Frequently Asked Questions
Index
License
I want to use Netzer in commercial applications. Is it possible?
May I port the software to another platform?
Firmware update
The file upload via TFTP does not work neither in operation mode nor in bootloader mode!
Netzer interface
Are the Netzer pins +5V tolerant?
Not (yet) included features
Why it takes such a long time until new features are added?
Can I protect the website against not authorized access?
My standard UART baudrate is not supported!
Sales
Where can I obtain Netzer?
The price is quiet high!
License
I want to use Netzer in commercial applications. Is it possible?
Netzer is licensed under MBCSL. This proprietary licensed prohibits commercial usage of the sources.
But we can find a special agreement if you want.
BSD or MPL style licenses are possible.
May I port the software to another platform?
As long as covered by the MBCSL, the answer is yes!
The Netzer software depends on sources of Microchip, which are licensed seperatly.
Some of these licenses (especially the TCP/IP stack lcense) 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), than it is quiet simple: reflash the Netzer with "boot.hex" (included in the latest Release). Afterwards all firmwareupdate should work like in the firmware update rubric described.
- Else 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 |
Not (yet) included features
Why it takes such a long time until new features are added?
That is a hobbyist project.
If a urgent feature is needed you can ask me anywhere or help me to implement it :)
Can I protect the website against not authorized access?
Yes, the Netzer webpages are protected since version 1.3.
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 again these discussions...