Untitled Document

VB.mote.gate * Now in Beta!
http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/vbmotegate

Purpose
Read, decode, and store MOTE data packets on the MS Windows platform. Written in Visual Basic 6.

Features
Windows (XP) based serial listener and logger (PC gateway) for TinyOS smart dust networks.
Low CPU use (using MSCOMM_EVENT) – 0-2% on my A64 2800.
-----Displays raw hex stream.
Input
-----Reads MOTE packets through serial port (no cygwin/java needed).
-----CRC check packets (configurable action on fail).
-----Can connect to JAVA SerialForwarders.
----------Supports/emulates multiple versions of Java SerialForwarder.
View basic statistics:
-----Number of packets received
-----Sync loss
-----CRC failure
-----Packet header data: destination address, message type, group ID, payload length
A Packet Decoding (or Definition) Profile editor. (PDP editor)
-----Simple interface to define each byte in the data payload (sample included).
-----Convert HEX to decimal values (including multi-byte 'little endian' variables).
-----Preset conversions for Vbat, Volts, Temp (Kelvin/C/F) – many mote platforms.
-----Option to correct for battery voltage using volt reference from the data packet.
Logging Interface
-----Log either raw HEX values, or decimal values based on the PDP.
-----Log to: local echo, CSV file, MYSQL database.
-----HTTP method to store data via POST into MYSQL with simple PHP backend.
-----Easy MYSQL connection, table, and database setup menu (local or HTTP).
-----Automagically create MYSQL table/fields from the PDP.
Packet Injection
-----Inject custom packets into the network.
-----Use COM port or SerialForwarder.
-----Experimental profiles and auto-headers.
-----Experimental acknowledgment tracking.
SerialForwarder-Server Emulator
-----Full emulation of Java SerialForwarder
----------Through COM port or remote SerialForwarder gateway connection.
-----Connect to VB.mote.gate with other TinyOS tools (eg java oscilloscope).
-----Currently limited to a single connection
----------Need more? Then the Java SerialForwarder tool is probably better for you.
----------You can still connect to a remote SerialForwarder using VB.mote.gate.

Additional Components Needed (not included)
IF YOU ARE GETTING LOAD ERRORS YOU MIGHT BE MISSING ONE OF THESE! Copy the files to your /windows/system32 directory. At the command prompt type “regsvr32 {control name}” where {control name} is “MBTimer.ocx”, “MSCOMM32.ocx”, etc. A driver package will be created once I figure out the licensing issues.

NOTE: Beta 1.5 Preview Release uses MS Winsock Control 6.0 for SerialForwarder-Server emulation. The osWinsock would not work properly as a server. Before the next beta I will decide if osWinsock should be eliminated entirely in favor of MS Winsock. I would prefer to use the free osWinsock, but its server abilities are not well documented and MSWinsock seems to work great.

For SerialForwarder-Server Emulation: MS Winsock Control v. 6
(MS standard dll – you may have it)

For COM read: MSCOMM32
(MS standard dll – you may have it)

For MYSQL connection: VBMYSQL-Direct (free)
http://www.vbmysql.com/projects/vbmysqldirect/

For HTTP logging, SerialForwarder – in or out: osWINSOCK.dll (free)
http://www.ostrosoft.com/oswinsck.asp

For CRC checking: crcOCX (free)
NOTE: this website has changed. Thank you Chris.
http://www.preface.co.uk/

MB HITimer (free)
http://www.vb2themax.com/mbgallery/Files/MBTimer.zip
http://www.vb2themax.com/mbgallery/Default.aspx

Ian Lesnet (vbmotegate@whereisian.com) 2005