McThings

[TommyGunn]

Hey everyone!

We just launched our latest project, McThings.
They are small nRF51422 based devices that connect to the web through a BLE to WiFi router. They are programmable using a simple language without the need for any paid tools, and we have a wizard that lets you set them up without programing for most of its built in functions.



https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2016620887/mcthings-tiny-wireless-bluetooth-sensors-and-contr

Would love to answer any of your questions and to hear what you guys think!

[Codemonkey]

I don't see any mention of FCC or CE approval for any of the hardware. You are aware you can't sell without them in the appropriate areas ?

I suspect that if a certain large fast food chain gets wind of this, you're in for a whole lot of overnight rebranding.

[Codemonkey]

Oh, also you might find that since the product contains a hardware 128bit encryption engine, it could well fall under the category of controlled products when it comes to exports.

[TommyGunn]

The devices are classified as intentional radiators so we have already done preliminary emissions testing and we should pass FCC without any problems.

We have to do a bit more research on the export restrictions regarding the encryption. Thanks for letting us know.

[fake-name]

I wonder how long it will take McDonalds to sue you over the name.

[tom66]

"Mc" is not trademarkable, apparently.
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/nov/27/chinathemedia.marketingandpr

However, that doesn't stop them suing you... so tread lightly.

[AndyC_772]

I don't see any mention of FCC or CE approval for any of the hardware. You are aware you can't sell without them in the appropriate areas ?

If they are components designed to be a part of a larger system, rather than complete products in their own right, then yes, you can. It's the finished product that's sold to end users that needs to be certified.

The module still has to be able to pass all the relevant certifications when incorporated into a complete product, though, otherwise customers won't be able to use it - but that's a commercial issue, not a legal one. And it certainly makes customers' lives a whole lot easier if the module is already tested and certified to be compliant when used in accordance with the supplied instructions and with the specified antenna.

[Codemonkey]

If they are components designed to be a part of a larger system, rather than complete products in their own right, then yes, you can. It's the finished product that's sold to end users that needs to be certified.

Except in this case, the modules are clearly targeted at the end user, complete with a router which has yet another radio in it!

[TommyGunn]

The only major issue I see is the use of 2.4GHz. That band is crowded in many areas - in my house wifi and Bluetooth are pretty much unusuable unless I switch to 5GHz. Range is also a major issue.

We have tested the range and have gotten 84 meters. That was under more ideal conditions so we generally say the range is 50-100 meters. Under bad conditions, where there are a lot of walls ect a 30 meter range is more realistic. We are easily able to get to every corner in a large house. As for the band being crowded BLE has very good frequency agility.



This image shows the available BLE bands vs zigbee and wifi channels 1, 6, and 11. WiFi in North America is only allowed to operate up to channel 11 leaving a fairly wide gap for the 2Mhz BLE channels. The other thing is that our BLE connections are very short so the total airtime taken is minimal. All in all we have had no problems but it is obviously not 100% immune.

For the ISM bands the primary problem is that there is not as much choice for very low power devices. I think a future version using the ISM band is definitely a good choice.

[TommyGunn]

Also just wanted to mention one more thing.
We are working on a new version of the mcRouter. We posted about it in update #6. We are also no using the TMP102 for temperature on the mcModule.



What do you guys think?