Table of Contents
FAQ
License
I want to use Netzer in commercial applications. Is this possible?
Netzer can be used in commercial and non-commercial applications. This free usage is limited to:
- Schematics
- Layout- and gerber files
- Object code (hex files) of Bootloader 2
- Object code of the Base Version
The object code for the Pro Version is not free available. The licence fee is included if you buy Netzer with installed Pro Version in our shop. The license also can be purchased separately, for Base Netzer or own developments for example.
The source code is not free available in general. For non-commercial projects the sourcecode can be bought for about 100 EUR. The commercial usage is also possible, the price depends on the parameters. Please contact me in that case. The Base and Pro Version can both be build with the source packet.
May I port the software to another platform?
Yes, if you have purchased the source code (commercial or non-commercial).
Attention: The Netzer software depends on sources of Microchip, which are licensed separately. Some of these licenses (especially the TCP/IP stack license) bind the code to a Microchip platform.
Firmware update
The file upload via TFTP does not work neither in operation mode nor in bootloader mode!
The second Netzer (=Networker) charge of Elektor probably has no Bootloader in the controllers flash, only the firmware image. But so far nobody from Elektor has confirmed this. You have two options:
If you have an ICD2 (or clone), then it is quiet simple: reflash the Netzer with “boot.hex” (included in the latest release). Afterwards, all firmware updates should work like described in the firmware update rubric.
You have to send it back to Elektor - they will reflash for you :)
Netzer interface
Are the Netzer pins +5V tolerant?
Yes and no. Here is a list of the pins and the tolerated maximum voltage:
| Netzer pin | Maximum tolerated input voltage |
|---|---|
| SPI_CS | +5,5 V |
| SPI_INT | +5,5 V |
| SPI_CLK | +5,5 V |
| SPI_MI | +5,5 V |
| SPI_MO | +5,5 V |
| TX | +5,5 V |
| RX | +5,5 V |
| GPIO0 | +5,5 V |
| GPIO1 | +5,5 V |
| GPIO2 | +5,5 V |
| GPIO3 | +5,5 V |
| GPIO4 | +3,3 V |
| GPIO5 | +3,3 V |
Features not (yet) included
Why does it take such a long time until new features are added?
That is a hobbyist project. If an urgent feature is needed you can ask me anywhere or help me to implement it :)
Can I protect the website against unauthorized access?
Yes, the Netzer webpages are protected since version 1.3.
Since version 1.4 this is a feature of the pro versions (base versions will not have this feature).
My standard UART baudrate is not supported!
Simply ask. I will add this baudrate to the list. There is an auto baudrate detect feature in the USART module of the used controller. I think this feature will be implemented in one of the next revisions.
Sales
Where can I obtain Netzer?
Here: The Online-Shop from MoBaCon.
The price is quiet high!
Not those discussions again…
Software development also costs.
