Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] USRP2 UART use

[John Orlando]

On Tue, Oct 19, 2010 at 8:14 PM,  <address@hidden> wrote:
>
> We're exploring the possibility of monitoring the overrun/underrun status via 
> the USRP2 UART.
>
> I'm curious to learn what approaches people have taken to do this (e.g., 
> connect the UART to a logic analyzer, use a level shifter -> RS232 -> host 
> serial/USB port, etc.).
>
> I'd also like to know what other information is available via this port and 
> any other information people can share about there experience using the UART 
> port.
>
> I've found some level shifter cables that seem ideal and aren't too expensive 
> (<$30), but I'd like to hear what (if anything) other folks are doing.

We use a UART-to-USB converter board from Sparkfun for accessing the
UART on the USRP2, typically plugged into minicom:

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=10009

Cheap, simple, and the FTDI Linux drivers work fine at 230.4 Kbps (the
rate of the UART on the USRP2).

We've instrumented the USRP2 firmware at different times with debug
messages to understand what is going on, but that is about it.  It can
be very helpful for the right situation.

-- 
John Orlando
CEO/System Architect
Epiq Solutions
www.epiq-solutions.com