ybox2

ybox2_altoids/DSC04075 Finished_ybox2/DSC03724 ybox2_altoids/DSC04057 ybox2_altoids/DSC04010

The ybox2 is the second-generation networked set-top box in an Altoids tin. Inspired by the original ybox, created by Uncommon Projects. Total cost to build one is around $50, much cheaper than the original.

Kits are now available! See below for details.

Hardware features include:

Ratings:

  • Input voltage: v1.1: 6-9 volts DC (Higher voltages will cause excessive heat)
  • Input current: 250mA average, 300mA max

Software Features:

  • Bootloader which allows upgrades over the network (Requires 64KB EEPROM)
  • Integrated web server
  • DHCP

Kits

You can buy the ybox2 kit from Adafruit Industries for $75, which will save you from having to try and find all of the parts yourself. You can also buy just the ybox2 board for $15.

Board and Schematic

v1.0 board

ybox2 ybox2schematic

v1.1 board (Adafruit version)

coming soon

Parts List

You can find the most up-to-date parts and price list here. Note: The parts list is for the v1.1 boards! The v1.0 boards have a different regulator and a common cathode LED.

Source Code

The source code for this project can be found on my Subversion repository at the following URL:

You can either browse the sources there directly, or check them out yourself.

Related Documents

Related Links

Useful resources

Pictures

ybox2proto/DSC03694 ybox2proto/DSC03695 ybox2proto/DSC03701 DSC03703 Finished_ybox2/DSC03714 Finished_ybox2/DSC03725 Finished_ybox2/DSC03726 ybox2_altoids/DSC04001 ybox2_altoids/DSC04007 ybox2_altoids/DSC04009 ybox2_altoids/DSC04010 ybox2_altoids/DSC04015 ybox2_altoids/DSC04016 ybox2_altoids/DSC04019 ybox2_altoids/DSC04023 ybox2_altoids/DSC04025 ybox2_altoids/DSC04027 ybox2_altoids/DSC04033 ybox2_altoids/DSC04037 ybox2_altoids/DSC04038 ybox2_altoids/DSC04043 ybox2_altoids/DSC04046 ybox2_altoids/DSC04057 ybox2_altoids/DSC04059 ybox2_altoids/DSC04060 ybox2_altoids/DSC04061 ybox2_altoids/DSC04065 ybox2_altoids/DSC04066 ybox2_altoids/DSC04075 ybox2_altoids/DSC04070 293434895_ySeim-O_2 ybox2clip-on/DSC05855 ybox2 XBee Shield

Pictures from other people

dgswaner_ybox2 2282454502_38703ae2f1_o 2281665659_8bba46db09_o 2282454138_24352cac88_o 2278216081_2d2e02f59d_o 2278221987_3284f50b2c_o 2333883317_8d890b5f9a_o

Also check out the ybox2 flickr tag!


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19 Comments for “ybox2”

  1. Jason Gilroy Says:

    Will kits be available? I have an original ybox and would love one of these. Is it a tougher build?

    -j

  2. Dave Says:

    What about us non-programmers who'd LOVE to get one of these? Is the construction and set up impossible?

  3. technabob Says:

    Looks great. Way to improve upon the original.

  4. Alex Says:

    I just found the ybox2 on lady ada's site. It really looks fantastic. I can't wait to get my hands on it. It looks so hacker-friendly. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Alex

  5. MorsoFIN Says:

    Can I somehow install more memory on it cuz 32KB ain't much.

    Or is it possible to build USB port in it. If it is, has somebody already done it so I could ask for help?

  6. uts Says:

    simply love the ybox2... and now feel inspired to have a spin... but can't seem to access the src code repository - is your svn down, gone, down and gone, or just momentarily sleeping?

  7. darco* Says:

    No, the repository is up, I just checked.

    http://svn.deepdarc.com/code/ybox2/trunk/

  8. ricky Says:

    what exactly is the purpose of that chip on top of the original in your mod?

  9. darco* Says:

    I don't understand which chip you are referring to. There are three chips on the board:

    • The EEPROM Chip, which contains the program. (small)
    • The Ethernet Controller chip. (medium)
    • The propeller microcontroller. (large)
  10. ricky Says:

    in this picture:

    http://www.deepdarc.com/module/album/getpic/pic-1313-thumb.jpeg

  11. darco* Says:

    That is a darlington transistor array chip, which I was using to drive some high-power LEDs.

  12. JuJuBee Says:

    Love the Infowidget. How can I change the refresh rate from thirty seconds to 10? I tried to change "inforefreshperiod long 30 ' in seconds" to 10 and it was giving errors on the refresh page display? Do I need to change other parameters as well?

    Keep up the geat work - You Rock!

  13. Sharif Says:

    Is there any space for implementing voip/sip client on the -Propeller in YBox2 or as an add-on to the current YBOX2?

  14. darco* Says:

    No one has done it, but it is something that I have given thought to. I believe that it is possible to create a SIP phone using a propeller chip as the brain and network stack. I just don't have the time to hack on it at the moment.

  15. Sharif Says:

    O.K. - I mean, ADDING to the YBox so one can have an info appliance capable of doing everything Ybox! is currently doing AND also doing VOIP

  16. darco* Says:

    It would have to be added to the widget, but yes, it is theoretically possible to do so.

    It would be a considerable software engineering effort to do so however. Not impossible, just a lot of work.

  17. davejenson* Says:

    Just picked up (won in a raffle actually) a YBox2 at the Unofficial Propeller Expo West. It fires up fine. My question is about the bootloader. This one says v1.1a806x. Is the source available for this version? I'd like to have it in case I blow this on e away accidentally.

    Thanks.

  18. darco* Says:

    The source code to everything ybox2 can be found in the subversion repository here.

    The number after the version corresponds to the SVN revision number.

    Hope you enjoy your new ybox2! Let me know if you do anything cool with it. :)

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