EMX.
- Open source hardware design files.
- Use existing shields and holder boards.
- Based on the USBizi chipset (ideal for commercial use).
- FEZ Mini is BS2 pin-out compatible with extra I/Os.
- FEZ Domino is Arduino pin-out compatible with extra I/Os.
SkippyFire, you can add an SD card using the v4.1.1 firmware and an expansion shield. The Adafruit MicroSD expansion card also works.
There is a feature within .NET Micro Framework called "ExtendedWeakReferences" which can be used if you recompile the firmware and enable it--but I'd highly recommend using MicroSD instead. Simpler, standard, and powerful.
Chris
Best Answer
You might want to take a look at the Netduino platform . It also uses .NET Micro framework, so you can develop and debug in standard Visual Studio. And it is largely hardware compatible with Arduino accessories, so there are a lot of hardware modules out there that you can connect to it without having to design them from scratch. Not all Arduino shields are compatible, so you may want to check out the list on the forums on the Netduino site. Low-cost as well ($35 from SparkFun and some other vendors).
The Netduino Plus has just been released, and it adds onboard Ethernet and microSD, with libraries to drive them. There is also a Netduino Mini, on a small DIP carrier.
Anyway, if you want something small and cheap that you can use to control hardware and still be able to develop in .NET, take a look.