The second version also comes with an optional companion, the Brocoli power module.
The module is aesthetically and functionally very similar to the first version, but with the following new features:
- Universally compatible with all original Mephisto modules. V1 had only compatibility with some modules but it didn't work with others.
- This includes that V2 is compatible with itself and with V1, you can operate two Elfacun V2 modules on the same board, or one V2 module alongside one V1 module. This way you can make two different apps to play against each other on the same board.
- Can be reliably powered from the board if the board can give enough power for the module operation, especially alongside the Brocoli module.
- Now you can get a fully wireless board with Elfacun and Brocoli.
- The screen brighness can be adjusted. This is now an important feature while operating from battery power to reduce consumption and improve battery life. V1 operated always at full brightness.
All the other features from V1 are still there (USB, BT and BLE connectivity, DGT and Millennium compatible, connect to Lichess over WIFI, RFID piece scanning, DGT 3000 compatible, etc.) .Its features are extensively documented on http://elfacun.eu/DESCRIPTION.html
About Brocoli, the power module is the new "official" way to power Elfacun from the board, as it can give enough power for the module to operate reliably, but it can also be used with original modules with or without Elfacun. The module uses a regular USB power brick provided by the user that can be installed inside the module. Any USB power brick that physically fits inside Brocoli will work. Brocoli can give up to 6 Watts of power at 5 volts to the board and modules.
Using Brocoli alongside Elfacun makes a Mephisto board able to operate 100% wirelessly and also gives the ability you didn't have on V1 to operate with the board drawer closed.
The previous V1 modules now can be powered from Brocoli too, provided that a jumper has to be installed to enable that, and the jumper is not directly accessible without opening the module. Some limitations may aply though. I will add a section explaining this in the documentation.
I want to give big special thanks to Alan ‘Scally’ Cooper for his invaluable help testing V2 and Brocoli on his awesome collection of Mephisto boards and modules.
Also big thanks to all the people that over the last year got a V1 module and made this project possible.
I will start to accept orders for V2 and Brocoli soon, starting for those who already asked for it. The price of V2 will be increased 20% from V1, as in the last year some components pricing and availability have gone ridiculously through the roof. In the next days I will be closing the firmware release and completing the documentation on Github. A small batch of modules has been already made so I will be able to ship those relatively fast. For anyone interested, give me a touch on inmbolmie@gmail.com or by PM.
Best regards.