The Gecko
		The Gecko is an open-source microcontroller system based on a processor board with built in provision for simple networking, mass storage and graphical displays.   The Gecko has the following features. Arduino Mega 2560 compatible Accommodates Arduino Duemilanove shields Buffered LED13 Power failing interrupt with optional external super cap for VCC hold up On board supercap backup for MCU, SRAM and RTC Allowance for HV programming in case ISP gets bricked USB interface on Serial0 using FT232 chip, jumper enabled auto reset USB port protected from ESD Piezo buzzer 256k x 8 external SRAM (4 x 64k pages), supercap backed 4D Systems 5-pin interface for LCDs/OLEDs/microSD etc Ambient enclosure temperature readable from RTC Provision for two Geckos to run as SPI-coupled dual processors IO 47 hardened IO lines, good for ±30v and over-current protected IO can be used as GPIO or serial, timers, analogue, PWM etc same as Mega All IO connected to GVS (GND, Volts, Signal) 3-pin headers IO connections on two "wings" that are mounted at right angles to the main PCB Mechanical Designed to fit inside Hammond 1455N1201 enclosure IO wings become end panels for enclosure Custom IO wings easily made PCB cutouts allow cables to run out the rear of the enclosure for bulkhead mounting Mounting holes to match 4D Systems uLCD-32 display Reset and power buttons located on side of PCB, can be activated through hole in side of enclosure Connectors ISP header SPI header for dual processing JTAG header AVRmon header (my own monitor) USB mini B 39 x 3-pin GVS headers for IO 4 x 4-pin headers for serial ports (power and signals) 1 x 4-in header for I2C (power and signals) 2 x JST connector for EM406 GPS Header for remote power on/off pushbutton Header for remote LED indicator RJ45 8/8 socket I2C Buffered SDA and SCL available on screw terminals and IO wing RS-485 Solder-bridge selectable 120R termination resistors Solder-bridge selectable 2-wire (half duplex) or 4-wire (full duplex) Solder-bridge selectable 560R bias resistors Connection to RJ11 8/8 socket through patch panel Patch panel has access to various power options for power over network Rx/Tx swappable under program control for auto polarity detection ESD protection RS-232 MAX232 chip 4 full spec signals, Tx, Rx, plus one control in and one out Serial in general Screw terminal blocks for all RS-485 and RS-232 signals Patch panel allows any combination of RS-485 and power signals to be connected to an on-board RJ45 8/8 socket RTC On-board TCXO, very accurate 32kHz interrupt to MCU Alarm interrupt to MC Power supply Fused Varistor protection against over voltage Polarity independant (schottky diode bridge) On-board or remote push buttons can turn on RTC can turn on MCU can turn off under program control MCU can turn on under program control (ie on RTC interrupt) VCC from regulator or USB (no control of PSU if using USB source) 30V tolerant VIN with no heatsink (1A) VIN level monitoring by MCU