I have long been an advocate of GHI Electronics and their development systems for use in my tinkering.

Today they announced something that I am going to add to my must have tinkering list.

The FEZ Spider Starter kit is now on the website for pre-order.

On a high level it includes:

• FEZ Spider Mainboard
• Display T35 Module (3.5" with touchscreen)
• USB Client DP Module (with USB cable)
• Camera Module
• 2x Multicolor LED Module (DaisyLink)
• 2x Button Module
• Ethernet J11D Module
• SD Card Module
• USB Host Module
• Extender Module
• JoystickModule

So for anyone looking to get starting with device building, robotics and/or tinkering this is a great place to begin.

And the best part.. the current price is only $250.

Well everyone, the time is upon us, for Orlando Code Camp 2011. We will be loading the Surfaces here in a little bit getting them ready to bring along. I will be around them all day answering questions and doing some demos.

I have finished up my presentation on the Introduction to .NET MicroFramework. This is the first time I will be presenting on this, so if I don’t do so hot, forgive me.

Hope to see you all there.

I will be leading a session, in the languages track, on the .Net Micro Framework. It’s a simple session in which I will cover the basics of developing and debugging.

I will be using the ChipWorkX development system from GHI Electronics.

Anyone interested in beginning embedded device development should attend. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to embedded development, and the .Net Micro Framework makes it all possible.

Well the chipworkx development module is here. It comes in a very unassuming box, simple with only a logo and some static device warnings. Opening the box you’ll find only the board and USB cable. I needed to find some power for my device, I located a spare power supply from an old external power supply that fit the bill perfectly. The device boots right up into a small demo application provided by GHI to show off some of the key features included with the development system.

Well, i finally got some free time after completing some major projects at work. So I’ve decided to get the ball rolling.

My project is simple, i would like a better alarm system for my home. My requirements are simple…

1. Build a dependable and reliable alarm system using existing commercial off the shelf (COTS) components.
2. Recieve notifications or alerts at any system change.
3. Provide a web interface
4. Develop a mobile applicaiton or website for control and status updates.

So, i’ve am ready to start making some initial decisions on the development of my alarm. I am going to start with the ChipworkX Development System, available from GHI Electronics.

I am going to make all of the code available through CodePlex.

Once i get all the puzzle pieces on ground i will begin posting my progress and some photos.