MOS Programming

A: MOS is really just a library to link with your code. It has its own main() function, which initializes the system. The scheduler will start your application via the start() function (which you must implement) after system initialization completes.

A: The mica2 has 4kB SRAM available, while the TelosB has 10k of RAM. Depending on which configuration options are used, MOS can take between 1-2kB. You can set your own stack size for threads, 128 bytes is a good place to start.

A: 'The ATEN UC-232A USB-Serial converter is the only converter we have tried that works with both the mos_shell and uisp commands when programming MICA2 motes. The Keyspan High Speed USB-to-Serial Converter works with the mos_shell command, but we have not been able use uisp with this device, which means we could not load the bootloader on the mote. We have not had much luck with the Belkin converters.

Use the --sdev option in mos_shell to program a mote that is connected to a USB port. For example, if /dev/ttyUSB0 is the device to which the mote is connected, use the following command to load program.srec on the mote:


If you need to install the bootloader on the mote, open the set_mos script and comment out the following line:

and add this line:


if the mote is connected to the device /dev/ttyUSB0.

If you know of other USB converters that work (or do not work) well with the MICA2 programming board, please let us know, and we can make a list of recommended devices.

A: Check to see if you have another program running that is also using the serial port. If so, close it, and then try reloading your .srec.

A: Please send email to: mantis-users@colorado.edu. You can sign up here.