ZSTAR / ZSTAR2 questions

[MB]

I have read the ZSTAR and ZSTAR2 documents with great interest. They are near perfect for a bio-mechanical application. Still I have some questions regarding these reference designs:

The ZSTAR and ZSTAR2 are reference designs which can be ordered as evaluation kits. However, the if design matches my requirements, is it possible/allowed to reuse the design and firmware for fabrication. Or can sensorboards and USB receivers be ordered as freescale products? For this product I would like to spend as less time as possible developing hardware and firmware.

Furthermore, is it possible to order an evaluation kit containing e.g. 4 sensor boards and a single USB receiver? And, is my understanding correct that it is possible to read/access multiple sensor boards using a singleUSB receiver? What information rate can one expect when reading e.g. 4 sensors simultaniously?

Also I am more than interested in experiences regarding effective range, is 60meters possible?

With kind regards,

Martin.

[Gargy]

Hi,

first of all ZSTAR1 and ZSTAR2 firmware doesn't support more then one sensor per USB Stick. That's fact.

Freescale prepare new ZSTAR version that will support up to 16 sensor per one USB Stick and 120Hz datarate of reading sensors. All sw will be ported also to the alder version of ZSTAR boards.

And 60m as I think is little big value. If you want used this range you have to modify antennas on USB Stick.

Have a nice day Gargy

[MB]

Thanks!

When can we expect the new ZSTAR with support for 16 sensors?

What range is feasible?

Regards, Martin.

[Gargy]

Hi Martin,

 As I think we can get new ZSTAR on web in 2Q of 2008. Range will be same or little worse  on new board(smaller antenna).

And Martin is Czech Name isn't it?

[MB]

In this case the name is dutch

What is a range (open field) I can expect the device to function properly? I need the zstar to measure motions on large&fast animals in an enclosure (e.g. 60mtrx40mtr). I need a sensor on each leg at least. The max speed (eg. 40km/h) of these animals possible require a high sample rate.

Regards, Martin.

[Gargy]

Hi, your application is very interesting, but we never tested ZSTAR in higher speeds (40km/h) and range around 40x60m in open area is maybe possible but I never tested it (maily sureness). ZSTAR is only demo application.

And one good news, new sw can provide measuring on 120Hz for 8 sensor and all measured data can stored direct into excel.

One tip : Range can be extend by better external antennas on USB Stick side

Second tip. USB Stick works much better with bigger distance ut of notebook. Computer entrance a lot of RF energy.