Template:UGotherosSBC

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Testing Using Mac OS X

The steps are very similar to the Windows process described above:

  1. Ensure you have OS X 10.3.9 or later running.
  2. Download and run the Installer (software license)
  3. Click on System Preferences → Phidgets (under Other) to activate the Preference Pane
  4. Make sure that the Phidget SBC is properly attached to the network as described in the introductory video
  5. Double Click on the Phidget SBC in the Phidget Preference Pane to bring up the Web Interface in your default browser
  6. Or, click on the Bonjour tab to see attached Phidgets being run over the network and to bring up their examples

The address in the browser that connects to the SBC is either an IP address (such as 192.168.2.181) or a link local address, (such as phidgetsbc.local, which is the default). Note down the address in the browser, as you will need this information for later if you will be working directly with the SBC to perform tasks such as writing or running code. But for now, with the web interface open, we have a section to walk you through it.

Using Linux

With Linux, you have many setup options, but all involve knowing the IP address or link local address of the SBC after you have plugged it in as described in introductory video. The IP address can be somewhat difficult to obtain, but the default link local address for all new Phidget SBCs is phidgetsbc.local - which is an mDNS address. Wait at least three minutes after booting the SBC to make sure link local addressing is started. You'll also need some form of mDNS (either avahi or mDNSResponder) installed on your main computer. The avahi service is usually installed by default on most Linux machines, try which avahi-resolve to make sure. Then, try typing phidgetsbc.local into a web browser. The web interface should come up, starting with the Set the Password screen.

Note that some browsers (i.e. Google Chrome) combine search and addressing in the same address bar, so you may need to turn off Network service and prediction service in Preferences → Under The Bonnet for Chrome to treat phidgetsbc.local like a web address rather than a search term. If these steps do not bring you to the initial setup password screen as shown in the SBC Web Interface section, you will probably need to read the internet setup section on the SBC OS Page. That section contains more than just troubleshooting information - it includes in-depth information on how the SBC starts its network, your initial network configuration options, and how to connect to the SBC without mDNS using both DHCP and static IP.

If you want to use the SBC to broadcast data from Phidgets over a network, the SBC is already automatically performing this function with its attached Interface Kit, and will also do so for any Phidgets plugged into its USB ports. If this is your sole intended use of the SBC, you can skip ahead to our example on using the attached Interface Kit.

However, the SBC is much, much more than simply a way to get data from Phidgets over a network. You can use the SBC as an external Linux computer. You'll need to set a password using the SBC web interface, and write down a network address of the SBC (phidgetsbc.local, or an IP address if you worked through the internet setup section on the SBC OS Page). But after that, if no other sections in the basic SBC web interface section apply to you (using the webcam, setting up wireless networking, or checking system parameters like memory), you can skip ahead to the OS - Phidget SBC page.

Linux - Attached Interface Kit

As soon as the SBC boots and can connect to the network (either by DHCP or by mDNS/avahi), it begins broadcasting the state of its attached InterfaceKit over the network using the Phidget Network Server. To test the InterfaceKit on your Linux computer over the network, you will need to install the Phidget libraries and the Phidget Network Server if you haven't already. (If you have used any Phidget via USB and over a network on your Linux computer, you have already done this.) This process is described on the general Linux OS page, so follow those installation instructions, with the following modifications to the Linux Network Server introduction:

  • Instead of using a localhost (127.0.0.1) address, use the the SBC's IP or link local (phidgetsbc) address,
  • Instead of using the function call openRemoteIP in your code, use the function call openRemote, and the Interface Kit serial number which is on the back of the SBC.

Note that any attached analog sensors in the black ports will not show up over the Network Server as individual Phidgets. Rather, they will show up as part of the Interface Kit, through the port number that they are attached to on the SBC board.