Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 10

SM2496 TNC Modules are Now Available!

$99 SM2496 TNC Modules Now Available from Shine Micro, Inc.

(PORT LUDLOW, WA, Feb.22, 2002) The Shine Micro SM2496-TNC module for the Handspring� Visor� is now available from www.SM2496.com . Due to the level of interest in the Amateur Radio TNC/APRS applications for the SM2496, Shine Micro, Inc. is releasing two non-MP3 module versions.

The SM2496 fits flush in the Springboard� Expansion slot of the Visor, and will be a Springboard module when approved by Handspring.

The $99.00 SM2496-02 uses the
TMS320VC5402 100 MIPS DSP with 16K words of RAM. This represents the smallest, most powerful, programmable DSP module ever produced at this price. It is available for non-MP3 applications only.

The $199.00 SM2496-16M uses the TMS320VC5416 160 MIPS DSP with 128K words of RAM. This is the module that has been in Beta testing for both MP3 and TNC/modem applications. It is currently available as a TNC/modem only. An MP3 software upgrade will be available later in 2002.
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Both modules use the high quality TLV320AIC23 24 bit 96 KHz codec from Texas Instruments, and limited quantities of each are immediately available at www.SM2496.com. Full production is scheduled later this year.

The SM2496-TNC is a totally open source platform. Schematics of the modules will be available online at www.shinemicro.com . All DSP and PalmOS source and executable code is also available online, along with starter applications and a software development kit. A JTAG interface version (with cable) is available for serious DSP developers.

The SM2496-MP3 and SM2496-MP3R versions are still in Beta testing and will be available later in 2002. Check out www.shinemicro.com for all of the details!

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

This all looks pretty neat, but I think they need some help with their branding....

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Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 70

I wish I could have taken time away from manning the local ARES/RACES table at the weekend ham fest to talk to these people. *grin* I'm VERY interested in this. My current packet set up is a laptop and a box that's 12x8x6. *sigh* Yes, this includes a battery, and room for my handheld, but geez... do it on my Neo, and I can carry everything I normally carry anyway!

Dana

Registered: Sep 2001
Location: Singapore
Posts: 174

Erm, can you try to simplify the tech-speak?

I don't understand all the acroynms... !!!

But I'm pretty interested in this...

How does this compare with the SoundsGood and MiniJam? ANyone??

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I still love my Visor Prism

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 32

I agree with Zip...

It seems interesting from several angles for me, but I don't quite follow exactly what each module does or could do.

Branding definately needs some help... at least give the modules names rather than sku numbers.

Thanks!

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HRdude

"There's no birthday party for me here!"

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

I think everyone except DanaWheels may be missing the point here. These things seem to be targetted towards amateur radio/studio geeks. They probably won't have any problem with a part number being the name of the module.

Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 70

quote:

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Originally posted by Toby
I think everyone except DanaWheels may be missing the point here. These things seem to be targetted towards amateur radio/studio geeks. They probably won't have any problem with a part number being the name of the module.

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Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 70

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zip-Zilla
Erm, can you try to simplify the tech-speak?

I don't understand all the acroynms... !!!

But I'm pretty interested in this...

How does this compare with the SoundsGood and MiniJam? ANyone??

---

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 4

How much memory?

I'd buy one if I could figure out which one I want. I'd love to double up on functions for an audio module. As I understand it, the $199 SM2496-16M will be the only one that can double as an MP3 player later this summer.

Now, the 8 MB of flash...the web site says it's meant to hold programs. What about music? Will the module access on-board flash for these files? Or is that what the MMC socket is for? I suppose the 128K is DRAM.

What is the reason the SM2496-02 is not planned to get the upgrade? Is 60 MHz that much of a difference?

Thanks,

TomB

Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 70

Re: How much memory?

quote:

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Originally posted by tbusch
I'd buy one if I could figure out which one I want. I'd love to double up on functions for an audio module. As I understand it, the $199 SM2496-16M will be the only one that can double as an MP3 player later this summer.

Now, the 8 MB of flash...the web site says it's meant to hold programs. What about music? Will the module access on-board flash for these files? Or is that what the MMC socket is for? I suppose the 128K is DRAM.

What is the reason the SM2496-02 is not planned to get the upgrade? Is 60 MHz that much of a difference?

Thanks,

TomB

---

Well, since the MP3 upgrade is software/firmware related, I'm sure the one with 8 megs of flash will hold music. *grin* I just wish it didn't use Memory Stick so I didn't have to buy another reader so I could copy it to my computer or something. *sigh*

Email them and ask!

DanaWheels

Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 10

If you want to be able to play and record MP3 (later this year) then the SM2496-16 is the one for you. It includes a more powerful DSP and the Multi Media Card (MMC) socket for storage of MP3 files.

The 8Mbit flash is for storing PalmOS programs that run when the module is inserted into the Visor, not for MP3 storage.

The SM2496 is essentially a soundcard for the Visor, it just needs the software to allow it to do things like generate sounds for games, act as a voice recorder, music tuner, etc.

All of the current software is Open Source and available from the http://www.shinemicro.com website, I released a new SDK last friday that includes the full source for the Visor and DSP programs used in the Amateur Radio applications.

We also have a web forum over at http://www.shinemicro.com/forums for any developers interested in discussing the SDK.

Thanks for your interest,

Brian Lane
Lead Programmer
Shine Micro, Inc.