Date
Friday, 28 Jul 2017 7:30 PM
We are getting ready to Dive into FPGAs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8POZhFHxBLs
Verilog is an HDL – Hardware Description Language. You use blocks of code to represent digital circuits that are created dynamically on an FGPA.
We will be using Lattice Diamond to compile the Verilog.
You can download a sample Lattice project folder, as zip file, here: https://www.mocomakers.com/fgpa/
The example shows how to use our FGPA for Blinky – blinking the onboard LED.
We will tip-toe into this world with simple examples. At this meetup we will start with some basics:
• As much syntax as we have time for
• Modifying the blinky design
• Establishing the digital read of a button (later we will be doing a full keyboard)
In the meantime, we are looking for high quality, to the point, ‘maker-friendly’ learning resources for Verilog and FGPA project examples.
To start with here are a few learning resources:
https://www.altera.com/support/training/course/ohdl1120.html
http://www.rrsg.uct.ac.za/courses/EEE4084F/Resources/Practicals/Prac5/Verilog%20Resources/Verilog_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
http://vol.verilog.com/VOL/main.htm – Chapter 2 for now
Note that we are voting on the name of our community developed FPGA project now:
https://www.meetup.com/MoCoMaker/polls/1251854/
Find us at this location:
Red Brick Courthouse
29 Courthouse Square
Rockville, MD 20850
We are on the second floor (take the elevator).
From the main entrance, go to the end of the hall. Take the elevator on the left. We will be on the second floor. Note, use only the elevator, and not the stairs which have alarms.
This is walking distance from downtown Rockville, and only 6 minutes walking from the Rockville Metro Station!!
Parking is abundant around the area, and you should find a lot or garage that is free after-hours using this website:
http://www.rockvilleparking.com/
If you’re willing to pay $4 for close-in parking, go to the garage diagonally opposite the Red Brick Courthouse, with the entrance on Maryland Avenue.
Our members had success parking for free at the lot –
11 N Washington St.
Rockville, MD
This lot is on the same street as the main entrance to the Red Brick Court House. This garage has tight turns in it. It is the alley immediately behind the green M&T Bank sign and before the main intersection as shown here:
Here is a useful map for finding this garage – http://bit.ly/2pUkW1d
A thank you goes to:
Montgomery County’s Innovation Program
for providing space access.
We look forward to seeing you at this event. If you need help finding the room, please call 301-944-2862.
Upcoming meetings include:
Introduction to drones – fly for entertainment, or for science!
After this, maybe we should build a 3D printed drone?
• Facial recognition based locks – keys are overrated
• Swarm robots – the sum is greater than the parts! How far can we push simple robots to do complex things?
• Youth-focused maker events – children are more empowered than ever. They can teach us a thing or two.
Come out to learn how to participate, how to get your ideas made, and how to find help for your projects! We have experts in 3D printing, electronics, design, and more. We are a diverse crew of people, with interesting experiences and passions.
Be part of the movement. Come out and help your local MakerSpace.
We help make prototypes! We take your idea to the next level. Join a culture of collaboration. As always, we have Open Lab, where you can tinker on your project.
Experience our weekly Friday night MakerSpace meetings. All are welcome to hack/build, network, and collaborate at these events.
Discover, learn, and work together on:
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Automation
• 3D Printing or Micro-production
• Robots
• Microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc..
• Big Data and Sensors
• Computer Science
• Technology Entrepreneurship
Learn a new skill, get help, and offer help.
If you are working on a project then bring your own equipment and supplies.
We accept donations of: soldering stations, 3D printers, microcontrollers/programmers, motors, parts, and other tools.