Ollie v2– A multi-functional interface module for hackers and engineers

MeatPi Electronics, an Australian embedded device manufacturer, has launched a crowdfunding project– Ollie v2. This version of the multi-functional interface module and USB-to-isolated-UARTx2/CAN/RS485/RS232 converter is improved. It is designed for various tasks related to connecting and communicating with different electronic devices.

One of the key features highlighted is safety through isolation. Isolation in this context means that the device is designed to protect your computer from damage if something goes wrong while connecting it to high-voltage devices.

Ollie v2 is a compact device that combines several commonly used interface modules into one package. It is intended for hackers and field engineers but can also become a valuable tool for developers working on electronic projects.

In the new version (v2), users can set the voltage level for UART communication from the target device. This means that you can configure the UART interface to match the voltage requirements of the specific device you are communicating with.

Ollie v2 includes custom drivers for Windows operating systems and a script for Linux. These drivers and scripts are designed to make it easier to identify the functions of COM ports (serial communication ports) when the device is connected to your computer.

The device no longer supports USB Full Speed downstream targets. This decision was likely made because most modern debuggers, like STLINK-V3, primarily support USB High Speed. Removing support for USB Full Speed streamlines the device’s capabilities and aligns it with current industry standards.

The open-source multi-functional interface module and converter provide an API (Application Programming Interface) for various programming languages, including LabView, C#, VB.Net, Delphi, and Python, making it programmable and suitable for custom applications.

The manufacturer says that users can purchase an optional CAN/RS232/RS485 DB9 pluggable connector, which can simplify the connection to devices that use these serial communication standards. However, it’s important to note that this DB9 v2 adapter is not compatible with the original Ollie version.

It comes with a plastic protective enclosure intended to provide physical protection to the device. The project is currently looking for public support with purchasing options starting at $60.00.

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