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https://hackaday.com/2011/08/08/video-turning-good-gnomes-evil/
|
Video – Turning Good Gnomes Evil
|
Jack Buffington
|
[
"Featured",
"home hacks",
"how-to"
] |
[
"feature adding",
"gnome",
"noob",
"video"
] |
In this video [Jack] will show you how to take a garden gnome and a solar light to create a FrankenGnome that is sure to creep out your friends and neighbors. This Hackaday original video is the first in a new series of videos that we will now be posting on a weekly basis.
You’ll notice a few symbols at the beginning of these videos. These symbols are there to help you understand what the video is all about. In the upper left corner, we have the skill level. These will range from 1 for very basic projects to 4 for highly advanced projects. The upper right corner breaks the video into two categories. The first category is ‘feature adding’. In these videos we will be taking off-the-shelf items and modifying them to do something new. The other category is ‘skill building’. In these, we will be exploring different topics in depth. At first, the skill building videos will be mostly about electronics and software. In the future when we have excavated more room in Hackaday Headquarters, located deep beneath a mountain in remote
[REDACTED]
, we will start doing videos showing you topics with a more mechanical nature. The other icons represent the major skills involved in the project.
Check out the video after the break.
| 23
| 21
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430615",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:45:58",
"content": "What do you mean “turning gnomes evil”? I thought they were allreedy!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430616",
"author": "default",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:46:59",
"content": "I really like the how-to concept! I really look forward to seeing more from the HaD staff! One suggestion, perhaps making a list of materials, and a list of tools needed just after the 1-4 difficulty and feature/skill intro page. This could allow people to see the type of build and the difficulty to see if they would be generally interested. Then one could view the required tools first to know if they have the main components of the build, then the materials needed to see if the cost is feasible after that. I personally would like to see that added. And I personally will love to see more how-to’s!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430650",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:56:06",
"content": "This is a fantastic suggestion.A quick rundown of parts used (maybe with links to supplier in the post?) and the basic tools required.",
"parent_id": "430616",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430619",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:54:58",
"content": "This is great! I want to see more of these tutorials",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430621",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:57:52",
"content": "2:40 … awesome",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430631",
"author": "EFH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:21:11",
"content": "Didn’t say what the gnome is actually made of…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430635",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:31:47",
"content": ":Sigh: [Insert negative comment here]…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431558",
"author": "Roger Wilco",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T01:01:32",
"content": "Ha! do you miss those negative comments? I would insert one but it would just get deleted",
"parent_id": "430635",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430641",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:53:06",
"content": "Great video and a good beginner hack, but It’d be nice if it started with a short demonstration before going through the how-to so the viewer can decide if they are interested.Also maybe there should be two cuts, one with the step-by-step like this, and another that speeds through the action, as I don’t think everyone is interested in or needs to hear the “this is a wire stripper”, “the flat edge indicates the polarity of the LED…” stuff.Great stuff though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430648",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:53:29",
"content": "Tips for newbie or self-taught soldering people:DO NOT coat the tip of your iron with a big blob of solder and then try to wipe the solder onto the two pieces you are joining. Secure one or both pieces with clamps, etc. and then heat the metal part with the iron before touching the solder to the hot metal instead of the iron. You will get a MUCH better solder joint and release fewer funky fumes from burning flux and rosin. Using a fume extractor/strong fan is a really good idea. And I know it looks stupid, but wear eye protection, especially if you are trying to desolder something. I can tell you from experience that molten solder in your eye is less fun than a math test.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430670",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:38:41",
"content": "@jack – great start to what looks to be a very cool video series!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430672",
"author": "T0ast",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:39:22",
"content": "Awesome post, cant wait to see more things like this, nice job HAD.Only things I would do different with the project is to tie a knot in the wire inside of the garden light so if the wire is pulled it wont stress the solder joints. Also, I would have drilled the hole in the light so that the wire is coming out of the stake and would be close to the ground and not at a diagonal going from the top of the light to the bottom of the gnome.But thats just me :]. Cant wait to see more!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430692",
"author": "Ivan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:21:03",
"content": "This didn’t gain anything from being a video. If anything, it lost something.Suggestions for video posts:Include a transcript.Have a gallery of keyframes.You can’t search a video. You can’t print out a video and follow the steps during construction. There’s nothing wrong with a video how-to, but even PBS realized hundreds of years ago with New Yankee Workshop that hard copy is required. Even worth charging extra for.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430729",
"author": "BAKup",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:58:27",
"content": "This would make it more complicated, but instead of just powering the LEDs directly, build up a pummer to drive the LEDs, blinking eyes would be much creepier.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430734",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:02:36",
"content": "The joke is when you quietly install these to a garden with a hundred or so gnomes, but don’t tell the owner first.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430754",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:22:56",
"content": "Sweet.Really high quality graphics and production values.More of this stuff please!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430902",
"author": "RandomReader",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T00:31:18",
"content": "Cant wait to see what is done next, no doubt some will be terrible and some brilliant so gonna be intresting to see what gets done :DTime Fountain next for a bit of framerate fun ^_^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430975",
"author": "rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T04:57:34",
"content": "I like it. How about a yard light into mailbox alarm next time. It’s going to take more than the evil gnome to protect my Publisher’s Clearinghouse.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430980",
"author": "Jack Buffington",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T05:10:56",
"content": "Lots of good suggestions. I’m shooting next week’s video tomorrow. I’ll try to incorporate your ideas!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431107",
"author": "Sigg3",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T10:21:34",
"content": "Very informative, simple and nerdy. I’ll see if I can get this done at my GF’s place.. :DPlease change the intro tune, though. It’s sort of the trademark of the TuxRadar Linux Podcast..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "432049",
"author": "Denise",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T19:58:18",
"content": "Great, would be very evil to do this with an ceramic fawn :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "818282",
"author": "Kbill",
"timestamp": "2012-10-15T04:50:19",
"content": "I’ve built one of these earlier this year and people enjoy it by the front door. Today we made several with my kids and friend of their’s. My son was doing some testing and we discovered that they look even more eerie with the LEDs inside of the gnome pointing up at the head. The eyes are still drilled out, but the LED light is reflected off the inside of the head, giving a hollow look. Spooky.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1030340",
"author": "warddr",
"timestamp": "2013-07-24T12:14:46",
"content": "At VoidWarranties (hackerspace Antwerp) we made our own version of this, and we now have garden gnomes with fading eyes, even more creepy :D.You can find them next week at OHM2013https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngD5OBR4DkM",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.012339
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/08/sound-activated-flash-for-high-speed-photography/
|
Sound Activated Flash For High Speed Photography
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"disposable camera",
"flash trigger",
"high speed photography",
"sound activated"
] |
High speed video is everywhere these days, but the cameras and necessary equipment is a bit out of reach for a hobbyist. [Bassam] found a compromise and came up with a way to shoot high-speed photographs using a
sound triggered flash
.
[Bassam] started off by taking apart a disposable camera for the flash bulb and capacitor. After that, a circuit was designed that picks up a signal from a microphone, compares that to a preset threshold, and then uses a 555 timer to trigger the flash. The shutter of a DSLR can be left open in a dark room, so all that is needed to capture a moment in time is the snap of a finger. [Bassam] also posted gallery with the
fruits of his labors
.
Although this isn’t
the first time
we’ve seen a high-speed camera hack, the simplicity of [Bassam]’s build is impressive. He designed a
single sided board
for his circuit, and the parts are very common so it should be an inexpensive build.
| 6
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430589",
"author": "T0ast",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:43:27",
"content": "“but the cameras and necessary and necessary equipment is a bit out of reach for a hobbyist.?wut?Cool post :]",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430628",
"author": "adnbr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:15:23",
"content": "You can expect to pay £10,000+ (usually alotmore) for a half decent high speed camera.Just hiring the Phantom HD will set you backabout $2000 a day.",
"parent_id": "430589",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430713",
"author": "Krzysztof Dziądziak",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:38:44",
"content": "http://z-p-t.pl/2011/07/29/zdjecia-w-ulamku-sekundy-wyzwalanie-dzwiekiem/Similiar project with photos and some analysis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430753",
"author": "Rich Decibels",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:22:52",
"content": "see also thePhotoduinoproject",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430921",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T01:13:25",
"content": "Nice project, I like how it uses cheap off-the-shelf universal (internationally available too) parts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431085",
"author": "Hind",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T09:03:03",
"content": "Amazing project! Simple and genius!Way to go Bassam!How can we purchase it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,119.723293
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/08/noise-generator-ported-to-run-on-small-avr-also-arduino-compatible/
|
Noise Generator Ported To Run On Small AVR, Also Arduino Compatible
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"attiny45",
"AVR",
"luna mod",
"PICAXE"
] |
Feeling a bit left out because he didn’t have a PICAXE on hand, [Rob Miles] decided to
port the Luna Mod code so that it would work on an AVR
chip. He chose to build his around an ATtiny45, but also mentions that this is Arduino compatible.
This case layout is a bit different from
the original Make version
, but we like this look just a bit better. It might not
satisfy your need for that hipster looking enclosure
, but the repurposed macadamia nut box looks seems it was built for this purpose. Take a look as the video after the break to see the final product and hear it spewing newly composed cacophony. [Rob] is
sharing the sketch as a dropbox file
but we’ve also included our own hosted link after the break in case is stops working.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRE7yiReohM&w=470]
Source Code
| 12
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430573",
"author": "default",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:14:56",
"content": "Love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430580",
"author": "EATY1",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:28:54",
"content": "Me too, Like the auduino project some years ago.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430593",
"author": "rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:55:19",
"content": "This is about as much fun as you can have for $5. The kids love it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430599",
"author": "bandwagon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:12:34",
"content": "I thought just about all code for AVR was “Arduino compatible”. Am I wrong in this assumption?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430603",
"author": "Hene",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:23:35",
"content": "@bandwagonyes it should work on arduino",
"parent_id": "430599",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430885",
"author": "vic",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T00:01:56",
"content": "Not all, for example the attiny85 has a high frequency PWM channel that the atmega168 has not. So some code is not compatible.",
"parent_id": "430599",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430900",
"author": "bandwagon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T00:27:25",
"content": "Well, you can have that problem whenever you’re going from one AVR mcu to another. I just mean in general; it’s not like the machine code is different.",
"parent_id": "430885",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430605",
"author": "rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:23:51",
"content": "I programmed the attiny via the Arduino IDE and ArduinoISP so they’re even more the same.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431149",
"author": "Alan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T12:42:42",
"content": "Sounds great. A question on the code though – What am I missing? I can’t see a main(), and some of the functions are not defined or provided – are they Arduino library functions? I intend to implement this on an avr but not an arduino, so should I just work out my own functions for those not given?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431172",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T13:32:32",
"content": "I started pulling some electronics together last night to build one of these… got it mostly done except for the brain and power source. It looks freaking awexome so far, unlike any Luna Mod I’ve ever seen.I think I’ll take a stab at making the code even better ;-)@Alan – This link (same as above) has Arduino IDE compatible code that doesn’t have a “main”. The PDE file compiles for me just fine:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32611590/Arduino/Sketches/lunaMod45remix.pde",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431570",
"author": "rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T01:27:25",
"content": "The sketch was written directly in the Arduino IDE so the layout is a little different than you may be used to but I didn’t use any libraries or anything fancy so it should be easy to modify/translate.Someone smarter could definitely clean the code up a bit as well. If you look at Paul Badger’s synth code there is a ton of inspiration for tweaking the output.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431917",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T15:58:20",
"content": "Well I got my Arduino programmed last night with the lunaMod45remix sketch, and it was a ton of fun. Now I just need to finish the construction.The code is infinitely tweakable. I started tweaking and couldn’t stop. Then I went to compare the port to the original picaxe basic code. There are definite differences in the way the code runs, which I think makes the sound much different than the original Luna Mod. I came up with some variations that sounded wicked cool, so I’m thinking of making something that will handle presets, among other options. I’ll update when I’m further along.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,119.82656
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/08/old-pachinko-game-tweaked-to-add-a-reward-system/
|
Old Pachinko Game Tweaked To Add A Reward System
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"classic hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"games",
"pachinko",
"restoration"
] |
[Tim Higgins]
picked up an old pachinko game
at a garage sale for his wife, but it ended up sitting unused in the garage for a few years. When he finally dusted it off, he decided that he wanted to restore and build a nice cabinet for it, though he thought the idea was a bit lame.
He says he likes to use some sort of CPU in his projects, and even though it was overkill, he made it his goal to add some sort of microprocessor to the game. He didn’t want to ruin the original aesthetics of the machine, so he decided that he could use an Arduino to drive a rewards system for skilled pachinko players.
Using some PVC pipe, he built a treat hopper which is controlled by the Arduino. When the player wins, the microcontroller triggers a small hobby servo, which dispenses gumballs/candy/etc.
[Tim] says that his wife loved the gift, and he was quite pleased with how it came out as well. Hit up his blog for additional build details and be sure to check out the photo slideshow of the restoration that we have embedded below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqKkjC3AJXU&w=470]
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430483",
"author": "mlseim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:13:08",
"content": "I wish I could do something like this. What a great gift.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430557",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:01:40",
"content": "Very cool — is there easy access to the back panel? I had a similar pachinko machine in my bedroom growing up and it used to jam up, requiring me to remove the front tray panel and open the launcher mechanism to clear up the mess.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430600",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:20:50",
"content": "I feel like video transitions are underused in hardware projects. Three cheers for diamond transition!Kidding; fantastic restoration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430659",
"author": "Rodders",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:12:41",
"content": "I have one of those sitting unused in my workshop. Thanks for providing some inspiration for me to do something with it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430663",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:18:14",
"content": "What a neat idea! Perhaps it reflects poorly on my pre-adolescent playing experience as a Marine brat in Japan that I read “skilled pachinko player” as an oxymoron.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.264877
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/08/announcing-hack-a-day-themes/
|
Announcing Hack A Day Themes
|
Jack Buffington
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"hackaday",
"themes"
] |
Starting next Monday we be adding some themed posts into the mix. Every couple of weeks we will pick a new theme. Our first theme will be about hacks and projects involving high voltage. Each day we will have a new post based on the current theme. To make this happen though, we need your help. If you have been working on something that involves high voltage or you know someone who has, hit us up on the
tip line
. If you have a cool high-voltage project but haven’t posted it online yet, take a look at
this link
where we show you some options.
| 18
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430415",
"author": "einballimwasser",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:10:26",
"content": "Sounds very cool …. Do you take unfinished projects also? I have some small on the “Communication” theme, but it’s not finished yet due to the missing money in my pocket (saving money for a QRP transceiver to build myself. Actually it is theSolf from QRPproject(translation)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430416",
"author": "Alex Holsgrove",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:10:49",
"content": "I’ve been watching this guy’s experiments on YouTube – he mainly destroys a lot of things under HT, but still worth watchinghttp://www.youtube.com/user/Photonicinduction",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430440",
"author": "b1r6m4n",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:50:42",
"content": "Yea, Photonicinduction is awesome!Also, if your have a “very low voltage”, or “very high amperage” week, he fits right in!",
"parent_id": "430416",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430479",
"author": "phil",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:07:02",
"content": "i like the randomness of the current format… are the themed posts just in addition to the “regular” content?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430489",
"author": "Jack Buffington",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:29:46",
"content": "Yes. There should be one themed post per day. The rest will be just like normal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430497",
"author": "buildlounge",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:52:21",
"content": "Cool, this should be fun. Can’t get enough high voltage stuff!",
"parent_id": "430489",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430502",
"author": "JOBGG",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:14:52",
"content": "WHAT? wow, my favorite things, high voltage and hack a day combined…sweet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430560",
"author": "default",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:06:26",
"content": "1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430576",
"author": "default",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:18:20",
"content": "This sounds like a good idea. And it’s starting off on a great topic! 1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430590",
"author": "T0ast",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:48:21",
"content": "DANGER! DANGER! High Voltage!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD5tnb2RBYg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430632",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:24:30",
"content": ":-D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430633",
"author": "thefekete",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:27:32",
"content": "Some other ideas:Concrete shoesCyanideT.N.TDone dirt cheapOoo, necktiesContractsHigh voltage",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430653",
"author": "anonymitee",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:01:24",
"content": "Hm. As luck would have it, I’ve been reading up on building Tesla coils. Here’s a few related-topic sites I was given whilst looking for info on the topic.http://www.sermonfromscience.com/http://www.teslauniverse.com/http://www.teslatechnologyresearch.com/Company_profile.htmhttp://www.teslacoildesign.com/http://www.teslastuff.com/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430660",
"author": "Willy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:13:22",
"content": "Argh, pirate speak: “Monday we be adding” lol ;D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430681",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:59:04",
"content": "Cool but I really hope its not going to be a whole week dedicated purely to just that topic. If it’s a topic I don’t like then I’ll leave for a week. If it happens twice, I’ll probably not come back again.And I’m sure i’m not the only person.I think we already saw what happened with the new comment rule BS. Hundreds of (likely fake) comments saying how good an idea it is blah blah by people we’ve never heard of and then pissed off all the regular loyal readers.And have we heard from those hundreds of users who said how good the change is and how they’ll now comment? No, we haven’t.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430688",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:08:10",
"content": "Read the article and comments before you stevie.These will be added to our usual content. This will not replace all of our normal stories.Also, we’ve heard from quite a few who usually don’t comment, both in email and in comments. Please try to not be so rude. Your speculation is simply incorrect and off topic.",
"parent_id": "430681",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430925",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T01:17:23",
"content": "I’ll write a new guide tonight",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "436816",
"author": "Malikaii",
"timestamp": "2011-08-17T18:11:38",
"content": "@thefekete:Classic! And hilarious too!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.224231
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/08/home-automation-systems-easily-hacked-via-the-power-grid/
|
Home Automation Systems Easily Hacked Via The Power Grid
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"Security Hacks"
] |
[
"home automation",
"powerline communications",
"security",
"x10"
] |
As home automation becomes more and more popular, hackers and security experts alike are turning their attention to these systems, to see
just how (in)secure they are.
This week at DefCon, a pair of researchers demonstrated just how vulnerable home automation systems can be. Carrying out their research independently, [Kennedy] and [Rob Simon] came to the same conclusion – that manufacturers of this immature technology have barely spent any time or resources properly securing their wares.
The researchers built tools that focus on the X10 line of home automation products, but they also looked at ZWave, another commonly used protocol for home automation communications. They found that ZWare-based devices encrypted their conversations, but that the initial key exchange was done in the open, allowing any interested 3rd party to intercept the keys and decrypt the communications.
While you might initially assume that attacks are limited to the power lines within a single house, [Kennedy] says that the signals leak well beyond the confines of your home, and that he was able to intercept communications from 15 distinct systems in his neighborhood without leaving his house.
| 40
| 21
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430409",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:55:41",
"content": "X10 signals are isolated by transformers. This guy got lucky(or unlucky), and shares his mains with 15 other users at least… Wouldn’t want to live there…I live on a rural street and have my own 8KV>240v transformer. No one sees my X10 but me. And if they walk up to my house to connect to one of my power outlets that’s a different type of security problem.They don’t need to crack my x10 stuff to see what lights I have turned on. (They can just use their eyes.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430431",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:29:54",
"content": "I didn’t RTFA, but I share my mains with 30-40 other units at least, as I live in an apartment complex. As does anyone else who lives in apartments or condos.",
"parent_id": "430409",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430445",
"author": "Yazoo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:58:00",
"content": "Not to mention that a $17 whole house X10 blocker solves that problem as well. Most pro installers will add one if they have issues with noise on the line – blocks any signals in or from the neutral feed on the junction box.",
"parent_id": "430409",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430455",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:35:45",
"content": "Unless you’re in a rural neighbourhood, chances are that you share a pole pig with at least one or two other neighbours. There’s nothing to feel sorry for the guy about, the power company is saving a significant amount of money by using one properly sized step-down transformer rather than a dozen or more smaller ones.",
"parent_id": "430409",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430482",
"author": "Pants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:11:42",
"content": "@raidscsi: Do you use any wireless X10? Don’t even have to plug into your house to access your stuff if you do. Just have to try 15 house codes.I use X10 in my house, but not for anything that could be dangerous if turned on or off without my knowledge.X10 isn’t meant to be secure, it’s meant to be convenient. The worst an attacker could do it turn on and off my lights, fans, and an air conditioner. Annoying, but not a “security” threat by any measure.",
"parent_id": "430409",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430410",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:57:29",
"content": "Also on a more positive note, this hardware would be cool to have to diagnose X10 communications issues. From time to time I have problems getting signals from one phase to another. (seems to work best with the 240 HVAC compressor running)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430433",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:30:51",
"content": "I had the same issue till I installed an active bridge/repeater in my breaker box.",
"parent_id": "430410",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430430",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:24:41",
"content": "networks on public power lines in itself is a bad idea no matter how secure they are, unless you can somehow block communication to the pole.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430720",
"author": "Criggie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:49:56",
"content": "Just unplug it… problem fixed.",
"parent_id": "430430",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430432",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:30:02",
"content": "The biggest problem would be if the house is running a X10 based security system.That would be a major security risk. Controlling the lightning would probably only be annoying.I have my own home automation system running but I use hacked remote wall outlets. These pose the same security risks, therefore they only control lightning and non important utilities like my external monitor and my TV. The security system and other security features all run of WiFi where the communication itself is encrypted, validated and authorized/verified (so even local sniffing is impossible). My safe is modded with remote control but that is using the classic rolling code like the one being used in cars.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430441",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:53:30",
"content": "Seems to me the hassle of gaining access to a target’s neighbour’s house’s electric supply to hack the target’s home automation is higher and less likely to work than gaining access to the target’s house and plugging directly into an external light or power fitting.However, it was interesting to see that Z-wave is supposed to be encrypted but negotiates the key in the clear. That’s the sort of useful research that we need more of.You can imagine someone thinking “It’s an encrypted system, I can safely control my garage door and security system with it.” and then being upset when they find out the encryption in more like encraption.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430556",
"author": "Sean McBeth",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:59:39",
"content": "The way this is usually done in the context of hotels and offices (probably the most security conscious use cases, and the specific case with which I’m familiar), the devices are configured into a network in a remote location inside a Faraday cage. So, while the key is transmitted in the open, it’s not getting past the cage. Then, the devices get shipped out to the hotel and installed by their electricians into a given room (that’s actually the primary benefit of this process, it simplifies the process for the client). Once it’s in the room, it’s secure.",
"parent_id": "430441",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431854",
"author": "razor",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T13:48:35",
"content": "Until the power goes out… not all X10 and ZWave systems can survive power failures without being reconfigured. Negotiating keys in the clear has NOTHING to do with convenience except on the part of the developer and the hardware manufacturer. You can do DH type key negotiations that are very convenient and transparent to the user, but no manufacturer wants to spend that kind of money putting the hardware/firmware in place to do it. Just not cost effective for them. And besides, if you get burgled, the home owner’s insurance covers it, not the device manufacturer, so they have no incentive.",
"parent_id": "430556",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430464",
"author": "Tweeks",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:39:47",
"content": "I’ve never understood people who run X10 for security.. It’s like an oxymoron.Tweeks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430466",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:44:07",
"content": "X10 hacked? STOP. THE. PRESSES.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430471",
"author": "roman@theenergydetective.com",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:51:14",
"content": "FYI Typically a single line transformer is shared between 4 service entrances. So your home automation system is accessible from at least 3 of your neighbor’s homes. PLC’s typical low bit rate also makes them more venerable to attacks as you don’t need very sophisticated equipment to capture the data… X10 just needs a TDA5051 and a level shifter and you can dump data directly to terminal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430487",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:24:33",
"content": "Although the bit about Z-Wave is interesting (and disappointing), they focus more on X10.“None of the manufacturers have implemented really any security whatsoever on these devices,” said Dave Kennedy, one of the researchers. “It’s such an immature technology.”Anyone with the ability to think for themselves will realize that this statement is false. X10 isn’t immature, it’s *outdated*; having been around virtually unchanged for 37 years now.“The tools, which they’re releasing to the public, include the X10 Sniffer to determine what’s connected to the power network and monitor what the devices are doing, and the X10 Blackout, which can jam signals to interfere with the operation of lights, alarms, security cameras and other devices.”This class of hacker commonly releases such “tools” under the guise that they’re performing an invaluable service to us by forcing manufacturers to update, improve, and secure their products; rather than admitting to malicious or anarchist purposes.But again, anyone with the ability to think for themselves will realize this excuse doesn’t apply here. No security updates to X10 are feasible. It was never designed with security or firmware updates in mind, and is too old to warrant any changes.The only reason X10 is still used is because you can put together a home automation system using it so inexpensively compared to any modern alternative. That alone makes it *valuable* despite its shortcomings, by giving people who otherwise couldn’t afford or wouldn’t consider home automation an opportunity to benefit from it.I use a massive X10 system myself (34 modules) which would be very expensive to replace. And I have donated a large amount of time educating and helping others with successfully setting up X10 systems.So now these guys come along and release their “tools”. As far as hardware, this only requires a CM11A transceiver, a serial cable, and a portable computer with a serial port. Software is a simple program that runs on a portable computer, that records, plays back, or continuously spams X10 commands. Not exactly rocket science. I’m familiar with X10 programming and could recreate their “tools” in less than an hour.But thanks to these researchers, now any script kiddie neighbor or thief with double-digit IQ has a turn-key solution for messing with X10 systems.Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430847",
"author": "dklight",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:59:44",
"content": "But thanks to these researchers, now any script kiddie neighbor or thief with double-digit IQ has a turn-key solution for messing with X10 systems.Like you say at the beggining, the problem is not the researchers but the ancient protocol. Dont blame the researches for analyzing security on 37 year old stuff.",
"parent_id": "430487",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431008",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T05:45:15",
"content": "I don’t have a problem with them analyzing security. Analyzing the security of X10 is like flogging a dead horse, because there is none. I’m surprised this was even considered worthy of a DefCon demonstration.What I have a problem with is them releasing tools to disrupt an X10 system.My X10 system has served me well for almost ten years. I know its limits, so I don’t use it for security, or connect anything which could burn down the house. Yet I still have 34 modules. It does what I need it to do. The rare failure is usually easy to repair, and the modules are cheap enough you can keep spares on hand. There is no reason it can’t serve me for another ten years, and I would like it to; rather than invest time and money in a new system that would be better spent elsewhere.Unless of course some malicious person were to intentionally disrupt it. And thanks to these “researchers” releasing their tools to persons unwilling or unable to come up with their own, that just became more likely.It was not necessary for them to do that to simply demonstrate a vulnerability.Though it *may* have been necessary for them to do that to successfully get a presentation spot at DefCon. If so, that is a purely selfish motive on their part; to value their own fame over the investments and security of every X10 owner, even if that security is only through obscurity.",
"parent_id": "430847",
"depth": 3,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1019292",
"author": "Jonny Smith",
"timestamp": "2013-06-24T20:13:33",
"content": "At first I thought x10 would be a great idea since the signal is trasmitted over power lines because the WIFIi hacking tools out there are pretty great and living in FL I wouldn’t have to worry about how WIFI doesn’t particularly like to travel through concrete walls. I even figured that I could put some kind of blocker at the breaker box to prevent signal leakage. After less than 15 mintues of research I found that the signals have zero security and realized that any middle school kid, if so inclined, could easily hack the x10 system. Considering the internet has been around and building a global knowledge base about electronics and hacking them for 20yrs there is no excuse for such an insecure system. Of course based on X10’s website, I can confidently say that there are no more forward thinkers associated with that product. I think it is irresponsible to not very publicly disclose on the packaging that the product should not be used with security systems, garage doors, ovens, refridgerators, freezers etc. instead of promoting those exact uses.",
"parent_id": "431008",
"depth": 4,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430505",
"author": "chippy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:18:05",
"content": "About the zwave thing, it doesn’t sound like a horrible thing, as really how often does one pair their devices? like one in their lifetime?These devices aren’t long range, I say odds are unlikely that someone would be monitoring and recording your transmission within 150 feet while you pair your devices.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430559",
"author": "Sean McBeth",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:04:46",
"content": "It depends on the failure rate of the individual devices. Some things like door switches (e.g. we shut off the AC in a room when the door opens, huuuuge energy savings) have fragile reed-switches inside of them. This is also why we do smart, switchable wall-plug modules instead of smart, switchable light bulbs like Google is pushinghttp://inhabitat.com/google-unveils-brilliant-android-controlled-led-light-bulb/. Not only is it more robust, it works with any of your existing electrical appliances, not just one light bulb.",
"parent_id": "430505",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430578",
"author": "Richard",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:21:58",
"content": "There *is* a security implication to being able to turn your lights on and off remotely…If (hypothetically) I turn all your lights off and I don’t see any come back on more or less instantly, I’ve got some pretty good evidence you’re not at home so I know I won’t get shot at when I burgle your house…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430584",
"author": "Pants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:32:46",
"content": "If I’m not home all my lights are off anyway.If somebody is counting on lights being on or off as a security measure, or even being at home as a security measure, their “security” has already failed.",
"parent_id": "430578",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430614",
"author": "ScottInNH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:45:50",
"content": "You missed Richard’s point. In your response, you suggest that (paraphrased) “Lights left on when not home” is a poor security device. True, and it is.But what Richard said was, he could remotely detect if the premises were OCCUPIED or not. If a crime depended on the victim being home, this is potentially more sinister.",
"parent_id": "430584",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430617",
"author": "ScottInNH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:48:33",
"content": "Looking at it a second time, you are correct, Pants. My brain jumbled Richard’s post as saying “evidence you are home, or not” which could be parsed differently. If you are paranoid like me, anyways :-)",
"parent_id": "430584",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430652",
"author": "default",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:59:52",
"content": "I’m glad to see people doing research on topics and devices like this. Also glad to see HaD reporting information on it so I can see all the great comments from people with actual knowledge. Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430685",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:05:02",
"content": "The company that used to use annoying web popups as a marketing technique doesn’t do security well? What a surprise!In my case, if I’m on the computer hacking, or on the couch watching TV, and the light in the other room goes off, I might not notice :-) (Or I might only notice if it startles the cat.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430706",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:33:56",
"content": "Meh, security through obscurity is good enough for a home user.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430755",
"author": "Pants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:22:58",
"content": "I’ve been trying to find it all day with no success, but there was a guy who designed and built the solution to this problem for X10. My memory of exactly how it works is poor, so no point in discussing the error of the method since my recollection is probably wrong. Hopefully somebody else will remember it and find the link.All commands begin with a multi-digit PIN code. The PIN code is just X-10 commands. So with a desk commander it might be module 2 on, module 3 off, module 2 off. Note these commands will NOT be acted upon by any module because a listening device jams all commands until a valid PIN is received.The listener sits on the powerlines. When it hears an X-10 command, it immediately sends out interference that blocks a module from getting the complete command. If the first x commands are the correct PIN code, then it allows the subsequent commands to propagate without interference.The obvious hole is that an attacker could hear the PIN code and replicated it. I believe the hole was addressed but again I don’t remember all the details.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430863",
"author": "tkosiorek",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T22:24:56",
"content": "I use a X-10 security system because its inexpensive,but it does not use the power lines for its code,it uses RF to communicate with its senders,and the codes it uses are not the same as the power line codes,it does have its own built in alarm,and can communicate with the power line codes to turn on external devices such as lights and other sirens,it also has a phone dialer that can call a few numbers and play messages over the phone line,as for turning off all the lights to see if anyone is home,just put a light or a few perminently on without hooking to the X-10,that way a potential hacker won’t know for sure,I also have most of my lights on motion detectors with timing on the inside and outside of my house so nobody can predict if the house is occupied,also have camera recording system the same way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430979",
"author": "d3c4f",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T05:06:28",
"content": "It’s not hard to do the exact same thing with RF. I can’t imagine the security on their RF products is any better.",
"parent_id": "430863",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "431233",
"author": "Gearloose",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T15:50:20",
"content": "It may seem from the artcile that *all* power line communication is insecure. In fact, the commonly spread Homeplug AV standard has 128 bit AES encryption which cannot be broken in a reasonable amount of time. It also does *not* exchange unencrypted keys unless you are foolish enough to leave the default password active.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431845",
"author": "Dave Kennedy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T13:27:40",
"content": "Just to cover a bit more because a lot of this was covered in the presentation but hard to cover in an article:1. The X10 RF communications use the same mechanism just through RF and are just as easy to jam/intercept/stop. Most of the motion sensors/alarm systems use this, we did not show it live as RF jamming is illegal and we aren’t lawyers. So in the case of home alarm systems, they are equally as vulnerable with no security mechanisms in place to protect against it.2. To Gearloose’ comment: That was specifically outlined in the talk that the latest homeplug rev supports AES while older versions supported 56 bit DES. I specifically mentioned the Netgear 500 AV which supports randomized key exchanges by pushing the pair button, the others leverage default passwords. Many of the vendors aren’t levering FIPS-compliant based key exchanges so yes they do exchange the keys in an insecure format that can be intercepted. There are some that tout FIPS-verified based implementations.3. Z-Wave is by almost all means all unencrypted and extremely easy to sniff/intercept/inject into the mesh network. There were only front-door locks that we were able to find leveraging AES. To the gentlemans comments above, they leverage a mesh network so if you use an antenna and can have a transmit strength great enough to encompass one device you can communicate with all of the devices, not just one.4. This is only the tip of the iceberg, we’re working on Crestron, Lutron, Insteon, Control4, and others which all leverage some form of the open protocols. We are all for responsible disclosure, in the case of X10/Z-Wave it was a bit different as we were specifically targeting a standard versus a manufacturer. In the cases of commercial implementations we would follow a release cycle and ensure that the issues identified were remediated before any type of release to the public. If it wasn’t possible to fix the devices then we wouldn’t release the information.5. In most cases neighborhoods are setup with a single transformer distributed in multiple houses, in my area was able to see 15 which to me seems insane but the normal should hopefully be around 3-4.6. To clear anything up on this, we used a Teensy device which is a small microcontroller soldered to an X10 controller with onboard flash memory via the Arduino programming language to send the signals. We then soldered a GSM based chip onto the device and interface with the Teensy and a SDMounted flash drive that would intercept communications over the powerlines then send those via text messages. So essentially when someone powered the lights on, triggered a motion sensor, or anything else home-automation based on the system it would send it over text messages, then you could send a text message back to the device to start the blackout if you wanted. We haven’t published this specific implementation/code but only the blackout/sniffer modules.To Chris’ comments above, I normally don’t comment on completely inaccurate and not researched statements, but the equipment used is 100 percent wrong. No serial, no computer, no CM11A. We used a hand soldered modified Arduino-based device. Check outhttp://www.prjc.com. You miss the point about X10, we are releasing information about the standard which is broke, like anything else X10 is antiquated which is why we are off to other pastures with the more commercial product sides.On Chris’ point about disclosure: I don’t know what to tell you, I’ve been in this business for over ten years and believe in responsible disclosure. At this point there is nothing to do around contacting/notification around standards. If it would have been a specific vendor/manufacturer things would have transpired quite differently. Case in point last year when we found exposures in PowerShell, we contacted Microsoft 8 months before we even came close to releasing information about it. Please stick to what you’re good at :-)Hope that clears some of it up. Let me know if anyone has any questions about it!Thanks,Dave",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431874",
"author": "Pants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T14:28:00",
"content": "Dave, thanks for coming in adding more clarity to the conversation.4. “If it wasn’t possible to fix the devices then we wouldn’t release the information.” It’s not possible to fix X10 because the devices are not upgradeable.“the point about X10 [is the standard is broke].” No, it’s not. The standard was not designed nor intended to ever be secure. The manuals even talk about your neighbors being able to control your lights. The standard does exactly what it was designed to do and nothing more or less. So I think characterizing is as “broke” is inaccurate. It’s like saying clear glass is insecure because you can see through it.You might say that since the protocol is used for a security system that it is implied the protocol is secure. The security systems came much later in X10’s life, likely at the behest of some suit in Marketing, and used a known non-secure protocol. So really it’s the security system that’s broken, not the protocol.",
"parent_id": "431845",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431890",
"author": "Dave Kennedy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T14:59:16",
"content": "Thanks for the response! Always good to hear different views and opinions.Stating that a protocol was never designed to be secure is the crux of the argument. The systems are being used in home automation systems without the implications that it could be potentially damaging as far as security goes. I never stated that X10 a secure protocol or that it was touted that way, but it is for sure broke as far as security goes. The fact that security systems were designed and implemented in homes is the point of the argument. Why are we using this technology still or at least put something around it for protection.So back to the point: “the point about X10 [is the standard is broke].” No, it’s not.” I’m back to yes it is, from a security perspective its absolutely broke.",
"parent_id": "431874",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "431981",
"author": "BlueCoder",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T17:58:28",
"content": "What about creating our own control units. Surely there must be a very low power 8 bit microcontroller we could use that we could pull out of sleep in microseconds. Then we just need an ASIC transceiver for electric wires. Chirp the signal to wake the microcontroller and then use the microcontroller to decode a signal command. We could use any encryption we wanted as well as being able to update the firmware for better security as time goes on. If we could fit the microcontroller and other components within the size of a matchbox that would be ideal. Then start another kickstarter project to produce sockets and switches with relays. I can already see such units being extended for in device control.The thing I most want is low power(watch battery efficiency). What good are smart devices if each of the 50 smart device electronics draw one watt a piece.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "432008",
"author": "Pants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T18:44:08",
"content": "That’s not a bad idea but I think it is treading a tad closely to reinventing the wheel.Anything plugged into line power really should be UL certified. That costs money and time. And I don’t want to plug anything into my outlets that isn’t UL certified and hasn’t been designed by somebody with extensive experience in line-power circuits. I don’t want my house to burn down.The existing solutions have UL certification, a long history of safe operation, or both. They are also either not meant to be secure and make no bones about it, or can be secure when used correctly.The only advantage of a reinvention project that I can see is the reduced quiescent power draw. X10 modules and controllers are fat power pigs by modern standards. I don’t know how good Visteon or Z-Wave products are. I haven’t researched them because X10 does what I need and is dirt-cheap even considering the long-term extra energy use.As for saving power on a microcontroller, there are several that have very low power use during sleep modes. I think there was an article yesterday on EEV blog or similar demonstrating that.",
"parent_id": "431981",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "605296",
"author": "dave s",
"timestamp": "2012-03-17T03:38:00",
"content": "@Dave Kennedy. How do Whole-House Blocking Couplers stand up to next door hacking?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2667083",
"author": "Yoga Smart Home",
"timestamp": "2015-08-03T07:05:15",
"content": "An interesting read, thanks for going out of your way to do the research.Of course, this all depends on the devices that are being used and the software behind them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,119.952206
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/07/portable-get-a-proper-home-in-an-arcade-controller/
|
Portable Gets A Proper Home In An Arcade Controller
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"handhelds hacks"
] |
[
"a320",
"arcade",
"dingo",
"emulator",
"handheld",
"Joystick"
] |
[Luke] wanted an arcade-style controller that he could use for some gaming at home. He decided to use a portable game emulator as a base and then
added his own joystick and buttons along with a custom case
.
The donor hardware is a Dingo A320. It’s a nice little handheld with a 2.8″ screen, and plenty of potential to emulate games like Donkey Kong seen above, or to play homebrew. It’s even been
the target of some RAM upgrades
we looked in on in the past. The best part for [Luke’s] project is that it includes a video out port.
In the clip after the break you can see that [Luke] now has a compact controller with a huge arcade joystick, four buttons on the top surface, and the rest of the controls all around the edges of the enclosure. The video out option is selected in the menu system, so he preserved the original LCD for use during configuration.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_LXGtnWSkQ&w=470]
| 16
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430203",
"author": "that_guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:07:12",
"content": "Seems pretty cludgy…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430217",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:58:01",
"content": "It’s nice to see that the Dingoo hasn’t been forgotten. Nice re-purpose.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430372",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T09:16:57",
"content": "@Volkemonlolfor the dingoo… it looks nice. A nice idea, butit’s Chinese crap with a strange cpu.Yeah, I know loads of stuff is from china, but it’s all shit (just had a $120 RCA stereo literally blowup on me). Cheap hardware built by slaves. I try to avoid all china made anything. Avoid apple hardware and walmart.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430388",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T10:23:05",
"content": "Well, avoid everything.",
"parent_id": "430372",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430391",
"author": "third",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T10:28:13",
"content": "You do realize that that means you’ll have to avoid pretty much ALL electronics?China isn’t really that much worse, it just has a different production philosophy. While most western manufacturers aim for a 0.1% defect rate, many chinese manufacturers are OK with a 10% defect rate, they simply produce a lot more for the same price.Many western companies let china manufacture their products, but then employ their own quality assurance. This reduces costs while keeping high quality standards.These are of course very broad generalisations. China is a very large country with many businesses. China is rapidly acquiring knowledge and technology, partly through original research, partly through foreign exchanges, and a are becoming more and more capable of developing their own high quality products.Conversely, there are plenty of western companies producing pure crap.",
"parent_id": "430372",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430395",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T10:36:34",
"content": "using slave labor or close to it… all the while stealing western techsure… I bet.I knew I would get this kind of response.",
"parent_id": "430391",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430401",
"author": "third",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:02:29",
"content": "On the project itself:Nice looking build. Seems to work pretty good as an arcade stick. Having a screen on the back of it seems a bit weird though. ;)",
"parent_id": "430372",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430414",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:09:44",
"content": "agreed that my comment wasn’t much about the hack itself and I was a bit strong on my opinion, but I feel this hack shouldn’t be and strongly feel people need to stop buying from china until they can make workers’ wages higher to justify the work they put in without killing themselves.For the hack itself… well not too impressive because of better alternatives out there.For most of the mod hacks here I think the same with one exception.That one where dude cut up a bunch of n64 parts glued them together and made something that looked factory made. That was just damned impressive!",
"parent_id": "430401",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430472",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:52:01",
"content": "Just for the reference, Dingoo A320 is what most big name pocket consoles fail to be. You can buy DS or PSP to hack them and experience resistance, you’d need to buy funny devices to enable your homebrew. Or you can get a Dingoo which is a pretty solid piece of hardware, which is also fully open and thus perfect for homebrew from the start. What exactly constitutes crap in this? Please elaborate.",
"parent_id": "430372",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430449",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:09:30",
"content": "I like it. It’s another option for a home arcade I have in mind. Portable is something I hadn’t thought about, but something like this might work well. If he had made it a little larger, then he could have gotten the screen on the top, and the start/select buttons on top as well. That might have made it a little more usable as a stand alone unit, and give you more room to use the large arcade stick and buttons.I just looked in to the Dingoo and will probably buy the A330 model that looks very similar to a PSP.One question though. Did I miss where he put the L and R shoulder buttons? SNES games are kinda hard without those buttons.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430468",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:47:59",
"content": "Originally, I put the left and right triggers at the top, where you would think they would be, and the start and select buttons on the side.However, this caused problems because it became easy to pause the game by accident, in the middle of the game.So I ended up switching the L&R triggers with start&select, just because I could, and because it was a present for my dad’s birthday, and his main interest is the MAME emulator, not SNES.",
"parent_id": "430449",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430469",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:49:13",
"content": "And the screen is on the front, not the back. I know, it’s weird, but I had not choice but to include the screen, because the a/v out option is within the system menu.",
"parent_id": "430449",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430522",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:27:26",
"content": "Yes, I did notice that the screen is actually on the front. I like it overall, and it is definitely an inspiration for me to get moving on my own arcade stuff.Makes sense if you don’t want to play the SNES games, then you don’t need those as much.Where did you source your arcade parts from?",
"parent_id": "430469",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430731",
"author": "Hitek146",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:59:21",
"content": "@JamieWho:Check Happ Controls for good inexpensive arcade parts.^^And, boo to orphaned posts because of over moderation…",
"parent_id": "430469",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430546",
"author": "moddedbybacteria",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:52:30",
"content": "Looks nice, good job! Well done, and congrats on getting onto this site!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430868",
"author": "PocketBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T22:48:10",
"content": "I was thinking of doing something similar with my GP2X Wiz. Capable hardware that was javelined through the heart by a poor AMOLED display. It got the screen rot. I just need the TV out cable; I already have the sticks and buttons. :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,119.780539
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/07/most-useless-machine-upgrade-now-with-a-button/
|
Most Useless Machine Upgrade — Now With A Button!
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"7400",
"most useless machine",
"nand",
"relay",
"switch"
] |
There’s a soft spot in our hearts for pointless projects, as long as they’re well executed. [Bertho] really hit the mark with
his take on the most useless machine
. We’ve seen several renditions of this concept, most of them hinging on
a box that will turn a mechanical switch off whenever you turn it on
. But this take uses a push button to activate a switch flipping mechanism on another part of the machine.
You can see the drive gears in the image above. The final gear has a small bar which flips a switch to one side or the other. The circuit does this without the need of a microcontroller. A 7400 series NAND gate chip, some passive components, and two mechanical relays are all it takes. At each push of the button, the logic chip trips one of the relays to trigger the appropriate motor direction based on the current state of that switch. You can press the button during movement, but all that will do is delay the inevitable flip of the switch.
| 11
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430190",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:23:51",
"content": "I have all the electronics ready for my upgrade on the most useless machine, just have to get the mechanics done.also, i think the traffic busted his website.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430199",
"author": "Bertho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:46:24",
"content": "The site is not busted, just heavily loaded. Moved one video to another server and recoded the images to lesser quality. Still serving pages though, albeit slowly.",
"parent_id": "430190",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430214",
"author": "Bertho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:49:49",
"content": "The traffic storm has passed and the server survived. Pages should be served atnormalspeed again.",
"parent_id": "430199",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430232",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:40:45",
"content": "FINALLY im TIRED of always hitting toggle switches … i dont have time any more! now all my problems are solved!any one else think these things were originally made my aprature laboratories?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430255",
"author": "AussieTech",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T01:36:37",
"content": "O-M-G!Finally – a hack that isn’t brain-dead simple, or has a freeking microcontroller!!! Or both.(It’s merely useless)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430326",
"author": "gearbox",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T06:19:59",
"content": "does anyone know where I can find that similar gear assembly? i need to find a gearbox with at least a 50:1 gear reduction and capable of handling heavy torque from a brushless motor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430491",
"author": "Sigg3",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:38:08",
"content": "Well done!Every home should have one!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430607",
"author": "Deep Blue C",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:30:46",
"content": "Where is the video? Just a blank white space on his web page.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430622",
"author": "Bertho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:04:54",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vGAO6wH-YI",
"parent_id": "430607",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "431132",
"author": "Harry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T11:49:03",
"content": "when I was like 10 years old, I didn’t know what a relay was, let alone a latching relay, so I made something like this :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6377277",
"author": "Jesse Peterson",
"timestamp": "2021-09-02T14:28:35",
"content": "Where can I buy this??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,119.874742
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/07/1-chip-usb-avr-development/
|
1 Chip USB AVR Development
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"hardware",
"how-to",
"News"
] |
[
"USB AVR"
] |
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an AVR microcontroller with USB device support built in so you would not need a separate programmer or serial link? Well in fact there are quite a few of them, and this awesome tutorial (
google translate
) is
a quick and easy crash course in using the ATMega 16/32U4 micro controllers
.
These 8 bit AVR’s (16k and 32k) have the usual list of features you would expect in a Mega AVR. 26 GPIO pins and a pretty easy to solder 44 pin surface mount package, the micro controller also has a USB 2.0 Full-speed/Low Speed Device Module and allows programming though a standard bootloader.
Once you have a pretty standard board assembled you need Atmel’s
FLIP
RS232, USB, or CAN device programming software (Windows or Linux) and your favorite AVR IDE setup, you’re good to go!
Join us after the break for a quick video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsRRNQQkat4&w=450]
| 30
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430106",
"author": "Grim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:20:07",
"content": "nice",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430107",
"author": "bsom",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:21:11",
"content": "See: Teensy at pjrc.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430167",
"author": "Squonk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:10:32",
"content": "Exactly: this is what the Teensy already proposes, plus you can run Arduino sketches on it (Teensyduino).",
"parent_id": "430107",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430177",
"author": "Harvie.CZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:41:42",
"content": "Unluckily the teensy does not have opensourced bootloader (and i am unsure about opensource schematics and toner transfer stencil). Well… you can use opensource LUFA bootloader, but then you are probably loosing compatibility with official IDE (and TeensyDuino), or at least they can disable it in future releases.I’d really like something like teensy, but more opensource. Ideally if i’ll be able to make it at home (It’s bit difficult, because Atmel does not have any DIP uCs with native USB support)",
"parent_id": "430107",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430285",
"author": "Koplimi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T02:53:43",
"content": "You might want to check out ladyada’s 32u4 breakout board.Lufa bootloader available. Compatible with TeensyDuino.http://ladyada.net/products/atmega32u4breakout/",
"parent_id": "430177",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431205",
"author": "Flavor",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T15:15:17",
"content": "Check out the Micropendous, then.http://code.google.com/p/micropendous/",
"parent_id": "430177",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430121",
"author": "Off Topic",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:46:54",
"content": "AT XMega support USB, seehttp://bit.ly/rfu1h6",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430390",
"author": "Pinski1",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T10:25:11",
"content": "Only those with a U suffix, which is 7 of the 26 XMega chips. Hum, they actually seem rather good! Thanks for the tip :D",
"parent_id": "430121",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430178",
"author": "mlr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:48:29",
"content": "Yep, it’s just a teensy.Funny, I’m programming mine right now, I was just taking a snack/hackaday break when I read this. I’m using avr-gcc and the makefile you get from their website. Easy. I use it for all kinds of stuff in the lab. The Teensy’s got a bootloader already in it (I don’t know if they come from atmel that way or not).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430179",
"author": "mlr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:49:19",
"content": "Yep, it’s just a teensy ($16, or $20 for the big at90usb1286 version).Funny, I’m programming mine right now, I was just taking a snack/hackaday break when I read this. I’m using avr-gcc and the makefile you get from their website. Easy. I use it for all kinds of stuff in the lab. The Teensy’s got a bootloader already in it (I don’t know if they come from atmel that way or not).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430210",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:40:03",
"content": "Can anyone summarise the difference between these and the Mega 168/328 in an Uno? Would it be possible to build an entirely Arduino-compatible board with one? And if so – why do the Uno and other clones use a separate IC for USB support?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430212",
"author": "APerson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:48:35",
"content": "if memory serves, when the shortage of the usual PDIP packages forced the temporary redesign of the board with the surface mount chips, they intentionally did not use any of the added capabilities of the substituted part to maintain compatibility and functionality with the regular builds. as such, it still uses the 8u2 as a usb to serial adapter like all the other unos. not 100% sure on that since it’s from memory, but it sounds awful familiar.",
"parent_id": "430210",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430221",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:12:54",
"content": "The Uno with an SMD chip is just an smd atmega328, not a hcip with more features.",
"parent_id": "430212",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430267",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T02:01:43",
"content": "I think you are confused the ATmega8U2 is only used as a replacement for the FTDI USB to serial convertor. The bootloader and all the arduino code still goes onto the ATmega328 DIP.",
"parent_id": "430212",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430222",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:15:11",
"content": "http://pjrc.com/teensy/teensyduino.htmlscroll down to the bottom.The teensy is also mostly arduino compatible.",
"parent_id": "430210",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430225",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:21:46",
"content": "Which leaves my latter question – why aren’t there Arduino clones with a USB AVR only, and no separate USB interface?",
"parent_id": "430222",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430298",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T03:43:11",
"content": "@Nick – there aren’t more single-chip clones because the software side is incredibly difficult.",
"parent_id": "430222",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430240",
"author": "rizsi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:53:34",
"content": "> Which leaves my latter question – why aren’t> there Arduino clones with a USB AVR only, and no> separate USB interface?AFAIK the serial pins are connected to the Arduino header pins so it is possible to communicate with shields using the serial protocol when the Arduino is not connected to the PC (or anything else) through USB. It would be impossible if the pins were switched to USB mode by default.I use this Bluetooth shield that works that way:http://iteadstudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=307",
"parent_id": "430210",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430242",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:55:27",
"content": "That’s a good point. I don’t think it’s insurmountable, though, especially given how relatively uncommon that setup is – a few tweaks would make it work fine, and even allow you to talk to the shield at the same time as the PC.",
"parent_id": "430240",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430219",
"author": "Mental2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:02:33",
"content": "Might want to check out the ps3 hacking community. They’re using avr dev boards to hack the ps3, only now they’re going at firesale prices. Atmega32u2 for $10, add some header pins and you’ve got a breadboardable USB uC",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430330",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T06:40:15",
"content": "You must be talking about the minimus. I found it for around $10 at a few places but they all charged $9 and up for shipping.",
"parent_id": "430219",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430300",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T03:49:39",
"content": "Can you quantify that? Other than the UART issue rizsi mentioned, I struggle to see why it would be so hard to integrate – just the standard port mapping is all that should be required.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430335",
"author": "volt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T06:58:16",
"content": "You don’t need any new/special microcontroller to run USB on AVR ->http://www.obdev.at/products/vusb/index.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430397",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T10:45:05",
"content": "This is OK, but the XMega uC’s with on-chip USB are the sweet spot IMHO.Avoid Teensy, proprietary locked-up stuff.There are other USB stacks/bootloaders for AVR out there that will run on even the ATtiny uC’s, but I don’t think any of them are srictly free and open (as in BSD or MIT license). Plus the hardware USB support is so much nicer to work with and the footprint is much smaller too, really only the bootloader.I have found ATMEL’s Web site and documentation to be less than helpful when it comes to the USB stuff.FLIP integrates nicely with AVR Studio though, once you figure out how to get it installed and running (there’s that pesky documentation thing again!) If you have an AVR Dragon (everyone working with AVRs should), then you’ve got FLIP working already I think.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430494",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:44:29",
"content": "It’s amazing you characterize Teensy as “proprietary locked-up”, but then recommend Flip, Dragon, AVR Studio, and presumably Atmel’s bootloader… all of which are closed source, and most of them only work with with Microsoft Windows.Then you even go on to complain that VUSB isn’t MIT or BSD. You want everything to be open source, but not GPL! Why would that be? The only realistic reason is to incorporate open source code into your own proprietary application!I am the author of Teensyduino, and I have some news for you. Every last bit of code written by PJRC that gets linked into your .hex file is MIT license. That only parts that aren’t fully open source are the bits you’d need to copy if you wanted to sell a development board (eg, like Adafruit’s board which uses Teensyduino, and certainly would be identical to Teensy and destroy PJRC sales – sales which fund all the documentation and arduino compatibility work – if those bits were fully open).If you’re developing your own project or product, even if your product will be proprietary, all PJRC-published code you actually use is very open. Among all your single-chip USB AVR options, Teensy is probably the best documented, and it’s probably the only one where hobbyist-friendly applications and documentation are under very active development. That development, amazingly, is all funded by sales of inexpensive ($16) boards.Sure, if you use only pure Debian/GNU software and Arduino, then yeah, go for 100% ideologically pure open source. But if you’re using Windows, Flip, AVR Studio, Dragon and lots of other proprietary stuff, and especially if you’re going to avoid GPL code so you can make your own application proprietary, a more pragmatic philosophy would serve you well. If you take another look at Teensy and Teendyduino, I’m pretty sure you’ll discover all the code you actually use is not only open source, but MIT license to give you maximum freedom for your own application.",
"parent_id": "430397",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430408",
"author": "EverydayInventors",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:51:09",
"content": "Plug my own open hardware USB device design:USB90uC, a minimal development board for the Atmel AT90USB162 USB enabled microcontroller. I designed it originally to learn how to program and interface to the AT90USB162 MCU as a first step for several other work-in-progress USB enabled projects I have which will also be open hardware/software.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430422",
"author": "Ron Bean",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:14:53",
"content": "Adafruit also sells an ATMega32u4 breakout board, which uses a slightly modified version of the Arduino IDE. It uses the Teensy libraries, but has its own bootloader (download the modified Arduino IDE from Ladyada.net– the instructions for modifying it yourself don’t seem to work).This page compares the two:http://ladyada.net/products/atmega32u4breakout/One advantage of the adafruit board not mentioned there is that all the pins are at the edge of the board. The Teensy has some pins in the middle of the board.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430725",
"author": "Steve-O-Rama",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:55:40",
"content": "Some comments have mentioned the ATxmega for its features, especially for USB connectivity, but I *urge* you to read the errata in their data sheets. I couldn’t possibly use those chips, given their ADC and a few other problems, many with no work-around. Add on top of that the relatively slim availability of the xmega lineup, and I see a poor ‘ecosystem’ for future use, support, and replacement parts.That said, I am very happy to see another ATmegaxxUy board out there. These megas are amazingly easy to connect with the outside world, and finally allow makers to break free of the MAX232 and FT232RL chips that have enjoyed a virtual monopoly between USB and talking to your uC. Yes, I’m ignoring the AVRISP, because that’s $30, and I’m not going to include one with every product I send out the door; my users can now upgrade the firmware themselves. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430757",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:24:05",
"content": "The xmega A4U datasheet lists only 2 errata for “rev E”. It says “rev A-D not sampled”.The xmega A4 datasheet lists TONS of errata for “rev A/B”.Do you suppose Atmel fixed those many problems from rev A/B in these newer chips? Or maybe the datasheet is incorrect (would be typical for Atmel on new parts)?",
"parent_id": "430725",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "432320",
"author": "Ivar Holand, Atmel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-11T06:47:32",
"content": "All the erratas listed for the XMEGA-A devices that are not found in the XMEGA-AU device errata list has been fixed for the XMEGA-AU devices. This was one of our highest priorities for the XMEGA-AU devices.We have also improved and will continue to improve our datasheets with more information and better usage descriptions. If you find that something is described in a difficult way or missing from the datasheet, or application notes for that matter, please let us know atavr@atmel.com",
"parent_id": "430757",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,120.169134
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/07/rc-car-hack-saves-lives-in-war-zone/
|
RC Car Hack Saves Lives In War Zone
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"rc",
"traxxas"
] |
R.I.P sand-colored radio-controlled truck. Your life ended with a bang and in doing so, saved some lives. This little work-horse is a hack that [Ernie Fessenden] put together and sent to his brother [Sergeant Chris Fessenden] who is on a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
[Chris’] team is trained to be on the lookout for roadside bombs, but [Ernie] wanted to sent him something cool that could also keep him safe. By adding a camera to the hood of the Traxxis Stampede and using a gun-mountable LCD screen, the soldiers now have a way to see what’s on the road ahead from their armored Humvee. Sounds like it would work just fine right? Well the hack just got a big endorsement when
it tripped an IED made of around 500 pounds of explosives
. [Chris] and five other soldiers on patrol were unharmed in the event, and [Ernie] already has a replacement model on the way.
[Thanks Rioexxo and Alex]
More proof that
battlefield hacks
deserve a place next to some of the high-ticket items you’d usually associate with weapons of war.
| 59
| 34
|
[
{
"comment_id": "430047",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:23:16",
"content": "Traxxas, not Traxxis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430196",
"author": "Gilliam",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:39:16",
"content": "someone not “in” on the brand names can be misled to typo by the reporting article, which misspells it as “traxis”.RC cars are fun, none of my own but watch then frequently at a friend’s hobby shop/",
"parent_id": "430047",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "479038",
"author": "justin",
"timestamp": "2011-10-13T08:47:38",
"content": "this story was why a good group of guys on facebook.com called the RCPA=R.C.Pilots.Association started Truggies for Troops!",
"parent_id": "430047",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430056",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:31:10",
"content": "not banging on this i love the idea and im glad thye did it but im just curious … is glueing 2 things togeather really a hack?you are taking somthing for one purpose and makign it do another but this is manically nothing more than someone attaching 2 things designed to do one thing and there still doing there original purpose (more or less the RC car still moves as it should and the camera still transmits video as it should)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430059",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:31:39",
"content": "the camera still transmits video as it should*",
"parent_id": "430056",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430083",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:57:17",
"content": "Are you still thesame person?",
"parent_id": "430059",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430080",
"author": "adamhixon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:54:13",
"content": "With a bit of ingenuity and a toy car, they came up with a life saving piece of equipment. Making something out of nothing is the spirit of the word “hack”. I say this qualifys. Besides, its a neat story that I may not have heard about if it were not posted on hack a day, keep stuff like this coming!",
"parent_id": "430056",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430092",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:04:25",
"content": "yeah if its a hack or not it deserves a space on hackaday regardless as a life saving device",
"parent_id": "430080",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430112",
"author": "Fogger",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:26:41",
"content": "That depends on your definition of the word ‘hack’. I personally think that a few too many people here focus on how easy or hard something is to build. If a build isn’t particularly challenging, then it doesn’t ‘deserve’ to be called a hack. I think that you guys miss the point. Hacking is as much about the problem to be solved as it is about the solution.As soon as anything is used for a purpose that it wasn’t designed for, then that’s a hack in my book. Even attaching a wireless camera to a camouflaged rc truck is a hack. It works! Where some hacks are criticised for being unnecessarily complex, this one is criticised for being too simple.If you don’t like an article, just stfu and move on to the next one. Don’t be a troll. Or better still, build something worthy of this website.",
"parent_id": "430056",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430540",
"author": "Cynar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:49:21",
"content": "@FoggerI agree 100%. This is a hack. They took 2 ‘toys’ and combined them to create a life saving item. The fact that this ‘hack is sufficiently simple that almost anyone could do it in a weekend is just a bonus, not a downside.hack-a-day appeals to all sorts of people, if an article is too simple for you, move on. If it’s too complex, again, move on (or at least you have a challenge :D)",
"parent_id": "430112",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430072",
"author": "Jason",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:44:24",
"content": "Awesome idea. I can’t believe the military doesn’t already have something like this! (or do they?)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430144",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:52:17",
"content": "My guess is they do. But I suspect they pay a lot more than what this costed – probably upwards of $20k knowing defence contractors. Your money hard at work.",
"parent_id": "430072",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430246",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T01:00:18",
"content": "They most certainly do, from a lot of different companies. I used to work for one that built essentially this exact smae thing, just more ruggedized and a shit-load more expensive. It is/was called Dragon Runner and the original company name was Automatika, though they got bought up by Qinetiq. iRobot also makes one, along with Foster-Miller, Prioria, etc. The big difference between the hack above (which imho is spot on) and the $20-50k+ robots are range, frequency of operation (better if your rc isn’t using the same frequency as the detonator…) and ruggedness. The Dragon Runner can be thrown through upper floor windows or out of the back of a truck going 30mph. It bounces a few times and then takes off running. Oh yeah, it’s invertible so if you tip over it doesn’t care at all.",
"parent_id": "430072",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430594",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:57:31",
"content": "I do think it’s funny that mil-spec things tend to add a multiplier to the price, when something made as a disposable consumer product ends up being cheaper in the long run, even over multiple replacements.I guess racing to the bottom on price isn’t badallthe time.",
"parent_id": "430246",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430078",
"author": "modhappy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:52:00",
"content": "This guy must have seen the tremor movies…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430081",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:54:26",
"content": "This is a really cool article. It kinda sucks for the soldier though. Apparently this car was really good at doing when it was sent for, he used it to find 4 IEDs. Then he lent it to a friend, and the friend bows it up (accidentally though). Hopefully this will help them raise money to send more though.side note: the RC cars are allowed to go faster than the actual vehicles the soldiers use when patrolling, which makes the RC car a really good tool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430089",
"author": "zigzagjoe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:01:32",
"content": "Really cool. Batteries probably suck to keep charged, though. Wonder about using a small gasoline engine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430139",
"author": "Audguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:35:03",
"content": "I have a similar model (a rustler xl) the battery lasts for about 40 minutes of HARD running at high speeds 50 to 60 mph battery charge time is just a few minutes more than that. The model charger I have will also use a 12v source and charge just as fast. If you use a more conservative gearing I’m sure you could get much longer time.",
"parent_id": "430089",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430148",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:57:43",
"content": "why not use a solar panel to keep the batts charged? if not that i totally agree with the gas engine, but that would in turn make itself into a bomb as well, not good. great hack though, saved lives and did its job. now if only the military could throw away 500million on building one out of solid gold and make it run on plutonium. imho they should just do exactly what ernie did. its cheaper and easier to replace.",
"parent_id": "430089",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430187",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:22:23",
"content": "No doubt batteries can be recharged at base camp. Why not donate to send extra batteries, and chargers over along with the RC toys?",
"parent_id": "430089",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430229",
"author": "Audguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:33:30",
"content": "My experience with nitro is that it would take more time to do maintenance, you could just charge a 2nd/3rd battery in the humvee via a 12v port. the batteries could be a destructive force as well if needed. Just search “lipo damage” there are some entertaining videos!",
"parent_id": "430187",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430101",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:14:04",
"content": "However you look at it, how many of these little lifesaving hacks could be built for the cost of one DARPA IED-sniffing robot?Even if you don’t include a camera, even the cheapest motorised toy car (rc or not) could go on an unmanned kamikaze mission to set off an IED or landmine, maybe use a quadcopter to search for the devices and dispatch the cheap little Chinese-made lifesavers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430102",
"author": "Mythgarr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:15:30",
"content": "See? Not EVERYTHING the military does has to cost over $500k! Wait – this was an independent hack?Seems to beat the hell out of either spending big $$$ for the iRobot milbot (only to replace it if it blows up) or losing lives. At a total cost (including shipping) well under $500 these could even be considered disposable (by military standards).What would it take to get something like this into the front of every caravan?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430110",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:26:33",
"content": "Caravan? We’re talking about something Toys’r’us sells for under 10 bucks, each vehicle should have a box of these ready to go.Even Brookstone has a quadcopter for $200 bucks, if it can be made that cheap, then why are we putting soldiers at risk and saying we don’t have the money?Something that’s intended to run for a minute and get blown up doesn’t need to cost half a million, especially when the same technology is available at almost any yard sale for under a buck.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430302",
"author": "jaded",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T04:03:36",
"content": "Actually, there’s a serious problem with your suggestion. If the US troops were to abandon hundreds of malfunctioning RC toys, that’s hundreds of RF trigger mechanisms they could be delivering to the insurgents. Better to have one good one they take care to return than a hundred disposables.Besides, this RC car is a lot more capable than a $50 Toys’r’Us special. It sustains real speeds of 50MPH or more and lasts half an hour, whereas most of those toy cars don’t hit 20MPH and have to be recharged after about 10 minutes of play time.",
"parent_id": "430110",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430111",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:26:37",
"content": "you would think that the army would have thousands of these things as standard gear.I feel it is a shame they didn’t have one and dude’s brother had to make it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430548",
"author": "Renet123",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:54:10",
"content": "it IS a shame.but it is for the same reason we have to send them toothpaste, soap, and deodorant..",
"parent_id": "430111",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430555",
"author": "Renet123",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:59:17",
"content": "it would be cool if you could program one of these to just stay at a forward proximity of lets say X amount of yards in front of the vehicle or soldier.. maybe an rf tag or something.. and every foot soldier had one..",
"parent_id": "430111",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430116",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:36:35",
"content": "This makes me happy, but yes i agree with t&p, the army should have loads of them just to test for bombs and such, would save many lives. a cheap disposable thing to see if it will explode on touch, although they may require a heavy mass ontop of them to trigger.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430125",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:52:32",
"content": "This think no only saved their lives that one time BUT THREE TIMES before that!four times this thing saved their lives.6 people for $500",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430129",
"author": "al bhugundi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:06:36",
"content": "YOU WASTED MY EXPLOSIVESoh well, next time, i will just modify my trigger to ignore your little toy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430198",
"author": "Mythgarr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:45:58",
"content": "You missed that this had found several other IEDs previous to actually tripping one. Knowledge that the IED is there almost completely negates the threat.Besides, that would still make simple trip wires ineffective. Increasing the required complexity for an attack decreases the number of individuals with both the motivation and capacity to pull off an attack – a small victory for our troops.",
"parent_id": "430129",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430132",
"author": "jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:14:28",
"content": "i would just stick a tall antenna/clotheshanger or something on subsequent models incase they start raising the tripwires or something. oh, and filling a few of them with C4 just to mix things up a bit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430138",
"author": "jeicrash",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:33:21",
"content": "Pretty sad that the government has not caught on to simple things like this that can save lives. A trip to any electronics store / retail store has probably a hundred or so consumer devices that could be used in war to save lives.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430200",
"author": "Gilliam",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:49:19",
"content": "I imagine if we were to suggest that to the military, we would just be labeled “dumb civilians who don’t know the cost of war”.",
"parent_id": "430138",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430146",
"author": "GregG",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T20:54:37",
"content": "There’s probably a reason the military doesn’t use cheap RC cars. When they find an IED, they usually don’t want to just blow it up where it is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430402",
"author": "Sparger",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:06:28",
"content": "Actually, most of the time, they do. Most of the time they’re too much trouble to move/disarm/get it the f*&^ out of the way. Easier to detonate where they are, then bulldoze over the crater.",
"parent_id": "430146",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430154",
"author": "RogueAngel2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:03:30",
"content": "/categories/battlefield-hacks belongs on HAD.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430180",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:50:19",
"content": "Nice story :) Cost is minimal so I’m sure the guy wont have any problems getting another one shipped over to his brother. Hell, he could just go into any local bar, talk about the story and I’m sure he’d instantly get donations to send 5 of the buggers over to him!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430186",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:18:28",
"content": "I can imagine the uproar if anything that the military decided to do on the cheap,ever cost the lives of soldiers. Not that I’m saying we aren’t, paying more than we need to, but civilians could be the biggest factor there. This simple technology can be defeated by equally simple technology. Simple RC,can be defeated simply by a wide band dead carrier.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431947",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T16:44:00",
"content": "If your RC car suddenly stops or is going crazy, you know something is happening. If something is happening you simply stop convoy and check thoroughly.",
"parent_id": "430186",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430193",
"author": "raithios",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:30:15",
"content": "Go here to donate more trucks to the troops.http://www.fuelmybrain.org/index.htmlA dollar goes a long way when these guys are building everything.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430228",
"author": "elduderino",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:31:30",
"content": "Hey I went to that link and couldn’t anything about how to send more R/C trucks to the troops. I would like to send a bunch with cameras built in. I have some great ideas so let me know man.",
"parent_id": "430193",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430673",
"author": "raithios",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:40:23",
"content": "There is a paypal link under the soldier story on that page. I suppose you could contact them for more info on the “contact” link page, if you wanted to contribute in a different way.",
"parent_id": "430228",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430204",
"author": "Joe Bonasses",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:10:45",
"content": "As far as cost goes, here’s an idea. Bring all the troops home, and you won’t have to worry about troops being blown up in some POS third world country! And it won’t cost anything!!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430223",
"author": "RapidPrototype",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:18:24",
"content": "I would integrate a metal detector with a warning light in front of the camera, cool idea though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430231",
"author": "Shadyman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:38:32",
"content": "Traxxas WIN!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430253",
"author": "joedirt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T01:29:48",
"content": "500 Lb of presumably high explosives, I don’t think you’ll even be safe in a Main Battle Tank.Good to see stability and prosperity finally taking hold in Afghanistan ten years on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430279",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T02:40:18",
"content": "500 LB of high explosives, would have taken out the truck and everything for about 160 yards. There is a reason you don’t want to detonate those things…its not just you that you have to think about out there. Imagine what the story would have been if it took out 5 civilians.Now with that being said i am glad that it protected those guys.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430307",
"author": "Headshot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T04:42:16",
"content": "Interesting idea, kudos to the soldier who came up with this.A useful device to have around is a “RF device detector” aka “grid dip oscillator” that looks for common RF frequencies used in IEDs and alerts the operator that one may be nearby.The common frequencies for R/C cars, door radar detectors and WiFi would be a good starting point as these parts are often used for them according to Google.Only problem is that some of the terrorists are probably getting wise to the common detection methods and finding workarounds.. email anarchy2012 at hotmail.co.uk for a list, who knows maybe I can save some lives with my knowledge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430375",
"author": "ewanuno",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T09:28:19",
"content": "the crazyest thing about this hack is the fact that they had to hack something like this!if i was a ground soldier i’d want one of these with every MRE!i’d imagine that being in a warzone makes you verry good at inventing ways of staying alive long enough to get home.IEDs are also an example of the recourcefullness of people who want to stay alive, to make IEDs all you need is somebody atacking you. go out and look for unexploded shells, salvage a battery from a shot up car, some cables from bombed buildings. mcgyver yourself some dettonators, and away you go. extra points for radiocontrol, antihandling devices and cunning placement. the hard part is you have to do all this without an internet conection, or decent tools, under cerfew. all this without ever having studied engineering. and if your’e lucky there will be a guy with an afgan accent doing a workshop at the local hackerspace.whilst this is rc car *is* a neat hack, i think that the *hackers* on the other side are working in harder conditions and we should apreciate that too, even if they are the *bad guys*",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430467",
"author": "Reader",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:45:07",
"content": "I think this is one of the coolest stories I have ever read. Simple knowledge of electronics, creative mind, and a can-do attitude just saved his brothers life.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430490",
"author": "madcows",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:36:56",
"content": "Perhaps adding a metal detector to it could prove useful?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430528",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:34:38",
"content": "Just out of curiosity; would hackaday publish hacks by afghan insurgents?(I myself would be in favor of it, even when there is 0.0001% change anything would be submitted.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430587",
"author": "Headshot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:40:36",
"content": "IMHO publishing hacks deemed to be supporting terrorism in any way would be in extremely bad taste, same as if they published something like “how to make drugs” .. etc.That said, publishing the prison hacks article was interesting and well balanced, and in no way supported or condoned the fact that they were breaking the rules.I especially liked the Facebook update via Morse Code hack, that was pure genius.Hackaday needs to be careful not to publish anything which is blatantly unsafe without disclaimers at least, case in point the laser lighter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430903",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T00:33:55",
"content": "We won’t of course start a tired old political discussion, or worse – fight, but uhm, a person in another country fighting foreigners who are perceived as unwelcome invaders (wright or wrong) is not a ‘terrorist’, and there is a reason why the US army uses various terms like ‘insurgent’ and ‘taliban’ and ‘terrorist’, since they are three different things, they do not actually use them interchangeable in official documents/reports/statements, if they say insurgent they speak of a native who fights against them but is not taliban, and if they for instance speak about a suicide bomber from saudi arabia who travels to iraq to blow up things then it’s a ‘terrorist’.That the US does make such distinctions is actually something I respect and appreciate.And hackaday already featured a thing about the hacks by insurgents in libya, albeit with a stated caveat.I like that they are old style freedom of speech in some regards, there’s way too much self-censorship these days and in the end that isn’t helping at all, and it’s pointless to censor things that are widely available and known.",
"parent_id": "430587",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430974",
"author": "geeklord",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T04:54:45",
"content": "Wow. I live in Rochester, MN and have actually talked to and bought things from the owner of that hobby shop. Really nice guy, and I was amazed when I found out it was him and a buddy. Those RC cars are quite the bang for your buck though, not surprised that they picked them. That model has tons of clearance/suspension for rough terrain, and does 50mph easy. Really pretty amazing that these aren’t in front of every humvee over there :/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431557",
"author": "david",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T01:00:23",
"content": "epic win. i’ve wondered why the military doesn’t do this for a long time. sure it’s not a secure video feed or anything like that, but for most applications does it matter? the fancy, pricey military bots have their place, but so do these!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "437077",
"author": "Oscar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-18T07:03:55",
"content": "Imagine the the number of lives that would be spared if every group in a battle field had a radio control vehicle whether it be a car, truck, or even airplane to scout out potential dangers. The government and most police departments already employ radio control robots with cameras to deal with bombs and such. And some are even equipted with weapons. But at an extraordinary price. These Radio Control vehicles cost pennies in comparison. I like this idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.103165
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/07/blow-your-mind-with-the-brainwave-disruptor/
|
Blow Your Mind With The Brainwave Disruptor
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Medical Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"brainwave",
"eeg",
"entrainment"
] |
Whether you believe in it or not, the science behind brainwave entrainment is incredibly intriguing. [Rich Decibels] became interested in the subject, and after doing some research, decided to build
an entrainment device of his own.
If you are not familiar with the concept, brainwave entrainment theory suggests that low-frequency light and sound can be used to alter brain states, based on the assumption that the human brain will change its frequency to correspond to dominant external stimulus. [Rich’s] device is very similar to [Mitch Altman’s] “
Brain Machine
”, and uses both of these methods in an attempt to place the user in an altered state of mind.
[Rich] installed a trio of LEDs into a set of goggles, wiring them along with a set of headphones to his laser-cut enclosure. Inside, the Brainwave Disruptor contains an Arduino, which is tasked with both generating light patterns as well as bit-banged audio streams.
Well, how does it work? [Rich] reports that it performs quite nicely, causing both visual and auditory hallucinations along with the complete loss of a sense of time. Sounds interesting enough to give it a try!
| 32
| 27
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429983",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:34:43",
"content": "If you hit about 18 Hz with light frequency, you may suffer epileptic seizure. Many people are susceptible to this, not just known epileptics. So have someone nearby who can turn the machine off if needed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429985",
"author": "somun",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:47:04",
"content": "So does it make you high? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429989",
"author": "tenfingers",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:53:15",
"content": "nice case, can you put your weed in there ;).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429991",
"author": "kobilica",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:53:25",
"content": "Or just eat psychedelic like LSD :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429994",
"author": "audiophil",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:56:09",
"content": "I suddenly recall using supercollider back on one of my old os9 macs to toy with Binaural beats. One of my friends complained that it made him terribly nauseous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430005",
"author": "Pun",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:26:08",
"content": "Does anyone else have any first-hand experience with something like this? Like, can I actually expect to experience something interesting with one of these? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430008",
"author": "Mime",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:31:32",
"content": "wow… keep this ting far away from me… ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430012",
"author": "Th3_uN1Qu3",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:40:24",
"content": "@ Pun: I have experience with mood-altering sounds in the form of binaural and isochronic tones. Yes, they work, and especially isochronics can be remarkably effective, but you need to be in the right state of mind when using them. If you do not relax and disconnect from everything around you when you are listening to them, you’ll get a headache at most.He would have been better off using tone sequences that people with experience have already made and tested, and just made an adapter for the light goggles, that takes the sound pulses and outputs them as flashes. I had photosensitive epilepsy as a kid so i am reluctant to use any kind of light stimulation, but sound alone should be safe for everybody.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430403",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:07:08",
"content": "I made my own track using two high frequency and low frequency carriers for isochronic beats. The objective is to bring the brain waves to Delta (~4Hz)What can I say? It works. If I lay on bed and can’t sleep in 1hr, I’ll just fire up my isochronic musicand I’ll definitely sleep..For people willing to experiment:http://gnaural.sourceforge.net/A compilation of several induced brain frequencies and their effects:http://lunarsight.com/freq.htmThe best experience I had with isochronic and binaural beats was the feeling of body levitation and complete loss of equilibrium.. It was kind of awesome :)",
"parent_id": "430012",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430024",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:01:45",
"content": "Yeah, can definitely cause seizures. After reading about this kind of thing back in the really early 80’s (I was ~10-12 at the time) I was playing with strobe lights, gave myself a seizure, freaked out the parents, and took a little trip to the hospital.Fun stuff, but be careful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430038",
"author": "fallout330",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:16:29",
"content": "Sounds interesting. I’ve used binaural beats with a set of headphones, and it had some interesting effects….almost to the point of starting a semi-out of body feeling . I think a TMS system such as Shatki technology (http://www.shaktitechnology.com) may possibly be even more noticeable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430048",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:23:38",
"content": "what happens when you use this when your tripping balls on lsd?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430322",
"author": "therin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T06:04:04",
"content": "you wont be able to hook this up and forget how switches work",
"parent_id": "430048",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430869",
"author": "klaymen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T22:55:10",
"content": "This is why HaD needs the option for upvotes.",
"parent_id": "430322",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430053",
"author": "John P",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:27:20",
"content": "I used some binaural beat software when I was in high school. I made sure to have headphones that (legitimately) went down to 5hz. And I tried it and after about 5 minutes of listening to it, my leg started twitching and then I went in an almost unconscious state for 15 minutes and woke up when it was done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430076",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:49:47",
"content": "Oh man!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430085",
"author": "Vostok",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:57:55",
"content": "Does anyone else have a hard time getting to the original blog?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430090",
"author": "JamesHarrison",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:02:59",
"content": "Kudos to the guy for putting a seizure warning on it. It really will. I’ve had a couple of grand mal seizures and it’s not fun- I’d always be careful about this sort of thing even if you have no prior condition or history (I didn’t!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430119",
"author": "Morbius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:43:56",
"content": "Anyone else thinking of “Dagger Of The Mind” ?(just need to mount it in a chair, with flashing lights on the left and right sides – then get a green colored lady to dance with some high explosives in front of a window)……lololoh, and one psychotic former starship captain.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430124",
"author": "grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:48:16",
"content": "This was fairly popular at Glastonbury Festival for quite a few years. It just gave me a headache! Excellent build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430169",
"author": "Silicon_Jesus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:16:06",
"content": "Some whiskey and a J seem like enough for me. They have been extensively tested and don’t generally cause seizures. There have even been times where I was stuck on a chunk of code and a little state-of-mind change was all I needed to solve the issue. I don’t know how easy it would be to code with flashing lights in my face and crazy sounds in my ears. Strange that this is acceptable, but a little pot isn’t. Aren’t they both aimed at the same result?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430181",
"author": "ElectricMucus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:58:47",
"content": "According to the pirated GPL software (sbagen) i-doser it is. They even sell different sequences supposed to mimic different substances.Reminds me of holy hand-grenades, cloud-busters and orgone generators XDBineural Beats and brainwave entrainment are a interesting thing to experiment with, but your experience or state of mind is governed by chemicals not electrical oscillations. At least on the level science understands it.So the missing tag for this article is:meta-physics",
"parent_id": "430169",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430238",
"author": "benj",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:50:11",
"content": "“but your experience or state of mind is governed by chemicals not electrical oscillations”Not strictly true, as the two are intrinsically related (in that electrical oscillations are mediated largely by chemical synapses). While it’s difficult to map something abstract like ‘state of mind’ onto any neurological feature or system, the current state of EEG research would strongly support the idea that tonic electrical oscillations have cognitive significance (possibly even being fundamental to brain function). /neuropedantThat being said, I’m still skeptical about how much of the supposed effects of ‘brain machines’ and the like are actually due to properties of the stimulation as they are to the expectation of the user. From having come across some photic driving studies (which use oscillitary stimuli to investigate entrained brain activity) I’m not familiar with any documented, replicable effects. Still, it’s not something I know a huge amount about, just kinda sets off my bs-meter.",
"parent_id": "430181",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430227",
"author": "bdsmith",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:31:02",
"content": "I built a similar thing back in the 70’s. Battery powered, generated pulses to headband electrodes. Complete with a meter and intensity control. Could fit in a shirt pocket. Amplitude, pulse shape and frequency affected it. Some settings could occationaly generate a high, sometimes lasting for a time even after the machine was disconected. Naturally, a direct electrical contact is much more dangerous than light or sound stimulation – do not do it – I was young and stupid. Even then, I heard stories about the dangers of induced seizures, even in people that had not shown previous history of them. (Even the movie Andromeda Strain had a scene where someone blacked out due to a flashing alarm light.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430256",
"author": "Dormant Labs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T01:36:52",
"content": "Eek, don’t like the leds. Even binaural beats messed me up for a while.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430270",
"author": "hashish",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T02:07:45",
"content": "I had something similar I bought about 10 years ago. It had about 20 different presets (relaxation, motivation, sleep, etc…) and was set to waves crashing. I’m not going to lie, the thing worked, and all my friends (back then) agreed too. It was trippy and relaxing at the same time. Good stuff!(My glasses looked like Oakley Blades)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430305",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T04:34:00",
"content": "Combine this with video goggles made from a pair of camcorder CRTs, Myvu goggles, etc for a really trippy experience.Someone suggested a variant of this with “false colour” imaging that slowly distorts the received images so you start to see shading then colour fringing around objects, followed by all sorts of strange effects.Ought to be doable methinks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430348",
"author": "Polymath",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T07:59:44",
"content": "This is very similar to biofeedback therapy and could be coupled with the “Jedi Force Trainer” for interactive results.I had ADD as a teenager but didn’t trust the drugs they use to treat it. So we tried biofeedback instead. Electrodes on specific points of the head measured 4 (of many) brain wave types. We focused on the one associated with concentration. By controlling breathing and focusing I could manipulate a ball on the screen to hover between two points when generating the proper brain wave.The feedback part was a pleasant sound and light display. to associate that brain state with positive reinforcement. Towards the end of the therapy I could simply drop into the “concentration state” at will. Sort of like zen meditation where you lose track of time. Another set of sounds and lights were used to “set” this training/therapy in place so it would be easier to recall.Personally I think it worked rather well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430357",
"author": "TND",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T08:18:59",
"content": "Interesting stuff, but there’s no way I’m going to intentionally induce myself into having a seizure :/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430486",
"author": "Helmut Baumann",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:14:02",
"content": "How much does it cost, and where can i buy it ?=;-))))))))))",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430649",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:53:51",
"content": "According to a book I once read, by feeding back EEG data to the flashing LEDs they managed to induce absence seizures in nearly half the people tested.Scary stuff, use with care!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "435498",
"author": "Malikaii",
"timestamp": "2011-08-15T19:12:00",
"content": "@Helmut BaumannYou misquoted, sir. It should read:“I have 2 questions: How much? and Give it to me.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.368755
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/07/vtol-airplane-quadracopter-mashup/
|
VTOL Airplane / Quadracopter Mashup
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"hardware",
"Robots Hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[] |
A few guys from Jobi Robotics came up with a really interesting RC plane called the
Quadshot
. With 4 motors, the plane is very similar to the
quadcopter
builds we’ve seen, but an added wing allows it to fly horizontally much faster than a pile of carbon fiber and electronics.
The VTOL ability of the plane reminds us of
something we saw at the National Air & Space Museum
a long time ago. The
flight test footage
of the Convair Pogo shows landings are
troublesome
to say the least, so we can appreciate how much work went into this build.
The Quadshot uses the Open-Source
Paparazzi autopilot
with onboard gyros to take a lot of work out of flying. Their
autopilot board
can also be switched from remote control to a UAV at the touch of a button. This might come in very handy when transitioning between vertical and horizontal flight modes.
The team has already built about a dozen prototypes, and they’re looking to cover tooling costs to manufacture the Quadshot with a
Kickstarter campaign
. The video posted on their Kickstarter page looks very cool. We’re looking forward to seeing the ‘quadcopter with a wing’ builds that the Quadshot will influence.
| 13
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429956",
"author": "elduderino",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T15:39:33",
"content": "I fly rc planes a lot and have always thought about a VTOL plane. A very neat idea and good job on getting it to work +2",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429958",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T15:44:21",
"content": "“Mashup” has got to be one of my least favorite internet memes. In audio, it is called a remix. In video, it is called an edit. When using things, it is a combination. When using people it is an orgy. Make sense?On other sites “mashup” is often used to refer to a creation that someone does not want to pay copyright on because they are a starving artist/hipster. (Think Tshirts and the Obama “Hope” poster and Shepherd Fairey the talentless hack)VTOL quadcopter is neat, terminology is not.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429966",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:01:52",
"content": "no video? no diagrams? no footage of this product? Is this just an idea? does it even fly? where’s the hack?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429970",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:14:39",
"content": "… after poking around, I found video on their Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/theQuadshotwhy is this hidden from their website? Strange",
"parent_id": "429966",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429982",
"author": "charper",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:31:07",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/user/esdentem#p/uThanks for the initial hunting. Here’s the guy that seems to have uploaded all of their videos. Interesting stuff.",
"parent_id": "429970",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430206",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T23:27:35",
"content": "They videos aren’t hidden, there is a link to video at the top of the page. Plain as day. Unless it was added in the interim.",
"parent_id": "429970",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429993",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:56:03",
"content": "After seeing the video in the comment above, that is rather awesome. I’d recommend you edit it into the post. I want one. :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430000",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:19:16",
"content": "Surely the wing undermines it’s ability as a quadrocoptor because it is going to be heavily affected by any amount of sidewind?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430025",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:01:47",
"content": "This thing is awesome! Does it actually fly?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430030",
"author": "ElectricMucus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:07:38",
"content": "I like the idea behind it, but it is a little too much plane and too less copter in this thing.The hovering ability seems seriously impaired.To enable high speed quadracopter flight a regular “square copter” could be equipped with a aerodynamic body to be used for uplift and still have enough performance left for some hovering acrobatics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430108",
"author": "Mythgarr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T19:22:55",
"content": "Isn’t the correct term for this a flying wing? I don’t believe I’ve seen this form factor for an RC car (and I know I haven’t seen it used in a VTOL configuration – neat idea!)It looked like the motors might be a tad underpowered – they seemed to strain in the take-off. Optimizing the motors & blades for lift/thrust would probably help.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430362",
"author": "Richard",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T08:48:08",
"content": "Nice but that wing is Far Far too big, If they want to take advantage of its VTOL capabilities then the wing should be much small (~10% by area) and only used in high speed flight. There wing is so big and they have soo much power that they could just STOL, in a reasonably small space. And having a wing that Big makes for a shitty Quad copter, see how it was being blown around in flight, and have you seen how manoeuvrable normal quad copters are, they are like something our of terminator. Basically my point is with a STOL aircraft your wing area is no longer set by your maximum landing speed, and you are free to set it based on your cruse speed, and so can carry much less drag and weight (and so even less drag). Notice how comparatively small the wings are on those corsair aircraft you linked to.With a smaller wing this could fit in to a nice niche for surveillance, using the wing to extend range and speed between launch and the target, and then using the hover, and manoeuvrability of the quad-copter flight mode to observe Its target.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430552",
"author": "GameboyRMH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:57:49",
"content": "Clever, I was trying to come up with a way to make a flying wing / quadcopter hybrid and was thinking of all kinds of fancy contraptions to move the motors around to switch between VTOL(quad) mode and forward flight, but by simply sacrificing the ability to do traditional takeoffs and landings, this layout makes it very simple.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.802294
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/06/dead-bug-arduino-is-still-breadboard-ready/
|
Dead-bug Arduino Is Still Breadboard Ready
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"breadboard",
"deadbug",
"lilypad",
"prototype"
] |
Here’s
a no-PCB Arduino that doesn’t obscure the DIP footprint
of the AVR chip. It’s built on an ATmega88 chip, and includes a programming header, reset button, a couple of filtering caps, and an LED. This is modeled after the Lilypad hardware, and fits nicely on top of the plastic case of the microcontroller, allowing it to be used in a breadboard or DIP socket. You can see a walk through of the components in the clip after the break.
We don’t really need most of the components on top of the chip (especially the status LED on the SCK line), but there are several things that we like about this. First off, the programming header is extremely nice. We could see this coming in handy for prototyping where you don’t want to add a header to your final design. Just use a chip socket, and this chip while you’re developing firmware. Once everything is dialed in, program a naked chip and swap the two. The same goes for the reset button, which is nice when working on firmware but may not be necessary in your final design.
This is quite an old project, and we’ve actually seen a successor to it. This is Rev. 2 and
we looked in on Rev. 7
back in March. That one is a full Arduino, but the circuit board has no substrate.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMzRi4AAvV4&w=470]
[Thanks Panikos]
| 28
| 22
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429716",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:22:13",
"content": "Coolest Arduino yet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429717",
"author": "prototyper@gmail.com",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:24:01",
"content": "is the RST button necessary? I can’t think of a time when i used it on the arduino…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429780",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T04:49:44",
"content": "Might need reset to write sketch if that is purely a serial converter.",
"parent_id": "429717",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429718",
"author": "prototyper@gmail.com",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:25:23",
"content": "that bug looks to be alive too, btw.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429722",
"author": "Microguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:37:52",
"content": "Ah yes, now that’s how it’s done. I used to make stuff like that. Just some patients and forethought.I like it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429723",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:38:32",
"content": "lol, very cute",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429724",
"author": "adamhixon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:39:06",
"content": "I really like this idea, its so simple",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429727",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:49:05",
"content": "This is awesome. I would totally destroy it while trying to remove it from the breadboard, tho…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430028",
"author": "PocketBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:06:02",
"content": "Simple, just use anIC DIP Extractor.;-)",
"parent_id": "429727",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429729",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:07:42",
"content": "That’s pretty neat. Also another note, I thought geocities was dead?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429736",
"author": "Whoever",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:30:21",
"content": "This is the first Arduino project I’ve seen in a while that really does win.Check out “v2.0” too with USB, though not quite deadbug:http://www.geocities.jp/arduino_diecimila/obaka/project-5/index_en.htmlAnd geocities isn’t dead in Japan yet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429769",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T03:58:50",
"content": "Incredible and really neat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429788",
"author": "Kevka",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T05:19:58",
"content": "If he can fit a crystal on there it would be a true win. Because right now with the atmega88 running from the internal oscillator at a maximum speed of 8MHz you probably will run into troubles using the original arduino libraries (plz correct me if I’m wrong)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429909",
"author": "Whoever",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T13:48:10",
"content": "v2.0 has a crystal.",
"parent_id": "429788",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429961",
"author": "whosawhatsis?",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T15:47:48",
"content": "The arduino boards that run on 3.3v use 8mhz resonators, so if you compile using one of those profiles, the timing should be correct (assuming the precision of the internal resonator is close enough for your application).",
"parent_id": "429788",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429820",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T08:21:14",
"content": "Nice idea, I did something like this once when testing a PIC: IIRC it was a couple of LEDs and an R/C oscillator.SMD crystals can be had from old laptop motherboards.Normally they work, a little hot air and they come off faster than roof tiles in a Force 10 :)One of my future projects is a homemade portable hot air gun for on-the-fly component salvaging.Designed so that it monitors component temperature so it beeps when it is time to remove the part.Anyone interested? email mandoline at cwgsy dot net with the title “Quantum Slipstream”-A",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429848",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T10:41:18",
"content": "That’s awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429853",
"author": "whosawhatsis?",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T10:49:02",
"content": "I designed these a while ago:http://whosawhatsis.com/paraphernalia/newduino_3-board.jpgAll three versions have a DIP footprint, and they are actual PCBs, so they are easier to manufacture. More pictures and information here:http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1239733868/45",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430342",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T07:22:50",
"content": "Those are awesome! :D I only have 1 tiny problem with them, you cannot use them to replace ‘normal’ chips, because the header pins will ruin normal IC sockets. So they’ll only work in breadboards.",
"parent_id": "429853",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430451",
"author": "axodus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T13:11:57",
"content": "Really nice design.Is it via you used for all the holes? I know of one side metal ring, but not on both sides of the pcb, how do you define it to the manufacturer and where was it manufactured? thanks.",
"parent_id": "429853",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429902",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T13:15:30",
"content": "Yep, most certainly live bug rather than dead. Dead bug, for those who don’t know, are pin-side up … like a dead bug.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429930",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T14:49:17",
"content": "Wow. Just wow.Totally blown away.Get rid of the LED and chuck in a 16Mhz resonator and I’m there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429999",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:18:46",
"content": "OK, this is really cool. However, I have a caveat – this is not an “arduino”. This is a microcontroller with a basic operating circuit built in. You could do this exact same thing with with a PIC. An arduino is a development board with a standardized header for easy expansion with daughter boards. This is not that.But still, it’s very well done and I could imagine this being handy around the lab.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430077",
"author": "Panikos",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:51:18",
"content": "My favorite version of this is:http://www.geocities.jp/arduino_diecimila/obaka/project-2/pict/one_chip_arduino_f_s.jpghttp://www.geocities.jp/arduino_diecimila/obaka/project-2/pict/one_chip_arduino_f_lcd.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430333",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T06:57:23",
"content": "Geocities? How old is this project?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "432111",
"author": "dennis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T22:20:39",
"content": "Hmm this is quite cool, though I don’t think it is really too practical….What about this, it is similar in use, though you have to use it on a breadboard (for now):http://blog.xorn.org/2010/12/13/avr-atmega8-breadboard-quick-programmer/I thought about enhancing it by maybe being able to directly contact the AVR pins from the top, and so making it usable for in-system-programming for most projects that use a custom PCB, without having to add programming headers :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1740694",
"author": "Justinnino",
"timestamp": "2014-08-22T17:28:42",
"content": "y",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2527216",
"author": "Flavio Andrade",
"timestamp": "2015-04-14T17:56:01",
"content": "that’s a great “little” project…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,120.87037
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/06/quick-and-easy-audio-preamp/
|
Quick And Easy Audio Preamp
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks",
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"hack a week",
"npn",
"preamp",
"transistor"
] |
The most recent installment of [Dino Segovis’] Hack a Week covers the construction of
a simple NPN transistor audio preamp
. Some time ago, he built
a small audio amplifier using an LM386
which worked well, but didn’t quite get his music as loud as he would like it. He decided to build a preamp to complement his amplifier, and demonstrates how you too can build one with just a small handful of components.
As the name probably suggests, the cornerstone of this amplifier is an NPN transistor. He explains that a forward bias is applied to the base-emitter junction, which results in the transistor operating halfway between its cut-off and saturation regions. Both halves of the input audio signal are superimposed on this bias voltage, resulting in a decent amount of gain across both channels from a relatively small package.
The preamp isn’t going to win any awards among audiophiles, but it is definitely a great beginner project. Its a novel way of demonstrating how transistors work, while producing a useful takeaway piece of audio equipment at the same time.
Continue reading to see a video showing just how big an effect [Dino’s] NPN preamp had on his music.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SclQIWkOtk&w=470]
| 16
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429701",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:46:31",
"content": "I love Dino’s audio projects. Music and art got me tinkering and it’s little doodads like this one that make electronics instantly accessible and rewarding to non-engineer types like me. Very well done sir! Can’t wait for the JFET version. I especially appreciate the abridged theory lesson.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429704",
"author": "Don",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:50:45",
"content": "Couldn’t have come at a better time! I have been trying to understand and build my own NPN Transistor Audio Amplifier for a bit now and would like to learn more about the circuitry and how it works.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429737",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:34:31",
"content": "Unfortunately it’s not viewable in germany due to copyrighted music. I hate it when that happens and I would like to see more hackers thinking about their worldwide audience before posting their videos (or at least to post alternatives without music). This music copyright shit always kind of disrupts the worldwide web video experience for me.Besides that, I hope Dino has met his standards here, I really enjoyed the other videos he produced fpr the series.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429768",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T03:57:02",
"content": "Seconded, video is unavailable in Germany. We should finally get rid of the GEMA. This is ridiculous.",
"parent_id": "429737",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429785",
"author": "Frank Buss",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T05:10:26",
"content": "Use hidemyass.com (sometimes needs page reloads to see it) and you can see it.",
"parent_id": "429768",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429742",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:17:10",
"content": "Regarding the comment that this would not satisfy audiophiles, should that be taken to mean that a simple NPN transistor amplifier like this can’t produce good audio? How good can it be?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430561",
"author": "Space",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:06:59",
"content": "This type of audio amplifier lacks strong negative feedback to linearize transfer curve. Low supply voltage makes saturation and cut-off close to active region. With such low supply voltage active region is too narrow to give enough headroom for standard audio signal level.If the output signal level is several milli-volts to several tens of milli-volts it will work just fine.",
"parent_id": "429742",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430581",
"author": "Space",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:29:03",
"content": "I wish Dino spent some time explaining why he used R2 and R3 to bias the Q1 in such way (automatic bias for common emitter configuration)Supply voltage is 3 to 9 volts and preamp keeps A-class trough the whole supply voltage range.It would be great lecture to everyone interested in analog electronics.",
"parent_id": "429742",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429748",
"author": "AussieTech",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:39:01",
"content": "Potentially very good indeed with a bit of refinement. An LM833 would be getting close to as good as it gets, but then he’s driving an LM386 which is nothing special.What is R1 there to bias? Should only be required with something like an electret mic.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429789",
"author": "mahoney",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T05:27:08",
"content": "Good question haha what is R1 doing there? Yeah looks like a mic was originally driving it.@ColinB. A simple NPN transistor amplifier like this cannot produce good quality audio.The bias configuration (this one is known as ‘collector feedback’ common emitter amp) is not good enough. One reason is that the AC voltage gain is relying entirely on r’e (which varies with temp etc).If there had been an analysis and discussion of the design this would have been obvious!A comment on the site suggests adding a resistor to the emitter, this will give the design much more stability at the cost of gain achieved. But the most of which can be recovered by ‘swamping’ the resistor with a capacitor in parallel whose value must be chosen so it’s reactance won’t interfere too much with the input bandwidth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429801",
"author": "bjax",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T06:19:26",
"content": "Does Dino remind anyone else of Ted Nugent?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429815",
"author": "Oliver",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T08:06:55",
"content": "God damnit,…The Video is not available in germany caused by some gema bullshit.:(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429844",
"author": "Ragnar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T10:34:43",
"content": "The Class A configuration of an Amp promises the least distortion, at the cost of bias current, which normally would make it unsuitable for battery driven applications. There can be exceptional sounding Amps based on this general Class A design. Have a look here, advanced, but nothing undoable for someone with patience:http://www.mhennessy1.f9.co.uk/mf_a1/technical.htm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429889",
"author": "Mental2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T12:40:23",
"content": "Of course Class A amps rock, they also consume vast amounts power and throw out unholy amounts of heat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430073",
"author": "Unclegummers",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:48:06",
"content": "What about a simple “Push Pull” amp? Would of been only a couple more components for a lot more gain. I love how I took semiconductors in college but I couldn’t for the life of me conjure up what resistor values to use. Nice, simple current amp though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "945640",
"author": "Akash",
"timestamp": "2013-01-23T15:53:02",
"content": "sir i made the pre amp for my earphones.but i got stuck because i had to put 3 connections from input i.e. female 3.5mm jack.ground,left and rirht.but i don t know how to do it..pls hlp me out..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.445689
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/06/instructables-joins-autodesk/
|
Instructables Joins Autodesk
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"interesting"
] |
Everyones favorite site, Instructables.com, has announced a big move.
They have joined Autodesk
along with the same team that is doing Autodesk
123D
,
Autodesk is a great cultural fit for Instructables. They make tools for creative people: they’re the world leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. Even if you don’t recognize the name Autodesk, their software has powered the movies you watch, and designed the cars you drive and the buildings you work in. Instructables will be the community arm of the same team that makes 123D, SketchBook, Homestyler, and Pixlr, which will help provide creative tools, inspiration, and services for all types of creative people. Here’s Carl Bass, Autodesk’s CEO, talking more about his vision for the future of DIY.
Sofar the overall reaction on the site thread is tame, but many comments lean to skeptical, though typical with any transition to “The man” as one commenter called them.
Meanwhile MAKE has posted a in depth article “
Autodesk Acquires Instructables: What It Means for Makers
” in their usual (long) format. What’s your thoughts?
| 55
| 35
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429550",
"author": "Girrrrrrr2",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:54:56",
"content": "I love autodesk, but im not sure if Instructables is going to be a good fit…Anyone know any alternatives to Instructables… Like how it was before it became premium a few months ago…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429553",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:58:07",
"content": "Acquisitions are usually followed by disappearances. Would I lament the disappearance of my best favourite site instructables.com? Hmm… No sir, not at all!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429660",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:59:56",
"content": "in my article i compared flickr + yahoo to instructables + autodesk. i don’t think instructables will disappear. i hope autodesk really gets the instructables dna circulated around autodesk. yahoo didn’t do much / anything with flickr and i think the best thing about yahoo is flickr at the moment.but since you said “Acquisitions are usually followed by disappearances” could you name some specific community sites that are like instructables that were acquired and then disappeared?",
"parent_id": "429553",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429674",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:46:10",
"content": "http://archiveteam.org/?title=Deathwatchmakes a good start.",
"parent_id": "429660",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429751",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:56:53",
"content": "I didn’t have any particular “site” in mind, although Deathwatch is an interesting list. I was rather thinking about companies in which I and my friends work, the companies tend to be eaten by other companies, their actively developed products would then be “added to portfolio”, which in businessspeak means milked, jaded and sent to die in dilbertesque limbo. I’m sure same things happen to sites. What yahoo did to flickr was exactly what you have said: nothing. Or rather nothing good: they have added evil regional policies, censorship, things that drove many interesting photographers away. I’m sure all people who were responsible for all good flickr is walked away quickly after the acquisition, it always happens.But in my opinion instructables can’t be worse than it already is, so if it doesn’t die, well, who knows, it might become better. As for now and for me, this broken robot is a symbol of extortion and I’m afraid it can’t be helped.",
"parent_id": "429660",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429790",
"author": "gmrple",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T05:30:14",
"content": "I take it you’re Phillip Torrone from Makezine?",
"parent_id": "429660",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429865",
"author": "Bhima",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T11:39:36",
"content": "For me Flickr remains the low mark of the destruction of a dynamic and new site when bought out by a large corporation. I used to be there daily and posting many new photographs… but after a few months of stagnation and irritating decisions at Flickr, I simply quit going.Instructables however is simply to frustrating to use unless you subscribe. So I simply never go there.",
"parent_id": "429660",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429557",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:05:22",
"content": "I think people are being unduly harsh. It is too early to see the impact and with the free tools they are working here, I think the site can only benefit from being ‘sponsored’ by a company making the tools you need to make a professional looking post.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429559",
"author": "autofail",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:05:46",
"content": "time for a new instructables type of site…i just dont see how autodesk *wont* run it into the ground…the blog tries to be comforting with the section: “the whole team is staying on, our policies haven’t changed, you still hold copyright to your projects, we’ll still run awesome contests, and the Robot isn’t going anywhere”…. just wait until the autodesk lawyers get around to “fixing” the site their way. im sure there will be a quiet change to the site policy where autodesk owns everything“Autodesk is a great cultural fit for Instructables.” wrong… what does autodesk know or care about the various altoid tin projects, or steampunk, or even a nyan cat rocket (http://www.instructables.com/id/Nyan-Cat-Rocket/)???gg instructables",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429561",
"author": "RooTer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:10:08",
"content": "instructables became unusable to me after every little “feature” got “premium” so that most anonymous users hardly can use any of the guides uploaded there..But if autodesk aims for some kind of integration it could benefit both parties (autodesk, community).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429566",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:17:39",
"content": "If they make the instructables website easier to use then it’ll be a win. I may be the only one but I can barely stand using that website.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429651",
"author": "Whoever",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:38:42",
"content": "I so don’t care about instructables that I didn’t even bother RTFAing, but from what I can gather I share your opinion:This is Autodesk’s opportunity to make Instructables stop sucking so hard.But I’m not holding my breath.",
"parent_id": "429566",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429567",
"author": "Hellahulla",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:19:01",
"content": "Autodesk are not known to be the cruellest acquire…r of companies. I think Instructables will be safe. I hope so.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429568",
"author": "jeicrash",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:19:20",
"content": "I think this could be a good move, and at the same time see how it might end up being the death of instructables for non-premium users. However the Internet is packed with how-to information, youtube often has good resources, but only time will tell, perhaps someone will see this as an opportunity to start a new and FREE instructables style site.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429658",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:56:55",
"content": "a “free” version would likely be ad supported (like hack-a-day) how besides ads would you like to see a site support themselves? ifixit sells physical items in addition to providing how-tos. can you think of other ways for a how-to site to sustain itself?",
"parent_id": "429568",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429570",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:23:34",
"content": "I certainly wouldn’t cry if instructables went away. In fact, I value Autodesk more than instructables…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429573",
"author": "Haraldb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:37:43",
"content": "Instructables is imo cancer and i hope that autodesk will fix it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429575",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:46:31",
"content": "“Everyones favorite site, Instructables.com” : haha. Nobody like this site. The idea is great, the content is most of the time pretty cool, but they made a real mess of this website and it’s unusable.“their software has powered the movies you watch” : certainly no.“and designed the cars you drive” : I’ve no car, nor even a licence to drive one.“the buildings you work in” : maybe… if they were here in the 60s.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429579",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:56:45",
"content": "Not sure this is a good idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429612",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:22:07",
"content": "I’m more interested in how this will change Autodesk.They already offer all their software for FREE to students for 3 years. I’d really like to see them follow up with reasonably priced ‘Home’ versions of their software for makers. I’d be willing to pay $200 for Inventor, but not $1k.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429652",
"author": "Avengingwatcher",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:39:38",
"content": "This only ends badly for the users. Since when did a company, known for being sue happy and creating a proprietary and cost prohibitive product end up being a good thing for an open and creative environment of tinkerers? In fact, when’s the last time you remember any big company doing right by the little guy after buying a small company? When profit is a legal requirement, doing the right thing doesn’t happen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429656",
"author": "cdilla",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:56:47",
"content": "I can’t see it being a good thing. I don’t see what benefit the visitors to the site will get from this.If the premium access crap was scrapped, or the poorly designed navigability was improved then that would be good.But we all know the only reason any company takes over a site like this is to get all those clicks directed at their products and services.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429661",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:04:47",
"content": "instructables said they will not be promoting autodesk tools at all, you can watch their 1 hour video chat where they say this specifically, many times. autodesk from what i researched and put in my article has no plans “to get all those clicks directed at their products and services”. until there is evidence of that, i don’t think it’s fair to say it.autodesk does not want to change instructables, autodesk wants to change and be more-like-instructables. this was a talent acquisition in my opinon, we’ll see if i was right :)on a related note, some may recall when hack-a-day replaced many links with links to mahalo, that didn’t help hack-a-day or mahalo so i don’t think there’s any data showing adding links to a place that normally doesn’t link to something does much in the long run – other than upset the community.",
"parent_id": "429656",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429663",
"author": "ewanuno",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:19:08",
"content": "i think that more than anything autodesk are afraid of loosing the 3d scanning/printing revolution.if the 3d fabrication revolution happens with open source software autodesk are screwed.just like google is screwwing apple with android.(or at least denying them market domination)and like how microsoft would have owned the internet if it hadn’t been for netscape.expect free beer and vendor lock-in.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429668",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:28:23",
"content": "Not to mention that the free and open source Blender is rapidly gaining on 3ds Max in both features and usability. I wouldn’t doubt that open source is gaining on their other software titles as well.I had to convert some stuff from Max to Blender recently, and it was a total hassle, but mostly because Max uses an obfuscated proprietary format and doesn’t export standards-compliant files very well.",
"parent_id": "429663",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429671",
"author": "LinuxH4x0r",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:41:35",
"content": "“Everyones *former* favorite site, Instructables.com” became unusable with all the “pro” membership nonsense. As long as Eric and Christy are still involved it will continue to be a total mess. If autodesk can take it back to what it was 2-3 years ago it could be a big success – if enough people are willing to come back after they drove everyone away with pro.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429682",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T21:01:34",
"content": "i did a lot of research for my article – there have been more members joining since pro memberships happened, not less.if you read the previous forum posts on instructables adding pro accounts (as well as the video chat from last week) – pro accounts were added to keep the site from going out of business. in late 2008/early 2009 the advertising revenues sank, there was also a financial meltdown in the usa, later world wide (and still to this day) – so instructables added this and it’s one the reasons the site survived.i’m not saying it was good or bad, just sharing what i researched for the article. i use an ad blocker for almost all sites and i have a pro membership i paid for work stuff (i mentioned this in the article too, as well as linking to a site that reformats the pages).",
"parent_id": "429671",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429763",
"author": "gp",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T03:20:20",
"content": "I read the article and I don’t disagree with the meat of it, however (and I don’t mean to detract from that point here), the fact that subscription rates have gone up since the change in instructables does not accurately represent the idea you are putting forward.On the one hand it does show that people are willing to sign up for the site, sure, but some of those people were already users who before had the luxury of accessing more of the site’s features without the need to register. In that way it just rolled its existing userbase into a new model which saw many of them fall into registration, which by its structure, was designed to do just that. That nitpick aside, I agree that autodesk made an interesting move to engage the community of makers, and I don’t think it is a bad thing for anyone.You also mentioned other common gripes with instructables that bear discussion. In particular usability problems, and how access to information is offered and I agree those are much bigger stumbling blocks than premium services or the autodesk acquisition. Is instructables still growing as a community? I think so, and I don’t think any of the recent changes are a substantial hindrance to that. To autodesk the value of instructables is in its community, for most makers it is the content provided by that community, but it takes more than a community and content to keep a site alive. If it can’t make that content available in an easy and useable way, what is it doing for the community at all?",
"parent_id": "429682",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429672",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:42:36",
"content": "Can’t get worse, can it?perhaps the idiots who run, and ruined intructables for a large part, will have less say and less need to continue doing so.Watch as I’m proven wrong though, maybe they’ll remove the pdf download (one of the biggest saving graces of intructables for sure).Oh well, we have to wait and see.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429677",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:52:23",
"content": "Anyone who thinks this move is ‘working for the man’ obviously doesn’t know Instructables very well.I mean come on, nearly every action on the site leads back to promoting paid membership, adverts etc.You want to scroll the page? Please pay for membershipYou want to see pictures!?? OMG Please click advert 1-5You get the idea :p",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429678",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:53:52",
"content": "The point of my post above (similar to what someone else said) is basically that they’re already “for the man” since all the changes a year or two ago.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429685",
"author": "Vonskippy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T21:53:13",
"content": "Seems like the death knoll for anything useful coming out of Instructables.Autodesk practically invented DRM for their draconian licensed software (way back when AutoCAD was first released).They’ve successfully sued and won against first sale doctrine time and time again for people trying to re-sale legitimate licenses of the way over priced AutoCAD products on eBay.AutoDesk gives nothing away for free. They don’t even Sell things. Autodesk is all about control and LICENSING.RIP Instructables – alas, you used to be somewhat useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429691",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:08:58",
"content": "autodesk just released a free 3d tool, i mentioned this in the article a few times:http://www.123dapp.com/“Autodesk 123D is free 3D modeling softwareintegrated with content and fabrication services.”win only at this time.and as a previous commenter say (bill) “They already offer all their software for FREE to students for 3 years.”here are the details for the specific case you mentioned…————In 2008, in Timothy S. Vernor v. Autodesk Inc., a U.S. Federal District Judge in Washington rejected a software vendor’s argument that it only licensed copies of its software, rather than selling them, and that therefore any resale of the software constituted copyright infringement. Judge Richard A. Jones cited first-sale doctrine when ruling that a reseller was entitled to sell used copies of the vendor’s software regardless of any licensing agreement that might have bound the software’s previous owners because the transaction resembled a sale and not a temporary licensing arrangement.In 2010 however, the judgment against Autodesk was overturned and the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the sale of the software was indeed a lease and not a sale. Because there was no sale, the court held that the First Sale Doctrine did not apply and remanded the case for further proceedings.———–and here’s some more info (wired)…———–The 3-0 decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal, if it stands, means copyright owners may prohibit the resale of their wares by inserting clauses in their sales agreements.“The terms of the software license in the case are not very different from the terms of most software licensing. So I think it’s safe to say that most people don’t own their software,” said Greg Beck, the defense attorney in the case who represented an eBay seller sued by Autodesk. “The other ramification, there is no reason a similar license could not be put into the cover of a book. It wouldn’t be difficult for everybody to implement this.”Beck said he will ask the San Francisco-based appeals court to rehear the case with 11 judges.The Software & Information Industry Association, whose members include Google, Adobe, McAfee, Oracle and dozens of others, urged the court to rule as it did. The Motion Picture Association of America also sided with Autodesk.The American Library Association and eBay argued against the outcome. The library association said it feared that the software industry’s licensing practices could be adopted by other copyright owners, including book publishers, record labels and movie studios.That assertion was not lost on the appeals court, saying Congress is free to modify copyright law “if it deems these or other policy considerations … require a different approach.”It was believed to be the first appellate ruling directly addressing whether a user agreement could forbid resales of software, though the appellate courts have previously backed companies that have imposed terms on how software may be used. The decision covers the nine western states, including California.———-so it’s not over? “Beck said he will ask the San Francisco-based appeals court to rehear the case with 11 judges.”and since autodesk is wanting to become more maker-like with the instructables joining they’re going to need to rethink some of their licensing and policies. the maker world is fueled by open source licenses, creative commons, reuse, recycle and if autodesk wants to attract makers they’ll likely need to open up more.",
"parent_id": "429685",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429694",
"author": "Retroplayer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:16:45",
"content": "Alright, somebody enlighten me… I have none of these problems with instructables and I do not have a pro membership. I have never given them a dime. However, I did have an account there before the 2008. Maybe that is the difference? I have not run across a single thing I have been unable to do there without the pro membership.Are you sure you guys aren’t just whining?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429695",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:27:19",
"content": "Yeah, as a user who has never had an account, the inability to look at the majority of photos or download any files or view any source code from the entire site renders it useless to me 90% of the time. If I accidentally click a link to an instructable page, I instantly close it. It’s not worth it for me at this stage in my life to pay money to view some little script a hobbyist wrote and posted there. If it became usable (fully accessible), I’m sure there’s a lot of good content on that site, it’s just inaccessible to me.",
"parent_id": "429694",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429719",
"author": "Brian Neeley",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:31:04",
"content": "I have a free instructables “account/log-in/whatever”, and I have never seen any need for anything different. I don’t need a pdf, nor do I need to have everything on one page. If I ever wanted to print something out, that might be nice, but I’ve never seen anything I liked so much that I would want hardcopy. I have one e-mail account that is basicly junk, because I use it for account logins, and things like posting to hack-a-day. I have another e-mail account that I “use”, plus one at work.",
"parent_id": "429695",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429779",
"author": "Standard Mischief",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T04:37:08",
"content": "There are non-members, paid members, unpaid members, and really old unpaid members.The site really sucks for the non-members and recent unpaid members. I’m not sure exactly when they “took features away” from the newly registered though.",
"parent_id": "429694",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429924",
"author": "Retroplayer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T14:42:24",
"content": "That makes sense, I guess. I can view all steps on one page, download PDF files, etc. I have not come across a single feature I have been unable to use with my membership.I always read these rants and thought, “WTF are these guys talking about?”Now I know. Thanks. Well, at least they were kind enough to have grandfathered some of their older users. If I woke up someday to check it out and they took features away from me, I probably wouldn’t have gone back.",
"parent_id": "429779",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "450465",
"author": "Ross",
"timestamp": "2011-09-08T13:41:24",
"content": "Just want to say that I’m not sure when this happened as I am one of those ancient unpaid members of instructables, but it is now possible to view all steps on one page without being logged in.",
"parent_id": "429779",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429707",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:56:08",
"content": "As long as it doesn’t affect the free status of the software I don’t care in the slightest. I haven’t visited instructables in years (unless I’ve been linked to it). Keep the software free, keep listening to the community to improve it and it’s all good.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429710",
"author": "ausy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:05:39",
"content": "i really REALLY hope this cleans up instructables, i only see good things changing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429720",
"author": "petemate",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:31:17",
"content": "No fucking way! It has to be the worst page ever.. You have to be a premium member to do anything at all, and actual content is only 1/10th of the page.I suggest that hackaday set up a free page for projects.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429726",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:46:49",
"content": "I’m not going to enter a dog chasing it’s tail sort of discussion concerning Instructables itself beyond the following.Autodesk purchase Instructables as business investment. Apparently Instructables move to a premium model really never hurt that enterprise at all. I don’t think we can expect Autodesk to change the premium model, if they can’t expect it to increase revenue. There’s an old saw about wishing I won’t included her , because it might violate the new guidelines, but I really doubt that Autodesk will return instructable to their former business model.As far as Autodesk is concerned, I have to feel they are expecting too much from those who post their projects to instructables. Save for the craft project very few paper to have commercial promise at all, that Autodesk products could aid the designer/builder. Perhaps Autodesk should have considered Etsy, because Etsy is already a community of persons seeking to earn money by using their skills. I like Instructables, and it seems to be one of the easiest, least expensive avenue for persons to share what they did. In the event Instructables can’t meet Autodesk’s expectations, instructables may be offloaded in a roughshod fashion that could end Instructables. Nothing that the users Of instructables can do about it but, I hope those who contributed to the wb site have their files saved elsewhere.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429745",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:23:16",
"content": "AutoDesk is the company who IGNORES Linux existence and makes soft for “professional” WinPeople…What positive thing can I say about this people?AutoDesk is very very selfish.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429752",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:58:09",
"content": "It’s premature to ascribe motives, let alone final results. FUD is not always from Corporations to the public either. Even so, the very real elements of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt are quite rational given what both players have done in the past.IF it’s a legit case of Instructables getting better funded while Autodesk embraces “Open” society? Sadly, I too fear that both players will be at risk of putting their worst sides forwards as opposed to their better ones. Oh, I wish it would for example- have Instructables return to a “Less Paywall” mode and Autodesk to *EMBRACE* the F/OSS models. Software being financed through Training Courses and SUPPORT can be an incredibly powerful working concept. I suspect that Autodesk will have some employees reading the buzz- and that should include HERE. IF there’s any folks from Autodesk and/or Instructables reading this thread? Do consider the advantages of “less restrictive” mindsets and corporate realities.Having a million seats @ several hundred bucks a seat Vs maybe several millions of seats free versions- and even 1/3 each tossing in even $100/seat for certifications? That may be a worthy vision for pitching to stockholders.Don’t forget- 3D printers are poised to become comparable to what happened with home inkjet printers. So if they design it in Autodesk- post it on instructables, andthe public decides to print it on a printer certified for Autodesk, those certs for coders/designers become more valuable!Call it Hacking the Financial models?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429771",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T04:02:50",
"content": "I think the business model of such companies is based on their management/owner’s specific view, and they are almost always stuck in their ways so what you start with is what it ends with.And it seems to keep them afloat, and in the current market uncertainties they will be even less likely to be open to thinking of new ways to do things I expect.But that still won’t tell us what will happen with instructables though.",
"parent_id": "429752",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429777",
"author": "therin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T04:27:41",
"content": "I haven’t see instructables in years, most of project there I complete in preschool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429968",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:12:11",
"content": "CASE AND POINT: I learned how to program AVR microcontrollers when Hack-A-Day ran a story “Ghetto Programming: Getting Started with AVR Microcontrollers on the Cheap” and linked to the instructables pagehttp://www.instructables.com/id/Ghetto-Programming%3A-Getting-started-with-AVR-micro/Free to view at that time, I followed that little write-up and programmed an ATTiny2313 and ignited a passion for electronics which unfolded into a life-changing hobby for me! Now, without a paid account, you can’t even view the 10 line source code for the LED_BLINK.c source code! (“step 7”)That was a perfectly good and helpful article, destroyed. I can’t even link friends to that page.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429976",
"author": "phnx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:21:51",
"content": "Accusations of selling out to the man are justified in this scenario I think.Considering that AutoDesk was abusing the DMCA by sending DMCA Take-Down letters to eBay as an attempt at keeping people from selling their old versions.ars technica =",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429977",
"author": "phnx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:22:32",
"content": "guess I messed the html for the link…Autodesk sued for $10 million after invoking DMCA to stop eBay resaleshttp://arstechnica.com/software/news/2007/09/autodesk-sued-for-10-million-after-invoking-dmca-to-stop-ebay-resales.ars",
"parent_id": "429976",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430017",
"author": "Gus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:52:14",
"content": "Maybe it became free now…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430029",
"author": "onef",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:07:37",
"content": "I just hope they get rid of their spammy, scammy adds from adblade. If I see “$LOCAL STAY AT HOME MOM MAKES $3454 FROM HOME!” one more time, I’m going to scream.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430529",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T15:34:49",
"content": "Adblade ads have been removed from the site. Also there will no longer intentionally be screen takeover ads. Sometimes they slip in and have to be manually removed.",
"parent_id": "430029",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430394",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T10:35:03",
"content": "I hate Instructables – Give me your personal information and I’ll let you actually see other people’s contribution to my money making site that I don’t them pay for. That’s Instructables talking….I hate them, no matter who bought them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430678",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T19:53:58",
"content": "So, Autodesk bought Instructables to get more exposure for its free tools. I suppose there’s something to that, as I was previously unaware they *had* any gratis tools. They hope that leads a subset of free users to eventually jumping upmarket to one of their “leased” tools. That’s a GD big jump, when their cheapest lease is US$1200. I guess we’ll see how that plays out. As it stands I don’t really *care*, so long as Instructables doesn’t start twisting authors’ arms to use Autodesk products.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.393505
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/06/the-diy-nuclear-reactor/
|
The DIY Nuclear Reactor
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"chemistry hacks",
"News"
] |
[
"nuclear",
"nuclear boy scout",
"reactor"
] |
“Wednesday, I was arrested and sent to jail,” is what your blog might say if you decide to try and duplicate
this project
. You may, however, be fortunate to be still writing your blog, as ATTEMPTING TO BUILD YOUR OWN REACTOR can be quite dangerous. That’s what [Richard] did using household items such as clock fingers for Radium, and smoke detectors for Americium. After the radioactive elements were separated from their household “containers” and melted down, they created a small explosion on his stove.
This attempted experiment is based on one that was done by
[David Hahn
], AKA, “The Nuclear Boyscout”, in order to obtain his nuclear energy badge. For what it’s worth, [David] did attain the rank of Eagle Scout, however, he turned his parent’s house into a Superfund EPA cleanup site in the process.
The video after the break describes the process of making a reactor from household materials. This video may be entertaining, but duplicating it is not recommended (and would be somewhat expensive).
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0TlECFbjvM&w=470&h=349%5D
| 86
| 44
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429482",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:12:42",
"content": "The 98% sulfuric acid he was using is magnetudes more dangerous than the small amount of radioactive materials present",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429483",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:13:10",
"content": "I misspelled magnitudes….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429633",
"author": "Psion",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:24:53",
"content": "Wow! You’re right.Sorry about that.",
"parent_id": "429483",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429486",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:19:27",
"content": "He isn’t even using it to heat water…he just wants to make Plutonium? He really is a mad scientist!BTW…the site formatting here cuts off the video frame.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429492",
"author": "matguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:37:13",
"content": "He needs 1.21 Gigawatts.",
"parent_id": "429486",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3041837",
"author": "qew",
"timestamp": "2016-06-02T21:53:52",
"content": "Best Comment",
"parent_id": "429492",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429493",
"author": "Jeremy Cook",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:45:04",
"content": "Thanks – Fixed!",
"parent_id": "429486",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429538",
"author": "Maave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:09:53",
"content": "That’s what I was thinking. I watched the vid expecting him to plug tubes up to a generator and in the end he’s like “now you can make plutonium!”…. oh gee, that’s a useful project",
"parent_id": "429486",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "434871",
"author": "Sam Mills",
"timestamp": "2011-08-15T04:42:14",
"content": "Who needs Plutonium? I have my Mr. Fusion Home Generator bought in 2015! My time machine is a Mini van, however. That and the Hover-car upgrade was unavailable for my brand. Pity. :(I did go back in time and buy some of those thorium Lantern bags for anyone interested.A Seminar on Time Travel will be held Two Weeks ago.",
"parent_id": "429486",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6455453",
"author": "Yeet gamer",
"timestamp": "2022-04-11T06:49:21",
"content": "You do not need to heat water and you don’t need to use plutonium you could use americium 241 it can be bought in most hardware stores and is complex legal in most countries except china",
"parent_id": "429486",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429489",
"author": "Hene",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:26:04",
"content": "This is not cool project. It’s too dangerous. Not good idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430417",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:12:16",
"content": "This is a cool project. It’s too dangerous. Very good idea.",
"parent_id": "429489",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6648939",
"author": "Hene is G@Y",
"timestamp": "2023-06-03T04:43:07",
"content": "def best comment also who are these people looking to make nuke reactors on the open internet",
"parent_id": "430417",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429490",
"author": "Burnerjack",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:34:39",
"content": "Maybe this should be called “How I Learned To Love The Dirty Bomb”. Or “Why I Joined The Hair Club For Men”. Or “Kids? Who Wants Kids?”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429543",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:26:30",
"content": "I think you have the best comment here. Made me laugh",
"parent_id": "429490",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429608",
"author": "Syrus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:21:36",
"content": "Reminds me of 1950’s public service announcement propaganda, only you have a great sarcastic undertone. :)",
"parent_id": "429490",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429500",
"author": "Tachikoma",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:53:42",
"content": "The device only counts as a nuclear reactor when actual fission was accomplished (i.e. went over the criticality limit). Fortunately for him, that did not happen. Otherwise, he’d be in hospital with only a few days to live, maybe less if he is fortunate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429703",
"author": "Okian Warrior",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:48:08",
"content": "So to be clear, you’re saying that *any* fission, no matter how small or how well his preparations were, would give him a fatal dose of radiation, yes?In other words, you think that fission radiation is a binary event. It either doesn’t work, or results in a “demon core” type of accident.I’d be interested to hear your opinions on other things, such as current events or who is a good candidate to vote for.",
"parent_id": "429500",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429732",
"author": "VV",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:15:01",
"content": "Sounds exactly like American poltics. 2 choices only differentiated by their extremes and polarizing issues, Gun Control and Healthcare, while the rest of the world looks on in amazement as people argue which is better, far right or far right!As for this, we are absorbing radiation all the time. Standing next to one of these for a little bit is probably no worse than getting on a plane.Remember he got all this stuff in easily available stuff, he didn’t have to go and scrape anything from the surface of the sun.",
"parent_id": "429703",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429750",
"author": "AussieTech",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:49:13",
"content": "To be clear, NO – READ the post; he’s quite specific about “criticality”. um … you do know what “criticality” means I ‘spose?",
"parent_id": "429703",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429967",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:10:01",
"content": "criticality is an often-misused or misunderstood word.every operational nuclear reactor is in a critical state, where there is an equal number of neutrons creating reactions as there are being released.“meltdown”, cherynobyl, and the demonsphere are all examples of SUPERcriticality, where the reaction ramps up within millisecondsa at an exponential rate (ie: if 1.05 neutron reactions are created per neutron absorbed, at millions of reactions a second, your reactor is 1000s of times over-power in a devastatingly small period of time)SUBcritical is when its less than 1:1, and the reactor will fizzle down and eventually come to a halt because it cannot sustain itself",
"parent_id": "429703",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429503",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:57:51",
"content": "For some strange reason I want to produce a decent amount of Carbon 14 for a more powerful beta light. . . Need to look up some cross-sectional numbers to see if its possible to produce with an americium neutron gun …Even if it were not used as a light it could be used as a battery!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "467550",
"author": "black soap",
"timestamp": "2011-09-29T19:14:33",
"content": "Beta lights use tritium.",
"parent_id": "429503",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6144036",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2019-04-21T17:13:26",
"content": "Yes, but he wants to make one more powerful than a tritium based one.",
"parent_id": "467550",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429512",
"author": "Mark A",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:10:14",
"content": "I don’t think that the Queen will be happy now he has made her head radioactive.(UK 1 penny coin)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429513",
"author": "Someonecool",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:11:03",
"content": "Hah, I bet the guys at 4hv and phys.org are getting so much new posts like “how do i make dis reactor 4 ten dollars?” and stuff like that. Poor saps :PYou can also make a harnsworth farnsworth reactor and use it as a neutron source, it is much more controlled and can generate a lot more than this, though it is much more expensive and arguably more complicated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429576",
"author": "Magnet18",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:47:38",
"content": "FWIW, this is fission and farnsworth fusors are fusionTo the staff, I didn’t mean to report, I accidentally pushed the wrong button, sorry.",
"parent_id": "429513",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429898",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T13:07:33",
"content": "I did that too the other day. It would be awesome if they’d switch “report comment” and “reply” so that “reply” is in the lower-right corner, as it is on all Disqus sites and lots of non-Disqus sites too.",
"parent_id": "429576",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429517",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:21:06",
"content": "Oh my goodness this is awesome! I want to try building a reactor!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429518",
"author": "vinito",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:21:34",
"content": "Even if the video doesn’t explicitly teach you how to get “off the grid”, at least we now know the actual sound of success…Dinnnnnnnnnnnng !",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429525",
"author": "Jayson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:46:18",
"content": "Great…. Now I can get everything I need to power my Flux Capacitor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429665",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:23:18",
"content": "Just trade some Lybians a box of shoddy pinball parts for some plutonium.",
"parent_id": "429525",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429743",
"author": "zacdee316",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T01:17:16",
"content": "Don’t forget your bullet proof vest.",
"parent_id": "429665",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429527",
"author": "Khordas",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:46:46",
"content": "At least part of this won’t work as advertised. While he specifically says that OLD lantern mantles had thorium, he’s using new lantern mantles which don’t have any.(cue cheesy video voice) For a better source of thorium, find an old bomarc missile. There are still a few on display here and there, and there are probably thousands in a warehouse somewhere. The frame of the missile was made of mag-thor which is an alloy of magnesium and thorium. The alloy should be soluble in acids, leaving magnesium and thorium salts, as well as lots of hydrogen. Separate the magnesium salts from the thorium salts by fractional crystallization, and there you have it… (diiiiing)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "434175",
"author": "tom",
"timestamp": "2011-08-14T03:52:30",
"content": "WHY TELL PEOPLE THIS???we don’t need to turn every house into an epa cleanup site",
"parent_id": "429527",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2931060",
"author": "DainBramage",
"timestamp": "2016-02-23T13:34:00",
"content": "The people who will do this won’t need [Khordas] to tell them how to do it.",
"parent_id": "434175",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429532",
"author": "Johan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:59:17",
"content": "For anyone interested, I have seen videos on youtube showing transmutation of elements using a Am/Be neutron source.It’s not that hard to build a nuclear reactor at home. All you need is a neutron source, a moderator and an element to be radiated by the neutrons. It will be very low flux, but it will transmute elements.Found the video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng6NOH8S7BkIt seems to be more difficult getting the equipment to measure the resulting nuclides than the actual ingredients for the experiment itself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429542",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:25:24",
"content": "“And for a limited time Not only will we send you one small reactor for you family, We will send you two reactors for the same low price of one reactor! But wait…”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429834",
"author": "mouse",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T09:38:17",
"content": "You’re gonna love my nukes!",
"parent_id": "429542",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431847",
"author": "Akoi Meexx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T13:33:30",
"content": "These are the best comments yet. Made my morning. :D",
"parent_id": "429834",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429544",
"author": "michaeltelecaster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:32:26",
"content": "In the future there will be one of these in every car in the world. And it will look exactly like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429545",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:33:03",
"content": "It’s the “radioactive boyscout”, and you may want to step up your warning from “not recommended” to “don’t do it, you ”Anybody who knows anything about the Radioactive boyscout knows the number 1 lesson from this story is “don’t do it”. The person who made this sounds like somebody who read the 1 paragraph summary of “hurr hurr, you can get radioactive stuff from smoke alarms” and just decided to go jump right in.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429552",
"author": "stanford",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:56:37",
"content": "wow, im going to start using this video instead of rickrolling people.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429572",
"author": "ronald",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:25:56",
"content": "thank god the guy prolly whont be able to have children anymoreputtering in youre shop inventing stuff and finding other uses for items is fun but i draw the line at radioactive stuff and frown at explosives as they not only dangerous to the person that tinkers with it but the people around him as whell",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429817",
"author": "Garbz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T08:15:49",
"content": "Why do you draw a line? The world wouldn’t be anywhere near where it is today if people suddenly drew a line when they hear about someone doing something dangerous.You’re glad he’s pulled himself out of the gene pool, do you say the same about Marie Curie?",
"parent_id": "429572",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429935",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T14:54:11",
"content": "Comparing this guy to Marie Curie? Srs? Perspective called, it wants to know why it hasn’t heard from you in so long.",
"parent_id": "429817",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429849",
"author": "Willy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T10:41:32",
"content": "How do you know he hasn’t already had a few kids?",
"parent_id": "429572",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431478",
"author": "velociostrich",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T21:54:58",
"content": "His kids (if he has any) won’t have kids. I don’t know if that’s good or not.",
"parent_id": "429849",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429582",
"author": "the_h4wk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:01:15",
"content": "Actually this video is from an Documentation about the nuclear boy scout fromhttp://www.eagletv.co.ukas seen in the description of the Youtube video.This company seems to make documentations about fringe science .This is no real build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429583",
"author": "the_h4wk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:03:12",
"content": "What is good.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429654",
"author": "Hamtaro",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:45:58",
"content": "That probably has to be the best way to end a disastrous project. “I was arrested, and my stuff was confiscated. So the project is cancelled.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2274403",
"author": "$$$",
"timestamp": "2014-12-22T03:47:49",
"content": "“Dinnnng!”",
"parent_id": "429654",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429655",
"author": "dizzy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T19:49:04",
"content": "this just make border entries a life hell",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429667",
"author": "Maave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:27:50",
"content": "lol, I got a response to my comment on YouTube:“atomic bombs are nuclear reactors, too (without producing electricity)only thing they do is unleaching energy in form of (termal)radiation, which then can be used to wipe out cities or heat up water (like in steam engines) which then brings turbines to produce energy by circulating…this reactor is indeed to weak to do any of the above, but should you succede in creating pure plutonium (about 99% of Plutonium-239) and about enough to achive the critical mass (min 4.49 kg)…. “",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429670",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:39:04",
"content": "Could have tried to make a thermoelectric isotope generator.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429693",
"author": "billthewelder",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:16:18",
"content": "Grew up not far from David Khan and now I work at the same shipyard that built the Enterprise, small world.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429706",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:54:57",
"content": "i wonder why this is titled diy nuclear reactor, your write up and video are all about how to be an idiot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429721",
"author": "Elephant Parts",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:34:02",
"content": "NNS (Neighborhood Nuclear Superiority)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGCFmSFvIZw",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430329",
"author": "Axel Roest",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T06:38:39",
"content": "Fun!",
"parent_id": "429721",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429728",
"author": "Koobs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:56:50",
"content": "You guys should look up “Cultural acquisition of a specific learned response among rhesus monkeys” or “The Wet Monkey Theory” before you condemn this as stupid, dangerous, and not to be done.Seriously, if we chase everyone away from nuclear study at a young age through fear, we’ll be without nuclear scientists in a generation or two. The same thing is also happening in chemistry. Have you seen how nerfed chemistry sets have gotten in the past few decades?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430596",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:00:20",
"content": "If their numbers do shrink considerably, it’s far more likely that it will be due to the runaway costs of higher education than to the fact that Little Johnny’s chemistry set doesn’t come with a fist-sized chunk of polonium.Some kids want to be doctors. Nobody in their right mind would encourage one to perform amateur surgery, and guess what, there are still lots of doctors.",
"parent_id": "429728",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430990",
"author": "Koobs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T05:26:41",
"content": "I disagree in a few ways with what you’re saying.Higher education is not needed for innovation. Yes, it can help, but if little Johnny is already putting his polonium in a cloud chamber when he’s 10, he’s gonna be at one hell of an advantage over students who didn’t encounter nuclear physics until their college professor does the same for them from behind 3 feet of leaded glass (or just shows a video, given current education funding).Also, most doctors are little more than plumbers. Yes, humans are more complicated than the kitchen sink, but about the same amount of innovation happens on the front lines when fixing either.Your analogy goes too far off the scale. Not giving little Johnny ANY isotopes all the while telling him he will die, HORRIBLY, if he ever sees any radiation is not the same as saying “Hey Johnny, let’s hold off on the breeder reactor until you’re old enough to drive”. Surgery is not the basics of being a doctor, fixing people is. Fists of polonium is not the basics of being a nuclear physicist.We don’t tell children “Don’t touch that stethoscope! It has HEALING coming out of it! It’ll kill you and everyone you love! Here, play with this adhesive bandage with the adhesive taken off” That’s the sort of paranoia I see when I look at popular opinion of nuclear science (and chemistry)./IMHO",
"parent_id": "430596",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429741",
"author": "ferdie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:55:31",
"content": "Al Qaeda collect smoke alarm and old clocks now.a dirty bom is easy to make now.this is certainly not hack it at this time is teroristmeand very dangerous and I suggest you not to do",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429782",
"author": "Blackpea",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T04:56:19",
"content": "The amount of americium in smoke detectors is extremely minute. It would be far more effective to pull radioactive cobalt from old dental x-ray machines in scrapyards. This isn’t terrorism, it doesn’t even come close.",
"parent_id": "429741",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6157243",
"author": "Darius Slate",
"timestamp": "2019-06-17T19:50:50",
"content": "Americium 241 in common ionization type smoke detectors is 0.9 microcuries. The chemical Americium is far more toxic then the radiation.",
"parent_id": "429782",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429753",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T02:15:27",
"content": "David Hahn didn’t build the reactor to get his Atomic Energy badge – he got the badge, then kept going. It’d be a bit irresponsible of the boyscouts if this were a requirement for the badge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430730",
"author": "NDragoon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:59:02",
"content": "Actually, the nuclear power badge isn’t required at all. However, a certain number of badges is required, and he thought this one would have been interesting. It doesn’t even require actually using radioactive materials, just designing something would do.",
"parent_id": "429753",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429852",
"author": "mattbeddow",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T10:46:51",
"content": "Something smells strangly like bullsh1tWe looked at a very similar story in our nuclear reactor engineering module for my degree.The bigest problem is that smoke detectors dont actually contain any radioactive material. They use heat sensors and IR beams to detect smoke particles and heat from fires.Also the number of clocks and mantles you would need would, more than likely, work out more expensive than just buying small amounts of radioactive material from a chemical suppliers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429903",
"author": "Germanguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T13:17:20",
"content": "Way back when (and today, in some countries) radioactive smoke detectors are/were the norm. They tend to discriminate better, and produce less false alarms due to steam in, for example, kitchen settings.I actually went to the trouble of taking one along from the US back in ’91 to hang in my kitchen, since even the temperature-based fire detector I had in there would occasionally trip, especially when I opened the oven after running it on self-clean.",
"parent_id": "429852",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6157245",
"author": "Darius Slate",
"timestamp": "2019-06-17T19:53:23",
"content": "Go to walmart in any state in the US. Just last month I bought 4 ionization types. Americium 241 has about 2 cm range at stp. Very few low energy gammas. Id get more radiation going for a walk outside then sleeping with smoke detectors on my pillow.",
"parent_id": "429852",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6508149",
"author": "I Alone Possess The Truth",
"timestamp": "2022-08-31T13:26:06",
"content": "“The bigest problem is that smoke detectors dont actually contain any radioactive material. ”No, the biggest problem is your complete wrongness. Another worthless degree, the plan is working perfectly!",
"parent_id": "429852",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429896",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T13:01:08",
"content": "@mattbeddow Some (many?) smoke alarms do indeed include Americum:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americium_smoke_detectorAnd the ‘Radioactive Boyscout’ episode definitely happened (and he used Americum from smoke detectors):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_boyscout",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429899",
"author": "Geoff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T13:10:04",
"content": "matt, smoke detectors actually do contain radioactive materials. You have thermal, optical and ionization sensors, the letter contains small amounts of radioactive Americum in newer types of sensors. You can find an example datasheet here:http://www.ziton.com/downloads/pdf/D190%20-%20ZP710%20Ionisation%20smoke%20sensor.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430344",
"author": "desimon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T07:34:42",
"content": "Just some thoughts:1) Unfortunately it was not a critical reactor. So technically it was not a reactor at all, but “natural decay in a jar”.2)If it would have been critical, you would have had the most unstable device ever. Due to the small delayed neutron fraction of Am, and the virtual absence of a Doppler effect.3) Any reactor capable of reaching criticality, is able to run at an arbitrary power level (cooling and desintegration issues aside). If he would have managed to reach criticality with this configuration, he would have had neutron flash flash and have died.4) Am is highly toxic, as are all transuranes, playing with them isn’t a nuclear risk as much as a radiotoxical one.So to summarize: this guy did not build a reactor, and the challenge is still open for someone else!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430598",
"author": "DerAxeman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:06:06",
"content": "Your point 3 is not entirely true. There have been a few criticality accidents where people in close proximity have not died from it. There was one at the Hanford nuclear reservation in 1962.http://www.orau.org/ptp/Library/accidents/la-13638.pdf",
"parent_id": "430344",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430741",
"author": "asheets",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:17:21",
"content": "Please wake me when somebody builds a DIY RTG out of one of these piles and a handful of peltiers.Seriously, though… Over here in Colorado (specifically, the old Ft. St. Vrain site), there are pools of spent fuel rods that sit at about 40 C (104 F). One would think that most of the year one could stick some peltiers in the pool and air-cool the other side and generate some useful electricity.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430884",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T00:01:34",
"content": "You misunderstand – I realise that the Nuclear Energy badge isn’t required. I was saying that it would be irresponsible if building your own reactor was a requirement for getting the Nuclear Energy badge, which is what the post implies.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "433906",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-13T17:12:23",
"content": "This is what they teach North Korean children in grade school.Remember Kids; Your Neutron Gun is Neutron fun!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3232958",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2016-10-16T04:52:42",
"content": "Diiing!",
"parent_id": "433906",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "434379",
"author": "GZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-14T13:03:23",
"content": "I’m just glad their were no lasers involved. Those things aren’t safe!! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "434781",
"author": "Clint mumford",
"timestamp": "2011-08-15T01:25:04",
"content": "I’m surprised that nobody mentioned the most excellent use of duct tape.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "435465",
"author": "Joseph",
"timestamp": "2011-08-15T18:05:50",
"content": "This is food for thought, if nothing else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "489922",
"author": "Nicholas",
"timestamp": "2011-10-25T02:49:42",
"content": "He could have just bought thorium, americium, and beryllium online. Why bother doing it with latern mantels, smoke detectors, etc?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6507718",
"author": "Regnad Kcin",
"timestamp": "2022-08-30T02:40:02",
"content": "In 1994 when he did this, a cheap computer was around $1000. 200 Mb hard drive. Less than 200 websites for the entire internet. Windows 3.1 was brand new.",
"parent_id": "489922",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "6507720",
"author": "Regnad Kcin",
"timestamp": "2022-08-30T02:47:20",
"content": "Poor parenting, teachers sleepwalking through their days. At least he tried to learn , it was 1994. Today he would have joined a gang and died early or gotten shot by police while shooting people. Nothing really changes much, stupid parents produce stupid kids.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6508697",
"author": "Deitrich",
"timestamp": "2022-09-01T20:10:18",
"content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib8StpzyxDE",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.564747
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/06/ohm-sense-makes-sense-of-resistor-color-bands/
|
Ohm Sense Makes Sense Of Resistor Color Bands
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"iphone hacks",
"Software Development",
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"app",
"iphone",
"resistor",
"resistor color bands",
"tool",
"violet is a goddamned whore"
] |
[Alex Busman]’s first foray in iOS programming looks like a pretty useful tool. He came up with
Ohm Sense
, an iPhone app that will take a picture of a resistor and calculate the value based on the color bands. It’s a great tool that we wish we had when we were starting out. At 99 cents, the app is also much cheaper than the
emotional cost of our relationship with Violet
.
[Alex]’s used
OpenCV
for processing of the image data. The app works by scanning the image from the top-left corner and continuing until it sees a beige rectangle. After a bounding box is drawn around the resistor, the iPhone scans the image for columns of color. After a little interpretation, the value of the resistor is displayed on the screen. While it only works on resistors with beige plastic now, [Alex] says he’ll expand that in the future to include blue bodied metal-oxide resistors. [Alex] says the coding only took a week, so if anyone would like code a similar app for Android, be sure to tell us on our
tip line
.
This isn’t [Alex]’s first Hack A Day build. We featured his
Handy Board project
that uses an NES controller to play some chiptunes earlier this summer. Compared to the projects we’ve let slip over the last few months, it’s good to see
someone
did something productive with their summer.
[Alex] posted a demo of his resistor app on YouTube. Check it out below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk0AEv8825U&w=470]
| 59
| 38
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429457",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:07:57",
"content": "I hardly believe this is any faster than just thinking about it yourself",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429465",
"author": "Joris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:26:04",
"content": "That depends. I, for example, have a form of red-green collorblindness (deuteranopic). Therefore it is for my almost impossible to read the values on resistors, because it becomes in my cause harder to see differences between red, green and brown if the colored surfaces become smaller. (I cab for example see the difference between a red and a green car because it is a large surface, but not that of a green and a red strip on a resistor).Normally I orden all my resistors very good, but if I orden them I must use my non-self-range multimeter, wich can be an enourmus job. So this is something great for me.p.s. sorry if my English is bad, it is not my native language!",
"parent_id": "429457",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429479",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:01:23",
"content": "I agree. I suffer from a sort of shade blindness. Difficulty differentiating similar shades of colours.It only really has two implications:1) I can’t find the numbers amongst the coloured dots in those books the optician makes you look at when you go for an eye test (Ishihara Test);2) Reading resistor colours.So, yeah. But please release for Android.",
"parent_id": "429465",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429495",
"author": "Keba",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:45:56",
"content": "Me too =)I really only have problems when crawling behind computers to plug in headphones. One jack is pink and one is light green. When it’s dark, I can easily convince myself the green jack is pink etc, but if I move my head slightly, they suddenly switch as if the colors actually changed.",
"parent_id": "429465",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429708",
"author": "lizardb0y",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T23:03:08",
"content": "I’m also colour blind (protanopic) and so have always used a meter to test resistor values. Not so useful for mounted compoents though. I’d definitely find an Android app like this immensely valuable.",
"parent_id": "429465",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429868",
"author": "Sjoerd",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T11:49:37",
"content": "Oke for the color blind its a good thing, but using your brain isn’t a bad thing ;)",
"parent_id": "429457",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429460",
"author": "Solidacid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:10:33",
"content": "screw iphone crapps, i want one for ANDROID!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429473",
"author": "Badwolf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:46:18",
"content": "+1 on this.Kudo to the programmer first of all,make it open source and for android now please.Paying for something is hardly what we (hackers) like to do,instead I’m pretty sure someone can code it on Processing and then it’s a matter of dbl-click to port it to arduino. I’m not much of a processing coder tho,if someone feel like it,you got all my support!",
"parent_id": "429460",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429485",
"author": "GeekMan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:18:40",
"content": ":D AGREED and if yall havent checked this out for android its called electrodroid its really neat its got spec sheets for popular pin outs, calculators, law refrences, charts etc…but this is cool too",
"parent_id": "429460",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429461",
"author": "Mohammed",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:10:44",
"content": "This is excellent. I’m a newbie in hobbyist electronics, and I’m also colorblind, and so figuring out resistor values is a horrid experience for me. This app would certianly be useful, except that I don’t have (or want) an iOS device.Now they should just make an Android version…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429467",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:33:52",
"content": "Resistor colour bands should be in the same place where the inches are.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429469",
"author": "grelfod",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:34:35",
"content": "Bad Boys Rape Only Young Girls, But Violet Gives Willinglynever needed an app before…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429470",
"author": "Balloonman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:39:10",
"content": "Violet! It’s been years since I remembered Violet! Will never forget the first time my wife heard that mnemonic.Seems to me like this tool would come in handy for the occasional hobbyist who just didn’t want to go to the trouble. Of course we could all “just think about it ourselves,” but we could also print Hack A Day in a daily newsletter and deliver it through snail mail channels.It might be even handier for those of us who are aging and can’t see those tiny bands of colors as well as we once could. Just reach for the phone instead of the magnifiers. More than once I have used a digital photo when I didn’t have a magnifier handy.As far as this being an ad for an app, I don’t see it that way. Seems to me like Alex has adapted a tool (smartphone) to do his bidding, and the writers are just passing on the info to people who might be interested in doing the same.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429471",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:42:34",
"content": "This is wonderful for those who are colorblind. For anyone else, learn your resistor codes already =P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429472",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:45:38",
"content": "This is amazing!Of course, it’s not all that useful to me, as it only reads the beige 4-band resistors which I can read without difficulty, but it can’t read those blue 5-band resistors, which I’ve never been able to figure out.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429476",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:51:09",
"content": "Yet another reason SMT rocks, no silly magic ring decoding to do. Personally I’ve never understood why they can’t just print the damn number on them like they do for caps and most other things (yes, I realise cost is an issue but c’mon!).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429480",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:02:20",
"content": "They used to do so in USSR. Our resistors used to have something like 2K7 5% written on them and the resistors thus were the easiest components to sort.Ring colour code is the most absurd thing that happened to electronics in all its history. Boycott it, use SMD :D",
"parent_id": "429476",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429537",
"author": "Johan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:08:59",
"content": "I think there is a reason for color coding. Reading letters of a round cylinder gets harder and harder when the component gets smaller.Ever tried reading the voltage off of a small zener diode?Color codes are easiest to register, but decoding them is a matter of remembering the values/colors and reading a lot of resistors.(I’m lazy, just grabbing the DMM everytime)",
"parent_id": "429480",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429548",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:45:34",
"content": "Bands can be read no matter what way the resistor is put in. Machines and low paid assembly workers don’t need to fiddle with resistors to get the oriented correctly, they can just jam them in.",
"parent_id": "429476",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429488",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:22:22",
"content": "An android version would be nice…but I am not color blind, so I think it would be slower for me. Maybe future versions could take a picture of like 20 resistors at once?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429491",
"author": "Keba",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:35:08",
"content": "The app seems well-written and useful.I actually submitted this computer vision problem as a 6. Semester project, half a year ago. It was rejected due to its simplicity, e.g. there was not enough theory on choice of features, feature extraction, etc.I ended up doing a license plate recognition application with OCR, written completely in Java without the use of pre-written filters and methods.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429496",
"author": "Bill rowe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:48:53",
"content": "I liked the idea but i couldn’t get it to work. How do i get my $.99 and my 15 minutes back?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429499",
"author": "Alex Busman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:53:06",
"content": "Once I’m back in school, I’ll have android phones to test on and I was planning on porting it then. That’s in September, however.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429501",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:55:32",
"content": "This is awesome, if im understanding it right it would help people like me who see certain shades of color wrong. Now if i could only afford an I device I would totally pay the buck for this.For me my resistors stay sorted , are used once , then go into a bin to be sorted by meter. I could see this making the whole process easier by making it scan over and over and just hold the resistor under the cam for a second and it spits out a value. +1 looking forward to continued development of the concept to a more useful Idevice-less interface I could afford.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429502",
"author": "Alex Busman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:57:46",
"content": "I have also submitted a bugfix to apple that will hopefully be approved sometime next week. It was crashing under one lighting condition. Also when I get back to school, I will have easy access to tonnes of different brands so it will work for everyone. I also then intend to get 5 and 6 band resistors on it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429506",
"author": "rasz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:02:48",
"content": "if you are going to use a tool, why not use a multimeter?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429534",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:04:06",
"content": "Its just more of a pain to have to touch the leads, holding it infront of a camera would be much easier and faster depending on the processing time.",
"parent_id": "429506",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429738",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:37:16",
"content": "A multimeter can’t alert you to a faulty component, unless you know what the value of a component is supposed to be..",
"parent_id": "429506",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429740",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T00:46:07",
"content": "I have no guilt over my relationship with Violet, she’s well over 18. Even if one doesn’t need the app it’s worth 99 cents for entertainment.",
"parent_id": "429506",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429969",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:12:16",
"content": "If you’re trying to read the value of a resistor in a circuit, a multimeter will also measure the resistance of any other components the resistor happens to be in parallel with. If that’s a semiconductor, all bets are off as to what value you’ll read.",
"parent_id": "429506",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429520",
"author": "therin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:32:34",
"content": "more colorblind here that statistic allow",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429523",
"author": "Jebson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:42:30",
"content": "Maybe those who aren’t colourblind don’t feel the need to comment?It’s a good idea (and I can’t believe it’s not been done before!), but…http://hackaday.com/2011/03/17/lego-minifig-multimeter-makes-resistor-sorting-a-lot-more-fun/Is so much cooler (if a little less practical).",
"parent_id": "429520",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429681",
"author": "DivePeak",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:57:36",
"content": "I’m one of those who sees large blocks of colour just fine, but has difficulty reading the tiny bands on resistors. I have problems distinguishing between black/brown/red (depending on the red), and between yellow/green if the colours are small.Have the same problem with some flight sim games – green dot is friendly, yellow dot is enemy – for isolated dots I can’t tell the difference and either blow up my own stuff or get shot down when I was expecting help.",
"parent_id": "429520",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429524",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:45:05",
"content": "why don’t they just put numbers on the damned things",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429535",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:04:46",
"content": "+1",
"parent_id": "429524",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429554",
"author": "reboots",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:58:44",
"content": "They’ve been doing that for decades, you just need to buy nicer resistors:http://www.gwinst.com/images/resistors/precision_resistors_600w_647h.jpg",
"parent_id": "429524",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429540",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T17:18:40",
"content": "Why would they ever use Orange/Red when they aer never universal, except in the fact that they always look the same on resistors.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429662",
"author": "Burnerjack",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:07:44",
"content": "You can’t be jealous, Violet was just “popular’.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429669",
"author": "Richard",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:31:19",
"content": "Another colour-blind hacker here…This app solves a problem DMMs can’t solve for me, situations where the resistor you’re trying to read is already in-circuit and there may be other paths for the current so the DMM reading can’t be trusted.Nice work – and genuinely game-changing for me. :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429673",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:43:29",
"content": "When I was about 7 or 8 years old, one of the first things I learned about electronics, without even knowing what it was, was the list of E12 values: 10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 27, 33, 39, 47, 56, 68, 82.The first thing I ever owned that was related to electronics was a credit card sized plastic thingy from Philips that let you rotate 4 discs inside it to select colors and see the values. I learned the colors from that.I’m fortunate enough not to be color blind, but with this knowledge I can read most resistor values even in bad light because in most cases I know what it must be: If it looks like orange-violet-brown I know it’s probably really red-violet-brown because 370 ohm resistors don’t exist (at least not with 5% or 10% tolerances), and 270 ohm is an E12 value.That just leaves the difference between red-red-something and orange-orange-something… I guess I could use it for that.But I was thinking this should really be part of a bar code reader app… After all, resistor codes are really just early bar codes…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429675",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:48:10",
"content": "Weird how the software development enthusiasm for phones is so much greater than it ever was for computers it seems to me.Same for the rate at which the hardware is advanced, maybe I should finally get a smartphone and simply not use a SIM card and use it as a small wifi connected computer.Never apple for me though, too locked up and creepy.But google is getting worse and worse too though IMHO, sigh.Excuse me if I went a bit off-topic perhaps",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429700",
"author": "Mohammed",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T22:46:24",
"content": "If you’re going to get a smartphone but without using a sim card, you can always go for those handheld tablets like the iPod Touch or a couple of Android tablets. They’re essentially what you’re looking for, and way cheaper.It’s just convenient to have programs being very portable in your pocket, that’s why there’s lots of enthusiasm. I think the fact that these phones use managed code as their default language is also another reason",
"parent_id": "429675",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429773",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T04:11:28",
"content": "Hmm, but the tablets are not pocketable, and I know the ipod touch is but I don’t like the apple ways, and I’m not sure there are android type devices similar to the ipod touch, at least I don’t recall seeing them, smallest I recall is 7″ screensize.",
"parent_id": "429700",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429851",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T10:45:49",
"content": "Great idea for an app I suppose, but when will people actually learn the resistor color code.My biggest confusion has always been the different colors for resistors besides beige. I got that blue is 1%, but what about when there are brown or something like that?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430039",
"author": "Joe Dunfee",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:17:09",
"content": "We were talking about this at our own hack-space, and it prompted me to do a fruitless internet search for just such a program for my Android phone. I came across a number of comments by color-blind people wishing for this.There are two things I would add to your existing program; #1, put the photo of the resistor next to the version you simulate, so that you can compare them to check for errors. #2, add a multi-resistor mode, where you line up several resistors together as you take the photo. This would help when you are searching through a pile of resistors.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430040",
"author": "buzzkill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:17:38",
"content": "W00H00!I know the colors, I know the BBROYGBVGW. I just can’t see the colors. So here is my $0.99! Totally worth it. Maybe now I can get some projects built without having to call my kids in all the time to read resistors.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430067",
"author": "Joe Dunfee",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:38:13",
"content": "I actually came up with one more idea that would make the application itself hackable. Include a bluetooth interface that would allow someone to use the application in a robotic resistor sorter. I.e. A robot places a resistor at the correct spot for the photo, tells the application via. bluetooth to take the picture, and then the application reports the value back via. bluetooth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430236",
"author": "Promethius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:46:53",
"content": "Does anyone else find it odd how many color blind people apparently read HAD? Probably something about seeing things in a differant way. Great project, Electrodroid for Android is also excellent. I would like to see something that would give me datasheets quick and easy on my phone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431223",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T15:28:00",
"content": "Bought the app,tried for 30 minto try to take a photo that was good enough for recognition,gave upThe zoom control in the app is disabled, hence you cannot fit the resistor into the green box without having to go really really close to the component. So close that everything becomes a blur.Don’t buy it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431596",
"author": "Alex Busman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T02:30:03",
"content": "Zoom is not disabled. I count on the users zooming in, and in my video you can see me zoom. You have to pinch to zoom to get the zoom display up.",
"parent_id": "431223",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "431473",
"author": "Dan Fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T21:46:50",
"content": "For colorblind people like myself, this app is a requirement of life — I am not physically equipped to decode resistor bands, and I’ve been waiting for this app so long for Android it’s not even funny.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431878",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T14:36:18",
"content": "Thanks for the reply Alex.I cannot use the zoom-scrollbar within the application. It works fine using the standard camera. However, from your app, when I tap the live-view screen, the zoom scrollbar turns visible. Yet I cannot drag the bar.Also, I can’t turn on/off the flash. Nor can I flip between the front and rear camera. Only the shutter button works from within your application.A restore of the phone has not solved the problem. For your record I have roughly 10 other camera apps that works just fine. I have an iPhone G4, non-jailbreaked, newest firmware.As for now I’m still stuck with an application that cannot be used for it’s main purpose.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "440486",
"author": "Peter Enmore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-23T20:00:21",
"content": "Resistor color codes make it very easy to see the value of the resistor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "478609",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-10-12T17:02:47",
"content": "I bought that app, tried with different types of resistors, various light source and so on, but the calculated values were all the time wrong!don’t buy it!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "612117",
"author": "Uky",
"timestamp": "2012-03-25T17:24:32",
"content": "The App does not work for the Iphone 4, the zoom does not work, even when pinch zooming. Being colorblind I had high hopes, but I just wasted my money….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "681845",
"author": "miketells",
"timestamp": "2012-06-15T09:11:04",
"content": "Really a nice app. But sometimes it hesitates… Include capacitance and inductance calculations and it’s a five star from my side.. Check out another app they I have…http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/rlc-calc-resistance-inductance/id403910300?mt=8",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "852612",
"author": "Lashon Tammen",
"timestamp": "2012-11-02T12:02:52",
"content": "What file on the Mac does not only SugarSync, Google Drive and Amazon Drive have in common. I can not get any of them to run?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "857466",
"author": "agrahul",
"timestamp": "2012-11-05T16:29:18",
"content": "Hmm. Is there a reason the app isn’t available on the Singaporean app store, or was it just an oversight?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2488752",
"author": "Ace",
"timestamp": "2015-03-21T14:56:32",
"content": "hello guys can someone help me write the same code but in matlab using digital image processing..The code should process the image and give resistance value …I have done half of it but i am stuck now…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.254046
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/05/need-cheap-and-plentiful-project-boxes-hit-up-your-local-hardware-store/
|
Need Cheap And Plentiful Project Boxes? Hit Up Your Local Hardware Store
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"enclosures",
"open hardware",
"project box"
] |
One thing that really makes a project complete is the way in which you package your final product. Some people are fine with a piece of protoboard with wires sticking out in every direction, and truth be told, so are we – depending on the application.
[Daniel] over at archive.org
was seeking out enclosures
to wrap up some humidity and temperature monitors he was working on. He suddenly realized that electrical junction boxes were cheap, widely available, and perfectly suited for the job. He hauled off to the hardware store and bought a few different boxes, then spent some time cleaning them up a bit before putting them into service.
While he couldn’t put the PVC-based plastic lids into his laser cutter, he did grab some birch plywood at the store, which fit his needs nicely. A few minutes in the cutter and a few coats of paint later, he had some great looking covers for his project boxes. He added a piece of ply to the inside of the metal enclosures to protect his components, and when everything was finished, he was quite pleased with the results.
Let’s say you don’t happen to have a laser cutter on hand. Plastic boxes would do fine in most scenarios, but if you absolutely required a metal enclosure, a few coats of Plastidip on all interior surfaces would keep your electronics safe as well.
Now, no one is calling the use of junction boxes for electronics projects revolutionary by any means. It’s just one of those items you can blindly pass by in the hardware store countless times without giving them a second glance, until someone happens to point out that they would make a perfect enclosure. That’s something we can appreciate.
If you’re interested in putting some of your own together, [Daniel] has made his laser cutter templates
available online
.
| 35
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429131",
"author": "Kaj",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:14:32",
"content": "Junction boxes and PVC pipes/fittings – both real handy for building different types of enclosures!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429132",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:17:33",
"content": "i made an arduino enclosure with an oldwork gangboxhttp://www.instructables.com/id/Dirt-Cheap-Arduino-Enclosure/the best thing about hardware store boxes is that they’re cheapsome of them have a lot of holes and are odd shaped though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429144",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:37:24",
"content": "Here in Argentina those boxes are really crappy made, it’s a shame. But i’ve used some PVC “junction boxes” that are both very cheap and durables, and come in many many sizes.http://www.sumelnet.com/images/caja-estanca-817.gifThe small ones cost less than $1 each.PS: There are boxes like the one used here, but made of plastic (might come in handy for electronics).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429145",
"author": "einballimwasser",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:37:58",
"content": "Well, as Iam addicted to those, I have plenty of those Peppermint boxes … They also perform very fine and they also perform fine with RF circuitry! This addiction is really cool :o)http://frupic.frubar.net/shots/20911.jpgIam sorry for the bad image, but there is no good light situation here and Iam not able to capture this better :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429172",
"author": "joesugar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:56:48",
"content": "I’ve used the junction boxes but my favorite was the plastic VHS tape boxes. Drilled and stacked easily, and had a reasonable amount of room if the board wasn’t too tall.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429177",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T23:21:19",
"content": "Sorry, but I think j-boxes look amateurish and crappy in general.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429180",
"author": "junkhacker",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T23:50:28",
"content": "hobbyists doing things that look amateurish? the horror. seriously, anything that keeps the project from looking like a pile of wires and parts is looking LESS amateurish.",
"parent_id": "429177",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429185",
"author": "The Timmy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T23:56:44",
"content": "I can understand where you’re coming from on that. especially when it comes to “professionally manufactured” equipment in the industry or anywhere a more formal clean-cut look is important.but for the amateur and all around house-hold hacker, I think these are great. especially if you’re mounting your project into a wall. their (somewhat) standard sizes and shapes also help when using them as modular components.home made hacks can fall into two main categories: looks good, works. these are obviously for the latter. unless it’s for a hack going into an art installation or mounted at a Chipotlé restaurant.",
"parent_id": "429177",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429241",
"author": "orly_owl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T01:20:00",
"content": "Oh really? Is that your general sentiment or did you actually visit the site and look at the boxes?If they are mounted in wall, they look great.If they are spraypainted black to match the front, they would look just fine unless you checked them out from right up close.I think the knock outs are a nice added bonus for wire routing, just make sure to give them a once over with a file!",
"parent_id": "429177",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429374",
"author": "Flood_of_SYNs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T08:10:04",
"content": "I think the j-box looks LESS amateurish as opposed to a circuit board with a rat nest of wires and it protects it from damage and debris.I am planning to build a mpguino and some other AVR based circuits for my truck, and j-boxes would make a nice cheap enclosure.",
"parent_id": "429177",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429208",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T00:57:54",
"content": "At least it isnt stupid altoids tins…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429218",
"author": "Punkguyta",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T01:08:02",
"content": "Apparently you missed the fellow above in the comments trying to promote just that, picture and all.",
"parent_id": "429208",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429399",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T10:51:11",
"content": "I have a stupid Altoids tin brought from USA specially for such occasion…",
"parent_id": "429208",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429244",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T01:23:05",
"content": "Yup. Oldie but goodie. My first DIY stompbox was in one of the metal 4×4 boxes. Very durable ans works well as long as you remember to isolate all your connections from the box. My favorite junk to project box was a old Black and Decker angle grinder case. It had a durable hinges, a snap clasp, and a handle. All the buttons and toggles mounted clean on the front and the components fit nicely inside and even had enough room for a big 110v magnetic relay and double 110v outlet flush mounted into the side.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429304",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T02:43:09",
"content": "why kill trees for insulation ? There are a few ways to deal with solder nipples brushing the metal box, (solder nipples?! clearly im drinking) Double sided foam tape is a favorite of mine since it is dramatically less expensive then the hardware to mount the board to the box, but if you got 20$ for nuts and bolts, just drill a hole and mount it with hardware.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429314",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T04:02:03",
"content": "Holy crap… I would have never thought to use these! The other benefit to them is for installations where you acually have some of the wiring run through conduit. I’m sure there’s some nit-picky bits of the NEC about having high and low voltage systems in the same place, but hey, for those who can skate by that, this is great!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429916",
"author": "Trav",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T14:23:29",
"content": "I don’t think the NEC has a problem with low voltage mounted in conduit, you just can’t mix the two. ie low voltage and high voltage in the same box/conduit. Here at work, the Fire alarm system is all ran in conduit, and the J-boxes are painted red.BTW, I like the plastic boxes with clear plexiglass for the cover. You can use the slits where the cable goes through for wiring, and seal it up with hot glue.Also, on the metal boxes, tapping the knockouts slightly would give ventilation vents. also the box usable as a heatsink where plastic boxes would require and additional one.",
"parent_id": "429314",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429316",
"author": "ferm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T04:15:56",
"content": "not a terrible idea, sturdy….boxy BUT if you have a laser cutter, why not just make a laser cut box?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429484",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:16:33",
"content": "The sheetmetal those boxes are made of won’t easily cut on a hobby-level lasercutter…And I think they look much sturdier than a homebuilt, lasercut plastic box (and are most probably cheaper, too).Great “project” by the way!",
"parent_id": "429316",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429321",
"author": "William Hightower",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T04:31:21",
"content": "Perfectly reasonable solution. Don’t just look at the these small junction boxes. On a number of occasions have used enclosure from the electrical aisle. I used a small cheap 4 breaker enclosure once for one project. Just gut the box and if you are covering up the front anyway nobody will know it was a breaker box. Another time I gutted a 3R outside box and painted it match the tan brick on my office and used it to hold a siren and strobe. It would have taken a while to bust that case with a baseball bat. Wish I had pictures of it. It came out great. So I highly recommend checking out the electrical aisle. Your next case might just be something on clearance. And be sure to stop by the spray paint isle there are some great finishes there. And always remember to see past what it is and see what it could be.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429329",
"author": "jiboo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T05:07:25",
"content": "this a good post they got this depression comein down on us",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429344",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T06:08:27",
"content": "To me the word Altoids sounds like some sort of medical problem you have to go see the doctor to get a prescription for, “my altoids are really playing up today…”I like the general purpose screw-on lid abs boxes that are available virually everywhere, non-descript boxes that can easily be drilled, glued etc. for many projects.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429351",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T06:33:32",
"content": "Plastidip. Ugh. That stuff is so nasty. Full of solvents and plasticizers and other extremely unfriendly compounds.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429391",
"author": "Fili",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T10:10:41",
"content": "If you don’t like the size of the junction box, go over the food department. You’ll find there lots of food boxes all kinds of sizes. I even found a tall & thin one that I used for electrolysis.http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/828129/7437313/0/1227167032/Plastic_food_container_food_container_plastic_box_criper_plastic_product.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429433",
"author": "stib",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T12:45:25",
"content": "The local supermarket sells these “Systema Klipit”food storage boxes.t They’re promoed as being airtight – I don’t know about that, but they’re certainly quite water resistant. The plasti is thick enough that you can mount switches and knobs etc in it, and the clip-on lid beats screwing the case closed only to find the thing doesn’t work any more. You can also see through them so you know when your circuit is on fire.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430577",
"author": "nathangray",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T16:19:11",
"content": "Similarly, “Lock & Lock” at Walmart here. Multiple sizes (not as big though), sturdy plastic, fairly easy to cut.",
"parent_id": "429433",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429442",
"author": "David Moisan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T13:25:37",
"content": "When I’ve needed to run a serial connection a long distance (from a GPS module), I’ve used single-bay plastic electrical boxes and Cat 5 jacks. Network cable is very useable for many things besides Ethernet.Food containers: Mini M&M tubes are excellent for wiring in-line jacks, adapters, baluns, isolated audio, etc., etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429450",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T13:50:05",
"content": "I would highly suggest real electronics enclosures from Bud or Hammond Manufacturing (and yes, you can actually order things online from something other than Sparkfun — like, oh, Mouser, Digikey, or Arrow–ha!) but they are a bit expensive. Aluminum is a far superior enclosure material, however, as it is far more machinable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429475",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:50:22",
"content": "I’ve looked at these before for similar uses. But I’ve always found them to have cracks or the bits already popped out etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429505",
"author": "The Phantom",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T16:00:45",
"content": "For insulating the inside and outside of these boxes, spray-on truck bed liner. A little goes a long way, and you can brush or roll it. Nice tough finish, no fuss.For those who want something special, box and pan brakes are cheap. Make your own, adds to the fun and you get exactly what you want every time. Waterproof when welded or caulked.http://www.busybeetools.com/products/SHEET-METAL-MACHINE-12IN.-3-IN-1.htmlHarbor Freight is probably cheaper. Enjoy!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429560",
"author": "Brix",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:09:31",
"content": "Great idea! Now I just crave a laser cutter even more…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429569",
"author": "Wiregeek",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:19:36",
"content": "Brilliant!I’d never considered this, but it’s a wonderful idea. Even if nothing else, you can use the substrate of the j-box to fasten exterior ‘cladding’ panels to, to make a sturdy box of whatever materials and look you desire.liquid nails, some honey oak veneer, and bam!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429880",
"author": "aeiah",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T12:13:01",
"content": "im just finishing up an openwrt wifi stream receiver project (based off mightyohm’s wifi radio). im using a 4mm thick clear acrylic stationary box that im going to paint on the inside. very clean looking finish. since its clear to start with, you can fix any LED or LCD components to the inside prior to painting, eliminating the need to cut tidy holes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431474",
"author": "Dan Fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T21:48:01",
"content": "In my locale these are no less expensive than equivalently sized project boxes — maybe $5 for the metal box and $2 for the cover.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4325335",
"author": "Michael G",
"timestamp": "2018-01-23T07:54:42",
"content": "Walmart’s camping and fishing departments have a bunch of waterproof plastic boxes, but they can get a little pricey. Food storage containers work well, but hot glue doesn’t stick to them for long. Also I would recommend using Tupperware or Rubbermaid type containers, the “disposable” Glad-ware or Zip-loc containers are to flimsy for mounting switches and such. There is a decent selection at Dollar Tree stores here in the USA that are just a buck. Also thrift stores and army/navy surplus stores are a great place to find your next project enclosure. I have a variable output ac / dc power supply that I built years ago in an antique wooden bread box from a thrift store. Happy hunting!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.02254
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/reprap-vouyerism/
|
RepRap Voyeurism
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"mendel",
"reprap"
] |
Hey everybody, [Nbitwonder] is
building his own RepRap 3D printer
. What’s special about that? Well, not much and and lot all at the same time. The art of building a self-replicating 3d printer still has a lot to do with luck and forum-crawling to make all of the decisions that go into this complicated project.
Back in March [Nbitwonder] did a collaborative project over at Thingiverse and scored himself a set of printed parts from a guy who already has one of these printers. He then order a set of the non-printable hardware and has since been assembling it. If you’re interested but haven’t already taken the plunge, there’s enough pictures and information in this set of posts to satisfy your craving… for now.
We say this build is an art because it goes beyond just plunking the pieces together. Take the print head, for instance. Instead of going with the extruder that is considered the default for a Mendel build, [Nbitwonder] is working on a variation called
Greg’s Hinged Accessible Extruder
. We can’t wait until the hardware assembly is done, because it’s the calibration that really interests us.
| 13
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428066",
"author": "Nicholas Petty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:10:46",
"content": "Hope this doesn’t go against comment policy, but you have a little mishap in about the second sentence there.. Other than that, awesome post!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428419",
"author": "Eirinn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T10:35:50",
"content": "and and so what? ;)",
"parent_id": "428066",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428072",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:17:14",
"content": "I would love to see one of these that not only prints the parts but also assembles them ready to go and sets it off making the next one (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428077",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:22:13",
"content": "Seems like the HAD crew is starting to really get into these DIY 3D printers. I know how they feel, it looks pretty darn cool looking at this stuff online.Then recently I was lucky enough to win a Makerbot so I’m just starting out.I will say this, there is a void in availability of proper calibration tips. There are some decent discussion on what to tweak when you observe X thing happening, but X thing is not explained.There should be a tutorial with a hundred pictures, each of a particular problem in a print. It would be something like “If your printed object looks like this, we call that so-and-so and you should try adjusting this and that. That makes sense to me but I can’t seem to find anything like it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428083",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:39:03",
"content": "Oddly, my interest is completely opposite of the author… I am most interested in the mechanical aspect.I REALLY want to build my own printer, it’s the electrical/control aspect that I am completely ignorant about. I fear spending the time and money and not being able to make it actually function. :-/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428091",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:52:09",
"content": "Gregs Hinged is a fork of the reliable Wade’s that has been the go to for over a year now. Greg made it easy to open up in the event of a jam. It’s quickly becoming the new default extruder. It’s only issue is that it does not have a guide above the idler bearing / hobbed bolt. So hobbed bolts that do not have a nice deep groove will tend to walk the filament off to the smooth side of the bolt. This is fixed by grooving your bolt before hobbing it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428102",
"author": "Brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:08:39",
"content": "I always groove my bolt before I hobb it. :) I have no idea what that means.",
"parent_id": "428091",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428104",
"author": "Smokingman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:12:05",
"content": "I’m told I have a very groovy bolt, but I’m not sure I want it hobbed. I guess it’s a very personal choice.",
"parent_id": "428102",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428097",
"author": "George Hadley",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:02:40",
"content": "@Charles: I was surfing Thingiverse, and I think somebody on Thingiverse took care of this:http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7700Once I get the printer working, I’ll probably try and print that off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428413",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:52:47",
"content": "As proven recently at the Bath “masterclass” one person can just about build a printer in 24 hours (with a few little bits of help!).We had a pre-calibrated firmware which did save a lot of time in getting recognisable print out.If you’re not into the electronics side of things you can buy pre-made controllers, but you will still need to do some calibration work and put the results into the firmware. Things like measuring how many rotations feed how much filament or move how far in x,y,z directions.Then you need to “calibrate” skeinforge. This needs a lot more work and lots of test pieces being printed. Be warned, documentation on skeinforge is sketchy. You can use other tools to do the job but they tend to be a lot less tunable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428469",
"author": "Charles",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T12:39:06",
"content": "Yes – I agree the calibration is where the meat is at. All the rest can be learned as you go alon as long as you are a moderately handy and logical person. I am printing OK but still need loads of calibration to go :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428565",
"author": "stunmonkey",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:32:37",
"content": "Exactly how many of the parts on that table are self-replicating again?I hear that a lot, but until a repcrap makes stepper motors and printed circuits and microcontrollers, instead of just a few undistinguished and redundant structural parts, its still total bullshit.Shenanigans",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429078",
"author": "setlahs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T20:40:20",
"content": "If you’re really interested in the reprap, check out their IRC channel on freenode #reprapAfter Wanting a 3d printer for some time, I finally got into the community. I don’t have a printer yet, but I’ve already designed a new controller board for it, and I’m working on a second one now. There is a cheaper version of the Mendel that is now recommended called the Prusa Mendel (Josef Prusa is the designer of this varient) that is easier to assemble, and uses less pieces.Personally I’ve come to the realization that the reprap will never be able to fully replicate itself (only a CNC Mill could do this) and I am designing my 3d printer using aluminum framing. With the right design, aluminum t-slot can be pre-cut and assembled in hours and a lot more precise than drill-rods.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.303429
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/microsofts-attempt-at-an-arduino-killer-feels-like-a-gimmick/
|
Microsoft’s Attempt At An Arduino Killer — Feels Like A Gimmick
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
".NET",
"c++",
"gadgeteer",
"microsoft"
] |
Microsoft has thrown its hat into the open source hardware hobby market. Their offering is called
the Gadgeteer
. We’d love to tell you all about it, but the big M didn’t make it very easy to find out about the device and it’s addons. When we set out to find what processor is running on the board we were happy to see that they do call it an Open Source Hardware project, but no schematic is posted. When we did finally navigate to the hardware documentation it’s a file that must be downloaded and you’ve got to agree to their licensing before grabbing it. So that’s as far as we went, and now we’ll go back to using more open tools.
For those of you who aren’t scared off by the lack of openness, the first thing you’ll notice about this board is that it’s full of connector headers. Instead of the small rows that Arduino uses, the Gadgeteer is meant to use ribbon cables to connect to various breakout boards. You can program for the platform in C# using the .NET framework. This means using Microsoft Visual Studio for those that are already acquainted with the platform. But regular readers will note that we’re always looking for Linux support in our IDEs and you won’t find that here.
[Thanks Hrasdt (and several others) via
Slashdot
]
| 119
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427981",
"author": "Akoi Meexx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:28:46",
"content": "Does it interface with their thriving Zune product line? :pCan’t say as I’d pick one of these up any time soon. Too little too late, Microsoft.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427982",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:30:12",
"content": "A lot of things seem like a gimmick at first. This will be just as valid of a dev board as any other, to some people.I think the idea of the ribbons is much smarter than the piggyback style the Arduino adopted, btw. you’re forced into a specific form factor with the Arduino, whereas this one lets you lay things out as you like. I’m sure there are other, better features as well.If Microsoft wants to send me one of these, I’d be more than happy to evaluate it for them :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427983",
"author": "Twerpling",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:31:26",
"content": "Hack a day hatin’ on a development board. That’s new.Also I was under the impression that this was some re-branded FEZ type board which does have the Arduino form factor. I wonder what this means for the Netduino?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427988",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:35:28",
"content": "I saw this. I’m not I’m the target market (don’t program in .net) but in my opinion, the more development systems the better. Lots of people write .net applications. Now they can take that skill and apply it to gadgets. Software seems to be under the Apache license and hardware under the Creative Commons license. That’s relative goodness.This device seems to fulfill a niche above the typical C-ish dev boards. I’m guessing the .net framework is pretty feature rich and can be used for some capable projects. Is it self-serving for Microsoft. Yes in that it promotes development in .net. Does that make it a bad thing for people who can use the feature set of this device? No.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427989",
"author": "maxiking",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:35:29",
"content": "No Linux support?! Microsoft, you mad?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428051",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:51:48",
"content": "Of course they’re mad. Open hardware and no support for the emblem of open-ness? One more reason to hate Microsoft I guess.",
"parent_id": "427989",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428623",
"author": "Kungpaoshizi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:50:49",
"content": "c# has been ported to linux",
"parent_id": "427989",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427990",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:36:08",
"content": "I should also note that the .net micro framework is indeed open source.I also found the CPU used in one click.http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/269",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427997",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:43:13",
"content": "Nice set of features. Lots of memory, built-in support for a full TCP/IP stack, Wifi, ethernet, USB host, 10-bit analog out, double-precision floating-point, FAT filesystem plus the usual sets of peripherals.",
"parent_id": "427990",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428000",
"author": "RooTer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:44:47",
"content": "still not exactly the cheapest or the most open platform …Well, nice they try. Also isn’t that more like IO extender card for computer running c# ?",
"parent_id": "427990",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428158",
"author": "Trollicus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:03:07",
"content": "No MS has never released the DRM stack. While the source code is still available it wasn’t released GPL so MS still holds the rights and they reserve the right to revoke them at any time for any reason.The only thing you have is a promise from MS to play nice. As they have a long repeated history of embrace extend eliminate I’m not going to fall into yet another MS trap.Fool me once shame on you, fool me 12839*e^42 times shame on us all!",
"parent_id": "427990",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428979",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T16:02:18",
"content": "There is no “DRM stack” in the .net micro framework. The .net micro framework is different than the traditional .net framework, which is indeed not fully open source.the .net micro framework source code can be downloaded in its entirety from netmf.codeplex.com and it’s licensed under the Apache License 2.0.this is my last comment on the matter. it’s okay to have an opinion, but don’t base that opinion on incorrect information.",
"parent_id": "428158",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427991",
"author": "MattQ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:37:19",
"content": "While Microsoft is an easy punching bag, I’m kind of interested in seeing how this turns out. As for being only able to use Visual Studio, that’s fine for me. While I don’t like being pigeon holed in to one dev environment, I really only do my arduino work on a Windows PC anyway. If they can do a nice 32 bit processor on their dev board, this will be something to be excited about. I can’t wait to see the ribbon cable nightmares that this thing breeds.Oh, and isn’t HAD breaking it’s own “being nice” policy by bashing on the project without even reading the documentation first? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427994",
"author": "MattQ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:40:10",
"content": "Oh, I just found the answers to my own questions:http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/26932 bit ARM7 processor with three LCD ports? This should be interesting. But only one touch screen port, unfortunately. Someone want to get cracking on a Nintendo TS?",
"parent_id": "427991",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428364",
"author": "HuB",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T08:15:18",
"content": "I guess that the ARM has only one LCD controller and RGB signals ale distributed over all 3 ports. You can see “R”, “G” and “B” letters on the silkscreen of the board. So I assume it’s 24bit (or maybe rather 16bit RGB=565) parallel interface with some SYNC signals.",
"parent_id": "427994",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427992",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:38:09",
"content": "It gets a firm *NO THANKS* from me.Not even if it was Free!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430477",
"author": "Shahriar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:03:27",
"content": "Now THAT is a strange reaction. You would not try it even if it were free?!",
"parent_id": "427992",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "671625",
"author": "atxinventor",
"timestamp": "2012-06-06T20:37:37",
"content": "don’t mind *getting paid for trying it!*",
"parent_id": "430477",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427993",
"author": "Keegan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:38:34",
"content": "More info here:http://www.netmf.com/gadgeteer/The boards aren’t being sold as an Arduino killer, it’s an educational tool. It’s also made by Microsoft partners rather than MS themselves. The first is by Fez of Domino fame.The Netduino however is aimed at the Arduino crowd:http://www.netduino.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427995",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:41:03",
"content": "if they say “open source hardware” they need to provide the schematics and board files in some way, i looked all over the site and it’s not there (yet?).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427996",
"author": "Hackman238",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:43:09",
"content": "http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/269* 72MHz. 32-bit ARM7 processor* 4.5 MB Flash* 16 MB RAM* LCD controller* Full TCP/IP Stack with SSL, HTTP, TCP, UDP, DHCP* Ethernet, WiFi driver and PPP ( GPRS/ 3G modems) and DPWS* USB host* USB Device with specialized libraries to emulate devices like thumb-drive, virtual COM (CDC), mouse, keyboard* 76 GPIO Pin* 2 SPI (8/16bit)* I2C* 4 UART* 2 CAN Channels* 7 10-bit Analog Inputs.* 10-bit Analog Output (capable of WAV audio playback)* 4-bit SD/MMC Memory card interface* 6 PWM* OneWire interface (available on any IO).* Built-in Real Time Clock (RTC) with the suitable crystal* Processor register access* OutputCompare for generating waveforms with high accuracy* RLP allowing users to load native code (C/Assembly) for real-time requirements.* Extended double-precision math class* FAT File System* Cryptography (AES and XTEA)* Low power and hibernate support* In-field update (from SD, network or other)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428037",
"author": "Miklós Márton",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:30:15",
"content": "Hmm. It seems to be enough to port uCLinux on it ;).",
"parent_id": "427996",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428050",
"author": "Miklós Márton",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:50:38",
"content": "Well it seems to be based around this board:http://www.ghielectronics.com/images/catalog/107-0_large.jpg(On the images at the provided link the CPU’s name was made unreadable.. strange)The heart is an LPC2478 from the NXP. After some googling, I have found several demo boards based around this SOC running uclinux. According to the forum talks this platform was pretty trendy around 2008-2009 between the embedded Linux rasper guys.So the M$ came out with a 2 years old stuff, and marketing it as newness. Cool.",
"parent_id": "427996",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427998",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:44:03",
"content": "I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.I kind of like the modularity and theoretical ease of use but I don’t think this will kill the Arduino unless it’s cheap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428030",
"author": "jaspel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:22:41",
"content": "If they do like ti and offer it for $5, I’d order one.",
"parent_id": "427998",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428056",
"author": "Pr0methius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:56:28",
"content": "$ 119.95 for the main board.",
"parent_id": "427998",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428058",
"author": "Pr0methius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:01:18",
"content": "I saw this, went to the Gadgeteer site, and my first thought was “this isn’t an arduino killer.”It’s just too expensive – $120 for the main board alone.But, then I looked at the specs, and it hit me – this board isn’t supposed to kill the arduino, it’s supposed to replace a MicroITX motherboard for projects that require some real computing power.A 72 Mhz ARM processor isn’t terribly fast, but couple that with the device’s USB host library, a USB hard drive, and a DAC (or sound card, etc) and it would make a very decent car stereo computer. If I wasn’t broke pretty much all of the time, I would buy one to use as a car computer, so I can listen to my MP3’s wherever I go.",
"parent_id": "427998",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428060",
"author": "Pr0methius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:02:05",
"content": "I saw this, went to the Gadgeteer site, and my first thought was “this isn’t an arduino killer.”It’s just too expensive – $120 for the main board alone.But, then I looked at the specs, and it hit me – this board isn’t supposed to kill the arduino, it’s supposed to replace a MicroITX motherboard for projects that require some real computing power.A 72 Mhz ARM processor isn’t terribly fast, but couple that with the device’s USB host library, a USB hard drive, and a DAC (or sound card, etc) and it would make a very decent car stereo computer. If I wasn’t broke pretty much all of the time, I would buy one to use as a car computer, so I can listen to my MP3’s wherever I go. :)I think it’s a pretty good intermediate board.",
"parent_id": "427998",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428065",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:09:37",
"content": "But for that sort of money you could get something like a Mini6410.http://www.friendlyarm.net/products/mini6410533 MHz ARM11 with 128 MB/256MB flash, on board ethernet and a real OS etc.",
"parent_id": "428060",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428224",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:24:35",
"content": "While this board is better spec’ed than an Arduino and therefore has a higher price tag, it has far lower specs than a Beagleboard which can be had for only $10 more.",
"parent_id": "428060",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "444458",
"author": "retepv",
"timestamp": "2011-08-30T19:06:47",
"content": "It’s not bad, but then I surfed to Sparkfun and saw the BeagleBoard…Unless the Gadgeteer comes with documentation that sets a new standard, I think it’s not going to beat anything.",
"parent_id": "428060",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428001",
"author": "Munch",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:44:47",
"content": "If this isn’t worth writing about, why write anything at all? Slow news day?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429071",
"author": "Dave Durant",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:56:04",
"content": "It’s silly (and –credibility) to compare this to to Arduino. Try the FEZ Panda/PandaII or Netduino instead.The “lets hate it because it rhymes with Microsoft” stuff is pretty tired.",
"parent_id": "428001",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428002",
"author": "Truth",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:46:59",
"content": "Looks like the .NET Gadgeteer has an ARM processorref:http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/gadgeteer-080111.aspxBut the .NET and Microsoft would cause me to do a 180° turn from it. Who knows maybe it can be hacked to run more open software. But I do like the ribbon connections to bluetooth, RJ-45, GPS, WiFi, camera, LED/LCD display modules.But if the board ends up just being an ARM processor, a bit of RAM and a few generic interfaces I don’t see what it brings to the table that is new.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428008",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:50:23",
"content": "NETMF is great for C# programmers with no embedded experience. IMO it serves the same educational purpose as an Arduino. It provides an easy to use platform to prototype. We’ve played with the Netduino at Harford Hackerspace and even held a class to teach others about the Netduino. A member of ours was pretty happy using the Netduino hardware without NETMF. Using it with NETMF added way too much overhead for the blinky projects we were trying to use it for.I imagine this board has the same issues as the Netduino but at the same time it has it’s own purpose on earth. That purpose is to help C# programmers get started with embedded hardware.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428010",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:54:03",
"content": "I know it’s cool to hate and all… but you should clarify that this doesn’t come from Microsoft. It’s just featured on their community page.It’s from GHI (see @jeremiah’s comment), the people who make FEZ boards that are more similar to Arduino. This thing (and the FEZ stuff) just runs the .NET Micro Framework, which DOES come from Microsoft and IS open source (http://netmf.codeplex.com/). In that way, it’s no different from Netduino (http://www.netduino.com/). You’re right about Visual Studio, C#, etc… but it’s free and a decent set of dev/debugging tools. There’s no reason someone couldn’t create a different set of tools that runs on their platform of choice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428018",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:59:18",
"content": "i emailed microsoft since they are listed as the contact info: “Contact the Gadgeteer team atgadgeteer@microsoft.com”http://netmf.com/gadgeteer/about.htmlthe open source hardware community is inclusive and i think this is a good thing, lower cost dev boards with open source (in some way). i’d like them to clarify if it’s actually “open source hardware” – so i emailed them.the netduino is open source hardware for sure btw.",
"parent_id": "428010",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428253",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:04:25",
"content": "@pt … it’ll be interesting to see what they say on this. It’s clear from the GHI site that they’re making and distributing the hardware here. Maybe the GHI product is an implementation of a Microsoft “Gadgeteer” hardware reference design? If that’s the case, it’d be really nice to see them make the open source-ness crystal clear.",
"parent_id": "428018",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428011",
"author": "joesugar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:54:13",
"content": "Not sure how I feel about this. While I’m happy to see another Micro Framework development board I don’t believe Microsoft has a very good record when it comes to hardware production. Considering the number of shields currently available, standardized form factor, and the experience I’ve already built up using them, I think I’ll stick with the Netduino and my FEZ Domino.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428015",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:55:52",
"content": "The hardware doesn’t come from Microsoft. It comes from the same people that make your FEZ Domino.",
"parent_id": "428011",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428024",
"author": "joesugar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:09:06",
"content": "Yeah, I just noticed that which makes me rethink my comment some.",
"parent_id": "428015",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428020",
"author": "therin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:01:11",
"content": "that a lot of IO ports , but I hate C# and .net",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428022",
"author": "sam",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:03:55",
"content": "No linux support, no interest from me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428023",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:08:04",
"content": "the netduino supports linux and mac now, so it’s possible for another .net hardware project to support it.",
"parent_id": "428022",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428025",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:10:31",
"content": "I thought we weren’t allowed to be negative on HAD any more. Don’t knock the hardware, man.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428175",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:28:27",
"content": "No, you can be negative. Just dont do it in a racist, sexist, or otherwise demeaning way.",
"parent_id": "428025",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428026",
"author": "ian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:10:52",
"content": "I played with this a bit back when it was still in their research division..Yes, it is crap. Fine if you’re a C# addict, but… you should probably go to rehab and then buy a TI Launchpad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428254",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:05:43",
"content": "How did you get a hold of it? Is there anything else in the Research Division’s pipeline that looks better than this that we should look out for?thx :)",
"parent_id": "428026",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428027",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:11:41",
"content": "… $119.95 for the board itself?Yeah right such an Arduino killer. I can get 6 Arduinos on Ebay for that price. Or I could buy 3 Netduinos, or even a Netduino Plus.– MICROSOFT –– YOU FAIL –",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428029",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:22:03",
"content": "There’s a lot of incorrect information here.. A casual glance at the site shows that it’s running a 72MHz ARM 7, which really puts it in a different league. Also, as noted above, it’s not a microsoft product.",
"parent_id": "428027",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428041",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:39:32",
"content": "You can get 72MHz Arm Cortex M3 boards on ebay for $25.Sure with less RAM/Flash, but if you aren’t running a bloated virtual machine you don’t need megabytes.",
"parent_id": "428029",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428044",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:46:36",
"content": "@zizzle, price up the cost of the arduino plus all the shields that give you the same feature set.",
"parent_id": "428027",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428048",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:49:53",
"content": "Couldn’t the same be said for this though?$120 gets you a board that doesn’t actually do anything.“FEZ Spider Mainboard requires at least one of the poer modules (Red module) such as USB Client DP Module or better, it is recommended that you get FEZ Spider Starter Kit”Starter kit is $250. Ouch.",
"parent_id": "428044",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428052",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:52:27",
"content": "So all the connectors are the same form factor (IDE) but have different functionality/pin outs. Seems like a recipe for fail.Accidentally plug your new spider leg into the wrong port and let the blue smoke out?",
"parent_id": "428044",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428064",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:09:29",
"content": "@zizzle, I don’t think it could fairly, the cpu’s are in different leagues for instance. But a lot of the stuff is built into the CPU, the LPC’s are great. Whereas pretty much everything outside basic io on an arduino is on a shield.lcd’s, touchscreen, 10 bit dac,can bus, i2c, spi, ethernet, usb host, sd cardIts still an ARM so you can do native code, not just C# and there are lots of native libs too.",
"parent_id": "428044",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428068",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:13:07",
"content": "I don’t think anyone is arguing about the performance differences, just comparing value.This board is pricey.For the same money you can get something much more powerful:http://www.friendlyarm.net/products/mini6410",
"parent_id": "428044",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428078",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:24:48",
"content": "@zizzle, i was comparing cost to the arduino +shields. cpu performance is also linked to cost, but yes the arduino isn’t comparable here.the cost of an arduino + shields to match what the arm dev boards is either higher, or comparable.but we seem to be saying the same thing, there are lots and lots of better options than the arduino.with the gfi you are definitely paying for the software support from them.i have a couple of those friendly arm boards too, they’re not bad at all, but there are just loads of arm dev boards and cheap knockoffs.chumby hacker board is also pretty decent.i like the lpc1768 toohttp://cgi.ebay.com/NXP-LPC1768-ARM-Development-Board-3-2-TFT-LCD-Module-/170671925020?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item27bcd6e71c#ht_2791wt_905",
"parent_id": "428044",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428189",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:00:03",
"content": "Sorry for the incorrect reference to Microsoft then, just glanced through the comments and took my stand based on the title.Anyway. So you say that you can’t compare two things unless they are exactly the same?I know an Arduino is weaker. But if I can get 6 of them for the price of this guy, I’m maybe not able to drive the biggest or fastest touchscreen application but I can still do a hell lot of stuff with 6 Arduinos. Even if I only bought 3 I would have about $60 left for sensors/shields. Which is also really cheap on Ebay. (All these prices including shipping worldwide).If we exclude shipping, so you can get two Netduinos Plus from Sparkfun for that price!http://www.netduino.com/netduinoplus/specs.htmThey have some Beef, and run the .NET Micro Framework to.",
"parent_id": "428027",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428031",
"author": "ENKI-][",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:23:04",
"content": "The C#/.Net thing certainly doesn’t factor out developers on Linux — common runtime has has good Linux support for a very long time, as has C#. But, if it costs a hundred bucks I certainly won’t be investing in it.The use of ribbon cables (if they are in fact standard ribbon cable headers and will fit standard COTS ribbon cables) is nice, though. I wish my arduino had ribbon cable connectors rather than rows of strangely spaced sockets. If they were IDE-style ribbon cable headers (complete with the ‘key’ hole missing-pin) that would be even better, now that the push towards SATA has begun in earnest and I’m having a hard time finding newly minted IDE disks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428035",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:28:14",
"content": "At first I was going to cheer for something that would finally kill Arduino. But then I was kinda meh… Their youtube demos are especially sad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428036",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:28:23",
"content": "I have some of the older GHI dev boards from last year, they’re really decent with a lot of feature support. You also do native on them.I also prefer the ribbon cables over the non standard arduino ones, the arduino form factor really limits the design.Microsoft has some excellent hardware btw, mice, keyboards, consoles.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428039",
"author": "Randy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:34:51",
"content": "Haven’t checked for sure, but those look an *awful* lot like 1.27mm headers, which won’t be the friendliest for attaching your own hardware. Nice to see Microsoft promoting embedded development, but I’m getting a strong feeling of Star Wars Lego-like limited-purpose dev tools. The fact that you need their compatible modules to actually do anything with this $120 board is kind of nasty.Having said that, I’m all for a dev kit that has SSL support in its networking stack. Having looked around for that a bit lately, it’s not as common as one would hope. I could also get into a lot of trouble with 4.5 MB of Flash and 16 MB of RAM…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428040",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:37:51",
"content": "i like the modular design but way too expensive",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428043",
"author": "Doktor Jeep",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:42:41",
"content": "Why does anything have to “kill” anything – just another tool on the shelf and we should be happy to have free markets about to provide us choices to fit our needs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428046",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:48:55",
"content": "nice try microsoft … but … noi like designs i can take from prototype and shove it in a handy PCB not just buy a $150 board with stupid connectors every time i want to make somthign else XDi get the rapid prototyping design i do but i think that would be a better option on a breakout board for a stamp like platformthis is nothing but a rebranded NXP LPC247BFET208 and some flash and a fancy .net framework bootloaderif you want rapid prototyping i suggest the mbed i love mine than move on from there to an LPCExpresso or some other cheap arm platform in final design (LPC expresso uses an LPC1114(302 or 301) arm cortex M0 … i love it … they also come in M3 and M7 options",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428047",
"author": "scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:49:28",
"content": "Why doesn’t Microsoft come up with its own ideas instead of trying to choke-out and take-over other peoples ideas!? Maybe if they spent their time trying to develop original uses for technology they wouldn’t have so many half-a$$ copy-cat products lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428053",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:54:54",
"content": "It just seems stupid to introduce open source hardware but make everything hard to reach. Microsoft should just stick to OS design.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428074",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:18:28",
"content": "Microsoft should just stick to OS design.Quote of the Day.",
"parent_id": "428053",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428307",
"author": "Roger Wilco",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:51:52",
"content": "Nice nice",
"parent_id": "428074",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428079",
"author": "justin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:25:42",
"content": "MY first problem with this is you need to buy a module just to have it work“Note: FEZ Spider Mainboard requires at least one of the po[w]er modules (Red module) such as USB Client DP Module or better, it is recommended that you get FEZ Spider Starter Kit.”which is another $25, I shouldn’t have to buy another module just to program and power my dev board, power and programing ability should have been built in.second I cant find any place that says this hardware is open source, other then the API and hardware modules and some software. It is a step in the right direction, but far from truly open source.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428080",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:27:07",
"content": "I think this is a good idea, and could take off with those wanting to get into making their own gadgets, and are used to Windows.Arcade machine example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pscenYHbOJ8&feature=youtu.be",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428092",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:52:46",
"content": "a fellow named erich responded in the adafruit comments re: open hardware files.Update: “This quote from Gus@GHI: All FEZ boards are open source so far. As for FEZ Spider, I do not see why not, but GHI is still clearing out some final details before release or doing anything in that area.””EricH in the comments also says “The boards aren’t generally available until 9/30 (you can preorder now), so I’m assuming from that comment they are getting all their ducks in a row before publishing the files.”http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2011/08/03/microsoft-net-gadgeteer-open-hardware/this seems fair to me, once the boards ship or close to after they’re going to post the files.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428093",
"author": "qwerty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:52:49",
"content": "I won’t comment on the choice of C#/.NET as criticizing has become verboten here, and my stance on it would nonetheless be pretty obvious and identical on the Java one of other platforms.Anyway, the name of the project brought to mind a link I have bookmarked in the past:http://the-gadgeteer.com/Unless they’re run by Microsoft itself, let’s see what happens now.BTW, the ribbon choice is a winning feature, much better than the Arduino approach, but there are much finer solutions out there like the Mikroe dev systems:http://www.mikroe.com/eng/products/view/321/easyavr6-development-system/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428143",
"author": "Christopher Naeyaert",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:37:15",
"content": "The guy I spoke with also said you aren’t limited to C# if you wanted to roll your own way, but C# was their implementation of choice for their libraries, etc. He also said you had the capability to write C routines and call those from C# (but that might be a feature of .net versus anything else?)",
"parent_id": "428093",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428543",
"author": "Gene",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:42:08",
"content": "Much finer? I suppose that depends entirely on your needs. That board you linked is priced the same and has a pile of nice integrated peripherals, but utilizing AVRs, is not in the same league in terms of compute power. And if I didn’t need most of those peripherals, I’d see it only as an under-powered, over-priced, physically huge board that doesn’t fit my application.",
"parent_id": "428093",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428651",
"author": "qwerty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:23:38",
"content": "Of course that is a development board; I have the PIC version and it’s superb along with their compilers, I was comparing the two solutions from a development point of view.Multiple solutions are available for the processor board alone; the Microsoft one would be also interesting if it wasn’t so ridiculously expensive and they supported development in C.In some contexts hacking is a no-no, and support from the manufacturer is mandatory, that is, if Microsoft doesn’t support development in C it doesn’t matter if the board runs happily code compiled, say, with gcc for avr anyway: if the maker doesn’t support C you won’t write in C. Sad but true.To the HAD team: I accidentally hit the “report comment” link of the parent post when replying. That of course was a mistake. Maybe a “are you sure” popup requester would be advisable.I will report this reply as well to signal them about the mistake. Apologies.",
"parent_id": "428543",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428095",
"author": "Chris Naeyaert",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:56:40",
"content": "I talked to GHI electronics at Maker Faire Detroit this past weekend, and they were all super friendly, and were showing a lot of neat stuff. THey had a special there, to buy their adruino-esque Panda board for $20 (sells on their site for $34) the Panda and Panda II boards are arduino shield compatible, and remind me of the boards from seeed studio. I would say these are much more in line with the arduino boards, but also contain the same cpu, etc. I think it will be a pretty neat little toy to mess with. I especially liked the onboard RTC and microSD slot. Runtime debugging also seemed like a nice addition. I honestly don’t know if the arduinos offer this or not.http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/256",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428098",
"author": "jeff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:03:01",
"content": "price is very steep but i really like the design strategy. i would expect rock solid libraries and docu for that price.now, i’m wondering what sets it apart from a 400mhz open source gumstix running linux, listed at 140$?surely it’s the programmable led?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428161",
"author": "Michael",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:07:47",
"content": "I was really glad this showed up: Now I looked a lot closer at gumstix. Fazit: I don’t have to roll my own ARM cortex – linux board to do what I want to do! Oh, and I don’t think I would ever buy the MS thing… just imagine what a dog this thing is, running .NET, and at 72MHz (I guess there’s the reason for all that RAM). At this price I can get gumstix.",
"parent_id": "428098",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428122",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:51:47",
"content": "Meh. Doesn’t excite me, and I actually *like* .NET.The problem with dev boards in this class is that they’re priced so ridiculously high. A board with the same MCU and capabilities, but with no memory external to the MCU, might only cost $40. Why should putting $10 of external memory on a board *triple* the cost? At that price point, there really isn’t much of a market. Too expensive for the casual experimenter. Too weak compared to other options like ITX boards.There are plenty of consumer products with similar MCUs, FLASH, and RAM for half this price, even though they include other stuff like screens, power supplies, rechargeable batteries, wireless, etc.So I dare say there is no reason why this couldn’t be produced for $60, even considering economies of scale. The first company to do so will carve out a nice market share. And if anyone has the resources to do it, Microsoft does.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428140",
"author": "Christopher Naeyaert",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:35:01",
"content": "GHI electronics sells many many versions of this board ranging from about $35 up to this high end one and kits. $35 is not much of a barrier of entry,",
"parent_id": "428122",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428451",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:49:50",
"content": "If you read my post, you’ll see you’ve only backed up my point. $35 gets you an MCU dev board with only the memory in the MCU itself. If you need more memory, the price suddenly jumps three times, for something that doesn’t cost anywhere near three times more to manufacture. There is *no* middle ground.",
"parent_id": "428140",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428513",
"author": "Chris Naeyaert",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:16:58",
"content": "For some reason I can’t comment on your reply. Regardless, I fully agree with you about the pricing of these boards (so many feel like they cost way way too much money). I was simply stating that there are other lower end alternatives to this spider board, even though they offer less features. more “arduino” like solutions for a similar pricepoint. I mean, if anything that FEZ Panda board shows the arduino itself is overpriced as well.",
"parent_id": "428122",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428129",
"author": "Nik",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:16:13",
"content": "The MS promo site lists the ability to run native code. What I noticed though was the CAN channels among the many connectors … Hack you car?The starter kit isn’t too bad for what it includes, but still out of my budget range.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428130",
"author": "Plaid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:17:10",
"content": "When I clicked on the files to see the documentation, the license it popped up was the Apache license. Why is that a problem?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428575",
"author": "Gene",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:03:57",
"content": "Thank you for pointing that out. The knee-jerk reactions people have when it comes to MS is rather tiring; even when MS does right they get panned. How is that supposed to encourage better behavior?",
"parent_id": "428130",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428142",
"author": "WitchDoc",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:37:06",
"content": "Everything about this board is old news, the processor, the flatcable design, the USB interface, USB device emulation, it’s all been done before. The flatcable design is not going to kill arduino, there’s numerous systems build on the same principal and none of them ever made it big. It doesn’t have much on the mbed and that didn’t kill arduino either. And then there’s the Visual C IDE … how would that ever beat the arduino IDE? It’s just like all the other MS tools, bloated.IMHO Arduino’s secret is affordable & easy. It doesn’t have much power and doesn’t need it, 90% of the applications could be done with less than a handful of discrete components …",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428337",
"author": "W",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T06:38:32",
"content": "I agree that the hardware is nothing to get moist about, as you said – it’s all been done, but being able to use Visual Studio is an awesome thing. I’ve worked with Microchip’s MPLAB, the Arduino IDE, a bunch of IDEs for developing desktop applications and VS single-handedly beats them into a pulp. VS Express is just a slightly stripped down version of an expensive proffesional tool for developing applications of any complexity. I don’t think it’s just my opinion that the Arduino IDE is shite, and MPLAB is meh, although the first one I used a year ago so there may have been improvements, and Microchip is soon launching an Eclipse based tool.Although some projects can be done with a few resistors on a breadboard and a couple hundred lines of code, the complexity of others makes it a pain to work with anything less than a full featured, mature IDE.",
"parent_id": "428142",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428153",
"author": "Trollicus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:56:04",
"content": "Microsoft has a long history of attacking open source while saying they are in support, embrace extend eliminate..NET, C#, Silverlight, MS version of Java, IE6 DirectX etc etc the list goes on and on and on.The Halloween documents gave a glimpse of this strategy.http://www.catb.org/~esr/halloween/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428446",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:39:26",
"content": "c# is .NET/MSIL-PE..vb.net and c# are just different syntax..@Hackaday:Thanks for deleting my comment where I mention that you make money off arduino sales..censor much?",
"parent_id": "428153",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428170",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:22:08",
"content": "Please tell me this is a joke.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428183",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:45:27",
"content": "ok folks! i heard back from microsoft…==========================================Hi PhillipThanks for your email and your interest in .NET Gadgeteer. You’re right that we don’t _yet_ have any schematics or board layouts online. Doing this is a key part of what we mean by being ‘open’ but we were so busy at OSCON and Maker Faire over the last week that it’s taking us a few days longer than we’d hoped to make everything available.I saw your post athttp://www.adafruit.com/blog/2011/08/03/microsoft-net-gadgeteer-open-hardware/, and to specifically reply to the questions raised there:* Our intention is that the .NET Gadgeteer platform is open for anybody to build hardware and software that works with it. We are publishing all the stuff we’ve created for .NET Gadgeteer – source code, interface specifications, reference hardware designs, example projects – to enable that. Not everything is on the website yet, please bear with us – it’ll be up very soon athttp://gadgeteer.codeplex.com!* We are using the Apache 2.0 and Creative Commons-BY licenses depending on the type of artefact being published (software under Apache 2.0).* We are hosting a central repository (http://gadgeteer.codeplex.com/) for open hardware designs and open source software compatible with .NET Gadgeteer. We will post the schematics and layouts of our reference designs there and hope that others will follow our lead. The decision about publishing HW designs for boards made by others rests with the companies/individuals who created them – we don’t want to mandate anything but rather give people as many options as possible.If you think this information will be useful to others please feel free to share it/update your blog entry… Apologies about the ambiguity. When we have our designs up we’ll also review the text on our website to try and make sure we’re really clear about what we’re trying to do. But in the meantime please do let us know if you have any other questions – as you can imagine we’ve been really close to this for quite some time and it’s great to get input from some different perspectives.Thanks and kind regards,Steve (and the Gadgeteer team)=====================================",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428217",
"author": "RoboGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:59:33",
"content": "Thanks for posting that! Makes me more optimistic about the direction of this project.I really love C#, so I’ll probably buy this board regardless just to try it out in an embedded environment.",
"parent_id": "428183",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428243",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T02:31:43",
"content": "i did have a follow up with microsoft, here it is:==================is the .net runtime going to be open sourced?for example, what is the time table for these three layers:1. hardware (schematics/board layout)2. firmware (.NET RTOS/runtime that is programmed into ARM chip)3. software (API and interface for all the accessories)thanks!=======================",
"parent_id": "428217",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428296",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:20:39",
"content": "follow up to my follow up…———————————-The runtime on which Gadgeteer depends – the .NET Micro Framework – is open source today. The source is on Codeplex athttp://netmf.codeplex.com/. The core Gadgeteer libraries, which modules use to communicate with mainboards and vice versa, are also open source athttp://gadgeteer.codeplex.com.Microsoft will release the hardware schematics & software drivers for several modules in the next few days. We’re doing a final review on the code and schematics before posting them on Codeplex. These designs are intended to be templates for anyone who is interested in building HW that works with other Gadgeteer devices. We’re not manufacturing these modules for commercial sale, but we hope to inspire and support a wide variety of Gadgeteer-compatible designs that work with each other.Finally, there are several hardware vendors building Gadgeteer-compatible hardware – GHI, Seeed Studio, DFRobot and Sytech have announced so far. They each have their own timelines for release. GHI are the first scheduled to ship hardware on Sept. 30, and they’re readying their schematics and code for release in advance of that once they’ve applied the finishing touches.Please do let us know if you have any more questions! It’s exciting to share Gadgeteer with the world :)==========================================the microsoft folks were super responsive to my emails!",
"parent_id": "428183",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428240",
"author": "anfegori91",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T02:07:12",
"content": "Race for Doom source port!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428245",
"author": "CJ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T02:33:44",
"content": "Is there a blue led or a red led? cause all MS stuff needs a blue screen of death or a red ring of death. Or if you have a modified version will they shut you off and brick it? to little to late, the only way you can beat the Arduino at this point is to give a platform away for free and charge for extras like shields and hope that people will buy enough extras to cover the cost of the give away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428319",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T05:40:23",
"content": "I really won’t think they are going away anytime soon.And about the young people. Well I’m 16 so me and my friends can be categorized as young I guess.I know one or two persons with macs. The rest is Windows.I actually like .NET by the way. I know I’m obeying to a lock in, but whatever. So many computers using Windows anyway. But I keep myself up with other languages as well if the Linux revolution that everybody preaches about comes someday. LOL.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428366",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T08:33:57",
"content": "120 Bucks for a Tool that does nothing250 Bucks for a starter kit.F*** MS If they wanna push .NET they should sell it for much less.My limit would be max 100$ for the starter kit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428386",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:09:25",
"content": "“A variety of hardware vendors are building components for .NET Gadgeteer, so you’ll have a huge assortment of modules to choose from.”Microsoft isn’t charging for it, the vendors are. Nothing is stopping you from designing your mainboard and releasing it to the public (once the guidelines are posted, that is).",
"parent_id": "428366",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428385",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:07:07",
"content": "In the introduction to their module design document, they state the design guidelines for gadgeteer compatible mainboards are on the site. I’m guessing they just haven’t posted it, yet.I don’t know if they’ll post actual schematics, but it seems they will not prevent anyone from doing so and providing said schematics for free.I will wait for them to post the mainboard guidelines to make a final decision about how open they are being, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428435",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:15:03",
"content": ".Net has NO place in the micro market. If it takes a 64kb binary to flash an LED then you’ve chosen the wrong platform.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428731",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:38:28",
"content": "not necessarily. There are plenty of reasons this can be a good platform. Your instant dislike of Microsoft more or less proves that.That’s not an attack at you, though. Instant opinions are almost always wrong.There have been .net microframework boards out for a long time, now, and they work great, in real-time applications.",
"parent_id": "428435",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,121.161595
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/peltier-powered-sous-vide-rig-gets-it-right-every-time/
|
Peltier Powered Sous-vide Rig Gets It Right Every Time
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"cooking hacks"
] |
[
"cooking",
"peltier",
"pid",
"sous-vide"
] |
It seems that sous-vide cooking is becoming increasingly popular lately. [Meseta] caught the sous-vide bug
and wanted to try his hand at it
, though he did not have enough money for a premade sous-vide cooker. After seeing a good handful of lackluster DIY sous-vide rigs online, he decided that he would design and build a sous-vide cooker of his own.
He already had a Forebrain microcontroller at his disposal to use as a PID controller, but what he really needed was a cooking vessel. Rather than use an old crock pot or similar device, he purchased a small personal refrigerator that could be used for cooling or heating. The unit ran off a Peltier cooler that could be switched between modes, making it quite easy for him to control.
In his blog, he discusses the modification from beginning to end, and even shows off the results of his cooking endeavors. He hasn’t posted code as of yet, but he says that he is more than happy to share it with anyone who might be interested in building their own sous-vide cooker.
| 13
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427955",
"author": "Doktor Jeep",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:40:15",
"content": "Be advised of the kinds of plastics used in this method of cooking. Some plastics may leach off chemicals that mimick hormones. Estrogen is usually the case. Now I know that people are going to smirk and laugh and say “hey, I don’t have moobies!!1! yous wrong lulz idiot” but no, it won’t girly you up, it will make your endocrin system fight back hard and if your not of exceptional health, the overcompensation of testosterone will go into wild fluctuation.The result is that your head goes bald, and your back and arms get hairy like an ape. You can see this in the proliferation of such plastics: men in their 30s with pattern baldness of men in their 50s, and enough hairballs at the beach to make you feel like you need silver bullets.This is not a trolling attempt, but I just want to make sure people know the risks of using plastics in this manner and to be careful about the kind of plastics used.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427972",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:08:53",
"content": "This has more to do with the type of plastic bag you seal the food in, right? I assume one would need to ensure the bag is rated for sous-vide in order for it to be safe.",
"parent_id": "427955",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427974",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:13:46",
"content": "So the guy says he’s using Tesco “microwaveable” bags because he says they’re probably safe for sous-vide. Is that the case?(my name is also Mike)",
"parent_id": "427972",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428150",
"author": "mass_producer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:45:12",
"content": "Also be advised that plenty of restaurants will use this method of cooking and have no obligation to let you know.",
"parent_id": "427955",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "503253",
"author": "hospadar",
"timestamp": "2011-11-08T16:18:06",
"content": "I’ve been wondering about alternatives to plastic sealing, perhaps a high-temperature food safe wax? I’ve also seen some sous-vide done in oil without a bag (would that be much more fattening or allow more moisture to escape?)",
"parent_id": "427955",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428070",
"author": "Boduelmike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:14:53",
"content": "I’ve been using the “slow cooker-aquarium thermostat” type rig for over a year now, and the results are great.Only problem is volume. Comes the time when you want a much bigger volume of water to be able to load multiple meals and so on.When I bite the bullet, my next version will be an electric tea urn and arduino driven PID controller – that’ll give me 20+ litres of controlled water bath for less than £60 sterling ($90 US) – or do I go for two 10 litre urns so I can run two temperatures? Hmm. Both this and my current rig are essentially plug-and-play – so not really hacks at all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428096",
"author": "B",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:01:16",
"content": "So one of the important things: ability to maintain temperature. Peltier devices are pretty famous for their inability to move much energy, though they are very good at using it. Still, one wonders if the recovery time on this is sufficient to be safe?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428110",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:27:23",
"content": "Read the blog! he does plenty of temperature tests, and calculations, and the logged results show that it does dips only about a degree, so should be fine",
"parent_id": "428096",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428111",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:28:35",
"content": "Also peltiers may not move much energy, but it’s being used as a heater, so there’s more heat output than if he were using a resistive heater",
"parent_id": "428096",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428124",
"author": "Taylor Alexander",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:59:21",
"content": "Hah, I just bought a peltier module for some sous vide hacking myself!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428396",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:26:12",
"content": "Salmonella",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428509",
"author": "Barefoot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:05:32",
"content": "umm, and..? I’m sorry, but a one word comment really doesn’t contribute much to the conversation. Were you trying to warn the masses about the dangers of salmonella when using the sous-vide method? More information would have been nice, maybe even alinkortwo. I dunno, I haven’t had my mind-reading-drug-laced coffee yet this morning.",
"parent_id": "428396",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1326975",
"author": "ts",
"timestamp": "2014-04-04T09:57:58",
"content": "Dementia",
"parent_id": "428396",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,121.613081
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/how-to-add-modular-tools-to-your-soldering-platform/
|
How To Add Modular Tools To Your Soldering Platform
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"alligator clips",
"peg board",
"soldering",
"third hand"
] |
[Patenomics] has had some trouble finding a suitable place to work on projects in his tiny apartment. Lately he’s taken to using the stove top as a soldering platform and was looking for ways to protect the stove while adding functionality. He built this
soldering platform from a couple chunks of pegboard and some hardware store parts
. He’s in for under $15 and has a really functional platform that may be worth adding to your solder station.
The two pegboard pieces are held in place by threaded rod and some nuts. This hardware also lends itself to adjustable feet so that you can make the platform level and stable. The holes in the top and bottom sheets line up to receive and securely position some additional tools. Here you can see that bendable copper pipe keeps some alligator clips right where they’re needed, but future plans include adding lights, clamps, and lasers.
This makes a nice work platform to go along with your
other portable electronic bench tools
. But if you’ve really got the itch, you’ll eventually outgrow all of this and then it might be time to
find yourself a hackerspace to join
.
| 19
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427913",
"author": "Joe User",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:05:58",
"content": "Using your cooking area for soldering, which involves toxic substances, isverybad idea.The pegboard stand is a cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427927",
"author": "tony",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:40:44",
"content": "As long as you don’t use the stove top itself for food preparation or cooking (most people use cutting boards and skillets) I don’t think there is much chance for contamination.",
"parent_id": "427913",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427935",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:58:52",
"content": "Because most people cook directly on the stove and lick the stove and counter surface….",
"parent_id": "427913",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428620",
"author": "sereal",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:48:01",
"content": "It’s actually pretty smart because the stove fan will ventilate out the fumes.",
"parent_id": "427913",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427925",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:35:52",
"content": "I like it, but I suggest proper ventilation to be included in future plans to improve this project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427932",
"author": "triton",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:46:50",
"content": "Thats what the stove vent hood is for ;)",
"parent_id": "427925",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427952",
"author": "Piku",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:37:00",
"content": "To me it looked like a home-made solder reflow oven/heating pad :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427970",
"author": "rhb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:05:22",
"content": "Brilliant!The stove is irrelevant of course, but the pegboard is fantastic. I broke my old board holder by bad packing when moving. I now know what I’ll replace it with. I’m going to use perforated aluminum plate, but otherwise pretty much as shown.As to the “health risks” I wonder how meticulous the people concerned about that are about washing their hands before eating. I’ve seen a staggering number of people who think that sanitizer is sufficient. Doing that neglects the very real problem of the trace amounts of various toxic substances that are everywhere. Not an issue unless you ingest them, but many seem either to be unaware or not to care.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428199",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:18:03",
"content": "There are viruses, bacteria that you can pick up all around the house and outdoors. You will get sick and develop resistance to them.There are also carcinogens (known to the state of California) which lodge inside you for ever and, depending on your soldering frequency, will probably kill you in 20 years.",
"parent_id": "427970",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427976",
"author": "Pete",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:14:57",
"content": "Sharing ideas on the tools we use is great. Sometimes homemade tools work better than store bought and what if there is no specific tool for your job? We make them. Here are a few electronics tools I have made over the years.https://picasaweb.google.com/mills.pete/Tools?authuser=0&feat=directlink",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428290",
"author": "Mojoe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:56:04",
"content": "I like your current measuring probe. I’ll be making one of those! It’s actually very similar construction to the Wii nunchuck adapter I made.",
"parent_id": "427976",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427977",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:19:34",
"content": "I’m going to need one of these, it’s cool!I do have a couple points about this though. The oven hood idea posted above in the comments is actually kinda neat, but at least in MY tiny apartment kitchen, the hood doesn’t vent outside, but basically blows the smoke out at face level, circulating it around the room.One would expect the capitol of California to have a functional hackerspace, but the only group I could find isn’t organized on that level yet. The SF bay area and silicon valley combined share nearly a dozen!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428006",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:49:54",
"content": "Your point about recirculation is a valid concern, but only partially; the ones that recirculate have some sort of charcoal filter onboard.",
"parent_id": "427977",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "4283842",
"author": "SOberst",
"timestamp": "2018-01-02T16:02:01",
"content": "Could be, but the ones I have seen just have a metal screen… for catching grease?",
"parent_id": "428006",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428033",
"author": "paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:27:07",
"content": "That is an awesome idea!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428063",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:07:57",
"content": "If the stove has some kind of motorized overhead vent then it might not all be that bad. I thought of the stove myself until I made room on a table for soldering. I’ve also used the front steps of my house because the porch is concrete and it can’t catch on fire from a soldering iron very easily. I think that if Radio Shack wanted to provide “Hacker Spaces” then more people would buy their stuff there instead of waiting for the mail to deliver the part because it would be more convenient.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428139",
"author": "patenomics",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:30:47",
"content": "Hey cool I made it on here! Thanks for the comments guys. I’ll be in a new house soon so hopefully I’ll be able to make my perfect workspace.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428529",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:07:07",
"content": "Awesome. I really like this. My soldering is banned from the living room after I knocked the iron off the table and left a “spot” on the carpet (which may or may not be shaped like a soldering iron).I may be stopping by The Home Depot this afternoon.I also like the additional link in the comments. I always have trouble finding a good spot to take current readings. I don’t know why I never thought to use the battery compartment.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2671105",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2015-08-07T03:38:56",
"content": "Doing work standing up bent over with no desk knee space must be a real pain in the neck-back.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.669937
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/come-see-whats-cooking-in-the-arduino-kitchen/
|
Come See What’s Cooking In The Arduino Kitchen
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"News"
] |
[
"arduino",
"development"
] |
The crew that brought you the Arduino is always hard at work trying to bring the community closer together and to foster collaborative development. They recently rolled out
a new feature on their site
that is sure to be of interest to Arduino veterans and neophytes alike.
Arduino Labs is a platform which the team plans on using as an incubator of sorts, for projects that are underway, but not fully baked. Currently, they have highlighted two in-progress initiatives, including the Arduino Mega ADK, as well as a GSM/GPRS shield that the team has been developing in collaboration with Telefonica I+D.
As of right now, the site looks to be a one-way information outlet for the Arduino team to the community, but they stress that their aim is to create a more open development process within the Arduino project. While there is no official statement on the matter, we hope that the site will eventually allow members of the community to offer both their feedback and lend manpower to forthcoming projects.
[via
Adafruit blog
]
| 6
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427887",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T14:27:38",
"content": "IsThisnot the official statement for it? Or something like it?Or am i misunderstanding what you wrote? Which is highly possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427889",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T14:30:43",
"content": "That is indeed the official statement. I can see how what I wrote could have come across in a confusing manner.I actually had meant there was no official statement that defined the scope of how they will allow the community to interact. Currently, Labs appears to be more of a “look at what we’re doing” rather than a, “this is what we’re doing, want to help?”I would speculate that it will become the latter, which will most definitely benefit the community as a whole.",
"parent_id": "427887",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428054",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:55:19",
"content": "i love the arduinoi moved on quite a bit ago from that to the mbed than eventully to pure ARM and AVR but still if using an AVR with the arduino bootloader installed is the easiest option i will use thatjust like if i need to program somthing to check a website i will use VB when if i need somthing to act as a complex GUI ill use C++ or C# … the easiest method is always the bestand i think everyone who gets pissed at the arduino users are just mad they did not have the option when they learned C and cant get over them selves XD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428082",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:38:26",
"content": "This part worries me:“There are a lot of libraries, for example, developed by great people that sometimes are hard to find or the original maintainer stops working on them at some point. With Labs we’ll be able to create a permanent home for those libraries and give space on our gihub for that code.”This sounds like the start of rules requiring all libraries written for Arduino to be hosted on their server. “If it’s not on Labs, it’s not an Arduino Library” kind of thing. They have been know to be quite protective over their name and send lawyers after anyone using it, so I wouldn’t put it past them.I do like Arduino and have written popular libraries for it (some featured here and on their blog) but I don’t want to be forced to use their hosting.Their wiki (Playground) has worked quite well in the past for allowing people to find useful libraries, I don’t see why this is needed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "464920",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-09-26T23:44:29",
"content": "And I was right….http://arduino.cc/blog/2011/09/26/arduino-libraries-census-and-repository/Next they will start saying that it’s not an Arduino library if it’s not given to them to host.",
"parent_id": "428082",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428156",
"author": "Sab",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:00:40",
"content": "We at #arduino on freenode has tried to get the channel official for some time now, but they refuse to do so because they want all communication to be done via their forums.Anyway, for those who dont want to wait 2 hours for a reply, come join us at #arduino @ freenode, we got lots of guys who want to help/need help.Sorry for the advertising, but I want to spread the word so we can have more creativity, ideas and people in the channel",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,121.715366
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/a-3d-printed-aerial-drone/
|
A 3D Printed Aerial Drone
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Transportation Hacks",
"Weapons Hacks"
] |
[
"3d printer",
"drone",
"selective laser sintering",
"sinter"
] |
Drones come in many shapes and sizes, but now they can also be
3d printed!
To make these drones, the
[Decode]
group used a selective laser
sintering
process which is pretty interesting in itself. Once the printing process is done, these little planes are built with only five structural and aerodynamic components. Because of their simplicity, these drones can reportedly be assembled and ready to fly with no tools in only ten minutes!
This design was done by the [Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council] at the University of Southampton in the UK by a group of students. Besides this particular plane, they concentrate their efforts on building autonomous drones under 20 Kilograms. Using a 3D sintering process with this design allowed them to make this plane how they wanted, regardless of the ease of machining the parts.
This group has several
videos
of their planes on their website to download, but check after the break for an embedded video of the
[Newscientist]
piece about their project.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFFFiB_if18&w=470&h=349%5D
| 21
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427853",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:17:55",
"content": "That’s pretty cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427863",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:32:01",
"content": "This is when hacks start becoming art.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427864",
"author": "Noddy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:32:14",
"content": "irregardless –Used by people who ignorantly mean to say regardless.http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=irregardless",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427923",
"author": "Gw",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:35:03",
"content": "You missed out a part of that urban dictionary definition: “Of course everyone knows what you mean to say and only a pompous,rude a****** will correct you.” ;-)",
"parent_id": "427864",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427958",
"author": "Chad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:41:58",
"content": "both of you have missed an important post recently:http://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/hackaday-comment-policy-were-cleaning-up/Please read it. Then, let’s focus on the important stuff–hacking.",
"parent_id": "427923",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428057",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:56:49",
"content": "Anyone who cites urbandictionary clearly doesn’t understand the internet.",
"parent_id": "427923",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427867",
"author": "dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:36:38",
"content": "irregardless, not a word, google it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427873",
"author": "Akoi Meexx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:43:18",
"content": "I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that cringed at “irregardless”.That being said, sign me up for a 3D-printed drone. That’s pretty awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427880",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:55:56",
"content": "I just want to point out that this was made on an EOS laser sintering 3d printer. Which uses an inert atmosphere, lasers and powdered plastic. A reprap or makerbot cannot do this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427885",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T14:17:53",
"content": "While the size is quite large for a reprap/makerbot. I see no reason why this could not be done with a different 3D printer. Seeing the quality of the Ultimaker (posted down below) I don’t see any reason why this couldn’t be done with it. It might need a bit of sanding, but that’s about it. The size would be the biggest problem, but the 1M in height Ultimaker that I noticed somewhere should have no trouble in printing the wings I think.I’m thinking about getting a Ultimaker, and I have build and flown soar planes. So I might prove you wrong one day ;-)",
"parent_id": "427880",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427904",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:22:44",
"content": "The reason this could not be done on a 3D printer like the reprap, etc. is the type of printing. SLS and other powder based additive processes have less need for unwanted support structures than deposit based (ala FDM) or liquid based additive processes. This makes a difference in the amount of post-printing cleanup in areas that are meant to be hollow, but becomes a nightmare or downright impossible for intermeshed parts like the rudders and alierons (sp?) where there really isn’t room to put a tool in there and post-process.You could print a different drone using FDM or photo-hardening resin but not THIS drone.",
"parent_id": "427885",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427907",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:40:25",
"content": "It’s quite standard to cut out the control surfaces after final ‘production’. Also, the need for support structures is limited to almost none I think if you produce in a vertical direction (so produce the center of the wings at z=0 and the tip at z=’highest point’.Oh, yes. I meant you could print a different type, not exactly this model. It would be a challenge, but a fun one :)",
"parent_id": "427885",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427908",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:41:32",
"content": "I meant to add: It’s quite standard to cut out the control surfaces after final ‘production’, and have them 100% solid.",
"parent_id": "427885",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427920",
"author": "Regulus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:24:26",
"content": "I do not think the resolution of the T-o-M or ultimaker would be adequate, nor the plastics light enough. I’ve built repraps, a Cupcake, four T-o-Ms, and played with an “UP!” printer, and while they can do some amazing stuff, this drone would take a huge amount o revision to be extrudable.",
"parent_id": "427885",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427931",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:41:40",
"content": "Irregardless FTW!!!!!If I didn’t already have a full time job, I could become a spelling and grammar coach for HaD!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427939",
"author": "SodOffPissants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:06:57",
"content": "Not to knock you self-proclaimed etymology experts off your thrones, but irregardless is a word according to several dictionaries.It is listed in the Oxford dictionary, in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as well as in the Random House dictionary. It may be listed as a ‘nonstandard’ or ‘informal’ word, but it is listed all the same. To be listed in a dictionary makes something a word, does it not?Language is not static, it is dynamic. As more people use the word incorrectly it becomes more engrained into American English. Fifty years ago “email” and “web site” were nonsense words which are now part of the world vernacular. Things change.Quit being nitpicky assholes. You all know what he meant.3D printing aerial drones is great, I love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427971",
"author": "Dan B",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:05:34",
"content": "At first impression, coming off of the launch ramp it looked like a WWII V-1 Buzzbomb. Kinda sounded like it too on my laptop.I like the process of printing out the pieces and snapping them together. I can see a market for ‘blueprints’ for other real world models of planes for sale.Having made several balsa and tissue models when I was a kid and then onto fabric covered wings and shrink wrap – I think the plastic design is a logical next step.A plastic grinder to recycle bad designs (or crashes) would put this in the ‘green’ catagory for me…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428133",
"author": "Jeremy Cook",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:25:10",
"content": "@All, per popular request, I’ve changed the word to “regardless”…@SodOffPissants – LOL, glad you liked the article!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428190",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:04:35",
"content": "I wonder if their technique could be used on large scale aircraft.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428300",
"author": "Carlos in ATx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:34:38",
"content": "I’m surprised no has yet mentioned the elliptical wing/airfoil lifted from the Spitfire, Britain’s classic WW2 fighter. The ruddevators look like they’re from a deHavilland.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428423",
"author": "SiXXiS",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T10:58:26",
"content": "Another amazing project ruined on this website by the grammar Nazis. Kudos to the team who made this drone, excellent example of the future of manufacturing. Shame about the trolls though – can you not start filtering by IP address or something?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.489096
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/model-rocketry-from-the-rockets-point-of-view/
|
Model Rocketry From The Rocket’s Point Of View
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"model rocket",
"video"
] |
When someone writes in and says, “Hey,
I strapped a camera to a rocket
and took videos of it launching!” it’s really hard for us to not get suckered in. Try as we might, we just couldn’t resist taking a look at the videos [Vlad] recorded of his model rocketry “exploration”.
Inspired by our
4th of July post
featuring POV videos of bottle rocket launches, he bought himself an 808 keychain camera and decided to try his hand at some high flying video. He strapped the camera to his 46” Estes rocket with a few pieces of scotch tape in an effort to keep weight down, and set off to his launch pad.
He used a Estes C6-5 engine for each launch, which he estimates took the rocket up to a height of 300 feet rather than the typical 500 feet, due to the added weight. While not particularly useful, the video is still awfully fun to watch, and perhaps it will inspire others to mount cameras on even larger, more powerful rockets.
We can only hope.
Continue reading to check out the videos [Vlad] shot, but be warned, the descent is vertigo-inducing.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM2Rez20-2M&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxWeVqnMPmE&w=470]
| 30
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427818",
"author": "Seuros",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T11:54:38",
"content": "Cool the video is from the future :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427820",
"author": "jaqen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:06:43",
"content": "perhaps it will inspire others to mount cameras on even larger, more powerful rockets.Well these guys did, and being a non-profit org, they may even qualify as hackers. It certainly involved a few hacked together solutions as i understand it :-)http://www.copenhagensuborbitals.com/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428241",
"author": "anfegori91",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T02:11:29",
"content": "Or a simple kite..",
"parent_id": "427820",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "616241",
"author": "99vs1",
"timestamp": "2012-03-30T19:12:15",
"content": "Oh, there are some people that attach cameras to really, REALLY cool rockets!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aCOyOvOw5c",
"parent_id": "427820",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427825",
"author": "Vlad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:16:12",
"content": "Thanks hackaday for featuring my videos!Incase anyone was wondering, I bought the camera on ebay for under 6$ with shipping. It came from Hong Kong so it did take about a month for delivery. Here is the exact item I used:http://cgi.ebay.ca/Spy-Keychain-Camera-Car-Key-Chain-DVR-Hidden-Recorder-/120757992775?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1dbcbd47#ht_3178wt_682",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427875",
"author": "Piku",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:46:46",
"content": "I was wondering about the image quality of those cheap “pocket spycams”. Now I can see they’re not bad for rapidly changing images I’m tempted to buy one or two.",
"parent_id": "427825",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428071",
"author": "psuedonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:15:55",
"content": "There’s a HD variant of the 808, with surprisingly high quality, known as the “#11”. More info here:http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1362692#post16951741",
"parent_id": "427875",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427829",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:26:45",
"content": "Could be used to grab some quick and cheap aerial pictures of an area. It would be nice if the coming down was smoother though to allow grabbing more still pictures.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427832",
"author": "Pete",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:27:36",
"content": "Cameras and rockets are like peanut peanut butter and jelly. Water rockets are fun too.http://youtu.be/QOAFRqjGVdw",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428069",
"author": "Michael Chen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:13:24",
"content": "I totally agree. Look at one of the videos I found on the web. Higher than this one and water powered.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V5FteVmdvc",
"parent_id": "427832",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428073",
"author": "psuedonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T20:18:20",
"content": "That looks like it came straight out of Kerbal Space Program!",
"parent_id": "428069",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427833",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:30:07",
"content": "I went to model rocket club meets where there were people who launched remote control gliders off of a rocket. I think if he mounted the camera off of one of these then the video would be more controlled.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427838",
"author": "Vlad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:36:14",
"content": "I’m thinking about using a second parachute for the camera, then the decent would be smoother and would last long longer.",
"parent_id": "427833",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427834",
"author": "Andy7",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:30:33",
"content": "Nice! Yep, I’m working on some home-brew rockets with the specific purpose of launching a small camera. You can check out the research so far into fuel and motor configurations on youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oSW4R2ZPyQ– all VERY amateur at the moment.There are some NINJA rocket enthusiasts out there who have some AWESOME launch videos – again, just look at YouTube.Nice launch and vid from the contributor and good luck with all your future launches!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427839",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:38:04",
"content": "Great video!Before the keychain cameras came out, I tried this with a hacked CVS camcorder (remember those?) without the plastic shell and a lighter battery. It was still kinda heavy, so I had it in an Aerotech payload rocket powered by a G80-4t. This engine advertises a maximum liftoff weight of 52oz. Well, everything almost worked perfectly. Rocket went up, tipped over at apogee, and *pop* the ejection charge almost popped the parachute out. The whole thing came hurtling toward the ground at ludicrous speed in a smoking hulk of unstable falling mass until it fell *plunk* right dead in the middle of my parents’ hot tub. This was from the edge of their 6 acre property. I did recover the rocket and the camera, but there was no usable video. Still haven’t gone back to try again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427841",
"author": "aixwiz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:41:05",
"content": "…and perhaps it will inspire others to mount cameras on even larger, more powerful rockets.You do know that NASA has placed cameras on some very large rockets over the past 40+ years?Unfortunately, there are FAA size restrictions to how big a rocket can be without a license for flight.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427870",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:40:21",
"content": "Thank you for pointing out the obvious.The comment was geared towards amateur rocket aficionados, not billion-dollar government funded programs.",
"parent_id": "427841",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427876",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:49:37",
"content": "Every year for the past twenty years a group of individuals gather in the desert. It is I believe on the same plain that Burning Man takes place on, although it might be closer to the Mojave Desert, I just recall that it was in the desert SouthWest.Technically all they need to is file the right permits, in advance. Basically the only problem is that the BATF gang still has a problem with the chemicals used by them to make their fuels. Some of those rockets approach the same size as the Sounding Rockets launched by NASA and the military and hit the same heights.",
"parent_id": "427870",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428004",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:48:49",
"content": "The event @GCL is thinking of is the Tripoli Rocketry Association’s annual Black Rock event, two weeks after Burning Man. Some of their high powered rocketry crack 30kft.",
"parent_id": "427841",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428149",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:42:14",
"content": "Indeed. I remembered the stuff from a Discovery Channel show. But not the location, worse luck.",
"parent_id": "428004",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427846",
"author": "Zoltan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:04:28",
"content": "Vlad is not a vampire!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427877",
"author": "Tweeks",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:51:16",
"content": "Great videos.. and fun stuff! I always love to see kids doing adventurous, innovative things with Rockets and STEM related subjects. :)Just some suggestions..* Internalizing the camera is key. The asymmetric air flow can really make for unstable flight.* Always mount (like that) at the CG (Center of Gravity) point).. otherwise you’ll shift your CG/CP points which will also affect flight stability* Try to mount (next time) internally if you can. (search for rocket, camera, mirror and check it out)Keep up the good work! Lots of high powered rocket guys are doing recorded and even transmitted video/telemetry stuff! Here’s some kids I oversaw who used a 2.4GHz wireless video rig on their rocket:http://theweeks.org/rockets/2007-04_LAUNCH/dscf0067.jpg** ROCKETEERS IN THE SOUTHERN VA AREA **I’ve just started a new rocket club here in Blacksburg VA (VT was Homer Hickam’s old Alma Mater) called New River Valley Rocketry:http://nrvr.org/Yes.. the web site sucks.. but check out the photos and videos of our first couple of launches. We just got our FAA clearance and will be doing more high power launches and NAR/TRA certification and experimental launches.Look around your area for rocket clubs near you. Join the NAR or the TRA.. and more than anything.. have fun and be safe!Tweeks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428005",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:49:34",
"content": "Actually you can mount the camera anyplace forward of the CG. That will shift the CG forward a make the rocket more stable. If you always fly the camera you could even reduce the fin size to decrease drag.If the camera is external then you need to make sure that you are not shifting the center of pressure forward of the CG. I was with a guy once that was new to rockets and made his own. The thing is that he did the swing test without a motor! it became stable at about 7ft off the ground and in level flight! yicks…",
"parent_id": "427877",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427890",
"author": "humble reader",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T14:32:55",
"content": "When i was a a kid launching model rockets,i hadone called “swing-wing”, a simpler version of this,http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/est1961.htmMight be a good carrier for glide phase video.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427902",
"author": "eil",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:10:46",
"content": "For $6, that’s a pretty decent camera. Even my $500 Android phone takes really bad wavy video. I’ve been looking for a good way to capture first-person POV video while riding a motorcycle, but the cameras that are made for mounting to a helmet run something like $150. A $6 keychain camera can quite literally be duct-taped to the helmet. Only downside is that wind noise might be an issue, but that can be mitigated in post-processing, with a separate recording, or doing away with the audio track entirely.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427906",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:39:27",
"content": "@Vlad. Nice shots. You may want to move up to something like a Storm chaser or another D sized model. Also a Big Bertha will Handle a D with just a change of engine mounts with no problem. Adding a second stage to a rocket is also not a big problem. It looks like you where using a Stratocruiser. If you want to make a second stage just pick up a body tube the same dia as a D engine. I think it is a BT-50 but check to make sure. If you can not just get the part an Alpha is the right size. Cut it to be around the same size as the engine. Then cut for large swept fins. You can do the math if want and get them exactly the right size but if you make them swept and slightly bigger than the fins on the Staratocruiser you will be safe. Do a swing test to be sure.Put a D-12-0 in the new stage and then slide the end of the C-8 into the open end of the D-12-0 You now have a two stage that will give you a lot more altitude. Plus you have gone past kit building at the same time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427934",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:58:47",
"content": "Was there a parachute in the first video?I thought maybe some white flashes in the descent phase was of a parachute that failed to deploy correctly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428032",
"author": "Vlad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:26:36",
"content": "The camera is right under the parachute, so you can’t see it opening but it did open. Next launch I will point the camera up so that you can see the deployment.",
"parent_id": "427934",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427968",
"author": "Aboxman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:00:29",
"content": "The camera interested me and I did a quick search, and then some digging and found this site:http://www.chucklohr.com/808/There is a TON of information here about the different versions and even a true HD version identified as version #11. This forumhttp://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1362692has even more information, incredible videos, and links to eBay sources for know good suppliers with pricing around $40. It’s on my shortlist of gadgets to buy now… This camera might be worth it’s own HAD feature.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427987",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:34:38",
"content": "There are a number of sites dedicated to video rocketry, as well as the active Yahoo! “Vidroc” egroup.I built an X-10 video rocket a few years back for a school science day. The folks who watched the feed live in a nearby classroom said the flight looked great. But, I forgot to hook up a vcr, so I had to take their word for it.I’ve got a couple of keychain-sized video cams, and never thought to throw them into the X-10 rocket. Thanks for the reminder!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.205722
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/05/lan-connected-washing-machine-lets-you-know-when-your-clothes-are-done/
|
LAN-connected Washing Machine Lets You Know When Your Clothes Are Done
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"ethernet",
"laundry",
"washing machine"
] |
[Micha’s] washing machine is equipped with a rather inaccurate timer, so it is always difficult to estimate when the load will be finished. Since it is located in his basement, he hated having to check on the machine continually to know when his clothes were done. Instead of hauling up and down the stairs over and over, he decided to
hack in an “end of cycle” notifier
of his own.
The washer has an LED that lights when it is finally done doing its thing, so [Micha] removed the LED and soldered in two wires, which he then connected to his Arduino. When the washer is finished and the LED should be lit, the Arduino senses that the input has been pulled low, signaling the end of the cycle. The Arduino was hooked into his home network via an Ethernet shield, enabling him to monitor the process from the comfort of the nearest web browser.
It’s a clever implementation, and it sure saves him a lot of time trudging up and down the stairs. Nice job!
| 44
| 31
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429079",
"author": "Munch",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T20:43:52",
"content": "This goes far beyond applications in a single house-hold. I have long sought the laundromat which let me explicitly schedule time for a washing machine. Having a real-time display of current activity, along with historical usage data, would go a long way towards more efficient laundromat resource utilization.Anyone who has ever lived in a large-acreage apartment complex with asingle, six-washer laundromat room would probably know the pain of which I speak, especially when you have to make six to eight repeated trips, speculatively carrying your laundryjust in casea washer is actually free.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429140",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:29:17",
"content": "Well at my dorms in college all of the laundry facilities were networked and you could log on to a webpage that would show you the statuses of all the machines and time left, etc. That technology has been out for a while but most apartment complexes are too cheap to implement anything like that.",
"parent_id": "429079",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429227",
"author": "wkpad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T01:11:14",
"content": "I looked into tapping into my G.E. washer for the reason stated in the post (the timer is really inaccurate).I’m sure others have tried. The main hurdle is the board is designed to have 120VAC all over. Only a few traces are DC or a reasonably low voltage.",
"parent_id": "429140",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430172",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T21:26:46",
"content": "In our apartment complex, we had a paper calendar book where people would write their names on the hour that they wanted to use the washing machines. By the house rules, if you didn’t show up, the next person could grab the machine after 5 minutes past on the clock in the room.That worked perfectly fine even when people reserved more time than they actually needed, because you could just pop your laundry in if the machine was free.Then the company removed the book and made a web-service instead, and it all went to shit. Now you have to find a computer to check if a machine is available, and you only get six reservations a week, which means a maximum of three loads of washing and three times on the dryers.",
"parent_id": "429079",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "816095",
"author": "jermitts",
"timestamp": "2012-10-12T17:03:22",
"content": "It’s not that the timers are “inaccurate” — it’s that a portion of the time (a potentially significant amount of the time) is spent filling the tub with water– at least on a traditional machine. The rate of fill and the amount of clothes both can vary, and this results in cycle times that can vary quite a bit. The “timed” functions of the wash cycle will always be very near to exactly the same, second-wise, but the timed functions have to wait on the fill processes to complete. The drain can also take different amounts of time, but typically not by much, unless the load selector (small, medium, full, extra, depending on the model and it’s features) is changed. (“full” loads take longer to drain than “small” loads)Another aspect of timing, again having to do with the fill, is the wash water temp- your choices are generally hot (all hot water) cold (all tap water) or warm (both hot and cold are used “equally”). If you watch it fill, you’ll probably notice that filling with “hot” takes longer than “warm”, and “warm” will take longer than “cold” (tap water, which may or may not be actually cold!).So yes, the times will vary, but no, it’s not the timer’s fault. ;)I’m working on a washer design that will fill a reserve tank set above the washer during the agitate wash cycle (timed) for the rinse cycle and fill it again during the agitate rinse cycle (timed) for the next load. The idea is to have a 4- or 5-inch pipe from the reserve to the washer so that filling happens as fast as possible without getting water everywhere. I think I can cut a typical wash cycle in half with this method, but we’ll see. I’m sure you’ll find it on hackaday when I publish! :)",
"parent_id": "430172",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429083",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T20:50:14",
"content": "man this is the kind of post that makes me yell a 5 letter word…. “SMART” Why can’t all the washers and dryers have this. They would probly chare 200 more for that any ways. and this hacker done it on the cheap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429137",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:21:24",
"content": "Not every home is equipped with a LAN to be able to make use of such a feature. They could include a wireless remote alarm, but it would have to add to the bottom line.",
"parent_id": "429083",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429148",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:42:02",
"content": "Probably voiding the warranty. ;) Not a problem if the unit has outlive it’s original warranty, and/or any purchased insurance warranty plan. Detecting the light output of the LED could avoid internal modification, and possibly make it portable to other machines.",
"parent_id": "429083",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430434",
"author": "jay",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T12:33:37",
"content": "I believe there are high end german washer dryers with internet cpability",
"parent_id": "429083",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429088",
"author": "GTMoogle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T20:55:58",
"content": "I’m embarassed by how often this would help me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429995",
"author": "zipzinger",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T17:05:22",
"content": "This guy also hooked their washing machine up to Twitter a few years back for the same reason.http://twitter.com/#!/pimpy3washhttp://vimeo.com/2945872",
"parent_id": "429088",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429093",
"author": "PAT",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:02:33",
"content": "Now that the hard work is done add a front end program and allow it use Google voice to send you Txts saying time to switch loads.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429094",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:03:36",
"content": "Most dryers, going back to the nineties at least, have a ‘more/less dry’ setting that is supposed to be more efficient than using the timer anyway. There’s a moisture sensor in the dryer that detects how much moisture remains in the load and shuts off after a given point.That said, this is a rather cool idea. It could use some refinement, but for a proof of concept this is great. I probably would have wired in a really loud buzzer. ^.^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429128",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:07:30",
"content": "LOL my dryer wen too when I was reading andar_b’s comment. My dryer’s main control has a setting that supposed to turn off the dryer when the cloths reached a predetermined level of “dry”, generally I have to run the dryer 30-60 minutes more. No I’m not over loading it, and yes the lint filter is clean.",
"parent_id": "429094",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429095",
"author": "shavenwarthog",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:04:17",
"content": "I would have done this differently, using a sensor to detect LED on/off, attached to the Arduino.Actually I’ve been working on a similar problem: wireless detection of washer/dryer state 100′ away. I’m using a Zipit Z2 device running embedded Linux (with wifi), along with a microphone. The goal would to sample the noise every minute or so, compare it to “washer going” or “dryer running” sounds, and send info to another machine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429162",
"author": "M H",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:47:00",
"content": "What about just using a baby monitor?",
"parent_id": "429095",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429097",
"author": "Grump",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:08:09",
"content": "MIT has had this for years, maybe even 10yrs now./fingerlaundry@laundry.mit.eduTrying laundry.mit.eduAttempting to fingerluaundry@laundry.mit.eduFry (Dryer 1) has been off for 8 days.Leela (Dryer 2) has been off for 45 hours.Bender (Dryer 3) has been off for 6 hours.Zoidberg (Dryer 4) has been off for 198 days.End of finger session",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429122",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:55:06",
"content": "I hope someone checked up on Zoidberg’s long before 6 months had passed.",
"parent_id": "429097",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429418",
"author": "jarandom",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T12:04:05",
"content": "They had it in 1996 when I showed up, and I think it was fairly new then. It ran through unused phone lines.As I recall someone tried to sue them once for patent infringement, but the MIT version far predated anything else.",
"parent_id": "429097",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429112",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:47:01",
"content": "Does the amount of time it takes to get done change significantly between washings? Wouldn’t it be simpler to just time it one time and the next time simply set an alarm for XX minutes?Also, this reminds me that I really need to do my laundry, bleh! Oh how I miss the old days when you could just dump your laundry in the basket and they would magically become clean (thanks mom!).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429114",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:48:43",
"content": "A LSR would have worked better. No need to cut the led out.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429116",
"author": "fudgemonkey",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:49:21",
"content": "Sweet! Come do my washer and dryer next. I’d love something like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429119",
"author": "Pete Prodoehl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:53:16",
"content": "Maybe there should be an accelerometer for detecting unbalanced loads. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429129",
"author": "Dave Hue",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:09:33",
"content": "Reminds me of the episode of 2&1/2 men where Charlie is lead to believe the washing machine will call his cell when the cycle completes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429136",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:21:07",
"content": "This would be perfect for a university dorm (besides of course MIT, they have it, right?) or a condo laundry room, mabye the next version should have a way to enter user info and have the washer email the user when its done. “Come get your undies or I’m eatin’em!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429139",
"author": "Joe Ferner",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:25:23",
"content": "Great work. I did a similar thing with my dryer awhile back, I used a clamp on type hall effect sensor on the power line, no need for modding. The same circuit could also monitor anything, tvs, computers, coffee pot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429404",
"author": "will",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T11:05:50",
"content": "oh I like that idea a lot…",
"parent_id": "429139",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429143",
"author": "blue skies",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:35:32",
"content": "This sounds like a good hack, but if going that far, why not just have it go ahead and send a txt/email. Then you would know without even having to go look…(Does this mean I’m extremely lazy or what! :p )Just my 2cents worth… Keep on hackingHave a Nice Day!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429147",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:41:20",
"content": "I did almost this exact same thing to monitor a lapidary (rock cutting) saw, which takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete a cut and is in my garage. I used a Parallax Propeller and ENC28J60 and it also controls the feeder and stops the saw automatically if there is a problem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429154",
"author": "M H",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:43:28",
"content": "I have toyed with the idea of a laundry done indicator – would be nice for both washer and dryer. Our appliances are old enough that they just have a dial indicator. (No alarm, etc.)If you wanted to get fancy, one could add an accelerometer to warn one of out of balance loads on the washer. (Extra credit if it can tell you where the heavy part is after the drum has stopped.)Since control systems are so cheap now it is surprising that basic washing machines still have such limited controls. Even on new machines, if I need it to do a second rinse, or I want it to soak for 10 minutes, etc. I have to do the control by hand. (May be available on fancy machines – but “Iron is expensive; silicon is cheap” – J. Pournelle )Such added control and notification would be especially useful for low water use machines. They take a lot longer to do a load of wash than traditional machines, and are more likely to need additional rinse cycles to remove soap or bleach.—Network connected washers have been around in one form or another for a while. I seem to recall a news item about a project that IBM or some such did in the early to mid-90s. (Can’t find the clipping at the moment.)FWIW – Here is a more recent trial:http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/6348",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429181",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T23:50:56",
"content": "Life almost imitates art: @Micha’s implementation is complete, for his purposes. But, it’s merely a GSM shield or dongle attachment away from fulfilling the promise of a Two And A Half Men gag:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_E546or620&feature=youtube_gdata",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429196",
"author": "Bobby J",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T00:42:22",
"content": "Hope that dryer is already out of warranty or never needs warranty work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429322",
"author": "NishaKitty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T04:43:23",
"content": "I could so do with one of these at my house.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429385",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T09:05:36",
"content": "Seems like overkill. All you really need to do is keep an eye on a clock. If the timer is lousy, just take your time getting down there. An unbalanced load indicator, on the other hand, would be extremely useful.The only problems I’ve ever had in communal laundry rooms is when someone leaves their stuff in the washer and dryer for 12 hours at a time.Maybe it’s me but doing laundry is just not that inconvenient. Then again, I make it a point not to live at too fast of a pace.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429403",
"author": "truthspew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T10:59:57",
"content": "The timer on my washer is pretty good, a mechanical wonder. I really want to tap into both the washer and dryer and have it tell me when they’re finished.Just a little current sensing really.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429424",
"author": "Jeff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T12:26:35",
"content": "I put an xbee with a tilt sensor on my washer and dryer. When the tilt sensor moves over far enough the xbee starts up, sends a message to another xbee hooked up to an arduino that has an ethernet shield connected to my local network. Shortly thereafter I get a tweet and a light on my mantelpiece lights up.It will be great when all of these devices have something like this.Jeff",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429427",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T12:28:31",
"content": "Dude, try a Baby Monitor! Stick the one next to/on top of the machine. You just stick the receiver wherever. Then you can just turn it on and hear what is going on. Most also have a VOM so you can see it as well.Also I would have been fine with an extension LED coupled to the machine’s original that is ran into the kitchen or whatever. If you make a cutesy housing for it, could be cool.Bravo on fixing your problem and learning a little Arduino skills in the process :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429825",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T08:59:16",
"content": "our house-owner installed some cheap wlan-webcams and an open wlan only for these webcams, so everybody in the house can see if a machine is free. maybe the easiest solution ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431138",
"author": "David",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T12:22:12",
"content": "Just wanted to make a comment regarding shock hazard. Many of the low voltage supplies in appliances are not isolated from the incoming AC power. It would be much safer to use a method of detection which does not require electrical connection.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1211548",
"author": "Mr Parker",
"timestamp": "2014-02-20T11:42:47",
"content": "I dont thinks the LAN connect ion and all this stuff is required as there are so manu products available in market which have same funcitionality",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1284448",
"author": "Mr Mark",
"timestamp": "2014-03-20T12:09:41",
"content": "You did a good job, but i think now a days washing machine comes with buzzer which let you know when its done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1531155",
"author": "Diya",
"timestamp": "2014-05-30T08:25:16",
"content": "I don’t think lan connection is required for this because nowadays there are so many technology that some sound and tone when your clothes done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1595957",
"author": "Sharon",
"timestamp": "2014-06-25T12:16:12",
"content": "Good thinking but there is no need to connect a LAN connection with washing machine because now in washing machine there is a features that we can know when our clothes are done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2079666",
"author": "Johnson",
"timestamp": "2014-11-03T11:35:34",
"content": "We can also use Arduino to connect it with the led to make it connect with the LAN server so that you can get notified when the cycle is about to complete.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.28639
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/05/robots-tends-your-lawn-while-you-veg-out-on-the-couch/
|
Robots Tends Your Lawn While You Veg Out On The Couch
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"propeller",
"robot",
"wireless",
"xbee"
] |
Most people can agree that picking weeds is not a whole lot of fun. [Dave] was not a big fan of sitting out in the heat toiling over his lawn, so he did the only rational thing
and built a robot to do it for him
.
Nuntius, the Garden Avenger, is a remote controlled robot that [Dave] can use to pick weeds from the comfort of his couch. The robot is controlled by a Propeller microcontroller, taking its commands wirelessly via a pair of XBee modules. Nuntius’ controller is pretty intuitive, consisting of a 5-axis arm complete with a gripper that [Dave] can articulate in any number of directions. His motions cause the robot’s arm to move in sync, and driving Nuntius is as easy as holding down a button and moving the controls in the desired direction.
[Dave] can monitor what Nuntius is doing via a wireless camera he has installed on the robot’s arm, allowing him to sit back and relax indoors while the robot handles the hard work.
Keep reading to see a short video demo of Nuntius in action.
[via
Make
]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnZ_UmJkjqs&w=470]
| 3
| 2
|
[
{
"comment_id": "429027",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T17:46:14",
"content": "you just posted this project on monday.http://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/robotic-gardener-takes-its-cue-from-bomb-disposal-bots/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429032",
"author": "MooglyGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T18:12:21",
"content": "You people just posted about that *this* *week*. Seriously.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429034",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T18:13:41",
"content": "haha, well, it happens. I think we’ll probably delete this one.",
"parent_id": "429032",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,122.38796
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/05/building-a-computer-out-of-555-chips/
|
Building A Computer Out Of 555 Chips
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"classic hacks",
"hardware"
] |
[
"555",
"computer",
"flip-flop",
"logic gates",
"timer IC"
] |
[M. Eric Carr] came up with an
interesting build
for the 555 contest earlier this year, and we’re pretty sure that it would have kicked the
winner of the complex category
off the throne if it were completed. Although it’s a few months late, we’re happy to feature at least part of his 555-based computer on Hack A Day.
[M. Eric Carr] started off implementing
Boolean logic with a 555
. After building a
universal gate
, he moved onto putting one bit of memory in a single 555. This design uses the 555 as a
latch
and is one of the craziest off-spec uses of a 555. While fitting 24 bits of memory on 5 large bread boards may seem like a waste, it’s a far cry from the
square feet
or
acres
of other computer builds we’ve seen.
From the post on the 555-based memory, [M. Eric Carr] says a completed design of his computer could be up and working this summer. It’s already August, so we’re hoping he’s still working on his design. Check out the video of the memory below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqTilH5Qp1k&w=470]
| 17
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428941",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:05:21",
"content": "Now it seams that with a good imagination and a lot of skill you can do anything with 555 timers, perhaps we should see what you can’t do with them. Great work by the way",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428944",
"author": "M. Eric Carr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:13:22",
"content": "Thanks for the writeup! Please bear with my poor little webserver if you follow the link; it’s not used to this kind of traffic. The video is hosted at YouTube, though, so it should be good to go.I’m still working on the design, though a lot more slowly than I had planned, due to other projects that have come up. I’d be happy to answer any questions about the project; email me at eric @ (the website domain in the first link).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428976",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:55:44",
"content": "I couldn’t access the link – heavy traffic indeed. Google hasthe page cached.",
"parent_id": "428944",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429000",
"author": "Jamie Murphy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T16:48:57",
"content": "I recommend using cloudflare. Keeps a cache of your files and stops your site going down.",
"parent_id": "428944",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430197",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:43:56",
"content": "Many sites using cloudflare seem to just randomly time out on me, dunno if it’s a problem with being overseas from their servers or some other routing issue, but they do it a lot. Work one second, time out the next.",
"parent_id": "429000",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428949",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:22:08",
"content": "That is rather awesome, hope he gets it all up and working!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428956",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:33:30",
"content": "Interesting!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428972",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:42:04",
"content": "That has to be one of the most intriguing uses of 555’s I’ve ever seen. What do you speculate the final operational speed to be when complete?Would be interesting if you can get it to the point where it could run Contiki (http://www.sics.se/contiki/about-contiki.html)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428993",
"author": "M. Eric Carr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T16:35:16",
"content": "I’m not sure what the final operational speed will be, although my guess would be somewhere in the 100kHz-to-1MHz range in “high speed” mode (555s aren’t designed for very high speeds.) More likely, I’d run it at slower speed (a few Hz) to show the operations as they run.I doubt it will ever run Contiki, if it needs 40kB of ROM. Right now, the address bus is four bits, limiting the design to 16 words of memory. Realistically, I might hope to add a few numbers. More ambitious would be to make an 8-bit machine with 256 bytes of memory. That might be able to make a very basic webserver (with an Arduino handling everything but the applications layer.)For something that large, though, I’d need a more efficient way of building large components. EDA for 555 logic design, maybe? 8-)",
"parent_id": "428972",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6407868",
"author": "YGDES",
"timestamp": "2021-12-18T01:08:43",
"content": "Certainly !https://hackaday.io/project/182915-555enabled-microprocessor",
"parent_id": "428993",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429061",
"author": "1000100 1000001 1010110 1000101",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:42:21",
"content": "Although we all love great wire-porn (and this is looking pretty juicy!), if this is something you are going to continue pursuing, it might be the perfect scenario to order some custom PCBs.Fascinating work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429065",
"author": "M. Eric Carr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:48:39",
"content": "Amen to that, Brother Dave…",
"parent_id": "429061",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429109",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:38:44",
"content": "Putting 100 breadboards into a CNC machine and give it a big stack of 555’s and a km or so of wire might speed things up a little. (or something like the auto wire wraping machine that was featured on here a while back)Maybe several all set to the same frequency but offset by a much higher frequency to enable you to create really high frequencies for out putting video possibly?I wonder how fast 555’s go if they are really pushed hard if they are liquid nitrogen cooled extra",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429124",
"author": "M. Eric Carr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:00:31",
"content": "I got them to go3.52MHz, but I didn’t try to actually clock anything with that. Thedatasheetseems to top out at 100kHz.",
"parent_id": "429109",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429198",
"author": "Michael",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T00:48:58",
"content": "Wicked cool… I really enjoyed the input method, I think I might try that on my next project! Great job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429328",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T05:07:26",
"content": "Very neat…I think this guy just stole the “Craziest idea of the year” prize from the home-made electric chair guy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6407866",
"author": "YGDES",
"timestamp": "2021-12-18T00:54:14",
"content": "10 years later :https://hackaday.com/2021/12/17/implementing-a-cpu-using-555-timers-and-logic-synthesis/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.34201
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/05/basic-animatronics-tutorial-pic-based-servo-eyebrows/
|
Basic Animatronics Tutorial: PIC Based Servo Eyebrows
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"2 servo",
"animatronics",
"pic",
"PIC 18F452",
"servos",
"tutorial"
] |
[Chris] writes in to let us know about his latest animatronics
tutorial
, this time on robotic eyebrows! The tutorial takes us through the process of using a fairly simple PIC circuit to display various facial expressions. Since a wide array of facial expressions have unique and well understood eyebrow positions this simple hack can make even the most bland looking mask come to life . Animatronics is a subject near and dear to our hearts, but the simple actuation of servos can go much further than cardboard faces. This easy to follow tutorial can help you on your way to controlling all sorts of servo stuff like
vent
flaps
or um…
fish
, if you’d like. The software is not very deeply explained but it is commented and available for download from [Chris]’s site.
From here [Chris] plans to expand the project with more tutorials that can help further animate the face. We are particularly interested in the one and two eye systems he mentions, as well as more complicated eyebrow mechanics. Also check out [Chris]’s other servo based robotics tutorials like the
Sharpie Spotifier
and the
Wooden Menace
.
There is also a video of the eyebrows in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/yoEkXngbcfE&hl&w=470]
| 7
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428920",
"author": "John Dorney",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T13:32:05",
"content": "Integrate facial recognition software and mimic what the person is doing ! Ok, maybe that’s a bit down the road.Good start man. Looking forward to see it progress.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428947",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T15:18:01",
"content": "surprising with a neutral mouth how much “mood” information eyebrows giveevil/angry \\ /or sad / \\:D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429001",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T16:49:31",
"content": "when i watch that video i see windshield wipers for eyeglasses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429016",
"author": "Mark A",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T17:21:44",
"content": "It would be good if it had an audio input and the eyebrows went up and down with the beat of the music.Just like the Cadburys addvert.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVblWq3tDwY",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429017",
"author": "Mark A",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T17:22:57",
"content": "It would be good if it had an audio input and the eyebrows went up and down with the beat of the music.Just like the Cadburys add.Seehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVblWq3tDwY",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431802",
"author": "bN",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T11:32:10",
"content": "Hey all, entertainment is not the purpose of this article. It’s a tutorial, for people who are interrested in learning animatronics. So it willingly kept simple.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "437921",
"author": "sudoeste",
"timestamp": "2011-08-19T14:35:56",
"content": "This looks almost like my final graduation project.At the time I used arduino and also gave lateral movement to the eyes.All was controlled via a web server and a flash interface. At the time it was supposed to be controlled via multitouch, but the only multitouch phone on the market was a very expensive iPhone",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.006729
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/05/etch-a-sketch-automatically-draws-a-tribute-to-hack-a-day/
|
Etch-a-Sketch Automatically Draws A Tribute To Hack A Day
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"cnc hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"cnc",
"etch a sketch",
"parallax",
"propeller"
] |
We have seen quite a few automated Etch-a-Sketch machines in our time, but when [Jason] wrote in to share his take on the subject, it came with
a nice bribe attached.
We are vain. It’s not something we are proud of, but when it comes to seeing the Hack a Day logo drawn out by a robot, consider us sold.
[Jason] has several CNC router builds under his belt, and thought it would be fun to automate his Etch-a-Sketch, a toy he loved as a child. He cut some gears and a face plate for the toy with his new CNC machine, then got busy programming his Propeller microcontroller to do his bidding.
A piece CNC software handles the conversion of a bitmap image to an outline, which is then converted to a CNC cutting path. The cutting path is translated into x/y coordinates by a bit of C++ code, before being fed into the microcontroller, which is running
a small SPIN application he calls RoboSketch
. The Propeller takes care of the rest, quickly drawing the image or pattern to the Etch-a-Sketch.
Continue reading if you would like to see a video of [Jason’s] tribute to Hack a Day, and don’t miss some of
our previous automated Etch-a-Sketch coverage
if this is something on your to-do list.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MNqW1GT4nc&w=470]
| 8
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428908",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T12:44:44",
"content": "Before hackaday I didn’t know this idiom, but after it had been repeated about 1000 times, I learned it well :Dhttp://www.google.com/search?q=“do+his+bidding”+OR+”do+your+bidding”+site:hackaday.com+-site:hackaday.com/tag+-site:hackaday.com/category+-site:hackaday.com/page+-site:hackaday.com/authorI love etch-a-sketches too. But during my last raid on the toy shops I couldn’t find any. Are they still produced?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428934",
"author": "JasonDorie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T14:29:02",
"content": "They are still around – I got mine at HobbyTown, but you can order them online from Ohio Art, the original maker of them, Toys-R-Us, etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429010",
"author": "mkb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T17:02:47",
"content": "Some toys-r-us have them but only around Christmas.And nice to see propeller chips being used :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429054",
"author": "justme2",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:17:28",
"content": "I wonder if there’s a way to pull the stylus back from the screen so you don’t have to have lines connecting each element.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429066",
"author": "Jason Dorie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:49:59",
"content": "Not easily – There are a couple videos on the web of taking them apart. The way it’s constructed would make it tricky. Possible, but not trivial.",
"parent_id": "429054",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429123",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:59:09",
"content": "As I remember them, the construction is not very stiff, everything is springy. I guess one could attach some kind of a string to the stylus and pull the string back with a servo. Another method that was used in some cheap old plotters would be to raise from one side the entire frame that carries the stylus.",
"parent_id": "429066",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429080",
"author": "Agent420",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T20:43:58",
"content": "I’ve built a few EAS projects, but was disappointed by the quality of the current Chinese made EAS toys, which are much inferior to the older USA made ones… The string movement is jumpy, full of knots that cause erratic behavior and is generally sloppy (the strings would tighten up, then “twang”). I bought and returned several before finding one acceptable to use with any accuracy. The older USA models had much less play and made better candidates, though it is difficult to find one with minimal screen wear.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429127",
"author": "Jason Dorie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:05:34",
"content": "I had this issue as well – The first one I got was basically unusable in exactly the way you describe. I ordered that one online from Ohio Art. The 2nd I picked up at HobbyTown, and got to make sure it worked well before buying it.",
"parent_id": "429080",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,122.43397
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/04/using-an-led-cube-as-an-audio-visualizer/
|
Using An LED Cube As An Audio Visualizer
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"digital audio hacks"
] |
[
"audio",
"audio visualizer",
"led",
"LED cube",
"VU meter"
] |
[Isaac] sent in his mashup build of a LED cube combined with a graphic EQ meter.
The build
is fairly simple and from the
video
we can tell that his build would be a great installation in a dubstep venue. While it’s not the 9x9x9 cube possible with some
judicious coding
we think it’s a very fitting display for the intended purpose.
Unlike purely analog audio visualizations using resistor and capacitor networks, the
MSGEQ7
is a 7-band graphic equalizer IC that requires basically no support circuitry. The cube is powered from a few shift registers and takes up three pins on his Arduino.
Even with
freaking enormous
LED cubes, the resolution is still too low to do much of anything outside a game of Snake or Pong.
Volumetric displays
, while offering higher potential resolution, rely on a mechanism to spin the display around at a very high speed. [Issac]’s build gets around that limitation by only needing a few LEDs every band of his EQ. It’s a very nice build that gives a purpose to all the LED cubes out there.
| 8
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428671",
"author": "Zhugie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T21:15:23",
"content": "may have to steal this. I built a 4x4x4 cube for a uni project a few months back and I’ve been looking to do something with it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428715",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:53:57",
"content": "I did this with a 5x5x5 cube and analog bandpass filters for each column. It was a pretty fun (but intensive) project. Congrats.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428777",
"author": "Isaac",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:42:57",
"content": "Have a look at:http://imblackmath.blogspot.com/i left some code there, its not commented though so good luck :S :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428894",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T12:00:58",
"content": "Ok, this has some cool potential… Imaging a huge DJ cube using RGB led’s to show both amplitude but energy… it would rock",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429030",
"author": "Lukasz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T18:00:33",
"content": "I looked at the datasheet of MSGEQ7 chip you used and cannot figure out what is the output voltage it produces. As you have experience with it, can you provide me with the answer. I assume it has a range, but their datasheet is lacking.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429126",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:03:05",
"content": "I wonder if it would be more effective and easier to implement the string (or more like silver ropes or chains or balls on wire…whatever) & projector method for the scale a venue would need. Or for that matter, individually addressable LED ropes.Looks great, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429187",
"author": "Isaac",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T00:07:32",
"content": "@Lukasz i coulnd’t fnd this information either, i assume in my program that its between 0 and 5v and the values that it produces seam to match this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430636",
"author": "Jeff Hopkins",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T18:40:58",
"content": "Videoof my 3x3x3 RGB LED Cube running a custom pulse-audio plugin, playing Bohemian Rhapsody…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.590751
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/04/would-you-like-to-play-a-game/
|
Would You Like To Play A Game?
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"tv out"
] |
[Itay] dropped a link in our inbox about
creating a simple video game system using Arduino
. Yes we all know where that is going … the TV out library for Arduino. However this tutorial should still be mentioned because it pretty much covers everything someone new would need to quickly and easily hook one of these things up, along with wii Nunchuck usage, library basics and creating your first game.
Lots of large pictures, diagrams, and explanation of software is included. Yes we know we feature this little setup a lot, that is because its so darn fun. So if you ever wanted to make your own little video game system (
without going crazy bit banging VGA out of a little micro in ASM
) this guide will help you get started making that next arcade masterpiece.
| 17
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428630",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:12:09",
"content": "You can bash the arduino all you want, but for how simple this and how easy this is, it’s amazing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428638",
"author": "Beat707",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:25:54",
"content": "+1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428652",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:26:36",
"content": "That is amazingly simple to do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428660",
"author": "Tony",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:46:01",
"content": "It’s an excellent article :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428689",
"author": "bp",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T21:48:14",
"content": "I would really like to learn about how to bit bang a composite video signal in general. Nonetheless this is a grate article.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428695",
"author": "Ben Ryves",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T21:59:13",
"content": "Rickard Gunée’s website has some good information on this:http://www.rickard.gunee.com/projects/video/pic/howto.php",
"parent_id": "428689",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428691",
"author": "goo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T21:53:27",
"content": "Global Nuclear Meltdown!Couldn’t resist with that title.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428701",
"author": "filespace",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:08:41",
"content": "It was “Global Thermonuclear War” from the movie war games 1983",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428764",
"author": "Kevin Dady",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T01:44:12",
"content": "we have a winner!",
"parent_id": "428701",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428793",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T04:00:41",
"content": "The only winning move is not to play, Professor Falken.How about a nice game of chess?",
"parent_id": "428701",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428911",
"author": "Charlie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T13:01:09",
"content": "Best Line from that movie????“Hell, I’d piss on a spark plug if I though it’d help!”",
"parent_id": "428793",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428744",
"author": "austinmarton",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T00:21:15",
"content": "This is really awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428778",
"author": "Oldbitcollector",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:51:28",
"content": "Once you get your taste whet for micro controller gaming come over to this project:http://www.gadgetgangster.com/tutorials/358OBC",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428919",
"author": "kevin mcguigan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T13:23:52",
"content": "Anybody out there know how to use an arduino to read serial data using hyperterminal? I want to make a small handheld serial port device to read data and I was hoping someone had some ideas.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428928",
"author": "UnaB",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T14:16:37",
"content": "For those who want to remember the scene that started them hacking (correctly) or if you were too young to remember audiocoupler modems, IMSAI computers or have never been scared by WOPR:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecPeSmF_ikc!!!Also!!! a great simple and direct tutorial. thanks!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429068",
"author": "tk421",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:53:15",
"content": "For a newbie looking to try some of these thing, which Arduino would you recommend? Uno, Duemilanove, MEga, Ehternet Shield…?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429332",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T05:16:48",
"content": "Personally I would recommend the Arduino Pro Mini 328/5V/16MHZ…it requires an FTDI cable or adapter board, so the total price is more than the UNO…but it works well with a breadboard; using an Uno with a breadboard is a real mess.Really the only reason to go with the full size arduinos is if you want to use pre-made shields…but if this IS what you want to do, get the Uno because it has more features than the Duemilanove and it is a lot cheaper than the mega (the mega is the best of the official arduino versions…but the price is too high IMHO)…and if you can, get it from Sparkfun because they will burn an improved bootloader on it for you.",
"parent_id": "429068",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,122.543072
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/04/prison-inmates-the-worlds-least-admirable-hackers/
|
Prison Inmates: The World’s Least Admirable Hackers
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"inventions",
"prison",
"weapons"
] |
One thing that always amazes us is the ingenuity displayed by prison inmates,
as demonstrated in the tools and weapons they create
while under the watchful eye of the law. Unlike most people however, these individuals have nothing but time on their side, which lends to the wide range of implements they inevitably dream up.
[Marc Steinmetz] took some time to photograph a handful of contraband items which were confiscated in various prisons. They range from the relatively benign bed sheet ladder to more sophisticated items such as battery-powered shotguns constructed from iron bedposts. While weaponry and escape aids are the most common prison yard creations, he also came across a DIY toaster, a hidden radio receiver, and one of our favorites – the surveillance bug pictured above, which was used to listen in on guards’ conversations.
While the use of any of these items in a controlled prison environment is questionable at best, it’s still interesting to see what people can hack together with limited resources and a heck of a lot of time.
[via
Neatorama
via
Environmental Graffiti
]
| 38
| 27
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428608",
"author": "Christian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:11:58",
"content": "Haha the rope ladder is the best piece :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428610",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:16:03",
"content": "Knowledge is power, and its the only thing no one can ever take away from you while your breathing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428645",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:54:22",
"content": "Just ask the Count of Monte Cristo.",
"parent_id": "428610",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428657",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:44:02",
"content": "I like to think that the movie “Paycheck” will come true some day … then there wouldn’t be that problem!",
"parent_id": "428610",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428611",
"author": "Manatee Militia",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:16:09",
"content": "Next time I’m in jail I’m gonna have to try and do something constructive with my time instead of working out and playing spades.Seriously though, I love it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428806",
"author": "The Gecko",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T04:45:18",
"content": "Been there, done most of that. Nerds don’t end up on that side of the fence often. It’s amazing how much power a little know-how, some copper wire and a radio can give you.Small AM bugs, 2 ways radios… it all went down. I would like to think I’m personally responsible for an improvement in the inmate tech level in the [state redacted] prison system.",
"parent_id": "428611",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429044",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:03:10",
"content": "I’m sure your mom is proud.",
"parent_id": "428806",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428614",
"author": "cgimark",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:20:38",
"content": "I recall reading about a telegraph system the inmates had set up in one prison. They used the prisons own AC wiring by cutting the ground wire and tapping it against the hot wire. The other end had a styrofoam cup with salt water and aluminum foil attached to the wires. When current flowed the foil would spark between the foil connected wires and by tapping the other end of the wires you could send a message.Definitely dangerous sending 120Volts ac like that but it worked for about a year.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428616",
"author": "sawo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:24:23",
"content": "I remember that one inmate who was blinking a led with a piece of cheese and a coin to morse his status out of the window to have a friend outside update his facebook.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428619",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:47:09",
"content": "I love the fact that the card says “No 2” on it, kinda makes me wonder where number 1 is ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428628",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:06:34",
"content": "And thats what you call “leverage” :p.",
"parent_id": "428619",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428622",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:48:40",
"content": "Yes, everyone should have the right to make a razor-blade whip, even prisoners. Preach it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428625",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:00:58",
"content": "@sawo thats pretty clever.I did read somewhere that prisoners have been known to repair the stuff they are given for good behaviour, as it sucks if your radio stops working in the middle of the football.I say if they have the technosavvy to fix stuff let them, under controlled conditions. Gives experience and allows them to have a sense of accomplishment which does wonders for morale.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428626",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:01:50",
"content": "I’m surprised they let prisoners have wrought-iron anything. That candelabra grappling hook’s very clever though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428632",
"author": "renter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:19:04",
"content": "I wonder what the circuit is for the picture above the transmitter. Gotta love it. I used to make small fans for people. Also made some battery packs for the radios so they were somewhat louder and lasted longer or if you were trying to put AA in a AAA slot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428641",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:32:33",
"content": "it`s a simple 2 transistor bug, a bit like this one here:http://darkliferadio.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tech&action=print&thread=15only difference is we used to used to use a BC108 for the electret amp and keep the 2n2222`s for the RF osc only.you Can actually make them with a single transistor too.there are many variations ;)",
"parent_id": "428632",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428637",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:25:09",
"content": "That bug is brilliant. Great way to make a quick and dirty PCB.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428643",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:46:05",
"content": "Have heard of people salvaging parts then using hot melt glue and twisted wire to hold them together.Looks ugly but usually works fine.Plus if it gets a bad joint it takes seconds to fix by heating the suspect glue+twist joint and squeezing it in a clothes peg covered with non stick paper until set.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428646",
"author": "sawo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:56:55",
"content": "2011 inmates go for SMT Bugs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428659",
"author": "therin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:44:25",
"content": "in what way my comment was offensive or off topic? how nice, censorship",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428661",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:46:37",
"content": "No need to turn this into a flamewar about the american prison system. Please stay on topic about hacks.",
"parent_id": "428659",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429039",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T18:43:13",
"content": "I didn’t see the comment, but I feel like you should take it easy on the censorship. Sure, nobody wants to read a flame-war, but sanitizing all the comments isn’t really in the hacker spirit.",
"parent_id": "428661",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428710",
"author": "Colga1",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:32:39",
"content": "That is amazing, really admirable.I don’t know how a prision is, in the US, but here in Uruguay is actually HELL.http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi_mcCfiM6M/ThiQ0LgoHOI/AAAAAAAABTs/OpBEsnw4I1s/s640/Carceles-Uruguayas-Penal-de-Libertad.jpghttp://www.uruguayaldia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/carceles-uruguay-1.jpgYep, it’s called “Penal de libertad”.http://www.learnsomethingeveryday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011-06-01.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428714",
"author": "harro",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:48:36",
"content": "Yeah my american friends, what you see is old school german craftsmanship.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428735",
"author": "sawo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:48:01",
"content": "Very interesting readup:“Transcript of a recording by Lieutenant Colonel R G Wells, on the construction of radio equipment whilst in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp after the fall of Singapore.”To quote some:So we hit upon the idea of taking some tin foil or aluminum foil from the lining of the tea chest from which the Japanese supplied with the rice rations, then by the well known equations for calculating capacity and the relationship of the surface area and spacing of the plates, we built a capacitor or, at least, I built a capacitor which according to calculations should have been about “.01 microfarad.”http://www.zerobeat.net/qrp/powradio.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428749",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T00:34:44",
"content": "Well every one needs a hobbie! How ever I need better spelling! HA! Gramer GOOD!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428772",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:24:06",
"content": "My comment became orphaned after an offending post was deleted… So nevermind the above. :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428816",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T05:18:38",
"content": "The local Ripley museum has a big selection of stuff made in prison…from shanks and ladders to miniature coin-op moving landscapes made from match sticks.The most dangerous thing ever made in a prison? The first copy of Mein Kampf.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429679",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T20:54:42",
"content": "That book did nothing (mein kampf), it was the author who lead the way to bad things later, but the book itself is pretty meaningless.If you want to talk prison books, how about the translation of the bible to english? :)I hear that was also done by a prisoner in the old days.",
"parent_id": "428816",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428851",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T07:37:35",
"content": "the Santa Fu prison seems like a lovely place to live.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428918",
"author": "Christian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T13:23:07",
"content": "I’m surprised it took prison officials more than 2.5 seconds to figure out that the crucifixes were for weapons. Even without the metal insert, all someone has to do is whittle/sand down the long part to make a shiv.That said, my favorite is the heater/toaster. Nothing like a little live line voltage to keep you on your toes!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428936",
"author": "cj",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T14:43:57",
"content": "…Shot out a pane of bullet proof glass….Yikes. That’s a little more explosive power (in a masking-taped kludge) than I would like to have tucked under my arm!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429041",
"author": "dman",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T18:58:59",
"content": "hmmm, i’m impressed in these “gadgetry” made in jail, but also worried, how the hell did they get capacitors, resistors, wires, batteries…??@sawo, could you elaborate about leds and cheese?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429167",
"author": "Agent420",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:48:03",
"content": "Probably leftovers from the cassette walkmans used to make tat guns ;-)",
"parent_id": "429041",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429166",
"author": "Angry Voter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:48:01",
"content": "Over 1/2 of the people in US prisons are there on non-violent drug or copyright violation charges.1/3 of the convicted violent felons are not US citizens.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429756",
"author": "electriceagle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T02:26:10",
"content": "There aren’t that many people at all in prison for copyright violation. Sure, lots for drug offenses, but the copyright reference is a bit melodramatic.",
"parent_id": "429166",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429323",
"author": "Jonathan Wilson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T04:47:31",
"content": "Amazing what people with lots of time, a little know-how and nothing to loose can come up with.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "606011",
"author": "becky",
"timestamp": "2012-03-18T00:09:57",
"content": "Last year at ca. State prison l.a. county, (lancaster) staff found laptop computers inmates were useing to get staff home adress and phone numbers. Inmate had hacked into prison computer atteming to change his release date. The computerd were found in the cell door.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.737483
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/04/an-arduino-board-for-your-tiniest-of-projects/
|
An Arduino Board For Your Tiniest Of Projects
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"how-to"
] |
[
"arduino pro mini",
"clone",
"diy"
] |
Instructables user [dustinandrews] just took the wraps off his latest creation,
a DIY Arduino Pro Mini clone
.
Actually, to call it an clone is technically incorrect – while he aimed to produce a tiny Arduino-compatible board, his goal was not to replicate the Mini’s design. Instead, he developed a 1” x 1” board from scratch, covering the construction process in great detail.
When you are working with components this tiny, the only reasonable way to get things done is via solder reflow. He walks through the steps he took to produce the board, which should be enough to guide those doing reflow for the first time through the process without too much trouble.
The end result looks pretty nice, and when he puts it up side by side against the Arduino Pro Mini, his board can definitely hold its own. While his design lacks an on-board power regulator and reset button, he does provide two more analog I/O pins than the Mini, along with several other enhancements.
| 29
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428573",
"author": "Ad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:03:01",
"content": "1″ x 1″?Is that ruler broken? Looks a bit closer to 2cm X 2cm for the non metrically challenged",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428595",
"author": "Pants",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:46:04",
"content": "@Ad, you are reading the caliper incorrectly. The “IN” and “OUT” marks on the frame are where dimensions are read. It is about 22 mm or exactly 7/8″. Or 0.875″ if you have difficulty with practical dimensions.@mad_max, don’t be ignorant, please.",
"parent_id": "428573",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428601",
"author": "fotoflojoe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:59:42",
"content": "2.2cm/~1.125in (1-1/8), judging from the photograph.",
"parent_id": "428573",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428607",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:11:02",
"content": "You are right.One of the annotated images in the instructable lists it at 1″ x 1 1/8″.To clarify the perceived “surface mount hate” people are claiming, there’s no smd hate here. I have done my fair share of smd soldering, and it’s not bad if you have a steady hand and can drag with skill. The “only reasonable way” was more of an off-the-cuff/artistic licence/making conversation type of statement.Really, the only “reasonable way” to do surface mount work is whichever way fits your skill set.",
"parent_id": "428601",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428574",
"author": "Matthias Welsh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:03:39",
"content": "Wusses, I solder 0201 no scope by hand.I’m always amazed how little it takes to get a uC running these days, power + a couple of passives and you’re good to go.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428583",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:27:18",
"content": "I should say that I have inhaled a few 0201 in my time. Can’t be healthy.",
"parent_id": "428574",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428604",
"author": "TerriblePub",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:06:44",
"content": "“I should say that I have inhaled a few 0201 in my time. Can’t be healthy.”Unhealthy!? Inhale the wrong components and you could end up incapacitated!Yes, yes a terrible pun I know…",
"parent_id": "428583",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428590",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:41:06",
"content": "0201 by hand without a scope? If you’re not trolling then thats a pretty good skill you have.",
"parent_id": "428574",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428581",
"author": "jay",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:25:36",
"content": "the instructables’ author is to be commended for helping to encourage folks, and the design. but hackaday saying that reflow is the only reasonable way to do this kind of thing accomplishes exactly the opposite, and makes dealing with surface mount sound harder than it is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428597",
"author": "steaky",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:47:20",
"content": "+1,Its shocking how bad the attitude towards surface mount is and ThruHole is the only way for hobbyist. IMO surface mount is easier as you don’t have to worry about connectivity through vias, or have tracking on opposite side to components.Saying that, surface mount is a load easier when you’ve got the right solder tip – I’ve found the bucket type tip to be the best. I much prefer that to pointy ones or even chisel tips.I’m a firm believer in tack and drag…although I tend to drag away from the pins instead of across them",
"parent_id": "428581",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428880",
"author": "juice",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T09:48:03",
"content": "Through hole components have their pros as well. First of all, it’s much easier to reuse an IC that is socketed than it is to reuse one that has been soldered on the board. This is really important when prototyping and doing different PCB revisions.Moreover, you can fit a few tracks under a through hole resistor. There is not enogh space for anything between pads of a 0603 resistor.Both packaging types have their uses. In hobby projects there is usually no need to aim for minimal circuit size.",
"parent_id": "428597",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429111",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:42:03",
"content": "@juice – you can easily run an 8 mil track between the pads of a 0603 resistor and have at least 8 mils of clearance on either side. I do it sparingly, but if there’s no other way it’s going through!",
"parent_id": "428597",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428605",
"author": "steaky",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:07:51",
"content": "Whoops, I posted before looking at the article. The instructable is doing it with a reflow oven too… shame on them.Soldering iron all the way.",
"parent_id": "428581",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428586",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:32:19",
"content": "is now “Arduino” the word to use when you see an atmega soldered on a board ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428587",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:33:38",
"content": "It is when you install the Arduino bootloader afterwards.",
"parent_id": "428586",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428745",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T00:26:19",
"content": "Yes. The Arduino crowd likes renaming stuff.For example, they decided to call programming “sketching with hardware” instead. Between that and them renaming C++ to “Wiring”, for the longest time I thought Arduinos were programmed using some interface where you drag and drop functional blocks from a library as graphic elements on-screen, then connect them with “wires” to define relationships. I have seen systems like that before, and they’re incredibly limited; so I looked no further into the Arduinos. And that’s why I *used* to dislike both the Arduino and the intense interest in them.Of course, eventually I found this wasn’t correct. You program an Arduino in C just like any other MCU, despite the “sketchy” names.So *now* I dislike Arduino because there’s no reason for the needless renaming other than to be separatist or elitist, or maybe to confuse newcomers into thinking the Arduino is more unique than it really is. (It’s by no means the only dev system with a bootloader and peripheral library.)Glad to see there are people who still see things for what they really are. This is a good ATMega board, not necessarily an Arduino. And a great Instructable.",
"parent_id": "428586",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428903",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T12:29:22",
"content": "“Programming” is a scary word to people who haven’t programmed before. They were just trying to make the platform appear friendlier to people with no experience of programming.",
"parent_id": "428745",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429020",
"author": "antitroll",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T17:27:40",
"content": "When trolling you should probably take a few minutes to get your facts straight. From the Arduino.cc home page:“Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The microcontroller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP).”If you search for the word ‘sketch’ you will not find it anywhere on that page.From the FAQ page:Q: Can I program the Arduino board in C?A: In fact, you already are; the Arduino language is merely a set of C/C++ functions that can be called from your code. Your sketch undergoes minor changes (e.g. automatic generation of function prototypes) and then is passed directly to a C/C++ compiler (avr-g++). All standard C and C++ constructs supported by avr-g++ should work in Arduino. For more details, see the page on the Arduino build process.This is the only location where the word ‘sketch’ exists in the FAQ. Hardly the behaviour you would expect from an organisation that has “decided to call programming “sketching with hardware” ”“Glad to see there are people who still see things for what they really are. This is a good ATMega board, not necessarily an Arduino. And a great Instructable.”The guy in the instructable says arduino about 2 dozen times. Simply calling it an ATMega board is like saying your stack of intel components with OSX on it is simply a ‘computer’ and not a ‘mac’",
"parent_id": "428745",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429006",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T16:55:30",
"content": "@Pedro, I’d think that anyone so easily scared away by a simple term like “programming”, would soon be scared away anyway by any of the challenges encountered while actually doing it; regardless of what it’s called.But maybe you’re right. And we should give other things friendly names too. I’ll start.From this day forward, everyone should refer to “soldering” as “gluing with metal”.",
"parent_id": "428586",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429098",
"author": "isama",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:10:59",
"content": "ahh, i love the smell of metal-gluing in the morning.nah, doesn’t sound as good :P",
"parent_id": "429006",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429115",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:49:21",
"content": "How about “Circuit Brazing”?“Hey there artsy guy, amazing circuit brazing!”Honestly, I like to look past the oddities of certain things and focus on the meat. If the meat is good… then you can call it whatever you want, I’m eating it up.Try not to get distracted by the little things…Also, I commend the Arduino team for coming up with something different that stands out. It caught on and the rest is history.I’m an Arduino user… and a PIC user, and an Atmel user, among many more.",
"parent_id": "429006",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429118",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:51:41",
"content": "Don’t forget about the Femtoduino:http://www.varesano.net/projects/hardware/FemtoduinoIt’s even smaller.",
"parent_id": "429006",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428589",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:37:36",
"content": "Cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428618",
"author": "PocketBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:46:25",
"content": "Hmmm… I am pretty sure you could shrink it further by using 2mm headers! That might put you on the spot to make a 2mm solderless breadboard, though. My next project! :-) First, I’ll need a RepRap. Or a shrink-ray. :-(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428642",
"author": "HARaaM",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:35:15",
"content": "can you sell completed items, to us who are impaired?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428864",
"author": "eddie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T08:08:56",
"content": "I had no trouble soldering my tiny328 pcb by hand.http://nerdipedia.com/tiki-index.php?page=small+mega328+pcbI used a flow-tip (aka bucket/spoon). But it is quite easy to solder the micro using standard tips.I’ve found 3mm bevels and knife tips particular good for SMD. Re-work flux is essential.http://nerdipedia.com/tiki-index.php?page=surface+mount+solderingI do concede the reliability is not perfect and I have to check the boards with a magnifier and redo a joint or two.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428899",
"author": "Todd Coram",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T12:16:14",
"content": "One approach to soldering surface mounts is to flip them upside down and solder wire strands (>30 AWG) directly to the pads. I do this regularly and have done it to packages as small as 3x3mm.Here is one I did a couple of years ago for an FC30 (3x5mm) orientation sensor:http://toddbot.blogspot.com/2009/02/msp430-fc30-orientation-sensor.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428935",
"author": "NATO",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T14:36:53",
"content": "Guys, soldering 0201 by hand is no problem as long as your vision is OK. I can’t do it with my contacts in, so I have to wear glasses when I am doing 0201/0401 soldering, I take the glasses off which allows me to see things much better when they are close to my eyes. Safety glasses are a must, and for the >0603 components I always recommend inspecting with a magnifier when you are done. I can populated a small board with ~100 0603 and smaller passives and TSSOP/SOT IC’s in about 20 minutes. Practice makes perfect! SMD has made my prototyping infinitely easier. I was so happy to say goodbye to thru-hole :)Now, the only drilling I do is for vias!For those of you who are afraid of SMD or think it is harder than thru-hole, you are so wrong! It is faster, cleaner, and more compact. There are virtually no disadvantages to SMD unless you are blind and only have thumbs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429487",
"author": "Fabio Varesano",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T15:21:59",
"content": "Sorry, not the smallest:http://www.varesano.net/projects/hardware/Femtoduino",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.66015
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/04/the-lego-synchro-drive/
|
The Lego Synchro Drive
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"News",
"Toy Hacks",
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"lego",
"mechanical",
"Technic"
] |
[M-byte] wrote in to tell us about the
Lego Synchro Drive
. Although not a new hack, this autonomous vehicle is quite amazing in it’s simplicity. Using only one motor turning at a constant speed, this device is able to navigate obstacles by simply turning.
As [m-byte] was quick to point out, this is a simple task using modern electronics, but this drive is made using only Lego Technic parts. The machine’s motion is quite pleasing. When it hits an obstacle, the outer rotating ring stops, allowing the casters on the bottom to switch direction. One could see this invention coming out of Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook (minus the Legos).
Check out either of the embedded videos after the break to see this device in action. If you’d like to build one yourself, follow
this link
for very well illustrated directions.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p7OMVMWD3A&w=470&h=349%5D
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uTApFE8H90%5D
If you would like a quick refresher on the mechanical side of hacking, check out this
Mechanical Engineering Primer.
| 16
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428485",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:27:17",
"content": "very elegant solution.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428502",
"author": "ejonesss",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:38:49",
"content": "great!!! now the site no longer respondsthanks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428515",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:20:02",
"content": "That’s because of all the fresh traffic hackaday is giving it. Try back later, it’ll calm down. And, try to relax a little. It’s just the internet, man. It’s not like it’s important.Nifty vehicle, by the way. I like that it can get away from walls with no brainpower, just clever gears. Kind of reminds me of this little beetle robots, ran off of two electric motors. It had two antennas, which stuck out of the front of it. When they bumped a wall, they bent backwards a little, pushing a switch, which shut one motor off and left the other running, meaning the robot would turn away from the wall. Very very simple, no computer components. I like simple, elegant robots.",
"parent_id": "428502",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428505",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:57:28",
"content": "A while back, I made a obstacle-avoiding vehicle that was even simpler. it just used a wedge on the point, the rear wheels were driven, and the front wheel was just a castor, roughly like this:(wheel) \\(castor) \\( ) /(wheel) /it worked OK in most cases, but could get stuck in corners.Not as nice or interesting a solution as the one shown here",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428506",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:58:52",
"content": "Sorry, the diagram didn’t work",
"parent_id": "428505",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428521",
"author": "ejonesss",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:43:32",
"content": "if your isp does not have any “no servers on residental account” you should be safe running the site from your own connection.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428558",
"author": "Chalkbot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:06:47",
"content": "This is awesome. Nice work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428571",
"author": "Conner",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:57:02",
"content": "Reminds me of the DVD logo that bounces around the screen when it’s paused!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428580",
"author": "M-Byte",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:25:22",
"content": "Yeah. This way it would be possible to build something like that in real life. I.e. take some cardboard box, paint the inside black and then throw one of these with a DVD logo stuck to its top in there. :D",
"parent_id": "428571",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428599",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:53:27",
"content": "But will it ever bounce off the exact corner?",
"parent_id": "428571",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428719",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:06:00",
"content": "Yeah if you look at the first video where he stops the outer ring, and the wheels underneath do a full 360 all the while spinning.",
"parent_id": "428599",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428718",
"author": "Ben Jackson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:01:59",
"content": "This looks similar in principle to a LEGO bot I made several years ago:http://ben.com/LEGO/rcx/rock-stupid.htmlThe basic principle appears to be the same: It drives forward until it hits something and stalls the drive wheel. The stalled drive wheel forces the power to rotate the drive wheel instead until it can go in another direction.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429077",
"author": "M-Byte",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T20:24:59",
"content": "Do you have any videos of your bot? It seems pretty interesting.",
"parent_id": "428718",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429108",
"author": "Ben Jackson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:36:38",
"content": "Sorry, no videos. That build predates YouTube by about 5 years and all my LEGO is stored in a closet at the moment.",
"parent_id": "429077",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428862",
"author": "MrTaco",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T07:55:23",
"content": "Now I want to see someone use this as the ball in a real life game of Pong.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "435220",
"author": "Malikaii",
"timestamp": "2011-08-15T12:29:48",
"content": "Very clever. And excellent Musical choice in the first video.Also, there seems to be an influx of stove-top hacking going on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.791626
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/04/air-conditioner-regulation-using-a-hobby-servo/
|
Air Conditioner Regulation Using A Hobby Servo
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"home hacks"
] |
[
"air conditioning",
"arduino",
"automation"
] |
For anyone that works in a large office building, odds are you know the pains of dealing with a poorly regulated HVAC system. [Robovergne] and his co-workers recently moved to a new location, and found that the air conditioning control was less than effective, leaving the office
as hot as a sauna or as cold as a meat locker.
While they manually triggered the A/C on and off every half hour for a while, that grew tiring, so [Robovergne] decided to take things into his own hands. He had never used an Arduino before, and figured that regulating the air would be a great first project. He mounted a small hobby servo onto the front of the A/C remote, and wired a DS18B21 temperature probe to the Arduino. A small pot is used to adjust the temperature setpoints, which are displayed on the attached LCD screen. Now, when the temperature starts to rise, the Arduino triggers the servo to turn the air conditioning on without human interaction.
[Robovergne] says that while his solution is ugly, it works quite well. It definitely gets the job done, we can’t argue with that!
Continue reading to see a video of his automatic A/C controller in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2GPZRg92BM&w=470]
| 28
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428428",
"author": "steaky",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:06:42",
"content": "cool idea.next step would be to reverse engineer the IR protocol and use the arduino as the remote(?)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428535",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:21:50",
"content": "I like that idea, but could he maybe just get a $10 learning remote from target and do that?Nice job on the first hack :) I don’t mind the ugly one bit :) Enjoy the AC!",
"parent_id": "428428",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428769",
"author": "jaded",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:16:37",
"content": "But who would push the button on the replacement learning remote? It wouldn’t automagically act as a thermostat either.Or do you mean train the cheap remote, then tear it apart and solder the wires from the Arduino directly to the replacement’s button? Sure, it would probably be cheaper, quieter, and more reliable than a hobby servo and scotch tape, but where’s the fun in that? :-)",
"parent_id": "428535",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428429",
"author": "Coligny",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:10:09",
"content": ">>cool idea.next step would be to reverse engineer the IR protocol and use the arduino as the remote(?)Actually… that should have been the first step… or even without really decoding the full protocol, just recording the proper command would have sufficed…I’m not saying what he does is the wrong way to do it, it works so it’s good for him. Meanwhile, the redneckness level of this hack make its value for publication a little doubtfull…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428444",
"author": "Craig",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:35:26",
"content": "On the contrary, the red-neckness is precisely what makes it so great. Elegance be damned, spoofing a remote wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting as a taped on servo =)",
"parent_id": "428429",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428465",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T12:24:02",
"content": "I disagree, myself. I’d rather see the reverse engineered IR protocol. This made me groan a bit.",
"parent_id": "428444",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428514",
"author": "onlysix",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:19:47",
"content": "I think the point of this is a simple solution to a problem. I have done things like this before, then created a more polished based around what knowledge I learn from the first project. Not everyone has the knowledge and skills required to build finished-project or factory looking projects. I do give them credit for trying and helping to inspire others.",
"parent_id": "428429",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428532",
"author": "Chad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:14:13",
"content": "I agree. I think simplicity is the main goal, but another goal of sharing is so that an idea can then go through several permutations as others see it and begin to make changes so that it fits their liking. To me, that’s the whole point of hacking. HaD provides a forum where these ideas can be exchanged.",
"parent_id": "428514",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428434",
"author": "j_jwalrus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:14:20",
"content": "im kind of a fan of the non-intrusive, kludgy feel this has. Electro-mechanical hackes are always fun. The more moving parts, the better!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428440",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:28:06",
"content": "I agree, rube goldburg everything to extremes! Also both the taped on servo and IR decoding serve to protect the control case that the company might not own (rented office perhaps?) bypassing the remote would be the most efficient way to do it but where’s the fun in that?",
"parent_id": "428434",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428442",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:34:30",
"content": "Turn the air con on full and just leave all the windows open. That’s what we do, works fine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428454",
"author": "will",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:56:11",
"content": "HA I love it :)",
"parent_id": "428442",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428459",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T12:05:35",
"content": "Love it. Needs powering the remote from the Arduino board though… or use a servo to replace batteries!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428472",
"author": "Mr. Frykas",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T12:43:03",
"content": "And they couldn’t just put a relay on the Rc and Y terminals of the thermostat, and let the Arduino control that?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428767",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:08:00",
"content": "Window units generally don’t have thermostat contacts. What I did for mine was set it at max-cool, and use a relay in a box to turn the power on and off at the plug. Only really works for a full manual one though.",
"parent_id": "428472",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428477",
"author": "DainBramage",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:10:01",
"content": "Awesome hack! Personally, I would have just grabbed a PID controller out of my junque box and wired in a cooling relay. However, I realize that most people don’t have stuff like that on hand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428484",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:22:00",
"content": "Another vote in support of redneck engineering. Trust me, when your A/C isn’t working right, coming up with an elegant solution is usually the furthest thing from your mind!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428510",
"author": "Pete Prodoehl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:07:55",
"content": "It’s a hack. It’s quick ‘n dirty, and it gets the job done. Is it the most elegant solution? Maybe not, but it’s in place, and it’s working. Two thumbs up! It’s exactly the sort of thing that should be posted to Hackaday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428523",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:58:47",
"content": "So, it has a remote, and they are too lazy to even use the remote? I thought this was for a thermostat on the wall that they didn’t want to walk over to every half hour.At least it does trigger it when the temperature starts to rise rather than having to keep watch over the temp on your own.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428577",
"author": "Blue Footed Booby",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:12:33",
"content": "The whole point of this is to avoid the need for user intervention, WITHOUT having to crack open the casing, splice something into wiring, or do anything else that would have the building maintenance people coming up to visit with pitch forks and torches. Remember, this is a workplace. If you suggest anything that involves modifying existing hardware or wiring you’re proving you didn’t read before you posted.",
"parent_id": "428523",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428540",
"author": "cgimark",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:38:38",
"content": "Good starter project.As suggested next step , reverse engineer the IR protocol. It is really easy to do since you already have an arduino. Get a IR receiver module, cost about $1 and connect that to an arduino digital in.Once you know what the correct bits are then you just need an IR diode and transistor to send the signal and can get rid of a lot of extra stuff you currently have to use.The sensor is :http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay/TSOP58038/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsn8wIhgY8aVcFsoluUzgRN7P8%252bLClYvCU%3dthe diode is:http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay-Semiconductors/VSLY5850/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvAL21a%2fDhxMlIYE1GHbHBAoRTOz3EfZuU%3d",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428542",
"author": "PocketBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:41:01",
"content": "thermostats R cheep. Nice application of tech, I might have done something similar, if the parts were just on-hand, but then I would have simply replaced the thermostat. I’ll assume for now you are planning to do either that or complaining bitterly to your landlord. Gotta free up that kit for other hacks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428559",
"author": "Ivan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:09:27",
"content": "This is probably the best solution since the odds of being allowed to mess with the office building’s air conditioning is null unless you are paid for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428563",
"author": "b1r6m4n",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:14:43",
"content": "Great hack!! Sounds like you’ve got an air conditioner which is over-sized for the room.I would have bought a cheap programmable thermostat at the local home center. Wiring for thermostats are usually easy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428596",
"author": "Morbius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:46:12",
"content": "The comment about the AC being oversized is probably the most observant comment out of the bunch so far.Sounds like the HVAC contractor was incompetent (which isn’t an uncommon situation). Someone probably did not do a proper heat loss (“Manual J”) calculation and now you have a system that fails to properly remove humidity from the air.Turning off a compressor based on temperature is pretty simple. Sizing the compressor to the building envelope and taking into account the volume of air that needs to be “conditioned” is something a lot of contractors are incapable of figuring out. Some states require an engineer to do the numbers for precisely that reason.The building owners should bring in QUALIFIED contractors to properly fine tune/optimize the entire system. Just running compressors till it blasts cold air out isn’t going to do $hit !",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428603",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T18:03:36",
"content": "It just might be oversized, but it all depends on the building – truth be told, I have no idea how the A/C was installed at Robovergne’s officeWhere I’m at, there’s a chiller in the penthouse and everyone feeds off of that. Cold water runs and (overzealous) fans do the rest of the job, keeping the office way too cold. I just wish we had the ability to toggle the fans on and off – any regulation requires calling in a maintenance tech to play with the baffles in the ceiling.",
"parent_id": "428596",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428746",
"author": "Renet123",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T00:32:49",
"content": "neat! I have been looking for months on how to make an arduino control my a/c.. i think it would be cool to try and figure out the most perfect efficient way to run my a/c.. i come home from work around 7pm .. and i would like it to be 74 degrees when i get home.. how long, depending on the current temperature of the house, would it take to get the house to 74 degrees at 7pm?!.. then depending on the electricity usage.. take a constant running toll of how much electrity it is using, plug in my cost of kw/hr.. and i know how much my a/c is costing me at any moment.. and what to expect on my next electric bill!!project anyone.. kickstart???",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428827",
"author": "Robovergne",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T06:01:56",
"content": "Hi all. I’m the author of this hack.I discovering the word “redneckness” today, I like it :o)As many stated, there would have be plenty of smarter solution to solve this problem, but :– I would probably get fired if I did intrusive hacking of my workplace or do anything that ruin the remote.– I didn’t want to spent too much time to get a neat solution, since I was expecting the problem to be solved the right way by the AC tech.– the button pushing robot make my colleague smile when they get into my office, which is far more important to me than making something smart ;)Guillaume",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,122.965702
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/an-arm-dev-board-you-can-make-at-home/
|
An ARM Dev Board You Can Make At Home
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"hardware",
"Microcontrollers",
"Parts"
] |
[
"arm",
"dev board",
"development board",
"single-sided"
] |
[BarsMonster] just challenged our conceptions of ARM development with his single-sided
development board
that’s loaded with an
STM32F100
(PDF warning) ARM microcontroller. The board is remarkably simple – just a regulator, resistor and a few caps are necessary to get a $1 ARM μC up and running.
[BarsMonster] gave us
a schematic
of his board along with the
Eagle .brd file
of his build. Everything is an SMD component, so except for 9 through-holes, this board can be
easily manufactured at home
.
While we have seen
a few
single sided projects at Hack A Day,
dev boards
made with this technique have fallen by the wayside. This surprises us because single sided boards are easy to make with the
various
CNC
mills
we’ve seen.
There are a few great projects out there for the STM32 processor, like a
web radio
, but [BarsMonster] is having some trouble finding some good libraries for his MCU (specifically STM32 libraries for Eagle). If you know of anything he can do, drop a note in the comments or on his
website
.
| 52
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428162",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:08:15",
"content": "The Linuxstamp remains the only Linux-running board that you can make at home.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428182",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:44:48",
"content": "@hpux735No. I am not kidding. LS1 is 2 sided and uses no BGA components, so it is hand soldrable.On the other hand, this STM32 circuitboard is cool too, because it can be the base of many open source projects that need an embedded ARM brain.",
"parent_id": "428162",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428184",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:46:01",
"content": "Seehttp://www.opencircuits.com/Linuxstamp",
"parent_id": "428162",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428185",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:47:06",
"content": "What’s the parts cost on something like that?",
"parent_id": "428162",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428229",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:35:37",
"content": "Approximately from memory, based on best deals for small orders here in Moscow:STM32 – 1$2×2.2uF caps = 2×0.1$1x 10k resistor = 0.01$1117 regulator = 0.5$5-pin connector = 0.1$Piece of single-sided FR4 = 0.5$————————2.31$",
"parent_id": "428185",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428220",
"author": "Alez",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:11:58",
"content": "Not really… uClinux is still a linux. And it does run on a Cortex M3.http://www.uclinux.org/",
"parent_id": "428162",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428233",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:52:43",
"content": "i don’t see a port for M3?",
"parent_id": "428220",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428239",
"author": "Alez",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:57:54",
"content": "Yeah, its kinda hidden, here you go:http://www.linux-arm.org/LinuxKernel/LinuxM3(Sorry, replied to a wrong comment)",
"parent_id": "428220",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428421",
"author": "Emeryth",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T10:42:53",
"content": "Check out this board:http://code.google.com/p/propendous/",
"parent_id": "428162",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428508",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:03:35",
"content": "It looks intimidating, and it would be fairly time consuming, sure. But you can definitely assemble that board by hand.",
"parent_id": "428162",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428171",
"author": "Jared Boone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:22:26",
"content": "The libmaple should get him well on his way. It’s got support for the STM32F103 processor, which I believe shares a lot of peripherals with the F100.LeafLabs libmaple",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428172",
"author": "Simonious",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:22:37",
"content": "It it silly that I think a 2 sided dremel based cnc, with laser alignement for 2 sided copper clad would be cool? Just clamp the board in with edge clamps, let the thing self align on the edges with a laser and then dual dremels or the like cut your 2 sided board for you. Man that’d be fun to build. Somebody toss me a few grand so I can build this and still afford to eat and stuff. :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428389",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:19:09",
"content": "Certainly not sillier than a 2-sided butterknife! Imagine, you could butter your bread in half the time! Better toss ME a few grand so I can reduce bazillions of peoples’ breakfast preparation times!(Diclaimer: just kidding, no trolling intended)",
"parent_id": "428172",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428770",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:19:29",
"content": "OK, that is a really neat idea. Only problem though is the flexing of the board as you tried to mill both sides at once. Perhaps what could work is making a single surface milling machine that flips the board over automatically, realigns, and keeps going… hmm… I think I have a new project now.",
"parent_id": "428172",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428194",
"author": "jasong",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:09:01",
"content": "This is awesome! Someone should come out with a kit and some libraries and people wouldn’t have to piddle around with the 8 bit MCUs anymore. ARM is pimp.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428221",
"author": "baobrien",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:14:29",
"content": "I do find it kind of funny that these 32-bit periphial loaded arm chips are around the same cost as the 8-bit atmegas",
"parent_id": "428194",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428228",
"author": "cptfalcon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:35:13",
"content": "ARM charges very little for licensing fees I believe, so the cost is mostly just manufacturing. Not sure about atmega…",
"parent_id": "428221",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428236",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:56:33",
"content": "You should try STM Discovery, which include a usb programmer and is below 15€",
"parent_id": "428194",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428329",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T06:20:29",
"content": "Woah, good call. Is that a 2MSPS ADC I see?",
"parent_id": "428236",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428709",
"author": "Jiang",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:22:49",
"content": "Interesting thing! I’m tempted…",
"parent_id": "428236",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428416",
"author": "kmmankad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T10:06:56",
"content": "Among many others,there IS the mbedhttp://mbed.org/",
"parent_id": "428194",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428237",
"author": "Alez",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:56:39",
"content": "Yeah, its kinda hidden, here you go:http://www.linux-arm.org/LinuxKernel/LinuxM3",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428244",
"author": "Duncan Bayne",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T02:33:09",
"content": "Thank you, thank you, thank you for the PDF warning. Those of living in countries with paltry mobile broadband caps don’t appreciate clicking PDF links by accident :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428269",
"author": "RunnerPack",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:39:18",
"content": "And I thought I got a good deal on my AVR board :PI would have at least put a crystal on there, though. It’s only three more (cheap, easy to solder) components, and you can go from 8MHz (the internal RC) to 24MHz. Three times the speed for about $0.50 (even less in bulk).Still, it’s a nice proof-of-concept. Makes me want to grab a bunch of those chips and play around… at that price, everything I own could have a 32-bit CPU in it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428415",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T10:06:37",
"content": "Hehe, here is the glory of ARM beef, there is a PLL. So you can get to any clock even with internal RC. You need crystal only if you need accurate clock.",
"parent_id": "428269",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428441",
"author": "bacchus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:30:13",
"content": "As you yourself say, it’s a proof of concept.There’s a bunch of stuff that would go onto any sort of prototyping board, together with a reduced form factor and some headers.It could be a kind of open source post-Arduino prototyping board. Unlikely, I know, but it points the way, and Arduino is beginning to look kind of old fashioned and limited.",
"parent_id": "428269",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428303",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:45:10",
"content": "I bought a few of these and designed a thru-hole dev board for it. This is a cool board, a little bigger than mine, but more DIY-friendly. Glad to see people switching to ARM!PS Where do you get these for $1? I can only get them for like $2.50 (and be able to afford them in that quantity) Anyone want to buy like 100,000 and sell them at cost?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428344",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T06:52:04",
"content": "Well, here athttp://www.terraelectronica.ruthey have 13000 in stock at that price, but they are partners of STM, so they might be selling these at minimal margin.",
"parent_id": "428303",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428397",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:26:40",
"content": "I was asking me the same question. Just did a quick googling and looking up on digikey. The cheapest one was the STM32F100R4H6B for 1,03€ (~1,47$) with a minimum order of 3840 pieces and (of course) not in stock.When I first heard of these chips there was this sub-one-dollar-story told, but seriously, I’ve not seen them that cheap.Anyone?",
"parent_id": "428303",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428391",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:22:41",
"content": "Those LinuxStamp boards are outrageously expensive, like $130 bux. For that price I’d avoid the ARM abstraction and get an x86 Geode based Alix board instead.The builder of the little board in the foto should remove the solder flux around the MCU. I’ve run into problems with flux left on boards like that, especially with closely spaced traces.Linux on an M3 isn’t really a full Linux experience IMHO. The M3 doesn’t have an MMU.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428417",
"author": "kmmankad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T10:08:26",
"content": "Yeah,the flux was the first thing that hit me too.",
"parent_id": "428391",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428460",
"author": "the_h4wk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T12:08:10",
"content": "The lib problem can be easily solved when you use the open-source IDE CooCox.(Eclipse based but easy to use)http://www.coocox.org/It comes with every thing, libs,startup,linker, examples, even a RTOS.For most M0/M3You need a JTAG tough. Many are supported and there is also the cootag/-ex that you can build your self or buy for 20$ from various Chinese stores .I’ve got my dev stuff from Itead and am quite happy with it.(They have a small tutorial for Coocox)I have tried many different IDE’s for free but Coocox is the most straight forward if you ask me.I hope this helps. ARM-Cortex M3 are by the way not so hard to program, but you have to try stuff out and look in the libs.When I come make a Blog, I may make are a Tutorial for the basic stuff with Coocox, so that you can see, what I’m talking about.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428479",
"author": "Christian Black",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:15:14",
"content": "Any recommendations for programming hardware, bootloading procedure and an easy IDE that would definitely work with this board?I would specially like to hear about opportunities to use Pascal or BASIC on the ARM. I have paid my dues using C and assembler for years on 8 bit mcu’s and in my old age I want comfort and convenience.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428560",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:09:57",
"content": "Can’t suggest any non-C env. Personally, I don’t see much syntax difference between Pascal and C, as long as we don’t need hardcore code.I was using Keil IDE with J-LINK adaptor. It allows to write code, compile and debug it. You just connect JLINK connector to board and execute Flash->Download command, and you are done.",
"parent_id": "428479",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428677",
"author": "Christian Black",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T21:28:57",
"content": "Thanks for that. I had a Keil kit for the Philips 8051 years ago and the supplied init files were mangled so I had to call them in Germany, but Keil have been in the game for a long time and I would try their gear again.",
"parent_id": "428560",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429110",
"author": "Mr Foo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T21:41:55",
"content": "Armpit Scheme might well be worth a look. Scheme on the metal FTW.I’m personally working on another Scheme dialect that handles multiprocessing across multiple ARM-M chips, but it’s really gnarly and totally user-unfriendly at the moment – basically everything has to be written in Continuation-Passing-Style, which hurts.There’s various Forths out there, as well, but I wouldn’t consider them to be significantly easier than C. I wouldn’t consider BASIC as a desirable language, either, come to that.",
"parent_id": "428479",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429290",
"author": "Christian Black",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T02:08:10",
"content": "Thank you Mr Foo. I shall look into that suggestion, though multi-processor jobs are well beyond me. I understand why certain programming languages are deprecated but in practice I have found that my BASCOM BASIC projects work as well as my IAR C projects. (er, they do work!)",
"parent_id": "429110",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429331",
"author": "Mr Foo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T05:14:58",
"content": "Ah, can’t reply to your reply.So, anyway, don’t want to get into the “this PL is better than that PL” argument – that goes nowhere, and if your BASIC stuff is working, that’s really all that matters, regardless of what Dijkstra said.As far as BASICs go, there’s a few out there. hbbrbasic.com have a compiler which goes for $79, which is about the cheapest one I’ve found specifically supporting STM32/M3.I’d strongly suggest a Scheme or Lisp, though. There’s an “interesting” learning curve (i.e. it will blow your mind if you’ve never touched it before) but it will take you places you’ve never been. Simultaneously lower level than C and higher level than most other languages, and spectacularly easy to compile (most implementations of Lisp are written almost or entirely in Lisp, and the “reference” implementations usually include a compiler – see Sussmann’s Scheme book or ‘LiSP in Small Pieces’ for examples).My own ARM Scheme compiler is written in / hosted on Extempore, which is a scheme-like language that compiles via LLVM intermediate representation, which is then thrown through LLVM to produce an ARM binary.As for IDEs, you’re probably out of luck unless you go with a commercial C/Asm. anything else is probably gonna require something like eclipse or Emacs hooked up to OpenOCD or similar. That’s “fun” to set up.",
"parent_id": "428479",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429371",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T08:03:14",
"content": "Are there still LISPs out there? Most of the LISP hackers I knew have moved on, and I haven’t seen LISP code (other than EMACS macros) for anything in a long time. Are there micro-LISPs with any level of standardization? I dunno if I buy this “my own XXX-like language for YYY” stuff any more; a major reason for using a HLL for me is portability. (of course, I guess that’s sort-of where BASIC is as well.)",
"parent_id": "429331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429389",
"author": "Christian Black",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T09:43:09",
"content": "Thank you. I have had a peek at scheme & lisp, and, yes, there’s some potential for mind-blowing there! I think I will save that for the part of my tech-life where I tinker with exotica like Prolog rather than the part where I try to put code into little microcontroller gadgets. I’m delighted at the answers I’ve had to my query and relieved I didn’t accidentally start a PL flame war.",
"parent_id": "429331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429564",
"author": "Mr Foo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:14:40",
"content": "Are there still lisps out there? Yep, loads. Probably the best known of them is Ruby. It’s stretching the point a little, as it’s got a more imperative feel than lisp/scheme’s functional approach, but there are a lot of parallels – closures and continuations are first class objects, implementing lisp in ruby and vice versa are pretty much no-brainers.http://onestepback.org/index.cgi/Tech/Ruby/LispInRuby.redhttp://imagine27.com/articles/2010-10-07-084756_ruby_subset_implementation.htmlThe latter implements a subset of Ruby in Common Lisp which is significantly faster than MRI Ruby 1.9 can do using C.Metaprogramming in Ruby is harder than in Lisp (you have to write a lot more code, for one), but that’s mainly a syntax exercise as well. There are some differences between what can be done in one vs the other, but the results are largely equivalent.Common Lisp is still around, although it’s still the fsck-ugly monolith it aways was, and R6RS has been released (that’s the spec for the latest version of scheme). TinyScheme is used all over the place, and Lua is used a lot as well.Perhaps due to Ruby’s success, and the follow-up bits that have hit javascript, elements of lisp are beginning to make headway in more “common” languages; C/ObjC ‘blocks’ as featured in Apple’s runtime (and in the LLVM implementation of the same) are closures in disguise, as are C++0x blocks (which are more configurable, but massively harder to use, than the Apple/LLVM version).The main problem people have when they first hit lisp is the brackets. Lots of insane stupid parentheses. But that’s merely syntax, and it’s relatively trivial to make a lisp reader that takes a more conventional syntax. This is close, in fact, to what the Ruby interpreter <v1.9 did, as it converted Ruby syntax to an abstract syntax tree, much like that used in lisp, and then interpreted that. This adds a significant overhead, though, and once you've learned to grok the brackets, it's an overhead you don't need.Lisp, like punk, is not dead. It's just calling itself something else for the most part.",
"parent_id": "429331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429793",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T05:44:35",
"content": "Huh. I used to know a bunch of the people from Lucid. I suppose the main mind-blowing aspect of LISP-like languages is that the program has run-time access to its own symbol tables? I think the only LISP program I’ve ever worked on was a pretty vanilla MacLISP utility that would have worked equally well in any number of other languages.",
"parent_id": "429331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429978",
"author": "Mr Foo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T16:22:53",
"content": "Metaprogramming, which springs from the “code is data” concept, is pretty good at scaring people, it’s true. You don’t *need* to do it to make lisp work for you, but it can make life much easier and more efficient in many cases (see the “ruby in lisp” post I linked to above for starters). It’s also part of why Lisp, Scheme and friends are so loved in PL research, as it makes it easy to reason about code.The latter fact also tends to put “real world” people off lisp, as it’s seen as being “only any good for academia”, where in fact it was and is a systems programming language.Anyway, this is all rather offtopic, and I have a real time garbage collector to tune. When you’ve only got 8K to play with…",
"parent_id": "429331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1147115",
"author": "Renato",
"timestamp": "2013-12-27T13:45:20",
"content": "Anybody knows what happens to Hbbr Basic ?",
"parent_id": "429331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428481",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T13:17:54",
"content": "Congrats, BarMonster! I like how you brought out I/O pins to oversized solder pads. The ST M3’s are amazing chips too.One critique. You should include decoupling caps on every MCU power pin, as close as possible to the MCU. The datasheet will have recommendations. Failure to include them can sometimes lead to erratic behavior, which can be *very* hard to diagnose.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428561",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:11:24",
"content": "Yes, I’ve seen that datasheed requires that. But this is one more point of critique for ARM’s – ‘need lots of caps’, so I tried to test if it would work without them, and it appeared it does, and there is no noise on the power lines.Probably on 1.8V supply and extreme temperatures and load all these caps would be needed, but not in my case.",
"parent_id": "428481",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428570",
"author": "h3llphyre",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T16:55:51",
"content": "As a proof of concept, I think what you’ve done is fine. The problem occurs when people try adding additional circuitry to your design and the ARM chip gets flaky, due to noise on the rails from either other components (conducted noise) or from an external source (radiated noise).Again, excellent proof of concept to show how simple and cheap ARM can be.",
"parent_id": "428561",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428598",
"author": "fede.tft",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:48:04",
"content": "You don’t need all that many capacitors as they say in the application notes. As a rule of thumb I use two 100n for 64pin packages and four 100n for 100pin pacakegs, always placed as close as possible to the power supply pins. Never had any trouble.",
"parent_id": "428561",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428696",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T21:59:35",
"content": "Single-sided isn’t the only thing needed to make a PCB machinable via CNC. The board here has trace spacing (.15 to .3mm) that is pretty much beyond the “easy” level (especially if you need to hand solder with no soldermask), and pretty close to the limits of what is possible (LPKF machines claim 0.2mm normally, or 0.1mm with Very Expensive bits.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428724",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:23:11",
"content": "Handsoldering that is easy (at least as long as you use 40-60 SnPb solder), with a big blob of flux there are automagically no shorts.",
"parent_id": "428696",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428776",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T02:36:52",
"content": "Even with no soldermask? In my (rather limtited) experience, a lot of the things that make fine pitch SMT work better than you’d think “go away” if the solder isn’t restricted to the pads by a mask…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428839",
"author": "BarsMonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T06:18:41",
"content": "Yes, surface tension does not allow solder to form shorts if there is liquid flux around.",
"parent_id": "428776",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,123.056834
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/diy-propeller-based-ecg/
|
DIY Propeller-based ECG
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Medical Hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"ecg",
"electrocardiogram",
"propeller"
] |
[Ray] likes to build all sorts of Propeller-based projects, but one of the more interesting items we came across was
this DIY ECG
. While we have
covered other
DIY electrocardiograms
before, he left the breadboard behind and put together a nicely done PCB for his build.
The ECGs design should be pretty familiar to anyone that has seen
our ECG coverage
in the past. The user places his thumbs on the large built-in pads, which allow the circuit to sense the electrical signals produced by heart’s contractions. These small electrical impulses are then amplified using an AD627 instrument amplifier before being further amplified via a dual op-amp.
The amplified signal is filtered and then fed into the Propeller’s ADC, which displays the user’s heart rhythms via an LED. The data can also be fed into a computer via an optoisolated serial connection.
[Ray] lays out a litany of warnings and precautions that should be followed before downloading his schematics and firmware. We have to echo those warnings, as it doesn’t take a large well-placed shock to disrupt the heart.
| 18
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428132",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:22:09",
"content": "Very nice. Clean and easy build. The artificial ground could be a bit enhanced, but since it works- who cares…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428141",
"author": "Limey",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:36:39",
"content": "Wow, really nice!The pads on the circuit board itself is a nice idea which simplifies things alot. The one bit I don’t understand is the warning about disrupting the heart at the bottom of the post, since its powered by a 9V battery isn’t the risk the same as just putting two fingers across the terminals of a 9V (none basically :P)?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428155",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:00:20",
"content": "Through skin you are right. But safety costs nothing and saves a lot.A 9V Battery can kill. Say if you have an open wound on both thumbs, it is rumoured that the resistance of blood is low enough to allow 9v to come to a level where 9v will disrupt the heart. While i do not know the truth of this. It is possible.",
"parent_id": "428141",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428196",
"author": "lsellens",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:12:16",
"content": "I got an email a few months ago about a portable ECG that connects to an iphone. I hope people keep in mind that this is only giving you a limited view of the heart, and can not detect acute myocardial infarctions(heart attacks), andmany other arrhythmias. ECGs are a tool we use that is not complete with out medical training. I fear if they become too main stream people will use them as the deciding factor for if they call 911 or not. Keep in mind if I show up with my several thousand dollar 12 lead ECG even that only gives me a small piece of the information I need to properly treat you. I’ve had plenty of patients show a clean ECG, but when I get them to the ER and their cardiac enzymes are checked I find out they are in fact having a AMI(heart attack).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428200",
"author": "lsellens",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:19:30",
"content": "I should also say nice hack, and thanks for sharing. I love these projects just hope everyone keeps in mind this is nothing more then a cool toy that will tell you nothing about your current or future health.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428213",
"author": "Microguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:54:29",
"content": "I haven’t checked out the project yet, but I used to work at a company called “Healthdyne”, and they made baby monitors, for SIDs.One of their tricks to prevent shock (or ensure against it) was to use some sort of constant current, or current limiting diode. They couldn’t provide more than a few micro amps without blowing, so, problem solved.Another trick, was a simple DC/DC converter. In their case, it provided power, but it also provided a signal that had the ECG/resperation impressed upon it. The motherboard “decoded” that signal and separated the two out for amplification etc…So, like was mentioned, safety is easy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428214",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:55:06",
"content": "The funny thing about this is that the Propeller is perfectly capable of using the A/D data to generate a full video ECG reading and putting it up on a VGA or NTSC monitor. (Of course you’d have the voltage isolation issues with the monitor, but there are cheap turnkey solutions for that at least for NTSC.) Such an arrangement would actually answer isellens legitimate complaint that this isn’t much of a diagnostic tool. If all you want is pulse, you can get that with an IR LED and phototransistor beaming through a finger, and you don’t have the voltage isolation issues.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428230",
"author": "lsellens",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:35:57",
"content": "Well my point is ECGs are really only useful in the hands of a trained professional. I can teach anyone to read ECGs its not difficult. Reading the ECG is just a small part of the diagnostic process. Also this is using a limb lead. It only views one part of the heart. Viewing it in real time on a monitor still wouldn’t make it any more of a diagnostic tool. I mainly use a limb lead during cardiac arrest. There are only a few other insistences that limb leads are really that useful. There is a lot about this that I can’t quickly explain in a post, but to make one more point the strip in the video has so much artifact (interference) it wouldn’t be of any use in the hands of a cardiologist, me, or any of you.",
"parent_id": "428214",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428270",
"author": "lsellens",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:41:23",
"content": "Ok so I’m searching google for someone else in the medical profession (pref a doctor) that thinks these devices are a dangerous idea. A google search of “iphone ECG” just turns up thousands of news articles about how amazing and revolutionary the device is. Only doctor I can find giving his take on it is the quack that’s backing the thing who will profit monetarily from it. I can’t imagine I’m the only person who thinks this. Should be loads of doctors peeping up to warn this is not accurate, diagnostic, or any kind of a wise idea what so ever… If any MDs read hackaday I would love to hear what you think about patents running and interpreting there own ECG on an iphone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428295",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:16:48",
"content": "I had no idea that any e fields from the heart could be read from the fingers of only one hand, yet with muscle movement of the fingers etc. I hacked one of the battery operated ir ppg devices to close a dip relay on each beat. I can hook it up to anything without fear. Strobe light, kick drum synth etc.Yes a single cell can kill thru a catheter and some other internal point. When I was 8 I could taste-test flashlight batteries. Still ticking nominal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428298",
"author": "lsellens",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:28:59",
"content": "@echodeltaIt can’t read from only one hand it has two pads one for each thumb.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428384",
"author": "mtkaalund",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:06:13",
"content": "First, nice project that have been done there.Second, I think the reason as of why they are a good idea is that if there is someone or one self are having an hart attack, you can see if there is a pulse. Because if you just are using your fingers to take a pulse, then the changes that is your own pulse you detect. Then if you can use a device like that, then you eliminate one error and can begin to give the correct help before the hospital…. Well thats my two øre…And I wish everybody in here a good day (its morning where I am )",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428722",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:16:25",
"content": "Not true. First of all, if they are able to place their fingers on the pads they probably still have a pulse. If not, you have to press them and thus short the signal/ introduce your ECG onto them.But most importantly: You DO NOT CHECK FOR THE PULSE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. You check for breathing! If there is no breathing their pulse will stop anyways. Therefore: No breathing–>CPR!",
"parent_id": "428384",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428518",
"author": "komradebob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:28:59",
"content": "Cool little device. Nice work.With regard to how much energy does it take to kill you, the numbers vary widely based on factors such as age, weight, body fat, skin conductivity, pressure, electrode shape & size, and a few dozen others I’m missing. All you have to do is interfere with the electrical signal in the heart that causes it to contract. If you disturb it, the heart can go into irregular beating (arrhythmia or fibrillation) and the patient dies if it is not corrected.Some numbers to put it in perspective:An internal defibrillator uses between 5-10 joules of energy, external starts at 150 and works up to 360 or so. A pacemaker uses on the order of 10 micro joules.1 joule = 1 watt second.A typical cardioversion shock (from a defibrillator or pacemaker) lasts 5-10 microseconds.1 red led is 20ma @ ~3v = 3*.020 = 60mw (consumed)Turning that LED on for one second consumes 60mw seconds >> 10 micro joules.Still think you can’t kill with a 9v battery? It is all a matter of placement. Sticking it on your tongue doesn’t kill you because the current/voltage never gets near your heart. Sticking it on your skin, even limb to limb doesn’t (usually) kill you because your skin (especially wet) conducts very well. Defib pads are placed on the chest so that some small amount of current manages to pass through the heart. Getting it just right, well, that’s actual science. :)So, net net, always play safe, use plenty of isolation, and if in doubt, don’t use something like this.There are plenty of commercial ‘at home’ products out there that will take your pulse, even graph your heartbeat, and have been through rigorous testing. But if you think you are having a heart (or any other medical problem), call the trained personnel and get it checked. They have advanced technology, training, and experience to make a determination.As an EMT, one of the leading contributors to death that I see is stubborn. Too stubborn to go to the Dr/ER. The number of deaths and MI’s I have attended that had been preceded by someone not feeling well for _days_ (and they almost invariably call us at 3am) is large. The other is stupid. Aside from the ‘Hold my beer and watch this’ crowd, are those who think they can’t get hurt by something. This falls into that category.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428545",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T15:50:41",
"content": "*shrug*I’m not going to be any more concerned about the safety aspects of this hack than I would be of any other hack that operates at 9V.I mean, it’s interesting to see the power output of a pacemaker and all, but it is indeed all about placement. And it’s a long way from a pacemaker to a fingertip.",
"parent_id": "428518",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429146",
"author": "Timmah",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T22:38:17",
"content": "I worked in a hospital and asked one of the biomedical engineers who maintained the OR equipment including ECGs about electrocution He said what’s really bad is when a shock is delivered during a very specific phase of the heart. I forget which phase, or if it was a specific part of the “QRS Complex” of the heartbeat, but basically it was a very brief period during which, if a shock were delivered, the heart would just shut off. I believe the guy because of his credentials, so thought I’d pass it along.He also said the heart’s electrical box “operated” at 60hz, which was a bad coincidence given that US wall current is at 60hz also, but maybe I misunderstood him.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "554078",
"author": "MyP",
"timestamp": "2012-01-09T01:55:35",
"content": "The phase you’re thinking of is when the ventricles are repolarising, demonstrated by a T-wave on the ecg, a round complex (usually) following the QRS complex. A shock to the heart at this point can make the ventricular activity choatic and extremely rapid (ventricular fibrillation) the heart is no longer an effective pump at this point and is rapidly fatal unless a very immediate shock is given.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1024689",
"author": "theVirus",
"timestamp": "2013-07-09T16:01:16",
"content": "We call it “R on T” effect. In the Cardiac cath lab, they actually initiate an R On T to set the Patients heart into V-Fib to test a new implanted pacemaker/defib. Its quite interesting to watch, and quite literally, heart stopping!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.352692
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/03/dedicated-hacker-adds-usb-capabilities-to-his-commodore-64/
|
Dedicated Hacker Adds USB Capabilities To His Commodore 64
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks"
] |
[
"basic",
"c64",
"Commmodore 64",
"usb"
] |
To say that Commodore 64 aficionados are a dedicated group
would be quite the understatement
. There are still quite a few individuals that spend all sorts of time building and programming for the C64 in order to make using them enjoyable, and to keep up to date with current technologies.
[Luigi] is one of these people. He wanted a way to easily transfer files between his PC and his C64 that was fast but cheap. To [Luigi], this meant USB file transfers, which would take quite a bit of work to implement. He started out by rolling his own BASIC interpreter which could eventually be extended to support USB. Using his BASIC-Plus interpreter, he was able to implement a USB Kernel, which could transfer files at 1.2 KB/s via a USB to serial adapter. Wanting faster file transfers, he built a USB to parallel adapter, which resulted in a nearly 8-fold increase in speed.
So, if you have been dying to have USB capabilities on your C64, look no further, [Luigi] has just what you need!
Continue reading to see a quick video of USB-64 in action.
[Thanks, Matt]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73CUKouZROk&w=470]
| 23
| 21
|
[
{
"comment_id": "428106",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:15:57",
"content": "Cool stuff I love C64 hacks.. I wish i would have started on a c64 instead of the 8086.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428109",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:19:34",
"content": "I never had one of these because they were extinct before I was born. All I know is that this guy is awesome! Thumbs up (Y)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428112",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:35:46",
"content": "Always great to see more C64 stuff. I must dig my machines out and get some new hardware for them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428120",
"author": "Buzzles",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:50:36",
"content": "Interestingly enough, my C64 is somewhat of a family heirloom, so hacks like these give me a warm fuzzy feeling.My father bought it in the early 80’s for work but it didn’t mesh with his paper based job, so handed it down to my older brothers (who are 18 and 15 years older than myself), in turn they passed it down to me.It was my first computer.Which means despite being born in the late 80’s (when things like the Amiga came out, so 3.5″ Floppy was the medium of choice growing up alongside SNES’s and Megadrives), I’d experienced tape drives and learnt the value of patience at quite an early age.Probably explains why I did Comp Sci at University.The C64 in question still works like a charm btw. Even though I’ve since picked up the C64C version as it’s more compact (Amiga case design) and use that when I feel the retro urge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428123",
"author": "drew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:53:20",
"content": "was a Spectrum guy myself but credit were it’s due, thats is a great hack",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428125",
"author": "Daniel Mackey",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:05:59",
"content": "I’m always doing something to my 64’s or 128’s. I also run a Commodore Website :http://www.n2dvm.comBe sure to check out my BLOG as well. Link to it from the main page.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428131",
"author": "luigidifraia",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:22:03",
"content": "Thanks guys. I hope to come out with my next C64 hack late next week ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428160",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:07:36",
"content": "This is hardcore.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428174",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:27:10",
"content": "That’s awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428191",
"author": "Vampyredh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:06:06",
"content": "God do I miss the days of Load “*”,8,1Only the quotes were done with shift+2 if I remember correctly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428202",
"author": "Daniel Mackey",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T00:22:29",
"content": "Vampyredh, It’s never to late to get back into the Commodore.I was out of the scene for 10+ yrs. Now I’m back Hard and heavy and having a blast at it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428219",
"author": "Mattster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:05:07",
"content": "I felt so bad after I sent this tip in yesterday, I emailed Luigi and warned him he might get swamped with traffic. I love the C64 and have a C64 30 in 1 Joystick and the Radio Shack Hummer game that Jeri Ellsworth designed and enjoy the games.My pet project is a SID chip copy . Many good imitators but only one true SID. I wish I was better at reverse engineering silicon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428257",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:11:21",
"content": "Great stuff!!! Amazing to see what folks are still accomplishing with these machines :)VERY nice work, Luigi!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428387",
"author": "Mellie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:11:25",
"content": "The U1541 II has USB transfer for quite some time now, too – among many other things. Go check it out…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428394",
"author": "A_Z",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:25:09",
"content": "Wasn’t network/TCP-IP capability added to the C64 a while back?Surely FTP would be a better way to do things?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428524",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T14:59:08",
"content": "Hats off to the C64 community! But, like the floppy drive, the Apple // community is still ahead of you. :-PCFFA3000:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q113bbwR5A&w=470http://dreher.net/?s=projects/CFforAppleII&c=projects/CFforAppleII/main.php][ Infinitum!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428627",
"author": "Dario",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:02:08",
"content": "i want one of this but for a ISA/PCI 486 pc. Getting a 5 1/2 floppy drive to work now a day is a hell of a work and most of the times the disk itself is damaged so even worst.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428666",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:51:33",
"content": "Shouldn’t be hard to build. The old floppy drives just sat right on the 8-bit ISA bus. Should be able to bang something out with an AVR in a week or so if you’re dedicated…",
"parent_id": "428627",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428664",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T20:49:51",
"content": "Is it just me, or is that a Commodore 128 in the video? Looks more like a 128 than a 64, but you don’t see it for more than a second…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428698",
"author": "luigidifraia",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:01:25",
"content": "The one in the video is a C64.",
"parent_id": "428664",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428697",
"author": "luigidifraia",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:00:29",
"content": "@Mellie, A_Z: the USB-64 devices and software were put together in a couple of weeks with a really cheap budget, during my free time. They were never meant to compete with/replace the expensive hardware out there…For the whole story check this:http://www.luigidifraia.com/c64/usb-64/index.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428840",
"author": "Ed Minchau",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T06:21:43",
"content": "This makes me want to dig out the old Vic-20 and make it run a CNC or something.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429466",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T14:31:02",
"content": "Great !Looks like he also installed Windows on his C64.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.294118
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/classic-game-cabinet-becomes-a-drivable-car/
|
Classic Game Cabinet Becomes A Drivable Car
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"classic hacks",
"Software Hacks"
] |
[
"arcade cabinet",
"augmented reality",
"game cabinet",
"Outrun"
] |
[Garnet Hertz], a professor and “artist in residence” at UC Irvine, built a
drivable
Outrun
arcade cabinet
for an experiment in augmented reality.
The old fiberglass and wood cabinet was hacked up and the motors, wheels, and drive train from an electric golf cart were stuffed inside. The original steering wheel and pedals were used for the controls. Although the
top speed
of the in-game car is about 180 mph, that was brought down to a reasonable 13 miles per hour.
The build doesn’t run on the original 68k processor. Instead, custom software is used to take real-world image data from two webcams on top of the cabinet. These images are then converted into
Outrun
sprites and displayed on the monitor. The software proportionally changes the speed of the in-game car, but it seems the difference between the game speed and real-life speed would be a little disconcerting. Although it’s not a real world track with the
corkscrew loops
of
Race Drivin’
, it’s still an interesting experiment in augmented reality.
Right now, we’re trying to figure out how to put this in our car.
Outrun
is now being
reverse engineered
, and the
road layer code
is complete. Does anyone want to take a stab at that build?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaTB5Q11Dzc&w=470]
| 40
| 25
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427526",
"author": "vasskk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:03:25",
"content": "coolest thing ever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427528",
"author": "Twerpling",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:04:50",
"content": "This is pretty goddamn awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427535",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:16:57",
"content": "-_- just ruined a good classic arcade cabinet for something that isn’t practical.Don’t know what he was thinking when he was driving with REAL traffic. He has no vision of the real road and obstacles in front of him. Very dangerous!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427560",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:53:02",
"content": "Safety analysis of driving when blind would be a nice subject for the next scientific research.",
"parent_id": "427535",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427609",
"author": "The Timmy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:09:42",
"content": "driving with real traffic, yes.. but it wasn’t a lane for vehicles that he was in (at 0:25 in the video). plus, I’m sure the vehicle that was in front of him, doing the filming likely also had a ‘spotter’ to communicate any real potential dangers.now for some real danger/excitement, they can mod a classic After Burner game into some kind of real flying machine (which also happens to be a classic sega coin-op machine)!",
"parent_id": "427535",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427724",
"author": "Martin Raynsford",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T07:14:56",
"content": "After burner would be a lot safer too, there are far less things to hit in the sky :P",
"parent_id": "427609",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427869",
"author": "Gregory Strike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:39:13",
"content": "LOL! What would happen when you run of of quarters?!",
"parent_id": "427609",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427826",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:20:45",
"content": "No signal lights, no license plate, no seatbelt, no helmet.In Ohio this is illegal.",
"parent_id": "427535",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427539",
"author": "S2H",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:23:00",
"content": "Pretty cool, but they don’t really show much of what’s happening on the screen, so we get an idea of what happens when the cameras detect a bend in the road :(Oh and the idea at the bottom of their page about a mobile app for cyclists just has “active population control” written all over it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427562",
"author": "sobiguy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:58:00",
"content": "scrape the game. fully enclose the cab and drive by the screen. add nightvision and that sounds like fun stealth style.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427568",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:07:57",
"content": "But can you run over hookers?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427570",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:10:30",
"content": "Epic.8 bit? The 68K is 16 bit. Maybe they just mean the graphics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427600",
"author": "Roger Wilco",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:19:26",
"content": "there was a sega master system version. the z80 is 8bit maybe that confuses people",
"parent_id": "427570",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427680",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T04:28:14",
"content": "Well, no the graphics were 16-bit also. Maybe they just meant old school. ;-)",
"parent_id": "427570",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427681",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T04:32:15",
"content": "Some random reactions:1) Does his wife/girlfriend wag her finger at him if he knocks over a pedestrian? Or drive it home when the neighbors can see?2) Instant million points of coolness for including one of the best (IMHO) videogame tunes from that era in the video! I used to play that whole thing on my SK-1, no lie!3) I’m with the rest of the peanut gallery, this has night vision hacks begging to happen. Though it would be awesome to incorporate obstacles, the lack of them is kinda worrying.",
"parent_id": "427570",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427576",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:19:13",
"content": "If you want to re-engineer a classic video game to an actual driving car theres only one that you should do…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmageddon",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427614",
"author": "Brian Benchoff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:22:35",
"content": "ahem",
"parent_id": "427576",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427597",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:14:36",
"content": "I was pretty disappointed when it wasn’t augmented reality.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427608",
"author": "J",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:08:10",
"content": "I guess the premise was that he rewrote the the game in a way that when bends and curves in the road are detected by the webcams mounted on top, they’re rendered the same way in the “game.” I’m not really sure if this still constitutes as augmented reality, since it’s more like augmented virtual reality….",
"parent_id": "427597",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427612",
"author": "VegasBrad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:20:52",
"content": "Interesting…cool theme cart although he can’t see. at 39 secs notice the upcoming intersection, then the camera pans down to the arcade screen, no intersection just straight road. Then on the open road???? OMG he s putting alot of trust in this thing! Would be cool to drive around E3 convention and show off the Sega brand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427623",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:31:16",
"content": "I looks like “Hertz” put himself in the driver’s seat!(old TV commercial: “Let Hertz put you in the drivers seat.)So, okay, I’ve just made another“empty in-joke” for the censor to cut.The censor says it's cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427633",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:10:16",
"content": "What would be more fun would be this body style put on a fully streetable car chassis. V8 power plant preferred.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427635",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:14:22",
"content": "BTW conventional automobile operation inferred not the control used here.",
"parent_id": "427633",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427636",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:28:24",
"content": "reality augmented game play, totally awesome, I would love to see pedestrian traffic incorporated into game play as other cars, just so you know to avoid them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427644",
"author": "Willy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T03:02:22",
"content": "Am I the only one who’s not entirely convinced that the thing actually works? They didn’t ever show the screen in action save for a couple straightaways, and the guy is constantly looking around to see where he’s going.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427737",
"author": "somun",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T07:59:24",
"content": "You are not alone. Looks like the system just detects the speed. The following video on their site shows this more clearly:http://www.flickr.com/photos/youraccount/5075262233/I guess they did not implement the ‘road processing’ part yet.",
"parent_id": "427644",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428017",
"author": "S2H",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:58:33",
"content": "I agree with you on this. There video mostly shows how they attached an arcade cabinet to a golf cart (which I’m sure had it’s share of challenges), however you only get casual glances at the actual screen.You can sometimes see curves in the game’s road, however, but it’s hard to tell what real world features are triggering this, if indeed they are at all.",
"parent_id": "427644",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427651",
"author": "Front Side Bus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T03:37:29",
"content": "That’s awesome",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427652",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T03:42:06",
"content": "that is sweet!!!!he should add a gps overlay. then you could have streets and names. what about lag",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427687",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T04:48:24",
"content": "This is great…but it would be really funny if he had used an “Arctic Thunder” machine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427710",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T06:54:50",
"content": "likelihood this is will ever be practical or produce useful scientific data: nonewhat’s funny is legitimate researchers are lucky to get gas money funding once a year..I guess this pricey toy is a good marketing tool though..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427728",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T07:24:13",
"content": "They can always add a camera to the front of the thing to make it slightly less dangerous to drive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427751",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:40:19",
"content": "I vote for ROAD RASH on a motorbike! Seriously though i love this hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427754",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:49:13",
"content": "If anyone is going to take on this build first it’s going to be Jeri Elsworth (:Looks like quite an interesting project. It certainly looks like a new take on the gaming simulator. Not sure how the authorities over here would take a car on the road that you can’t directly see out the front of.Wondering what it would feel like to have this system built into a real car and then to play grand tirismo (the orgmentation of other cars would be a nice addition. Or what about set this sort of system up on an aircraft… Not sure I would be crazy enough to fly something (although aircraft pilots never look out the window either)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427757",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:54:55",
"content": "Oh my god!!! Iv just seen the breif video of the game play… So scary haha. I wonder if they will add in a tipping seat so it feels faster :D doesn’t stop me wanting to build one though :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427799",
"author": "Buzzles",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T10:29:42",
"content": "Interesting, but I’m surprised it’s actually a funded research project, I expected it to be a weekend amateur project.One would hope that there’s also an option just to send direct camera feed to the screen so that the driver can actually drive it properly, although really that just turns it into a upscaled and uprated gokart.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427842",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:44:33",
"content": "If it was an amateur project, it would most likely have worked for real. With funding, there’s no need for all those silly things.",
"parent_id": "427799",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427911",
"author": "seano",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:56:28",
"content": "This is totally cool, but I agree, this should not be a funded project. The NSF has funding behind this too? Seems kinda like a waste.",
"parent_id": "427799",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427953",
"author": "nomorelockeddoors",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:39:45",
"content": "Call me when they do this with afterburner.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429408",
"author": "dixie.flatline",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T11:15:36",
"content": "the poor arcade machine! what did it do to deserve that! I do hope it was broken before he started working on it. :'(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.482016
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/visualizing-pcb-revisions-using-a-gerber-viewer/
|
Visualizing PCB Revisions Using A Gerber Viewer
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"eagle",
"gerber",
"gerbv",
"pcb",
"schematics"
] |
We all know that Eagle has its share of shortcomings. Instructables user [westfw] was particularly annoyed by the fact that while Eagle keeps copies of up to 10 revisions of your board, it cannot open those files without resorting to manually renaming each one. Even more frustrating to him is the fact that you can’t use Eagle to view two files simultaneously in order to compare layouts. This made hunting down changes quite tedious,
so he started looking for a better way to do things.
While using his favorite
open-source gerber viewer gerbv
, he noticed that the application let him load multiple copies of the same layer, XORing the PCBs’ colors together. Realizing that with some clever color selection, he could use gerbv to automatically highlight layout differences, he set off to automate the process.
The resulting script works on any flavor of *nix, and should play nice in Windows under cygwin as well. The script reads through Eagle backup files, renaming them and tweaking the colors so that when XORed, they show up as bright red areas in gerbv. It’s a simple yet handy tool to have on hand if you happen to do a lot of PCB design.
| 13
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427542",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:24:01",
"content": "Awesome idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427548",
"author": "macegr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:32:08",
"content": "Good old westfw. Love it…it’s even better than if Eagle allowed you to have multiple designs open. Had trouble with that the other day, kept having to open and close alternate files until I finally just grabbed a screen shot and used that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427605",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:48:17",
"content": "Just about anything is better than eagle…I wish I knew about this software earlier. It would have saved me some grief when I screwed up the exporting of the gerbers. One time I got boards back with nice gold plates holes but no traces. Next time I used the wrong drill output and got holes with the ID of the OD of what they were supposed to be. Luckily the boards still were fine, just needed about 5 times the solder.",
"parent_id": "427548",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427573",
"author": "smellsofbikes",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:15:56",
"content": "Among the many reasons gerbv is wonderful is its ability to open many files at once (gerbv board*.gbr) and its limited ability to delete elements in the gerber. Some layout packages insist on adding text to each layer, outside the board, and if you’re milling your own boards that makes for some irritation. With gerbv you can click on objects and either hit delete or right-click-delete.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427707",
"author": "artfwo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T06:47:02",
"content": "Clearly a hack, and a good one!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427794",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T10:12:00",
"content": "I find it somewhat surprising that there isn’t an open source circuit design and production system yet. Perhaps because it requires electrical engineering experience.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427830",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:26:58",
"content": "Actually, there are several, but there are all clunky and unpolished. The hard part is not the EE side of things, but getting a good user interface. There is a reason Solidworks and Altium are kicking butt in their respective markets, because they have really good user interfaces. That said, you pay a LOT of pretty pennies for them. If you want free, then you wind up with what a CS or EE/CS guy was able to cobble together in his basement. Still impressive considering, but not nearly as nice as the $10K+ software package.Surprises do happen though. Gnome,KDE, etc. are really polished desktop managers. Blender is reall powerful (though still confusing). POV-Ray rocks. All are free/oss so maybe some day there will be a free and/or open source EE CAD program.",
"parent_id": "427794",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427866",
"author": "Macpod",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:34:06",
"content": "Try KiCad. It has some growing to do, but it is useable and is open source. Make sure you download the SW from the KiCad project servers vs Ubuntu’s repos/etc which hold a quite dated version.Another alternative is to get into the geda suite. Try them both and see which you prefer more.",
"parent_id": "427794",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427800",
"author": "Tron9000",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T10:29:45",
"content": "@macona: you need to practice using EAGLE be the sounds of it. Its always good to check your gerbers from EAGLE CAM with a third party piece of software before you send it off to be milled.I like this hack, win in my books! and makes my life easier!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427956",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:40:40",
"content": "Tried it and went with other options.It was just too clunky of an interface. Eagle was not the software I used to make my boards and it was not the software’s fault, it was my goof when I created the gerbers.",
"parent_id": "427800",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427828",
"author": "Brop",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:23:31",
"content": "I find it easier to just open another instance of eagle.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428702",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:09:32",
"content": "Yeah; most of the script is copying/renaming the backup files, since EAGLE won’t open the backup files till they’re renamed. GerbV lets you look at many versions at once, and makes comparison a bit easier, but only for a relatively limited number of layers from each version.",
"parent_id": "427828",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "817644",
"author": "JensB",
"timestamp": "2012-10-14T14:02:30",
"content": "We need something like this for git / gitweb. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.13107
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/only-losers-text-message-on-cellphones-this-guy-carries-his-own-teletype-for-that/
|
Only Losers Text Message On Cellphones – This Guy Carries His Own Teletype For That
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"asr-33",
"sms",
"stm32",
"teletype",
"text message"
] |
Yes, that’s an SMS text messaging device. [Mdziewie] decided that texting on a regular cellphone was too boring and decided to
build himself an old-school SMS gateway
. Here’s
a translated link
but the formatting of the forum post gets screwed up with the machine translation.
The device he’s using is
an ASR-33 Teletype machine
, which was introduced to the market in 1963. It is connected to a GSM modem via an ARM microcontroller, the STM32F103. This chip, along with a few electronic components, let [Mdziewie] design an interface that doesn’t require alteration to the ancient hardware. The forum post linked above includes video of this sending and receiving texts. It’s awesomely loud as it hammers away at the paper, and seems to work as expected.
If you hunger for one of your own but don’t have half-century old equipment there’s still hope. Find yourself a typewriter and
turn it into a teletype machine
.
| 21
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427477",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:18:10",
"content": "One thing that I’ve been considering for awhile is a morse code based SMS doohickey. It could be the size of a phone even with iambic paddles.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427481",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:24:07",
"content": "When I was a kid I actually used one of those as the user interface for the HP2100A minicomputer in my Dad’s lab. 110 baud with two stop bits and extra special time delay after a CR. Also, it didn’t do lowercase.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427494",
"author": "EccentricElectron",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:51:46",
"content": "Ah the joy of current loop interfaces!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427498",
"author": "karl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:00:08",
"content": "I always wondered if there was a patent conflict between the idea of the type cylinder on the ASR 33 and the IBM ‘golfball’ in the Selectric typewriters – nowadays the patent lawyers would have a field day.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427505",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:15:57",
"content": "This is the same stuff I do for a hobby. I love Hack-a-Day more for stuff this than all the other reasons. I’m going to have like a permanent smile on my face all day now",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427516",
"author": "Nitori",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:36:40",
"content": "The shear irony is this is probably easier to use then the iphone virtual keyboard.Jokes aside this hack just is pure awesome.I thought about doing the same thing using a Morrow terminal I had or a tandy model 102 but this is just much cooler.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427524",
"author": "HunterAMG",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:49:50",
"content": "Uhmm.. I’ll be a loser and stick to cellphones for SMS, heh. But cool hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427554",
"author": "Renet123",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:45:33",
"content": "Machete dont text.. but he does teletype..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427572",
"author": "moof",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:13:39",
"content": "There’s alsoteletweety(using a model 28 Teletype.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427938",
"author": "eric",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:06:33",
"content": "teletweety does text messaging with a GSM module as well, and also receives text-to-speech voicemail via google voice, regular email, and has its own twitter client which can tweet, read tweets, and send and receive direct messages. Since it uses the older 5 bit ITA-2 characters instead of ascii, it can’t render various characters like “@” so there are special escape sequences for entering those.",
"parent_id": "427572",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427618",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:25:21",
"content": "At least it will never Auto-Incorrect your messages ;-)===Jac",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427629",
"author": "Joey",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:39:55",
"content": "How does that work with the gsm carrier do you have to have a data plan?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427650",
"author": "BlackCow",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T03:31:56",
"content": "It looks like he rigged it up to a GSM modem with a microcontroller doing the translation. I didn’t even know something like this was possible… Can you just buy GSM modules that can communicate on cell phone networks? How does this work with a cell phone plan?",
"parent_id": "427629",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427683",
"author": "TacoStand",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T04:35:56",
"content": "Yes you can buy GSM modems, they act like a simple cell phone you put in a sim card with whatever service you want (regular contract, pay as you go) and then send it commands over a serial interface.",
"parent_id": "427650",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427631",
"author": "stefodestructo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:00:54",
"content": "Cactas",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427638",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:41:40",
"content": "Great work.Does anybody happen to know if the old BT Puma telex machines had a serial port?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427639",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:45:45",
"content": "And look, it keeps a hard copy of all your messages!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427691",
"author": "Tartarus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T05:10:29",
"content": "Hipsters these days…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427692",
"author": "Stox",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T05:17:54",
"content": "The ASR-33 was an amazing piece of hardware, it actually encoded and decoded ASCII mechanically.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427827",
"author": "goo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:21:37",
"content": "Man that reakes of WiN!!! Now steampunk that thing out and it will be best in show this year.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428990",
"author": "John Nagle, Silicon Valley, CA",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T16:27:55",
"content": "We’ve had text messaging working on ourModel 15 Teletypefor years. We set up a whole steampunk telegraph office at conventions, with machines going back to 1924.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.405099
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/chainless-bicycle-will-turn-a-few-heads/
|
Chainless Bicycle Will Turn A Few Heads
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"bicycle",
"hub motor",
"scooter",
"velocipede",
"welding"
] |
Someone let [Tane] play around with welding equipment and bicycle parts and look what happened! He built
a diminutive velocipede
. Now that’s just a term for a human-powered land vehicle, but the term fits a bit better as this is missing most of the stuff you’d expect to see on a bicycle.
He started with a mountain bike and a kick scooter, then went to work on both with a hack saw. A bit of welding and angle grinding left him with what you see above. It’s still steerable, but missing are the cranks, chain, and brakes. That’s okay though, the bike is low enough for your legs to reach the ground – you start it up and come to a stop Fred-Flintstone-Style.
[Tane] originally meant to add electric propulsion but didn’t quite get around to it. There’s always the option to
add a hub motor to the rear wheel
if he has the time and motivation.
| 26
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427422",
"author": "PsyKotyk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:17:09",
"content": "Looks like a great way to get a handlebar stem in the nuts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427472",
"author": "bronk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:06:57",
"content": "I don’t know why this comment made me laugh as hard as it did, but even the 2nd time I read it, I’m cracking up just as much. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for the laugh…",
"parent_id": "427422",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427595",
"author": "Mike Szczys",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:10:16",
"content": "+1, that was a good laugh!",
"parent_id": "427472",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427439",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:25:02",
"content": "Shortbike comes to replace shortbus in a greener world.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427445",
"author": "camerin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:26:28",
"content": "As a hack i am not impressed, but there in this area there are impressive “bicycle” hacks. i would recommend something like this if you are trying to get attention,http://umbrelladay.blogspot.com/2007/07/even-though-i-often-bemoan-how-much.htmlor thishttp://outhouserag.typepad.com/gizmos/2006/06/index.htmlthe scooter instead of a bicycle doesn’t seem like a new idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427514",
"author": "mass_producer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:31:04",
"content": "Tall bikes and chain-less drives are hardly new ideas either… But they’re still interesting reads.",
"parent_id": "427445",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427689",
"author": "camerin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T05:00:23",
"content": "It may just be me, but i feel that hacking isusuallyabout fixing, modifying, or altering to make something work better. This does make it look interesting, but it is not as functional as either device that was sacrificed. This post is titled chainless bike, it is a scooter with a seat, not a chainless bike.",
"parent_id": "427514",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427942",
"author": "MoJo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:17:07",
"content": "I thought we were supposed to be nice in the comments now. Looks like some people were not paying attention.",
"parent_id": "427445",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427449",
"author": "kb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:28:56",
"content": "This is practically a penny-farthing.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny-farthing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427525",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:56:56",
"content": "[Note to moderators: I screwed up and hit ‘report’ on the comment to which I’m replying, thinking I was hitting ‘reply’. I don’t seen an ‘un-report’ option, but it’d be neat if somebody were to hack something up.]",
"parent_id": "427449",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427643",
"author": "Standard Mischief",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:57:39",
"content": "All the danger of a Penny Farthing, with none of the authenticity, plus you can actually petal this one",
"parent_id": "427449",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427459",
"author": "peter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:42:13",
"content": "right, it’s like a penny-farthing without pedals. this would be kinda fun to have for level ground but i recommend not using it on hills…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427462",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:44:55",
"content": "He should get an old chainsaw and use the motor to drive the front wheel like a Velosolex. See picture.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Velosolex.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427464",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:49:17",
"content": "Basically walking while sitting down. I guess there are worse things for idle hands to come up with. Who knows what items we use daily that began with someone farting around with what they have at hand? Not entirely useless. A volunteer service organization can built a fleet of them to clown around on in a local parades.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427483",
"author": "transistor",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:28:29",
"content": "How about one with a hubmotor !http://amymakesstuff.com/2011/06/10/pf-it-totally-works-now/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427518",
"author": "anonymously annonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:40:38",
"content": "Man, those are some rough welds…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427538",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:22:35",
"content": "Back when I was young and couldn’t afford new brake pads on my bmx, I’d just reach back with one leg and stick it between the frame and back tire to screech to a halt. But even that method requires something like a pedal to leverage against – which there doesn’t seem to be any room for ;[ Could always add front brakes…but, no…nevermind – I see that ending badly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427540",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:23:44",
"content": "Erm, SHOE between the tire and frame, not my leg",
"parent_id": "427538",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427571",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:12:04",
"content": "Old…http://www.stridersports.com/strider-bikes-in-action/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427616",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:24:27",
"content": "I think metallic green is not a good color for it,something more “steampunk” is needed, like flat black and brown.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427628",
"author": "RunnerPack",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:37:14",
"content": "RadBrad’ll do ya one better:a swiveling rear wheel. Also check out his plans for the SpinCycle (it’s a three-wheeled, sit-down version of the above).As soon as this oppressive heat+humidity are gone (I live in the U.S. Midwest), I plan to start making stuff out of bikes. It looks fun!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427781",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:26:57",
"content": "The SpinCycle looks very nice, i had seen it before and want to make one, they are pretty simple to make. I just have to find the rear wheels somewhere (near the supermarket maybe haha).",
"parent_id": "427628",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427779",
"author": "Tane",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:16:12",
"content": "Yeah, the picture they used is from near the end of the build. In the last picture you can see it in its current state, stripped back to bare metal.As for “is it a hack” I put it to you that I made it with a hacksaw. It wasn’t meant to change the world or break new ground in science and engineering. It was meant to be a fun thing to make from some old junk, and it was perfect for scooting around a large indoor venue. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428157",
"author": "MikeK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:01:02",
"content": "How is this worthy of attention?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428644",
"author": "jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T19:51:06",
"content": "why would you want a hubmotor on the rear wheel? front wheel drive on a bike is more fun, IMO. what would be cool, though, would be to implement the battery into a backpack, which you plug in to ride, instead of uglying that ugly thing up more with tig ol’ batteries.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429305",
"author": "me",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T02:46:03",
"content": "Where the hell do you put your feet?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.552771
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/incredibly-fast-3d-printing-with-the-ultimaker/
|
Incredibly Fast 3D Printing With The Ultimaker
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"3d printing",
"makerbot",
"reprap",
"ultimaker"
] |
There’s a new 3d printer on the block,
and hot damn is it fast!
Hailing from the Netherlands, the Ultimaker 3D Printer has finally hit US shores, and aims to give the MakerBot a run for its money. The Ultimaker was designed by
Utrecht Fab Lab
manager [Siert Wijnia] along with two frequent lab patrons, [Erik DeBruijn and Martijn Elserman]. The trio were big fans of the MakerBot, but they wanted to make a better 3D printer.
And make a better printer, they did.
The Ultimaker can print using Either ABS or PLA plastic just like the MakerBot, but it is several magnitudes faster than its predecessor. While the MakerBot utilizes a moving build platform, the Ultimaker has a print head that can move along three axes. The moving print head, along with offset motors which are mounted on the printer’s frame allow the Ultimaker to build taller object than the MakerBot, at higher speeds.
That’s not to say that the MakerBot is bad in any way – rather, the presence of a new kid on the block shows how the evolution and progression of open source design benefits us all.
Keep reading to see a video of the Ultimaker in action, you won’t regret it!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2cgGTLMeCQ&w=470]
| 92
| 37
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427315",
"author": "Krazeecain",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:08:13",
"content": "Holy crap that thing’s fast!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427317",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:10:23",
"content": "The head just moves in 2 axis, the platform goes up and down. And I think it can print roughly 75% further in all 3 directions, not just taller. And it’s more expensive.But it is darn cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427337",
"author": "jwrm22",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:21:46",
"content": "How about this one?http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5950346839_29a3e6b069_o.jpg",
"parent_id": "427317",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427360",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:27:41",
"content": "Bill, it appears you are right on the head travel, I don’t know wtf I was thinking.Assuming that the 1200 euro price is for a kit, I agree that it is pretty darn expensive. If they are selling them fully assembled, it would be a reasonable price.",
"parent_id": "427317",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427370",
"author": "graphmastur",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:33:10",
"content": "No, I’m afraid it’s kits only.And 1200 euros are about $1700, so it’s a bit more expensive than makerbot. I wonder what the price/build area is. I never calculated that.I do think this competition will lower the prices a bit. There’s also makergear’s Mosaic. I’ve followed both makerbot and Ultimaker since their inception, and as far as I’ve seen, they both have great print quality. (I’ve seen less prints on the ultimaker.Also to consider is that makerbot is on their second major revision and is an older company, while this is ultimaker’s first major revision.",
"parent_id": "427360",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427326",
"author": "jwrm22",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:18:08",
"content": "I wouldn’t say: “Old nieuws”. But is one of the rare posts that i already knew about. 3D printing is great, too bad this machine costs 1500k Euro (1200k excluding vat). I cant affort it (yet).They already hacked it for the speed:http://blog.ultimaker.com/2011/06/23/more-speed/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427909",
"author": "Jelle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:43:29",
"content": "1500 kilo-euro? that would be 1.5 Millon per machine. Since they’ve only sold somewhere in the hundreds, that means Ultimaker will be buying the state of Andorra with their spare change next month. That, or you confused 1.5K(eur) with 1500K(eur). Or you could just say 1500EUR, as everybody will understand.BTW: go get it, the price per build volume is about 5 times as low as makerbot.",
"parent_id": "427326",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427957",
"author": "jwrm22",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:41:43",
"content": "Thanks for pointing that out. 1,5milion would be a little mutch.",
"parent_id": "427909",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427327",
"author": "Dmitri",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:18:12",
"content": "So where can I buy one in the states? I can’t seem to find a link to any sort of store in the article. I could be blind.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427738",
"author": "flouSH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:04:28",
"content": "It’s Ultimaker.com – so you can get them shipped directly to the US. It’s 4-6 weeks of lead time though atm.",
"parent_id": "427327",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427330",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:19:39",
"content": "How much does it cost to print, say, 1 cubic inch of material?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427383",
"author": "graphmastur",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:36:19",
"content": "That entirely depends on the settings, like infill rates and other factors, but it’s pretty cheap over all.This is an article back in 2009 that lists it at about $.30 per cubic inch.http://blog.thingiverse.com/2009/05/11/per-cubic-inch/",
"parent_id": "427330",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427434",
"author": "Marn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:21:48",
"content": "http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2011/06/23/makerbotting-is-cheap/Time and material costs.",
"parent_id": "427330",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427336",
"author": "Shackadoodl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:21:32",
"content": "I’m definately adding this thing to my christmas list!concerning the strenght of the parts, are they equally as strong as molded plastic or are they stronger/less strong? Because this can be very handy to fix a lot of toys/tools/etc that i have laying around ^^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427910",
"author": "Jelle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:46:48",
"content": "Slightly less strong in theory, but you do have the opportunity to increase wall thickness for stronger parts. (extra shells in skeinforge)But to counter that: I have been having a go with a hammer on a test-tube Martijn printed, and I could not get it to break. ABS and PLA are pretty tough. And yes, that is one of the appeals of 3d printing.",
"parent_id": "427336",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427340",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:22:45",
"content": "It’s fast, I’ll give you that. What sort of accuracy do you give up for that speed though?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427747",
"author": "Eirinn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:26:52",
"content": "I thought about this too!Seems a bit wobbly, but the end result is rather good.",
"parent_id": "427340",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427388",
"author": "SpydaMonky",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:40:01",
"content": "Thats very quick!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427391",
"author": "EATYone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:40:52",
"content": "Let see what sumpod will do…http://www.sumpod.com… The first kit will be shipping this week, and i wait for it!!!! 600$ for the kit with soldered electronics, less if u want to solder ramps PCB yourself…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428584",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:27:52",
"content": "Am I missing something? The website’s buy button leads to an IndieGoGo page (Looks identical to kickstarter, confused me), where they’ve reached a little over 1/5th of their goal, and have 36 days left.",
"parent_id": "427391",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427392",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:41:23",
"content": "I really, really wish there was as much community interest in (reasonably) affordable laser cutters/mills. I’m way more interested in material removal techniques than extrusion or sintering.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427400",
"author": "EATYone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:48:31",
"content": "not false, but today lasercutting is more expensive, and “classical” cnc tools make a lot of noise and i can’t use it when my children are sleeping…What is cool with the sumpod, is that u will be able to drill and engraving PCB, as a lathe too, dual extruder, ….",
"parent_id": "427392",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427405",
"author": "Larry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:53:44",
"content": "with the sumpod above you can add a dremel for cnc thats why im getting that. $500 for it was a good price to pay, with some soldering…http://www.sumpod.comcant wait",
"parent_id": "427392",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427534",
"author": "davr",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:15:38",
"content": "What’s up with all the sumopod astroturfing comments recently on 3d printing articles?",
"parent_id": "427405",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427783",
"author": "Larry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:27:27",
"content": "It was just cheap, looks good, dont really know the quality yet, and can use it as a cnc which is the reason I went for it rather then a huxley. Just waiting for it to be shipped to find out. But really the price was the main factor in me getting one, although see it went up to $550 now.",
"parent_id": "427405",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427401",
"author": "andrew diehl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:49:15",
"content": "Unfortunately it is almost useless for ABS because it doesn’t have a heated bed.Not to mention the quality suffers greatly when running at top speed, from what I’ve seen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427740",
"author": "flouSH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:06:25",
"content": "Not true ;) I’ve one standing right here and quality doesn’t decrease a lot with speeding up. In a matter of fact stringing even is reduced by fast travel movements.",
"parent_id": "427401",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427407",
"author": "metis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:57:07",
"content": "my question is does it actually WORK out of the box? our gen 2 makerbot couldn’t do a damn thing until we kept upgrading and upgrading. at this point we’ve spent easily 1500 on it and even now it takes some serious tweaking to get a good print.when the owner of a company publicly says they love open source hardware because they can sell underdeveloped junk and get other people to fix it for him i think there’s an issue.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427415",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:08:10",
"content": "My Makerbot Thing-o-Matic worked pretty darn well out of the box and after a few days of tuning.I’m not completely disagreeing with you, my Makerbot experience does make me feel like they over sell it a bit, it’s is still a developmental system and is not as easy as ‘just click print’. But the only extra money I’ve spent on it has been buying more plastic!",
"parent_id": "427407",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427741",
"author": "flouSH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:08:35",
"content": "Worked beautiful. Took about 10-15 hours of assembly. See my _very first_ prints here:http://floush.net/late-night-showBut keep in mind that now the machine is tuned a bit (more tension for the belts, more lube, etc.) everything is WAY better.",
"parent_id": "427407",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427408",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:57:42",
"content": "It was very refreshing to see these printers. I thought all extruders are too lethargic to be useful and Ultimaker refreshed my interest.It appears that extrusion based printers seem to have their resolution severely limited. It’s always hard to tell by the videos how well does it look in reality, but the surfaces seem to look very corrugated, with lots of unwanted pieces of plastic poking out in every direction. Is it possible to improve this, or is this a fundamental property of this method?Also, can you make hollow things? In a video with that strange octopus-like head it appears that the head is all filled. That doesn’t seem very rational?Suppose you’ve ran out of octopus heads and liberty statue ideas and want to make something for your next project. What is the smallest size of detail that makes sense on this printer, and what is the smallest size of a part that can be printed. For example, I want to make a fitting to join two pipes, or rods. Can I make it for a rod 5mm in diameter? 10, 25? What would be the outer diameter of such fitting? Can you print a gear and what would be the smallest possible tooth size?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427417",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:14:51",
"content": "I think the answer to most your question is ‘it depends’.Can you print hollow? Yes, well mostly, depending on several factors. I have printed 2cm^3 hollow calibration cubes before. But mostly you want your printed object to be either solid, or with an auto-generated mesh to keep it rigged but use less plastic.The plastic comes out at 0.5mm on the stock tip, that’s the best resolution. I think you can get tips down to 0.3mm.I suggest you look around thingiverse for a while. There’s some impressively complicated designs that were printed out pretty well.",
"parent_id": "427408",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427420",
"author": "Marn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:16:48",
"content": "The level of detail depends on the nozzle. There is some slight expansion (huge expansion compared to relative size though .5mm -> .75ish)As far as hollow/overhang it is limited to roughly 45 degrees. Anything more and you need support structures.Surfaces can be glassy clean, and some clean up is usually required. (ie: a rough run over to remove strands that aren’t part of the object.) Decreasing print speed can decrease those strands, as does the recent move towards retracting filaments during movement of the head.I’m amazed that the RAMPS gets all the attention, when you can build a Sanguinololu (http://reprap.org/wiki/Sanguinololu) for around half the costs.Can you make a 5mm connecter? Yes. Can you make a 2mm connecter? With some sanding down and the newer nozzles, yes. Outer diameter depends on the strength you need. If you need huge strength, you’re looking at a two part coupler to prevent sway at the joint. (or a really long female-female piece.)Strength is around 85-90 percent of molded (so I’ve heard, never seen any stats).",
"parent_id": "427408",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427457",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:41:02",
"content": "I think RAMPS gets the attention because it has the space for a 5th pololu stepper driver, so one could run a second extruder if one wanted. The extra i/o that RAMPS has is nice as well for things like SDRAMPS and LCD support. Sanguinololu does have SD support but for those who are trying to avoid soldering there is no pre-made SD board for it. You have to solder your own.I had been dead set on purchasing RAMPS 1.4 when it releases but after a talk with Kliment and Joem_ on the RepRap IRC I decided to buy a sanguinololu pcb and build it myself. I think I am in it for about $62 total including PCB and all the parts from Digikey. Joem_ sells full kits on eMaker for less than that.",
"parent_id": "427420",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427470",
"author": "Marn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:02:36",
"content": "Actually 1.3a allows the 5th stepper for Prusa, JoeM just got the kits together for it. Do you still have your BOM saved on digikey? I wanted to check prices before I got a set of 10 between them and mouser, but everytime I start to make a new BOM I get distracted.",
"parent_id": "427420",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427523",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:49:32",
"content": "I do have the BOM with links and Digikey part numbers. Beware though, digikey has FTDI chips on back order and do not have the resonator listed in through hole at all. I picked mine up from Sparkfun as I was placing an order from there anyway.I am getting a 1.3a PCB IIRC. I didn’t had the 5th stepper support though. Are you ever in the reprap IRC? If so ping me im TheMakersWorkbench on there. Ill share the BoM with you. I plan on uploading it to the wiki once I get all the mouser parts placed.",
"parent_id": "427420",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427425",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:18:45",
"content": "Yes you can print gears with traditional teeth and other variants such as herringbone toothed gears. Have you been tohttp://thingiverse.com? If not spend a few hours looking around.",
"parent_id": "427408",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427437",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:23:41",
"content": "As an example see the gears on this extruderhttp://reprap.org/mediawiki/images/1/11/HerringboneExtruder.jpg",
"parent_id": "427425",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427455",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:38:31",
"content": "That herringbone gear looks very nice. But I fail to see how it could come from a bot that lays out stuff in thick sausages like in these videos. Are there different printing modes? Or perhaps this gear was printed on someone’s super-tweaked for precision RepRap? Really in these videos and in most closeup pictures I have seen objects seem to have very uneven surfaces, nothing like these gears.Re: Thingverse, thanks, gonna take a look.",
"parent_id": "427425",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427463",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:46:56",
"content": "I am sure that gear was printed with a .35mm nozzle on a very well set up RepRap Mendel at moderate speed. A lot of the photos you see come from Prusa Mendel’s or Makerbots that have never been tuned. Tuning is a very time intensive process and it uses up filament so most people say “ill do it later” or they just do not know how to tweak things. That is my problem with pre assembled machines, if you didn’t build it, you will never know how to tune it. Some of the best advice on tuning both the hardware and software can be found at any time of the day in the RepRap IRC channel. There is always at least 1 vet camping in there ready to help anyone.",
"parent_id": "427425",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427475",
"author": "Marn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:12:07",
"content": "“Why are my sausages less than half a millimeter wide? These are too thick, I’m not a giant.”",
"parent_id": "427425",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427743",
"author": "flouSH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:10:31",
"content": "Seehttps://picasaweb.google.com/martijne/UltimakerWithNetfabb?fgl=true&pli=1#5628507365917815938for some proper Ultimaker samples. Hollow objects are feasible, depends on overhangs, etc.",
"parent_id": "427408",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427840",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:38:04",
"content": "Really nice samples actually, me gusta. #15 and further on look particularly interesting.",
"parent_id": "427743",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427418",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:16:37",
"content": "What I would be interested in is higher resolution- not faster speed. I don’t want to mass produce anything, it might well print overnight. But all the current makerbots do not have sufficient detail to print things that would really make sense (small gears, replace parts, etc…). Its more a solution without a problem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427453",
"author": "Charles Gantt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:32:10",
"content": "You can get much better print quality and resolution from even a Prusa Mendel simply by moving to 1.75mm filament, replacing the printed toothed pulleys with machined aluminum units, moving from a .5mm nozzle orifice to a .35mm orifice and printing from an SD card using a SD add on like Kliments SDRAMPS. You can spend a few hours a day tuning any of the current machines and tweaking the firmware and config files and get awesome print quality.The lack of speed in the current RepRap printers, Makerbots, and similar machines is due to their design. A flying head will always be faster than a moving platform.",
"parent_id": "427418",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427454",
"author": "ElectricMucus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:38:22",
"content": "The thing with FDM is, the smaller the nozzle is the more travel has to do the printhead, so the possibility to print fast increases the usefulness of higher resolutions. People have gone as far as 0.15mm nozzle size but it takes really long to build an object at this detail if the printer is slow.",
"parent_id": "427418",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430606",
"author": "Dave Durant",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T17:25:12",
"content": "> What I would be interested in is higher resolution- not faster speed.Several of us have used Ultimakers to print at a 0.075mm layer height (that’s 75 microns for Erik :P) with the stock 0.4mm (0.45mm?) nozzle.It takes a lot longer to print at that resolution and you can start running into the limits of the material, especially with overhangs, but it’s absolutely doable.I don’t know why george is so frothing about this. It’s a frickin’ awesome box and, IMO, well worth the money.",
"parent_id": "427418",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427448",
"author": "Dmitri",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:27:57",
"content": "Also the article picture is a little NSFW, haha, hard to notice at first glance too!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427476",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:15:19",
"content": "Probably a silly question, but has anyone considered using a 3-D printer to deposit cyanoacrylate based dielectrics then overlay with water based silver conductors to print capacitor elements?I experimented with silver + cyanoacrylate (aka Superglue) for a N2 laser project and the dielectric strength is considerable so thanks Jeri for suggesting this approach.Also using Superglue + barium titanate emulsion should mean that the resulting structure is both mechanically robust and electrically reliable.A worthwhile technique is to obtain a bottle of Superglue, drop into a biological sample container then drop in some powdered BaTiO3 and agitate until mixed.Coating the inside of the dispensing tubes with Teflon should stop the glue sticking, and pre-etching the PCB with ampersulf (this is used to make P&P stick) to chemically roughen the surface in order to make the glue stick.Hope this helps…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427495",
"author": "Unclegummers",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:55:06",
"content": "God… I wish I was smart enough to make something like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427519",
"author": "Erik de Bruijn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:42:39",
"content": "[headsup] Hi, I’m from Ultimaker [/headsup]People are talking about the resolution. Especially the Z-resolution is TYPICALLY low with this process. BUT: with a faster printer you can print more layers in the same amount of time to get a much more smooth surface finish. It’s also why the Ultimaker uses a 400 micron nozzle. Note that the extruder motor is also stationary (unlike many 3D printers) it can be beefier or have a geartrain, this allows you to push out plastic at a higher rate. This makes it possible to print higher res and still fast. Another thing is accuracy an tolerances (which has to do with resolution): this means you need good linear bearings and combat friction and backlash. We’ve incorporated many concepts in the design to reduce these.The following photo’s of prints show the resolution attainable:https://picasaweb.google.com/erikdebruijn1/UltimakerGallery#5621752034280569410https://picasaweb.google.com/erikdebruijn1/UltimakerGallery#5622501612365797538https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gmEJ7toqlLPPk2TtO5E63Q?feat=directlinkErikP.s. We’ve heard several reports of people printing the same day their printer arrived… so apparently it also is easy to assemble.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427748",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:28:41",
"content": "Awesome! I was looking for accuracy pictures. That’s really good. While it’s not the cheapest thing, I’m really thinking about ordering one. Even more because I’m also from The Netherlands ;-)",
"parent_id": "427519",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427843",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T12:47:29",
"content": "Thanks for the photos, those are pretty impressive.it isn’t that hard to put a ruler in showoff pictures",
"parent_id": "427519",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427901",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:08:43",
"content": "So 0.4mm? Why say micron?How do you feel about charging £1500 for a open source designed machine?It uses a variation on the open source reprap extruder. The feeder is a wooden wade?The mechanism is taken from the MIT fabinabox?Software is also opensource? So why the price?They gave their time for you to make money?",
"parent_id": "427519",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428009",
"author": "Erik de Bruijn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:53:48",
"content": "You don’t just TAKE an idea and have a good machine. It took lots and lots of prototypes before we got here. We’ve indeed got the concept of parallel kinematics from Fab-In-A-Box, but we have implemented it in a different way. We use the same rods as guides and to as rotational axes, reducing weight, components, useless voids, complexity and friction at the same time. Only down side is that you need linear guides to have narrow tolerances. Also, the build volume to outside footprint is the best of all 3D printers I am aware of. Last calculation I did it was about 30% for Ultimaker, 5% for Makerbot. Also, developing a new extruder and electronics took a lot of time.B.t.w. Micron sounds cooler doesn’t it?@george jones: almost everything is reimplemented independently. Of course deciding whose designs to base things on required many years of building many dozens of RepRaps in groups. Besides that, we co-develop the open source software WITH Makerbot.Also, it’s not £1500, it’s €1,194 (excl. 19% VAT, applicable to European Union citizens only). That’s closer to £1000 than £1500. Excl. about 34 GBP shipping. I agree that we would’ve wanted to make a cheaper machine, but we don’t easily make concessions in quality of the components.",
"parent_id": "427901",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428113",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:38:05",
"content": "Nonsense. The parts are no more than £300.You have used what looks like cheap Oilite type bushings. With proper linear bearings only on the carriage. Most of the parts look like 5mm ply. Maybe 6mm. Yes you have used a £10 barrel heater.Youve taken the ramps board and redevloped it.But when did open source become about fleecing the public.I suppose this isnt as bad as makerbot thinking that its worth £1000 for them to build one of their machines. How long does it take? Are they getting in paris hilton to build it? Daylight robbery. yet noone calls them up on it? Why?Makerbots have only just started working. Thankyou to the 3000 customers used for testing. Now upgrade.If the people who bought the machines didnt buy into the open source mantra they would have gone bust years ago for not providing a product fit for purpose.I concede that you are only charging £1300!! to uk customers.Also on top of that you used the free fablab service to develop it.And your comment on co developing the software. So this is factored in, so why charge another 150 euro for better software?I like how this is now more expensive then the makerbot. Soon we will have £3000 open source, for the people, 3d printers.",
"parent_id": "427901",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428176",
"author": "Julius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T23:40:07",
"content": "@george jones: If you can make a cheaper ultimaker, then why aint you making one yourself? All the hard- and software can be found online, thanks to the guys at ultimaker.Compared to the other derivates out there, its quite expensive. There are enough (cheaper) alternatives out there. Problem is: They are not as fast as the speeds that you can get with ultimaker.I am not sure, but the guys at ultimaker were the ones that made the RAMPS PCB that everyone is using now.Erik is one of the “founders” of the reprap community. I know him quite some time, and I have to admit that most of the work that you see in the ultimaker is because of research from open-source software.Difference between the ultimaker and all the repraps that are out there is the fact that the ultimaker doesnt use a big and heavy print head. Its because of the Bowden extruder design (which Ultimaker perfected) that it became so fast. It is based on the idea that it eventually can have multiple extruders.I find it weird that you didnt mention Bits from Bytes. Its acrylic, costs around 1000 pounds and has the same (almost exact) look as the first repraps around!Most of the ultimaker stuff is pre-built in-house. All you need to do is follow some sort of lego-style graphics to make the complete kit. No soldering, no fiddling with glue, putty or something that can get your hands dirty. When I was building the BfB machine, it took me a whole weekend to put it together, only to get it shaken apart couple of months later…Its a robust machine, with lots of testing before they made the company, and apparently people are willing to pay the price for that machine.I work for a company that is not one of the cheapest in the neighbourhood (i know because dozens of people complaining that we are expensive) BUT we sell quality, where the cheaper ones are selling quantity. Bit like comparing the local pizzaria with Dominoes. Big & fast but made in an electronic oven (which is not helping flavor), or small & slow but has a real italian stone oven (which I have to admit, is really something you should taste).Food for thought ;)",
"parent_id": "427901",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428223",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T01:23:50",
"content": "But wasnt the point of reprap to make a cheap 3d printer that everyone can afford?It is a community sourced solution. Yet I bet most of the community cannot afford one. Why?Is ply expensive? No? But not every one has a laser cutter. So the charge for not having a laser cutter is now four times the cost.I thought ULtimachine created the ramps board not ultimaker? Then just made it a single board instead of an arduino addon. No?What I don’t get is why all the founders of reprap are now making some of the most expensive machines? Adrian and makerbot now offer a £1000 + £1000 to build it machine. Sells works for BFB? Erik sells a £1300 machine.What happened to making an affordable quality machine? Why the great markup? Again the r&d is community sourced. How many makerbot owners helped the evolution of makerbot. Does this now mean the makerbot is cheaper. No, the machine that works after two years of not is more expensive than the last. Why, is it professionally made. No, its laser cut parts still. I think now it uses proper bearings. Probably a dollar each if that. what version hot end is makerbot on now. MK6? How many of the others worked?But make excuses as its open source. They are all about the community. Rubbish.Seriously £1000 just to build it? How long does it take?3d printers will never take off as most people are priced out of the market.Smoke and mirrors. Look how fast it is? micron? we have another bre in the making.I did love the older videos when bre would turn up on a news show saying how great his machine was. $1000 buys you a 3d printer. A printer that didnt work. But hey its open source, Work in progress. No guarantees.I wonder how many people kept buying new hot ends based on his sales patter. “no, mk4 is our best yet”. “look we have a mk5, upgrade now”The average makerbot customer could probably of afforded a dimension by the time everything works.I predict the next machine will have a bigger build surface. Probably $2000. Look big prints.",
"parent_id": "427901",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427520",
"author": "pascal",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:43:13",
"content": "I like their technique for moving the head horizontally, seems more scalable and stable than what makerbot (and everybody else) uses…? Has somebody built a CNC like this yet?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427817",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T11:48:13",
"content": "Yes, there are CNC’s that move the head. For large CNC machines this is almost a requirement (1 meter cnc would need 2 meter rails to move on) however, because the CNC is cutting the head needs to be stablized a lot more, it’s heavier. Head moving CNC machines are more expensive then bed moving CNC machines.",
"parent_id": "427520",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427565",
"author": "Charles Shults",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:00:47",
"content": "My thought is that the use of a variable tip could give you speed using large dots and finish using smaller dots. Let’s think about the fact that a hybrid of methods can give you real advantages. I do like the head movement on this and the speed is very nice. I would also add three or four types of plastic if I were to do this for serious prototyping. Colors? Why not…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427703",
"author": "rooiejoris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T06:24:46",
"content": "Not multiple printheads, but i use many colors…Seehttp://www.facebook.com/europerminutedesignOn these prints a 800 micron nozzle is used to make prints even more worth waiting. Cups: less than 20 minutes, big vase: around 1 hour. Depends on the design…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427848",
"author": "jimmy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:14:28",
"content": "I don’t know why everyone thinks this is expensive. Apple’s 300 DPI laser printer was $7000 when first introduced. Early 10 meg harddrives were $5000 USD.This is still emerging technology, and that’s CHEAP. Laser printers and HDs were once considered ‘niche’ products, too. Wait until the next generation.Me, I’m thinking about getting one…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427878",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T13:52:23",
"content": "It costs more then an iPod/PC/laptop, so it’s expensive ;-)I’ve seen model airplanes cost well over $1000:http://www.soaringusa.com/products/subcategory.htm?category_id=259(I’ve also seen people crash these, which is not a pretty sight)So, the 3D printers are not that expensive at all. They cost money, just like all hobbies.",
"parent_id": "427848",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427891",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T14:35:42",
"content": "I think that the sizes of niches of laser printers and 3D printers are hard to compare. Paperwork in our bureaucratic-driven world is ubiquitious and fast and silent printers were, and still are sought for. Making plastic parts.. anywhere outside some “hackerspace” or what would you call it, it’s a solution desperately needing a problem.",
"parent_id": "427848",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427898",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T15:01:32",
"content": "Its extortionate.The parts would add up to approx £300, if less. £1500 here for mit inspired axis and open source reprap developed electronics?open source strikes again. Nerds have money but it seems no sense.Look at makerbot for proof. hasn’t it only started really working in the last 6 months yet been on sale for years? bre can surely sell?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427922",
"author": "jimmy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:33:16",
"content": "It’s CHEAP. Regardless of whether the Applewriter is a valid comparison, adjusted for inflation that $7000 printer equals approx $14K today.The parts are worth X? Wait until the economies of scale catch up. Sure, 3D printing may never be as popular as 2D, but laser printers hold a relatively small % of the market and are VERY inexpensive (although that % is growing).Just be happy you’re not in the position I was 10 years ago–switching from film to digital cameras…ouch! Sheez–any idea what a 256MB flash card cost in 2001? Let alone the cameras, which were junk after 2 years…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428116",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:42:23",
"content": "But they were guaranteed to work. This is buyer beware? Work in progress. It should be priced as such.Look at makerbot. Id love to see how many people kept buying the same parts because they broke, through bad design.You cant compare kodak et al with the open source movement.",
"parent_id": "427922",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427978",
"author": "jeff-o",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:22:37",
"content": "It’s fantastic to see all these new 3D printers popping up. May the best ones win! I’ll be saving my pennies…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428016",
"author": "pooty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T18:56:03",
"content": "can it print silicon ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428147",
"author": "kuhltwo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T22:40:47",
"content": "Since open source is open source, I’m just going to glean the best of all the 3d printers and build my own, call it the “China Syndrome”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428263",
"author": "aarku",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:22:28",
"content": "Are there any 3D printers that can make results that don’t look like the item is made out of tiny little coils? Or do those cost 10x more or something?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428361",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T07:54:10",
"content": "Yes there are. If you decrease the z-step on the these 3D printers the coils get smaller (as good as invisible is the goal), or you need an “Selective Laser Sintering” 3D printer, which sets you back atleast $10.000, and is more expensive in the materials.",
"parent_id": "428263",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428439",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T11:23:48",
"content": "@george jones… I agree with your posts. As I read deeper into this thread of comments, even before I hit your posts I developed a similar opinion. I’ve been watching this open 3D printer stuff for quite a while. It is not going in the proper direction at all, and some people are lining their pockets in the process.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428464",
"author": "pascal",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T12:24:04",
"content": "I really don’t get what’s your problem. The license permits re-use, they are well within their right to sell it at any price they like. And it’s not like they didn’t spend time developing. This clearly wasn’t just slapped together in an hour. But even if it was, it’s perfectly legal, and if people are willing to pay their price, let them… (and MakerBot’s customers also knew that it didn’t work very well at the beginning, but it’s not like any end-user bought it. These were fellow hackers, fully aware of the shitty quality prints they would get, and thanks to their work it got better… Exactly the same as with free software, production costs are low, but you pay for it by testing in the field)",
"parent_id": "428439",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428761",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T01:38:34",
"content": "“Exactly the same as with free software, production costs are low, but you pay for it by testing in the field”Thats my point, they are selling work in progress for big money. £1000-£1300 isn’t small change.Also make money but stop going on about open source. Open source to me, is about wanting as many people to participate to make a product the best it can be. Even free.These people are taking it the other way. Trying to outdo each other on the price.Your point about the people who bought it is right. They have money and like to build. Lets fleece them then.Are you really defending makerbot? How many people were turned off 3d printers because of them. Maybe one of them could have moved the tech on.Has bre ever apologised to the people who got a poor quality product. Could you go on mainstream tv selling something you know didnt work, to not hackers but normal people. Kids with ideas?",
"parent_id": "428464",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428781",
"author": "pascal",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T03:07:19",
"content": "Well, Makerbot is one of these perfect examples of the glorification of unprofessionalism. It’s special in no respect at all (well except they had the chutzpah to make a business from it), far less impressive than what real 3D printers can achieve, but they get an incredible amount of exposure, just because, basically, they don’t know what they are doing. I don’t believe Bre’s appearances on Colbert etc boosted sales, they don’t have him on to help his business, it’s to present “maker culture” using something pretty but non-threatening. The example models on Colbert for example were horrible, even Makerbot can do better, but it fits the narrative better than if they had somebody from Z Corp show off a fully functioning multicolor planetary gear…I don’t think Ultimaker or Makerbot are “proper businesses”, it’s basically the material cost (their customers are informed enough to know how much lower it actually is) plus donation to their hacking efforts in the hope that something awesome will come of it. They won’t take the money and run, it’ll end up in the community somehow… So I don’t think this is as bad as, say, a chinese bootlegging company manufacturing Adafruit kits 1:1.",
"parent_id": "428464",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429311",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T03:45:48",
"content": "I think makerbot and friends are worse. A chinese company producing a lower cost alternative to a open source project is what open source is about. Why make it open source if you want to sell it at a great markup.What we need is a chinese company making an ultimaker, down to the last bolt. I bet they could make one as good for a third of the price and still make a nice profit.If development costs are the issue then make it open source after you have recouped the cost. Remember though a lot of the costs are bourne by the participants in time. Even erik accepts that a lot of the parts came from elsewhere. Places that didnt charge.At what point does crowd knowledge make a cheaper product? Why is the price going up?Also why cant arduino make a low cost arduino. What prevents them? In your example the chinese are providing a legit service. Taking an open source design and making it cheaper. No loss in quality.I personally would have bought an UP! printer instead of a ultimaker. Everything is done correctly down to the software. It works out of the box.",
"parent_id": "428464",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429577",
"author": "aarku",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T18:53:41",
"content": "Testify, George!",
"parent_id": "428464",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "428865",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T08:12:36",
"content": "I ordered one yesterday!For the people complaining about the price. The price is made up out of raw material price, price for production (laser cutting the boards, putting electronics together) and a bit more to recover development costs.Also, the plans for the lasercut parts are on thinkiverse:http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8563Part lists can be found at:http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Category:Part_of_Batch_03And there are excellent build instructions at:http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Mechanics_build_guideSo you could build your own without ordering the whole package from ultimaker.comSo, why did I order?-I cannot build the same quality woodwork (no lasercutter)-I know I’ll get all the parts-It shows quality parts made with it (unlike some of the horrible reprap blobs I’ve seen)-It looks sold, unlike a reprap which looks like it can fall apart if you move it.-It’s a hobby, it should cost money.-I like to support the makers.I could have build the electronics myself, I wouldn’t have used an Arduino. But that would have saved me only 100 euro or so. It’s the bearing, axes, belts, etc… that are quite costly. And the woodwork that would have cost me a lot of time and frustration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429313",
"author": "george jones",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T03:57:35",
"content": "Keep justifying the cost and it wont change. Thats one problem with the average makerbot customer. By paying over the odds it legitimises the ripoff. Bre can then use the sales figures to generate more sales.I like in the article that he feels no threat. You know why. He who shouts loudest wins. He will just do more shows. People are stupid. I like how one comment above said that makerbot was on the second major revision so it shows they have a quality product.rubbish. The first revision didnt work. DOesnt that make the thinga-majig the first revision. Yes the ply has been put through two years of testing. Probably as a sock stand or a bird cage. Add a bit of wire.",
"parent_id": "428865",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429953",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T15:32:35",
"content": "I can pleasantly say to you. Go and search, lookup what quality stepmotors costs, lookup what quality bearing cost, lookup what axes, linear bearings, pullies, belts and couplings cost.You’ll be surprised, because it adds up.You’re the thing that’s wrong with the internet, you’re the scum here. If you lookup how much effort these people have put in to their product, and how much love they have for it. Then you wouldn’t be saying that they where trying to make a quick buck.",
"parent_id": "429313",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "429297",
"author": "Sly",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T02:19:51",
"content": "I sense something wrong when everybody says that hobbies should cost money !Please free your mind from this kind of thought like “if it doesn’t cost money it’s worth nothing”.And may be, you will live a better life away from the consumerism.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429952",
"author": "lolwut",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T15:24:41",
"content": "I can’t reply directly to george for some reason, but you mention that you would rather buy an UP! printer.The UP! goes for $2690 USD. According to Erik de Bruijn the Ultimaker would be just over $2000 to ship to the US.So, after all the complaining about how expensive it is, why would you push the UP instead?Sounds like astroturfing to me…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430195",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T22:35:40",
"content": "A printer that is just slightly outdone in speed by a RepRap Prusa Mendel.“So?” you say “Just slightly.”The Prusa Mendel is €300. A tad over $400 for you US nuts.You have an extruder that doesn’t have a crappy hot-end.You’re not paying a charlatan who claims to run an open-source project, yet not releasing any part of the design and only selling the machine.You have a maintainable, cheap printer which can easily print nearly all the parts of itself which you can’t get in a hardware store.You can print spare parts yourself, because the design is actually open.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "433141",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-12T13:35:52",
"content": "As already posted, here is the design:http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8563Open for anyone.But haters love to hate.",
"parent_id": "430195",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "442745",
"author": "Blue Bot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-27T15:39:55",
"content": "Having read through the comments I noticed questions over quality of prints and possibe overhangs.This is my first 3d printer so I am not an experienced user, it was child’s play to put together and I have had no issues (touch wood).Currently my high quality prints are at 0.045 (45 micron layers) and I can print overhangs down to 15 degrees at this layer height. For reference a 50% scale print of the octopus on Thingiverse took about 1:40 at this layer height.http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/66753090@N08/6078178074/Kind regards",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "458415",
"author": "Anthony",
"timestamp": "2011-09-18T10:15:54",
"content": "The price of open source products mostly stems from parts that are not mass produced in sufficient quantities, the overall expense of decent parts (namely, stepper motors), and an unhealthy addiction to expensive manufacturing methods, and poor design choices that only exacerbate the costs (such as that plywood gear. Seriously?). Until someone can start mass-producing 3D printers in sufficient quantity, and have a market to buy them all in a reasonable time, expect to see some rather unreasonable prices. Or someone could figure out a cheaper/easier design.Having said all that, the professional 3D printers from StrataSys and HP (yes, the computer and 2D printer guys) are starting at around $7000-$10,000. So as the market opens up more, expect those prices to drop, and you’ll start seeing comercially built printers at your local BestBuy for $300, or free with purchase of any computer $699 or more, with mail-in rebate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "480840",
"author": "Trav",
"timestamp": "2011-10-15T20:56:02",
"content": "You know when the price of 3D printers goes down to $300 the price of consumables will be sky high if HP is selling them. New inkjet printer: $30; ink for when the 1/2 filled stock cartridges run out: $60.",
"parent_id": "458415",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "480843",
"author": "Trav",
"timestamp": "2011-10-15T21:10:40",
"content": "George’s rant about the high cost low quality of open-source reminds me of Microsoft. The price of Microsoft’s products haven’t gone down over the years, they just release new products with different problems instead of just fixing the problems with the current product.Open-Source doesn’t mean “free beer”, non-profit. It means ” If you don’t like the product, you have the right to improve on it and do with the result as you wish as long as you don’t keep others from doing the same. People don’t purchase Open-source products because that is the only alternative, they purchase them because they either want to give back to those who helped make the product what it is or they want to help make it better and they don’t have the skills or time to help in other ways.I love DIY and hacking things, but over the years I’ve come to realize can’t make product XYZ at the same quality and price as the regular manufacturer. The only reason I can justify building it myself is either the pride of saying “I did it”, or because I want something custom that the normal item doesn’t have.",
"parent_id": "458415",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "1614641",
"author": "Michal",
"timestamp": "2014-07-04T07:01:33",
"content": "In this way, the hydroxyl radical is sort of nature’s atmospheric “scrubbing bubbles. Thousands of people bought the wrong air purifiers every year and suffered the consequences. They take up much less power and therefore marginal electric charges.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2478608",
"author": "ACG",
"timestamp": "2015-03-14T14:58:31",
"content": "Seems to me 90% of 3d print videos always have the incorrect heat setting. Incorrect as in WAY too damn hot of a setting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.730039
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/virtual-segway-tours-using-the-wii-balance-board/
|
Virtual Segway Tours Using The Wii Balance Board
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"balance board",
"google earth",
"monster milk truck",
"wii fit"
] |
Take a tour of anywhere on earth without leaving your home. This
virtual Segway tour
uses the Wii Fit Balance Board and Google Earth to let the rider control a virtual tour by leaning in the direction they want to travel. It’s the product of
a hackathon at SVI Hackspace
, a new hackerspace in Stanford’s Huang Engineering Center.
The project was undertaken by four people who had just met for the first time that night. Seven hours later, they had a working system that combines a huge number of software packages; OS X, Osculator, Node.js, Socket.io, the Google Earth API, Monster Milk Truck, and Google 3D Warehouse. Most of those packages are used to get the board talking to the computer and then interpreting the data. Monster Milk Truck – which we had never heard of – is a plugin that lets you drive through Google Earth environments using button presses and arrows (which are simulated by the balance board data translations).
This is a nice complement to some of the other balance board hacks we’ve seen, like the one used to
control World of Warcraft
. Don’t forget to peek at the video after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnsxsn2CZFo&w=470]
| 3
| 3
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427466",
"author": "dcj2",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:52:23",
"content": "Nice idea, but its not exactly the most illustrative video, is it? Hey guys, lookit this video! Its a guy standing in front of a laptop. Isn’t that KEWL!?!?!?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427468",
"author": "Pete",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:59:49",
"content": "Seems logical in the progression of making things easier… Walking tours, Segway tours, virtual Segway tours, virtual virtual Segway tours (with use of hand gestures).But at least its a novel application of the Balance Board :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427558",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:52:08",
"content": "I’ve heard these are all the rage at e-picnics and telecamping spots.If only my balance were better :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.59754
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/tiny-external-system-monitor-makes-it-easy-to-keep-tabs-on-your-pc/
|
Tiny External System Monitor Makes It Easy To Keep Tabs On Your PC
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"computer hacks"
] |
[
"attiny",
"system monitor",
"usb"
] |
Instructables user [Jan] likes to
keep close tabs on his computer’s memory usage
, but wanted something more interesting to look at than the standard resource manager. He preferred to have an external display available that would show his computer’s status with a quick glance, and thus this system monitor was born.
His status panel contains a trio of constantly updated LED bars that show his computer’s CPU usage, available physical memory, and virtual memory consumption. With a small footprint being a priority, [Jan] kept the indicator’s size down by using SMD components and by including an on-board UART to USB converter to go along with his ATTiny microcontroller.
He uses a Python script to gather usage information from his computer, feeding it to his display over USB. The system works pretty well as you can see in the video below, though the virtual memory indicator doesn’t seem to get a ton of action – perhaps it could be used to indicate hard drive activity instead.
If you are looking to build something similar, [Jan] has made all of his code and schematics available for anyone’s use.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU2NwO662H4&w=470]
| 13
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427211",
"author": "Phik",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T14:10:52",
"content": "Nice!I like how he’s included the virtual memory. I’m working on a similar project and hadn’t thought to include the virtual memory.[Blatant self promotion]http://waitwhatquestionmark.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/new-project-analog-cpu-and-ram-usage-meters/http://waitwhatquestionmark.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/analog-ram-and-cpu-meters-update/http://waitwhatquestionmark.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/updates-projects-and-new-toys/[/Blatant self promotion]",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427216",
"author": "ColdRush",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T14:33:13",
"content": "Quite a nice little gadget, I’d buy one :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427265",
"author": "HashMan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T16:33:22",
"content": "It would be nice to compile this down from Python to something like C++. I feel Python takes a lot more time and resources than something not interpreted. It could be a lot faster in it’s polling process.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427486",
"author": "juice",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:32:35",
"content": "It’s just a simple status indicator so the speed difference must be negligible. However, some people find Python code much nicer to write and maintain.",
"parent_id": "427265",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427508",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:22:09",
"content": "I don’t think speed would be the only reason to compile this. I would want it compiled to reduce resource usage. Although, seeing as the machine doesn’t get into virtual memory, that may not be so much of a problem.Now, if this were on a linux box, it could be compiled as a kernal module…And I do agree with juice, Python would probably be easier to write and maintain.",
"parent_id": "427265",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427533",
"author": "Dan Fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:15:06",
"content": "Is there an equivalent chip I’d have an easier time soldering onto a bigger board?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427550",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:37:58",
"content": "Wouldn’t it have been better to use the virtual usb firmwares for the atinys if he was concerned about footprint?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427598",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:15:27",
"content": "Virtual mem might not have a lot of action, but when it does change it’s a good thing to be aware of, so that actually makes it a good choice for an external display you could argue.Bit like a smoke alarm you could say, just sits there, but when it makes itself known it’s good to have the info because something is going on that might need some attention.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427601",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:30:35",
"content": "Oh I’d like to add that this is a pretty good job, seemingly simple but nice and complete including links to the required python modules and code for the chip and schematics and PCB layout, and even an updated dual-core python script in the comments, so different from many articles lately that often just have a site where a guy tells he made something and that’s it.Kudos to the author JanW.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427619",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T01:27:08",
"content": "I like it, and would like to see it done with non-SMD parts and PCB, then our local Linux club could have a “build night”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427797",
"author": "phisrow",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T10:26:40",
"content": "A neat project, I’m strongly tempted to build one.I think that I’d just make one change: for audio/volume applications, you can get the 10 element LED bar displays in green/yellow/red instead of a single color. My taste for slightly over-dramatic blinkenlights would be much more gratified if it were possible to drive the system ‘into the red’…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "438833",
"author": "CSpannerz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-21T09:40:45",
"content": "If this guy made this himself and wrote the software… I think he could sell it to computer manufacturers or produce them himself. Even if it was an insert for a FDD/CD bay I would buy it. Useful for server info at a glance and I TOTALLY see something like this embedded in a computer case :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3542993",
"author": "Cobalt",
"timestamp": "2017-04-26T14:18:29",
"content": "Very ingenius. Is there a kit to buy ? I dont see where to find the info to make one or an outline for the plans.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.780411
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/comment-system-updates/
|
Comment System Updates
|
Caleb Kraft
|
[
"News"
] |
[] |
We’ve been working hard on this one and finally made a tiny bit of progress.
You will find that comments are now nested. We can see there are some slight visual issues, but we’re working on it. Please be patient with us.
Another edition you will find is the “report” button. If you find comments offensive, click that button to let us know.
Again, we’re still working through this and have a decent list of quirks that need worked out but it seems to be mostly functional.
| 88
| 49
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425381",
"author": "CyberKing",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:18:28",
"content": "so how many comments can be nestled?lets find out",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425383",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:18:59",
"content": "I think I have it set to 3 levels. it gets too narrow beyond that.",
"parent_id": "425381",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425384",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:19:39",
"content": "Lets test that.",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425425",
"author": "fahhem",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:07:11",
"content": "Just testin’",
"parent_id": "425384",
"depth": 4,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6667614",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2023-07-30T21:28:18",
"content": "4th nest test?",
"parent_id": "425425",
"depth": 5,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425385",
"author": "zing",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:20:41",
"content": "And so if I wanted to reply to andrew, I’d have to reply to the one above. Eh, I can live with it.",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425426",
"author": "fahhem",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:08:25",
"content": "Alright, so you CAN reply to any comment, it just doesn’t tab you in an extra step because of the (lack of) CSS.",
"parent_id": "425385",
"depth": 4,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425917",
"author": "Juli",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T18:17:16",
"content": "Just testing.",
"parent_id": "425426",
"depth": 5,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425387",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:22:34",
"content": "@zing,well… that’s not optimal is it. I have no idea what the perfect solution is to that though. We simply can’t nest forever.",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426546",
"author": "Eric",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T05:56:01",
"content": "Why not?",
"parent_id": "425387",
"depth": 4,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425389",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:24:03",
"content": "how do you report a nested reply",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425391",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:26:18",
"content": "@addidis,good question :/email for now I guess.",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425427",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:10:58",
"content": "Awesome system. Thanks guys :P",
"parent_id": "425391",
"depth": 4,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425588",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:08:20",
"content": "IMO, nested comments are a thing of good sites, sir.",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425602",
"author": "cptfalcon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:39:28",
"content": "It would require some coding, but maybe you could support more nesting with a panning interface. By default, you show 3 levels of dialog, if a user wants more, they must “pan” to further levels, which removes the higher levels of dialog. For inspiration, something like the column view used in the Mac OS X Finder or Thunar. That would be pretty sexy :)",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425794",
"author": "Cynyr",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:53:20",
"content": "@CalebWhy not change the theme to scale in width to fill the whole width of my browser, right now it takes up the middle 1/3rd on my 1280×1024 full screen chrome.if it the whole page were wider, the comments could nest deeper. Also less indentation per level would help too.",
"parent_id": "425383",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425386",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:20:42",
"content": "There you go.",
"parent_id": "425381",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425474",
"author": "Willy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:18:05",
"content": "How about making each successive indent half the size of the previous? That would allow for deeper nesting without resulting in super-narrow text.",
"parent_id": "425386",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425587",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:07:54",
"content": "TUNNEL! D:XD winmoremoremoremorehello world(z)",
"parent_id": "425381",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425382",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:18:50",
"content": "awesome sauce nice turn around.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425390",
"author": "SexieWASD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:24:08",
"content": "Really impressed guys, I didn’t actually expect to see this stuff But i’m liking it so far. It needs the tweeks and polish, but this is a big improvement.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425721",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T10:19:50",
"content": "woooowww!!really cool! I was not expecting it either! Good to see HaD is finally acking that it is one of the best hacking forums around!Props to HaD",
"parent_id": "425390",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425392",
"author": "Matt Anderson",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:28:25",
"content": "Hmm, is there a reason to not display the reply button on posts at the nest threshold? Even if you don’t scoot subsequent replies over you could still position them directly under the comments being responded to. As long as people quote those that they’re replying to, I wouldn’t think it would get too confusing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425393",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:29:30",
"content": "It is hooked to the “reply” function for some reason. Not my design. I’m researching a fix now.",
"parent_id": "425392",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425397",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:33:24",
"content": "This may be a visual issue you’re aware of but the text entry box extends way past the right vertical line on Safari. Useable but a pain because you cannot see all the text at once.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425403",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:40:25",
"content": "oh the woes of creating content for multiple browsers. it does the same thing on firefox, might want to cut the box down 100px or so.",
"parent_id": "425397",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425404",
"author": "Barefoot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:41:25",
"content": "Not sure if it’s related, but the right-side panel is now blank when viewing the individual posts. That, and just now noticed while typing this message that the text box is rather wide and causes the left-side panel to scroll left & right, without an actual scroll bar.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425406",
"author": "Barefoot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:42:52",
"content": "Just saw the comment above re: browsers. I’m using IE8 at the moment.",
"parent_id": "425404",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425409",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:48:14",
"content": "Very related. I’ve just submitted a patch. hopefully that will fix it.",
"parent_id": "425404",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425412",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:50:50",
"content": "Still broke for me.Major props for all this Caleb, this is looking good.",
"parent_id": "425409",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425414",
"author": "ibedazzled",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:52:49",
"content": "#bloginfo seems to be missing on the individual posts…",
"parent_id": "425409",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425416",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:55:35",
"content": "the patches take quite some time to go into effect.@ibedazzled,Are you referring to the right hand column? if not, what is missing?",
"parent_id": "425409",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425420",
"author": "ibedazzled",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:00:56",
"content": "yes the right sidebar seems to be named #bloginfowhich is still not there.are you modifying the css directly or just messing witha plugin? if you need some help let me know and I’ll eamilyou directly…",
"parent_id": "425409",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425422",
"author": "ibedazzled",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:03:10",
"content": "the sidebar is back… nice",
"parent_id": "425409",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425415",
"author": "Godd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:55:26",
"content": "Also, none of the new features are available on my blackberry. The nesting works fine, but the reply and report options are missing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425421",
"author": "h_2_o",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:02:45",
"content": "well now that nobody is commenting on articles any more except to say “wow this is a great new had” really is nested needed?also the input box for txt is getting cut off in firefox so only about 1/2 the line is visible. this is on a 1920×1080 screen full screen browser so i do not think the resolution is causing this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425433",
"author": "_matt",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:21:37",
"content": "Widening the comment area could help out a bit with the nesting, even allow another level or 2. I’ve always thought one level was too narrow for me anyway.But neat otherwise, helps keep track of conversations instead of digging through to find @replies.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425437",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:30:14",
"content": "+1 for making this column wider. 99% of displays are widescreen and only like 25% of width is used.",
"parent_id": "425433",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426037",
"author": "pogyhauler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:58:25",
"content": "99%???Wow, Can I come live in your universe?",
"parent_id": "425437",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425440",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:32:43",
"content": "Cool :)Another nice addition would be if the submission of the comment was all AJAXY.[It would be nice to be able to post a comment while a video is playing ;) Especially since most posts on HaD include a vid.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425446",
"author": "gdogg",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:36:27",
"content": "There are definitely a bunch of style issues but overall I think it’s pretty sweet. Having simple JavaScript to expand/hide replies would be fantastic. I highly recommend you do something in reddit’s comment style.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425448",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:36:39",
"content": "Ah one more thing, how about the headline of a comment takes 1 line and in one colour instead of 2 lines with 2 colours? Now it’s a little bit hard to see the actual comments between headers.e.g.July 29, 2011 at 3:30pmsvofskisays:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425683",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T07:12:46",
"content": "I was thinking the same thing. Maybe even right justify the date and reply/report links.It’s already way nicer than having to search for the comment someone is replying to.",
"parent_id": "425448",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425452",
"author": "kronos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:40:07",
"content": "NICE, hey no worries guys, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK i have been following hackaday since the beginning and i love that the the green and black has never changed … things like reply and little html changes like this are excellent",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425484",
"author": "Bert",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:46:39",
"content": "First thoughts: nice idea.However, style is an issue here. The horizontal line after a post can be misleading when it is followed by nested comments. Also after that nested comment, a line is missing, so it seems to be connected to the following comment.Also, like svofski said, having the date on the same line as the name would be great. I personally find the Reply/Report comment buttons to be visually disturbing, as they first seem to be the same as names/dates by their color and width. Maybe you could put them aligned right next to the name and date, or at least align them right?Keep up the good work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425485",
"author": "Bert",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:47:45",
"content": "Oh, and also, a report button is missing for level-3 comments ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425491",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:00:53",
"content": "Tsk! It’s a backdoor for us trolls! Don’t tell anyone.",
"parent_id": "425485",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425501",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:29:00",
"content": "A welcome step in the right direction!It may be easier said than done, but now would be a really good time to look into changing the “fixed width” format of the site so it instead uses the full width of the viewers’ browser window. That will fix the narrow deep replies, and probably also the text cutoff some people are experiencing. (I use Chrome and lose no text, but sometimes get only a sliver of an embedded Youtube video.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425518",
"author": "gcat122",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:31:02",
"content": "Yea! Mobile site on android now shows more than 32 comments. Previously it hid the rest. Keep up the good work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425519",
"author": "Fawzi Fansa",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:33:27",
"content": "nice work guys , thank you for your effort.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425526",
"author": "FractalBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:45:24",
"content": "Splendid. Thanks for the work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425527",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:48:35",
"content": "Awesome! Good job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425544",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:18:39",
"content": "And we can edit our comments? Test.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425545",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:20:23",
"content": "Nope, that screenshot must be an admin’s view :(I guess it will preserve the continuity.",
"parent_id": "425544",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425563",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:04:26",
"content": "ok now you guys are just showing off , i like it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425564",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:05:41",
"content": "And by showing off i mean the report post button on this reply.",
"parent_id": "425563",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425566",
"author": "NAGRO",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:13:54",
"content": "And with that, Hackaday jumped the shark! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425569",
"author": "Steve-O-Rama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:19:34",
"content": "BIG step in the awesome direction, HaD!! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425572",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:25:09",
"content": "Perhaps the site could be made a bit wider to fit the new style? Things are getting awfully squished.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425582",
"author": "Standard Mischief",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:59:24",
"content": "..and if you change your user agent string to include “troll”, then there’s also a “sucks” button, and a “this is not a hack” as well as “where’s the arduino?”, “what? no build details?” and a handy “the write-up didn’t include any source code”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425583",
"author": "Standard Mischief",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:00:31",
"content": "I think they just funnel that stuff all to /dev/null anyway",
"parent_id": "425582",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425590",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:11:13",
"content": "I’m very excited to see the finished product after all the kinks and minor tweaks are worked out.This is huge for having comprehensible discussions.Way to go HaD!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425620",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:53:58",
"content": "TestOhh strong and strike through with notify followups!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425622",
"author": "RoboGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:59:19",
"content": "Has the exact date/time and direct comment link always been there? That’s nice. All in all a good update!If I click notify of follow-up comments, will it email me only if people reply to this comment, or if someone comments on the entire post? ‘Cause it would be nice to be emailed only with direct comments.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425634",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:36:46",
"content": "In the end most of use will get used to the new, and it’s not going to matter. Any because of the new system, we may not read anything from who cant cope, great. :) While Hackaday can address many of their concerns, unfortunately they can address any “trolling” of other web pages that may or may not occur by Hackaday readers of what news Hackaday reports. In any event thanks for the extra efforts Hackaday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425638",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:44:30",
"content": "nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425644",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:56:35",
"content": "let the flame war begin! lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425666",
"author": "RoboGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T06:02:29",
"content": "I just now noticed that after the first ~58 comments, it makes another page – you have to click a small “Newer Comments” link to see the rest.Was this intended? It seems undesirable…HaD comments used to just go on forever, IIRC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425685",
"author": "Frank",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T07:27:33",
"content": "Hey can we get a “export comment thread to forum topic” feature?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425696",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T08:13:31",
"content": "OMG I WAS FEATURED *FAINTS*",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425701",
"author": "jimmythecow",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T08:40:35",
"content": "its better guys. i like it. im glad its staying tue to the roots it once was. keeping fresh, but clean.. please.. for the love of god PLEASE!! done whore yourself out to much… keep it sexy",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425728",
"author": "darkore",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T10:50:04",
"content": "Excellent idea! A much needed upgrade IMO. Keep up the good work HaD.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425757",
"author": "danman1453",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T12:41:37",
"content": "I think in the original article ‘edition’ should be ‘addition.’ Other than that, I like it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425761",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T12:53:03",
"content": "test: hope there is an edit button on my post",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425762",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T12:54:49",
"content": "strange my post isn’t in order and doesn’t show up unless newer comments is clicked",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425803",
"author": "st2000",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:11:15",
"content": "Other suggestions (’cause I don’t know where else to send them to HAD):In the forum:1. I swear the “view new posts” changes it’s search parameters. Sometimes it appears to look back at an entire day and sometimes you think it’s only looking back one hour.2. Why not add a “no responses to this post yet” button in the “search” forum web page.3. Lots of forums lack this one and I don’t know why. Add a status button only available to the O.P. to indicate a thread is “SOLVED” or “PROJECT FINISHED” or “THANKS FOR THE HELP”.4. Finally, I don’t subscribe to postings here on the front HAD page any more ’cause the follow-ups are full of noise (like this one :)). But mostly because un-subscribing is now nearly impossible! Perhaps I lost a cookie, or login credentials or it’s just broken beyond (ordinary people’s) fixing (capabilities). What ever the reason – this is your “front room” where you make “first impressions”. Could you have a look around please and see if the doggy has been doing his business in the corner or something?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425807",
"author": "st2000",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:16:30",
"content": "(Let’s try this reply feature out.)I should say 1, 2 & 3 are about the forum and 4 is about subscribing to the comments about the HAD articles.ooh, and on my browser (firefox) it might be nicer to add a little space between “Reply” and “Report comments”. Or even have them on opposite sides of the comment box.Nice work HAD.",
"parent_id": "425803",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425897",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T17:06:27",
"content": "I for one welcome our new comentary overlords!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425963",
"author": "roy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:41:02",
"content": "just realized we also need a poke button :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426029",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:45:18",
"content": "W00t. I was featured :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426030",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:45:51",
"content": "I was featured :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426031",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:46:45",
"content": "Wait, now the comments are paginated? That sucks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426211",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:17:25",
"content": "I think I actually have control over the pagination now. I should probably expand it to be a bit longer.",
"parent_id": "426031",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426679",
"author": "RoboGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T14:24:48",
"content": "I see you did just that. Thank you!",
"parent_id": "426211",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426975",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:01:53",
"content": "Any chance for in-line reply box and a different color for third-level replies?",
"parent_id": "426211",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426410",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:46:01",
"content": "Suggestions:Have replies hidden and expandable with javascript. An interesting idea would be to have the replies open in an overlay that would extend to the screen width. This would allow more nesting.Also allow there to be a separate selection for replies and follow-up comments.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426632",
"author": "hopser",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T11:42:08",
"content": "Suggestion:How about putting some space between the two links “Reply” and “Report comment” for not accidentally hitting “Report comment” when someone wants to “Reply”?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426671",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T13:56:38",
"content": "collapse?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,123.903163
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/putting-a-pdp-10-on-an-fpga/
|
Putting A PDP-10 On An FPGA
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"hardware",
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"emulation",
"fpga",
"PDP-10"
] |
[dgcx] has been working on
reimplementing a PDP-10/x on an FPGA
for the last 2 and a half years. This surprised us because we’re only hearing about this project
now
.
After designing three versions, [dgcx] eventually ended up with a one-FPGA implementation of a PDP-10 and an awesome
PDF writeup
. Although
PDP-10 emulators
do exist, this project isn’t an emulation – the system actually has the 36-bit word length of the original, implemented on five 4096 kilobit SRAM chips. This is a fully functioning replica, and even has
CHAOSNET
implemented with a small Ethernet controller.
Like the
miniature Cray-1 on an FPGA
, the only thing left to do is put the PDP-10 clone into an awesome case like the
working PDP-1 replica
. We imagine [dgcx] could get the
digital models
of a real PDP-10 fairly easily.
With very old computers, it’s very hard to find software to run on these machines. This was the same problem the builder of the tiny Cray had. If any Hack A Day readers know where [dgcx] could find some old DEC software, be sure to post something in the comments. Otherwise, he may just get started porting
the first edition of Unix
.
| 41
| 24
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425380",
"author": "rjnerd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:17:25",
"content": "I am pretty sure that the source/binaries for ITS are out there somewhere.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425435",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:27:01",
"content": "ITS isn’t exactly available. There are some issues with it. But the original software is. Visit this site for it:http://http://pdp-10.trailing-edge.com/Nice idea though…..",
"parent_id": "425380",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6225074",
"author": "Lars Brinkhoff (@larsbrinkhoff)",
"timestamp": "2020-03-05T09:53:59",
"content": "ITS is very much available:http://github.com/PDP-10/its",
"parent_id": "425435",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425411",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:50:07",
"content": "That’s cool. If the PDP-11 is implemented, I really hope it’s not to run the Therac-25 program. Worst… program… ever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425451",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:39:55",
"content": "But there are quite a few PDP-11 implementations out there:http://opencores.org/project,w11http://labo.nshimizu.com/pop11.htmlI know there are more, these two are just those that I remember well.",
"parent_id": "425411",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426911",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:37:44",
"content": "This is a PDP-10, not a PDP-11. So the obvious application to run on it, besides ITS and EMACS or TENEX and MACRO-10, is a PDP-8 emulator.(At one time, the fastest PDP-8 in existence was an emulator running on a PDP-10, though presumably there are now PDP-8 emulators that run on Unix and can therefore run on modern hardware.)The very first Unix ran on a PDP-7, but most of the early ones ran on PDP-11s.",
"parent_id": "425411",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6225075",
"author": "Lars Brinkhoff (@larsbrinkhoff)",
"timestamp": "2020-03-05T09:54:59",
"content": "ITS has a PDP-11 emulator. Used to run Logo, among other things.",
"parent_id": "426911",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425418",
"author": "sgf",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:57:01",
"content": "That’s rather lovely. Nice write-up.I’m not sure what it is about old computer architecture re-implementations that put a huge grin on my face…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1482471",
"author": "allaun",
"timestamp": "2014-05-20T03:57:56",
"content": "Well, for me, it’s the thought that we are doing things that were unimaginable in my childhood. We are taking a computer and putting it inside a computer. Not only that, I could run THOUSANDS instances of these computers if I were so inclined.",
"parent_id": "425418",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425431",
"author": "Michael",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:17:59",
"content": "For more DEC folklore, a PDP11 is available athttp://opencores.org/project,w11",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425434",
"author": "Adrian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:24:18",
"content": "My question comes from ignorance, not because of a perceived superiority of my method, but – why were external SRAMs chosen instead of using internal BRAMs in the Spartan 3e? Not enough room on chip?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425436",
"author": "xrayspex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:28:46",
"content": "I thought UNIX and C were both originally developed on a PDP-10?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425439",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:32:16",
"content": "No on a PDP-11, and possibly on a different PDP family member.But you’re close. There is a huge amount of software for the fellow.",
"parent_id": "425436",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425450",
"author": "xrayspex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:39:35",
"content": "I should have googled BEFORE I posted. I hate it when I do that.",
"parent_id": "425439",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425454",
"author": "Warner Losh",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:42:38",
"content": "NetBSD had a pdp10 port in the tree at one point…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425489",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:55:47",
"content": "I wouldn’t have been surprised. Unfortunately, my NetBSD 1.2 CDs (1997) don’t show any signs of PDP10 (or 11) support. There is gcc available:http://pdp10.nocrew.org/netbsd/I believe what you’re thinking of is 2.11BSD, which explicitly supported the PDP10. Getting a copy is left as an exercise for the reader. Will this version work?http://vak.ru/doku.php/proj/pdp11/211bsd",
"parent_id": "425454",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425883",
"author": "ChalkBored",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:25:35",
"content": "http://www.netbsd.org/ports/pdp10/It doesn’t look like it’s gotten very far, though.",
"parent_id": "425489",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425478",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:36:58",
"content": "Getting 1st Edition Unix wouldn’t help you get any software… you’d be much better off with TOPS-20 or TOPS-10 or ITS, all of which are available on the Internet, AND were designed for 36-bit PDP-10s, not the 16-bit PDP-11s.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425483",
"author": "dmcbeing",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:46:35",
"content": "I love those old computers-in-FPGA projects!Just skimmed over the manual,it seems a lot of effort went into it.Excellent project,keep em coming.ps:I agree with Andrew on the new commenting system.What will happen if a post with 300 replies or more occurs?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425586",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:07:08",
"content": "DGCX, if you happen to read this, it would be awesome if you could post the original Eagle (or equivalent) files for the FPGA PCB on your site; suitable for sending to a PCB manufacturer. I’m sure a few people will appreciate it. Publicly available PCB designs for FPGAs are almost non-existent.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "696807",
"author": "Paul Birkel",
"timestamp": "2012-07-07T08:40:01",
"content": "Completely agree. Unfortunately the entire linked site has now disappeared. Can’t even read the documentation :-!",
"parent_id": "425586",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425603",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:40:57",
"content": "People who’ve never met the PDP10 shouldn’t assume that it is “similar” to a PDP11 just because the numbers are close together. The PDP10 was DEC’s “mainframe” computer, with an architecture featuring 36-bit words and word addressability. Getting C to run on the PDP10 was a major challenge, and I don’t think they ever ran any flavor of unix. DEC released both of their major operating systems (TOPS10 and TOPS20) for hobbyist use quite a long time ago, and there have been software-based emulators as well (running on “x86 micromachines”, many times faster than the fastest DEC HW ever made.)The original PDP6 (DEC’s first 36bit computer, more or less) was supposed to have been about 3000 gates; I’ve always wondered if it was an architecture suitable for cramming into a single chip FPGA. (Things are complicated by the importance of the memory pager, which was less transparently documented…)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425723",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T10:30:49",
"content": "For those who care about old unix, you can run a flavour of it on a PIC32:http://code.google.com/p/retrobsd/wiki/Board_Sparkfun_UBW32",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426176",
"author": "SomeEvent",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T11:00:02",
"content": "Just tried it on my UBW32 !Brilliant, this should have its own Hackaday entry.",
"parent_id": "425723",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426177",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T11:06:32",
"content": "And I totally agree, it should. Another target board is Digilent Max32 “Arduino”, BTW.",
"parent_id": "426176",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425849",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:04:56",
"content": "now if we could get a GE 645 or Honeywell 6180 on an fpga then we could run multlics",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425861",
"author": "dgcx",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:49:46",
"content": "Everyone seems to have missed the fact that I *do* have software for the machine. It runs a custom version of ITS. It runs it well enough that I routinely sit upstairs, connected to the machine via TELNET running over CHAOSNET, editing in EMACS.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425891",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:45:19",
"content": "I have not sir. It was understood by me that you’ve already crossed that hurdle.They have.",
"parent_id": "425861",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425949",
"author": "MauiMaker",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:52:04",
"content": "Unfortunately this is NOT a fully functional PDP-10… it is lacking that awesome front panel display of blinkn lights!We used to watch those from afar to monitor the 3d rendering programs. It was easy to pick up the patterns. Westworld, Tron Light Sail, Flight of The Navigator, Explorers and others were made using one (with the Foonly doing much of the heavy lifting).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425994",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T22:06:03",
"content": "Alas, later DEC PDP10 version (KL10) also lacked the blinky lights. You can build a light panel for your emulator, though:http://www.sparetimegizmos.com/Hardware/Panda.htm(Hmm. A design in need of updating.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426050",
"author": "ducksauz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T01:13:40",
"content": "When looking for software for this, you might consider checking with anyone who rescues old big iron. One such group isRCS/RI. I know they have an actual PDP-10, so I would imagine they’ve got some software for it too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426149",
"author": "Sparger",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T09:04:22",
"content": "Love the elegant look of the board…it screams out for a clear lucite box. Also, this would be an excellent project to add to OpenCores (opencores.org).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431431",
"author": "ThisIsNot MyRealName",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T20:42:45",
"content": "I don’t know if this might be helpful, but here it is:http://minnie.tuhs.org/cgi-bin/utree.plandftp://minnie.tuhs.org/UnixArchivehave some ancient UNIX stuff. {TUHS=The UNIX Heritage Society} Also, how hard would it be to modify the code in theLions’ Bookto run on a pdp10? Impossible?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431436",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T21:03:34",
"content": "Actually yes it would indeed be impossible. What you’re looking at is Original UNIX, as running on the PDP-11.The PDP-10 is special system in and of itself. It was also considered to be useful for managing the Internet, but the PDP-11 took over. There are a few operational systems out there….",
"parent_id": "431431",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "431483",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T22:08:36",
"content": "A PDP-10 was a 100-user mainframe (with internet connectivity, sort of) in the same timeframe that the biggest PDP-11s supported maybe 20 users (and didn’t run unix unless you were AT&T or a university.) It was the Vaxen that took over (4.2bsd!!!); PDP11s were never a major force on the Internet (though they got used as appliances like routers and dialin systems and such.)I dunno. You can look back at the sort of hardware mods that universities made to their mainframe computers (say, like the SAIL “Datadisk” terminals) for more-or-less general use, and it makes a lot of today’s efforts look pretty simplistic. OTOH, those hacks were NEEDED because the alternatives were pretty sucky.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431486",
"author": "GCL",
"timestamp": "2011-08-09T22:15:50",
"content": "Not quite true. At the height of the PDP-11’s popularity there were an equal amount of them working at the universities, including UCB, they are of course the creators of BSD. It was developed from UNIX.Internet connectivity was possible both at the dialout/dialin level, and via Ethernet to more capable hardware. They were also used to run textile hardware which is why DEC made that bad decision to sell the line to Mentec.So both is true, from a certain point of view.",
"parent_id": "431483",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "990173",
"author": "Jeffrey Fall",
"timestamp": "2013-04-07T05:35:03",
"content": "I have been running a pdp-10 emulator on top of linux which runs on top of vmware ESXi-5.0.I had used a PDP-10 on the University of Pittsburgh Computing Center in 1982. They still had a PDP-10 running then.I would like to find the editor that Pitt used to use. It was written in house at the University of PittsburghTo get a PDP-10 TOPS-10 prompt try this command from your internet connected computer:telnet jeffreyfall.com:2020Try a systatGreat work on the PDP-10 on an FPGA.CheersJeffrey Fall",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "990174",
"author": "Jeffrey Fall",
"timestamp": "2013-04-07T05:37:27",
"content": "Great writeup on a PDP-10 on an FPGA.Can’t get the .pdf. Webserver is down.I put the Panda distribution up live on a linux system which runs on top of ESXi 5.0try to log into this PDP-10 astelnet jeffreyfall.com:2020Try a systat",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1026795",
"author": "Wilfred",
"timestamp": "2013-07-15T12:56:36",
"content": "The website has moved to herehttp://fpgaretrocomputing.org/pdp10x/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "5788441",
"author": "Bob M",
"timestamp": "2019-01-14T19:44:49",
"content": "TECO – Text Editor and COrrector – the coolest text editor ever running on DECsystem-10 and TOPS-10",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6297204",
"author": "Dan Smith",
"timestamp": "2020-11-24T04:41:50",
"content": "I used both PDP-10 (KL10s running TOPS20 v3.x -> 5.x when deinstalled) and pdp-11 (running RSTS/E officially and a late night AT&T Unix back in the 1979->1986 time frame). I loved teco. I was the system manager on a 11/45 (converted to an 11/44) and I used teco for all sorts of things. The weirdest thing I ever did in teco (that should have been in some non-interpreted language) was a Cheshire label program (3 up). They used to take the full alumni list of the law school, dump it out in a particular format then run it thru my teco script and a couple of days later Cheshire labels.. I eventually rewrote it in fortran. Ran orders faster but wasn’t anywhere near as fun to write. I also wrote a teco script to create boot tapes for RSTS/E. It would get a directory listing of the equiv of the root directory and put the required pieces on tape in the right order to make a recovery tape. This was after we found out the hard way our full backups didn’t quite work. I did recover the system but it was freaking painful. Thus the teco script to save future pain. I greatly enjoyed working as both a TOPS20 system guy and a RSTS/E system manager. Definitely a nice introduction to computing",
"parent_id": "5788441",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,123.981948
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/adding-auto-off-to-a-cheap-multimeter/
|
Adding Auto-off To A Cheap Multimeter
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"ATtiny25",
"auto-off",
"multimeter"
] |
[Florin] picked up a cheap multimeter in order to make multiple measurements at one time. Unfortunately, he wasn’t very good at remembering to turn it off when he was finished so he burned through some batteries. Why an auto-off feature wasn’t the first thing coded into the firmware we’ll never know, but [Florin] developed
his own hardware-based auto-off circuit
.
It sounds like he had all of the components necessary for this on hand already. He grabbed an AVR ATtiny25 in a surface mount package. To keep the board small, he didn’t include an ISP header, but instead made long pads that could have wires soldered to them for flashing the firmware. The microcontroller drives an NPN transistor that can cut off the ground path between the multimeter and its battery. A tactile switch is connected to one of the external interrupt pins and, when pressed, gives you 15 minutes of time to use the meter. After that, the chip kills the power and goes into sleep mode. Simple, and small enough to fit inside the case.
[via
Dangerous Prototypes
]
| 24
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425344",
"author": "dave",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:31:59",
"content": "That’s funny, I’d want to do the opposite. Turning meters back on every 15 minutes is quite annoying.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425361",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:44:19",
"content": "Hah, no kidding Dave, I hear you. I’m always flipping mine off, then flipping it back on.That said, it’s so weird to not have that sort of feature built into the multimeter. +1 for the fixAlso, nested comments – we has them.",
"parent_id": "425344",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425445",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:34:55",
"content": "Check your meter’s manual. Holding theholdbutton when choosing a function (i.e. switching on the meter) on my meter prevents it from auto-shutting off.",
"parent_id": "425344",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425347",
"author": "ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:33:23",
"content": "This is great! I always forget to turn mine off. i end up having to hook it up to the benchtop power supply.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425365",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:50:05",
"content": "this has been on my todo list forever (nested comments!)",
"parent_id": "425347",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425374",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:09:17",
"content": "Wow, great addition! Nested comments FTW! I need to put this in all our multimeters. At the workshop, my dad never remembers to turn them off…",
"parent_id": "425365",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425367",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:56:51",
"content": "i thought the comments were broken but now i see the light!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425371",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:05:25",
"content": "A NPN transistor seems like a reasonable fit for this application that has a very low current draw and can tolerate the drop across the transistor. Using P-channel (positive rail) or N-channel (ground rail) transistors is a good way to switch power while minimizing the voltage drop across the transistor.Having auto-shutoff in my multimeters has saved me so many batteries.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425879",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:13:56",
"content": "Don’t need a microcontroller though, should have just connected the button to charge up an RC circuit, connected to a comparator which drives the transistor.",
"parent_id": "425371",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1336084",
"author": "Harvie.CZ",
"timestamp": "2014-04-09T00:26:42",
"content": "Some people do without comparator… however i am not sure about precision of ohmmeter when transistor begins to close slowly…http://www.edn.com/design/test-and-measurement/4394278/Circuit-automatically-switches-off-DMM",
"parent_id": "425879",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425373",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:08:09",
"content": "Nested comments? Report links? Reply buttons? Html? HALLELUJAH!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425375",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:10:07",
"content": "Now we just need a “like” button!",
"parent_id": "425373",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425405",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:42:16",
"content": "LOL!“Hackaday reader Brian likes Pilotgeek’s post.”",
"parent_id": "425375",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425464",
"author": "anfegori91",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:04:06",
"content": "Where is the Google +1 button?",
"parent_id": "425375",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425395",
"author": "Kuy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:32:15",
"content": "Superb! The only way I can think to improve it would be to use one of the Tiny’s ADC channels to monitor real measurement activity of the meter, and keep it alive if it’s actively being used. Alternately, the chip could monitor the encoder traces under the selector switch.I threw together a little circuit like this the other day to inject serial commands directly into a product that was initializing at an unfriendly baudrate (the commands switch it to 9600,8n1 at startup.) Like this circuit, mine was built into the host product itself. Cool to see another parasite design!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425410",
"author": "HackTheGibson",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:48:20",
"content": "I was thinking about adding an accelerometer to my meter. If nothing is registered then shut off after 15 minutes",
"parent_id": "425395",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425408",
"author": "Italo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:47:14",
"content": "Plain curiosity: Couldn’t the ATtiny be replaced by a 555, with one or two mods on the circuit?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425423",
"author": "hal",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:03:17",
"content": "Maybe but I think that the ATtiny is wired always on andgoes into a low power state. It would depend on how lowthe 555 would draw when “off”.",
"parent_id": "425408",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425428",
"author": "cybergibbons",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:12:03",
"content": "I thought I had gone a long waymodding a cheap meter to make it better! At the time I thought about how far you could go – making an analog meter autoranging would be pretty neat!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425680",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T07:06:22",
"content": "Like others, I wish I could get my two Metrix MTX328x multimeters to stay on until their rechargable AA cells run down, the auto-off can sometimes be annyoying even when they’re set to half an hour, also the backlight can’t be set for longer than 10 minutes :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426167",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T10:22:48",
"content": "I wonder if it might be possible to have the AVR actually turn itself *off* when the timer runs out (via an external transistor), and have that transistor bootstrapped when the meter is turned on/button pressed.Not sure about this particular meter, but the 3mA current drawn by this circuit is enough that it might be significant to ‘on’ battery life.Finally, the main link should go directly to the actual article. The via tag is enough credit when linking another aggregator’s post. Hate having to follow 18 links to get to the actual article…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426564",
"author": "Florin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T07:39:53",
"content": "the 3mA current is for when the tiny25 is active and counting, when counting its done and the meter is turned off the tiny goes into power down mode and it only draws 17.9uA.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426769",
"author": "Destate",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:59:16",
"content": "Hmmm, I would probably use a PNP in this scenario, but that’s just me. Good PCB, though! Nice hack!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6147270",
"author": "Robin Sattahip",
"timestamp": "2019-05-06T11:18:50",
"content": "I read this article hoping to find a way to eliminate the annoying automatic shut-off on two of my meters, it’s very annoying.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,124.082735
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/ir-communications-tutorial/
|
IR Communications Tutorial
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"classic hacks"
] |
[
"irda"
] |
After seeing our
communications via light
post , reader [Chris] dropped this handy little link in our inbox. A very good
tutorial about using infrared to enable communications
between 2 pic micro controllers.
The tutorial covers all the parts you will need, physical wiring and schematics with notes detailing each section of the circuit. It then goes on into basic IR theory, and a simplified push button circuit you can make to see that it is, in fact, working. Once you get the exercise built on some breadboards, he does some software and get some results from it all.
Now in the end this little device was hitting in the neighborhood of 9600 baud, but had to be pretty darn close to each other with a direct line of sight. These are often accepted as a couple of drawbacks to IR technologies. IR, which has never really vanished, is in use on a lot of devices though. The more you know the better off you are.
Join us after the break for a quick video!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKfnrhUbH24&w=450]
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425308",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:16:15",
"content": "You usually do this by modulating the emitting light with a certain frequency and look for that frequency at the receiving end. It’s not more complicated than this.At the emitter side of things you pulsate the light at the frequency of, say, 36KHz and you use a special receiver such as a TSOP2736. Data rate with this system is lower, up to about 2kbps, but usually it is not a problem. Alternative way is to use full IRDA devices.The method presented here is quite limited, and transmitting data like this without modulation is done strictly where you can position the emitter and transmitter at close range and without interference from ambient light. And btw, this can be done with regular leds….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425370",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:04:43",
"content": "Seems great, definitely worth checking out!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425453",
"author": "Dmitry Grinberg",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:42:16",
"content": "Bogdan is completely correct: transmitting data without modulation like this will produce garbage instead of data in (1) daylight, (2) rooms with moving lights like a projector, (3) links over 10 inches or so, and (4) any other real life situation. A simple fix: AND transmitted uart data with a PWM 39 KHz carrier to produce modulated bitstream. then use a 38 KHz IR receiver to receive it – it will produce a MUCH more resilient communications method.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425596",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:19:02",
"content": "Does it send just a pulse or a command?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425599",
"author": "gcat122",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:25:08",
"content": "This is a great intro. For anyone that takes it further there is a hint that might help- the gain of specialized receivers is boosted a huge amount for sensitivity but too much “ON” time during transmission will back off the gain and scramble reception. Check the specs of IR receivers for duty cycle and data burst length limits.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,124.023588
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/midi-air-drums-let-you-play-anywhere/
|
MIDI Air Drums Let You Play Anywhere
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"accelerometer",
"arduino",
"drums",
"midi"
] |
[Maayan Migdal] wrote in to share
a really cool drum kit he constructed
that has one special twist – no drums at all. Using a simple MIDI device and an Arduino, his “Air Drums” look pretty sweet.
The hack makes use of a pair of garden rakes, which serve as his drum sticks. The rakes were cut down and modified to allow the addition of accelerometers and some USB cables. The left stick contains a single accelerometer for registering hi-hat hits, while the right stick is armed with a pair of the modules, which are used to trigger snare and crash symbol strikes. He modified a pair of sandals to fit better while drumming before adding a sensor to each shoe. The left sandal contains an accelerometer to register bass drum hits, while the right shoe uses a light sensor to simulate the use of a hi-hat pedal.
We think that the results are awesome, but feel free to check out the video below to see what we mean. If Guitar Hero wasn’t
dead in the water
on hiatus, we think this sort of setup would make a great replacement for the flimsy drum set that comes with the game.
| 26
| 23
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425227",
"author": "Decius",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:58:01",
"content": "Nice build, I really liked how the video was put together :D (+Diagrams).I wanna make a pair of USB sandals <_<",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425238",
"author": "Bobbo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:02:55",
"content": "Just a small correction needed – it’s not Rock Band that is on hiatus, it is Guitar Hero.Rock Band is still going strong with DLC being released every week.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425328",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:56:16",
"content": "Woops, we’ll update that.",
"parent_id": "425238",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425240",
"author": "NeatBasis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:11:01",
"content": "Video blocked. Another source?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425256",
"author": "Trav",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:33:44",
"content": "Cool, but I think he needs to swap shoes. Hi-hat pedal is usually the left foot and the left hand. Bass is the right foot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425258",
"author": "vispi",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:39:35",
"content": "Video blocked in your country. Very nice. From which country it’s not blocked, need I fire up VPN to US?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425476",
"author": "Draco",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:30:09",
"content": "I have no problem within Canada",
"parent_id": "425258",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425266",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:52:17",
"content": "I LOVE THIS.I’m usually pretty bored with the music hacks (because I’m not really into music as a creator), but this video is really, really cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425268",
"author": "c3p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:54:28",
"content": "ARGH I HATE GEMA (germany established music nazis) that block videos on youtube!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425275",
"author": "Tig3rch3n",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:04:23",
"content": "Usehttp://unblockyoutube.co.uk/The idea is nice … but the sound is not maching with his motions or am i wrong?Any Scematics?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425276",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:05:26",
"content": "vispi – it’s not blocked in the US. It contains some music from Rage Against the Machine (heh) that must be restricted in your locale.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425277",
"author": "Adrian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:06:48",
"content": "@Trav – people do in fact play left-handed setups. Unlike scissors, drums can be re-arranged to be the most comfortable for the player.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425278",
"author": "Sucio Kastro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:07:32",
"content": "I thought that only Music Record Companies blocked videos. is there another link for the video?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425280",
"author": "HackJack",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:09:26",
"content": "Interesting.The wires are rather distracting. I have to think if a WiMote would do a better job? Since it has BT, accelerometer built in and also in the form of a stick, a thick one unfortunately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425282",
"author": "Maayan Migdal",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:14:08",
"content": "Hi Guys, i would try to upload it to another video streaming site as well…10x 4 the comments, by the way i wearing the Hi Hat sandal on the right since i learned to play drums on a left handed drum kit…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425283",
"author": "ldopa",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:14:25",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Sf_pogZ8jE",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428711",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:36:11",
"content": "Was thinking this the whole video. How do we know it even works? Still a novel idea though. It would be neat to someday see whole bands that don’t have any instruments, including the drummer. :-)",
"parent_id": "425283",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425298",
"author": "Trav",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:54:04",
"content": "@Maayan MigdalPoint taken. I set my computer up at home with a left handed mouse. Got used to using it right handed everywhere else. Now when I try to move the mouse back to right handed at home, all the right handed people in the house complain.I’ll put this in my “will try to get to eventually list of projects”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425315",
"author": "Roel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:48:08",
"content": "Great job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425339",
"author": "Decius",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:15:54",
"content": "@HackJackI was thinking the exact same thing! (Wiimote/PS Move) I feel like air Midi drums have been done before with a WiiMote…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425402",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:39:19",
"content": "Neat! MIDI gives this a world of versatility!http://toyjunkyard.blogspot.com/2010/07/body-rap.htmlThis is the first thing I thought of. Yeah I’m old lol.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425472",
"author": "Jacob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:17:03",
"content": "A very well done video to complement a very well done project. I love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425662",
"author": "Ytai",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T05:36:56",
"content": "Fantastic project and video! Looking forward to your next creations!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425716",
"author": "Panikos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T09:48:14",
"content": "not sure whats more impressive, the build or the video but i loved them both",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425809",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:19:53",
"content": "I cracked up when I saw him plug in his sandals. Good work, all around. There’s a similar sort of thing you can do with wiimotes, too. I was going to try it, but I couldn’t get them jiving with the bluetooth on my netbook. No foot pedals for those, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2412621",
"author": "Mike Thompson",
"timestamp": "2015-02-05T02:49:05",
"content": "See an easier way to do the same using only ONE microphone here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCBUMfYh8lQ",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,125.900057
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/sleek-disc-less-gamecube-handheld/
|
Sleek, Disc-less GameCube Handheld
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"handhelds hacks",
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"gamecube",
"handheld",
"linux",
"portable",
"sd card"
] |
Console hacker [techknott] has a skill set that is quite possibly second to none. We do love [Ben Heck] and think that his portable consoles are beyond awesome, but you’ve got to check out
this portable GameCube
[techknott] put together.
While the construction details are pretty sparse, the video below shows off the bulk of the portable ‘Cube’s best features. Far smaller than his
Flip-Top GameCube
or
Dreamcast
portables we’ve featured in the past, his new handheld sports a wider screen and is completely disc-less. While the legality of booting backup copies of games from an SD card is something we won’t delve into, we do like the concept.
The console itself is probably only about one and a half times the width of a standard GameCube controller, and while it doesn’t sport an internal battery pack, we wouldn’t turn one down. Besides, who wants to play GameCube outside? With one of these in hand, we are more than happy to keep our pasty selves indoors, thank you very much.
The only complaint we have here is the lack of build details. [techknott’s] handheld consoles are pretty amazing – we just wish that we could see how the magic was made!
Be sure to check out the video below to see the console in action.
[Thanks, Dave]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yesH8XIsDm4&w=470]
| 35
| 31
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425133",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:26:11",
"content": "They’re usually pretty chunky and filled with tape.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425137",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:38:57",
"content": "This is absolutely fantastic, one of the best hacks I’ve seen on HAD. no offense to Ben Heck but this blows away many of the portable consoles I’ve seen. Who cares about the legality of booting ROMs, I wouldn’t feel any worse about that than using an emulator on the PC. I don’t personally have any guilt as long as I own the original games (I know it’s technically illegal but still…).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425143",
"author": "Stuart",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:44:25",
"content": "Eh, they’re not exactly making profit on GC games any more so who cares?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425146",
"author": "stfan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:47:26",
"content": "He actually uses a wiikey to boot the games",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425165",
"author": "Brian Cribbs",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T14:46:43",
"content": "This is a beautiful portable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425180",
"author": "harald",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:34:43",
"content": "Awesome !!!111!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425188",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:45:45",
"content": "Inspired I would imagine by the new WiiU controller… Very impressive!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425193",
"author": "Vince",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:55:06",
"content": "Looks amazing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425197",
"author": "Shapewear",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:01:27",
"content": "You should do this on the ps3 or wii",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425216",
"author": "techknott",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:39:14",
"content": "Cool I made hackaday again. Loving the new non-critical comments, nice change of pace. Actually jim, no tape, no hot glue or adhesive of any kind. Everythings either interlocked or screwed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425218",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:42:32",
"content": "i love the influx of gamecube hacks. i know two of my local goodwill have them for sale for $15 totally worth it to hack them. great build quality for this one, best i’ve seen in awhile.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425219",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:43:51",
"content": "Now he just needs a battery pack to power it so he can play on a plane or bus or train or in the back seat of his parents car to drown out his little brothers screaming “are we there yet?”…sorry, some repressed childhood wishes coming through there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425246",
"author": "mjrippe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:26:02",
"content": "@M4CGYV3R: I think a battery pack with an umbilical cord would be easy enough to add. Keeps the bulk off the handheld part but still remains portable. Maybe with a belt clip for super-geekiness!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425279",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:09:09",
"content": "This is incredibly tiny for a gamecube. I realize much bulk is dropped by being diskless, but it’s so compact!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425288",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:25:38",
"content": "LOL. The aesthetics of this homebrew portable are better than either Sony or Nintendo have ever managed.Shame it’s so chunky. Not a criticism, I amazed he managed to shoehorn all that tech into such a small footprint.Now, where can I buy one?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425313",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:46:53",
"content": "Awesome job! This is probably the best portable hack that I’ve seen!With respect to non critical comments… I am not trolling, but without any harsh critics in the audience we lose a lot of what made hackaday great. By allowing commenters to “speak harshly” of the hacks brought out TONS of information in the comments that is not coming out now that the comments are moderated.Criticism is the root of all progress. We need to act like adults and not let some stranger talking trash ruin our day…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425329",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:57:02",
"content": "Well, good for you, Mr techknott! I’m getting seriously interested in building one out of plastic and fibreglass.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425331",
"author": "Bryson",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:58:10",
"content": "Awesome! Good job [Techknott]!!! Keep it coming!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425337",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:08:41",
"content": "@bigbob,There is absolutely nothing wrong with criticism of a project – we agree that constructive criticism is responsible for a lot of progress here and in many other places. We have no problem with some constructive feedback, that is what the community thrives off of.Comments such as saying the console looks a bit chunky is totally fine, that is The Cageybee’s opinion, and a valid one at that.Had he made a huge stink and said that the console “looks like shit” or “this is overdone and there is nothing interesting to see”, we would probably take action. Things that are obvious trolling and do not add to the conversation in a constructive manner is what we are targeting.Perhaps some of our meaning was lost in the post regarding comments yesterday. We’re not slapping down every post that happens to be critical of a project – that would be ridiculous. In the same token, we’re not looking for an ass-kissing love fest. Show us how you could have done it better without being caustic and that benefits everyone.For instance, M4CGYV3R’s suggestion is absolutely the kind of feedback that drives innovation and progress.For a great example of constructive positive comments and the community moderating itself, check this post out:http://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/creating-halftone-pictures-with-a-cnc-machine/We’re interested in a positive environment, not an ass-kiss fest not some iron fisted regime. Moderation has been taking place forever, troublemakers have just been put on notice, that’s all.[side note: I’ve been informed that we just added threading and comment reporting too]",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425498",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:21:34",
"content": "Excellent! This is exactly what I wanted to hear.Also, sorry for the off topic stuff in this great post!",
"parent_id": "425337",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425360",
"author": "VegasBrad",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:43:53",
"content": "OK thank you website for throwing away my first post due to “error” I can;’t retype it all so here it: use this>>>http://media.photobucket.com/image/game%20gear%20battery%20pack/MM007/sggbatpak.jpgThey can be modded for any homebrew handheld and run along time!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425362",
"author": "VegasBrad",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:44:51",
"content": "Great job on the portable, i LOVE the illuminated logo, very cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425447",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:36:28",
"content": "Looks real nice and all. But I dunno. A portable which isn’t portable.. :/It’s definitely cool but if you’re gonna be plugged in then you might as well just play on the big screen..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425490",
"author": "Tel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:56:00",
"content": "Some people would like to be able to kick back on the couch, or in bed, and play their games, but due to what ever circumstance (Odd positioning, wanting to recline further than they’d be able to with out breaking sight of the TV, ect), they just can’t do it comfortably. With this, one could game in what ever position they’d like.Plus, it really wouldn’t be hard to add an external battery with the ability to be plugged in to the current power jack. Either having it able to be harnessed on to the back (cliping over the top) with some plastic brackets, or as someone already mentioned; a belt-clipped pack with a cord. While that wouldn’t be as optimal as including a battery inside, it would allow it to become portable :)",
"parent_id": "425447",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425492",
"author": "Tel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:03:51",
"content": "An example of what I mean by a ‘clip on’ style holster :http://i51.tinypic.com/k3x11u.pngThe red indicating the plastic clip and cord.Basically, the clip would fit the contour of the portable’s black portion, and consist of a single piece of molded plastic. The portions that make direct contact with the portable could be covered in a thin rubber to prevent scratches and scuffing. The holster could be easily removed when on the outlet, and just as easily placed back on while on the go – the same rubber that prevents damage would work to keep it from slipping around and falling off while out and about.",
"parent_id": "425447",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425591",
"author": "XBMC^N",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:15:37",
"content": "Incredible job, really great. The illuminated logo is a nice touch, but I’d find it really annoying if there wasn’t a way to turn it off while playing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425817",
"author": "techknott",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:32:11",
"content": "Ive since modified the glow up logo so it’s not as bright.",
"parent_id": "425591",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425829",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:46:19",
"content": "Very nice job. For the folks out there complaining about the lack of a battery, I’m sure there are a variety of battery packs that could plug right into it. Just stick some velcro on the back of it. But, it doesn’t really matter. He built it to suit his needs, and he apparently doesn’t need a battery for it.I’d love one, battery or not. Always wanted to try building one of these handhelds, but they’re a bit beyond my skill level.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425905",
"author": "APE",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T17:22:56",
"content": "403.If this doesn’t have a built in battery it is NOT a portable. My reel to reel player player is portable by that definition. Velcro to the case? A joke. Umbilical cable to a battery? Also a joke. If anyone released a portable to the commercial market like this it’d not be called a portable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425936",
"author": "Deano",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:13:46",
"content": "I have a portable tv with no batteries. Portable by definition does not mean it must have batteries. Look it up!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426056",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T01:31:39",
"content": "It’s beautiful!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428712",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:42:11",
"content": "It sure is damn thick though, and funny as hell on a console with a built in screen to see “AV1” at bootup lol.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428713",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:45:48",
"content": "Also, props for the 2:56 video length.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "548692",
"author": "NetRunnerBlack",
"timestamp": "2012-01-01T15:37:43",
"content": "I feel it’s worth pointing out that now that wifi is reaching across the world, even McDonald’s has places to plug something in these days, and I don’t imagine it would be that difficult to stuff the entire thing into a pocket and bring it out or even just to a friends house, which is the beauty in it for me. Sure, you can do the same thing with a standard GameCube but it’d be a hell of a lot more clunky.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "981641",
"author": "Nathan",
"timestamp": "2013-03-20T05:59:12",
"content": "seriously, i would pay even $450 for this",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.068587
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/a-pill-reminder-box-to-be-proud-of/
|
A Pill Reminder Box To Be Proud Of
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Medical Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"led",
"pills"
] |
Not satisfied with the traditional daily pill boxes, [Ryan] set out to
build his own
. According to his article, these particular pills had to be taken every three days, and he wanted a solution that required “zero effort.” Although one might question whether his solution actually took this amount of effort, the build came out very well.
The result is a box that reminds one to take a pill from one or two bottles using a blinking LED. When the pill bottle is picked up, consumption is assumed and the timer is reset. The main components consist of an Arduino, real time clock, and a battery backup. Additionally, two picture frames are used to form the project enclosure along with some LEDs and other assorted hardware to finish everything.
This project combines some basic electronics hacking and programming with a very nice looking cover. The results are a very clean looking build with a good write up. For another example of a well finished project with great pictures, check out this
N64 portable build
.
| 37
| 34
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425091",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:09:02",
"content": "Maybe in the next version he could get the box to weigh the pill bottles to check if they have been taken ( not really needed but would be a great addition)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425095",
"author": "Mohonri",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:17:44",
"content": "My initial thought on this was “Hey, you could do this with a 555 timer!” Seriously–tie the reset/enable pin to a pressure sensor or photodiode, tie the output to one LED or the other, and have a capacitor and very-high-resistance resistor on the threshold/discharge pin.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425100",
"author": "n2o_skillz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:31:54",
"content": "Since it already has an uc i second Dan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425102",
"author": "msc",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:33:10",
"content": "@Mohonri Stop trolling please.Very nice hack btw!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425106",
"author": "patrick",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:45:58",
"content": "@mscMohontri’s comment doesn’t sound like trolling to me. I think that there are many other ways to come to the same end product and he was just examining one possible solution. possibly giving insperation to others who migh want to tryy a similar project while taking it up another notchI felt more like you were the one who was trolling",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425117",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:19:40",
"content": "Mohontri’s comment may appear as a subtle troll since anybody who would recommend a 555 for a three day period (259,200 seconds) clearly lacks experience using the 555.When designing your RC network, the minimum value of R should be about 1k to prevent too much current flowing into the 555. The maximum value of R should be about 1M so that enough current can flow into the input of the 555 while there is also current to allow for the electrolytic capacitor’s leakage current.The minimum value of C should be around 100pF to avoid the timing equation being too inaccurate. The maximum value of C should be about 1000uF as any larger value of capacitor will discharge too much current through the 555.These maximum and minimum values give a minimum period of around 0.1 us and a maximum period of 1000s.Saying throw high values of R or C at it will not work. Not for a three day timer. And it won’t have any accuracy. I can see the advantages of using an RTC; the timer will be accurate and it can even fire at a predetermined time.Personally, if I were using a microcontroller, I’d choose something a lot cheaper (like an ATtiny13A, which should be up to the task of bit-banging a couple of i2c commands every so often. Alternatively, use a 555 feeding into a couple of counter chips. A denary example: a 555 with a period of 1000s feeds into a decade counter. The 10th output of the counter feeds into the input of another decade counter. Which feeds into another decade counter. You’re now counting hundreds, tens and units. Throw in a three input and gate and you can count to 259 and you have a three day counter without using a microcontroller. Make an astable multivibrator from a pair of transistors and use a switch with a thyristor in series to switch a transistor powering the multivibrator. Simple!That microcontroller based solution is looking pretty attractive right now, isn’t it…I love 555s as much as the next guy (and I love working out how to make stuff with discrete logic, too!) but just give in sometimes. If someone can’t program an ATtiny chip, and Arduino will work wonders for them.Bonus solution: have a read of Maxim’s DS1307 RTC datasheet. Once programmed (through i2c – a piece of cake with an Arduino), you can enable a square wave output. There’s plenty of things you could do with that (and it’s temperature compensated – it will keep better time than a 555).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425119",
"author": "msc",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:26:22",
"content": "@patrickMaybe you should read the recent post about cleaning up the HAD comment section:http://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/hackaday-comment-policy-were-cleaning-up/Complaining about the use of an arduino just because you happen to know of a simpler solution adds nothing to the discussion and results in people not wanting to post their hacks because of fear of criticism. Also there’s really no reason to accuse me of trolling when I’m just trying to help.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425121",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:27:39",
"content": "For someone who takes just a few pils once or twice a day, I give you kudos…. For the person who takes a figuritive pharmacy upwards of five times a day, a more elaborate solution will be required.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425125",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:31:17",
"content": "I’ll get to work on that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425127",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:33:05",
"content": "msc: Seconded — it’s especially not trolling when, per Pedro’s comment, a 555 wouldn’t work in this application anyway.This is an awesome hack! The only thing I might change about it would be to make the section with the pill-bottle holes a separate insert that could be replaced. That way, if you need to remind yourself about a different medication, you can not only reprogram the AVR to a different timing, you could also cut out a new insert with holes precisely sized to fit the bottles you’re using.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425129",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:51:31",
"content": "Uh, I say this politely:- consider having a locking mechanism to prevent access to the pills by, for example, children.A disturbing number of children die because they take someone’s medication.I really liked the write-up. Lots of good pictures showing the process is really good.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425136",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:37:46",
"content": "It’s a good project and writeup. I can’t even remember to take my daily multivitamins, much less something on a three day schedule. :)I made a pill reminder too, but went about it a different way. I already have an X10 automation system hooked up to my computer, with a MR26A X10 RF receiver. And I’d accumulated a pile of those little RF four-button keychain remotes that no one ever seems to use, so people tend to give them away for free with other modules. Seemed a shame not to find some use for them!So I wrote a quick little VB program that waits to receive certain X10 codes. If it doesn’t within a certain time, a sound is played. If that’s ignored, a bit later a reminder appears on the screen until the code is received.A keychain remote sits right next to the pills. Take a pill, press a button. It tracks up to four different ones.Another remote found its way into the laundry room, hanging from a hook on the wall. Press button #1 when you start a load of laundry, which starts a timer in the program. Press button #2 when you transfer the laundry to the dryer, or the program will remind you if you forget. And press button #3 when you fold and put the laundry away, or the program will again remind you. No more forgotten, musty or wrinkled laundry.I’m sure I could find other uses. I still have more remotes. And since it uses stuff I already had, doing it this was almost zero effort/cost for me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426112",
"author": "mike",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T05:14:15",
"content": "sounds like it could be handy to hard-wire it to the washer/dryer doors a bit, or maybe the cycle knob/start button",
"parent_id": "425136",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425139",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:41:20",
"content": "@msc“Complaining about the use of an arduino just because you happen to know of a simpler solution adds nothing to the discussion and results in people not wanting to post their hacks because of fear of criticism. Also there’s really no reason to accuse me of trolling when I’m just trying to help.”Nobody is complaining about the use of arduinos – everybody knows that there is going to be a cheaper but harder way to do this and I think many of us would want to know what it is. Mohonri was trying to improve on the OH’s work (original hacker’s). After pedro steps in to help, both I and Mohonri have learned something new.In my opinion that is exactly how all the HAD threads should go. Why learn from the one solution featured when you can scroll down and see the relative merits and drawbacks of all possible solutions? The ability to weigh up alternative solutions to problems is a massive part of what engineering is.If this thread were just 9 “great hack :)” posts then what would be the point?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425152",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:55:08",
"content": "@all regarding criticism… feel free to criticize. You’re fully capable of telling the difference between constructive criticism and needless jerkiness.Maybe I’m reading it wrong, but Mohonri’s post is not offensive in anyway. He’s not even rude. Actually, the only thing that would have made his comment better would have been to supply a better description of the circuit. Same with Abobymouse. A simple word of caution without insulting anyone is fine.We don’t need a thousand yes men. We just want civility and it seems you guys are doing a good job.(p.s. we’re working on a flagging system).",
"parent_id": "425139",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425140",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:42:20",
"content": "i just wanna hug you guys.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425142",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:42:57",
"content": "If this thread was just 9 “great hack” posts than we would be doing exactly what HAD wants us to do. So instead of offering criticism, “durrrr… GREAT hack man!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425148",
"author": "LeeRay",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:49:31",
"content": "Why was the RTC needed at all? I’m working on building a clock, and I am just planning on using an arduino… really, just the microcontroller from the arduino. I thought I would need an RTC at the beginning, but I didn’t find anything that couldn’t be done with just the arduino. Is there a reason to have the RTC?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425150",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:52:25",
"content": "I don’t think Mohonri was trolling because he didn’t directly make fun of or criticize what the OH used, he was just offering a different approach.Seriously, comments can be a lot worse than that and at least it wasn’t “So and so is stupid for using a blank when it’s just easier to blah…”Also, if not for Mohonri’s comment I wouldn’t have learned some valuable points about 555’s from Pedro’s post.Constructive criticism doesn’t equal praise so sometimes it’s going to offer up possibilities different from what others have done and as long as it’s stated without pejorative comments I think it’s harmless.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425156",
"author": "CosmicVoyager",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T14:05:19",
"content": "“these particular pills had to be taken every three days, and he wanted a solution that required “zero effort.” Although one might question whether his solution actually took this amount of effort,”I think by zero effort, he meant remembering to take the pills requires zero effort.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425166",
"author": "Jstn",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T14:53:02",
"content": "Jeez, it’s like walking on glass in here, isn’t it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425172",
"author": "Philippe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:13:22",
"content": "@LeeRayThe regular Arduino clock (16 MHz ceramic resonator) is not precise enough: it’s rated for 0.5% or about 7 minutes of drift a day. You would have to go with some sort of calibration, and even then, as conditions change, it would not hold time very precisely.There seems to be a way to hook up a 32KHz quartz to an Atmega, but I never tried. It’s much easier to use a RTC to obtain reasonable precision. For instance, the DS1307 drifts by about 1 minute a month.If you are (crazy) serious about building a clock, the precise-to-the-microsecond way to go is, IMHO, to use a GPS receiver over a serial connection along with the heartbeat line of the receiver.(and maybe I’ll post something when I’m done, now that HAD seems to have cleaned their act)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425176",
"author": "Philippe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:19:24",
"content": "@LeeRayInteresting discussion here:http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=printview&t=105450&start=0",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425181",
"author": "harald",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:35:15",
"content": "So cool !!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425205",
"author": "FDP",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:16:59",
"content": "There are products on the market that measure at the cap instead of the base. It occurs to me that you could hack apart a cheap kitchen scale and weigh the bottle when it is returned to see if a pill was taken, then this would actually be more reliable than the commercial product. This might be really helpful to the elderly, and much cheaper than what is sold:http://www.aardexgroup.com/aardex_index.php?group=aardex&id=85",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425215",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:38:53",
"content": "Interesting hack, though I’m glad I’m not old enough to have to take daily (tri-daily?) pills.@pedro: Regarding the 555, can’t you chain/cascade the 555s/use a 556 with multiple timing circuits?To the commenters: can we please carry on with our own comments and let the HAD crew clean up what they deem as problematic instead of trying to peer-police them?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425626",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:04:18",
"content": "Remembering to take med three times a day, would be a piece of cake as compared to remembering to take a med every third day, which what prompted this build I believe. Did I take it yesterday or was it the day before? I’m older,but not old. For a time I was taking on med three times a day. Not problem for me to remember. Remembering every third day could be.",
"parent_id": "425215",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425217",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:42:04",
"content": "Aye, the 555 could work with some supporting circuitry like a few additional counters :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425225",
"author": "chic",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:55:04",
"content": "Re why use the RTC, the arduino’s own internal timer would be based upon the millis() command, and that rolls over every 15? days. Suddenly it’s resetting and re-syncing and effort. Using an RTC makes that effort go away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425241",
"author": "Tom the Brat",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:11:11",
"content": "I like how he made the enclosure.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425286",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:20:54",
"content": "I think it will take more than a kitchen scale. I dont think they have high enough resolution to measure one pill missing. You could do it with a counting scale though. High resolution and accuracy. There are some pretty cheap chinese ones out there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425305",
"author": "default",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:14:15",
"content": "@HaD staffI posted a comment thanking Pedro for his knowledge and insight. It has apparently been removed. (It was double posted accidentally, however both were removed.) Is this an error? I certainly hope so…Again…@PedroThanks for the knowledge and insight…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425309",
"author": "Ryan Blace",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:18:09",
"content": "There is no RTC in this version of the project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425341",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:17:13",
"content": "555:i’m completely in the “if all you want to do is blink a leddon’t buy an atmega”-camp.but: ~$1+ for a low-end pic or atiny, versus $0.40 for a 555plus $.40 for a large cap just to end up with an unreliable 3-day rc-timer?looks, the project is just fine as it is ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425350",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:35:30",
"content": "weighing the pills:a large vitamin tablet -like in the picture- is 1.3g, so it might work.but some smaller pills are 0.1g -that’s 280 pills to the ounce.if you’d even be able to make it that accurate it would probably trigger if someone walks by..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425352",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:37:29",
"content": "I use the alarm clock function on my phone to remind me to do stuff.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425372",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:06:49",
"content": "Neat build. I guess I’ll make my own simplified version one day because I keep forgetting the Centrum pills :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.239824
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/wasp-uav-gets-some-new-toys-now-intercepts-your-phone-calls-too/
|
WASP UAV Gets Some New Toys, Now Intercepts Your Phone Calls Too
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks",
"Security Hacks"
] |
[
"drone",
"gsm. defcon",
"penetration",
"uav",
"wifi"
] |
If you had the pleasure of attending last year’s DEFCON conference, you are no doubt familiar with [Mike Tassey] and [Richard Perkins]. There, the pair showed off a work in progress
DIY aerial drone named WASP
. Short for Wireless Aerial Surveillance Platform, WASP was impressive
when we brought it to your attention last year
, but the duo has spent some time completing their project, adding a few extra features in the process.
The drone still packs the same pico-ITX computer which now runs Backtrack5, and utilizes a 340 million word dictionary for cracking WiFi networks (pardon the pun) on the fly. While updated pen testing tools are well and good, the most impressive update is that the drone can now act as a standalone GSM tower. This allows the pair to trick nearby phones into routing calls through WASP before being relayed to their carrier’s network.
Once WASP is launched, the plane flies autonomously along a preset route, sniffing, hacking, cracking and gathering data until [Tassey and Perkins] summon it back to Earth. The drone is as impressive as it is scary, and we can’t wait to hear what the pair has to say about it this time around.
Continue reading to watch a video demo of WASP taking to the skies and doing its thing.
[via
PopSci
]
[Thanks, DainBramage1991]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdrUpmsyMZA&w=470]
| 34
| 21
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426773",
"author": "rasz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:17:00",
"content": "“the pair” is working as contractors for DoD, nothing impressive, rather scary",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426856",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:47:51",
"content": "They don’t say the WASP is for the DoD, but they don’t say it isn’t, either.",
"parent_id": "426773",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "444042",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-30T02:10:37",
"content": "It almost has to be, since it uses waypoints.",
"parent_id": "426856",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426774",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:20:00",
"content": "Is the idea behind this sort of thing that it demonstrates vulnerabilities that need to be fixed? Or are they just doing it for the fun of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426804",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:26:59",
"content": "Who knows? Described as low cost, but low cost is relative. No doubt many have spent more “for the “fun of it”. After spending some time at rabbit-hole.org, one could also say that whatever a cost is,it’s an investment in the builders livelihoods. Not that’s anything wrong with that, or that’s an unusual occurrence in the DIY community, but IMO it takes the project out of the realm of they typical amateur projects. [shrug]",
"parent_id": "426774",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426782",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:34:12",
"content": "At least yellow makes it easy to shoot at.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426784",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:36:28",
"content": "Second, unless another posts before I click on submit :) An interesting project. I’m not sure I’d admit to futzing with cellular telephone service.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426785",
"author": "UltraMagnus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:40:26",
"content": "They have a lot about the specifications on their website, but does anyone know what airframe they used?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426866",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:58:03",
"content": "Buried in the specs: a surplus FQM-117 target drone, hence the bright color.",
"parent_id": "426785",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426798",
"author": "Renet123",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:14:50",
"content": "i would love to know how they built the GSM tower, but i cant find any documentation on it on their site. Anyone know where i could find more info on a diy gsm tower?? Ive always wanted to build one just for fun.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426886",
"author": "Maave",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:35:30",
"content": "PopSci says they’re using the rig presented last year at Defcon 18. It cost about $1,500 because it uses the USRP. It’s a really effective rig but too expensive for me, I’d go with the modded phones shown at 27c3.",
"parent_id": "426798",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426810",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:36:30",
"content": "It seems to me like this plane would have trouble keeping in range of any given wifi network (at least private consumer level) to have enough time to crack it. I could see an RC heli performing that task as it can just hover within range.The GSM stuff is pretty darn cool though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426863",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:55:35",
"content": "True, I wouldn’t expect the Pico ITX board to crack too many passwords in real-time. However, the specs for the ground station mention “payload interaction”, suggesting that the WASP may be able to reach back for extra computing horsepower.",
"parent_id": "426810",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426842",
"author": "DainBramage",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:19:44",
"content": "I always thought that receiving/transmitting/messing with cellular signals was a rather BIG violation of FCC law.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427013",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:30:17",
"content": "Yep, it is. I think this is a proof of concept though. Also, not everyone lives in the US, so different laws may/may not apply",
"parent_id": "426842",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426850",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:30:56",
"content": "Yup, officially paranoid now grrr thanks. Haha, but really cool though! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426855",
"author": "Arjan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:47:17",
"content": "I’m wondering how long it can stay airborn. I could not readily find it on their site. It seems to me that there might be more efficient airframes available, maybe a motorized glider of some sort. Cool project though, nevertheless.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426912",
"author": "SuperNuRd",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:42:08",
"content": "If I see it I will shoot it down and smash it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426952",
"author": "Dormant Labs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:07:54",
"content": "I for one welcome our new uav overlords",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426962",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:23:46",
"content": "They really should stop doing this. Autonomous aircraft are illegal. The government already would like to shut down model airplanes, dont give them ammo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426990",
"author": "charper",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:54:50",
"content": "Care to cite your source(s)?",
"parent_id": "426962",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427011",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:29:01",
"content": "My mistake. I was thinking rockets.But there is supposed to be rules coming down for sUAVs.",
"parent_id": "426990",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426999",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:16:07",
"content": "No, autonomous aircraft are not illegal in most jurisdictions. As long as you have a way to recover control of the aircraft at all times, it’s fine.",
"parent_id": "426962",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427553",
"author": "Renet123",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T22:43:47",
"content": "These guys are working with the DOD.. im sure someone is looking the other way when they are hacking cellular networks.. probably friends with Dick Cheney!",
"parent_id": "426962",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426991",
"author": "zrzzz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:56:03",
"content": "We should not give domestic surveillance the blessing of the maker community. There’s enough patriot act-fueled constitution shredding without our help. This isn’t cool. It’s freakin’ scary.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427963",
"author": "doubleup",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:54:25",
"content": "It’s scary, but if we (the people) can make them too, then we’ll just have to do that, and tackle the fear head on. The other option, as I see it, is to ignore it. I would prefer to be informed on this subject.I don’t want to get into a *whole thing* about this, but if technology is the equalizer of the people, then this is part of it.",
"parent_id": "426991",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427110",
"author": "AnonCow",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T09:01:43",
"content": "So they’re going to be publishing DIY SAM sites for autonomous drones just to keep everyone on equal footing right?Right?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1413681",
"author": "Dr_Lion",
"timestamp": "2014-05-05T09:50:24",
"content": "Is that so dificult to place a piece of dynamite over a model plaine and boom, there you have your SAM..",
"parent_id": "427110",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427120",
"author": "Neckbeard",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T09:47:30",
"content": "Some of you guys are looking in to this too much and are finding a bogeyman where none exist. They’ve invented something cool, well built and most importantly extremely cheap just appreciate the engineering for what it is and stop looking for a bogey man.Is there information on the endurance with the new payload? I’m also thinking that the UAV is used as a relay for decoding further afield, the actual aircraft is too small.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427780",
"author": "Draget",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:23:43",
"content": "I know it is just the wind that is causing all sorts of noises on the video, but for a moment hearing that sound while reading that description gave me creepy chills.Impressive project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430485",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T14:14:01",
"content": "http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wasp-army-unmanned-uav-plane-turned-hackers-dream/story?id=14242824",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "447455",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-09-04T03:33:04",
"content": "@joe this past week my mom called me about a short trip her, and my sister had to make. I provided them with several waypoints, and they weren’t using GPS. Much of the general public uses waypoints in conjunction with GPS receivers everyday. I can’t see the mention of waypoints may not be scary at all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "602310",
"author": "K.Banks",
"timestamp": "2012-03-13T19:57:00",
"content": "This is good now add a return flight unit that records the fly start piont to the plane now location. If you have lost radio contact the return system after a set time will return the plane back to its reciever range and call back the operater. Any thing worth having is worth emproving and keeping operational.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "953640",
"author": "dalas",
"timestamp": "2013-02-03T18:18:34",
"content": "although most of designers dont say about the flaws they talk about advantages to show they are intelligent enough to overcome everythinglook at the document i recommendnot only drones like RQ-170 but also smart weapons like bunker buster are amazing doll like many other technologies around but in a different view there are many laws to defeat them all and there are also passive methods that makes air strikes inefficient in different ways as below:-Bomb fuses path deflection to increase failure rate and stop direct penetration-Bomb capture (spider mesh technique)-Electronic warfare technique (jamming, faraday cage…)-Anti aircraft mine (aerial balloon bombs)-Improvised shelter (UHPC , high density concrete , dashpot bridge with reactive armor & multi-layer bunkers containing materials with different density)read more here:http://www.scribd.com/doc/122150713/Project-spider-Massive-natural-passive-defense-against-air-raid-by-anna-farahmand",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.355784
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/robotic-gardener-takes-its-cue-from-bomb-disposal-bots/
|
Robotic Gardener Takes Its Cue From Bomb Disposal Bots
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Robots Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"armitron",
"parallax",
"parallaxpropeller",
"propeller",
"wireless camera",
"xbee"
] |
[Dave] posted some pictures and videos of his ‘Nuntius’ robot
on the Propeller forums
. From the pictures it’s an impressive build, but to really appreciate [Dave]’s skill,
check out the Youtube demo
.
The
controller
is a Propeller protoboard with bits of angle aluminum fastened together. Pots are positioned at the joints of the remote’s arm so the robot’s arm can mirror the shape of the remote. We usually see
Armatron
bots controlled via
computer
, or in the rare case of human control,
a mouse
. [Dave]’s build just might be one of the first remote manipulator builds we’ve seen on Hack A Day.
On the robot side of the equation, another Propeller board, motors, and servos are all powered by a 12 V motorcycle battery. Attached to the end of the manipulator is a cheap 2.4 Ghz wireless camera that [Dave] says makes you feel like you’re in the movie
The Abyss
. While we doubt this robot would be very good for underwater exploration, it does look like some of the
Bomb Disposal robots
we’ve seen.
| 4
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426762",
"author": "Jon Neal",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:28:36",
"content": "The response time seems slow. Pretty awesome project though. It reminds me of a dinosaur when it is out slowly panning around the yard. I love how he stuck a weed in the middle of his yard just so he could pull it out with this robot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426766",
"author": "karl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:40:43",
"content": "Please, lets give the writer Heinlein his due – – he thought up the idea in the 40’s – the generic term for a remote manipulator is a ‘Waldo’ after the story he used the concept in.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426844",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:23:06",
"content": "I would love to see this thing with some object tracking so it could identify dandelion flower heads and cut them off (: would save slot of time weeding the following year (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426898",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:04:46",
"content": "Yay Propeller!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,125.993533
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/making-the-case-for-in-circuit-debugging-tools/
|
Making The Case For In-circuit Debugging Tools
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Microcontrollers",
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"debugging",
"ICD",
"pic",
"programming"
] |
If you are in the market for a PIC microcontroller programmer, you may want to consider a model with an In-Circuit Debugger (ICD). [Rajendra] put together
a great tutorial on using an ICD
when debugging PIC firmware, which makes a pretty convincing argument for owning one.
In his tutorial, he happens to be using a MikroElektronika PICflash2, but he says that there are plenty of other ICDs out there if you are not keen on this particular model. The PICflash2 not only acts as an ICD, but as the name suggests it works as an ICSP as well.
[Rajendra] walks us through a short debugging session using some simple code that reads data from an LM34DZ temperature sensor, displaying the results on an LCD screen. While he isn’t actually hunting for bugs, he does show how easy it is to step through the PIC’s code one statement at a time, evaluating variables and registers along the way.
[Rajendra] does point out that using an ICD does occupy a few I/O pins while running, limiting your resources just a bit. We think that being able to debug code as it runs is pretty reasonable tradeoff if you don’t necessarily need each and every pin available for use.
| 13
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426717",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:25:46",
"content": "For the price of that programmer/debugger I’d be extremely cautious. The PicKit3 (which is Microchip’s current low-end offering) is much more likely to be supported in MPlabX (the new Microchip IDE). Also, the PicKit3 is half the price.However, that said, debugging on the Pic is a godsend. Nice tutorial.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427198",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:23:01",
"content": "When I was moving from AVR into PIC, I read on a lot of websites advising against the PicKit3 claiming the older PicKit2 was better.The newer model was more available and I have not had any problems with it. For the price it works amazingly.I think I would rather stab myself in the eye than try to use a PIC without it.",
"parent_id": "426717",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426725",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:39:09",
"content": "MikroElektronika is a great company with a really easy to use compiler. They are recognized by Microchip directly as a quality option. Yes it is a little more expensive, but having checked them out it is a good option.As for debugging. Not using a debugger makes trouble shooting code a complete pain in the but. For the longest time I refused to utilize my debuggers. Then I decided to and realized how hard i was making my own life. It can save you hours of time. Its worth the investment of time and money.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426735",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:02:38",
"content": "Easy24-33 v6 Development System – a general purpose development system for low pin count PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC DSCs.Use coupon code TPXM9L7LV-32MX v6 Development System – a full-featured development system for 32-bit PIC32 MCU applications.Use coupon code TPZM9K6(expires 9/30/11)",
"parent_id": "426725",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426736",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:03:45",
"content": "opps thats athttp://www.microchipdirect.com",
"parent_id": "426735",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426729",
"author": "neomech",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:41:58",
"content": "Indeed, The ablility to debug your code on the target hardware is massively useful, and is the main reason why I never got on with the Ardiuno.I picked up a chinese PicKit2 clone on ebay for $20 a few years ago, and wouldnt develop in the PIC without it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426734",
"author": "spiderwebby",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:59:15",
"content": "I used a knockoff ICD2 when I started learning microcontrollers. Stepping through the code line by line was amazingly useful..Until I was working on a project with a heating element that normally operated for a 1/4 second :S",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426775",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:23:39",
"content": "Ouch!That’s pretty funny. A debugger certainly isn’t without it’s risks…",
"parent_id": "426734",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426824",
"author": "Omega",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:46:56",
"content": "Yeah, I am working on a very timing-critical system, and the best I can do in many cases is essentially use a “trace port” in the form of spare GPIOs that get toggled when certain things happen. That plus a saleae Logic gets me where I need to go when my serial-port debugging doesn’t cut it. An ICD would be useful in inspecting the state of things during non-timing-critical sections, but my serial debugging is just about as effective.I’ve actually planned ahead on the design I’m working on now, with an entire 8-bit port plus a spare “clock” line available. If absolutely have to, I can hook up an FT245 or FT2232 to that, and have the ability to bang debug bytes out over that at up to ~10MB/sec (32MHz chip: write byte[++], toggle clock, toggle clock, repeat). If I switch to a slightly bigger chip I can even use the memory ports to do the same thing with even higher trace rates.",
"parent_id": "426734",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426779",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:29:43",
"content": "Good to see the PIC getting a little attention! I have a PICkit3. The ability to easily debug either in the simulator or the real hardware is wonderful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426786",
"author": "password",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:45:39",
"content": "hah, as usua had is reading my mind , i bought a pickit 3 a few days ago and have made a semi compete breakout board for my 16f1937.but i’ sti strugging to get the pic to compety talk to the chip",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426843",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:21:15",
"content": "are you powering the chip?",
"parent_id": "426786",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426976",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:02:27",
"content": "“The PICflash2 not only acts as an ICD, but as the name suggests it works as an ICSP as well.”you make it sound like there is a single ICD that dont work as ICSP",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.172925
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/fonera-based-quadcopter-can-be-controlled-from-a-web-browser/
|
Fonera-based Quadcopter Can Be Controlled From A Web Browser
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Linux Hacks",
"Robots Hacks",
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"fonera",
"html 5",
"linux",
"pic",
"quad rotor",
"quadcopter"
] |
[Tiakson] just wrapped up the construction of a quadcopter which
piqued our interest due to the unexpected mix of hardware
he used.
A good portion of the copter is made up of the essential bits we have come to expect from a quad rotor system. Instead of using an Xbee or hobby wireless controller however, [Tiakson] opted to use an old Fonera router running OpenWRT to control the system. He wrote special software that allows him to direct the quadcopter using an HTML 5 interface, adding a few kernel tweaks along the way that enabled him to emulate I2C ports over GPIO pins.
The Fonera takes in data from Wii nunchuck and Motion+ sensors, relaying commands to the on-board PIC 16F976 microcontroller. The PIC is used to manage the electronic speed controller modules using PWM, which the Fonera could not handle on its own.
This is a great use for a old router, and the cost is obviously far cheaper than buying off the shelf wireless control modules. We would love to hear how much extra weight the Fonera adds, as well as if there is any controller lag introduced by the web-based interface.
Continue reading to see a quick demo video of the quadcopter in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxwy4beoppk&w=470]
| 11
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426691",
"author": "Pixel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:17:31",
"content": "Great. Yet another Quad working when I can’t get mine to come even close to being able to take off without oscillating to the point of flipping :(Nice project though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426692",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:19:26",
"content": "Have you been able to narrow down the issue at all, e.g. a code problem vs. weight distribution issues?I’m sure there are plenty of helpful folks that might be able to give you a hand in our forums. Pop in ask around if you have a chance.",
"parent_id": "426691",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426694",
"author": "kabukicho2001 said,",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:21:34",
"content": "that’s nice. a flying router! but dangerous coz lulzic can take control and use like a weapon again someone else like u.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426712",
"author": "RJ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:16:21",
"content": "I’ve seen this movie – it doesn’t end well for humanity.",
"parent_id": "426694",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426697",
"author": "MRC",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:34:46",
"content": "routers are a great inexpensive embedded platform.I have an asus router sitting on my workbench for exactly the same purpose. i’m garbage at software though, so my project never took off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426704",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:51:48",
"content": "i see what you did there",
"parent_id": "426697",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426698",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:36:18",
"content": "I love router hacks…such a flexible and overall cheap dev platform.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426733",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:51:59",
"content": "Very cool! Any plans for FPV? Since there’s already WiFi connectivity what about a small IP camera?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426845",
"author": "Thanh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:25:51",
"content": "That’s neat!So am I right that you fly it using a game pad to control the quad? Can it hover without touching the touch pad?Thanks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427082",
"author": "Pixel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T07:00:26",
"content": "I think my issue is a mixture of both; hardware instabilities exacerbated by minor code issues. It’s hard to confirm one way or t’other without having at least one element known-good. The chaps on the DIY Drones forum are helping me get to the bottom of the issue.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427121",
"author": "taikson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T09:59:35",
"content": "Hi!Glad to see my project in HackAday :)Fonera is not a weight problem, because it has no housing. Major problems becomes with mass distribution, it is not well optimized :/.HTTP requests are not laggy but they must be sent not too close one of each other. Because of this, I have to make a fixed-time request program. I’m investigating an UDP solution.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,125.945771
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/how-to-take-a-travelling-electronics-lab-on-the-road-with-you/
|
How To Take A Travelling Electronics Lab On The Road With You
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"home hacks"
] |
[
"bench",
"mobile",
"portable",
"workbench"
] |
If you’re a frequent traveler, or if you don’t have a garage or basement and find your kitchen table is doomed to serve most of its life as an electronics bench this hack is for you. [Robovergne] came up with
a mobile electronics lab
(
translated
) in order to help preserve the Wife Acceptance Factor for his hobby.
The project comes in two parts. On the right you see the pair of component storage cabinets. These are high-quality examples that fully enclose each drawer (cheaper cabinets are open at the back). This way, [Robovergne] was able to connect two of them together with a piano hinge, and add some carrying handles to the top.
The second half of the project is the bench itself. It features a lab supply, soldering iron transformer and holder, and some breadboards for good measure. The base of the unit houses a drawer which carries the bulk of his tools. Now he can pack up and clear out the living room in one single trip.
| 22
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426674",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T14:09:31",
"content": "Exactly what I needed! I’ve always considered packing electronic tools and components to be the most annoying thing about traveling. Now I can live in peace!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426987",
"author": "Ivan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:51:48",
"content": "+1",
"parent_id": "426674",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428299",
"author": "Magnet18",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:29:07",
"content": "+2",
"parent_id": "426674",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "436086",
"author": "Sasha",
"timestamp": "2011-08-16T16:59:46",
"content": "+3",
"parent_id": "428299",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426685",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T14:46:18",
"content": "I’ve been designing something similar but even cooler. Details to come!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426699",
"author": "raged",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:40:10",
"content": "The two cases attached is pretty cool. I’m jealous of the mobile soldering station.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426722",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:31:03",
"content": "I love seeing homemade tools and “support” hacks like this one. I really need a collapse-able workspace for indoor projects and this one looks like a great solution. I especially appreciate the amount of work that clearly went into the bench. The basket holds all the essential tools including the obligatory blue uC.Only thing missing is some kind of folding helping hands stand to go with that LED snake light. Also the soldering iron coil is a bit close to the breadboards although there is still plenty of room.Magnifique!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426755",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:12:09",
"content": "Nice, but maybe more holes for the power supply ventilation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426778",
"author": "vasskk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:29:41",
"content": "lol “the wife acceptance factor”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426781",
"author": "vasskk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:30:33",
"content": "also:hack to hack = win",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426808",
"author": "wildzbill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:34:12",
"content": "Very handy!A lot of good ideas that I can use for my kit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426841",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:18:21",
"content": "I like both parts of this setup. Does anyone know of a source for a drawer container like that? Of course, you could also pair with some of the storage options that were mentioned last week.This is perfect timing for me as well. Just cleaned up the garage and found some extra scrap wood and a power supply that doesn’t have a use right now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426859",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:49:20",
"content": "I’m just going to sum the hinged cabinet up in one word: Brilliant! Forget about “on the road”, this would be a great way to take my ever-growing cabinet collection and make them easier to store. A definite addition to my lab :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426861",
"author": "Lucia",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:52:24",
"content": "Electronics on the go… Google for ‘computing across america’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426881",
"author": "Digitalundernet",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:27:59",
"content": "Ben Heck has a real nice one I’d like for myselfhere",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426896",
"author": "Rachel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:01:13",
"content": "If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years of electronics experience, you have to keep massive amounts of scrap junk on hand, just so you can have the parts you need. I only use a small fraction of my collection of circuit boards, printers, and motors, but I never know what I’ll need next. If I don’t have a part on hand, it will create huge delays.Having a mobile electronics tool kit is a nice idea, but carrying around half a tonne of parts is a little more difficult.Regarding this setup, I would place the iron holder on the side, or at least add a solder catcher. Dripping molten metal on your protoboard is a quick way to ruin a project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426913",
"author": "mjrippe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:42:59",
"content": "In one sense I agree with Rachel. This setup would carry my basic assortment of resistors, caps, diodes, and a few other parts. In that capacity it would be fine for service calls or light duty work. But I too have multiple bins of chips, hardware and other bits, three full vacuum tube caddies, meters, motors, etc. in my “full” shop setup. Not to mention test equipment. I just can’t imagine ever being fully portable!",
"parent_id": "426896",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426929",
"author": "wildzbill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:28:15",
"content": "I think that the key to a mobile lab is to think about how you intend to use it. You are not likely to invent a massive system while on the road.You might use it to teach others how to do something.You might want to work on a particular circuit at a time when you have to be away from home.In such cases you take the small number of parts you might need, not your whole shop.I might have LEDs, LCDs, several types of buttons and switches, a few relays, small motors of each type, an Arduino, etc. At most I might work out simple bit of code and circuitry to do the job. Or show someone else how to do the same.I also pack pliers, cutters, knife, wire strippers, a high-speed drill and glue gun. Very useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427010",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:26:26",
"content": "I have a plastic toolbox (with a pull out tray). Just need to let your soldering iron cool before putting it back in the case.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427280",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T16:54:04",
"content": "@henryRadio Shack used to sell a soldering iron that came with a metal stand that doubled as a “box” for the hot tip allowing the iron to be put back into the tool box while it was still hot.",
"parent_id": "427010",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "430032",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:10:26",
"content": "FYI: His site is in both English and French. You don’t need to translate it, just click the link on the right to get to the English version.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430036",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T18:12:20",
"content": "Ok, slight retraction. This article is in both English and French. It looks like he only translates some of his articles.",
"parent_id": "430032",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,126.125318
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/workshop-lights-so-bright-they-will-give-you-sunburn/
|
Workshop Lights So Bright, They Will Give You Sunburn
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"atmega",
"ccfl",
"leds",
"lighting"
] |
There are few things more frustrating than trying to tinker at your workbench with suboptimal lighting. [Jeremy] was toiling away in his workshop one afternoon when
he decided that he finally had enough
, and set out to overhaul his lighting setup.
His workshop is incredibly bright now, sporting a handful of under the shelf CCFL tubes to complement the mixture of cool and warm LEDs that are mounted on the ceiling. One thing we really liked about his setup is that he added a handful of LEDs to the bottom of his workbench, aimed at the floor – perfect for those times when a tiny screw or SMD component goes missing.
Everything is controlled by an ATMega 328 that he shoved into a project box, allowing him to tweak the lighting to suit his needs using a few simple buttons and a small LCD panel.
[Jeremy] says that the entire thing is “overkill” and that it is decidedly the messiest wiring job he has ever done. For something that was put together hastily in an afternoon, we think it’s just fine. The only thing we’re left wanting is some schematics and source code.
As far as the overkill comment goes, say it with me: There. Can. Never. Be. Too. Many. LEDs!
Stick around to watch [Jeremy] give a demonstration of how the system operates.
[via
Adafruit blog
]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIJ_IDWS5T4&w=470]
| 10
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426661",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T13:07:18",
"content": "“There. Can. Never. Be. Too. Many. LEDs!” Amen to that Brother! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426665",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T13:36:05",
"content": "Interesting example which shows how dim LEDs are typically compared to CCFLs.If I where him, I would group the tubes into groups. Its probably not that healthy to sit in extreme brightness. It will disturb the sleeping rythm etc. and the blue light of the mercury tubes can also slowly damage the eyes (not UV, blue is harmful too)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426838",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:11:18",
"content": "steve, did you not notice that there are around 8 CCFL’s about 18 inches above the workbench. Of course they are going to be brighter than two strips of cool LED’s and two 1 watt warm LED’s that are 3 times further away from the camera.Although, they probably are dimmer, it’s just that this isn’t a good example of how much. Personally, I would have put the LED’s under the shelf where they would have been more useful at a close range, and put the fluorescent lights up on the ceiling. His choice though.Too bad he didn’t show us the floor lights. I also want to see how he implements a spot light (whether it is on an adjustable arm or not).",
"parent_id": "426665",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426709",
"author": "Adam",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:09:03",
"content": "Good lighting is one of the most often overlooked aspects of setting up a work space; yet is one of the most important factors influencing comfort and productivity. Good to see someone making a system that fits their needs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426713",
"author": "Brent",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:16:39",
"content": "Lighting the floor is brilliant.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426714",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:18:50",
"content": "I thought so too. I can’t tell you how much time I’ve spent looking around for random bits and pieces on the floor with a flashlight, yet this setup never crossed my mind.",
"parent_id": "426713",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426829",
"author": "mowcius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:58:08",
"content": "+1 to that – I find the best thing is some directional ones pointing horizontal to the floor – the shadows of small screws seem to show up quite well.Patterned carpets are also the devil to find things on. Solid floors under workbenches/desks is the way to go!",
"parent_id": "426714",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426892",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:51:25",
"content": "The apple fans now come in a sloppy/messy variety eh, surreal ;)On the subject of the lighting, I can get the LED for under-the-shelf stuff but why not use a regular lighbulb for the ceiling? I mean to wire up LED strips and 1W LED’s seems such a pointless effort when you could just put up a cheap and simple ceiling light, and those come in controllable varieties too.You should visit IKEA or something, they not only have lights but lots of stuff that you can mod and hack.But as it’s now up that’s for the future builders of course and the only thing he’d need from IKEA (or similar) now is some material to make a nice enclosure maybe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427015",
"author": "Jeremy Saglimbeni",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:33:50",
"content": "Hey guys, just posted the code and an explanation of the schematics in a new post here:http://thecustomgeek.com/?p=159Enjoy!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427264",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T16:18:47",
"content": "Suggestion for the clever floor lighting – how about a strip LED shining parallel the floor rather than down at it – the equivalent of laying a flashlight beam along the floor to find a tiny part. Having this commong trick built in would be splendid.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,125.841984
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/heres-a-button-call-someone-who-cares/
|
Here’s A Button, Call Someone Who Cares…
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Phone Hacks"
] |
[
"Teensy",
"voip"
] |
[Les] had thousands of dollars of expensive IP Telephone infrastructure at his fingertips, so he figured he might as well play around a bit – after all, what good is all that equipment
if you can’t have a little fun
?
Inspired by the “Awesome Button”
featured on Make
, he started thinking about what sort of feature he would like to have available at the push of a button. He must have had
Travis Tritt on the brain
the day he started building his creation, since he named it the “The Call Someone Who Cares Button”.
[Les] picked up an “emergency stop” button from eBay, wiring it to a TeensyUSB, just as it was done in the Make article. He mapped the button to the pause/break key, then whipped up a bit of C#code that listens for that key to be pressed. When toggled, the button sets forth a series of events that gets his boss on the line ASAP.
It’s a fun little project, and while I might have built a button that introduces fake static and echo into the line before dumping the call, I think it’s pretty cool all the same.
Since it seems that just about everyone has built some derivation of the Awesome Button, share yours with us in the comments, and be sure to stick around to see a quick video demo of the CSWC button in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLzkUqZnaNA&w=470]
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426637",
"author": "Pete Prodoehl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T12:14:35",
"content": "Here’sThe ButtonI ended up building for myPhoto Booth. Based on the AWESOME button, of course.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426678",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T14:22:57",
"content": "Shurely Fake. Like we’re supposed to believe there’s a boss who cares.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426723",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:31:13",
"content": "I have abig red buttonat my work desk, it locks my computer, nothing special, but lots of fun.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426728",
"author": "Tom the Brat",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:41:11",
"content": "I need one of those!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426770",
"author": "Formori",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:01:29",
"content": "I have a Staples Easy button that I reworked last year with a board and guts from an adult toy store to swear a different profanity (out of 10) when you press it.It quickly became the office “Easy-swear” that people would walk by just to push (it’s fairly loud) and makes for a bit of fun in the middle of a stressful workday!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426776",
"author": "Jake",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:24:06",
"content": "Should wire it to USB and hit ctl-alt-del repeatedly ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426777",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T18:25:58",
"content": "Some jerk calls you asking about something you don’t care about, so you hit the button and the jerk gets redirected to your boss so you don’t have to talk to the jerk?Is that how it’s supposed to work, because that’s the only way that seems to make sense to me… but that’s not how it was described in the top posting.I am pretty dumb though, so maybe I’m having one of my episodes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426821",
"author": "Blue Footed Booby",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:40:27",
"content": "@wardyI took that more as a “you called the wrong person, I have no idea what you’re talking about” thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426846",
"author": "Arthur Benemann",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:28:34",
"content": "I used this kind of button sometime ago to fill my coffe maker :http://www.instructables.com/id/Smart-Button/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426980",
"author": "Les",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:12:15",
"content": "@wardy The idea came from a co-worker who kept getting annoying people coming up and interrupting her at her desk. So when this happens, you just hit the button and give them your desk phone. “I’m sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about, here’s someone that cares”Think of it as a geek speed dial.But the iptel system is way cool and yes it could do divert-annoying-call to the boss or (not that we did this in testing, no way) make the bosses desk phone in his other office phone the local strip joint…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427003",
"author": "Peanuts",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:19:16",
"content": "I’d be more inclined to see this bring the boss in on a conference call, and hear when people are being hostile with you for no reason.I’m sure it wouldn’t take too much to tweak the code to do this instead?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.288206
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/toy-robot-hand-vastly-improved-now-more-offensive/
|
Toy Robot Hand Vastly Improved, Now More Offensive
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Robots Hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"PICAXE",
"robot hand",
"toys"
] |
YouTube user [onefivefour] posted a video of his
hacked up toy robot hand
. These cheap
robot hands
usually only use one wire to move all five fingers. [onefivefour] improved upon the design and added five servos to allow independent control of each digit.
The servos are controlled by a PICAXE microcontroller, and [onefivefour] is willing to share the code. A few pressure sensors in the fingertips would turn this build into a great test bed for future development. It would also be great for an [Anakin Skywalker] Halloween costume if anyone on the planet ever wanted that specific costume.
[onefivefour] says he only spent $6 on his and while there’s more money sunk into the servos, it was probably a good investment. We love seeing hacked up pieces of plastic like the
fully functional Wall-E
or the
dancing Androids
. If you’ve got a toy hack in the works, drop us a line on our
tip form
.
| 9
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426633",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T11:46:24",
"content": "I wonder what the grip is like on this hand , is it able to pick up items or are the fingers not strong enough ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426820",
"author": "onefivefour",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:39:32",
"content": "It can’t pick up a full drink, but screwdrivers, rubber balls, objects under a pound or so are not a problem.",
"parent_id": "426633",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426658",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T12:58:10",
"content": "Useful for robots and injured Jedis!!!Nice job on the hack-simple and good :)Maybe I can work on an “auto-petter” that will keep our cat happy lol.Thanks for the info, too!Way to get the comments fixed HaD! I felt like an old man the other day deleting off screen and having text-wrap issues lol. Much better!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426666",
"author": "ChrisC",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T13:36:14",
"content": "Good to see there is still interest in human like robotics. It’s a shame that it’s either really cheap (not that that’s bad at all) or really rediculously expensive (aka companies showing off cough*asimo*cough).Ok full disclosure I’m trying to develop a robotic hand kit that will allow hackers to add their own modular electronics/sensors and motors to them. So in otherwords taking out the fiddly bits of constructing the structure of the hand, and letting people concentrate on what they’re more comfortable with. The site ishttp://anthromod.com/blog/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426667",
"author": "The W01F",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T13:40:14",
"content": "You see, you combine this with any other project that involves prosthetics you got the open-source mechanical arm that many of us wannabe cyborgs are hoping for.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426716",
"author": "Xtremegamer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:25:42",
"content": "This would be a great prosthetic for children with an handicap so they can train at an early age to handle an more advanced prosthetic later on.silicone skin over it and the other kids will not even notice it thus improve the overall social life of such children.i see only benefits other then human become more robot but that will happen eventually so why not now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426759",
"author": "zigzagjoe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:14:35",
"content": "Neat hack, but too cheap (in design) to actually be useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427512",
"author": "JT",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T21:25:58",
"content": "I like how it’s “flipping the bird”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "443393",
"author": "onefivefour",
"timestamp": "2011-08-29T00:58:59",
"content": "FWIW: I completed the build:http://ijprojects.blogspot.com/2011/08/picaxe-18m2-robotic-hand-complete.htmlbut his interim step was more impressive:http://ijprojects.blogspot.com/2011/08/robot-hand-mimics-real-life-hand.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.44673
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/31/hackaday-links-july-31-2011/
|
Hackaday Links: July 31, 2011
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Hackaday links"
] |
[
"earbuds",
"iphone",
"solder pot",
"ti-84",
"tie"
] |
Indestructible
earbuds
We’re still waiting for our [Lt. Uhura] style earbuds. But until then, can we interest anyone in
a set that will stand up to some abuse
?
Solder Pot Scavenger
[Felicitus] says we should get
a solder pot and use it to scavenge for parts
. His method looks pretty easy and it’s cheaper than buying
a rework station for this purpose
.
Smartphone cooling
Turn all your hacking skills loose to beat the heat. That’s what [Stephanie] did when
she added iPhone control for an oscillating fan
.
Tunes calculator
Graphing equations and crunching numbers wasn’t enough for [Drew]. He went and figured out how to make his
TI-84+ play music off of a thumb drive
.
Geek-chic
Don’t let anyone out-geek you at company parties. Beef up your arsenal with
this resistor color-code necktie
. And yes, you can wear it with a T-shirt!
| 44
| 25
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426373",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:34:47",
"content": "my ear buds break EVERY 2 months almost on the nose … if these have skull candy quality id love temi need good bass for meh techno",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426439",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T00:35:21",
"content": "hehe. it’s almost like you’re trollingbuy some cheap higher end headphones and use a carry case, and they’ll last forever. for my money Sony EX57 are a good balance between price and sound. my pair are a year old and still like new",
"parent_id": "426373",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426471",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T02:12:17",
"content": "i have bought those after reading reviews online and the bass sucks on them to be frankand i do keep them in a case i just listen to them nearly 12 hours a day at work and 9 hours at home when my geek gets mei use headphones probably a bit more and more roughly than the average person",
"parent_id": "426439",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426378",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:41:13",
"content": "have fun constantly plugging them back in when they get pulled on",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426529",
"author": "sillyzombie666",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T05:14:22",
"content": "ya thats what i was thinking, i wear the sony style hook ear buds but i would love that style feature on them since they break so often from being tuged on",
"parent_id": "426378",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426380",
"author": "Pete",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:44:07",
"content": "Re: resistor neck tie.I might be able to out geek you with my cosine function bow tie.http://petemills.blogspot.com/2011/07/engineering-bow-tie.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426391",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:10:42",
"content": "A time machine back to 1974 giant bow ties or is it the camera Angle? Right the standard tie was for the board room, the bow tie for the stock room. The expectation that labor, or tradesmen wear ties on the job has fallen by the wayside. Hopefully the same will happen for ties in general.",
"parent_id": "426380",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426417",
"author": "Pete",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:56:53",
"content": "Not sure about the camera angle but, it is a pretty big bow tie. ~65mm across the peaks of the bow. They are often called butterfly bow ties.",
"parent_id": "426391",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426525",
"author": "cptfalcon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T05:00:22",
"content": "You may notice that Doctors, in particular the pediatric variety, often wear bow ties instead of ties. The reason is that babies like to yank on a dangling tie, whereas its a bit harder with a bowtie. I imagine similar annoyances happen with other professions as well. However, I personally think both are archaic and have not much form or function…",
"parent_id": "426391",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426385",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:55:07",
"content": "Earbuds; have yet to use any. I suppose my cell phone could function as a 2 Gig mp3 player but I never felt the need toThe solder pot looks to work well, but I already have a propane torch, air compressor, face shield.Tie up 2 arduinos or buy a new fan, if one has to have to have the remote control. Different stokes for different folks, but I’d buy the fan.No matter how far out a neck tie is,it’s still I neck tie, I avoid them as much as possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426399",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:20:04",
"content": "Word of warning though, re-heating chips ages them pretty fast. If the device is already old, it might not be worth the effort because it will bring things like amplifiers and filters out of tune.I’ve done repair work on RF amplifier boards that are built on a thick copper substrate, that have bounced back in testing. You put it on a hot-plate with a heat gun above, quickly swap out the defective parts, add solder, and then slide it onto a peltier-cooled plate. You’re only supposed to do one re-heat on a board because it ages the components 4-10 years worth of use when you fix it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426401",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:22:30",
"content": "I don’t get the reasoning behind the ironbuds. I’ve got a pair of Sony earbuds — MDR-NC33 — that are not only excellent in terms of comfort and quality, they also have noise cancelling. And only $10 more than the top end of these ironbuds ($58). Certainly not an unreasonable price for quality earbuds, and I’ve had these for a while now, using them every day, giving them a fair bit of abuse, and never had a problem with them. How about a durable MP3 player? My iPods and other players break far more often than my earbuds…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426411",
"author": "patrick",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:47:26",
"content": "is it just me or is that a 46 ohm tie? why",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426485",
"author": "Techie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:11:43",
"content": "Agree… :)",
"parent_id": "426411",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426420",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:25:13",
"content": "Solder pot looks super dangerous…molten metal and all. Do they make smaller ones with maybe 1 CM or so of solder depth? I don’t need like 6 FL oz…just a little to give me the rising-heat-localized-reflow effect. Any need for serious ventilation with that, and how does it treat the PCBs sitting on molten solder?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426585",
"author": "Felicitus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T08:51:42",
"content": "Well the smoke you usually get when soldering is actually the flux. You can’t heat up tin-solder that it becomes gas-state. However, PCBs can emit hazardous gases so ventilation comes in handy (we actually use it, you can see it in the upper left corner when the cam shakes).We have quite good results with the desoldered parts, my estimate of 20% of all desoldered parts being broke seemed to be too much – now I guess it’s more like 5 to 10%. Of course, desoldering action could reduce the overall lifetime of the parts, so if you need something that lasts several years, then you should buy new components just to be sure.Some parts are less fragile to heat than others; for example, oscillators and crystals are virtually immune (unless you heat them up for a very long time). ElCaps are a bit more sensitive, ICs are somewhere in the middle. As the video is real-time, you can see that we usually don’t take too long to remove the parts, so most of them will be just fine.Temperature is 350°C for our pot. Smaller pots usually won’t do the trick, it’s hard enough with our solder pot for some stuff as the component area needs to be covered by the pot.",
"parent_id": "426420",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426421",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:27:40",
"content": "“i need good bass for meh techno”Then you need to listen from something other than earphones. You can’t really produce solid bass from such a small driver.But overall, the idea of a modular earplug system is quite sound.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426570",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T07:59:02",
"content": "my skullcandies handle bass very nicely so i believe your wrong there",
"parent_id": "426421",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426719",
"author": "tehnoo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:26:43",
"content": "Skullcandy has been proven to be the same cookie cutter buds produced by many low end companies. They’re just re-branded and repackaged at different price points. I don’t want to say they’re worthless, I keep a set at my desk at work, but good headphones they’re not. They’re adequate and better than the junk that comes with devices.Just because they throw out lots of bass, does not mean they have good quality sound. In fact, it usually means (especially at their price points) they’re muddying up other frequencies and actually changing the music you’re listening too for the worse.Clarity, throughout the spectrum, and true reproduction is what defines a good set of headphones or speakers. Skullcandy has appealed to a demographic that enjoys music with less sound complexity, and that’s all I’ll say about that if you can read between the lines.Music that has more than three different frequencies will greatly benefit from something with a little more range and quality than what Skullcandy can offer.",
"parent_id": "426570",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426423",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:29:19",
"content": "Earr earphone rather.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426433",
"author": "Tiersten",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T00:16:22",
"content": "What is the temperature like for the solder pots? It looks like a nice easy way of getting components off but I’m wondering if it’ll cause damage due to overheating.The video shows him just holding the PCB against the pot and removing the components one by one so the later components will have been heated up a lot more. When soldering you’re not supposed to have the soldering iron on the joint for too long because of this risk. If you can’t make the joint properly then you have to wait for it to cool down and try again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426586",
"author": "Felicitus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T08:53:28",
"content": "Yes, the risk to damage parts is existant. usually parts don’t break immediately, but their lifetime is reduced when applying too much heat. See my comment above; usually you will want to use those parts for test stuff, not for projects which will last years. Then it’s better to buy new stuff. But for doing a proof of concept, breadboard stuff etc they will do fine.",
"parent_id": "426433",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426467",
"author": "m1ndtr1p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T02:00:15",
"content": "I just pledged my $94 (extra $8 for shipping) for 2 sets of the audiophile Ironbuds (one set for me and one set for the wife, she breaks all her earbuds, and occasionally mine as well)… I think it’s a great idea having everything modular, if anything goes bad on them, you’ll only have to replace that specific section of cable or part, not the entire set…Sadly the Android/iPhone version (with volume control and microphone) isn’t available yet… Oh well, not a big deal… I can’t wait to get em and see how they compare to my, much more expensive, Sennheiser CX 880I buds. I’m not expecting miracles but if the sound quality is close enough, they may just replace the Senns for day to day use.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426708",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:07:08",
"content": "your plan is flawless…. until your wife breaks part of hers and starts scavenging yours for parts. :)",
"parent_id": "426467",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426468",
"author": "axodus",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T02:06:29",
"content": "solder pot demo reminded me of this this post:http://hackaday.com/2009/06/26/home-made-solder-pot/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426474",
"author": "AussieTech",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T02:38:49",
"content": "Pant stripping gun works wonders stripping components from old computer boards, and I’ve *never* had a heat damaged IC or SMD from this.Free components – yay! (Mind you, the Ardious crowd will actually have to learn some electronics to use them, :evil grin).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426480",
"author": "GoBO",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:01:28",
"content": "RE: EarphonesI’m very surprised at the lack of tech specs on the earphones, I cannot find ANYTHING to do with the actual specifications, let alone freq response or SPL, the 2 major ones. Kind of weird considering they bloat how their designer worked for big sound company. I’m not going near them until I know what’s in them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426488",
"author": "m1ndtr1p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:22:21",
"content": "The specs aren’t on the website because they haven’t been finalized yet, they’re still sourcing and testing drivers, connectors, cables and other stuff for the earbuds, trying to find/use the best they can while staying within budget… When they finalize the earbuds, they’ll be posting the spec sheet on their website here:http://s376010601.initial-website.com/technica-and-other-stuff/But, for $47, you really can’t go wrong for a single set of their highest end earbuds… That amount wouldn’t even get you a mediocre set of earbuds from any other company, let alone one with a fully modular design with kevlar wrapped cables.",
"parent_id": "426480",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426495",
"author": "GoBO",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:34:51",
"content": "Ah, missed that. Hmmm, Lets hope they release info soon, Im still not going to commit until i get more info. For instance, whats the diff between the deluxe and audiophile ones… There are really good $50 headphones out there. The other thing is, my current ones are brilliant, very strong, AND really thin. They roll up into a tiny coil and fit easy in my pocket. I have had some kevlar coated ones before, its really just something fancy to coat it with, it dosnt really provide anything else. Have you ever had a set of headphone where the cable had broken?",
"parent_id": "426488",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426489",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:23:06",
"content": "Re: Tie – Now somebody has to make a nice resistor sympol tie clip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426511",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:58:27",
"content": "Why gold connectors? Those things are a gimmick, and do not actually improve the connection.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426517",
"author": "foose",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T04:24:57",
"content": "Gold plated connectors = corrosion resistant. Not really a gimmick. Unplated copper would corrode within weeks.",
"parent_id": "426511",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426571",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T08:02:05",
"content": "yes they dothey create less resistance at the connection site and rotating the connector wont make as much “fuzzle” in the soundwe did tests with this freshmen year deciding what connectors to go with to wire the new video room",
"parent_id": "426511",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426710",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:10:14",
"content": "pure silver is actually a better conductor than pure gold, but as mentioned above, corrosion comes into play rather quickly.the gold slows that down remarkably.",
"parent_id": "426511",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426520",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T04:37:55",
"content": "Someone PLEASE do a DIY shallow solder pot! It’s too obscure a thing to buy but for some reason obscure enough that i’d happily make one myself",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426522",
"author": "Frogz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T04:50:17",
"content": "i like my plantronics but i’ve ran ATLEAST 10 pairs into the groundthey last 4 or 5 monthes and then the cable fails somewhereim at the point where i am going to go out and buy some jackhammering ear muffs or similar and some high quality drivers(or maybe some dirt cheap drivers from a pair of pc speakers, driven at low power) and connecting them to my head with awg 18 or thicker wireplantronics audio 90, evolved into audio 350 and now they have something newafter having to replace some 5 pairs of audio 90s on warrenty, they listened to me and improved the wire in the 350(direct replacment in “basic” full size gaming headset)but i abuse headsets, good wire is key to mecan you buy all components individually?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426524",
"author": "Frogz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T04:52:30",
"content": "jordan, american science and surplus has a heater that’d be perfect for a diy solder pot, i think it was from a coffee maker or something…http://hackaday.com/2009/06/26/home-made-solder-pot/as well",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426531",
"author": "NishaKitty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T05:18:13",
"content": "I so wish I had one of those solder pots, that looks much quicker than when I desolder parts x.x",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426550",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T06:30:46",
"content": "Repairable high quality earbuds are a good idea, but going from one connector to SIX? Six times the possibility for bad connections. And the extra hanging weight of not only the connectors but the heavy-duty cables would likely make them pop out more easily, and/or make your ears sore with extended use. Ears are sensitive! I’ve discarded as many earbuds/earphones because they were uncomfortable to wear for more than a few minutes, as I have because of failure.This is really overkill anyway. If the idea is to make them repairable to protect an investment in a high quality earbuds, it could be done far simpler and cheaper; without extra weight and failure points. Make the earbuds so they can be opened with a screw; instead of a sealed assembly as is typical. Sell replacement “Y” cables with integrated strain reliefs that mate with the earbud casing, and with a tiny two-pin female header on the each end. Plug the header into the mating male connector inside the earbud, line up the stress relief, close the case, and you’re done. Although there is still an extra connector, it can easily be smaller than a 2mm barrel connector, and is no longer subject to external strain. You no longer need separate right/left cables, adapter block, and device cable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427114",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T09:38:32",
"content": "Say what you will…I’ve got a favorite pair of Sony earbuds which do exactly what I want them to do.They were neither expensive, nor inexpensive, for their performance (I paid about $50 for them).I like them a lot, but I’m afraid to use them much because I don’t want to break the absurdly-thin wires that tie the bits together and lose their use forever.If they had detachable (and user-serviceable, or at least replaceable) cords using industry standard connectors, though, I’d use them all the time: Worst case is I’d be out a bit of cash for a replacement cordset.As it is, however, when the cable breaks the headphones break. And since this model is no longer in production, and other current models are of vastly different design, I’d then have to replace them with something altogether different (which I’m not inclined at all to do, as (again) I rather like this set).-Please- give me six easily-repaired mechanical connections and a replaceable wire on a set of earphones which are not of objectionable sound quality.Serviceability FTW.",
"parent_id": "426550",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426675",
"author": "kevin mcguigan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T14:14:45",
"content": "Digital Trends – Sat, Jul 30, 2011. I saw an article on the web this a.m. from this about wifi cracking done with a drone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426677",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T14:19:58",
"content": "Where can I get the solder pot in the video? Thank you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426702",
"author": "setlahs",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:46:31",
"content": "A Correction on the Fan, it wasn’t me, it was a friend of mine that did the hack. [Michael]Thanks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426884",
"author": "blddk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:34:05",
"content": "haha, this explains why there suddenly started to come comments on my youtube video. ;)",
"parent_id": "426702",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,126.711256
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/31/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-make-lumber-keep-time/
|
Do You Have What It Takes To Make Lumber Keep Time?
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"clock hacks"
] |
[
"gears",
"pendulum",
"wood",
"wooden"
] |
[Frank] sent in a link to this fantastic wooden clock. The design was dreamed up by [Clayton Boyer] and
he’s got full-sized templates for sale on his site
. We’ve marveled at his creations in the past, having featured
his useless machine
that was made from wooden gears. This “Bird of Paradise” clock steps up the complexity quite a bit, creating a timepiece without a case to show off the beauty of all of those teeth.
We wondered what goes into building one of these yourself. From the
FAQ page
it seems you could get by with a scroll saw, drill press, Dremel, and sander. That’s the medium-tech method, but you could opt to scan the plans in order to laser cut your parts, or
just use hand tools
. But in addition to building tips, there’s advice on how to fine tune clocks that don’t want to keep running, thoughts on finishing the wood parts, sanding, tweaking the teeth, and much more. It’s no secret we have a love for digital clock projects, but there’s something very seductive about a design like this that uses no electricity. Don’t miss the clip after the break to see what we mean.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m88hSkT8dEk&w=470]
| 20
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426307",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:17:03",
"content": "Wow what a work of art.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426314",
"author": "jon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:54:58",
"content": "And this goes on my list of about 100 other things I would love to try if I had the time. Very very cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426316",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T20:08:49",
"content": "Wooden clocks fascinate me too. I even bought a small scroll saw and practiced a bit but so far I don’t have much progress to report. Another problem to consider, unexpected at first, is availability of decent wood. The type of plywood we have in construction stores here is ok for construction work but is not suitable for fine clockwork. It chips too much.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426323",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T20:23:30",
"content": "I even bought a small scroll saw and practiced a bit but so far I don’t have much progress to report.Me too, though I have not even attempted to make a gear wheel yet.Try asking at a proper timber yard for offcuts of birch (decorative) ply. I am not sure if it is all the same quality but I got some which cuts quite nicely, so long as I don’t try too tight a radius.",
"parent_id": "426316",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426324",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T20:26:52",
"content": "Yeah right. I just need to find a proper timber yard here. I really have no idea where to start, so I’m coding and soldering meanwhile :)",
"parent_id": "426323",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426326",
"author": "Jonas",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T20:39:26",
"content": "Wow, seriously. Wow. Great handwork.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426330",
"author": "austin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:03:06",
"content": "i think for these you want something more like a 2×4 (or more appropriately a 2×10)also proportions for the gears is important and you have to remember that wood will shrinkim guessing a normal band saw can work for most the cutting but a dremil or similar tool may be needed to get the finer detailsbut that is all guess-work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426382",
"author": "bdsmith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:47:18",
"content": "If your town has a woodworking store (like a Rockler or Woodworkers Supply), they carry birch plywood. Sometimes called Finnish plywood too. Its made with more, thinner, and better quality layers than the construction plywood you would find in those huge stores.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426407",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:38:28",
"content": "if you are interested in wooden mechanics, this is the site to look at:http://woodgears.ca/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426412",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:47:53",
"content": "A clock is more accurate when the escapement doesn’t put force on the pendulum while it’s in swing, because then the swing is more symmetrical and the period of the pendulum doesn’t depend on the acting torque in the escape mechanism. It’s supposed to give the swinging arm a kick while it’s centered, and let it swing freely with minimum friction otherwise.That’s why wrist watches have a spring loaded wheel for a pendulum that connects to the escapement with a small slot or a peg on a wheel, so it kinda catches on and throws it one way and then the other.It looks like the pendulum here is pushing against the torque of the escapement wheel on at least half of the swing because it’s turning it backwards.That works okay, but only if the torque on the mechanism is sufficiently constant and it never snags on changes in friction on different parts of the rotation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426581",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T08:32:58",
"content": "If you read more on the site (and you should it’s a good read) then you’ll notice he says the clocks are not very accurate, because they are wood they change with the weather, some run off as much as 15 minutes a day. He doesn’t mind because he considers them art instead of timekeeping devices.And I agree.",
"parent_id": "426412",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426823",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:46:17",
"content": "Still, the clock could be made much more accurate with a different escapement. It won’t solve the problem with the pendulum arm changing in lenght, and variable friction at the pivot point, but it should make the clock run consistently to within seconds, so you’d only have to adjust it once a week instead.Those two problems could then be solved by a metal pendulum arm and a metal bearing, or by a careful choice of wood for these parts to make it a truly well engineered timepiece.",
"parent_id": "426581",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426418",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:10:01",
"content": "I’ve been thinking of a clock with a maze escapement that does just that. It would have a wheel with a square wave slot running on the perimeter and a peg that sticks into it on the end of a lever.Every time you turn the lever, then peg slides along the wall of the maze and a slanted part on each “tooth” would give it a kick. You can imagine it as a stick that points up and to the side, and when you push it, once over the vertical it snaps into the opposite position.Now all you have to do is put a notch there that catches a swinging pendulum as it enters, holds it at the middle, and releases it on the other side. It would throw the pendulum into the swing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426424",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:30:09",
"content": "Really awesome, but I wonder how much humidity effects it (humidity is an issue here, Summer months 80-90% is the norm)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426428",
"author": "moof",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:45:55",
"content": "The problem with maze and ball escapements is that the cumulative friction is unpredictable (and saps a lot of energy, to boot.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426445",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T00:44:40",
"content": "But if the pendulum itself isn’t dragged by the escapement, then the variable friction doesn’t matter.It only changes the strenght of the kick it gives to the pendulum, and a pendulum in free swing doesn’t change its period regardless of the amplitude of the swing.That’s the point of it. The escapement itself can be rather shoddily made, and it still keeps accurate time.",
"parent_id": "426428",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426446",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T00:48:11",
"content": "I mean, a pendulum in free swing has the same period regardless of the amplitude.It gets dragged behind a little bit when it releases the escapement at the middle of the swing, but only for a very short moment. Each half-swing is like a separate catch-throw-catch, where only the catching part is affected by the mechanism’s friction.",
"parent_id": "426445",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426500",
"author": "gnomad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:39:48",
"content": "Those interested in wooden clocks should check out John Harrison’s early wooden clocks which in the mid 1720s achieved an accuracy of +/1 one second per month.It is worth noting that that type of accuracy is difficult to achieve even with modern crystal oscillators.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426594",
"author": "Larry",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T09:26:55",
"content": "two words reprap! be a cool project to print out :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427967",
"author": "jeff-o",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:59:44",
"content": "I’ve built two of Clayton Boyer’s designs so far (I even wrote an Instructable about one of them). It’s a fairly time consuming process. The two main tools you need are a scroll saw and a drill press, along with a set of nice drill bits and good blades.You could certainly use a laser cutter, but the burn marks left behind would mar the look of the finished piece (IMO).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.618668
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/31/monitoring-the-worlds-dns-status-using-a-display-straight-out-of-wargames/
|
Monitoring The World’s DNS Status Using A Display Straight Out Of WarGames
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"analog meter",
"arduino mega",
"DataCenter",
"opendns",
"panel meter",
"tlc5940"
] |
Nothing says Cold War like a map of the work with LEDs embedded in it. Throw in some analog dials for good measure and you’ve got a piece that would be comfortable mounted next the WOPR in everyone’s favorite ’80s-computers-run-amok movie. We think [Dima] really hit the mark when
building this status panel for OpenDNS
datacenter monitoring.
[Dima] works for OpenDNS and wanted to make something special for its upcoming 5 year anniversary. He’d already been toying with making boxes from laser-cut wooden pieces. This was just a matter of choosing a size that would fit the dials and leave a suitable area for a laser-etched map. Each of the twelve panel meters gets a PWM signal from the Arduino Mega that he used to bring the device to life. It shows a comparative server load for each data center based on the previous day’s numbers. There is an LED in the map for each of these centers. Right now they’re all red, but he used RGB LEDs and plans to upgrade the capability soon. He should have no problem doing this as he sourced some TLC5940 drivers to extend his I/O capabilities.
Don’t forget the check out the clip embedded after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf-T4aCyWHE&w=470]
| 14
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426256",
"author": "SuperNuRd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:06:05",
"content": "Map of the work should be ma of the world",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426258",
"author": "SuperNuRd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:06:53",
"content": "Woops ment map",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426272",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:40:10",
"content": "Win",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426273",
"author": "mjrippe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:42:32",
"content": "This is a great display and the RGB LEDs will add another dimension of coolness.That said, it is nothing like War Games which used vector graphics on the display screens. The WOPR itself was mostly lights and a small LCD display. I think it’s time I lent you my DVD, Mike!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426285",
"author": "Mike M",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:19:28",
"content": "Now build Joshua so we can play some Global Thermonuclear War!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426298",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:59:12",
"content": "That is awesome! I want one :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426305",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:04:55",
"content": "Why use TLC5940s? I’m assuming he wants the LEDs to all have various brightness, but the mega has 40 digital I/O pins (not including the 14 PWM pins). There are 12 RGB LEDs to control, so you don’t even need to multiplex/charlieplex them if you don’t want to. Just whip up some interrupt driven PWM or BAM code to implement varying intensity in software and you’re good to go without any extra hardware.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426311",
"author": "Dima",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:35:25",
"content": "@pedro: The LEDs do have individual variable brightness.Software PWM is a great idea and might be worth playing with for the next project. The mega is being swapped out for an Uno as soon as I get some time :)",
"parent_id": "426305",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426368",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:16:20",
"content": "@Mike M: There is a game that lets you play Global Thermonuclear War called DEFCON.http://www.everybody-dies.com/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426388",
"author": "janin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:02:26",
"content": "Pretty cool. The voltmeters always make awesome displays.The map distortion is quite bothersome though, Greenland looks like it is 2/3 the size of Africa while it’s actually about 1/14 -.-",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426422",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:28:25",
"content": "Looks like a cylindrical projection, probably Miller or Mercator. It gives accurate positioning but not all scales/distances are correct. There is serious distortion near the poles.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_projection",
"parent_id": "426388",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426402",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:24:47",
"content": "WOPR approves of this hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426492",
"author": "Nick Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:25:36",
"content": "Yup, they were all about LEDs back during the cold war. ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426897",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:04:15",
"content": "When that movie was popular people actually got calls from modems that were dialing random numbers to see if it was a computer, and it would screech very loudly.And of course most average people had no clue what it was so it was pretty alarming AND annoying to them I understand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,126.763464
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/31/commodore-64-usb-controller-adapter-for-your-pc/
|
Commodore 64 USB Controller Adapter For Your PC
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks",
"computer hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] |
[
"c64",
"commodore",
"usb"
] |
[Frank], like many people, has a soft spot in his heart for the Commodore 64. He prefers to play his C64 games on his computer nowadays, but likes using
his old school Competition Pro
rather than some modern controller with remapped buttons. The only problem with using the controller is that his new computer doesn’t have any ports that accommodate its 9-pin D-sub connector.
The VICE emulator maps keyboard inputs to controller actions, so he decided to build himself a D-sub to USB adapter that implements a virtual USB keyboard. He wrote a firmware package for the Freescale MC9S08JS16L microcontroller that allows him to send keypresses to his emulator whenever he performs an action with his Competition Pro joystick.
The circuit looks easier to duplicate than some
other C64 interfaces
we have seen before, and as you can see in the video below, it works quite well. We imagine that this setup can be used to connect all sorts of old input devices to modern PCs with little to no tweaking.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkqbnitMFDk&w=470]
| 11
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426278",
"author": "Shackadoodl",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:01:49",
"content": "Looks like a great hack ^^For those among us who like these things in bulk could also buy the same thing from speedlink for about 15$. The part number is sl-6603-SBK competition pro usb joystick.I’m not affiliated in any way with this company.http://www.speedlink.com/?p=2&cat=314&pid=21424&paus=1you can also get it in black ^^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "977479",
"author": "zzarko",
"timestamp": "2013-03-13T15:12:10",
"content": "Or, you could just buy cheap chinese USB gamepad for $1-$2, take its electronics out and connect it to 9-pin D-SUB connector (you’ll probably need a few resistors and transistors to convert digital signals to analog 0-5V). You’ll get a real USB joystick interface for your retro joysticks, not just a keypress emulation…",
"parent_id": "426278",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426309",
"author": "Hitek146",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:27:25",
"content": "^LOL!!! That’s bad ass! I bet Speedlink gets hammered in the next few days…And cool hack, but I’m pretty sure I have seen keyboard emulating HID adapters available for sale before. Make it work with paddles, too, and you got a winner. Also cool that it would work with controllers from other systems that used the same pinout, like the Atari 2600…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426328",
"author": "Frank Buss",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T20:41:09",
"content": "Thanks. The nice WaitingForFriday project mentioned in the description has paddle support, and I’m sure there are lots of other USB keyboard emulators, because it’s a standard demo for most USB microcontrollers. I didn’t know the other before hackaday mentioned it, but at least I’m a better International Karate player :-)But the Freescale microcontroller is really inexpensive compared to e.g. a PIC with USB, and the V-USB with ATTiny2313, which could work for keyboard emulation, is only low-speed USB, which is too limited for some other USB experiments I’m planning.",
"parent_id": "426309",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426332",
"author": "ftorama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:07:43",
"content": "I’m preparing a similar thing but able to use Genesis, Nes, Gamecube and PSX pads on a single chip.I just begin the project and for now, it works for Genesis pad. Tomorrow, I should start with the NES pad.I’ll keep you informed but you can follow the progress on everythingbutpic.blogspot.com (in french for now)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426333",
"author": "ftorama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:08:28",
"content": "Forgot old PC analog joysticks (with DB-15 connector) ;-)",
"parent_id": "426332",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426450",
"author": "Frank Buss",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T00:57:04",
"content": "I guess you don’t like PICs? :-)Sounds cool, and the Teensy looks like a nice USB development board for it. I’ve subscribed your blog stream. English would be nice, but Google translator is really good.Did you tested the LaunchPad, which you’ve written about in your blog? It is nice for beginners, I’ve tested it, too:http://www.frank-buss.de/LaunchPad/",
"parent_id": "426332",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426587",
"author": "ftorama",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T08:55:52",
"content": "Thanks for subscribing and happy to know that translation works correctly lol.The site name has a double meaning, the one you understood, and the other one (explained in the fisrt post) saying that the blog will talk of various micros except PICs as there are enough sites about it yet.Teensy is really great. I know a lot of haters will love that, but it’s even greater with Arduino software. I had more problems with my old Genesis pad (one button out of order and cable broken) than with the code to use it on PC…Think I’ll post today the Genesis pad part….Regardin Launchpad, I never took time to play with it. It’s still brand new in the box, and I don’t really need it, playing with AVRs and ARMs yet.",
"parent_id": "426450",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426796",
"author": "Coda",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:14:03",
"content": "Not much new here – this kind of thing been done hundreds of times before, so the uniqueness of this project is down the fact that he used a Freescale MCU (when everyone else woulda just used a ATtiny, or similar PIC).BTW, just to clarify something here, this project has little to do with a C64, apart from the fact that he’s using a C64 emulator, that 9-pin DSUB digital joystick is a standard that was used on most home computers of the time, Sinclair, Atari, et al. So, once you build one, it’s good for whatever emulator you want to run that requires a single digital stick. Frankly, I’d put some kind of interconnect on there so that different kinds of pads/sticks can be swapped in when needed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426862",
"author": "Frank Buss",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:53:33",
"content": "Right, just a quick hack, I’ve even used the keyboard example from the Freescale USB stack as a base, which would be as easy with most other USB microcontrollers, too, because this is a standard example in most USB libraries.Good idea with the interconnect. I was planning to do some configuration anyway, but with another HID USB endpoint in the same microcontroller and some small configuration program on PC, with which you can configure it as an USB keyboard or as USB joystick, and which input pins generated which keys or joystick positions.I’ll keep you informed athttp://twitter.com/#!/frank_buss, if you like and maybe a new Hack A Day article for the full featured project.",
"parent_id": "426796",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "991806",
"author": "Duo2002",
"timestamp": "2013-04-10T21:47:33",
"content": "The speedlink sucks, bought two of them, and they dont have the same responsiveness as the old real thing… just thought you wanted to know…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.179226
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/31/parametric-script-makes-laser-cutter-designs-a-snap/
|
Parametric Script Makes Laser Cutter Designs A Snap
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"laser cutter",
"script",
"svg"
] |
[Tinkerer] bought a small cupboard from an antique store to fit nicely into his kitchen decor. After getting it home, he realized that some of the cubbyholes had originally housed drawers. The originals were long gone but this provided an opportunity for him to
make the replacements seen above
.
The first design approach that popped into [Tinkerer’s] mind was to draw the pieces in an editor like Inkscape. Some consultation with others at the local Hackerspace led him to
this script-based parametric SVG design tool
. We jumped right in to give it a whirl, clicking on Load –> Construction (category) –> Better Box. Once you’ve chosen the script, click on ‘Parameters’ on the left column and enter the sizing you want for your box. When all values are correct, click the renter tab, then export it as a Scalable Vector Graphic.
We’ve lamented time and again about
our lack of a laser cutter
, so we were unable to test this out. But we can’t see why it wouldn’t reproduce the same results that [Tinkerer] achieved.
| 11
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426212",
"author": "Brad",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:17:54",
"content": "Good stuff. Btw, it’s the “render” tab. Not “renter”. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426218",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:37:48",
"content": "I’ve always wondered, when you guys write “we” does that mean that you have an actual office where you tinker with the other members or is it more of a “royal we” so to speak?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426231",
"author": "mjrippe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T15:38:00",
"content": "Yeah, sorry to further sidetrack the thread, but perhaps a “Tour of Hack a Day” would make a nice post!",
"parent_id": "426218",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426275",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:46:38",
"content": "We are located all over the place, so my normal answer would usually be that we could possibly do tours of our individual workshops. However, we’ve filled our full time position and should soon have an offical hackaday set for hacking and making videos. Maybe a tour of that would be cool.",
"parent_id": "426231",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426245",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T16:30:01",
"content": "Something between the royal we and lack of personal responsibility for the published words. “We” was introduced about a year or two ago when HaD started expanding. Someone could write a script for HaD content analysis.",
"parent_id": "426218",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426274",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:43:28",
"content": "Actually svofski, the royal we started sometime in late 2007 when the staff grew to include Eliot. Feel free to browse back about 800 to 850 pages to verify. I personally carried on this rule for a long time as it is a somewhat standard rule on most sites like this, but lately I’ve been encouraging the writers to opine a bit more.",
"parent_id": "426245",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426267",
"author": "Phil Burgess",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:28:16",
"content": "We (by which I mean the literal we — the contributing HaD writers) are encouraged to follow a specific style guide (adopted from another site) that recommends use of the “editorial we.” This has nothing to do with dodging responsibility and everything to do with following an established successful style guide. Lately this rule has relaxed somewhat and more “I” and “me” are creeping in…which, personally, I’m thankful for, because all those “we”s can be awkward to write around sometimes (much like formal “one” vs. informal “you”)!Ironically…we, er, I just acquired a laser cutter last week, but hadn’t told the other writers yet as I’m still fussing around with alignment and settings and whatnot, else that last paragraph would read differently, though still the “editorial we.”",
"parent_id": "426218",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426270",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:38:01",
"content": "yup, we’re mixing it up more lately. Also, looking forward to some info on the laser cutter!",
"parent_id": "426267",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426325",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T20:32:37",
"content": "@Caleb, Phil: thanks for explaining it from your perspective. It’s not that the “we” in general is bad. It’s just the passages written around this pronoun, sometimes, say things that probably weren’t worth saying and it feels as if the author realizes that and wants to dissipate the guilt hiding behind that multiple personal pronoun.But it’s a interesting insight about the old times, I didn’t realize that. Somehow I didn’t feel the effect of “we” in ye olde days. Maybe because opinions back then used to be voluntary opinions and not just filler phrases added to make the article look bigger? Maybe there’s no point in explicitly encouraging the authors to opinionate? Very often, less is more.Well and to pretend that we’re on topic — Congrats with your cutter! *envy* and expecting an article about it.",
"parent_id": "426267",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426301",
"author": "Victor",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:02:42",
"content": "One correction I’d like to make: you should load the scripts I posted on my blog, not the one fromhttp://www.giplt.nl/svg/to get the same output.I hope many people have to spend less time than I did to make a box!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428578",
"author": "Chris Davis",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T17:15:22",
"content": "Take a look at Magic Box –http://magic-box.org/it’s another parametric SVG tool, but allows you to add UI elements for setting the parameters. Very cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.126259
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/30/avr-programmer-modelled-after-the-mkii-uses-lufa/
|
AVR Programmer Modelled After The MkII – Uses LUFA
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"abcminiuser",
"at90usb162",
"AVR",
"dean camera",
"isp",
"lufa",
"mkii"
] |
Here’s a new option for building your own AVR programmer. It’s called
the MkII Slim
and the diminutive size makes it live up to its name. The design is rather spartan, using just three chips; a voltage regulator, a MAX3002 level converter, and an Atmel AT90USB162 as the main microcontroller. This chip has a built-in USB module, foregoing the need for a separate FTDI chip.
The firmware is built on the
Lightweight USB Framework for AVRs
(LUFA). This is a USB stack implementation originally called MyUSB that was developed by [Dean Camera]. Regular lurkers over at the AVRfreaks forums will recognize [Dean’s] name, or his handle [abcminiuser] as a source for many of the high quality AVR tutorials found there. But we digress.
The programmer offers all the features you’d want in an In-System Programmer. It can easily be reflashed with future updates thanks to the bootloader running on the chip. There’s jumper-selectable power options, and it can program targets running at 3.3V or 5v. The full development package including code and artwork is available for download at the site linked above. For your convenience we’ve embedded the schematic after the break.
| 20
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425982",
"author": "Steve-O-Rama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:39:39",
"content": "And it even works with AVR Studio! Huzzah! Thanks for sharing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425983",
"author": "PhilipG",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:39:59",
"content": "So how does this compare to adafruit’s usbtinyisp?Is this also a stk500 programmer?(Compatible with avr studio)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426089",
"author": "reboots",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:29:52",
"content": "Two notable differences:1) The USBtinyISP implements its USB interface by bit-banging i/o pins on a non-USB AVR. This is generally reputed to work, but could theoretically be unreliable under certain conditions. The AT90USB162 in the MkII Slim has a real hardware USB interface.2) The USBtinyISP is a product that you can buy in kit form. If you want a MkII Slim, it looks like you’ll need to build it yourself!For your second question, the MKii Slim is a clone of Atmel’s AVRISP mkII programmer:http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=3808As noted, it is compatible with AVR Studio.",
"parent_id": "425983",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425985",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:51:35",
"content": "Off topic, but sorta related,For those looking for a cheap and easy programmer that works well with AVR Studio, Iswear by this guyfor all my needs. Cheaper then adafruit’s usbtinyisp, smaller and no assembly required. I buy enough to just embed them into my projects and connect USB whenever I want to upload a new flash.But this post is a cool choice for build-your-own.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425986",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:53:15",
"content": "O, forgot it also has a second TTL serial port and limited O-scope functionality.",
"parent_id": "425985",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426044",
"author": "Steve-O-Rama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T00:20:31",
"content": "Thanks for the linkage. I really like the SLO-scope functionality designed into the device, and especially the fact the maker has made all of the source code publicly available. I tallied about $12-15 for the programmer outlined in this article, but $20 for a slightly-better, ready-made product really ain’t bad!",
"parent_id": "425986",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425992",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T22:04:39",
"content": "smaller and even less components (usb asp)http://wiki.032.la/nsl/AVR_Programmer",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426125",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T06:38:37",
"content": "i bought one AVR programmer and never found the need to buy another",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426142",
"author": "ftorama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T08:30:41",
"content": "Great project, but on the other hand, the original is only 34$ with a nice enclosure, and no stress about SMD soldering.Not sure it’s so interesting.I used to like this kind of projects but I finally prefer to trust my tools and focus on my developments",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426155",
"author": "blues",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T09:43:54",
"content": "and what about having in-system debugging capabilities? (step-through, breakpoints etc.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426193",
"author": "axodus",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T12:30:58",
"content": "can i do step-by step debugging with this device?looking for cheaper alternative to AVR dragon…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426560",
"author": "Kuy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T07:33:10",
"content": "Unfortunately not, because Atmel’s DebugWire protocol is proprietary and undisclosed. And while the Dragon is only $50, you get what you pay for: combined with avrdude and avarice it’s unreliable and irritating to develop with – single stepping alone can take 3 seconds per instruction. I usually have to unplug and re-plug my Dragon more than 10 times a day when developing for AVR, just to reboot it :-(If you want real debugging, use an ARM Cortex-M0/M3 – ARM publishes all the debugging specifications and both SWD hardware interfaces and software debuggers are widely available.As for this build, including ISP, PDI /and/ TPI is excellent! It wasn’t that long ago that I had to bit-bang TPI myself to program an (unsupported) ‘tiny10 chip.",
"parent_id": "426193",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426613",
"author": "Jimbo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T10:23:21",
"content": "If you want to debug, you need a JTAG capable device. Save your pennies and get a JTAGICEmkii-CN from MCUZone in China (I have one and it’s under US$100 delivered and nifty as hell) or a cheaper AVR-JTAG-USB from Olimex – either will work well in AVRStudio4. Programmers like this are simply for reading or writing the flash memory and EEPROM. That’s great if you’re into large production of Atmel based boards or need to do in-field reprogramming but of dubious value to the solo hacker and developer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426621",
"author": "blues",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T10:56:37",
"content": "No, rather save your pennies and begin using the MSP430. The “Launchpad” is only $4,30, INCLUSIVE WORKING in-system debugging with breakpoints and everything you dream for :-)The TI tools are quite good (though there is a code size limit for the free edition of around 16KB, and it is not available for linux).In Linux you can use “mspdebug” and “mspgcc”, though they are still in development and not 100% stable (but they are getting better every day)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1437378",
"author": "arman",
"timestamp": "2014-05-10T09:20:24",
"content": "GreatI have good background in FPGA ,but i’m new to avr. so i decide to create my own programmer. i want to build the best programmer. I think your case is super great.but my question: why there is no code for micro controllers?how you program it? could you explain it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1774199",
"author": "Dani",
"timestamp": "2014-09-01T13:19:01",
"content": "I think it’s the LUFA firmware that he referred to… but I tried, I can’t figure out where exactly the code for the AT90USB162 mcu. The instructions are so wierd and indirect.",
"parent_id": "1437378",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2377318",
"author": "Tõnis",
"timestamp": "2015-01-24T13:18:39",
"content": "Hey, you need to download the full latest LUFA package and unpack it. When that’s done, you need to set up all the dependencies than are needed to compile the LUFA projects. When that’s done, you need to enter the LUFA/Projects/AVRISPmkII directory and “make” the project, if the make is successful and no errors show up, you need to flash the .hex on the chip and you’re done :)Also notice that when you’re on Windows 8.1 like me, and you want to use this AVRISP mkII clone with AtmelStudio 6 then you need to “update driver” in device manager, and then point it to the Program Files/Atmel/Atmel USB/ folder and select “let me pick from a list, then select Jungo and next, then you select the driver from the list and click “Have disk” and point it to “Program Files/Atmel/Atmel USB/usb64/” and select the .inf file there, it will prompt you, but then you agree and say yes and there you go :)",
"parent_id": "1774199",
"depth": 3,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2377347",
"author": "Tõnis",
"timestamp": "2015-01-24T13:36:06",
"content": "Hey, forgot to mention in the first section, that before you “make” the project, you need to edit the “makefile” and change the MCU to the correct.",
"parent_id": "2377318",
"depth": 4,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2381589",
"author": "Tõnis",
"timestamp": "2015-01-26T14:57:04",
"content": "Hey, I now got to also test programming an ATxmega128A4U. I switched to 3V3 mode and connected to the PDI connector, and in Atmel Studio 6 tried to read signature, but cannot. Also cannot read signature of ATxmega32A4.Any ideas ?",
"parent_id": "2377347",
"depth": 5,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2426070",
"author": "Tõnis",
"timestamp": "2015-02-09T13:08:13",
"content": "It seems that in the documentation, that the AT90USB162 is a “weaker” MCU and has reduced functionality in the programmer.If this limited functionality is connected to my problem, I haven’t found out yet.",
"parent_id": "2377347",
"depth": 5,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,127.014627
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/bluetooth-morse-code-keyboard-for-the-disabled/
|
Bluetooth Morse Code Keyboard For The Disabled
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Medical Hacks",
"Microcontrollers",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] |
[
"bluetooth",
"input device",
"morse",
"morse code"
] |
The team a Zunkworks wanted to build a device for people who can’t normally use a keyboard and mouse. The
Bluetooth Morse code keyboard
is what they came up with. This build gives the user full control over the keyboard and mouse using a single button or a sip & puff interface.
The project is build around an Arduino ProMini, an FTDI breakout board, and a
Bluetooth module
. It’s a fairly simple build, but the meat of the project lies in the
code
. Every keystroke and mouse movement is only a few button presses away.
Like the
USB Morse code keyboard
we saw last year, this project also translates the dits and dahs into characters that are available on a keyboard. In fact, Zunkworks even used the code for this USB morse keyboard as a reference. With only one button for user input, we’re reminded of
Stephen Hawking’s computer interface
. This project might be an improvement on Hawking’s system because it allows control of the mouse cursor.
Check out the video of the Morse keyboard below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mTEevUbbUU&w=470]
| 15
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427196",
"author": "austin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:20:05",
"content": "how does it know when one letter ends and another begins?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427201",
"author": "Tel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:30:07",
"content": "I’d assume the length of the time between entries is timed. Too long of a wait, it would figure it was time for the next letter.That’s just a guess.",
"parent_id": "427196",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427285",
"author": "austin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T16:58:48",
"content": "That’s silly though, you are limited in how fast you can type by the timeout. And you can’t wait too long or you will get the wrong letter.This could all be fixed with a “next” button that says when you are done typing letters",
"parent_id": "427201",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427479",
"author": "überRegenbogen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:23:13",
"content": "That’s the usual way that Morse works: gaps between letters; bigger gaps between words. Text entry on many mobile phones uses a similar method to select letters: press the button ’till you get the wanted letter, then wait a moment to accept it. It limits speed in either case; but that doesn’t stop telegraphers and SMSers from achieving very impressive speeds.",
"parent_id": "427201",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427200",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:29:59",
"content": "Why when there are a million other systems that allow you to type punctuation and other symbols that are not in Morse code.Many accessability systems tried to do this and failed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427484",
"author": "überRegenbogen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:28:52",
"content": "Because there are countless people who (like Mr Zunker, here) already have telegraphy skills. There’s no good reason for them to learn a new system. ☺",
"parent_id": "427200",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427679",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T04:10:23",
"content": "I’m not going to hold you to the 1M figure, but in general terms are there are that many other systems that will allow data entry with only one momentary switch? That simple input device is what make accessibility devices that Morse code so adaptable to the varied range of abilities that the disabled have. I think it would be interesting to be able to view a listing of accessibility devices that used Morse code along with analysis of why those worked, worked, along with why those failed, failed.",
"parent_id": "427200",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427205",
"author": "me.",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:39:24",
"content": "Actually, it seems like there is two buttons for user input. Of course, I am not really sure why there would be a need for two buttons.Also, Hawking’s interface already has mouse control implemented: “I am able to control the mouse with the switch through cleverly selected process from a small box shown on the desktop.” (http://www.hawking.org.uk/index.php/disability/thecomputer)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427207",
"author": "me.",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:46:39",
"content": "Looking at the code, I understand the two buttons: one of them seems to be for dit and the other one for dah.",
"parent_id": "427205",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427295",
"author": "Brian Benchoff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T17:28:04",
"content": "The 2 buttons for dit and dah make it anIambic key. While it’s functionally the same as a SPST switch, I’ve never met a CW guy that wasn’t faster on an iambic key.",
"parent_id": "427207",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427208",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:52:15",
"content": "This project looks similar to an earlier one which is targeted more at radio amateurs.A USB morse keyboard:http://us.cactii.net/~bb/morsekey/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427588",
"author": "shazzner",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T23:59:29",
"content": "Shoutouts to the San Antonio Hackerspace! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427590",
"author": "truthspew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:03:37",
"content": "He uses the amateur radio prosigns for the space, backspace, etc.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosigns_for_Morse_code",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427702",
"author": "Peter Chinetti",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T05:58:16",
"content": "Yes! I tutor a woman who can use a mouse, but not a keyboard (too slow to type with one finger). If I can teach her how to use this, I won’t have to use the current Dragon Natural Speaking hack that I’m trying to implement.Thank you hackers for allowing a woman to browse the web without being beholden to her mother to type. You have literally opened the world.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1047608",
"author": "Pat Cavanaugh",
"timestamp": "2013-08-26T02:21:12",
"content": "Spacing in Morse code – a dah is 3 dits long, the space between dits and dahs in a character is one dit, the space between characters is equal to a dah. Sending 25 words per min comes pretty fast with practice. 60 wpm is common. There are several non alphamun characters in the code.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.229573
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/02/robots-listen-only-to-the-leader-when-building-a-roving-quadcopter-landing-pad/
|
Robots Listen Only To The Leader When Building A Roving Quadcopter Landing Pad
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"georgia tech",
"helicopter",
"quadcopter",
"quadrotor",
"swarm robotics"
] |
Swarm robotics is really starting to produce some interesting results. This image is from the video embedded after the break that show a group of
five robots creating a landing platform for a quadrotor helicopter
. The four that actually make up the platform are not in contact with each other, but instead following commands from the leader. We’re impressed by the helicopter’s ability to target and land on the moving platform. Takeoff appears to be another issue, as the platform bots stop moving until the quadcopter is airborne again.
These robots are part of a Graduate project at Georgia Tech. [Ted Macdonald] has been working along with others to implement an organizational algorithm that guides the swarm. The method requires that the robots have an overview of the location of all others in the swarm. This is done with high-speed cameras like we’ve seen in
other robotic control projects
. But that doesn’t discourage us. If you already have a flying robot as part of the swarm, you might as well add a few more to serve as the eyes in the sky.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbIs7hS-OMs&w=470]
[Thanks Supertroopa via
Engadget
]
| 22
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "427146",
"author": "neorazz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T11:05:38",
"content": "Don’t let them talk to watson or were all done for",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427159",
"author": "Eirinn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T11:38:50",
"content": "This is really cute :D Nice project!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427162",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T11:46:22",
"content": "I assume these things use omni-wheels or somesuch.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427165",
"author": "das_coach",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:03:34",
"content": "hey, i send that in 2-3 days ago!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427173",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:31:25",
"content": "Khepera robots… cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427175",
"author": "ZeroCool42",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:39:48",
"content": "Can anyone explain to me the reason for the robots having to decide their own position in the formation, and only being given the relative positions of other robots? Is there a real world application to that aspect of the project other than efficiency?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427255",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T15:45:13",
"content": "I think it’s to show their ability to make decisions on the fly, based on what solution is simplest, and how they can all come to the same solution independently.",
"parent_id": "427175",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427333",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:20:21",
"content": "Real world situation modeling is usually done in GPS-denied and Comms limited situations to represent the worse case senario. Not like the group that does the dancing Quads instead a motion capture studio, that’s wishful thinking.",
"parent_id": "427175",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427176",
"author": "Anonymonster",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:46:13",
"content": "Imaging the military aspects of this?Looks like a group of specialized MULE patrolling with one of the new unmanned helicopters.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb88Wyqli4w&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQvI4YWvLNw&feature=relatedThe USAF is testing some sick quad-copter designs as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "430733",
"author": "anyone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T21:01:53",
"content": "hey i worked on that skyball on the firescout! DE-FENCE (clapclapclap)",
"parent_id": "427176",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427186",
"author": "is0lated",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:01:17",
"content": "Did anyone else get the impression of an escort when the followers formed a box around the leader and the quadcopter flew over head?Happens at about 0:45.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427471",
"author": "Pr0methius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:04:19",
"content": "Yes!!Pretty freaky, actually.They should upscale these robots, just a little bit, and give them paintball guns.New Sport!!!",
"parent_id": "427186",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427193",
"author": "Fili",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:13:51",
"content": "@ZeroCool42: Live creatures don’t need communication to accomplish simple tasks. In school, when the sports teacher said to form a line, you would form it without talking to your colleagues: “you go there, I’ll go here, after him”So why should robots communicate? They just look at what others do and try to compensate to achieve the goal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427195",
"author": "Xtremegamer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:16:24",
"content": "i see army applications all over it.tactics with drones that just have gps and downlink , it’s up to them to do there bidding.protect the king command will be of use once again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427214",
"author": "Hunter",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T14:23:55",
"content": "I am loving the shear awesomeness of this project! Felt like a real world “Supreme Commander” in some of those formations.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427249",
"author": "tenfingers",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T15:26:03",
"content": "@Fili: I think we could get into semantics with the word “communicate.” A lot of communication is going on when a group of kids get in a line, just may not be verbal.In this example, I wonder if some sort of hierarchy of the robots is in place so that if two robots aim to take the same position, one always has priority. Or maybe robot fights break out for positions, that could be fun!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428100",
"author": "AndroidCat",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T21:08:08",
"content": "It would be interesting to have more robots than needed for certain tasks. Then each bot would have to decide to be part of that team or not.Of course, it’d still come down to the fat robot and the one with glasses…",
"parent_id": "427249",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427253",
"author": "Nitori",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T15:35:19",
"content": "This could be a very useful technology for lunar or Mars exploration robots.I can see several MER type rovers with simple ISRU tending a hopper or a group of small lawn tractor sized bulldozers on the moon preparing a landing site for a larger manned lander.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427294",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T17:25:20",
"content": "is it to soon to bow to our robot overloards?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428401",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T09:32:08",
"content": "What do the followers do if the leader gets destroyed?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430728",
"author": "anyone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T20:58:24",
"content": "WOW this is phenomenal. the best swarm type project i’ve seen posted here. i’m usually a hater but thanks hackaday, great post!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431950",
"author": "Alan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T16:44:36",
"content": "But are they in fact communicating with each other via their movement…?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.075979
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/want-to-play-pong-on-your-oscilloscope/
|
Want To Play Pong On Your Oscilloscope?
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"News",
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"graphics",
"oscilloscope"
] |
I always have! I don’t know why, but I like the idea of using an oscilloscope screen as a general use video display. Why not? In my case it sits on my desk full time, has a large screen area, can do multiple modes of display, and is very easy control.
Making an oscilloscope screen do your bidding is an old trick. There are numerous examples out there. Its not a finished project yet, so be nice. It is actually rather crude, using a couple parts I had on hand just on a whim. The code is a nice mixture of ArduincoreGCCish (I am sorry, still learning), and includes the following demos:
Simple low resolution dot drawing
A font example
A very quickly and badly written demo of pong
The software runs on an Attiny84 micro controller clocked at 16Mhz, paired up with a Microchip MCP42100 dual 100k 8 bit digital potentiometer though the Attiny’s USI (Universal Serial Interface) pins. This is a fast, stable and accurate arrangement, but it requires sending 16 bits every time you want to change the value of one of the potentiometers so its also very piggy. I was just out to have some fun and did not have a proper 8 bit DAC. This was the closest thing outside of building one.
Join us after the break for pictures a (very) brief video and more.
This project has a total resolution of 256x256x1. This sounds like a lot of resolution but don’t get too excited. You can have only a few hundred to maybe 1000 pixels on screen before it starts flickering pretty badly. I am sure this can be solved by someone who is not using GCC commands for almost all of an Arduino script, furiously tying to shove 16 or 32 bits of data out of its SPI port PER PIXEL with an Attiny that has no dedicated SPI.
I had originally thought that I was going to do some form of raster scan display, much like a TV or computer monitor scanning a row of pixels one column at a time. You can see examples of this on
electronixandmore
in the projects section where the author converts RS170 television, and also VGA to an oscilloscope (along with a bunch of other cool stuff). Also take a look at this project that ran recently on Hackaday:
NintendOscope
.On my little 84 it ended up being extremely slow to scan each and every pixel and then modulating the Z axis on the back of the scope to change the pixels brightness.
Ok fine let’s keep it simple, how about some vector lines? I copied the site’s logo and quickly traced it out using the gimp using its [Web > Image Map] function. This spits out a file like this:
<img src="Untitled.bmp" width="125" height="120" border="0" usemap="#map" />
<map name="map">
<!-- #$-:Image map file created by GIMP Image Map plug-in -->
<!-- #$-:GIMP Image Map plug-in by Maurits Rijk -->
<!-- #$-:Please do not edit lines starting with "#$" -->
<!-- #$VERSION:2.3 -->
<!-- #$AUTHOR:kevin -->
<area shape="poly" coords="17,16,36,37,49,66,37,98,20,103,19,48" nohref="nohref" />
</map>
By drawing only points in that file I was able to produce the first “image” below. With a little refinement I produced a slightly cleaner result in the second image. As you can see you have to be very mindful where your little pointer is going because it leaves a trail. I was not really happy with the quality of these first try results, though its generally a very fast way to draw out wire-frame polygons (think Asteroids).
I ended up doing a mix. Instead of scanning every row and column, I only scan the rows and columns that have pixels to show. This produces a dot matrix image. I also needed an easy, but not epic, effort to convert images from computer to AVR. This was accomplished using the gimp, the XPM image format, and a little blob of lua.
Using the Hack a Day logo as an example, I roughly cropped out the skull and then used [Image >> Autocrop Image]. Next I went to [Image >> Canvas Size] and changed this to a 128×128 canvas. Finally I used [Image >> Flatten Image] with black set as the color background. The next step is to remove the black background. That’s easy enough with [Colors >> Color to Alpha].
I could display this as a solid raster but it would be way too slow to make out an image with this hardware and software. I need to remove most of the pixels. In order to do this, I use a quickie gimp cheat, go to [Filters >> Alpha to Logo >> Neon]. Now change the effect size to 5 and the glow color to white. Finally, delete the neon glow layer and flatten.
Since I am using a 1 bit per pixel color choice, I use [Image >> Mode >> Indexed], and choose 1 bit with no dithering. This produces a high quality outline of the logo, but it is still heavy on the pixels. In order to trim both ROM space and draw time I removed every other row and column by using [Filters >> Distorts >> Erase every other row]. I want it to fill with background which should be black. I did this once with rows and once with columns, even or odd is your choice, whichever looks better.
I dug in at 800% and touched up all the graphics with a 1 pixel paintbrush and saved as XPM format. XPM format is a basic text format where different characters represent a different pixel and color value. With only 1 bit per pixel you can quite clearly see the image in the text.
I removed the entire header, and so a lua script could phrase it I added “strings ={“ minus quotes so the file looks like:
strings = {
“data”,
“data”,
};
after the bracket and semi colon I added the following little blob of lua:
file = io.open("logo.out","w")
counter = 1;
for y = 1, #strings do
for x = 1,#strings[y] do
if string.sub(strings[y], x, x) == "+" then
file:write(y .. ",".. x .. ",")
counter = counter + 1
end
end
end
print(counter*2)
file:close()
This scans through the data and makes a file that contains a single line of comma separated values of every white pixel of the graphic. It also spits out a number in the command line which is the number of pixels * 2 for number of XY values. You need to know the number of pixels if you want to draw any graphic since the program loops though the lua generated CSV file. It’s basic and big but it works well enough for the example.
If you have lua installed its generally “lua filename.ext”, sometimes “lua51 filename.ext”, minus the quotes.
AvrGCCiberishduino code is an Arduino sketch with void setup, void loop, and I used analog read because there was no advantage to implementing it myself. Arduino’s expandability to other models of AVR and simplified functionality does very good for many things. When you need to bring out the speed it has its issues.
Pretty soon you are twiddling port registers and looking into how to use the USI (universal serial interface) to send out SPI because it is faster than you can do it in software blah blah blah. Eventually I had an Arduino sketch tied to only the attiny84, though one would need to only change pins for other attiny’s like the 85 or 2313.
Atmegas, like what is on a normal Arduino would need different SPI code to function
.)
// System
#include <avr/pgmspace.h>
#define cmdOne 0x11 // write to pot 0(X)
#define cmdTwo 0x12 // write to pot 1(Y)
// Graphics
prog_uchar hadlogo[] PROGMEM ={5,19,5,21,5,23,5,25,5,103,5,105,5,107,5,109,6,27,6,101,7,19,7,29,7,99,7,107,7,109,8,21,9,23,9,31,9,97,9,105,11,25,11,33,11,95,11,103,13,26,13,34,13,94,13,103,15,25,15,35,15,93,15,103,17,23,17,35,17,93,17,105,19,7,19,9,19,21,19,35,19,92,19,107,19,119,19,121,21,7,21,11,21,19,21,36,21,91,21,109,21,117,21,121,23,8,23,13,23,15,23,17,23,37,23,89,23,111,23,113,23,115,23,121,25,9,25,39,25,87,25,119,27,10,27,41,27,85,27,118,29,11,29,43,29,83,29,117,30,13,30,45,30,115,31,15,31,47,31,81,31,113,32,17,32,111,33,19,33,21,33,23,33,25,33,49,33,57,33,59,33,61,33,63,33,65,33,67,33,69,33,71,33,79,33,105,33,107,33,109,34,103,35,27,35,51,35,53,35,55,35,73,35,75,35,77,35,101,36,99,37,29,37,31,37,49,37,77,37,97,39,33,39,47,39,79,39,95,41,35,41,45,41,81,41,93,43,37,43,43,43,83,43,91,45,39,45,41,45,85,45,89,47,40,47,87,49,39,49,87,51,38,51,88,53,37,53,89,55,37,55,47,55,49,55,51,55,53,55,55,55,71,55,73,55,75,55,77,55,89,56,79,57,37,57,45,57,57,57,69,57,81,57,89,59,37,59,45,59,57,59,69,59,83,59,89,61,37,61,44,61,57,61,69,61,83,61,89,63,37,63,57,63,69,63,83,63,89,64,43,65,37,65,53,65,55,65,70,65,73,65,83,65,89,66,45,66,51,66,75,67,37,67,47,67,49,67,77,67,83,67,89,68,79,69,37,69,81,69,89,71,36,71,38,71,63,71,65,71,89,71,91,73,35,73,39,73,87,73,93,74,64,75,33,75,40,75,86,75,95,77,31,77,41,77,63,77,65,77,85,77,97,78,29,78,99,79,27,79,42,79,83,79,101,80,25,80,104,81,17,81,19,81,21,81,23,81,44,81,82,81,107,81,109,81,111,82,15,83,13,83,46,83,81,83,83,83,113,83,115,85,11,85,43,85,47,85,80,85,85,85,117,87,9,87,41,87,48,87,58,87,70,87,80,87,87,87,119,89,8,89,39,89,49,89,57,89,59,89,69,89,71,89,79,89,89,89,121,90,15,91,7,91,13,91,17,91,37,91,51,91,53,91,55,91,61,91,63,91,65,91,67,91,73,91,75,91,77,91,91,91,111,91,113,91,115,91,121,93,7,93,11,93,19,93,35,93,91,93,109,93,117,93,121,95,7,95,9,95,21,95,35,95,92,95,107,95,119,95,121,97,23,97,35,97,93,97,105,99,25,99,35,99,93,99,103,101,25,101,34,101,94,101,103,103,25,103,33,103,95,103,103,104,23,105,21,105,31,105,97,105,105,105,107,107,19,107,29,107,99,107,109,108,27,108,101,109,19,109,21,109,23,109,25,109,103,109,105,109,107,109,109};
// Functions
void qshift(byte input) // using the USI for SPI
{
USIDR = input; // put a byte into the register
USISR = _BV(USIOIF); // clear flag
while ( (USISR & _BV(USIOIF)) == 0 ) // send away
{
USICR = (1<<USIWM0)|(1<<USICS1)|(1<<USICLK)|(1<<USITC);
}
}
void latch(bool state) // toggle CS pin on digipot
{
if(state == 1) PORTA |= (1 << 3); // raise the latch
else PORTA &=~ (1 << 3); // lower the latch
}</p>
void logoscrn() // draw the Hack A Day logo
{
for (int i = 0; i < 674; i += 2)
{
// 0,0 on an image is upper left, on scope its lower left
// subtract pixel Y value from 255 to flip right side up
latch(0); // lower the latch
qshift(cmdTwo); // send the write channel two command
qshift(255 - (64 + pgm_read_byte_near(hadlogo + i))); // send Y data
latch(1); // raise the latch
// image is offset by 64 as it is only has a 128x128 canvas
latch(0); // lower the latch
qshift(cmdOne); // send the write channel one command
qshift(64 + pgm_read_byte_near(hadlogo + (i + 1))); // send X data
latch(1); // raise the latch
}
}
// Arduino Setup
void setup()
{
// set pins of PORTA, PA7 & PA2 as inputs, the rest are outputs</p>
DDRA = 0x7B;
}
// Arduino Loop
void loop()
{
logoscrn();
}
As you can see, this is a much improved picture quality.
The other 2 demos use this basic system with a button wired up between pin 6 and ground to switch demos. Demo 2 uses a counter and a scale variable to zoom from the upper left corner to full size large font with 3 lines of text and room for a few more. Demo 3 is the start of a sloppy pong game with a (stupid and jumpy) cpu opponent, no scorekeeping and a looping ball. Just hook up a potentiometer with one end on ground the other on +5 and the middle to pin to pin 11 of the Attiny84.
Software.zip
you will need a Programmer, Arduino or Arduino Core, and
Arduino Tiny
Unfortunately for now I have to move on from this idea, but please fear that I shall return soon enough!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqy76Bh4CDk&w=450]
| 15
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426923",
"author": "silvesterstillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:15:10",
"content": "Nice writeup. Very thorough in all seriousness.But..Wait a tick. Something feels conspicuously absent. I went here today to get Dtown maker faire coverage. No love for motown? Too scarry/far away?Since a proper comment system is now in place I ask this way to hopefully get a public response, to avoid redundant questioning.In the meantime:http://news.slashdot.org/story/11/08/01/1246215/Detroit-Maker-Faire-Was-Kinda-Awesome",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426965",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:39:15",
"content": "We didn’t have anyone there. Did you take pictures? Write up a summary of your visit and email us!",
"parent_id": "426923",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426925",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:16:33",
"content": "So it’s a raster display with fixed resolution, but the quantity of pixels is limited, like the amount of vectors on a vector display. I love this, so this is not to offend, but it looks like you have ended up with the worst of two worlds :)I miss my analog scope. Sigh.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426944",
"author": "Kevin Dady",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:48:49",
"content": "exactly, its ghettofabulous",
"parent_id": "426925",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427029",
"author": "sgf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T03:30:12",
"content": "You nutter.It’s doing it badly, really well. :)",
"parent_id": "426944",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426933",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:31:28",
"content": "kevin, this is fantastic – excellent how-to/write up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426950",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:01:05",
"content": "Awesome! Love the high quantity of detail in the post!And love the idea, i wish i had an oscilloscope to test it on",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426961",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:22:10",
"content": "All I can say is… WOW!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426971",
"author": "Burnerjack",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:53:56",
"content": "I for one think that’s cool.If I had that on my scope as I went to break, the other techs would have flipped! (Early 1980s).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426997",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:12:25",
"content": "My OScope pong:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWi8CHi1wGc",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427001",
"author": "Kevin Dady",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:17:16",
"content": "that is pretty sweet, you should do a little writeup and send it in!",
"parent_id": "426997",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427076",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T06:39:07",
"content": "And its vector. Really, if its on a scope it really needs to be vector to look good. Otherwise it just looks like a cheap monochrome crt.I still want one of the scope clocks but I have not found anyone selling kits any more.",
"parent_id": "426997",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427155",
"author": "Cyk",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T11:32:13",
"content": "I’d connect an additional micro pin to theZ input of the scope, to switch off the electronbeam between the pixels.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427174",
"author": "Bill rowe",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:32:04",
"content": "Epic writrleup and inspiring hack – thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428049",
"author": "Rob in Belfast",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T19:49:58",
"content": "Awesome hack!I remember the old ‘scopes from my uni days…Someone told me that students had been watching soccer matches on a ‘scope with a satellite dish and decoder circuit.This goes one better!I think the most advanced function I found was Lissajous curves…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.292506
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/who-knew-thinkpad-batteries-require-a-jump-start/
|
Who Knew Thinkpad Batteries Require A Jump Start?
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Repair Hacks"
] |
[
"cell",
"ibm",
"jump start",
"lithium",
"repair",
"replace",
"t40",
"thinkpad"
] |
Lithium battery packs reaching the end of their life usually have a lot of kick left in them. That’s because they’re made up of multiple cells and it only takes the failure of one to bork the entire battery. One of the most interesting examples we’ve heard of this is in the Toyota Prius, but that’s a story for another time. In this case, [Mika] wanted to
resurrect the battery from his IBM Thinkpad T40
. He identified the offending cell and replaced it, but couldn’t get any juice out of the battery after the repair.
He was measuring 0V on the output, but could measure the cells instead of the control circuitry and was getting over 11V. Clearly, the control circuit wasn’t allowing an output. We completely understand the concept here (think about that really bad press about exploding laptop batteries). It seems there’s a lockout mechanism when the control circuit loses power. [Mika] managed to get past this by shorting voltage into the control circuit, a method he likes in the video after the break to jump starting a car.
We’ve seen similar cell replacement for power tools, like
a Dremel
or a
Makita drill
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyeHKKe2z0Q&w=470]
| 59
| 47
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426901",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:09:20",
"content": "This is interesting, I know that protected 18650 and RCR123A cells have a small built-in IC that sits under one of the terminals and cuts the connection between the cell and the terminal when the cell voltage drops below 2.8V or 3V. The protection IC then needs a “jump” in order to get it to re-establish the connection for charging, this usually involves applying a high voltage (around 5V is enough) to the cell. Some 18650 chargers have an open-terminal voltage of 5V to kick-start any protection circuits that have locked out.I suppose laptop batteries have similar circuits.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426905",
"author": "Ben Jackson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:16:27",
"content": "I’ve resurrected old laptop batteries like that as well. When I traced out the circuit inside the battery (with extensive Datasheet googling) what I found was that the control circuit waspowered by the battery sideeven when the battery was connected to a charger. This turned it into a brick after it discharged far enough that the control circuit regulator dropped out.To bring it back to life I just trickle charged the battery pack directly (bench supply plus a fairly high value resistor like 100R) until the pack voltage was high enough to power the charging circuitry. After that it could go back into the laptop and charge normally.Unfortunately there are parameters you can set in the pack’s chips which are lost when they power off (no flash storage) so the battery pack was not quite “right” after that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426908",
"author": "Jacob",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:26:46",
"content": "Well isnt this a usefull post, as i sit here posting from an Thinkpad T61 thats forever tethered to the wall..Thank you hackaday, i think you just fixed our laptop.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427044",
"author": "ho0d0o",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T04:51:15",
"content": "I agree man, I just recently upgraded my laptop to an Asus gaming notebook and I gave my Mom my T60. The problem is the battery friggin died due to her overuse of an already old battery. (So it remains tethered without the battery missing b/c you can’t keep a dead battery in a Thinkpad as it won’t run.)Needless to say it looks goofy without the battery in the back. I found a replacement for 10.00 though through Google shopping so I doubt I’ll goto the trouble to replace the cells.",
"parent_id": "426908",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426916",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:47:47",
"content": "What’s this about the Prius? You’ve piqued my interest…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426953",
"author": "tjb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:08:28",
"content": "I am also interested in the comment about the Prius. I have not read any thing about that. Since I own one I like to keep tabs on the eventual efforts I may need to make to keep it running.",
"parent_id": "426916",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427773",
"author": "thmpcb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:01:18",
"content": "Google prius battery discharged, or similar.Basically if you fully drain the main (nimh) battery, you will need a toyota tech to revive it. Refueling/12v jumpstart/etc won’t work.",
"parent_id": "426916",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426917",
"author": "Frogz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:49:32",
"content": "probably stupid information that is already knownbut dont forget that laptop batteries have a “on” pin as well that needs shorting to ground before they will supply voltage, i recently modified a laptop battery to power some speakers(and i ended up killing after charging it wrong using a 12 volt supplywas from a similar thinkpad",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426926",
"author": "gyro_john",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:17:50",
"content": "Thank you, Mika! By coincidence, I have one of these apart on my desk right now (for a Thinkpad A30). You have saved me a lot of trouble.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426935",
"author": "neroZZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:35:23",
"content": "Interesting had some similar problems, i’ve bought a cheap replacement battery for my “aspire one 150A” when I switch the battery to the replacement, I cannot boot, I have to plug the notebook for about half a second to a charger before i can use the replacement….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426948",
"author": "Sam",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:55:42",
"content": "Had a similar thing w/ lithium polymer battery on a Kindle DX. Friend gave it to me because it wouldn’t charge any more and thought it was toast.Ended up the cell voltage had gotten too low on the pack and the charge controller wouldn’t charge. Opened it up and force charged the pack with a lab power supply and it has worked great ever since.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426958",
"author": "moser",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:18:21",
"content": "Had a similar issue with the photo ipod. my solution involved giving the batteries a bit of a charge so the ipod would boot up and start charging from the 5v usb.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "452882",
"author": "seph",
"timestamp": "2011-09-11T16:33:20",
"content": "Did the same thing with an ipod touch 2g. The thing was given to me totally dead, but after charging it slowly from its original voltage (2.0ish) to 3.5, it woke up and began to charge via usb. After getting below 2.5v, it should have lost most of its capacity permanently, but ironically, it is in better shape than my other ipod touch that never had that problem.",
"parent_id": "426958",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426959",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:18:51",
"content": "Oh, please be careful doing anything like this. If any cell has dropped below 2.8v it is considered damaged and should be disposed of. He should be getting 18volts out of that pack in a discharged condition. If he is getting 11v the entire pack is probably toast and charging it could result in a fire. Thats WHY the circuit is there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2613877",
"author": "eas",
"timestamp": "2015-06-18T04:19:22",
"content": "No.The pack is configured as 3s2p, 3 cells in series * 2 cells in parallel. Discharged voltage is ~9v, and I’ve seen no reason to think that a pack that is down to 2v/cell needs to be junked, provided the drop from ~2.8 down to 2 happened through gradual self discharge. The thing is, you can’t really trust the series voltage on an pack that’s been sitting around a long time. I’ve had old dell packs that were near 2v in series where some of the cells had reversed polarity, and other cells that were just fine and above 3v.",
"parent_id": "426959",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426972",
"author": "alex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:57:01",
"content": "It wouldn’t be 18 voly, in all of those packs the standard config is 3 cells in series. it’s just two strings of 3 in parallel!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426974",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:01:40",
"content": "nice! after reading this, i tried the same on a “dead” nokia battery: with a bench power supply i recharged the naked battery to 3.8v, but the terminal would still be 0. connecting the *negative* side on the terminal to the negative of the battery fixed it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427000",
"author": "Paul Bruno",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:16:34",
"content": "Points to Mike for using the verb “bork” in the post.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427005",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:21:25",
"content": "People! You _can_ do this (as I have on RC batteries) but it’s not a good idea on anything that you might leave unattended. Lithium batteries are insanely temperamental. These circuits are there for your protection, not because some company is trying to force you to buy ‘their’ brand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427007",
"author": "pidge",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:22:43",
"content": "My Sony Ericsson X1 keeps “over-discharing” its battery to about 3.3 volts, and refuses to charge it. Nothing that a 5V supply, a 1 ohm resistor and a ammeter can’t fix… 1.5 A for about 20 to 40 seconds is usally enough to bring the voltage back to a level where the phone will start charging it. I should probably be a little more patient and use a 10 ohme resistor, though…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427009",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:24:50",
"content": "Thanks Mika! I have a Makita cordless drill battery that I couldn’t get back up after replacing one of the cells. I’ll give this a try. Makes perfect sense.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427035",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T03:46:08",
"content": "just worked on a motorola bt61. thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427066",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T06:05:41",
"content": "I hope you know those chips are for safety and do what they suppose to",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427069",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T06:15:45",
"content": "Your car’s hood is there for safety, so you should never open it? Sure, caution is warranted, but there’s no reason to discard an entire pack for one aged cell. I don’t think I’d go to this sort of trouble to make it work, but props to those who do.",
"parent_id": "427066",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427084",
"author": "Dario",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T07:13:59",
"content": "i wouldn’t do it either, but placing some of theese in a transformer box with some circuitry could make a good external baterry, not as nice and powerfull as those factory made ones. but it would be very cheap….in fact free, as you would have thrown them anyway,",
"parent_id": "427069",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427108",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T08:57:05",
"content": "I agree with the warnings above.Letting a lithium ion battery discharge below a certain voltage causes permanent damage.If that battery is then recharged, there is a possibility it may fail in catastrophic manner, catching on fire and/or exploding.Manufacturers wisely choose to prevent this possibility with an undervoltage lockout circuit; not only for their own protection against lawsuits, but for their customers’ safety.The lockout is typically set to be overly cautious. If you choose to bypass it, most of the time nothing bad will happen. But you are still taking a risk by doing so, and you should be prepared for the worst. Especially since burning lithium ion batteries *cannot* be extinguished by any means! I would at very least recharge/discharge for a few cycles while attended. Look for signs that cells might be swelling. Do it somewhere you can handle an unextinguishable fire.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427488",
"author": "überRegenbogen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:45:17",
"content": "These warnings should be integrated into the article. ☺",
"parent_id": "427108",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427493",
"author": "überRegenbogen",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T20:51:48",
"content": "I was aware of the undervoltage panic state; but not of how to reset it. Thanks for the tip!Everyone do be careful, though; Li-ion cells can become very nasty beasties. (See various warnings in others’ comments.) Any battery that you wake up from this state should never be charged unattended, and charging should be done in a fireproof (not merely resistant) environment.",
"parent_id": "427108",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427122",
"author": "billy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T09:59:41",
"content": "You have no idea how helpfull this article is to me. I have a T61p that i was issues when i went to college, 1.5 years in my battery dies suddenly. I go to my repair place to get information, and walk out with 12 or so “dead” think pad batteries. Now in the end one of the ones i got for free form the garbage worked and i was saved, but i took apart 10 or so think pad batteries and was wondering what was wrong with them. Some had bad cells, but others like mine, just failed overnight. I thought there was a sort of one time fire thermal fuse, as mine had been running a CAD program when i had put it to sleep in a Styrofoam sarcophagus.Finlay i get to re-assess the value of my pile of Li-ion cells, i may be able to fix batteries instead of just waiting to design some sort of large battery power supply project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427133",
"author": "Noobius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T10:28:45",
"content": "If you use the on-board charger to replenish the batteries, it will charge them at a low current up to a certain voltage and only then charge them normally.You can do this as well with a constant current source. Use something like 100mA and monitor the voltage on the terminals until it reaches say 40% (or 50% if you want to play it safe) of its nominal value, and then you can pump current into them.If the voltage refuses to rise even after a few hours they’re probably toast.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427169",
"author": "Traltixx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:20:31",
"content": "I work with single-cell lithium polymer batteries at work. I would imagine that they use the same type of protection mechanism that is used in the larger batteries. The quick trick we use to reset the under-voltage lockout is even easier:1) Set a multimeter to check continuity (beep when a short is detected)2) Touch the multimeter leads to the + and – terminals of the battery pack3) Touch the multimeter leads to the – and + terminals of the battery pack (switch which probe touches which pin)4) Use the multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery. It should now be >0V as the protection circuit has been reset.And you’re done! This works because the multimeter has to pass a small current through the leads to measure if there is a short-circuit. The protection circuit in these battery packs is designed to lock out the battery and prevent over-discharge until a trickle charge is applied to reset it during a future charge.Remember that over discharging lithium battery is will rapidly damage the battery. This trick will restore a battery but the best policy is to design your project so you don’t trigger this protection mechanism.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1075153",
"author": "alexanade",
"timestamp": "2013-10-14T03:09:17",
"content": "can you touch the + & – with the multimeter without taking the battery apart? i.e only the battery external contact pins need to be touhed? thanks",
"parent_id": "427169",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427197",
"author": "Jacobhl",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T13:21:06",
"content": "While it’s easy to change a bad cell, it can be dangerous. A brand new cell has a different discharge curve than an old cell, and it could cause problems. If you change cells in a battery, I’ll suggest to change all of them at the same time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427274",
"author": "Joel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T16:43:00",
"content": "Get on YouTube and watch videos of batteries exploding. It’s not violent. The battery bubbles slightly and expands, but it doesn’t ESSPLODEZORZ everywhere like many of you are implying.If you do modify your battery, test it a few times in a safe place. In other words, don’t use your laptop on your lap the very first time you try to use the new battery. Use it on a table that you don’t mind hurting. Obviously, a phone battery isn’t a big deal, because you never charge it in your pocket.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427318",
"author": "kaluce",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:11:14",
"content": "it actually can ignite and be very dangerous in a standard bedroom or even lab, it’s not a grenade, but the flame it produces IS hot, and WILL burn anything you put near it (just don’t roast marshmallows, it probably will make them all lithium coated)also I have seen them burn, and it’s a blue-ish/ purple flame. (Macbook pro battery, even their batteries going up in flames are flashy) it’s not really something I’d want in a carpeted room, or even anywhere inside my house.",
"parent_id": "427274",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427951",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T17:35:59",
"content": "I think this may be inherent of lipo over/undercharge protection circuits, the ones I get from batteryspace act the same way; the circuit needs to be kickstarted when newly-connected. The circuit regulates on one pole, the other pole is a direct connection. Bypassing (shorting) the regulated pole fir an instant seems to activate the circuit. I found this out myself and posted it to my supplier’s page in the reviews:http://www.batteryspace.com/PCB-for-7.4V-Li-Ion-Battery-Pack-3.0A-Limit.aspx",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428288",
"author": "BigD",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T03:54:49",
"content": "I seem to remember this from years past. The trick was to solder on a temporary 12V or so battery to keep the IC from committing suicide.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429018",
"author": "SomeGeek",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T17:25:47",
"content": "Stolen from the internet, to clear up some common misconceptions about Lithium Batteries, both single use and rechargeable:8.3.1 Lithium (Primary, Non-Rechargeable) Batteries• Lithium will burn in a normal atmosphere and reacts explosively with water to form hydrogen. The presence of minute amounts of water may ignite the material and the hydrogen gas. Lithium fires can also throw off highly reactive molten lithium metal particles. Cells adjacent to any burning material could overheat causing a violent explosion.• Use an extinguishing agent that is best suited to quench the bulk of the fuel that is available. For example, if a single cell were to start burning, a Lith-X Class D extinguisher should be used to quench the fire.• If other combustibles catch fire as result of the lithium battery, then use the appropriate extinguishing agent to douse these secondary fires. It is important to address each type of fire with the appropriate extinguishing agent.8.3.2 Lithium Ion (Secondary, Rechargeable) Batteries• Rechargeable, secondary cells utilize lithium ions that are intercalated into graphite, lithium metal oxides and/or lithium salts. There is no metallic lithium in a lithium ion battery.• Because there is no metallic lithium in a lithium ion battery, ordinary extinguishing agents (e.g., ABC extinguisher) can be used effectively on a fire involving lithium ion batteries",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "566427",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2012-01-24T15:02:38",
"content": "You can do it NEGATIVE to NEGATIVE as he does it pos to pos, this worked for me and my SAMSUNG laptop battery! Good man, thanks for the tip!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "690431",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2012-06-28T17:40:20",
"content": "I have tried to resurrect my Thinkpad T400 battery. I put in new cells, higher amps (2600 instead of 2200), but no voltage is coming out of the battery pack. The negative pin is fine, but nothing out of the positive side. I tried the trick above but still doesn’t work.Is there anything else I can try? I don’t want to waste $53.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "703325",
"author": "Stephen",
"timestamp": "2012-07-15T00:20:10",
"content": "Unless you have an I2C adapter and the appropriate software, you now have an expensive brick. Sorry.What none of the above posts mention is that the battery controller needs to be programmed. It has volatile memory — if the cells are disconnected, the memory gets erased and the battery *will not work*. There are ways to do a battery rebuild, but they all require special tools and this is exactly why almost nobody is doing this DIY. It simply isn’t worth the additional cost and effort.The examples you see posted on the Internet all have at least one of the following characteristics:– Either they were done on much older laptops with very simple battery controllers, or– The resulting refurb battery fails to work as expected (does not retain a charge, does not give reliable charge time remaining, or does not work at all)Expensive, time-consuming, and unreliable. Buy a factory battery.",
"parent_id": "690431",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "733831",
"author": "Ingert",
"timestamp": "2012-08-13T22:19:35",
"content": "I love this post, you rock!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "848172",
"author": "Ted Crum",
"timestamp": "2012-10-31T17:41:45",
"content": "This explains why the junk aftermarket batteries haven’t worked in my X40. Does anyone know where I can buy a GOOD battery for an X40? Lenovo doesn’t make them anymore.Thanks,TedOakland",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "899713",
"author": "Herbert",
"timestamp": "2012-12-08T19:00:25",
"content": "hi Mike,i’ve tried your nice little trick for the battery of my Lenovo T61 but, unfortunately,this didn’t work (neither for the positive nor for the negative ends of the cells).i guess that the chips on the board of your battery are of different types.in order to check this hypothesis, it would be very kind if you could postyour chip types here.on the board of my battery there are 2 TI chips of types BQ8030DBT andBQ29330.the Lenovo power management software shows “SANYO” in the manufacturefield. do you see a different string there ?thanx a lot for your help !cheers – Herbert",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "908082",
"author": "biyyas",
"timestamp": "2012-12-22T12:27:16",
"content": "my battery is ok .it is charging well from other lap top . my adapoterchecked ok. but battery is not getting charged by the laptop. connection point of power is checked ok. is there any locking inside the system to prevent charging get me a solution",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "972216",
"author": "Jayakumar",
"timestamp": "2013-03-07T08:19:09",
"content": "Thanks to the author of this article. I had the exact problem on ThinkPad T400 battery pack where cells together showing good voltage but the batt. connector showing 0v. And the laptop just showed batt. icon/light blinking orange, Power Manager showing batt. charging for two overnights, Reset Batt Gauge never helped though left for overnights. Pulling apart the batt. pack showed all the batt. cells are showing good same volts of nearly 2-3v. So I followed this article, used a voltmeter as load between Pin 1 & 7 of the batt. pack connector and did a 1-1.5 seconds shorting the +ve of the cells to Pin 1 (+ve), then the voltmeter slowly raised to show the voltage which is equivalent to the voltage shown directly by the cells in series. Thanks for the published article. Appreciate it. And as everyone says, shorting is not a safe one as it may damage the circuitry. So try to make it very very short timed one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1051682",
"author": "Vee",
"timestamp": "2013-09-03T10:13:36",
"content": "T61, worked like a charm. thanks alot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1051698",
"author": "Vee",
"timestamp": "2013-09-03T11:27:00",
"content": "Nope, hasn’t worked yet :'(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1119618",
"author": "Auguste Cools",
"timestamp": "2013-12-03T01:18:03",
"content": "Whats this about an on pin?My laptop wont supply power to the battery nor will the battery supply power to the laptop. My son removed the battery for a couple days and it wont charge anymore. before that it was fine. ran the ,machine for almost 90 minutes.The voltage on all cells is between 3.4 and 3.9 total voltage just under 12.shorting battery pack positive to output pin does not keep it on. (thinkpad Z60m).shorting battery pack positive to output whilst on the machine and unplugging the Ac adapter runs the machine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1169261",
"author": "stewy",
"timestamp": "2014-01-25T22:14:37",
"content": "Does anyone have any suggestions on how much juice to give to wake up a 7.4V 3300mA battery?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1201787",
"author": "KAMALAKARAN",
"timestamp": "2014-02-15T13:12:12",
"content": "My sony vaio E series battery was not getting charged while in the laptop. I opened the battery and charged it externally at about 400mA for few minutes. later it resumed charging normally.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1526724",
"author": "Nathan",
"timestamp": "2014-05-29T03:21:43",
"content": "Hi, i have a Thinkpad T40, my question is, does this laptop needs the battery to be healthy in order to boot up and function properly? Can this laptop function properly with the battery unplugged and using only the AC adapter? Because my T40 now boots up, display is normal and you can let it stay in the bios for how long you ever want but whenever it starts to boot up after the bios initialization and starting to load windows or linux it suddenly blanks and shuts down. I have already tried disabling all adapters in bios, even removing some wifi and modem inside and also testing exchanging RAM and still got the same problem. I have even removed the hardisk and using only the DVD drive to boot puppy linux and still got the same problem. Can you give me some idea what else should i do or what do you think is the problem with this? Thank you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2456875",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2015-02-27T20:03:39",
"content": "I have at least 4 Thinkpads in my family. SL300 and T410 are the newest ones. All of them need a new battery. I wanted to take for each 6x Panasonic NCR18650A with a soldering lug. How can I reset my electronics? Stephen mentioned an I2C adapter and the appropriate software. Where can I find more information about it?Greetings Alex",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4011131",
"author": "Suresh",
"timestamp": "2017-09-13T14:41:36",
"content": "Here is another methodology that you can try without opening the pack. Normally, there is a plastic sticker on one side of the battery that gives the information about the item. Pry open from the edges with a hobby knife. You should be able to see the positive and negative end respectively. The trick lies in determining whether the negative end is terminated on one of the external connector pins. Insert a thin wire through the gap at the negative end. Use a multimeter on continuity mode and check if there is a continuity between the external negative pin and the battery terminal. If there is a continuity, it means it is a positive switching battery. Remove the wire from the negative end and insert it at the positive end and try and make a connection. Test out if the battery shows some voltage by connecting the voltmeter across battery positive terminal and the negative at the connector end. If it shows around 4.5 volts you can still salvage it by directly charging it with a 12V power supply. Keep monitoring the battery for any warming up issues. Once the battery reaches 10.8 volts and stays at that remove the connections and put the battery back in the laptop. Plug in the laptop to the external power and switch on. The battery charging light should come on. Turnoff the laptop allow the battery to get fully charged. You are now good to go. Just remember to cycle the battery regularly. You will fin quite a few articles on the internet about cycling the battery. I have salvaged DELL, HP and Lenovo batteries using this method. You dont have to cut open the batter at all unless you notice some bulging or the above method does not retain charge for long.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4630145",
"author": "atalaytahir",
"timestamp": "2018-06-12T11:55:23",
"content": "how we apply this method on 44+ battery ? ı heard new cell when recelling voltage must be equal? 44+ battery are use a 2800 mah lg battery ı will change a 2200 mah li-ion cell in my x230",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4755374",
"author": "Sanjay",
"timestamp": "2018-07-18T08:31:21",
"content": "I have Lenovo Thinkpad x201.irecelled it with 15600mah cells.pack isn’t showing any voltage.disconnecting middle 2 wire show full voltage.what is the problem?pl.givedetailed cell configuration as series and parallel.my original cell we’re 63wh capacity.pl. suggest methanks!!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "5405115",
"author": "Marc MERLIN (@marcjmerlin)",
"timestamp": "2018-11-04T20:45:09",
"content": "Thanks for the shorting trick. I guess this does not work with new batteries. I looked athttps://hackaday.io/page/247-replacing-lenovo-laptop-lithium-batterieswhich talks about a fuse.Question #1: can I replace or short the fuse? It’s it a software fuse that I can’t get to?Question #2: how bad would it be if I connected + from the battery tothe plus connector on the board, bypassing what’s in the middle? I’massuming this bypasses all protection and charging circuitry and wouldprobably be a bad idea?Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "5437161",
"author": "Marc MERLIN (@marcjmerlin)",
"timestamp": "2018-11-10T19:53:00",
"content": "Well, it seems that new batteries just burn a fuse if you have a bad cell, so they’re designed to never work again, even if you replace the cells, unless you go through a complicated procedure to reprogram the battery manager:http://www.karosium.com/2016/08/smbusb-hacking-smart-batteries.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "5468221",
"author": "Mulatie Chekol",
"timestamp": "2018-11-17T12:18:04",
"content": "Thanks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.379902
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/adding-ambilight-clone-system-to-your-home-theater-just-got-a-big-price-cut/
|
Adding Ambilight Clone System To Your Home Theater Just Got A Big Price Cut
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"home entertainment hacks"
] |
[
"ambilight",
"arduino",
"DealExtreme",
"npn"
] |
Whenever we get a tip claiming a project is cheap and easy we raise a cynical eyebrow. But [Yonsje] isn’t telling us a story,
his Amiblight clone really does boil down the complexity
and slash the price.
For the uninitiated, this is a clone of the
Philips Amilight system
that has been an option with some of their TVs over the years. It puts RGB LEDs on the back of the frame, pointed at the wall. They are tuned to the edge colors of the display, linking the color of the ambient light in the room to the colors on the screen. We’ve seen
a ton
of
clones
over the years, just search our blog for “Ambilight”.
Like the others, this iteration depends on you playing back video from a computer. [Yonsje] is using an Arduino with his own shield to connect to the HTPC. NPN transistors in the shield drive the RGB LEDs. The real cost savings is in his lighting source. A Deal Extreme RGB LED bar costs just $11.30 including shipping, and can be cut into six different segments for even spacing around your television. Check it out in the clip after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKxIevO1AiE&w=470]
| 25
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426879",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:23:30",
"content": "I’d really like an ambilite clone, but I won’t dedicated a PC and it’s electricity draw to it. Can someone smarter than me please design on around an IC?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426894",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:55:46",
"content": "Totally agree with you. The clones that use the PC are awesome but I’d much rather use an FPGA or something to do the video rather than a dedicated PC.",
"parent_id": "426879",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427749",
"author": "Panq",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T08:31:10",
"content": "Even an FPGA is overkill for a more basic ambient-lighting-matches-screen circuit. As someone pointed out in the comments from another one of these posted here a while ago, you could just use an integrating opamp and the analogue composite video from a VGA connector, just summing up how much signal there is on each of the R/G/B lines, and setting light level accordingly.Getting the separate edge colours for something like this would definitely require *some* video processing, but I’m sure you could do it with a relatively cheap microcontroller. It’d be worth it for platform-independence, I think.",
"parent_id": "426894",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426968",
"author": "defyboy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:41:37",
"content": "Agree Also, I would love to see a standalone ambilight clone. All 3 of my new-ish LCD tv’s of varying brands have composite A/V output, I would love to see something interface with this",
"parent_id": "426879",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426900",
"author": "hacky",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:07:19",
"content": "Sorry, I don’t see the color of the tv’s sides reflected in the leds. It really needs at least 3 channels I guess.But a nice start though. I can imagine adding more channels will be simple, but somehow more expensive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426903",
"author": "peet",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:13:35",
"content": "most of the time its just blue?!great thing anyway! would love to have one :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426934",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:35:06",
"content": "I like to keep seeing people working on this project. While these are great hacks, I am still waiting for something more polished before I build one.I plan on using an slim pc with XBMC on it for my media station. I would love a way to interface an Ambilight clone with that system. That being said, I do not want to give up other perks to gain this one. I think the true goal of these Ambelight clones should be a universal system that can be use on many systems, Normal DVD player, BluRay, PS3, XBox360, Cable TV, and computer.The only way I see this even being possible is if you put something between the line in to the tv. Ideally an HDMI cable in to the Ambilight Clone and then out to the TV / monitor. If someone were able to do it with multiple input formats such as HDMI, VGA, S-video, Composite and Component would blow my socks off. Even if it only had HDMI and VGA it would blow me away.But to get back to my point, another nice hack that adds a little more information to the growing collection of Ambilight Clones.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427067",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T06:10:33",
"content": "There was a magazine that did a build of a VGA-based solution that involved splitting up the RGB signals, amplifying them, feeding them into a clocked high speed ADC, and trigger an ADC reading via the pulse output of a VGA timing synchronizer chip. Then a PIC would read the RGB values, do some math to find the “zones” of the edges of the screen, and then send the color and brightness information to a separate PIC to do the RGB driving. It was pretty cool and I wanted to build one, but now that everything uses HDMI or DVI at the very least I probably won’t. Problem with HDMI is you have to get it to work with HDCP content as well so that really limits your options. Basically the only way is to synthesize it with an FPGA. I would be really interested if anyone was working on anything like this.",
"parent_id": "426934",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427290",
"author": "John Laur",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T17:16:07",
"content": "If you can make it work with RGB VGA you can make it work with HDMI (Even with HDCP) by using an HDFury.I have no idea how the HDFury continues to escape notice. They are both cheap and readily available. I have been using them for years.",
"parent_id": "426934",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427301",
"author": "jjrh",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T17:35:46",
"content": "Look at boblight,http://code.google.com/p/boblight/It runs on linux, and there is code to interface with a arduino and tlc5940 for 4+ channels. The only issue is that (for me atleast) a ATI card on closed source drivers wouldn’t work in full screen. It worked with the open drivers, but xbmc ran too slow for my liking. I just ran out and bought a cheap nvidia card.You can also build a 2 channel one easily with a ULN2003A, which is what I did first before I made my four channel one.http://siliconrepublic.blogspot.com/2011/02/arduino-based-pc-ambient-lighting.htmlOne thing that I really like about boblight is that it’s very easy to interface to boblightd so you can control the individual lights easily. I wrote a quick program in python do make a mood light for when my tv is off.Boblight also supports input sources though I haven’t played around with it myself. Only problem is HDMI. I have been meaning into looking into HDFury. Basically I would get a HDMI spliter, standard input card.I used these exact lights from deal extreme, they are very easy to cut to the correct lengths. The only thing I noticed was a few of them came with their wiring wrong which initially confused the hell out of me.",
"parent_id": "426934",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426946",
"author": "razorconcepts",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:53:42",
"content": "I’d be more interested in the software side of it. Too bad it’s some random german software. A python script would be cool and easy to customize",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427606",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:49:41",
"content": "It’s not ‘some random german software’, it’s the most well-known non-philips standard and support is built right into VLC media player.(although the ‘real’ ambilight for computers from philips also works in VLC right out of the box)I can understand you’d be happier with a python thing though, but I would not be surprised there are atmo modules available for python.",
"parent_id": "426946",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427024",
"author": "xrazorwirex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T03:08:01",
"content": "As a Television technician during the dawn of the plasma television, PLEASE do not bring back ambilight….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427036",
"author": "m1ndtr1p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T03:49:11",
"content": "Oh I hear ya…These days if a TV set breaks, it’s usually cheaper to go out and buy a new one than getting it repaired (or replaced under warranty)… Sad, but true unfortunately.",
"parent_id": "427024",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427050",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T05:12:43",
"content": "Why ? Did it have reliability problems ? user problems ?",
"parent_id": "427024",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427032",
"author": "Willy",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T03:35:20",
"content": "Here’s the dealextreme item link:http://www.dealextreme.com/p/12v-54-led-rgb-light-strip-50cm-11304",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427049",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T05:12:37",
"content": "I have heard for over 50 years about the horror of watching TV with the lights out. This makes it worse.The hack I want would balance the light in the room to kill any luminance change throughout the room as the TV editing tries to dazzle and strobe the viewer into convulsions. This should be mandatory in screen design when light levels are low enough, especially with children. Also in public places, bars etc. In the days of movies this editing was not done, now it’s sceneflashsceneflashscene pow!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427116",
"author": "Eirinn",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T09:41:02",
"content": "I like the idea, but the colors are completely off! It shows pink when the screen is mostly orange and light blue where black and dark blue is.It looks nice, but it’s not anywhere near the ambilight.Cool backlighting though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427126",
"author": "bunkie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T10:06:53",
"content": "Look for the term Illuminant-DWhere Ambilight and all the other flashy color fakers came from – with the reaosning behind it (excuse the pun)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427166",
"author": "Rikard Lindström",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T12:14:31",
"content": "I went to IKEA last week and noticed their DIODER have soft fade now, so i bought one.And when i got home and picked it apart i got a bit surprised, it actually use standard components.I have some stuff here:http://gallery.slashhome.se/main.php?g2_itemId=5723In my sense it’s a pretty good price for what you get (keep in mind there are 36 RGB-LEDs and a wallwart in DIODER).My idea is to replace the PIC-mcu with an AVR (I’m not very in to PIC) like at90usb162 to be able to control it from PC (but it would cost me the use of the pot).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427289",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T17:10:38",
"content": "If the lights are mostly out anyway, can’t you just use 3 visible light photodiodes with RGB filters (I’m sure I’ve seen RGB sensors in some LEGO kits?) placed at some distance away from the TV screen? The average RGB is guarranteed, for free, no wiretapping, no DSP.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427602",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T00:39:41",
"content": "Dealextreme only accepts paypal, so that’s a way too high a price to pay.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427776",
"author": "BenB",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:12:27",
"content": "Hi,I’m using a HTPC with hardware video acceleration (ION2).will the software work for me?thanks,BenB.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427921",
"author": "weirdalyanksyou",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T16:30:49",
"content": "i like this alot super easy build your perfboard is a little messy but in all i give it a B+",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "436104",
"author": "Sasha",
"timestamp": "2011-08-16T17:35:05",
"content": "The thing is, DealExtreme has by far the worst prices for LED products on discount websites. Aliexpress, eBay, etc, have much lower prices, with the same free shipping. The lowest price I’ve seen for a 5050 RGB LED strip is 2.80$/meter.It’s not that I don’t like DealExtreme (after all, I’ve already bought dozens of things from them), but some of their things aren’t competitively priced.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.442404
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/google-adk-clones-pack-a-few-extra-features-hopefully-far-cheaper-than-the-original/
|
Google ADK Clones Pack A Few Extra Features, Hopefully Far Cheaper Than The Original
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Android Hacks",
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"adk",
"android",
"arduino",
"google"
] |
[charliex] from Null Space Labs wrote in to share a project that he and the rest of the gang have been working on
over the last few weeks
. The team has been remixing and building clones of the Google ADK demo board we saw earlier this year, in hopes of getting a huge batch prepped before Defcon 19.
Their version makes subtle changes to the original, such as extra header rows for Mega AVRs, higher quality RGB LEDs, and a nifty pirate-Android logo. They also added the ability for the board to send and receive IR signals allowing it to be used as a TV-B-Gone, as well as in more fruitful pursuits. The Arduino board used with the ADK has only undergone minor revisions, most of which were layout related.
[charliex] hasn’t mentioned a price for their improved ADK boards, but we’re guessing they will be substantially cheaper than the official Google version. In the meantime, check out their site for a boatload of pictures and videos of these boards undergoing various stages of construction.
| 9
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426890",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:50:49",
"content": "HAHA the andropirate is epic win!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426915",
"author": "Buddhafw",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:45:32",
"content": "Me want now…… NOW DAMN IT!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426956",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:16:38",
"content": "they’re half the price.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427040",
"author": "m1ndtr1p",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T04:37:02",
"content": "So $195? Still seems expensive for what’s basically an Arduino Mega with a shield. But hey, it beats paying $390 elsewhere, especially considering this one works with older Android versions while the official one only works with Android 2.3.4 and above.I have to pick one of these up sometime to put the old HTC G1/Dream to better use, taking up space in the parts drawer isn’t a good use for it.",
"parent_id": "426956",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426957",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T00:18:19",
"content": "Also unlike the RT/google version it runs on phones pre 2.3.4..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427064",
"author": "Inopia",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T05:52:47",
"content": "For those looking for a cheap ADK fix, Emartee now sells a clone of Oleg’s shield (including Arduino Mega support) for $30:http://www.emartee.com/product/42089/Arduino%20ADK%20Shield%20For%20AndroidAnyway, nice to see they use Microbridge :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427092",
"author": "Charley",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T07:35:18",
"content": "Any of you guys fancy writing an app that will orbit the Earth?A colleague just told me about this competition to write an Android application that will be flown on a samll satellite!I saw this and thought that it might be approriate for the blogWrite an Android app for SPACE!Link and details belowhttp://www.facebook.com/nanosatshttp://www.sstl.co.uk/divisions/earth-observation-science/science-missions/strand-nanosatelliteWe’re giving away the chance to write an app and the chance to fly that app in space, on our phone.Your app has to be interesting, preferably with some kind of scientific or technological goal (but we are not ruling out apps which are just plain fun!) and you have to convince us that you could have the app ready for the 1st of October 2011.Charley",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "432344",
"author": "gcb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-11T07:57:21",
"content": "Wtf? A camera looking at phone screen? A wifi interface? What will power the phone? an atomic power source powering an motor woth a fake rubber hand that cranks a dinamo for the cell phone charger?Man, i thought rocket scientists were clever and had good toys",
"parent_id": "427092",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427775",
"author": "Kevin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T09:07:58",
"content": "You also can buy it from seeedstudio now.http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/seeeduino-adk-main-board-p-846.html?cPath=132_133",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.49093
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/08/01/light-leds-with-fire/
|
Light LED’s With FIRE!
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"chemistry hacks"
] |
[
"Copper Oxide",
"generator"
] |
Reader [Andre] sent in a link which tells us all about this “cool”
Copper Oxide Thermoelectric Generator
. All you need is a bit of solid copper wire and a gas torch. Burn the wire so it gets a nice coating of oxide. From there, it is a matter of making the 2 sections of burned wire cross at a point and heat up only one of the wires. Whichever is hotter forms a cathode and whichever one is cooler is the anode.
Just one of these junctions is enough to produce a few hundred millivolts, but the author takes it a step further, well 16 steps further. He made a ring of these junctions in series, which is enough to light a bright blue LED. While the author notes that this thing is producing a considerable amount of voltage, its not producing much amperage. This could come in very handy in the future, like if you need some additional LED lighting for your camp stove.
| 30
| 20
|
[
{
"comment_id": "426793",
"author": "asheets",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:06:55",
"content": "I was about to submit this one myself. It is from the same guy that charges old refrigerators with propane and makes his own miniature CRTs.I will have to admit that I disagree with his explanation, though. I think (and I have no real way to prove it without my GRC Handbook handy to confirm the dielectric potentials of the materials involved) that the real cause is heating a dielectric junction between cupric oxide and cuprous oxide.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426794",
"author": "mowcius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:08:16",
"content": "Looks like a green LED to me ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426982",
"author": "Kevin Dady",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T01:29:53",
"content": "yep, morning coffee entering system brain freeze!",
"parent_id": "426794",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426795",
"author": "neorazz",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:12:09",
"content": "I like the idea but it seems like there would be a more energy effcient way of using that many therms (boiling water minature steam generator …hey you could do both at the same time) I ponder how much power could be created in a chimney configuration with 10 plus layers of these stacked together ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426797",
"author": "kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:14:21",
"content": "amperage = current? seriously",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426800",
"author": "catzburg",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:19:23",
"content": "Sounds good to me,http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-amperage.htm",
"parent_id": "426797",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426809",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:35:12",
"content": "I think a borderline acceptable colloquialism, we can have “wattage” but not “joulage”.",
"parent_id": "426800",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426831",
"author": "mowcius",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:59:17",
"content": "It’s just the American way – I don’t really like it either but I also don’t like Voltage and that’s pretty much accepted everywhere now.",
"parent_id": "426797",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426837",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:10:49",
"content": "amperage; part of the DIY community “Ebonics” vocabulary, IMO the small stuff not to sweat. I have to admit saying in my mind, it’s current dammit not amperage, whenever I read the colloquialism amperage. Who am I to judge? I likely to say x amount amps to denote the amount of current flow rather than saying x amount of amperes.",
"parent_id": "426797",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426799",
"author": "pekko",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:19:18",
"content": "Wow, this guy’s website has a lot of cool stuff!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426811",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:36:45",
"content": "If you run a current through this assembly you get a temperature delta across the layer. Can be used as heater or cooler (actually both at once). I’m just not sure about how efficient it will be compared to commercial peltiers. What also works is running an am or fm receiver from a candle…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426849",
"author": "Havel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:30:55",
"content": "Luke has a pretty interesting point there. I’d imagine you can somehow apply this to a coilgun to keep it cool, mine tend to overheat and fry the coils, as well as generate a bit of power to help charge the capacitors. I’m going to have to look into this. Do you think any other easily obtainable combination would work (I can’t just pick up some rare earth metal or something like platinum or some crazy alloy from the local hardware store, ya know?) better than the copper oxide. To Andre, pretty inventive stuff. I always though of peltier junctions as some hunk of silicon that’s only good for cooling your PC. Nice work! I apologize for the long comment.",
"parent_id": "426811",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426828",
"author": "ibedazzled",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T19:56:18",
"content": "his work is awesome. i’ve had lots of fun with the “peculiar sounds from aluminum”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426833",
"author": "Ted",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:03:08",
"content": "Just build a steam powered generator; probably easier and more powerful, plus you get steampunk credits.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426839",
"author": "DainBramage",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:15:55",
"content": "It would be interesting to try this with some cheap high temp thermocouples (type K maybe?) and compare the results.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426848",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:30:08",
"content": "That’s pretty cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426854",
"author": "sadffffff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:46:25",
"content": ">saying amperage>2011i seriously hope you dont do this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426871",
"author": "DasngerousDiver",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:14:06",
"content": "Amperage is perfectly acceptable in the engineering world. I’ve heard my professors use it interchangeably with current many times at engineering school.The same thing happened with expressing the ability of something to a constant level of current. The correct term is ampacity, but everyone just uses current rating or current limit.",
"parent_id": "426854",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427014",
"author": "sadffffff",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:30:44",
"content": "my professors would actually laugh at us if we said something like that. IMO, they were right to.",
"parent_id": "426871",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426857",
"author": "ino",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T20:48:10",
"content": "Seems like a direct application of the Seebek effect.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect#Seebeck_effectthe inverse being the Peltier effect.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426893",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:52:24",
"content": "cant you also use these as basic diodes?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426895",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:57:42",
"content": "I remember being fascinated when I was little by something like this in my mother’s old World Book encyclopedia from many decades ago. Only difference is they used a candle instead of a gas torch, and they powered a radio rather than an LED. Wish I could remember how that version worked though; my parents got rid of that encyclopedia years ago.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426932",
"author": "jesse",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:31:27",
"content": "something like this?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Dak5UOjew",
"parent_id": "426895",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427057",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T05:35:06",
"content": "Early 60’s before hookah times our Catholic grade school got new ‘pedias and there was the picture of a circle of people in India lighting up and listening to the radio. No electricity then, it had a ring of radial thermocouples 20 or more. I can’t remember if it had plans to make it. There is probably a federal violation here. ICE’s run hot, great app!",
"parent_id": "426895",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426904",
"author": "Dylan",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T22:15:42",
"content": "One step closer to a sky lantern rgb display. Just need to get each lantern to know its location and be able to remap the video data on the fly.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lantern",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426945",
"author": "beaglebreath",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:52:49",
"content": "That is pretty cool. otherwise wasted heat could be used to generate usefull electricity.Isn’t this a “Type-U” thermocouple? copper & copper. The Seebek Effect – a few millivolts are generated proportional to the difference in temperature between two wires…(I acknowledge ino for saying so earlier too)…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426949",
"author": "LifeSizeActionFigure",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T23:56:56",
"content": "Coolest use for fire yet!!! Awesome article. I am definitely trying this!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427019",
"author": "nave.notnilc",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T02:40:11",
"content": "semirelated, copper oxide can get you some photovoltaic action, too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427271",
"author": "andre",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T16:41:39",
"content": "Just so there isn’t any confusion, I didn’t come up with this, just found the page when searching.@Dylan Pretty clever, but..Surely the light from the sky lantern itself would drown out anything from the LEDs.Unless you used like a 5W RGB LED for each?Sky lantern radio transmitter OTOH… :-)One crystal oscillator, 10 foot wire antenna and voila!@nave.notnilc Yeah, have seen this done.Its interesting to note that your choice of wire affects this- some wire has added beryllium or other metals which mucks things up or so I hear.Someone should try and make a PCB version of this,using the copper substrate as one electrode.Seems that its the contact area which determines the current, so put several treated wires touching the one copper plate.-A",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427641",
"author": "Dan Fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-08-03T02:53:32",
"content": "could you do it with copper plates and make a cheap peltier junction?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.55796
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/30/rc-hexababy-is-guaranteed-to-give-you-nightmares/
|
R/C Hexababy Is Guaranteed To Give You Nightmares
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Robots Hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"hexapod",
"remote control",
"toys"
] |
For this week’s hack, [Dino] was working on a mechanical cat toy, but the project fell apart towards the end for some reason or another. With time running out,
he had to come up with something
on pretty short notice, using whatever he happened to have on hand. Luckily he picks up some seriously weird stuff at the local thrift store and had a disembodied doll’s head kicking around for this last minute project.
Taking a cue from Toy Story’s [
Sid Phillips
], [Dino’s] doll’s head hexapod is as creepy as it is simple. He had a remote controlled hexapod from RadioShack sitting around, and thought it would be fun to combine it with the doll’s head. He replaced the dolls eyes with a handful of LEDs, which are green as the hexapod retreats, but glow a bright red as it advances towards you. The only way it could be any creepier is if [Dino] added a voice box that plaintively called for “mommy” as the doll crawls around!
It’s a relatively goofy project, but it gave us a good chuckle. The most disturbing highlight of the build is when [Dino] removes the doll’s eyes using a wood drill bit around the 6:00 mark.
If you’re looking to kill a few minutes, be sure to check it out – [Dino’s] work is entertaining as always.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZPIhHBAjEc&w=470]
| 18
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425957",
"author": "Roy Eltham",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:19:09",
"content": "Excellent Hack, sir! So simple, yet so cool.The drilling out of the eyes was especially awesome and creepy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425964",
"author": "Buzzles",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:41:35",
"content": "Oh blimey, that reminds me of the crawling head scence from John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982).Hmm. That’s given me an idea for a small project. Plenty of time until Halloween as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425973",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:12:44",
"content": "Or the Toy Story hexababy (or was it an octababy?)And does he remind anyone else of Hugh Laurie with lighter hair?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425977",
"author": "Limey",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:22:58",
"content": "At first glance I thought it was Hugh aswell XD",
"parent_id": "425973",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426064",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T01:57:13",
"content": "Somewhere between Hugh Laurie and Sir Richard Branson",
"parent_id": "425973",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426108",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T04:39:23",
"content": "Why is it that every time a male hacker submits something we need to comment on their looks?/fakeoutrageI’d say closer to Richard Branson than House.9:20+ is very scary. Rapid, rigid movements to stopping and staring, simple but effective.You’ve combined my fear of spiders with my fear of small children.",
"parent_id": "426064",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425980",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:36:17",
"content": "Oh man that is NASTY!!! :-) Enough to scare the hell out of kids, Halloween or otherwise.Imagine THIS thing leaping out of someone’s birthday present as they walk up to it and running round the room squealing like a banshee.Don’t forget to add a voice activated camera to record the expression of utter horror for posterity.(I am not responsible for loss of bodily function control or palpitations etc if someone tries this stunt on a person who is of a delicate disposition!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426008",
"author": "oodain",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T22:37:05",
"content": "i need a few dozen of these!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426087",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:20:18",
"content": "Yes, and they need to talk to each other using modem noise as they swarm on anything that moves.",
"parent_id": "426008",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426387",
"author": "The Ideanator",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:59:20",
"content": "Oh God, lol! I totally agree.In fact, I think I should do that for my sisters birthday, she loves creepy stuff like this!",
"parent_id": "426087",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426038",
"author": "neo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T00:05:03",
"content": "That toys a ripoff of a jamius from youtube’s spidertank check him out JMEMantzel he is a master tinkerer!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426114",
"author": "Zer0",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T05:18:10",
"content": "shame on hackaday, never saw any of his stuff here",
"parent_id": "426038",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426062",
"author": "amiga65",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T01:53:43",
"content": "Damn that things just plain creepy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426076",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T02:32:47",
"content": "“Us toys can see everythinggggg!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426204",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T13:21:25",
"content": "very toy story!This dude is so cool. I wish he was my dad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426232",
"author": "NishaKitty",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T15:42:44",
"content": "This guy needs his own tv show really.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426457",
"author": "Colin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T01:19:57",
"content": "that’s good old-fashioned nightmare material right there…cool though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "587836",
"author": "aley",
"timestamp": "2012-02-23T20:56:11",
"content": "that gives nightmeres it loolk like chucey its not scery you peepol are crazzy omg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.623538
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/30/bejeweled-blitz-bot-makes-your-high-score-look-just-sad/
|
Bejeweled Blitz Bot Makes Your High Score Look Just Sad
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Software Hacks"
] |
[
"bejeweled",
"bot",
"puzzle",
"solver",
"solving"
] |
Programmers don’t need to get good at a game to achieve a high score, they code a bot for that instead. Take [hypnotizd] for instance. He was learning to write in the C# language and decided to make
a bot that plays Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook
. He figures he took between 48 and 72 hours of coding over a couple of weeks, but remember, he was learning the language at the same time. We think you’d be hard pressed to achieve a 1.5 million range score by yourself, even with that amount of practice time.
We spoke with [hypnotizd] yesterday afternoon to get a bit of background on how he made this happen. His code (he’s not releasing it so you’ll have to write your own) scrapes the screen image as input. You can see at the beginning of the video after the break that he sizes his app to properly align each jewel in its grid. The program then identifies each game piece by finding the center of the cell and taking a 25 square-pixel average color. Many of the jewels are easily recognized in this first pass, but some are harder and require several different tests to identify. That’s the difficult part, choosing the best move is just a matter of coming up with your own rules on how the bot should play the game.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4BiLeKjXSA&w=470]
[Thanks Adam]
| 48
| 29
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425938",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:19:20",
"content": "Nice! i love C# personally i find it my favorite languagei do allot of interfacing hardware with software",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425940",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:27:11",
"content": "I would love to see the source for that, simply as a learning exercise.(I don’t even have a Facebook account.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425942",
"author": "bandwagon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:30:48",
"content": "I’ve always wanted to do stuff like this with a neural network, but to each his own–I just find it fascinating to watch it learn. In fact, I might just do that. I’ve just got to figure out how to capture the play-area in Linux.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425944",
"author": "isama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:37:02",
"content": "I’d take screenshots or maybe use x11vnc :)",
"parent_id": "425942",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425948",
"author": "blub",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:49:11",
"content": "or “steal” the code from a opensource screen recorder :D",
"parent_id": "425944",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425954",
"author": "bandwagon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:10:08",
"content": "I think I’ll take a look at the source for xwd–it seems to do what I need.",
"parent_id": "425944",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425975",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:18:00",
"content": "Actually you don’t need a neural net — the min-max algorithm would be wonderfully sufficient. Also for pattern recognition, I wrote a pattern recognizer using the Java UI robot toolkit (built in to the SDK) and had pretty good luck with an automated farmville hack that would plant and harvest my crops. It doesn’t work anymore since they changed the UI and stuff. I used transparent PNGs to represent the different game sprites, stripping out as much detail from the sprite as I could so it performed as little pixel comparisons as possible.",
"parent_id": "425942",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426264",
"author": "H3llphyre",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T17:16:44",
"content": "I did the same thing. My only motivation was to prove to friends that what they were doing wasn’t even fun. Within a week, I had gone from not playing farmville, to being a higher level than all of my friends and all of their friends. Then I stopped “playing” because I had expanded to max and bought everything.Yeah, I like ruining the fun in games…",
"parent_id": "425975",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426453",
"author": "MeeToo",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T01:03:53",
"content": "I did the farmville thing too. I gave up on it cause it was taking too much time to run (I had missed the obvious. It needed to be run in a virtual machine) Mind you it worked a treat at putting the family off, that time waster :-)",
"parent_id": "425975",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425951",
"author": "Sean",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:59:01",
"content": "It sounds like he’s playing Unreal Tournament, not Bejeweled. Holy crap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425962",
"author": "florinzgtrst",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:33:42",
"content": "That totally sounds like Unreal. Awesome stuff.",
"parent_id": "425951",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425959",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:23:19",
"content": "A few years back I used to use this same general technique to play king.com games. :) Those were fun times.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425965",
"author": "Mime",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:47:05",
"content": "HAHA! I love projects like this! Yeah.. Everyone pretty much just got pwnd at Bejeweled :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426096",
"author": "hypnotizd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:47:54",
"content": "One of my friends kept poking fun at me for not being able to beat their score. You can imagine the look on their face when they saw mine ;) *evil laugh*",
"parent_id": "425965",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425984",
"author": "vic",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:45:42",
"content": "I love this. I can’t count how many hours I spent coding bots for pointless online games too. Great fun :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425995",
"author": "Bobby J",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T22:08:02",
"content": "This is how they do bots for online poker as well. Next project?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426095",
"author": "hypnotizd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:46:50",
"content": "Next project has been up in the air for awhile. I haven’t had a good idea for one yet, unfortunately. Suggestions?",
"parent_id": "425995",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426214",
"author": "Volfram",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:21:09",
"content": "Gunbound. I always wanted to make a Gunbound bot.",
"parent_id": "426095",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426246",
"author": "hypnotizd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T16:32:04",
"content": "@Volfram The very first bot I ever wrote was for Gunbound, believe it or not. That was back in 2003/4. It was just a suicide bot though written in the first vb.net. I didn’t get very far with it, but it would suicide. I was pretty good with trick shotting using the boomerang bot lol. I haven’t played that game in forever, though.",
"parent_id": "426095",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426007",
"author": "Badwolf",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T22:31:20",
"content": "Source Code would be kinda cool ya know..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426025",
"author": "aperson",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:36:06",
"content": "Oh neat, I didn’t realize that was hypno at first. Minecraft addicts unite!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426093",
"author": "hypnotizd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:45:20",
"content": "Yep! Same person:D",
"parent_id": "426025",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426033",
"author": "zing",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:50:40",
"content": "I’m not entirely sure, but it looks like it might also be taking advantage of some laxness in the game by moving several gems simultaneously.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426092",
"author": "hypnotizd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:44:57",
"content": "That is correct, it does make multiple moves at the same time. The original bot only could get about 500k/game by moving one gem at a time.",
"parent_id": "426033",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426063",
"author": "Anthony",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T01:54:15",
"content": "@zing – Bejeweled allows you to move gems at any time, even while gems are falling. This is relatively recent (as of v3 I think), but yeah, not exploiting that beyond being able to pattern recognize and react faster than humanly possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426071",
"author": "James Shield",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T02:17:52",
"content": "sounds like it may have been based on caustik’s bot which was done in 2008.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426091",
"author": "hypnotizd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:44:20",
"content": "I didn’t base this on any bot in particular. I went into this project completely blind while learning C#. Lots and lots of trial and error! That’s also part of the reason it took so long for me to make it.",
"parent_id": "426071",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426075",
"author": "axet",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T02:29:44",
"content": "mine plays starcraft version:https://github.com/axet/starjeweled/wiki/Analyse",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426088",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:25:16",
"content": "As Jay said, have seen this done with King.com games. There’s money to be made.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "913259",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2013-01-04T16:17:06",
"content": "Yes, there is the Cats Corner game on King.com that I had written a bot for and “won” hundreds of dollars… til they banned me and kept it all :)",
"parent_id": "426088",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426094",
"author": "Mark",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:45:47",
"content": "very vie similar approach was doen and commented before on Hack-a-day wrt guitar hero game. They used OpenCV to do a templat ematch on each section.The code was very small IIRC",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426098",
"author": "Mark",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:52:32",
"content": "http://hackaday.com/2010/12/23/teensy-can-school-you-at-guitar-hero/",
"parent_id": "426094",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426099",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T04:00:43",
"content": "Bots are fun and intellectually challenging to write. :)My first was written to play the games on a local BBS, way back when. The sysop regularly and publicly challenged people to beat his cumulative score. I’d made it to #2 on the high score list fairly, but he always managed to stay in #1 spot by a slim margin; no matter how well or often I played. I decided to dethrone him by writing a Blackjack ‘bot which would automatically dial in the wee hours of the morning, and play until it beat his score. At first I had it set up with random delays to simulate human behavior, and to detect and sound an alarm if any unusual activity was detected; just in case he was awake and broke in to chat.It didn’t take long to beat him. In response, his score soon jumped back up to #1. Repeat the next day. On the third day, his score increased by a huge amount, which would have taken him literally all day to achieve; and the maximum bid amount in blackjack was reduced. Suspecting he was just editing his score rather than actually playing, I removed the delays entirely; and ran the program for one final, marathon session. Which not met the “impossible” challenge, but beat him by a large amount.And then he instantly increased his score by an amount which would take a human playing *thousands* of hours to manage. At which point he was clearly exposed as a cheater, unwilling to let anyone win the challenge he had proposed.Many people complained. The popularity of his BBS dropped, and calls to my BBS surged. Years later I was at Radio Shack talking to an employee, when he mentioned he ran that BBS. I told him my username on his BBS, and his jaw dropped. He asked how I’d managed to keep beating him, as he’d never figured it out. I just said I was really good at blackjack, and left. :)That said, I understand why the author of this ‘bot isn’t releasing source. ‘Bots are often a labor of love. In a multiplayer environment, they can seriously change game dynamics. At least if you wrote the ‘bot, you’re still putting in the often substantial *effort* to succeed; just in a different way than most. Releasing a ‘bot publicly gives many people an unfair advantage for no effort; and can lead to detection and bans, making them useless for everyone including the author.I speak from experience, having written a few ‘bots since then. None were ever released, though I described how they work to a few. My name was once fairly well known in both Eve and Warcraft. :)I wonder how long it will be before using higher-level visual object detection like SURF or Zdenek Kalal’s “Predator” becomes commonplace in ‘bots and ‘bot toolkits?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426118",
"author": "jakyl",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T05:51:40",
"content": "I don’t play bejeweled but my mom does. I showed her this and she officially hates me now. Apparently showing awesome code totally make any score she ever got seem insignificant angers her somehow…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426219",
"author": "Volfram",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:38:10",
"content": "Well he pretty much murdered the game, so I can see that.Still fun(ny) to watch, though.",
"parent_id": "426118",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426134",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T07:41:09",
"content": "All botters use .NET cause of the browser COM and they are noob syntax.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426181",
"author": "TMX:OD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T11:15:06",
"content": "Except for the fact that the demo is on Firefox.AFAIK, Firefox does not yet expose any COM interfaces for automation/whatever…",
"parent_id": "426134",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426199",
"author": "vic",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T12:51:28",
"content": "Not all, many use Java because of the Robot API.",
"parent_id": "426134",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426154",
"author": "Frogz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T09:35:53",
"content": "http://www.charlesrcook.com/archive/2010/09/05/creating-a-bejeweled-blitz-bot-in-c.aspxheres some source code?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426209",
"author": "Nachowarrior",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:07:16",
"content": "That still doesn’t beat my all time high score.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426287",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:24:10",
"content": "Why isn’t the guy releasing the source code? Well he could win a lot of money on sites like zigiz.com (paying bejeweled clone). I think _that_ is the only reason..Yes, I too was working on such a tool once. Was too hard, I gave up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426291",
"author": "YaBa",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:30:24",
"content": "Nice work :)I’ve seen, some years ago, this kind of program to play/cheat Minesweeper.Check it:http://www.joriswit.nl/minesweeper/solver.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426425",
"author": "Adam",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T23:34:05",
"content": "With all the whining for source code, I can’t believe no-one’s suggested a middle road, add a plugin system for the “come up with your own rules” part. That way, others can write plugins to implement different approaches and compete against one another.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426701",
"author": "Mathorne",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T15:46:30",
"content": "Well, a friend of mine plays Bejeweled blitz on facebook with the ‘elite technique’ playstyle. He score’s over 1.600.000+ each week, sometimes without powerups… My record is 1.200.000 but I still play ‘normal’ because you can’t use ‘elite technique’ on Bejeweled on consoles and on spin-offs of the game.So humans are still better players!!! :P(For now…)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "451332",
"author": "Nick Berry",
"timestamp": "2011-09-09T15:44:56",
"content": "I did a similar thing a couple of years ago, using a camera to grab the screen.http://datagenetics.com/blog/march2009/index.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "532890",
"author": "badelundwala",
"timestamp": "2011-12-12T10:08:15",
"content": "i found code for thishttp://www.rohitab.com/discuss/topic/37411-cbejeweled-blitz-bot/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "893432",
"author": "Tdiz",
"timestamp": "2012-11-28T06:30:59",
"content": "Agree with @Mathorne. I have beaten the bot score by over 400,000. Glad to know code doesn’t always win and real players can prevail without cheating.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3016418",
"author": "kimiko",
"timestamp": "2016-05-10T07:33:45",
"content": "I’d beat any bot on mobile for bejeweled blitz. No cheats. I see moves 4-5 steps ahead.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,127.900628
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/30/usb-reddit-upvotedownvote-button/
|
USB Reddit Upvote/Downvote Button
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Microcontrollers",
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"3d printing",
"reddit",
"Teensy"
] |
[Chris] has recently become a self-declared Reddit addict and wanted to build something that would
streamline the process of voting on posts
. Inspired by the
Awesome Button hack
featured on
Make
a little while back, he thought that a physical upvote/downvote button would be the ideal peripheral for all of his Reddit needs.
He was a big fan of using the Reddit Enhancement Suite, which allows you to submit votes with a single keystroke. He combined this browser extension with a Teensy development board, and had his voting button prototyped in no time. Once he fine-tuned the Arduino sketch that he used to emulate the required keypresses, he got busy building a case for his creation.
He busted out his 3D printer and had a custom working project box in about 30 minutes. He printed arrows for the upvote and downvote buttons, snapped everything together, and then gave his quick vote box a spin. Everything worked perfectly, and he’s quite happy with his creation.
We imagine that our
resident Reddit addict in chief
is pretty jealous right about now…
Stick around if you’d like to see a time lapse video of the button’s creation.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNkKHRwk3MA&w=470]
| 10
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425899",
"author": "Tom Hek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T17:09:48",
"content": "As a full-time Reddit nerd, I have to say this is one of the best hacks ever (except for the motion controlled down/upvote button, but hey)..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425906",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T17:23:38",
"content": "I think the idea/point of it is pretty lame.But the enclosure itself is pretty cool. Every time I see a project involving a 3D printer, I have to resist the urge to just splurge money and buy one. I’ve already got a 27″ plotter sitting here doing pretty much nothing after suffering from such a splurge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425907",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T17:24:28",
"content": "I love the teensy. I’d recommend it over the arduino to pretty much anyone, unless you really need shields. The bootloader is tiny, the programmer software is easy to use, and loading code over USB is incredibly fast. And of course, it works as a full-blown USB device.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425908",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T17:28:25",
"content": "I’d use an elastic band and just hold the down the downvote button.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426023",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:29:10",
"content": "I love the project, but i can see issues with it in real life.If you were browsing multiple threads, or the index, how would you select which one? Also you can’t use it on comments. But the design and making of it was all very nice",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426115",
"author": "william",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T05:20:04",
"content": "I like the idea since you are just mapping keypresses i think i would just use one of those usb number pads for the interface btw wht keys did you map it to? also; anon you are a tool",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426379",
"author": "TheNewHobbyist",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:43:16",
"content": "I mapped CTRL + SHIFT + A for upvote and CTRL + SHIFT + Z for downvote (I also had to set these as the keystrokes in Reddit Enhancement Suite). They seemed like keystrokes that wouldn’t conflict with anything else in the browser (Chrome) on PC or Mac.You can do some cool things with the keystroke commands on Teensyduino. I imagine if you were to combine it with an AutoHotKey or AutoIT script on the client machine you could do some really awesome stuff.",
"parent_id": "426115",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426288",
"author": "nimitzbrood",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:24:28",
"content": "Where can I hook one of these up to the government again?Political party regardless I’d love to be able to “downvote” government stupidity. ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426299",
"author": "mhespenh",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:01:56",
"content": "I’d love to know what kind of project notebook he is using/where to get one. Anyone know?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426377",
"author": "TheNewHobbyist",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:40:35",
"content": "It’s the “Maker’s Notebook” from Make Magazine. It’s a little pricey at around $20 but it has all kinds of handy information in the back (resistor codes, formulas, etc) and it’s pretty well put together. I got mine as a free gift last time I ordered from the Make store but I’ll be buying another when this one runs out.http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9780596519414",
"parent_id": "426299",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,127.669614
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/30/am-singer-a-tiny-am-transmitter/
|
AM Singer: A Tiny AM Transmitter
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Radio Hacks"
] |
[
"am",
"radio"
] |
[Simon Orr] wrote in to tell us about his
AM transmitter prototype
that he plans to put into production in a few months. The build is based on an “Easy AM Transmitter” featured in
this
Instructables article.
Interestingly enough, this device is capable of transmitting in the 100KHz to 480KHz frequencies. The AM band goes from 520 KHz to 1610KHz, so in order to hear this signal, one must actually tune the radio to twice the emitted frequency. This allows one to tune into the harmonic frequency and receive a signal in this range.
Using the harmonic frequency to transmit is an interesting concept by itself. Additionally, the idea that one could build this device with or without the kit in the future should appeal to experienced hackers and those just starting out alike. Check out the “AM Singer” prototype video after the break.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VKMOBp7rL4&w=470&h=349%5D
| 32
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425853",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:28:47",
"content": "I want to see more about the project, but I don’t really want to install fritzig, could you post an image?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425857",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:34:49",
"content": "Just download Fritzing and run it, there is no installation at all. Unzip it, click on the .exe and you’re in! Just delete the folder when you’re done. I use Fritzing a lot though, it’s simple ot use.",
"parent_id": "425853",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426032",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:49:27",
"content": "In the opinion of many the need to place it on the drive, is installing it. There are many ways to share information that use applications that are already installed on most computers. in the words of nluelectronics “forcing”, potential customers to go through unnecessary steps to decide if your product is something they want to buy, has to be a bad business practice, many customers are likely to move on. I did use fritzing I’m still moving on because using it didn’t convince me that is a product I’d buy at any price. In the event I was using my netbook, installing it, and deleting it would have put unnecessary wear on the netbook SSD",
"parent_id": "425857",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426036",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T23:58:14",
"content": "The seller’s webpage contains an indirect link to the instructable that this is based on, and a link to a document. Also they give a link to goggle docs for the document that will be included in the kit.",
"parent_id": "425853",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426202",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T13:06:21",
"content": "Perhaps you could get a junker laptop that doesn’t care about wear and tear on its moving parts. I drive the dumpsters pretty hard this time of year as it is college move in/out time and there are plenty of “craptops” sitting out and even more desktops. Grab two desktop machines and you can simply put the second hard drive in when the first dies from wear and tear. Really. It sounds like you hit the nail on the head about the business end of this “project”.",
"parent_id": "426036",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425855",
"author": "DainBramage",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:32:41",
"content": "This is a cool little transmitter, but I wonder if anyone has looked into the legality of it. The FCC (here in the US) keeps a pretty tight leash on most of the lower frequencies. They do allow unlicensed low power transmitters on some frequencies, maybe this falls into that category.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425860",
"author": "gizmoguyar",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:48:25",
"content": "Back when I started with electronics, I made an AM transmitter. I spent some time looking at HAM licensing and regulations, and I think I came to the conclusion that in the AM frequency range you only need a license for radios with output power of more than 18 mW. I’m not sure about other frequencies…",
"parent_id": "425855",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425937",
"author": "DainBramage",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:14:01",
"content": "But even though you receive on a harmonic, the primary transmit frequency is well below the AM broadcast band.",
"parent_id": "425860",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425971",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:08:44",
"content": "I remember in high school, they had a driver’s ed parking lot where the teacher would sit in a tower, and would talk to us via the AM radio in the car. I believe the antenna ran underneath the parking lot.I’ve also seen AM used for weather and/or traffic on some highways; and for advertising a particular house for sale.",
"parent_id": "425855",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425867",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:57:38",
"content": "The first electronic project I did was an am receiver (yes from radioshack in its prime).+1 for purple pcb too :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425869",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:01:23",
"content": "PS you guys are really gaining my confidence in the new comment policy. Not only did you over achieve and get the nested reports working in record time, but you guys are on the ball removing troll posts. Great job HAD team.",
"parent_id": "425867",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425875",
"author": "John C",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:07:10",
"content": "Reading this PDF from the FCC could save folks up to $75k in fines and legal expenses.UNDERSTANDING THE FCC REGULATIONSFOR LOW-POWER, NON-LICENSED TRANSMITTERShttp://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/…/oet63/oet63rev.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425894",
"author": "Ken",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:49:37",
"content": "Your link was broke – here’s the full one:http://transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet63/oet63rev.pdf",
"parent_id": "425875",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425893",
"author": "Chewie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:49:18",
"content": "Why do we continuously see people on HaD making dirty transmitters? The fact that you have to tune this via a harmonic tells me that the person is completely irresponsible in regards to polluting the already jammed RF spectrum and that they also have no idea how to properly work with RF design and circuits. Thumbs down.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425896",
"author": "Th3_uN1Qu3",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:57:24",
"content": "Operating a transmitter just to receive its 2nd harmonic is a bad idea, unless you have a notch filter tuned to the fundamental. Which can be out of reach of the beginner radio enthusiast…AM transmitters are really trivial to make. Why not make them right to begin with? The simplest version only needs a crystal, a common NPN transistor, an audio amplifier and a bunch of capacitors… And it’s a lot more stable than what has been presented here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425921",
"author": "Alex Templeton",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T18:31:40",
"content": "So noobs can find learn the proper way – trial and error. For example, now I get to research the usage, design, and tuning of notch filters. Not bad. Maybe Ill make a writeup.",
"parent_id": "425896",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426041",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T00:14:43",
"content": "Thing is trial, and error, is unlikely to teach a beginner the shortcomings of this circuit. Unless they ramp it up to the point is causes problems for others, and there’s a knock on the door by a person who asks, are you operating an AM transmitter? By that time the question is a matter courtesy, so own up. There are many ways to learn, none of them the proper way as far as I’m concerned, not there’s anything intrinsically wrong with any of them either.",
"parent_id": "425921",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426147",
"author": "Th3_uN1Qu3",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T09:01:52",
"content": "A notch filter is usually designed for a fixed frequency. Given that this circuit wants to be tuneable, a notch filter would probably just eat up most of the signal.A high order lowpass would probably be better, but it still won’t change the fact that you’re transmitting at both the fundamental and 2nd harmonic. And as said above, driving an antenna with a square wave will produce a lot more than just the 2nd harmonic… and it’s pretty much illegal everywhere.",
"parent_id": "425921",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426215",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T14:28:55",
"content": "N0LLK: I am genuinely curious, so please don’t think I’m baiting you here, but: what are the odds that this ‘knock on the door’ will occur?I always see HAMs cautioning against reckless transmitter use/design by saying “the FCC will shut you down and/or fine you.” Does this really happen all that often? I am not a HAM so I honestly have no idea.Chances are he’s only going to operate this thing for a little while before he gets bored with it anyway.",
"parent_id": "425921",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426233",
"author": "Chewie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T15:45:25",
"content": "john: Go tohttp://www.arrl.orgor pick up an issue of QST, their monthly magazine. They have specific columns on FCC activity and every month the FCC tags someone. That’s just on the amateur bands. The FCC also goes after people outside those bands. The RF spectrum is CROWDED and they are listening.",
"parent_id": "425921",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425925",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T18:47:32",
"content": "I don’t see a single coil in the schematic. He is driving the antenna with square wave, producing a lot of harmonics. I’m surprised it works at all, taking into account that antenna is not resonant, and there is not a single tuned LC circuit in sight.On a positive note, circuit bending like this sometimes produces new breakthroughs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426082",
"author": "Mark VandeWettering",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T02:57:03",
"content": "This circuit is simple and cheap, but probably too simple, and too cheap. Sending square waves out to an antenna will work, but it is almost certainly illegal, no matter what the power level used since it will radiate power across lots of radio spectrum. Even with appropriate filtering, you should really understand Part 15 regulations before trying to setup a neighborhood radio station.If you use the same circuit to power an LED instead of running the output to an antenna, you can send audio via lightwaves, and avoid the risk of running afoul of the FCC or interfering with your neighbors.If you want to build something a bit more sophisticated that might actually be legal, try:http://www.techlib.com/electronics/amxmit.htm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426168",
"author": "mahoney",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T10:23:14",
"content": "A single transistor CE amplifier + feedback through 3 capacitors and a coil as a colpitts oscillator will do the job correctly. No need for a xtal or a 555.I don’t think anyone wishing to learn about AM transmission should be following a 555 oscillator design.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426187",
"author": "Budgethack",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T11:54:08",
"content": "The use of harmonics is not a new idea in ham radio, I use the 5th harmonic in one of my lo designs but the lo is enclosed in a shield with a butterworth filter. This sort of device is really annoying people do not realize just how far the interference harmonics go.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426236",
"author": "Chewie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T15:50:55",
"content": "While the use of harmonics is not new (and sometimes necessary, ala VHF/UHF), your design is one of sound engineering principle. From the look of their site, this is a high school kid who doesn’t truly understand what he’s doing. Using a square wave to transmit is probably the worst idea ever. Is it something to have in your bag of tricks? Sure. But anyone that actually wants to learn something should do it the right way. Just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you SHOULDN’T. I’m wondering if he’s ever even seen the frequency spectrum of a square wave. It is just a shame that one of them claims to have a background in Ham Radio and still made this device.",
"parent_id": "426187",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426280",
"author": "SWL",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:06:43",
"content": "As a ham radio operator. I know what it takes to get a good signal out on that frequency and just by looking at the design it makes me laugh. Guys really nothing to worry about when it comes to output power. Part 15 regulates the field strenght at a certain distance from the antenna. Do a search on the FCC site and your find the values. a dipole antenna at 1000 Khz is 150 Meter long (493 ft) and I don’t see anything like that attached to it and even if you did, it would even come close to part 15 levels.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426283",
"author": "war",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:17:45",
"content": "I’d hate for your design to go “into production” only to have you shut down by the FCC. Investing all that time and money into a design which intrinsically breaks regulations is a bad idea. I’d recommend that you re-think your design and use techniques that have been tested before instead of relying on circuit bending. Good effort, but poor execution.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426293",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:49:15",
"content": "Isn’t that the same photo fromhttp://hackaday.com/2011/01/10/555-based-am-radio-transmitter/?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426479",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T02:53:20",
"content": "Hi guys, I’m the co-founder of NLU.It’s perfectly legal. Part 15 says that it limits effective range to 200 feet. The effective range of the AM singer is 5 feet.Additionally, I’ve posted images of the schematics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426481",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:02:04",
"content": "Additionally, the antenna is an 1/16 wave. It’s too short to have a good feedpoint impedence, but it works.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426484",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:10:04",
"content": "Also, I have seen the output from the device. It is effectively a sine wave made of an extremely large number of square waves. I’ve seen the output, and the signal is extremely clean.True, the transmitter does create a lot of harmonics because it is unfiltered, but it only radiates for ten feet at the most before its signal becomes too weak to matter. There is no harm to the RF spectrum at large. It doesn’t even pass through house walls.The intent of the transmitter is as a toy, and nothing more. It is not designed to be efficient, but rather to be a kit which fathers and sons can build together to teach how to solder.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426539",
"author": "CyberScann",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T05:38:44",
"content": "out of all the comments not one about Doctor Who Or Daleks I thought this was geek site",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.138709
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/30/making-structured-wiring-do-your-bidding/
|
Making Structured Wiring Do Your Bidding
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"home hacks"
] |
[
"ethernet",
"splitter"
] |
So you’ve just moved into a home that has cat5 running throughout. This is called structured wiring and is a great feature for a home. But what if the existing wiring doesn’t work the way you would prefer to setup your network? [Firestorm_v1] has a workaround that lets you
reconfigure Ethernet without pulling new cables
.
He’s making splitters out of patch cables. Often, Ethernet devices are not using all eight conductors in the cable. Unless you are using Gigabit Ethernet, or running Power over Ethernet, only four of the conductors in each run are being utilized. This means you can create twice as many connections without running new cable or using addition switches. Each splitter has three RJ-45 connectors on it. One of them hooks to the wired jack in the wall while the other two hook to two different devices. You’ll need a second splitter to use on the opposite end of the wall jack, usually this is where the router or switch is located, in order to separate the combined signals.
| 42
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425768",
"author": "RooTer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:10:26",
"content": "Exact same thing but with addition of rj45 is very popular – love it simplicity",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425770",
"author": "RooTer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:11:20",
"content": "*rj11",
"parent_id": "425768",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425779",
"author": "patrick",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:18:57",
"content": "while very clever and a real money saver when compared to rewiring a house, isn’t cross talk going to become a problem?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425815",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:28:29",
"content": "I would imagine that twisted differential pairs are going to be fairly noise immune.",
"parent_id": "425779",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425864",
"author": "steaky",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:56:30",
"content": "Crosstalk is going to be fine – so long as you don’t run anything beyond the normal capabilities of the cabling.",
"parent_id": "425779",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426086",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:15:10",
"content": "This was relatively common in the early 1990’s in the corporate setting; wires were often run for the handful of computers that they thought they would need in the mid 1980’s, and that number usually doubled in less than ten years.It worked fine back then because most networks were only 10mbps, but there were some speed issues and random disconnects when we did it using 100mbps NICs and switches (usually using wires designed for 10mbps).I would say that this method is probably OK for 100mbps connections over shorter wires as long as the wires are of high quality, but that for such a slow speed, you might as well just use WiFi.",
"parent_id": "425864",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425780",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:18:59",
"content": "This is a very handy little hack that has saved me from pulling cable a few times. There are a few different ways to do it, but the way listed here is probably the cheapest. The only problem with it is that the non-switch end (where it terminates to the wall jack) will need a pair of custom-length Cat5 cables that can’t be swapped out without making a new splitter cable.The solution that I usually use is actually quite simple. Instead of using four RJ-45 jacks, I use 4 RJ-45 keystones (which are slightly more expensive), or two jacks and two keystones.There are a couple other easy ways to do it, too. You can also do a crossover cable within a patch cable (or a patch cable with multiple drops). I’ll go take some pictures and post back in a minute…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428705",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T22:14:09",
"content": "Seems like the proper way to do it. Making custom cables is a bit strange when you can just rewire the keystones on the wall plate.",
"parent_id": "425780",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425786",
"author": "David MacKenzie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:32:10",
"content": "I can guarantee that you will lose some performance doing this. Crosstalk will be an issue having multiple signals in one cable and splicing wires like that creates what is called near end crosstalk at the splice.It’s a good hack though that well get you buy when you have no other options.PS: I am a network engineer ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425798",
"author": "Nawak",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:59:39",
"content": "But then why isn’t crosstalk a problem when all eight conductors are used in a gigabit link?",
"parent_id": "425786",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425811",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:21:50",
"content": "Gigabit requires a higher standard of cabling (Cat5e, as opposed to Cat5) that has reduced crosstalk. Cat6 goes a step farther by physically separating the pairs with a + shaped piece of plastic that runs the entire length of the cable to reduce crosstalk.In theory, crosstalk is a problem. In practice, as long as you stay within the specs of the protocols you’re usually just fine. There are several other things (such as error checking and ICMP (also CSMA/CD in the old days)) in place in the TCP/IP stack that help to provide a little buffer where lower layer problems occur, but they obviously degrade performance a bit.Random tidbit: It’s possible to run gigabit through Cat3 (in very short runs since all wires are untwisted and signal is very prone to crosstalk, obviously). I’ve streamed HD video through a gigabit link on a 20′ Cat3 cable with no ‘visible’ problems. There was packet loss, yes, but not enough to cause any real problems. Would I suggest using Cat3 for gig links? Hell no.",
"parent_id": "425798",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425814",
"author": "xrazorwirex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:27:47",
"content": "It is a bit of a problem, which is why you should be using cat6+ for gigabit, but the main contention with what the user in the post is doing is the splice, which is really gonna hurt because of the lack of NEXT performance.",
"parent_id": "425798",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425868",
"author": "GaspingSpark",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:58:38",
"content": "Also, Gigabit Ethernet does a lot of digital signal processing to cancel out the crosstalk.",
"parent_id": "425798",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425813",
"author": "peet",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:23:23",
"content": "i guess cat 5 is a bit to tight-fisted.i have set up my installation using s/stp cables.i dont get any performance drawbacks or crosstalk.i allways use 2 pairs for ethernet and 2 pairs for isdn (s0-bus) with no problems at all.the best thig to do: patchpanel and walljacks. then you dont need to cut any wires.",
"parent_id": "425786",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425821",
"author": "me.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:39:31",
"content": "Totally agree with you regarding patch panels and wall jacks.I got Cat7 wire running through the whole house and it would be quite complicated to deal with about 40 of those directly connected to the switches. Especially since the Cat7 wire that’s running through walls is pretty hard to bend.Nevertheless I am assuming that Firestorm_v1 is at least using wall jacks. The article is mainly about connecting two devices to a single outlet.Btw: I still consider switches the best solution for doing so ;) Especially since it also works for gigabit.",
"parent_id": "425813",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425916",
"author": "Jonathan Bennett",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T18:05:27",
"content": "I can guarantee that you won’t see any performance drop. This is totally within Ethernet specs. There is no difference between running an Ethernet signal down the two unused pairs, and running it down another cable bundled together.Also, true PoE will normally work over two pairs. It’s the cheap injectors that won’t. Technically, the power supply has to support PoE mode A.I am a network engineer, too. =)",
"parent_id": "425786",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425791",
"author": "Ian Norton",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:47:25",
"content": "There are commercial products available for doing this that have been around for a long time.http://www.jamdup.com/products/Videk-Ltd.-%252d-Videk-CAT-5-10%7B47%7D100-BASE-SPLITTER.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425797",
"author": "Coligny",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:57:48",
"content": "Yea, works flawlessly for 100bt… But expensive little things for a passive device…Rules being 1 RJ 45 for 2 network line or 4 phone lines. DO NOT MIX BOOTH ON THE SAME WIRE (i/e 1 net + 2 phone).",
"parent_id": "425791",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425799",
"author": "Jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:02:37",
"content": "Out of curiosity… may I ask why not?",
"parent_id": "425797",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425810",
"author": "Ratty",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:20:04",
"content": "Cover your eyes!http://www.comms-express.com/products/excel-split-r-2-x-telephone-1-data-single-unit/(Some of these are currently in use in my workplace. No, I am not happy about it.)",
"parent_id": "425797",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426061",
"author": "Kyle K",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T01:52:04",
"content": "Oops. I did this at my dads house. Haven’t killed anything yet but I knew it wasn’t the best idea when I did it. Dodgy ethernet > dodgy wifi :)",
"parent_id": "425797",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425870",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:02:14",
"content": "I know they’re overpriced for what they are. But 7 quid for something that’s plug and play and hopefully well wired… I think I’d just pay the money!It is nice to read the authors way of doing it though and a handy thing to remember in the future if I’m ever in a jam.",
"parent_id": "425791",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425793",
"author": "Blaketh",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:52:15",
"content": "This is a great trick, useful too if you are rough with your cat5! I found that in one particular run of cat5 the orange and green pairs would not support a full duplex link, but the blue/brown pairs could handle full duplex fast Ethernet. That saved me from having to replace the whole cable.P.S. Power over Ethernet works fine over the same pairs as the data, but it’s probably a bad idea to try for both double data and PoE connections through a single run of cat5. There will be twice as much heat from power lost in the cable, besides the crosstalk mentioned above.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426097",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T03:51:51",
"content": "PoE can use the same 2 pairs that data does, or it can use the other 2 pairs. It is implementation-dependent.As to heat: No, not a problem. Not now, and not ever, with 802.3af — there’s just not enough current flowing to make an issue out of it.And as a general retort to all those worried about crosstalk: The same principles that bundles of keep 4-pair UTP Cat5 from having crosstalk issues amongst themselves, also prevent crosstalk issues within a single cable jacket.Namely: The pairs are twisted. That’s all it takes. With 5e, it’s exactly the same, but the pairs are simply twisted at different rates. (And, no, the extra .2mm worth of plastic jacketing separating things in multi-cable bundles doesn’t make a lick of difference at a paltry few hundred MHz.)It’s an ugly hack, but the world needs ugly hacks.",
"parent_id": "425793",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425800",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:02:55",
"content": "Yes, you will obviously loose a little performance when doing this, but crosstalk can be minimized by keeping each pair as twisted as possible (within spec, obviously) when terminating. Also, I wouldn’t try to push this anywhere near the 100 meter length limit that 100Base-TX calls for.I just took a few quick pictures of a few other examples where this could be used in cables/adapters that I’ve made that I had laying in my misc cable drawer. I’ve got a total of 3 active runs where I use this at work, all under 150′, and have had zero problems with it (normal throughput compared to the rest of the network, essentially zero packet loss).Here’s the pics:Thisplugs directly into a switch.The cable really only needs to be a few inches long, but I left it longer in this case. A standard patch cable plugs into the keystone jack, can run through a patch panel, wall jacks, etc, etc until it hits another splitter on the other end.Hereit is in the switch.The preferred splitter on the far end of this (in most cases) would be a trio of RJ-45 keystones so that individual patch cables could be used to connect to the individual devices from there.Another variationthat could also be used on one end. This cable was used to connect two computers that were stacked on top of each other that had only one available drop. There was no need for a Y-type adapter, so I just wired it with a keystone on one end, one plug in the middle, and the other plug on the end.Another way to do this is to skip the adapters/couplers/etc in general, and just wire two connectors to each end of the cable (works best if there are two NICs side-by-side in a device, obviously). I once wired up a cable like this as a double crossover cable, connecting two NICs on one machine to two NICs on another machine.It’s almost kinda sad that this hack is pretty much obsolete now that gigabit is basically standard, it definitely saved my ass more than a few times when I ran out of drops and didn’t have time to pull more right then and there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425801",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:10:53",
"content": "Also, note the lack of excess wire in the terminations in the pictures I took. Every patch panel I come across (that was wired by someone other than myself) in my line of work usually has at least half an inch to an inch more of untwisted wire on every termination. I’ve got OCD pretty badly… they all have to be perfect.",
"parent_id": "425800",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425828",
"author": "me.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:43:11",
"content": "I can’t find the link to your pictures. Even using Ctrl+F, I only find three posts written by you, none of them containing a link.Did you post it on here or somewhere else?",
"parent_id": "425801",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425840",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:50:32",
"content": "Nope, posted it on here. Comment is ‘awaiting moderation’ it says. Possibly because I’ve got links and it’s a rather long post (about as long as all of my other comments on this page combined).Will reply to this with direct links to pictures to see if that will work for now.",
"parent_id": "425801",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425843",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:56:44",
"content": "It doesn’t seem to want to let me post the links. Will just have to wait for staff to approve it.",
"parent_id": "425800",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425812",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:22:13",
"content": "Certinaly not a bad hack and a quick way to increase your port count; however, to me the performance issues (especially when we are talking about streaming HD as a way of life these days) would be a concern. I think I’d stick with a $20 unmanaged gigabit switch if I really needed the extra ports.That said it is wonderful to see somebody that does care about how their cabling looks. When I first saw the picture I had asssumed it was a commercial product.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425844",
"author": "B",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:57:36",
"content": "Fortunately for those who often have to deal with old or insufficient cabling there’s a cheap alternative. A search for “RJ45 Ethernet Splitter” will find them for less than $2 each.Place one of those on both ends of a Cat5 cable and you have a dual run. It’s definitely not as pretty as the author’s but it saves a bunch of time. :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425852",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:26:06",
"content": "I did the same thing for a few years because I didn’t want to run another cable to my barn (through a too-small conduit). Everyone said I’d have problems with cross-talk. I never did. Ethernet checksums and retransmission F.T.W.Now, I moved my firewall/router into the barn (that’s where the wimax antenna is and the DSL was), so there’s only the “trusted” network cable going over the physical wire. No splitters=gigabit. Of course this is all academic as there’s no way I’m getting anywhere near gigabit to the internet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425862",
"author": "GeekDoc",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:53:19",
"content": "My house came wired with cat5, but just for phone. I split the pairs at the junction box: two for network, two for phone. I replaced the wall plates with combo rj11/rj45 plates, and hooked the pairs at the box to a patch panel. It’s worked great for 6 years!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425865",
"author": "GutoAndreollo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T15:56:31",
"content": "My house uses that sparingly, and i’ve already helped at least a couple of my friends implement this at theirs.. Around here, they’re known as “hydra ethernet” or “kerberos cables”.. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425876",
"author": "GaspingSpark",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:07:46",
"content": "Beware of cheaper cables too. Some manufacturers don’t wind the “unused pairs” with the same number of twists per inch that the data pairs have. The results in the blue and brown pairs having lower bandwidth and more interference. Fortunately for short runs of cable this won’t be a problem for 100 Mbit links.less twists per inch = less copper = cheaper cable",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425895",
"author": "Telecommando",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:54:58",
"content": "Not really new, I’ve done this for years. But don’t solder, that’s asking for trouble.Instead, take two keystone jacks and wire them to one RJ-45 plug.Or make up two cables of appropriate length and terminate them in a single plug to attach to the wall jack.Yes, it uses more cable and yes it means two (& sometimes too) long cables at times, but the reliability is much better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425941",
"author": "tomn",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:27:13",
"content": "We’re using a similar trick for home automation — our cat5 cables carry a single Ethernet link, as well as ground, 12v, and two data lines for an arduino on either end. Definitely a hack, but it works and is a lot cheaper than the alternatives.I’ll get around to documenting our set-up one day ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425976",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T21:20:46",
"content": "I had to do a very similar technique to run a second phone line upstairs at my old office. The existing line had only one pair connected, with the second pair simply hanging loose. Wire up the second pair in the phone box (boy was THAT a rats nest, I have no idea how we got the phones to work at all) and run upstairs to wire up the jack the same way.One 4-conductor phone wire (I had one that was only 2) and a splitter to Line A and Line B, and everything was great. Except the old man couldn’t remember to use Line B for outgoing calls, and he didn’t want to set up call forwarding. -.-",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426004",
"author": "Bobby J",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T22:22:29",
"content": "At first I was wondering why not just put a switch at each end but then I read the article and I can see where you might want to use it to secure one network from another. If you had a renter in a room in your house and wanted to put them directly on a port at the ISP’s access point but then have other hardware in your own network behind a router for example. Nice piece of info, thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426100",
"author": "novex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T04:00:58",
"content": "i find the best option when faced with cat5 is to use it as a draw wire for pulling 2 cat6 cables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426189",
"author": "Mike H.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T11:57:28",
"content": "I just did this last week in my apartment. I needed to get abetter wireless signal (since the router was in wall recessed box and in a closet in the bedroom). I replaced the router with a GB switch in the wall and moved the router/VOIP adapter to the kitchen (where the phone is). Since there was only one connection and this is the only non-gigabit device on the network, i used the 2 pairs to get the signal from the modem to the router and then the output from the router on the other pair back to the closet GB switch.Works perfectly and my wireless signal now is almost too good (it is seeping out more into the hall and parking garage. I may have to turn down the strength to keep from anyone having such good signal outside).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426312",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T19:45:24",
"content": "Ok, I applaud you there. Very clever way to put the Router in the best spot for wireless access. Heck, I may steal this idea some day :)",
"parent_id": "426189",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,128.326241
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/rgb-led-spectrum-analyzer-coffee-table/
|
RGB LED Spectrum Analyzer Coffee Table
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"LED Hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"coffee table",
"msp430",
"RGB LED",
"texas instruments"
] |
This year, students working for Texas Instruments as part of their Co-op program were challenged to construct a project around the company’s MSP430 microcontroller. A team of three students, [Max Thrun, Mark Labbato, Ian Cathey] decided to build something that would fit perfectly in any college student’s dorm room –
an RGB LED coffee table
.
We’ve covered
RGB LED tables
in the past, but as far as we can tell this is the first MSP430 based unit we’ve seen. Microcontroller aside, the table features a lot of items that are considered “standard equipment” when it comes to these sorts of living room LED installations. The trio installed 128 RGB LEDs into their table, isolating each one using a wooden grid, and used some frosted glass to diffuse the display a bit.
What really makes this table stand out is the software. The team wrote an application that creates a Fast Fourier Transform of whatever music is being played, in order to find beats and generate real-time visualizations for their table. The result is a pleasing display that’s sure to be a hit at parties.
Check out the video below to see their creation in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_63Ml4F7A&w=470]
| 32
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425469",
"author": "Elco Jacobs",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:13:55",
"content": "The visualizations is awesome!Is the FFT running on the microcontroller or the PC?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425499",
"author": "justin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:26:52",
"content": "It looks like the FFT is running on the PC side, and the msp430 is running the LEDs“The music input stream is provided by MPD’s FIFO file output capability. The beat detection software is written in C and uses the OpenGL, fttw, and ftdi libraries. ” from the project page",
"parent_id": "425469",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425722",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T10:30:09",
"content": "I suggest using a el cheapo DSP to perform the FFT, I the beat detection algorithm can be, for sure, slimmed into the MSP, no? This way he can use a microphone and make the table completely independent and portable :)But hats off for the craftsmanship! The end result is impressive and the beat effects really cool!PS to the editors:The team wrote an application that creates a Fast Fourier Transform of whatever music is being playedThe FFT is a transform, it is not created but rather performed or applied (to a signal) :)",
"parent_id": "425499",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425473",
"author": "Ken",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:17:35",
"content": "Sweet, hats off to the Co-op’s. Fine craftsmanship to on the table. I wish I had a few of them working on my project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425482",
"author": "North Street Labs it n",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:41:02",
"content": "Can someone explain what the buffer’s purpose is?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425524",
"author": "Max Thrun",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:39:33",
"content": "The msp430 outputs 3.3v, the LEDs are being driven at 5v through the mosfets so we needed to step the 3.3V to 5V so we could turn the mosfet off.Check out this link:http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/transistor/tran_7.html",
"parent_id": "425482",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425488",
"author": "_txf_",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T23:54:08",
"content": "Frig…Video got pulled on copyright violation. What???",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425496",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:14:19",
"content": "its working for me…dunno.",
"parent_id": "425488",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425525",
"author": "Max Thrun",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:41:40",
"content": "Try another one of the videos on my the channel, there is another version without overlayed audio.",
"parent_id": "425488",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425718",
"author": "mehh",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T10:05:38",
"content": "Whit the new youtube interface I can’t even see what account posted that video, thus I can’t view your channel or other video’s you posted.Why not use some music from jamendo or something :(",
"parent_id": "425525",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425750",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T12:17:43",
"content": "How would I find your channel? When I click the “Watch on youtube”-link, I immediately get to some youtube-error message regarding my country’s music policy stuff and there’s no reference to your channel at all. Same for the embedded video.",
"parent_id": "425525",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425887",
"author": "Max Thrun",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:36:58",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/bear24rw",
"parent_id": "425525",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425529",
"author": "Ian Cathey",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T00:59:40",
"content": "We’ve seen that some people from outside the US are having that problem..sorry :/",
"parent_id": "425488",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425708",
"author": "fa",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T09:09:15",
"content": "Here’s the link to the channel:http://www.youtube.com/user/bear24rw(youtube sometimes even blocks all the other info together with the video)",
"parent_id": "425488",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425552",
"author": "Stefan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:37:30",
"content": "Totally going to make one of these with my roomies! I already have the electronics. I also plan to put RGB sets of 1W LEDs along the edge facing down.Does anyone have any thoughts on how this could be receptive of objects being set on the surface?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425663",
"author": "Ian Cathey",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T05:48:06",
"content": "Outlining the table in LEDs is something I thought about after we were pretty much done. I think that’s a great idea.",
"parent_id": "425552",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425686",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T07:28:13",
"content": "There’s likely a more elegant solution, but you could put a series of tactile pushbuttons along the edges with a sheet of flexible plastic (mylar or saran wrap?) elevated across the top.Set something on the plastic and the tension causes the plastic to pull certain switches closed, giving you a position.Like I said. not the most elegant solution, but it could work.",
"parent_id": "425552",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425767",
"author": "Gordon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:10:02",
"content": "You could try some bi-directional LEDs like this setup here:http://www.merl.com/reports/docs/TR2003-35.pdfI am not sure how you would do all of the A/D conversion but it would be a sweet table.",
"parent_id": "425552",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425878",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:11:40",
"content": "you can use a diffused illumination setup like some multi touch applications to achieve object recognition with a web cam and pc.Alternatively you can use 5mm infrared led’s with small straws or tubing over them to limit their light distribution while using ir phototransistors to as a switch that will go high when an object is placed over that particular partition thus reflecting the infrared light back down onto the transistor.",
"parent_id": "425552",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425553",
"author": "Thesandlord",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:37:52",
"content": "I always liked these things but lacked the hardware. So I implemented it in software (Flash). It takes in microphone input, runs a FFT to get frequencies. Right now it just takes an average of the 10 highest points to pick a color, but I really like this square idea. Volume controls brightness (Hit space to remove smoothing aka Rave Mode, Enter to go back). Very beta right now, gonna clean it up and hook it up to a pico projector for dance parties. Anyone wants source just ask.http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3804973/flashColors.swf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425556",
"author": "Thesandlord",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:39:33",
"content": "Oh and mute your speakers or it will feedback. I can’t figure out how to work around this bug, tried to mute/unmute quickly and it stops the feedback loop but it still makes a horrible noise. You can also just mute the browser instance and play music in another program.",
"parent_id": "425553",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425624",
"author": "TheKhakinator",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:00:42",
"content": "Interested to try this – when I load your .swf, it just sits with a black screen after asking to use my cam and mic. Btw, can I just set my recording device to “Stereo Mix” to use this?",
"parent_id": "425556",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425639",
"author": "Thesandlord",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:48:17",
"content": "Stereo Mix sounds like the internal sound card loopback right? Its called Rec. Playback on my computer and it works fine, just have to set the levels WAY low in the recording preferences. Just remember to mute the browser (Windows Vista and 7, XP can’t do this) in the Volume Mixer. If its sitting black there are two explanations. 1)It can’t find your microphone or is using the wrong microphone. 2) Its too quiet and its not hitting the minimum threshold ever. Two of my friends tried it (OSX and Win7) and it worked fine. I haven’t tested on Linux yet.",
"parent_id": "425556",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425555",
"author": "Gagan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:39:10",
"content": "very nice project… i like it.. ill also try to make some thing like this … :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425581",
"author": "Niwnfyc",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:58:46",
"content": "Where’s pong or a goomba from SMB like this one?:http://youtube.com/watch?v=jkqoPkuJaMI",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425665",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T05:58:45",
"content": "Pretty sweet. Reminds me of MIT Dance Floor. Damn MIT doing cool shit. Anyways, this build would be better suited for a wall or something, feels like a waste for something you have to look down at and would possibly have books and shit on it. Good job guys",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425743",
"author": "Mark A",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T11:48:35",
"content": "I hope nobody spills their drink on your nice new coffee table.That would be shocking.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425889",
"author": "Max Thrun",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T16:38:30",
"content": "I see what you did there ;)",
"parent_id": "425743",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425759",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T12:48:53",
"content": "It’s interesting that they use the FFT for the beat detection and don’t use the old light to frequency.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425792",
"author": "DS",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T13:51:41",
"content": "Video not available in your Country – wtf?!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425808",
"author": "gdogg",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:19:21",
"content": "This is something I would love to do. I would need to do all the FFT beat detection stuff on another micro though. I don’t want to waste a computer for a coffee table (or in my case, a flip cup table)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426400",
"author": "Mark Labbato",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:20:52",
"content": "The original plan was to run it off of the Beagleboard. Unfortunately we ran out of time.",
"parent_id": "425808",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,127.9722
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/29/improving-audio-output-from-an-hd-radio-receiver/
|
Improving Audio Output From An HD Radio Receiver
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"digital audio hacks"
] |
[
"auvio",
"burr-brown",
"hd tuner",
"insignia",
"op-amp",
"opa2604"
] |
[Phil] picked up an HD radio receiver when Radio Shack was clearing them out at a 60% discount. But to his disappointment, when he hooked it up the sound left a lot to be desired with limited mid-range and flat bass. After some forum mining he discovered that the optical output didn’t have this problem, and came to the conclusion that the op-amp driving the analog audio-out jack needed some tweaking. He didn’t get his hands on a schematic for the board, but took the advice from some vintage equipment gurus and
swapped the stock IC for a Burr-Brown OPA2604AP chip
.
This fixed the problem without any other adjustments to the hardware. But while he was in there, he also secured the external antenna connector jack to the chassis for good measure.
If you’re wondering about the particulars of the equipment, [Phil] was hacking an Auvio HD Radio tuner. But he also mentions that Best Buy sells an Insignia NS-HDTUNE which may benefit from the same modification.
| 19
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "425455",
"author": "The Timmy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:43:17",
"content": "nice. this project has me thinking… what electronics of mine are lacking in their potential due to poor/cheap component selection.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425462",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T22:56:21",
"content": "Interesting how the makers of this NPR aided scam can’t even do audio as good as an old walkman.Can anyone hack an FM tuner to restore the severe multiband maximum compression that seems to be coupled with the use this very low definition digital mode. Perhaps by using the crap on the Hybrid Digital a reference for restoration of the FM service can be done. Or is it just as smashed as what is done to the FM? I have lost the listenable FM service of several public radio stations, even the hifi service of WBAA AM. Only one station, WBAA FM Purdue still leaves the audio alone. Gone are Chicago, Elkhart, 2 Indy, Normal, Chambana. It may be time kill radio and TV and just saturate the EM spectrum with digital internet conectivity. Many AM stations are stoping using HD at night because of the interferance it makes to other stations!Hack away please, this killing radio.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425535",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:05:06",
"content": "As odd as that rant reads, I understand and sympathize.Let me give a little background on that.Analog FM audio is compressed, always boosting the loudest sounds to 100% volume/modulation, and making quieter sounds disproportionately louder.The original reason this was done was to help hide the noise floor (the low, constant hiss heard if you crank up the volume). And that was OK, even though it constituted a change in the way the music sounded.Eventually transmitters and receivers improved, and the noise floor dropped enough that compression wasn’t needed anymore. Some stations dropped the compression, to play the music the way it was meant to be played; only to find their listeners dropped off precipitously.Research was done. And it was found that when someone was flipping through channels, they were significantly more likely to stop on stations with the loudest, fullest sound. Furthermore, if someone is listening to a station with less volume (but better fidelity and dynamics), they tend to increase the volume. And when they eventually switch to another, artificially louder station, they get blasted; so they get irritated with the softer station.And that’s where it all went wrong. Because then it became a pissing contest to have the loudest, fullest sound, rather than the best fidelity. Stations cranked their compressors to the max, trying get as close as possible to 100% volume, all the time. Multiband compressors were added, to individually boost bass, midrange, and treble to 100% for an even louder and fuller sound, regardless of the original frequency balance of the music.Unfortunately, we’re stuck in this mess for good. No one, save for maybe a few college radio stations, dares reduces the compression to improve fidelity. Because that means less listeners, which in turn also means less income from commercials. Volume is money!I have a high-fidelity, low-power FM transmitter to distribute music throughout my home. I compress lightly, and music sounds very good. I must remember, however, to reduce the volume before I switch to a commercial FM station. :)",
"parent_id": "425462",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425719",
"author": "Panikos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T10:06:25",
"content": "Chris,I am not even interested in FM and I loved reading your comment. Somehow the rant before didnt make sense without the context you provided. I ended up re-reading echodelta’s comment again and it made more sense after your input.Regarding the home FM transmitter you mentioned is this a homebrew or commercial product? Any legal implications to running it at home that you know of?Thanks",
"parent_id": "425535",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425961",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T20:31:56",
"content": "One of the college stations in the Northwest I’ve volunteered at only uses compression on their stream;http://www.kmhd2.org",
"parent_id": "425535",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426105",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T04:29:07",
"content": "Ramsey Electronics sells FM radio transmitters in kit form, or prebuilt, with complexity output power ranging from “tiny” to “quite a fair bit.”Fidelity is whatever it is, but the kits don’t seem to change much (if any) so anything suboptimal about them has surely been hacked around and documented by now.",
"parent_id": "425535",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425538",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:06:34",
"content": "Good to know if I where ever to purchase a low end HD receiver, and not be satisfied with the audio performance.",
"parent_id": "425462",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425604",
"author": "John W",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:44:07",
"content": "Is it just me, or does the construction of that board look ancient. I mean, through-hole components? Really?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425738",
"author": "ino",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T11:31:05",
"content": "You have to go with through hole components if you plane on using single sided boards.It’s still being used for cheap product where size does not matter.Also… less copper = much cheaper.",
"parent_id": "425604",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "454707",
"author": "b",
"timestamp": "2011-09-13T23:02:05",
"content": "Why cant you use SMD’s on a single sided board?",
"parent_id": "425738",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425689",
"author": "flux",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T07:52:26",
"content": "Do people still listening to the fm/am radio? Really?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425742",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T11:46:38",
"content": "For those of us who like original and/or live programming, or just don’t feel like being a DJ today: Radio works fine, especially when mobile.When I still had a good FM antenna (and before podcasts and live streaming became common), I had a FreeBSD box which recorded (and encoded) NPR shows automatically with a few simplecronentries. The results sounded wonderful, and it was very reliable and punctual (thanks to ntp)I can do much the same thing withwgetand/or pre-packaged podcasts nowadays, but I digress.My Droid is perfectly capable of playing everything I have at home via subsonic, wherever there is Verizon coverage. But if I’m taking a trip in the car on a Saturday afternoon, or spending half my workday driving around for service calls, I like radio.But, you know: That’s just me.",
"parent_id": "425689",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425713",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T09:38:30",
"content": "HD Radio remains one of the worst marketed things…like…ever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425919",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T18:25:14",
"content": "No wonder that HD radios are so lacking. I envisioned one in which you bought it, took it home, allowed it to connect wirelessly to your router, and it would give you ‘unlimited’ HD content with the abilty to record it, and without the range constraints of regular am/fm. Sadly there is not a single device I know of which actually does all that.As for the question as to whether am/fm is still listened to, are you daft? Just because you can now stream hundreds of radio stations from all over the world does not mean you will get quality sound whatsoever, much less that the server and or connection will actually work 24/7 as do ‘normal’ radio station broadcasts. My favorite radio station is in HI and I am forced to listen to it via the net, but the sound has degraded to pretty much unlistenable. It stated out at 64kbps stereo and is now at 32kbps mono. Believe me, the actual fm broadcast is heaven compared to that.Too bad about hd. Most stations won’t be able to afford it anyways.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6665919",
"author": "hackshack",
"timestamp": "2023-07-25T21:38:31",
"content": "Your idea for an AM/FM to wi-fi “bridge” is awesome. It seems a natural fit for the enthusiast market, travelers, etc.I noticed the Internet streams for terrestrial stations have become more and more compressed over the last 10y, particularly ones with mixed voice/music. Pure music channels (BBC Radio 4 etc.) seem to hold up better.Side note: Depending where you live, AM radio can be useful during natural disasters.",
"parent_id": "425919",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426170",
"author": "Strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T10:27:30",
"content": "The HD in HD Radio means hybrid digital, not high definition.There is no HD content, just existing content at a supposedly better resolution.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "439072",
"author": "Min",
"timestamp": "2011-08-21T21:24:04",
"content": "No supposed involved. HD Radio is awesome. I wouldn’t buy a radio without it now. It makes a slight but noticeable difference with FM but a staggering difference with AM. If you listen to AM regularly, you MUST get an HD radio. Who cares what the “HD” actually stands for? It works and it is a very significant difference for little cost.",
"parent_id": "426170",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "4541258",
"author": "Rory R",
"timestamp": "2018-05-10T17:44:31",
"content": "As A broadcast station owner we dropped HD as it was degrading our main signal in he fringe areas. The other reason to drop was the licensing fees to Ubiquity. There was no sonic improvement over analog, no revenue improvement with the HD 2 or HD 3 sub channels. A very expensive 2 year science project. Back to analog, a light compression in case of a peak getting away from us :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4541429",
"author": "Rory R",
"timestamp": "2018-05-10T19:33:21",
"content": "As a broadcast station owner recently we dropped HD as it was degrading our main signal in the fringe areas. The other reason we chose to dropHD was the licensing fees to Ubiquity. There is no sonic improvement over analog, there is no revenue improvement with the HD 2 or HD 3 by programing or leasing sub channels. This was a very expensive 2 year science project. We went back to concentrating on the best analog we can do with FM. with light compression just in case of a peak getting away from us :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.195256
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/ntsc-video-out-with-the-papilio-one/
|
NTSC Video Out With The Papilio One
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"fpga",
"papilio one",
"tv output"
] |
[Ben Leperchey] is working on building a Sega Master System clone using the Papilio One FPGA board, and although his ultimate goal has yet to be reached, he’s
bringing some great stuff to the table
in the meantime.
One component that is necessary for any sort of game system clone is NTSC/PAL video output, naturally. Since no one had constructed a TV output “Wing” (The Papilio One’s version of a shield or breakout board), [Ben] went and did it on his own. Using only 14 resistors and a low-pass audio filter, he was able to get the video output he was looking for with relatively little trouble. His VHDL code running on the Papilio does all the hard work of creating the video signal, while the wing he designed mostly handles the connectivity.
This is one of the first few projects/components we’ve seen come
out of the Papilio camp
, and it looks like things are off to a good start. We can’t wait to see the Master System implementation once it has been wrapped up!
Continue reading to see a quick video demonstration of the Papilio One and [Ben’s] TV output wing.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9I8JYqx2YY&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424835",
"author": "beeboue",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T00:09:28",
"content": "I like the kinder, gentler HaD. This is almost like stumbleupon!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424870",
"author": "Denis Bisson",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T02:07:00",
"content": "Go to the following link to help a kickstarter project where you can reserve for yourself the Papilio FPGA Shield for Arduino, bigger and potentially more powerful than Papilio One.http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/13588168/papilio-fpga-shield-for-arduino",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424931",
"author": "o",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T04:24:07",
"content": "So it’s an R2R DAC. Is the accuracy of the resistors important here?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424938",
"author": "Kaj",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T04:51:37",
"content": "R2R DACs always leave me feeling nostalgic, for the days when I built one so my laptop would have sound output, via the LPT Port :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424946",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T05:12:00",
"content": "@O:Yes, I believe so. Check it:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistor_ladder#Accuracy_of_resistor_ladders",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425014",
"author": "third",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T08:13:33",
"content": "Colour NTSC and PAL, that’s pretty impressive, especially from a pure digital source. Usually external colour carriers are used. No wonder it requires a 64MHz clock.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425170",
"author": "Tachikoma",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:03:59",
"content": "Nice! Do you have demos for animated stuff? Would be interesting to see how it looks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425182",
"author": "harald",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:36:03",
"content": "Great butterfly, so awesome. Cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425223",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:48:04",
"content": "@o the resistors do have to be accurate, and also you should have an opamp if there is going to be any load/resistance on the output stage, otherwise that affects the R2R. the opamp can also be used to help with the tail off that a R2R usually has, by increasing the output voltage.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425244",
"author": "tyco",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:23:51",
"content": "that is amazingly tough, and very impressive. For color NTSC, you need to be able to create a 3.45MHz sine, of variable amplitude, and, the tricky part with pure A-to-D, variable phase.For example: you would need at least a 7MHz clock to create a sine output at 3.45MHz, and then you would not be able to adjust the phase at all, at least not without the amplitude getting wildly off. Each time you double that clock, you can get twice as many phases available, with less amplitude error for in-between phases. This circuit can still only create 8 different phases at exactly the intended amplitude, but in-between phases are probably not all that far off anymore.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425281",
"author": "ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T18:13:47",
"content": "hi all,glad you enjoy it.@o @charliex : no, the precision is not that important, as it affects the relative brightness/saturation of colors but not hue, so the image doesn’t look too bad. you have to choose the correct value though (115 ohms for 3.3V digital output) to match the TV input impedance — otherwise you would indeed need an amplifier. BTW, a regular opamp cannot be used, as it would filter out the color carrier.@tyco: the phase shift was the solution I went for at first, but you pointed out its major drawback perfectly. I use an equivalent phase/quadrature modulation: it is much easier and it ‘only’ require a 4x clock with little extra some math. The high clock rate (64MHz) clock is needed to get a precise approximation of the NTSC (or PAL) color carrier. I could theoretically produce any number of colors, although the various noises create too much artefacts to see them well : the demo uses a 64 color palette (2 bit RGB)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425394",
"author": "tyco",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:30:55",
"content": "@ben: maybe you could consider getting rid of the RGB palette altogether, and just having the palette be direct YUV, maybe 3-bit instead of 2-bit. This would let you ditch the small rom you’re making to create a lookup table in the FPGA. AFAIK, this is pretty much how the NES works.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425661",
"author": "ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T05:28:52",
"content": "@tyco i use a ‘palette’ to convert rgb to yuv, because the sega master system speaks in rgb. you could of course get rid of this lookup table if you chose to use yuv natively. even the nes doesn’t, though: it uses ysh (the polar coordinates), if i remember well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.24854
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/live-nba-scoreboard-with-huge-7-segment-displays/
|
Live NBA Scoreboard With Huge 7-segment Displays
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"display"
] |
[Kianoosh] was in Las Vegas over spring break and was fascinated by the real-time sports scores displayed at the casinos. He figured that this would be an easy enough project to duplicate, so he built a
gigantic NBA scoreboard
that updates live from the NBA website.
The build uses the OS X Automator to pull scores down from the NBA’s mobile site. Sending this through a parser written in Java, the scores are then sent to an ATMega32 over an XBee. [Kianoosh] posted all the code and schematics, as well as a
PDF writeup
. Because the scoreboard is sport-agnostic, [Kianoosh] plans on writing new code for the NFL, MLB, and NHL. We’re really impressed with this build, and with the
giant 7-segment LEDs
, this would be a great addition to a sports bar (or really
any
bar).
[Kianoosh] recorded a video of his scoreboard in action (from April 13, 2011 in case you were wondering). Check it out below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5VDC8qn8Gc&w=470]
| 14
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424860",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T01:27:08",
"content": "this is awesome. looks like a real sports scoreboard, and i see you “solved” the issue with triple digits scores :) lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424866",
"author": "Desmond",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T01:53:09",
"content": "Excellent work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424924",
"author": "Hacksaw",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T04:04:40",
"content": "Since when did MBA qualify as a sport…did you mean to say MLB??? Cool build though;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424962",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T05:45:36",
"content": "Love the giant 7-segments!If he can make the computer end simple and straightforward, or eliminate it entirely (maybe with a custom website that delivers the parsed information) he could easily sell them!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "424979",
"author": "Kian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T06:38:10",
"content": "thanks for checking out my project. Yeah the best way (if I were to sell it) would have a dedicated server the scoreboards can read from. This would eliminate the needs for firmware updates. However it makes the system more complicated because it needs to connect to a network, certainly possible.",
"parent_id": "424962",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425031",
"author": "Brian Benchoff",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T08:45:12",
"content": "Ahhh. Thanks Hacksaw.I wish I could remember what was going through my mind when I wrote that – must have been interesting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425033",
"author": "leafy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T08:47:39",
"content": "I really like the large display and the live feed but think its a little let down by the tripple digit implementation. I recently built a large temp/humidity/clock display for out factory using 6″ 7segs from sparkfun. I needed to make my own “:” symbol for the clock and found using leds, with the diffuser taken from a broken old monitor and then carefully painted neat black circles, to leave a perfect circular diffused spot for each dot of the “:” worked really well. I’m just thinking perhaps he could do something similar with this, but a strip of leds, diffuser material and paint the diffuser to look like a numeral 1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425054",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T09:46:53",
"content": "Nice! (Also, good job forestalling five thousand comments asking “how do i got led?” And thanks for the link — I believe I’ve got me a clock to build. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425056",
"author": "Marinusdutrente",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T09:48:52",
"content": "Great job, one remark however: Why just 2 digits for the score? It could go up over a 100!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425087",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T10:52:56",
"content": "Will that work with other sports or just one sector of one sport?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425088",
"author": "Knuckleballer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T10:53:35",
"content": "Genius!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425093",
"author": "Brammers",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:13:27",
"content": "I’m impressed that Kianoosh used Automator for the data grabbing.Like a number of Apple programs, it seems to have been rolled out in a semi-prototypical form as a very promising tool, only to be left completely untouched since release, condemned to be a partially functioning gimmick. It does have its uses, though, and this hack shows that it deserves a lot more attention from Cupertino.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425145",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:45:20",
"content": "This would be absolutely perfect for a home bar. Congrats man, this is a HAD that I would actually buy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425184",
"author": "harald",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:36:34",
"content": "Great, awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.466827
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/creating-halftone-pictures-with-a-cnc-machine/
|
Creating Halftone Pictures With A CNC Machine
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"cnc",
"halftone",
"pictures"
] |
[Metalfusion], built himself a nice looking CNC machine and has been experimenting with some out of the box uses for his new tool. One novel use he is particularly fond of is
creating pictures with his machine
(
Google Translation
). While you might imagine that he is simply using the CNC as an engraver, literally drawing images on the surface of his workpiece, what he is doing is far more interesting.
He developed a small application that takes an image (jpeg, gif, or png) and converts it to a set of pixels, which can then be tweaked and skewed to his liking. The application exports the halftone image to a DXF file which can be fed into the CAD application that he uses to control his CNC machine. The CNC does the rest, using a v-shaped router bit to cut holes into his workpiece, generating a physical halftone picture from his digital image.
Thought the process does take some time to complete,
the resulting images
are well worth it. If you are interested in trying this at home using your own CNC machine, the DXF Halftone application is available on his site for free.
Continue reading to see his halftone generating CNC in action.
[via
HackedGadgets
]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REu3MBDsNWo&w=470]
| 56
| 43
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424783",
"author": "D1g1Ts",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:43:45",
"content": "AH my ears, the vid is so loud.Though great project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424795",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:21:27",
"content": "good god, that is brilliant",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424798",
"author": "fdawg4l",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:35:26",
"content": "Epic. Really neat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424803",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:45:54",
"content": "Thats pretty cool , makes me wish my pcbs for my drawbot would get here so I can finish it up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424823",
"author": "fdawg4l",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:21:56",
"content": "Actually, I would honestly pay to have him do this for some of my own pictures.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424836",
"author": "trialex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T00:10:07",
"content": "Damn it. This is awesome.I’ve been trying to do this manually (and in colour) for ages, but it’s really hard. Small mis-alignments really do spoil the effect.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424847",
"author": "ds2ktj",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T00:46:39",
"content": "It’s GPL but written in “BlitzMax” which is far from free or open source. Interesting and I’d like to try it but I can’t build it on my mac.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "663060",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2012-05-29T23:27:15",
"content": "http://www.blitzmax.com/file/get.php?file=/Products/demos/BlitzMaxDemo130_macos_x86.zip30 day osx intel demo, try away.",
"parent_id": "424847",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424896",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T03:02:23",
"content": "@Dmill thanks for the link of your project, it is very inspiring and tutorial.And of course all paint programs have DXF output.. everybody knows that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424927",
"author": "SeaShadow",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T04:11:42",
"content": "@Whatnot – Well duh! Of course it does, it’s right above the .STL option and below the “create injection molding” option. Even MS Paint has it!On a more serious note, this is an awesome project. I can’t wait till I get my small router up and running and I can give this a shot. His program is a bit short on documentation but there is enough to figure out what you are doing with only a little deductive reasoning. I just wish I could increase the maximum work-space a bit more. All in all though, it’s a good project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424965",
"author": "Metalfusion",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T05:55:06",
"content": "For those who are interested in the program, there is now a much improved version (1.5) available on my site.It’s true that there are a million and one halftone filters that create very nice results and have lots of options. However, nearly all of those can only output as bitmap, which is useless for this purpose. That’s why I wrote this small piece of software.Direct url to download:http://www.students.tut.fi/~syvajar3/DXF_Halftone_15.zip",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425396",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:32:46",
"content": "This is an awesome program. I have the output of it but how do I tell my CNC the depth to cut at if I use a v-bit? I want to vary the bit depth instead of the circle size.",
"parent_id": "424965",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426705",
"author": "Gregory Strike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T16:01:21",
"content": "You must be thinking what I’m thinking! :)Layers of RGB, and the depth can then indicate color giving you a full color picture! :)",
"parent_id": "425396",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "426194",
"author": "MrLebowski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T12:31:22",
"content": "Thank you for this cool program! I see on your videos that you use Mach3 to pilot the cnc, but I wonder:-What program do you use to convert the dxf file to the drilling G-code? (converting cicles to drilling depth)Nice cnc by the way !!!",
"parent_id": "424965",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429058",
"author": "anfarol",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T19:38:46",
"content": "Hello! Very interesting. I’d like to know how do you convert circles’s diameter in depth to generate g-code for cam programs.Thanks, anfarol",
"parent_id": "424965",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424977",
"author": "pascal",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T06:35:47",
"content": "Looks great. And it can be recreated using a drill-press, patience and nerves (maybe using toner transfer to copy the template with circle positions and diameters to the surface, so you don’t even need to measure your drills position…)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425015",
"author": "Larry",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T08:16:14",
"content": "This is pretty cool!@Dmill whats not new here? new program, with easy to use sliders and on a large scale cnc machine, where is your website? I want to see it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425059",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T09:58:31",
"content": "If the machine had more DOF, it could create the holes in such a way that different images could be seen at different angles.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425061",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T10:02:21",
"content": "Really nice effect that. I would definitely like to get a photo done that way.I wonder if he thought about using grid patterns other than a straight raster, like a Fermat’s spiral for example.Also, I wonder if colors could be achieved by having it drill into a laminate of primary colored sheets maybe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425078",
"author": "johan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T10:39:18",
"content": "Very nice, take a look at his other projects.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425104",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:38:45",
"content": "@Metalfusion. Really nice work (on top of a nice CNC build)! The pictures look great, it looks like you’re definitely getting some use out of the CNC!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425105",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T11:43:17",
"content": "@DmillSo far, you’ve added nothing worth-while to the conversation.If you’ve been doing this for 10 years, how about some words of wisdom for the less experienced, lessons learned, etc? There’s nothing wrong with having experience, but don’t belittle others for their lack of it.Step it up, share some knowledge and loose the negativity, please.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425120",
"author": "Dmill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T12:27:37",
"content": "Sorry, guys. I guess I should have put something up before I commented.I was only commenting on making photos with a CNC. The build he has here is cool, no doubt of that! Nice job!I use PSP to dither a photo. A simple program I wrote a LONG time ago converts the dots to G code. I then cut it using a 60 degree V bit. My CNC is a home made gantry, with a 30″ by 19″ bed. I’ll try to get something together and get it on the web where you can see it. I’m in the process of upgrading the motors, so it’s kinda tore apart at the moment. Not a high priority, because I managed to snag a 40 watt laser two months ago and I’m having a blast burning things. :)The main use, as it turns out, for the CNC photos is putting pet photos on Corian for grave markers. Pet owners love them.BTW: the way to get simple color is tape off the surface, cut, then spray paint with the first color. When it’s dry, tear that tape off and retape the entire surface, and engrave for the next color, and repeat. I find the best tape to use is the transfer tape vinyl sign makers use. Helps prevent bleed through better than anything else I’ve tried.Again, Sorry if I came off too negative. After all the work he put into this build, he certainly deserved better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425945",
"author": "Sea Shadow",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T19:37:49",
"content": "Thank you for elaborating on your setup, along with some interesting ideas for using such processes. I echo the comments of others in that we would love to see your setup if you ever get the time. I love all things CNC and it’s neat to see how every person implements their own system differently.",
"parent_id": "425120",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425135",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:30:36",
"content": "@DmillThanks a lot for sharing, it’s really nice to hear about what works well for other people.Do you also rout the outside of the Corian on the mill? I’ve seen a few techniques for this, ranging from routing by hand, vacuum table with a sacrificial MDF layer, and “onion skin” which routes down to a few mils and requires a belt sander to remove the “skin”. . .I’m always interested to hear what people are doing – although my small amount of CNC experience has been limited to PCB’s.Thinking about colorization – it might also be possible to use a few layers of acrylic, bonded together, and use an end-mill to hit the desired color (depth based). This would give both the 3-d depth and maybe some interesting effects for more of a retro style – it certainly wouldn’t be for everyone. I guess it winds up being similar to the way screen printing is accomplished.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425141",
"author": "Barefoot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:42:28",
"content": "As a former production graphic artist, I think this is an awesome idea! Great work, [Metalfusion]!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425149",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:50:18",
"content": "@Dmill Thanks for understanding our reaction, and the acknowledgment the efforts the guy put into it.And seriously, you might have the complete same setup for years but that has no meaning to us of course without seeing it and having access to the script you mentioned, for us we only have this guy’s info and utility to build upon.And as my sarcastic post hinted, a paint program might make halftone dots (most all do actually) but that’s useless to most CNC’s without something to convert it to something a CNC can understand, so to have someone hand over an app -that’s easy and financially doable for amateurs- is rather significant.And DXF’s are also usable for other purposes and projects of course,That pet owner thing is an interesting tidbit btw, I would not have thought of that one.And the coloring idea is also a nice, that’s stuff people can use, thanks :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425155",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:59:36",
"content": "@Dmill, Just clarifying the comment situation.your first comment brought absolutely nothing to the table. It came across as a post simply to prove your superiority while putting other people down. We don’t need that.Your second response however was fantastic! That’s what we need! You went above and beyond sharing your knowledge and experience. You made this article better with that response. Good job. Please keep that up.",
"parent_id": "425149",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425159",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T14:12:46",
"content": "To echo a bit of what Caleb said, it’s nice to see that Dmill turned around his initial statements and brought a lot of useful details to the table.Additionally, the reactions of the other individuals commenting in this thread is the exact type of self-regulation we were hoping to see among our readers. It makes for a positive discussion, and no one had to resort to name calling or overt ass-kissing in order to move things along.That said, if you ever get your rig back up and running Dmill, drop us a line. We’re definitely interested in seeing other takes on the process, and the coloring method sounds like something others would be interested in as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425171",
"author": "Philly",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:09:28",
"content": "MetalFusion, what material did you cut in to? I would like to try this as soon as I sort my Z axis lost steps.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425178",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:31:34",
"content": "Interesting to see how others do it!If you google “ligiography” you’ll find a company out of deerfield beach, fl that has been doing this for sometime now. They use different hole size and depth to get better picture resolution onto metal!Nice homemade CNC machine btw!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425206",
"author": "Metalfusion",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:26:12",
"content": "@Philly The material is just ordinary 9 mm plywood I stained black before cutting. Because of it’s varying thickness it isn’t really the best choice, but gives better contrast than MDF.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425242",
"author": "Dmill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:17:08",
"content": "I said I’m sorry. (pouty face) Proves I shouldn’t be posting when I’m too tired. :)This IS a good build! And in the interest of proving 1: I’m not a total jerk, 2: I don’t fib, and 3: Return this thread back to it’s rightful owner, I snapped a few photos and posted them here:http://www.opitw.com/cnc.htmI’ll even go so far as to offer to do a write up on coloring the output if you’d like. It works for lasered stuff as well as cnc output.I’d love to talk about it further, but this is not the place, in this man’s thread. So, with that, I’ll return you to your regularly scheduled build. Enjoy!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425259",
"author": "leadacid",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:40:07",
"content": "I wonder what kind of effect you would get by making some custom laminated material to then cut. Like a kind of homemade plywood with each layer dyed or stained different colors. Mind it would probably mess up the halftone effect though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425316",
"author": "pencilneck",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:51:28",
"content": "oh, I like this… and I have a CNC mill sitting in my garage… cool, maybe a weekend project!For what it’s worth, my homemade CNC mill project:http://tinyurl.com/22lqgvv",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425357",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:42:36",
"content": "Dmill also shows how you can misjudge a person I guess, and how it’s tricky to jump into the offensive.Weird, this input box cuts off the right part of the text, even when I zoom in or out, I wonder if that’s something on my side, I have so many addons and protection against scripts and stuff, and use the older FF3.6.I see hackaday now points out the formatting you can use though, so that is good.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425364",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:49:58",
"content": "Same here. It’s a bit of weirdness introduced with the threaded comments. We are working on a fix.",
"parent_id": "425357",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425419",
"author": "konsta",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:58:38",
"content": "Well how do you proceed then? Could you walkthrough?What gcode software are you using? Its interesting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425570",
"author": "Byte56",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:20:08",
"content": "This is really neat. My wife has been looking for a project she do that uses the CNC I made. This one looks perfect. Thanks for sharing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425654",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T05:12:32",
"content": "Saw something similar in the mid-80’s at a gift shop in Laguna Beach,CA. Had a picture of my 2 yr old daughter done for my mom. Cost $20. They were using a 2 layer plastic stock used to engrave office nameplates. It was not a CNC but a custom built unit running with an S-100 bus computer and DR-DOS I think.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425822",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T14:41:43",
"content": "This might be the core of a business. Most folks don’t have the means to create an image like this, and I could easily these hanging on someone’s wall. You could charge $50 or so (if that’s enough to cover costs + a profit), and folks could send in family photos, and you could mill them for them and ship them out.I’d buy one, anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426761",
"author": "Robin",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T17:17:57",
"content": "Nice, hope to see more! The conversion to DXF is really nice",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430881",
"author": "deadlydad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T23:54:47",
"content": "Huh. That was easier than I thought, once I refreshed my memory of Imagemagick usage. This one command (along with a HT-TILE.GIF file that consists of a 15×15 black square with 1 white pixel in the middle) will produce what should do the trick:imconvert IMAGE.JPG -threshold 100% +matte IMAGE.JPG -equalize -colorspace gray -scale 6.666666666667% -scale 1500% -alpha off HT-TILE.GIF -composite HT-IMAGE.GIF(I renamed ‘convert.exe’ to ‘imconvert.exe’ because Windows already has a command with that name.)I’m assuming that black (#000000) means ‘don’t route here’, while white (#FFFFFF) means ‘route to maximum depth’. If not, let me know; it’s easy to change the command. It’sfast, too; a 5MP image took about 3 seconds.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "431582",
"author": "deadlydad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T02:03:32",
"content": "Doh! I forgot the commands for the mask:imconvert -size 30x30 xc:black -fill white -draw \"color 7,7 point color 22,22 point\" TILE.GIFcomposite -tile TILE.GIF -size 2592x1944 xc:none HT-TILE.GIF(Change the size to match your image size.)",
"parent_id": "430881",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "431587",
"author": "deadlydad",
"timestamp": "2011-08-10T02:14:12",
"content": "If you want an inverted image, change ‘-composite’ to ‘-composite -negate’.",
"parent_id": "430881",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "439156",
"author": "noob_for_life",
"timestamp": "2011-08-21T23:44:27",
"content": "My 15 y.o. was inspired by this and made a present for his grandfather’s birthday. Specs are on the photobucket image page:http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j470/noob_for_life/Projects/?action=view¤t=cncbandx.jpgIt was his first CNC project. He learned LOTS and had a great time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "447806",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-09-04T20:32:37",
"content": "Inspired by this project, I decided to write an application for doing the same thing, but it produces g-code instead of DXF files. Also, because I don’t have Blitzmax, it’s written in C++ and uses Nokia’s Qt framework. You can check it out athttp://synapticcircle.com/technopolis/. The code is GPL and it works under Windows and linux (I don’t have a Mac, but it *should* work); I also have a Windows binary installer available for those Windows users who don’t want to build from source. Cheers!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "462081",
"author": "Jason Dorie",
"timestamp": "2011-09-22T22:29:11",
"content": "I’ve done one as well – Just the executable, PC only. The preview is real-time, the program is free, and it will output to DXF or directly to GCode. Check outhttp://jasondorie.com/page_cnc.htmlWith mine you specify the size of the work area, maximum dot size you want, dot spacing you want (they can overlap if you like), white on black or black on white, and you can set feed rate and retract information if outputting GCode. It’ll also do halftone “lines”, as in this image:http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150388092463973&set=a.10150268257853973.377792.671403972&type=1&theater",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "462340",
"author": "Stephen Fisher",
"timestamp": "2011-09-23T04:02:16",
"content": "Has anybody tried version 2.1 of this program?http://www.students.tut.fi/~syvajar3/DX… one_21.zipI am very intrigued by the new “path width” options. However, when I create dxf’s using the path width the dxf’s will not open and I get the following message: “invalid or incomplete dxf – drawing discarded” I can generate and view dxf with dot patterns without any trouble.If anybody has any suggestions I would appreciate it.I love the program.Stephen",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "463055",
"author": "Jason Dorie",
"timestamp": "2011-09-24T01:50:26",
"content": "My guess is that his doesn’t export the paths mode properly (mine doesn’t either). Exporting dots to a DXF is very simple, however doing the paths requires a good deal of effort, and getting it right involves some tricky math. I’m in the process of updating mine to handle it. I’ve also made changes to mine to save your settings, and work properly in mm or inches.I hope to have the path export to DXF done within a week.http://jasondorie.com/page_cnc.html",
"parent_id": "462340",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "586988",
"author": "zdenko",
"timestamp": "2012-02-22T14:53:24",
"content": "Hi JasonGreat Respect for your reactor images and great skill in sripting,cnc….I have one image to ask you about…how they did it??.( 100% shure you would know) but don’t know where to upload…no contact on JasonDorie.comRegards from CroatiaZdenko",
"parent_id": "463055",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "587234",
"author": "Jason Dorie",
"timestamp": "2012-02-22T22:54:13",
"content": "ZDenko – My contact info is kind of hidden at the top of the CNC Software page, because I don’t like the bots finding it. :) Send email to mail (at) jasondorie.com.",
"parent_id": "463055",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "578530",
"author": "Joseph Gassanja",
"timestamp": "2012-02-08T20:12:42",
"content": "Dear Sir,What you are doing is brilliant. I would like to learn some from you.I actually do halftone sandblasting but there is nothing compared with cnc engraving in terms of accuracy and time taken. I am thinking of buying a crafter’s CNC that can engrave on glass. If you have any idea if your program can work on a CNC like this, please let me know. I am so impressed by what you are doing and please educate me more on how I can move on to using CNC engraving halftone. I can imagine the good results I can get…….I love halftone sandblasting and thank you a million times for introducing me into halftone CNC engraving.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "716300",
"author": "Omid noorani",
"timestamp": "2012-07-28T09:24:00",
"content": "Tank you",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "898710",
"author": "DaveO",
"timestamp": "2012-12-07T03:19:29",
"content": "Nice and another good example of how old knowledge and techniques can have a second life. If you have access to graphics software you could try something I used years ago to create some signage. I processed the image in PhotoShop (halftone filter or saved as dithered BMP) then opened in Illustrator* and used the Live Trace option to convert to vector (Flash has a similar function). Then I had to open the vector file in Corel Draw to export as a DXF.(*actually I used Adobe Streamline to vectorize back in the day)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1798964",
"author": "Kathy Mitro",
"timestamp": "2014-09-07T23:01:57",
"content": "I absolutely looove this halftone app and my pictures came out fantastic when viewed on my iphone but when I went to Sam’s Club to print them out , the pictures are either missing the top or the sides depending on whether the picture is horizontal or vertical. So very dissapointing. I wish there was a fix for this as the pictures are great just hacked off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.417249
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/wooden-machine-belongs-in-willy-wonkas-factory/
|
Wooden Machine Belongs In Willy Wonka’s Factory
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"chain",
"differential",
"gear",
"universal joint",
"wood"
] |
Behold the wooden machine
(
translated
) that is used for… well it does… it was built because… Okay, this is a case where asking what it does or why it was built is the wrong question. [Erich Schatt] began building the piece that he calls “Wheels” back in 1995. It took just seven years to complete, and is made entirely of wood. The video after the break shows a multitude of moving parts.
The chains were modeled after bicycle chains, which are used to transfer motion from the “rider” throughout the machine. The gearing for each segment was meticulously calculated, then perfected through trial and error. The complexity even calls for a differential and universal joints. It’s mesmerizing to watch and for that reason it’s made appearances at conventions and been featured in art exhibitions.
It’s also worth mentioning that this comes from a very humble-looking shop. [Erich] posted some pictures of his studio and aside from the abundance of bar clamps, it’s just your average garage or basement setup.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5wJCzksT9k&w=470]
[Thanks Michu]
| 20
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424749",
"author": "1000100 1000001 1010110 1000101",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:54:36",
"content": "Wow…and I was proud of the workbench I built…this is phenomenal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424758",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:14:36",
"content": "“The gearing for each segment was meticulously calculated, then perfected through trial and error.”Then it wasn’t calculated properly :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426201",
"author": "Vampyredh",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T12:55:24",
"content": "Really? Have you built anything out of wood that does this? Just because perfection was done through trial and error doesn’t mean it wasn’t done properly remember wood is not plastic or metal depending on the moisture content of the wood and the air around it wood changes shapes and sizes.",
"parent_id": "424758",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "535689",
"author": "Schatt Erich",
"timestamp": "2011-12-14T20:12:42",
"content": "Thank you for your e-mail. Tryhttp://www.holzmaschine.chon my homepage you will see a new Video and the assembly of the machine timber.Erich Schatt",
"parent_id": "424758",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424762",
"author": "kevin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:29:06",
"content": "@hackerspacer:I imagine the need for trial and error came not from the calculation, but the implementation. The numbers can be perfect, but translating those numbers into perfectly cut wood without using a CNC machine would be pretty difficult to get right on the first try.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424769",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:36:07",
"content": "If he had wheels on that thing to drive around it would be so epic. Pretty damn awesome as it is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424770",
"author": "The DON",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:36:15",
"content": "The oddest bit I see in this is the off center round cogs…They mesh together nicely, except for the spindle of the upper (slave) cog rises and falls.I couldn’t see why, but then again, this purpose of this piece appears to be ‘because I can’.Nice engineeringI think the creator must love old techni-lego",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424793",
"author": "jmicz3d",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:16:07",
"content": "What’s the gear ratio?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424802",
"author": "dmcbeing",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:43:41",
"content": "Thats one hell of a stationary training bicycle you got there.Amazing work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424806",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:54:21",
"content": "@First comment: Hi dave!This thing is freakin weird, to say the least. Watching it in action adds to the weird scale – I wonder if humidity throws the machine out of wack?Was reminded ofhttp://hackaday.com/2011/04/28/wooden-bike-hopes-to-set-world-record-not-catch-fire/and thishttp://hackaday.com/2010/11/12/building-a-wooden-vespa/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424824",
"author": "Delmar",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:24:50",
"content": "Well that’s the wildest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Great job, plain and simple great job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424831",
"author": "blakepro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:54:15",
"content": "Kind of reminds me of this awesome videohttp://youtu.be/WYcqJ5HdxA4",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424877",
"author": "Chambers",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T02:37:26",
"content": "WOW! Now thats a incredible wood machine! That makes me wish my shop was up to average.Thanks for the inspiration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424940",
"author": "Miller",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T05:01:56",
"content": "Dr. Suess would be proud of that thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424956",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T05:31:55",
"content": "It’s a little like “the machine” from the princess bride.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424992",
"author": "CB4",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T07:13:00",
"content": "Awesome machine :)Inspiring :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425247",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:30:41",
"content": "I would like to see the other sides. And more detail such as the differential. But awesome it is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425255",
"author": "Tom the Brat",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:33:37",
"content": "I’m impressed! Way cool.To ask “why” is simply inappropriate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425388",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:23:38",
"content": "I hope they put these in my local gym. Outside of a great workout what does this do?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425540",
"author": "MikeK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T01:07:46",
"content": "He need to put it on wheels and drive it around like a Dr. Seuss vehicle.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.520728
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/frankenkindle-building-an-alternate-kindle-keyboard/
|
FrankenKindle: Building An Alternate Kindle Keyboard
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"handhelds hacks",
"Kindle hacks"
] |
[
"breakout",
"ereader",
"keyboard",
"kindle",
"multiplexer",
"Teensy",
"TS3A5017"
] |
If you’ve ever thought the Kindle keyboard was a bit cramped you’re not alone. [Glenn’s] been working on
developing an external keyboard for the Kindle
for quite some time. It may not make easier for everyone to use, but he’s motivated to improve usability for his sister who has Cerebral Palsy.
We see a lot of keyboard hacks that solder straight to the pads under the buttons, but for a compact device like the Kindle this would really mess things up. Instead of going that route, [Glenn] sourced a
20-pin Flexible Flat Cable and breakout board
that match the internal Kindle connector. The prototype seen above uses a TS3A5017 serial multiplexer chip to simulate the keyboard button presses. That multiplexer is driven by a Teensy++ microcontroller board which is monitoring a larger set of buttons on the V.Reader seen above. Check out the video after the break for a brief demonstration, then look around at the rest of [Glenn’s] blog posts to view different steps of the development cycle.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V5_qZqcM3k&w=470]
[Thanks Hybridblue]
| 7
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424741",
"author": "FractalBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:29:43",
"content": "I like it. If it can be, as he said, blackboxed, simplified and sped up a bit, there are a number of problems that could be tackle. Ok, well, my brain seems to have fixed on only one of them: Hang the kindle in front of our treadmill and attach some page turn buttons to the handles.Good job. Im looking forward to checking out the progress of the FrankenKindle so I can get the confidence to void my warranty.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424746",
"author": "Cid",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:41:28",
"content": "Since this is a kindle-hacking post: Is there any way to convert the space button into a “Next Page” button?It would be really nice for portrait reading mode.If anyone knows how to do it, please comment.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "449242",
"author": "Glenn",
"timestamp": "2011-09-06T23:05:27",
"content": "I’m not sure about changing the functions of existing keys, but you can certainly map additional keystroke combinations – that’s what this project is all about.As Paul said, check the MobileRead forums. Specifically, this is the script I used:http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97636",
"parent_id": "424746",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424909",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T03:14:15",
"content": "Didn’t they root the kindle? And if so is it possible to add some sort of wireless or USB keyboard?Keep in mind that I know very little about the kindle (except that it’s extremely amazon-bound), so I might be talking nonsense.Not that there’s anything wrong with using this method but having a bunch of wires with a breadboard and assorted parts hanging from it can’t be good for portability I’m figuring :)On the plus side this should give a lot of ideas and information for various hacks so it’s nice if someone is doing it, and sharing info.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424983",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T06:46:50",
"content": "@Cid it’s been done. Check the MobileRead.com forums under Kindle hacking.@WhatNot. Should be possible too. BTW, the Kindle is not extremely Amazon-bound. You can happily read non-Amazon content on it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425185",
"author": "harald",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:37:06",
"content": "So nice, awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "545438",
"author": "Rebs",
"timestamp": "2011-12-27T18:48:50",
"content": "I found a USB based external keyboard…now the trouble is figuring out how to get the Kindle Fire to recognize it. Check out the specific product here:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OB0EBQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=A1JA97LV3KNY8QIs there some USB host setting/ or something like that that can be changed? Any of you have an idea?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.571584
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/rc-car-and-beagle-board-mate-for-a-versatile-robot-build/
|
RC Car And Beagle Board Mate For A Versatile Robot Build
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"beagleboard",
"servo"
] |
Here’s
a rover project that has plenty of power
(
translated
) to go places. This is true not only of its locomotive capability, but processing power as well.
The RC car used here
(
translated
) is not overly expensive, but offers a lot of versatility. It’s got front and rear steering via two servo motors, as well as independent drive motors for each end. The frame also offers an advanced suspension system that lets the vehicle flex to keep as many wheels on the ground as possible. It’s a great find if you don’t want to start off your project bogged down in the hardware design.
On the control side of things a Beagle Board has been choosen. The demo after the break shows it controlling an added turret servo, as well as the drive mechanism controlled via a keyboard. These are driven through the embedded Ubuntu image running on the board. This should provide plenty of processing power to add obstacle avoidance and autonomy routines in future versions.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTUvEsW8RbQ&w=470]
[Thanks Carlos]
| 12
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424706",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:12:29",
"content": "Mt first thought was how well does a rear suspension work as a front suspension? Well enough on a RC vehicle, I guess, going by the videos. Someday Hackaday will find one with that has a motor for each wheel to present us.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424714",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:22:52",
"content": "Now the fun part… openCV for collision avoidance. I hope the beagle board has a enough horse power for that because in the past I found a pentium 4 micro ITX board wasn’t good enough.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "428730",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:38:04",
"content": "Could always out-source the full AI to a wirelessly networked “brains” PC, and just use the beagle board for the vital functions… sort of like how the human brain works, lower lesser powered stupid brain keeps your heart beating, and your body ticking, smart brain ignores all that fluff and takes it’s time to think about what it wants to do and they work together.",
"parent_id": "424714",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424719",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:32:21",
"content": "this thing is a beast, can’t wait to see what he does with it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424808",
"author": "DangerousDiver",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:56:44",
"content": "If I’m not mistaken, that RC car is Tamiya Super Clod Buster. These cars have a reputation as being tough as nails and generally awesome.Good Choice!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424813",
"author": "DangerousDiver",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:02:10",
"content": "Scratch that, its very similar to a Clod but not the same. The model here is 1/8th scale not 1/10th.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424859",
"author": "Gravis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T01:13:29",
"content": "VERY cool! it was interesting that he completely replaced the Electronic Speed Controller but i think there is a problem with the reimplementation. it looks like it’s right below the Beagle Board which may become a problem due to heat. linear regulators put off a ton of heat and which isn’t good for Single Board Computers. :(it’s still super cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425163",
"author": "atcomm1",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T14:42:39",
"content": "I really want something like that for wire pulling jobs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425214",
"author": "Alston",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:34:51",
"content": "@DangerousDiver: Looks like from the link it’s a HSP Rock Crawler (see:http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8191079/tm.htm)I’d be curious to find out what he’s planning on doing with the rig over the long run, since right now it looks to be limited to running on a bench with keyboard commands.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426601",
"author": "Medved",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T09:38:31",
"content": "Take a look at this project:http://veter-project.blogspot.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "440090",
"author": "Oscar",
"timestamp": "2011-08-23T06:58:36",
"content": "This sort of resembles the making of a rock crawler, or if not, a vehicle that could be used on a battle field. Maybe this could be another unmanned source for battle that could save lives, such as the article about the Traxxas that saved six soldeirs in Afghanistan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "553451",
"author": "David Holborn",
"timestamp": "2012-01-07T18:20:54",
"content": "Those wheels are bigger than the ones my wife has on her car! :)Love the concept and its a great way to give folks ideas on how to get a little creative and inventive in this hobby.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.625698
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/a-professional-looking-n64-portable-build/
|
A Professional Looking N64 Portable Build
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"handhelds hacks",
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"console",
"goldeneye",
"n64",
"portable"
] |
Although Hack A Day is no stranger to console conversions,
this portable N64
build is worthy of note. The article itself is in Spanish, but for those that don’t speak the language, the steps and components necessary are well documented in pictures. There’s even a video of the finished product after the break.
What is especially interesting about this project is the professional looking build quality of the finished product. One might think it’s a custom injection molding job or possibly 3D printed, but everything is done with only glue, filler, and paint. A controller and console is hacked up to provide the raw materials for this build. An expansion pack is even attached to this console for good measure.
Power is provided by a 6800mA battery, and the console features a generous 7 inch display. A good wiring schematic is also provided in this article, so maybe it will inspire other quality console hacking in the future.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhNVcomBsog&w=470&h=349%5D
Additionally, here’s another N64 portable
console hack
if one isn’t enough.
| 36
| 36
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424600",
"author": "elduderino",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:47:34",
"content": "This is one of the coolest hacks I have seen. Does it have rumble though? And is it just me or does the sound seem really jumpy in the beginning of the first game?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424602",
"author": "Moystard",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:50:26",
"content": "Really nice hack. I wonder what are the weight and battery life of this portable N64 though..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424606",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:52:08",
"content": "If i saw that in a shop. i would buy it. So fast.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424607",
"author": "elduderino",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:53:36",
"content": "^^never mind I see one his page that it has two built in 2 vibration motors.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424611",
"author": "gdogg",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:01:05",
"content": "While that is sweet, why did he go with a wide screen? Way to ruin the aspect ratio of every game you play.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424612",
"author": "Alex B",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:01:16",
"content": "This is a fantastic build! It’s so clean and professional looking. I would love to be able to do something of this caliber.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424614",
"author": "les",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:03:06",
"content": "One of the best portable builds ive seen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424623",
"author": "CMJ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:12:49",
"content": "I’m very impressed with the way he created the enclosure.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424624",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:14:17",
"content": "+1 for having golden eye on it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424632",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:22:48",
"content": "that enclosure is a BEAST!definitely one of, if not, the best portable N64’s I’ve ever seen",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424638",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:29:06",
"content": "Golden eye on n64 is of course one of the best gaming experiences, EVER.It’s been done a thousand times before but its always nice to see something come out looking so professional. It’s actually reasonably slim compared to others.“Power is provided by a battery” – Oh yeah? :x",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424639",
"author": "mad_max",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:30:24",
"content": "This is definitely the sexiest enclosure I’ve seen on a portable N64. Nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424647",
"author": "kak",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:36:16",
"content": "Its a Game boy Super Advanced!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424660",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:55:45",
"content": "I bet Nintendo could fab up a portable n64 very cheaply (given how cheaply its rumoured the 3ds fab costs are) – with rereleased games at a price point of £3-£5 they could make a fortune out of an “old” platform…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424669",
"author": "hal",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:08:57",
"content": "@ChrisBut there is so much more money in the “updates” of those classic games. Update the graphics a bit and you have “Goldeneye HD” or “Zelda: OoT HD”. Then you sell it for 5 times what your talking (£15 – £25 [$25 – $40]) and make a BUNCH more. Oh and its all games-via-download so no secondary used market either.Does anybody besides me feel that thing is REALLY wide? I think it would be a bit of a change from controllers were used to.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424677",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:20:49",
"content": "Side note: Jeremy, please move the video to after the break :)I use a flash blocker and just enable those flash components I want to see. For those that don’t, too many flash videos on the homepage could rape them. So I’ve always appreciated the videos being placed after the break.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424694",
"author": "RobK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:55:24",
"content": "I want 30. Seriously, I love stuff like this, keep it up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424713",
"author": "Marvin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:21:05",
"content": "The case is really stunning… I am thoroughly impressed!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424715",
"author": "DanAdamKOF",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:24:16",
"content": "Pretty neat, but there weren’t any widescreen N64 games. This will just make everything look stretched out.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424729",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:07:34",
"content": "What’s crazy about all these portable gaming mods is how much of the original hardware they always use. I mean, what, they add a modern screen and battery, and that’s about it. Surely Nintendo could have been making these themselves not _too_ long after the original N64 was released?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424740",
"author": "SunGoD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:24:49",
"content": "What a shame, Why didn’t he Re-Use the Original Console’s Power Slide Button.? That may be the ONLY thing that doesn’t “fit” on this Magical Bondo N64 Nomad Hybrid, What an amazing job otherwise.!This is exactly what I have been planning on doing for over a Year now. I have a similar 7″ widescreen and the aspect ratio change really doesn’t affect the final image AT ALL! These screens have a common* resolution of 480×234 you can get higher res. but the price is way up there. (I got mine for $20 on sale)This is a real inspiration, I’ve been holding back on tackling my own project for far too long. His technique, and photo journal deserve much Kudos.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424751",
"author": "Cricri",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:58:03",
"content": "It blows my mind how cutting and glueing pieces of plastic together looks absolutely rubbish, filling in gaps with glue still looks crap, but once it’s sanded and painted it looks amazing!Proper hack he’s got here. I’m not enough of a N64 fan to want one, but I do recognise it’s a fantastic piece of work, so thumbs and toes up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424757",
"author": "Jeremy Cook",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:12:55",
"content": "@Stevie – thanks, missed that one!@All, thx for the good comments!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424760",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:19:44",
"content": "Really clean and super cool!Just remember to use mask and a well ventilated area when grinding and using epoxy putty.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424763",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:30:39",
"content": "@CricriI was thinking the same thing, but when you look at the finished thing I was like, “HOLY SHIT! NO WAY!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424788",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:03:17",
"content": "My guess of the wide screen is because there’s more widescreen tft-lcds then 4:3 ones out there, so probably a cost thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424828",
"author": "sirp0p0",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:38:39",
"content": "These hacks are always so cool. It saddens me that no one ever commercializes the process, at least in the small time. Send $ + console and they’ll do the hacking.Probably too much work I suppose.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424934",
"author": "phnx",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T04:34:58",
"content": "Great project. Great build. Best game EVAR.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424982",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T06:45:37",
"content": "A really nice case. I’m impressed with the skills to make such a neat case",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425065",
"author": "KillerBug",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T10:07:38",
"content": "Very nice. The only issues I see are the aspect ratio and the controls…half the challenge of n64 games was working the controller…this ruins the feel by offering better controls, just like an emulator.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425069",
"author": "Ryan Mercer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T10:30:02",
"content": "I wish I had the patience to make one of these, I’d love to have one heh.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425186",
"author": "harald",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T15:37:51",
"content": "Cool, ++, awesome, great.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425628",
"author": "Roger Wilco",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T04:07:05",
"content": "Nice looking portable n64. On the video he used the best game on the n64 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time so i aprove",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428734",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:44:39",
"content": "Clearly this video was shot in a massage parlor. Seriously, he should have cut off the cheesy music while showing us the games — I bet the thing has fine audio quality, but you can’t tell at all from this video.+1 for a great hack, wish I could put out cases of this quality — then I wouldn’t be hankering for a 3D printer so badly!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "473064",
"author": "Asbjørn",
"timestamp": "2011-10-05T22:46:19",
"content": "It is so beautiful… Amazingly brilliant. Far better than a DSi XL, Wii U controller, PSP, all of them. How is the battery life? Well done!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1029070",
"author": "channie",
"timestamp": "2013-07-21T14:54:24",
"content": "were can we get one as i want to get one for someone :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.837524
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/camera-flash-marquee-real-of-fake/
|
Camera Flash Marquee: Real Of Fake?
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"dslr",
"flash",
"marquee",
"matrix",
"music video"
] |
It’s time for everyone’s favorite comment thread game: Real or Fake? This week’s edition comes in from a tip that [Fabian] sent us about
the music video Bright Siren by the band Androp
. The video starts by showing bundles of cables being sorted and connected to breadboards. We get a brief shot of a large LED matrix (presumably being used for testing purposes) then footage of a lot of DSLR cameras with external flashes. These are mounted on racks to produce the marquee seen in the image above. The band performs in front of it for the rest of the video.
We’ve embedded the original video, as well as a ‘making of’ video after the break. There’s also
a website
you can checkout that lets you write your own message on the marquee. That bit could be easily done in flash so there’s no que, you’ll notice there’s no live feed. While we think the theory is real, we’re a bit skeptical about whether this performance is real or video editing magic. In the behind the scenes clip you can see breadboards attached to each camera flash with rubber bands so we’d guess that at least some of the hardware was setup. But we’re wondering if the animated effects were done in editing like that
tea light animation
. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
Music Video:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYgw7XRf5nc&w=470]
Making of:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lGmO6eq9gM&w=470]
| 105
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423661",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:11:15",
"content": "I’m not sure any flash can recharge and discharge at that rate (nearly 30fps). And that would be hell on batteries too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "437881",
"author": "anybodysguess",
"timestamp": "2011-08-19T13:21:19",
"content": "I have seen a camera flash at at least 15 fps before.",
"parent_id": "423661",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "444815",
"author": "friv",
"timestamp": "2011-08-31T09:57:23",
"content": "I’m sure, flash can recharge. go linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ycl8DJZUOwhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYgw7XRf5nc&feature=related",
"parent_id": "423661",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "423662",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:12:23",
"content": "Why ? Is it to show off they have a lot of money and they don’t know what to do with it (cameras aren’t needed, just the flash) ? Or is it to show they are bored ?Probably both.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423663",
"author": "bWare",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:12:33",
"content": "If this wasn’t a Canon advert why did they need the cameras?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423665",
"author": "Jfiliaul",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:15:15",
"content": "Deffinately real! NO QUESTION!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423666",
"author": "sm10sm20",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:15:29",
"content": "I believe it to be both real and completely ridiculous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423667",
"author": "HAD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:17:34",
"content": "Calling fake on this one although with a fairly convincing setup. It just doesn’t feel quite right and it seems like they went out of their way to show that it was real but didn’t go out of their way to prove it – which means they were trying to lead you to believe that it was real when in fact it was not.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423669",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:19:12",
"content": "Looks real to me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423670",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:20:14",
"content": "parts are fake and parts are real.the fake ones are eaisly recognizable due to the terrible quality photograin that is repetitive looking (like a texture). This appears for most of the text.The real looking parts are stop motion captures of the flash I’d say.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423672",
"author": "sblowes",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:21:02",
"content": "Seems to be like that many flashes would be A LOT brighter, and would wash out the video camera filming the music video. Even one camera flash from the side usually completely washes out a single frame of video.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423673",
"author": "HAD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:21:39",
"content": "The making of video seems to provide more evidence but 250 60D cameras at what, $3000 each would be $750k. They obviously appear to have quite a few people working on this project as well as a fairly large space….. I would put this down as plausible but we don’t know if those cameras are real and functional and we don’t know if the flashes aren’t just LEDs instead of real flashes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423675",
"author": "WhiteCrane",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:22:38",
"content": "the interweb says“Their team was inspired by the track’s title and the lyric “not to make it a memory” and used the flashes of 250 Canon cameras to create light animation that appears throughout the film, intermittently illuminating the band’s performance on the stage. Like this recent clip for Bell, technology–Flash, openFrameworks and Arduino–helped to achieve dazzling effects without any postproduction. The video is also featured on a dedicated site, where viewers can pause the clip to see photos taken from the cameras during the shoot and can also create their own version of the clip with a special message.”So maybe real.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423676",
"author": "justDIY",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:23:36",
"content": "duration and repeat rate of those flashes seems suspect, my money is on fake, possibly a viral video advert for Canon?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423680",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:26:48",
"content": "My first thought was “Hell no, this isn’t real. This has gotta be another tea light animation…”After looking more closely, though, I’m impressed. Each flash lights up what is directly around and in front of it, and you can see the reflections from that on the camera/flash body in each ‘pixel’ of the wall of cameras. After doing a quick frame-by-frame examination, it looks like it’s at least somewhat legit.Any decent camera flash can strobe like that, very easily, at 50fps+ without a problem as long as it has power. Seeing that they’ve got everything hardwired in (note the huge power strips in the making of video), I’m pretty sure they’ve got plenty of available current to recharge the caps in those flashes.Also, they appear to be DIYer’s/hackers at heart, anyway. They’re geeky enough to specifically note that they’re using Arduinos and OpenFrameworks, so why couldn’t they figure the rest out, too? They’ve got the LED matrix built, and after that it’s as simple as wiring a relay for each pixel to a flash and setting it up.Canon may or may not have sponsored the video. TimeSliceFilms.com may have also supplied the cameras and shot the ‘bullet time’ scenes. Either way, it’s a pretty badass video, and I see no reason that it would have to be faked. It’d obviously be an expensive and somewhat complicated undertaking, but definitely possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423681",
"author": "Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:28:42",
"content": "there should be an epilepsy warning for this vid…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423683",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:30:55",
"content": "A Canon 60D with stock lens is ~$900USD. They’ve got huge boxes of them and most likely got a volume discount if they outright bought them. It’s also likely that they rented a large number of them (which is common practice for smaller-scale studios).I’d estimate that this video could be made for under $250k, and probably under $100k if most of the equipment could be rented instead of purchased.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423685",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:33:24",
"content": "It’s an extremely convincing fake, if it is one. If it isn’t, they have more money than brains. Though @bWare is probably on to something. The “matrix” effect is super fake, though, because the virtual motion is on an arc and the cameras are on a plane.All that aside, the effect is amazing. I love the tiled video that makes a larger screen. Cool idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423689",
"author": "hboy007",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:39:38",
"content": "the cameras look real to me – so what’s the point in faking the flashes? Reflections on the floor and on the lenses / bodies look ok, too. Besides, it is by far easier to fire the trigger than to replace the whole setup with cheaper flash units or do a photorealistic animation. The only thing that might be necessary is messing with the frame rate or pre-trigger flash sequence.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423691",
"author": "notmyfault2000",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:42:46",
"content": "If they merely rented the cameras (and didn’t physically modify them) then that would drastically reduce the cost of this setup. The only thing I really have any question about is how quickly the camera can prep the flash to fire again. The rate at which they animated the thing seems doable. IDK where CDE got the 30FPS framerate, it seemed more like 10 or less with a short period of off time when they had an individual camera ‘on’ for 2 consecutive frames, giving the flash a chance to recharge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423692",
"author": "PoisonWaffle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:42:52",
"content": "After another quick look through it, I’m seeing even more evidence that says it’s real. Pause it on a frame where there’s a high rate of motion in the same direction. You can see the the dark spots where the flashes were illuminated in the previous frame. This is artifacting from the CCD in the camera that’s filming it.Also, hpux735, they’d have cameras mounted on tripods or on a multi-camera jig so they could all be fine-tuned to focus on the same central point for the ‘bullet time’ shots. That most likely was shot after the initial video and was edited in.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423694",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:44:48",
"content": "It’s certainly possible with some modern professional flashes. They’re going about 7-9 fps or so, which is definitely doable. Short bulb-life, though, I think.My bet is on LEDs, fashioned inside flash housings. the wiring is to allow them to be controlled via a single computer.Music video budgets would certainly allow all the real gear to be purchased, then modified, but using actual flashes would be troublesome due to flash bulb failure. LEDs are far more reliable, and can be made to look just as bright.It’s likely that it’s very real, but done with LEDs. the slo-mo shots, in particular, make me believe that they’re using LEDs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423695",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:47:27",
"content": "Looks real to me, and yes, high quality flashes can recharge and discharge that quickly. Especially if they are set to lower power (like 1/128th). Though not sure why they have lenses and cameras to go with it? My guess is some of the cameras and lenses are either lower quality or just dummies.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423697",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:49:17",
"content": "I cant tell for sure, but it looks like they are using the Canon 580EXII flash which has a recycle time as low as .1 second.Set the flash to low power, fully manual and it should be possible. Also low power settings have a longer flash period than high power settings.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423698",
"author": "pascal",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:49:18",
"content": "Maybe they are being sponsored by Canon… the video does go out of its way to show that it’s the 60D, Canon flashes and the kit lens. Although it has been out quite a while…Can’t the flashes be tuned down anyways? You don’t need that much light from each individual flash, and even in 1080p the picture is a bit blurry, maybe it was filmed with high ISO…It would be much more complicated to film the stopmotion individually and then have the band perform alone while recreating the lighting…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423702",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:58:37",
"content": "While the marquee could be real, those camera flashes are not. They probably swapped the flash bulbs with traditional bulbs and are driving them via the cables. The cameras were probably gutted so that the wires connect directly to the hot-shoe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423703",
"author": "Shadyman",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:01:38",
"content": "I’m with PoisonWaffle in saying “real”… Flashes can have insane recharge rates at low power.Maybe the cameras/flashes are rentals? I wonder how much that’d run for a day of renting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423704",
"author": "Lee",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:07:55",
"content": "If you visit the website you can see the time-coded photos the cameras “actually” took. Seeing as it’d be a pain in the ass to try to make this look “real” I think it’s real. The LED breadboard was probably a small scale sample to see what the animation would look like, and then later they wired the cameras to be triggered based on the LED’s. If a flash can recover that fast and they did the legwork with the breadboard, I’m not sure why they’d go through all the rest of the trouble to make it look real if it’s fake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423706",
"author": "Ryan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:10:31",
"content": "This is plausible from a technology standpoint. The cannon speedlites in this video have a recycle time of 0.1s at lowest power.Nothing in the video exceeds that capability and low power would explain the exposure not getting completely fucked.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423708",
"author": "ferdie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:18:46",
"content": "its real i thinkor is a viral or reclame for cannonbut why bye 250 camera,s when you only need a flasha stroboscoop is cheaper to use i think",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423711",
"author": "LOL",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:22:28",
"content": "Are this faulty 60D ? or something :D ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423714",
"author": "LOL",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:28:36",
"content": "And there is a lot of analog cameras !",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423716",
"author": "wildzbill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:41:49",
"content": "Probably real.Who says they bought or rented the cameras? They knew someone that is a distributor, sales are slow, cameras are sitting in a warehouse. They use them, repackage, and sell them later at full price.Electronics on breadboards? Too expensive, unless you ‘borrow’ everything for the weekend and put it back when you are done.Total cost? Maybe a party for everyone involved.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423718",
"author": "NastyNinjaBear",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:49:30",
"content": "Seems to me to be real. All they would have to do is contact a Canon rep and I bet anything acquiring that many cameras was EASY considering they clearly show the Canon logo in the video. Product placement is money.Anyway, the cameras should have the capability…The hardware should be pretty straightforward using the remote control buttons for pictures. External flash can easily handle that speed of strobe.The only two suspect parts are when it goes from 1 marque to like 12 in a huge display…im positive that was just edited…. also…I notice there arent any hard shadows on the ground in front of the band members…I dont know much about light dynamics and shadowing so they could just be overpowered by all the angles or something but still, id expect to see some shadows.In any case, totally plauseable and I think its 95% real.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423719",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:55:29",
"content": "Not sure if those flashes can work at such a rate, as stated above, this would be super expensive unless they have some kind of Canon sponsorship in which case it is just an advert. I have to call fake on this one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423720",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:56:55",
"content": "No, distributors wont have cameras in 5 packs and then they cant sell them as new.Canon does give quantity discounts. We have 50 5DMarkIIs at work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423722",
"author": "David",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:01:54",
"content": "I agree it is probably a gutted flash, perhaps camera. Not all cameras are 60D’s, and not all flashes are the same, many not even the EX series (maybe not even canon). Given the difference in power from the various flashes as well as different recycle profiles and reflector specifications, to try to match the output of everything by means of control would be daunting at best.Beyond recycle times, the burn time of each is silly long in some cases, even if you try to argue matching to the frame rate, not possible. As well, on low power, the flash durations of speedlites is shorter than the scan time of teh video camera. So even if you could match 30, 40 60 fps, that does not mean the ENTIRE frame of each would subject to captruing the flash.My call is fake, in so much as it is not as it seems.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423723",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:02:17",
"content": "Interesting concept. The song kinda sucks though, and an arduino, really? Can’t people try just a little bit and learn to use microcontrollers like adults instead of children or “artists” that can’t possibly grasp programming an avr in C supposedly…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423795",
"author": "Joegeek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:42:15",
"content": "Fake or not it’s a cool effect for a video shoot. Food for thought. Please keep in mind if anyone wants to implement an effect into a live concert it can be problematic to the audience. In my case, I experienced it first hand. It was dark and the lighting was great up to the point where the audience was being flashed. Our pupils were in a relaxed large state. Then we started getting flashed by the lights from on top center stage. We we getting blinded and it distracted us from enjoying the band because we had to block the flood lights with our hands. I am very surprised they didn’t notice the first 12 rows were all looking away from the spotlights. As for using this in a Video shoot – It’s an awesome effect that projects an original look. A great way to breakout their video from the rest. Really impressive to me is how many cameras were collected to make the video. I can see some poor soul standing in line at Walmart returns with two shopping carts of cameras :-P hehehe jkTY for sharing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423802",
"author": "woutervddn",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:48:35",
"content": "Please tell they are giving away those cameras as we speak? :p a simple flash would have saved them a lot of money,..Although I want to know the “Why?” about this..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423803",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:48:38",
"content": "Partly fake.@1:24A flash can’t reload that quit (instant)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423815",
"author": "Nikos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:55:53",
"content": "If you take a look on their website they provide lot of pics from the shootings. i dont say that is definitively real but I think its real.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423817",
"author": "Baghdad_boy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:01:25",
"content": "I would say FAKE. In the first video at 1:25 the flash on most cameras stay on for like 4 or 5 seconds. Camera flashs can’t stay on for that long as far as I know. It’s a quick burst and that’s it.My 2 cents",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423820",
"author": "BadHaddy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:03:44",
"content": "I’m going for real. The flashes are eTTL compatible, and they are probably just kicking off the lower power AF-Assist rather than a full flash.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423856",
"author": "me.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:26:54",
"content": "I’m with all those that say that it is partially fake. Did anyone else check out the website? (http://www.androp.jp/brightsiren/)If you go there, you can get your own message displayed during the video. Of course, you get only the “flashes” without any band members. But it looks a lot like the stuff that’s going on in the background of the video.Given that they implemented that just for fun on their website, I believe, that they are also able to do something like that in AfterEffects/Vegas/Premiere in a convincing way.So not completely fake. But fake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423871",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:35:13",
"content": "I think it’s fake. Some of those flashes stay on way too long to convince me it’s real. The flashes also seem to have a gradual brightening that looks more like an LED, which can be seen in the slow-motion scenes.The effort gone into the synchronizing seems to be real, but I’d bet the flash bulbs were replaced with LEDs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423872",
"author": "mad_max",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:35:15",
"content": "I’m less intrigued by the cameras than I am that this song starts of in 9/4 time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423880",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:37:32",
"content": "@BadHaddy: “they are probably just kicking off the lower power AF-Assist rather than a full flash”Good observation. I agree, this could be the case that would make this all real.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423896",
"author": "Drackar",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:52:31",
"content": "I’d say it’s possible.The strobes are not putting out much light. On full power, that many strobes would over-power the cameras they are using to film…that entire stage would be washed out for the flash. Instead there are these thin bands of light…reasonable, for the lowest power setting.I have a $50ish YN-460. Lowest power setting, I can fire 19 low power flashes in a row, as quick as I can hit the button. The longest repeat of strobe fires I counted was somewhere in the 20 fire range…a better strobe could pull that off, easily.For most of the video, there are a minimum of three-five camera with intervals between the scrolling wall…three-five fires, three-five intervals to recharge the capacitors, which, for a low power burst, doesn’t take long…less than a second or two.Possible. The hardest part would be wiring it all up to something to control it…the strobes themselves are no problem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423917",
"author": "Piotrek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:09:39",
"content": "It is fake. There are white LEDs attached in front of every flash. Thats why light has round shape (flash shape is more or less rectangle, not circle).Look at the 2:53 on video – it,s clear to see :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423922",
"author": "bbepeefencer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:10:52",
"content": "They are doing it the hard way but it looks real to me. I used to work for a lighting company Highend systems and they make a strobe system called dataflashhttp://www.highend.com/products/effects/dataflashaf1000.aspIt does the same thing but using DMX512 digitally addressable and dimable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423938",
"author": "Dgent",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:22:10",
"content": "100K + for a music video is a lot these days. I can say for sure that this was a canon sponsored video and the total budget was prolly only like 20-30k. With the cameras provided of course…. You don’t go out of your way to show product shots like that just for kicks…As for if it was the real flashes??? idk looks like they mighta slowed up the shutter speed on some of the shots so that the individual flashes would bleed over frames a bit more to make it feel more like a consistant light. It was for sure not digitally added light, Just look at the drum set to see thats legit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.948723
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/unlocking-wireless-pc-locks/
|
Unlocking Wireless PC Locks
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Peripherals Hacks"
] |
[
"usrp"
] |
[Mr.Pantz] pointed us to a web page we thought you would find interesting. It deals with
hacking PC lock using a Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) .
Following the good practice of logging off or locking your workstation while your not at it, it is darn hard to get users to actually do it. These little gadgets are a 2 piece setup one being a usb dongle, and the other being a badge like device. If the badge is turned off or is a distance greater than ~30 feet, the signal is lost and the pc is locked.
From there all you really need to do is figure out what frequency the 2 are running at and what codes are flying around the air. Some careful eyeballing suggests that this operates in the 434MHz region much like remote lock dongles for your car, and once the device is apart some research of 2 of the IC’s on board confirms it. Using the
GNU Radio
spectrum analyzer a signal is quickly captured, dumped, and a script is created to send the signal back out, provided you have the correct hardware to do so.
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423638",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:26:41",
"content": "I have one exactly like this, and I can’t live without it in school when I need to go away for a second or a friend is trying to see through my private pictures xDBUT the standard software sucks BIG time… I saw an article over at Coding4Fun on how to write better software for this. However I think there have been a slight hardware revision because it didn’t work for my device.I DID however manage to hack the device (appears as a HID) device and make my own lock. My lock is actually locking windows itself instead of that on screen shit which can hardly be called a lock.– By the way, anybody knows a way to automaticly unlock Windows from software, .NET prefered? Using Win7 ^^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423646",
"author": "CC_DKP",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:37:54",
"content": "@Henrik PedersenUnder XP you do this through MSGina.dll (or a replacement of it). I don’t know if it is the same for Win Vista/7 or not.Here is a good MS whitepaper to at least get you started:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810756",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423660",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:10:55",
"content": "I had one of these locks and like [Henrik] states the software sucks BIG time. after being annoyed with the software I finally gave up and chucked it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423686",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:35:47",
"content": "@CC_DKPYeah I have looked at MSGina.dll before. It is not the same for win7, I remember reading something about some crazy API shit which is needed. A much easier alternative is to just freeze the screen by blocking mouse and keyboard input but it’s incredibly hard to do “right” as CTRL-ALT-DELETE always seem to work. I have even tried some of the stuff from the more “dark” sides of the internet and some of it seems to block it all in XP but Win7 is actually having to good security against this. LOL.I know that some facial recogniton programs overlay their own stuff on the logon screen and unlocks from there so it’s definitly possible. Just hard as hell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423712",
"author": "Reggie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:25:03",
"content": "Could you guys not employ the same technique as malware and disable ctrl-alt-delete through security policies?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423953",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:33:55",
"content": "You need to hook a custom behaviour into LogonUI. Create a COM object that implements ICredentialProvider and register it with the system. Your component can then tell LogonUI to tell WinLogon to unlock a session.http://blogs.msdn.com/b/securitytools/archive/2009/07/30/how-to-build-custom-logon-ui-s-in-windows-vista.aspxhttp://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc163489.aspx",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423989",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:56:50",
"content": "@ReggiePossibly yes. But would require the program to be run as admin and also CTRL-ALT-DELETE is there for a reason. I don’t like (even my own) software playing around with it.The windows logon screen is the safest I’ve seen so far as it’s designed for that purpose.@PedroThanks dude, I will look in to it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424147",
"author": "truthspew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T02:02:04",
"content": "434MHz? That falls smack into the U.S. amateur radio 70cm band. Enjoy the interference! Because those little radio devices are more likely than not Part 15 devices.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424157",
"author": "Dosx",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T02:19:39",
"content": "wow i saw this and an idea came to me i cant really do it but would be nice if someone tries it in future………..What if someone employed this PC Proximity lock on say a door but not for an automobile door am thinking on something more like a room door but its really just an idea that i got when i saw the post",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424276",
"author": "Brianmanden",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T06:26:24",
"content": "FYIBlueProximity does the same under Ubuntu except it uses Bluetooth and your mobile phone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424281",
"author": "Hack Cell",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T06:35:25",
"content": "Nice burn notice type hack! Can’t wait to try BlueProximity. Thanks pedro for that info.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424300",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T07:18:20",
"content": "@Dosx already considered it… But I personally think the system distance is a little to long (unless you mod it of course)… I already have RFID, magnetic card and soon fingerprint scanner on my door so it would just be overkill to the overkill if I made another unlocking system LOL ! xDBut yeah I own one of these and I can confirm that they send out a unique code for each unit comparing to others sources and that the software that comes with it seems to be able to identify different units, so it would actually make a cheap “powered RFID” system.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424315",
"author": "TMX:OD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T08:00:42",
"content": "@PedroYour Google-fu is strong… I’ve been lazily looking for this for a few months now to no avail.THANKS!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424326",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T08:25:43",
"content": "for those looking for better software to lock windows, couldn’t you just fire a SendKeys “windows key” + L? that’s a shortcut to lock the workstation…I don’t know if sendkeys-ing windows hotkeys would even work, but it might be worth a shot if nobody’s tried",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424328",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T08:27:16",
"content": "oh hurp de derp, unlocking it afterward would be another story…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424329",
"author": "f6itu",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T08:30:07",
"content": "I Looooove this kind of stuff. DoSsing such a device with a local transmitter(a 5 W ham radio UHF rig for eg.) is easy. Any user who has his “security wireless key” blocking his computer without any visible reason will immediately “disengage” the security device. And… voilà ! you’ll just have to follow the opened yellow brick road.By the way, you don’t need a USRP to locate a frequency, a scanner, a grid-dip will do the job for less than a few bucks. The USRP is a great hacking device, but it’s an overkill to do such a simple “evil twin attack”. And it’s not the only SDR on the block (try to google “UHFSDR” or “SSRP”).Marc",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424395",
"author": "jaded",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T11:45:43",
"content": "I’ve always wanted to see someone use the USRP to start demonstrating just how bad most wireless security is. I like this hack!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,128.766493
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/automated-water-distiller-gets-an-overhaul/
|
Automated Water Distiller Gets An Overhaul
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"home hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"automation",
"lcd",
"water distiller"
] |
One thing we love about the hacking community is the drive that most people have to revamp and rework their “finished” projects. A few weeks ago, we wrote about a water distilling rig that [Kyle] hacked together, which allowed him to automate his distillation process.
He took his project back into the workshop
and tweaked a few things, giving us the heads up when he was finished.
He got his hands on a new distillation unit and decided that he wanted to transfer over his automation setup. He cleaned things up by ditching most of the components
from his first distiller
, including the toy clock tower dial (which we happened to think was pretty fun). The same relays and Arduino were used in the second version of the still, but he reworked all of his code to make use of his new control interface.
The new model sports an LCD panel that allows the user to interact with the machine via a push button rotary encoder. Now he can easily navigate through a series of menus that enable him to set the distillation quantity and start time, leaving the distiller to do the hard work. The still also does a quick safety check each time it starts up, to ensure that things are in good working order before firing up the heating element.
[Kyle] says he will continue to tweak the distiller, though we think it looks great already.
Continue reading to see a quick video of his Stillduino v2 in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eGcrKX39Zw&w=470]
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423597",
"author": "mike",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:51:53",
"content": "It now distills alcohol instead.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423604",
"author": "haroldbalzac",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:05:15",
"content": "looks like the coffee machine we have at work….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423625",
"author": "isama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:55:24",
"content": "NICE. I really like it when people hack together something and then make it good. good job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423656",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:59:55",
"content": "I have same distiller and cant think of anything to add to it, it durability lay in simplicity",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423664",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:13:07",
"content": "@mike why on Earth anyone would want to distill alcohol at home? it one of the most pathetic drug, grow a trees instead",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423757",
"author": "Manatee Militia",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:20:05",
"content": "Friggin awesome. Great to see follow-through with a useful project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423810",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:52:37",
"content": "I can’t think of any more features to add.It’s going to be a real challenge to fill 20K of the free space with [quality] short quotes if I don’t come up with anything or get a good suggestion.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423895",
"author": "andres",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:51:29",
"content": "@therianwater distilling",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423958",
"author": "adamziegler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:36:57",
"content": "@therian… you are a sad sad troll to pick on ethanol. Maybe you need to plant less trees, and have a moderate amount of ethanol on occasion.In any case… nice “water” distiller. No… really… I know it just distills “water”. I do believe you.“Water”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424136",
"author": "Az",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T01:44:00",
"content": "Kyle: Might I suggest a feature that checks the water levels against the amount you’ve programmed the timer for? The whole time I watched that video, I was wondering if it had any such thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424178",
"author": "Life2Death",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T02:58:14",
"content": "This is much better than the over-done junker they started with the last time we saw a distiller on here. Dont get me wrong, I’m sure it worked, but why dump more money into electronics than the thing will even be worth over a year? A simple electronic timer shut-off would have been fine last time – though for learning I’m sure it was worth it. KISS in the end, make it work forever :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424180",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T03:01:31",
"content": "@AzThis is a concern of mine, also. Here is a brief description of how I operate it. A chamber with a heating element must be removed from behind the door on the left. The heating element must remain submerged in water at all times while distilling to prevent it from burning out worse. So, water is filled to a level just above the element. Then, the vessel that is to be distilled into is filled with water, then poured into the chamber. The top of the chamber is sealed, then slid back into the unit. When it reaches the back, the heating element connects with a 3-pole plug and a steel pipe inserts into a hole with an o-ring at the top of the chamber. I can now place the collection vessel under the drip on the right side, then set it to distill however much the vessel’s volume is.A problem I see with sensors to detect water level is that 1) this operates at high temperatures, 2) minerals and other compounds are left behind from the distillation process that builds up on the inside of the boiling chamber, casing it to periodically need cleaning.I don’t know of any sensor that is suited to work in this environment. If you happen to know of any, please share, because I would not like to see what happens if it were to run dry.If I had the steel-welding expertise and the money, in addition to making sure there was an adequate amount of water, I would make the filling and emptying automatic, with the use of electrically actuated ball valves (which can handle high heat and don’t require pressure to operate). If I were to go that far, I would also put in a electronic 3-way valve that diverts the outflow of distilled water to discard the first ~50 ml, so I would be free from having to use carbon post-filtration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424191",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T03:20:52",
"content": "…I forgot to mention that there is no need for measuring if I distill its maximum, 3 liter, amount. I just fill the boiling chamber to the mark at the top.@Life2Death“This is much better than the over-done junker they started with the last time we saw a distiller on here.”This distillation unit works the exact same way the last one does. You could have used an electric timer for this one as well.“Dont get me wrong, I’m sure it worked, but why dump more money into electronics than the thing will even be worth over a year? A simple electronic timer shut-off would have been fine last time”The first build you refer to was made with salvaged parts from a previous project, so there was no cost.If you want to talk about worth, you have to agree it is a subjective thing. Some value clean water more than others. I think that putting this much effort into making pure water available shows something about it’s value to me.Shai-hulud shall thou see.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424209",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T03:50:58",
"content": "Finally! The kids toy timer is gone. What’s in there now? An Omron PID timer or something otherwise industrial grade? This looks MUCH better and MUCH more solid.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424322",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T08:21:41",
"content": "I wonder if there is a viable hobbyist solution to the problem of monitoring the boiler fill level… I can’t think of anything that could tolerate the heat other than a mechanical float made entirely of metal.The industrial tank level monitors I’m familiar with are for low temperature high volume storage tanks and aren’t available in a hobbyist form factor.Keep working at this project because that metal-shelled unit looks ripe for modification!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424389",
"author": "Aaediwen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T11:34:42",
"content": "Seeing this project has made me want to replicate it. I bet if it could be fully automated that it could really effectively save a lot of cash on bottled water with zero inconvenience. The largest issue has already been addressed in previous comments, that of monitoring the water level in the boiler and in the vessel. The only other piece I can think of would be to hook it directly to a water line to automatically re-fill itself as needed. Keep a gallon of clean, fresh water always handy… And maybe a way to even keep that separately chilled.Awesome hack, for V1 and for V2",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424652",
"author": "hyte",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:42:54",
"content": "nice project, you could try using a non intrusive water level detector such as thesehttp://www.omega.co.uk/literature/transactions/volume4/T9904-14-RAD.html but i think they are outside the scope of the project.does the water boil?how about just a thermistor on the side for low water detecting? i’m sure it would show up on thermal imaging so maybe a non contact thermometerhttp://www.maplin.co.uk/infrared-thermometer-223005would work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424745",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:36:23",
"content": "@Kyle:To determine the level of the water in the boiler, you could use capacitive sensing. Because thedielectric constant (static relative permittivity)of air is about 1.0, while water has a dielectric constant of more than 50 (depending on temperature), capacitance changes can provide a very accurate indication of water level with no moving parts and potentially usable at high temperatures.Methods of Detecting Water Level in Steam Boilersdescribes a number of different types of level sensors, including capacitance probes.There are different types of capacitive level sensors. Some use the conductivity of the liquid being measured, along with the conductive boiler shell as a conductive path to the sensing element, which is a single conductor with a PTFE insulating shield. Below the surface of the liquid, the only dielectric contributing to capacitance is the PTFE shield. Above the surface of the liquid, the PTFE shield and the surrounding air contribute. This seems like it would require more signal processing to get accurate results. I think it would be easier to get good results with a two-terminal type of capacitive sensing element.Wikipedia’s level sensor articlediscusses capacitive level sensing.Here is a DIY water level sensor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425248",
"author": "Don",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:30:42",
"content": "Why not use weight sensing? There’s reasonably inexpensive pressure sensors you can use for that purpose and there’s not going to be too much variation in the weight of the liquid you put in.If you can weight the device & water to distill without the output receptacle then it’s a pretty straightforward operation. You can have a calibration routine that you run when there is no liquid at all. The shutoff temperature you set to that calibration + (# of G it takes to cover element * 8.328676) + weight of empty receptacle.The sensors SparkFun sells are about $21 and have a 3% error rate so you should set the minimum to the above * 1.03 but it still seems pretty straightforward.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.268424
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/how-to-build-your-own-quadcopter-step-by-step/
|
How To Build Your Own Quadcopter, Step By Step
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"quadcopter"
] |
DIY-er [Russell] wanted a quadcopter, and like many people out there, he knew the satisfaction that would come from building it himself. Rather than purchase a kit or follow a set of online instructions, he spent a lot of time researching quadcopters, and eventually
put together a thorough tutorial himself
.
His Arduino-based quadcopter is named Scout and runs about $1,000 to $1,200 depending on which parts you choose to buy. [Russell] has a complete parts list available on his site, including plenty of alternate component choices for builders on a budget.
He covers the construction process in great detail, discussing frame fabrication and component placement as well as how to program the Arduino for the copter’s first flight. He also takes the time to break down his component list item by item to explain how each piece is part of the greater puzzle, which is great for first time builders.
We love seeing this level of detail when discussing a build process, and as you can see by the video embedded below, his quadcopter looks great!
[Thanks, Willow]
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/23568649 w=470]
| 54
| 48
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423570",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T14:27:56",
"content": "error : for the estimated cost, it’s written $1000-$1200 on the blog.Still, i didn’t think it would be that expensive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423572",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T14:41:38",
"content": "Yeah, seems really high for me. I Mean his is definitely quality, but I was going to try and build a micro one for about $300.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423573",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T14:43:17",
"content": "Well… ARE there any kits out there for a small quad copter? I’ve looked and couldn’t find anything. I would rather buy a kit that doesn’t end up in a mess of wires and then do the programming myself. Too many projects to spend the time researching components and such.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423574",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T14:44:55",
"content": "It’s definitely a bit steep. The reason its so expensive is because he’s making his frame out of carbon fiber. If you go with balsa or other simpler materials you should be able to make one of these for under $200.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423582",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:13:57",
"content": "I’m not discounting the build, or the information. The information is super helpful, and I’m sure I’ll use it when I build mine. I’m just not gonna build a $1200 one. I too wish there was more information about micro-quadracopters.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423585",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:24:03",
"content": "While I haven’t done any flying robots yet, I have years of experience doing motor control for ground based and the first thing in the video that leaps out at me is the high pitched “angry bees” sound. A lot of that noise is common with off the shelf ESCs that switch in the audible range (usually 4-10KHz) instead of inaudible (>20KHz, though they’ll still piss off any nearby dogs). If you get/modify an ESC to run at a higher switching frequency, you’ll lose a little efficiency but you won’t have that ringing feeling in your ears and a headache after a 48 second flight… Granted the propellers will still be noisy, but a lot less so.-Will",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "961633",
"author": "Donald",
"timestamp": "2013-02-18T03:01:06",
"content": "Just came across this page trying to build my own. Will, you’re absolutely correct regarding the low frequency noise. I first came across this with an automobile internal fan speed control that I contructed with a quick kit. It used a 2kHz switcher and pissed me right off, so changed it to 35kHz. This meant a bit more heat dissipated in the rotor core, but no further problems.",
"parent_id": "423585",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1028392",
"author": "Jaan Kronberg",
"timestamp": "2013-07-19T14:41:32",
"content": "I seriously doubt this noise will bother you unless you’re hoving 3m away from yourself, which would be rather unusual flying behaviour :)",
"parent_id": "423585",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "423592",
"author": "Mojoe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:33:47",
"content": "Lol at Franklyn! Are you suggesting he used 1000$ worth of carbon fiber? When I used some carbon fiber for the R/C foamie plane I built, I bought the CF at the hobby shop and it still wasn’t that expensive. Btw some of the cheap kites have carbon fiber rods in them (yes I know the difference between fiberglass and CF).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1374301",
"author": "John Mactavish",
"timestamp": "2014-04-23T21:17:37",
"content": "Are you sure your not talking about CF vinyl?",
"parent_id": "423592",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "423595",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:39:58",
"content": "This person is using an ArduPilot Mega autopilot and IMU. While based on an Arduino there’s a lot more to it. Anyone interested in this kind of thing should check out the ArduCopter project too.http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/ArduCopter?tm=6",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423601",
"author": "MrP",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:58:30",
"content": "http://www.openpilot.org/looks promising – board with IMU and uC for 100usd.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423621",
"author": "Paul May",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:49:06",
"content": "I would have appreciated a quick email if you guys wanted to use the photo of Russel’s quadcopter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423622",
"author": "tra",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:50:42",
"content": "openpilot has no GPS capability, and devs are strictly working on openpilot pro, which is a different, unreleased product. Nice product, but if you want UAV functions (gps, sonar, etc) wait for their pro board.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423624",
"author": "Jason Short",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:53:40",
"content": "You can build a very good Autonomous quad for under 600. The problem I have with the build is that he used Phoenix ESCs and Rimfire motors. These are expensive and the cheaper Chinese alternatives are around 10-14 bucks each. And I think the Cheaper ESCs work better and are easier to calibrate. Motors get trashed too easily from a crash to be spending $50 or more on them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2289656",
"author": "vignesh poojary",
"timestamp": "2014-12-26T07:40:04",
"content": "Wht is the total cost",
"parent_id": "423624",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "423628",
"author": "muralha",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:58:33",
"content": "There are several constructions here…http://wiki.openpilot.org/display/Doc/Multi-RotorsThis is the simple quad to build (the 2 first videos)http://wiki.openpilot.org/display/Doc/Basic+QuadCopterLook here to see a simple quad in good hands with the CopterControl board:http://vimeo.com/24231568http://vimeo.com/24234207http://vimeo.com/24235678btw, it’s easy to build a good quad under $500.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423636",
"author": "Russell",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:21:15",
"content": "The actual build log uses cheaper chinese versions of ESC’s and Motors. Photos were taken back when I was using Phoenix ESC’s and Rimfire motors for testing purposes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423637",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:24:16",
"content": "@Mojoe well I was going by the “Would you buy Scout’s Carbon Fiber airframe for around $300?” , that’s a bit ridiculous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423645",
"author": "Frank",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:35:33",
"content": "I’ve done this with a cheaper frame that cost $15http://www.instructables.com/id/RC-Quadrotor-Helicopter/but the frame broke on the first hard crash",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423671",
"author": "willthiswork89",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:20:27",
"content": "Seems a bit overpriced… ive stumbled upon aeroquad and ive priced the built around 400, or 300 depending on parts used. They even have a write up on hacking a Wii motion plus and a wii nunchuck for the gyro’s and directional headers for even cheaper.http://aeroquad.com/showwiki.php?title=Parts+List",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423715",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:38:06",
"content": "whats scary is nobody here can do this for less than 50 yet most are engineers..yikesarduino+expensive motors+expensive remote+carbon fiber+LiPo battery and ‘experts’ are associating it with efficiency..The only thing that makes sense here is the power cell..and even it’s probably some unnecessary brand preference..none of this differentiates in durability either, this is where the potent fail is..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423885",
"author": "Panikos",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:41:06",
"content": "It seems he did as part of his university thesis which explains looking into the components, level of detail etc.Seehttp://vimeo.com/23710274Great that this was his way of offering back to the opensource community. Thanks RussellStraight to the bookmarks for the day I can spent time on something similar (albeit toned down!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423955",
"author": "Jelle",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T22:34:54",
"content": "The intro strikes me as rather strange: It’s ok with me if you do not want to follow the instructions of another (== you’re gonna make more mistakes) and want to built ‘your own’ machine. But then that makes you an instant expert on it so you should write down some instructions for others to follow?That sounds like: do as I say, don’t do as I do.That ridiculous pricetag also points at a novice expert: Why should I trust some expert which has not yet found the hobbyking?As for a more sane price list:simple quadcopter: 1 kk multicopter board: 30-50$4 ESC’s hk plush : ~40$4 motors: ~40$lasercut frame 15$receiver: 20$battery pack: 12$If you want to go micro, it gets cheaper as dc pagermotors can be controlled from only one uC (and some FET’s). You will probably need to make your own pcb though, but it functions as a frame too.The authors ardupilot setup (nothing micro about that) makes it ~300$ more expensive, but nowhere close to 1000$.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424039",
"author": "zrzzz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T23:42:24",
"content": "When I was a kid, there was an ad in the back of popular science: “Send us $12 and we’ll send you the plans for a working helicopter” I sent away for it, they sent me a sheet of paper that says “we’re going to build a helicopter. yep, that’s the plan.” If anyone knows where those people are located, please let me know. I’d like to talk to them…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424258",
"author": "Choppy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T05:47:37",
"content": "OK, I’ve built the arducopter, a tri copter and now onto making a mamoth heavy lift quadcopter. The ardu copter is around $800.00 or so now. Have a look at DIYDRONES.COMHobbyking sell a quadcopter stabilisation module for under $40.00, giving that a try for the big one. No autonomy though. Give it a go, they are great fun! If you cant build then by a AR PARROT thats controlled by the iphone or android phone for around $350.00",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424267",
"author": "tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T06:08:00",
"content": "Damn, that thing looks sweet. Def gonna read through the build and see how it was done. Good job",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424348",
"author": "Sven Endori",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T09:19:17",
"content": "As of right now, the website says $600-$1000, and “This price is for everything, if you have your own radio, batteries, charger, tools, etc. then the price to build Scout will be considerably less.” So it wouldn’t be too terribly difficult for a well-stocked hacker to shave off a few hundred from that; a motor here, some pieces of frame there, replacing the tricky carbon fibre with aluminum, and it starts to add up quickly. The most expensive part, however, as has been said in previous comments, is the whole “Intelligence” setup. The Xbees alone cost just over $80, plus $220 from the ArduPilot/IMU, so there’s $300 right there that you can take off if you have/can build something to take its place. Honestly, I always thought that while the ArduPilot itself isn’t too bad (mostly because it’s quite thin), the IMU is, while a brilliant little piece in and of itself, not worth the money if you don’t mind putting a little more work into your toy. And let’s be honest, if you’re building a quadcopter more or less from scratch, you probably wouldn’t mind.All that being said, it’s a wonderful write-up, even if a bit sparse on the details. Now, if I could just get bothered to design and build one of my own…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424419",
"author": "willow",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:55:07",
"content": "Cool a link of mine made it =)Regarding the price, I’ve looked through Russel’s blog a few times over as I’ve been planning a quad of my own for months. The overall estimate of $1000-$1200 is if you literally have nothing and are starting from scratch.IE, you need to buy a Tx/Rx, batteries, bolts, etc. If you have some of this stuff or will be going bare-bones, cost is much less.For example on my first quad I will be using carbon fiber like he did (it’s actually not that expensive for the basic framework). In addition I won’t be following his components exactly. I’ll buy CF for the framework and that will be similar but my parts will be different, as will my setup.First I’ll get the materials for just the frame, the motors and whatever is necessary to hold it together. Then I’ll build that and only once I do that will I get the ESC’s and other electronics and do custom wiring from there. I liked his simple build but didn’t like the exess weight of the wiring he used; he did it to keep it simple and plug/play, what I’ll do is all of my own wiring and ducting and have no slack leftover. Less slack = less weight.I already priced what I wanted.. materials for the frame, the cost of motors and props total are like $145. That’s honestly not bad. At the least I could add a simple radio and battery and be done.One large portion of cost is the Ardupilot setup he uses (which I will also use), which adds almost $300.. but it’s a very refined opensource setup complete with full autonomous programmability and integration capabilities with FPS kits.It looks like others have already posted links to other solid resources for similar projects, I encourage others to check them out. I found Russel’s to be a well-executed project build blog.Russel: Love the work buddy. Great job on the blog, and thank you for even thinking of including the “bulk order copy/paste” for McMasterCarr.. very awesome.For anyone interested in a quick simple kit, check out the Gaiu 330X-S Quad kit (http://www.amazon.com/Gaui-330X-S-Flyer-Scorpion-Motors/dp/B003YQMC9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311857668&sr=8-1). They can be had for $400 or less. Just add a radio.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426868",
"author": "Russell",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T21:10:15",
"content": "@WillowYour welcome! Thanks for the submission!",
"parent_id": "424419",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424450",
"author": "CoreAn_Crack3rZ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T13:59:39",
"content": "Cool dude! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424656",
"author": "Ernie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:45:57",
"content": "SILLY!!! Carbon Fiber frames are NOT expensive, just go buy a cheap carbon fiber fishing rod and use a high-speed saw to cut into the lengths you need. Sand off the ends, seal with silicone caulking and done deal for about $10…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425213",
"author": "willow",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:32:26",
"content": "@ErnieOr order the 1 carbon fiber tube you need for $5..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426612",
"author": "kronja",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T10:21:28",
"content": "i built my hexa for about 500$ excluding batteries.. and 200$ of it was for controller1100-1200 is already quite expensive i’d say..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427070",
"author": "nsx",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T06:21:05",
"content": "Is it possible to build a quadcopter for $100 or less? It doesn’t have to be big or super powerful. I just want to build something that can fly without spending too much money. Does anybody have any links to cheap build guides?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "427158",
"author": "kronja",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T11:35:42",
"content": "100$.. if you don’t have anything at all – no. if you have something – yes (theoretically).",
"parent_id": "427070",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "427312",
"author": "Noryb",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T18:00:04",
"content": "Anyone considered lower cost carbon rod…such as $3 carbon arrows??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429438",
"author": "Willie",
"timestamp": "2011-08-06T13:13:10",
"content": "Can anyone suggest a kit to build something similar with a 12 year old. Though everything I read here is cool its pretty complex.I’m more of a model train builder.Thanks all you guys doing this diy project. I have enjoyed reading everything and watching the videos.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "464264",
"author": "Kong",
"timestamp": "2011-09-26T03:31:47",
"content": "This Scott quad is crap. the price this guy is charging is stupid. Go to rc groups.org and you can build a lot better unit for a lot less. The guys over there are great and they sell a lot cheaper than this guy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "573296",
"author": "quad2012",
"timestamp": "2012-02-02T13:46:42",
"content": "Actually you can get pretty close to $100 …complete 6ch Tx Rx for about $25, 4x brushless 900Kv motors 50gr at $7 each, 4x 18A ESCs for $11 each, 4x props 9×5 at $1 each, 1x quad flight controller for $24 and one 3S 2200mAh Lipo for $12 all from hobbyking.com and some 15mm square aluminum tube or 15mm square wood rod (30cm arms) for about $3 from any hardware store",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "576185",
"author": "murat inceer",
"timestamp": "2012-02-06T01:00:54",
"content": "you can look for opensource multicopterhttp://www.multiwii.com</a)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "619255",
"author": "Misiurysiu",
"timestamp": "2012-04-03T15:02:43",
"content": "I found great frames and parts at:http://www.quadframe.usIt is not so expensive, frames and gimbals for everyone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "679955",
"author": "Jude",
"timestamp": "2012-06-13T11:54:52",
"content": "Building your own is more fun instead of buying one from the box.This tutorial is also very handy and helped me alot building a X quad based on the KK multicopter flight board:http://multicopter.forestblue.nl/multicopter_basics.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "777721",
"author": "mohammadhefny",
"timestamp": "2012-09-09T22:14:32",
"content": "This is my own trials in building a quadcopter… it is a successful onehttp://technicaladventure.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-x-525-quadcopter.htmlThere is a complete bill of materials of all items you will need as well as a new firmware as well that has the feature of changing quadcopter mode from X-Quad to + Quad without board re-orientation.Video is herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Ab4BfcQss",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "941010",
"author": "N. de Jong",
"timestamp": "2013-01-17T09:01:04",
"content": "What spec motors and props would I need to be able to attach a go-pro camera to a quadcopter? anyone have some suggestions?Cheers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "961715",
"author": "rajesh",
"timestamp": "2013-02-18T08:37:08",
"content": "can u in list the components that i can used to built a quadcopter that can lift about 1.5kg weight , with their details pls reply .pls include frame details",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1016193",
"author": "Prasenjit",
"timestamp": "2013-06-15T14:43:20",
"content": "itzzz good….what.z the RPM of these motorss????",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1067426",
"author": "Calin Dragos George",
"timestamp": "2013-09-30T15:42:11",
"content": "many thank, you help me with this DIY quadcopter project. Also, you can find herehttp://www.intorobotics.com/5-best-examples-of-how-to-build-a-diy-quadcopter/a list with 5 DIY quadcopters projects",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1185789",
"author": "Arghyadip Mahapatra",
"timestamp": "2014-02-07T18:43:11",
"content": "Which volts motor and battery I can use ?? please help me .I am a student of Final year student.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1245363",
"author": "macson",
"timestamp": "2014-03-08T09:12:57",
"content": "dum fake",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1290938",
"author": "Morgan Andrews",
"timestamp": "2014-03-22T16:57:49",
"content": "This DIY drone kit lets you turn anything into a drone.http://www.simplebotics.com/2013/07/drone-it-yourself-lets-you-make-drones.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1530897",
"author": "umarali",
"timestamp": "2014-05-30T06:49:00",
"content": "i am a student of AS levels . it is my dream to make a quadcopter. help me .tell me all the things used.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2687385",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2015-08-23T17:21:34",
"content": "can you take a ransmitter and receiver from a toy car and use it on a quad copter",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3100509",
"author": "Quadcopter in India",
"timestamp": "2016-07-24T10:44:12",
"content": "I had always wondered this. Thanks for the post!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.352181
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/londons-44con-is-looking-for-a-few-good-hackers/
|
London’s 44Con Is Looking For A Few Good Hackers
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"cons",
"Security Hacks"
] |
[
"44Con",
"DEF CON",
"penetration testing",
"security"
] |
While we see plenty of security-related conferences here in the US, our friends across the pond were apparently anxious to hold
a large-scale security conference of their own
. At the helm of the first ever 44Con are DEF CON Goon [Adrian] and Penetration Tester [Steve Lord]. The pair are quite involved in London’s security community and are looking to bring like-minded individuals together over four days of security talks and workshops.
While 44Con’s list of speakers has been wrapped up, they are still looking for people to help run workshops on the 1st and 2nd of September. They are requesting that any hackers in the area drop them a line if interested.
Taking a look at their site, you can see that they have
a nice selection of talks lined up
catering to those on the business side of Information Security as well as deep technical discussions about threats and vulnerabilities. If you plan on hitting up the conference, be sure to let us know in the comments section.
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423575",
"author": "Matthew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T14:58:53",
"content": "Is it Just Me or is the Link Not working",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423605",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:07:36",
"content": "Is it just me or are there too many cons? I’m sure the marketing potential is awesome but geez..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423632",
"author": "leave areply",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:11:58",
"content": "300 pounds????…wtf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423710",
"author": "bacchus",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T19:19:19",
"content": "That’s pretty steep. Looks like one for corporate types.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426638",
"author": "Pixel",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T12:16:51",
"content": "xorpunk, not in the UK. Plenty in the US, but they’re rare beasts this side of the pond.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.102705
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/building-a-one-instruction-computer/
|
Building A One-instruction Computer
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Software Development"
] |
[
"fpga",
"OISC",
"One instruction computer",
"verilog"
] |
[Hasith] sent in
this project
where he goes through the process of designing a one instruction CPU in Verilog. It may not win a contest for the coolest build on Hack A Day, but we really do appreciate the “applied nerd” aspect of this build.
With only one instruction, an
OISC
is a lot simpler than
the mess we have to deal with today
. There are a few instructions that by themselves are Turing-complete (like
Subtract and branch if negative
, and
Move
). Designing an OISC with one of these instructions means it can also emulate a
Turing machine
.
[Hasith]’s build log goes through the entire process of building a fully functional computer – the ALU, program counter, instruction register and RAM. There’s even Verilog code if you want to try this out for yourself.
This isn’t the first time we’ve read about a one-instruction set computer. Years ago, we saw a
hardware version
of a subtract and branch if negative computer. [Hasith] plans another how-to post on how to write a small compiler for his OISC. [Hasith] seems like a pretty cool guy, so we’re hoping it’s not a
Brainfuck
compiler; we wouldn’t want him to take up a drinking habit.
| 23
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423552",
"author": "blues",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T12:40:59",
"content": "You know of Transfer Triggered Architectures? They only have a move-Instruction and then move around the data to “special| units that will do all the work like multiplication, addition, and all the functions you need. If they are finished you can again grab the data from them with a move and put them elsewhere for the next step… Even more complex functions are possible… If you combine that with an automated code generation you get something like this:http://tce.cs.tut.fi/seems pretty impressive to me…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423554",
"author": "Alexis K",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T12:56:11",
"content": "I’ve attempted to build one of these too, using TTL. My build was so completely useless I didn’t pursue it.It used the basic Subtract and Branch if Negative command, but I only used a source and destination register per instruction. The jump value was stored in a register at the end of memory. This saved having an extra word per instruction. When a jump state occurred, the register would be clocked into the program counter.The work directory for the project is there if anyone’s interested. It contains a short program translated from C to calculate the number e (2.718). I think it should be adaptable to Hasith’s project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423561",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T13:30:22",
"content": "Second diagram (overall block schematic) on his site is miniature and cannot be maximized. Otherwise an inspiring text.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423563",
"author": "DarkFader",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T13:34:42",
"content": "No worries about the need to pipeline it either. But a multi-core would be nice :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423593",
"author": "Hasith V.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:38:22",
"content": "@Miroslav: Oops, fixed. Thanks for the heads-up.@Darkfader: Oh man, multicore OISCs? Now that’s a special version of my own personal hell. But I’ll think about it :)@Alexis K: I thought about doing a TTA as well, but I figured it would be easier to show the flow of one instruction than mapping memory space. I will take a look at what you’ve done, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426331",
"author": "thouton",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T21:05:09",
"content": "I wrote an Evolution library in Java – Currently I have it evolving multi thread OISC scripts (byte copy -> jump to be precise). Strangely no ‘individual'(distinct genome) has ever had two or more concurrent threads and survived a single ‘selection’ process.I’d imagine there’s probably some very interesting maths (somewhere) relating to why. Either that or it’s just a Bad Idea(TM).I can imagine two OISC threads operating simultaneously (without locks, flags, or any other thread niceness, over the same data at the same time) would necessitate all sorts of crazy code. Maybe it’s just vastly improbable that any such program could work.Nice project,Andy",
"parent_id": "423593",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "438921",
"author": "dannystaple",
"timestamp": "2011-08-21T14:27:38",
"content": "Interesting way to use such a device. Assuming it is turing complete, then you should be able to make this work. What are your fitness criteria, mutation, predation and unlucky ratio’s? What is your method of combining “fit” genomes?I have a silly little GA online – just evolves RGB color states – that I did a few years back – only requires a browser with JS support –http://orionrobots.co.uk/orion_apps/evolution/evolving.html. The principles however are much the same, and I have been playing with more advanced ones. I want to build something like this –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tierra_(computer_simulation)",
"parent_id": "426331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "439095",
"author": "thouton",
"timestamp": "2011-08-21T22:15:41",
"content": "@dannystaple,Hi,As far as I know it is Turing complete, the page on esolang is here;http://www.esolangs.org/wiki/BitBitJumpSurvival and Breeding criteria at the moment are both string output match closeness (I do a “character distance” where “AAA” is 3 points different from “BBB” – and 255 points different from “AA” – the closer the match the fitter the individual). They can be different but for a simple example don’t need to be. Breeding is Binary overwriting (half the genome comes from parent one, half from parent two, random blocks of code). Parents are selected by fitness (best with second best – although I have tried others, such as random).Mutation is n random bits flipped (I have tried other strategies, but for the extra effort I got no different behaviour).The real problem has been breeding – I have come to the conclusion that this type of program basically cannot breed on a simple level of adaptation. I can envision a higher level organism (say upwards of a few million generations) being able to pass on some form of discrete information to any other member of a small population. But such a highly evolved individual would not be very good at much other than breeding. If I set the individual life time to anything reasonable (say 3 generations) I get nothing at the end of an evolutionary run (the last population is on average no fitter than the first). Basically – heritability is fundamentally Very Unlikely in bitbitjump script evolution.Currenttly the result is that if I am lucky I can run 10,000 generations capped at 100 individuals starting from a population of null genomes (random genomes) and get a three character match (i.e. depressingly inept evolution).Having said that I have developed some interesting techniques to getting more evolutionary bang for your buck, if you know a little about how the individuals interact, mutate and evolve; in certain cases you can push the speed and adaptability by startling amounts.The problem with bitbit jump is that there are no discrete packets of data. Every breeding interaction may as well be a random bit flip mutation, because the “genes” transferred aren’t being used in the same way – fundamentally amoebas and aardvarks are more genomically close than any two individuals in my current population. I am now looking at using specially formatted “lambda calculus” because it is basically a one instruction machine where everything is a function of something else – this means that every conceivable point in the genome is packaged – reducing to a single value and (hopefully) being much more heritable.Drew.p.s. I have tried more advanced forms of selection, breeding stratergy and lifecycle – in each case no appreciable positive impact was made on heritability rates.",
"parent_id": "426331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "439121",
"author": "thouton",
"timestamp": "2011-08-21T22:21:58",
"content": "Sorry for the double post…I have heard of Terria before – it’s an intriguing idea and I’d love to see a modern implementation using distributed computing.My focus is on using evolution to form functional programs. My goal is to one day be able to drop an algorithm into the selection criteria (and tell it the balance between solution cycles and criteria matching) and have the evolver evolve it’s be best solution.Drew.",
"parent_id": "426331",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "423642",
"author": "Gabe B",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:34:29",
"content": "Really cool project, Hasith! Thanks for sharing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423653",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:56:23",
"content": "Awesome? Does it mean it can fit several times inside the FPGA? Has anyone programmed these to make trigonometric operations?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423659",
"author": "Hasith V.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:05:54",
"content": "@Roberto: A trigonometric operations capable OISC core is….very daunting. Remember, to get ‘classical’ ASM instructions (ADD, MOV, BRANCH, etc) we’re combining several SUBLEQ instructions. In terms of code density, this is very inefficent.I’m working on another CPU design based on a MIPS layout. This would be closer to a modern CPU rather than the purely academic example that is the OISC. I’m guessing that would be better suited to trigonometric operations.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423678",
"author": "Sean",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:25:35",
"content": "Calculating trig functions on an OISC is about as difficult as getting division working with some degree of precision (often no small task). You can apply a Taylor series after that works.If you want extra fun, try doing this on a 1-bit OISC, producing n-bit output. Using a memory-mapped ALU is cheating ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424100",
"author": "Crimson",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T00:54:52",
"content": "If your trying to do trig/division/log/exp functions on a computer without hardware support, I’d suggest you look into Cordic math. Very fast, can be done entirely with add, sub, table lookup and a few bit shift instructions.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424817",
"author": "dannystaple",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:08:15",
"content": "I mocked up this design (I think) in Logisim this afternoon, and had a play with it. While kind of interesting, I am looking forward to your follow up so I can figure out what to actually do with it. I note that you need to have data in RAM as the program in ROM can not (unless mistaken) actually set a value in RAM, accept from other values in RAM. For any interested, I’ve popped the (probably laughably bad) logisim file onhttp://orionrobots.co.uk/dl41",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424986",
"author": "Hasith V.",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T06:54:15",
"content": "@DannyStaple: Finally, another logisim user! That app is really unbelivably useful.And no, the keeping RAM and ROM separate was on purpose. I didn’t want to complicate things by using the RAM to store both instructions and data (a von Neumann architecture for the technically minded.) If I had done that, I *might* have been able to jury rig a load operation somehow. As it stands, I’m having the command-expander module I’m putting together do the load operations to a .ram file to be read in at runtime.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426169",
"author": "DudeGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T10:24:02",
"content": "I agree about logisim, simply great! Looking forward to part II.",
"parent_id": "424986",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "425144",
"author": "dannystaple",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T13:44:42",
"content": "Hasith – I was unable to find a good way to model that dual port RAM – so I’ve currently made a horrible hack. There are two RAM modules, and it pushes any changes (when WE) to both modules, so that the “dual channel” is emulated by it reading from each module. I set up a multiplexer to switch the C address line with the B/A ones when write enabled. Have you got a better way? Since logisim files are XML – I think I’ll pop this into a github repo…https://github.com/dannystaple/ComputingLogicI wander if I can automate logisim to load a ram file to both banks when a simulation is started.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426281",
"author": "Hasith V",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T18:10:15",
"content": "I’m still working on a few code examples for SUBLEQ. Right now, I’m having trouble working out a few things with Bison grammars.@DannyStaple: you could run the RAM at double the clock rate and do two sequential fetches from RAM. Instead of doubling CLK, try feeding a divided CLK into the main circuit and CLK to the RAM (use a D-flipfop to do the clock division.) Dunno if that’ll actually work though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426408",
"author": "dannystaple",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T22:39:04",
"content": "That is not a bad idea. I also think I may have found a neat way in logisim to make the ram contents editable while modularising – create a DPRam adaptor, where a normal logisim ram module can be dropped on top, so you can view the contents and interact with that module normally, while the module adapts it to behave (using the double clock trick) as the dual ported ram.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426555",
"author": "dannystaple",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T06:53:13",
"content": "Yay – it works. The result is in that git repo above.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "441227",
"author": "Oleg",
"timestamp": "2011-08-25T03:14:41",
"content": "You may want to have a look at this paperA Simple Multi-Processor Computer Based on Subleq.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "470798",
"author": "zed purlins",
"timestamp": "2011-10-03T18:43:00",
"content": "A bloke who posted last night about costs of steel coil , it realy depends where you go to buy it, z45 as much as £695 a metric tonne and standard is around £687 per ton- hope this helps",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.412676
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/27/circuitbee-makes-sharing-schematics-and-circuit-diagrams-easy/
|
CircuitBee Makes Sharing Schematics And Circuit Diagrams Easy
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"circuit diagram",
"CircuitBee",
"schematics"
] |
When looking for things to write about, there is nothing we like to see more than well-documented schematics and code available for download. In the case of schematics, we realize that they can be a bit of a pain to publish. Many times we see them in the form of blurry JPEGs or humungous PDF files, neither of which are incredibly convenient to use.
The folks over at CircuitBee thought the same thing
, and have been working diligently to make it easier for everyone to share their awesome ideas with the world.
Their free service requires registration, and not much else. Once you’re in, you are free to upload your Eagle or KiCAD circuit diagrams, which are then run through CircuitBee’s servers. They convert your drawings into embeddable objects which allow others to view your project without a lot of fuss. Their embeddable schematic window can be rendered in full screen mode, and gives users the ability to zoom in on any portion of the drawing to see the circuit’s finer details.
[Ben Delarre] from CircuitBee says that the product is in the alpha stages right now, so there are plenty of features and useful tools coming in the near future. If you like to build and share, it’s definitely something worth checking out!
[via
Make
]
[Thanks, Sanchoooo]
| 28
| 28
|
[
{
"comment_id": "423515",
"author": "vic",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T11:09:38",
"content": "Might be useful is registration wasn’t mandatory to view some schematics and if you could print correctly. It is also impossible to export the schematics, which looks to me like another lock-in attempt.Has the potential to become great or another instructables (which sucks).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423518",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T11:23:17",
"content": "Hi vic,You should be able to view public schematics without having to signup for an account, please let me know if this isn’t working for you.As for printing, thats on the roadmap, and shouldn’t be too far away either, we’ll probably offer a choice of DPI resolutions too so people can output to the size they need.With regard to exporting, we’re planning export to KiCAD format soon, and certainly downloading of original source files. We’ll try and address other formats when we can get specifications for them together, and we’ll be opening up our file format as open source as well so hopefully that should alleviate any lock-in concerns.We’re hobbyists ourselves, and really don’t want this to become an ad-filled mess like instructables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423522",
"author": "spiralbrain",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T11:30:00",
"content": "Ladyada had posted a link to something similar a month ago. here is the linkhttp://www.dz863.com/index.php",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423527",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T11:41:06",
"content": "If you’re exporting from Eagle anyway, why not just export as .png? Lovely crisp lines and tiny file sizes!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423530",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T11:46:36",
"content": "Cool idea, but unless someone makes one that doesn’t require registration, I’m not interested.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423543",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T12:10:35",
"content": "I don’t see much use for this. Why would i want the schematic on my website to be visible as something other than a graphic file? It’s enough and it is simple (it can be viewed from movile phones etc). If i want to share the original eagle/kicad/orcad/whatever file i’ll just attach the file.For viewing purposes there is noting more required than a .jpg/.png file. If someone wants to edit the file he will still want to do that in the software on his computer so the file will be downloaded.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423545",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T12:16:44",
"content": "Hi Bogdan,The aim here is to make it easier to view complex schematics. A jpg or png of a medium sized schematic, at a useful readable zoom level is often too large to view in your web browser, and since your browser doesn’t provide good zoom and pan controls for images you’ll have a hard time reading the schematic.Certainly original files are better, if you have the same software as the original author of the content – and we will be providing those if the author wants them available.But quite often when you are just discussing designs on a forum, or seeking help from someone then forcing them to have to use the same software as you, or having them painfully look around a very large image of your schematic can serve as a hindrance to getting the help you need.We aim to make it easier to do that discussion of a design, we’re going to add other useful features to make that easier as well such as annotations and links from within the comment stream to specific points or components within the schematic. This should make it easier to discuss a schematic and actually have the people reading your plea for help understand what you are talking about.I hope that clears things up for you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423550",
"author": "SpudGasket",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T12:36:08",
"content": "With all the negatives mentioned I still think it’s a good idea. What I would like to see is an open source repository of circuits. Something like the Encyclopedia of circuits book TAB puts out that people can contribute too. A one place shopping of sorts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423551",
"author": "SpydaMonky",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T12:37:05",
"content": "Super awesome! means, hopefully, that it will put all open source circuits in one place!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423555",
"author": "elektrophreak",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T13:03:39",
"content": "i like the idea, it is cool :)i don’t mind registering, just as long there is no e-mail verification or whatever…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423557",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T13:08:50",
"content": "So far I’m not a big fan of it. I see the potential but as of right now it looks like you can upload your KiCad files and it converts them to a PDF for you. They may not call it a PDF but that’s what it looks like to me. I would want to see some interactive features. Perhaps the ability to click on each part to add additional details about the part. This could also be used to generate a BOM.I do like the clean look of the website. I was able to register in seconds. Not sure why I needed to register at this point but I thought it would be nice to claim my username in case it does take off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423564",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T13:44:23",
"content": "What we need is not this but a fix for Eagle (or your tool of choice) that would export searchable PDF files. PDF as such is nearly perfect format for sharing circuits, but e.g. Eagle has this regrettable “feature” of exporting text as vectors. Makes it a little bit hard to locate the other end of that A14/TOSC2/SCK/GRFJX wire lost somewhere on another page. On the other hand, this has never been easy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423581",
"author": "raged",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:13:44",
"content": "Ben, is there a public roadmap of coming features? (I’m assuming you’re part of the project by your post) What about an ability to search schematics by part id or maybe have a part list for each schemtic.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423583",
"author": "Techie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:14:15",
"content": "Sort of pointless to me. Eagle and others can create .png/pdf and download them from a website to print them. Lame…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423586",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T15:24:13",
"content": "Hi all,Lots of questions and opinions, one of the reasons I like Hack A Day, so many places get no comments or discussion at all!To answer a few of the questions, currently there isn’t a public roadmap as we’re still trying to figure out what users most want to see added next. Thats why we’re collecting the ideas on the UserVoice forum (hit the Feedback & Support tab on the website). Lots of ideas have already been posted, and we have a bunch more we haven’t added yet.Searching schematics for part ids, and part lists are definitely in the plan. As is net highighting so you can trace wires through the schematic more easily. If you have more ideas, please add them to the forumhttp://circuitbee.uservoice.comWe’re hoping this service can be more about making discussion and iteration and improvement of circuit designs easier for us all to do. A PDF or PNG of a schematic is fine, if your schematic is small enough to fit on a readable size that doesn’t require scrolling to read on your monitor. But it can’t provide the features we’re planning to implement such as component search, net highlighting, versioning, branching, annotations and various interactions with the comment text (hot linking to parts etc). Thats what we’re aiming for here, making it easier to discuss a schematic and get people to help you improve your designs.We’ll be posting more of our thoughts and plans on the blog (http://blog.circuitbee.com) so check back there or follow us on twitter (@circuitbee) for more updates as we make them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423618",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T16:40:52",
"content": "What is the big deal about registering?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423631",
"author": "salsaman",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:11:46",
"content": "There should be better circuit viewing tools online, yes. Suggestions:1) Text should be more legible when zoomed out. As it is, I can’t tell what I’m looking at until I can zoom in tight enough to read some names, at which point I’ve lost track of the bigger schematic.2) Signals should be selectable or color codeable to make sense of where things are going, since the best schematics break sections apart yet share signals",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423651",
"author": "DragonMinded",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T17:52:22",
"content": "This reminds me of an old project I started and never updated regarding online rendering of Xilinx schematics. I threw together a nopaste-style service when I was doing work in the schematic editor of the Xilinx toolkit that can take a schematic file and parse/render it online as an image. Never went anywhere with it aside from providing an analog symbol library. The one problem was, without the part definitions, it was impossible to know 100% what pins were on a symbol, so the information has to be inferred based on the connections. Anyway, the work is athttp://nopaste.dragonminded.com/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423658",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T18:03:35",
"content": "Forced registration is an issue but I did it and got the user name I wanted which makes it more palatable. All in all I like what they are trying to do here. The fact that they started with KiCad gives me hope that it could integrate nicely with other open source tools in the future. Best of Luck.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423731",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T20:07:46",
"content": "Why registration? So that it’s a little harder to make a script which spams the site with thousands of penis schematics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423887",
"author": "vic",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:41:32",
"content": "@Ben: thanks for replying. I read the blog and I see that my concerns were already brought up and will be addressed in the future, which is great. I’ve seen too many projects similar to yours go haywire to be optimist, sorry !I still think mandatory registration is an error, however. Look at what stackoverflow did : anybody can post questions, but if you want advanced features you need to get an account and gain “points” which works very well. You could adopt a similar system to post comment, edit comments, edit schematics, etc…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "423897",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T21:54:34",
"content": "@vic: no problem I completely understand where you’re coming from. Don’t get too jaded though! :-)You may be right that registration for commenting and so forth might be unnecessary, or a hindrance in fact. We’ll try and find a good middle ground.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424017",
"author": "Steve-O-Rama",
"timestamp": "2011-07-27T23:24:42",
"content": "I see this as having a great deal of potential, especially for the FOSS and maker communities. A number of the things Ben’s posted as being “on the roadmap” are also some things I personally dislike about EAGLE, e.g. hotlinking parts.I’d like to see (easy!) exportable parts lists, and MUCH better net highlighting. I remember LoL’ing when I first learned EAGLE’s way of ‘highlighting’ a selected net. Ooooooh, a semi-minuscular-brighter RED!!! Wow, I can see that so easily! B0 lolBest of luck with this project, Ben.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424274",
"author": "Jimmy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T06:23:47",
"content": "Thanks! I expect to use this quite a bit in the future (especially if I get permission from work to use this).In the Terms of Service, you have: “…the Content is not spam, is not machine‐ or randomly‐generated, and does not contain unethical or unwanted commercial content…”I understand that we don’t want spam, but I don’t quite understand forbidding machine-generated content (kinda hard to make EDA files without a computer (i.e., a machine)).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424384",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T11:29:47",
"content": "Hi Jimmy,Hmm, thats a good point. We’re not really very good at the legal stuff yet, going to need help with that.But I think this clause is basically to protect us from getting lots of automated postings, that while not necessarily spam (think reblogging) are automated and run by a bot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424708",
"author": "axodus",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:16:11",
"content": "@benfirst let me say your site looks really usefull.if you want to filter automated postings you can include somting like “ReCAPTCHA” on your posting page with or w/o registration.i hope egale format will be supported as well in the future, caouse most of the projects i see online use eagle rather than kicad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424712",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:20:53",
"content": "Hi axodus,Thanks for the kind words. ReCAPTCHA is definitely an option, though I personally like LadaAdas resistor catpcha :-)Eagle is already supported through the use of a ULP script you can get herehttp://www.circuitbee.com/help/eagleimportLike the rest of the site its in alpha and has a few issues, namely it doesn’t align the output with the grid properly, and if you use Frames in your eagle designs things can sometimes go a bit wrong. But I’ve been working on this today, hopefully it will be improved soon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424820",
"author": "dannystaple",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:14:36",
"content": "In some ways this is great – however, I think a really good set of textual open standards for electronics would be better – such that github or similar could be used for electronics collaboration, and a choice of editors can be used. Having circuitbee as a neat viewer online for such things would then make a good fit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.479518
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/microcontroller-communications-using-flashing-lights/
|
Microcontroller Communications Using Flashing Lights
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"microcontrollers",
"phototransistors"
] |
[Scott] was driving in the pouring rain behind a car with its blinkers on
when inspiration struck
. He had previously created a simple communications system using his sound card that allowed him to
send data to a microcontroller from his PC
, but he thought that doing the same thing with light would be an interesting exercise.
He decided that the best way to go about building such a system would be to use a phototransistor along with his computer monitor to send data to his microcontroller. While he couldn’t really think of any practical application for the project, that didn’t stop him from putting it together just for grins.
[Scott] says the circuit is dead-simple, and includes a pair of phototransistors along with their required resistors. The receiver was tied into the ADC of his microcontroller, where he was easily able to pick up some simple light patterns. His ultimate goal is to put together a javascript application that sends data to his microcontroller, though he’s looking for a bit of assistance on the programming side of things – any takers?
While [Scott] couldn’t come up with any applications off the top of his head, we know of at least one. Anyone familiar with the Bloomberg financial application will likely have come across their “B-Unit”. This piece of hardware is about the size of a credit card, but thicker. Armed with a fingerprint scanner and a photodiode, it reads a series of flashing lights from your computer screen in order to ‘synchronize’ the unit for each login session that is not initiated with an official Bloomberg keyboard. So there’s one for you!
Continue reading to see a video of the system in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvVjsMMCx0U&w=470]
| 43
| 40
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424539",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:44:36",
"content": "Chat via IrDA?Interesting idea.How about a Line-Of-Sight-Car-To-Car messaging system?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424541",
"author": "JohnPower",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:45:37",
"content": "pretty cool! even though the calibration for levels of brightness gives me headaches which is solved by an empircal threshold value.maybe one could use the supplied clock signal not only for synchronization but also as calibration source for readings of the ADC in charge for the data?!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424542",
"author": "JohnPower",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:47:29",
"content": "@The Steven: hehe, I can see the first hackers fiddling around with their indicators ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424545",
"author": "Colecoman1982",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:51:23",
"content": "@The Steven: I don’t know how good of an idea that would be considering the kinds of things many drivers would want to communicate to their fellow motorists… ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424551",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:54:08",
"content": "this reminds me of some sort of mini pda like devices which could get some data/games from a pc just by sticking it to the monitor.The idea is of course simple, but it should be suited only for cheap and low data rate applications, as irda or radio are sufficiently cheap nowadays. And is getting data directly from the pc to a micro, the serial or usb2serial port is the preffered method…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424564",
"author": "GaspingSpark",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:59:24",
"content": "Receiving data from a PC monitor was actually done quite often in the old days. DIY books from the 80’s had devices that used this method.Commercially Timex Datalink watches used this method as well as a number of electronic organizers. Many of these devices stopped working correctly on newer hardware with higher refresh rates and LCDs.I love the fact that he used two photo transistors. With clock and data separated, it would be much easier to synchronize.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424566",
"author": "justDIY",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:01:56",
"content": "along these same lines, google a paper from MERL (put out some years ago), detailing low cost uC to uC communications using nothing but LEDs, bidirectonally … in fact it’s the #1 google result.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426482",
"author": "sgf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:04:28",
"content": "Oooh. Thanks for mentioning the MERL paper, I hadn’t seen it before…",
"parent_id": "424566",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424567",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:04:52",
"content": "I have been working on a project for my employer using a similar design.Basically we have a sealed unit with only a bi-colour indicator LED (reg / green), but we now need to get a few bytes of data out from the processor. Notably a product identifier and the device serial number.I am using a photo diode and an Atmel RC5 decoder IC to receive the light pulses and decode to an LCD.Data is transferred using manchester encoding to aid reliability. Due to EMC issues, data is also sent twice and compared, although a checksum would have been a better solution if we had space in the target device.I am sending 80 bits of data, twice, in around 2 seconds. Using some light pipes I had knocking about, it was possible to get a reliable read range of over 2 meters.One application that had sprung to mind was an “photo dide to FTDI RS232 converter”. This was you could use a single LED on your development board to send out full debug messages to a PC running hyperterminal.There is also a white paper published by Mitshbushi talking about an “i-Dropper” (search Google). Same thing again, except this uses LEDs to both transmit AND receive the data (two way comms using a single LED). These can be used, for example, as alternatives to RFID tags.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424573",
"author": "Matthew Beckler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:12:34",
"content": "This is very similar to our Blinky POV and Blinky Grid kits:http://www.wayneandlayne.com/projects/blinky/We also use separate sensors for clock and data. The data transmission is used to update the message display by the POV or grid of LEDs, unlike most LED toys that require extra hardware like a PIC or AVR programmer. We have a nice little webpage programmer where you can type in your text- or pixel-based message, and it will properly package up and transmit the data to the kit. It turned out pretty neat!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424574",
"author": "Threeck",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:12:49",
"content": "You could make an optical-credit-card thingy with those, or a swipe version of a QR-code for downloading/web-links perhaps? Have you tried it on printed paper yet?.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424577",
"author": "pekkhum",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:21:06",
"content": "SparkFun did something similar for a few of there projects(e.g.http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10091). I like this as a way to keep a project low cost but allowing custom programming by the user.I wonder how hard it would be to make a full bootloader that used this…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424579",
"author": "Matthew Beckler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:23:23",
"content": "@pekkhum The Blinky POV and Blinky Grid kits I mentioned above has a bootloader that uses the two-sensor blinking technique to update either the display message (stored in EEPROM) or it can even update the client program (as a bootloader usually does). Check out our design documentation for more details:http://www.wayneandlayne.com/projects/blinky/design/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424583",
"author": "Khanzerbero",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:32:49",
"content": "I have some nice application in mind(maybe a commercial one),so i am really interested in the javascript side of things, anyone interested drop me a line: pabloec20 at the electronic mail service from google.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424585",
"author": "mark429",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:33:35",
"content": "I have an old Lego R2D2 Mindstorm kit I bought in Germany that is programmed in the same manner… Very cool to come up with one on your own though! Cheers ~ mark429",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424586",
"author": "Nik",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:33:47",
"content": "Timex had a line of databank watches back in the 90s that used an optical sensor to read data from the corner of the computer monito. The data eas presented as a small flashing block.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424587",
"author": "mark429",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:35:27",
"content": "holy cow, a quick google search shows that thing is going for $270 US… Hello EBAY =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424592",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:42:55",
"content": "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visible_light_communicationIIRC, there was a watch that used a flashing monitor to synch data.I believe the NES zapper worked on the same principle too.I can’t find the articles, but along the same lines as the car thing, there was a proposed vehicle network system that would take advantage of the LEDs used in the external lights to transmit data.So there are lots of applications, it’s just a matter of what you want to do with this idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424601",
"author": "adamoutler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:48:57",
"content": "Ill help write a java app. You can find me at gmail.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424603",
"author": "Sean McBeth",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:50:51",
"content": "Oh man, replace the LED with a laser diode and with the right alignment you could do a lot of long-distance communication. Use a beam-splitter at the destination and reflect the beam back to the source and you could probably setup some sort automatic alignment system.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424604",
"author": "adamoutler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:51:20",
"content": "btw… i think you wany a java app…. not javascript.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424613",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:01:45",
"content": "Very cool, I love projects like this – now imagine what sort of bandwith you could achieve using a high-res image sensor and a HD tv – it would need to be a two way communication, and even so the algorithm and protocol is well over my head. Picture a dialup modem type of connection, but using light.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424615",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:03:57",
"content": "Btw I got that idea from an alleged UFO sighting where it was described two crafts hovered in place and flashed bright colors back and forth and then took off. :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424616",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:04:09",
"content": "Nice one! I can think of loads of practical purposes for this.The obvious one is firmware updates for CE hardware which would mean they wouldn’t need to rely on a physical connection yet is a lot cheaper to implement than wifi and more ubiquitous than bluetooth.But the most interesting might be if used in conjunction with toys aim at young kids. I’m thinking like how the teddy rukspin and barney toys worked to make them interactive. I think they used data encoded in the sound as opposed to via light as a line of sight is not needed.Thinking about it further though, I guess you’d need to have the device/toy pretty close to the screen for it to work and any sizeable mounts of data might cause seizure inducing fitting bouts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424626",
"author": "MoJo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:15:27",
"content": "@The Steven some people fit laser parking sensors to their cars. Basically range finding. One of the “benefits” is that police laser speed guns are jammed by them, as presumably would any other kind of optical communications. It is a shame because it could have worked well and helped reduce the burden on the already overcrowded 2.4GHz radio frequency.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424631",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:22:37",
"content": "Almost two years ago Siemens researchers transmitted 500mbits/s with one (super bright) white diode at a distance of 5m.http://www.siemens.com/innovation/en/news_events/ct_pressreleases/e_research_news/2010/e_22_resnews_1002_1.htmWith standard diodes this could probably work easily up to 100mbit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424635",
"author": "kak",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:27:12",
"content": "I remember way back when, I had this “toy” PDA thing that would only take its upload from flashing blocks from a computer monitor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424668",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:05:51",
"content": "Hey, it’s an idea. We still have to assume that the end user will use it responsably.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424688",
"author": "Threeck",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:46:36",
"content": "Tried this upon reading. I lack the LCD, so I grabbed my rs232 adapter and used hyperterminal.. Soon I could interface this with C# or VB and make stamp cards with it. Or make playlists with music stamp cards.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424727",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:03:27",
"content": "Oh, you mean like morse code? *groan*",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424735",
"author": "tanmasko",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:11:22",
"content": "A friend of mine had a bloomberg security token where part of the identification process was holding it up to the monitor and a flash app would send data to it by flashing colors.http://blog.robwebb2k.com/2007/08/03/corporate-branding-the-bloomberg-b-unit/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424736",
"author": "1000100 1000001 1010110 1000101",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T20:12:03",
"content": "About 20 years ago (?) I had a Timex watch that could be programmed by holding it facing the computer monitor while running included software. The program would flash a sequence of white lines of variable duration across a black screen, which would be registered as pulses by a phototransistor on the watch face.The user could set the date and time, and could store names and phone numbers in the watch.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424797",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T22:31:54",
"content": "Before Timex, way back in the early 80s the BBC ran a TV series where they transmitted data via a flashing square in the corner of the picture. They published schematics and code so you could receive it, but then canned it after something like 6 episodes :-)For long range light comms, there is Ronja which hooks up an LED/photodiode pair to a regular 10 base Ethernet card. It works ok, but a directional antenna on a wifi card works better I think.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RONJA",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "426487",
"author": "sgf",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:21:19",
"content": "Re RONJA: Nice. A friend of mine has just moved in up the street, in line of sight. Very tempting to play about with something like this!Re BBC: I remember TeleSoft ( e.g.http://www.beebmaster.co.uk/TeletextAdapter.html), but I hadn’t heard of the flashing square thing before. Do you have any references so I can find out more?",
"parent_id": "424797",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424868",
"author": "Brad",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T02:02:19",
"content": "So kinder, gentler HaD aside… does anyone read the previous comments before they post?How many times do I have to read about the Timex watch?And +1 to Stevie (no application? REALLY?)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424880",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T02:50:41",
"content": "Someone else mentioned the Timex Datalink. I had one of these, back in the day — it worked well.They also offered a widget which was driven either from the serial port or the parallel port (I forget), which consisted of a single blinking LED. This allowed the device to work with the slow-response LCDs that laptops had back then.Some time ago, at work, I was programming up a new barcode reader to work with our POS systems. This usually involves scanning special barcodes from a printed manual but the manual in this case was just a PDF file.Somewhat disdained, and not really wanting to fire up the printer, I aimed the barcode scanner at the PDF file as it was displayed on the CRT. And — lo — it worked fine.(Didn’t work at all with LCDs, though. I blame the polarizing filter.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424922",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T03:55:15",
"content": "@cutandpaste I looked it up and I read that on quality barcode readers they put crossed polarization filters to defeat reflections on plastic barcodes.Live and learn eh, I had no idea, seems obvious when you know it but not something you’d think of offhand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424998",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T07:34:46",
"content": "Great idea!!!… maybe with a infrared led could be a nice DIY identification system whit paper print bar code.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425379",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T21:17:16",
"content": "Really interesting. Now I can’t stop thinking about it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426501",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-08-01T03:42:30",
"content": "Thanks for the suggestions and support! I finished the project with a little help with the javascript (yes, web interface javascript) and it’s a beautiful success. The final web interface ishttp://swharden.com/tmp/flasher/test5/v4.htmland the working demonstration is seen in the photos/video onhttp://www.swharden.com/blog/2011-07-31-pcmicrocontroller-wireless-data-transfer-part-2/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428737",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T23:52:15",
"content": "I was thinking about this awhile back.It could work as a way to send data to a POV display, if you have a hollow shaft, you can use two LEDs, one at the base of the shaft which isn’t spinning, and one in the spinning part, and do two way communication.You could also do direct window-to-window communication with your neighbor if you want to avoid wifi…I was thinking about, outdoors, if you have a clear view of the sky, and powerful enough lights, you could have as many broadcasters as you wanted shining pillars of light up at the sky, and “receivers” would just have to scan the sky…. (making two way pretty simple) Maybe this could be done with infrared as well?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "776958",
"author": "Jesse",
"timestamp": "2012-09-09T01:00:27",
"content": "This could be useful for a device that needed to be completely sealed or water proofed. That way you could have a clear plastic window for programming, and an induction charging system for a completely self-contained unit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6161156",
"author": "solmanac",
"timestamp": "2019-07-02T14:22:37",
"content": "That is a great idea!",
"parent_id": "776958",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,129.55876
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/security-bot-2/
|
Security Bot 2
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"security"
] |
[William] Had originally built a little Security Bot to roam the halls of his house while he was not at home. He wanted a little bit more and started
Security Bot 2 to include a good pile of sensors and add pan and tilt control to the onboard camera
. Thanks to ordering pieces from a “who’s who” list of robotic and electronic hobby shops, the bits and pieces quickly arrived making assembly less tedious.
Packed on board of the 4WD platform are IR switches, IR distanace sensors, line sensors, Ultrasonic sensor, an Xbee (soon to be replaced with a WiFi Shield), pan/tilt brackets/servo, SpeakJet/TTS/Speakers, LCD, battery, serial motor controller, ICSP pocket programmer, Arduino Mega 2560, DSS Circuits Fuel Gauges, plus motors, batteries, camera, leds and a wiimote connection. (whew, that’s a mouth full)
All put together with some perfboards, breakout boards and a lot of jumper wire Security Bot2 is ready to patrol your premises!
| 16
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424494",
"author": "Jk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:48:57",
"content": "Nicely done :D :D mental hi 5",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424499",
"author": "mindstormy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:53:02",
"content": "I really like this idea. I only wish he went into a little bit more detail on his build. I’m a bit of a noob when it comes to some of this stuff and I just want to understand how it all went together a bit better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424537",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:44:20",
"content": "That is impressive. How does it navigate? (Is there a preset path, does it bump into things Roomba style, etc.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424543",
"author": "Leppy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:48:07",
"content": "This is an awesome idea. Personally, I would love to have a hexapod version walking around. One day…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "424546",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:51:28",
"content": "@Leppy,Man, why don’t we see more autonomous hexapods? usually all we see are radio controlled ones.",
"parent_id": "424543",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424570",
"author": "krylenko",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:08:31",
"content": "@CalebI think most people are happy to get the mechanical side of a hexapod working and aren’t so interested in autonomy. Plus with a lot of the hexapods you see, I’d imagine payload limits and/or interference from the legs would complicate mounting common sensors.One of my labmates has been working on his own hexapod for a while, and while it’s not fully autonomous, he did use genetic algorithms to have it teach itself to walk, and has demonstrated vision-based path planning/obstacle avoidance for a class project.http://www.ubergizmo.com/2011/05/young-roboticist-builds-hexapod-robot/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424582",
"author": "medix",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:30:29",
"content": "Lol. I should’ve patented the name ‘Security Bot 2’ (though it is a bit generic).Had a build of a similar idea years ago for an embedded systems class, though our group’s version weighted in excess of 200 lbs, complete with harmonic gear boxes and hand-machined universal joints.Those were the days!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424617",
"author": "Leppy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:04:35",
"content": "@krylenko You’re labmate is my hero for making that thing! I want that as a security hexapod bot. Maybe i’ll learn to make one eventually.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424633",
"author": "krylenko",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:24:46",
"content": "Yeah, it’s definitely an impressive build. It may not be the best choice for a security bot though, unless your intruders are really slow or it can move a lot faster than I’ve seen it go. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424637",
"author": "Truth",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:28:59",
"content": "The first thing that I thought of was the security robots in that Tom Selleck film from ’84 “Runnaway”. He really needs to add a stun gun.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424650",
"author": "Truth",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:41:46",
"content": "One nice addition would be a magnetic inductive charge pad. The security bot drives onto a plate, and the extra weight flips a micro switch which turning on the magnetic field to top up it’s batteries. Once the battery is full enough it drives away and the loss of weight turns off the magnetic field. It may not be the most efficient way to recharge but it would allow for a few security bots to use the system. One or two active while the other recuperates.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424670",
"author": "krylenko",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:09:04",
"content": "@Truth, I’ve made that joke to him several times, undeterred by the fact that the movie came out several years before he was born. Gotta get him to watch it on Netflix now…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424701",
"author": "MobileWill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:02:53",
"content": "Thanks for commenting on my robot. The picture above is the robot during testing. I should have some completed pictures up soon. I will try today. If you saw on the blog that the first robot has a charging dock I have made another one for this one. I didn’t go with inductive because of the efficiency. It would take forever to charge 2 batteries. It already takes a long time to charge 2 6600mAh batteries. Both sbot’s have cameras that get transmitted to my computer via their own 900mhz radio.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425038",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T09:10:50",
"content": "I like the robot!I’ve seen lots of these robot chasis all marketed as Arduino robots.Have you guys seen any projects that use any micros other than Arduinos? I like to use a similar chasis with a PIC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425202",
"author": "MobileWill",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T16:12:48",
"content": "@TylerYou can use any MCU you want. DFRobot sells a custom Arduino for it that fits without drilling. I had to drill a few holes to mount the mega. That is all you would have to do to use another MCU, just drill mounting holes. There isn’t any special about it for use with the Arduino.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428306",
"author": "MobileWill",
"timestamp": "2011-08-04T04:50:09",
"content": "I post some completed pictures of the robot and of the control web site on my blog.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.609111
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/making-and-selling-star-wars-costumes-ruled-to-be-legal/
|
Making And Selling Star Wars Costumes Ruled To Be Legal
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks",
"News"
] |
[
"costume",
"lawsuit",
"lucasfilm",
"mold",
"stormtrooper",
"vacuum former"
] |
[Andrew Ainsworth] has been making and selling costumes based on Star Wars character (some original, and some of his own creation) for several years. Lucasfilm sued him for $20 million back in 2004 claiming infringement of intellectual property rights. He stopped selling them in the US (as it was a US copyright) but now the
UK Supreme Court has ruled in his favor
, siding with his claim that the costumes are functional items and not works of art.
Good for him, but copyright issues aren’t what interests us here. The BBC clip showing him
using a vacuum former to make the Stormtrooper helmet
really caught our attention. A bit of further searching led us to find the thirteen minute video after the break showing the entire process, from sculpting the mold by hand, to forming the components, and the final assembly seen above. It’s a fascinating process that makes use want to build our own vacuum former (preferably
on a larger scale than this one
). It would come in handy whether it’s Star Wars,
Daft Punk
, or any number of other projects you’ve got in mind.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk_048JvrXc&w=470]
[Thanks Danny]
| 25
| 24
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424452",
"author": "Ram41662",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:02:03",
"content": "If the vacuum forming really interest you, then you might consider reading “Secrets of Building a Plastic Vacuum Forming Machine” by Vincent Gingery. It’s a bit of simplistic document, but it does give you enough information to get up and running quite quickly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424465",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:08:41",
"content": "It might be interesting to add that this person was the original designer of the storm-trooper helmet. So it’s not just a replica, it’s THE replica. Quite awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424467",
"author": "Andrew Smith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:11:44",
"content": "We have a supreme court? When did that happen?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424472",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:20:03",
"content": "obviously a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424507",
"author": "Tommy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:06:51",
"content": "I used to use an old convection oven, a gast vacuum pump with a footswitch, and a homemade tabletop to vacuum form prosthtic limb sockets. An even simpler setup is to use a regular kitchen oven, a shop vac, and a custom table top. As long as you can get your plastic to temp and seal it to the tabletop over your mold, any vacuum could work.BTW, I have lots of burn scars from doing this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424514",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:14:40",
"content": "Still illegal to sell in the US….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424536",
"author": "Tweegster",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:44:04",
"content": "This is so cool. What’s the URL to this guys website? I’m in Canada and would love to get one :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424549",
"author": "VV",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:53:55",
"content": "@Andrew SmithThe UK Supreme Court was opened on 1st October 2009. It replaced the House of Lords as the highest court of appeal in the UK (Besides Scottish Criminal cases).It was also my 18th Birthday. =D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425561",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T02:01:24",
"content": "obviously NOT a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away. :)",
"parent_id": "424549",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424553",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:55:47",
"content": "@Andrew Smith –http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424565",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:01:38",
"content": "This is a really interesting way of making GFRP and CFRP moulds – plenty of release agent and you have a lovely shiny smooth surface to lay up into.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424568",
"author": "Mark A",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T16:05:29",
"content": "I can understand why Andrew Ainsworth wants to make and sell his own costumes, as he was the original designer.I can also understand that Lucasfilm wants to hold the rights to everything to do with Star Wars.Shame they couldn’t get together and Andrew give Lucasfilm 1% of sales.Lucasfilm will also get free advertising for his film.Star Wars would not be the same film with different costume designer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424707",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:12:48",
"content": "not a hack – BUT very cool indeed. Would love to be able to craft my own original storm trooper costume.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424771",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:39:22",
"content": "HOLY SHIT!It’s like Han Solo getting put in Carbonite",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424782",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T21:42:48",
"content": "now that I am thinking about it…if that is the dude that made the costumes I bet that machine is what gave them the idea to make that into the movie. And used to make the prop no doubt.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424827",
"author": "Andrew Smith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:37:19",
"content": "@VV, @JamesYou live you learn",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424833",
"author": "dexter",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:59:30",
"content": "What’s the heat source he’s using? Any ideas?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425008",
"author": "Fili",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T07:53:21",
"content": "@dexter: he’s using a gas burner to heat the plastic. I watched these movies over and over again when I discovered them. I learnt a lot from them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425351",
"author": "Matt P",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T20:36:36",
"content": "If you can make your own set of armor, you can join thelocal chapter of the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/).Their site has loads of info, including plans and blueprints.Check out the gallery:http://www.501st.com/members/members.php",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426104",
"author": "DudeGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T04:23:55",
"content": "I’ve heard about this process on instructables back in the day when I wanted to make… a Storm Trooper costume.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "428740",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T00:08:32",
"content": "FYI: Vacuuming forming was how the *original* storm trooper costumes and helmets were made too.This guys is decent, though his originals don’t really feel like Star Wars to me, maybe Dr. Who… or is his accent playing tricks on me? Anyway, he could have totally done all the costumes for something like Space Balls.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "642700",
"author": "Lindsay Muir",
"timestamp": "2012-05-02T08:29:58",
"content": "This site shows the true facts about the creation of the original Stormtrooperhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Original-Stormtrooper/308958205795601Ainsworth vacuum formed the helmets and suits they were designed, sculpted, moulded and tools created by the artistic team at Elstree Studios. This was proven in court.It has also been shown that he does not have the original moulds. He recast a GF suit – a guy who had parts of a Return of the Jedi suit and tried to make convert it back to A New Hope.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1202897",
"author": "Ed",
"timestamp": "2014-02-16T02:25:18",
"content": "If you look at how a car is made, you will see that it not only involves a lot of people, but also a lot of different teams. 1. Draw it. 2. Made a prototype for it. (Use to be made out of clay, not its made using a CAD computer program, and goes through “virtual” testing via computer simulators and computer analysis.) 3. Actually build it.It is the same way for making movie props. Well, the Very First step is to have the idea, then get a stroy writer to write it out. In this case, both were done by George Lucas.The stormtrooper helmet was first based on conceptual illustrations made by Ralph McQuarrie. From THAT, Ms. Liz Moore made a scupture for the helmet, and Mr. Brian Muirmade the design for the body armor.That was the inital steps. From there, came the makining/ manufactureing of it. The guy that was hired to do it, wasn’t able to. So he refered it to Allen Ainsworth, because he could get it done because he had experience in making things from plastics, and he already had the equipment to do it.THe point of all this, is that Mr. Ainsworth overstates his involvement. HE is not the creater of the helmet, never was. He was only the manufacturer of it; based upon OTHER people’s work..P.S.I got excited to build my own machine after watching this also.I still might.There are videos on YouTube about how to do it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1202905",
"author": "Ed",
"timestamp": "2014-02-16T02:32:40",
"content": "P.S.Allen Ainsworth LOST in court for copyright infringment, to the tune of $20 million USD.But in England, it is not enforceable, due to English law.So G.L. had to sue again, this time in England, where he won a partial victory.The court saw the stormtrooper as a movie prop, and as such, it has a copyright of 25 years, which had since expired. Therefor, A.A. had not broken any laws.But also, it recognizes that G.L. owns the rights to it, and all things Star Wars, so A.A. is not allowed to sell any of his own products in the USA.A.A. continues to make, sell, and advertise the stormtrooper armor and props. And per English law, is allowed to do so. But he can not sell to or advertise in the USA.P.S.S.For those new to this issue, NO ONE has a true original stormtrooper mold. There was a big fire in the SDS building, and they were all lost.The very best anyone, anywhere can do, is to make a cast/mould from an original suit that was made from the original mold.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2378048",
"author": "SupHeCos",
"timestamp": "2015-01-24T21:19:25",
"content": "There are some new officially licensed costumes, I think by Rubies orRuby or something like that",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.798696
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/smd-soldering-with-gas/
|
SMD Soldering With Gas
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"how-to"
] |
[
"butane",
"soldering"
] |
[desimon] had a wanted to use some accelerometer chips, but their 3x3mm 16-VFQFN packages made it pretty darn hard to solder by hand. While there are endless ways to approach this, we found this one peculiarity interesting from
his use of a gas torch
, though it is pretty much hot air reflow.
A PCB for the tiny devices is etched and tinned, the pads have a healthy but not overdone amount of solder applied to them. A liberal coat of flux, rough alignment of the chip and a few gentle passes from the torch and the hobby grade solder melts while the surface tension pulls everything into final alignment.
Having personally used a hot air gun a number of times (and also burning my hand about the same number of times) the localized heat of the torch does make more sense, and there is virtually no heat up time for it either, though it appears just as easy to scorch the board. It is a live flame so be careful!
| 24
| 23
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424420",
"author": "Reaper",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:59:06",
"content": "I just got some little 3x3mm chips like that, I’m still working on the board design to go with it. XD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424424",
"author": "Jochem",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T13:04:51",
"content": "That’s a nice trick!Dave Jones from the EEVBlog has a different method for soldering these packages with the contacts at the bottom. It’s for slightly larger devices, but I’m sure it’s also possible for these with sufficient magnification.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q53uPn1mKc0",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424469",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:16:05",
"content": "it would be nice to explain how to adress the problem of the chip flying away due to airflow",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424479",
"author": "pastycamel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:32:11",
"content": "Based on those pictures, he could use far more practice. Solder joints look cold and not entirely covering the pads or wires… Wouldnt trust it entirely.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424498",
"author": "Macpod",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:51:21",
"content": "@tim, use a pair of tweezers and very gently press down on the part as you heat it up. Keep the side of your palm on a table if you do not have steady hands. If you still have trouble, tape a nail to a cylinder and place the nail atop of the component so it presses down slightly.As long as you keep the air flow down, once the solder melts, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about blowing the chip off. Just don’t get too close.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424504",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:00:24",
"content": "Hot-air reflow should be fairly low flow of air just hot enough to melt solder and should not blow parts off the board. Most have temperature and air flow speed control.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424511",
"author": "desimon",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:11:57",
"content": "Indeed to stop the chips from flying away, either use a tweezer (not recommended with hot air gun, since you will burn your hands) or blow perpendicular on the PCB surface. Also with butane gas solder tools, the airflow is really minimal, so the problem isn’t as big.Indeed I could use more practice, the wires are soldered “preliminary” to test each of the 5 chips, so they weren’t supposed to be quality ;-).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424512",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:12:00",
"content": "@Tim – I’ed suggest a tiny drop of glue to keep the chip from flying away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424518",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:20:17",
"content": "@tim: he’s using a butane torch not a heat gun.@jochem: wonderful! thanks for the link. i never thought of just turning the thing around. {a really nice video by the way)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424522",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:24:44",
"content": "Hobby grade solder? Made from Hobby Grade lead and tin?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425585",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-07-30T03:03:36",
"content": "Solder alloys that contain lead, and tin aren’t necessarily “hobby grade”. Using the browse search feature doesn’t return the phrase hobby grade on the desimon web page, so I really don’t know why Kevin used the term is his post here. ?",
"parent_id": "424522",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424628",
"author": "MoJo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:17:12",
"content": "@pastycamel didn’t you read the story a few posts back? Guess not. Well, the short version is, if you don’t have something nice to say then don’t say anything at all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424629",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:20:39",
"content": "I just made a post about QFN soldering, how fortuitous!http://alternet.us.com/?p=1325It’s an interesting idea to use a torch, but there’s got to be some way to prevent the board from getting scorched! For how cheap a simple toaster oven is (around $20) it may be just as cheap if you don’t already have the torch…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424657",
"author": "kelvar",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:47:32",
"content": "I did something similar about 2 years back but thinking back now, i wonder if what is the risk of the component cracking.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424661",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T17:58:07",
"content": "Based on a (successful — YAY) reflow attempt on a 360 motherboard, I think if you want to do this on a larger board and are afraid of cracking it, place the board on an electric cooktop griddle to spread even heat across the board first, then apply heat with the gun. After you’ve finished the reflow a few minutes later, reduce heat and cut the power to the griddle when fully done. Let everything cool (30 min+) without bumping it to avoid bad solder joints. Caveat: I’m not an expert and have only done this once — but I was successful for what it’s worth. Also, I used some machine screws with nuts to make feet for the board so it wasn’t sitting directly on the heated surface. I also set it inside a cookie sheet on top of the griddle so I didn’t scratch the teflon coating — I like that griddle and I also like making pancakes on it. :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424665",
"author": "kernelcode",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:04:52",
"content": "@kelvar:Cracking due to what? Rapid heating or trapped moisture?I know we always bake components for at least 24 hours in an oven at just over 100 C to drive out any moisture. That way, when you do come to solder it there’s no chance of any steam cracking the package.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424687",
"author": "MysticPixel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:44:48",
"content": "Nice method, I’m a bit scared of the open flame part (prefer a hot air station myself) but it’ll work. Just be thankful they don’t have those stupid ground pads on the bottom face of the chip – those are what really make *QFN packages hell of annoying.@BLuRry: What you described is basically what most shops that do 360 rework have – a custom jig to hold the motherboard, heat it uniformly from the bottom, and clamp it down to prevent flexing due to uneven heating (which could cause / worsen solder cracks on other components.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424700",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:02:35",
"content": "I wouldn’t do it this way. I guess that it is far to unreliable for sensitive components.If I was really desperately looking for a way to do this, I would instead use a regular hotplate. Heat it up, put the PCB on top, wait for the visual indication of melting solder and take it off. Much much safer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424825",
"author": "emo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:30:01",
"content": "I would try doing it like the video in the second post, except that I wouldn’t glue it upside-down, but I would first solder the wires and then solder it like an ordinary DIP package.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424829",
"author": "anonununun",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T23:45:21",
"content": "good video there..I did one by heating the board underneath with a hot air gun until the solder reflowed. Rework gel made it easier and it took a bit of research to learn that the surface tension pulls it in. Great when the tension just locks it into place! ;oDDoing it this way meant that it had to be the first component on the pcb mind ;o)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424871",
"author": "MattE",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T02:10:16",
"content": "My butane torch kit came with the fiery-endpiece as well as a gas soldering bit — but also a hot-air endpiece, which has an incandescent metal gauze much like those gas-powered camping lanterns.The flame is much too hot, scorchtastic, but the hot-air endpiece is much the same as a hot-air rework station and excellent to solder with.Nicely done with the QFNs, they’re tricky :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424920",
"author": "Boseji",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T03:51:56",
"content": "We could achive this with dead bug Circuitry:http://m8051.blogspot.com/2011/07/mma8453q-accelerometer-breakout-update.htmlhttp://m8051.blogspot.com/2011/06/mma8453q-accelerometer-breakout.htmlWell we also used Bus Pirate to test it.Warm Regards,Boseji",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425318",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T19:52:35",
"content": "i wonder if one could improve on the dead-bug-mlp soldering with the right kind of proto board.the board:many mlp are about as thick as a pcb board, and the pads go to the edge. so, one could maybe create a small board with a rectangular hole the size of the package and traces leading to the edge of the hole. fitting the package into the hole would allow to “drag”-solder the whole thing. i’d call this adapter a “break-out” board ;)for stability, the chip has to be glued in, or one has to close the hole with a pcb as a lid on either side: solder it into the hole, than glue on the lid and turn it around, or add the lid to the other side, and solder the chip in the pit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3005208",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2016-04-29T06:34:48",
"content": "This looks interesting. I would like to give a try. Try to find a butane soldering torch. This post has a list.http://www.whichsolderingstation.com/best-cordless-butane-soldering-iron-reviews/Any recommendation?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.669341
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/28/3d-printed-singularity-drive-platform/
|
3D Printed Singularity Drive Platform
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"3d printer",
"hemispherical omnidirectional gimbaled wheel",
"hog",
"remote control",
"Singularity drive"
] |
[Silas] is a student at Olin College and came up with a platform using the
singularity drive system
in his spare time.
We covered a
LEGO build
of a singularity drive earlier this month. Instead of wheels, treads or legs, this drive system has a hemisphere spinning along its vertical axis. Interestingly, the robot does not change the speed or direction of its drive motor at all.
IEEE
is now calling this drive system a “singularity drive,” because
math
.
What makes [Silas]’ build really neat is that the entire platform was fabricated on a 3D printer. Unlike the previous singularity platform, We’re hoping he puts his design up on the web; a triple-singluarity drive platform inspired by a
Kiwi robot
would be very cool. Not as
face-meltingly awesome
as one you can ride in, but still very cool.
Check out the video below for [Silas]’ demo of the build.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIEBChw5x8Q&w=470]
| 31
| 29
|
[
{
"comment_id": "424387",
"author": "anton",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T11:34:04",
"content": "Great work!The next step would be to add gyroscopic balancing to get rid of the two extra wheels… just as an idea …",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424396",
"author": "hackersmith",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T11:51:42",
"content": "Also be sure to use some sort of non-marking rubber/plastic. That could be dastardly if you put a rubber that would leave marks and turned it loose on a gym floor.@anton judging by the rapid turning power of that thing I am wondering if a balanced gyro stabilized platform wouldnt tip and dig in on a fast turn.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424403",
"author": "Remarknl",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:10:13",
"content": "That is some superb agility!In the article behind the link it is stated that the wheel isnt perfectly centered. And a possible solution is to print the wheel. But wouldnt it be easyer to put a little edge around the mounting base so that the ball will fit inside the base? Also maybe the rubber bends at high speed, so it actually is centered but the ball flexes at high speed.I am inspired because this is some kind of Continue Variable Transmission i have never seen before!I see a bright future ahead for Silas. So many applications! from uncatchable toy bot to polishing machines. The list is endless!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424404",
"author": "Remarknl",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:12:30",
"content": "@anton & hackersmith:To solve that, get rid of the wheels and add 2 more singularity drives. Like a tricopter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424409",
"author": "Tweeks",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:29:06",
"content": "Great agility.. but can it:1) go in a long straight line2) move in precise directions/distances at a predictable speed?Tweeks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "429031",
"author": "Atomic Dirt Bike",
"timestamp": "2011-08-05T18:06:18",
"content": "It would be awesome if it could (and turn at any angle on a dime), I would love to parallel park one of these!",
"parent_id": "424409",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424410",
"author": "Dion",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:31:12",
"content": "Face-meltingly awesome :-) wonder what happens as you load up the face of the hemisphere? Presumably you’d need more torque to drive it as the rubber deformed. Could it be scaled? (hopefully into the wicked 50s style futuristic racer complete w a dude wearing leather goggles and wrestling a giant steering wheel :-) ). Seriously though – scaled up – surely you’d be riding a perpetual burnout?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424413",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:39:26",
"content": "@Remarknl I would do a quad singularity drive instead of 3, would look more like a car, but could travel in any speed in any direction equally.Pretty sweet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424415",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:47:34",
"content": "Wants one. But I want someone to make a system with four of these, opposite sides contra-rotating, for some delicious strafing action.I guess that gives me something to build? :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424417",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T12:49:41",
"content": "Also if it was a quad singularity drive platform and you alternated which direction the platforms leaned it wouldn’t be as likely to tip.IE, To go forward the front two drives lean outward and the back two drive lean inward.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424423",
"author": "Havel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T13:02:54",
"content": "That’s pretty awesome! But I have to ask… How does it handle under a load, say about 1.2 kg for one the size of that? Also, how would it handle on less than idea surfaces like dirt, gravel, grass, wet floor, ect. I would like to explore more into this kind of ‘omni-wheel’ drive system. Also what material (PE, HDPE, ABS, ect) and what type of printing (extrusion, ink jet, diffuse light lithography, ect) technique did you use to print this? I apologize if I’m asking too many questions and once again, pretty awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424441",
"author": "RogerPodacter",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T13:47:42",
"content": "wasn’t ‘singularity drive’ the name of the engine for the ship in that movie Event Horizon?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424442",
"author": "uC",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T13:49:18",
"content": "Nice clean design. I love 3d printed toys, this is a great example of 3d printing at its finest.Any chance of sharing the 3d model for experimentation purposes?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424447",
"author": "nave.notnilc",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T13:55:22",
"content": "@Havelhe says ABS, and the texture on it looks like FDM to me (i.e. reprap-style printing)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424451",
"author": "Brad",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:01:50",
"content": "Singularity drive. It’s the new Omni-wheel!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424462",
"author": "Berend",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:04:27",
"content": "Reply to Anton, that already has been done!http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/042910-a-robot-that-balances-on-a-ball",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424470",
"author": "anton",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:16:46",
"content": "Just wondering: how big an engine would you need to drive the planet through the galaxy?Just kidding…Not.;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424474",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:21:38",
"content": "simply beautifull !let’s make one",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424477",
"author": "Silas",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:28:48",
"content": "I by no means have the answer to all your questions about my project, but I will try to address the few I know:-Gyroscopic balancing would be amazing and if I work out a few kinks in this design, I would love to see what I can do in that direction-As far as adding two more drives, I am fairly sure that I would be able to have full range of motion with only two drive wheels, and my control system would be a lot simpler than if I had three. With traditional omniwheels, at least three are needed because they can only drive in one direction on their own. This drive mechanism can actively drive in all directions on a 2d plane.-I am starting to feel that the ball may be centered and it is just deforming under high speeds. I am not sure. Either way, I will be looking into new methods of making the drive hemisphere.-This platform does have the complete potential to drive in a perfectly straight line and be completely maneuverable in small spaces. However, this would be greatly aided by a control loop of some form. Right now it is fairly drivable because I have tuned the servo limits and added exponential to my control. However, I need to know how it will react under different condition and drive it accordingly; ideally, a smart control loop would fill in that gap between what I want it to do and making it do it smoothly.-I designed this to be driven with the regular wheels in front, but for some reason it was easier to control driving in the other direction.-This platform has plenty of power to handle a 1.2kg load, if not much more. I feel like it would actually handle better. The biggest issue is that the rubber hemisphere will be pushed deeper into the surface it is riding on. On a hard floor, I think it would drive better, but on a rug I think it would put a tremendous load on the motor.-The original inspiration for this project was to take the IEEE drive mechanism and see how it would work scaled up. I scaled up the drive mechanism, but the chassis itself is still very small. Judging by how it drives now, I think it would drive better if the body were significantly larger.-The platform is ABS plastic and was printed using an extrusion method.-I completely plan on sharing my CAD files for this project and all my other projects. However, I need to find a reasonably robust (and hopefully free) method of hosting those files. I know there are tons of services out there; I just need to pick one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424486",
"author": "Michael Malluck",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:40:24",
"content": "You call it a singularity drive. I call it the rug-friction-burn-o-matic. :-)In all seriousness, that’s a really cool drive. I’m sure some novel applications can be dreamed up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424493",
"author": "david",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:48:21",
"content": "I’m not sure having more than one of these would actually help.As Remarknl mentioned, this is a variation on the Continuously Variable Transmission where the ground has become the second half of the transmission. With one drive ‘wheel’, motion is controlled by how the hemisphere touches the ground, with more than one you have a control scheme similar to omni(or mecanum) wheels but requiring more motors to actuate. On the other hand you may see better drive efficiency, so it may come down to what your design constraints are.A interesting concept none the less and a very nice build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424497",
"author": "_glitch",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T14:51:03",
"content": "I want to see one of those wheels reverse engineered into a Reliant Robin to replace the front, drive wheel!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reliant_Robin",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "425032",
"author": "Brian Benchoff",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T08:47:19",
"content": "@ _glitch:I know where you might be able to get a few junked Robins:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8",
"parent_id": "424497",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "424515",
"author": "mjrippe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:16:21",
"content": "@by_glitch: The link you provided states that the front wheel is for steering and the engine drives the rear axle. So you could gut a lot of the existing bits and reduce weight while retrofitting this drive source. Sounds like win/win!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424552",
"author": "_glitch",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T15:55:40",
"content": "@mjrippe I noticed that *just* after posting the comment, d’oh! You got what I meant though and you’re right, save bonus weight by remove the driveshaft to the rear wheels :)Somebody submit this idea to Top Gear.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424666",
"author": "inzen",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:05:03",
"content": "I really wanna play with it, and tinker a bit :D.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424683",
"author": "Luke",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T18:32:12",
"content": "This is very cool and I love the idea. The simplicity of a single drive is beautiful but seems a little unstable (see it tilting on the chassis in the video), maybe it could have two or more of these drives? Maybe even four? Hopefully Silas continues to study this!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424724",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-07-28T19:49:48",
"content": "I would love to see one of these made invertable with the moter in the middle of two of the ball like wheels.It could make quite an interesting robot maybe on a much larger scale. Imagen the concept if three of these omni wheels were used one in each corner of a three wheeled car. No more parking issues (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424899",
"author": "AnalogAnomaly",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T03:11:47",
"content": "I’ve seen a few of these types of bots lately on HaD. Honestly they’ve got me thinking. A big thanks to Berend for the link to the ball balancing bot. I don’t have the money to do it myself- but I would absolutely love to see a quadropod or hexapod with something similar attached to a rig with dampening system (like shocks and struts) mounted on the legs. The lower speed walking would be great for rougher terrain and maneuverability, while high-speed directional movement would be driven by the aforementioned mechanism. It shouldn’t be too difficult to construct a ring of bearings to keep the ball in place while walking. It’d be quite the platform.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "425254",
"author": "The Ideanator",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T17:31:14",
"content": "I want to build a segway with a pair of these instead. Once the wheel engineering and design has been worked out the rest is a piece of cake.Anyone know of a material thats extremely wear resistant, marginally flexible and has a high coefficient of friction?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "426106",
"author": "DudeGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-31T04:32:08",
"content": "“IEEE is now calling this drive system a “singularity drive,” because math.”because math what? or is it because of math?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,129.736719
|
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