Perk FAQ
Below you'll find some of our more frequently asked questions about the Sentilla Perk Pervasive Computing Kit.
What is Perk?
What is 'pervasive computing'?
What is included in Perk?
How is Perk different from your other solutions?
What sensors are included in Perk?
What software is Perk running?
What are the system requirements?
How do I build an application?
Are there any limitations of the kit?
How can I learn more?
What is Perk?
Sentilla Perk is an all-in-one pervasive computing kit that allows you to sample this new technology in an approachable and affordable manner.
What is 'pervasive computing'?
Pervasive computing is about making the real world smarter with small, wireless computers with sensors and actuators that can be embedded anywhere. This computing intelligence collects and processes data, shares the information and then takes direct action.
What's included in Perk?
Each Perk Kit contains two JCreate devices suitable for adding sensors and actuators to test and prototype an application, a USB Gateway device that allows a PC to talk to the wireless network, and all the software needed to develop, debug, deploy and manage a project.
How is Perk different from your other solutions?
Perk is an introduction to Sentilla's pervasive computing technology. It is designed not for commercial use, but to demonstrate the software and hardware at work. Sentilla also provides a complete suite of products and services designed for robust, scalable, real-world deployments. To learn more, contact our Sales team.
What sensors are included in Perk?
The JCreate devices contain built-in accelerometers that can detect the intensity and direction of motion in three dimensions. Additional sensors can be purchased to connect to the ADC or Digital I/O pins.
What software is Perk running?
Each JCreate device runs Sentilla software based on Java ME CLDC 1.1 technology. Developers familiar with Java can immediately begin writing applications for each device without any special training. In addition, each Perk Kit contains a version of the Sentilla IDE based on the popular Eclipse platform for Windows XP.
What are the system requirements?
Perk requires a PC running Windows XP (SP2), 1 GB RAM, and 5 GB free hard disk space.
How do I build an application?
Applications can be built using standard Java technology. Perk is based on Java ME CLDC 1.1, with all of the included classes and libraries of that specification. In addition, we provide libraries where you can access the ports and sensors on the JCreate devices included in the kit. You can also attach your own sensor or write a driver for it using the included APIs. All of this development takes place on your PC within the Eclipse-based Sentilla IDE.
Are there any limitations of the Perk Kit?
Perk is designed as a technology introduction and not a commercial offering. There are limitations in the number of applications you can run, both on the JCreate devices and the PC that connects to the pervasive network. Perk also has single-hop networking and a fixed low-power operation mode.
To learn more, contact our Sales team.