Alpha communication unit (ACOM)
an successor of the DCom.
DCOM
The DCom project was started by BladeSabre to understand the data transfer between vpet during battle. DCom bring us one step closer to understand how Vpet or Digivice works during battle using prong and allow other tamer to further study the devices` system.
DCom photo credit : Blade Sabre Github
As DCom was using couples of components with a slightly complicated circuit, many were desired for a simplified circuit that can be easily produced.
ACOM
Coming forward, Ben Katsu has developed a much more simplified version of the communication unit with arduino and 2 resistors.
ACom circuit diagram [Credit Ben: Alphahub]
The 2 resistors able to achieve potential divider that reduce the voltage of the signal out from 4.8v to 2.7 or 2.8v which is compatible with Vpet or Digivice battle or connection prong.
“In electronics, this type of circuit is called a Potential Divider (or voltage divider) and can be found in many electronic circuits. It applies the principle that however much voltage is supplied at one end must be dropped over the course of its journey to ground. The amount of voltage that is dropped over a component on that journey is proportional to the component’s resistance relative to the rest of the circuit.”
Recommended Resistor Pairings: A) R1: 3.9 kΩ | R2: 5.6 kΩ B) R1: 3.0 kΩ | R2: 4.7 kΩ, for more information you should check out Alphahub
Source code in ACom/DCom
In terms of C++ source code or codes in ACom and DCom, both are actually sharing the same code as the main function of the device is to communicate with the VPet and Digivice.
Latest code can be found in BladeSabre`s github
Mint Maker`s ACom
We are using the basic formation of the ACom in our circuit design. However, with the goal of further reduce the size of the ACom for better mobility, we further reduce the pin size and designed the 2 board setup. This allow us to sandwich the resistor at the middle layer while exposing the connector prong at bottom layer.
We are using the source code developed by Sabre. Overall, it should allow you to use all the software available for ACom/DCom.
Link to purchase