learn-bonescript

Using Bonescript (JavaScript) to interact with BeagleBone Black SOC.

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BoneScript is a Node.js Library that allows us to interface with BeagleBone Black micro computer.

If you don't know what a BeagleBone is, read:

• http://beagleboard.org/
• http://beagleboard.org/Products/BeagleBone%20Black

This is my BeagleBone:

At the time of writing, the BoneScript homepage is pretty bare: http://beagleboard.org/project/bonescript (snapshot: http://i.imgur.com/GIPblim.png) thankfully the GitHub page has enough detail to get started: https://github.com/jadonk/bonescript

Once you have completed the driver installation (Mac & Win only, Linux users already have everything you need), see: http://beagleboard.org/Getting%20Started

You should be able to access your BeagleBone at: http://192.168.7.2

The basic tutorial that comes on the BeagleBone is straight forward enough: http://192.168.7.2/Support/bone101/

The simple LED script included was boring so I made it cycle through all the LEDs on the board. Load the Cloud9 IDE: http://192.168.7.2:3000/ and create a new file called flash.js:

var b = require('bonescript'),
    led = 3, state; // globals (forgivable in a nano-script!)

function toggle() {
    if(state === b.LOW) {
        state = b.HIGH;
        if(led === 3) {
            led = 0; 
        } else {
            led++; 
        }
    } else {
        state = b.LOW;
    }
    b.digitalWrite("USR"+led, state);
    console.log("LED # "+led +" | "+state);
}

setInterval(toggle, 100);

Then click "Run" in the IDE and see watch the LEDs on your BBB:

Here's a video of mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u3gNDfvSDQ

More exciting projects to follow! (need to get back to work...)

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Notes:

• Intro Video (key features): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZVKC8o3XA4
• Getting Started: http://beagleboard.org/Getting%20Started
• GitHub: https://github.com/jadonk/bonescript

Investigate Further:

• Open Beacon (RFID): http://www.openbeacon.org/ + http://www.openpcd.org/OpenBeacon_USB
• RFID Cape: http://elinux.org/BeagleBone_Black_RFID_Adaptor_Cape
• LCD: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/processor-microcontroller-development-kits/7753802/
• Launchpad: http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/MSP430_LaunchPad
• TRF7970A Transceiver (NFC/RFID): http://www.digikey.com/product-highlights/us/en/texas-instruments-trf7970a-transceiver-ic/160

Why?

My aim is to create an NFC/RFID security system for my house. Including door entry for the house (which de-activates security alarms) Garage door entry and light activation.

I've done a fair amount of research into this. There are existing solutions employing Aduino, Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone (and a few lower power chips with non-existent documentaion...) Hackspace London are using a custom setup to allow Oyster card entry.

I like this approach because everyone in our house and all our guests will have oyster cards.

I chose the BeagleBone because it runs Node.js from boot so I can practice my existing skills. From the looks of things its going to require a considerable amount of effort to pull it off.

Will continue to do research and come back to this project once I have something viable. Meanwhile I've ordered the Make BeagleBone Book from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449345379/ (Generally favorable reviews. 144 pages. Readable in a weekend) So when that arrives I will update this repo. ;-)