[Shimmer-users] Debugging code on Shimmer sensors

[scott coleman]

After looking at the documentation on the web I'm left confused as to
debugging capabilities for TinyOS. A couple of the sources say that
debugging is only available on a few sensor boards.
Is debugging (printf output, breakpoints, memory inspection) available when
running code on Shimmer sensors? If so how do you access it?

[mike healy]

Hi Scott,

The standard TinyOS printf library works with all the Shimmer devices,
which you could use to send debug messages through the serial port:
http://docs.tinyos.net/tinywiki/index.php/The_TinyOS_printf_Library

To use breakpoints, memory inspection, etc, you will need a FET for the
MSP430, such as this one:
http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/MSP-FET430UIF
You will also need to solder some wires onto the Shimmer base board, as the
JTAG pins are not exposed on one of the headers.See the attached pictures
for the locations (circled in yellow in JtagPins.jpg).

However, that said, from working with TinyOS (and Shimmers) for years I
have never once needed to resort to using the JTAG for debugging (which is
not to say it would not have been useful on certain occasions). Normally I
use the LEDs (in various combinations) and/or send debug messages over one
of the radios to figure out what is going wrong.

Mike

Post by scott coleman
After looking at the documentation on the web I'm left confused as to
debugging capabilities for TinyOS. A couple of the sources say that
debugging is only available on a few sensor boards.
Is debugging (printf output, breakpoints, memory inspection) available
when running code on Shimmer sensors? If so how do you access it?
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