Published by KermMartian 13 years, 1 month ago (2011-03-16T02:49:36+00:00) | Discuss this article

Since I first introduced global CALCnet, a simple way to connect a network of graphing calculators to the internet using either an Arduino microcontroller board or a custom AVR USBHID bridge, Cemetech users have clamored for a Direct USB solution. Such a feature, ideally built into Doors CS 7.2, would allow TI-84+ and TI-84+SE calculators to connect to global CALCnet (gCn) using only a piece of client software and the miniUSB cable packaged with every new calculator. After a month or two of alternately dragging my feet and receiving invaluable assistance from Jon "Jonimus" Sturm, Shaun "Merthsoft" McFall, the inimitable Brandon "BrandonW" Wilson, and numerous Cemetech members, I'm happy to say that I've had my first successes with Direct USB. Using an early beta of Doors CS 7.2 and the gCnClient software, I was able to join the #cemetech IRC channel and hold a brief discussion with the denizens thereof. Over the next few days I will be improving the software on both the PC and calculator ends, and shortly releasing a beta-testing package containing Doors CS 7.2 Beta 1, gCnClient 1.1 Beta, and the LibUSB filter driver installer. Please post and let me know your thoughts on this excellent development. I will continue posting updates as I work through existing issues.

In other news, happy (belated) Pi Day to everyone! I had hoped to post an article yesterday simultaneously expressing the Cemetech staff's irrational wishes to everyone and offering Direct USB news, but was not able to work through enough issues to call it moderately operational in between my real-life commitments until today. Cheers! Hope you all enjoyed round sweet pastry treats.

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