Development Host Connections

To communicate with the G3 module during development, you must connect:

  • The Debug Interface (a.k.a. the Linux System Console)

  • The Ethernet

In addition, many of our demos support I/O on the RS-232 port so it’s usually a good idea to have that setup as well.

The steps on this page walk you through this process.

Important

The G3 module should not be powered on for all procedures in this section.

Use the image below to find the SD card slot and where each cable connects to the board.

../_images/initial-setup-pcb_lg.png

Connector and SD Card Locations

Insert the MicroSDHC Card

  • Insert the included microSD card into the SD card slot (J12).

    ../_images/initial-step2_med.jpg

    MicroSDHC Card Insertion

Connect the Cables to the G3 Module

  • With the controller board face-up, turn it so that the Debug port is facing you.

    ../_images/initial-step1_med.jpg

    Board Positioning for Connecting Cables

  • Connect the Debug Interface Cable to the DEBUG port (J1).

../_images/initial-step3_med.jpg

Connecting the Debug Interface Cable

Tip

The Debug Interface is not normally used in production. You will use it extensively during development. In a Qt environment, it can be a source of the end product application generated output shown in the Qt Creator -> Application Output tab.

In all environments, this is the Linux System Console so serious system and application errors will be logged to this port. If not using an IDE like Qt Creator, you should always have a terminal application open on this port.

  • Plug the AC mains cord into the AC adapter.

  • Connect the “Y” cable to the POWER/RS232 port (J2).

    ../_images/initial-step4_med.jpg

    Connecting the “Y” Cable

    Important

    Do not power on the G3 module yet.

  • Locate the USB to RS-232 adapter and USB cable.

  • Insert the USB mini type-A connector on the cable into the mating socket on the adapter.

  • Attach the male DB-9 connector on the USB to RS-232 adapter to the female DB-9 on the “Y” cable.

  • Plug the USB type-A connector on the cable into your development host. Be sure to note the COM port on Windows or the /dev/ttyUSB<n> device special file if on Linux.

  • Connect the Ethernet Cable to the ETHERNET 1Gb port (J3).

    ../_images/initial-step5_med.jpg

    Connecting the Ethernet Cable

  • Use the Ethernet Inline Coupler and a standard Cat 5e patch cable to connect your G3 module Ethernet Cable to your network.

Important

Initial assembly is complete.

Do not power on the G3 module until you have completed the next section and have a working Terminal Emulator on your development host.