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https://hackaday.com/2011/07/05/augmented-reality-game-could-come-from-the-seventies/
|
Augmented Reality Game Could Come From The Seventies
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"classic hacks",
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"atmega8",
"augmented reality",
"old school game"
] |
[Niklas Roy] sent in a project he just completed called
PING! Augmented Pixel
. At first glance the entire build is just a plain jane retro video game stuffed into an ATmega8 but looks can be deceiving. The video game is actually an augmented reality device that inserts a pixel into a video feed. The bouncing pixel can be manipulated with a camera – push the pixel and it goes off in another direction.
The project runs on an ATmega8 clocked at 16 MHz, and reads the video feed with the help of an
LM1881 sync separator
. There’s no schematics, but he thankfully included some
code
for his project. Everything is set up for PAL video, but this could be easily adapted for NTSC. Any Hack A Day readers want to take up the challenge of building this from just a description?
[Niklas] says there’s no reason this couldn’t have been done by Atari in the late seventies. There were economic reasons for not putting out a video camera controller, of course, and the R&D department may have been too busy
playing Breakout with their eyebrows
.
Check out the demo of the augmented pixel after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeuaqSEIiTY&w=470]
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "413382",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T11:38:56",
"content": "makes you wonder, “what if” this game were done in the seventies, were would games be now?awesome build",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413386",
"author": "Tel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T12:06:59",
"content": "It would be interesting to see this taken further, the same idea added to a pair of those ‘gaming goggles’ (The ones that have video screens instead of lenses) and a camera used for image input, to make Augmented Reality glasses cheaper than you can buy them.Similar tohttp://www.vuzix.com/consumer/products_wrap920vrbundle.html, but hacked together instead of paying $500.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413391",
"author": "Matthieu",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T12:42:36",
"content": "Isn’t augmented reality the fact of bringing virtuality into reality? This should be augmented virtuality right? (does this word even exist?)Except that, this looks awesome. I wonder how he made the video processing on an ATmega8.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413395",
"author": "s1500",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T12:58:02",
"content": "If Atari made Kinect. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413396",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T13:00:31",
"content": "Very cool idea.@Matthieu- it’s not really video processing. He’s just using the LM1881 to give him Vsync and Hsync timing, and using the comparator input to look for darker spots (his hand) near the location of the white ball.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413401",
"author": "MattQ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T13:18:05",
"content": "Yeah, they could have done this in the 70’s, but are we all forgetting what video cameras looked like in the 70s? The giant shoulder mount things? Now that I think about it, I’m not even sure if my families old camcorder from the 80’s even had video out on it, and while I’m sure my memory of my kid is making it seem much bigger than it actually was, I’m pretty sure it too was huge. Camcorders today are to camcorders of the 70’s as iPods are to boomboxes of the 80’s.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413403",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T13:39:58",
"content": "@MattQ, those were big but don’t forget they were basically stuffing a whole vcr into it also. The sensors weren’t /that/ much bigger than they are now. In fact, there was a line of camcorders that looked like startrek phasers with the tape mechanics in an external satchel that you wore on your shoulder. The camcorder had a pistol grip and optical viewfinder. I remember seeing some old electronics hobbyist magazines with articles on how to build short range tv transmitters so you could set the tape deck down somewhere and not carry so much.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413423",
"author": "SuperNuRd",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T16:25:47",
"content": "I can’t imagine this being to dificult all you do is scan the oridginal enviroment with no disruptions and then have a cordinated path react to foreign objects from the oridginal scan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413469",
"author": "Phil Burgess",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T19:31:25",
"content": "Indeed something similar was done starting in the early 1970s; look up “Videoplace” on YouTube or Google. As I recall, that system required something like a PDP-10 augmented with lots of additional custom hardware. So yes, while this could’ve been done in the seventies, it would’ve filled a room and cost more than the whole house. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413488",
"author": "Yann",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T20:30:45",
"content": "I don’t know if it’s because the video signal was recorded independently and added to the TV in post to get a good quality, but it looks fake to me. Too fluid, too accurate, too clean for something done using a petty 16MHz AVR processor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413492",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T20:47:34",
"content": "Welcome to the Internet. Nothing on here is real, everything is fake. Of course it couldn’t be an overlay on top of video. Video-titler machines used to do it all the time in the early 80s and those were run by a 6502 in a C64 or similar computer. Obviously if a 16mhz AVR does it in 2011 it must be fake though! I mean, there’s absolutely positively no other way to do it than digitize the video, overlay the graphics and then output the whole thing together. It’s not like you can just synchronize the graphics to the video and overlay it without ever digitizing the video first. I suppose the next thing you’re going to tell me is you have a nice bridge you’d like to sell me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413498",
"author": "Niklas",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T21:16:55",
"content": "@Yann – you got it. My camera captured with 30fps – video signal was 25fps. The original looked shitty, so I recorded the video signal seperately and overlayed it afterwards. With some crappy rotoscoping skillz involved.@Doc Oct – n00bs shout fake, hackers read the source code. It is not necessary to capture the full image for moving (and bouncing) this little pixel. As @Dave mentioned, I only captured the area around the pixel and checked the brightness vs. a threshold, adjusted by the poti that you can see on the right side of the console.@Phil Burgess – this is very interesting. I didn’t know ‘Videoplace’ before and the stuff looks impressing. But actually, what I was doing is a lot more simple. It’s really just an analog comparator that checks the brightnes around the pixel. Cheap stuff. Was even cheap and small in the seventies.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413502",
"author": "Yann",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T21:37:26",
"content": "@Doc chill out dude. I’m not paranoid, and I don’t go for fake as the first explanation. I totally understand what you’re saying about video switching. I never implied that the signal was fully digitized. BUT I said that the video of the animation on the CRT is very clean and that’s hard to get when filming and that it looks like it was done in postprod (which, again, doesn’t say that the AVR part is fake per se). What intrigued me was the very smooth animations (which as far as I can remember didn’t exist in the ’80s, all you could get were static texts). Here the “ball” moves pixels by pixels. And when the bandwidth of a NTSC video is more than 10MHz, not much is left for computation, most of the time is spent watching the sync clock. That’s without analysing the video level to do the augmented part (which requires some sort of digitalization, even if done at a lower resolution to limit processing). All of this makes me very skeptical. Again I’m not saying “I know for a fact it’s fake”, just that there are quite a few red herring.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413505",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T21:56:43",
"content": "@yann, if you can’t handle a little sarcasm then it’s your problem not mine. Everyone calls everything fake on the Internet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413529",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T23:09:22",
"content": "@Tel :I can envisage a pair of thoughs goggles with two high resolution mini cameras and a pair microphones mounted on them to replicate the users normal view. Then with the aid of some video possessing add features like zoom extra. and over lay information maybe with the aid of GPS and text to speech (or visa versa) and ocr. (would be great for the blind or deaf extra)maybe just for fun add a 3 axis gyroscope and move the image with a slight lag to make the user feel drunk… haha",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413531",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T23:12:45",
"content": "btw… love this concept of digital environments being interactive via the physical world (:would love to see someone build this out of 70’s/80’s components just to “prove” it can be done and to show how big it would actually be :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413568",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-06T02:41:44",
"content": "amazingmost would have a delay! The pixel did get stuck in his hand but I doubt it’s from the delay of taking the picture and doing collisionfor the most part I do wish the guy could go back in time!!! It may have been too much for a console but for an arcade it would have worked!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413618",
"author": "Niklas",
"timestamp": "2011-07-06T07:33:28",
"content": "Ok, to reduce confusion, here’s how it works:Drawing onto the signal/image:One output of the AVR is connected via a 1K resistor to the video signal. Switching this output to HIGH rises the signal about a few mV -> the image becomes brighter, then.Digitizing the video image:Doesn’t happen. Instead, only the brightness of the area around the pixel is captured. Imagine a grid of 3×3 squares. The square in the middle is the pixel. When the signal is at this middle position, the output that draws on the video is switched to HIGH. If the signal is within one of the eight areas surrounding that pixel, the AVR compares the specific brightness (Voltage level) of that area with a threshold. That’s how an obstacle and its position in relation to the position of the pixel is detected.Calculating the animation:When the beam (or signal) has finished drawing the lower white bar, there’s plenty of time to calculate the new position of the pixel until the next image has to be drawn. As it is all synced with the video signal, this animation happens smooth. Couldn’t happen more smooth. An animation ‘pixel by pixel’ is also no problem, as it is all about counting video lines (y) or delaying within a specific video line (x).This also explains why the starting animation is rendered smooth.And it also means, that there is a delay until the pixel reacts: It reacts in the next image that is drawn. No magic here.Speed of the processor:The AVR is clocked with a 16MHz quarz. The duration (only image content) of one PAL video line is 64uS. => There are 1024 clock cycles per visible part of each video line. That’s really sufficient for what the program has to do: Which is mainly waiting, a bit of counting and sometimes reading the internal comparator bit or switching an output.It’s all written down here:http://niklasroy.com/codes/ping.txt",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413702",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-06T13:21:04",
"content": "@Niklas: That’s cool! I don’t doubt your video, or that it works exactly the way you say it does.The Atari 400, released in 1978, could use a light pen. I built one for it. I even found the article I built it from:http://www.atariarchives.org/creativeatari/Build_Your_Own_Light_Pen.phpWhat you’ve done is essentially implemented a light pen in reverse. Instead of determining the timing at which a signal (light pen phototransistor) turns on, you determine if a signal (video camera output) is on at a single, specific timing. No video capture necessary.So yes, that really could have been done in the 70’s. Even without a CPU or memory at all. I’ve seen video tennis implementations done completely in analog and simple logic chips, that could conceivably be modified to support this.Of course, video cameras were expensive beasts at the time, and not for games. I remember getting run off from playing with one at Sears in the 70’s, after I pointed it at the attached TV to generate a video feedback tunnel. An ignorant employee saw the screen, and honestly believed I was breaking it!No doubt that employee went on to have many children and grandchildren, who are now around to cry “fake” on HAD…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,152.954006
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/04/fog-horn-built-from-plumbing-supplies/
|
Fog Horn Built From Plumbing Supplies
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"bottle trap",
"fog horn",
"plumbing supplies"
] |
Instructables user [rog8811]
was looking to build a fog horn
that resembled hand-pumped units found on small ships in the early to mid 1900s. His budget was a bit limited, so he set off to build the cheapest replica possible.
While the original horns were likely constructed from steel, copper and wood, he opted to use cheap plumbing components he found at his local hardware store. He used a simple double-acting air pump to drive the horn, combining it with a slightly modified bottle trap. The trap was shortened, and a diaphragm cut from a dish washing glove was added to generate sound.
He added a few more pieces of PVC piping to enhance the output, giving him the results you see in the video below. He says that the best thing about his design is the ability to easily tweak the pitch and volume of the horn by simply adding different drain components to the pump.
Watch out vuvuzela, there’s a new cheap and annoying horn on the block!
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/21517471 w=470]
| 9
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "413207",
"author": "Homer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T19:20:58",
"content": "Genuis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413212",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T19:36:32",
"content": "This is way cool! Daring a horrible punlike attempt- rog8811 has made a new way for us to blow our own horn.I do wonder what other effects we could derive from his build. Galton Whistles perhaps?There’s a lot of Hacker potential in Sonic Energy devices.http://www.sonochemistry.info/introdution.htm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413225",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T20:48:43",
"content": "Well I’ll be damned.ANOTHERproject to add to my wish list.I’m sure a horn like this would be a must-have on just about any boat, whether for grabbing attention, etc.(psst… Great writing, by the way. Not a typo in sight! :D )",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413250",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:50:37",
"content": "ME SO HORNY!! (Sorry, had to.) I like the way it works on the up and down stroke, I’m off to the Home Depot!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413253",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:54:52",
"content": "Some time ago a friend of mine somehow managed to buy a steel horn from a old cargo ship, he just adapted it to run from compressed air cans.I couldn’t believe it when he told me the (very noisy) horn sound I was hearing around the city was from him!! My city is not anywhere near the sea so the horn noise was quite a novelty there… Seriously, that was awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413254",
"author": "Jimbo",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:55:26",
"content": "I can’t believe no-electricity-wonder this made it past the editors onto Hackaday! Where’s the bloody Arduino?!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413279",
"author": "SynthShoppingDotCom",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T01:19:17",
"content": "FWIW, I was researching horns for a while and put together a playlist of some of the best and loudest out there.http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAF8E60300C153566",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413327",
"author": "Buddhafw",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T05:09:11",
"content": "Phhhhh WTF wheres the arduino? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413562",
"author": "Alton",
"timestamp": "2011-07-06T02:18:23",
"content": "patman’s totally right, def a neat wish list project. You know what would be neat on HaD? The ability to wish list projects, much the same way Ravelry and Instructables do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.330505
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/04/alarm-clock-forces-you-to-play-tetris-to-prove-you-are-awake/
|
Alarm Clock Forces You To Play Tetris To Prove You Are Awake
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"home hacks"
] |
[
"alarm clock",
"arduino",
"tetris"
] |
Oversleeping sucks, but we’ve all been there. Whether its a matter of hitting the snooze button a dozen times too many, or turning off the alarm and drifting back to sleep – sooner or later, you are going to wake up late.
Instructables user [nolte919] has overslept a time or two in his life, and he set out to
design a clock that would make it nearly impossible to wake up late
. His clock is Arduino-based and shares many features with off the shelf models including multiple alarms, a backup battery, and snooze features. His alarm however goes one step further and ensures you are fully awake each morning.
If you hit the user-defined snooze limit, the alarm sounds and will not turn off until you have cleared 4 lines in Tetris. That’s right, you have to prove to the clock that you are awake and coherent before it will shut off. Technically you can silence the alarm for a 30 second period so you can focus on Tetris, but that’s all the break you get.
It really is a novel way of ensuring you are awake in the morning, and heck, how bad can the day be when you start off by playing video games for a few minutes?
Stick around to see a quick video of his Tetris alarm clock in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szoPO75u46s&w=470]
| 28
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "413176",
"author": "Hans",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T17:08:47",
"content": "I doubt this will work for the really bad cases. I know people who can get up, talk with people etc. without actually being awake. A friend of mine insulted his hole family once and woke up later for good and was wondering why everyone was angry at him. So i doubt if such people won’t be able to play tetris without really waking up as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413178",
"author": "Timothy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T17:09:52",
"content": "a quick toss against the wall will also prove Iam awake or don’t feel like playing games with analarm clock first thing in the morning…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413179",
"author": "2B:BU",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T17:14:29",
"content": "Awesome idea! My oversleeping problem is caused by something else, however (well, other than laziness) – I seem to get used to alarm sounds really quickly, so I end up sleeping straight through the alarm even when it’s going off right next to my ear!My solution: Set three different alarms with different sounds, each within 10 minutes of one another – If I get used to the first sound, the second will still wake me up (and an extra one after that just to be on the safe side).I think I might have a go at combining these two ideas to make me ultra-reliable rather than late a lot – after all, this isn’t a hack for the clock, it’s a hack for it’s user!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413180",
"author": "Parcanman",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T17:15:13",
"content": "I wonder how long it will take until the user begins to dream about tetris moves and can subconsciously beat the game in the barely awake or sleep-walking-style state? The barely awake brain can do some really interesting things, like when you wake up from a nap on your day off at 8pm and you suddenly jump out of bed and get dressed thinking you’re late for work when you still have 12 hours.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413182",
"author": "2B:BU",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T17:17:36",
"content": "@Hans – I am such a sleeper – my mom once called me to fix her computer and somehow I managed to completely solve her issue over the phone while fully asleep – don’t think I could manage it again though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413185",
"author": "Annika",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T17:47:20",
"content": "Not sure this would work for me. My problem is I get so used to just about any alarm sound I use that after a while I simply don’t wake up from it any more. In general, I’m a very heavy sleeper (my family has never let me live down the time I slept through the fire alarm going off, luckily without any real fire) so my problem is usually not snoozing or turning of the alarm clock while asleep (although both have happened as well) but I can simply sleep through anything the alarm clock might do to get my attention in the first place…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "413509",
"author": "Thisupend",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T22:08:27",
"content": "That funny i slept thru a fire alarm with a real fire (brother making bacon) i find the “sonic boom” alarm clock with bed shaker works most of the time",
"parent_id": "413185",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "413193",
"author": "kernelcode",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T18:25:12",
"content": "Love it, might have to make one myself",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413217",
"author": "Jeremy Pavleck",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T20:13:26",
"content": "If I built something like this, I’d have to encase everything in resin. I’ve tried ‘make sure youre awake’ alarm clocks, and I usually end up throwing it until it breaks.Now embed everything in resin and it doesn’t matter what you do, it’d still keep working.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413218",
"author": "jcinacio",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T20:16:26",
"content": "Though this is interesting, playing video games in the morning when you’re already late for work is probably not the best idea.I actually have “issues” waking up at times, and was thinking about building an alarm clock without a built-in snooze or “off” button, but instead a wireless one i could leave somewhere around the house.This would force me to get up and walk, which i don’t usually do while sleeping.Also, i believe using a random alarm tone each day should improve its effectiveness quite a bit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413226",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T20:50:32",
"content": "cool…too bad i can play tetris in my sleep though lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413228",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T20:56:52",
"content": "Wow, this is averyclean build. Me likey…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413236",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:45:36",
"content": "You really want someone to be awake make a clock that gives them an electric shock when they hit snooze!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413280",
"author": "Roboguy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T01:24:02",
"content": "Holy crap, I thought of this a few months ago! I meant to have my laptop turn on at a certain time and start a game of tetris, progressively increasing the volume until I started playing.I discovered my laptop BIOS didn’t let me set a time to turn on at, and then was distracted by something else before I started looking into other ways…I have a bit of an attention span issue.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413295",
"author": "dravin21",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T03:15:14",
"content": "nice .. got a complecated mess that was based on the same idea lol at a set time my computer starts and begins playing what ever record i leave on the turntable … i have to get up and turn off the record player and shut down the tack that runs it ….. if i forget to shut down the task winamp starts with increaseing volume",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413301",
"author": "TOC",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T04:26:45",
"content": "Coming up next.. Automated Arduino Tetris player stops the alarm clock from waking you up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413330",
"author": "uzerzero",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T05:30:43",
"content": "It’s more of a habit, but when I was in school, I used to wake up to the wonderful “red alert” siren on my iPhone and fire up a game of solitaire to wake me up. ‘Course, I did sometimes fall asleep afterwards or in the middle of it and sometimes the alarm went off an hour late because my phone would switch over to CST since I live right on the CST/EST border. Still, I like this idea. Better than the bowling ball, bucket of water, and tilting bed alarm clocks I’ve seen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413334",
"author": "mi6x3m",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T06:37:19",
"content": "Jesus Christ, I have to PROVE to a MACHINE that I am awake?? Well let us just construct a clock that requires you to submit a formal proof of some linear algebra law or something, how would that be? I’m honestly afraid for our future… Because of projects such as this clock and Gimme, the begging robot (http://hackaday.com/2010/09/29/creepy-robot-really-wants-money/), I’m heavily depressed that machines are going to own our asses soon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413349",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T07:43:06",
"content": "Possibly the best idea ever. How many times have I said that on this site? :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413359",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T09:12:02",
"content": "@Timothy I enjoy a quick toss against the Wall in the morning! Especially when a computer is involved!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413374",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T10:41:48",
"content": "@mi6x3m: We make robots, so we control what they do. Maybe you’re reading too much sci-fi….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413400",
"author": "JamieWho",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T13:13:51",
"content": "Yeah, I had an app on my android phone that would also let you set an option to prove you are awake. The option was called “simple math” and it asked you to answer a math problem to prove you are awake.Unfortunately, the alarm was going off the whole time while it waited for my answer to a “simple” math problem. It was simple, in theory, just multiplication and addition. You know, 3 digit multiplication, and 4 digit addition to that, at 5:30am while I’m trying not to wake the rest of the house.Since I would rather not throw my phone into the wall, and it took too long to remove the battery (couldn’t even exit the program to kill it), I have since uninstalled that program.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "414136",
"author": "punkdigerati",
"timestamp": "2011-07-07T12:48:46",
"content": "Alarm Clock Plus has multiple levels of math difficulty as choices, including different levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. I generally snooze once and then once I hit snooze again I answer the problems while the alarm is off.",
"parent_id": "413400",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "413447",
"author": "D",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T18:06:19",
"content": "It would be awsome if the alarm sound is the tetris music!And what happends when you hit the top?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413500",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T21:24:00",
"content": "Great idea, as mentioned before it will not work for some people. For example today I made my bed, ate breakfast, took a shower, brushed my teeth, laid back on my bed and was out cold for 30 minuets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413635",
"author": "Steve P",
"timestamp": "2011-07-06T08:18:22",
"content": "I need two of these immovably mounted over an arm-span apart so that my wife and I both have to prove we’re awake, otherwise one of us will turn it off and the other will stay asleep.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "414151",
"author": "HHH",
"timestamp": "2011-07-07T13:09:40",
"content": "I use Alarm Clock Plus and I use math for snoozing. There is another nice option for turning off the alarm through shaking the phone really hard for 3 seconds. It managed to get me up for a while, but I eventually got used to it. It still forces me to open my eyes though, which is nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "434162",
"author": "Alien",
"timestamp": "2011-08-14T02:43:13",
"content": "Nice idea, but I am one of the heavy cases. I could beat this clock even twice.First by being on remote, just like Hans said. I once got woken up by a flat mate early at sunday because his computer broke and as a writer he needed it to finish an article. I got up, disassembled the damn thing, built in a spare grafics card and downloaded and installed the drivers. Then I went to bed, woke up again and actually thought my mate was kidding when he thanked me for repairing his rig.But I would not hear the alarm anyway. I once had to wake up absolutely positively and set my stereo up to wake me up with a Clawfinger-CD at maximum volume. And I actually overslept the whole CD.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.285971
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/04/cee-is-a-swiss-army-knife-for-analog-electronics/
|
CEE Is A Swiss Army Knife For Analog Electronics
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"analog measurement",
"bus pirate",
"cee",
"Horowitz is a god"
] |
The team at nonolith labs announced their
CEE
, a device for billed as, “an analog buspirate” that is meant to control, experiment, and explore the world of analog electronics. Nonolith labs started a
kickstarter campaign
for the CEE.
The CEE is capable of sub-millivolt and milliamp sampling at 44.1k samples/second, and sourcing 2 channels of 5V @ 2A with a little bit of soldering. This allows for precise control of motors and sensors with the web-based UI. We’re thinking this would be a great way to teach high schoolers the art of electronics, and would be great combined with a few lectures from Paul Horowitz.
The CEE ties into nonolith labs
Pixelpulse
, a pretty handy tool for visualizing analog and digital signals. You can check out a demo of Pixelpulse simulating a charging capacitor
here
.
We’re hoping this focus on education on analog electronics catches on – you can learn a lot more by building a
555-based mini Segway
than you can slapping a microcontroller in every project. This would go under the same theory as, “any idiot can count to one.”
Check out the video of the CEE
on the kickstarter campaign page
.
| 28
| 28
|
[
{
"comment_id": "413151",
"author": "polossatik",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:12:37",
"content": "“you can learn a lot more by building a 555-based mini Segway than you can slapping a microcontroller in every project. ”to bad the CEE has a 72MHz ARM Cortex M3 processor (LPC1343)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413154",
"author": "Bob D",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:31:58",
"content": "You know, I get all the bashing on microcontrollers, but I don’t share it. I never would have gotten into analog electronics if I hadn’t started with a microcontroller.Analog electronics takes a lot of study and work before you get any results at all. It’s as if you needed to study number theory for a week before you were allowed to add 2+2. Microcontrollers give results very very quickly.But if you want to do anything beyond blinky lights you really need to get into analog circuits. And since you know what the reward is, it’s much easier to stay motivated and make cool stuff. And then, at some point, you realize “You know what, I don’t think I need this microcontroller in here at all!” and it’s off to the analog races.So I get the hate. But knock it off, it’s the path some of us needed to take to get there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413156",
"author": "rasz",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:37:40",
"content": "so its a glorified USB sound card .. for $100",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413157",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:38:00",
"content": "72MHZ ARM and only sampling at 44khz !!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413160",
"author": "Ian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:51:14",
"content": "@rasz – There’s quite a bit of of supporting circuitry required to switch between setting voltage and measuring current and setting current and measuring voltage. Good opamps and microcontrollers with both decent analog frontends and USB aren’t cheap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413165",
"author": "jelengar",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:59:31",
"content": "-_-I’m not sure i’d call this a multitool or swiss army knife or even analog bus pirate. Bus pirate is great because it allows us to interface and debug different protocols and is extendible (custom protocols via bit-banging, etc…).This is nothing more than a cheap, bad oscilloscope/digital multimeter, with a computer controlled PSU (also very limited one).It would be much more usefull if this had at least a low frequency <1Mhz DDS with really good robust (if it's meant to survive in classroom) and digitally controlled analog frontend. And even it would be only mildly useful.The thing with analog electronics is that if you wan't to study it, you first have to go thru alot of theory. And after that comes experimentation, wich is also easier and more comfortable to do at your pc with some sort of spice simulation software…A good project for those who made it, but far from any sort of swiss-army knife…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413167",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T16:00:32",
"content": "http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132013&cm_re=192khz-_-29-132-013-_-Product– 2 input channels, 6 output channels, 192khz, 24bit, $50. Just add some opamps for output, dividers for input and you’re set.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413169",
"author": "jeicrash",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T16:05:51",
"content": "But it’s so pretty, gives me shiny object syndrome just looking at the pictures. I have no clue when it comes to these types of projects, on one hand from a beginner point of view it looks neat, but after doing some reading and research it does seam a little over priced. But who knows after they get the initial $6k maybe pricing will go down and more features added.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413170",
"author": "martin",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T16:06:41",
"content": "@tim: that’s 44 thousand samples per second.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413171",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T16:11:59",
"content": "No, thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413188",
"author": "Ken",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T18:01:01",
"content": "Best ‘scope ever. Gotta love that 20KiloHertz of analog bandwidth.What a piece of crap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413191",
"author": "JW",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T18:04:56",
"content": "Most scopes are 8b and can’t source voltage or current…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413199",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T18:59:39",
"content": "looks very pretty, nice smooth graphics etc., but i’m not convinced. at around £100 (!!) it seems overpriced. should be around £10, max, for what it does (basically serially sends a value every 44,000th of a second), i would buy one for that price. @tim is right, 72MHz ARM, seems like overkill for 44KHz sampling rate. Thats over a thousand cycles per sample (if my arithmetic is right!)i like python though, so i’m going to build my own using a couple of PICAXE chips and the pyserial module with matplotlib to plot nice graphics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413203",
"author": "ian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T19:05:49",
"content": "@twopartepoxyOur plotting software(Pixelpulse) is actually opensource. Check it out on github athttps://github.com/nonolith/pixelpulse. We have documentation for our api athttp://nonolithlabs.com/pixelpulse.Also, the CEE isn’t just an input device. It has quite a bit of opamp circuitry to also source / measure voltage and current. Beyond just measuring sensors, you can control circuits, power motors, and more.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413227",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T20:55:33",
"content": "Haters gonna hate. Looks sexy. Well done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413232",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:25:17",
"content": "@ianwhile I think what you have have done is great(don’t get me wrong) I just think its a little overpriced, but maybe I mis-read your page? I thought it looked something like £100, maybe you can tell me its going to be a lot less than that when it finally comes out? say $20-30 sounds interesting.respect for making your software open source.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413234",
"author": "o",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:31:56",
"content": "So I’m guessing that this is a bunch of high powered transistors wired up to what is essentially a soundcard.If it had more channels and used a 192khz audio chip I would buy it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413252",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T21:53:39",
"content": "And what is wrong with DSOne? Same cpu + open source + faster sampling.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413257",
"author": "ian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T22:18:04",
"content": "@twopartepoxy – Our design will cost less when it comes out in full production, as we scale, but not quite to the $30 range.@o – Our current design involves a precision high-power RRIO opamp(OPA567), a 12b ADC with a nice programmable gain amplifier, a 12b DAC with a configurable reference, and a Cortex m3 ARM chip. Most of the schematic is in the git repository linked from our main page.@Anonymous – The DSO only measures, doesn’t source.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413261",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T22:33:29",
"content": "@ Ianthanks for the info, it seems like it does more than I first thought. maybe $30 is a little on the cheap side after all.good luck with it all, hope to see it available soon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413262",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T22:38:09",
"content": "Not what I would call an analog swiss army knife. I thought it was a true field programmable analog array. This seems more like a USB sound card.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413277",
"author": "jeff",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T01:10:48",
"content": "it’s really nice and professional. 44khz cap breaks it IMO. Onboard FPSLIC and it’s pirateworthy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413343",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T07:21:23",
"content": "I agree none of the specs on this are particularly good. Many individuals would quickly outgrow it, and purchase or build more capable tools.But this is PERFECT for a classroom environment where you have a steady stream of individuals with a low experience level, that will be performing simple experiments which usually won’t require more than the capabilities of the CEE.After reading that this was inspired by a “source-measurement unit” the creator used at school, I looked up a few of these devices. The only one I was able to find a price listed for was $2,700!So while I (and others) are disappointed that this doesn’t personally excite us or fit *our* definition of an “analog swiss army knife”, it does economically fill a useful niche. Well done!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413351",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T07:45:40",
"content": "No serious enthusiast/professional would ever state that one learns any more by using 555s that MCUs and expect to be taken seriously. Yes, I’m looking at you, mr. Benchoff. One simply learns different kinds of things, and not much of either if one stops at blinky-light level driven by either a 555 or an MCU – tacking two resistors and a capacitor to a 555 is no more advanced than downloading an Arduino sketch, and neither analog balancing nor assembly stack management are for the faint of heart.Regarding the CEE – I happen to have serious doubts regarding the limits of its usefulness (and price), but I definitely don’t wish to stop anyone from putting it to good use if they can.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413352",
"author": "Jan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T07:47:10",
"content": "the ads1015 (the adc used in the CEE) is rated at 3.3 kilosamples per second. why do they talk about 44.1 kSps ?I like the idea behind the CEE. In my opinion it’s useful in education. Imagine how easy it is to build a semconductor curve tracer with it.BTW, a soundcard is in most cases not useable for dc work because of internal AC coupling. furthermore, audio data converters are not up to task in measurement applications, even if they have 24 bit resolution and high sample rates. there are more things to it than just these two parameters.Jan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413371",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T10:29:17",
"content": "another low-bandwidth analyzer for the collection. You’d think people would be trying for new things..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413408",
"author": "ian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T14:37:12",
"content": "@janThe 44kSps mode is at ten bits, as per the description on the kickstarter. The ADS1015 is useful for lower speed precision measurements.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413409",
"author": "ian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T14:39:49",
"content": "@janAlso, thanks for taking the time to explain some of the issues around the use of a soundcard! I incorporated those concepts into a FAQ on our kickstarter page, hopefully it will clear up some misconceptions.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.444715
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/07/03/bottle-rocket-pov-video/
|
Bottle Rocket POV Video
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"explosions",
"fireworks",
"video"
] |
It’s a holiday weekend, and much like you, we’re taking a bit of time to relax and kick back a few drinks while we mingle with friends and family. Obviously, one of the bigger events this weekend plays host to is the fireworks show put on by your city or your drunken neighbors.
Roman candle wars aside, have you ever wondered what the 4th of July looked like from the fireworks’ point of view? We did,
and so did [Jeremiah Warren]
, who put together an awesome video showing what really happens after you light the fuse and run away like a little girl.
The dizzying video was shot using a pair of key chain cameras that he strapped directly to the rockets before launching. It’s pretty entertaining, so be sure to check it out if you have a few minutes to spare.
This probably doesn’t quite fit the criteria to be considered a hack, but with explosions and the crazy point of view video, we had to pass it along.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUCbETKaIfs&w=470]
| 24
| 23
|
[
{
"comment_id": "412861",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T21:01:59",
"content": "Very cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412876",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T21:42:01",
"content": "“Hey Ma, lookie here, I’s a rocket scientist feller!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412881",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T21:52:38",
"content": "Fireworks are on July 14th, not 4th.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412886",
"author": "kade",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T22:15:49",
"content": "Makes me dizzy and sick to watch",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412893",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T22:40:58",
"content": "Did he just tape the camera on or did he strip it down and make it aerodynamic?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412918",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T23:09:35",
"content": "@Oliver: Nobody likes the French. Not even the French.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412927",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T23:46:48",
"content": "first thought; tough cameras.Second thought; something you really wouldn’t want to do if your licensed to operate fireworks displays. Might be a problem for you, if an errant rocket with a camera mounted on it caused a problem for someone else.Third thought; that sounded like Zippo lighter.Fourth though; it is a Zippo,the camera caught it.Finally a fun video. Why would strapping a camera to a rocket that didn’t come with a camera not be a hack? Don’t let”not a hack” turds have you questioning what you offer for us to see, more than you need to be",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412929",
"author": "Maxwell Smart",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T23:50:41",
"content": "Ok, I’ll bite, where, exactly, is the POV component of this item?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412930",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T23:54:41",
"content": "Please replace your with you’re grammar/spelling coppers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412937",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T00:26:14",
"content": "@Maxwell, POV used here is short for “Point of View” rather than persistence of vision, which is what I assume you expected.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412945",
"author": "ferdie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T00:56:05",
"content": "fireworks must be set on fire with a sigaret or special big slow burning lont not a zippobut the idee is cool",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "412972",
"author": "mikew",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T02:15:38",
"content": "Its blasphemy not to use a cigarette to ignite.",
"parent_id": "412945",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "412976",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T02:24:12",
"content": "you mean blunt?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412986",
"author": "dbear",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T03:10:31",
"content": "What! No Arduino?(just kidding – really cool hack!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413006",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T04:17:01",
"content": "I didn’t realize how tough those keychain cameras were!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413027",
"author": "FIRESTORM_v1",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T05:15:45",
"content": "Any idea as to what kind of camera they used for this video?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413032",
"author": "vonskippy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T05:51:32",
"content": "I think it was one of these…http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTM7eMGesBK05IXV94wJZS4Yowmz9NOYWr7UYIFGNfoTUhcu_KqzA",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413051",
"author": "rollie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T07:15:23",
"content": "“first thought; tough cameras.”The impulse of those firework engines is pretty small. Strapping a couple extra ounces on them pretty much cuts the acceleration down a whole lot. Surviving the acceleration of one of the bigger model-rocket engines would be a tougher test.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413060",
"author": "hans",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T08:01:08",
"content": "Here’s an idea: start a second comment section for each article where readers can discuss wether or not it is a hack. Personally, I’m just sick of those pedantic comments made by some retarded 10 year olds. It has even come to the point where HaD starts apologising up front. Come on man!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413082",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T09:34:38",
"content": "Happy independence day Europe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413097",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T10:38:38",
"content": "niiiice!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413118",
"author": "Britain",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T12:07:02",
"content": "Nice Hack! Never figured the flight time would be so short; must be small rockets (and a tiny camera).And…Wooh!It’s the day we celebrate not being responsible for the US’s actions any more!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413132",
"author": "liebesiech",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T13:11:45",
"content": "After watching the video I’m feeling sick!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413155",
"author": "c3p",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:34:10",
"content": "@vonskippy: well played.@hans: so true!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.101376
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/30/diy-servo-activated-door-lock-with-capacitive-touch-keypad/
|
DIY Servo Activated Door Lock With Capacitive Touch Keypad
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"Security Hacks"
] |
[
"capacitive touch",
"door",
"home",
"lock",
"pic",
"servo"
] |
Since he was a kid [Giorgos Lazaridis] has always loved the idea of having an electronic door locking mechanism, and now that he has the means,
he’s decided to construct one for securing the door to his apartment
. He calls the project “simple and cheap”, though we’re not sure about the first part. Taking a look at his very detailed build log, you can see that he has invested quite a bit of time and effort into this impressive project.
Buying an off the shelf product was expensive and not a whole lot of fun, so [Giorgos] disassembled his door’s locking mechanism to see how he might be able to actuate the lock electronically himself. With minimal modifications to the lock, he was able to add a servo which reliably opens the it when triggered.
With the mechanical portion of the project out of the way, he spent a great deal of time working on the door’s electronic components, including the PIC-based controller and capacitive keypad. The keypad proved to be a bit of a problem, but
after a few revisions
he found a design that was both reliable and pleasing to the eye.
The locking mechanism works pretty well, as you can see in the video below, and [Giorgos] is quite pleased with the results.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LPV2R9lLlY&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411854",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T18:09:18",
"content": "Personally I secure my doors to my apartment using hinges.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411870",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:21:50",
"content": "Nice :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411872",
"author": "Daniel Watson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:23:38",
"content": "Good idea. Shame the servo actuated lock must have the key in it to work just a simple case of smashing away the mechanism and turning if you want to unsecure his apartment",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411875",
"author": "Daniel Watson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:28:40",
"content": "Sorry I get so easily confused no key whatsoever just a good idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411878",
"author": "raged",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:36:10",
"content": "*golfclap*",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411899",
"author": "Retroplayer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T22:00:14",
"content": "Hmm, I purchased all the parts to install an RFID/keypad lock with a “fail-safe” (meaning if power goes out AND the battery backup fails, the door will unlock) solenoid catch and battery backup for like $50 total on ebay.But I definitely respect the DIY approach, just probably not really cheaper. Maybe I’m not much of a hacker spirit, but if it is more expensive and more difficult/time consuming, I just go off-the-shelf and save my projects for things that save me money and time.Now, if that door is a mortise style lock, then yeah, that it is way more expensive unless you install a deadbolt.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411964",
"author": "Medox",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T01:27:07",
"content": "very nice but that white thingy kinda ruins it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411994",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T03:42:10",
"content": "neat. my apartment building has electric locks. they seem very unsecure. but i suppose the cardboard filled 1/8inch plywood doors dont exactly require a great lock. thats why im glad i live in a Castle state",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412044",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T05:48:51",
"content": "Neat, I guess. When I was a kid, I too dreamed of having an electronic lock for my door.Now that I’m all grown up, I’ve installed a self-contained Schlage unit that does just that. It wasn’t particularly expensive, and it runs on batteries for a year or two of several-times-a-day use, and it accepts an old-fashioned key in case it doesn’t work for some reason.It’s also directly exposed to the weather, and has shown no signs of rot after a few Ohio winters. And the rubber keypad works fine with gloves on, or when glazed in ice. And it looks like it belongs there.Hacks are cool when they’re novel or unique, but this is neither. Electronic locks are old hat. Combing a capacitance-sensing keypad with an electronic lock is just a solution looking for a problem, and the problem doesn’t seem to exist.What’s next: Build your own 10-digit solar-powered electronic calculator, “simple and cheap”?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412077",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T07:57:28",
"content": "darn flamers… nice hack there, the white strip is really ugly and doesn’t fit the appearance, but all in all very well done.Of course it could have been bought instead of hacked together, but now he knows how to construct an electronic doorlock. Another thing learned. For me, that’s what hacking is half about. Half saving money and doing cool stuff, the other half learning how things work inside.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412091",
"author": "ctrlxandctrlv",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T10:13:02",
"content": "@cutandpaste i bet you’ve never solve a problem efficiently in your life. Otherwise, you would not talk about the Ohio weather, would you? What if someone makes a DIY Mars Rover and send it to Mars? It is not novel neither unique. I think the problem with you is that your sight is limited to the 25 inches required to watch a youtube video.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412096",
"author": "twiggy",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T10:34:21",
"content": "It occurs to me that number keypads should use LCD screens or similar to display the numbers in a random order each time you use them. That way it would be much harder for someone to watch the numbers you typed or check where the greasy finger marks are to get the likely numbers",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1207389",
"author": "Nasisme",
"timestamp": "2014-02-18T16:27:52",
"content": "Cool are u sharing those codes?? Bdw r u using MPLAB to encode?? Pic files??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.223424
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/30/google-android-adk-bluetooth-wireless-communications/
|
Google Android ADK Bluetooth Wireless Communications
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Android Hacks",
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"android",
"arduino",
"bluetooth",
"google APK",
"wireless"
] |
Once the Google ADK was announced, the team over at [ElectFreaks] jumped right in and started experimenting to see what they could do with the new Arduino/Android interface. While the ADK was great for allowing the two devices to interact over a USB connection, they felt that the system would be far better if
it allowed for wireless communications instead
.
They added a Bluetooth Bee to their Arduino setup and got busy writing an Android application that uses the handset’s built in Bluetooth module to communicate using the ADK. The application configures your phone to act as either a client or server when pairing. This does not affect data flow, as communications are bi-directional, it merely decides which device is placed in discoverable mode.
As you can see in
the second part of their post
, once the phone and Arduino are connected, it is quite easy to send serial data back and forth between the two devices.
As of right now, their Bluetooth API is in Beta, so things might still be a bit rough around the edges. They do encourage anyone to download and modify the code, which is freely available on their site.
| 6
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411822",
"author": "Dj",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:50:45",
"content": "Now if only we had slave mode.As it stands right now most of the popular broadcom chips wont do slave mode. So adhocing BT on a android isn’t possible",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411855",
"author": "spiralbrain",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T18:10:02",
"content": "Exactly what I’ve been looking for!just got the delivery of a super cheap bluetooth serial module from Dealextremehttp://www.dealextreme.com/p/wireless-bluetooth-rs232-ttl-transceiver-module-80711",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411893",
"author": "IAm",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T21:37:34",
"content": "I did the same in school this year (as an extra) for a balancing robot:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au12ztpKp-4Was driver by bluetooth using BTM222 and android phone. Someone was going to make iPhone app but apparently you need to pay apple a shitload of money to use bluetooth from your app.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411959",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T01:04:08",
"content": "There’s a very simple way to do this on android 1.5 and above, just get my robotsanywhere app for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411960",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T01:04:47",
"content": "It’s free and opensource but I’m only giving the source code out by email right now because my svn server is down.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412202",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T17:49:18",
"content": "Bluetooth terminals can be useful as well… There are many on the android market.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.375553
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/30/gigantic-555-footstool/
|
Gigantic 555 Footstool
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"cnc hacks",
"home hacks"
] |
[
"555",
"footstool",
"this is why we need a laser cutter"
] |
The team at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories needed a footstool. Obviously not content with
buying
one, they came across the idea of building a
555 footstool
.
After finding some dimension drawings of the
555 timer IC
, the team scaled everything up 30 times. While a normal DIP-8 555 is around 0.4 inches long, the footstool is over a foot long and eight inches high. The stool was cut on a CNC mill out of 1/2″ plywood, glued together, and finally panted with the correct date code and the logo of Evil Mad Scientist Labs. The finished product is amazing. We’ve been looking for a nice table, and the idea of an 8 foot long wooden
64-pin Motorola 68000
is pretty appealing.
While there’s no electronics in the footstool, it’s not hard to imagine fabricating some aluminum pins and a hollow body so a huge, functional 555 could be built. It would be possible to use discreet components following the
block diagram
of the 555 to build a huge
Atari Punk Console
; the
gigantic capacitors
are fairly easy to build in any event.
| 38
| 33
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411771",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:33:20",
"content": "Ha, I love it!Regarding a scaled up *functional* version. The original 555’s output driver can source/sink 200ma. When it switches, both source and sink transistors are momentarily active; resulting in a 200ma shoot-through.So when Brian suggested scaled-up electronics, I couldn’t help but imagine the incredibly nasty spikes it would cause if the output current were also scaled up proportionately. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3229765",
"author": "Martin",
"timestamp": "2016-10-13T11:19:06",
"content": "I estimate a scale factor of about 30. This gives an output capability of 6A and 450V :-) It could switch a big heater or air conditioner.",
"parent_id": "411771",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3229791",
"author": "RW",
"timestamp": "2016-10-13T11:57:29",
"content": "The csa of the conductors goes up by the square, so shouldn’t the current handling increase by square also?",
"parent_id": "3229765",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411774",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:54:14",
"content": "Djeez, why can’t I think of cool things like this. :p Looks great!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411777",
"author": "sS",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:21:58",
"content": "Great job and very well done! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411778",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:22:33",
"content": "Where would YOUR legs go if you scaled up a 64 pin motorola 68000?Nice though, i could see a whole range of furniture based on this concept.How about capacitor coffee tables?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411781",
"author": "afreeland",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:35:47",
"content": "Well…I think I have found my next project =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411783",
"author": "pahosler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:39:43",
"content": "@Grovenstien this is HaD, it would have to be Arduino coffee tables… LOL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411785",
"author": "password",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:44:35",
"content": "make it switch a 10a 555 would work nicly",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411786",
"author": "password",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:49:37",
"content": "what about a gigantic cdrom for a flat screen TV, push a button and the rom oppens showing your TV",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411816",
"author": "medix",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:31:25",
"content": "I’d be more impressed if it was functional, but with 30x the capacity of the original chip. ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411817",
"author": "berslan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:36:40",
"content": "You could furnish a super geek living room with this concept. Resistor couch pillows, Xtall coffee tables or bars (tall ones) come to mind.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411818",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:42:24",
"content": "That is awesome!! I also though making it functional would be fun too- and entertainingly educational. Embed a real 555 inside it, and lead out to the feet…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6408575",
"author": "The Commenter Formerly Known As Ren",
"timestamp": "2021-12-20T22:09:35",
"content": "Well, it took a few years….https://hackaday.com/2021/12/20/all-hail-your-new-giant-555-timer-overlord/B^)",
"parent_id": "411818",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411820",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:45:11",
"content": "@pahosler to true! Giant TRI colour LED floor lamp!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411821",
"author": "bob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:49:25",
"content": "pant/paint",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411827",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T16:21:21",
"content": "foot stool, why does stepping into dog droppings come to my mind?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411829",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T16:25:49",
"content": "“what about a gigantic cdrom for a flat screen TV, push a button and the rom oppens showing your TV”Better yet, make it look like a Nokia screen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411836",
"author": "GOTHMOG",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T16:42:01",
"content": "Loving it.. I know now why they have “mad” in their name…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411848",
"author": "Roman Dulgarov",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T17:51:08",
"content": "Where is a good source of small mercury arc rectifiers? I would love to make a couple of them into a wall or soemthing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411853",
"author": "Torque",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T18:09:17",
"content": "Next on HaD, breadboard living room floors… Very cool",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411857",
"author": "Volectorus",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T18:18:15",
"content": "WANT!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411858",
"author": "Mihail121",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T18:26:06",
"content": "OH MY GAWD, I SO DESPERATELY WANT ONE, PLEASE SHIP ME ONE RIGHT NOW!!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411871",
"author": "saimhe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:22:14",
"content": "An ideal consolation prize in the “Artistic” category of the 555 Design Contest. :p",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411892",
"author": "bdsmith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T21:18:14",
"content": "If you want to add a working 555 circuit inside it, how about making it even more retro by making a 555 circuit out of tubes? It’s the right size to hold the tube components….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6408591",
"author": "YGDES",
"timestamp": "2021-12-20T22:57:56",
"content": "A bit of patience and it happened :-Dhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDjzL_fKQDE",
"parent_id": "411892",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411905",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T22:14:10",
"content": "The next step is so obvious, octobot!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411909",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T22:31:43",
"content": "Wikipedia says that there are more than a billion 555’s manufactured every year (and I have no reason to doubt it), that’s such a staggering number when you think about it.One word of criticism on this project though, I don’t think the thickness of the legs are to scale at all, but it’s not a big distraction and would require steel legs to be correct and maintain stability and somehow it looks OK as it is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411948",
"author": "Steve B",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T00:27:33",
"content": "I’m pretty sure the lead inductance would go through the roof if you tried to build an actual functional IC at that size.But since it’s just for fun, I suppose it doesn’t matter that much.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412023",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T04:57:20",
"content": "“It would be possible to use discreet components following”The world you’re looking for is _discrete_",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3229772",
"author": "Martin",
"timestamp": "2016-10-13T11:23:41",
"content": "I hate spelling comments! They just distract me from reading. I just overlook the mistake in the posting. But With such a useless spelling posting I mostly “have” to go back and look what is meant.Especially useless, if it contains mistakes itself. Like “world” vs. “word”.",
"parent_id": "412023",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "412024",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T04:57:45",
"content": "Talk about hoisted by my own petard",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412043",
"author": "Tony",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T05:44:37",
"content": "Yah, typical grammar Nazi fail. It’s a web forum post so a minor typo is ok.Lack of periods at the end of sentences are grounds for a flogging though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412076",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T07:56:32",
"content": "That is so cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412209",
"author": "Tony",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T18:11:46",
"content": "I occurred to me that if you made it hollow with a slot at the front, you could use it as a mailbox. Your neighbours may think it odd, but whatever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412356",
"author": "elias",
"timestamp": "2011-07-02T05:56:25",
"content": "Omg that carpet is just perfect to print/paint a pcb over it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412600",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T01:52:00",
"content": "That thing looks like it’s way heavier than it needs to be. An electron tube version of a 555 timer inside wouldn’t be a bad idea for Winter comes around, and a space heater for the room is desired. I’d definitely would buy a cutting pattern for this if they would make one available. I’d hollow it out and build a poor man’s version of the Eden Pure room heater inside.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3806292",
"author": "Unferium",
"timestamp": "2017-07-27T19:44:17",
"content": "Hello brian….Nice writeup about your other site that in the future you’re going to try and redirect traffic to….Oh, wait time machines don’t exist yet…. Oh well lets delay this comment until the end of July 2017….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.174291
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/30/alternative-phone-charging-devices/
|
Alternative Phone Charging Devices
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"bicycle",
"charger",
"fire",
"generator",
"mobile phone"
] |
We’ve all heard of solar cells that charge your devices, or the odd flashlight that charges when you shake it, but
this style charger
should be new to almost everyone. This “pan charger” is reportedly capable of charging a cell phone or other mobile device using a USB connection in 3 to 5 hours. It also has a built-in radio and lantern. This should be a great tool for surviving a zombie apocalypse or if you simply live in a region without readily available power.
A
second charger
, currently being used in Africa, is an adaptation of a small generator hooked up to a bicycle. As this form of transportation is quite common in developing nations, this simple idea definitely shows promise. Check out the video of the bike cell phone charger after the break.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p20hxRVj5c&w=470&h=349%5D
via
[labnol.org]
| 32
| 31
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411756",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T11:56:06",
"content": "A correction. The pan charger doesn’t have a built-in radio/lantern. These are only examples given of USB-powered devices which could be attached.It’s a good idea. Though after reading, here’s my questions:1) I’m not sure it’s actually in production. The photos strike me as prototype/mock-up to attract interest.2) It’s not clear what the efficiency of this “oxide-based” thermoelectric device of theirs is relative to the common bismuth telluride ones. I’m guessing it’s less. Their version claims a higher operating temperature range, but is it really necessary for this app, or are they pushing it just because it’s their baby?Building your own pan charger that works with off-the-shelf bismuth telluride thermoelectric modules would be a *great* hack.Can’t wait until we see the next big advance in thermoelectric conversion with higher efficiency. I was watching Cool Chips (www.coolchips.gi) for a while, their thermionic converter seemed to have a lot of promise; but sadly they haven’t posted any progress in years.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "856389",
"author": "Paganwarrior",
"timestamp": "2012-11-05T04:35:56",
"content": "This is not Product a Day, It is Hack a Day. If it was in production, you would think you would see it in an advert.",
"parent_id": "411756",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411759",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T11:58:10",
"content": "I love how doing things we have been doing HERE For decades, but in africa is suddenly innovative and genius…Guess what, a lot of bicyclists were charging phones and other items like that 20 years ago here. It just means that africa is 20-60 years behind everyone else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411763",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:05:40",
"content": "No schematics or anything for the pan charger? That’s a crock. All they have is pictures of it over a fire and some pictures of the thermoelectric module. That’s crap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411764",
"author": "Thisupend",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:08:05",
"content": "I did something about the same as the bike charger for my old nokia brick, but i was messing around because i had no power for two weeks after the hurracanes in 2004 and did not have any cash for a generator",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411766",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:25:06",
"content": "@ChrisI was looking at this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl_AvKkCFQk) the other day which is a video of a guy who’s built the same thing out of off the shelf Peltier coolers and a couple of old frying pans. Gets about 4V from 4 peltiers which isn’t too bad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411767",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:25:31",
"content": "Don’t get what is novel about the first one. I have something almost identical I made years ago with a couple of commercial peltier cells and a pair of CPU heatsinks, and I’m sure I’ve seen others on the net. Only difference is mine is aircooled and self-powers a CPU fan to cool the cold side. It still gets too hot to touch after a while but makes plenty of power to charge a phone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411770",
"author": "Hosky",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:29:10",
"content": "It seems like you could make a steam powered generator and also capture the steam for potable water.The trick would be making the apparatus portable and easy to assemble.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411772",
"author": "Cyk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:34:16",
"content": "Nothing new.This pots with integrated thermal generator are on the market since many years. Also thermoelectic generators that you can place directly in a campfire.http://thermalforce.de/img/product/module/big/m3002.jpgAnd Lamp radios:http://www.pelam.de/product_info.php?cPath=28_109&products_id=530The lamp radio uses the generator TEG 097-300-33(datasheet here:http://thermalforce.de/de/product/thermogenerator/097-300-33.pdf)And even this is a very old technology:http://thisbluemarble.com/showthread.php?t=35990There are also other gadgets available, like thermoelectric torches:http://thermalforce.de/img/product/module/big/m102.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411773",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:53:18",
"content": "@Nes: Boiling water means you don’t need to waste any power running a fan to cool the cold side. And as long as you keep water in it, the cold side is always limited to 212°F max, regardless of how hot the hot side gets; unlike forced-air cooling. It may not be terribly novel, but how many times have you actually seen it done this way?@Hosky: A steam generator would be more efficient; but also more bulky, heavy, expensive, and prone to mechanical failure. Steam capture is a good idea though, and could be added to this; providing both some electricity and potable water.Thisupend: Was in the same situation for Hurricane Gustav. I wired 8x D cells in series, making 12V which I ran through my cell phone’s car charger to charge the phone. (My car’s lighter port wasn’t working at the time.) Worked great, but unfortunately cell service went out a day later; I guess the batteries in the towers died.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411784",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T13:41:19",
"content": "@Chris: Ahh I see! That is quite novel.Rather than an open pan it would be nice to see this built into something like a Kelly kettle, where a water jacket forms a chimney and thus captures the heat a bit more efficiently.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_kettle",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411790",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T14:06:24",
"content": "@fartface You must be really proud of yourself now. What a moron..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411807",
"author": "JS",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T14:51:58",
"content": "Very, but very bad idea.Africa does not need another reason for burning wood. In some places the primary (only…) source of heat for cooking is coal, that comes from wood that has to be cut somewhere, deflorestation causes erosion that leads the reduction of the area of the fields where agriculture is possible.See what already happened in Haiti and is happening in others places right now.If it run on solar power or methane, fine. Wood is bad idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411811",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:12:49",
"content": "I vote for the rock and string charger. All you need is a cliff. Tie the string around the rock and throw it over the cliff. The other end is hooked to a generator and there you go. As long as you have string and rocks you have power.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411812",
"author": "lasershark",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:13:55",
"content": "@fartface – you may be interested in the work of hans rosling. check out the ted lectures.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411813",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:15:28",
"content": "But to be serious something like this could be used on say motor scooters. Just clamp it to the exhaust header.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411824",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:53:34",
"content": "@JS “source of heat for cooking is coal, that comes from wood…deflorestation causes erosion that leads the reduction of the area of the fields where agriculture is possible….Wood is bad idea.”No, no, and no. Coal is a fossil fuel, unless you use the medieval definition. CHARCOAL comes from wood, and other dense plant products. Agriculture causes a LOT of erosion (though deforestation without replacing trees does contribute to desertification) and wood is a very renewable resource.Communities that rely upon wood fuel could use similar techniques to those in medieval Europe, where wood was actually grown and harvested as a crop (coppicing) which would regrow every 5-10 years.There’s a tree I’ve found in California that I believe to be an Austrailian native, I took a thin branch the size of a pencil for a plant stake. The plant died…but the stick grew! Two years later, it was a tree as thick as my leg and 8-10 feet tall. I took a few branches from that tree and planted them when we moved. That tree is now over 12 feet tall and shades the house quite nicely, though we had to move from there about six years ago. There are many species that propagate just as easily, and grow as quickly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411831",
"author": "JS",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T16:36:01",
"content": "@andar_bI meant coal as in burned wood not fossil coal. (not a native speaker so I have some flaws)And there are places as I found out in National Geographic articles (about africa) where wood is not a crop, is stolen from the florest and replanting is not a priority (add that to wood smuggling).Thats why my comment was written like that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411861",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T18:50:48",
"content": "voted most likely to go undocumented+patented+over-priced in 2011..I’m sure I don’t know what I’m talking bout though…again",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411880",
"author": "Isotope",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:40:04",
"content": "is anyone else sad to see that the bike charger uses a linear regulator? :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411911",
"author": "1000100 1000001 1010110 1000101",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T22:40:35",
"content": "…until you burn the cord.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411913",
"author": "Kris Lee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T22:51:38",
"content": "@fartfaceSometimes I feel that some part of the planet is not only some decades but some centuries in the different time zone.Did you know that there are people living out there that do an open fire in the house to cook food? I mean fire without chimney. How many centuries back in time is this?And then there are again people who think that some out of the sky high tech solution is will solve problems of these people.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411919",
"author": "Kris Lee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T23:18:58",
"content": "@fartfaceI like to add one more thing. Actually two. Mortar and glass making. These are two technologies that you probably will miss the most when not counting the Internet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411953",
"author": "akhils",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T00:34:47",
"content": "nic",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411983",
"author": "AussieTech",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T03:14:55",
"content": "The Australian magazine “Radio, TV & Hobbies” featured a ‘Reader Built It’ item in the 1960’s consisting of a stack of homebrew thermocouples on a small kero lamp running an early transistor radio.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412050",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T06:19:50",
"content": "Weird.For about $17, at Lowe’s of all places, I picked up a solar panel. I intended to use it to help keep the 12V battery up on a seldom-driven vehicle.The other day, I got to playing with it. I connected it to a car charger for my Droid with the clips that came with the panel, and put the panel in the sun.It provided enough voltage at whatever current the phone draws to keep things quite happy, which (in my experience with this phone and charger) means that the phone will fully recharge in an hour or so.Now, as far as I know, the sun still rises every day, even in Africa, and it’s easier to gather sunlight than firewood.I don’t know how well the arrangement works on a cloudy day because I haven’t tested it. But it seems like a no-brainer to put two such solar panels in series: The panels are intended to charge a 12V battery, and the phone charger is intended to run from a vehicle with either a 12V or 24V system so it’d remain happy if the sun did peek out.Or, since the panel in question has a built-in diode, there can be no harm in running multiple panels in parallel for a cloudy day.Or, to save money on photovoltaics (at the expense of simplicity): Capacitor switching to increase voltage while reducing duty cycle. Less light == slower charge, but slower charge == better than none.How much does this wood-burning phone charger cost, again? More than, or less than $34?On the other hand: Photovoltaics don’t have a side benefit of providing warmth or boiling water, but also don’t require a constant influx of trees.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412109",
"author": "Limey",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T11:36:00",
"content": "Glad it wasn’t just another try at a thermoelectric generator using those peltier devices. THey almost never seem to work reliably but this seems to be different (thankfully) so not instantly turned away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412135",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T14:14:57",
"content": "@Tom: Just spotted the video link. Thanks for that. I should have guessed Green Power Science had already done a DIY version!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412214",
"author": "Icarus",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T18:29:53",
"content": "@cutandpastemaybe so but photovoltaic panels requires materials that are hard to makeyou can easily make a dynamo from scrap metal thoughtbut yes… I guess there ain’t much rainy days there@Isotopeyeah…good ol’ 7805better that than burning your phonebut don’t you think a step down would be overkill?I doubt they need more efficient chips… on a bike with a shaky dynamo",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412589",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T01:06:38",
"content": "Dan Rojas’ experiment came to mind when I seen the thermoelectric unit. Respectfully Rob if you need a schematic for that, you may consider taking any night course that may be available to you. Decent Peltier devices(for use a power generation) are still too expensive. Bike dynamos, small PV, wind will bring the light to 3rd world countries, particularity those in rural area. I hadn’t read much on the wind belt lately. IMO that has the most to offer in regards to pico-power, by using minimal local salvage resources. No need to be sad that a linear voltage regulator is use. When a bike, is #2 to walking for transportation ,inefficiencies aren’t going to be noticed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "422922",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-07-26T03:25:43",
"content": "Hello!Does anyone know of any DIY plans to build a magnetic charger for my cell phone, powered by my bicycle? I plan to do many long bicycle rides, using my smart phone as my GPS and cyclometer.It seems that there should be some way to create a magnetic charging device that provides frictionless power. I dont want to use one of those cheap friction-wheeled dynamos. A solar panel would be good only in sunlight.Any help will be appreciated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2446712",
"author": "Iam Qlue",
"timestamp": "2015-02-20T12:02:32",
"content": "Yeah there’s a hundred bicycles in Amsterdam alone for every one bicycle in Africa. We use mini-bus taxis and SUVs here! :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.522249
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/29/a-doorbell-loud-enough-to-wake-the-dead/
|
A Doorbell Loud Enough To Wake The Dead
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"diy",
"doorbell",
"pic"
] |
[Ed Nauman] runs a machine shop, which we imagine can be quite loud at times. Sick of never hearing the doorbell when he was busy working on things, he decided that the solution to his problem was a new doorbell…
an incredibly loud doorbell
.
His Really Loud Doorbell (RLD for short) is actually a pretty simple device. We imagine he could have wired up an old alarm bell instead, but where’s the fun in that? The doorbell was built using a PIC16F876 uC, which is used to control the air flow through a pneumatic valve. When someone rings his doorbell, the pneumatic actuator pulses up and down, rapidly striking a piece of 1/4” thick steel pipe. As you can see in the video below, it is quite loud and likely to cut through any shop noise without much trouble.
We have seen some
extremely loud doorbells before
, but we figured that at least a handful of you work in similar environments – have you implemented any inventive ‘notification’ systems in your workspace? Let us know in the comments.
[via
Adafruit Blog
]
[brightcove vid=1020983766001&exp3=991410168001&surl=http://c.brightcove.com/services&pubid=1568176135&pk=AQ~~,AAAAAETaO0s~,cVbOypIs9tHUVW57d5nJxZGxNa9O_LLK&w=470&h=412]
| 43
| 42
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411568",
"author": "Beakmyn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:05:22",
"content": "Hmm, I just hooked a couple Hella Horns up to a relay, 12 volt supply and my doorbell. Made for a great Halloween! I could hear a block away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411569",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:05:32",
"content": "Is this headline proven? lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411572",
"author": "lolcakes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:14:24",
"content": "how about just a strobe light?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411573",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:16:03",
"content": "Most deaf people just use a flashing light. I don’t see why making a louder doorbell is the optimum solution. What happens when machines and hearing protection are off? Then you get notification of a visitor and hearing damage. Just get a strobe light and fix the issue – no custom work required.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411575",
"author": "Klous",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:20:37",
"content": "I think I would have used a light instead. Something bright enough to be seen by reflection so as to not even require looking at it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411576",
"author": "Devin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:24:26",
"content": "+1 to Hackerspacer’s comment. I have a friend that runs a (fairly noisy) plastics shop and he has his phone hooked up to a pair of strobe flashers at either end of the shop. I can’t imagine it’d be too much work to set up something similar for a doorbell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411579",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:28:20",
"content": "Sounds like a woodpecker attacking an oil barrel!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411581",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:30:31",
"content": "wake the dead, then make them pee, I love this, beats my klaxon doorbell to bits",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411586",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:45:17",
"content": "All the cool kids play “ding dong ditch” at Ed’s shop.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411587",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:46:36",
"content": "Hard to judge from a video. My guess that the old outdoor telephone ringers would do a better job. The only time this thing actually rings is when the striker stop beating the hell out of of the pipe. Perhaps changing the program to add a delay between the strikes could improve it. The triangle bells constructed from a rod work well, because a delay between strikes is built in, doesn’t manner how fast a maniac ringer spins the striker there’s always going to be that delay.IMO of course.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411593",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T22:25:02",
"content": "Use light instead of sound and get away without hearing damage",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411597",
"author": "quincymd",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T22:34:38",
"content": "I can’t hear the doorbell where i am in the house and I didn’t want a light adding to more blinky flashy things in the room or just a bell. So I modified a air-wick iMotion air freshener to dispense only when the bell goes. The freshener disperses really quickly all over the room.Now when the doorbell goes, I get a unique air fresher smell dispensed into the room which I know means there’s somebody a ringin’. Also if i’ve got my eyes closed listening to music or am looking in any direction in the room I still know I’ve a caller.Why not use all your senses, eh?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411598",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T22:38:26",
"content": "quincymd: Now *that’s* an idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411602",
"author": "Cybergibbons",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T22:54:34",
"content": "We use these on ships:http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybergibbons/267693868/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411604",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:01:09",
"content": "What’s the deadman alarm mean?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "411614",
"author": "Skeptic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:34:45",
"content": "@Hackerspacer: Beware of zombies?",
"parent_id": "411604",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411610",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:12:29",
"content": "@Quincymd: That’s a really cool idea!Too bad it wouldn’t work for me. The UPS guy rings the bell and runs out of here like the White Rabbit from Wonderland, and I barely manage to catch him and get my packages before he drives off. Any extra delay for the *smell* of the door, and he’d be gone.Whereas people I don’t want to talk to are generally more persistent, and I don’t want to be gassed out of bed by members of every Saturday morning.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411612",
"author": "joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:27:51",
"content": "need to one for my son’s alarm clock.debating lacing bed with wire and connecting to fence charger too!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411613",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:28:41",
"content": "UPS here often just opens the door and tosses the package inside, without even bothering to ring the bell. Heck, lately, the only people who actually ring the doorbell are thieves looking for a handout while casing the joint.I’m all for a flashing light, though. Especially one rigged to a PIR or similar sensor so they don’t even have to ring the doorbell – a person’s mere presence on the doorstep is announced. Heck, I picked up a cheap doppler radar module on eBay a while back; if I ever figure out how to make sense of its output (datasheet is very, very lacking) that could be a useful application for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411616",
"author": "Limey",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:47:38",
"content": "@Hackerspacer I wondered this aswell, and after some googling it seems to be an automatic alarm that sounds if the Bridge of the ship goes unattended for a period of time likely indicating an incident of some sort. Although I’m probably wrong so feel free to point out of im wrong haha.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411622",
"author": "Trey",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T00:37:38",
"content": "so good,but if the doorbell is ringing every hour,what will do it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411631",
"author": "Punkguyta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T01:08:11",
"content": "@Hackerspacer & Skeptic & Limey:The deadman alarm, is IN-FACT, an alarm to notify of unattended controls, as follows:“Our navigator safety system or “dead man alarm” is designed to monitor bridge activity and alert the master or other qualified navigators if the bridge becomes unattended. The system first alerts the officer of the watch through local alarm indication at the bridge unit and, if he is not responding, then alerts the master or other qualified officer”http://www.km.kongsberg.com/ks/web/nokbg0240.nsf/AllWeb/A4F43087109912E3C12575600051991B?OpenDocument",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411644",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T01:49:39",
"content": "put a microphone in it and make it only function when there is loud sounds, or else it triggers the normal doorbell",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411645",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T01:50:31",
"content": "You guys must really like headaches (and going deaf).Sane persons solution:relayStrobe lightsimple circuit to get the relay to stay closed for say 20 seconds with a push of the doorbell.If your ears are still ringing after your guest has left then your probably going about it all wrong. Your sense of hearing is already overloaded to an extreme use a different sense.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411654",
"author": "GeekyGeek2",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:38:16",
"content": "I just set up my doorbell through an x-10 calling system so it would call my cellphone, which is set to vibrate. No sound necessary.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411655",
"author": "JasonH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:45:24",
"content": "“Implemented any inventive ‘notification’ systems in your workspace?”I’m working on a Blueooth-based doorbell.I was tired of co-workers trying to get my attention when I had headphones on so I created the BDB-5000 Bluetooth Doorbell to connect to my Droid and ring through my headphones when someone presses the button. I have some demo videos on my blog (click my name).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411657",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:47:23",
"content": "I would have used a flashing light like i do in my recording area/office. Cool mod though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411658",
"author": "AussieTech",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:48:01",
"content": "“The doorbell was built using a PIC16F876 uC”Yawhat? A PIC? This is joke, yes? (sheeee…)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411671",
"author": "Jeffery MacEachern",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T03:49:21",
"content": "A bit OT since it’s not about the loudness, but I did see an excellent doorbell hack at a museum in Fort Langley, British Columbia. A string tied to the door went through a series of pulleys, ending up pumping a bellows placed next to one of those wooden “train whistle” toys. The effect was really neat, not to mention entirely appropriate. (Also, it made me think of The Incredible Machine. :D )",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411701",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T07:10:12",
"content": "LOL awesome",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411703",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T07:18:32",
"content": "@hackerspace A similar device to a deadman alarm is what firemen have on their waist. It’s a little accelerometer/gyro. If they dont move for 10 seconds it starts beeping and flashing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411723",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T09:02:47",
"content": "probably really appealing to anyone who sales hearing aids for a living..lights wouldn’t of been cool..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411728",
"author": "ferdie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T09:19:09",
"content": "This reminds me of a story from a place in the Netherlands.there was a man struggling to hear his alarm clock. So what he thought I make a 250watt alarm and yes it worked fine.until he once went on vacation and forgotten to turn off his alarm clock. When he was gone so he went off at 7am in the morning and took away half awake which is not very likedThe police had come to the house to go to the mega-alarm zetten.de owner did get a pay for noise nuisance",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411730",
"author": "nikescar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T09:53:20",
"content": "If he wanted to do a really loud alarm that’s fine but he should have at least added the ability to measure the noise in the shop and then adjust the volume of the alarm based on that. This would be very annoying when all’s quiet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411748",
"author": "jbot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T11:15:26",
"content": "@Jeffery MacEachern, OMJ YOU KNOW THE INCREDIBLE MACHINE? There’s not a whole lot of people I’ve talked to who do…I *loved* that game…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411847",
"author": "tony",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T17:39:31",
"content": "You could always use a microphone and one of the PIC’s A->D converters to measure ambient noise before ringing the bell. An extra valve could be used to actuate the cylinder using a restrictor in the line to decrease the force the “bell” is struck with.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411849",
"author": "yomama",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T17:52:31",
"content": "You know for everyone complaining about hearing loss and that this is too loud, remember that this is a machine shop. It is clearly already too loud to hear the doorbell and it should be assumed that these guys are wearing earplugs. The bell probably just breaks through the din of the other machines to get his attention.That said, you can’t do anything to protect those visiting the shop unless you hand out plugs upon entrance. Perhaps an override switch for quiet times could be installed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411883",
"author": "Isotope",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:46:14",
"content": "I think the striker could be at a better location. Seems like where it is now is the least resonant part of that “bell”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412020",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T04:35:50",
"content": "@yomama: most shops require noise-cancelling earmufs..which is pure common sense..it’s not our well being though..so awesome ‘hack’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412081",
"author": "Cybergibbons",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T09:21:41",
"content": "Sorry for the delay in replying to the questions about the deadman alarm.Larger ships run UMS – unmanned machinery space. This means that all of the machinery is automatically controlled or remotely controlled from the bridge. Engineers simply perform 0800-1700 day work, maintaining the machinery.However, every day there is a duty engineer. Between 0800-0900, 1600-1700 and 2300-2400 you do a walkaround in the engineroom, going through a long list of items, monitoring temperatures, flows, levels, and just keeping an eye on things.For the 0800 and 1600 check, the engine room is in “manned” mode – there are other people there so you just do the walkaround and if anything happens to you, then someone will see you or notice you are missing.The 2300 walkaround is done by yourself. If you were to be injured or trapped, you would be waiting until 0800 for someone to find you.So you activate the deadman alarm. This means that you need to press a button every 5 or so minutes to reset a timer. The buttons are located at doorways and other points around the engine room. If you don’t press it in time, the klaxon sounds an the traffic light flashes. You have about 30s to get to a button to reset the timer.If you don’t, an alarm will sound on the permanently manned bridge. Generally the bridge then calls the engine room. If they receive no answer, the general alarm is sounded across the ship.There is a similar alarm on the bridge. If none of the controls or computer systems receive manual input for more than 15 minutes, the general alarm is sounded. There is also a button that can be pressed when a beeper signifies the time is up.The telegraph alarm is barely used as the engines are controlled remotely from the bridge. There are drills to ensure engineers can control the main engine from the sticks in case of control system failure:http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybergibbons/267696019/The machinery alarm is for any of the machinery alarms – low oil pressures, high temperatures, low tank level, there are literally thousands of sensors.The CO2 alarm is sounded when any of the control panels are opened for the CO2 flooding system. This is used to fill the engine room with CO2 in the event of a fire. You hope never to see this one, unless it is being tested.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412087",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T10:01:24",
"content": "I have family members who work in less noisy places(mostly freight handling) that yell all the time cause their hearing is shot..people with no laborers in their family have it all figured out though..I had to cut my parents lawn once, let me inform you of the realities of the working class xD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412594",
"author": "theonetruestickman",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T01:23:43",
"content": "You want to talk about hearing loss (and scaring new people to death) – the warehouse doorbell at work is an old air raid siren. All the freight drivers know to hold it for at least a couple seconds so it spins up real good…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412631",
"author": "Angel",
"timestamp": "2011-07-03T05:08:40",
"content": "@xorpunk How did you mow your own lawn? Don’t you have to go to school for that?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.036483
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/29/detecting-muscles-with-electromyography/
|
Detecting Muscles With Electromyography
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Medical Hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] |
[
"electromyography",
"INA106",
"muscle sensor"
] |
The folks at Advancer Technologies just release a muscle sensor board with a great
walk through
posted on Instructables describing how this board measures the flexing of muscles using
electromyography
.
Using the same electrode placement points as the
remote controlled hand
we covered earlier, the muscle is measured by sensing the voltage between the muscle and its tendon. The result is a fairly fine-grained sensing of the output – more than enough to provide some analog control for a project.
The board itself is relatively simple – an INA106 differential amp is used to sense if a muscle is flexing or not. This signal is then amplified and rectified, after which it can be connected to the analog input of your favorite microcontroller. The video demo shows the board connected to a Processing app running from an Arduino, but it wouldn’t be hard to adapt this towards
remote Nerf sentry turret
controlled by your biceps.
Check out the video after the break to see the muscle sensor board in action.
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411560",
"author": "Joshua",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:40:13",
"content": "It’s interesting that this and the other muscle control project haven’t been capitalize don yet.There seems to be a lot of promise for stuff like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411585",
"author": "Stumpie MacGee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:35:46",
"content": "Just waiting for someone to combine this with the remote controlled hand and see how easy it is to “possess” someone else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411615",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:43:58",
"content": "I have little time to get to the gym, so I have to sculpt my ‘guns’ at the office.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411632",
"author": "Punkguyta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T01:09:31",
"content": "I think he just wanted to flex his arm in-front of the camera.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411695",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T06:28:58",
"content": "Surprised they didn’t use a proper instrumentation amp. Every bioamp I have ever seen (commercial and hobbyist) uses one ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411744",
"author": "Serxoz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T10:18:21",
"content": "Last step to exoskeleton? :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411761",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T12:01:30",
"content": "Glad I’m not the only one who thinks this is a great way to control a giant robot suit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411846",
"author": "Hallian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T17:37:05",
"content": "Hooray for exoskeletons!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411869",
"author": "roy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:20:17",
"content": "great replacement fore my xbox controller!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413402",
"author": "Blue Footed Booby",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T13:29:37",
"content": "This tech has been used for powered exoskeleton (see:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UpxsrlLbpU) research since at least 2004. It’s come a long way since then, but honestly I find the advances in prosthetic limbs more exciting. We’re talking arms and legs controlled by thought–the user moves his “phantom limb” and the prosthetic moves. The newest ones even allow for some degree of tactile feedback.Ironically, prosthetic tech is about as much driven by the military as the exoskeleton research: many of the test subjects are servicemen/women who lost limbs in combat.This video is amazing despite being 3 years oldhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6R5bm6qx2EAnd here’s a TED talk. I don’t have any audio at the moment so I hope it’s good. :Vhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiJzJ771vDw",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.566404
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/29/tesla-coil-bullet-time-photography/
|
Tesla Coil Bullet-time Photography
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks",
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"bullet time",
"chdk",
"photography",
"spark gap",
"tesla coil"
] |
One thing we can all probably agree on is that Tesla coils are one part high-voltage electricity and two parts pure awesome.
[Rob Flickenger] thinks so too
, and he built a pretty nice one in his workshop some time ago. He took a bunch of pictures showing off the coil’s capabilities, but he thought that one photo taken from a single angle didn’t do much to relay just how fantastic it is to watch a Tesla coil in action.
Taking a cue from the Matrix movies, he bought a stack of Canon point and shoot cameras and constructed a bullet time rig in his workshop. In order to get the pictures just right, he flashed each camera with a customized version of the CHDK firmware that allowed him to trigger all ten shutters with a single button press. A few scripts help facilitate collecting all of the images for processing, after which he identifies the good shots and stitches them together. You can see the awesome results in the video below.
[via
LaughingSquid
]
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/24977187 w=470]
| 20
| 20
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411458",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:09:51",
"content": "Amazing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411472",
"author": "ino",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:29:23",
"content": "Bullet time photography will always make me feel like a kid again ^^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411477",
"author": "Icarus",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:47:08",
"content": "the coil looks clunky but the pictures are awesomegood buildnice video",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411484",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:04:24",
"content": "That is extremely cool!I don’t think I’ve ever seen arcs from multiple angles at a single point in time.Well done!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411487",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:08:30",
"content": "nikola tesla would be proud.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411490",
"author": "hal",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:19:58",
"content": "Not to nit pick but this isn’t bullet time. It is a multi-view time freeze. Bullet time would be where they fired the cameras very close, but independently to each other, so each frame was different.Sorry. Matrix fan and terminology purist. Still cool. Wonder how more wicked it would be if we could pool and get some more cameras and ring the whole tesla.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411494",
"author": "Dosbomber",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:26:19",
"content": "From the description, I was expecting a complete circle of cameras to catch the action from all the way around like they used in the Matrix movies, but this is also quite good. Definitely the best and most interesting tesla coil photography I’ve seen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411498",
"author": "yomama",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:41:13",
"content": "Hal, not to burst your bubble, but there are many definitions of what can be called “bullet time”. Warner Bros. trademarked the term but did not define an actual process, which happened to exist in one form or another far before the Matrix ever hit the screen.In fact, some definitions describe bullet time in this manner:“The bullet time effect was originally achieved photographically by a set of still cameras surrounding the subject. The cameras are fired sequentially, or all at the same time, depending on the desired effect.”Source: WikipediaNot to say Wikipedia is the be all end all definition, but a terse interpretation such as the one you state fails to acknowledge other accepted examples of the technology as well as those which helped inspire the derivation used in the Matrix.Sorry. Reading fan and comment purist.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411500",
"author": "yomama",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:49:51",
"content": "I will however agree that to be bullet time, the object should be completely surrounded by cameras.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411525",
"author": "Niru",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T18:34:03",
"content": "Holy crap, someone send this guy like 100 more of these cameras. This is awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411531",
"author": "hboy007",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T19:15:03",
"content": "These guys need to use PTMorph to generate transition frames. Seriously. It would multiply the awesomeness by 10^42",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411532",
"author": "hboy007",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T19:15:58",
"content": "sorry, I meant PTMorpher ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411540",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T19:28:57",
"content": "and i thought it said “hammer time”damn, i got my hopes up toobut its still cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411541",
"author": "jpslater",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T19:34:24",
"content": "Did a similar camera trigger a few years back. Instead of modifying the cameras we used 3 IR blasters to trigger 24 JVC cameras at the same time. 95% of the time they all captured the same frame. Our biggest issue was camera alignment, we had cheap swivel mounts that wouldn’t stay locked in place. You can see some of the results here – including the poor camera alignment.http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PL8A6DAFB6C389190C",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411608",
"author": "birdmun",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:07:51",
"content": "@jpslater, you do realize that the CHDK ‘modification’ is/can be a software/firmware patch that will revert back to stock whenever the camera is powered off? Hence, there was no visible or irreversible modification done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411649",
"author": "ENKI-][",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:10:15",
"content": "Looking at the rotating images generated by the ‘bullet time’ rig, it looks like doing something like this might be the optimal way to generate 3d models of the electrical activity of tesla coils (among other things, like 3d printing copies of film holograms)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411834",
"author": "Simonious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T16:38:05",
"content": "I too would like to see even more cameras used, for a full or near full ring effect. Also some true bullet time shots where the cameras are fired in sequence (and probably placed very close together) for some moving arc shots would be amazing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411876",
"author": "jpslater",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:31:13",
"content": "@birdmun I didn’t mean to imply that the firmware approach to triggering the cameras was a bad thing, just that it was also possible to do it using cameras right out of the box as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411882",
"author": "sun god",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:43:37",
"content": "Im with the other people ,This IS amazing..But now I want, (NO NEED) to see the Telsa coil in slow motion as Im walking around it.!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411997",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T03:48:34",
"content": "This is very interesting.The first thing that comes to mind is synchronisation of cameras taking the photo. The time taken to send the signal to all cameras for the picture should be the same. These arcs occur for very short duration of time, so there may be some lag between.One thing I would love to see is influencing the air around the arcs. This would create different conductive paths. A simple test would be to put a lit cigarette near the arcs. Different chemicals would make different arcs, and lets not forget the excitation of different chemicals would create different colours.Just don’t use mercury fumes :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.097384
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/29/maker-faire-kc-2011-in-photos-part-2/
|
Maker Faire KC 2011: In Photos (Part 2)
|
James Munns
|
[
"Rants"
] |
[
"3d",
"car",
"coil",
"mech",
"robot",
"tesla",
"warfare"
] |
Be sure to check out
Part 1
of the KC Maker Faire photo series. In this post, we explore some of the big hitters of the show, including crowd favorites ArcAttack, as well as battling robots. Read on to see the wonders!
ArcAttack!:
We have seen
these guys
from Austin, Texas in the
past
, and they never seem to disappoint. This time they were putting innocent
victims
volunteers into a faraday cage, and singing away with their musical Tesla Coils. The video is even in optional 3D, for those in the audience with a pair of glasses sitting around.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bnExBuwjTo]
Mech-Warfare:
A number of people were showing off their
Mech Warfare
robots. These robots were remotely controlled, and piloted using only the video cameras mounted on board. Suited up with Airsoft weapons, they were amazing to just look at.
While there were mostly biped walkers, this was one of the few quadruped warriors
One of the other mean looking fighters
Showing battle scars from taking Airsoft hits
Hackerspaces:
There were at least two hackerspaces being represented at the Maker Faire. Kansas City’s own
Cowtown Computer Congress
, as well as St. Louis’
Arch Reactor
. Both of these groups have seen a bit of limelight on Hackaday, and it was good to see them out in public showing off projects and educating the public.
Cowtown was showing off a number of Arduino and LED based projects, as well as handing out Ubuntu and Project Gutenberg CDs and DVDs
Demonstrating a Makerbot, as well as being one of the few groups who ventured outside
Miscellaneous:
Some projects just did not categorize well, but were still worth showing off.
MindDrive
, a non-profit for at risk kids was showing off their high efficiency car prototype
A
Ruben’s tube
to go, not fired up inside the hall, but we were assured it was fully working.
There were countless other projects to see, touch, and listen to at the Kansas City Maker Faire. A wonderful way to spend a weekend, I can’t wait to see you all next year.
-[james]
| 4
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411473",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:32:45",
"content": "If i wasnt poor and microcontroller retarded Id make a 3d printer in a heart beat. And Id really like to see how they made that huge molded car body.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411495",
"author": "BrianZ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:28:09",
"content": "Tim-The car body was some type of shrink wrap stretched over a wire frame, for visualization I guess. It was pretty cool. The thing I thought was cool about it was how the transmission and differential was also the rear suspension mounting points, all in a single casting.Brian Z",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411589",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:59:52",
"content": "I like video’s like the one above. I now atempting to use a set of lenses to bring them out of focus and a dividing plate to separate the two images from one side from the other. With a bit of practice you can get your eyes to focus further away than they should in so doing murging the two images into one stereoscopic one. It seems to work just fine without the lenses but of course it appears blurred as your eye try’s to compensate for the change in focal distance. Now to try to find the correct lenses (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411591",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T22:08:21",
"content": "Oh wow (yes I know I’m sad but I’m eccentric so im aloud to gt away with being odd) haha. If you watch the video In the dark and use two fingers put on your nose to keep yourhead off the screen focus on the video as it plays now separating your fingers to move your face further from the screen keep focus on the image… If you get it just right you see three images. The centre one is 3D in appearance. This may just be me. How knows. Haha.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.592034
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/29/tour-of-advanced-circuits-a-pcb-manufacturer/
|
Tour Of Advanced Circuits – A PCB Manufacturer
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"drill",
"etch",
"pcb"
] |
Although not a hack in itself, many of you may be interested in seeing how a printed circuit board is made in the manufacturing world. This
tour of Advanced Circuits
does a good job of explaining the process. The article explains how a PCB will go through a CAD/CAM review, drilling, deburring, and the various chemical etch, plating, and curing processes.
Although many hackers make their own PCBs, having it professionally done can be a good option depending on how many copies are needed. One benefit of this is that PCBs can be checked by an optical inspection process, or even by a “flying lead” machine which works by contacting leads automatically in a computer controlled setup.
A video of this incredible machine is included after the break. Around 0:26 is when it really starts to get going.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIY3JNdXa2o&w=470&h=349%5D
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411416",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T12:50:29",
"content": "Most boards are not tested, once they have the design down they just crank up the machine and produce them. pin testing on boards only happens on very high dollar devices like Cisco router motherboards.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411420",
"author": "PeterF",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T13:05:10",
"content": "Wrong!You can order anny board you like with a e-test.It is not standard and you have to pay extra for it but the option for a e-test is standard!I have at least 2 low cost Boards made in double digits that went though a e-test at the manufacturer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411424",
"author": "LegallyObscure",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T13:38:18",
"content": "Not to hijack the thread, but do any of you HAD readers have experience with NDA’s regarding these fab houses ? I’m thinking of producing some prototype designs for manufacture, but patent apps are not fully completed. so how “secure” are these board manufacturers when it comes to other people’s intellectual property ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411439",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:21:16",
"content": "Really cool! I was able to read the first page, but now it’s been Hackadayed (think “slashdotted”). I’ll have to finish reading it later.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411455",
"author": "goldscott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:58:15",
"content": "Great article. At work we get PCBs manufactured by Advanced Circuits, and they do a great job. We routinely get 4mil trace/space and high pin count microconnectors. Never seen any issues or defects. So, I’m a happy customer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411459",
"author": "vic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:10:29",
"content": "Very interesting. I’m quite surprised that the process is so different from what you would do at home, doing the different operations almost in the opposite order.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411462",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:17:12",
"content": "I’ve used Advanced Circuits before and they are a top quality board house but you definitely pay for it! I’ve ended up using Silvtronics, Laen’s PCB Order Service for small runs or prototypes, or PCBCart. All of which are tons cheaper and gives me the same quality.FYI, I have also tried Imagineering (pcbnet) but haven’t been overly impressed. Too thin of soldermask, silkscreen is often off the mark, and the holes aren’t plated.Good source of info on creating a panel of boards and such:http://www.eevblog.com/2010/11/15/eevblog-127-pcb-design-for-manufacture-tutorial/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411482",
"author": "Squonk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:01:05",
"content": "Hey, this article has been Slashdoted before on June 28th, 2011:http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/11/06/28/213207/How-Printed-Circuit-Boards-Are-MadePlease cite your sources.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411503",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:58:37",
"content": "Only problem I’ve had with their boards (somewhere around 11 of them so far) were design errors by me (oops)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411606",
"author": "Jeremy Cook",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:05:27",
"content": "@Squonk – this article came through on the tip lines on June 26th.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411633",
"author": "Red",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T01:10:29",
"content": "Yes, an e-test can be done on any board, whether it is cost effective or not is another matter.I’ve been using AC for years. Their customer service is hard to beat.Once or twice I’ve had a board go through that wasn’t picked up by their DFM check (which is free to use, you don’t have to order a board from them to use the DFM check) and I’ve had their tech’s call me and stay on the phone while we go through the D codes trying to find a problem.I’ve the many different designs they have made for me over the years and the 1000’s of boards, I can only remember 2 defects that were the result of something in their process, and they replaced those panels immediately.Their educational discount is also great, it makes experimenting with different layout implementations on some of our more complex designs feasible.For those who disregard AC because of price, be aware of the $33 two layer board. They will make anything up to 60in^2. I’ve done many boards this way over the years. When I am prototyping a design I will often fill out a 60″^2 panel with several versions with shared power and ground nets, but done in a way that they can easily be cut apart and separated once I figure out which works the best.If you do panelize different designs for the $33 offer they charge an extra $50, but it’s a one time charge, not effected by the number of panels ordered. When you order 5 panels that’s 300 square inches of board for $215, which is pretty darn good considering it’s 2 layers, top/bottom silk, and top/bottom soldermask.Also, AC now offers a board assembly operation. I haven’t used them yet, but the cost doesn’t seem to unreasonable…@ LegallyI’ve no experience with them with NDA’s, but I would give their sales department a call and talk with them, it doesn’t hurt to ask.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411672",
"author": "charper",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T03:53:15",
"content": "@LegallyObscureI’m normally the paranoid type (and I get paid to be for some of my ‘projects’).However – what can theyreallygather from just your raw dxf file? I’m guessing there’s not enough information silkscreened on your board for them to figure out what your board is doing, much less what parts it’s using or why.You might have to worry about cloners if you have some product where the full BOM is given out or is available. However, just building a board, where information on usage or parts is private, I think you’re fine. Having said all that, I would trust Advanced Circuits a little more as they are a US-based company with US-based manufacture. Intellectual property is taken more seriously here than some other places in the world.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411676",
"author": "MJN",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T04:12:53",
"content": "I used to use AC. In college they treated me great, even though my orders were always teeny. When I graduated, I continued using them in my professional career. I routinely placed very expensive orders with them. I got god awful customer service, which just didn’t make sense.I put up with this for a while due to loyalty – but finally I had a fairly complicated 6 layer PCB. I had it electrically tested (I always do this for PCBs with layers I can’t see). When I soldered up the first board – I discovered a short circuit. So, I blamed myself, and started removing components. Eventually I had every component removed. Still shorted. So either their electrical tester was broken or they lied about testing. Either way, I reported it – they told me they’d remake as many of the PCBs as were shorted, and didn’t even apologize or offer any explanation.I’ve never used them again. I mostly use Sunstone Circuits and Prototron Circuits these days.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411706",
"author": "Life2Death",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T07:46:08",
"content": "Fartface, would you happen to work at a 3-Letter, dumb named PCB fab that I happened to work for that made Cisco boards?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411868",
"author": "phishinphree",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T19:51:23",
"content": "I HATE advanced circuits. They have never once given me a quote lower than the competition. Also I’ve tried many times to unsubscribe from their e-mails but they keep sending them. bad business, bad reps, bad prices. I sincerely hope they go belly up. That bitch rep Linda can go to hell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412170",
"author": "Derek",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T16:41:07",
"content": "“Really starts to get going?”That thing is slow. The SPEA machines where I work, on the other hand, are not and they test active circuitry.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW7AhHe4Q8I",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.428144
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/29/possessedhand-controls-hand-with-electrical-stimuli/
|
PossessedHand Controls Hand With Electrical Stimuli
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Medical Hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] |
[
"electricity",
"shock"
] |
[Emi Tamaki], [Miyaki Takashi] and [Jun Rekimoto] at the University of Tokyo came up with a device called the
PossessedHand
that electrically stimulates muscles to train someone to play a the
koto
, a Japanese stringed instrument.
The PossessedHand ‘triggers’ individual fingers with precisely placed electrodes. Sixteen joints in the hand can be controlled independently by placing one electrode on the muscle that controls the joint and a ground electrode on the tendon of that muscle. Users of the PossessedHand reported no pain from the device when 30 Volts were sent though the electrodes.
The
paper
(PDF warning) goes into detail about the reactions of the users of the PossessedHand. While a few subjects thought the PossessedHand was scary, many enjoyed it – one subject even thought it was possible to fly a helicopter without training. While this isn’t downloading a rotary wing licence into your brain like
The Matrix
, the PossessedHand did prove to be a useful tool for learning the fingering for the koto. You can see a video of the PossessedHand in action in the
New Scientist story
.
[via
New Scientist
]
| 25
| 25
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411399",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T11:15:10",
"content": "Totally serious question. What effect would this have on male or female genitals?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411403",
"author": "slurm",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T11:25:06",
"content": "trigger individual fingers ?all it needs to do is grab “something” and then move up and down ;)this is a whole new approach to “the stranger’s hand”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411405",
"author": "Mad Scientist",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T11:32:04",
"content": "Hey lets make a remote controlled Stephen Hawking :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411413",
"author": "Hallian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T12:16:24",
"content": "Now all we need is for someone to learn how to tap into the data running through you nerves and people with nerve damage can move again!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411414",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T12:31:08",
"content": "1 Sony2 this would not be pleasant! If anything it would feel like twitching. I hate twitching muscles!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411415",
"author": "pipomolo42",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T12:32:08",
"content": "Stick a few electrodes to the subject’s skull, as an input, and he could even control his hand using only his mind!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411418",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T13:03:38",
"content": "You are awarded a cookie for managing to work a Matrix reference in.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411419",
"author": "millers",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T13:04:26",
"content": "pipomolo42: im assuming that was meant as a joke, but got me thinking if something like that would be possible to assist in spinal injury’s? attach a device like this below the injury to stimulate things and control it with the mind…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411428",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T13:59:35",
"content": "Wow, I feel like I’m reading theregister.co.ukThey feature a story and then a couple days later it pops up here. This is the third time in like a week. I know there’s always going to be some natural overlap but the timing is funny.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411432",
"author": "walter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:08:13",
"content": "This is exciting, I can only imagine the potential this has for people suffering from paralysis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411460",
"author": "adam",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:16:12",
"content": "This reminds me of that scene from “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411464",
"author": "Shardvex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:20:44",
"content": "Imagine a future civilization, in which a tyrant takes rule those who obey his evil commands he leaves alone, but all those who try to fight for liberty are arested, and have a computer installed on them that controls their every action!Cool technology, but if it ever goes out of hand (no pun intended), it will be pretty awful!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411474",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:34:29",
"content": "I give it 30 seconds before it is turned into a sex device. It would give a whole new meaning to “giving yourself a stranger.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411483",
"author": "poiso",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:01:41",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PidqxAAjUl4",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411486",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:07:35",
"content": "These have already been turned into sex toys. The “Slightest Touch” is probably the tamest one, I’ll leave finding references to wilder ones up to the truly interested; as some are quite perverse and not intended strictly for pleasure. And then there’s electro-ejaculation, used on livestock to collect semen; which is designed only to be effective, not pleasurable in the least.I used to experiment with electronic muscle stimulation (for strength/aerobic training, not for the aforementioned uses). Started with a small commercial unit, then later built one that interfaces to a parallel port, allowing a program on the computer to control eight channels. Each channel was little more than a MOSFET driving a Radio Shack audio transformer. By pulsing the MOSFET, it would generate an isolated, higher-voltage bipolar pulse on the secondary. Amplitude could be controlled with pulse width.With that device, you could strap electrodes on some major muscles for a half-hour, and get a decent sweat-inducing workout while just sitting there, watching TV or on the computer; which is exactly what I did, many times.But although it’s not painful, it’s a very odd and distracting sensation that most people wouldn’t consider pleasant. And since there is no closed-loop feedback, it’s a fine line between the amount of current required to produce an insufficiently small twitch, and overstimulating a muscle to the point of cramping; which gets even finer the longer you maintain continuous stimulation.For that reason and others I gave up on it, and decided I’d rather just have a proper workout instead.And that’s probably why these have never caught on in the mainstream, though they will always be fascinating.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411574",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:19:36",
"content": "ErosTek, P.E.S. and others make these. My reading indicates they can be used internally to force an electric sex toy to essentially force the body to have sex with itself by involuntarily controlling the vagina or rectum. Rather interesting idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411624",
"author": "Maave",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T00:47:34",
"content": "Now just grab some corpses and remote controls and you can have your own zombie army.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411646",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T01:58:22",
"content": "rofl @ hackerspace",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411656",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:47:06",
"content": "It would be better as a voice-to-sign language tool for “speaking” to deaf people.Btw F*** HaD for not posting comments when personal blog urls are used in the website field.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411725",
"author": "Monty Werthington",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T09:09:55",
"content": "Reminds me of an article on the BBC a few months back when a quadriplegic man started walking (all be it rather slowly) after a few days use of a similar device. it was applied to the spinal column and was suppose to trigger regeneration of the nerve tissue.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411874",
"author": "DivePeak",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T20:27:07",
"content": "@Stevie – nice idea, however sign languages are natural languages in their own right, not just a different way of representing a spoken language. There is, for example, no one-to-one correspondence between the grammar and words of ASL and English. Sign languages develop and grow independently of spoken languages, and there are even distinct dialects within sign languages. That doesn’t mean it isn’t doable, but it would require significant natural language processing as there is with translations between say English and French, and all the same issues of changes in what the correct word is based on the context.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411971",
"author": "JJ",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T02:15:35",
"content": "@Stevie I’ve never had a prob posting comments with my blog URL in the website field.. ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413305",
"author": "george",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T04:33:53",
"content": "i think this technology can be used with the military combined with an enemy detection system camera or sumtin it would be able to pull the trigger faster than any of the best marksman.. lol like a triggerbot from counterstrike.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "480925",
"author": "scrape box list",
"timestamp": "2011-10-16T01:48:58",
"content": "Great post",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "514454",
"author": "Lord Boofhead",
"timestamp": "2011-11-21T04:53:56",
"content": "Cyberpunk 2020 wired nerves anyone?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.495394
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/the-pixboard/
|
The PixBoard
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"disabled",
"led"
] |
Many hacks are, of course, interesting in their own right. Hacks like this one, however, fulfill a much greater purpose by helping people overcome their disabilities. The
PixBoard
is “an illuminated board adapted for disabled people, especially for people with cerebral palsy, giving them access to games using shift technology.”
This device was developed for a girl that has cerebral palsy and can’t control her arms or legs effectively. In order to interact with the world more effectively to play board games and the like, this system was developed. The PixBoard scans an 8×8 matrix of LEDs allowing her to select the piece to be moved and where to move it. This is done using only simple buttons and the processor’s timer.
The system is controlled using an Arduino, so anyone is free to create their own games for this system depending on the situation. The following video is in Spanish, but shows this device in action around 1:20.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_AF6t9jtK8&w=470&h=349%5D
For another hack helping the disabled, check out this
laser guided wheelchair
.
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411239",
"author": "xeracy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:52:05",
"content": "I honestly dont understand how one phyisically interacts with this controller…can anyone explain a little more? Is it just cycling through options to explore a decision tree?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411257",
"author": "adam outler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:07:53",
"content": "no comprende.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411267",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:24:52",
"content": "I think it’s stephen hawking style press a button to start cycling press a button to stop cycling selected a row then it cycles through the coloumns and you press it again to stop the individual ledi think",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411269",
"author": "Paulo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:27:06",
"content": "The person can interact with (what seems to be) a push button, the leds cycle in different ways so the user can select in witch way he wants to make the move.The hack itself is really amazing, and the idea of using arduino it’s perfect because if this become popular, a lot of free games will be created and those who can’t play with regular videogames, will be able to have fun with electronic games!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411282",
"author": "Cristian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:21:41",
"content": "Exactly, the user has a button in the wheel chair and can push it with the head, for example (in other cases with the mouth, toe…), selecting with row and with column… You have more videos in the web site (links).Thanks :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,153.961802
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/giant-pov-tube-for-light-painting/
|
Giant POV Tube For Light Painting
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"led",
"lightscythe",
"seeduino",
"xbee"
] |
When you really want your feelings known, we always say that bigger is better. [Gavin Smith, aka The Mechatronics Guy] must come from the same school of thought, because there’s absolutely no mistaking
what he is trying to say with his latest project
.
Inspired by
this WiFi signal painter
we featured a while back, the LightScythe is a 2 meter long bar composed of multi-color LED strips that he bought from Adafruit. The light bar is controlled by a Seeduino micro controller, which takes direction from his laptop via a pair of XBee units. Once he generates an image from text with ImageMagic, a Python script is used to match the colors as close as possible to the RGB color space. The image is then converted to raw serial data for playback on the Scythe. When he is ready to go, he triggers his camera to take a 10-15 second exposure, during which he walks across the frame, painting his images with the LightScythe.
We always enjoy seeing creative derivations of previous projects we have covered, and the LightScythe does it well. He actually built a pair of these that can work in concert or independently, which we imagine can make for some pretty awesome pictures.
Be sure to check out
his Flickr photostream
for more examples of what the LightScythe can do.
| 29
| 29
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411199",
"author": "ehntoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:22:41",
"content": "You may consider this pedantic, but as with the story from a short while back with a “POV dog”, this is not a persistence of vision device. You would not get anything like this effect with your vision.C’mon, guys.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411206",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:41:53",
"content": "I wonder how long it takes him to get that perfect picture. There is no accelerometers to measure the movement like a traditional POV. he says..“The key to shots is repeatable starting, and being able to pace out steps regularly ”So i assume that he has to master the speed of his walking to get the lights to change color at just the right time for the exposure to come out correctly.possibly using some accelerometers to detect the foot steps. Or even use something like a static ping / laser proximity sensor off frame that can calculate the speed at which you are approaching it.Otherwise very cool project, I am a big fan of time lapse photography.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411212",
"author": "Scanners w/o boxes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:55:01",
"content": "Ok, so all that’s missing to completely automate this is either a way to spin the 2m rod or a free standing “cylon eye” hack w/ script tie-in, perhaps using chdk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIGIC) and a cannon camera.Guess the ‘high value’, raise the bar so to speak, hack would be to get the 2m bar of high enough quality (pre/post processing perhaps) that one could “scan the skyline” in behind the object in a photo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411213",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:55:04",
"content": "I see no point. While small POVs can be used for a visual effect, this thing is so big that its only use is in photos. And there one could just use Photoshop. Therefore: fail",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411216",
"author": "Scanners w/o boxes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:58:36",
"content": "> this thing is so big that its only use is in> photos. And there one could just use Photoshop. > Therefore: failOn the website, it is noted that you can chain these, so in theory one could construct one’s own portable LED display (with enought 2m rods).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411219",
"author": "xeracy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:05:57",
"content": "@steve –“this thing is so big that its only use is in photos” — yup, that’s what he says it for!“And there one could just use Photoshop” — im sorry, was that an airplane or just the point that flew over your head? *wooooooossssshhhh*“Therefore: fail” — no… just no…lets see one of your projects…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411220",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:09:12",
"content": "Do you have some example photo shops Steve that offer both transparent text or images while also providing dynamic lighting translation onto near by physical objects?I’ll just let you work on that for a couple of hours and we will see how the results play out for you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411235",
"author": "birdmun",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:39:18",
"content": "I wonder how long it is before he is approached by ad agencies.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411246",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:11:33",
"content": ">both transparent text or images while also >providing dynamic lighting translation onto near >by physical objectsO yeah right, lets do it for the “lighting translation onto nearby physical objects”. lulz",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411250",
"author": "Gav",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:35:04",
"content": "@TheCreator,Good point. My original design was going to have everything contained in the staff, with accelerometers included. Along the way, however the hardware started getting too big, so I offloaded it into a lasercut wooden box slung over my shoulder. Since that doesn’t move with the staff, I left the sensors out.The main issue is remotely starting the text when you’re in a good position. Now the process is pretty easy, set the camera on 10 second timer, push the button and get into the shot. When you see the shutter open start moving and press the ‘go’ button on the scythe control. Main issue is walking steadily and predictably so that you end at the other end of the frame when you ‘run out’ of text. The text seems to look good no matter what speed you walk at, it’s just a matter of fitting it nicely in the camera frame.I was considering using IR LEDs and WiiMotes, or similar, to track the angular position of the walker and adjust the scythe output accordingly, but it’s a lot of extra effort without much return.Also I found that in the field there was a lot of radio noise, so we had comms dropouts and the scythe freezing. I’d hate to introduce another dependency on communications mediums :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411254",
"author": "xeracy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:47:22",
"content": "@steve – really? you are the most short-sighted commenter I’ve ever seen post on HaD… Troll much?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411328",
"author": "Ryan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T03:10:01",
"content": "As has been said, a photoshop would be nontrivial in the cases where this would be used.TL;DR steve got owned.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411330",
"author": "hammy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T03:29:56",
"content": "Fantastic! I’m studying mechatronic engineering literally 7km from where the main picture was taken!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411333",
"author": "Gav",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T03:36:52",
"content": "@Hammy, you should come by and check us out, then :)http://robodino.org/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411372",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:15:32",
"content": "I wonder if the two ends of the scythe could be “marked” – either using IR LEDs not visible to the camera, or by some sort of non-luminous (but distinctive shaped) tips – then have a webcam attached to the laptop (located right beside the real photo camera) look for them, calculate what the scythe should be displaying along the line that joins the identified tips, and send that over to the scythe in real time (therefore making the painted image independent of the actual motion of painting).I’m pretty sure the radio link would not prevent this – at the short distances we’re talking about here, a properly implemented RF link has to be able to handle pretty much any street-level interference.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411374",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:19:03",
"content": "While I think that Steve’s verdict is probably a bit on the harsh side, and the device is quite interesting and the effort should be applauded (of course), I think that most of the examples shown could actually be simulated with photoshop type software quite easily, as the reflected light is a ‘straighforward’ reflection onto a uniform planar surface. This is a case of cut/paste/skew etc. etc. not totally straightforward but not rocket-science. what would be good though is to see the light reflected onto something with a bit of shape to it (maybe those examples are there but i didn’t see them), stuff that would be hard to simulate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411380",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:47:57",
"content": "@TheCreatorErr.. Accelerometers track err.. acceleration. You can’t know walking velocity with just an accelerometer…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411381",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:53:10",
"content": "People, think! Accelerometers (alone) are useless in this case. They are only useful in small persistence of camera/vision devices that need to be shaken to produce the effect. In that case the accelerometers are there to detect the shaking frequency! So I believe this is where all of the confusion is coming.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411436",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:17:33",
"content": "Well you dont need to spin it , you could just swing it like a pendulum. I guess you would definitely need the accelerometers though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411441",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:22:33",
"content": "reconstructing the image above in photoshop would actually be quite trivial. You mirror the text , blur it and apply it as an overlay on the ground below it to simulate light bounces. It would get slightly more complex from different angles and with more objects around but it definitely doable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411442",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:22:57",
"content": "BUT THAT DOESNT TAKE AWAY FROM HOW AWESOME THIS IS ! .",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411446",
"author": "Scanners w/o boxes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:33:56",
"content": "> The main issue is remotely starting the text> when you’re in a good position. Now the process> pretty easy, set the camera on 10 second> timer, push the button and get into the shotHence the prior suggestion of using chdk.Define script to look for motion in a given area of photo to trigger “10 second timer” && using ptp protocol start the “rod”. Ideally, could also set up a grid to look for the “rod” end point colors, so that each advance of the rod in the “motion grid” updates the rod. Not as “complex” as the wii, but does limit the camera to a Cannon && alot easier to program (ptp not withstanding)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411452",
"author": "Scanners w/o boxes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:48:52",
"content": "More general use suggestion would be to use PiDiP (ydegoyon.free.fr/pid ip.html) in place of CHDK.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411485",
"author": "facefart",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:07:34",
"content": "CHDK is great but worthless if he happens to use a Nikon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411550",
"author": "reboots",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:13:25",
"content": "I see comments arguing about minor photography details but nobody, including the original author, thought to hang this thing off of a car or bicycle for epic POV assault? Come on, people!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411577",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:24:34",
"content": "@Mr.XI didn’t say that you could get walking velocity from the accelerometers. I said you can use it to detect the foot steps.i’m sure it would be a pain in the ass. However, you could calculate the average distance between steps and use this as a “checkpoint” that can take your distance and compare it to the estimated distance needed to complete the output through the staff. obviously other things would come into play like your distance from the camera.The other idea was to use laser/ping proximity sensors. Set it just outside of the capture area of the camera. read in the distance of the starting point (left side of frame) as you walk the proximity sensor will update your distance and you can set the refresh rate of the staff to end the display at a given distance from the left side of the captured image.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411609",
"author": "TxPilot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T23:10:10",
"content": "Very nice work. Seems a little more complex than the one I made about a year and half ago using an Arduino and the same HL1606 strip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411650",
"author": "bigbrother",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T02:21:07",
"content": "actually, the light bar is controlled by a Seeedduino board, be aware of there are triple “e” inside, not “seeduino” with only two",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411751",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T11:30:11",
"content": "They should attach these things to all racing cars and have them paint patterns all over the race track…At racing car speeds the human eye WOULD register a persistent image, at least briefly. That would be awesome to watch. Advertising might become fun to look at!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.279725
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/handy-board-plays-music-with-an-nes-controller/
|
Handy Board Plays Music With An NES Controller
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"68HC11",
"handy board",
"nes controller"
] |
[Alex Busman] has been working with an old microcontroller board called the Handy Board. Recently, he figured out how to interface an
NES controller to play music
. With 8 buttons on an NES controller, [Alex] has control over an entire musical scale, so he demonstrates this
in his video
by covering the
Dr. Mario Theme
.
The
Handy Board
is a microcontroller board originally designed in 1995 for LEGO robots. With a 68HC11 μC running at 2MHz and 32KB of RAM, the Handy Board has been superseded by the LEGO Mindstorms
NTX
NXT, the Handy Board is thankfully
still being supported
, and is still a great platform to learn embedded design.
It’s great to see a build on relatively obsolete hardware, especially considering this would be a trivial build with an Arduino. We think it’s great [Alex] is learning the ins and outs of ‘difficult’ hardware – it’s a great way to learn something. Check out the walk though of [Alex]’s build after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thWm4hbnw0A&w=470]
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411165",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:35:03",
"content": "I learned to program on the Handy Board. It is nice to see one again!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411185",
"author": "goldscott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:23:43",
"content": "Holy shit! I have a couple Handyboards floating around from my college days.The Handyboard was not superseded by LEGO Mindstorms, it was developed at MIT to teach first year students. They used LEGOs just because it was easy to construct modular chassis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411186",
"author": "Eli",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:24:06",
"content": "I also learned on the Handy Board.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411230",
"author": "Ian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:35:07",
"content": "OMG. A Handyboard! Oh the memories of 6.270 days.I recognized it instantly. Is there an updated version?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411231",
"author": "Ian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:35:33",
"content": "Duh… the LEGO NTX",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411233",
"author": "dcroy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:37:21",
"content": "i just repaired about twenty handyboards that are still used in a robotics class",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411234",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:38:26",
"content": "I hate the handyboard so much. Piece of crap operating system that makes it difficult to write anything for an ISR :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411237",
"author": "jbot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:42:23",
"content": "Ahem. “NXT”, not “NTX”. Proofing for the lose.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411255",
"author": "Brian Benchoff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:55:25",
"content": "Foiled again! Thank you jbot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411258",
"author": "aEx155",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:14:53",
"content": "By the way, Lego Mindstorms had a controller before the NXT came out: The Lego RCX.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411275",
"author": "PJ Allen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:58:04",
"content": "Hey, wow, never miss an opportunity to plug “the arduino” even when the project doesn’t use “the arduino” – that’s bold, pure awesomeness!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411301",
"author": "mschaffer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T02:40:05",
"content": "Wow! I haven’t seen a handyboard in such a long time. It was a good dev. board for quickly hacking 68hc11 stuff.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411324",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T02:53:37",
"content": "I agree with PJ. What’s the point in the mention of the arduino? It would also have been just as trivial to build it around other hardware. So why specifically and randomly mention the arduino?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411334",
"author": "pahosler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T03:38:27",
"content": "they get .05 cents every time someone writes arduino in the comments section… duh!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411479",
"author": "Boricua",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T15:51:22",
"content": "Lets write *rduino from now on. LOL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3373970",
"author": "legacy",
"timestamp": "2017-01-22T20:16:35",
"content": "anyone has the BASIC interpreter for 68HC11 ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.037092
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/teensy-avrs-used-in-penetration-testing/
|
Teensy AVRs Used In Penetration Testing
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Peripherals Hacks",
"Security Hacks"
] |
[
"malware",
"pentesting",
"security",
"Teensy",
"usb"
] |
While some people know that you should be wary of USB drives with unknown origins, the same care is rarely, if ever exercised with USB peripherals. The security firm
Netragard recently used this to their advantage
when performing a penetration test at a client’s facility. When the client ruled out the use of many common attack vectors including social networks, telephones, social engineering, and unauthorized physical access from the test, the team at Netragard knew they would have to get creative.
They purchased a Logitech USB mouse and disassembled it in order to add their clever payload. A Teensy uC was programmed to emulate keyboard input, entering commands via the mouse’s USB connection once it had been connected to a computer. Using an undocumented exploit in McAfee’s antivirus suite, they were able to evade detection while their system entered commands to install malware from the flash drive they hid along side the Teensy.
Once the mouse was reassembled, they repackaged it along with some marketing materials to make it look like part of a promotional event. They purchased a detailed list of employees and singled out an easy target, sending their malicious mouse on its way. Within three days, their malware was loaded onto the victim’s computer and their test was deemed a success.
[Thanks, Aaron]
| 42
| 41
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411123",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:07:54",
"content": "Hmmm,a touch of social engineering too!“they repackaged it along with some marketing materials to make it look like part of a promotional event. They purchased a detailed list of employees and singled out an easy target, sending their malicious mouse on its way.”I’d probably fall for the “Free Stuff!” tactic…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411130",
"author": "spag",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:24:37",
"content": "“… their test was deemed a success.”More like a failure, heh. Good show!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411133",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:28:10",
"content": "“Using an undocumented exploit in McAfee’s antivirus suite”So I guess they didn’t do anything to avoid it :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411135",
"author": "cw",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:35:14",
"content": "I have a teensy, and I programmed it to run gedit and type out a python script, save it, and run it. was trivially easy to do.The teensy can also do usb storage, so it could be programmed to “wake on USB” a computer in the middle of the night, boot off usb, and probe the network for whatever it can. The possibilities are endless with this thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411136",
"author": "ChrisE99",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:38:38",
"content": "I HATE McAfee with passion. All of our work PC’s are infected with it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411140",
"author": "Jonathan Bennett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:48:48",
"content": "It’s not a very effective security test, with ground rules like those. If the point is to audit a company’s vulnerability, excluding the company’s worst vulnerabilities kinda defeats the purpose.The hack itself was great, though. Microsoft’s disabling of autorun made it more difficult, so using a hid (Hardware Interface Device) keyboard to launch the payload was a stroke of genius.Just wait till the u3 folks get a hold of this idea. Bringing hidden hid’s to the masses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411147",
"author": "Jeffh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:59:07",
"content": "What is the point of this? If the client rules out social engineering via phone and facebook it isn’t a real penetration test. Social engineering via email, phone social networking is the easiest way in and why wouldn’t the client what to know what their staff really were aware of. Oh and “Using an undocumented exploit in McAfee’s antivirus suite” is complete bull you can encode a metasploit payload that will get around 99% of anti virus, anti virus based on signatures is fail.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411149",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:02:49",
"content": "+1 for creativity of every day items-1 for hackneyd workmanship- scotch tape? rly??+1 for not being another skull mouse",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411150",
"author": "dmcbeing",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:04:01",
"content": "I wonder what happend to the guy that used the mouse.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411159",
"author": "Bobby J",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:16:15",
"content": "“…and singled out an easy target” = put the Oprah logo on it and sent it to some broad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411181",
"author": "RooTer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:20:33",
"content": "“The teensy can also do usb storage, so it could be programmed to “wake on USB” a computer in the middle of the night, boot off usb, and probe the network for whatever it can.”wow that is brilliant",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411195",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:54:17",
"content": "John: saw yellow electrical tape, no scotch tape. hot glue would have been better yes, but the results speak for themselves.Bobby J: Singled out an easy target = giving it to someone who lacks the social skills (like yourself) to be suspicious of a free-be or lacks the computer skills to realize what’s going on. The fact that you assume that the test subject was female tells me a lot more about you. And I applaud your right to freedom of speech, and your right to make a complete ass of yourself if you acknowledge my right to call you out on it. grow up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411202",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:29:03",
"content": "mass produce these and start handing them out for free and you can have your own botnet in no time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411210",
"author": "ScottInNH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:53:00",
"content": "I tend to be lax about these things, having “travel sized” mice and USB hubs in my backpack… all free at tech events.I see no reason why the mouse-keyboard emulation trick would fail under Linux. That made me pause.However, that malware would only have rights to do things that I do as non-privleged. It could not write to /bin, unless the mouse contained a second exploit to escalate privileges.The malware could not open port 25 to quietly send spam – although it could hijack my personal email account.There is no such thing as perfect security, but less imperfect security has multiple checkpoints or layers like an onion. I could not IMAGINE putting all of my faith in some bolt-on application to protect you, the way an anti-virus program claims to do (I don’t even have one installed, but again: Linux). :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411211",
"author": "lol",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:54:10",
"content": "@aztraph, Well, you wouldn’t send an Oprah labeled mouse to a guy, for fear of being called a homophobe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411218",
"author": "silvesterstillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:01:32",
"content": "@aztraphSurely you are aware that stereotypes are based on anecdotal norms, thus playing the percentages to win. When I think of a soft security target I would go after a demographic that1. Likes free stuff, and will use it2. Isn’t ITSec consciousSince the female demographic displays both these traits (arguably everybody loves free stuff) it is a legitimate assumption.Personally I would have gone with something more subtle. Say, brand the mouse with a fancy logo and send it to a management type that was responsible for Netragard’s involvement. They would surely cherish it as a token of their glorious management skills and show it off by using it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411221",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:11:51",
"content": "Some time back, I moded a keyboard and added a hub, Bluetooth dongle, a flash-drive and an available USB port.I use it at home on my personal computer, and even from a reasonable distance, it looks stock, but you can use your imagination and think of various nefarious uses for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411243",
"author": "RooTer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:56:25",
"content": "@silvesterstillaloneMale here – I love free stuff (especially electronics) and don’t see exactly mouse as a threat – and I have bachelor degree in IT ;)In this case I wouldn’t say that target gender made any difference.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411268",
"author": "ScottinNH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:25:41",
"content": "Given how small the pool of security-conscious is… I’d hope everyone would agree that gender has absolutely no meaning in the data.That’s why companies have policies. Or should.Smart companies even have written policy to NOT take your company or personal phones to China, as your phone can be spoofed into loading anything as firmware. They require use of a temporary/throwaway phone, and to be mindful of your conversations.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411287",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:30:26",
"content": "Gender may not have a significant impact, but I am Male and did IT for several years, I would not have fallen to this hack simply because I already have the hardware I want and would not swap it out. Even for free.That said, nearly everyone I work with would… and I would have given it to them. :(Just goes to show that our security sucks and physical access is king. I have worked in a place where the whole PC was physically locked down and you only had a power button/keyboard/mouse/monitor as I/O.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411288",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:44:51",
"content": "Seriously, I thought the term “broad” went out with the 80’s. I have too much respect for women (especially my wife) to use such a degrading label.just for grins and giggles, what do you think Limor or Jeri would do if they received a free mouse? I think they would take it it apart, I know I would if only to harvest the switches to keep my trackball working properly. you want to protect the project, put it in a wireless mouse, at least that’s a little more useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411289",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:53:49",
"content": "o.O Who takes free stuff and uses it at work, for their employer’s gain? Crazyfolk.As ever, all this proves is that we are more vulnerable than the machine is. Short of various ways of disabling/making inaccessible the USB ports, I can’t think of a practical way to defend against this vector.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411351",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T05:27:18",
"content": "Hi, Paul here… the guy who created Teensy and wrote the Teensyduino add-on for Arduino. When I started this project, I imaged people would do things like key in stored data, control things… and indeed many have. I only hope in the end some good comes of this “pen testing” stuff.Someday, I would imagine, all operating systems will have some dialog that pops up for you to authorize a new keyboard or mouse. Today, OS-X is the only system that does anything like that, and it’s only to choose the keyboard mapping. Not even Linux does this today, and it’ll be interesting to see if Microsoft ends up (eventually) taking the lead on this and everyone else copies, or if the others will be more proactive. But the days of just letting any new keyboard work automatically without being affirmatively authorized are numbered. It may take years, but eventually poor security practice (like autorun on removable media) just can’t go on forever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1317046",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2014-03-31T06:41:00",
"content": "How would you signal your authorisation to the computer? The Mouse? The Keyboard?It could authorise itself.",
"parent_id": "411351",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411370",
"author": "daqq",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:02:40",
"content": "The next step is a wifi router giveaway… with special firmware ofcourse.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411393",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T10:53:12",
"content": "@Paul: good point about the need to authenticate input peripherals in some way. I guess we’ll have that in some form sooner or later – but the point to make is that they aren’t there (and autorun used to be) is the near-nonexistent concern of private users about intrusions; corporate users might be much more concerned about such things, but Windows is generally written for the Average Joe (‘s mom, possibly), thus cares more about the convenience of a self-started application on plug-in then its security implications, I think.Along the same lines – disregarding the fact that mice and such don’t require drivers – how sure are you that that same thing wouldn’t have worked with no HW modifications whatsoever, by simply including an artfully crafted “drivers mini-cd” – auto-started or not – urging the user to “install the drivers”…?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411395",
"author": "agtrier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T10:59:15",
"content": "Note to self: disassemble all freebe IT gadgets that I have at home to see if someone has modded them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411398",
"author": "cantido",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T11:13:48",
"content": "@Paul>>Not even Linux does this today,Linux being the kernel only contains the USB stack.. what your userland does is up to the userland in question. There is no reason you couldn’t do something with udev, dbus etc to authorize USB devices on connect via a popup on your favourite desktop environment.. I can see it annoying the tits off of most people though.I’m not sure how you authorize input devices before you have authorized an input device to authorize the input device..>taking the lead on this and everyone else copiesBlacklist all the USB ids that your boards have? Invent a new authentication protocol over USB for input devices that requires ONE MILLION US DOLLARS to license and reject input devices that aren’t licensed?>>just letting any new keyboard work automaticallyI think this is being a bit dramatic..>>authorized are numbered.Again, I don’t how you’re supposed to authorize anything if everything has to be authorized first. How do you authorize your mouse before you authorize your monitor, memory, processor,.. it sounds like you want an extension of Trusted Computing whereby all hardware has to authorize itself before anything can happen. I wonder who that will benefit? Not users. And the dumb shits that would attach some USB device that came in the post out of the blue.. my guess is they would click OK either way.>>poor security practiceOSes trusting the user not to be an idiot and not attach devices they have no idea about is not “poor security practice”.. its more about making the computer a useful machine. I can lock a machine in a safe and weld the door shut.. it will be secure against this “exploit” but how the hell do I use it?If one of the antivirus vendors wants to work around this there is no reason they couldn’t come up with some sort of USB sandbox that devices are initially attached to and monitored. And catching devices that appear out of nowhere when an input device is attached and asking the user if that is cool.. lots of devices present a composite device or mode switch though (not sure if there are any input devices that do that yet.. CDROM emulator with drivers are common though) so that could get messy…Anyhow, the sky isn’t falling in. Businesses still using IE6 etc are a much bigger problem than this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411417",
"author": "Titcher",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T12:51:15",
"content": "In regards to people talking of USB Device authorisation. HID devices could be authenticated by asking the user to type specific randomly generated stuff before the peripheral will work outside of that specific environment.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411438",
"author": "Manfre",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:21:03",
"content": "@cantido, the only way I can see a peripheral authorization system working would be having a white list of serial numbers pushed down to desktop systems. This removes the end user as a weak link because they will never get a prompt to allow/deny a peripheral.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411440",
"author": "willow",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:22:24",
"content": "@Paul: Awesome invention btw.Windows 5 and beyond allow for policies to be set to prevent USB installation of devices, including HID’s. It’s set that way where I work.They install an HID and then lock it down. If you want something new installed, they authorize you and monitor it when it’s installed.Unless I’ve missed something entirely and have been fooled by the group policy editor this entire time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411448",
"author": "Blue Footed Booby",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:40:53",
"content": "@willowNope, you didn’t miss something. A lot of places will totally lock down USB so users can’t hook up whacky devices, especially flash drives.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411454",
"author": "ScottinNH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:54:43",
"content": "Actually, it seems pretty simple for the USB authorization system to not accept keyboard input from a device which says it is a mouse.Not saying implementation of above paragraph is trivial, but it is certainly logical. You would not need a list of approved USB ids (which can be spoofed anyways), or device signing/trusted device, etc.I’m not familiar with the dark depths of the Microsoft Policy editor, or Linux AppArmor, but this might already be possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411553",
"author": "cantido",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:20:42",
"content": "@TitcherSo all the rogue device needs to do is wait until the legit device its piggy backed on is authorized and then do it’s business. This is all stupid anyhow.. these guys were asked to try to break in from the outside, so they used social engineering which is exactly what they were asked not to do.@willowso you have the bogus device change its USB id to various common types of keyboard etc like the ones Dell ship with their machines until you find something that works. IIRC (I haven’t had the displeasure of admining windows systems for a few years) the security policy stuff for executables users were allowed to use worked on filenames,.. yes, filenames,.. msn.exe is not allowed? Rename it to msn1.exe, oh it works. I wouldn’t put too much faith in it to be honest.@ScottinNHEh, does AppArmor even get involved here? Unless you’re using the older Xorg drivers that are closer to the hardware all the HID stuff is done in the kernel and presented to Xorg as nice input events… you could use udev rules to disallow hardware you dont want, but that doesn’t stop a rogue device spoofing common devices.And in other news .. having people in the same room as you when you type in your passwords is really bad security policy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411556",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:29:39",
"content": "@TitcherSo would it sort of ‘lock you out’ of your system if you didn’t input it correctly? How would other HID devices function? I had the same idea, but there are many flaws that I could see.@WillowCorrect, the GPMC can disable installation of USB devices. That is why this pen test was successful, the company failed to implement proper security measures.@ScottinNHThat type of blocking would work, except the mouse itself is not inputting anything. The keyboard is a separate HID device installed at the same time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411559",
"author": "tehgringe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:34:51",
"content": "tl;dr; other comments, except someone complaining about a vagina or something?!They ruled out all the stuff that actually happens when they get targeted.We are going to have a fight sir. However, you are not allowed to use your arms, head or feet. Spitting is not allowed, and thinking violent thoughts is also against the rules.Ding ding….Fucking idiots deserve to get hacked.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411588",
"author": "jeff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T21:48:29",
"content": "on hardware authorization;if i were a user WITH INTENT of plugging and using some usb device, an authorization popup would be quickly dismissed as something getting in the way of a process i already agreed to;by physically plugging the device in the first place!if user is to dumb for pc, dumbing down pc gives you 2 dumb things.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411682",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T05:01:20",
"content": "Most stores have a liberal return and restocking policy when it comes to mice. Just throwing that out there.I want to see the wireless version of this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411702",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T07:16:56",
"content": "I dont think the client should rule out certain attack types. Sounds rather immature on their part.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411718",
"author": "boole",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T08:23:36",
"content": "The idea that the client ruled out social engineering entirely is based on the slightly misworded articles here and in The Register. To quote their own article on the hack:“The scope included a single IP address bound to a firewall that offered no services what so ever. It also excluded the use of social attack vectors based on social networks, telephone, or email and disallowed any physical access to the campus and surrounding areas”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412381",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-07-02T09:49:23",
"content": "This isnt anything new… They ripped this off of iron geek. He conducted the same exact thing over a year ago and even gave a write up on how to do it… NetraGard, you suck. Your just copying other peoples work and reproducing it in your own name. Pathetic…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "631847",
"author": "jaffa",
"timestamp": "2012-04-18T10:42:56",
"content": "The relative merits of these approaches are debated. Black box testing simulates an attack from someone who is unfamiliar with the system. White box testing simulates what might happen during an inside job or after a leak of sensitive information, where the attacker has access to source code, network layouts, and possibly even some passwords. Thanks.Regards,network penetration testing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.366604
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/tweeting-bird-feeder-keeps-a-picture-record-of-all-visitors/
|
Tweeting Bird Feeder Keeps A Picture Record Of All Visitors
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"bird feeder",
"lilypad",
"twitter",
"xbee"
] |
If you weren’t aware, Adafruit Industries is sponsoring the “Make it Tweet” contest over at Instructables, and
this Twitter-enabled bird feeder
is [quasiben’s] entry into the competition.
His bird feeder not only sends messages to Twitter, it also sends a picture of each bird to Twitpic. The feeder itself is a standard off the shelf model which has been fitted with a LinkSprite camera. A LilyPad Arduino controls the camera, sending images to his computer via a pair of XBee modules. To detect when a bird has stopped by for something to eat, [quasiben] used an infrared LED and an IR detector. The emitter and detector are positioned at opposing sides of the feeder’s opening, triggering the Arduino to snap a picture whenever the beam is broken. Once the image has been transferred to his computer, it is
posted to TwitPic
.
We’re pretty sure [quasiben] built this Tweeting bird feeder just because he could, but we think it’s a pretty smart idea for people who don’t necessarily have the free time to gaze out the window into their yard. It’s a great way to keep tabs on all your new winged visitors while on the go.
| 18
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411094",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:58:01",
"content": "Is it broken?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411096",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:02:53",
"content": "Certainly looks it, must have been squirreled.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411097",
"author": "dombeef",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:06:03",
"content": "I dont know, It isnt waterproof",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411099",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:09:21",
"content": "The focus on the lens is really, really off.It’s a great idea for a early pre alpha concept, it’s certifiably not ready to be left outside for more than 5 minutes.Also ditch the lens and find either a very wide angle lens or place it farther away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411102",
"author": "Diego Spinola",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:11:42",
"content": "I’m sure the author will rug it up in the next few hours =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411108",
"author": "ibedazzled",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:15:42",
"content": "cool idea, but needs some more development for sure.im thinking the focal length on that camera is too long for its current position on the feeder. could be mounted to an arm that is long enough for clear shots with the camera pointed back toward the feeder, rather than right on it. or a lens hack may work — maybe mount a door peep-hole to the front of the camera for a fisheye (shorter focal length) type of effect.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411112",
"author": "Booker T. Worthington",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:20:10",
"content": "The birds must be invisible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411120",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:00:13",
"content": "Of course every hack has to be tweaked until it’s ready for prime time, Unfortunately to tweak this he has to put it up for the public to see warts, and all. A scroll down into the instructable comments shows the builder saying it has been raining, so so bird activity. IR detector can be flaky, who knows what’s tripping the shutter. I too think the camera is placed to close to the intended subjects. Get working well I can’t think of a better idea for this contest than tweeting images of the of the original tweeters.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411125",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:10:36",
"content": "It needs to run recognition software, and when a grackle is at the feeder, it fires a pellet gun at the pest.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411170",
"author": "raidscsi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:55:09",
"content": "Anyone else hate the “instructables” linked articles?A simple HTML page from 1995 is more readable, user friendly, and just less gunky.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411189",
"author": "Cpt. Obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:29:10",
"content": "@raidscsi: not only that, they make butt loads of money off of other people ideas and force registering at every single corner, then bug you till you cough up the cash, worthless crooks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411190",
"author": "Kuy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:30:20",
"content": "@raidsci yes, instructables is an atrocious mess that effectively ruins projects posted to it. Whatever happened to the instructabliss proxy/filter? It doesn’t seem to work with the url cited in this article.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411281",
"author": "Tachikoma",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:21:37",
"content": "I only found one pic with a bird in it! hahah",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411291",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:57:05",
"content": "I find it impressive that he used an xbee to transfer jpegs. That’s not exactly an out-of-the-box feature.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411299",
"author": "Benjamin Zaitlen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T02:36:33",
"content": "Hey All,Thanks for the feedback! I have a better camera (TCM8240MD) on order and a breakout board coming in from seeedstudio later this week. I also agree that the IR gate can be a bit flaky and will probably switch to an ultrasonic detector.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411386",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T09:50:59",
"content": "Obviously this is an elaborate ‘yo dawg’ joke nobody gets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411663",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T03:15:52",
"content": "twitter twits for flitter flits@Ren do you mean starlings…identify…must exterminate…zap!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411755",
"author": "juice",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T11:51:43",
"content": "“we think it’s a pretty smart idea for people who don’t necessarily have the free time to gaze out the window into their yard”How sad is it if someone doesn’t have the free time to have a cup of coffee and look at the birds from the window?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.653294
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/fpga-midi-interface/
|
FPGA MIDI Interface
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"fpga",
"midi",
"music"
] |
Hacking and digital music seem to be very much related arts. This very
well built hack
goes through the process of creating a MIDI synthesizer using a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and several other components.
A laptop is used as the MIDI interface which runs through a filter and then to the FPGA. This translated signal then goes through a digital to analog converter and finally to the amplifier and speakers. The
FPGA
is especially interesting as this chip is an array of logic gates that can be programmed however one wants. In this case, the wavetable principle is used to generate sound.
Although this is no Kaossilator yet, this device is a great start and very functional. If you’ve ever wanted to build your own electronic instrument, check out this hack. Also, check out the video after the break!
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1_gluixbdE&w=470&h=349%5D
For another really cool musical hack, check out this
robotic jazz ensemble
.
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411047",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:39:53",
"content": "How about titling this “FPGA synthesizer”? The MIDI part isn’t very interesting, but the wavetable synthesis in an FPGA is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411051",
"author": "Beat707",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:46:46",
"content": "I get a message “this video was been removed by the user” :-(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411054",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:49:56",
"content": "Would have been interesting to see.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411057",
"author": "Mich",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:53:56",
"content": "HaD included the video that was messing up yesterday. Re-uploaded the video and have it embedded in the blog post linked, but here’s the URL:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th0mWuwcXxAAlso, thanks for the coverage, HaD! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411071",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:49:20",
"content": "nifty.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411109",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:16:12",
"content": "“Hacking and digital music seem to be very much related arts.”…Well that’s obvious since typically hacks are done to save a bit of money, and for most musicians, that is often necessary",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411121",
"author": "Brittany",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:04:27",
"content": "Give this man a job, a home, and a hat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411196",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:03:11",
"content": "“MIDI Interface” did sound way cooler for some reason? The project is synth. Get a grip, HaD. Don’t be Gizmodo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411240",
"author": "delta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:52:35",
"content": "And the Kaossilator is not the best comparison… although it uses synthesis technology (of course) you can not really access its parameters… unlike the FPGA ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411248",
"author": "NatureTM",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:34:44",
"content": "Dammit, this is exactly what I have been coding for the last few days :-(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411256",
"author": "Zero",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:59:37",
"content": "NatureTM, you can still code it, except you will have to do frequency modulation for the output section instead of using an external DAC. The only issue is dealing with the timing of how fast you modulate as you reconstruct the waveform. The wave table generation is interesting but if you tried the FM approach you could potentially get higher resolution since you could iterate the hardware in the FPGA till the chip maxes out/ reach the desired resolution. The rest of the sounds you hear in a synth are all just filters and such off the basic waves described here.Nonetheless this is still pretty cool :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.543998
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/put-your-arm-skills-to-the-test-with-the-freescale-make-it-challenge/
|
Put Your ARM Skills To The Test With The Freescale Make It Challenge
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"contests"
] |
[
"arm",
"cortex-m4",
"freescale",
"kinetis",
"make it challenge"
] |
Throw down your mad skills and you might win some cash while you’re at it. [Zeta] tipped us off that
Freescale just announced a new challenge
. They call it the Make It Challenge and it centers around their 32-bit Kinetis microcontrollers. These are ARM Cortex-M4 chips and if you’re selected to compete they’ll offer their development hardware at a discount for you to get started.
You’ll need to jump through a few hoops. To be considered as a contestant you’ll need to preregister, cruise through some online training, and complete a quiz. From there, just come up with an idea and submit a design paper as the first round of competition. Ten finalists will rise from the group and take their design through to completion for judging in the fall. The top three will get some serious cash ($11,000 for first place) and be treated to an expense paid trip to Austin, Texas.
| 26
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411055",
"author": "Any Red Mazda",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:51:03",
"content": "What a bunch of crap…To many hoops to jump through…Only 10 designs possible, I guess if you make it past the final phase it might be worth it, but why bother…There are better ways to waste our neurons… beer anyone…..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411056",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:53:07",
"content": "Dear Freescale:Stop being tightasses. You went from having the ideal hobbyist micro fifteen years ago (HC11) with the cheapest devkit ($68.11) and the best written free-for-asking databooks known to man, to being the last thing anyone might think of when starting a project. Even stodgy old TI figured this out, and now you can get an MSP430 entry level devkit for less than a fast food burger and fries. Your tools are ridiculously expensive and flaky, and your partner for supplying debug pods wants $700 a seat for the luxury of merely writing flash.You have some outstanding in-house architectures that I’d hate to see disappear due to bad marketing decisions. Do something about it, please?-Chango",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411064",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:26:20",
"content": "Well said Chango. I think Freescale should jump through hoops to attract customers, not the other way around.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411066",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:27:03",
"content": "chango +1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411076",
"author": "Marko",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:03:29",
"content": "well, Freescale has low cost tools as weel. Just a few weeks ago I bought a Cortex-M4 kit at the freescale store for $29. it has lcd display, touch buttons, audio output, mic, plus some other stuff I dont use, and its onboard JTAG can be used with other target boards or prototypes you build. I think its a good deal, I dont know of any other Cortex-M4 board at such price. (exept maybe the coupon for the eval bot from TI XD)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411078",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:08:44",
"content": "Look at the numbers.Only 10 “semi-finalists” will be invited to submit projects. Of the ten, three will win $11K, 5K and 2K. From the low number of people actually invited to submit projects, I suspect they expect ~20 people (I only half joke) to apply. That means that if you apply, you have a 3 in 20 chance (15%) chance of winning at least $2K.But I have to agree with Chango that this contest was set up the wrong way. Perhaps they thought that the “exclusivity” would excite more people? They should have made the threshold for entry low (like TI with the MSP430) to induce as many people as possible to join in instead of bottlenecking interest after a committee decides which ten projects are worthy of giving a price break to. It is really hard to figure out what is going to be interesting from an application– some people write great proposals but can’t make a good project and visa versa– engineers are sometimes just that way– writing is not their strong suit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411083",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:28:44",
"content": "I think the “exclusivity” was setup to weed out the typical hacker. Freescale’s marketing is squarely aimed at the corporate designer of high volume products.Design something that makes sense in mass production if you enter this contest.It might be a good project for a group of friends to enter so they can tackle a more complex project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411084",
"author": "Dosbomber",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:30:08",
"content": "This sounds a little like those credit card offers I keep getting a half dozen or so of every week in the mail. In essence:“Congratulations!! You’ve been selected to pay for our expensive services!”At the very least, after going through all the BS wrapped in red tape to become a “candidate” they should give you the dev tools and the hardware for free.“You’ve had a great idea! Here’s the stuff you said you’ll need to build it, get to it!”Those who finish their projects, are in the contest.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411085",
"author": "MysticPixel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:31:48",
"content": "Freescale does do some nice things sometimes. I went to a local seminar last fall about their Kinetis chips, and they gave all attendees a free Tower dev board, which is a really nice piece of kit. Unfortunately, they don’t have a reasonable compiler that’s not 30-day limited, so the best you can do as a hobbyist is to use the 32Kb-limited IAR compiler — and then you can’t compile anything that uses Ethernet, because the projects are invariably 33Kb >:(Also, as a development platform, it’s really nice but it’s almost overbuilt. There are half a dozen jumpers that have to be set right to enable/disable various functional units, and these are only documented (sometimes halfway, or incorrectly) in readme.txt files in the project directory. Finding any sort of cohesive documentation on what has to be set is amazingly difficult, so you end up back at the schematics – but for some tower modules there aren’t even schematics available (I’m looking at you, TOW-SER) so who knows? Sigh… it’s a really neat kit and I wish I had something to do with it, but I just can’t.TI has figured it out, the Stellaris boards (including the Evalbot) ship with a board-locked version of their full compiler, so you don’t have to deal with that 30-day nonsense (honestly, who has ever gotten use out of a 30-day trial? Especially as a hobbyist… you put a project down for a week or two, as can often happen, and suddenly you no longer have a working compiler, so the whole thing is rubbish. Ugh.) Now if they could only unify their IDEs so I no longer need three separate versions of CCS installed… oh well, at least it’s not EW.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411086",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:42:24",
"content": "@DanJ: I’m a corporate designer of high volume products. I’m actually working with Freescale parts now at work. But I’m not allowed to enter their contest with that work because, well, they’re my company’s proprietary property. Honestly, if I had the opportunity to spec a part for a next-gen product, I’d be choosing a vendor based on both my personal and professional experiences.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411092",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:56:24",
"content": "@chango, obviously I understand you couldn’t enter your work-design. That wasn’t my point. You’re the kind of guy Freescale wants to attract (and obviously has). Ideally the guy like you currently familiar with another vendor’s parts and whose dept budget can easily support $3500 tools.I also design products although they’re never built in volumes higher than thousands or maybe tens of thousands of units. Freescale isn’t interested in me as evidenced by the cost of developing firmware for their chips.That’s fine. They get to define their market strategy. ST is the same way (too bad for me because I like their parts).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411093",
"author": "Marko",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:57:10",
"content": "@peter.Actually, everyone who pases the quizz will receive tool discounts and will be able to submit proyect proposals with a change of winning $1k. I think the average hacker will be able to pass it with the eyes closed xD. 10 proposals will win 1k each and they will build their proyects for a chance of winning 10k, 5k , 2k extra.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411095",
"author": "Bob D",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:59:15",
"content": "The only thing it has going for it is that they don’t own your design after you submit it (Which a few other sleazy chipmakers do for contests. Read the fine print)Otherwise its a complete travesty. You have to complete “online training” and pass a quiz before you can even enter! And if you’re one of the chosen you ‘get’ “the opportunity to select from discounted tools and create [your] own unique design” which means you still have to pay for the tools to make it. (Though you get a discount.)Contests like this are to get MORE people interested in your product, get MORE users and create a positive buzz about your product. This contest not only crates negative buzz, but eliminates from the competition anyone who doesn’t already have experience with the platform. What a stupid way to waste of $20K of their marketing budget.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411101",
"author": "xradionut",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:11:20",
"content": "There’s plenty of inexpensive but feature rich ARM boards that work with gcc and have no restrictions. There’s also better contests like the ones that Circuit Cellar runs. Does Freescale think they are the Oracle of embedded?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411137",
"author": "Mlöck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:42:55",
"content": "It’s also only for Americans..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411161",
"author": "Daniel Medeiros",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:26:43",
"content": "@DanJ : $3500 would be if you bough IAR. You can get their standard CodeWarrior tools for about $300.They do have special editions that are free, but so far they haven’t added the kinetis family to that supported list.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411179",
"author": "pahosler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:19:51",
"content": "thanks guys, I’ve just ordered an MSP430 kit, I’m so freakin excited! I’m a no to low budget hobbyist and $4.30 is in the just right price range.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411198",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:18:32",
"content": "Of the ten men sent, four returned. Of those four, three wrote books about what happened. Of those three, two were published. And of those two, only one got a movie deal. This is the story of the men who attempted to make that movie.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411203",
"author": "Zeta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:31:31",
"content": "lolmost people commenting sound like babies crying over not getting a free candy.I guess the quiz is just to filter out sample colectorsBTW. I’m prety sure you can use Freescale kinetis boards with the free gcc based Sourcery CodeBench lite version. Although I can’t confirm because I have an academic license.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411279",
"author": "westfw",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:18:06",
"content": "Freescale did something similar (“hoops” to jump through) a while ago for their low pin count hc08 product lines (the “Black Widow Contest”?) IIRC, you had to pass an online quiz and then complete a coding example (via online test system) before you",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411283",
"author": "westfw",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T01:24:24",
"content": "Freescale did something similar a while ago for one of their hc08 product lines IIRC, you had to pass an online quiz and then complete a coding example (via online test system) before you qualified to receive free or discounted development system use for the final phases of the contest.I rather enjoyed it, actually. The “hoops” were not difficult, and I actually learned some things. Certainly more than when I order a development kit for a contest and never actually getting around to doing anything with it, which is all common…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411445",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T14:30:50",
"content": "You don’t need to license any software from TI to develop for the Stellaris Cortex-M3 (LM3S line)!!You just need the free and fabulous GNU toolchain with the gcc compiler. You can build it from source but I recommend the outstanding CodeSourcery Lite toolchain package.Same for any other Cortex-M3 core–that’s one of the greatest advantages of the M3: you can use standard JTAG/SWD debug and flash download tools, standard compiler toolchain, etc. from multiple vendors INCLUDING THE COMPLETE FREE AND OPEN SOURCE GNU TOOLCHAIN. Also check out the free and open source (both hardware and software/firmware) Versaloon debug/programming adapter.Now for the Freescale Cortex-M4, I’m not sure. I haven’t heard of any Cortex-M4 support in gcc yet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411501",
"author": "cgimark",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:53:48",
"content": "Marketing for these companies is totally out of touch with the developer community. To start with , the time frame they have allotted is ridiculous. Play along with the contest and have a final design by august? Are you nuts ? As a developer we have other things in life besides working 24/7 on hardware and giving just over 30 days to get the hardware, learn its quirks , and make a product is silly.Then we are supposed to submit a design paper in which we release all rights to the work to freescale for their further use even if we do not win is again silly.The benefit to the developer is a limited trial of a toolchain ? hello ? Anyone home at marketing ?Companies need to learn that charging for development software, making us perform like your trained pets just to get a pat on the head, and over charging for development hardware is NOT the way to make developers want to use your products.some companies have learned like Atmel and Microchip by offering low cost hardware and free software, but the others like freescale and TI that want thousands for a $50 hardware board need to wake up. I am not supposed to be paying you a premium for the privilege of using your stuff.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411561",
"author": "westfw",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:41:47",
"content": "I dunno. I don’t think that manufacturers q",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411565",
"author": "westfw",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:55:40",
"content": "(stupid not-my-keyboard…) I don’t think that manufacturers quite understand how thin the line is between a hobbyist and a real designer when it comes to evaluating new technologies. the times when an engineer is given a couple months to read datasheets and play with evaluation boards to pick a NEW architecture are few and far between. You have to capture “mindshare” from an engineer’s spare time…On the other hand, I doubt that big companies doing real evaluations for significant products. would have trouble getting any of the development boards we’re looking at here for free. Or that they’d consider several thousand spent on development systems to be an inappropriate expense.these contests are a way for a manufacturer to get “showcase” projects from engineers who are showing off their talents or their “hobbyist” prjoects. Don’t think that contests are a significant part of the marketing effort behind … anything (for example, compare total prize value to the travel expenses for manning a booth at ONE trade show…)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "505209",
"author": "copier",
"timestamp": "2011-11-10T19:37:25",
"content": "Umm… how would that work as an add on with all the wires and stuff? Also that would put a strain on the right hand, plus it’s just confusing with the position and all… I’m still trying to get used to using both the circle pad and the d pad on my 3DS…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.717795
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/circuit-design-for-multiple-uart-connections/
|
Circuit Design For Multiple UART Connections
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"bootloader",
"fdti",
"uart"
] |
[Bill Porter] has a tip for
designing circuits that have multiple connections to a single microcontroller UART
. This stemmed from a review of a friend’s circuit design that used the UART in the project, but also called for an FTDI chip in order to reprogram via USB and a bootloader. Unlike the schematic above, the circuit called for straight connections without any resistors. With that design, a conflict will occur if two devices are connected and attempting to communicate at the same time.
The fix is easy. [Bill] discusses how to prioritize the connection by adding the pair of current limiting resistors seen above. This helps to ensure that damage will not occur, and that the FTDI chip will take precedence. Now the external hardware will not preclude the FTDI chip from accessing and programming via the bootloader. The tutorial is intended for those rolling their own boards out of an Arduino-based prototype, but it will work in any situation where you need multiple connections to a single set of UART pins.
| 28
| 28
|
[
{
"comment_id": "411004",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:10:05",
"content": "Nice Tip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411009",
"author": "kubik",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:27:33",
"content": "I’d say that only the RX pin needs this trick, TX should be OK without the resistor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411010",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:33:51",
"content": "@kubik: But you will always manage to get the damn connections mixed up some time. It’s like USB-cables, impossible to plug in the right way on the first try ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411014",
"author": "kubik",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:38:10",
"content": "@sneakypoo: I always do trial and error when connecting rx/tx from ATMega to my USB/RS232 adapter :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411015",
"author": "wernicke",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:38:17",
"content": "@sneakypoo: You have trouble plugging in USB cables? Really?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411020",
"author": "kalleguld",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:09:34",
"content": "I’m with Sneakypoo here. I always need at least two tries to plug in USB plugs.@story: Is there a good way to detect collisions? Like hooking RXD to an ADC",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411022",
"author": "cpmike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:11:36",
"content": "Nice tip to know, I actually have a use for this.@wernicke – have you ever tried plugging in a usb cable to find the connector is 180deg flipped? No?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411027",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:16:13",
"content": "@wernicke: You don’t? I think you’re in the minority if you mean to tell me you’ve never managed to turn a USB connector the wrong way before trying to plug it in.I hereby give you a challenge! Grab the nearest USB cable, now, reach behind your computer and try to plug it in the right way on the first try. And no peeking! If you did it right grab another cable (or just drop the one you have randomly on the floor) and repeat. If you get it right 10 times in a row (without peeking!) I’ll be flabbergasted.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411028",
"author": "Munch",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:23:06",
"content": "@sneakypoo – the trick to doing that right 10 times in a row is to be observant of the symbols on the connector. USB specs state that the USB logo is supposed to be facing upward towards greater human visibility when plugged in, so as long as you can ensure that orientation, you’ll nail it every time.@HAD:I would like to respond to this bit of the text in the article, though:“””With that design, a conflict will occur if two devices are connected and attempting to communicate at the same time.”””As stated, this is incorrect. You’ll get contention if you have two devices plugged in and *if even one* tries to communicate. RS-232 has no high-impedance state, and so as soon as one device tries to drive its start bit, the other device (which is assumed to be idle) will create dead short. (Hence the current limiters we see in the schematic.)As written, you imply that it’s safe for two devices to be plugged in, so long as only one communicates at a time. I can just smell the magic smoke now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411029",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:25:29",
"content": "Also works with the SPI pins. If you want to add an ISP programming header to your AVR system but you’re already using the SPI pins, stick some 1k resistors in series with the MOSI/MISO/SCK lines in the existing SPI bus. (The AVRISP manual actually recommends this.) That way, the programming signals always take priority, and you shouldn’t have bus contention issues.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411039",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:14:46",
"content": "@Munch You mean that logo that’s molded into the connector with no visual contrast, and not present at all on many flash drives? A quick survey of computers near me shows that one violates the spec and the others have the connectors mounted vertically so the logo faces to the side.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411045",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:36:55",
"content": "Here is another way to do it using two diodes and a resistor the RX pin is held high and the two TX pins can only pull the line low. With this design you can use a much larger resistor (100K) to reduce power consumption and still be able to operate at very high baud rates.VCC|.-.| || |10K‘-‘TX —–|<—-| ||——– RXTX —–|<—-|",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411046",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:37:18",
"content": "RE USB Connectors:The “windowed” side (the one with open holes) always faces up, with respect to the jack it’s plugging into. For ports on the front of your machine and on laptops, that means the windowed side faces up, but on motherboard ports on the back of a tower, the windows face towards the greater majority of the machine, which is “up” relative to the motherboard.Laptops with ports turned 90 degrees can be confusing, as well as some other strange cases… But for the majority of machines, the “window side faces up” rule holds true.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411063",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:13:36",
"content": "@Alex This is not a universal rule. I have setup many Dell computers that have the ports 180deg flipped from normal. Front ports are notorious for being flipped upside down as well. I’d say your rule is about 65-75% accurate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411072",
"author": "scatterbrained",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:53:15",
"content": "the RX line could use a pullup so it doesn’t receive junk when nothing is connected… (maybe they have it turned on in the IO)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411077",
"author": "wernicke",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:03:50",
"content": "@sneakypoo, @cpmike, @others:Wow… this is an easy bunch to steer off topic. (byw, it was meant jokingly. The sarcasm tag got filtered)OK.. I admit that for blind ports that I’m unfamiliar with I will line up a USB plug with a socket the wrong way close to half of the time. However, I never manage to plug it in the wrong way, like sneakypoo’s reply seemed to imply.As long as I’m OT, my bigger gripe is that some machines (my old dell D620 as an example) have their side ports set too deep for bulky USB plugs like memory sticks to work reliably.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411087",
"author": "WH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:43:05",
"content": "Great timing, I was just thinking to connect a bluetooth transciever to my arduino board but without having to disconnect the FTDI…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411090",
"author": "Bob Spafford",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:50:38",
"content": "Face it, the USB “A” (flat) connector is a design by an inexperienced, rather stupid person. The mini “B” isn’t far behind. We all know that “blind” mating these connectors is very nearly impossible. Just plain dumb. In order to elevate the Stupid Competition, the HDMI connector was conceived; it wins easily. The thing that all these connectors share is the requirement of clear vision of the mating process. Given the nature of modern product design, connectors can be found in ANY orientation, ANY location, frequently dark as well.Clearly, not overly smart designers mate connectors at their well lit desks, hand holding them in the most optimal position for good vision. If they can mate them in this situation, the design is pronounced to be final and production begins. What a colossal disconnect from the real world!It’s pretty obvious that a good connector has a bit of “funnel” to get you in when you’re close. It is circular, scoop proof, and well keyed. That means that all you have to do is rotate until the “lock and key” align and mating occurs. You also need a quality detent that issues tactile feedback when mating is complete, and prevents unintentional disconnect from vibration. (Am I the only one having the detent free HDMI sporadically falling out of their laptop’s connector?) Come on guys, this isn’t rocket science!And if it’s really UNIVERSAL Serial Bus, why the plethora of sizes. Logic would suggest that the basic connector be “mini” sized and intelligent design used to create robustness.These hot shot engineers need to get out into the real world, and get their hands a bit dirty before they go dashing off designs that only look good in a computer CAD program. What is missing is the willingness to invest in prototype runs, tested in real world apps. AFTER the beta testers declare a design to be a good one, THEN make zillions of them. Ultimately, it’s about elimination of prototyping to improve the company’s economic profile on Wall Street. Maybe money really IS the root of all evil!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411105",
"author": "Steve C",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:14:30",
"content": "As someone above mentioned, this method still introduces a contention.A much safer method is to use pull up resistors and sink diodes on the signals.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411106",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:14:33",
"content": "Personally, I like the L shaped SATA connector.Circular connectors should be burned at the stake. A circular connector gets jammed in at weird angles, pin holes get shredded, the ‘twist until it fits’ technique destroys connectors faster than feeding the stupid thing through a paper shredder.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411176",
"author": "Munch",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:16:22",
"content": "I like the idea of a circular connector, actually. A 5 pin phono connector would work nicely (one ground, and two data pairs). The only problem I have with this kind of connector is the plug into which the connector fits into. Based on my experience with 1/8″ phono connectors on sound cards, the contacts wouldn’t last very long.Solve that problem, and the phono plug solution really would truly be ideal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411207",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:44:13",
"content": "Or you could use a tri-state buffer and have a selection line…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411208",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:50:48",
"content": "Tri-state buffer design:http://www.ece.gatech.edu/academic/courses/ece4007/10spring/ECE4007L04/wh2/presentation_final.pdf(Slide 12)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411217",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:01:29",
"content": "O man, When I saw my story had 20 something comments, I feared for the worse. Start reading in and it’s all about USB connections? You guys crack me up!!Other suggestions here are good and it just comes down to what people want. For a quick and easy way to allow for FTDI programming without unplugging other stuff, this way works. 5mA is not much power loss and I’m not two worried about holding a RX line, I don’t think many people will be running an AVR with a UART buffer enabled and nothing plugged in.And for the questions about two resistors; I suggest a resistor on both in case the ‘usually connected’ device is something other then a serial port, like general IO holding both lines low or high.Bill",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411222",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:12:27",
"content": "BTW,@HADYou miss-spelled the ‘fdti’ tag. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411226",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:28:47",
"content": "@Bill: Sorry about that. Didn’t think my little comment would explode like that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411236",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T22:41:01",
"content": "@sneakypooNo worries, I’ll admit I have plugged 3 wire serial headers in backwards before.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413414",
"author": "signal7",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T15:41:51",
"content": "Here’s the real tip: Learn to read a schematic!The arduino has had this ‘solution’ for years now since it has an FTDI chip and available RX/TX lines on the header. All you really had to do was to find an open hardware example that was similar and just go look at the schematic to find the solution.Don’t waste time trying to reinvent the wheel. Use the resources that are already out there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.788996
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/28/keep-all-eyes-on-your-kegerator-with-this-light-up-gauge-cluster/
|
Keep All Eyes On Your Kegerator With This Light Up Gauge Cluster
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Beer Hacks"
] |
[
"gauge cluster",
"keg",
"kegerator",
"temperature",
"volume"
] |
A few years back [Evan] built a kegerator from a mini fridge and was quite happy with his new beer chiller. Like many of us do, he started thinking up ways in which he could improve the project as soon as it was completed. While it took a couple of years,
he recently got around to adding the temperature and capacity gauges he always wanted
.
He added a temperature probe to the refrigerator, and then constructed a pair of tools that he could use to measure how much beer was left in the keg. The volume monitors include a scale built using a pair of pressure sensors from SparkFun, and a flow sensor installed in the beer line.
[Evan] scored an old Chevy gauge cluster and cleaned it up before installing a pair of analog meters which he used to show the keg’s temperature and “fuel” level. Since he feels no project is complete without
some LED love
, he added a few of them to the display without hesitation. The LEDs calmly pulsate when the keg sits idle, but spring to life and begin flashing when the flow sensor is activated.
As evidenced by
this pair
of
keg monitoring systems
, we think that you can never have enough information when it comes to your beer stash, so we really like how this project came together.
Be sure to check out his kegerator’s gauge cluster in the video below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4cuNhe1pgk&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410998",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T11:42:08",
"content": "Hard way of doing it.Hack a digital bathroom scale and simply go by weight like everyone else does.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411024",
"author": "facefart",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:14:07",
"content": "If everyone did everything the easy way we would never get anywhere.This is hackaday not easymodaday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411037",
"author": "captain obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:57:18",
"content": "Make up your mind fartface.You come here and troll constantly. one thread you complain that it is too easy, another that it is too hard.Looks like I’m not the only one to notice either, someone already copied your very last comment here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411040",
"author": "Gregory Strike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:20:37",
"content": "“Like many of us do, he started thinking up ways in which he could improve the project as soon as it was completed.” <– So true! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411062",
"author": "Felddy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:12:20",
"content": "Very nice Evan. Can you elaborate more about the software side? How did you connect it to iTunes? ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411067",
"author": "tony",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:28:02",
"content": "@captain obvious: you can type in any name you want in the “Name” field of the reply form. there could be 15 different comments from “fartface” and that in no way means all 15 comments are from the same person. i figured that was obvious to everyone, but it must have eluded you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411073",
"author": "captain obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:55:50",
"content": "@fartface,wow, you’re totally right. I didn’t realize you were so e-famous as to have a horde of impersonators trolling the hackaday comments in an effort to make you look like you’re just being a contrarian jerk. Well then, I’ll just watch for the one polite and insightful one to know who is you.my sincerest apologies,captain obvious.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411107",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:15:04",
"content": "I like how the gauges look like a smiley face and a meh face.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411111",
"author": "Spartacus",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:19:08",
"content": "i AM FARTFACE",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411116",
"author": "gpdaver",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:38:20",
"content": "Sweet keg setup- but can you tell me more about where you got the ceiling tiles from your last project- the light-up basement?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411245",
"author": "mjrippe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T23:03:59",
"content": "Hmmm, RGD LEDs could also be used to signify the conditions. As in Temp is Low = LED is Blue or Beer is Very Low = LED is Flashing Red!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411562",
"author": "Evan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:51:58",
"content": "@fartface – With the limited fridge space, I couldn’t find a scale that would fit so I had to make my own. Didn’t take too long either.@mjrippe – The lights do act in a manner similar to what you described. I just had it in a “test” mode for the video.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "549420",
"author": "jerboa",
"timestamp": "2012-01-02T21:59:04",
"content": "I got a beverage air kegerator cheap from my neighbor. There’s not much spare room. My set used a load cell next to the keg connected by an “S” shaped bar and two pivot points. The guage is a 15V meter where 15V = 15 gallons. It’s very accurate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,154.845302
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/maker-faire-kc-2011-in-photos-part-1/
|
Maker Faire KC 2011: In Photos (Part 1)
|
James Munns
|
[
"Rants"
] |
[
"2011",
"faire",
"Kansas City",
"maker"
] |
As a writer for Hackaday, I get to see CNC machines, Prototypers, Tesla coils, and much more on a nearly daily basis. However, there are an uncountable number of people that don’t usually get to share in these technical wonders. Maker Faires provide the chance for the public to see and interact with the inventions, kludges, and geniuses that put together the things we write about on Hackaday.
Follow along after the break for some photos of the interesting things I got to see and enjoy.
Prototyped:
I ran into more Makerbots, RepRaps, and home made rapid prototypers than I could count. These were always a crowd pleaser, as many people had never seen anything like them before.
Just one of the many prototypers around
Companion Cubes were all over the place, and this one was definitely one of the best.
As seen in parts, as well as fully assembled, these Portal Turrets were definitely impressive.
This red Mario Kart shell was made from both standard white and red prototyping material
Another RC car topper in the same theme
2 Axis Foam Cutter:
A much simpler implementation than most CNC machines, this two axis foam cutter was responsible for spitting out a number of little motorized and unmotorized sculptures without pause.
Two Axis Foam Cutter
Foam Sculptures
Nerd Art:
Not necessarily technical in nature, but there were faux robots, steampunk costumes, and much more to see. Rarely did they have anything more technical than blinking lights, the love and care put into these pieces was easily seen.
Robots and Daleks galore, even plans to make your own.
These were just a few of the wonders to be seen, be sure to keep an eye out for part two, featuring old favorites ArcAttack now in 3D!
| 13
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410852",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:58:26",
"content": "Those turrets make me want to build a 3d printer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410853",
"author": "TP",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:59:28",
"content": "Damn it! I live in KC and didn’t know anything about it until reading it here! Either they didn’t advertise very well or I need to pay more attention.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410867",
"author": "Dustin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T00:22:31",
"content": "TP I live near Wichita but also didn’t know this was in KC. Next year I definitely want to go.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410870",
"author": "Ol_Crustacean",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T00:35:15",
"content": "Has someone made a noobs guide for how to get into 3D printing? Everytime I see how cool this stuff is I get blind with jealousy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410876",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T01:28:47",
"content": "Hehe it is coming to Detroit soon and I am psyched!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410917",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T03:39:51",
"content": "Yea, It was at Union Station, I only found out a few days before hand.Plenty of neat stuff, but advertising seemed lax.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410968",
"author": "Ugauga",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T08:27:43",
"content": "Those people in the background of the first “Nerd Art” picture are doing interesting stuff…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410989",
"author": "Ray Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T10:49:42",
"content": "I went down to the KC area last weekend and got introduced to maker faire on the fly. It was interesting and I got a few pictures and videos.No gallery, just click view.http://farldarm.homelinux.com/maker-faire/Am looking into the local makerspace here and may go to their meeting tonight.Enjoy,Ray",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411061",
"author": "raged",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T15:12:12",
"content": "I also live in KC and didn’t know about it. Us KC hackers should meet up!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "411091",
"author": "xerox",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:53:44",
"content": "raged and the other KC residents, search CCCKC and stop by on Thursdays. Nothing like a hackerspace in an underground cave.",
"parent_id": "411061",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411134",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:33:20",
"content": "Also in KC, saw a billboard on 35N just around the state line, but it was the same day as KCDC (kcdc.info) so couldn’t make it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411145",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T18:57:42",
"content": "Far out, I would have tried to attend if I where aware of it. I most likely would have settled for attending a Field Day event. A 90 minute round trip Vs. a 10 hour round trip, with over night expenses. However KC is much closer than Austin, which I would consider of family that lives somewhat near Austin. Oh well I’ll settle for good video. Last moth I learned of a serious model rocketry event that take place near Wichita, KS each year. Probably another some year thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411826",
"author": "Michael",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T16:19:03",
"content": "I was just looking around at some other electronics hacking sites and noticed the Makers Fair, so pissed I missed it.There must have been zero advertising.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.308194
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/bunnies-archives-unlocking-protected-microcontrollers/
|
[Bunnie’s] Archives: Unlocking Protected Microcontrollers
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Security Hacks"
] |
[
"18f1320",
"bunnie",
"pic",
"security fuses",
"uv"
] |
A few years back [Bunnie] took
a crack at cracking the security fuses on a PIC microcontroller
. Like most of the common 8-bit microcontrollers kicking around these days, the 18F1320 that he’s working with has a set of security fuses which prevent read back of the flash memory and EEPROM inside. The only way to reset those security fuses is by erasing the entire chip, which also means the data you sought in the first place would be wiped out. That is, if you were limited to using orthodox methods.
[Bunnie] had a set of the chips professionally uncapped, removing the plastic case without damaging the silicon die inside. He set to work inspecting the goodies inside with an electron microscope and managed to hammer out a rudimentary map of the layout. Turns out that flash memory can be erased with ultraviolet light, just like old EPROM chips. Microchip thought of that and placed some shielding over the security fuses to prevent them being reset in this manner. But [Bunnie] managed to do so anyway, creating an electrical tape mask to protect the rest of the data stored in the chip while bouncing UV light underneath the shielding at an angle.
Want to uncap some chips of your own without enlisting the help of others?
Give this method a try
.
[via
Dangerous Prototypes
]
| 25
| 22
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410824",
"author": "TBO",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:33:46",
"content": "Now *this* is Real Hacking. Very nice work! ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410830",
"author": "J. Peterson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:50:28",
"content": "“…inspecting the goodies inside with an electron microscope…”No, I think all he needed was a good optical microscope, probably 50 or 100x at the very most. Optical microscopes are usually sufficient for reverse-engineering chips like the PIC on a circuit level. You only need to resort to electron microscopes if you need to resolve individual circuit element construction, or you’re looking at the very latest chip from Intel. (Actually in the latter case, your biggest problem is going to be digging past the thick stack of metal layers to even get to the actual devices.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410834",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:16:45",
"content": "Scanning electron microscope, regular microscope, what’s the difference? Servo, stepper, same thing right? I like you Hack-a-day but I’m really starting to feel sorry for you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410836",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:23:35",
"content": "Most UV filters aren’t actually 100% effective. I suspect that given enough UV (think a 250 or 500 watt bulb) would be more than enough to bruteforce through the UV filter. Those things will give you a sunburn in seconds.Need to watch the heat output though.What did he use to dissolve the chip case? Sulfuric? Nitric?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410871",
"author": "Zencyde",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T00:42:50",
"content": "Always love to see [bunnie]’s work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410874",
"author": "Harvie.CZ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T01:06:48",
"content": "Original Teensy bootloader anyone? :-D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410884",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T02:21:55",
"content": "@Hackerspacer: It says he had the chip de-capped professionally. They probably used RFNA.I’m not sure what you’re talking about there with respect to UV filters. All he had to do was tip the chip at an angle to get the UV light to bounce under the shield. That’s certainly easier than using a 500W bulb. Are you trying to say that he could just blast light through the case? I don’t think that’s going to happen…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410902",
"author": "vtl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T02:51:40",
"content": "Really slick work.So whats the next step? If you’re able to dump the flash contents to file, you’re simply left with the code in assembly opcodes and the data. Reverse engineering that would most likely take longer than simply copying the product.But I think the main advantage would be for recovering data on the IC. Maybe if the chip is used for some kind of security application with codes saved on the flash.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410915",
"author": "dext0rb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T03:38:05",
"content": "really hardcore and inspiring-thank you",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410945",
"author": "mossmann",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T05:51:24",
"content": "Uh, isn’t that chip vulnerable to the much, much easier attack described under “Breaking Microchip PIC18F CPU copy protection” here?http://www.openpcd.org/HID_iClass_demystified",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1802663",
"author": "Bilal",
"timestamp": "2014-09-09T06:41:57",
"content": "i want decode hex and c source file from 18f452",
"parent_id": "410945",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1802788",
"author": "Rsrrsr Rsrsr",
"timestamp": "2014-09-09T07:29:37",
"content": "russiansemiresearch.com can decode to C.",
"parent_id": "1802663",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "410979",
"author": "ZeUs",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T09:39:32",
"content": "oh my god! Real hacks on hack a day!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410981",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T09:47:35",
"content": "@vtl,1. If he had the flash data he could just burn it to other pic’s (and copy the product)2. A lot of PIC users program in assembly and we’d be fine with the data once it was put through a dissembler. No need to reverse engineer.3. He’s a hacker he hacked the chip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410985",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T10:12:56",
"content": "The linked to method is unlikely to keep logic in place/working, as even the author mentions. Which matters when you want to dump data.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410993",
"author": "oskar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T11:05:31",
"content": "Didn’t someone describe a way to access (=read out) avr flash overriding the fuse bits somewhere here in the hackaday comments?I’ve read many times that it is possible but I didn’t find a way to do it, unfortunately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411012",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:35:49",
"content": "The first real hack on HAD in a couple of years. This one utterly ROCKS!Super crunchy Kudos! This person is a Uber HaXor in every sense of the word. All others are posers in their shadow…..We are not worthy….. We are not worthy….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411016",
"author": "Roman Dulgarov",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T12:48:54",
"content": "Ye I remember a similar article somewhere but can’t remember where. What would be interesting now is to see an example of FPGA with Anti-Fuse attack method… I believe that one requires and Ion Scanner to “set” the fuses again. Any one have any info?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411025",
"author": "Glen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:14:46",
"content": "hardcore",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411036",
"author": "Boricua",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T13:56:04",
"content": "Great hack. Wonder were he got access to an elec. Microscope or did he used his own, made by himself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411044",
"author": "vmspionage",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:35:32",
"content": "Microchip should have mixed in some parity bits for this very reason… imagine a checkerboard pattern of lock bits where an unlocked state is checked one way, locked is the inverse, and anything else such as “all clear” resets the chip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411088",
"author": "vmspionage",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:43:56",
"content": "I’m thinking out loud, but they could also have layered parity bits directly on top of the lock bits.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411293",
"author": "Jonathan Wilson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T02:00:12",
"content": "For those who question the use of being able to reset the security bits on protected chips, one big use is to read out the data from old consoles, arcade machines and computers (many of which used protected chips to prevent unauthorized copying)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1997885",
"author": "dinesh parashar",
"timestamp": "2014-10-15T07:00:44",
"content": "Sir I would like to unlock and creack atmel ic at89c51ed2 through you send me charges for this job",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1999397",
"author": "Rsrrsr Rsrsr",
"timestamp": "2014-10-15T14:39:40",
"content": "$850 by russiansemiresearch.com",
"parent_id": "1997885",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,155.371962
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/solder-paste-dispenser-hacked-to-run-off-compressed-air-cans/
|
Solder Paste Dispenser Hacked To Run Off Compressed Air Cans
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"air duster",
"compressed air",
"dispenser",
"solder paste"
] |
[John] got
a shiny new solder paste dispenser
for a steal, and before he hooked up the tool, he decided to take a look inside to make sure everything was on the up and up. Aside from
a few questionable wiring practices he didn’t approve of
, everything else looked to be in good working order.
The only thing that was bothering [John] is that he wasn’t too keen on keeping his noisy and large air compressor in his workshop, so he set off to find a different way to provide compressed air to the device. He settled on air dusters like those used for cleaning the crumbs out of your keyboard, but he needed to find a way to reliably get the air to his solder dispenser. He heated the air can’s nozzle until he was able to screw his dispenser’s hose barb into it, creating a tight seal. The modified nozzle was reattached to the can and placed in a simple jig that keeps the nozzle held down continuously.
[John] fired up his dispenser, and the 80 psi coming from the duster was plenty to get the solder paste flowing. Sure the rig might not be the most high tech solution, but we think it’s a pretty good means of getting quiet compressed air anywhere you need it.
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410789",
"author": "MattQ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:11:21",
"content": "Any hack that involves doing something like heating a can of compressed air, despite the clear warnings of “Seriously dangerous to heat this can. Don’t do it. Ever. I mean it. Please?” all over the can gets my approval.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410793",
"author": "gniob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:15:52",
"content": "To be fair, if you read what the guy had to say he only heated the nozzle:“The can nozzle was screwed to the metal bracket on top, it was then heated and the hose barb was then screwed in to the malleable hot plastic – completely leak free.”Where “the can nozzle” is the subject, which was screwed and then heated. The can was likely left alone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410799",
"author": "John R",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:29:10",
"content": "Nozzle was removed from can, then reworked! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410805",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:39:05",
"content": "wait, wheres the PVC?or to make the grammer nazis happy..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410806",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:40:48",
"content": "wait, wheres the pvc?or to make the grammer nazis happy.. i wont mention names..Wait, where`s the PVC?ill apologize now if this is a double/triple post",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410808",
"author": "Natalie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:45:32",
"content": "it seems wasteful to throw away those cans just for some air. why not just use one of those air caddys (ie portable compressed air tanks) and just go to your local service station to have it filled as needed. the air caddies already have normal pipe threaded fittings on them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410866",
"author": "Farkanoid",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T00:22:03",
"content": "Hah freaky coincidence, I was thinking of doing this for my pneumatic dispenser a few days ago! Was searching for a compact solution to keep the air duster nozzle depressed@Natalie – True, though I guess It’s not always practical to use an air compressor due to noise constraints (especially while working late at night); I occasionally steal Argon shielding gas from our welder as a pressure source late at night… Major waste on both accounts, however in reality dispensers use very little gas either way, so the loss would be negligible",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410920",
"author": "frosty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T03:51:37",
"content": "Why not just grab a portable 10 gallon air tank? They cost only $30 and with the tank at 100 psi you would run out of paste several times before you ran out of air.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410932",
"author": "deathventure",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T04:46:34",
"content": "I think a good solution would be the home-made silent compressors that people hack together for air-brushing using old refrigerator compressors. Only a slight hum and decent clean pressure. The problem with the cans, the pressure goes down as the can cools due to the gas expansion. Also goes down as the can empties. Constantly toying with pressures would be more trouble than it’s worth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410947",
"author": "Norman Bates",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T06:11:08",
"content": "Like deathventure already said: an refrigerator compressor works really good.I use a refrigerator compressor with an old fire-extinguisher as tank.Great little silent compressor which can be used without waking people up :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410959",
"author": "XBMC^N",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T07:38:35",
"content": "Great point, Natalie.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411368",
"author": "ino",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T07:49:03",
"content": "A good alternative would be to attach a solenoid to a kind of piston with a spring. Energize the solenoid and the piston send a calibrated puff of air to the paste dispenser.It’s more time consuming to build, but you will never be short of compressed air",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.25138
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/tiny-hardware-based-dslr-intervalometer/
|
Tiny Hardware-based DSLR Intervalometer
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"canon",
"dslr",
"intervalometer",
"nikon",
"pentax",
"PIC10F222",
"timer"
] |
Most DSLR cameras have the ability to take pictures at set intervals, but sometimes the menu system can be clunky, and the options are often less than ideal. [Achim] is a big fan of time lapse photography and has been hard at work
creating a hardware-based intervalometer
to suit his needs. He has just finished the second revision of the controller which is just about small enough to fit inside the housing of a 2.5mm stereo plug. The timer is not 100% universal, but so far he has confirmed it works on Nikon, Canon, and Pentax cameras.
Based on a PIC10F222, the circuit’s operation is quite simple. Once the dongle is connected to your camera, you simply need to take two pictures anywhere from 0.4 seconds to 18 minutes apart. The intervalometer “watches” to see how long you waited between pictures, and proceeds to take shots at that interval until the battery dies or your memory card fills up.
As you can see in the video on his site, the timer works a treat. If you want to make one of your own, swing by his site to grab schematics and code – it’s all available for free.
*Whoops, it looks like we’ve actually
covered this before
. Our apologies.
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410767",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:14:40",
"content": "Dupe.http://hackaday.com/2010/08/06/miniscule-intervalometer/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410772",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:30:33",
"content": "lol whats the deal with tiny ints? im happy with my digital one and nevet felt the need to have a smaller one … maybe occasionally because of the issues i get with batteries (effing hate remembering to recharge batteries)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410783",
"author": "critic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:55:08",
"content": "“Hardware-based” as opposed to virtual?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410785",
"author": "cyborgasm",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:00:42",
"content": "I am guessing it means hardware based rather than software based judging by the knock against in-built camera interval features.Its pretty cool but I guarantee I would lose the damn thing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410794",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:18:15",
"content": "How does one even go about programming a SMD uC that small?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410798",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:27:49",
"content": "@patman2700you need a squirrel, car keys for a 1991 honda, a bluetooth enabled cellphone and an ordinary AVR programmer with SMD IC leads",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410801",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:33:54",
"content": "@@patman2700you can use a ferret instead of a squirrel but thats not ROHS complaint and may not pass EPA regulations",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410831",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:53:46",
"content": "I got the pcb files from Achim a couple months ago and made up some of these for myself and others. They do work great and are cheap to build. I ended up programming them with needle style pogo pins mounted to a piece of protoboard. Not all slrs have a built in intervalometer, like my Canon 60D and Pentax K10D.Here is a pic of my completed boards:http://www.flickr.com/photos/67292116@N00/5868241489/in/set-72157627041373036/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410837",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:29:04",
"content": "This is cool – even if it is a reprint :)I’m new to microprocessors (so please forgive my newbieness), but I have a new Arduino 2009 and would like to hack around with my Canon. Can I just connect the shutter and autofocus pins to pins on the arduino (and ground to ground on the arduino), and pull them low to activate – like this project does – or do I need optoisolators/transistors in between?The reason I ask – every schematic I have seen of intervaleometers or shutter trippers on the interwebs have an optoisolator or transistor connecting the arduino to camera.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410846",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:56:54",
"content": "looking at his schematics this should also work with non-dslr cannon cameras as well. At least the one I have (cannon s5 IS)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411042",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:34:50",
"content": "@ BobYou need some sort of switch to make it work. I’m pretty sure this project isn’t doing what you said it was. There’s a dual diode acting as a switch that allows current to run from shutter to ground.Personally, I use opto’s when working with my Canon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411052",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T14:46:48",
"content": "Hmm, my bad, looking back on the project that is what he did.I have no idea if it’s safe or not. I don’t like the idea of mixing voltages between my camera and micro.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411379",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:38:39",
"content": "@Bob: I don’t know what you use with your camera.Personally, I’ve a cheap Canon camera with a CHDK firmware. I wire one pin of the microcontroller to the plus of the camera USB port, and the ground is wired to the ground of everything else. Works perfectly well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.139479
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/teamspeak-button-uses-tattoo-machine-foot-switch/
|
Teamspeak Button Uses Tattoo Machine Foot Switch
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"foot switch",
"teamspeak",
"teensyduino"
] |
As an avid gamer, [Pat Norton] uses Teamspeak with his friends when playing World of Warcraft. [Pat]’s friends were annoyed with the voice-activated option for Teamspeak and the constant squeaking of dog toys, and [Pat] was annoyed with the questionable usability of a push-to-talk key. Dissatisfied with his options, [Pat] built
footswitch-controlled teamspeak button
using a Teensyduino and a broken tattoo machine foot switch.
The
Teensyduino
is an incredibly small Arduino compatible board that was perfect for this project. Since the teensyduino can operate as a USB Human Interface Device, it’s very easy to have the board appear as another keyboard to the computer. After borrowing some code from the
hardware button
of a
DIY photobooth
, [Pat] hooked up the foot switch to two pins of the board. From there, it was very to adapt the code so the foot switch would act as a third ‘Control’ button. The
results
look very professional, like a factory-made game controller. We’ve seen a few
foot switch keyboard devices
before, and while this probably isn’t the most efficient way to have a foot switch button control something on a computer, it’s certainly the smallest we’ve seen.
| 11
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410741",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:11:15",
"content": "A teensyduino isn’t a thing, it’s libraries to make the arduino IDE compatible with Teensy’s.On top of that there’s more than one teensy both which can be used with teensyduino and some of which are huge….http://pjrc.com/teensy/index.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410753",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:32:08",
"content": "“and while this probably isn’t the most efficient way to have a foot switch button control something on a computer, it’s certainly the smallest we’ve seen.”Why don’t you just wire it up to a serial port? That would be smaller…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410762",
"author": "deef",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:07:47",
"content": "I think this would be much cheaper:http://blog.flipwork.nl/?x=entry:entry081009-142605",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410774",
"author": "EccentricElectron",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:31:40",
"content": "Why not just wire the switch in series with the mic? Sledgehammer, meet nut – actually, scratch that, this is just nuts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "410796",
"author": "Eldorel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:22:56",
"content": "Because with a powered/amplified mic (like your Pc uses) breaking or connecting the signal lines causes a loud popping noise.You think other chat users don’t like the dog toys, try a 15db snap every time you try to speak.",
"parent_id": "410774",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "410811",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:53:01",
"content": "There are other, cheaper and more expendient ways of doing this.But *this* is done right. Works just like a real computer peripheral, and it doesn’t even require software or drivers on the PC.Back when I was heavy into gaming and used Teamspeak, had I seen one of these, I would have built/bought it. It’s a great idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410816",
"author": "Masta Squidge",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:11:35",
"content": "Wait… a third “Control” button?Idk about this guy, but ctrl is used in everything I do on wow. That seems like a good way to create all manner of interference with the controls in the game. Ideally you would want to use something that is useless in game… like perhaps the home key.Just make sure its not mapped in game to anything.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410821",
"author": "Wiregeek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:28:28",
"content": "I’m with Masta Squidge – Awesome idea, awesome execution, but I’d really map it to something less likely to be used.I’m thinking Ctrl-Shift-Insertcome to think of it, ‘Insert’ would work just fine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410823",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:30:32",
"content": "@Masta Squidge: You’re right, I remember that was a problem with some games. I’m sure changing a single line of code would let you send another keystroke if needed. If Teamspeak can be configured to read it, you could use Scroll Lock; that never interferes with anything. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410944",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T05:50:44",
"content": "I did something similar with a Staples Easy Button and a $5 USB joystick from Goodwill. I don’t know if Teamspeak works the same way, but Ventrilo picked it up as a separate device so there are no keyboard conflicts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412989",
"author": "tiny",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T03:23:00",
"content": "Nice boots.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.194502
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/msp430-based-palm-size-quad-copter/
|
MSP430-based Palm Size Quad Copter
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Robots Hacks",
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"gyro",
"msp430",
"quad copter",
"wireless"
] |
[Thanh] has spent some time flying quad-copters measuring 12” motor to motor, but wanted to build something smaller so that he could fly indoors. Instead of building just one,
he actually constructed five different quad-copters
, with motor to motor arm spans ranging from 10” to just 3”.
In his forum post, he highlights the construction process of his 10” copter, covering each step in great detail. While he breaks down his component lists into two categories based on motor to motor span, the one common item is the TI MSP430-based controller board. In particular, he used the eZ430-RF2500 development kit, which has the added benefit of a built-in 2.4 GHz wireless radio. His quad-copter uses a Wii Motion Plus gyro board to help keep it aloft, as well a handful of other components which should be pretty familiar to most of our readers.
It’s great to see the construction broken down in such detail, we imagine it will be a great resource for anyone else looking to build their own quad-copter.
Stick around to see a quick video demonstration of his mini quad-copter in action.
[Thanks, Panikos]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tLiZxjQrVg&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410704",
"author": "mark429",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:11:11",
"content": "Must be 430 love day on hackaday! Very cool project! Can’t wait to try it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410709",
"author": "Matthias Welsh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:23:25",
"content": "Hmmm…. He seems to elude to code existing somewhere on google code, but the only thing I can find is the precompiled binary. Is anyone else seeing the source?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410715",
"author": "Matthias Welsh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:37:35",
"content": "Found it. I’m a moron. Too busy clicking the shiny download button to notice the giant source one just three doors down.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410725",
"author": "FredP",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T18:10:47",
"content": "@Matthias – “Elude” means to escape or evade. I’m not sure what word you’re thinking of here, but “elude” is definitely not it.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eludehttp://www.thefreedictionary.com/elude",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410728",
"author": "wifigod",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T18:22:56",
"content": "@FredP @MatthiasI believe the word he was looking for was allude. :-)al·lude/əˈlo͞od/Verb1. Suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint at.2. Mention without discussing at length.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410760",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:06:42",
"content": "cool but hardly “palm size”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410764",
"author": "Findeton",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:11:31",
"content": "VERY cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410776",
"author": "Franklyn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:39:29",
"content": "@zuul you didnt take a look at the link did you ?http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/4/1/0/1/9/a3674948-172-Resize%20of%20IMG_5152.jpg?d=1292934652",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410780",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:43:10",
"content": "Does anyone actually sell these small quad copters in kit form? I think it would be cool to play around with but I honestly have too many partial projects going on to take this on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410792",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:15:36",
"content": "@ that1guyDon’t we all… :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410800",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:29:22",
"content": "another toy for the kids to play with",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410879",
"author": "Brian Neeley",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T01:49:01",
"content": "@aztraph If that is so, I’m still a kid…@that1guy I am suprised that you can’t find kits either. I would think these things would fly off the shelves around Christmas time…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412279",
"author": "Mandeep",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T22:47:59",
"content": "I think I remember seeing this last year on 43oh. A cool project, I just wish it was cheaper to build stuff like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.523269
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/stereo-amplifier-with-digital-volume-control/
|
Stereo Amplifier With Digital Volume Control
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"digital audio hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"digital volume control",
"DS1868",
"volume control"
] |
A regular Hack A Day reader sent in a tip about an
LM386 stero amplifier with digital volume control
. The resulting build is very professional and could easily be adapted into a slick iPod dock build.
We’ve seen a few LM386-based amplifiers over the years including
one that fits inside a 9V battery
, but this is the first implementation of digitally controlled volume we’ve seen. The volume control of this amp uses the
DS1868 dual digital pot IC
in place of the usual 10K pot providing 256 steps between zero and full volume. The DS1868 is controlled by a PIC μC with a 3-wire serial connection, although this could be implemented on any microcontroller.
Although the code provided with this build outputs volume as a linear function, it would be trivial to implement a logarithmic volume output. Because the ear
perceives loudness on a logarithmic scale
, this would be a great way to adjust audio volume and provide a more fine-grained control. Of course this could be implemented with a logarithmic pot, but where’s the fun in that?
Check out a video of the amp after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O38PZX__r4g&w=470]
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410690",
"author": "effigy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:28:48",
"content": "” Of course this could be implemented with a logarithmic pot, but where’s the fun in that?”in saving $$? in reducing component count? signal path length?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410692",
"author": "kikkoman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:38:42",
"content": "damn, i’ve been wanting to do that for a while.there are, however, a few digital poti ICs with a pushbutton interface which would make the µC unnecessary.also, since the resistance ladder is hardwired into the IC you’d lose MUCH of the pot’s resolution if the µC code is set to logarithmic.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410697",
"author": "zing",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:58:38",
"content": "Something like a MAX5456 or MAX5457 is cheaper, doesn’t need a uC, and is log tapered.But hey, if that’s what he had on hand, good for him. Plus, he can make the uC do neat things like time-of-day volume constraints.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410698",
"author": "electronicsnerd",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:59:37",
"content": "Nice build with the LCD.However I noticed that the datasheet for the DS1868 reads:NOTES2. Resistor inputs cannot exceed VB – 0.5V in the negative direction.Since audio is an AC signal, it will go above and below ground. When I built one of these as a volume control I had the digital pot in series with a fixed resistor of the same value so that the audio would ride on a DC bias.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410722",
"author": "ftorama",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:51:37",
"content": "It reminds me of a pre-amp I did long years ago with a TDA1524 driven by a MX7226. As I was far from playing with µC, I drove the DAC through a PC parallel port",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410723",
"author": "Randy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:56:03",
"content": "You can approximate a log response from a linear taper digipot using a single resistor:http://www.edn.com/article/505259-Tack_a_log_taper_onto_a_digital_potentiometer.php",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410731",
"author": "Adrian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T18:40:54",
"content": "Pretty sure that IC was not made for audio applications mainly because it does not have zero crossing detection. Without it, you can get clicks and pops when changing volume levels.A good project but can be improved with something like the PGA2310. Which of course is more expensive…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410815",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:02:02",
"content": "@effigy: If you want ever want to remote-control your DIY audio gear, you use this instead of a pot. :) Plus you never have to worry about the pot getting scratchy…Though there are dedicated I2C volume control chips, which I would highly recommend instead of a digital pot like the DS1868. Most have other nice functions (clickless volume changes and mute, bass, treble, stereo expansion, etc.) And if memory serves, some are about half the price of the DS1868.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410883",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T01:57:16",
"content": "I did a simple board/code for the PGA23xx series a while ago, if anyone is interested. It *is* rather expensive though. I should sell some of my spares…http://audio.gotroot.ca/minivol/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411670",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T03:40:13",
"content": "Don’t those little white thingys have their own volume controls? LM386…volume?Get a real amp, real source, of real sound. Then hackaway!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.633627
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/building-an-up-to-date-mspgcc-toolchain/
|
Building An Up-to-date MSPGCC Toolchain
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"compile",
"msp430",
"mspgcc",
"OsX",
"ubuntu",
"uniarch"
] |
[Sergio Campamá] wrote in to tell us he’s assembled
a guide for compiling the latest release of MSPGCC
. This is a cross-compiling tool chain for the popular MSP430 line of microncontrollers. We used a version available from the Ubuntu repositories when developing with the
TI Launchpad
and the
eZ430-F2013
.
Installing from repositories is easy, but you don’t get the newest features and often newer hardware isn’t supported. [Sergio] reports that the newest version,
called Uniarch
, pulls source code and header files from the middle of this month and supports over 300 devices. In fact, it specifically outlines the goal of making new hardware easier to incorporate than with previous versions. He’s tailored this guide specifically for Ubuntu but while we were wading through a Google search we also found a page that outlines
compilation for OSX
.
We didn’t really notice before, but GitHub sure does make those README.md files look nice when viewed on the web, doesn’t it?
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410670",
"author": "z",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:16:44",
"content": "I’m using the GCC4 version (mspgcc4) which is a fork / port of this, and it’s still pretty up-to-date. No problems so far.I understand that Uniarch is supposed to be a stepping stone to getting the regular mspgcc on GCC4 as well, among other things.The header files for all of the devices in both release seem to be the same ones that TI includes in Code Composer Studio, so my experience so far is that it’s pretty easy to take code from CCS and use it on mspgcc.I’m not an experienced MSP430 programmer, but so far I really like the hardware and the opensource support is actually really good. Even some die-hard Arduino fans might enjoy working with this platform.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410693",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:40:46",
"content": "Quite frankly, this is why Arduino is so popular. I have setup GCC compile chains before (as a Mac user) but that effort is off-putting to casual experimentation with other micro-controller families.I am considering the MPS430 for a very low power application but haven’t yet found the time and energy to deal with the effort described here.On the other hand, choosing the Microchip PIC32 family for another design over an ARM device was made easier by the chipKIT.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410695",
"author": "TRON",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:51:27",
"content": "This is why I love Arch.http://aur.archlinux.org/packages.php?ID=30132been using it for a while now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410696",
"author": "vtl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:53:03",
"content": "@DanJ Uh no, this isn’t why Arduino is popular. This hassle is only if you want to run the open source tools. I think most people will use the TI’s ide, although thats got a 16KB limit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410720",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:49:00",
"content": "vtl, there’s no reason for that sort of attitude here. DanJ’s point is completely valid; Windows users with the TI tools are limited to 16kB unless they pay, and Mac and Linux users are left to use the gcc toolchain, which can be difficult to set up.Compare that to the Arduino, which comes with a fully supported cross-platform IDE. Why is it so hard to believe that people use the Arduino because it’s easy to get started?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410739",
"author": "z",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:10:27",
"content": "In all honestly, I’ve had more trouble with my Arduino than the MSP430. One of the demo programs hosed my board because of a firmware defect in the USB interface. It took some fighting to get it working correctly (forced a program load before the demo program kicked on), and then I updated the firmware on the USB chip to fix the problem (after a lot of searching to find a forum thread detailing the issue). And the avr-gcc software on Linux is just about as much work to install as the MSP430’s.And I’m still not sure what the big deal is on the 16KB limit in CCS, considering that none of the MSP430 Value Line chips are larger than 16KB flash.If you’re building larger projects than that, then you either:A. Have the money for CCS since you are writing software for a higher-end uC.B. Can use GCC and take the 10 minutes it requires to instal msp430gcc and plug it into Eclipse.http://www.43oh.com/2010/11/a-step-by-step-guide-msp430-programming-under-linux/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410752",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:27:57",
"content": "@vtl TI’s IDE is crippled rubbish. Arduino is popular because it’s easy. Even the UI of the Arduino IDE is clean, simple and easy.Unfortunately that’s also why people KEEP using it when it’s unnecessary or a third-choice solution for a given problem. When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410768",
"author": "TRON",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:17:07",
"content": "@BobI could never, ever, get the Arduino IDE to work. First I had to go fish out a compatible librxtx because the bundled one was for 32 bit systems. Once that was taken care of, the next choosing the place to save the “sketches”. I had to edit the configuration file by hand for it to work. Then it was painful adding my own libraries. Then the “sketches” wouldn’t save as you would expect them to, something that made me lose my work a couple of times.The solution was simple:Dump the IDE.Dump their libraries [some of which are buggy anyway and don’t work properly].Install Eclipse + avr-eclipse. Do your work in good ol’ fashioned C with gcc-avr and avr-libc.With MSPs now, I don’t even use Eclipse. I installed the toolchain out of AUR, wrote my own makefile and voila, just invoke make and call it a day.#sample makefile for a launchpad board.CC := msp430-gccPROGRAMMER := mspdebugMMCU := msp430g2231CFLAGS := -O2 -std=gnu99 -WallDRIVER := rf2500PROG := progSIZE := msp430-size.PHONY: all debug build clean progall: core.o build sizedebug: core.d build sizebuild:@echo -n Linking…@$(CC) -o core.elf core.o@echo -e done.’\\n’clean:@echo -n Removing files…-@rm -f core.elf core.o@echo -e done.’\\n’prog: all programprogd: debug program@echo Starting gdb server…@$(PROGRAMMER) $(DRIVER) gdbsize:@$(SIZE) core.elfprogram:@echo Programming device…@$(PROGRAMMER) $(DRIVER) “$(PROG) core.elf”echo -e — done. ‘\\n’core.o: core.c@echo Compiling… core.c@$(CC) -c $(CFLAGS) -mmcu=$(MMCU) core.c@echo -e — done.’\\n’core.d: core.c@echo Compiling with debug infos… core.c@$(CC) -c $(CFLAGS) -g -mmcu=$(MMCU) core.c@echo -e — done.’\\n’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410802",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:33:59",
"content": "At least for the chips that the Launchpad supports, TI’s “crippled” development system is just fine – its limitation is the amount of memory you can use, and none of the chips have that much memory anyway. For the more powerful versions of the MSP430 it could be an issue, but I assume the development tools that come with the new FRAM dev board have higher limits.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410812",
"author": "z",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:53:10",
"content": "@BillThe new FRAM board also has 16KB (of FRAM), so it will fit into the limitations of CCS v4 (Code limited version).The code limited version of CCS only includes compilers for MSP430 (16KB) and CS28x (32KB limit). Other than that, my understanding is that it is just as capable as the standard version minus DSP/Bios.And honestly… If it’s crippled, I didn’t have any problems with it. I tried it on a Windows machine without issue, but at home I still just use GCC and Eclipse on my Linux box.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410818",
"author": "kaeso",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:16:32",
"content": "I see no point in compiling everything from scratch, when the toolchain is already packaged and available from repos:*https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/oneiric/+search?text=msp430*http://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=msp430&searchon=names&suite=testing§ion=all",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410878",
"author": "GoBO",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T01:41:25",
"content": "I just received my FRAM exp board and was wondering about compilers.Why would one use a diffrent compiler then the TI IDE? and what is MSPGCC? I have been reading about it but im not sure why I would use it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410899",
"author": "Sergio Campamá",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T02:43:05",
"content": "Well, I wrote the guide to be as simple as possible, while still getting the latest release, with all the improvements. I believe that mspgcc4 is kinda outdated now, because development for it stopped.As Alex said, this is the only thing left for us with linux and mac, as TI only develops de IDE for windows. My goal with the guide was to simplify the setup to get a working mspgcc quickly, and in my opinion it does just that.The other thing is that mspgcc can compile to almost ANY msp430 device out there now, without limitations. And with mspdebug allowing any programmer, you don’t really need IAR or CCS.I actually hate Eclipse, or everything Java, so what I do now for developing on my mac is to have a virtual machine running Ubuntu server (VERY fast), and connect to it using ssh and afp (netatalk on the other side) to mount the ubuntu virtual disk. That way I have the comfort of developing in XCode or TextMate, while keeping my mac clean from beta binaries. And if I ever get ubuntu screwed up, I just revert to it to a working state with VMWare’s snapshots.The other thing I despise is Make. So in the Launchpad repo where the guide is hosted, inhttps://github.com/sergiocampama/Launchpad, I have a Rakefile designed to compile any project to any device with mspgcc, and install to the device with mspdebug, real simple. With the command ‘rake build install’ in 5 seconds you have your project compiled and running on the micro. It could be easily edited to support other programmers…Check the repo I just mentioned, it has some simple working examples for the Launchpad, clone, rake build install, and it’s working.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410901",
"author": "vtl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T02:47:41",
"content": "People are saying the TI ide is crippled? You gotta be kidding me. The arduino ide is junk. Its just a text editor with a compile button and serial monitor!Yes sure the TI ide has a 16KB code limit and they are tightarses for doing that. But you can’t actually encounter that limit with the launchapd unless you go ahead and solder a QFN or QFP to a breadboard and wire up a bigger chip. None of their PDIP chips are greater than 16kb.But the feature set is still miles ahead of the Arduino IDE; you get to single step your code, peek and change the core registers. This debugging alone makes it worth using the 16kb limit.Ok I understand that open source makes everyone warm and fuzzy but people have to accept that propreitry tool can be useful too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410913",
"author": "Sergio Campamá",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T03:22:19",
"content": "@vtlI’ll admit IAR and CCS are useful for people starting development, and the limit is ok for that purpose. But how can you justify the price when there’s a free version and really easy to use? And I’m not talking about the Launchpad only, it’s free for every chip, at any size.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411175",
"author": "kb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:14:43",
"content": "For those OS X users:http://osx-launchpad.blogspot.com/2010/11/launchpads-toolchain-version-20101112.htmlThis is an installer to give you the complete package and it worked perfectly on my Snow Leopard (10.6.6) install.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412288",
"author": "Mandeep",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T23:26:30",
"content": "I don’t suppose anyone has used this with the FRAM Experimenters Board? I know mspdebug doesn’t support it yet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.585364
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/2005-subaru-aux-in-hacking/
|
2005 Subaru Aux-in Hacking
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Radio Hacks"
] |
[
"aux in",
"car audio",
"car stereo",
"head unit"
] |
The CD player in [mukmuk’s] 2005 Subaru Outback gave up the ghost, and faced with a long road trip ahead of him,
he was desperate to find a way to listen to something other than static-filled radio
. He considered a 3rd party auxiliary input solution, but
after seeing a similar aux-in hack here
, he figured he could give it a go himself.
The stereo head unit design was changed between the 2004 and 2005 model years, so while he had a good idea of what to look for, he had to find the proper components on his own. Once he identified the radio module, he was able to locate the left an right input pins through trial and error. He carefully soldered a 3.5” audio jack to the head unit’s input lines, wiring it to cut off the audio signal from the radio whenever his Zune was plugged in.
Everything was reassembled, and the input jack was inconspicuously mounted in a cubby hole just above the stereo. [mukmuk] is quite happy with his modification, and we’re guessing his road trip was far more pleasurable as a result of his work.
| 32
| 30
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410629",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:09:29",
"content": "im sorry these are alwasy wonderfully well played out hacks but what ever happened to the humble FM transmitter? XD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410631",
"author": "Fred",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:28:09",
"content": "FM transmitter is OK for local use but on a long journey, sods laws says that the vacant frequency that you are using will be occupied when you get to the next city.So, you have to manually tune the radio to a fresh vacant slot then retune the transmitter to suit. This normally happens in busy traffic!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410637",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:32:03",
"content": "Honestly, FM transmitters never worked all that well for me in my area. It could be that we have a pretty congested FM band, but I always got interference, and the sound quality was never great.Once I got my iPod hardwired into my car, I ditched the FM transmitter right away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410638",
"author": "clinton",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:32:22",
"content": "I have an 05 subie, so this hack is relevant to me. I’ve been eyeing that 3rd party piece, but now I may have the guts to do it myself.@biozz Where I live, nearly every radio station is taken, so my music through the FM transmitter is always filled with static.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410651",
"author": "effigy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:38:11",
"content": "@clinton dont even hesitate, did this years ago after seeing an instruction set for similar input to a pioneer headunit which had a proprietary connector on back. I drive an ’05 Impreza 2.5RS however, and my headunit looks to be diff. than the one posted.All the same, some spare pin receptacles from the front panel hookups of an old PC case worked perfectly for whipping up my own custom pin-out adapter, they fit snug right on the pins, good luck.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410656",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:46:11",
"content": "This is something everybody should do even if your CD player isn’t bad. My 97 Maxima doesn’t have an aux jack but I’ve been using a cassette adapter that works well for now.The FM transmitters are all complete garbage if you value sound quality. They sound like listening to music through a tin can with a blanket over it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410661",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:01:50",
"content": "After seeing that same post, I also took my radio apart. I have a similar 6-cd changer similar to this one. It consists of one main board, and the cd changer part has a ribbon cable that plugs into the main board. I opted for an aftermarket board that wedges between the ribbon cable and the socket it plugs into. It offers 2 rca jacks. I ran a rca cable out the back, and fished it through the AC vent. I have a blank CD in the changer, and just select it when I want to use the aux.In my case, I am using my Droid. I JB-Welded the phone dock piece of a suction cup mount to the AC vent panel (yes lads, hard core), and added a USB cable for power. It also goes through the vent, behind the bezel and into the cigarette lighter, which holds a USB power adapter.I kept my cables neat- 90 degree connectors, and they protrude just enough to reach the mount. Unfortunately, even with a ferrous core shunt on the USB cable, it is noisy. But it is very handy to have now that I am using my phone more often.The phone also works as a speaker phone now, but I have to have the AC turned down. My kids and I watch Regular Show while waiting for the school bus.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3569690",
"author": "takato",
"timestamp": "2017-05-14T14:13:33",
"content": "please tell me you encourage them the get ready by saying something along the lines of “if you’re quick, we’ll have enough time to watch a WHOLE episode!”",
"parent_id": "410661",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "410664",
"author": "sp00nix",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:06:19",
"content": "nice! Alpine made the one in my Volvo, if it was still in there a standard Alpine CD changer port adapter would work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410667",
"author": "Booker T. Worthington",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:11:35",
"content": "Nice, I have the same car and always wanted something like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410675",
"author": "Jeff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:33:36",
"content": "Have done this or simular in a few different cars. I encourage anyone attempting this to make google your friend. By googleing what your attempting to do, you’ll more than likely find multiple well put together instruction posts (like this one) on various enthusiast blogs for your car. You usually do not need to sign up to view and by looking at few different examples, you’ll more than likely get tip one might have left out from another. I’ve found going this route to be very helpful in modifying anything in the car. One tip I’d like to add, it take a picture of the wiring set up before you start. That way if something doesn’t work, you can always go back to stock and try again. Good Luck and have fun.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410681",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:03:01",
"content": "oh i never had to use an fm transmitter i always had one of those walmart stereo systems that never matched what car i had LOL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410683",
"author": "chully",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:04:08",
"content": "Good work with the 3.5mm jack. I did a similar hack a few weeks ago, but on the CD audio signal lines. Some of my pics are available athttp://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-aerio-liana-forum/45490-2003-aerio-clarion-stereo-aux.html#post279761Although I anticipated needing one, I do not have to use a silent CD. However, charging my mp3 player from car power gives an unpleasant hum on the speakers. Perhaps it’s because I used one ground trace(CD_GND) instead of another(S_GND).It’s a very easy addition to a car stereo in my opinion. If you were on the fence, dive in and you may be surprised.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410694",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:47:38",
"content": "Sounds like most of you never bought a REAL fm transmitter.http://www.amazon.com/Audiovox-FM100A-Modulator-Isolation-Transformer/dp/B0001KO7UIWorks perfectly every time and NEVER has reception problems….I guess google is harder to use than a soldering iron.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410702",
"author": "salsaman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:07:56",
"content": "I have an ’05 Outback and looked into the aux in options, basically the “Jazzy” kit (http://www.jazzyengineering.com/), but ended up with a Parrot MKi9100– great bluetooth system. Mukmuk’s hack is so simple though, I’ll have to add that too, since the Parrot bypasses the Subaru hifi altogether.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410705",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:11:29",
"content": "Look how large the radio CD changer is! The front controls are on a separate circuit board as well.Make me wonder about a hack involving a gummstix, harddrive, and such. Sweet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410714",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:32:00",
"content": "@johnWhat sort of noise? It may be due to having your phone charging from the car’s electrical system. It may be worth installing an audio isolation transformer…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410718",
"author": "chully",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:48:15",
"content": "Good work with the 3.5mm jack. I did a similar hack a few weeks ago, but on the CD audio signal lines. Although I anticipated needing one, I do not have to use a silent CD. However, charging my mp3 player from car power gives an unpleasant hum on the speakers. Perhaps it’s because I used one ground trace(CD_GND) instead of another(S_GND).It’s a very easy addition to a car stereo in my opinion. If you were on the fence, dive in and you may be surprised.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410721",
"author": "Nomad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:51:32",
"content": "Do those Subaru headunits have “surround” capabilities? Like having 4 channels (obviously for FR, FL and RR and RL). Especially if this difference is already “accessible” at the input side? I’m thinking of getting myself a 2007/2008 Subaru Impreza (not the new toy car…the previous model…for reference, see “ken block gymkhana 1” on youtube) and also thinking about hacking in a carputer.Or do those things just use one stereo line which is sent to Front and Rear equally?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410745",
"author": "Nagel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:17:29",
"content": "I did a similar project on a blaupunkt head unit in my old car. It worked in the sense that I could hear my external source (iPhone) however the line level was way too weak for it to be enjoyable. A friend said that the head unit’s aux in was probably designed to pair w a blaupunkt cd changer, which would have had a built-in preamp to provide suitable line levels. The output levels on my iPhone are plenty loud enough for headphones/small speakers, so why did the signal drop so low when piped into the head unit? I even reduced my wire lengths (had a 8′ cable to allow for backseat djs) thinking the inherent resistance for such a length may have been the cause, but still no joy. I’m about to try the same thing w my 1999 Mazda truck w factory head unit (same as ford ranger and many other autos I’m sure) but don’t want to have the same result. As far as fm tx goes, i instantly returned my 90$ buy because of all the aforementioned reasons plus the clutter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410750",
"author": "facefart",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:23:53",
"content": "I for one am glad fartface is here. I agree that it is far better to buy a nearly $50 FM transmitter that needs to be wired up and hidden somewhere in the dash. I mean why buy a $1 jack and wire up an aux jack yourself? That is just plain dumb!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410779",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:41:18",
"content": "@fartfaceFYI that’s not really an FM transmitter, that’s a wired FM modulator and it would require nearly as much as work as this hack, plus it would cost a ton more. And even after all that money you’re still just listening to FM so your sound quality is not nearly as good as plugging directly in like this hack. Besides, you’re pretty lazy if you would rather spend $50 on a $0.05 fix.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410787",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:08:47",
"content": "TBX to Mukmuk for recording, posting his project to help those who would find it helpful. I’m another who is wondering why he didn’t elect to go through the dead CD player rather that futz with a functioning part of the unit. My vehicle is old enough it has a factory cassette, instead of a CD player. So I’ll be using a cassette adapter for any portable CD or mp3 player. In the event the truck lacked that I would have elected to build build an FM “transmitter” that would be inserted in the antenna feed line. Now I’d elect to buy the audiovox unit, I’m no longer compelled to DIY everything. As I no longer take roads trip long enough that using recorded tunes becomes nice, I’m likely to do nothing in this direction.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410825",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:34:15",
"content": "5 stars for the ring pull washer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411104",
"author": "Koplimi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:13:23",
"content": "Just did the same hack in a Volvo stereo. They even labeled the bottom of the pcb with RCH and LCH so it was very easy to find the right connections.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411110",
"author": "j-dawg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T17:16:38",
"content": "Mine is better. The Bose unit on the ’97 Maxima can be similarly hacked. I also added a microphone to the dashboard, so I just hooked my Nokia up and boom.See post by j-dawg (me) athttp://forums.maxima.org/audio-electronics/308300-how-add-aux-stock-bose-6.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411266",
"author": "07Atenza6i",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T00:18:09",
"content": "They have this for the Mazda 6 as well. The developer made the board emulate a tape player to trick the car to go into media mode.Details here:http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/Mazda owners speculating about how it works:http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=17064.0Installation Instructions Here:http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123628353-How-to-install-auxmod-basic",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411491",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T16:21:44",
"content": "If anyone wants to know how to add aux to a 2006 Toyota Camry, send me an email.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "547567",
"author": "Benjamin",
"timestamp": "2011-12-30T22:56:02",
"content": "If anyone wants to know how to add aux to a 2006 Toyota Camry, send me an email. -DanJust acquired a 2005 Toyota Camry and its Toyota radio/cd-player 16860. Nice car but the adding an audio aux jack will be the second modification, right after adding a second surface mount 12vdc power tap. I’ve reviewed the factory service manuals for how to tear apart the center instrument cluster and a bit of the wiring. Pulling it apart to examine the radio is the next step.I don’t see an email link for you, Dan, so hoping that a reply might make it. Would love to have more information on how you managed. Thank You.",
"parent_id": "411491",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "411674",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T04:08:35",
"content": "Did it in 1970, is my dads Olds, some things never change. This is the way to go! Original source must be cut, no blank CD’s. Just use HiFi sources, not distorted crap. Most of what people are hearing with FM xmitters is caused by digital crap. The isolation transformer can be taken from a old answering machine or cordless phone, and will clean up hum and whine. 2 are needed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413430",
"author": "mukmuk",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T17:17:16",
"content": "Hi, happy my hack was featured here! Just got back from my road trip and it worked great, the only problem was a bit of a high pitched whine (as mentioned in the comments above) when either the Zune or iPhone was plugged into the 12v inverter. I’ll look into installing some sort of isolation transformer system as suggested, but for now it isn’t that bad and I can just make sure my devices are charged before hooking them up if I want that crystal clear sound :)Oh, and the reason I didn’t want to interface from the broken CD unit is that it doesn’t activate the sound output until a disc is actually playing. The CD unit won’t play any discs, it just ejects them after a few seconds of trying to read.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "549486",
"author": "RinoSquad",
"timestamp": "2012-01-03T00:36:27",
"content": "My gf has a 2004 GMC Envoy SLT, and I know there must be way to add aux to it. I did it on my aftermarket Alpine face by hooking up a switch to it. I don’t have to have a blank CD in it either. The face just says intrrpt permanently, which is fine, and all I do is flip the switch to use CDs which is barely ever.Has anyone ever added aux to an Envoy? It has a 6 disc one slot CD changer in the face if that helps. Much appreciated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.762272
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-emotiphone/
|
Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring Emotiphone!
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"emoticon",
"led",
"rotary phone",
"wifly"
] |
Instructables user [zvizvi] was working on putting together a portfolio for his application into Industrial Design school, and thought it would be neat to
repurpose an old rotary phone
that used to belong to his grandmother.
He originally had pretty lofty goals for the phone, but eventually pared back his vision to include one-way communications to Twitter. After gutting the phone of its unnecessary parts, he got busy installing LEDs behind the dialer’s finger holes. The LEDs were connected to an MCP23017 I/O expander, which takes its direction from an Arduino he crammed into the phone’s shell.
When the receiver is lifted from the cradle, the Arduino initiates a connection to the Internet via the WiFly shield he installed. Once he dials a number, the Arduino translates the digit into a predefined emoticon, posting it to his Twitter page. While the emoticons are not quite as descriptive as the messages from the
Tweeting Roomba
we featured earlier this week, they relay his mood just fine.
It’s a fun project, and it happened to get [zvizvi] into the design school he was applying at, so we can’t ask for much more than that.
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409965",
"author": "Justin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:52:42",
"content": "“…and it happened to get [zvizvi] into the design school he was applying at…”Congratz zvizvi; you deserve it for sure. This is sleek design idea to integrate with old technology.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409972",
"author": "Techie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:16:38",
"content": "It reminded me of this one. I still love it.http://www.sqnewton.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409982",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:51:30",
"content": "I wonder if there’s a panic icon that he can use when you’d normally call the cops :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410084",
"author": "pff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:01:56",
"content": "as a lover of rotary phones and a hater of twitter and gaudy leds this project really gets my goat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410096",
"author": "z",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:33:53",
"content": "someone needs to work on their magic lasso skills.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.684286
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/selective-solar-sintering-with-sand/
|
Selective Solar Sintering With Sand
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"cnc hacks",
"Solar Hacks"
] |
[
"3d printing",
"sintering",
"solar power"
] |
[Markus Kayser] built an amazing
solar powered SLS printer
, but instead of using lasers and powdered plastics his machine uses the power of the sun to heat sand into complex shapes.
[Markus]’ printer uses the same concept as his earlier
solar cutter
– burning things with a magnifying glass. Interestingly, the printer isn’t controlled with stepper motors and reprap electronics – it’s completely cam driven. The solar panels only power the motor attached to the frame moving on bearings made from skateboard wheels.
We’d guess that [Markus] is using a little more than 2 square meters of Fresnel lenses in his project. Since solar irradiance is about
120 W/m²
(PDF warning), [Markus] is concentrating a lot of energy onto a point the size of a quarter, which would be necessary to heat up sand to its 1500° C melting point. The resolution isn’t what you could get with a laser, but [Markus] was able to print an amazing
bowl
along with other complex 3d shapes.
Check out [Markus]’ video of the solar sinter printer after the break. There’s also a
video
of his previous experiment with the solar cutter.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/25401444]
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[
{
"comment_id": "409932",
"author": "moldboy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:36:12",
"content": "that is so cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1102839",
"author": "Zio Z Zio",
"timestamp": "2013-11-16T02:39:14",
"content": "Very very cool, best invention of the decade! All this needs is a sand tube feed at the focal point.",
"parent_id": "409932",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6525896",
"author": "Alexis Rodriguez",
"timestamp": "2022-10-30T16:45:35",
"content": "I was thinking you don’t need a complex 3D printer if you just want to dig caves or a canal… You just have to make sure it can turn the sand into energy collecting/concentrating lenses or parabolic mirrors which could self-replicate exponentially(1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 256 512 1k 2k 4k 8k 16k…) allowing you to build MASSIVE CANALS and COLLECT HUGE TONS OF ENERGY and if you let seaweed grow in the canal you can take the carbon from the air. Also snow parabolic mirrors can replicate faster than sand ones I believe, if you want to colonize Jupiter’s Moons hehehe.",
"parent_id": "409932",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409934",
"author": "David Peters",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:47:37",
"content": "Hello Brian,The solar irradiance is about 1000 W/m², you missunederstood the PDF. Every irradiance that exceeds 120W / m² is considered “sunshine”, but most of the time, with lack of clouds you have 1000 W/m², even more on midday (around 1200 W/m²)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409935",
"author": "eljonco",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:51:25",
"content": "If my 4.5 sqm of solar panels (50°N) can generate 500W at 15% cell efficiency, it is more likely that one square meter receives 1 kWh at noon. That makes the setup even more impressive… Ouch.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409936",
"author": "buzzkill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:52:28",
"content": "coolest thing ever on HAD. I wonder what the strength of the material is after fusing. Could you make blocks that could be cemented together to make larger constructions?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6171028",
"author": "asdf reader",
"timestamp": "2019-08-09T00:04:54",
"content": "Exactly. Yes, the bowl and sculpture were neat, but I wonder if you could print practical-sized bricks with male and female “jigsaw” features at the ends to allow for interlocking and stacking without cement. A machine like this could be a fabulous source of building materials on earth, but might be even more useful (and efficient) for structures on the moon.",
"parent_id": "409936",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409937",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:52:43",
"content": "wow want",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409939",
"author": "Adam Outler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:57:10",
"content": "That’s wonderful! What do you have in the middle of the desert? Sand, and Sun… This guy has basically created something out of nothing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409940",
"author": "Jonny",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:59:40",
"content": "Solar irradiation is more like 1200 W/m^2, not 120W/m^2",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409943",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:04:54",
"content": "@buzkillMinecraft? err solarcraft?Never thought about using sun to fuse sand … wants me to dig out my big Fresnel lens",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409944",
"author": "Till",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:09:22",
"content": "Next task would be upscaling and building a house. I would order a crystal summer house with a pool in the desert right now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409946",
"author": "spiderwebby",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:10:07",
"content": "if you could scale this up and automate it a bit more you could print houses… for free!!! (-ish)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409951",
"author": "YO9GJX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:18:39",
"content": "Fuse sand, just great.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409959",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:32:44",
"content": "Actually, it is all driven by stepper motors and electronics… The solar cells provide the energy to run them.Sweet build though. I would love to play with one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6171032",
"author": "BrightBlueJim",
"timestamp": "2019-08-09T00:34:42",
"content": "Right. The earlier “solar cutter” was cam-driven.",
"parent_id": "409959",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409961",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:38:39",
"content": "It’s like clockwork. People see a 3d printer and think – OMHAHZHAHGZZZ it can make ANYTHING!! TEA EARL GREY, HOT!!!Let’s be realistic for a moment. This is a neat project. It can fuse sand into a sort of glassy like material. That is very brittle, quite rough and possibly sharp and likely porous (I doubt that bowl holds water).Could you build a “house” out of it? Well, not right now – not with this build. But if you had complete servo powered control? Technically it would be a “house” in the sense that an igloo is a house.Most people wouldn’t want to live in a house made of fused silica sand but perhaps this idea has some merit given the amazingly low cost of sand.A properly engineered and built device of course would not be terribly cheap to build. I wonder how thick a wall you would need to create in order to properly support a “roof” of this material?Glass is HEAVY. Glass is brittle. Roofs don’t like to be supported by brittle things. But maybe this will give you a floor and 4 walls for “dirt cheap” pricing?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1195732",
"author": "James Tipton",
"timestamp": "2014-02-12T21:56:41",
"content": "Actually, glass has tremendous compressive strength. Like, most of the material the pyramids are made of contain lots of quartz. The problem is the air is reacting with the sand and creating tiny bubbles. That or he isnt melting the sand fully. It apppears like the particles melted together but didnt fully fuse. If it made glass,it would take time to anneal it. It cant go from 3000 degrees to room temp quickly or unevenly. If it does cracks develop.",
"parent_id": "409961",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2587502",
"author": "Shaggers",
"timestamp": "2015-05-31T11:12:26",
"content": "Hmmmm – yeah I can see a use for this, with a MUCH higher power concentrator, and a tracking system that moves the whole printing press, in alignment with the sun – for the best 6 hours of the day. The main issue with this is energy density. Meaning a “brick” kiln, sinters huge amounts of bricks, complete, based soley upon the contained heat of combustion of enormous amounts of fuel (oil or gas). The issue with getting this as a commercial brick maker, out of sand and sunlight, is the area of collectors / concentrators, and possibly the amount of them. The way I see it, it’s best to use perhaps a multistage sand heating process, to make the sane into at the very least a thick, plastic flowing liquid and then press than into molds.Similar to a glass production line – like pyrex dishes etc. You need SPEED, you need VOLUME and you need a LOT of concentrated heat. Like I think if you could cast one brick every 5 seconds, at a minimum, you could make it a cost effective product.",
"parent_id": "409961",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409963",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:50:14",
"content": "A better design for dwelling building machine would be more of a GPS / micro accelerometer controlled device that can move about, take in sand, filter it and then deposit “beads” of fusable sand where needed, in order to build up a “floor” and 4 walls. Again, the “roof” would probably need to be built of other materials (or reinforced with steel – potentially embedded in or around silica sand?)The idea has potential but would need to be very well engineered. Done correctly though, such a system could very well create large “houses” for very, very little cost per unit.This build right now is really more of a crude, slightly manually controlled SLA system with a defined build envelope and decent resolution.It somewhat proves the concept though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409964",
"author": "Fogger",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:52:04",
"content": "Automate the whole process, and send them to the moon. Imagine what might be possible with no atmosphere and 2 weeks of continuous sunshine every month.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409966",
"author": "Cpt. Obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:56:19",
"content": "A bit on the slow side: add a second sun and you have a deal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409968",
"author": "DrNick",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:04:18",
"content": "This is what I once dreamed of! Thank you HAD for showing us. Spatial missions seem to be the best use for this due to its ability to build structures out of nothing. Also I’d like to build myself an igloo out of fused silica :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409969",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:04:58",
"content": "Solar irradiation is actually up to 1000 W/m2.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409974",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:19:43",
"content": "Your comment about the moon and construction reminds me a bit of NASA’s EBF3 fabrication research.http://fuentek.net/technologies/EBF3.htm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409977",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:28:43",
"content": "Interestingly enough…wouldn’t the amount of solar radiation reaching the moon (for example) FAR exceed what reaches the surface of the earth, per square unit? I’m guessing since the moon has no atmosphere to speak of.I wonder what could be done with a clay-type soil, would it be possible to fire the clay into a ceramic in layers?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409997",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T18:55:31",
"content": "Frickin’ artists… ;) I love it. Awesome production of the concept presentation.With refinement this will go a long way. From finer placement of material to spectrometry to place types of material, we might have a machine building “smart bricks” with circuits inside that collect their own solar power- without anyone on-site to supervise. nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410001",
"author": "tinkermonkey",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:01:10",
"content": "I N T E R E S T L Y the Printer is driven by timing belts using either stepper motors or servos!! Much like reprap electronics. Only the cutter is completely cam driven. Look at the video! please keep the facts straight. I read your write-ups to decide which articles to further explore.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410011",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:15:14",
"content": "Neat. An art installation that produces art… If only he could have automated the addition of the “nothing” I mean sand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410021",
"author": "Bakamoichigei",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:02:39",
"content": "Wow, that’s pretty damned amazing to see.I would have thought it required a much larger concentrating lens to focus enough sunlight for those temps on Earth. I remember something about NASA wanting to have solar foundries on the moon to make lunar glass, and I assumed from that that it was only practical due to the lack of atmosphere or something.Admittedly I never gave it more than a passing thought.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410024",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:10:52",
"content": "pretty cool, and it’s sand,.. that’s like free most of the time",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410035",
"author": "Techartisan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:37:38",
"content": "while drastically complicating matters….I would love to see a multiaxis attachment to hold a “workpiece” added to this….so that after he rough sinters a bowl…or even a sphere… the resulting part could be fixtured and “surfaced” with another pass.Additionally, It would be great to see parts where the native sand was “doped” with traditional additives that improve the qualities of various glasses.OVERALL, this was/is a GREAT project…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410048",
"author": "William Betz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:23:05",
"content": "Now if only it could create another Fresnel lens…It could be simplified to make bricks. Or maybe tiles. Imagine that it is focused on the ground and makes a tile. Then it roles forward and makes another tile. Automatically rolling across the desert and fusing sand as it goes. Sealing down the sand, trapping any moisture that gets into it.Perhaps we could push back the deserts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2812825",
"author": "blackberrydes",
"timestamp": "2015-11-27T21:59:53",
"content": "Exactly what I was thinking!",
"parent_id": "410048",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "410053",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:42:29",
"content": "hack of the year?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410057",
"author": "Greycode",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:00:29",
"content": "I think that living in a house made of this stuff would be hazardous to your health. It looks like there are edges capable of cutting human flesh, and it does not look as though it is thoroughly fused, which means you may also have a problem with silica dust.This however is a very cool project. Nice job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410072",
"author": "Bob Shaw",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:31:12",
"content": "The great value of this sort of solar sintering on the moon would be to mitigate the effects of dust on the various elements of a moonbase. Lunar dust is horribly abrasive stuff, and probably rather bad for you, but you could use a simple robot armed with reflectors/fresnel lenses etc to create an artificial ‘caliche’ surface which would reduce dust exposure considerably. Previous discussions on this subject suggested the use of microwaves for sintering the top layer of the regolith, but you could easily imagine a cheap, simple robot (perhaps following a string!) to do the job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410073",
"author": "jwstolk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:35:32",
"content": "Very neatly done. It reminds me of solid objects created by lightning striking on sandy soil.I was surprised that fireproof socks do exist, but I still fail to see the advantage over fireproof gloves in this case :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410083",
"author": "Techartisan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:57:51",
"content": "I just want to throw it out that….this project didnt say anything about making buildings…“Solar-sintering aims to raise questions about the future of manufacturing and triggers dreams of the full utilisation of the production potential of the world’s most efficient energy resource – the sun. Whilst not providing definitive answers, this experiment aims to provide a point of departure for fresh thinking.”I think this discussion thread shows it succeeded….lots of thinking going on…Im already seeing jansenesque herds slowly wandering the desert leaving a trail of “interlocking fusion stones”…..Obviously if you were hoping to make “building blocks” slower plotting and thinner layers would increase “sinter fusion density”.and as for the fears of sharp edges or silica dust…..even if you fail to reach a smooth and beautiful finish….unless you were intending to use the resulting structure as nothing more then shelter…Id assume youd be doing some buildout? I mean nothing says your sandcastle cant be painted right? Id be perfectly content to trust a nice polyurea coating to lock the blocks in place and smooth it all out….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aMqyGlSDYk&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGlMK0KWOJ4&feature=player_profilepage#t=198s",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410093",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:20:13",
"content": "@Techartisan Wow that is some impressive stuff!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410098",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:46:37",
"content": "This is what hacking is all about. Seriously, the hack might not be very useful right now but I bet that with some polishing these guys can create master pieces.This is certainly one of the most creative stuff I’ve seen around here. I don’t say this too often: Props++ to the creators of the project!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410113",
"author": "Royboy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T01:18:54",
"content": "WOW. One of the best things I’ve seen on Hackaday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410119",
"author": "Effigy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T01:46:31",
"content": "@hackerspaceryou are right, if you built a house out of this, it would leak and likely not be strong.However, if you built a framework/basic structure out of this and composite/stucco over the outside, you’d be looking a lot better for sleepin’ through the night eh?regardless of the brittleness, it could be used ALA foam core to create a VERY strong composite structure without hauling in much material at all to a desert site. Maybe not ideal for everyone’s dream home but there are some refugees and soldiers around the world that just may be helped…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410124",
"author": "Mark",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T01:59:04",
"content": "hack of the year – def",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410164",
"author": "eljonco",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T04:01:00",
"content": "Does ‘Gaudí cathedral’ ring a bell, folks? Think out of the box, be original. Cast the iron reinformcement bars far from you, use the strength of the structure itself. Yesterday I made icing on a cake, crumpled and cracked it seemed a complete failure, but with a little extra heat, the icing became smooth.You can do that with sand too.Sand dunes walk. So layer after layer you can just deposit your dwelling. Once it is finished, brush off the excess and glaze the outside.Change your ways and the future is bright. That’s what hacking is about.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410176",
"author": "Deg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T05:27:45",
"content": "You know, solar radiation approaches 1000W/m^2.. ah jk.This is so cool! Except it can’t anneal the glass properly, so any object will eventually explode (or just fall apart due to the sketchy sintered connections). Any time you melt glass you need to anneal it, which just means slowly lowering the temperature during a certain range. It melts/fuses around 1500F, and annealing range is maybe 750F to 900F, where temperature is dropped over a couple hours.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annealing_(glass)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410180",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T06:08:21",
"content": "maybe he can sinter himself a more permanant office.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410309",
"author": "hboy007",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T15:19:53",
"content": "@Fogger:what would be possible on the moon? I guess yanking some chemically bound water out of the soil :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410327",
"author": "Mythgarr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:02:51",
"content": "@Hackerspacer – It should be noted that while glass is incredibly brittle, it also has an incredibly high compressive strength. Glass walls supporting a glass roof are doable – the issue would be crosswinds, debris, etc. Also, “People in glass houses” and all.I don’t think there are any sort of technical challenges to building a glass house, but the real-life concerns are considerable. What would you use for mounting doors, windows, pictures, etc? You can’t just drill out the glass or nail something in like you could with stick built or metal stud framing.I am interested to know what the “point” is. If he’s trying to make a very green 3d printer it would actually be better to collect and recycle existing glass – it is typicall very expensive to recycle glass owing primarily to the cost of transporting all of that glass as opposed to just using fresh silica. There’s also the brand management concerns (color matching the glass when using a very wide range of raw materials). The greenest possible way to recycle glass is to do so locally, and there’s an ample supply.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410334",
"author": "dave",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:26:27",
"content": "A more poished version with larger lens and better focusing could more properly fuse smaller objects like the bowl. But as far as this talk of structures, it’s hard to imagine it getting more practical than just autonomously pumping out glassblocks all day.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410732",
"author": "Blue Footed Booby",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T18:44:57",
"content": "@Mythgarr and so many othersIt’s art. Do you understand the purpose of art? Hint: if your response includes “that’s not practical” then the answer is no.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410743",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:13:21",
"content": "oh no someone is doing something because he wants to!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411173",
"author": "Mythgarr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T20:07:39",
"content": "@Blue Footed Booby – I do understand art. I didn’t read the article so that may have been clear there.I made an educated guess – that he was trying to conserve natural resources by using a solar sintering technique and a readily available (and easily harvested) natural resource. It was a logical conclusion, but not necessarily correct.Even as an artistic endeavor it is very cool – I didn’t think of it so I can’t really criticize it’s creativity. Artistic pieces primarily exist to express something for the artist – maybe they want to convey a certain emotion, or evoke a question for the viewer, or instill an idea. Art exists for a purpose – it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If the artist was attempting to bring attention to the ‘green movement’ he was definitely successful, although I personally feel that could have been conveyed even better by utilizing recycled materials.If this was an engineering endeavor, the technical prowess is impressive. Executing a build of this nature isn’t a weekend project – kudos!If this was a “Because I can” build any criticism I could offer really has no effect. They did what they wanted to, and they need no defense (and need not listen to any criticism).I wasn’t trying to say that this was a failure, or a waste of time, or anything along the lines. I did what many people with a hacker mentality would do – I looked at his solution and proposed a way in which I think it could be improved.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "792977",
"author": "teowkj",
"timestamp": "2012-09-22T11:33:36",
"content": "What an ingenious way of obtaining free energy.Best of all it is taken from sand which can be found almost anywhere!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.912552
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/super-mario-coin-block-lamp-is-a-nintendo-fanboys-dream-come-true/
|
Super Mario Coin Block Lamp Is A Nintendo Fanboy’s Dream Come True
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"coin block",
"lamp",
"mario",
"nintendo"
] |
[Laurence] was racking his brain coming up with potential birthday gifts for his friend when the idea of
a Super Mario Bros. coin block lamp
popped into his head. The block is constructed from drain pipe, a few pieces of plywood, some perspex, and a whole lot of awesome.
He wanted the lamp to make sounds when it was turned on and off, so he put together an audio circuit based on [LadyAda’s] WaveShield. His design is similar, though he swapped out the DIP packages for SOIC versions, adding a DAC, Op amp, and an audio buffer to fit his needs.
Once he had his electronics in order, he started construction of the lamp, painting the drain pipe green and mounting it under his light’s base. He built a large perspex box to serve as the coin block itself, printing the familiar graphics on tracing paper which he then glued into place. An arcade button adorns the top of the box, making for a very appropriate and fun light switch.
Be sure to check out the video below to see the lamp in action. We’re just a bit jealous of [Laurence’s] friend, and we sure wouldn’t mind having one of these in our office to sit alongside
this mechanical coin block
we featured a while back.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/25572713 w=470]
| 9
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409907",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T14:15:24",
"content": "Sweet as!The sound FX make it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409920",
"author": "Charizard",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T14:56:19",
"content": "I need this. Gonna have to make one for myself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409931",
"author": "Kaz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T15:31:00",
"content": "Great idea and nicely finished. IMHO the light could be just slightly more diffused but that’s just a minor issue.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409950",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:17:17",
"content": "GAH! the red button should have been on the button, and the lamp to be hung just out of reach above the head. This way the user has to “Mario” the light on or off…Great build regardless of my comments!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410019",
"author": "jethomson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:42:15",
"content": "He might have had an easier time using a sound drop key chain.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBnyia-jCNs&NR=1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410178",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T06:00:48",
"content": "lovin the old school arcade button.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410225",
"author": "psuedonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T10:25:53",
"content": "How about making the perspex cube itself the button? Have it free-floating on the base, so pushing down the top hits a microswitch in the base.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416875",
"author": "Stephanie",
"timestamp": "2011-07-13T03:59:04",
"content": "can I buy one of these lamps or are they not for sale….if they are for sale…how much??? Thanks, Stephaniesstahlmorgan@yahoo.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "560577",
"author": "Degru",
"timestamp": "2012-01-16T20:08:32",
"content": "There should be no button. There should be an accelerometer that detects when you hit the bottom of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.816368
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/building-a-robot-without-using-a-machine-shop/
|
Building A Robot Without Using A Machine Shop
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks",
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"compass",
"coping saw",
"hand made",
"hand tools",
"turtlebot"
] |
We usually avoid the prospect of buying new tools just for one project. In the long run we’re sure we’d use them again, but sometimes even with that outlook you can’t afford it. Case in point is our life-long-lust for a laser cutter; we just can’t justify the upfront cost but we sure would use it constantly if we had one.
If you do find that you’re interested in taking on a project that calls for laser cut parts, [I Heart Robotics] shows you
how to do it with a few simple hand tools
. The bot seen above is their TurtleBot. You can cut your own parts using a laser cutter, you can buy a kit from them, or you can bust out a ruler, compass, drill, coping saw, printer, and tape to make the pieces by hand.
It’s a simple enough concept. Print out the templates, tape them to your hard board, then start drilling and sawing. You won’t get the precision a machine tool can, but in some cases you don’t need to be all that perfect.
[via Adafruit]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409737",
"author": "silvestersillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:19:08",
"content": "Don’t fret over not having a laser cutter. They are not that impressive. The burns, the rough edges; what they do well is straight lines. Google up some woodworking techniques to calibrate whatever you have be it a tablesaw, bandsaw etc.. and you can get results that only very expensive laser cutters can produce. The parts will even have a better surface finish should you use quality blades and jigs.The first ‘fine woodworking’ project I took on was making a sharpening jig that required three points of precision to get the perfect mirror edge on plane irons and chisels. With just a digital caliper and some crappy off the shelf stuff (since I needed to make a sharpening jig to make them not crappy) it was totally possible to turn a chunk of hickory into the perfect 1.187 inch tall block.If you are curious that specific number was needed to have the extension setup to a nice round number on my favorite plane iron, saving quite some effort later.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409740",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:22:44",
"content": "“We usually avoid the prospect of buying new tools just for one project.”Hahahaha. How do you think most of us amass as many tools as we do?Sure, I need that 12″ bearing puller and 30 ton machine skate set.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409742",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:24:38",
"content": "I also love the:Option A: a laser cutter, done.Option B: ruler, compass, drill, coping saw, printer, and tape to make the pieces by hand. Print out the templates, tape them to your hard board, then start drilling and sawing. Oh and it’s not as precise.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409796",
"author": "0589651",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T03:17:51",
"content": "I suppose it comes down to what is worth more to you, The dollars you save doing it the long way, or the time you save doing it in 5 minutes with a laser cutter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409800",
"author": "rallen71366",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T03:45:56",
"content": "A third option is building a low-cost CNC from scrap. It takes the place of a multitude of tools, can upgrade itself, and can do a ton of things a laser cutter can’t. True, a laser cutter can’t be beat for 2D work, but for a couple thousand dollars it had better be freaking awesome at it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409804",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T04:53:16",
"content": "I like that doing it the old way has become a hack. You’d think folks just pop into Best Buy and pick up laser cutters and build CNC mills every other bowel movement here at HaD lol. Good to see some ingenuity still going on out there. Next week, we’ll put a capacitor on an Arduino and make blinking LEDs in 10 lines of code ;)Kudos to the builder and love the recent Roomba links as I have recently inherited several that will keep me busy this winter with their antics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409857",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T09:59:08",
"content": "$179.95 for a Modified Kinect? really trying to sell this to people who like to build robots? at least they have to option of buying the whole kit or just separate parts.$499.99 for the whole kit… minus the “cost” of their Kinect that is still a whole lot of $’s for a few poles and a couple of bits of wood and “Power and Sensor Board with Gyro”. any way refer to the rule “If you can make it (within reasonable time, size extra) cheaper than you can get it in the shop then don’t buy it”it’s a fairly competitive market selling robotic kits.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409865",
"author": "pff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T10:24:00",
"content": "Oh snap you can actuall build things without spending thousands on computer controlled machine hardware????HOLD THE FRONT PAGE!!!no actually people used to make things like this, and because of the skill and time and effort it was better than anything that will ever be made by cnc",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409867",
"author": "I Heart Robotics",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T10:45:22",
"content": "TurtleBots are open source hardware!Willow Garage published all the information necessary to build your own athttp://www.turtlebot.comand I Heart Engineering is a licensed vendor. I Heart Robotics is the blogging division of I Heart Engineering.Now on to pricing…We really don’t want to be in the business of modifying Kinects, but we will provide the convenience of not modifying them yourself for a price.$179.95 = cost of Kinect + parts to modify cable + labor to modify cable and test + opportunity cost for stocking Kinects instead of something else + cost of rent for storing Kinects + possible warranty costs of replacing broken modified Kinects + maybe profit.We are working hard to bring down the costs of the TurtleBot design so that everyone, even people on unemployment and grad students, can afford to have a robot friend but it takes time. Next week we will be publishing more how to information for other parts of the process of building your own TurtleBot using basic tools you probably already have.If you value your time and it costs less than the prices we charge not only should you build it, but we want to help you build it yourself!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409902",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T13:55:56",
"content": "“no actually people used to make things like this, and because of the skill and time and effort it was better than anything that will ever be made by cnc”I disagree. CNC is faster, more accurate, able to do things humans physically cannot do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409942",
"author": "signal7",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:02:42",
"content": "The statement that “power tools are nice but not required” should be common sense. Your laser cutter, table saw, band saw, drill press, etc will make parts faster if you’re willing to spend the money on them, but we really shouldn’t have the idea in our minds that we can’t make things without them.Just as an example, I’m getting ready to make a key for a lock for which the blank is unavailable. That means I’ll be starting with plastic to make an initial key with a hand file from an old credit card. Once I have the plastic key made, all I have to do is copy it in brass, aluminum, or mild steel (probably will use brass – easy to machine and corrosion resistant). It would actually be harder to do with power tools than it would be with hand tools.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410079",
"author": "Greycode",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:47:10",
"content": "“CNC are able to do things that humans physically cannot do.”Disagree, humans build the tools, they use said tools to build better tools, the better tools make the best tools. Humans build CNC machines, they do not build themselves. A CNC is nothing more than a tool. The CNC will do nothing unless it is told to do something, the one who is doing the telling, human.THE driving force behind the tools we use are our ideas. Show me a tool that will do something that does not have a human involved at some point. A CNC machine can not build the Space Shuttle. A CNC can not build the Golden Gate Bridge. A CNC can not build the Sistine Chapel. Show me a CNC that can have an idea.Show me a CNC that can build a wooden desk better than Norm Abram. He can cut straight lines. He can glue, and he can put the pieces together. Plus he can theorize the desk.You can worship at the altar of CNC all you want, but CNC will be replaced with something else, and I will bet that the one developing that something else, will not be a CNC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410187",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T06:24:49",
"content": "“Show me a tool that will do something that does not have a human involved at some point.”Biology?CNC machines build wood desks better than and faster than Norm. He makes great stuff too of course but you don’t clone him, enslave him and force him to make desks all day long to supply IKEA. You build machines that make functional outputs.Our ideas are important of course but I can imagine the most amazing masterpiece of artwork in my head but without the right tools, I can’t produce it. But with one click of a mouse, I can print out a 1:1 Mona Lisa in seconds.So a CNC may not be able to build the Sistine Chapel but it sure as heck can reproduce it better than a human can once it knows how.I am not arguing that CNC is sentient or can think on its own. But I am arguing that CNC can do a lot of things far better, faster, cheaper and more reproduceable than a human can.And in some cases, CNC can do things that humans simply can’t. 5 axis milling machines can produce outputs on the level of thousandths of an inch. CNC welding surpasses even the most expert human welders. CNC plasma cutting is leaps and bounds ahead of any human. CNC spin welding, CNC laser welding, CNC electron beam 3d fabrication, CNC 3d printing, CNC embroidery, CNC textile cutting – all of these things simply leave humans in the dust.Ever wonder why the manufacturing industry keeps firing workers while increasing productivity? Because when 1 machine can do the work of 10 people for the same price per hour as a single employee – you buy the machine and fire the workers and run it 24/7.Machines can’t design, invent and create the concepts. But they sure can do a whole lot else faster, better, cheaper and more accurately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410462",
"author": "cennar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:23:23",
"content": "yeah, serious waste of words… the article, not bashing the article. It seems a few people fell pretty happy to critize the thing, and for good reason.it was well writen, good hook, “just how many tools do you realy need?”then a mod, that was suposed to be a tool pitch I guess… but then the “tool” needed more tools?So then the reader is like:What the F***?! or on the internets “WTF?!>?1 :)”So inturn that was just a bad article. this also is week moaning.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.092395
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/a-pick-and-place-machine-for-under-1k/
|
A Pick And Place Machine For Under $1k
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"pick and place",
"solidworks",
"tweezers",
"vacuum"
] |
Pick and place machines are marvels of modern technology. They the can lift, orient, align and drop tiny electronic components onto a circuit board that is headed for the reflow oven. On an industrial scale they move so fast it’s a blur in front of your eyes, and they use imaging to ensure proper placement. But that kind of specialized equipment is going to cost a real bundle of money. [Bootstrap] is working on a design that will still be feature-rich, but will allow you to purchase
your own pick-and-place machine for under $1000
.
The design calls for a two-headed beast. One head is a vacuum tweezers which is capable of moving the parts. The other is a digital microscope that is used for precise positioning. The two heads pivot in and out of place, but it’s the table which holds the PCB that is responsible for positioning the parts. Although there’s nothing built yet, the depth of information that [Bootstrap] published in his post is impressive. He’d like your help making sure there’s no errors in the design before he builds the first three prototypes. If you’re a Solidworks guru he’ll even send you the files upon request.
We’ve seen a couple of
different pick and place machines
lately so
take another look
if you missed them the first time.
[via
Adafruit
]
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409725",
"author": "Boricua",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:30:24",
"content": "The digital microscope part caught my interest",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409727",
"author": "pff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:39:38",
"content": "I don’t want to be negative, but looking at the guys design its pretty obvious this thing is never going to work at the precision he thinks it will.Do people seriously need a pick and place that badly?i cant imagine the cost of soldering as many devices as a pick and place would require would be much if you outsourced it.In the end i think even if it works the manual drive element of the design wont really save much time anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409732",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:58:44",
"content": "@pffHave you ever looked into outsourcing assembly? stencil setup and other NRE is usually $200 min, then the cheap ones charge $30/brd (< 20 components) with a minimum of 5 – you're looking at a third of the cost of this PnP, just for one board.Granted, your time is assumed free here, which in some cases is not true. Quite simply, if you can avoid outsourcing and get assembly done in house for the super small scale stuff, you're much better off.The \"manual drive\" bothers me a bit – not having looked at the design at all though. . .",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409736",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:17:19",
"content": "just read some of the post and realized there was no automation at all, this is simply a fully manual pick and place, stating that most of the placement would still be done by hand.I’m not sure how much of a market there is for hand-placed BGA’s, the $1k cost is somehow quite sobering now, knowing that most of the work would still be done “by hand”.how many people would wind up using non hand-place-able components in their designs that are manufactured in-house? I’m curious now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409739",
"author": "hekilledmywire",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:22:14",
"content": "You can get much much cheaper than that, search a bit more in forums about assembly houses, or give a tour that the myropcb services..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409744",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:32:01",
"content": "I had assumed this was going to be an automatic pick and place. I do find part placement tedious but I do not find accurate placement hard. I am able to place something within 20 um by hand under a stereoscope. If the stencil can be done by hand so can the part placement, if your hands are not stable enough one can use a stencil with the part completely cut out as a simple alignment tool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409745",
"author": "silvestersillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:32:08",
"content": "@bearmosI’m excited. So why could this manual machine not be turned into an automated one? Some parts of the design are nice, others complete garbage but are easily replaced with known working conditions.I would be very happy to have one that can place larger components, anything that can reduce workload is a wonderful thing.Just think of the possibilities. Unless I am missing something I could slap this on the side of my cnc pcb mill. Add a pneumatic linear actuator that shunts compressed air from a holdown table vacuum. Then an arduino with basic sensory input to control the timing and Tada! Instant desktop assembly line.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409747",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:33:41",
"content": "@hekilledmywiredo you have any that you’ve used and would recommend? that’s really the test for me",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409769",
"author": "gmcurrie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T00:56:06",
"content": "Interesting design – (but admit, like bearmos, I was looking for where the steppers/servos etc were until I realised it was actually all manual..)And yes, was scratching my head about how to avoid the inevitable skew on hand-positioning the PCB carriage until the video alignment was mentioned again (& yes, read it twice : )—For prototyping/hobbyists, there surely is a gap in the market for an outfit that would supply *any* SMD/BGA etc chip on a small breakout board with 0.1″ headers.Sure, SparkFun & others do selected popular chips (and good on ’em : ) but if a supplier offered an inexpensive breakout service for *any* chip througout their *whole* catalogue, they might do good niche business.It would only require them to stock a relatively small number of board formats to service a whole range of pinouts, and then either do periodic batch runs to create a stock of each particular component, or perhaps even produce individual component breakouts on demand.Catalogue entry might be like:ChipXYZ01 – naked: $1.50. On 0.1″ Breakout, add $1Makbe this service could be subsidised by the original chip manufacturers much in the same way that they give out free samples to developers in the hope of future volume sales.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409885",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T12:21:13",
"content": "$1000 are these US dollars we are talking about?Manual?WTF?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410017",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:38:42",
"content": "Who needs placement accuracy?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5lksMvmqQc",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410082",
"author": "Greycode",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:56:07",
"content": "@ anti-fanboySa WHEET! That is a really cool video.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410295",
"author": "bearmos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T14:35:28",
"content": "@anti-fanboyNice video. The accurate placement requirement is because the author is trying to place BGA’s and small components. While you, can rely on the surface tension of solder to move really poorly place 1206’s and SOIC, as in the video, you’ll completely miss the pad if you’re off by that much on a 0201, large pin count BGA’s, even small pitch QFP’s.—-The curious part about the BGA placement is that they normally require X-Ray inspection to determine whether the joints were made reliably (you obviously can’t do a visual inspection on a BGA). I’m not sure what the author’s solution is for the inspection process – you can have continuity and still not have a reliable joint which can withstand mechanical and thermal stresses.—-@silvestersillaloneThis sort of proposal is exactly what I’m curious to hear. Right off the bat, you mention what sounds to be fairly heavy modifications to the machine – so at what point do you just use this design as a reference and do it yourself? Would you really pay $1k for something you’re planning on modifying heavily anyway? Unlike consumer equipment, you could probably buy whatever subset of components you need at around the same price.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410356",
"author": "silvesterstillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:35:41",
"content": "@bearmosThat’s the idea. Never buy anything that you can build for yourself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410916",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T03:38:26",
"content": "@bearmosAgreed, BGA and to a lesser extent TGA are the work of the devil and are to be avoided if at all possible. I would change my design entirely to avoid BGA.QFP’s can be confirmed by eye like SOIC. Granted the finer pitches make it more difficult, but not impossible like BGA.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "694589",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2012-07-04T06:55:04",
"content": "Interesting design – (but admit, like bearmos, I was looking for where the steppers/servos etc were until I realised it was actually all manual..)Matt.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.034149
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/keeping-tabs-on-your-pets-busy-lives/
|
Keeping Tabs On Your Pets’ Busy Lives
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"7 segment",
"led",
"mice",
"pets",
"pic",
"reed switch"
] |
[Stephen’s] daughter has a pair of mice she keeps as pets, who happen to be quite active at night. After they kept her awake for an entire evening by running like mad in their treadmill, they were moved from her bedroom. Since they were so active in the treadmill, [Stephen] thought it would be cool to
try measuring how much the mice actually ran each night
.
To keep track of their activity, he built a simple circuit that records how many rotations the treadmill makes. He fitted it with a rare earth magnet, installing a reed switch on the outside of case that ticks off each spin of the wheel. Any time the wheel starts moving, his PIC begins counting the rotations, displaying them on a 7-segment LED display. To mitigate data loss in the event of a power outage, the PIC stores the current number of rotations in its EEPROM every 10 seconds or so.
The counter keeps track of the total number of rounds the mice have completed, which his daughter uses to manually calculate their running sessions. Since they started tracking the mice, they have run over 700,000 rounds, sometimes completing as many as 20,000 in an evening.
We think it’s a pretty cool project, especially since it makes it fun for his daughter to stay involved in her pets’ lives.
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409678",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:34:07",
"content": "I’d have made the mice generate their own power for the circuit. :) I remember being kept awake by my pygmy dwarf hamster one night when she was running like mad. She also figured out how to wedge herself behind the wheel and climb upside down on the wire-mesh lid for her cage like a jungle gym.She was pregnant when we bought her, and she got REALLY mean when after she had her babies. The babies were nicer though, and thankfully both that survived were female, so no rodent incest. lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409679",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:35:21",
"content": "To save people the math… if that wheel is:4″ diameter, 138 miles!6″ diameter, 208 MILES!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409681",
"author": "Brad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:40:08",
"content": "Thanks, Nick! I was just getting ready to do that math.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409682",
"author": "komradebob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:41:39",
"content": "When do the mice get chipped and an RFID reader installed to determine who’s getting all the exercise? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409683",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:44:22",
"content": "@Nick,Those are pretty impressive numbers when you calculate it out. Just keep in mind those figures are not even counting the times when his daughter forgot to reconnect the sensor. Looking at the picture of her log sheet that he posted, there are at least 10 days where the machine was not keeping track of their travels.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409685",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:52:55",
"content": "now that I think of it, wouldn’t some sort of external RPM meter mounted to the outside of the enclosure be more user-friendly and less prone to leaving the sensor disconnected?I’m thinking I’d attach a piece of retro-reflector to one of the treadmill bars and use an IR pair to detect the rotations. Not sure HOW I’d do that…but that’s what I’d think of first.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409693",
"author": "Sheldon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:06:47",
"content": "I did something similar for the wheel in my girlfriend’s Degu cage. I took the easy option and used a standard cycle computer which even took the wheel’s circumference as it was to give true readings. It being a bike computer, it instantly gives you distance (per day and total) along with instant speed (and maximum). They could hit just over 4mph running flat out and would do about 8-10 miles in a day. Only problem I had was keeping the sensor close enough to the wheel as they’d bounce the entire thing so much you’d get missed turns (I wasn’t allowed to modify the wheel).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409701",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:25:39",
"content": "Just a note, the micro is not a PIC but an AVR. They call it an “Atmega PIC” but it is an Atmega128 according to the writeup.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409707",
"author": "katsmeat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:46:10",
"content": "Easy way to do this is with a bike computer. Just set the size of the “bike wheel” to be the circumference of the rodent wheel and you’re done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409718",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:12:02",
"content": "Great science and technology project for the kiddos!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409724",
"author": "Grimreefer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:30:02",
"content": "j8g8j, Great idea, bio & tech in 1, these critters do run a fair bit, would be interesting how much they generate on a night’s run. mind you, if we could put a power generator on most things we touch, we could save lots of power, sprung doors for example, rotating doors?, peizo connected walk ways, regenerating lifts or escalators, we all could put a little energy back, you know, take a little off the load off.Sorry, Rant over :-P, still.. ‘mind ponders’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409729",
"author": "pff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:43:09",
"content": "Best cage i have ever seen",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409893",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T13:18:11",
"content": "god I know how it is with mice. I had 3. If they didn’t bury wheel they would run run run and run. The edges of the metal rubbing together (the plastic ones I tried sucked and they couldn’t move it) drove me nuts. Didn’t think it would be a good idea to put wd-40 on it as the mice loved to put everything in their mouths.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410765",
"author": "lolz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:11:48",
"content": "Make sure you take the meeses VTEC into account:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDrpPqsXfVU",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,155.967465
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/zero-overhead-z80-computer-focuses-on-performance/
|
“Zero Overhead” Z80 Computer Focuses On Performance
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks"
] |
[
"hand built",
"vintage computing",
"wire wrap",
"Z-80"
] |
There’s something quite satisfying about building your own computer. Nowadays, constructing your own desktop PC is relatively easy, so if you really want to get your hands dirty, you have to take a step back in time and
give some vintage hardware a spin
.
[YT2095] has spent a good portion of the last two months building a computer based on the classic Z80 CPU. His machine, called “Z Eighty Development” or “ZED” for short is an amazing build, and most definitely a labor of love. He has put an estimated 700+ hours into this machine and it’s a beaut! When closed, the machine is pretty unassuming, but once he folds down the keypad, you can see that all of his time has been put to good use.
Most of the board’s components are connected together via wire wrap, including the large 48k memory card he built, as you can see from the link above. The wide array of add on cards all work together to accomplish his goal of “zero overhead” – freeing up the Z80 from having to do any unnecessary processing, such as I/O, etc.
It’s quite an impressive build, and ranks up there with
some of the best
Z80 based computers
we have
seen through the years
.
| 33
| 33
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409610",
"author": "sp00nix",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:39:00",
"content": "Can it play crisis?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409615",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:49:30",
"content": "@sp00nixYou sir, are a douchebag. Troll on somewhere else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409616",
"author": "Dannyoats",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:49:39",
"content": "Great work here. Wish I had the talent and know-how to build something half as good.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409617",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:51:10",
"content": "That thing is beautiful!I love the wire wrapping on the component side, by using male headers that are much cheaper than wire wrap sockets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409618",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:55:15",
"content": "I too appreciate the elegance of wire wrapping on the component side using male headers. Wondering if it is just plain old perfboard with the headers glued down or if their are solder pads on the backside to secure the headers & sockets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409620",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:04:02",
"content": "Woops! If I’d read more carefully his method is described as a “soldering/wire-wrap hybrid that Top wires circuit”. Not only would this way be cheaper than traditional wire wrap sockets, but much easier than flipping and connecting on the backside which is a pain and error prone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409623",
"author": "Gordon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:08:37",
"content": "Im always in awe of someone who can put this sort of project together both hardware and the machine code to run it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409624",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:08:40",
"content": "@Joe :Come on, the Crysis thing is a classic. I lol’ed. But seriously, this is pretty awesome. I love the z80, and the zero overhead is a really amazing feature. Maybe it would run Crysis?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409625",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:09:10",
"content": "lol smoketester…only someone who has reverse wired a bunch of wire wrap chips can appreciate your comment fully.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409629",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:10:39",
"content": "I’m a little in awe of how huge that thing is, to judge from the IEC socket.Also, 700 hours of effort over two months? Damn, skippy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409631",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:15:31",
"content": "I wonder if he’s ever going to make an mp3 addon card. Or wire one of these up to it:http://excamera.com/sphinx/gameduino/Yeah, it would be a little pointless to have a board with a fpga that you could implement the entire computer on running just the graphics. It’d still be cool. And he wants zero overhead and to offload as much as possible from the Z80 cpu….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409632",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:16:41",
"content": "@George, Yeah, that’s a ton of work. 700 hours is a little over 29 days. If the 700 hours is correct, he spent almost 12 hours a day on this for two months straight.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409635",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:26:40",
"content": "Holy hell. Forget building something ‘half as good’ — I wish I could just build one of those freakin boards he’s using! Or even half of one! But then, guess I’ve always been more of a software guy than hardware. But hell, this is….wow.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409636",
"author": "Lovro",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:37:52",
"content": "Could you please copy your brain, so I could upload your expirience and memory assembling this into my brain?? xD Great work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409638",
"author": "Tweeks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:45:22",
"content": "Hey YT… Instead of using lookup tables to create your sine waves.. you should dig up some old C=64s and rip out a couple SID sound chips. Hook yourself up with some multi-voice, polyphonic “retro sound”. :)Tweeks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409645",
"author": "Fred",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:15:48",
"content": "WOW! Just… wow! Well done. Great Job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409648",
"author": "cdilla",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:19:55",
"content": "A truely wonderful creation. A work of art that encapsulates at it’s heart another work of art.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409649",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:19:57",
"content": "@JD,The 700 hour figure was an estimate on our part, though it should be *fairly* accurate. He says that it was the product of “2 months work, often 12 hours a day”. That comes to about 700 hours, give or take a few.If it was less than 700 hours, it makes it all the more impressive, imho. That’s a hell of a lot of work no matter how you cut it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409650",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:21:57",
"content": "This guy needs to start a PC company to compete with big brands like Dell and Toshiba. If he can redesign a high quality PC with Zero Overhead nothing before could compare to it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409655",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:31:26",
"content": "I wouldn’t mind to put something like this together. Granted that I’m no EE, but I don’t think it would be too hard. Just wire the pins to the right ones.Just all those wires… GOD! Blow out a few chips. I would be like fuck it. It’s time to learn some CAD software!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409704",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:41:58",
"content": "@sp00nixI think the correct question is:— will you blend?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409706",
"author": "wulfman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:45:44",
"content": "zacdee16 it was called an Amiga",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409723",
"author": "loans",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:28:59",
"content": "this is neat as hell, but the man sure can’t use a camera.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409754",
"author": "dattaway",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:58:55",
"content": "If only photobucket had the bandwidth of a Z80.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409756",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T00:14:12",
"content": "“bandwidth exceeded”, The ugly on relying on free, and/or the least expensive paid web services shows it’s ugly head. Hard telling when the freebanders page/post will be available for viewing. Instructables may not be that bad after all, I never have read about a complaint with a bandwidth exceeded message in regards to a project hosted there. Perhaps Google Docs would be an alternative?smoketester says; Woops! If I’d read more carefully his method is described as a “soldering/wire-wrap hybrid that Top wires circuit”.Thats sounds like a fancy name for old fashioned point to point wiring atop an actual wood bread board. Again I can’t see any images.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409774",
"author": "pmac",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T01:42:03",
"content": "google’s got some:http://www.google.com/search?q=Z.E.D+Machine+YT2095&tbm=isch",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409848",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T09:08:58",
"content": "damn that`s a pity about the photobucket thingy wanting to extort money from me!does anyone know a place I can host these pictures again for free?they`re still on my Camera so it shouldn`t be too hard to transfer somewhere else (I hope).sorry about that each!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409856",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T09:50:23",
"content": "nevermind, I paid their ransom, and the pics should be back up again for a month once it propogates through the servers and rubbish.to answer a question about the method I used on the boards, they Are soldered into Vero board, so in effect I decide the IC holders placements according to real estate on the board and allow for 2 holes worth of space either side of the chip socket to run the male header strips, these are all soldered in (headers and sockets) and then the tracks cut to isolate them from the rest of the board, they are them wire-wrapped together in a lovely spaghetti mess, that`s for some reason perfectly stable at 8MHz (I seriously did expect some noise and instability).quite a few of these cards were wired up in bed! I wasn`t feeling very well during most of the construction, so I would do all the soldering in the morning, and then spend the afternoon in bed wire-wrapping, designing for the next day, and then reading Z80 machine code manuals before bed time.so probably closer to 16 hours a day each day with Something ZED related, but closer to 12 on the actual Build side of things.some stats, there are currently 62 ICs in use on there, 600 feet of wire-wrap wire used, roughly 2000 wire wrap joints and well over double that for solder joins, it pulls exactly 1.64 Amps, all at 5 volts except for the 12 fan to keep the regulators cool.and if I got bored with Z80, I could easily make and drop in a 8080 cpu card or any other 8 bit CPU and use that just as easily, although it would mean learning more machine code! so I probably wont be doing that :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409872",
"author": "Tony",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T11:19:52",
"content": "OMG… It’s a really really hard work… and it’s worked!!! That remembers me my school days :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409954",
"author": "Jake",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:23:06",
"content": "It would wicked to see the USCD Pascal p-System OS running on this device.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409998",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T18:56:54",
"content": "Quite impressive! I like the wiring job and technique too.The use of MCUs to offload tasks seems a bit of a “cheat”, not really true to the retro spirit of the rest of the project; since each MCU can be almost as powerful as the main CPU and much of the other hardware! Regardless, it’s an interesting fusion of old and new. A Propeller would probably make an excellent co-processor too, possibly able to do everything all three of those MCUs can and then some.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410296",
"author": "iHME",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T14:36:26",
"content": "Somehow comparing this assembling (when theres just premade block being stuffed together it is assembly, not building) a modern pc sounds insulting…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410332",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:17:08",
"content": "Yes, I can fully appreciate How this may seem like a cheat using embedded hardware for external support and how that may not seem “fitting” with a purely (and totally incidental) Retro-look.the whole “Retro” thing was not not my aim, it just turned out that way by chance and convenience.the idea was that I`m just a Hardware hacker, and so I`m using things I CAN do to create a platform that will expose the Z80 as purely a concept, thereby allowing me a greater intimacy with its core.from This standpoint I can Learn and Develop More hardware, and Join the 2 together, as a stepping stone towards Other processors and machines.I`m Old School, so an FPGA or CPLD etc… means little more than an utter nightmare of over-bloated arbitrary s/ware manipulation excersize leading to nothing more than frustration!I`ll take a handfull of 74 or 4000 series chips and a soldering iron over billy gates`s garbage ANYDAY!sorry to sound bitter, but you have to work with what you have, and more importantly what you Know!I have no objection to Learning stuff, I DO object to learning stuff that will be redundant next week and subject to the whim of someone else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.267249
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/diy-battery-reconditioner-saves-old-rechargeable-batteries-from-the-landfill/
|
DIY Battery Reconditioner Saves Old Rechargeable Batteries From The Landfill
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Repair Hacks",
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"battery",
"reconditioner"
] |
Instructables user [msuzuki777]
had amassed quite a collection of batteries over the years
, but was finding that some of his rechargeable AA and AAA cells seemed to be at the end of their useful life. After reading some information at the
Battery University
regarding the restoration process for nickel-based batteries, he figured he might as well try building a battery reconditioner of his own.
He worked through several designs that either flat-out did not work, or had issues that limited the number of batteries he could simultaneously recondition. After reading about this
rechargeable battery capacity tester
we featured a few months back, he was ready to give the project one more try.
It seems that the third try was the charm, because his FET-based design worked quite well. He ended up wiring two FETs to each battery, which are connected via a relay. The batteries get discharged until the voltage drops down to 1V, at which point one FET is turned off, allowing the batteries reach their target voltage of 0.4V more slowly.
Despite the self-proclaimed messy layout of his circuit, [msuzuki777] is quite happy with the results. He has been able to recover several batteries, which is a fantastic alternative to letting them decay in a landfill.
| 20
| 20
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410337",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:34:46",
"content": "european regs mean most shops have recycle bins for all batteries now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410338",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:36:03",
"content": "I forgot to say – a lovely example of cable lacing in the HAD photo. That style of cable looming is becoming a lost art.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410339",
"author": "Decius",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:37:10",
"content": "Is there no life on the battery it self after you’ve tried restoring it over and over again, does it eventually die completely not being able to hold a charge?Interesting none the less.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410355",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:29:10",
"content": "You know what else saves my rechargeable batteries? Actually fully discharging them.When my phone shut off saying it had no battery left, I took the battery out and powered a bank of LEDs with it for 2 days straight. Once it was fully discharged, I put it back in and recharged it. That more than doubled the useful life of the battery.Whoever decided to put this ‘cutoff’ circuit in batteries that prevents proper charging is a complete idiot and should be electrocuted with AA batteries.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410361",
"author": "Gilliam",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T19:11:02",
"content": "@M4CGYV3R i hope you are talking about a cordless phone(typically nimh) and not cellphone(lion, lipo)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410383",
"author": "db",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:56:17",
"content": "@abobymouseI used this style of looming with my computer cables. I think its still used in aircraft wiring harnesses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410386",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:02:57",
"content": "Interesting, as I also have a substantial pile of used AA and AAA cells which hold about 20% of rated capacity.@M4CGYV3R Yeah, I have had this too.I’ve also had issues with Li-Ion phone cells not working at all (0.0V) due to the LVC turning on.The fix here is to charge it from a voltage limit of 3.3V until the cell starts taking a charge, then put it back in the phone- DO NOT do this with bare Li-Ions without protection boards however.NiCad and NiMH usually fail short in my experience, typically the +V end cell in a pack with model boat/etc packs.My theory is that the heat from the longer soldering causes that particular cell to degrade faster than the rest, which becomes even worse with RoHS compliant solder.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410398",
"author": "dcroy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:46:08",
"content": "@M4CGYV3R protection circuits are there to prevent lithium batteries from exploding due to complete discharge or overchargingthe whole thing about phones turning off before the battery has discharged to the cutoff point is for additional safety rather than risk a protection circuit failure, which i believe was a contributing factor in those incidents with lipos made by sony",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410399",
"author": "dcroy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:52:31",
"content": "also im working on a nicad conditioner that works on the idea of voltage surging, basically giving short pulses of very high current through the battery to shatter the crystal formations in the battery",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410408",
"author": "Leithoa",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:35:29",
"content": "@DeciusYou are correct there is a finite service life even with the various conditioning regimes. The chemical reaction that powers battery cells is not 100% reversible even under the best of conditions. The conditioning just allows to to get closer to the theoretical maximum for a given cell type.@M4CGYV3RI’ve been under the impression that Li based cells had a longer service life if you never allowed them to drop below 30-40% rated capacity. which is even above the cut-off for most control boards@dcroyDoesn’t this technique only work on Lead-acid batteries?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410416",
"author": "The Ideanator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:53:52",
"content": "@abobymouseIve seen that in some <20 year old CNC lathes and in the viscometers the company I work for makes. And given that I now have access to lacing cord, I can do cable lacing to my hearts content which I have been doing in my latest project (which I hope to get featured here when its done)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410433",
"author": "H3llphyre",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T00:36:45",
"content": "@M4CGYV3RDischarging Lithium-(all chemistries) shortens the life of the battery. Most devices will stop discharging at 20% and stop charging at 80% to extend the number of charge/discharge cycles. Of course, the devices reports these two levels as zero and 100% respectively.Pertaining to the story, this is great. Now, someone just needs to build an uber battery checker/reconditioner for all battery types, including the high voltage high frequency lead acid reconditioning circuit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410435",
"author": "alwayswondered",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T00:51:08",
"content": "Always wondered why squashing (denting) batteries in a vice prolonged use of said batteries in my RC car when I was younger, now I know!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410452",
"author": "Microguy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:02:17",
"content": "Nice, haven’t seen lacing like that in years. I had a bunch of lacing cord, but lost it somewhere, sad….One of these days I’ll build one of these, I have a serious need for one. Just no time….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410459",
"author": "dcroy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:18:01",
"content": "@Leithoai have seen people recondition nicads by passing high current backwards through a battery pack (using a mig welder and tapping the contacts)i have a large number of packs i can test this out with, im going to use 12 volts at roughly 10 amps and see what happens, a few hundred millisecond pulses should work",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410526",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T07:12:59",
"content": "to all the people talking about NiCad current pulsing to kill off the dendrite crystals and restore capacity, it’s a short lived fix. HaD featured using a camera flash as the zapper a long time ago which is a fantastic way of doing it, but any form of zapping will leave the batteries with monstrous self-discharge rates.it’s cool to revive battery packs when you need them for a brief run or something, but once a battery has gone bad to the point of needing such drastic restorative measures you’re better off recycling it and getting a new one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410540",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T08:25:47",
"content": "Loving the electricians cable tie to make the loom!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410546",
"author": "dcroy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T08:50:13",
"content": "im building my system to deal with a substantial number of nicad packs that have degraded or have gone bad due to student neglect or abuse in a robotics labthe batteries in question are trickle charged on a daily basis (slow charging speeds up dendrite growth) and are tethered to a power source whenever possiblea faster discharge rate is worth not having to replace batteries every few years when our operating budget is as small as it is, being able to increase the lifespan of even a handful of the 50 or so packs i have in a box is worth itand that loom is pretty nice, another interesting method of bundling wire is to use a power drill to twist the wires together, works very well for thin gauge wire",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2889708",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2016-01-19T02:22:47",
"content": "Interesting! Also want to build a battery reconditioner by myself",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2964425",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2016-03-24T14:41:42",
"content": "Whats up, The best info that I have checked out was on Volt daddy (i found it on google) Gotta be the most helpful info on batteries and this thing that i have found.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.452344
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/electronics-lessons-for-beginners/
|
Electronics Lessons For Beginners
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"basics",
"electricity",
"electronics",
"lessons",
"tutorials"
] |
Hackaday reader [grenadier] wrote in to share a series of tutorials he is working on,
where he discusses the basics of electricity and electronics
. The first lesson titled, What is Electricity?” has been wrapped up, and is available for free on his site.
For any of our regular readers, the lesson will seem pretty basic (and likely full of things to nitpick). However, we imagine his lessons would be quite helpful to anyone looking to expand their electronics know-how.
Now don’t get us wrong, we love the series of electronics tutorials that
Jeri has been periodically releasing
, but we think there’s plenty of room on the Internet for other willing teachers as well. If his first lesson is any indicator, his tutorials will be easy to understand, sprinkled with a little bit of humor, and chock full of fun videos that demonstrate the subject at hand.
Take a quick look his way if you get a chance – you or someone you know might find his tutorials and
reference guides
insightful.
[Image courtesy of
Electronicsandyou
]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410343",
"author": "Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:47:57",
"content": "omg, can’t believe I’m saying this… ‘first!’But seriously tutorials are what laymen like me need… bring em’ on (I might stand a better chance now than when I did physics at Alevel!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410353",
"author": "Alan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:24:47",
"content": "Finally!Easy to understand electronics!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410364",
"author": "TM",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T19:30:51",
"content": "I disagree. The Internet is filled with beginner tutorials on every possible subject imaginable. If people would dedicate their time to covering new things or gaps rather than the same re-hashed set of things before they burn out on it and move on, there would be a much higher signal to noise ratio.This goes for electronics, programming, game development, whatever popular technical topic you can think of.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410367",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:02:50",
"content": "Good stuff, very clear and well written!Plus it’s now stuck in my head that A represents the unit Assloads instead of Amperes (and mA = milli-assloads, etc.) Heh.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410391",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:13:17",
"content": "Wallpaper… I want that picture up there… I WANT it! Any links for a high-res version? Thx.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410426",
"author": "VinhDucanh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T23:30:43",
"content": "Found this on freetextbooks.com6 free lessons in electric circuitsthat I thought were pretty good.http://openbookproject.net/electricCircuits/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410427",
"author": "VinhDucanh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T23:40:00",
"content": "Error: Last comment should have readFound this at freetechbooks.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410479",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T03:19:17",
"content": "Oh hai thar",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410569",
"author": "Martín",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T10:11:38",
"content": "Excellent. I’m an electronics virgin, I’ll check them out.Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410589",
"author": "Wayne Storr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:29:29",
"content": "If you want more Electronics Tutorials check out thehttp://www.electronics-tutorials.wswebsite.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410615",
"author": "dirtyoldman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:10:49",
"content": "i remember a feature of a site that was also going through all the analog electronic theory. cannot remember the name or the url, any help?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410991",
"author": "lolowski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T10:55:37",
"content": "google for Jeremy Blum’s lessions. Also russian translation exists",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412292",
"author": "Mandeep",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T23:36:09",
"content": "The SparkFun tutorials were a big help to me last year, but I think I need a refresher course on basic electronics again…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.368094
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/automotive-backup-alarm/
|
Automotive Backup Alarm
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"alarm",
"arduino",
"backup",
"dino",
"joe grand",
"laser range finder"
] |
[Dino’s] project of the week is
a backup alarm for your car
. This is a feature that has become popular on many large vehicles like SUVs where visibility is an issue when moving in reverse. But it doesn’t sound like he was motivated by the need to have this in his own car. Instead, he was looking for something to build using a laser range finder.
[Joe Grand] (
the brains behind DEFCON badges
) has been working on
an inexpensive laser range finder for Parallax
. He sent one of the first-run prototype boards to [Dino] for beta testing and we’re glad that [Dino] decided to show it off. It uses a small red laser diode and a camera module to measure distance in millimeters. The board communicates serially and this particular project uses an Arduino along with a character LCD and speaker to display distance and sound an alarm when the car is within a meter of an object.
Check out the video after the break to see the build in its entirety. The system works reasonably well, if the object you’re about to hit is perfectly lined up with the laser dot.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGW7AEqEiWQ&w=470]
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410318",
"author": "Dennis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T15:47:37",
"content": "Makes me wonder if anyone has used the backup sensors from car on a project?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410319",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T15:52:48",
"content": "I saw the presentation about developing that rangefinder at UPEW. Cool project.Wait a minute, you took a prototypeParallaxrangefinder and interfaced it to anArduino?That’s cold, man.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410322",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T16:08:01",
"content": "This looks like a fun hack, but it seems a bit odd to capture a whole pile of video data and then throw nearly all of it away – a video screen plus object distance would be *very* cool since distance measurement is tough on a screen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410323",
"author": "st2000",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T16:23:28",
"content": "1. I agree w/HAD. The rear of a car is much wider then what appears to be the coverage area of this detector. I was a bit disappointed that the laser was not moving and the camera software not sophisticated enough to pick up distances from the entire scan of a laser sweep.2. There are plenty of OEM range finder devices that could fit inside a test tube. I know, this is HAD and you want to build stuff. I’m just saying if you use existing devices this could free you to develop something really interesting. Say an array of range finders.3. If you can’t wait for this board to become available, and you want to build a range finder from scratch, Circuit Cellar ran a range finder article years ago. This probably pre-dates their on-line version of the magazine, so you will probably have to hunt for this article the old fashion way – the library (gasp).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410326",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T16:53:58",
"content": "You’re gonna shoot someone’s eye out … ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410352",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:24:10",
"content": "Just a reminder here, this whole project was built to BETA test the device. Since most of the other beta testers were using a Propeller or a BS2 on a robot, I decided to try it out on an Arduino and take it outdoors.So it’s not so much something I’ll keep on the car as much as it is a test bed for the LRF.Once the device is in it’s final release, I’ll be using one as an edge sensor for a robot build…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410384",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:00:07",
"content": "Surely if you can’t reverse a car, you shouldn’t be driving anyway?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410502",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T04:25:33",
"content": "Backup alarms are a public noid. You can hear them from blocks away at a worksite. Like train noisemakers, they work past their range.You are fully responsible when backing up. If someone is backing up at me the first thing they will hear is a mighty bang when I strike first. If it’s worse it’s lawsuit time!Truckers don’t need such to dock a big rig.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410586",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:17:56",
"content": "wow, this is expensive overkill. Why not reverse engineer a $35 laser distance meter.Also i agree with Matt, if you can’t reverse a car, you shouldn’t be driving.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410593",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:37:14",
"content": "Does anyone here read? This was a beta test rig. I wish HaW would have posted this as such.TEST RIG!! NOT PERMANENT ON CAR AS BACKUP WARNING DEVICE!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410797",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:26:30",
"content": "“Backup alarms” seems to mean two different things. One kind just beeps when you’re going backwards, to warn people outside the car; the other kind (which this seems to be) tells the driver when the car is too close to something.You can get a going-backwards noisemaker for about $5 from the auto parts store – it sticks onto your backup lights, and beeps when the light’s on. Unfortunately, the shape of the backup light fixture on my van reflects enough sunlight onto the sensor that it also beeps when the car is pointed away from the sun, like late afternoon on my driveway (oops.) It’s more complex and less reliable than wiring it up directly would be, but it’s a no-brainer to install on most cars.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.505648
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/a-beautiful-fibre-optic-chandelier/
|
A Beautiful Fibre Optic Chandelier
|
Nick Schulze
|
[
"home hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"chandelier",
"fibre optic",
"led"
] |
[Bill] Decided that his living room could use some more light, or at least some more colourful light. To meet his needs [Bill] has designed and build what he describes as a
modern/contemporary chandelier
. The chandelier uses about 250′ of fibre optic cable to distribute the light from eight LED’s, light from the fibre optics is being diffused using marbles in place of the globes you would normally expect in a chandelier.
Control is achieved wirelessly via a pair of Xbee modules, this will allow [Bill] to integrate it into his home automation project he plans for the future. The colours are currently set using three slide potentiometers, and the chandelier is powered using a repurposed ATX power supply. It looks like a lot of time was spent on the acrylic enclosure and it was worth it because the results are fantastic. Check out his website for build details and the video after the break for a demonstration on the chandelier in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82Opzb4D_8g&feature=player_embedded&w=470]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410062",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:16:42",
"content": "Maybe a couple of layers of roughly sanded clear acrylic with a 1mm gap between them or even a bit of white paper stuck in between the LEDs and the end of the fiberoptics with a 3 or 5mm gap would be the cheapest way to defuse the colours. Anyway nice build (: if i ever do this for my self I would be tempted to mount the electronics in the ceiling though or at least make the enclosure a little smaller (maybe fit it inside a plaster moulding). It would be tempting to use acrylic rods bent into shape instead of rings cut from a flat sheet (might make using the fibreoptics a little harder but it saves a lot of sanding). Might also add some super bright LEDs (some in the moulding pointing across the ceiling and some on the rings pointing up as not to “blind” the current of the room on a separate circuit to add a bit of light to the room and not just colour (shame to have something so nice and still have to have a standard light fitting to aluminate enough to see detail by).Would be nice to see what yours looks like when it’s actualyhung in a room and all finished (: good luck (:PS.Next one I would love to see is a chandler made of floresent tubes and thin fishing wire. (powered wirelessly by tesla coil) (: hmm if I don’t build it first that is haha",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410080",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:54:16",
"content": "Looks awesome, but heavy, and he points out his own problems with the alignment of the light source, I would recommend a shift brighthttp://hackaday.com/2008/05/08/maker-faire-2008-shiftbright-rgb-led-module/and a raspberry pihttp://hackaday.com/2011/05/06/miniature-pc-packs-a-big-punch/to control it. it would take a lot less power, though wireless might be a problem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410095",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:30:43",
"content": "Holly crap what a waste of electricity, seriously a ATX power supply, and a CPU cooler??? I hope the project is only for earning purposes because otherwise : \\",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410172",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T05:05:07",
"content": "@MrXSince the post on my blog i have set the cpu fan up to only turn on while all LED’s are on. There are 8 LED’s at 3 watts a piece. They put off quite a bit of heat on the backoff. Since it is going on my ceiling i would prefer it to run cooler than nessecary rather than overheating. Like i said in the video and post that i should have used an on board supply or a brick from a laptop charger. The ATX supply was free and had the amp ratting that i needed (~5A).Also, this was built for somewhat of a learning purpose. I have never used the fiber optic filament before. It has proven to be quite versatile. I have already started designing a version 2 that can be installed in low-ceiling conditions. This will be much more simple, using a single halogen lamp. However this doesn’t offer colors, it decrease production costs signifigantly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410174",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T05:16:47",
"content": "@CRJEEAThose diffusion materials would have probably been easier to use. The version 2 model will use sanded acrylic dowel as the diffusers, allowing for different shapes to be used.I had the thought to install the electronics in the ceileing. However, in the end i decided to revolve the design around the ability to install without modifying in wall wiring.As far as the lumes produced. The LED’s put out ~65 lumes a piece (calculated using a light to frequency sensor). However, you are shoving light into the ends of the fiber optic cables which reduces the final output to be more ambient/ mood lighting. As a result i just plan on adding some recessed lighting fixtures into the entry way to provide a suitable light output when needed.Also, look forward to my automated stair lighting using infrared trip wires. Comming soon ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410220",
"author": "Till",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T10:15:28",
"content": "@TheCreatorI do not know your electrical engineering background so I just toss in my ideas just to get a leaner design.If you want to get rid of the ATX, the current limiting resistors with the (noisy) fan and maybe want some extra thermal protection for the (pricy) LEDs I would suggest that you take a look into high brightness multi-channel LED driver-ICs from Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, Maxim or Linear Technology. IMHO it is the only way to reliably drive RGB HB-LEDs without risking thermal runaway on a nice warm summer day. ;)If you want to get an overview you can take a quick look on Nationals Webench Designer even if their products are not well suited for your applicationhttp://www.national.com/en/led/high_brightness.html.The easiest way should be a few Maxim MAX16823 (one IC per RGB-LED) with external BJTs (http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/MAX16823.pdf). I guess 2A per LED should be far enough. You can use your PWM signal to set the duty-cycles of the drivers. So it should be a nice slip-in replacement for your driving setup.But if you want a more sophisticated buck-boost setup to get even more Amps I would stick with drivers from Linear Technology.Sample requests usually work like a charm and the examples in the datasheets make it very easy to get a working prototype very fast.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410268",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T11:58:29",
"content": "@CRJEEA I have a few here salvaged from old defunct flat screen TVs that are pretty nice 2-3 foot tubes.Ideal for edge lighting etc, and need around 3KV to strike then about 900V running voltage.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410277",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T12:30:43",
"content": "I loled at “let me turn off the lights”… “*POP* *CRUNCH*”… “oops.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410278",
"author": "b1r6m4n",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T12:31:18",
"content": "Dude, who cares about the electricity usage??? Its still less than a normal chandelier, and it looks AWESOME!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410284",
"author": "Keba",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T13:21:25",
"content": "I recently saw a video from TED, where a woman (Edith Widder) was making an optical lure for deep-sea fish. She made a box with 16(?) LED’s that would blink and attract fish for her to observe, looking like bioluminescence. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDkSDPgrtjs)Seing how Bill in the above video is doing some nice stuff with optic cabling, I think it could be used to make an even better lure.These people should meet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410293",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T14:26:31",
"content": "@TheCreatorOh I understand. Well, I really encourage you to the following in the final iterations:* replace the ATX power supply with a high class switching power supply (look for laptop power supplies on ebay).* try to replace the active cooler with a passive one. If you have too much heat there, try putting a thermistor there and regulate the fan speed according to the temperature.Other than that, congratulations, the chandelier really looks beautiful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410294",
"author": "hekilledmywire",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T14:29:27",
"content": "And isnt an ATX a switching power supply?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410312",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T15:26:20",
"content": "@hekilledmywireNot necessarily, ATX is just a specification. Latest ATX power supplies are indeed switched but because they have to provide different voltage levels (at high currents) at same time, they are not that efficient and definitely not suitable (in energetic terms) for the purpose in this article. Laptop power supplies are much more efficient.. You can find them with a very high efficiency class.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410392",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:18:17",
"content": "I have scrounged up a laptop brick supply. I will be building a small voltage regulation board that i can just use inline without having to modify the current driver board i have now. Wish i would have went with this originally, could have made the enclosure a lot smaller.@TillI have no real engineering background. I am actually a mason contractor and have only been doing hardware based hacks for about a year now. Everything i have learned is from forums, articles, datasheets, and releasing the magic smoke from many components.In a future project i would probably use an IC similar to what you suggested. I didn’t use an RGB led because i would have needed more to acquire the same amount of lumes that i currently have. The fiber optic filaments require something close to ~500 lumes to properly light the sides of the filaments. I gave a lumes/Watt estimate above.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.564721
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/thumper-the-t-shirt-launcher/
|
Thumper The T-Shirt Launcher
|
Noah Dunker
|
[
"hardware"
] |
[
"cannon",
"launcher",
"solenoid",
"vehicle"
] |
[joe] and [ryan] built Thumper for their high school FIRST robotics team. The cannon itself is a solenoid-fired compressed air launcher that gets its juice from three large PVC tanks stored in the box below the turret, and the cannon is able to be fired nine times between visits to the air compressor. It was intentionally designed to resemble an M2 Browning 50 Caliber heavy machine gun, with the two vertical handles and boxy body. They finished construction in about a week with a budget of only $300. When they saw that a lot of their friends had also built cannons, they scrounged for parts from their garages to re-use to build the mobile platform simply for one-upmanship sake. The motor and drive-train propelling this behemoth came out of a 1980s-era mobile X-Ray machine that had been discarded by a local hospital. The rear wheels were specially modified to fit the drivetrain, and the front end is a chopped, hacked, and welded axle and steering mechanism from an old lawn tractor. Sections of unistrut form the rest of the frame.
[joe] and [ryan] were even asked to bring Thumper to their high school prom as a unique way to hand out T-Shirts for the evening. Unfortunately, there’s no website for this build.
See video of Thumper in action with a Nerf Football after the break. Hack A Day even got to take it for a spin around the Power Wheels Racing Series track at
Maker Faire KC
!
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EtfmKoGu8k&w=470&h=297%5D
| 46
| 44
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410026",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:20:20",
"content": "STOP using PVC for compressed air. It is an extremely unsafe use of the material for that application.Yes, you can “get away with it” – until something goes wrong and it explodes and throws razor sharp shrapnel all over. PVC is NOT appropriate for compressed air use.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410028",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:26:50",
"content": "Why is PVC unsafe for storing air when it is used all the time for safely transporting water and other liquids?Water, like most liquids, is not compressible, therefore it cannot store energy. When a hydrostatic failure occurs, water is projected, but the shrapnel is not projected very far.On the other hand, air and other gases are compressible. This can result in large amounts of stored energy. System failure could lead to a disastrous situation when this energy is released, sending shrapnel outward. Severe injury and damage can result.PVC is susceptible to breaking – through physical damage, crushing, sudden impacts, etc. Small scratches on the outside of the pipe can turn into stress points that when combined with air pressure behind them, can lead to sudden and rapid failure – and injury.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1791650",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2014-09-05T21:47:44",
"content": "Major corporations use PVC for compressed air lines all the time. PVC can be used for compressed air distribution in low pressure systems.In higher pressure systems, it’s still permissible. even under California building code (largely regarded as one of the stricter states when speaking of building/zoning codes)Provided that the PVC is contained in (rigid conduit, or underground, or concrete etc..)Everything is application based, and everything can be legitimate, in the right system with the appropriate design and precautions.Saying “PVC isn’t safe for compressed air systems because it could rupture” is like saying that “seaside beaches aren’t safe for swimming because you could get eaten by a shark.” Both are realistic outcomes, and VERY difficult to refute. however…",
"parent_id": "410028",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3411429",
"author": "Stifler",
"timestamp": "2017-02-14T14:57:54",
"content": "NO major corporations use PVC for air. Not since the 70’s. That statement is misleading and dangerous. OSHA made the ALL be replaced, with few exceptions. They were allowed to not replace existing air line that were otherwise shielded, such as buried, in concrete, or in conduit. To run PVC inside of the cheapest conduit would be much more expensive than polyethyelene or HDPE air line, so it effectively ended the practice.",
"parent_id": "1791650",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "410033",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:36:21",
"content": "on a 300 dollar budget, i cant see them using much other than PVC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410038",
"author": "Till",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:52:45",
"content": "kids… ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410042",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:03:25",
"content": "You know, airplanes are really too expensive. Let’s skimp on the expensive materials because we can probably get away with it for a long time – maybe forever. Maybe we can use PVC for the cockpit window (which need to be bird strike rated)? Or to carry fuel in? Or even better – for hydraulic applications!Also, crumple zones add a lot of cost to a car. We should not put those in to save money. Better still, because we saved money there and saved cost on weights, we can sell the less safe car as more fuel efficient! It’s win-win!The second one would be more laughable if it were not in fact happening to automobiles in far more cost conscious countries such as India and China.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbe5ILICT4M",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410043",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:06:32",
"content": "Its things like this that kill Maude Flanders! (Agurments about using PVC for compressed gas I mean.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410044",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:07:26",
"content": "I am all for saving money where possible and for reusing materials as well as trying to balance the expected use of a project vs the cost. But there are some things you just don’t skimp on unless you truly have no other choice (life or death situations).Even if the project has a strict budget, you still should not skimp on safety. But to each their own.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410052",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:41:32",
"content": "high school science project vs transportation industry. wonderful comparison.ive got an idea, lets not teach our kids about technology because in order to do that, apparently we need the same multimillion dollar materials NASA uses. its not acceptible to just use a pencil, like the russians. better yet, lets stop teaching science in our schools all together. go back to the faerytales of religion.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410060",
"author": "Monty Werthington",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:11:35",
"content": "Well said caleb.I imagine any PVC failure could be damped with the addition of a second shroud around the primary chamber, covered in a shock absorbing layer (possibly gaffer/cloth tape or foam).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410061",
"author": "Jhalek90",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:16:25",
"content": "The problem with PVC is that even pressure rated parts, are rated for water pressure.Hydrostatic testing is used to find the burst pressure of PVC pipe…. when filled with water, PVC will split open, and crack…. when filled with air PVC will explode violently and send shards of radiolucent plastic in all directions with lethal force.With that said, i used PVC for air all the time…simply keep it under 100 psi, avoid C02, avoid cold temps, and well as very hot temp, never drop it, and you will be fine.I suggest everyone checks out a forum called “spudfiles” to see a few hundred air powered home made cannons.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410074",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:37:26",
"content": "Walmart/Bunnings etc sell pressure rated vessels for propane etc cheap. It’s not rocket science to think first is it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410076",
"author": "Ethan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:40:19",
"content": "@CalebI think the comparison was valid, it was about the tradeoff between cost and safety. No one is advocating putting kids in a bubble because science is too dangerous, but this is a case where there is a serious danger. You wouldn’t want kids working in chemistry labs without safety goggles would you? The fact is, the manufacturer explicitly states that PVC should NOT be used for compressed air, because failure of PVC is catastrophic. Instead, they should have used ABS, which fails under pressure much more gracefully (and safely). While there will always be inherent dangers in science, they should be avoided if the risks posed are very serious and/or a safer solution is readily available.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410077",
"author": "loans",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:45:53",
"content": "PVC as a compressed air storage tank scares the hell out of me, even if some of the other applications I’ve seen aren’t so worrisome. It’s not terribly expensive to acquire a proper steel air tank, and is much less terrifying.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410078",
"author": "Noah Dunker",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:46:55",
"content": "For what it’s worth, all the pressurized vessels are inside pretty sturdy wooden boxes with pressure relief. They aren’t putting much pressure into the lower tanks, as they’re all three much larger in volume than the charge tank that feeds the launcher.A common hackerspace and Burning Man mantra is “Safety Third!” and I kind of like that approach. Without a few risks in life, it’s hard to get anywhere fun.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410088",
"author": "burgers",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:10:12",
"content": "Years ago I had an idea to make something like that, except my version would shoot cheeseburgers. The term of art is actually ‘sliders’.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410102",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T00:14:56",
"content": "I am all about taking some risks. But take measured ones and don’t tempt KNOWN risks that have, time and time again, proven to be very bad risks.We went to the moon (several times) and returned safely to earth. We took huge risks in doing so and given the enormity of the task, fairly few lives have been list in doing so. Obviously the budget and scope aren’t the same here but I am trying to make a point about the approach to design and implementation – I don’t care if it is the car industry or a high school project. The same concepts apply.When you have a known risk, one that has been discussed at length, has a 20+ year track record of being a problem and can even be easily tested yourself under controlled settings AND the very manufacturers warn against said using their very own products in said applications, even if it is “cheap” – you are an idiot for ignoring all of those factors and proceeding ahead anyway.I have seen burning man fire throwers. They may not all be highly engineered, super safe devices. But at least the makes of said fire throwers (tend to) have the common sense to use a properly rated gas tank.If cost is the primary concern, it need not be. Go buy a cheap, steel, air compressor tank at Wal-mart if you absolutely must save money. Harbor Freight has ones with the volume needed for under $75. You probably will wind up spending the same amount on large diameter PVC pipe (that stuff is hardly cheap in large sizes).I am glad there is some pressure relief to prevent over pressure bursting although that still doesn’t address the catastrophic failure at working pressure problem. But at least the PVC is inside a wooden crate – that helps some too in the event of a catastrophic rupture.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410105",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T00:19:47",
"content": "“high school science project vs transportation industry. wonderful comparison.”My point was that the transportation industry does it right because it has to be done that way or products would be unsafe. Would you drive a car that was made by an average high school shop class student?“ive (punctuation) got an idea, lets not teach our kids about technology because in order to do that, apparently we need the same multimillion dollar materials NASA uses.”I didn’t say that. Just buy an air tank from Wal-Mart for the same price or possibly even less than the price of the pipe.“its not acceptible (spelling) to just use a pencil, like the russians (capitalization).”That’s actually a myth / urban legend that the Russians just used a pencil and the US used a million dollar, highly engineered pen.http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp“better yet, lets stop teaching science in our schools all together. go back to the faerytales (spelling) of religion.”Who said anything about that? What does religion have to do with science? I love science. I think it should be taught more. Just teach it responsibly and avoid known risks, like any good science teacher generally tries to do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410153",
"author": "Greatevil",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T03:16:50",
"content": "Best solution to air + PVC was to add a fabric cover, in that case denim to be glued to the outside of the pipe. That way in case of failure it couldn’t shatter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410165",
"author": "boilerbots",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T04:03:28",
"content": "It happened to me!When I was in high school my friend and I build a water balloon launcher and used PVC for air storage. I new the danger and asked about the pressure rating of the pipe, it was 300 psi. The problem was the fittings. The end cap blew out while we where releasing pressure from the tank. Luckily the end pointing away from us is the one that blew out.Used old air compressor tanks or anything else, just not PVC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410167",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T04:15:08",
"content": "my question is what does correcting one of the writers or getting all upity about the danger help? say your peace and move on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410168",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T04:16:24",
"content": "also gonna go build a compressed air potatoe gun out of pvc just because your an ass. wish me luck.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410181",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T06:09:43",
"content": "SHIT, SHIT, GUYS IT WENT HORRIBLY WRONG!!! FIRST FEW SHOTS WERE GOOD AND THEN I DROPPED IT AND….I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED OH WHY DIDNT I LISTEN?!??!!?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410195",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T07:07:43",
"content": "@HaD the text link to Maker Faire has nothing to do with the article at all. So when you write the second paragraph, it should read something like.“HaD ran in to them at Maker Faire” — Not “here’s a related video(link to unrelated content)”@Hackerspacer, quit posting; for crying out loud, we get the point. You post and then re-post, it is as if you are arguing with yourself.While I agree that PVC is a terrible material to pressurize, I don’t like how you feel the need to berate everyone who disagrees.Oh, and for the budget-conscious, a 5 gallon steel tank is $32 shipped from amazon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410196",
"author": "maloushe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T07:12:16",
"content": "Rusty:1) Peace -> piece2) Potatoe -> potato3) Your -> you’reI guess spelling is important to many science and engineering folks because we think details and truths are important. What’s the point of having different words, spellings, grammar and syntax if we’re not going to use them to communicate clearly. It’s just as easy to do write properly as it is to do it incorrectly.Stupidity and ignorance should not be mistaken for bravery and attempting to break new ground. There’s nothing new here. Safety and science go hand-in-hand. Safety knowledge and practices are based on science anyway, why are they incompatible? Better to be around or able to do your next project than to be maimed / killed doing this one because you were to dumb or lazy to take heed that what you were doing was well known to be high risk with potentially catastrophic results.Let’s put it another, more familiar way. You’re building an AC mains powered tube amp, and at the time (go with me on this) earth wires are difficult to get, so you decide not to bother with one. If you build it right, then you probably wouldn’t have any problems, but if something goes wrong, you’re quite easily toast.Bravery or stupidity?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410197",
"author": "maloushe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T07:15:04",
"content": "Just seen my own writing mistakes above…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410202",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T08:38:29",
"content": "Yep the air bubbles at WalMart shouldn’t wreck a budget. I’d go there rather than HF, because shipping is a killer, and the closest HF store in a 6 hour round trip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410204",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T08:48:49",
"content": "@Hackerspaceryeah if you put hundrads of pounds of dirt arround it and allow the water to flow there safe200PSI of air not moving anywhere one small puncture turns in to a pipe bombhundreds have died from PVC exploding in spud guns",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410205",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T08:54:06",
"content": "Safety third may very well be a Burning Man mantra if you ignore what those who put on the event publish on the web for all interested, to read. Most likely not the mantra for any hacker space that desires to stay in existence. Stupid to endanger yourself needlessly, but criminal to endanger others. In regards to one’s own safety, serious permanent injury really does put a damper on getting anywhere fun in life.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410209",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T09:07:57",
"content": "BS,BS, BS, and BS again there was a Maker Faire in KCMO this weekend, and I missed it was scheduled to take place. That’s only a 5 hour drive from here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410250",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T10:57:32",
"content": "“hundreds have died from PVC exploding in spud guns”Hundreds? really? where are all the countless numbers of news stories then?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410325",
"author": "whedgit",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T16:53:53",
"content": "DIdn’t bother to read all the comments, but a lot of people are saying to go buy a tank from walmart or some other store for the compressed air.I would suggest going to the local junkyard and asking for a air tank off a semi. They might have a bunch laying around that cant be put on a another semi due to DOT regulations but still hold air and are still safe for use. might be able to get one cheap or for free if your lucky.Just make sure to check for excessive rust or hairline cracks. another good idea to check its integrity is to fill it with a small amount of air say 50lbs (once it is determined safe for a test) and submerging it in water. if any bubbles show there is some sort of hole and it is unsafe for use.Just as an FYI, in most states it is illegal to use PVC for compressed air in commercial applications and possibly home applications as well. Check your local laws.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410328",
"author": "xavier47",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:05:03",
"content": "omg mom….shut up and let the kids blow themselves upI’ve seen plenty of hackaday projects using pvc and compressed airand not a single Hackaday obituary from ittake of the panties and live life man",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410340",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:40:08",
"content": "Perfectly safe? no, but all of you wining about pvc bursting so easily have obviously not worked with it much. These pipes are tough, the burst pressures are 3-5 times higher than the rated pressures. I’ve been building cannons for years, and I’ve never seen or even heard of one exploding.(actually, I have heard of cannons exploding when people don’t let the glue cure, but those people are idiots)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410369",
"author": "jon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:03:16",
"content": "Umm. Duct tape over the pvc. It prevents shards from flying. Though I have never had pvc explode from air cannons.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410371",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:07:43",
"content": "The issue isn’t that they can’t take the static pressure. Obviously they can. The issue is when PVC experiences a sudden impact or are damaged (even scratches allow failures to propagate). This may happen accidentally and without warning.PVC fails much easier than you may think – a few pounds of weight moving towards a sealed pipe with a modest amount of air behind it is all it takes. Especially when they are cold – PVC gets even more brittle.Moving to schedule 80 vs schedule 40 helps some but the larger diameter stuff (which has more ability to store potential energy) and compressed air is just asking for trouble.I don’t like to work with things that literally act like small bombs complete with shrapnel if you accidentally drop them or something hits them.So – that’s the concern here. That’s all. Use a container to hold compressed air that is properly pressure rated and that has the structural integrity to hold up to reasonable and possibly unforeseen stresses / impacts / etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410376",
"author": "McGuiver",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:31:28",
"content": "There is no problem with air used in PVC. A PSI of water is the same as a PSI of air. I have worked in many machine shops that used PVC for air. I have never see one failure. I would recommend a cover over the PVC to catch anything just in case. On the other hand I have seem copper pipe being used for compressed air and have seen failures.That’s why the racing industry has blower straps on Superchargers. Also scatter shield blankets over transmissions.If your going to push the limits (like racing), then you need proper safety gear.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410444",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T01:36:50",
"content": "potatoe potato whatevsurbandictionary.com/iphone/#define?term=potatoewent to public school",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410445",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T01:40:38",
"content": "that’s actually the piece i wanted to use and the potatoe i use on purpose as far as “your” is concerned i graduated from public school so meh.urbandictionary.com/iphone/#define?term=potatoe",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410455",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:10:51",
"content": "maloushethose are actually all the right words that used in context except possible potatoe but spell it that way on purpose.urbandictionary.com/iphone/#define?term=potatoe",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410456",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:14:28",
"content": "“A PSI of water is the same as a PSI of air.”You are correct in that it exerts the same force upon the walls of the container.However the point I have lamented at length is that 1) air compresses, water doesn’t (well, it does but only under fairly extreme pressures) and that means that when the compressed air is released it is more like a spring being unsprung – that process is far more hazardous than water being released because water doesn’t appreciably compress to a smaller volume like air does at PVC pressure ranges and 2) that PVC is brittle and fails in catastrophic ways upon impacts vs other more suitable containers such as steel. If you hit a pressurized steel tank with a sledgehammer – it will likely hold up. Do the same with an equally pressurized and sized PVC tank and the results may not be pretty.Can you get away with using PVC as an air tank? Sure. Should you? I personally and the manufacturers of PVC fittings don’t think you should. You are presumably an adult – do with that what you will.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410465",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:29:49",
"content": "maloushe:those are all the right words but thanks. also potatoe is spelled wrong on purpose.http://www.capitalcentury.com/1992.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410605",
"author": "willow",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T12:27:29",
"content": "@HaD – Where’s a link with detailed info on a build process? The makerfaire link has nothing to do with the build.There’s a difference between a transmission blanket, for exploding clutches and parts, and duct-tape or glued-denim (??) on a PVC chamber, and part of that is the fact your face or arm isn’t an inch or two away from the potential explosion.Also, go ahead and put a single layer of duct-tape on an M80 and light it in your hand and let me know how that goes. Sure, you may not have a million pieces of shrapnel.. only one exit point with all of the power being released instead.The steel vessels on Amazon or at other places would require drilling and re-welding larger bungs, as most of them come with 1/4″ NPT and wouldn’t flow as much as they needed. At which point you damage the inner protective lining, but yeah it would be overall a little safer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410839",
"author": "JOE (THE BUILDER)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:50:09",
"content": "Hello all,My name is Joseph (Joe) I am in fact the primary builder in charge of this project. First off, I would like to make the statement that all of you “whiny NO BALLS key slappers”. No offense to “NON WHINY KEY SLAPPERS”, especially you supportive ones, you are awesome, ballsy, and what helps makes technology continue to progress. All of you (whiny key slappers) are the reason I do not currently have a facebook, web site, or other way you can find and impersonally critique me and or my fellow makers.Secondly let me clarify, the cart was made first of an estimated 90% recycled materials in a weeks time. Originally deigned and used for the 2011 KC regionals FRC to haul the teams robot from the pit to the arena. Now for the launcher and turret bit, it consists of an estimated 80% recycled materials. It was made after the competition when the team teachers came to me asking that I be the foreman and prime builder of a t-shirt launcher, giving me no guidelines except for the completeion date. I cannot express to all of you enough how many precautions we took in the process of this build. I agree that we should have used a certified tank but is was an executive decision by myself that it would be best for the time and materials that we had readily available to us. Also an ideal learning experience for basic tools and procedures for the students involved. You see when I personally take on a project that needs a specific deadline, I need it done on time and within the budget range of the person or organization funding the project.Thirdly the technical regulations for the device are as follows. We charge each of the three storage tanks to 125 psi and always carefully transport them individually to and from the compressor. We do not intentionally pressurize the firing chamber over 70psi which will send a t-shirt 90 yards at the correct angle. We usually will launch t-shirts on average 30-40 psi which will lob them approx 40-60 ft to crowd members. The device is key operated with Ryan and myself being the only 2 existing key holders. We designed the crate around it from 3/4 in plywood securely fabricated to house the launcher and allow for possible interior airburst pressure deflection.Fourthly there was a slight miscommunication between the editors of this post and ourselves. There were no other “friends” who had built any, that was probably related to the reason that I had been selected for the build. That was because of the teams failed attempt at one in the previous year. The second miscommunication was the for statement “they scrounged for parts from their garages to re-use to build the mobile platform simply for one-upmanship sake. It was not for one-upmanship sake or just for the turret, the entire thing you see in the picture besides the launcher, air fittings, lights, rear wheels, cart battery, paint and select hardware. were recycled from a totaling three garages and one shed.To all of you who are going to continue to criticize me or any other supportive person involved in this particular or future post. I cordially invite you to lick my Sweaty, Hard Working, Wrench Turning, key typing pits also I failed English and many other classes many times but I think I have done quite well on this particular “essay” so I’m going to pat my self on the back. :) sincerely -Joe- (the builder)p.s. Without risk how can we as a people make significant progess in anything we do? Joseph A. i.e. me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1544157",
"author": "Boogieman",
"timestamp": "2014-06-03T19:45:01",
"content": "There is actually evidence that the adhesives soften the PVC and make it weaker.There have been several band members hurt by ‘properly used’ air chambers. The band Arcainium was the most recent.https://www.google.com/url?sa=…There is not ONE manufacturer of PVC pipe that doesn’t state it is unsafe for use with Compressed gasOSHA states PVC is “banned” for use with compressed gas since 1970.In 2005 all major PB insurers banned the use of “homemade” launchers do to 5 recorded cases of them (PVC air chambers) exploding on the fields in 2004Arkansaw Razorback’s intern injured by exploding PVC TShirt Cannon.https://www.google.com/url?sa=…http://deadspin.com/university-of-arkansas-intern-injured-by-exploding-t-sh-1235924410",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.972662
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/measuring-rpm-with-reflective-sensors/
|
Measuring RPM With Reflective Sensors
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"infrared",
"ir",
"lm358",
"op-amp",
"phototransistor",
"reflectance"
] |
[Arao] wanted to measure the RPM of a spinning wheel using parts that he could scavenge from his junk box. A bit of thought led him to build
a reflective sensor which can measure the spinning of a wheel
(
translated
).
He got his hands on an infrared phototransistor which had been used as part of the remote control for some consumer electronics. Snooping around with his multimeter helped him establish the pin out of the device. By positioning an IR LED inside of a shroud, yet adjacent to the phototransistor, he can measure the intensity of the LED’s light as it is reflected off of nearby surfaces. The pulley seen above has a piece of electrical tape on it. When this passes by the LED, less of the infrared light is reflected and the drop in intensity is picked up by the phototransistor. [Arao] made the system rock-solid by rolling an LM358 op-amp into the circuit. He’s posted the schematic as well as some screen shots from an oscilloscope during testing.
| 7
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410012",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:27:28",
"content": "In this implementation of an old idea one will need a scope to display the information you need to calculate RPM? An upgrade would be an addition circuitry, so the scale on a stock milliamp meter could display RM directly That other circuitry to hack a Dwell/Tach meter to function as an optical input tach as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410015",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:31:16",
"content": "“A bit of thought led him to build…”I love a good pun :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410023",
"author": "Techartisan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:10:18",
"content": "I applaud the effort….definitely a hackFor those of us who just want RPM and not a project though, NONContact Laser Photo Tachometers can be had for a reasonable price….http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N4QY66to keep the hack spirit of the thread though…a different approach..stroboscopic..with a pretty decent build…http://www.freemansgarage.com/tach.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410094",
"author": "ScottHorn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:29:35",
"content": "That’s the way centrifuges are validated in a lab setting. Most centrifuges have a clear window on top for just this purpose.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410142",
"author": "sam",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T02:39:09",
"content": "You could even use the LED as a photodiode and cut out the phototransistor, but I’d imagine that would require a more complicated circuit",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410373",
"author": "Dan Fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:14:21",
"content": "This is a great idea. However, in a vehicular setting it will be foiled by brake dust.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "997476",
"author": "AZIZ",
"timestamp": "2013-04-25T04:28:09",
"content": "how you monitor the output and do you use a LabView",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.721157
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/25/semi-automatic-pcb-drill-press/
|
Semi-automatic PCB Drill Press
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"drill press",
"linear motor",
"pcb",
"through hole"
] |
Kiss the days of breaking bits while drilling through-hole PCBs goodbye thanks to
this semi-automatic drill press
(
translated
). Now it’s not going to line up the bit with the exact location of the hole (that would make it a fully automatic drill press). This works by lining up the board manually, then stepping on a pedal to activate the plunging motion of the drill.
A linear motor is responsible for the smooth, accurate motion along the Z-axis. Many hobby setups use a Dremel drill press, or even rely on prayer-based systems such as doing it free-hand with a rotary tool or by using a piece of acrylic as a guide hole. The hobby drill press tends to have some play in it and free-handing with tiny bits that are as fragile as glass both result in far too many broken drill bits. In the video after the break you can see that the linear motion is perfectly plumb with the table of the device, preventing the movements that cause breakage. The addition of the pedal makes it easy to position the boards because you can use both hands.
Having a tool like this takes all of the frustration out of using through-hole parts.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou0f08kNjPk&w=470]
| 26
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409970",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:14:02",
"content": "Is drilling through laminated fiberglass really the best way to put holes in PCBs? How do commercial PCB houses do it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409975",
"author": "reboots",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:20:47",
"content": "Based on the translated page, this appears to be a commercially-produced PCB drill machine which had occupied the university’s lab “since time immemorial”. Not a criticism, just a note. The linear motor is a surprising and spectacular enhancement. Congratulations to this guy for a fast and precise labor-saving device.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409976",
"author": "bsom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:25:41",
"content": "@Hackerspacer With a drill, of course. How else do you put holes in things?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409980",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:39:34",
"content": "Off the top of my head? Waterjet, laser, punch, plasma, flame, friction drilling, kinetic weapons, to name a few.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409981",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T17:48:50",
"content": "The quick-hack hinge-becomes-pedal is amusing, I once made a pedal that was very similar.I think it’s nice how quick it goes.What annoys me with drilling though is lining the drill up just right, that tends to not always go right, so maybe adding an aiming system, either laser or a small camera above it might be an idea.(I myself find staring at a laserdot/line not a good experience that’s why I added camera. but maybe there are other ways you guys can think up.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409984",
"author": "bdsmith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T18:03:12",
"content": "I use a Dremel drill press. It did have too much play in it too, mainly side-to-side play. A quick fix that has worked was to drill a horizontal hole in the top of the heavy rod that slides up and down. Then, put a 4 inch bolt in the hole and a rubberband from the outer end of the bolt to the back post. This puts a constant torque on that rod and prevent any side-to-side play without interfering with the normal up-and-down operation. Works wonderfully.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409990",
"author": "reboots",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T18:38:26",
"content": "@HackerspacerThink hard about the drawbacks of each of those methods, and carbide drills start looking pretty good. Some board houses can do laser vias, but drilling is the standard for precisely dimensioned holes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409992",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T18:45:46",
"content": "[many many moons ago] After giving up on the prayer method I purchased a cheap as possible “hobby” drill press. And yes, it does have slop in it. The key to never breaking a bit again was to also etch the centre of the pad to about 1/10th of the hole size so that the loosely held board self centres on the bit when gentle pressure is applied. The drill press allows the firm even pressure required to drill the hole. The hole is perfectly centred and not somewhere mainly inside the pad. Now I only ever change the bit when it’s blunt. In my experience the only way to do it faster or better is fully automatically.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410002",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:02:22",
"content": "Why would non abrasive waterjet not be a viable method for cutting holes in fiberglass boards? Delamination concerns? Fraying?Just because something is standard does not mean it is the absolute best way.Granted, drilling holes works very well but it just seems like an awfully time consuming task for commercial level production.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410014",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:27:59",
"content": "@Hackerspacer my first guess is accuracy. Have you seen what the starting hole/place looks like on a commercial waterjet?Things usually become standards because… many people thought about it longer and harder than you have and tried many different ways. There are plenty of youtube vids showing how fast it can be done with the appropriate equipment. On the interwebs google is your friend ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410020",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T19:50:04",
"content": "I own a waterjet, so yes.Pierce holes on my waterjet go down to 0.002″ and as large as 0.028″. Positional accuracy is roughly 0.003″ – precision ballscrews, feedback encoder based servos and linear ways.It cuts awfully cleanly. Non abrasive cutting is amazingly clean given slow cutting speeds but the pierce holes are not as clean, depending on the material. Plastics tend to leave a pierce mark, for example.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410032",
"author": "chic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:34:24",
"content": "I focus my design as much as possible to a 0.1 inch grid. I then use a jig made up of two pieces of 0.1 inch perfboard with occasional pins. one is connected to the table, and the other, with the board to be drilled is free. By moving the free part of the jig until it clicks into place and then pressing the pedal to bring the dril down I can very quickly drill out a prototype board. My pedal was part of scrap drum-kit and i attached it to the hobby press using a bicycle brake cable.Another trick i regularly use is a cigar box below the pcb being drilled with a red pointer laser shining up through a 0.8mm hole. As you line up the pad you see a flas of red in the hole in the middle of the pad. Maximum red = pedal time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410040",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T20:59:19",
"content": "@Hackerspacer“but the pierce holes are not as clean”There, you answered your own question ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410051",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:40:10",
"content": "“Non abrasive cutting is amazingly clean given slow cutting speeds but the pierce holes are not as clean, *depending on the material*.”Key words here are *depending on the material*. Aluminum is clean as can be with abrasive piercing – a little hazing around the pierce point due to longer dwells compared to cutting speeds but no burrs or deformations.Thicker (0.5″ and up) polypropylene tends to bunch up with abrasive and isn’t as clean. Smaller, thinner material with water only cutting isn’t the same. The pressure also plays a role, as well as if the abrasive is on when you start cutting or if it starts water only and then you add abrasive.Material thickness, if it is a composite or not, how brittle it is, etc all play a role. So there is no single, simple answer.Taking my quote out of context and then using it in an attempt to prove your point is childish and unproductive. The answer I originally posed was are other processes a suitable (or better?) alternative to putting holes in PCB material. There may be, there may not be. I generally always believe that existing processes, while good, may not always be the best method of doing things. Just look at titanium refining. The Kroll process was used for a long time. But not the FFC is showing that it may be a better way of refining titanium.Every now and again you see things like this as well:http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/detroit-diyer-cooks-up-stronger-lighter-steel-shames-scientist/Water only waterjet *may* be a method to do so although its use may be somewhat outside of the scope of the hobby hacker community due to access to such a machine being far less common than a drill press (although I suspect that many of the readers of this site are not just hobby hackers).I guess I will have to toss a water only nozzle on and throw some scrap material on the table and give it a go and see what happens.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410056",
"author": "vlad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:53:32",
"content": "Can you attach a dildo to that?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410063",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:18:03",
"content": "@Hackerspacer“When all you have is a hammer….”You have everything at hand to try your idea, yet you spend more time typing than it would take to test? And I’m the childish one? Have you tried it yet? How about now? …now?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410081",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T22:54:29",
"content": "@hackerspaceWhy no water cut pcbs?Cost. Drill bits are cheap and last a long time. You only need point to point control. Water jets consume considerable power compared to a pcb drill/router. Water jets are noisy and require considerably more maintenance.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410100",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T00:00:42",
"content": "I don’t doubt that drills work very well. They are the industry standard for a reason. Cheap, effective although they have a habit of breaking. Is there a better method – whatever form it may take – is my only hypothesis here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410101",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T00:05:37",
"content": "A standard water only waterjet needs fairly little maintenance, by the way. HP seals are the most common item and those are every few hundred hours. Non diamond orifices last ~ 40 hours but are easy and simple to replace – sort of like drill bits.Other items like LP seals, cylinders, check valves, blow down valves, etc last 500 – 2000+ hours or more each – especially if you have high quality water or good DI control / particle filtration / soft water.So – yes – more time to “keep running” than a drill. But not as bad as you might think. Not too loud either (on par with a drill) and costs are about $15 – $20 an hour, if your time is considered free and you aren’t using abrasive (where the bulk of the costs come in).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410158",
"author": "Justin Case",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T03:41:44",
"content": "@HackerspacerSo what’s the deal, you’ve spent your whole day on this thread. You’ve got our attention…Test your hypothesis, and post your results.MUST HAVE VIDEO, lots of good video, or I’m not interested !!Step-up or… don’t??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410188",
"author": "Tommi Rouvali",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T06:24:55",
"content": "Here is idea for someone building drill: Put drill and mechanics under table. When you press leg pedal drill bit comes up from table. Add laser cross hair to point position where drill bit is going to pop up.Friend of mine told that commercial version of this exist, but I have not seen one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410331",
"author": "Gottabethatguy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:16:25",
"content": "@Hackerspace: Quit being a gobshite. If you have a better way we are all ears. If not move along.To the guy who made the drill press, that is bad ass, very well done. We need more hacks like this one on the site!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410354",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:27:41",
"content": "@Tommi Rouvali thats a good idea :-)Can anyone suggest a way to make a cheap linear actuator from spare parts? I’m thinking something like a vertical stack of neodymium magnets held in a rigid frame with a single field coil around it.Use rails and other parts from an old inkjet printer to make the linear bearings.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410362",
"author": "Chic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T19:14:04",
"content": "@bothersaidpoohWhy make it that hard? google “woodrat plungebar” to see how to do your linear actuation via a simple lever. Also bim the drill point will only need to travel less than 5mm.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410414",
"author": "mstone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:49:05",
"content": "Drill bits break for two main reasons: shaft buckling and chip jamming.If you press down too hard on a drill bit, the force can cause the shaft to bow outward. That isn’t enough to break the bit on its own, but the fracture mechanics of bending while spinning are amazing. As a point on the surface of the shaft moves to the inside of the bend, it’s put under compression. When it moves around to the outside of the bend, it’s put under tension. That push-pull cycle repeats every revolution.. several hundred or thousand times per minute for most drills.. and every cycle rips even microscopic cracks open wider. That weakens the metal, allowing it to bow even farther, putting even more compression and tension on the weak spot.I’ve seen demonstrations of a 1″ steel bar mounted in a lathe snapping under only a few pounds of side pressure. It takes hours to happen, but it does happen. For a small drill bit, the interval between bowing and snapping is probably less than a second.Chip jamming occurs when the particles making their way up the flutes pack together. The packed chips act as a wedge between the bit and the wall of the hole, locking that part of the bit in place. When that happens, whatever part of the system is weakest will give. For large, strong bits, you’re most likely to rip the workpiece out of its fixture, or maybe stall the drill motor. For small bits, there isn’t enough metal to stop the drill motor or spin the workpiece, so the bit is the part that fails.The solution can be reduced to one word: pecking.Instead of trying to drill holes in one pass — which implies continuous application of pressure and a long path for chip evacuation — You make several short passes, each going no deeper than half the drill’s diameter. For a .010″ hole, that would mean a series of pecks .005″ deep. Pecking minimizes the force that might produce bowing, the time that a bowed bit might spend spinning, and the amount of chip that can accumulate in the flutes of the drill..005″ per pass might not sound like much, but with a little practice you can make a couple of pecks per second. Drilling through 1/16″ PCB only requires a dozen pecks or so, for a total cutting time of 6-10 seconds per hole. For hand drilling, you’ll probably spend longer lining up on the hole than pecking it through the board.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410424",
"author": "mstone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T23:26:41",
"content": "Another point, re: laser guides for drilling.IMO, don’t bother unless you have a beam that’s less than 10% of the hole diameter. If your bit is .020″ and your laser beam is .050″ across, the beams won’t tell you anything useful.For hand drilling, the best thing you can do is pre-punch dimples in the center of each hole.For copper and plastic, a heavy sewing machine needle makes a good punch. Line up the point on the center of the hole and tap the blunt end with a light mallet.. and I do mean ‘light’. The shank of a 3/8″ drill bit will give you more than enough force.As long as the dimple is big enough to catch the tip of your drill bit, it’s big enough. The dimple will guide the bit to the right location and keep it from wandering as it begins to cut the material.Pre-punching does add an extra step, but it’s much easier to place a dimple precisely than it is to drill into a smooth surface precisely. And once you do move the workpiece to the drill, the dimples make lining up holes trivial.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.792243
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/xbmc-controller-is-an-all-in-one-usb-solution-for-htpcs/
|
XBMC Controller Is An All-in-one Usb Solution For HTPCs
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"home entertainment hacks"
] |
[
"18f4550",
"character lcd",
"pic",
"rotary encoder",
"usb",
"xbmc"
] |
On the original Xbox, XBMC was a software-only solution (assuming you had a chipped or soft-modded console). That’s because the Xbox was already meant to connect to a television and work with an IR remote control. Now that the XBMC software has transitioned to focus on a wider range of hardware, it may be more complicated to get the same functionality on an HTPC. Realizing this, [Dilshan] developed
a USB connected XBMC controller
that features an IR receiver, character LCD, and a rotary encoder with two buttons.
As long as your HTPC has a way to connect to the audio and video inputs on your TV, this should take care of the rest of the presentation. LCD screens were popular with XBMC from very early on because modchips included an interface. Because of this, XBMC is already setup to provide navigation and media information this way. So you can use XBMC for audio playback without needed to have your TV turned on. Add to that the ability to control your box with either a remote control or the navigation tools on the front bezel and you’ve got a winning solution.
You can download an archive that includes all the info about this device over at
the project repository
. For your convenience we’ve embedded the schematic and PDF description of the project, which we found in that package, after the break.
[
PDF project explantion
]
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410619",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:24:41",
"content": "Personally, I just use a cheap IR receiver that cost me about $5 and now I have complete control over my HTPC with my Harmony Remote. I don’t need it to play music without the TV on because that functionality is already there on my receiver. Still a pretty cool hack though, I could see some people finding it very useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410666",
"author": "umbongo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:08:56",
"content": "yea, i just use a £10 remote control using lirc.for music, i use media player daemon with the mpd xbmc addon, so i can control it from xbmc or from my phone, netbook, desktop etc. seems easier than crouching in front of the computer and messing with a couple of buttons and a dial.i guess you could route the usb cable around the room and place it next to the sofa though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410700",
"author": "KT",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:01:02",
"content": "I use my Android phone as an xbmc remote, but this project is good if you don’t wanna use wifi. I think it would be really cool if one could run a usb cord hidden across their living room and install the remote in their sofa or recliner.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410761",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:07:21",
"content": "I have always used an original xbox IR receiver on my computer, uses standard rca dvd codes so i can use a universal remote. Works pretty well. I like this idea though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412290",
"author": "Mandeep",
"timestamp": "2011-07-01T23:31:26",
"content": "@Josh I knew the original Xbox controller could be rewired to work on a computer, didn’t know the IR receiver could be reused as well. Thanks, now I’ve got yet another weekend project!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.838802
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/behold-the-oomphalapompatronium/
|
Behold, The Oomphalapompatronium!
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"bellows",
"oompah",
"Oomphalapompatronium",
"organ"
] |
For over 25 years, [Len Solomon] has been performing a one-man variety show that features crazy-looking, hand-made musical instruments that operate on air. Some of his more famous instruments include a callioforte he constructed, as well as his Majestic Bellowphone, both powered by some form of bellows, of course.
His most recent musical creation is something [Len] likes to call the “
Oomphalopompatronium
” (try saying that five times fast). The bellows-driven Willy Wonka-esque organ looks to be built from just about anything and everything he could get his hands on. We spied a few plastic and glass bottles, plenty of PVC pipe, and a few tin cans before we stopped looking and just listened.
At first glance you might think that the Oomphalopompatronium will produce some cacophonous excuse for music, but once [Len] stepped up to the keyboard we were pleasantly surprised. The sound is that of a small scale Oompah band, much like the name implies.
We think it’s a fantastic creation – we’re just bummed that it we can’t check it out in person.
Stick around to see a video of the Oomphalopompatronium in action.
[Thanks, BoKu]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGQfUJOifo&w=470]
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410607",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T12:36:44",
"content": "“Oomphalopompatronium”? – flatusforte, perhaps. Love it!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410609",
"author": "t11r",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T12:58:40",
"content": "This looks like something that would be played in children’s movies. Sounds very strange but I can’t help but smile while it’s playing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410611",
"author": "sp00nix",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:01:48",
"content": "Awesome, and the related video of Dewey playing his own oompaloompatron is awesome as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410624",
"author": "0xFFFF",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:31:54",
"content": "Haha this is so awesome, reminds me ofhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNILUwC9RUs:D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410657",
"author": "Andrei Cociuba",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:54:47",
"content": "can’t help but pronounce Oomphalapompatronium in a mixed accent of german and italian english pronunciation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410665",
"author": "Otto",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:08:41",
"content": "Hail to the busdriver indeed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410766",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:13:20",
"content": "lol this is kickass",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410771",
"author": "Mason Allen Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:27:47",
"content": "Am I the only one who thinks he just called it “Willy wonka-esque” because he saw the title and thought “oompa loompa”? I know I saw that at first.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410781",
"author": "nikescar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:45:34",
"content": "A whole wacky Gilliam-esque movie played in my head as I listened to that.Great build!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410782",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:54:40",
"content": "@Mason,Yes, that did enter my mind when I saw the name of the device, but I also currently happen to be reading the Great Glass Elevator to my kids, so I have Wonka on the brain.You have to admit, it does seem odd, yet fun enough to be right at home in the chocolate factory.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410784",
"author": "MorbiousStone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:57:52",
"content": "Every child Must have a wacky relative with wacky inventions!! yeah!! Ok I feel like a 6 year old now That was awesome!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410820",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T22:24:42",
"content": "That gave me a warm fuzzy feeling!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410854",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T00:05:05",
"content": "If that isn’t a hack i don’t know what is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410962",
"author": "DigDug",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T07:49:15",
"content": "That man looks wonderfully insane.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416304",
"author": "Nico",
"timestamp": "2011-07-11T22:26:50",
"content": "I really like that hand-made musical instrument.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,156.889806
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/27/lose-the-beer-belly-by-brewing-beer/
|
Lose The Beer Belly By Brewing Beer
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Beer Hacks"
] |
[
"exercise bike",
"gear ratio",
"grain mill"
] |
If you’re milling your own grains for that next batch of beer you might be able to melt all of those extra calories away while you’re at it. [Eucherboy1] repurposed an unused
exercise bike to power his grain mill
. The propane tank is serving as a weight to hold the base of the mill in place; it’ll be used later when boiling the wort. A belt transfers power from the bike to a wheel replacing the hand crank on the mill. Check out the video after the break to see [Euchreboy1] working up a sweat. We think there’s much room for improving the gear ratio of the setup. Or he can just man up and push through the pain.
We’ve gotten used to seeing ways to power a bicycle, like using
wood-fired steam
, or even by
incorporating a chainsaw
. But the hacks that use a bike as a power source are a bit less common. Our
local hackerspace
made
a bicycle blender
a while back. Got any projects of your own that are bike powered?
Send them our way
!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_RghNYTPD8&w=470]
[Thanks Adam]
| 19
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410588",
"author": "adamziegler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:21:46",
"content": "LOL this is great!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410596",
"author": "keenox",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:47:46",
"content": "…or he could train 20 or 80 hamsters to get the job done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410601",
"author": "barry99705",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T12:15:34",
"content": "@keenoxThey’d end up eating all the grain…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410602",
"author": "Karl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T12:19:06",
"content": "Well, they could eat the mash after brewing was over –",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410606",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T12:36:13",
"content": "What do you think is wrong with the gear ratio? That looks like a decent cadence to me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410612",
"author": "gp",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:06:16",
"content": "More than the gear ratio, what he could improve is his position, his knees are going to explode pedaling in that position…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410613",
"author": "pod",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:08:58",
"content": "maybe a weighted wheel could help him keep the momentum -maybe-",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410626",
"author": "Aeros",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:46:10",
"content": "This is a pretty awesome idea. Because of my back I have my two brewing buddies do all the heavy work. I should set something like this up for next time they come over to brew. See how long they stick around!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410653",
"author": "Metalwolf",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:41:09",
"content": "There is a perpetual motion joke somewhere in there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410668",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T15:12:47",
"content": "This is cool, no doubt. But, if he _really_ wants to burn some calories he should try to boil the mash with human power! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "410736",
"author": "Cole",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:05:48",
"content": "This sounds like an interesting challenge. I’ve got some spare bike parts. Alternator and i’m sure I have something I could use as a heating element. Hmmm",
"parent_id": "410668",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "410707",
"author": "Adam Ziegler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:20:06",
"content": "@Metalwolf… I think he needs a brew in one hand for the perpetual motion to work. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410719",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:48:47",
"content": "@pod,Yep, needs a flywheel.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410807",
"author": "adamziegler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T21:40:55",
"content": "Cole… I want to see a video with pedal power making a stove element glow ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410847",
"author": "Cole",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T23:57:21",
"content": "Ok its definitely a challenge now. And I love a good challenge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410856",
"author": "Cole",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T00:06:48",
"content": "So any specific rules for the challenge.Can I use something to store power to heat the element.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411079",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T16:25:33",
"content": "@ColeI would say a power storage would be a necessity. I mean you’re talking 60 min mash and a 60 min boil at least…two hours of intense cardio while trying to transfer liquids, maintain temps, and such would be too much :-0",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411209",
"author": "Eucherboy1",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T21:52:24",
"content": "Thank you for all of the comments. This was a project which I had wanted to do for a long time.The project actually consisted of 2 separate bicycles. 1. The exercycle and 2. a little girl’s bicycle.I took the wheel off of the exercycle and replaced it with the rear wheel of the kid bike – because the small wheel seemed like it would hold a belt better. The real pain came from the fact that the axle on the kid wheel was too big to fit in the frame of the exercycle.After some finagling, I was able to make it work by bending the original wheel supports on the exercycle. If you look close, you’ll see the kid wheel isn’t actually supported by anything more than a few twist ties and some zip ties. [I wish I knew how to weld! For now, everything in my house is held together with zip ties.]When I finished (the first time) the wheel was somewhat off-centered and the chain would fall off repeatedly. I had to make some more adjustments to get the wheel – just right – before the chain would no longer fall off.It’s sort of funny that this ended up on the beer forum, I’m a homebrewer, but I actually intended this setup to make flour. I can easily crack the amount of grain necessary (by hand crank) for a brew in a short amount of time, but it takes significantly longer to create a fine flour.Oh, and just in case you’re wondering – the mill is a “Grainmaker” mill.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411596",
"author": "Cole",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T22:30:39",
"content": "Well I started a page to post the progress I make. You can find it herehttps://sites.google.com/site/coleshangout/home/pro/bike-powered-water-boiler",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,157.034682
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/attiny13-powered-handheld-helicopter-game/
|
ATtiny13 Powered Handheld Helicopter Game
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"attiny13",
"game",
"helicopter",
"lcd"
] |
[Owen] just finished putting together
a portable helicopter game
. It’s pretty impressive, especially since he used an ATtiny13 microcontroller. That chip uses an 8-pin dip package, offering only five I/O pins (six if you use the reset pin) and 1k of programming space.
The game runs on a small cellphone-type LCD screen. The helicopter remains somewhere in the center column of the screen as the maze that makes up the game board approaches one step at a time. The single button that controls the helicopter will raise it with each step of the maze when held down, or allow it to fall when released. The player’s progress is shown as a hex value in the upper left corner of the screen. When you hit a wall, your score will be shown next to the high score for the game and will be saved in EEPROM if it’s a new record. As the game progresses, the maze gets harder based on the score. Check it out in a video clip after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_Sm2s3hkeo&w=470]
| 24
| 24
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410394",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:19:09",
"content": "sweet love that game",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410401",
"author": "Alan Yates",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:01:04",
"content": "Awesome mate, two thumbs up!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410411",
"author": "Philippe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:37:31",
"content": "Hahaha, reminds me of a game I wrote in 1983:http://www.pc1500.com/bathyscaph.htmlSame kind of elaborate graphics (hmmm…). I was pretending to drive a submarine through a cave though.Ah, good old times…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410412",
"author": "TomF",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:39:42",
"content": "I absolutely love this! Reminds me of the old VIC64 days.A great project to show how easy the control of those display is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410431",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T00:07:17",
"content": "Very nice, very 90s.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410434",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T00:42:29",
"content": "clean, nice, and takes full advantage of the chip so a nothing but win for this",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410443",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T01:34:10",
"content": "Sometimes I think people forget what amazing things can be done with such a tiny amount of memory and prossessing power, with today’s modern world of GB and TB a few bits is almost meaningless to some people.A big well done on this project (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410449",
"author": "y3max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T01:51:38",
"content": "I think it is a very interesting game!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410467",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:35:52",
"content": "Not to crap on this guy’s project because I can tell a lot of work went into it, but am I the only one who thinks the actual game wouldn’t be fun to play at all? I think this is a good jumping off point but the game leaves a lot to be desired.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410480",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T03:20:46",
"content": "Very impressed! And reminds me of this.This game is so essy! All you do is press one button the entire time!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2Z23SAFVA",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410518",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T06:21:56",
"content": "Not to be that other guy, but I’m with that1guy on this. It’s certainly a feat, and a nice throwback to another era, but that LCD should be used in full graphic mode, with higher FPS, and a vector-based cave at the minimum. A color LCD would be preferable (yes an SPI-driven old-style color mobile LCD is not that hard to score these days).You better believe I’m fully aware of what it meant to cram the game in such a small chip, but that’s not the point – I’d have preferred to use a bigger chip but end up with something a bit more worthwhile of the whole effort.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410537",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T08:09:54",
"content": "@that1guy @Mad Max: he used stuff he had at home and did a very nice game with that.BTW: you’re not forbidden to do a colorful and sooooooooo much entertaining game with a much more powerful microcontroller, if you can…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410578",
"author": "Nemo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T10:43:03",
"content": "Thanks H.A.D. for putting my project up :D@that1guy – Having just one button was very limiting, and yes I was worried that a game that uses just one button wouldn’t be fun. However, I have two younger brothers who are 12 and 16, and they have been playing it often, enough that they made it to the end of the level and then asked me to add more. They really enjoy it, and I have fun with it too. Google “helicopter game” to see how fun this kind of game can be.@Mad Max – Haha. In fact, it was the point to cram that game into that little chip. “Use a bigger chip but end up with something a bit more worthwhile of the whole effort” – how worthwhile it is to you as the maker is relative to the challenges you faced making it real. Sure I could spend 5 minutes making a vector-based high-FPS version of the helicopter game on a PC, but that wouldn’t be satisfying, and I would have felt like I hadn’t accomplished much of anything. It’s the hacker spirit, you either understand it or you don’t.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410579",
"author": "Nemo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T10:43:48",
"content": "Oh, and thank you everyone else for the lovely comments :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410618",
"author": "Devajyoti",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:19:43",
"content": "I just got the same LCD from sparkfun and was wondering what to do with it. You’ve truly inspired me. Next Up-> A Simple Racing Game. Remember the brick games which had like 9999 games? I remember they had some sort of a racing game, lets see if I can make it happen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410620",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:27:42",
"content": "@NemoMy point was that this game really isn’t “the helicopter game” because that game features gravity and fluid motion. I agree with you that the real helicopter game is really fun and addicting, which is why I was expecting more when I first read about this project. That’s just what I meant, I’m not trying to diminish your work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410622",
"author": "PeterF",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:30:28",
"content": "Mad Max: You dont get the point…Makeing something for the challenge of the build itself, beeing creative and resourceful.That is the real spirit of hacking and designing.Everybody can make stuff with pre-build tools and way to much hardware.Shure you can put a LCD on a dev-board and tell everybody “Hey look, i build a gameing console” but… well… you know…This build is awesome!You can be proud of yourseld Nemo! :-)Much on the interesting stuff is lost on everyone who dit not grow up with a pre-intel type of computer… :-P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410691",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:35:16",
"content": "Massive bragging rights for that guy.I’d recommend putting it in a proper enclosure though, partly to protect the delicate wiring on the back but also to make it look finished. 1k of code space is super restrictive and to accomplish a complete (if modest) video game is pretty bad ass.Big win. Well done mate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410742",
"author": "Fili",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:12:30",
"content": "Very nice, love it! A proper PCB, button-cell batteries, a smaller button and you could make a game-watch out of this :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410926",
"author": "Skeltor",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T04:17:21",
"content": "Wow, this sucks. No practical purpose. Why you stroking his ego? Something to do with A tiny……..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410995",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T11:28:17",
"content": "Irony.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410997",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T11:40:59",
"content": "@Nemo; @PeterF: Oh I do very much get the point. I was exploiting the shadow RAM of my ZX Spectrum clone back when probably no one except the manufacturer was even aware that it had such a thing. But I prefer making stuff with some minimal practical raison d’être past the simple ‘because I can’. That’s what fails the mark for me in this case.I’m obviously not trying to stop anyone from making whatever they see fit – and I readily did already admit that this took considerable skill – but I don’t feel compelled to adhere any sort of imaginary “praises only please” policy either.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "456910",
"author": "y3.com",
"timestamp": "2011-09-16T15:39:49",
"content": "Thanks for sharing..I like it..:D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "456911",
"author": "kizi",
"timestamp": "2011-09-16T15:44:57",
"content": "Everybody can make stuff with pre-build tools and way to much hardware.Shure you can put a LCD on a dev-board and tell everybody “Hey look, i build a gameing console” but… well… you know…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.815439
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/pulse-width-modulation-with-microcontrollers/
|
Pulse Width Modulation With Microcontrollers
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"ATmega168",
"pulse-width modulation",
"pwm",
"timers",
"tutorial"
] |
Those following the ProtoStack tutorials will be happy to hear that there is
a new installment which explains Pulse Width Modulation
. If you’ve never heard of PWM before, it’s a method of generating a signal that is logic 1 for a portion of the time and logic 0 for the remainder of the time. It is the most commonly used method for dimming an LED, and that’s [Daniel’s] example in this tutorial. But you’ll also find it used in many other applications such as servo motor control and piezo speaker control.
[Daniel] starts off with a brief explanation of duty cycle, then moves on to some examples of hardware and software PWM. Many of the AVR microcontrollers have a hardware PWM feature that allows you to configure a pin that toggles based on a target timer value. This is demonstrated using an ATmega168, but a method of using interrupts and your own code is also covered in case you don’t have a hardware PWM pin available.
| 6
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410421",
"author": "Gravis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T23:11:26",
"content": "PWM is good if you are robotics fiend because servos are controlled with pulses.http://www.rcheliwiki.com/Servo_protocol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410451",
"author": "Gagan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T01:56:51",
"content": "HiNice tutorial. Nowdays I am also working on PWM. I i I am able to generate PWM from lookup table. Would like to understand the flow diagram for multiple pwm control. i am doing coding in assembly. also using interrupts. On for duty cycle and other for freq. and there is also typical prob for 100 percent and 0 percent . how you are handeling it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410460",
"author": "Tweeks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:19:15",
"content": "Perfect timing.. Was just going to start gathering some material to do my own Hackerspace class on servos and steppers. This will help. Is it GPL/copyleft?Tweeks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410727",
"author": "pff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T18:13:00",
"content": "Don’t forget normal motors!Use PWM to reduce the speed without loosing torque.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410903",
"author": "Brian Neeley",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T02:54:49",
"content": "Since PWM is often used to drive sets of three LEDs (red-green-blue), I’ve wondered if there is much difference (power wise) in trying to balance the on-off time (ie: all three on and off at the same time; or only one (or two) on at a time) among the three LEDs. Has anyone seen any research on this?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411539",
"author": "Tyson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T19:26:34",
"content": "Great tutorial! Glad to see someone is working on teaching the kiddies the real C code, instead of that Arduino nonsense.Keep up the great work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.69869
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/digitized-retro-lcd-games-played-using-an-arduino-as-a-controller/
|
Digitized Retro LCD Games Played Using An Arduino As A Controller
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"lcd games"
] |
This one’s a bit abstract. Remember those LCD games that became quite popular sometime in the 1990’s? You know, the ones that had only one game, usually a character that could be moved back and forth to catch, hit, or block objects falling from the sky or being thrown by some villain? [Tobie Nortje] sure remembers them and has built
an Arduino controller to play virtual versions of the games
.
He started off by finding
a website that is digitizing the old games
. That is to say, they’ve taken images of each state of the LCD, then implemented the game play using those images and an approximation of the original physics. Unlike NES or Sega Master System games the ROMs of these devices can’t just be dumped because of the specialized screen. Instead, a virtual version of the hardware has been built into a web interface.
[Tobie’s] part of the hack is to use an Arduino and a few buttons as the controller. It’s easy to set up and we think the breadboarded controller approximates the size and weight of an LCD game pretty well. Check out the video after the break and let us know what you think in the comments.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3rXpN4NZSo&w=470]
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410363",
"author": "Mooseral",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T19:25:51",
"content": "By 1990’s, you do mean 1980s, yes? Still, old school LCD games are pretty amusing to see kicking around. Gotta love the sound effects.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410365",
"author": "FiveseveN",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T19:40:45",
"content": "Geez, I used to play one of the russian games for hours as a child. I feel so old :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410375",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:29:24",
"content": "Yeah I was gonna say, 1990s? That’s when cartridge based handheld games turned up, it was the 1980s when LCD gaming took off.The hack here seems a little OTT and isn’t configurable for games other than those with just left/right controls, but it’s a good start. There are however programs that can make a gamepad ‘press’ keyboard buttons so that you can play flash games with a gamepad instead of keyboard.Good to see more people creating simulators for the old-school games, I have original versions of 8 of the games on that site, and there’s also this guy whos been creating simulations of handheld games which are standalone Windows programs rather than web embedded flash:http://www.madrigaldesign.it/sim/news.phpStill waiting for someone to do a Tomytronic 3D simulator, but in the meantime I already have the entire set of 7 plus the Tandy clone to play :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410377",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T20:32:47",
"content": "I have to say, if it were me, I don’t think I’d even bother to release this on the internets.I mean, it must have taken all of about 30 seconds to put together.And an Arduino mega? For that? Really?We really are scraping the bottom of the barrel here!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410483",
"author": "Erik J",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T03:36:13",
"content": "Wonderful I’ve always wanted to play those games again, do anyone know if that python module SendKeys is available for MacOSX or Linux (X11/Console)?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410523",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T06:46:50",
"content": "So let me get this straight – what we have here is an Arduino-based _gamepad_ for a PC (and not even a USB HID, but a serial->Python version at that)…?What can I say? Mad props for the achievement or something I suppose…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410557",
"author": "Tobie Nortje",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T09:36:37",
"content": "HI,I must say I was surprised when I saw this little hack I did shown here. The hack serves no purpose at all! Its overkill, overcomplicated but dead simple.But what the hell right?Some responses to the (well deserved) critics.@ The Cageybee – you are right. IT actually took me 45 seconds, since I am a bit slow :). About using the mega…I mention on the GIT page that was the only board I had free. A yes, it is scraping the very bottom of the barrel. But man was it fun to play a bit of the games I used to play as a small child. I must be slow i realized now, since you mention the internets? Are there two of those now? Here in Africa we only have one! We’ll catch up one day! :)@Haku – you are right. The dudes I did this for as a proof of concept, only wanted left and right and yes it is OTT (odd?)@Mad Max – “Mad props for the achievement or something I suppose?” Exactly! Just because I can man!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410587",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:19:12",
"content": "Are these games really worth saving? They are universally terrible. The moment you got a gray brick dot matrix gameboy, you abandoned this crap forever.Also, these shitty LCD games existed well into the 90s. Tiger electronics was putting out gimmicky game after another. One that took “cartridges”, each “cartridge” being a different game screen that popped into what was essentially just a set of controls. My cousin had one of these, which was out when the game boy was big. Then they had this racing game that went over your eye, as if it was some virtual reality thing, when it was really just one 2d screen (in red, because the virtual boy was out, and even awful systems have imitators).And, I had all sorts of these when I was a young child, in the early 90s, before I had a game boy. I stopped playing them all, though, when I managed to save up that $60 for a gray brick gameboy and a copy of Kirby’s Dream Land, and I never played another crappy LCD game.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410595",
"author": "MorbiousStone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T11:37:55",
"content": "although these kind of things were populars in the 80’s They were made By the thousands if not millions in the 90″s While most had a game gear or a Lame Boy tiger and a few others were producing a lot of tiny handhelds So it was 90’s to I remember it was weird to see them again since they were obsolete but I played them 2",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410616",
"author": "Kiddi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:12:30",
"content": "I played these games (and games like them) for hours on end when I was a kid. They were a blast at the time, tho they may seem shitty to the more snotty kids out there. They were pure entertainment in the eyes of a eight year old with fascination with gadgets.The king kong one was the best :) And one with some kind of bombs in a maze which I cant remember the name of.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410617",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T13:16:06",
"content": "@BobSmith, part of why I have a collection of retro LCD/VFD games, and still continue to collect 80s & 90s wristwatch games (17 of those so far), is not for their gameplay but their visual asthetics and their history.Another part of why I like the old games is that they’re not handheld consoles which are a universal design to play a multitude of games, instead a lot of units were designed specifically for one single game and those which used a universal case (like the game&watch series) still had uniquely designed LCD/VFD graphics & picture foregrounds/backgrounds to compliment the LCD/VFD graphics.Nowadays the only unique differences you get in handheld consoles is what stickers you decide to put on them….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410778",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T20:40:31",
"content": "@Tobie Nortje – Hi dude. Glad you’re not taking these comments too much to heart.I guess we’ve all done simple projects from time to time just to waste a few minutes and , as you say, just because we can!@BobSmith – One word, nostalgia. I remember playing these games aeons before gameboys hit the scene.IMHO, the guy whose created these simulations has done the world a solid. Let’s face it, without doing it a whole gaming craze would be liable to be lost to history as most of the originals have probably been chucked in the bin.Personally I’m waiting for Donkey Kong 2 to be done. Man the hours I lost to that little gem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.61283
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/26/a-badge-without-a-conference/
|
A Badge Without A Conference
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"cons"
] |
[
"arduino",
"atmega328",
"badge",
"bluetooth",
"google",
"microphone"
] |
We saw this one a few days ago when it was first bouncing around the interwebs but never took a close look at it. Today, when we ran across a direct link in the tips box it was the promo video (embedded after the break) that won us over. Once you dig into the particulars of
The Verbalizer
we think you’ll agree that this is a hackable conference badge without the pesky need to attend a conference.
As you probably guessed from the design of the PCB, this is a microphone. It’s intended for use with Google’s new voice search feature, and connects to a computer via a Bluetooth module. But really it’s just another roll-your-own Arduino with a few extra bits. You’ll find an ATmega328 and an FTDI chip which provides a USB connection for programming. The real fun starts with the microphone and speaker circuitry which is just waiting to be breadboarded at home. We found a few other things while poking around in the schematic (available by downloading their Product Docs and Schematics package). It looks like there’s some capacitive touch… you what? Isn’t it more fun if you find this stuff yourself, kind of like the hidden gems of
the DEFCON badges
?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBALwwfFNV4&w=470]
| 3
| 3
|
[
{
"comment_id": "410359",
"author": "SpydaMonky",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:58:42",
"content": "Thats very cool, i love the video!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410514",
"author": "NishaKitty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T05:57:11",
"content": "I remember google verabliser I tried it on Chrome with some site a friend linked to. Worst thing I ever used never got a single thing right when searching for song names…I’m on Team Speak 3 24/7 so I know it wasn’t my mic :3",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410520",
"author": "elektrophreak",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T06:40:03",
"content": "cool looking product :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.653915
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/automatic-micro-copter-cameraman/
|
Automatic Micro-Copter Cameraman
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"camera",
"helicopter",
"mikrokopter",
"wakeboard"
] |
For those of you that are extreme sports participants, this
“MikroKopter”
may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. When combined with a helmet mounted camera, this additional view should do a great job of capturing your every trick.
This setup attaches a camera to a six-rotor mini helicopter to follow and video the action. In true drone form, the camera is controlled automatically via a
“point of interest”
tracking transmitter. The helicopter, however, appears to be controlled by a human operator.
There is really a lot going on with this setup from the micro helicopter itself to the tracking system (really neat how it calculates the camera angle), so be sure to check out their
website
. Also, be sure to check out the video of everything in action after the break.
[vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/25288834
w=470&h=225]
via
fstoppers.com
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409585",
"author": "pascal",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:50:34",
"content": "Text in the video says the mikrokopter is also controlled by the POI, they seem to use the remote only to get it to position. (The POI seems to just use GPS, I guess on the tripod is another GPS receiver, for higher accuracy using differential GPS.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409589",
"author": "Jan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:55:33",
"content": "it’s a nice project, sadly they decided to closes the source cause someone in china copied their stuff. a bit narrow minded i think. better build an arducopter me thinks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409603",
"author": "Jason",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:11:48",
"content": "Sweet, like really sweet but the rigging thats pulling him is equally as awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409609",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:37:58",
"content": "Very cool. Awesome soundtrack also.If they could get this thing to follow closer they could probably get some unbelievable camera angles.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409614",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:44:17",
"content": "Btw, does anyone know the name of the song?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409619",
"author": "Colecoman1982",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:59:32",
"content": "I think I remember these things from Half Life 2. All he needs to do is attach a Rotozip or something to it…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409621",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:05:04",
"content": "@WolfIt’s at the very end of the video, 5:39 – HisBoyElroy, “Bevel”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409622",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:06:20",
"content": "Thanks JD, missed that part.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409630",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:14:11",
"content": "Sweet tow-rope setup — I’ve never seen anything like that before. That’s pretty ballsy to fly a canon HD slr camera above a lake like that. Very cool, I can’t wait until they get it to fly closer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409646",
"author": "Nomad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:17:38",
"content": "@Jason and Andrew: Those are Wakeboarding parks (obviously without an actual wake that usually occurs when bein pulled by a boat. There are several of them spread over Germany. The one in the video seems to be of lesser quality and not so big. I’ve been to one that had two huge circles (left and right…for lefties and righties) and a third small “training” line (just straight). AFAIR all three of them also had some obstacles as shown in the vid.About the project: They seem to have one of the more expensive DSLRs (Is it a Canon?) and although mine was pretty cheap, i would be scared to crap if i’d see it flying around a lake. Also with some cheapo webcam it would be “easier” to fly lower/closer and maybe sideways to get the sportsman from his side instead of looking down at him",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409656",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:34:33",
"content": "Screw the copter cam, that lake park is amazing. Who hacked THAT together?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409771",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T01:17:27",
"content": "There are parks like that in the USA too. They’re usually called cable parks or something along those lines. It’s basically a matrix of overhead cables attached to a winching system… It’s not nearly that simple, but there’s quite a bit of info available online about them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409838",
"author": "schlackbob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T08:30:46",
"content": "i think this park is near paderborn germany.http://www.wasserski-paderborn.de/sry only in german",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409852",
"author": "Albenos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T09:39:39",
"content": "Wrap that up in a sleek disk shaped carbon-kevlar and titanium re-enforced case then give it to a paparazzi photographer…Alternatively replace rotors with anti-mater fuelled pulse jets then send it to the sun and back quicker then the speed of light….limitless possibilities… for you lazor hackers… imagine having a laser engraver that uses the earth as a sketching pad…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409899",
"author": "caleb",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T13:47:07",
"content": "i saw one of these things hovering outside my window the other night while my girl and i were, well.. making a baby.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410045",
"author": "Thanatos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:09:31",
"content": "Too awesome. Personal UAVs to scope out your surroundings wherever you go, very exciting",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410262",
"author": "Erik J",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T11:31:06",
"content": "30 euro / 40USD for going around that thing for a day seems like a pretty ok price.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.999607
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/enhancing-simple-circuit-kits-with-microcontrollers/
|
Enhancing Simple Circuit Kits With Microcontrollers
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Microcontrollers",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"circuit kits",
"fun",
"learning",
"microcontrollers",
"PICAXE 08M",
"toys"
] |
[manuka], aka [Stan Swan] is a teacher in New Zealand who
enjoys enlightening his students on the wonders of electrical circuits
. He primarily uses “snap connector” circuit kits, sold under the BrainBox name in NZ, for his interactive labs as they can be easily manipulated by pupils of all ages.
While the kits are great, he says that the range of experiments they provide can be a bit limited, so he decided to swap out the kit’s sound module for something far more useful – a PICAXE-08M. The space left by removing the sound module was pretty small, but [Stan] got everything to fit without too much hassle. His modification allows his students to program the PICAXE, as well as utilize four of the uC’s output pins.
Needless to say, the addition of the PICAXE module was a huge hit with his students, allowing them to create far more exciting circuits. [Stan] has been revising his system over the years, adding extra output pins, enabling lamp and motor control, as well as tweaking his setup to respond to IR commands.
We think [Stan’s] work is pretty awesome, and we’re still wondering how this flew under our radar for so long. He says that his students vary from preschool kids to centenarians, so if you’ve got someone that you would like to introduce to the fun world of electronics, we suggest picking up one of these kits and getting to work.
[Thanks Haku]
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409541",
"author": "anybodysguess",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:53:56",
"content": "Those kits are how I got started in electronics they are great. I haven’t got to micro controllers yet but I am making my own circuits, I have already built a flashing led dog collar, the flasher circuit is done with caps and transistors. I have also built a FM “spy bug”. Those kits got me interested in the possibilities of electronics I would highly recommend them. The snap circuits company sells a breadboard piece with snaps on the edges.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409543",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:57:19",
"content": "I love seeing teachers that actually care about their job like this. Sadly it’s not something you see every day. Great work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409547",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:00:31",
"content": "we had crocodile clips. We clipped them to peoples ears when they weren’t paying attention :D.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409594",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T16:32:50",
"content": "Picaxe totally rules!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409611",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:40:03",
"content": "I (somehow) have never seen a snap-connector electronics kit. The only ones I ever saw were little spring-terminal kits ranging from 10-in-1 to 600-in-one kits(i got one for my 10th birthday, woot). This is pretty neat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409687",
"author": "Rich Decibels",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:00:49",
"content": "Stan taught me at uni, he is a hero and also totally nuts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409726",
"author": "Esker",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:30:28",
"content": "Stan also regularly writes articles for the Australasian electronics magazine “Silicon Chip”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409750",
"author": "tehnoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:40:12",
"content": "I’m just wondering what happened to 3.…but that’s probably a stupid question.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409776",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T01:48:28",
"content": "Yay go kiwi! Teachers are sadly underpaid, if not undervalued. Education leads to understanding which leads to tolerance. Teachers are the key to our future. Big ups Stan, Simon Lassche was my favorite at AGS still there I believe…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409794",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T03:07:11",
"content": "Somewhere I still have my old 50-in-one electronics kit I got some 25+ years ago, if I remember rightly it used springs to grip the connecting wires to, the snap connectors of the BrainBox kits look a lot easier to work with.BTW, this is a link to the thread where manuka (Stan) talks more about his Picaxe’d BrainBox kits that he’s been developing and deploying:http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=10541",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410054",
"author": "Manuka",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:47:42",
"content": "Thanks for the feedback folks- appreciated. The module’s unused PIN3 can be easily persuaded to accept IR data from a 3 lead Vishay TSOP. (The PICAXE-08M has inbuilt Sony style 38kHz IR generation & decoding commands of course- these have near revolutionised IR work.) Although a tight squeeze,the resulting enhancement is extremely handy for off board control,with cross room control ranges even in daylight. Seehttp://www.instructables.com/id/quotSnap-connectorquot-PICAXE-microcontroller/step20/IR-control-/andhttp://www.instructables.com/id/quotSnap-connectorquot-PICAXE-microcontroller/step21/Stepper-control-with-IR-enhancement/Stan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416241",
"author": "Dan Fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-07-11T19:04:26",
"content": "Dear hackaday: Stan flew under your radar for so long because he let his work do all the talking for him — he’s humble and not bent on bragging about his work, so it would seem. That’s why the hacking community needs to be more vocal: so we can find each other.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.746595
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/24/launching-model-rockets-wirelessly/
|
Launching Model Rockets Wirelessly
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"model rockets",
"rocketry",
"wifi"
] |
We love ballistic trajectories and the smell of black powder in the morning, so we’re really interested in the
wireless rocket launch pad
sent in by [Brent Strysko].
[Brent] used an ATmega with an enc28j60 ethernet shield and wireless router to launch the rocket without a physical connection with ‘the button.’ Everything on the launchpad is powered by a 12 Volt motorcycle battery, and there’s also a flashing LED for the countdown. All that’s needed to launch a rocket is to send a command from the laptop. We think this would be an awesome project when combined with the
radio telemetry
build we covered earlier – the computer is already there with the range safety officer.
Although amateur rocketry is extremely safe, with
no high-power flight ever hitting a person
(PDF warning), there’s still some risk of from
black powder engines CATOing
. We think [Brent] came up with a great way to make a safe hobby even safer, and managed an interesting project in the process. Check out the walkthrough of the launchpad after the break, or check out
this video
of the launchpad in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v27LVSugyC4&w=450]
| 13
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409518",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T11:21:48",
"content": "i launch my model ockets with a match. no fuse. i like the danger.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409524",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T11:45:38",
"content": "8 out of 10 for execution (i like the build), 6 for originality, 3 for practicality, are you really going to need to be so far that you NEED a wireless signal? the pad looks to be a little cumbersome too, i wouldn’t want to heft it across a field.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409551",
"author": "Sp`ange",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:15:12",
"content": "Though a cool project, I built something using a wireless door bell. Much simpler and took about 30 minutes to make.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409560",
"author": "Colecoman1982",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:51:36",
"content": "This is nothing new. People launch model rockets wirelessly all the time. Just last 4th of July, I saw lots of people launching rockets using the MATCH and LIGHTER wireless protocols.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409566",
"author": "Dante",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T14:02:14",
"content": "My house had a wireless door bell. It would go off randomly day or night for no apparent reason.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409573",
"author": "Tweeks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:00:29",
"content": "For those asking, yes wireless is needed. Especially as you get into medium and high power launches (as a NAR/TRA safety requirement). CATOs can still throw shrapnel if a motor blows on the pad.And no.. using a wireless doorbell or other cheap, non validated RF transmitter/receiver is ill-advised. You need some sort of client/server or digitally encoded control signal to protect for “stray signals” erroneously setting off the launch.Nice job Brian. I would think that the next logical step would be to add 4-5 more pads and be able to control multiple rockets as well as cluster ignitions and delays. Stuff like these:http://theweeks.org/rockets/2006-06_HCR-launch/dscf0031.jpgI’m looking at creating a wireless system as I’ve described… but be Android phone based and for high power systems.Nice work!Tweeks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409582",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:26:51",
"content": "The one thing I would worry about is the lack of a physical safety lock out. Usually they use some kind of key that prevents an current flowing to the ignition system while the it is out of the circuit.You could do the same thing digitally but one would really have to be careful to get it right. I would still want that motorcycle batter located say about 10 meters from from pad and have it disconnected while I was setting up the rocket. But that is just me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409641",
"author": "gizmoguyar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:00:09",
"content": "I like the idea, but it’s a little impractical for anything less than a massive rocket.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409680",
"author": "Kuy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:38:29",
"content": "Points lost for not using a TI MSP430 “Launchpad” kit for your launchpad (though admittedly I would have used an AVR myself.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409803",
"author": "aEx155",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T04:31:43",
"content": "I’m trying to put a launchpad (really only the MSP430G2211) into my water rocket to act as the parachute deployment timer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409821",
"author": "QW",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T06:23:19",
"content": "@aEx155Use a 555",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410087",
"author": "Vlad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:06:50",
"content": "you can do this with an arduino and 2 xbees, no matter what the remote is always going to be the lightest.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "490684",
"author": "gypsy jo",
"timestamp": "2011-10-25T19:10:06",
"content": "I too am looking for nominal cost products that are effective. Do you know of any timeers that can be used to ignot model rockets. I tried to usee a dog collar; not enough fire to ignite it. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks",
"parent_id": "410087",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,158.865329
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/making-wheelchairs-more-safe-through-high-visibility/
|
Making Wheelchairs More Safe Through High Visibility
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"assisted living",
"led",
"transportation",
"visibility",
"WheelChair"
] |
When traveling around the city or even rural areas in a wheelchair, we imagine it can be pretty easy to get overlooked. [Rui] was asked to
add some lights and sounds
to an electric wheelchair in order to ensure that its rider remained visible to those around him.
The system uses several different components to ensure that the driver can be seen. The first is a message board strapped to the back of the chair which was constructed from a pre-made 8×32 LED matrix enclosed in an acrylic project box. The board uses a PIC16F88 to store and display messages, which are triggered by a control board mounted near the chair’s joystick. He also added headlights and taillights, using bright white and red LEDs, respectively. A 107dB horn was mounted on the chair to ensure that if the driver is not seen, he will certainly be heard.
Everything looks like it fits nicely, without hindering the operation or looks of the chair. Check out the video below to see his high-visibility system in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG8NKjDXHCg&w=470]
| 28
| 23
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409353",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:24:48",
"content": "Sweet idea for nighttime, but during daytime the little LEDs are not going to cut it. Painting it brigh fluorescent orange would have done a better job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409378",
"author": "B",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:27:49",
"content": "So, what’s his disability? Aspergers? Because I really can’t think of why a wheelchair needs a “107db horn” except to piss people off. If someone’s in your way, an “excuse me” should be sufficient. You don’t see pedestrians walking around with air-horns.As for the LEDs: brighter is not better, and a bright point source of light really will just blind drivers, making it HARDER to tell where you are. It’s been proven that contrast-edging on emergency worker clothing works better than anything else, for example, at object recognition and size/distance estimation. That’s why Canada required white+red reflective tape on the edges of eighteen wheelers years ago, and why trucks have lights at the corners.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "506166",
"author": "Stacey",
"timestamp": "2011-11-11T23:11:30",
"content": "1. Way to make a blanket insult against people with Asperger’s!2. Clearly, you’ve had minimal-to-zero experience with actually being in a wheelchair. Because saying excuse me? Doesn’t usually work. You get overlooked almost every time.",
"parent_id": "409378",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1139820",
"author": "Russell Hess",
"timestamp": "2013-12-20T02:47:35",
"content": "B you have no clue and your reply shows it. Until you know what you are talking about sit down and shut the thunder up! I have only been in a wheelchair for a short time & already I have been put off or put out by the rudeness of the general unknowing, uncaring public. But you ya jerk take the cake, to wade in and make the comment like you did……never mind nothing I could say would or could possibly get through to that BB sized brain you have so I’m not even gonna try……",
"parent_id": "409378",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409379",
"author": "Nardella",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:28:37",
"content": "I would also add something that makes attention drawing noise (like a fake car engine) that varies based on ambient noise level and speed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409381",
"author": "Masta Squidge",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:31:04",
"content": "@ Steve.I doubt it, I own a bright lime green motorcycle and wear a bright white motorcycle jacket and I am as good as invisible on the road.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409417",
"author": "obsoehollerith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T02:08:47",
"content": "whiiiiinnne, whiine,waaoow!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409462",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T06:36:57",
"content": "@BOn why a wheelchair might need a horn, in my area, I’ve often seen powered wheelchairs crossing busy streets, parking lots where careless drivers are talking on their cellphones, and so on.Perhaps not very likely to help, but if it alerts one person to “HEY! There’s going to be a wheelchair stuck under your car in 5 seconds!” then it’s done its job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409468",
"author": "JohnBailey",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T07:42:24",
"content": "@BYou have obviously never used a wheelchair in public.It’s amazing just how invisible we can be.I’ve had pedestrians need a tap on the shoulder to realise I am there. Asking them to move aside does not work. Been tripped over, and nearly run over by someone reversing out of a driveway.These days I assume every person is a blind deaf moving obstacle, and adjust my actions accordingly. Unless they indicate otherwise. Saves getting run over.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "742078",
"author": "Skip Royeton",
"timestamp": "2012-08-19T07:39:14",
"content": "People are very stupid and care only about themselves, sometimes not even then. A horn, and a loud one, is needed. Most of the time people don’t even look in the same direction they are walking in! You are supposed to look out for them, I guess.",
"parent_id": "409468",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409487",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:52:13",
"content": "Thing is that everyone is invisible to everyone else, be you in a wheelchair, on a bike, in a car or just walking. We can’t all go around with bright lights on making noises – the place would be a cacophony of lights and sounds.It’s about time people started being more observant and polite, rather than wearing a string of sound and light polluting devices in a vain attempt to get people to see you – it’s just yet another waste of power brought on by idiotic behaviour.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409488",
"author": "rlanctot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:54:30",
"content": "@BYou’d be surprised how many dumbasses don’t see you crossing a sidewalk. I’ve been almost wiped out twice now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409490",
"author": "rlanctot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:57:29",
"content": "@JamesYeah, good in theory until someone is in a hurry to get to the gym and decides to speed through a yellow. The more visible you are the better, fuck noise and visual pollution. If my ass is going to be under your truck, I’m gonna get me a foghorn and a million candlewatt spotlight.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409505",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T10:17:39",
"content": "@rlanctot – that’s why I said people should be more observant and polite. Stupidity proliferates the mass “equipping” of people, wasting power, and causing pollution (of various sorts) when people could use what they already have (eyes and ears) and reduce the risk a different way (taking time and obeying the law). It’s the same nonsense that makes everyone buy a bigger and bigger truck to cart their kids to school in the morning – sure it’s safer for you but if we all stopped and used our brains for a split second its easy to see there are much more sensible alternatives.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409508",
"author": "bocky",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T10:50:08",
"content": "@B: I see a lot of people in electric wheelchairs on the road, where the sidewalks are not in good condition. This project is from my country, Portugal, and a lot of the sidewalks look like this:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_pavementIt looks nice but there are a lot of places with a lot of holes, and in some places the sidewalk is simply not wide enough for a wheelchair, and/or has lampposts in the way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409529",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:18:25",
"content": "Why not a bullhorn that yells at people randomly, air horns, a fire truck siren, paint the whole thing bright green. add strobes all over it as well..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409530",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:19:17",
"content": "and no the bigger truck is NOT safer. ONly the uneducated think that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409539",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:37:03",
"content": "I think this is a great idea, some of the models are not very suitable to go on a normal sidewalk here and have to be on the bike road so more visual alert would be good, especiall in the dark.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409546",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:59:46",
"content": "@fartface – depends entirely on how your accident occurs and what you hit. I can assure you you’ll be safer hitting a BMW mini (1200kg) in your 3000kg pickup than with a 500kg Caterham, but you’re more likely to roll when swerving at speed. But the point still stands, makes no sense keep going bigger and bigger, same as it makes no sense with headlights getting brighter and brighter etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409558",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:45:45",
"content": "@B – “if someone’s in your way, an “excuse me” should be sufficient.” – you’re assuming the person can speak; can speak loudly enough to be heard; and will be speaking to pedestrians and not car users.I’d echo what another poster said about the “christmas tree effect” making it harder for people to recognise how far away you are, how fast you’re travelling, etc. Some good spoke reflectors, hi-vis reflective stripes on the frame, and good front / rear lights should be enough.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409565",
"author": "Rui",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T14:01:01",
"content": "My name’s Rui and i’m the maker of this project.About some of the comments posted here, I just have a few words to say:As you probably noticed, this all black painted electric wheelchair is not equipped with any equipment to be able to run on the street safely.The only thing it has are a couple of small red reflectors on the back side.Since this wheelchair will run on the streets ( also because of bad sidewalks like stated above ) I think it makes all the sense to make this wheelchair visible!Some people talk about “excessive” light and sound on this wheelchair but don’t talk about all the car makers adding Xenon lights and led strips to cars, adding 3rd blinking brake lights and all the rest.I don’t consider a couple of LEDs excessive but…even if…better safe than sorry I always say.About the sound…try being inside a car and see if you can hear a standard wheelchair’s horn!Regards",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "409572",
"author": "Shadow",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T14:59:43",
"content": "It is not equipped to run on the street because it is not designed to be a car. Use public transportation. Or make the wheelchair meet all NHTSA safety standards, including airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, ROPS, etc. There is no reason for a chair to be on a rural highway going to Walmart 10 miles away.",
"parent_id": "409565",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1144517",
"author": "Dave C",
"timestamp": "2013-12-24T20:55:17",
"content": "No one said anything about ten mile treks to Walmart. Saying a chair will be on “the street” means just that, crossing, parking lots-anywhere one would usually walk. I just came out of a Trader Joe’s and several shoppers looked directly at me, and kept tight on moving, cutting me off, forcing me to stop, etc…this is a daily event.",
"parent_id": "409572",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "409569",
"author": "HaDurr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T14:31:00",
"content": "To be honest, the lights and horn are not that big a deal. People complaining about light or noise pollution should really relax.It’s not like they strapped a pair of 500k lumen lights and a locomotive horn to this wheelchair. There are a couple of LEDs on the front, a couple on the back, a scrolling sign, and a horn equivalent to what you would find on a Honda Civic.During my commute to and from work, I see plenty of egregious driving – people reading, men shaving, women doing makeup (even EYE makeup). People seem willing to do absolutely anything they possibly can to divert their attention from the road at all times. Assuming that the person using this chair needs to share the road with cars even part time, these modifications seem benign enough.What has been done here is no different from strapping a light to the front of your bicycle and putting a blinker on your helmet if you ride at night – yet no one is freaking out about cyclists who do this same thing in the name of safety.The horn might seem like overkill to people, but used judiciously it is no big deal. The wheelchair-bound individual is just as likely to roll down the street continuously wailing on his/her horn as you are likely to do the same thing in your car. Used properly, it is for emergency situations, to notify nearby drivers of your presence if they are doing things that will likely cause an accident. If it is ok for you in your car, why is it not ok for someone who is far more vulnerable while traveling the same streets in a wheel chair?Just because you don’t think it is a good idea does not make you right.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409587",
"author": "hackerslacker",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:52:25",
"content": "@Shadow:NHTSA? What NHTSA? If you RTFA you would know this hack was done in Portugal not the US. Easy access to public transport is not universal here in the US nor in other countries. Rural highway or not if the user has to go out into the street they are better protected with all of this gear.What is the difference between this motorized chair and a bicycle? In most states, the law is that bicycles should be ridden on the street so why not a wheelchair?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409782",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T02:15:14",
"content": "I’m a stroke survivor. Luck being relative I’m luck to be ambulatory ofter weeks of physical rehabilitation. Even now I couldn’t use a manual chair, because of my hemiparesis. No doubt the following is a waste of time because in my experience too many of the abled bodied will reject what I’m about to type because it goes against their ingrained notions how thing should be.In many if Not most States a Wheel Chair user is considered a pedestrian, motorists are to be give them the right of way as they should a pedestrian, those wheels are their legs. A motorized WC user is considered a pedestrian as well, not an operator of a motor vehicle. Yes ther are motorized WC users who use their chair on the streets like a vehicle. I think that’s due to ignorance on their part, defensive as well. There should be a problem with an abled bodied person walking 10 mile to WalMart, along along a highway there shouldn’t be problem with a chair user doing the sameLike a abled bodied pedestrian WC users are forced to use the roadways on occasion, in that event a loud horn isn’t unreasonable. Even on the sidewalks, a lesser horn could be useful. My physiatrist once told me to use a cane in public, if I really didn’t need to as a visual cue, that I have difficulties. I told here the only way that a cane would do that was if I used it to knock some in the head.Hast to be simple or willful ignorance for someone to suggest that a motorized chair shouldn’t be operated on a sidewalk. Many don’t have full use of their arms. I’m 55 I know of some who have used WC as long as I have been alive, at some point their upper body starts giving out, even if they had full use of for years.As A driver myself, I feel this doesn’t address one problem, that being the height of the chars there needs to be something to add to bring the location of the WC user to a height where most drivers will be looking, or at least should notice. As long as the LEDs are similar in brightness as the LEDS now being used on motor vehicles, there should be no problem with blinding drivers. During the day I’d think white strobes at 6′ could be effective, and not hamper using the chair in most buildings. I’m 6′ 3″, and have no problems. Although a fold over mechanism for mast holding a strobe my need to get the chair into a van.Respectfully There are many jackass comments directed to this article. Keep in mind anyone reading this is merely a heat beat away from disability.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411346",
"author": "j s",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T05:14:13",
"content": "Cuidado=Caution (literally “careful”)Obrigado=Thank youAtenção-Cadeira Eletrica=Warning- Electric Chair",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1378657",
"author": "Jim McManus",
"timestamp": "2014-04-25T04:04:23",
"content": "Interesting thread. I am a BBK amputee.I walk quite well with prosthesis but use a power wheelchair to extend my range and endurance. I have recently developed a device (patent pending) that is used to control accessories attached to the chair. It accepts 12v. input power and uses a console of switches to control devices such as dual rear view cameras, head/rear led lights, horn and usb port for charging devices. We we also offer a secondary AGM battery/on-board charger system housed in it’s own protective ABS case and attached to the chair using a custom built attachment kit. You can find more information in the coming weeks on powerchairplus.com .First,Kudos to the OP for a job well done.Secondly,Shame on the poster who has never walked a mile in my shoes nor ridden one in a wheelchair at dusk.Finally,It is about safety and making the experience of being reliant on a wheelchair both manageable and pleasant.Let’s try to get along please.Jim McManusPOWERchair PLUSGarner, NC USA1-800-747-4201powerchairplus.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.258861
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/use-fpgas-the-easy-way-with-alien-cortex-av/
|
Use FPGAs The Easy Way With Alien Cortex AV
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"alien cortex",
"arduino",
"fpga",
"microcontroller",
"msp430",
"pic"
] |
Hackaday reader [Louis] wrote in to call our attention to a neat project over at Kickstarter that he thought would interest his fellow readers. The
AlienCortex AV is a pre-built FPGA board
from [Bryan Pape] with gobs of ports and a ton of potential. At the heart of the board is an Xilinx PQ208 Spartan 3e 500k FPGA, which can be configured to perform any number of functions. The board sports a healthy dose of analog and digital I/O pins as you would expect, along with PS/2 inputs, VGA outputs, and even a pair of Atari-compatible joystick ports.
The AlienCortex software package allows users to easily load projects into the FPGA, which can run up to four different emulated microcontrollers at once. The software comes with half a dozen pre-configured cores out of the box, with others available for download as they are built. The default set of cores includes everything from a 32-channel logic analyzer, to a quad processor Arduino-sketch compatible machine.
Now, before you cry foul at the fact that he’s emulating Arduinos on a powerful and expensive FPGA, there’s nothing stopping you from creating an army of whatever microcontrollers you happen to prefer instead. We’re guessing that if you can run four Arduinos on this board at once, a good number of PICs could be emulated simultaneously alongside whatever other uC you might need in your next robotics project. A single board incorporating several different microcontrollers at once doesn’t sound half bad to us.
| 83
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409347",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:02:51",
"content": "That’s a decent price for that kit. I highly recommend anyone who hasn’t gotten into FPGA’s to try it out. Personally I use Altera so I don’t know about the quality of Xilinc free software (or even how to spell their name). Quartus is pretty good, the Terasic Altera DE1 is great if you want to go Altera.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409348",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:05:03",
"content": "out of interest why is this tagged with arduino microcontroller msp430 and pic?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409350",
"author": "CustardCat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:17:30",
"content": "@alex – obsession with arduinos? ;-)Really though, I think this board is great, but surely if you really wanted four microcontrollers on a board it would be cheaper to just buy four microcontrollers.What you really get from using an FPGA is the parallelism and raw speed which can be used for many things including DSP, FFT etc.. which are harder or slower on a micro.I’d be interested to see how this develops and what imaginative uses people dream up for this board.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409352",
"author": "CustardCat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:24:45",
"content": "@alex (again) Xilinx provide a free development environment for Windows and (Ubuntu) Linux called ISE Webpack (http://www.xilinx.com/support/download/index.htm) It’s pretty good and provides a development environment as well as a programming environment designed to use the Xilinx Platform Cable. The Linux install is a little bit of a chore. There are some hoops to go through to get the USB Platform cable going, but once sorted it’s ok.I did a bit of a write up here ->http://custard-cat.blogspot.com/2010/12/xilinx-coolrunner-ii-on-xubuntu.htmlHTH",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409365",
"author": "ejrwktj",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:46:57",
"content": "How easy is it to develop for this thing from Linux?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409386",
"author": "kobilica",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:46:30",
"content": "Alex, because you can emulate those on it. But, if you have 4 of Arduinos, PICs or whatever, how do you program either with specific code?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409390",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T00:07:43",
"content": "Hi kobilica,Good question… This was actually the most challenging part of AlienCortex’s design. In a multicore configuration, one of the four AVR cores serves as a bootloader on startup for itself and the other cores… (copying all the core’s program data from SPI flash into the synchronous SRAM chip)… sort of acting as a BIOS in a way. This is all handled transparently.The “Core-Pack” included with AlienCortex AV also doubles as a GUI based programmer for the board, allowing you to determine which soft-processor is to be programmed with a particular program or sketch. It can also be driven using command-line switches so that it can integrate easily with most AVR compilers.Bryan PapeFabulous Silicon",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409398",
"author": "Ross",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T00:59:37",
"content": "There has been some controversy that this project is not the work of the person on kickstarter. Just thought the community should know.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409400",
"author": "lilozzy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:05:30",
"content": "It must also be mentioned that FPGAs can also be used for making your own custom hardware, not just putting different microcontrollers in them. FPGAs are more powerful and useful than that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409404",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:22:49",
"content": "I’d recommend anyone getting an FPGA to use it as it was originally intended – making massive amounts of parallel operations at incredibly high speeds, rather than confining using it to emulate Harvard/von Neumann microcontrollers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409410",
"author": "fell",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:42:29",
"content": "The Papilio One over at papilio.cc is a similar product that is already available and has some good tutorials.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409421",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T02:33:10",
"content": "Ross, Where is the controversy?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409422",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T02:37:20",
"content": "Hi Ross,I’ve heard this as well, but no one ever seems to say in what way.At any rate, you should know that the hardware for AlienCortex AV was designed entirely from the ground up, and I make it a point to acknowledge the original authors of the open sourced cores that have been ported to AlienCortex, both the Kickstarter website as well as the Fabulous Silicon site.Thanks,Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409432",
"author": "vtl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T03:32:14",
"content": "Not too interesting using it to emulate some crappy mirco code. The advantage of an FPGA is superior speed and pipelining operations.How many logic elements are there in this? An Terasic Altera DE-0 nano is about ~$80 or so from Digikey plus shipping.To be honest its probably better in the long run to be able to synthesize vhdl code with proper tools rather than programming and emulating microcontroller code. This product doesn’t seem to incorporate many of the large advantages of an FPGA, although that logic analyser is handy if it actually has 100MHz bandwidth",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409433",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T03:34:44",
"content": "I agree with Mike… FPGA’s are amazingly useful devices that can run any number of complex digital circuits. If it’s digital, and you can somehow describe it in code, you can pretty much make it. Have a new 9-core processor idea? Code it up, burn it over, and viola, you’re simulating it.Even learning simple things like how a bunch of logic gates will work when wired together can easily be simulated on an FPGA.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409440",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T04:05:11",
"content": "Hi vtl,Thanks for your thoughts…The advantage of emulating a microcontroller is not for the mere sake of emulating a microcontroller. I agree that would be ridiculous (and expensive!). The advantage in modeling a microcontroller in HDL is to take powerful FPGA cores that would otherwise be inaccessible to most hobbyist and provide a “familiar” front end.The Alien Song core, for example, is a powerful VHDL synth. Adding an AVR compatible core makes it programable by almost anyone.The Xtreme-G core does the same with a graphics and sound engine (thanks to James Bowman’s Gameduino core).With regard to using the “proper” tools, there’s a Xilinx jtag port making the board accessible to all of the Xilinx tools.And about the nano, I kinda think that you’re talking about oranges and apples. The nano is a neat board with an FPGA, but it’s really designed for someone wanting to develop just for FPGAs. I designed AlienCortex as a powerful softprocessor development platform, with Arduino sketch and shield compatibility, really cool preconfigured cores, and (thanks to MikroElektronika) three awesome compilers.The fact that AlienCortex is being driven by an FPGA has really always been quite secondary in my mind in terms of what i designed this platform to be.AlienCortex AV was specifically intended to do three things really well… video games, robotics, and synthesizers… and be as easy as possible to use and to program. I’m quite happy to say that it’s met (and exceeded) these design objectives in spades :-)-Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409448",
"author": "adam",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T04:50:28",
"content": "It says that we could develop our own VHDL code using the xilinx program(i used the same chip last semester in a computer design class). Does that require a jtag programming cable? Also is restoring it back to using the cores just the same process as changing between each core?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409450",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T05:08:33",
"content": "Hi Adam,Core-Pack can program the FPGA and/or the Numonyx SPI chip over the USB cable, so a Xilinx JTAG cable is not at all required to create your own cores and load them to AlienCortex AV.If those doing a lot of FPGA development, the Xilinx JTAG is there so that you can program the FPGA or SPI chip directly from Xilinx’s Impact, and also to allow you to be able to use tools like Chipscope pro.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409483",
"author": "Stefan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:34:33",
"content": "Another cheap FPGA Evaluation Board is the Brevia from Lattice. Costs only 49 $ and comes with a parallel port JTAG cable, preprogrammed with an 8 Bit uC softcore.The Lattice Diamond IDE runs also on Linux and Windows.For the first steps with an FPGA the Brevia is really nice. The IDE from Lattice I found also more intuitive than the one from Xilinx. But this is just my personal opinion.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409503",
"author": "third",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T09:56:12",
"content": "@HackadayThe FPGA used is a Xilinx Spartan XC3S500E, a Spartan-3E of 500K gates equivalent (in other words, the FPGA is roughly equivalent to 500000 basic logic gates.) The PQ208 is just the package, probably the least interesting thing about the FPGA.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409521",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T11:34:42",
"content": "@kobilica, there is likely to be some on board memory even if they share the same chunk you can always offset each one so it has it’s own section.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409522",
"author": "_txf_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T11:34:47",
"content": "@RossCare to expand on that? Or are you just trolling?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409527",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:14:34",
"content": "Alex is correct. :-) There’s a 512KB Synchronous RAM chip that runs at a high clock speed that’s a multiple of the clock speed of a single softprocessor…. so… if you have a single soft-processor running at 16MHz, and you’re running four of them, then the SSRAM chip is clocked at 64MHz.The timing of the softprocessor cores is fanned out such that only one is accessing the SSRAM chip at a time.In order to provide each one with it’s own memory space, the most significant bits of the ram’s address bus are actually being triggered by the same clock signal that clocks the soft-processors themselves.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409536",
"author": "Eelcor",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:34:09",
"content": "Hi Bryan,Just wanted to say that I am really impressed with the board and all the accessoires/software you offer with it.I have been experimenting with the Altera DE1 and Altera DE0 nano and I’ve got some Lattice stuff as well.As for tooling, I am a fan of Quartus and I am looking into the Xilinx webpack. I don’t like the lattice brevia and ECP3 versa. Each expansion header has different pinouts. Terasic provides a standard, which makes it pretty easy to migrate.As far as I can see, a good fpga environment provides you with useful IP to start and the right configuration to design digital systems yourself. I think you hit the sweet spot on both ends and if I hadn’t spent my money on the DE1 and 0 I would most certainly buy your board.It would be nice however to have an extended version (larger FPGA) as well, a 1200 or 1600.Bravo, keep up the good work!Kind regards, Eelco",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409605",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:16:38",
"content": "Hi Eelco,Thanks for your comments :-) I just can’t wait to see what everyone does with them once the production run is done!And I do think it would be a neat thing to extend the platform in the future with a bigger chip… but there’s a lot of power in a 500K chip, and I really wanted to keep the first AC board as affordable, while still being able to implement all the fun stuff :-)-Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409613",
"author": "Ryan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:43:02",
"content": "Scanned through the post and site.So far it only looks like a rebranded Digilent Nexys2 board with some pre-built projects provided.VGA output for video out, anything for video in?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409633",
"author": "Jack Gassett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:18:05",
"content": "Here are a couple of fun facts about Bryan Pape and the Alien Cortex board:1) 1 year ago Bryan Pape was couch surfing and jobless. I gave him a place to live, gave him a job, and gave him full access to all internal Papilio resources.2) 1 year ago Bryan had ZERO FPGA experience and minimal circuit board design experience. The job I gave him was to help PROMOTE the Papilio FPGA boards.3) After two months Bryan was asked to leave because of erratic behavior that was detrimental to the Papilio project.4) A visual inspection of the Alien Cortex picture shows troubling resemblance to the Papilio Arcade kit. A visual inspection and the history involved raises the suspicion that the Alien Cortex is in violation of the Creative Commons licensing of the Papilio design. There are several functional blocks that are the same and an overwhelming amount of physical connectors are the exact same parts used by the Papilio.5) A large part of the functionality that Bryan is promoting are the same things that I pioneered for the Papilio and showed him while discussing a promotional strategy for the Papilio.http://hackaday.com/2009/11/19/avr8-virtual-processor-on-fpga/http://hackaday.com/2010/04/08/arduino-implemented-on-an-fpga/http://www.gadgetfactory.net/blog/?p=187http://www.gadgetfactory.net/blog/?p=371Decide for yourself, is such a sophisticated design something that can so easily be accomplished in the six months he is claiming? Or do the facts presented raise questions?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409652",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:26:13",
"content": "Hi Ryan,I think Digilent makes great boards that serve as excellent reference platforms for FPGA developers. AlienCortex AV wasn’t designed as a reference platform… instead, it’s a gaming platform, a robotics platform, and a circuit benders platform. It just happens to use an FPGA as the chip where all the magic happens.With that said, I would say that AlienCortex AV is a much more engaging platform for someone to learn about FPGAs by providing the means to put a really powerful chip to use in creative ways without having to fully grasp HDL concepts first. They can ease into it.And no… no video in, but with 54 digital I/O pins, it’s not outside the realm of possibility :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409665",
"author": "Andrew Ortman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:59:21",
"content": "Bryan,Do you have plans to release the schematics anytime soon? I’m interested to see how everything is set up.. I’m trying to get into FPGA development. I expect to order one of these things once I get the money :)Andrew",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409670",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:10:49",
"content": "Jack is right on a couple of things, but now we’ll fill in the gaps…I did work with him for a couple of months to try to help push the Papilio One, and we had a falling out. At that time, I was fully vested in promoting his product, but there was often contention between us, and rarely did we ever agree on priorities or what direction to move forward with.Upon leaving, I was interested in creating an open-source platform for digital synthesizers (which is still on the horizon). The design for that took about 4 months and details are posted here:http://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=17989AlienCortex AV stemmed from this synthesizer design Jack… not yours.Indeed, we both use Ruslan Lepetenok’s opensource AVR8 core on an FPGA (as do many others who have downloaded it from OpenCores.org), but that’s really where the similarities between the Papilio One and AlienCortex AV end.The fact is that the Papilio One is a great FPGA board for someone on a budget. I’ve never knocked it, but I specifically designed AlienCortex AV to be all the things I wished the Papilio One could have been.With that said, I’m happy to show a lineage of the design and the progression of the design files as they came together over several months that would show without a doubt that AlienCortex AV is entirely original.I’m truly sorry that you feel it necessary to try to make accusations like these. The reality is that you feel threatened by a competitor, and chose to make accusations that hold no weight when anyone with two eyes can see the the dramatic differences between the two boards.-Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409677",
"author": "Jack Gassett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:27:19",
"content": "Just presenting facts not accusations.The AVR8 is indeed developed by Ruslan Lepetenok and anyone is able to download it from Opencores and use it. It did however take 2 months of simulation and trial and error to develop the tools to make it run C code on the Papilio board since there is no external JTAG programmer like that required by the Opencores code…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409684",
"author": "Ross",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:51:00",
"content": "@_txf_ @BryanI think the controversy found the post. Not trying to troll just thought people should be aware that there was this debate and that it should surface. Open source hardware is a wonderful thing and I fully support it and it saddens me that this situation is as such. I’m not a hardware expert nor am I an FPGA expert so I personally cannot determine the veracity of either Bryan’s claims or Jacks. My impression is that there at the very least has been some sort of interaction between the developer of the Papilio board and this new board and at one point or another there was some knowledge transfer. Bryan keeps stating that his board is entirely his own, Jack says that it borrows from some of his designs. That is the issue at hand and I think that the discussions between Jack and Bryan in an open forum will help people make a decision regarding the veracity of both their claims (I already know more now than I did when I posted as they have both been commenting). I’m not an invested party either way, just someone who felt that these issues should be brought up as I respect Hack-a-day and its community and know the impact a posting here can have on the directions individual hackers take.Ross",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409686",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:58:44",
"content": "Can you two take your bickering elsewhere, please?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409689",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:03:31",
"content": "Hi Andrew… what’ll probably help you out the most in determining the layout is the UCF files that maps out how the FPGA I/O pins are mapped externally.If you email me atbryan@fabuloussilicon.com, I’ll be happy to send you a copy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409699",
"author": "_txf_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:22:06",
"content": "@RossYou are of course right. And it good to know these things; however this being the internet one tends to view unsubstantiated comments with some skepticism",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409702",
"author": "Ross",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:33:42",
"content": "@_txf_,I agree about the internet and unsubstantiated comments and I’m sorry I didn’t substantiate my comment right then. I sincerely wanted to but unfortunately I was aware of the controversy through an e-mail list I am on after I posted to the list about this very kickstarter project (I found the idea of multi-core Atmega chip emulation interesting and we have some MAME / Arcade enthusiasts on the list) and didn’t feel it was appropriate to copy/paste other people’s e-mails.Ross",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409746",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:32:30",
"content": "Actually Ross, I have a different proposition… I personally feel that the only way to really settle this once and for all in true hack-a-day style is to have a public dual between two FPGA-controlled autonomous robots. Jack’s and mine.We’d could just set a date and a time, and pre-establish any constraints that the robots would have to meet (i.e. with regard to size, weaponry, etc…. we should just make sure that we don’t have a DARPA Hummer meeting a line tracer… :-)We could both take video and pics as our designs are being created/developed, and will be released online after the dual, so that others can see how we build the bots, and see how we figure out things like how to effectively counterbalance the chainsaws with flamethrowers. :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409759",
"author": "Robin Debreuil",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T00:24:06",
"content": "I’ve used the Papilio a fair bit and looked over your board, and it does seem very similar. If you had worked with Jack on the Papilio at any point, I have no idea why you don’t want to credit it. I looked through your Kickstarter page and didn’t see a mention there either, but maybe I missed it.This line:“I specifically designed AlienCortex AV to be all the things I wished the Papilio One could have been.”is exactly what drives open source, take a project, fork it, make it what you like. Awesome, but it’s rare people don’t credit back the people and projects that helped along the way (and with cc I believe it is even required).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410041",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T21:02:55",
"content": "Hi Robin,Thanks for voicing your thoughts. I’m going to take this one opportunity to respond thoroughly to all of this, only because I think that a few things have to be set right. Beyond this point however, I’m done talking about it.I know that you’re quite familiar with open-source and creative attribution, as we all are, but I think that it’s only fair that we make a clear distinction between a *derivative* work vs a *new design*…If Chevy makes a car with bucket seats one year, and Ford implements bucket seats the next year, no one would accuse Ford of “ripping off” Chevy’s design. It would be kinda silly actually. This is just the way the marketplace responds to the desires of consumers and in response to the competition. Neither company invented the bucket seat, so it’s silly to suggest that one is a “derivitive” work of the other.Conversely, if Ford designed a car directly (or even parially) from Chevy’s blueprints, then that where there’s infringement, and that’s where the difference lies. It’s pretty black and white.If I’d used Jack’s design of the Papilio One (i.e. his schematics, etc) when creating AlienCortex AV, then sure… I’d expect to get some heat about it. But that’s just it… I didn’t… and he knows it, and I’m confident in being able to defend that on every level. The funny thing is that no one ever is willing to bring this discussion to the technical/design level.. because that’s where the opposing arguments fall apart.Jack has never actually shown that *any* aspect of AlienCortex’s design that was derived from any of his work, but instead only uses very “suggestive” twitters using catch-phrases like “There are troubling similarities… You decide”I’ve actually come to think that he might do well working for a political campaign advertising firm, because these are methods that come right from the playbook on how to run a negatively suggestive ad campaign in an attempt to smear a political opponent (or in this case, a product or it’s developer) with techniques like these.What he knows is that by merely planting a *suggestion* with someone who might be a potential backer on Kickstarter or a potential future vendor might be just enough to keep them from doing so. He also hopes that he *might* drive a little more traffic to his site at the same time because he couples each of his innuendoes with a little info on his product and a link to his website.It’s a shrewd business decision driven by the fact that he sees AlienCortex AV as a threat to his sales. If you read carefully, his phrasing, word choice, everything is specifically intended mislead, but always falls just short of a direct accusation of wrongdoing… because he knows that this could have legal implications since it he wouldn’t be able to back that up. nature of his attacks is very… only that they will negatively impact the image of me and my product, and potentially boost his own sales.Here’s another shady technique he’s used to mislead: The use of some statements where he uses the word “fact”, closely intermingled with statements that are only strongly suggestive, but for which he can provide no basis for. This is a technique used by lawyers in courtrooms and advertisers on TV everyday. Mix a fact or two in closely enough with innuendo and most people will interpret them as the same. In reality, this nothing short of deception.Jack states that I was new to FPGAs about a year ago. He’s absolutely right, but as all of us who work in technology related fields are aware, it becomes increasingly easy to grasp new concepts as you gain expertise, only because you acquired a core base of understanding over time of the fundamentals. My point being that I already had about 25 years of very in depth experience with computers and electronics before working with FPGAs. This made it easy to learn about FPGAs. In addition to that, I was already a very fluent Delphi/Pascal programmer, and the syntax of VHDL was based in Pascal… so yes… I learned FPGAs rapidly given my past experience.Jack suggested that I had minimal PCB layout skills. This one’s actually plain false. The fact is that I’d even successfully designed two products prior to working with him… one is an MSP430 based modem used by a major European telecommunications company to bridge old-style Telex devices over to the Internet. (I designed the hardware for the device, and an associate designed the firmware.) I’d even personally built over 250 of these by hand. (One is even displayed in the Alien Autopsy photos on Kickstarter).The other product (which never made it to the marketplace, but was indeed a functional design) was a cheap $100 adapter I’d invented that allowed you to use a standard fax machine as a front-end for fax services like EFax and other fax-to-email type services. It was actually pretty cool, but was made obsolete by an IP fax protocol (T.38) that came out before I was ready to market it.What it all boils down to is the fact is that I could have stuck a Spartan 3e chip on a watermelon, and Jack would be crying foul if it gained traction in the marketplace.Fundamentally, this whole discussion has nothing to do with accrediting someone or not accrediting them, deservedly or not.It boils down to the fact that AlienCortex AV quickly gained a lot of attention and traction because it’s an innovative product that satisfies a consumer demand in the marketplace for an easy to use platform for FPGAs, and Jack sees this as a potential threat to his sales.His reaction *should* be to recognize those things that people like about AlienCortex AV and strive to find a way to make his products more competitive in the marketplace as a result.I’m a firm believer in the idea that competition is what causes innovation to thrive in the marketplace… and I’d encourage him to design something totally awesome to keep me on my toes for AlienCortex AV 2.0 :-)Thanks,Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410160",
"author": "H3llphyre",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T03:45:49",
"content": "General comment, I love that FPGAs are making their way into the DIY crowd.On the drama… it’s open source. If someone wasn’t using your design, THAT would be the insult.Plus, this is *HACK*aday… geez, come on…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410307",
"author": "Gil",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T15:18:13",
"content": "Yes it’s open source, but Brian should at least acknowledge everything he has learn from the Papilio project..Gil",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410341",
"author": "Jack Gassett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T17:47:38",
"content": "The issue is very clear cut, Bryan is doing a LOT of talking when all he has to do is simply release his Alien Cortex design and we will be able to tell in 10 minutes if it is in violation of the Creative Commons license or not.Come on Bryan, is your design Open Source or not? Release your circuit board design and lets put this all to rest.My only concern is that the Alien Cortex is violating the Creative Commons license by not giving the Papilio any attribution, lets not muddy the waters with anything else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410393",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:18:53",
"content": "Jack,With regard to the license for AlienCortex’s hardware and software, it’s a good question, as it is important for Kickstarter backers (and potential backers) to know if AlienCortex AV is to be an open-sourced or closed-source design…The policies of “if”, “when”, and “how” various aspects of the AlienCortex AV platform will be released were decided upon a few months ago prior to the launch on Kickstarter.The intention is both to give back to the open-source community, but also reasonably protect the interests of a new business and a new platform in it’s infancy:Cores that include open-source code will naturally be fully open-sourced as AlienCortex AV ships, as they should be.Commercial cores that are licensed from a third party for use with the AlienCortex AV platform will not be open-sourced. (This doesn’t apply to any of the currently announced cores).Core-Pack will remain closed source, as it will also be used as a means to protect commercial cores and applications that may be included free or offered at a discount by third parties to AlienCortex AV users.Files for AlienCortex AV and other Fabulous Silicon hardware designs will be released either in a “hopscotch” fashion (meaning that one is released as another product is released) or may be released even sooner… at least with regard to schematics, but with a later for PCB layouts. (Basically similar to the way x0xb0x was initially released.)So to answer your question… yes, it will end up being open-sourced, but on a schedule that provides a reasonable moratorium to protect it from early cloning.-Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410396",
"author": "Robin Debreuil",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T21:31:14",
"content": "Hi Bryan,Would you be ok with a third party reviewing your board designs, say someone from hack-a-day, to confirm they are not based on the Papilio?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410403",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T22:09:47",
"content": "Hi Robin,That’s a great idea! Absolutely! :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410457",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T02:15:28",
"content": "I think it’s also fair to ask from my end that upon confirmation of my design’s originality, Jack agree to promptly delete *all* twitter comments and other misleading statements that make any reference to AlienCortex AV, Fabulous Silicon, or even this thread, and go about his own business without further ado.Additionally, I would also respectfully put in a request to hack-a-day that this comment thread be purged of all the drama once this is settled, and be returned to what it should be… a discussion about a new FPGA-based development platform.Jack, I do have a lot of respect for you and your products, (although this experience might lead me to suggest other methods of how to respond to competition in the marketplace… ;-) ) Despite all that, I think you’re a great engineer, innovator, and *still* (despite all of what’s transpired) would even recommend the Papilio One as a great Spartan breakout board for someone looking for a board in that price range.But for the amount of time I’ve spent designing AlienCortex AV (which is really all I’ve done since January), creating it’s tools, and building relationships with third parties who are also backing this platform, I really think I deserve a fair opportunity to bring this board to the marketplace without being given this obstacle course of this kind of online harassment that I’ve had to endure from you on Twitter that started two days after it was launched, and now on hack-a-day. I think you also probably know that it’s time for this to stop.Robin, please email me atbryan@fabuloussilicon.com(or even as a comment…) to provide me any details as to how you’d like to arrange a review of the design files… and I also thank you for being the one to provide a clear solution to all this.Thanks,Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410659",
"author": "Jack Gassett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T14:58:16",
"content": "Bryan, this is not about nor ever has been about blocking or harassing a competitor. It’s a little arrogant to think that the Alien Cortex is the only board that has come along that is “competition” for the Papilio. What about the excellent Xess Xula board? Or James Bowmans excellent Gameduino? Or the commercial offerings like the Avnet and Digilent boards? I am an FPGA enthusiast, I am excited to see new boards come onto the market. As each one of these boards come onto the market I simply think, “Wow, I want one of those!”. Ask James Bowman, we shared a table at Maker Faire. I shared every piece of advice and knowledge that I had learned from the Papilio with James. I was promoting his board just as much as I was the Papilio. I want his Open Source FPGA project to flourish, even if it means people will choose his board over the Papilio.The difference is that these other projects understand and respect Open Source, you do not. Open Source is about working together to make new and unique things. Building off others work and adding something of value to that work while providing attribution and transparency. It’s NOT about taking an Open Source design, making it into what you always wanted it to be, not releasing the source, not providing attribution, and then presenting it as your own work to make a couple bucks.The Gameduino source is available, the Xula source is available, and the Papilio source is available. These hard working Open Source developers have not needed “protection during their infancy”, the designs have been available from the beginning. There should be no need for a third party review, anyone should be able to look and decide for themselves.Lets be clear, this is about what is admittedly a closed source design possibly violating an Open Source Creative Commons license. Until you release your design it has to be considered closed source, period.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410685",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T16:10:09",
"content": "Jack,I just agreed yesterday to a thorough evaluation of all my design files, and I did so because I know that it will put this issue to rest, and show undeniably that this is not “based off your work”.Let it go dude. You’re pursuing this to everyone’s detriment, and you’ve locked on to this because for you, it somehow something personal.You have yet to cite a *SINGLE* example of how you believe I’ve infringed on your design.Now here’s really the truly ridiculous part of your argument that may not be evident to the casual observer… The Papilio One is fundamentally a BREAKOUT BOARD for a chip. It’s primary purpose is to route the i/o pins of a Spartan Chip to headers. That’s it!And the hysterical part is that I DON’T EVEN DO THAT… All the I/O is either directly tied to the SSRAM chip, or pass through voltage level translators. How can you POSSIBLY suggest that there’s similarity?What’s more is that AlienCortex AV DOESN’T EVEN USE THE SAME SPARTAN 3E CHIP PACKAGE.By that alone It is IMPOSSIBLE that this would have even been close to a derivative design. That’s why this is all so totally absurd.You gotta give it up man… Seriously. You’re trying to pick a way and attack me from every angle to find something that isn’t there.-Bryan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410706",
"author": "James Bowman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T17:13:52",
"content": "Yep, confirming Jack and I shared table at Maker Faire and Jack is a maker who is totally into sharing his work and knowledge with others, even with people whose products overlap his. Which is all the more impressive when you consider that this is Jack’s livelihood, not a side thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410756",
"author": "Bryan Pape",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:50:44",
"content": "Hi James,Everyone who’s shown up on this thread in support of Jack over this issue has had a pre-existing relationship with him, and in most cases were likely asked directly by Jack to post here.I’m the new guy on the block with a new product. Jack has lots of “clout” in this scene, and it’s made it very easy for him to “rally the troops” against me and AlienCortex AV.Understand that I’m totally about being open and sharing as well… In fact I used to teach for that very reason… but gimme a break… lol… it’s only been just over *two weeks* since AlienCortex AV launched on Kickstarter. I haven’t even had the *slightest* opportunity to establish even a *thread* of history with the community with regard to “openness and sharing”, and I’ve made it quite clear what my intentions are for release of the AlienCortex AV design.Instead, everyone’s being rallied up and pit against me because of some sort of open-source “witch hunt” incited by a competitor of mine who doesn’t like a little bit of competition.You should also know that I think that the Gameduino is a terrific project, and I’ve been very particular in making sure that you and the Gameduino have full recognition as a contributing factor in the development of the Xtreme-G core. I would think that is clearly demonstrative of my desire to give attribution when it’s appropriate and deserved. Furthermore, I’ve also made it clear as day that the Alien Xtreme-G core will be released open source. So what gives?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.18927
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/10000-year-clock-sounds-like-an-indiana-jones-flick-makes-us-wonder-if-were-being-trolled/
|
10,000 Year Clock Sounds Like An Indiana Jones Flick – Makes Us Wonder If We’re Being Trolled
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"clock hacks"
] |
[
"10000 year clock",
"chime",
"limestone",
"long now",
"mountain"
] |
So you hear that someone is building a clock that will run for 10,000 years and you think ‘oh, that’s neat’. Then you start looking into it and realize that it’s being built on a mountain-sized scale in a remote part of the US and things start to get a bit strange. As much as it might sound like a Sci-Fi novel (or some creative trolling), the Long Now Foundation is in the process of building and installing
a clock that will chime once per year for the next ten millennia
.
The clock, currently under construction will be over 200 feet tall, residing in a shaft drilled in a limestone mountain in West Texas. The allusion to [Indian Jones] sprung to mind when we read that the shaft will be drilled from the top down, then have a shaft with a robot arm installed to mill a spiral staircase into the stone walls. And this isn’t the only clock planned; a second site in Nevada has already been purchased.
There are a lot of interesting features, not the least of them is a ‘chime engine’ that plays a unique tune each year that will never be repeated again. [Alex] sent us the original tip to
a Wired article that covers the project
in incredible detail. But we also found a SETI talks video that runs for an hour. You’ll find that embedded after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nphxoUxSvgY&w=470]
| 54
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409302",
"author": "mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:08:32",
"content": "great so in 10,000 years, future generations will think the world is gonna end. great idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409304",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:15:28",
"content": "Please say it`s under Arduino control :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409306",
"author": "Jeremy Streich",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:19:35",
"content": "mike, I was thinking the same thing… :p",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409307",
"author": "Torque",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:26:45",
"content": "Exactly, 2012, 2012!!!Nice.I’ve seen this on a documentary years ago, butnice to see it get some exposure.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409310",
"author": "drewmerc",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:29:21",
"content": "gotta love a big pointless monolith",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409314",
"author": "m",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:35:15",
"content": "It is certainly not a troll, and it is to my mind one of the most beautiful and meaningful public art projects in history. Fascinating engineering and a very important concept all in one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409315",
"author": "David M.",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:35:20",
"content": "The Neal Stephenson book “Anathem” features a future monastery of monks that run such a clock.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409318",
"author": "moggie100",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:42:10",
"content": "It’ll be one heck of an anticlimax on the 10001st year: “wait for it…” “oh.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409319",
"author": "E in MD",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:42:17",
"content": "They featured it on ‘Life After People’. It’s just a prototype and it requires humans to wind it. The eventual live version was supposed to last ten thousand years. But the prototype won’t.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409320",
"author": "ss",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:44:11",
"content": "And… why is this a hack? running out of good articles lately? ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409323",
"author": "vonskippy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:53:47",
"content": "“Why is this a hack?”Because they took a nice, useful mountain and turned it into a pointless, piece-o-crap.Ah, so it’s a Steampunk hack.Bwahahahahahaha.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409324",
"author": "Rayday",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:54:42",
"content": "If the power goes out, will it flash 12:00 for the next 10,000 years?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409325",
"author": "groogs",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:58:16",
"content": "In thousands of years, archaeologists will discover this thing and theorize about why some ancient mysterious civilization would build such a device, and try to figure out what it was for, much like we do now with the pyramids, Stonehenge, etc. Building this elaborate, large complex structure is nothing but trolling future civilizations!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409337",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:36:29",
"content": "Not just anyone it was Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon.http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-amazoncom-founder-year-clock.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409342",
"author": "silvesterstillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:55:08",
"content": "@vonskippyYou just made my day 10,000 years better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409343",
"author": "cmos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:57:16",
"content": "ACK@ David M.Thought first of “Anathem” as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409361",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:40:41",
"content": "And you know in 10,001 years the damn thing will break and when you call customer support they’ll tell you, “Sorry, its our of warranty.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409366",
"author": "David",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:48:21",
"content": "Sounds like this could be one hell of a remake (on a smaller scale of course), just wish I had the know how and id have ago.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409373",
"author": "gmcurrie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:10:09",
"content": "@Hirudinea“Have you tried switching it off and on again?”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409374",
"author": "Strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:13:17",
"content": "I wonder if it weighs as much as say…a bag of sand?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409375",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:16:57",
"content": "Someone is thinking economical there. This will be a Times Square ball drop murderer. Every year people will flock to these clocks, stay in a fancy hotel, get shitfaced, strip for beads, and leave the place trashed January 1st until some other tourist attraction is made in low earth orbit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409380",
"author": "kalleguld",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:29:56",
"content": "@ss: And… why is this a hack?Because they are planning on building something mechanical that is planned to work for thousands of years. Because it is a marvel of engineering beauty, yet devoid of economic rationality. Because it will be our only intelligible trace beside from co2 and heavy metals.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409383",
"author": "Volfram",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:39:52",
"content": "I’m trying to remember if I’ve ever seen Vonskippy say anything besides how the latest Hackaday post is somehow not a hack, or sucks, or is worthless or doesn’t belong on this site. Has he ever done anything worthwhile here?Or in his entire life, for that matter.I, for one, think this is awesome, and hope to visit some time. Think about it. We dig up stuff people made five thousand years ago. Five thousand years from now, someone will find these clocks, and they’ll say “Somebody BUILT this.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409385",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:44:06",
"content": "@zacadee16Not quite. They don’t want people visiting it en masse so they’re not even planning to build roads to the mountain. That’s part of the goal of having it last 10,000 years without being vandalised into oblivion.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409396",
"author": "Philippe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T00:40:16",
"content": "Beware of the Y10K bug.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409401",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:08:10",
"content": "That would be something like Y12K, but even that isn’t very accurate. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409425",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T02:40:50",
"content": "psh, i could definitely do that with an arduino.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409441",
"author": "Kuangmk11",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T04:07:47",
"content": "@Simon heard of burning man?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409445",
"author": "bicboii",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T04:35:11",
"content": "It is honeywell thermostat for climate of earth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409456",
"author": "Insipid Melon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T06:22:34",
"content": "Keeping it secret would probably be the most important part of having it last 10000 years.(Ok, that’s not true; having it last the lifetime of the builder with him completely convinced it will last the full 10k is the most important. If it explodes the year after he dies, he will have no less satisfaction than if it goes on for another million.)Society is not stable on a ten millennium time scale. At some point it will be scrapped, vandalized, replaced, etc. You’ll have someone show up like Herostratus, who burned down the Temple of Artemis just so that he would be remembered as the guy who burned down the temple of Artemis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409458",
"author": "treefrogjohnson09",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T06:26:34",
"content": "I agree that this would be a beautiful monolith left to future discovery, and a testament to engineering with the long-term in mind, something I find woefully missing in our disposable-everything society.However, we’re missing an incredibly important detail here. If you’re going to build something to last 10,000 years, why the hell would you put it in a mountain of LIMESTONE? Yeah, it’s easier to cut than granite, but limestone is going to erode away much more quickly. Maybe 10,000 years isn’t enough to make a difference in that limestone, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Unless that’s what they’re going for. “And over thousands of years, the mountain eroded away to reveal a giant sphere at its core, which many believed to be the source of all creation…”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409485",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:39:44",
"content": "@Simon: Really? Then how come the first thing you see on their page is:“The full scale 10,000 Year Clock is now under construction. While there is no completion date scheduled, we do plan to open it to the public once it is ready.”If they do open it to the public, I’m definitely expecting some kind of road to be there, and besides, once you are public, how many will show up to see it is kinda out of your hands.Unfortunately though, I tend to agree with the view that on that sort of timescale it will either be a) completely forgotten or b) destroyed during some large-scale historical event or by J. Random Lunatic way before it runs out of warranty…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409498",
"author": "sacha",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T09:39:04",
"content": "Nuclear E-INK clock would have been easier to make :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409528",
"author": "ENKI-][",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:14:47",
"content": "You have to remember that the Long Now Society is a group of transhumanists who think that the secret to immortality (or at least functional immortality) will be discovered in their lifetimes — hence the term ‘long now’. They don’t expect their children to be using this; they expect to use the ten millennium gongs as an alarm clock.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409555",
"author": "Techrat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:34:08",
"content": "And in 100 years after the fence around it has fallen down, some kids will vandalize the whole thing and it will be gone. Or in 50 years, people will steal the gears and other parts as they are valuable metals.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409563",
"author": "Happy Heyoka",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:58:52",
"content": "@kalleguld – yup!bearings that will last for 10000 years?lubricants?I’m not even sure that semiconductors we build now would last the duration…@Insipid Melon – Taliban and Buddhas of Bamiyan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409571",
"author": "Time_Traveling_Dude",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T14:56:43",
"content": "@DavidThe plans and mechanical details and everything are available on the cock’s website,http://longnow.org/clock/prototype1/the long now foundation embraces ideas of long term thinking and considering consequences not just generations but thousands of years away. This clock is a time piece designed to withstand such a time scale and still function with minimal human interaction when these time scales are realized.When im from, the church of the clock is very popular.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409584",
"author": "sidusnare",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:40:22",
"content": "This closk has one hell of a major design flaw. It assumes you will always be able to see the sun at noon from that mountain. There are many likely scenarios within the span of 10,000 years that would occlude the sky and it would stop.Seriously, think about it, we might not make is the next 100 years without nuking us all to hell",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409586",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:51:52",
"content": "vonskippy=definatly a user, definatly not a maker",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409607",
"author": "The Steven",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:22:59",
"content": "And Brian Eno is in on it as well…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409612",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:42:18",
"content": "I think they should include dials for the visible planets like the Antikhytera device. Will it compensate for precession?Maybe they should include a copy of Stonehenge, the Mayan calendar disk, the Rosetta Stone and that solar “dagger” on the indian reservation just to further confuse future archeologists, oh yeah, and the Book of Mormon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409640",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T18:49:39",
"content": "Great!People are starving, living in the street, dont have water, ect. ect. And this guys paying ridiculous amounts of cash for a 10000 year clock!really?good one",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409667",
"author": "charlie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:00:27",
"content": "I hope they aren’t basing the year’s end on our current calender. Something of this magnitude needs to invoke the natural timekeeping of our earth’s cycle and the sun.And it won’t have to share the occasion with the dropping of the ball at Times Square.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409668",
"author": "haineux",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:00:59",
"content": "There is no project so good, no idea so correct that some anonymous twit can’t make fun of it on a web board.Here’s their website:http://longnow.org/You can read their reasons that they think it’s a good idea. If you disagree,do your own damn hack, send it in here, and I’ll be glad to applaud you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409743",
"author": "IJ dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:27:23",
"content": "@tim=Oh no people spending their own money their own way, that should be illegle!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409797",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T03:22:23",
"content": "“I cannot imagine the future, but I care about it. I know I am a part of a story that starts long before I can remember and continues long beyond when anyone will remember me. I sense that I am alive at a time of important change, and I feel a responsibility to make sure that the change comes out well. I plant my acorns knowing that I will never live to harvest the oaks.”******************Plant the trees already",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409798",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T03:25:17",
"content": "Crap it sent itself…“I cannot imagine the future, but I care about it. I know I am a part of a story that starts long before I can remember and continues long beyond when anyone will remember me. I sense that I am alive at a time of important change, and I feel a responsibility to make sure that the change comes out well. I plant my acorns knowing that I will never live to harvest the oaks.”Just plant the trees, but make them tree that will feed people, and where the people can take the fruit for free.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409799",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T03:39:19",
"content": "So who owns the mountain? This is going to keep some question eternal. Who built it? Why did they build it? Why eas a society capable of building it, not capable of surviving?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409868",
"author": "undead_engineer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T10:50:55",
"content": "Voyager and other interstellar space probes will outlive this clock for sure. Probably outlive even the earth, with cool oldstyle core memory on board.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410086",
"author": "MikeK",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T23:06:17",
"content": "And after how many years will it just fall into disrepair? This project sounds like talentless art students at work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,158.947182
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/repaired-microwave-keypad-looks-as-good-as-new/
|
Repaired Microwave Keypad Looks As Good As New
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"Repair Hacks"
] |
[
"keypad",
"matrix",
"microswitch",
"microwave",
"repair"
] |
Instructables user [Rohit]
had an out-of-warranty microwave with a broken membrane keypad
. Much like
our friend [Alexandre]
from Brazil, he found the cost of replacement parts beyond reasonable, so he had to find a way to repair it instead.
He disassembled the front cover of his microwave to get at the main controller board. Once it was detached, he removed the keypad’s cover to get a closer look at the matrix underneath. While taking notes on how the matrix was wired, he found that some keypad traces connected to other traces rather than buttons. He says that they are likely used by the microwave to detect that the keypad is present, so he made sure to short those traces out on the controller board when he wired everything back together.
He replaced the aging keypad with microswitches, but rather than mount them on the front panel of the microwave, he drilled holes for each switch so that he could mount them inside the face plate. Once everything was wired and glued in place, he re-mounted the keypad’s cover. Now the microwave looks stock but has firm, reliable, user-serviceable buttons that are sure to last quite a while.
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409336",
"author": "monster",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:35:51",
"content": "wonder how user serviceable it actually is with all that glue on each button. if he cracks that plastic removing a failed switch he’ll have nothing to mount the new one to",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409345",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:59:43",
"content": "It’s hot glue. You just reheat it and it melts again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409368",
"author": "Rachel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:57:32",
"content": "Those aren’t microswitches. They’re tactile PCB buttons, which are far less reliable. In fact, they use the exact same internal mechanism as membrane switches.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409405",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:24:56",
"content": "Nice retrofit. I bet it outlasts the original keypad. One suggestion: Some form of backing material to reinforce the glued-down micro-switch buttons. Otherwise, they are likely to be pushed-out eventually. (A stiff piece of cardboard may suffice.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409408",
"author": "ejonesss",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:29:20",
"content": "most stuff today is throw away.microwave, window air conditioner many cooking appliances all made to be thrown in the garbage after a couple of yearsthe fact you fixed yours shows you intend to keep your microwave for a while longer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409426",
"author": "Rohit Mahajan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T02:50:48",
"content": "Thanks for the kind words and feedback gang! It was at 8 views yesterday, today it’s past 800! :D@monster- That’s exactly why I went for hot melt glue… easily removable. Like Elias said, you just reheat it. I have an old soldering iron that could do the job.@Rachel- Those are DEFINITELY microswitches. I checked!@j8g8j- The front label and the face plate itself stop it from being pushed further in. I did consider making a PCB and mounting the buttons, but then it was a lot of work for little gains.@ejonesss- Certainly! Better keep filling my tummy than go to the landfill!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409474",
"author": "veneficus",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:13:13",
"content": "Total of 22 microswitches, if each cost $0.25, the total repair (not counting the labor) would cost $5.50, not bad at all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409478",
"author": "Rohit Mahajan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:19:14",
"content": "@veneficus- Actually, I got 25 buttons for 25 bucks- that’s equal to fifty cents! Of course, if you were to add the cost of solder and hot glue, it would only be marginally higher. But still less than 1/8th the cost of a new membrane, not including labour. Not too bad since I see it as entertainment rather than labour :D Fixing things amuses me :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409495",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T09:11:00",
"content": "Ever since the egregious concept of “planned obsolescence” came up, products are built to last not a second longer than what consumers still consider as acceptable. Nobody ever builds anything anymore to last as long as possible.They realized a long time ago there’s no money to be made that way, and having a great reputation for endurance and quality nowhere near measures up to the money that can be made by selling a slightly cheaper thing 3-4 times to the consumer in the same time frame he might otherwise have to buy just one.Take a good look around, and you’ll notice that every single business entity today would much prefer you (and tries his best to get you) to _rent_ stuff from him as a subscriber rather then _buy_ and never pay again (as long as the product keeps working). From banks to mobile providers, music stores, and yes, even OSes (MS would love that). Nothing beats a guaranteed steady revenue stream, innit?So there’s nothing to be surprised about really. But I do find this approach devious and immoral and I fight it every time I can. Much like the featured DIYer here did – nice job of keeping that oven in service!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409579",
"author": "Rohit Mahajan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:25:04",
"content": "@Mad Max- There was no question whether it could be serviced- the parts were in stock. But I, too, am against the concept of making something that only works a while, and maximises profits. Membranes are easier and cheaper to manufacture and fit than buttons.Plus it’s fun to add something custom to your stuff :) It’s like that saying… the journey is better than the destination. But, as hackaday readers know, precious few reasons are needed to open up something and see how it works :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409717",
"author": "sun god",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:04:52",
"content": "Okay SO I have a Jeep Key Fob that doesn’t work. The rubber pads have seemed to worn out. When I take a flat screw driver and short the contacts for a button everything works just fine.I was thinking of installing micro push buttons on the pcb, any other ideas. I’ve tried cleaning the contacts with Alcohol no luck. The rubber pads arn’t metalic anymore.Maybe I should start a thread in the Forums.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409788",
"author": "Rohit Mahajan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T02:44:24",
"content": "This idea would work…. but keep in mind that you’ll need to keep the key fob water-proof as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410126",
"author": "cutandpaste",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T02:07:03",
"content": "For conductive rubber membrane keypads, of all kinds (from Motorola Centracom dispatch consoles to key fobs, and probably microwave ovens, too):I have had a 100% rate of success using Deoxit DN5 to just clean up the rubber and the contacts a bit. Squish the fluid around with on the contact area with a Q-tip to slightly abrade and absorb things, wipe up the remaining mess (if you feel like it), reassemble, and it works like new.Every. Single. Time.Lesser methods (pencil eraser, alcohol, Windex, conventional contact cleaner, sand paper, whatever) have been far less effective, in my experience, than a quick shot of DN5.I bought a can of Deoxit DN5 5 or 6 years ago, and it’s finally getting to the point that I’ll need to replace it — it doesn’t take much to get it done.(Nope, I don’t work for them, or sell the stuff. It’s just my experience.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410347",
"author": "Rohit Mahajan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T18:10:14",
"content": "@cutandpaste- That sound interesting, I’ll have to look up if it’s available locally.The problem with this one was not with the matrix itself- it was the ribbon cable. No easy and reliable way to fix it… the tracks were broken, and covered with a plastic layer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410914",
"author": "Alexandre Souza",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T03:26:21",
"content": "Congratulations for the nice job!!! But if I were you, I’d put the switches in a perfoboard behind the panel, so it would be stiffer and you could press it without being afraid of ungluing a buttom.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.312666
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/3-axis-plotter-made-from-spare-parts/
|
3 Axis Plotter Made From Spare Parts
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"cnc",
"mach3",
"plotter"
] |
The plotter featured above
was, according to the author, made almost entirely of salvaged parts. In addition to what he had accumulated, only $20 in parts was needed to complete this build. Pretty good considering the thousands of dollars that a new plotter goes for.
Control of all axes is accomplished using unipolar stepper motors. In this case only one unipolar motor was available along with two bipolar motors. [Lovro] actually hacked these into a unipolar setup to save costs on the build.
Mach3
control software along with a parallel port is used to control the steppers. A similar “junk” setup could be used to power a CNC mill or laser engraver, so think twice before tossing that old printer in the trash! Check out the video of this plotter in action after the break! Also, see this hack for a similar
laser engraving machine
using Mach3 control software.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XcvXbbDQNw&w=470&h=349%5D
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409188",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:27:03",
"content": "Very nice pen holder/actuator!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409198",
"author": "fco",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:41:50",
"content": "http://hackaday.com/2010/03/31/cnc-plotter-from-old-parts-2/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409204",
"author": "Justin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T14:19:17",
"content": "Thousands of dollars for new plotters? Do they even make them anymore? Used ones can be found for less than $100.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409208",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T14:27:28",
"content": "Excellent design. You should offer closeup pictures and greater detail on how the hardware was put together. Pics of how the different pieces fit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409232",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:00:43",
"content": "@justin – think they’re still fairly common in large engineering drawing applications.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409234",
"author": "Nardella",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:05:49",
"content": "As with most plotter videos, this one was worth watching.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409257",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T17:28:54",
"content": "I haven’t seen a plotter used for engineering drawings in years. Instead, they use large ink jet printers that look very much like the plotters they replaced.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409292",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:39:14",
"content": "Nice bit of creative WEEE recycling.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409391",
"author": "stupid939",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T00:22:47",
"content": "I wish he gave us some specs on the driver he is using and if the price of it factors into the $20. Nice machine though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409397",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T00:57:58",
"content": "@Bill – yep, some do, some don’t.I still know of some places that use a plotter and pens to draw PCB traces for etching :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409493",
"author": "Lovro",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T09:07:38",
"content": "I was thinking about PCB etching, this would be simplest and fastest etching, just draw layout picture on PCB and throw it to acid!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409548",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:01:45",
"content": "When I was at highschool, back in the early 90s, thats exactly how it was done :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409642",
"author": "Ben Wright",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:08:23",
"content": "I have worked and visited at several mechanical design and engineering firms and I haven’t seen an old school plotter since the early 80’s. The zerox large format lazer printers spit out sheets 30×42 at less than 45 seconds each. The large format inkjet printer are a bit slower. Not as slow as that ploter – but slower. I would turn it into an engraving machine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411373",
"author": "Joshua",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T08:17:39",
"content": "I was just starting to scrounge up parts for something like this. I am going to copy your z axis :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412979",
"author": "Unclegummers",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T02:47:10",
"content": "Wow. I recently failed at this project on my own. Cannot wait for your instructions.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.412262
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/tiny-morse-code-trainer/
|
Tiny Morse Code Trainer
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"classic hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"attiny85",
"morse code"
] |
[Eric] wanted to teach his kids Morse code, so he built a
tiny Morse code trainer
.
[Eric] built the trainer around an ATtiny85, and the rest of the circuit follows this minimalist idea. After connecting a piezo beeper and 6-pin ISP header, the only thing left to do was
write a little code
and start teaching his kids Morse. The Morse trainer is programmed to repeat the message, “SOS the moon rover has broken down and I am stuck in the trash can in the garden shed,” [Eric] planted a Lego moon rover in his shed as a prize for learning Morse, making him one of the coolest dads ever.
Although learning Morse
isn’t required for an amateur radio license anymore
, it’s a requirement for continuous wave radio. We think this is a great way to learn Morse the right way – actually hearing the characters – instead of memorizing the
Huffman tree
of Morse characters.
| 18
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409175",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:32:09",
"content": "I love it! Morse is actually far easier to learn than you’d imagine. If anyone actually does want to learn Morse code, grab a character chart and check out Morse.exe onhttp://c2.com/ward/morse/morse.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409178",
"author": "tempmj",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:35:56",
"content": "Slightly off topic, but i’ve never seen an AA battery holder with 9v battery terminals on top, I love it. Anyone know where I can get one? I did some quick searching and i couldn’t find it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409181",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:44:55",
"content": "@tempmj: A lot of AA battery holders use PP9 contacts. I get mine from Farnell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409184",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:05:11",
"content": "I remember my Dad teaching me Morse code as a kid. He did it the old fashioned way, he sat down and tapped out messages to me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409186",
"author": "leafy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:15:44",
"content": "its a bit risky though, someone might connect a 9v battery to the circuit and damage it.p.s. nice project, ace dad and morse is fantastic. Didn’t it save the world in “independance day” or was it mars attacks? I forget. My dad taught me, got my 5wpm but never got to 12. Its so much easier to send fast than read fast",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409190",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:34:00",
"content": "Morse Code is one of the most effective ways for two humans to exchange information over a noisy channel. This makes it ideal for use with simple, home-built low power “QRP” radios like this:http://www.indianapolis.net/QRPp-I/pixie2.htmlYou can, of course, get a lot more sophisticated and use error-correcting codes and such, but Morse was used professionally for over 100 years, because you need nothing more than your ears and a radio to receive it in the presence of pretty sever noise.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409199",
"author": "lou eney",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:43:13",
"content": "finally a cool classic hack. I like this one a lot. If i had my way, we’d be using morse code to convey info on the itnernet",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409200",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:47:57",
"content": "Learning Morse code by light is pretty cool as well, and can be transmitted long distances.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409215",
"author": "jomegat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T15:03:31",
"content": "TAhe garbage can is a pretty terrible place to hide something. I put a snowblower part on TOP of my garbage can once, and my son dutifully chucked it into the can when it took it out to the road for pickup. By the time I got home, it was long gone and I had to fab a new part from scratch to revive the snowblower.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409250",
"author": "sun god",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:54:37",
"content": "Travels By; smoke, sound, light, also in time by writing it down as your signature, etc etc.The Geek in me has always wanted to learn Morse code, but the Bachelor in me says learning Sign Language, or Music notes, another language, etc. will get much more cHiCkS.!I’ve got Rosetta Stone Spanish, now I’m off to the Internet in search of a good PC program to learn American Sign. Last I checked there wasn’t anything but websites with info.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409284",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:16:50",
"content": "“Although learning Morse isn’t required for an amateur radio license anymore, it’s a requirement for continuous wave radio.”So knowing Morse code is a prerequisite for using Morse code?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409349",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:13:17",
"content": "Just use a sonalert, battery and key. Or swap the sonalert for an LED and resistor if the noise is keeping the grandkids awake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409384",
"author": "Darren",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:42:11",
"content": "SunGod: There’s lots of ASL material available online at such places as Youtube, for once you get some basic understanding.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409502",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T09:48:55",
"content": "…but couldn’t you beat that challenge by just scribbling down the signs you hear, then decode it with a chart? I mean that’s not exactly having learned Morse code…Anyway – cue in DIY one-key PC keyboard (it uses Morse code and it’s done with an Arduino, of course) in 3…2…1…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409592",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T16:16:08",
"content": "@sun dog: There aren’t any good ASL or signed English software according to my wife (teacher of the deaf). Find a college and audit a class or (for better results) a deaf person to tutor you or (for best results) a deaf community to work with. Just keep in mind that signed language has several dialects. What means “cabbage” in one area means “trash” in another.This is a good thing for teaching kids Morse code. Just have to keep up with it lest you forget it. I haven’t used Morse in 15 years and only remember SOS. If you have deaf or hard-of-hearing friends, I think this might be easily adaptable to use LEDs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "477876",
"author": "scruss",
"timestamp": "2011-10-11T23:10:15",
"content": "There’s a lovely morse keyer – kind of the opposite of this – using a full Arduino. I use it all the time for long-distance radio work:https://radioartisan.wordpress.com/arduino-cw-keyer/Morse can be very easily copied in software – Fldigi is a good free example – so you don’t even need to learn it to work it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "661581",
"author": "PP5VX (Bone)",
"timestamp": "2012-05-28T13:00:24",
"content": "When ALL fails morse code comes to rescue…All tech guys should learn CW, because as Eisntein says “on third war i unknow, but we use rocks and wood on the fourth”.Think abt it and do something real !Regards,Bone (PP5VX)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3314073",
"author": "Jim",
"timestamp": "2016-12-13T19:47:27",
"content": "You might also take a look at this website.http://www.learnmorsecode.com/I had never thought of it this way but this layout makes it easy to associate the sounds to the letters.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.46635
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/23/synapse-turns-your-kinect-into-a-dubstep-theremin/
|
Synapse Turns Your Kinect Into A Dubstep Theremin
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital audio hacks",
"Kinect hacks"
] |
[
"burning man",
"dubstep",
"Kinect",
"music",
"theremin"
] |
[Ryan Challinor] is part of a group constructing a display for this year’s Burning Man festival that includes the Kinect, Ableton Live, and Quartz Composer. As the programming guru of the project, he was tasked with creating a method for his partners to utilize all three products via an easy to use interface.
His application is called Synapse
and was inspired by videos he saw online of people controlling individual Dubstep beats or sound effects with the Kinect. Synapse allows you to map multiple effects to each limb, sending joint positions, hit events, and image depth data to both Ableton and Quartz Composer via OSC. The user interface looks fairly easy to work with, enabling musicians and artists to create awesome audio/visual displays using their bodies as instruments, in a very short period of time.
Check out the pair of videos below to see a brief walkthrough of the software interface as well as a quick video demonstration of what Synapse is capable of.
[via
KinectHacks
]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHCHsjxI00&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ge7RcIBWsc&w=470]
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "409141",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:11:07",
"content": "i remember being made fun of in high school for loving dubstep“random pointless geek music” lol when did it get so damn popular? lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409176",
"author": "foobar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:33:00",
"content": "@BiOzZ: so right…. i jsut heard it in a mall yesterday i just thought “WTF DubStep in my MALL ?!?!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409192",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:36:51",
"content": "i remember being made fun of in secondary school for loving D ream music, when did that get so popular!Dubstep must die, then things truly will get better!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409202",
"author": "Roman Dulgarov",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T14:11:32",
"content": "Ok, now….. only thing I wan’t to know is how long before some one… (starring at SquarEnix) designs an rpg where your spells are controlled by you in this manner. Imagine spell potency depends on your ability to make a pattern… magic rune kind of thing can use a wand I guess but this would be better. you could target direction too probably.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409248",
"author": "JadedEvan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:37:59",
"content": "Well, at least this might be a little more interesting to watch than all the knob tweakers and their MIDI controllers? A *little* more movement.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409293",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:40:16",
"content": "leo theremin is wobbling around in his grave",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409297",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:46:37",
"content": "@zuulLMFAO",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409369",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:58:16",
"content": "this would benefit from drum and bass",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409372",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T23:08:44",
"content": "What I want is a device that eliminates all dubstep soundwaves within a three mile radius!@Grovenstein,if you are talking about the same D ream as i’m thinking of, the keyboardist is now a professor of physics at Manchester university and is basically never off the BBC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409509",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T10:52:33",
"content": "@twopartepoxy Yes, yes I am it Prof. Brian Cox the ultimate geek!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430407",
"author": "Paul from Dubstep guides and software",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T11:42:36",
"content": "Wow this will really change live performances if it catches on. Would be completely different to staring at an artist behind a computer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "452371",
"author": "dubstep",
"timestamp": "2011-09-11T00:23:30",
"content": "Is there a tool like kinect, but only for a pc? I don’t have an xbox or any other console, because i prefer pc. I want a gadget like this on a pc! :/. Any ideas?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.359389
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/puncture-resistant-bike-tires-from-old-seatbelts/
|
Puncture Resistant Bike Tires From Old Seatbelts
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"bike",
"inner tube",
"ride flat",
"tires"
] |
[Nicolás] often rides his bike in the city, and on more than one occasion
has ended up with a flat tire
. A flat tire might not sound like a big deal, but imagine if you are a few miles from your destination and running late – now your day has gone from bad to worse.
He was contemplating how he might protect his bike’s tires from being punctured by glass and other debris, when he came across some old car seat belts that used to serve as straps for various messenger bags. He pulled the tires off his bike and after removing the inner tubes, he unrolled the seat belts inside the wheels. The belts were cut to size, then the tubes were reinserted into the wheels and inflated as normal.
He hasn’t run into any glass shards just yet, but [Nicolás] is betting that the reinforced nylon mesh of the seat belts will keep his tubes safe whenever he does.
[via
Make
]
| 71
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408903",
"author": "dannyid",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:06:07",
"content": "I’m curious how this rides. Seems like it might come out lumpy and awkward. Is it smooth?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408909",
"author": "SteveG",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:16:48",
"content": "nothing new, but interesting choice of material. most places that sell bikes have protective liners that are inserted the same way described in the article. I am a heavy rider and same treatment on my tires has resulted in no flats for several years now. and if you live in new orleans, you know the condition of the roads there =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408916",
"author": "obsoehollerith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:34:23",
"content": "Hey, years back, l was stuck in the (one of the) armpits of the earth- Pendleton, 0regon.This place was probably one of the planet’s test facilities for noxious flora (and then some). My bike was given the task of the usual too early, and too late few miles from home and my armpit job. l have no idea what this certain bicycle-specific piece of plant design was really called, but we just called them ‘goat heads’. for their particular tank trap design par excellance. each and every day, when it was time to go home, l pumped up another puncture,to be fixed at home after work. Before that, l never had any idea just how many patches could be put on a tube. Kinda looked like leprosy after awhile",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3785904",
"author": "Logan Cummins",
"timestamp": "2017-07-18T15:04:20",
"content": "Goatheads (and that is what most from Southern California to Texas call them) are NASTY! They are proof that nature can build an armored micro-sticker capable of punching through Kevlar on a whim! Believe it or not, after TONS of failures from Tuffy liners to Rhinodillo liners, I made my own that actually worked! The problem is the plastic they use. All the liners are using Urethane. Forget that, use PET (Polyethylene). Simply go to the store, buy 1-qty 2-liter soda per tire you need a liner in. Make sure the soda is a flat-wall bottle, like a Pepsi or Mt. Dew (sorry, Coke won’t work on this one). Now, cut the top off and bottom off, until all you have is a straight cylinder of plastic. Now, take a marker and draw a spiral line around the bottle – I use a compass, so my width stays standard as I spiral around the bottle body. You can get a strip out to about 85-inches (around 28…maybe 29″ diameter tire) out of one bottle. Now, make sure you use some 200-grit sandpaper and knock all those edges down, so they don’t pinch or cut the tube. Then, just put them into the tire and re-assemble. Costs $10 less than a commercial liner, 10x tougher than any liner you can buy, no significant weight gain on the bike, and I personally can’t tell a lot of ‘harder ride’ quality either. I have YET to have a goathead puncture this liner!",
"parent_id": "408916",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408918",
"author": "Perry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:42:32",
"content": "I did a similar thing except with 2 layers of ducktape and that worked a charm, so with seatbelts instead…man thats one puncture resistant bi*ch",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408924",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:58:51",
"content": "Great idea! I would go one step further and use slime in addition to the belted tires.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408927",
"author": "DeadlyFoez",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:08:30",
"content": "Great Stuff Foam FTW!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408928",
"author": "cliff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:09:51",
"content": "Yeah we have goat heads down in New Mexico and they will easily puncture not only a bike tire but, small trailer tires and 4 wheeler tires, that green slime works wonders.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408930",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:12:00",
"content": "I wonder if you could use some sort of metal mesh, like chain maille. The downside would be if THAT had a problem, it would probably do the puncturing of your tire from the inside.@Scott,Slime is awful if you don’t ride for a while and it all settles in one spot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408933",
"author": "mark g",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:18:06",
"content": "This might work, but increasing the rotational mass of your wheels increases the work required to ride, especially during acceleration. I imagine the off the shelf options would be more efficient.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408934",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:21:44",
"content": "That looks like a lot of weight. You could almost just buy the solid inserts, we use it in all our trailers/strollers/kid stuff.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408935",
"author": "Cpt. Obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:22:04",
"content": "I got a flat because of a screw once, then repaired the inner tube and got at least 5 other flats because I didn’t repair the tire itself. In the end I just cut a piece of an old tire and put it over the hole: fixed forever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408936",
"author": "_matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:24:23",
"content": "Slime is bad, I know first hand. It dries up too fast in one spot, and doesn’t really work that well. The yellow stuff you get for car tires is much better, as it fills the hole and solidifies, and it doesn’t dry out over time inside the tube.I wish I had seat belts to do this with, then I wouldn’t have had to double up on inner tubes, or waste my money on those extremely crappy sponge tubes, the “never get a flat again” pieces of crap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408938",
"author": "penguin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:29:06",
"content": "I dont understand the application. Debris would be coming in from the outside of the tire, not the inside. These straps are placed inside the wheel… shouldnt they be placed inside the tire?o.O confused…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408946",
"author": "Chev",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:52:56",
"content": "I’m impressed, it’s a terrible solution.A thorn will go through that easily, so will debris, a nail and eventually a glass shard.I’m assuming you won’t care about the added rotational inertia, or the fact that it could potentially get wet and ruin you’re ride, (the tyre-rim assembly is not air or watertight).Get a proper tyre, or at least do it with a Kevlar strip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408947",
"author": "B",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:53:16",
"content": "Sigh. This is a classic example of people reinventing the wheel, pardon the pun. The biggest problem with this solution? Astronomical rolling resistance.Bike tires come in a variety of levels of protection. The tougher ones have thicker treads and/or kevlar linings built-in.You can also get thicker tubes, as well as puncture protective linings, and yes, “slime” that goes in the tube.If you keep getting punctures, you’re:a)Not running enough tire pressure (do you get a pair of punctures? This is from the tire bottoming out and getting cut by the rim, also called a “pinch flat”)b)Running too much tire pressure (in general, or for your weight.) If you’re on the heavy side, you should be running a wider tire, so you can thusly run a lower tire pressure. Why? The higher the tire pressure, the higher the force pushing the debris, whatever it is, against the tire. If you’re running 80PSI, that’s much less force pushing a piece of glass against the tread than if you’re running 120.If you google around, you can find size and pressure recommendations on some of the manufacturer websites (Schwalbe, Michellin, etc.)Lastly: if you have a normal chain-driven, derailleur bike…flats are no big deal. Bicycle tubes are actually quite easy to change out, and patch kits are super cheap. I carry in a small bag the lever, patches, and spare tube. In my pannier bag goes a pump (my road bike has a pump mounted to the frame.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408952",
"author": "peter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:05:00",
"content": "@Bwhat he’s done here isn’t re-inventing the wheel, it’s using stuff you’ve got lying around to solve a problem… aka hacking.the fact is that there are many debris on the road, particularly in cities, that will have no problem puncturing a tyre, even one at the perfect pressure… the advice you’ve given is relevant advice for someone who often gets punctures, but is by no means an alternative to a solution like this… also, yes there will be problems with additional rolling resistance, but to be honest, a consistent moderate problem slowing you down is far easier to deal with than getting a puncture 1 day in 10.rant over…nice idea though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408954",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:17:31",
"content": "The real fix? Use a good tire with a kevlar belt, and slime tubes. Yes, critics say a slime tube will still leak a bit. However, in my opinion, a slime tube’s purpose is to limp you home once it’s punctured.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408958",
"author": "Cas",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:29:46",
"content": "Although the idea is cheap and clever I have to agree with ‘B’ that its not ideal.I used to be a cycle courier in the city and simply buying fairly cheap (£30/pair) slick, narrow, kevlar lined tyres for my mtb saved many many punctures and kept me whizzing round the streets. In fact some evenings would be spent picking the glass out of the tread.Adding rolling resistance is a big deal if you want to be an efficient cyclist. On pure tarmac roads you are looking to reduce the weight of rims, tyres and tubes along with having a high tyre pressure and narrow tread as possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408964",
"author": "Cyberteque",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T00:28:35",
"content": "one other thing to remeber is most times when a sharp thing is going to puncture your tire, it’s the second time around that does the damage.At the bike shop I used to work, we sold these groovy things called “nail pullers”.All they were was a loop of stiff wire that mounted on the brake calliper pivot.So simple, yet so effective!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408973",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:10:33",
"content": "I could’ve done with that hack a week ago, on one of my night rides I got a puncture and had to walk back 3 miles to home, luckily the weather was pleasant but that didn’t stop my feet from complaining.The green shit in the tube didn’t help one bit, somehow a previous puncture in the innertube had opened up to 1cm long and the entire inside of the tyre was horribly slimy, the green shit then hampered the business of putting patches on as there were more than one hole that needed to be fixed.The seatbelt idea is perfect, the added weight would not hamper the ride experience as it’s an electric bike which weighs significantly more than normal bikes, and you don’t notice the extra weight when riding anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408975",
"author": "Britt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:15:29",
"content": "Hmm… I’m wondering how effective solid tires + good suspension would be?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408976",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:18:47",
"content": "Seconded on the Wire Loop “crud skimmers. They really “just work” for what they do.Slime’s a mitigation not a cure. It’s a make-do method of adding one more graceful failure mode. The layered approach of skimmer loops+some sort of Kevlar tire+an inner liner+Slime or similar flowable gunk all combines as “Risk Reduction” so to speak.The excellent hack of seatbelt material is worth some exploration as it’s “Good Enough” of a concept to warrant larger scale trials. Lest we forget- there are a LOT of folks in wheelchairs that use bike tires! They might be helped by this hack too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408981",
"author": "ehrichweiss",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:37:35",
"content": "Too bad only a few people will ever read this.. Many years ago I was replacing my inner tube and the only one the store had was “thorn resistant” to which I had to state “thorn resistant!?!? I’ve never hit a thorn and had it puncture the tire, much less the inner tube. I bought it despite the higher price and put it on my bike. Less than a week later, It proved NOT to be resistant to the 3-inch long “jesus thorns”(they look like a cross, no joke) that I ran into for the very first time. This left me stranded just as it would have if I’d bought a normal inner tube so I’m guessing I was not pleased since on top of it all, I’d used my last patch on the previous inner tube and the store was out of them when I bought the inner tube and I wasn’t expecting a flat….from a thorn..within a week…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408989",
"author": "ehrichweiss",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T02:07:40",
"content": "If someone does read this, could you explain how kevlar is supposed to prevent punctures? I know enough about kevlar from personal experience to know 1)that it can easily be cut, so glass would most definitely affect it, and 2)that kevlar vests stop bullets but they do NOT stop knives, broken bottles, probably ice picks, etc. since they’re a different kind of force being applied. So how does that work?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409000",
"author": "Drackar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T02:29:18",
"content": "Ok..First, this idea won’t do jack all…beyond adding a little depth, thus reducing damage from shorter barbs. It MIGHT add some amount of slash resistance, but it’s a woven fiber that isn’t that tight. It has just about no protection against punctures…To see this yourself, get a thumbtack. Go out to your closest car. Figure out what to do with the thumbtack yourself. Doesn’t take much pressure, does it?As for the Kevlar question, HOW Kevlar is woven decides wither it is slash or puncture resistant. They make slash resistant gloves out of Kevlar for fishmongers, and puncture resistant gloves for cops…and combinations therein. Remember, the key word is RESISTANT. Enough pressure, and you can cut through just about any material.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409014",
"author": "IWantToRideMyBicycle",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:11:01",
"content": "When I was a lad and neither pocket-money nor parent would afford the replacement of a thread-bare tyre, we used to cut strips of PVC off ice-cream containers and sandwich them betwixt tube and un-tyre. Aint nothin’ getting through that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409048",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T05:49:22",
"content": "I had to repair a flat on my little brother’s bike today. It wasn’t set up like this guy’s tire though. All I did was take a latex glove (that I stole from the doctor’s office a few days ago) and cut it into a rectangle. Then I super glued over the hole and wrapped it with the latex while adding more superglue. And to finish it all off I wrapped the entire “bandage” with electrical tape. He’s pretty rough on his bike, and after the patch it hasn’t lost any pressure.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409050",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T05:50:58",
"content": "Also, what about putting aluminum tubing inside of the tire? It might make it weigh a bit more, but if you always pop your tire it would be a nice addition.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409069",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T07:06:58",
"content": "@zacdee16Super glue? Like…cyanoacrylate, regular crusty old super glue? I’d guess that it will harden and flake off in short order…that’s why they have patch glue.Anyway…in Cali we have what I’ve always called ‘demon vine’ which sounds a lot like goat thorns. They grow in little clusters of several ‘heads’ with two long thorns each along with a bunch of spines. They’re only about the size of a pea, but they make a mess of tires. And shoes. And bare feet.I’m a bare-footer when I get the chance (I walked across our Sacramento area parking lot in bare feet in the sun yesterday. It hurt, but not too bad.) I once walked barefoot into a patch of dried demon thorns, which I mistook for a dusty patch of driveway. Even after pulling out the majority of the thorns, I still had to go back the next day with tweezers to get the remaining spine tips that broke off under the skin. o.O",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409093",
"author": "quincymd",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T09:23:51",
"content": "Punctures will always happen. The two best hacks which deal with them are:1. Get a better tyre. From experience, I went from an average of a puncture every 2 weeks to not having one for 8,000 miles just by changing tyre type. Not sure the seat belts will top that.2. Always carry a spare tube + pump. A lot less hassle than having to walk home. Same as buying components – if you need 2, buy 3 just in case.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409098",
"author": "ogmious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T10:05:03",
"content": "Used to do this as a kid with Duct Tape. Couple layers on the inside and you could ride the dunes forever where there was all manners of broken glass, rocks and thorns.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409132",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T11:24:48",
"content": "Aren’t seatbelts designed to be cut easily? I always get intrusive thoughts of my car crashing and exploding in a ball of flames. I pacify my self with the idea it’d be easy to get out of…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409173",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:25:03",
"content": "Where I live most tires come in a very cheap variety and a normal one (still not that expensive) that have a kevlar puncture-prevention layer.Seems that is the standard so perhaps he should get those instead.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409179",
"author": "poisonfist",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:36:19",
"content": "I find that Stan’s No Tubes offer the best results. Converts your regular wheel-tire set into a tubeless and also self sealing to a point that you can call ridiculous. I always pack an extra tube but haven’t had the need for it in 2+ years. Seriously, check it out guys.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_BsT8D9JYY",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409219",
"author": "chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T15:11:05",
"content": "Didn’t read to see if anyone else had this idea – but this would also come in handy when you’re using bolts/screws to make your own winter/ice bike tires (or other high traction use tires).I converted an old tire with metal screws (over a hundred per tire) a while ago into a winter tire and used two layers of duct tape. it worked okay, but i noticed wear after 1 season’s use on the innertube. This would probably work better than duct tape for that application…by the way, the converted tires worked amazingly, but the crappy rubber pad on rim friction brakes suck when frozen and/or wet. snowbanks quickly became my braking system…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409222",
"author": "David Dembroski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T15:20:06",
"content": "An old tube works better. I’m the mechanic at my local bike shop and I’ve seen a few locals try some methods like these. Some companies actually make what’s called a tireboot, it’s just a piece of rubber that sits in between the tire and tube. But with this seat belt method I’m sure you’d have a rough time seating the bead depending on the tire/rim combo. Where I’m located, I’d say about 75% of flats aren’t from punctures but from pinch flats, or snakebites. Cause by running your tires at a lower pressure. Common misconception, you’ll get more flats if you run the tire and the minimum recommended pressure as appose to running it at the maximum.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409233",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:05:10",
"content": "Great idea as long as you are travelling short distances (like a mile or less). Other than that it’s just one of those “there, I fixed it” moments. Bikers, those who actually ride and put tlc into it, prefer lightweight components. The real key here to NOT getting a flat is to have quality rims and quality rubber. The best tires I know of are Schwalbe Marathon XR’s (approx $60ea and worth every penny). The standard $5 tube is plenty sufficient with these tires. Slime? Garbage, as it’s used with cheap sellers to prevent flats with their junk rims and trash tires and will regularly plug up the valve stem and also adds more weight while at the same time causing imbalance-the bain of a tire’s life, if not the rim itself.In any case, ALL tires which take air will leak over time, no matter what. Other than completely redesigning wheels to use no tubes or air, in case of a ‘leak’, slime would be the simplest patch job. But like I stated, the quality of your rubber and rims, along with proper maintenance, is what keeps the bike rollin. Putting odd materials inside the wheel is asking for trouble. Though a few dynabeads may help with balance issues.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409241",
"author": "G-Reg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:11:46",
"content": "@ DeadlyFoez Chev QuincymdMarkG B WhatnotJohn PilotGeek Zacdee16Drackar CasDid you forget what site you came to??!!!HACK! A DAY…. Sujesting store bought options to a mans “on hand” hack… pretty lame and useless trolling if you ask me.Thanks to the ones who actually gave personal experiances and mentioned their own HACKS.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409268",
"author": "pod",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T18:08:39",
"content": "got a pair of bike tires from my local decathlon sport store a couple months ago.they’ve got a built-in metal sheet to prevent punctures.seat belt won’t ever be as good as metal (against thorns at least), but I guess it’s a good compromise",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409294",
"author": "xyz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:42:39",
"content": "@ehrichweisskevlar doesn’t make punctures impossible. Bicycle tyres are generally fairly lightweight so there is only a small amount of rubber and some thread between the tube and the road. Kevlar just makes the tyre more puncture resistant without negatively affecting the tyre too much. Glass shards certainly can and will get embedded in a tyre and gradually work their way through to the tube even past kevlar.That’s why there are tyres like the marathon plus that uses a thick pocket of rubber to trap objects in addition to kevlar.http://www.schwalbemarathonplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/SchwalbeMarathonPlus.jpg@poisonfistStan’s No Tubes only works at low tyre pressures suitable for off-road riding. At the higher pressures used for road riding the pressure just forces the latex sealent out of the puncture before it can seal. Instead of little white spots at the puncture site you can see on the video you get streams of latex pissing out of the tyre, shortly followed by air once all the sealent has been ejected.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409305",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:17:57",
"content": "@G-Reg Oh shut up fool, why hack something that is already there? Use the saved time to do some real hacksIt’s silly to desperately try to make up half-baked solutions when the fix is standard and cheap and available in every shop.My criteria is that a hack should either a) save money or b) do something that’s better or more tuned to your needs.Also don’t be one of those pathetic idiots who just call any other person they disagree with a ‘troll’, people will like you better or at least take you more serious.If I see someone come up with a complex and expensive and time consuming way to dremel thin slivers of a block of metal to join wood I’ll tell them they sell nail everywhere thank you very much.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409331",
"author": "G-Reg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:21:21",
"content": "Hey Mr.Whatnot. I can rip your lil post to shreds from many angles but ill just pick the obvious.The one who chooses which post’s to publish OBVIOUSLY didnt see it so half baked. Not to mention the others who have commented on simular experiances.Your a tool if you honestly think the man who made this didnt know he could have spent money to fixHorrible analogy btw. I highy doubt his seatbelt fix was complex, expensive, or time consuming.So just chill out and accept your wrong and stay quiet in your conner by yourself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409335",
"author": "G-Reg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:31:49",
"content": "FYI.. No one gives a crap about what YOUR criteria is for a hack.Unfortunitly your god complex is ill founded",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409351",
"author": "Gert",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:17:47",
"content": "Single speed, lightweight aluminium frame, thick tires and all rust resistant parts.I have this thing for about 3 years now and i never had to adjust or repair anything; very reliable.Try building your own bike, it’s really not that hard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409363",
"author": "Tony",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:44:46",
"content": "Hacks should actually work. This is just an idea, though time will tell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409406",
"author": "J",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:26:32",
"content": "If you could get black urethane to cure without open air, a way to increase viscosity and mix under pressure with argon (very well) that would make a badass tube. The trick would be injecting the ‘foam’ into the tube and have a controlled pressure release value that let the tube reach optimum pressure and then hold until cured, excess foam could spill out into a inline purge bottle to protect the compressor and relief valve. argon:urethane ratio would control the resulting foam rubber density.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409407",
"author": "J",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:28:12",
"content": "sorry */decrease/ viscosity",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409455",
"author": "Drackar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T06:08:47",
"content": "So providing information and input is now trolling? Interesting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409470",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T07:47:21",
"content": "I avoid punctures by not riding my bike.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409578",
"author": "J",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:22:18",
"content": "@Drackar, perspectives on the table expand the creative process if they offer value. It may be a waste of time to do things a certain way from one perspective, the learning process is anything but. In the realm of hacking I’ve found commercial solutions to be a great launching pad to draw from, just tear apart some junk and excel in identifying the residual value of component’s properties, or just reengineer somthing to work better or in a different way.Many people cannot hack the situation so to speak, where first they might not like your perspective they could spin or take whatever value it has and build on it. From a performance perspective I found value in your comments and don’t really care one way or the other about the social crap, though I do ‘get’ the criticism, maybe you could adapt a little to grease the wheels of learning? Or not.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.139621
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/24-cellphone-buttons-controlled-with-6-microcontroller-pins/
|
24 Cellphone Buttons Controlled With 6 Microcontroller Pins
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"74hc138a",
"arduino",
"decoder",
"optoisolator"
] |
[J8g8j] has been playing around with an old cellphone. He wanted to control it using a microcontroller but since there’s 24 buttons he wasn’t thrilled about hooking up a couple dozen relays to do the switching. Instead, he managed to
control all 24-buttons using just 6-pins of a microcontroller
.
The proof-of-concept video that he posted on his site shows the phone responding to an arbitrary string of button presses. [J8g8j] spent the majority of his time reverse engineering how the phone’s keypad is wired. Once he figured out the rows and columns of the key matrix he soldered wires to access each of them. This turns out to be 14 connections. To these, he wired up a set of opto-isolators to handle the switching. These are in turn controlled by a set of three 74HC138A 3-8 bit decoders. what’s left are six input pins that leave plenty of room for him to hook up other items to the Arduino serving as the microcontroller.
| 30
| 30
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408889",
"author": "NickS",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:27:30",
"content": "You can also do it with 2 8-bit latching shift registers and 3 output pins on the microcontroller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408896",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:46:11",
"content": "Potentially he could have done it with 2 micro controller pins (UART Tx and UART Rx) using AT Commands. Have a look at the AT Command Set (page 48):http://affon.narod.ru/GSM/GSM0707.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408900",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:55:05",
"content": "@NickS: Actually, I had drafted serial control as an alternative switch controller design. By my analysis with 74HC595 shift registers, I would need 5 pins for *full control* of the serial chain. This would include OE_B and SRCLR_B, in addition to SRCLK, RCLK and SER (data) pins. I know all I *need* is the last three, but that has drawbacks. In particular, it makes dealing with power-on indeterminate state trickier. For instance I want the phone to be powered-up when I set it, not because the I/O pulled-it down during power-up. Hence, the desire to control OE_B and SRCLR_B. Another drawback of the serial chain approach is the serial control software is more complex than a simple parallel write. (Even with the Arduino’s nativele serialized write functions.) Don’t get me wrong, if/when I run out of I/Os (like if I port it over to an MSP430 Launchpad) I may revisit the serial approach. But, for the time being, I’d like to keep it simple and move forward with the overall project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408904",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:11:06",
"content": "If you used 4 pins to select each row/column and resistors you would need only one ADC pin to read the whole keypad, totaling 5 pins and no additional ICs. This, of course has the limitation that you cannot press 2 buttons from the same row/column (whichever is 4) at the same time.Of course, it’s not a big limitation, your pc keyboard has it too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408906",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:14:14",
"content": "To add even more: you can read 8 switches on the ADC pin and 3 other pins for selecting(6/2), totaling 4 pins. I wouldn’t go over 8 switches on an ADC pin.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408908",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:15:37",
"content": "@alan: Thanks for the comment. I truly was not aware that all cell phones can understand AT commands. (That phrase “AT Commands”… sends a chill from the the dial-up days.) Plus, when I tried, I could not find a data cable available for this phone. I’m almost certain Virgin Mobile made it a point to disable this capability. In any case, the point of this hack is to demonstrate hacking a keypad electrically. Not how to hack a cell phone per se. If you can’t use a serial cable to talk to the phone this demonstrates a viable option. Even if AT commands could be used, what AT commands are useful for navigating through the phone’s menus? Is it not phone-specific? It sounds like a neat idea that I will look into some day. (Like when button phones disappear.) But for now, I’ll stick to overriding the keypad “manually”. To me it is a more interesting hardware hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408912",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:20:03",
"content": "@Bogdan: I don’t understand how an Arduino ADC can be used to *control* a keypad. ADC to read a single key press, sure. But write/control?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408929",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:10:11",
"content": "Nice job, did the same with relays a few years back (in the link). A couple of months ago I did this with an old Nokia and using MOSFETs. Scroll down the comments on that site (click my name) and you will see a good discussion about some problems intercepting a keypad matrix. I can try to upload some pics..@j8g8j: did you run into any problems with “false” or “double” key presses?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408937",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:26:16",
"content": "Some fotos here:http://www.instructables.com/id/Controlling-a-keypad-matrix-via-a-microcontroller/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408970",
"author": "Technics",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:00:18",
"content": "I wonder if Charlieplexing could have been used to drive the opto-isolators with fewer pins? Most opto-isolators use an LED on the input side.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409036",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T04:51:46",
"content": "I did something similiar to control a radio scanner with a Commodore VIC-20(yeah VIC-20). You wire 2 CD4051 8 to 1 analog multiplexers with common I/O’s tied together and the 8 I/O lines of one 4051 to the rows of the keypad and the other 4051 wired to the columns, this gives you control of a 8X8 matrix(64 keys) with 6 lines of a parallel port.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409086",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T08:50:36",
"content": "@j8g8j: I sense a small misunderstanding here vs. Bogdan :)I understand what you did was to replicate the 24-key keyboard using 24 optocouplers wired into a matrix identical to the original one, then simply connected the rows and columns of the original to the opto-matrix.I think what Bogdan was talking about would be a solution where the “scanning output” side of the original key matrix (the rows or the columns) would get connected into an R-2R ladder, then into the MCU’s ADC pin (thus conveying at all times which row or column the phone is trying to scan at that instant), then using output pins of the MCU to dynamically react to that using the “scanning input” side of the original key matrix (the columns or the rows) thus spoofing the scan results.In other words, sense by ADC when the phone tries to scan the line the key you want to press is on, and activate one of the inputs accordingly (then immediately deactivate it when the scan moves to another line).All that would take plus one pin (plus ground) – likely 7-8-9 pins in all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409088",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T08:53:49",
"content": "Interesting, the HTML filter ate my brackets. The last line was supposed to look like this (only foolishly using brackets instead of quotes):All that would take “number of either rows or colums, whichever turns out to be the phone’s input side of the matrix” plus one pin (plus ground) – likely 7-8-9 pins in all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409103",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T10:17:53",
"content": "Here is what i am talking about:http://www.scienceprog.com/interface-multiple-keys-with-one-wire-and-save-pins-of-mcu/You built that, but adaptated to 6 buttons. The thing is, instead of 6 buttons you will have 6 wires coming fron the matrix keyboard each corresponding to a row. Instead of connecting the thing to vcc you connect each of the 4 columns to 4 pins of the micro. You then apply vcc to each, in order and read what button from each column is pressed. You will need a total of 4 + 1 = 5 pins. We don’t count gnd or vcc here, just the number of pins required from the mcu.And if you really wanna use few pins, check this out at page 2:http://www.edn.com/contents/images/6360317.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409138",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T11:58:42",
"content": "Nice job, did the same with relays a few years back (in the link). A couple of months ago I did this with an old Nokia and using MOSFETs. Scroll down the comments on that site (click my name) and you will see a good discussion about some problems intercepting a keypad matrix. I can try to upload some pics..@j8g8j: did you run into any problems with “false” or “double” key presses?Some crude pics here:http://www.instructables.com/id/Controlling-a-keypad-matrix-via-a-microcontroller/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409252",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T17:11:48",
"content": "@All: Thanks for the comments! I am learning some new things and getting some great ideas for future projects.@Technics: I just found the “Charlieplexing” Wikipedia page and will check it out.@B.L. Johansen: Funny you mention this. I had a problem with two button presses “for the price of one” and some ineffective “presses”. This turned out to be due to a cross-point bus wiring error. After fixing it, I do not have that problem. I’d speculate that what you are seeing may be due to using MOSFETS. With MOSFETS, I think there is a risk of current flow in both directions (Drain-to-Sourse as well as Source-to-Drain). So, pulling some pins “up” may pull others on the same row up too. You may need a “harder” pull-up/down on the FET gates to make sure they are “off”. But, I am just speculating. The optocouplers have NPN BJTs for outputs. It is much harder to induce a reverse current in a BJT. Also, the optocouplers provide excellent electrical isolation, comparable to an array of relays. So I do not need to worry about “gate” voltages being affected by source or drain voltage.@Mad Max: I’ve looked at Bogdan’s follow-up links. I still think he is confused as to what I’ve done here. On the other hand, you seem to understand. What you are describing is implementing a “scanner” that is synchronized with the phone’s keypad scanner. Interesting idea, but in my experience, timing synchronization is not a trivial design challenge.@Bogdan: Thanks for caring and sharing links. They have confirmed to me that you are confused. Both articles describe key press detect/read circuits/techniques. Please watch the video on my blog demonstrating the functionality of this build. In it you will see that my build does not read the keypad. It effectively “presses” keys.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409258",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T17:29:14",
"content": "@j8g8j you are right. I was confused, it’s because i was having a discussion about matrix keys with someone else. I understood your goal in the beginning, but when i later came to the website… i understood something different. Sorry for the confusion.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409296",
"author": "Fred",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:45:18",
"content": "NEVER try to solder to the exposed pads of the phone, they are many layers and prone to warping with the heat of an iron.. I found out this the hard way about 7 years ago now.The best solution I found to making a decent connection is to use silver loaded epoxy resin (yes its expensive, but worth every penny)It is much better to use a single output pin per keypad input because there is less chatter and the phone sees a ‘firmer’ keypress.To effect a decent and reliable system you need to connect both inner and outer conductor rings to opto isolators because on some phones the different keys ‘see’ different voltages, e.g. key1 2.2 volt, but key 5 1.7 and if you try to use a common ground you get unexpected results.A video of my working demo is at :http://realfred.uphero.com/Projects/gsm_0001.wmv",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409317",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T20:41:02",
"content": "@j8g8j: I agree with you that “stray”current flow can be a hassle. I did work it out in the end but some keypads are so sensitive that simply touching the pads directly with a bare finger can be enough. Good shielding is essential. I was initially going for optocouplers but they were all out so I went for mosfets. I must say though, if you remove the enclosures of relays they are superb when prototyping. Firstly, they ALWAYS work. Secondly, they act as buttons since you can push directly on them. Thirdly, they make a nice click and you can actually see them working. Makes it that much easier WHEN you code wrong:)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409402",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T01:12:50",
"content": "@Fred (1/3): Your warning regarding soldering is applicable to all hacks that require soldering multilayer PCBs: Too much heat kills! Solder at own risk! Etc. Etc. Etc.@Fred (2/3): I guess I lucked-out on my first try with my old Virgin Mobile “Flare” (LG LX165). It was easy to solder thin-guage Cat5 strands to the key conductors and it has a simple set of pull-ups/downs for the keypad addressing: All non-power key outer conductors pull-up to 2.8V thru 300-Ohms. Inner conductors are tied to the cell phone’s ground. (The power key conductors had different properties.) I did a bunch of keypad voltage, resistance and continuity measurements to evaluate feasibility of this hack long before I even got around to designing the controller board.@Fred (3/3): Based on what I’ve learned from Bogdan’s links about single-wire keypad address detection. I think this may be what you encountered. Of course, your “brute-force” array of switches approach works, but here’s another take: The multiple voltages and pull-up values may hint at a single-wire key addressing design (or something like it). This will be more complex to deal with (more analog than digital). I would do several experiments first to help map voltage values to key values. (Eg: Short key conductors and measure voltage at that point.) If it is using single-wire addressing, I think we could use one (or more) DACs to “emulate” the specific voltage of a specific key press. To reduce MCU IO pin consumption, I would use a serially controlled DAC IC (with an I2C bus, perhaps). (Or build a DAC, just for the heck of it… but will require a handful of relays, do doubt.)@tanntraad: Relays. I could not agree more. They are simple and reliable. In fact, I have one relay for the pwr key which I often use “manually” as I debug by gnd’g the neg coil pin. The pwr key was on that mis-wired bus, so I wired-in its own relay to bypass the optocoupler (and rule it out as a root-cause). Even though I may not actually need the relay for the pwr key anymore, I plan to keep it. I find the “click” of the relay very reassuring that *something* is happening. (Taking the case off is a neat idea… for low-voltage apps.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409515",
"author": "xtrender",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T11:10:50",
"content": "@tanntraad:Can you post the the schematics of the Mosfet version?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409608",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:31:10",
"content": "@xtrender: I can’t find it at the moment but from what I can see:http://www.instructables.com/file/F5XG7M7GP7IISY6/The rows and columns are marked A to D and E to I (each got a mosfet). I made a “common” rail by connecting the mosfets like this:http://www.instructables.com/file/FS365T5GPBD2T24/Now, in order to make a button push I pull a row and a column to the common rail (e.g. the “meny” button is activated by sending a signal to mosfets C and F.http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FXA/E4WI/GP7IS3G6/FXAE4WIGP7IS3G6.jpg). I don’t know what the usual method is but it works :) I do run the microcontroller on the SAME battery as the mobile! this is not advised and can lead to erratic operation…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409644",
"author": "xtrender",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T19:14:33",
"content": "@tanntraad:Does the commmon rail need to be conected to gnd?And if the µC and the cellphone runs on diferent voltage sources, both grounds need to be connected right?i’m new to eletronics..Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409697",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:17:59",
"content": "@xtrender: Wait, there’s a glitch in the matrix. I see now that the common rail is NOT connected to anything. Thanks for pointing that out!The second question is much harder to answer.. In theory they need to be because there must be a potential difference between gate and source. In practice it CAN work without a common ground (Because even minute voltages can “turn on” a mosfet). I’ll leave it to the experts to correct me and explain better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409716",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T22:01:10",
"content": "@All: I have posted my schematics to my blog (http://mibifici.blogspot.com/Click the “Appedix” tab to see them).@xtrender: Electrical isolation (using relays or optocouplers) enables you to implement a design that emulates a real key press while reducing the risk of “adverse side effects”. Tying grounds may work well enough, but it may also induce undesirable ground currents between the different power domains since you will not know enough about the internal phone wiring to determine the best ground points. This may affect the operation and reliability of the phone as well as the MCU circuit.@tanntraad: It looks like you did not implement a cross-point switch matrix design. Instead, you are pulling the rows and columns up/down independently of each other to turn-on two transistors instead of using just one as my cross-point design uses to “press” a key. This would explain the glitchy multiple-key-press problem you’ve had. Your design has a critical timing path: If the assertion of the two switches is not simultaneous (eg. one wire is longer than the other, or there is an MCU interrupt routine call between output writes), you will get two keys presses due to the delay between switching of the two FETs. This condition is impossible with a cross-point design where one switch connects both key conductors. Since this is basically how a standard keypad works, I don’t see why this would not work for your phone though it obviously has different row and column voltages. Unless your keypad pulls all voltages to ground… but why two pins then? (PS: your wiring pic shows NPN BJTs not P-channel Enhancement MOSFETS.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409753",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:57:30",
"content": "@j8g8j: The “glitch”-part was more of a reference to the movie:) I did get it working in the end and the “double presses” was more about bad isolation and induced currents from all the cable bundles. Did you see the comment where i made the mistake?The reason I went for my design was that i did not want to deal with timing. I’ve corrected the image now;http://www.instructables.com/file/FWVY3O7GPBDF2W7/As you can see now, you can pull, say, “A” and it would do nothing. It would just be connected to the common rail which is “nothing”. Then, you can pull “E” and it too would connect to the rail and hence A and E are connected and a press is registered.e.g by this code snippet:high Ahigh Epause 100low Alow Epause 500…etcDuring that 100ms any scanning would have hit. But as I’ve said before, this is not a good way to do it with mosfets. ..With relays it’s awesome:).Yes that pic is wrong in terms of type of transistor but it was more to illustrate the idea:)As long as you pull one row (A,B,C,D) and one column (E,F,G,H,I) it will register. It is essentially what happens in real life where a piece of metal, the button a.k.a. the rail, is connecting to the outher ring and then the center pad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410151",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T03:06:46",
"content": "@tanntraad: *Now* I understand how your circuit works (“Common” != “Ground” –> Big diff!). A nice feature of your design is that it requires fewer switches than a cross-point design. So, in my case, I may have needed only 14 key conductor switches (one per row, one per column) instead of 24 (one per key/button). Since pressing multiple keys at the same time is not required for this application, I’ll take a closer look at this idea if a “Rev2” opportunity ever comes up. Thanks for sharing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410265",
"author": "Bård Lund Johansen (tanntraad))",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T11:45:52",
"content": "@j8g8j: Yes, maybe I should have pointed that out. Since I’m using the picaxe 18x I’m limited by its number of pins. Also, with this setup I can just identify the rows and columns on (almost) any phone and implement it there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411549",
"author": "j8g8j",
"timestamp": "2011-06-29T20:10:36",
"content": "@Technics: I finally got around to studying Charlieplexing. Yes this could have been used to control the IR LEDs that control the Optocouplers output BJTs. However, with the 23-switch cross-matrix design, it will not save me any MCU pins. (N_led=N_pins*(N_pins-1)). However, if/when I build a Rev2 design, I am going to use a “shared-bus” design tanntraad describes instead of a cross-point matrix. This requires only 12 switches (or LEDs). Using Charlieplexing would eliminate the need for 3-to-8 decoders and bring the number of pins on the MCU down to 5 (4 for charlieplexed switches and 1 for relay (pwr key)) My only concern is that it looks like if an LED fails (shorts), it is hard to isolate the problem. So, I may just stick with my Rev2 approach that keeps the decoders. If I ever get around to a Rev3, I may try it just for the sake of trying something new. In any case, thanks for the suggestion.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "787425",
"author": "IanMc",
"timestamp": "2012-09-17T19:17:57",
"content": "So, do optocouplers work to hard-wire the keys on the Nokia 3310/3330 ?Do they work well?In this respect, does anyone have any good suggestions for optocoupler chips, the have to be cheap, as cheap as chips :)I’m going to try to very carefully solder enameled .1mm wire to the contacts so that the rubber keypad still works, wish me luck :)Wouldn’t it be great if there was an integrated circuit of tiny relays, they only have to power low voltages and could be turned on by 1 – 5 voltsthen you wouldn’t have to worry about all that electronic stuff :)Great thread! The potential applications are mind boggling!Well done chaps!ian",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.049241
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/building-diy-blinkm-clones/
|
Building DIY BlinkM Clones
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"attiny45",
"blinkm",
"led",
"pixels",
"rgb"
] |
If you are planning on using more than a handful of BlinkMs in a project, you will likely find that their $15 price tag quickly adds up. Instructables user [jimthree]
found himself in that position
and opted to create his own homebrew version of a BlinkM instead. He calls his creations “Ghetto Pixels”, and while they might not look as professional as the real thing, they get the job done just the same.
He bought a batch of RGB LEDs online for under a dollar apiece, pairing them with ATTiny45s that he scored for about $1.50 each. [imthree] popped his uCs into a programmer, flashing them with an open-source BlinkM firmware clone called CYZ_RGB. He then prototyped his circuit on some breadboard, adding the appropriate resistors to the mix before testing out the LEDs. When he was confident everything was working correctly, he assembled Ghetto Pixels deadbug-style.
When everything was said and done, they came together in a pretty compact package comparable to that of the BlinkM. As you can see in the video below, they work great too!
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/25324291 w=470]
| 29
| 29
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408861",
"author": "Chad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:22:05",
"content": "When will these be for sale? I’ve been considering this route myself as the price for the BlinkM is a bit steep for more than a few.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408897",
"author": "ScottInNH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:47:00",
"content": "Nicely done!This got me to finally order Qty 50 of those nice LEDs, and I have most of the other parts myself. Just need to place a starter order of 10 attiny45’s and I’m good. Already had the Adafruit programmer on order. :-)I almost thought this story was a dupe, but I was thinking of this -other- BlinkM clone project:http://hackaday.com/2011/05/15/home-made-blinkm-units/Both are pretty nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408921",
"author": "xeracy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:49:24",
"content": "@Chad – the whole point is that they are cheap because they are DIY… if you want to buy some, thats what BlinkMs are for…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408932",
"author": "swherdman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:17:55",
"content": "Tryhttp://www.bliptronics.com/item.aspx?ItemID=113$2.01 each",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408945",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:51:03",
"content": "@swherdmanNice find!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408953",
"author": "John Laur",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:14:04",
"content": "I am one of the authors of CYZ_RGB.One of the reasons the BlinkM costs what it does and the firmware is not open source is because you are paying for a patent license. Philips owns a patent on controling RGB LEDs over I2C/TwoWire. ThingM licenses this patent, and when you buy a BlinkM you are allowed to do what you want to it. Regardless of your personal feelings about this situation, I would not suggest trying to sell anything with CYZ_RGB loaded onto it in the US or any other territory where Philips patents may be valid.If you want to make a commercial product or do anything that enters into the territory of the various patents in this area, build it out of BlinkM’s, license the patent yourself, or use something that does not use I2C such as one of the many shift-register based products out there such as the ShiftBrite, the various LED “pixel” products, or the addressable LED light strip/chain products.Please see the following link for additional discussion including participation by the guy who developed the patents:http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?10495-RGB-LED-Patent-Discussion",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408957",
"author": "normaldotcom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:24:42",
"content": "I’ve been working on a project using the CYZ_RGB firmware as well. I’ve routed some nice 1 in^2 board (mostly thru-hole) which work quite well. More info:http://protofusion.org/wordpress/2011/04/diy-audio-reactive-lighting/(see comments for PCB info).I’m also working on a RS485-networked rgb lighting controller on a much larger scale. Boards just came in, and I’ll probably have some more information up in the near future.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408959",
"author": "normaldotcom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:35:14",
"content": "Here’s some more info regarding the PCB, with EAGLE board/schematic files provided in the downloads section.http://protofusion.org/wordpress/2011/06/tinyrgb-an-i2c-led-driver/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408992",
"author": "chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T02:10:17",
"content": "“Philips owns a patent on controling RGB LEDs over I2C/TwoWire”I thought you couldn’t patent somthing obvious?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409015",
"author": "cde",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:12:52",
"content": "It’s fucking ridiculous that you can take General Standard Protocol A, combine it with General GPIO or General PWM idea 1, and get a patent for it.Can I patent a generic ethernet tcp/ip to RGB setup?Can I patent a generic usb to RGB setup?Can I patent a generic wifi to RGB setup?This is like a company trying to patent making a left hand turn in a car, if it is done by a drive-by-wire system instead of a mechanical linkage.These basic 1 + 1 patents should last for like 5 or less years, at most. I2C RGB control is hardly unique, even back in 2002. If you can separate the two main parts of a patent, and get two generic ideas, the combination should not be considered non-obvious and unique.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409017",
"author": "victor",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:14:11",
"content": "@chrisI would say anything specific enough can be patented. Just look at how many paint brush handle patents there are",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409031",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:51:55",
"content": "Dang, that’s a tiny footprint – almost the size of the LED itself! I’m definitely looking into this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409039",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T05:12:04",
"content": "Very cool project! Like many of the posters here I am pretty distressed by the idea that something as basic as using product A (RGB LED node) and product B (commonly called a “wire”) together for their design purpose is patentable. Although the patent holder (discussion linked in the article) claims it only covers I2C, the first claim of thepatent as-writtenappears to cover *any* transfer of data and power to a LED PWM device over a wire having at least two conductors. It is not even specified that the power and data, or the clock and data (etc.) have to be on separate wires. That would hypothetically include Dallas 1-Wire and potentially even my own similardirt-cheap open source RGB bus(2005). Mine uses a self-clocking protocol in which a single wire bears the data and the clock is arguably generated at the microcontroller end. (Not for any patent-related reasons; the PIC10F200 micro I used only had 1 I/O pin left over.) Although I’m sure patent lawyers would spend the next 10 years arguing over the definition of “clock” and whether a clock signal is “transmitted” in a self-clocking protocol (does Morse Code include a clock signal?) At least his patents do not mention any concept of group addressing until the 2006 continuation (mine had this “reduced to practice” a year earlier), or a log-table at the PWM end to linearize apparent brightness, so maybe those ideas are safe for now (at least from this guy…).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409081",
"author": "Flip",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T08:35:42",
"content": "About the patent issue people here are discussing: The I2C bus has been developed by Philips, and obviously patented by them. Philips allows licence-free implementation of the I2C bus, but an official slave-address still needs to be bought from them.And since Philips is a company which started off as a light-bulb producer around 100 years ago, and still has a mayor lighting division, it’s not strange that they have patented the use of I2C for lighting control. At the time of invention of I2C this was probably innovative enough for a patent.No, I’ve got no Philips shares, but a company which has been at the basis of the lighting industry and the inventor of I2C has in my eyes the full right to combine these two and to get a reward for their R&D work in the form of a license fee.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409090",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T09:12:42",
"content": "@Flip: for the I2C bus they developed? Sure, why not.For using said I2C bus to send commands to a string of LEDs? Hell no. Not in my book anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409140",
"author": "X",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:09:32",
"content": "@flip – the led was patentable. Discussing that is a red herring.An obvious method of controlling a led should not be patentable. I2C is in widespread use anything using it should not itself be a patent.If I understand it, you’re saying if YOU invent something (say, a new tech light source), and andI have the right to patent an obvious configuration… Then I could deny you use of (or demand payment for) each time you use your invention…?Now if there were a reason I2C were impossible for a led peripheral, and a solution was discovered… That should be patentable. But it would be an Patent specific to overcoming an operational environment issue. That’s not what this is.The patent holder claims he is not interested in going after small designers, but will not flatly exempt Open Hardware, so ThingM needs his permission/license.This is an excellent example of patent abuse… And it will never stop getting worse until the patent office actually enforces the anti-perjury rule with regard to documenting prior art.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409230",
"author": "John Laur",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T15:51:26",
"content": "Well I certainly didn’t mean to start a holy war on patents. I just wanted to point out that one exists that covers this use case and to advise experimenters as to it’s status in respect to BlinkM and CYZ_RGB. In the area of RGB LED control it’s unfortunately simply wise to tread carefully. As I am in part responsible for CYZ_RGB, my own opinion on the matter ought to be somewhat obvious. But I would also never be foolish enough to disregard or disrespect any patent regardless of my personal opinion as to its validity or “obviousness.”Instead of ranting and raving — which is really the normal state of things on most public forums, we as hacker/tinkerer community ought to instead see the challenge of developing a different solution that simply eliminates the problem of the patent in the first place.It’s important to remember that although they express an “idea,” patents actually document an implementation. Let’s take a wire hanger for example: the first guy who patented a wire hanger filed a document that likely said “here is my design for a wire hanger; here is the manufacturing process, type of wire, etc.” It also probably said something to the effect of “The wire can be bent other ways too!” But you know what? There are plenty of patents for other wire hangers bent into all kinds of goofy shapes.So although this particular patent in question does state that the controlling microcontroller can be substituted with something else, the bus could use a different protocol than I2C, the LED could be a different style, or the driver ASIC could be something else it can’t really succeed in wholesale coverage of an implementation that is markedly different than the one shown in the patent. This should be the challenge we face in this situation: do something different and do it better.As I had said initially, I’d advise anyone who wants to do anything serious to use either centralized LED control or a shift register and latch based design instead. The design is easier, the hardware is cheaper, and it is a different enough approach that it does not infringe on the patent in question. (Although I do not know if there are any others on which it might.) I2C is a really terrible design choice for this application anyway. It requires an undue amount of hardware and effort to grow the size of the network, and there is little to no ability to recover from errors. It’s easy and fun to experiment with but not much fun to make bulletproof. I should know!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409244",
"author": "ScottInNH",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:21:22",
"content": "@John Laur –Wouldn’t using I2C to talk to a shift register which controls the LED still be a patent violation?Is it possible to design an LED node which is compatible with I2C protocol, while staying clear of the LED+I2C patent?I understand your desire to avoid being peripherally involved in a “holy war” against an obvious patent, but there is no point in diminishing the value of I2C. It is the most widely implemented standard for input or output devices. Error correction is hardly needed in blinking glass blocks or holiday string lights.Rolling your own implementation defeats the point of a standard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409330",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:17:57",
"content": "Looking at the patent abstract, I noticed the following:“Each illumination device has at least three light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs each emit light at a different wavelength than either of the other LEDs.”Read that carefully.I’m sure you’ll agree that if you’re I2C controlling only one LED/color, or even two LEDs/colors, you’re not infringing on this patent. After all, it says “at least three”, right?What if you go to four LEDs, each individually controlled on a separate channel? But make the fourth LED the same color as one of the others. Then the LEDs don’t “each emit light at a different wavelength than either of the other LEDs”, do they? No patent infringement.Of course, this would be silly for a mass manufacturer of Christmas lights to do, and they’d probably be better off paying the licensing fees; which are typically *much* cheaper per unit when a large number of units are produced.But what about the small guy running a home business who sells only a few dozen or hundred units per year?John Laur said, “One of the reasons the BlinkM costs what it does and the firmware is not open source is because you are paying for a patent license.”Apparently licensing only a small number of units costs enough that it’s a significant factor in the price. Plus, it’s preventing the release of source code.If you can dodge this ridiculous and restrictive patent by using one extra LED and pin on the MCU, and adding maybe $0.20 to the cost; I say it’s fair game, and go for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409341",
"author": "John Laur",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:45:03",
"content": "I didnt suggest using I2C to talk to a shift register; most of the implementations like the shiftbrite just use something like three GPIO’s directly as clk data and latch. It’s fantastically simpler. 95% of the things I have seen built with BlinkMs could have been done using shift register based products as well. The other 5% were using the standalone/script functions of the BlinkM which by being standalone is de facto non-infringing to the patent in question. Likewise most of the problems I have heard about with BlinkM and/or CYZ_RGB are I2C related. The bus is great for chip-to-chip comms on a PCB; nobody’s arguing that, but It takes a lot of care to stretch it out over wires to great distances and complex topology. Just because you *can* do it doesnt always mean it’s a great idea.I would suggest that anyone actually needing to interface a whole bunch of LED lighting over a shared-bus network just cut to the chase and use DMX512 anyway. It’s exactly what it was designed for, it’s robust; it’s a totally open and well established standard; it’s well understood; and there are lots of products already implementing it.@Chris: I’m not sure a technicality like you describe would be enough. And I am not privy to the economics of the BlinkM, though I suspect the patent fee is not hugely significant.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409360",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T22:39:57",
"content": "@Chris: Unfortunately, the title/abstract/description mean approximately nothing when testing a patent for infringement. Only the Claims section matters. Starting at the top-level claims (which are intentionally as general as possible), if your implementation contains ALL the elements of any top-level claim (or that plus any dependent claim), it infringes the patent as-written*. If it is missing even one element of the top-level independent claims (i.e. those that don’t begin with “The claims in Claim X where…”), it does not infringe. Again, since the top-level claims are so generic (e.g. “has a wire to provide power”), a well-written top-level claim covers almost all sensical implementations :(That said, I appreciate using a standard and I see a few possible ways around the 2002 patent if you want to still use I2C and the hardware PWM that comes on 99% of microcontrollers. The patent is oddly specific with regard to the wire: it specifies a wire/cable that is flexible and has a “first end and a second end” (read: two or more ends). You can dodge this by using a nonflexible substrate (PCB? Steel rods?) for the bus, or by making the wire have less than two ends. For example, if you make the wire bus in the form of a ring (no free ends) and simply tap the LED nodes AND controller in at various points along the ring using IDC connectors or similar, you’re good to go. Wastes you the costs of some redundant wire though. In fact, these oddly-specific qualifiers may be to get around some prior art that uses a continuous wire loop or solid substrate (probably PCB) to buss multiple addressable LED nodes.You could also perform a Dallas 1-Wire like scheme (power+clock+data on one wire) using a nonflexible or non-wire medium as the ground return (car body, Earth, etc.). This keeps you below 2 conductors on the flexible wire part, another part of the top-level claims.Looking at the patent again, I doubt my open-source Blinkenlichten design (mentioned above) infringes the patent. Obviously, it gives up the benefit of a standard like I2C in favor of my own made-up self-clocking protocol though. It would be arguable (maybe hard to argue, at that) that my data bus includes a clock at all, as the transition timing can vary on a bit-to-bit basis and is completely unimportant. Also, the design technically does not use PWM (the PIC10 has no hardware PWM registers anyway) but software-implemented PDM (Pulse Density Modulation) – basically a varying number of ‘1’s are rotated around a buffer, and the topmost byte’s carry-out bit at any moment determines the LED state. The ‘1’s need not be (and aren’t) consecutive, so the pulse width is completely unimportant, only the ratio of 1s to 0s. A similar approach could probably be used in an I2C LED project to evade the patent.*The vague top-level claims rarely survive a proper examination / prior art search, so a suitably deep-pocketed rival could probably knock them down a peg. But getting a patent reexamined is a whole different and pricey kettle of fish…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409430",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T03:10:57",
"content": "@Tim: Thanks for the explanation about the primary claims.I did look further into them. It appears that all the LEDs being different colors is in the primary claim. Even better, so is this:“an optical diffuser enclosing at least a portion of the first, second, and third LEDs”This appears not to refer to the LEDs’ epoxy case, but a separate plastic diffuser over the LEDs; like the diffuser used to imitate the appearance of a traditional incandescent bulb as depicted in the drawings.The BlinkM doesn’t contain a diffuser. From what I can tell, it also doesn’t include a cable, flexible or otherwise. Both of those are something the end-user would have to add. So the BlinkM itself doesn’t seem to infringe at all.That said, I do agree that I2C isn’t so great over long distances, especially if you want a decent data rate. I have run it through a detachable 15′ CAT5 cable, with power over the same cable, and requirements for supplemental ESD protection at both connectors. The signal degradation was more than I anticipated. I did finally get it to work at an acceptable data rate, but it required pull-up currents way past spec, via constant current sources instead of resistors.Still, the ability to use I2C or whatever else one chooses, without encumbrance, is what’s important.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409467",
"author": "KiDD",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T07:41:25",
"content": "I was just thinking about making this myself before I read it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409564",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T13:59:24",
"content": "@Chris: Where did you see that? In the‘825 patent, the independent (top-level) claims are #1 and #13. None of them mentions a diffuser.You do have a good point though; the flexible, 2+ conductor cord IS a required part of both independent claims and is supplied by the user. It would be a pretty straightforward argument that BlinkM’s (or any similar) commercial product not only does not infringe as-sold, but is usable noninfringingly by the end-user (projects like a “Wall of LEDs” where the electrical signals are on different layers of chicken wire, or wearable LEDs with multilayer conductive fabric).General comment: I don’t know where people are getting that Philips has an I2C LED lighting patent. Philips has a patent on the I2C protocol itself, which it developed (and any micro with hardware I2C already includes a patent license for it); these LED-related patents appeared to be owned by “some guy” (Carpenter Decorating Co., Inc.).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409567",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T14:17:32",
"content": "Nevermind, I found the diffuser part in the 2006‘337 patent. Looks like he dropped the “flexible” and “multiple ended” parts about the wire for this one and just calls it a “substrate” of at least two conductors in which a clock and data signal can be sent. Its last independent claim drops the diffuser part too. How any of these would still be patentable in 2006 (postdating BlinkM and presumably wire-having projects that used it; my own 2005 project was partly intended as a dirt-cheapest BlinkM alternative) is beyond my comprehension.I can say that specific dependent claims in the 2006 patent would not stand up to re-examination; specifically Claim 6 (addresses “common to” two or more LEDs at a time, e.g. group addressing), which my project did a year earlier than the filing date (yay CVS datestamps). Some of the remaining dependent claims are just plain confusing, e.g. the stuff about the RGB PWM registers a separate “brightness” register (PWM-ing the PWM?).“Luckily”, both explicitly mention “PWM registers” in all of their independent claims, so I’m pretty sure using PDM (pulse density modulation) instead would avoid infringing either of these patents. Unfortunately no common microcontrollers I know of have a hardware module for this, but it can be done in software/interrupt in only a few clock cycles (see the example on theBlinkenlichtenpage).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409577",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T15:18:48",
"content": "@Tim: The diffuser is in claim #1 of 7,327,337. I hadn’t fully read 7,015,825, but I have now and you’re correct.I also didn’t notice that claim #13 in ‘337 was independent. And it’s far more general, as it seems to cover *any* IC that accepts data, clock, and power, and is intended to drive RGB LEDs using PWM. It doesn’t mention any other components of a working system, including the controller, cable, LEDs, or diffuser.There’s many ICs out there designed for exactly that (the OnSemi NCP5623T just to pick an example), which would appear to infringe on this claim, even before they are installed in a working system.So that makes me wonder:1) Is this so vague as to be completely unenforceable?2) Or has the patent owner chosen not to enforce it, leaving it now practically unenforceable because of the widespread level of infringement?3) Or is OnSemi (and others) current paying licensing fees? In which case, if you were to sell a module using one of these ICs, wouldn’t separate licensing be unnecessary; because the fees are already rolled into the price of the IC?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409673",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:22:45",
"content": "@Chris: I’m not a patent attorney (just an engineer who has to write and/or dodge one from time to time), so take this as educated guesses:1,2) “Enforceable” is a tricky word; if enforcement means they send a nastygram to a small developer and s/he decides to pay a license rather than fight, then yes. But like I said earlier, it’s uncommon for the broad top-level claims to survive a proper prior art search by an actually interested party (not the half-assed search by the patenter or patent office). As I mentioned, I myself can prove prior art on claims in the ‘337 patent, so I would guess there is a whole lot more of it floating around out there. (The dependent claims are a hedge against this; prior art will have the effect of narrowing or nuking individual claims, not nuking the patent outright.)2) A patent holder (unlike say a trademark holder) is free to pick and choose who they enforce the patent against. They may choose not to assert it against someone if they stand a good chance of getting their patent narrowed or rejected in the process. Case in point, Oracle recently tangled with Google over some Java patents, and in the process17 out of 21 claimshave been rejected upon reexamination.But choosing not to enforce it against party X doesn’t affect their ability to assert against party Y, even if X and Y have an identical product.3) Beyond my expertise, sorry! It MAY be the case (some datasheets may even have a blurb, e.g. “Purchase of this product conveys a license to use… (I2C, etc.)”; check with the vendor to be sure though.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409741",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:23:09",
"content": "@Tim: Thanks for the insight. Not taking it as legal advice, just interesting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1700653",
"author": "donotdespisethesnake",
"timestamp": "2014-08-09T12:00:07",
"content": "The funny thing is that Ghetto Pixels are billed as an Open Source BlinkM clone, but are published as CC-BY-NC-SA which is not an Open Source license. He is ripping off a commercial design with his own commercially restricted design.#OpenSourceFail",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.855363
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/automated-scanning-for-a-pile-of-documents/
|
Automated Scanning For A Pile Of Documents
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"cnc hacks"
] |
[
"scanner"
] |
The Gado project is part of the Johns Hopkins University Center for African Studies. It has been tasked with archiving documents having to do with the East Baltimore Oral Histories Project. In short, they’ve got a pile of old pictures and documents that they want digitized but are not easily run through a page-fed scanner because they are fragile and not standard sizes.
The rig seen above is an automated scanner
which picks up a document from the black bin on the left, places it on the flat-bed scanner seen in the middle, and moves it to the black bin on the right once it has been scanned. It’s not fast, but it’s a cheap build (great if you’ve got a tight budgt) and it seems to work.
The machine is basically a three-axis CNC assembly. Above you can see one motor which lifts the lid of the scanner. You can’t see the document gripper in this image, but check the video after the break which shows the machine in action. A vacuum powered suction cup moves on a gantry (y-axis) but is also able to adjust its height (z-axis) and distance perpendicular to the gantry (x-axis) in order to grab one page at a time.
The pictures on the build log have captions to give you an idea of how this was built. We didn’t see any info about post-processing but let’s hope they have an auto-crop and auto-deskew filter in place to really make this automatic.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QbE3UPDm-w&w=470]
| 18
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408837",
"author": "deltron",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:15:02",
"content": "you could hire an illegal immigrant to do it twice as fast for half the cost.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408841",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:26:19",
"content": "Thanks for featuring our project!Yes, speed is definitely an issue; the threaded rod I chose for the x axis is built more for precision than quickness, so even when it’s being turned by a pretty hefty stepper, it takes a while to cover the full distance. When you’re dealing with seventy year old photos, though, speed can sometimes be a bad thing; problems happen faster :) So far the machine has not damaged a single photo, which is worth a lot when working with these kinds of materials.That said, faster speeds = more photos digitized, so for version 2, we’re switching to 100% rotational motion, and using servos to cut down on cost. We’ll lose precision, but especially moving from side to side, it’s not too vital, and would be way faster.RE post processing, we have some neat Python stuff, but it’s still a work in progress. I end up having to run a lot of images through Photoshop, because their crop/deskew functions are pretty decent. If anyone knows of a good open source alternative for doing auto crop/deskew (or wants to help write one), I would love to hear about it.One neat thing post-processing wise that’s not mentioned here is some OCR stuff we’re working on. The backs of most images at our test site, the Afro American Newspaper, have the newsprint article associated with each image taped or stapled to the back (one of the reasons an ADF is no good).Part of the rig you see above is a 720P webcam that snaps a picture of these associated pieces of text. We have a nice custom piece of C code, courtesy of a computer engineer friend, which finds the text, separates it out, and runs it through Tesseract OCR to get instant metadata, which gets stored along with the image itself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408843",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:28:48",
"content": "@ deltronThe initial method was interns :) But free labor is intermittent, and keeping things like naming schemes, locations in the archive, etc. straight demands automation anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408846",
"author": "Helder",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:43:28",
"content": "You could mount 2 suction cups at a certain distance that would pick up a new document at the same time as the one on the scanner then move to the side to release release both one on the scanner and one on the done bin. If they’re at the same distance only one axis is needed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408852",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:55:10",
"content": "Awesome hack, Tom!— Aaron in Baltimore",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408855",
"author": "daniel reetz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:00:45",
"content": "Tom, you should definitely check out Book Scan Wizard or Scan Tailor (there’s a command line version) from the DIY Book Scanner forums… also the Internet Archive has an “autocrop” utility out there.Also, if you have time, I’d love to see your build posted to the forums…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408860",
"author": "Karl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:20:16",
"content": "If you tilt the scanner [so it slopes towards the hinge side], the photos might better self-align when the are dropped on the scanner, and reduce the need for deskewing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408863",
"author": "MatthewB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:26:30",
"content": "I’m concerned that the clear tape near the scanner lid hinge will eventually shift or even let go.Could you tell us more about that?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408875",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:58:03",
"content": "A very cool project.I’m curious about whether you tried to take photos of the documents?Get a big flat table and some kind of ‘tripod’/’monopod’ for a camera, and a huge sheet of glass.Lay a bunch of documents out, put the glass on top, then take photos of them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408919",
"author": "Cricri",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:44:52",
"content": "Nice! I don’t know about speed and whatnot, but after seeing a helluva lot pointless projects featured here, it’s good to see a project that is actually useful!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408979",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:25:15",
"content": "Meh… Cool hack, but there are kodak i1210 document scanners going for $160 on ebay right now. They will do 30-40 pages per minute over a USB twain or ISIS interface. At that price/performance it’s not even worth thinking about a home-built system.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409061",
"author": "BobidiBOB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T06:20:50",
"content": "Nice idea, but way too slow when it does 100 pages a minute (better than the 160$ kodak) and cheaper it’s a great machine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409101",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T10:13:55",
"content": "kodak schmodak. This project is awesome. I’m especially impressed by the vacuum tningy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409137",
"author": "henry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T11:57:48",
"content": "The system seems to work fine, it can’t be fast because of risk of damaging the files.I’d be inclined to use two scanners (with one “picker”) and double the speed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409221",
"author": "Dex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T15:18:33",
"content": "A couple years back, I was a cheap student not being able to afford certain textbooks. Anyways, I found that being able to borrow a DSLR, tripod, some sort of stand for me to place the material to be photographed, and a computer with software that allowed me to control the camera (like taking pictures) worked quite well. Initial setup usually took almost as long as it took me to go through a book. To flatten things out a bit you could use a piece of plexiglass (setup time includes getting rid of reflections) and I’d do 2 pages at a time. It would also include a high constrast non reflective background behind the material (I used black construction paper). For taking pictures, I’d align my mouse to the snapshot button, tape it to the floor, and use the mouse as a footpedal. The computer acted like a much much larger viewfinder which prevented me from having blurry images. After doing a quick scan of page numbers to make sure I didn’t miss anything, I would put it through imagemagick which is an open source and very powerful command based image editor, which allowed me to do things like convert to B/W, autocrop out the background image + a bit, adjust brightness, contrast, and split pages. If I was feeling like I wanted perfection, I could have gone even further by trimming to the edge of text allowing me to add perfect borders to each page later. After I was done that I would put it through Omnipage and I’d have a fully OCR’d (searchable!) and printable pdf file. For shrinking down the file to a reasonable size you’d need Adobe Acrobat.Anyways, taking photographs is much faster than traditional scans, you just need the inital setup and a nice camera to borrow. Add a bit of automated post processing (using a batch script with imagemagick) and you should be able to get pretty good results.However for the material that’s being scanned, this just might be the best way. It’s hard to beat the color reproduction from a scanner. If you don’t need speed but you need high quality without much post-processing, traditional scanning takes care of all of the defects that taking pictures adds in. You wouldn’t have to control lighting (which is a major pain with reflections). I’d just worry about reliability and when that’s taken care of you should be able to run it overnight.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409227",
"author": "Tom (project creator)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T15:41:47",
"content": "@daniel reetzThanks for the tips on deskewing, etc! Hadn’t seen those before. Scan tailor looks especially promising; would be pretty easy to call a command line program from within Python, or do direct bindings if I didn’t want to be lazy :)I would be happy to do a writeup; which forum should I be looking at?@MatthewBNot to worry! The clear tape is actually a remnant of my original prototype, and it did in fact give way after a few hundred actuations. I ended up drilling through the L bracket and scanner lid, and adding some bolts, which is what’s holding the lid in the picture. If you looked below the tape, you’d see a bunch of hot glue, which was my second attempt at holding the thing in place :)@abobymouseWe actually do use this kind of system for some of the scans. We have a Canon DSLR above a white table, triggered by a Python script. You place the photo on the table, hit a “Go” button in the script, and it takes a photo, names it according to the same scheme used by the archive, and enters it into the same database as the Gado 1. We use this for images which are too damaged or deteriorated to be scanned by the machine; it’s way faster than manual scanning, and requires less contact with the materials.@ other TomI wish we could just use an ADF scanner. The issue is that these photos are very old (up to 115 years) and extremely sensitive. Lots are frayed around the edges, and most have pieces of newsprint haphazardly taped or stapled to the back. This makes running them through an automatic scanner impossible, because those scanners tend to rip the materials off or otherwise ruin the photos. I included a little blurb about this on our Kickstarter page if you’re interested in reading more.@svofskiThanks! The vacuum system uses a suction lifter cup from McMaster, which is connected to a normal household vacuum cleaner, trigged by the Arduino using a PowerSwitch Tail. Version 2 will use a real 12v vacuum pump driven by PWM using a motor controller, which will allow for variable vacuum strength to lower the risk of damaging images even more.@henryFor Version 2, I’m thinking of switching to rotational motion, so the arm would basically be mounted to a pole rotated by a servo, and the scanner and bins would be arranged in a circle around it. This would allow for two scanners if I used a servo with 360 degree rotation, and either way it’s going to be a lot faster.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409259",
"author": "Sigg3",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T17:29:51",
"content": "People where I work use each other’s children for these jobs, copying entire books including the copyright notices:)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409674",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T20:24:32",
"content": "another vote for scan tailer, works wonders and makes the txt look almost like true font. Prints copies that are clear and readable as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.915513
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/build-a-standalone-basic-interpreter/
|
Build A Standalone BASIC Interpreter
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"32mx695f512h",
"32mx795f512h",
"basic",
"pic32"
] |
Here’s a photo of the circuit board for the
Maximite, a BASIC interpreter
that [Geoff] built. The design idea was sparked when he was exploring the possibilities of the PIC32 family of chips. [Geoff] wanted to write about the hardware for a magazine article but needed an actual product to really show it off.
The design can utilize one of two microprocessors, a PIC 32MX795F512H or 32MX695F512H. The 32-bit chip has more than enough power to emulate BASIC, and even allows for floating point calculations. It’s VGA compatible and has a jack for a standard PS/2 keyboard, which makes it a standalone device. You can store programs on an SD card, or it can be interfaced with a computer via the USB-B port that you see next to the power jack. The microprocessor is a surface mount chip, but the rest of the components are through-hole, making this an easy kit to assemble. But if you’re not afraid to etch your own 2-layered PCBs there is board artwork available in [Geoff’s] download package.
[Thanks Bill]
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408834",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:08:43",
"content": "So it’s a modern 80’s era computer. I like.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408857",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:03:33",
"content": "Nice, but pretty much all 80’s home computers interpreted Basic and had floating point ops and they managed with weeny 8-bit processors.I think the clever bit is that this does VGA and composite video generation in software while interpreting Basic, and that the PIC has 128k of RAM built in which is a big deal for a microcontroller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408858",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:06:33",
"content": "Would prefer to just plug my C64 in",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408862",
"author": "Sandlapper",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:22:37",
"content": "I like it. Just last week I was ‘wishing’ for a C-64 type box (not the ‘new C-64’) to use to teach some basic level stuff, without having to get into Classes, Objects, etc. This could meet my needs very nicely.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408865",
"author": "Rog",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:31:43",
"content": "Astounding 80MHz embedded controller that will execute your BASIC progs from the SD card at powerup. It only consumes 140mA. It has 20 input/output pins (10 of which can be A/D).Amazing, me want!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408867",
"author": "Rog",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:33:36",
"content": "PS: Here’s the manual if anyone’s interested…http://geoffg.net/Downloads/Maximite/Maximite%20User%20Manual%20V2.2.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408877",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:01:02",
"content": "This looks like it’d be great to give to a smart nerdy kid who’s ready to learn the basics of programming and electronics, but not ready to learn about APIs and oscilloscopes and et cetera and so forth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408880",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:05:02",
"content": "This feels like a better idea than the Raspberry PI little computer. It’s a shame that BASIC is such a dog of a language though :pI very much like the project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408885",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:20:45",
"content": "Hooray, I am a big fan of this sort of thing.These days it’s a big hurdle to get close to the hardware; either you need to go through a complex computer and operating system, or you need a microcontroller and the associated software toolchain for it.I would like to see more people making and using simple stand-alone computers. Maybe they could make a comeback.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408887",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:23:09",
"content": "My current project involves putting a beagleboard in a (large) laptop-like case with external hookups for SPI, I2C, and GPIO (which can be accessed through userspace programs). It also has a “tincan tools trainer board,” which is a breakout for the above that includes an AVR. Lots of cool possibilities there…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408901",
"author": "VK6MRG",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:57:44",
"content": "This is the current firmware version (2.4) and it’s user manual.http://geoffg.net/Downloads/Maximite/Maximite%20User%20Manual%20V2.4.pdfGot on, love it. Graphics is in monocrome though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409028",
"author": "Shane",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:46:15",
"content": "Love it GeoffGood to see the Maximite on Hackaday. most ersitile and easy project to assemble for a PIC32MX device.Still working on the idea to use another PIC to act as a colour video controller on your Maximite.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409051",
"author": "pin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T06:05:19",
"content": "i wonder how hard it wood be to convert into a bus pirate",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409053",
"author": "pin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T06:06:18",
"content": "just change the sd card for difrant protocalls",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409094",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T09:27:53",
"content": "@Aaron: …never mind that said kid more or less certainly already has a phone (probably with TV-out built in) that can also run your choice of BASIC interpreter (and also has an SD card).Just sayin’.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409214",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T14:58:20",
"content": "I like it. Reminds me a bit of an old Timex-Sinclair for some reason.A shame it isn’t a bit cheaper, considering how little the parts cost. The price doesn’t seem to be putting people off much though, it’s sold out everywhere.Hopefully this will continue to evolve past imitating Microsoft Basic, too. Although I have no problem with BASIC, I just can’t imagine ever using a dialect with line numbers again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409427",
"author": "Amos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T02:51:54",
"content": "I would love to make/buy one of these and port eLua (http://www.eluaproject.net/) to it (although I’m sure it could still be fun with BASIC, but I like OOP).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410964",
"author": "valveman2006",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T08:00:01",
"content": "Built one from the Altronics kit (www.altronics.com.au) supplied with 680k not 680R resistor in VGA output stage will only just work with an old VGA monitor but not with any LCD analogue or digital VGA tested using the VGA port, other negatives are the on off switch needs to be rewired to work with USB power (it only switched plugpack DC), fiddly with which SD cards work, and with windows Vista and windows 7 MS no longer supply hyperterm which you need to steal from an ol XP box. Lastly battery backup of programs in memory would be good instead of having to load and save to SD all the time",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410966",
"author": "valveman2006",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T08:05:51",
"content": "one positive thing about maximite, the basic interpreter is a lot easier to use and more intuitive than the BV513 alternative. Also not documented but the byvac com program seems to run OK with the maximite and also at a 200,000 baud rate not just the 9600 baud documented by silicon chip. Looking at both products the maximite wins in my view",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,159.979019
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/reworking-ball-grid-array-circuit-board-components-at-home/
|
Reworking Ball Grid Array Circuit Board Components At Home
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"bga",
"flux",
"ftdi",
"griddle",
"reflow",
"rework",
"solder"
] |
[Jack Gassett] is developing a new breakout board for an FPGA. The chip comes in a ball grid array (BGA) package which is notoriously difficult to solder reliably. Since he’s still in development, the test boards are being assembled in his basement. Of the first lot of four boards, only one is functional. So he’s setting out to
rework the bad boards
and we came along for the ride.
To reflow the surface mount components he picked up a cheap pancake griddle. The first thing [Jack] does is to heat up the board for about two minutes, then pluck off the FPGA and the FTDI chips using a vacuum tweezers. Next, the board gets a good cleaning with the help of a flux pen, some solder wick, and a regular soldering iron. Once clean, he hits the pads with solder paste from a syringe and begins the soldering process. BGA packages and the solder paste itself usually have manufacturer recommended time and temperature guidelines. [Jack] is following these profiles using the griddle’s temperature controller knob and the timer on an Android phone. In the video after the break you can see that he adjusts the timing based on gut reaction to what is going on with the solder. After cleaning up some solder bridges on the FTDI chip he tested it again and it works!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjOwuSEzKU&w=470]
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408803",
"author": "sean",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T16:49:48",
"content": "Nice documentary. Well done. Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408806",
"author": "elektrophreak",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:01:45",
"content": "this is great :-)i used clothing iron instead of pancake cooker.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408824",
"author": "smiki",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:46:55",
"content": "nice tutorial? no shit.this tutorial will do more damage than help for the ones trying to learn BGA rework.If the author would only tried to make a google search on the topic and watched a few videos would already know why his yield is so poor.I’m surprised HAD would promote a tutorial this full of bad practices. This is wrong.just a few picks:– flux DOES matter. you cant use some random bulshit chinese flux and expect good repetability. btw rosin based flux is no good choice– heat profile does not matter at all. not for the diy homebrew guys. you can make surprisingly good quality BGA rework with a 10$ heat gun, just with a little practice.– solder type (lead/leadfree) does matter a lot– using aggressive chemicals just to clean off the board? when we have almost harmless LFFR flux removers for a few dollars?and i could go on and on …",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408825",
"author": "wulfman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:47:44",
"content": "A toaster oven can be used for this job on small boards it is actually better to heat everything to the same temp and not just the bottom of the board.ALL BGA data sheets have a soldering profile to follow. Problem with only heating the bottom is that when cooling after re-flow it is possible to develop micro cracks in the solder joints because of uneven cooling. Not to mention the lead free solder issues.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408826",
"author": "Flogger",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:50:36",
"content": "Nice try, but here are some tips.1. You you cleaning the old BGA use hot-air and warm up the board. It is much easier.2. Then you solder the BGA you need heat on both top and bottom. My tips is buildning a solder-machine from a old toaster. Search on youtube.3. You should only use the flush on the BGA, not on the board.I have changed a few thousand BGA in my job.//Flogger",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408864",
"author": "Jack Gassett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:31:14",
"content": "Thank you for the support, tips, and the criticism, it is helpful to get this type of feedback. :)I would respectfully point out the purpose and the audience of the video. The purpose is to make a small number of prototype boards to verify that the design works before offering it as a product to be manufactured by a professional assembly house. The audience is basement tinkerers and hackers like myself who don’t have access to the resources to solder a BGA chip the “correct” way.I actually have the correct LFFR flux cleaners that I could have used, but I showed Brakleen because anyone can run to their corner auto parts store and pick some up. It takes a surprising amount of research to find and order a good flux cleaner.The spirit of the video is to show that you don’t need crazy tools to pull of using a BGA chip. :)Jack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408883",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:09:53",
"content": "Glad you got them fixed. They’re not much fun. At least you didn’t use a hot air gun to flow the solder, and end up with lots of little balls of solder running abut under the IC body!Maybe next time you might want to make a screen print mask? I’m not sure of any easy DIY method, but maybe HAD readers do? (You can buy expensive steel masks for individual IC profiles.)I do know that screen printing solder is much much easier than doing each pad with a syringe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408898",
"author": "Morbious Stone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:54:19",
"content": "I like this vid, simple methods and it wasn’t over particular & technical which I like",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409071",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T07:29:56",
"content": "@abobymouse: I too would love to find out how to do solder paste application with DIY screen printing techniques. Anyone tried this??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409240",
"author": "Jack Gassett",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:10:54",
"content": "ColinB,I do soldering with a stencil all the time. I actually used a mylar stencil for the rest of the board. :)Next time I make a board with a stencil I’ll record it.Jack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409278",
"author": "DanG",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T18:45:19",
"content": "I think he did a pretty good job for what he had lying around. I’ve seen better and I’ve worse. There where many times when I didnt have the proper equipment to reflow/reball,but I used what I had at my disposal and it worked fine.Its all about doing and learning from your mistakes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409282",
"author": "Reza",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:04:49",
"content": "I use zephyr bga flux and no paste (just use balls). Alignment is hard so have a courtyard silkscreened. Then toast till toasty.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409290",
"author": "Dennis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:31:37",
"content": "Thank you for the video Jack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409602",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T17:00:21",
"content": "Nice vid, a bit more closeup work might have been nice but it was good to see. While you can take on board the criticisms from the guys who do this daily, don’t take them to heart – if it works, thats good, if there’s a better way that’s easily accessible then change it, if not don’t fret.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411789",
"author": "Dean",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T14:00:31",
"content": "Hey man, haven’t watched your video all the way through but here it goes. So I am the kinda guy who hasn’t got a lot of money and doesn’t know that much about electronics yet.*I say yet as I am trying to learn so feel feel to give links to decent tutorials* any way’s have a few questions. doesn’t the the heat from the bottom, hurt/mess up the bottom of the board? the reason I ask is, I a owner of a x-xbox 360 that has been been j tagged But after a while of usage I have the ugly Red Ring of Death :(, it needs re bailing. But as i said i can’t afford to send it off to some random larry and have a chance i may never see it, or having keys stolen so they can play there xbox online get me? would this method work on a 360? has you or anyone else got any other solution, i Don’t own a Heat gun nore a solder iron, but a solder iron i can get from next door. thank you in advanced for any info",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.199873
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/converting-a-roomba-into-a-mars-rover/
|
Converting A Roomba Into A Mars Rover
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"mars rover",
"roomba"
] |
When we first heard of [Dino]’s
all-terrain Roomba
, we hoped the ‘stair-climbing Roomba’ problem had finally been solved, but the final build turned out much cooler.
A year ago, [Dino] built a
small robot
based on a
rocker-bogie suspension
. This suspension system has been used on every Mars rover, including the huge
Mars Science Labratory
scheduled to land on Mars next year. [Dino] beefed up the suspension from the previous version and changed the wheels and center of gravity. Now, the little Roomba rover seems quite capable of climbing over objects as tall as itself.
The control of the rover is similar to other Roomba hacks we’ve seen – just tapping a few transistors. [Dino] is using a Seeduino and an ultrasonic sensor to avoid collisions. [Dino] says that he’s thinking about pivoting each wheel independently to get around the skid-steering, but maybe an
omnidirectional wheel
would be better suited.
Check out the video after the break for a demo of the Roomba rover traversing the treacherous boulder strewn terrain in [Dino]’s garage.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNgpl1TL4xg&w=470]
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408760",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:26:11",
"content": "I love Irobot products. My senior design project was built off a gutted Create. They make for some nice platforms.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpEDXo-Rw_cI rememeber seeing the first version of Dino’s mod (or one like it) a while ago. Good job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408779",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:26:03",
"content": "Just to clarify, you actually have just a “Rocker” suspension, not a “Rocker-Bogie”. A rocker joint is one that has a differential. Move one side of the rocker and the other side moves the opposite amount. A bogie is a passive pivot.The Mars rovers (pathfinder, MER, and now MSL) have the same design of a rocker to start with but then adds a bogie in the back. The front leg of the rocker has one wheel and the back leg of the rocker has a bogie attached with two wheels, free to pivot front to back. That’s how you get the six wheels compared to your 4. Only 4 of the 6 wheels will rotate for steering (the two rocker wheels and the back two bogie wheels). There is a fundamental difference between driving forward and backward with this design. If a rock flips the bogie it can get stuck in something called bogie-lock.If a full rocker-bogie is too complicated, but you want more wheels for more traction, you should look at pictures of the European ExoMars rover. It uses a bogie-bogie-bogie setup with six wheels. The back-left and back-right wheels are each on a bogie pivoting front to back (like your rover but without the differential bar) and then a third bogie for the front two wheels pivoting left-right.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408780",
"author": "viperware",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:44:36",
"content": "I wonder if interfacing a kinect, an arduino, and some oter robotic parts would solve the stair climbing problem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408793",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T16:07:43",
"content": "Very cool. I like it :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408796",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T16:33:56",
"content": "“Check out the video after the break for a demo of the Roomba rover traversing the treacherous boulder strewn terrain in [Dino]‘s garage.”I think you mean:Check out the next video after the break for a demo of the Roomba rover doing absolutely nothing because the batteries are completely useless and no longer hold any charge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408836",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:11:36",
"content": "the rocker bogie suspension is pretty cool",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408856",
"author": "Mayor Defacto",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:02:31",
"content": "saw this at makerfaire",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408893",
"author": "HackJack",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:42:15",
"content": "This is what meals-on-wheels suppose to look like.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408902",
"author": "Morbious Stone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T21:01:09",
"content": "Dino is the man very cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409131",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T11:18:44",
"content": "Omniwheels / mechanum wheels (as suggested in the blurb) wouldn’t be any good for vehicles planning to traverse uneven terrain. They only really work on smooth flat surfaces like concrete or linoleum etc.Plus they would clog up with dirt too easily.If they did work then NASA would be using them on their Mars rovers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.24804
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/spokes-we-dont-need-no-stinking-spokes/
|
Spokes? We Don’t Need No Stinking Spokes!
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"bicycle",
"bike",
"burning man",
"tricycle"
] |
The Air Kraken is a bicycle for demon spawn. Well, that’s what it reminds us of anyway. [Gabriel Cain] took his inspiration from burning man and also had several reasons for building it, but the one that we just love to hear is ‘because I can’.
The over-grown tricycle built for two is more than just some bicycle frames welded together. [Gabriel] built the wheel set himself using some very interesting methods. We believe the hubs themselves are actually automobile rims drilled to accept eye bolts. Instead of rigid spokes, a network of steel cable keeps the rims, made from plastic culvert pipe, centered. For grip, mountain bike tires were cut into pieces and screwed onto the pipe parts. The whole shebang is steered using a ship’s wheel (not pictured above) to turn the small wheel located behind the two riders.
After the break we’ve embedded a video of the vehicle in motion. It is the second of three videos that have been posted so far, with the other two walking through how [Gabriel] solved the design challenges facing him during the build.
[Gabriel] sent us a link after seeing
the quadbike post on Monday
. Don’t keep your projects to yourself, make sure to
send us a tip
and we’ll make sure to keep posting about them.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_ixFLQOqXA&w=470]
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408732",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:18:44",
"content": "I like it, kinda cool, but why is it so noisy while he’s peddling?I could imagine 2 poor farmers riding that through their field to plow it or something hahaha",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408737",
"author": "Akoi Meexx",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:37:25",
"content": "That thing sounds wretched… I hope it doesn’t make that noise all the time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408738",
"author": "Jeremy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:39:37",
"content": "The noise is probably the cable used for the wheel spokes shifting as it rolls. This is neat, but I don’t see a practical application for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408741",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:48:50",
"content": "This thing looks hard to peddle. Either that or he’s just about out of shape as I am. ^_^ Great ride though, love the seats!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408745",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:57:28",
"content": "They’re made of steel cable, but they’re still spokes…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408753",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:13:40",
"content": "“Either that or he’s just about out of shape as I am. ”Looking at the photos and video… He is in perfect athletic shape! Lance Armstrong is a fatty compared to this guy….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408785",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:50:34",
"content": "Coming along nicely!http://gabrielcain.com/projects/airkraken/is the link in the video, for the lazy like me who wished it were clickable.@Akoi, @JeremySounds like the noise plastic pipe makes on bits of gravel on hard roads to me.It needs some soft tires on the outer rims.@sarielIt might be because it’s in the wrong gear, and the deraillier[spelling?] isn’t installed yet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408789",
"author": "Gabriel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:57:44",
"content": "Hi all. To address the noise and correct a minor error: the wheels do not yet have the bike tread applied. The noise is from the plastic on pavement abd will be substantially quieter with the treads. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408812",
"author": "marklar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:14:02",
"content": "The spokes of the WHEELS are affixed to the RIMS of the car WHEELS he usedRims != WheelsA lot of culvert pipe projects lately though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408818",
"author": "Geirskogul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:32:34",
"content": "@JeremySpokes act as cables, “hanging” the hub of a wheel from it’s outer rim. Whether they’re solid or flexible, the mechanism of action and retention is the same. So no, the noise is not from them “shifting” as you incorrectly claim.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408830",
"author": "Captain Obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:03:22",
"content": "Spokes are spokes no matter what you make them out of.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408840",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:18:06",
"content": "release the kraken",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408842",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:28:05",
"content": "Hi Gabriel, this is a brilliant looking design! About how heavy is the Kraken? I suppose any difficulty in pedaling due to weight is more than made up for in intimidation factor. Also, why the cable-spoke system? Is there any advantage from having the hub supported from the top rather than the bottom?This is good stuff.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408848",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:48:36",
"content": "@Mike:Normal bicycle tires are also supported from the top. The spokes don’t push the tire away from the hub, they pull it towards it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408941",
"author": "jabba",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:34:41",
"content": "@Abbottare you sure?friggin solstice people…..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408956",
"author": "Gabriel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:23:38",
"content": "@Mike, the whole thing weighs as you see above in at about 250 lbs. It actually moves pretty easily and unlike another poster commented, it is not very strenuous.The chair placement makes it a little awkward, though. That’s something I’ll be adjusting. :)The spokes are made of steel cables because that was easy to do. It’s easy to replace them as well. Check out the link on my page to the gallery of pictures, and you’ll see some construction images that clarify some details.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408983",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T01:43:05",
"content": "I think the noise is coming from the wheels. sounds about like plastic crushing gravel",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409091",
"author": "Kephas",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T09:16:54",
"content": "1. Remove the pedals2. Add an electric engine3. …4. Profit :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409836",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T08:08:35",
"content": "i see spokes, what’s with the title?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.307174
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/photo-hardware-had-automatically-produces-rotating-gifs/
|
Photo Hardware That Automatically Produces Rotating GIFs
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"animated",
"boobie board",
"GIF",
"rotating",
"stepper"
] |
[Fergus Kendall’s] company is making development and breakout boards targeting electronic hobbyists. As with any endeavor that involves selling something, they need marketing. It sounds like [Fergus] was put in charge of getting some nice animated 360 degree images of each component. Instead of going through the drudgery of snapping frames by hand in a stop-motion-style, he whipped up
a rotating platform that does the work for him
.
The brain of the operation is a Boobie Board, a microcontroller breakout board that is one of their products. It controls a stepper motor attached to the cardboard platform via a quartet of power transistors. [Fergus] mentions in passing that their digital camera didn’t have a connection for a shutter trigger attachment. But they modded it to make things work. There’s no detail on that part of the hack but we’d wager that they soldered a transistor to the contacts for the shutter button.
The stepper motor has 48 steps, so the hardware is programmed to take 48 pictures which become the frames of an animated GIF – embedded after the break – to show off the product.
| 38
| 37
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408704",
"author": "Nicco",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:10:51",
"content": "Confusing topic title is confusing…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408707",
"author": "t11r",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:17:28",
"content": "Nice idea, although I usually find animated gifs more annoying than practical/nice.If you use this to put a few stills on the product page I would think it would be sufficient.Maybe it’s the fps but I get a little nauseated if I look at the gif too long.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408708",
"author": "elektrophreak",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:26:00",
"content": "@Nicco, i was about to say the same :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408709",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:28:54",
"content": "They can’t be the hobbiests. Nobody is hobbier than me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408711",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:33:58",
"content": "Is proofreading simply too much for you hackaday writers?First off: the title2nd: hobbiest->hobbyist3rd: motor as->motor has",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "408714",
"author": "an00n",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:53:49",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7E-aoXLZGY&feature=youtube_gdata_player",
"parent_id": "408711",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408712",
"author": "dude",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:40:38",
"content": "I literally gasped at this.I’ve been working on something similar, after digitizing I’m making a player that shows the frames in the direction you drag and flick.My inspiration was that iPad app “The Elements” ‘cept you gotta use the mouseI’m going to use 143 frames but the subjects are bigger. Not for components, for fox figurines. I need to immortalize them in case they get broken!The camera I will use is not mine, but it has an IR trigger that I have the codes for so no harm to the cameraMy platform ended up more complicated, thats ok because I need more precision and weightNice outcome, I wish to get the lighting consistent like yours!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408713",
"author": "Sam",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:50:33",
"content": "An excellent little hack! I see that the exposure changes slightly from frame to frame – if the camera had a manual mode, or auto exposure lock, using that would probably lead to a more consistent result.Although admittedly if the camera doesn’t have a shutter release, it may well not have either of the above…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408718",
"author": "Picture Critic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:03:16",
"content": "They should add a mouseover pause to it. that way you can get an overall look but then you can get a good look at it from one position when you mouseover.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408721",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:08:47",
"content": "Put the camera on MANUAL exposure!!!! The exposure differences between shots make the gif annoying to watch.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408728",
"author": "Craig",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:15:31",
"content": "This is gimmicky and far more complicated than it needs to be, both of which are traits of an excellent hackaday project. Very cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408735",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:29:04",
"content": "[Harford Hackerspace] won the first ever Baltimore Hack-A-Thon competition building something very similar. Have a look at the build notes:http://wiki.harfordhackerspace.org/index.php?title=RotoFotoHere is a good image of it:http://harfordhackerspace.org/wp-content/gallery/cnc-user-group-02-13-2011/img_0166.jpgand lastly here is the time lapse video and blog post about it:http://harfordhackerspace.org/2010/11/haha-wins-first-place/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408756",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:19:14",
"content": "Slower rotation and higher frame rate would be preferable…oh, hang on, that’d be a video…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408757",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:20:08",
"content": "I learn from this that 7.5 degrees is much more of a jump than you’d think, which is surprising to me, I would have thought 48 steps would be plenty to give a much more smooth effect, live and learn eh.Incidentally, it’s 2011, animated PNG would be more with the times perhaps with its higher colordepth, and it being now native to all browsers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408766",
"author": "bsom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:30:02",
"content": "Did this better in 48 hours a year ago…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408772",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:52:57",
"content": "I made this one:http://biosocket.com/wp-content/uploads/indiana-jones-sr-flight-1549.gif",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408775",
"author": "bsom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:57:39",
"content": "Check my name link…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408778",
"author": "pod",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:22:06",
"content": "what about taking a video of it, and then converting to gif?you might get better framerate",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408781",
"author": "bsom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:44:56",
"content": "The video thing seems like a good idea until you try it. Getting a seamless loop is difficult as the frames never seem to line up. And most video cameras don’t have as much control over exposure, etc. that is necessary to get these to look right. Also, when doing small stuff, lighting is paramount. Still cameras have flash. If you were using video, you’d need a entire light rig and really nice camera to make it look right. An $80 point-and-shoot does a good job when using stills.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408790",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T15:57:46",
"content": "You know, I’d have to use two of those boards, just to say my project has BOOBIES! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408794",
"author": "bsom",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T16:14:06",
"content": "BOOBIES FTW!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408813",
"author": "DeadlyDad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:15:04",
"content": "I did the same kind of thing years ago. Here is a 64 shot example, with manual exposure & focus (and 1 glitch):",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408814",
"author": "DeadlyDad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:15:53",
"content": "…Okay, no html. Here is a direct link:http://www3.telus.net/ksoft/bear11.gif",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408822",
"author": "DeadlyDad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:45:04",
"content": "FYI, if you have one of the supported Canon cameras, there are commands thatCHDKhas totrigger LED’sanddetect USB power. What I used for my set up was to manually turn it, and use a motion detection script to take a shot as soon as the figurine was in the new position and I had moved out of the shot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408890",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:31:09",
"content": "I wonder if you could do one range of shots then nudge the platform half a step and then do another run and then interleave to get a 2×48=96 frame animation, and I wonder if that would look smoother.You could put the rotating platform on a simple platform that needs only to to rotate a very small bit to and fro, maybe with a servo.It’s probably me but the jerkiness irks me a bit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408969",
"author": "DeadlyDad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T00:47:36",
"content": "@Whatnot: You can just add another gear to change the ratio of servo RPM to platform RPM, therefore changing the angle change between shots.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409095",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T09:43:10",
"content": "Dunno, the manual drag-to-rotate method used eg. on gsmarena in their reviews always seemed to work pretty well to me. I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard to find some free embeddable thingy that can do that once you’ve got the pictures…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409104",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T10:23:13",
"content": "My similar project, Packshotnik (it was here), uses a modified servo and shoots IR trigger commands to the camera.This is a nice project. Yes you can shoot HD video these days, but this method gives blurless results. This project can be improved by making the platform independent of the motor and adding a reducing transmission. It could be something simple, like a small rubber wheel that touches the platform on the side (remember old cheap LP record players?)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409191",
"author": "KanchoBlindside",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T13:36:19",
"content": "@Picture Critic; Then it wouldnt be a GIF. It would be a script controlling multiple images.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409207",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T14:23:12",
"content": "I could actually use one of these. Was thinking of shooting videos on a record player, but this is nicer. It has officially earned a spot on my to-do list. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409260",
"author": "DeadlyDad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T17:33:05",
"content": "FYI, creating an animated GIF from an ordered series of pictures can be as simple as installing ImageMagick, then issuing the command ‘convert *.jpg animation.gif’. (My full script to do it was a *lot* more complicated, as I used exposure bracketing, an oscillating option, etc.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409275",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T18:42:12",
"content": "Just over a year ago, I built something similar.The inspiration came from a friend, who built the interface for viewing it and took a panoramic photo of his office by hand.My stepper driver was built on a breadboard with a pair of discrete transistor H-bridges, a circuit that surprisingly enough didn’t ever catch fire.Driven by my Arduino (yeah, bring it on with the hating.) with host software written in Python, which handled uploading to my site too.If there’s enough interest, I might upload it someday.Enough talk, here’s a link:http://nathan7.eu/stuff/360/–Nathan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409276",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T18:44:05",
"content": "The camera used for my version was a webcam – the host software sent a step command, waited for it to complete (plus a little longer) and took a picture with the webcam. Rinse and repeat, 50 more times.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409295",
"author": "DeadlyDad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T19:45:12",
"content": "Hmmm… It occurred to me that you could do this with automatically with *very* basic electronics:1. Create a rotating platform with a lazy susan/(w/e) with a circumference that is an easy multiplier of 3/8/10/etc (60cm/24″ is a good value, as it will give you a platform that is ~20cm/~7 1/2″ wide.), and an edge that is an inch or so high.2. Place a vertical staple (Or more if necessary at each mark on the edge.3. Anchor 2 stiff wires so that they will brush against the staples to create a circuit.4. Connect the brush wires to one side of a relay, so that when the brush circuit is closed, the other circuit on the relay is disconnected.4. Connect the brush wires to a trigger for your camera.5. Connect the other side of the relay from power to a motor that rotates the platform.6. Connect a separate circuit with a photo sensor (?) to the motor.7. Connect a power switch to the power source.When the brush isn’t touching the staples, the platform rotates. As soon as it does, the motor stops rotating the platform, and camera is triggered. As soon as the shot is taken, the motor begins rotating again.Sound workable?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409328",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T21:13:16",
"content": "Animated PNG sounds like a good idea, until you realize that it’s really a kind of a hack and the support for it is really patchy, and PNG is not that great for photographic content. Having a 48 frame animation means that you’re going to download something like a 10 megabyte file.But hey, if you didn’t complain when dialups took two minutes to download a jpeg, you’ll be just fine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409698",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:18:41",
"content": "@Dax I know the files get bigger if you use more colordepth, but most all browsers support png so for webposts the support is sufficient (and I have 100Mbit download so I’m not too worried :P)But yeah if you have a budget hosting package and land on reddit for instance it can go foul, and on many sites if you upload a png in a comment section or forum they for some reason alter it to a single image file yet do not do that with animated gif, which is pretty sad and backwards IMO.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409700",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T21:23:36",
"content": "@DeadlyDad (and others) true a gear or reduction wheel to increase the number of shots would work and be better probably, but in my suggested setup you can leave the previous build unaltered so it seems more conducive to being implemented since the builder doesn’t have to start over and you can just try it and easily go back if you don’t think it’s worth it after all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "913473",
"author": "ivulpine",
"timestamp": "2013-01-04T22:51:31",
"content": "You can now get the prototyping board this was made with from their websitehttp://www.archonixtech.com/I’ve got one and it’s a really nice bit of kit",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.549095
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/22/twitter-notifier-lets-us-know-how-awesome-we-are/
|
Twitter Notifier Lets Us Know How Awesome We Are
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"alert",
"arduino",
"led",
"processing",
"python",
"twitter"
] |
Let’s admit it, you’re just a little bit vain. Heck, we’re all just a little bit vain when you really think about it. Instructables user [pdxnat] was self-absorbed enough that he constructed
an LED “mood light” that alerts him
each time someone mentions his user name on Twitter.
The build is pretty simple, with most of the work being done on his PC. His Arduino is wired to a simple RGB LED that calmly cycles through various colors until someone mentions his name on Twitter. At that point, the client software running on his PC passes a message to the Arduino over a serial interface, causing it to wildly pulse the LED. Once it catches his eye, he stops the alert cycle with the press of the reset button, returning the LED to its previous state. As a bonus, he decided to write the Twitter-polling application in both Processing and Python, enabling fans of either language to easily replicate his work.
It’s a pretty cool idea, and it would be great to see someone expand it to include other online services to provide a greater overall feel for how awesome they really are.
Keep reading to see a quick video of the notifier in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UpfmQKsjZo&w=470]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408698",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T11:32:04",
"content": "Life for these days would be so much simpler if we still had parallel ports.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408703",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:08:48",
"content": "You can have a parallel port. they sell pci E parallel port cards. $9.00 and you can have the magic of a bygone era…..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408715",
"author": "Google Weary",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:59:52",
"content": "Now if only we could make it so that it lit up everytime someone did a google search on our name… Takers anyone??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408723",
"author": "Nardella",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:11:46",
"content": "What’s up with that board, what are the different areas coated with and why?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408736",
"author": "pdxNat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:36:15",
"content": "The colors are marker pens used to help map out where everything would go. I wanted it to fit snug over the Arduino. The extended silver lines at bottom are a mistake. Measure twice, ink once.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408740",
"author": "Nardella",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:44:50",
"content": "Never mind, got my answer.“The colors are marker pens used to help map out where everything would go.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408759",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:25:12",
"content": "Whenever I’m mentioned on the internet it’s in private discussion about the question if I should be banned or not :)So unfortunately this project has little point for me, unless I alter it to show how often sony and such tries to hack me maybe? But that’s local and not out on the wibbly web.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408767",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:33:01",
"content": "@’Google Weary’ Fortunately google doesn’t make that info available to the general public, but you could do a periodic search for yourself on google and parse the ‘About xxx results (0.06 seconds)’ text to see how often you are mentioned, but the period would have to be large enough to not have google block your ass though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408800",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T16:41:22",
"content": "I mean the arduino could be removed from this project if you had a RS flipflop and access to a parallel port. It was useful having what in effect was GPIO pins on your computer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408832",
"author": "pdxNat",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:05:44",
"content": "The mood light is a simple example showing how to use Twitter to control an Arduino. You could search for any text, hashtags, mentions, direct messages, or any attribute known to the Twitter api. I limited it to @mentions for proof-of-concept. Robotics or techno-home projects would be a cool direction to take this: tweet #openCatDoor or #turnOnLights or #blastStereo-eleven.The idea isn’t new, I admit, but I wanted to provide a Processing / Python example specifically for the Arduino crowd.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408886",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:22:54",
"content": "Nice to hear a rational person pdxNat, and thanks for your efforts, you never know when one might need it and it’s good to have such code available.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408960",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T23:47:38",
"content": "B. F. Skinner woulda loved this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409243",
"author": "Dennis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T16:21:19",
"content": "The TweetM is coming from the BlinkM.http://thingm.com/products/tweetm.htmlIt’s been demonstrated on the Colbert Report.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413397",
"author": "Sean",
"timestamp": "2011-07-05T13:03:25",
"content": "Does anyone know where to get hold of the RGB PWM capable LEDs in the UK? I’m having trouble locating these!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.474955
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/making-airsoft-guns-far-more-potent/
|
Making Airsoft Guns Far More Potent
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Laser Hacks"
] |
[
"airsoft",
"gun",
"laser",
"rifle"
] |
[Drake] wrote in to share his recent project, which involves repurposing an Airsoft rifle that was sitting around, collecting dust. Airsoft guns as a whole are not all that impressive, but
convert your Airsoft gun into a laser rifle
, and we’re all ears.
His laser blaster is honestly pretty straightforward as far as laser projects go, but we just couldn’t resist. He pulled apart the Airsoft gun, removing all of the “airy” bits, leaving just the trigger behind. He added a 9v battery and a linear power supply to the gun, wiring them up to a 700mW laser diode from what we hope was a broken Blu-ray burner.
In the obligatory “look at what I can destroy with my laser gun” video embedded below, [Drake] shows off his gun’s potency at various ranges, popping balloons from 35 feet away. He even shows off the laser’s usefulness as a light pen for glow in the dark surfaces.
While his modifications are nothing we haven’t seen before, his gun is far more accessible
than others we have featured
.
Have any cool high-powered laser projects of your own? Share them with us in the comments.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTnqamZJ97g&w=470]
| 27
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408535",
"author": "Addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:53:18",
"content": "Hehehe notice the little dark spots on the white carpet ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408542",
"author": "graymalkin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T22:11:13",
"content": "Why do I get the impressing the creator of this is currently on ebay looking for Phaser replicas from Star Trek?If he’s not, he should be.But really, cool project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408555",
"author": "VEC7OR",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T22:45:21",
"content": "I like the pun on the muzzle velocity.But I’ll opt for a Q-switched one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408573",
"author": "baker0835",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:58:34",
"content": "Look up systema PTW or tokyo marui and then tell me “Airsoft guns as a whole are not all that impressive”. I had an AEG that would put a tuned up paintball gun to shame.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "5816044",
"author": "Uajsj",
"timestamp": "2019-01-25T10:18:34",
"content": "Ak (",
"parent_id": "408573",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408581",
"author": "Hamtaro",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:33:38",
"content": "Cool, but I’d be much more interested in the idea if he had the laser burst with physical feedback instead of a simple on/off switch. At that point he could replicate a rifle target system like Anchutz’s LaserPower II:http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?produktID=225&menu=100&sprache=1&produktShow=detailand perhaps create a target system to match. (His aim is a little shaky :P )",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408600",
"author": "Britt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T02:03:53",
"content": "Oh, I *do* hope that he mounted the battery in the magazine…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408606",
"author": "barry99705",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T02:45:17",
"content": "Hey, I’m impressed! None of the “lasers kill kittens” trolls have shown up yet! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408609",
"author": "Aphex13",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T02:58:04",
"content": "Lasers kill kittens…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408610",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:04:04",
"content": "The battery in the magazine would be an awesome feature as well as a bit of force feed back.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408619",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:40:37",
"content": "You’ll burn your eye out, kid!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408625",
"author": "tw33dle",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T04:28:03",
"content": "what about adding a second or third laser so that balloon will pop much quicker, thus making a more effective kill shot, much like a rifle firing a real projectile. but be careful, we wouldn’t want hurt a cute kitties now would we. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408626",
"author": "tw33dle",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T04:30:32",
"content": "i guess i should have watched the video before i open my big mouth and let the crap roll out :/ I guess I expected it take about a second or so to pop the balloon. this is why I’m not allowed outside too much :\\",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408627",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T04:34:25",
"content": "oh god an internet handle collision. btw thats not me lol ^_^Anywho … could these diodes be pulsed for a temporary higher power output or am I crazy?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408636",
"author": "GuiltyPixel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:15:23",
"content": "Supercooling a solid state semiconductor laser can lead to increased output beyond manufacturing tolerances but it has complications. Setting it up to run short, high amplitude pulses might work if you tuned your driver well enough but these laser diodes are typically designed for partial duty cycles in continuous mode.Assuming the profile of energy input to output is a bell curve, with the laser’s highest efficiency being near the specified operating conditions, high energy pulses would be useless, as the overall output over time would be significantly lower and thermal breakdown of the semiconductor would occur sooner. They make laser modules designed for that mode, but this isn’t one.You could use PWM to reduce power for safer playing around, when you don’t plan on burning things.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408638",
"author": "GuiltyPixel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:24:11",
"content": "P.S. You’re more likely to get better output by using better optics in the assembly, i.e., not cheapo plastic lens Axis cases from eBay. Axis does make inexpensive housings with better optics though, check their site.700mW output – 30% lost in transit due to absorbance, diffraction, and collimation errors = 490mW…(even reflected light at these levels is hazardous, people aren’t being paranoid when they say wear stupid looking goggles. wear them.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408642",
"author": "KRosen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:46:36",
"content": "don’t want to be that guy, but i noticed this hack does not have an orange or colored tip – very dangerous, if people think its the real deal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408661",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:10:10",
"content": "@GuiltyPixel: I defiantly agree safety glasses are a must. Wraparound ones are better especially if you have someone else doing the pointing of the beam or a autonomous robot of some sort (only ever trust idiots to be idiots).…plus it helps if they are in the correct wavelength (:If I ever come across a cheap blueray laser diode I shall give this a go.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408679",
"author": "Me",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T10:05:39",
"content": "“Do not look into laser with remaining eye.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408693",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T11:07:17",
"content": "Blah blah safety something.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408695",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T11:24:43",
"content": "Now all we need is for the taliban to start wearing black balloons suits instead of flak jackets and the war on terror is over!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408701",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T11:49:28",
"content": "@KRosen That laser is dangerous enough that it’s probably best that people think it’s a real gun!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408747",
"author": "Joshua Behrens",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:59:09",
"content": "kipkay style :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408754",
"author": "Philip",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:13:54",
"content": "can i also do this using another laser? evil laf…vader is born!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408926",
"author": "timmah!",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T22:01:26",
"content": "“Lasers kill kittens…”Well most of them. The surviving ones become Laser Cats!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409040",
"author": "SunGod",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T05:12:33",
"content": "I have a high powered Tokyo Marui; upgrade gearbox, spring, barrel, battery, etc. When I had a friend shoot me in the back 10 feet away, It burned a big hole through my black T-shirt. Nothing New Just Sayin’On a serious note… I’m scared these new Electronic weapons (gauss / laser guns)will become worthless when the Aliens attack.. I’m watching Falling Skies on TNT.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "427424",
"author": "Kevin Orley",
"timestamp": "2011-08-02T19:17:48",
"content": "Yeah, I do not see the orange tip on there. I used to take it off when playingairsoftbecause I thought the orange tip would make it easier for me to be spotted. Took it off, and the police came by in the woods when we were playing and flipped out on me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.665144
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/the-engineering-guy-explains-fiber-optics/
|
The Engineering Guy Explains Fiber Optics
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"fiber optics",
"lasers"
] |
[Bill the “Engineer Guy” Hammack] is back with another lesson in the science behind the technology we know and love, but might not fully understand. This time around
he discusses fiber optic cabling
and how it is used to relay data across distances both small and large.
He starts off by showing how laser light can be easily transmitted from one end of an audio-grade fiber optic cable to the other. To show us how this is accomplished, he sets up a simple table top demonstration involving a bucket, some propylene glycol, and a green laser pointer. The bucket has been modified to include a clear window at one side and a spout at the other. The laser is carefully lined up, and when the spout is unplugged, a steady stream of propylene glycol is released into a second bucket. As [Bill] explains, the laser stays within the stream of fluid due to total internal reflection, and can be seen shining in the second bucket.
[Bill] also discusses how fiber optics were employed in the first transatlantic telecommunications cable, as well as how pulse code modulation was used to send analog voice data over the undersea digital link.
As always, [Bill’s] video is as entertaining as it is enlightening, so be sure to check it out below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MwMkBET_5I&w=470]
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408494",
"author": "medix",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:07:17",
"content": "http://www.rp-photonics.com/Everything you ever wanted to know about lasers and fiber, all in one place.Good resource for those who would like to know more..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408507",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:43:11",
"content": "Err.. quite basic. He didn’t even cover more robust modulation schemes or ultra-fast transforms in the light-domain. Still, thanks HaD keep them coming!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408523",
"author": "Kris Lee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:27:02",
"content": "It’s nice to know how stuff works but I like to know more from where I can get some cheap fiber that I can install into my house for various purposes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408530",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:44:03",
"content": "@Kris Lee:Well, it’s not bulk fiber, but you can get a variety of optical cables at parts-express.com, and they usually have pretty good prices. 75 feet of optical cable with Toslink connectors for about $30. If you want to actually use it for anything serious I would think that would be your best bet — I’m not sure how you’d attach connectors to bulk optical fiber, but I doubt it would be as easy as with something like cat5.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408533",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:50:28",
"content": "Nicely done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408546",
"author": "Ice Brodie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T22:24:05",
"content": "@MrX These videos are an intro series, meant to introduce people not in the know about the tech to technology and the engineering principles that spawned it. So various error correction and performance improvement mechanisms are a tad outside this video’s scope, I think.I enjoy these videos and learn from them, and I feel that Bill is very good about not talking down to his audience.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408568",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:46:16",
"content": "For more ideas on how to use the fiber optic filaments you can visit my site and check out the fiber optic chandelier i just finished.http://evolveelectronics.net/?page_id=451",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408571",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:52:47",
"content": "@ kris leeebay is your friend. Just make sure it has a pmma core.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408580",
"author": "Digital",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:27:39",
"content": "THAT’S ELTON JOHN!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408617",
"author": "ThanatosK",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:34:37",
"content": "^This",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408618",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:38:15",
"content": "Thanks HAD, sure this stuff is basic for, I hope all of us, but the entertaining way it is shown, just perfect for the kids :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408624",
"author": "pogyhauler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T04:24:30",
"content": "“Cheap fiber cable”??“use in your house”???“various purposes”????I think you’d best watch All these tutorials.Twice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408666",
"author": "Luis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:48:49",
"content": "Great Vid.I happen to have an Antennas and Optic Fibers exam this afternoon so now I’m better prepared! :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408688",
"author": "Ratty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T10:47:32",
"content": "Nitpicking, but wasn’t the first transatlantic telecommunications cable TAT-1? saying that fiber was used in TAT-8 and calling it “the first” is a bit inaccurate. The first with fiber, perhaps.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408769",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:44:55",
"content": "It’s understandable that he omits so much stuff, but to suggest that your audio fiber cable is almost always made from silicon dioxide ‘pure glass’ is false and unnecessary.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408845",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T18:42:25",
"content": "This guy makes understanding complex basic scientific concepts easy for even the youngest or dumbest viewers. I like it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416052",
"author": "Kfir",
"timestamp": "2011-07-11T11:28:00",
"content": "Very nice examples. Keep on…Kfir",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.602779
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/photographing-near-space-objects-were-not-supposed-to-know-about/
|
Photographing Near-space Objects We’re Not Supposed To Know About
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"motorized",
"satellite",
"shuttle",
"space",
"spy",
"telescope"
] |
[Thierry Legault] doesn’t just look up at the stars, the uses a motorized telescope base of his own making to
track and photograph secret objects orbiting the earth
. What do we mean by ‘secret objects’? Spy stuff, of course.
Last month he captured some video of the
X-37B
, an unmanned and secretive reusable spacecraft (read: spy shuttle) which is operated by the United States Air Force. That was back on the 21st of May but a few nights later he also saw the USA-186, an optical reconnaissance (Keyhole) satellite.
After trying to cope with manual tracking using the RC control seen above [Thierry] set out to upgrade his equipment. He ended up designing his own software package (and then
released it as freeware
) to automatically track the trajectory of orbiting objects. He uses a second telescope to locate the object, then dials it in with the bigger telescope. Once in frame, the software takes over.
[
Wired
via
Dangerous Prototypes
]
| 57
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408461",
"author": "Monty Werthington",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:17:52",
"content": "I wonder what else is up in space? nice approach. Monty’s approval.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408463",
"author": "schmidtn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:21:50",
"content": "Alright, this kind of ticks me off. I live 7 miles from Vandenberg AFB and spent 4 years active in the navy as a spook… these things are classified for a reason. This guy thinks it’s cool to tell the world where the orbital surveillance tools are. If the bad guy knows when the birds are overhead they can conceal what they’re doing. If you can’t get your intel from the air, you have to do it from the ground which means putting more people in harms way. Not cool in my book. Why not stick with filming the ISS? Do you really need to broadcast to the world the location, heading, speed and where in its elliptical orbit reconnaissance satellites are? That’s kind of like talking about ship movements in WWII if you ask me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "454008",
"author": "Mark",
"timestamp": "2011-09-13T01:43:01",
"content": "Bullshit. The laws of orbital dynamics are not secret, they never have been secret, and they can’t be kept secret. ANYONE can track a satellite and predict its motion. People have been doing this sort of thing as a hobby since the days of Sputnik.",
"parent_id": "408463",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "589368",
"author": "Glenn",
"timestamp": "2012-02-26T13:43:58",
"content": "Your annoyed post assumes all people spying on you have good intentions and aren’t, for example, foreign nations.",
"parent_id": "454008",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "589398",
"author": "Mark",
"timestamp": "2012-02-26T15:32:01",
"content": "Glenn’s post exemplifies why I’m annoyed. He doesn’t get it, either. It doesn’t matter if spies are from hostile enemy nations. ANYONE can track a satellite, whether for good or for bad. It’s not a question of wanting to keep the laws of orbital dynamics secret; they aren’t secret, and haven’t been for centuries.",
"parent_id": "454008",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "4429069",
"author": "Abdi Ahmed",
"timestamp": "2018-03-19T17:17:25",
"content": "you want a blind trust. real researcher or inventors don’t trust no one, a fear mongering like you, we should assume your intention are good. ahahahaha really. is that how it works.???? clown !!",
"parent_id": "408463",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408464",
"author": "avrpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:24:37",
"content": "@schmidtn The USA has no business spying on anyone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408467",
"author": "The Longhorn Engineer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:28:30",
"content": "@schmidtnIn this age I would always assume there is a spy satellite looking at me if I was a enemy, terrorist, ect.If this guy can do it I will assume other nations can do it as well and probably have done it already. It is silly to think that this was the first time someone tried to “look” for spy satellites.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408468",
"author": "Xiver",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:28:39",
"content": "@avrpunkThat’s a very naive viewpoint.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408471",
"author": "Olestra",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:33:43",
"content": "@schmidtn there is no point in concealing the info either… if one backyard astronomer can spot these and figure out their obits, another one can.Thinking that now one knows where your satellite is, just because you haven’t told anyone is incredibly short-sighted.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408475",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:43:12",
"content": "@avrpunk I suppose the U.S. has no business sending aid worldwide either.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408477",
"author": "Gnu",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:44:29",
"content": "Oh boy here we go. A self proclaimed spook claiming terrorists, China and whatever never done this before. There is a reason why terrorists use couriers instead of using phones. They always assume someone might be watching and/or listening in.If you want to track spy satellites you just have to go tohttp://www.heavens-above.comand select your terrorist nest on a map. Then enjoy finding out info like which type of satellite is passing over you, its mass, launch date, country of origin etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408481",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:45:23",
"content": "If our military doesn’t expect people are doing shit like this already, and have been for years, every single person in that branch of the service ought to lose their jobs. I’m not joking, and I’m not exaggerating. If a single guy can hack together something to do this just for the hell of it, you can be damn sure that rival nations have been doing the exact same thing for many, many years. I’m sure the US government has been as well…What happened to the days when the spooks were so secure and confident that, for example, the NSA worked to help _improve_ commercial cryptography?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408482",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:46:52",
"content": "@schmidtn:I’m with everyone else here: if the USA thinks that not telling everyone where their spy satellites are will keep the Bad Guys from knowing, they’re mistaken.I’m sure that those who would be interested in concealing stuff from spy satellites have a much better idea about where they are and how/when to hide from them than any amateur astronomers. It would be stupidly short-sighted to assume otherwise.This is just another cold war: they know we can see them, and we know that they know. Not that that makes it pointless to have these things up there, but I seriously doubt that what this guy does puts any lives in danger, friend or foe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408484",
"author": "anonymouscoward",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:49:06",
"content": "@schmidtn – perhaps he doesn’t care for having you lot spying on the rest of us. “Team America World Police F*** Yeah!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408486",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:53:23",
"content": "To the supposed “spook”… if you actually were a spook, you’d not be so naive as to think that the orbit of these satellites are actually secret. They’re in low Earth orbit, and they can all be seen from the ground by anyone who’s observant. If some guy in his yard can do it with a pretty ordinary commercially available amateur telescope, it follows that countries all over the world have already done it.trdr: schmidtn is a dope.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408487",
"author": "jaqen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:55:18",
"content": "I’m assuming these thing move fast (thinking of the few satelilites you can spot with the naked eye) which makes the steadyness of his videos impressive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408488",
"author": "herbdean",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:56:11",
"content": "I think it’s cool that he was able to do this, but kinda wish he wasn’t making it easy for bad guys either.On the other hand, with the licensing key it may be able to keep track of who and where it is being used. Or it could be a “fake” meant to draw them out.Spooky :-/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408489",
"author": "Urza9814",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:58:33",
"content": "Actually…there is one case in which this kind of thing could legitimately harm the spooks — which is, if they are spying on a population that, as a whole, doesn’t have the sophistication to detect these things. But that means they aren’t looking for nukes, WMDs, arms buildups, etc. The only thing I can think of that would possibly be hurt by this is if they’re using these things to spy on Americans, to combat dissent and “civil unrest” and such. In which case, this guy is doing a good thing, and is doing more to actually defend freedom than the spooks.So yea, at the very least he’s not hurting anything. Depending on what he finds, he could be doing a great service to our nation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408490",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:59:35",
"content": "What I find pretty incredible is that there’s a constellation of Hubble-alikes pointing the wrong way (down). And that’s only counting the US’s 70’s era spy gear. Presumably the Soviets would have matched them like for like and the French might have had an equivalent too.Just imagine the sort of advances that could have been made if that hardware had been turned over to science all these years.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408498",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:11:14",
"content": "@JoeNo they shouldn’t. There’s plenty of people IN OUR OWN FUCKING COUNTRY that need help first. We’ve got homeless EVERYWHERE with no food or water of their own but that’s ok, let’s send it to the poor people in XYZ country that just had an earthquake. Too bad we can’t take care of our own as good as we take care of everyone else’s.Billions to this country, hundreds of thousands to that. But nothing to our own people. Fuck the rest let’s take care of our own people first.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408503",
"author": "Sean",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:19:53",
"content": "@schmidtn – Can you BELIEVE that some people photograph the Pentagon building!? Even some NEWS agencies have photographed it and GIVEN OUT ITS ADDRESS!!!! Talk about a breach of national security.Pfft. I’m guessing the “Former” in your supposed title of “Former Spook” is because of the dim-witted mentality behind comments like the one you posted.It’s frickin’ light entering your eyeballs. You can’t tell someone not to look at an object. People are going to look. Even the terrorists.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408504",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:31:10",
"content": "@schmidtn – Hey if you have somthing flying through the sky its pretty damned hard to “hide”, and if some guy with a telescope can find it don’t you think that a government with far more resources knows its there, if whoever launches satellites wants to “hide” them let them devlope cloaking technology!Anyway, this is very cool, when you check out the link go to his home page, he has video of the shuttle docking with the space station, very nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408510",
"author": "asheets",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:45:40",
"content": "@schmidtn — I don’t see anywhere in the article or the software where Mr. Legault publishes the Keplerian elements for the objects he is tracking. While I do know that they are available if you look hard enough (and that is indeed a problem for national security operations), Mr. Legault is not deserving of the grief you are heaping on him, but instead is probably performing a service to his country.Besides, if you were at Vandy in the old days (before they put the domes over the sat dishes), then you’d know that all anybody would have to have to calculate the Keplerians of any bird (known or otherwise) would be a good set of binoculars and a protractor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408512",
"author": "Ken",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:48:22",
"content": "@Everyone != “schmidtn”Does anyone feel like they just got trolled? Just curious.Very neat hack – I live in the mountains and think our clear view might make this a great hobby to take up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408514",
"author": "Charlie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:53:05",
"content": "@schmidtn Your spy stuff doesn’t matter anymore.. All the Nations of the world will soon go away. Bring on the Kingdom! (Daniel 2:44)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408526",
"author": "komradebob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:38:27",
"content": "1) Optical imaging of LEO objects is nothing new.2) Keplerian elements (orbital paths) of KH series sats (and similar sats of other nations) are well known, even published in public places.3) Orbital tracking software (and orbital position display is widely available online.http://www.heavens-above.com/is but one example.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408527",
"author": "shameless jackass",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:39:45",
"content": "@CharlieYou religious zealots tried that already, it obviously didn’t work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408529",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:41:58",
"content": "@schmidtn I understand what you are saying but this is an off the self telescope, pc, camera, using publicly available data. I have gone to many astronomy events and you could look up and see satellites with the naked eye. That is the problem with spysats. They are scheduled by god and Kepler. The really bad guys know where they are. as well. For sigint birds it isn’t a problem but for photoint birds it can be. so this is harmless. To the “America shouldn’t be spying children. Well that just isn’t the real world and those satellites are used for keeping the peace! that is how both sides monitor compliance with arms treaties which I am sure you think are good things to have. There was story about a museum that moved an B52 insides to repaint it. They actually got a vist from a group of russians just to make sure that is what happened. Same with pictures of the US chopping up b52s or blowing up old silos. So get over it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408537",
"author": "zokier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:56:50",
"content": "I wonder how the camera he used differs from a good DSLR? Probably much more sensitive sensor, but obviously very low resolution. But on the other hand, modern DSLRs have sensitivities up to ISO 25600 (with huge amount of noise though). DSLRs also have much larger sensor, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not in astrophotography.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408540",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T22:05:19",
"content": "if you read everything from this post and on you just wasted 10 minutes of your life.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408547",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T22:28:43",
"content": "Bit of a leap going from that blurred blob to the spy shuttle….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408564",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:30:30",
"content": "Yes, it’s so secretive there’s a wiki page for it and one from the USAF. Come on….really?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408565",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:31:34",
"content": "This reminds me of a doc I watch on Nat Geo recently. Back in the 60’s we knew exactly when Soviet IR sat’s would go over the desert of Area 51. If we hid the plan, the IR signature of cooler desert under the plane would still give away the shape of the bird. So, we used tarps to make fictitious cooler shapes in the surrounding desert to throw the Soviets for a loop.Tracking these sat’s has been done for over have a century folks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408567",
"author": "Thanh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:39:59",
"content": "I clicked on some videos and just saw blobs in those videos. How does one knows which satellite he is looking at? The blob is just like an out of focus object.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408570",
"author": "FDP",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:50:30",
"content": "@schmidtn, you’re reaction shows a total lack of understanding of the world we live in. Before you jump on someone for what you have likened to treason, gather some basic understanding of what is and is not secret in this day and age.@Ken, love the “!=”. I doubt that schmidtn is a troll though, just some poor misguided individual who’s reaction to something that vaguely threatens him is to accuse another person of treason.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408574",
"author": "some geek",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:04:24",
"content": "What he has published does not seem to be software to control his mount, or do any tracking – its just software to control and take a series of images from high end “Astro” imaging CCD’s (which are more capable of doing “real” scientific work than a DSLR) – i didnt see much in the way of guidance systems, etc, but then again – with any reasonable telescope mount, theres no need.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408578",
"author": "Haggard",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:22:53",
"content": "@JoeOver a century… hmmm?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408583",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:47:20",
"content": "Successful troll was successful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408586",
"author": "Valen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:55:20",
"content": "THE GUY IS IN FRANCE!!!So everybody going on about how its treason and such for or against is demonstrably daft.Also, orbital elements for all this stuff is published, mainly because somebody is going to get their ass sued off if your satellite hits some billion dollar private research sat, or some other country’s spy sat.Sometimes they will change orbit on a sat and not tell anybody (rare, fuel is expensive) for a few days but the orbital elements are usually updated pretty quickly.(norad isn’t the only game in town)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408613",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:26:02",
"content": "I thought they gave up on the x-37……well now I’m glad to know they didn’t.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408622",
"author": "asdf",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T04:03:30",
"content": "@avrpunkThe Russians had 10 times the amount of spy satellites pointed at the U.S. than the U.S. had pointed at the Soviet Union.I don’t remember anyone protesting this…BTW, those people with the French accents poking around Boeing are not tourists.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408634",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T05:56:47",
"content": "@joe2 I agree.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408639",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:27:33",
"content": "I can barely make anything out in those pictures anyway lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "516370",
"author": "HomelyPoet",
"timestamp": "2011-11-22T20:52:33",
"content": "I Saw Big-foot!(He is a third cousin from my Mother’s-Father’s side.Twice removed.)",
"parent_id": "408639",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408641",
"author": "GuiltyPixel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:39:57",
"content": "Interestingly, if this guy did the math, he could calculate exactly what they are looking at lol. Might yield interesting and embarrassing results…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408643",
"author": "Figgesoft",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T07:01:29",
"content": "very impressive!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408717",
"author": "Eirinn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T13:02:12",
"content": "@schmidtn please you take us for being idiots? If a hobbyist can get this kind of information i’m very sure that any dangerous banana republic could get the same information.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408773",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T14:54:23",
"content": "@schmidtn The ‘bad guys’ already know where they are, they put them in orbit in the first place..As for the concept of tracking them manually with a RC, that’s amusing, it’s like a real-life game.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408802",
"author": "schmidtn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T16:44:00",
"content": "I wasn’t worried about other countries knowing this kind of info. Other countries put up their own satellites and have them sit right behind our satellites to see and hear what ours do. Everyone does that. I’m looking at the GWOT. Pretty sure Jihad Johnny isn’t sitting in the the hills of Afghanipak with a telescope and laptop tracking US birds.Once they know how we find them, they change their SOPs and we have to do it another way. The most popular way the military does that is more boots on the ground which I would like to see avoided.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408859",
"author": "bft",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T19:09:46",
"content": "I was looking at his website and noticed that the resolution on some of his other photos seems to be much higher. I wonder if he intended this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408892",
"author": "noName",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T20:40:07",
"content": "schmidtn is probably an old brainwashed nationalist zealot maintained by the military.Also, USA is the terrorist #1.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409049",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T05:49:46",
"content": "@schmidtn LOL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409472",
"author": "edonovan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T08:11:00",
"content": "@schmidtnTroll attempt: successful. I congratulate you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409751",
"author": "Anthros",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T23:43:24",
"content": "Funny how americans whine about bad guys, when in fact the united states regularly spy on europe and the rest of the world. Even more amusing how americans whine about a citizen of the european union publishing perfectly legal stuff.Lolcat approves",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.81561
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/quadbike-smaller-is-faster/
|
Quadbike: Smaller Is Faster
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"big dog",
"burning man",
"cycle",
"lawn chair",
"quad"
] |
After three huge mutant vehicle builds, [Tom Wilson] thought: “why not build
another
?” This time he decided to weld together a (comparatively) smaller more agile two-seater he calls the Boxer. We covered [Tom]’s previous quadbike,
Big Dog
, which features a similar tube frame, full suspension, and the familiar culvert pipe wheels. This time around [Tom] actually built an extensive jig out of plywood to ease in the build process. The Boxer is much lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 125lbs Vs the Big Dog’s 490lbs, and about four feet shorter. The shorter lighter vehicle makes for a much more agile ride. If you are interested in building your own quadbike [Tom]’s
site
is a really good resource with tons of detail.
We really look forward to seeing this latest creation at
burning man
, check out a video of the (comparatively speedy) Boxer in action after the jump!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLoqKT9Gog&w=470]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408418",
"author": "tony",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:23:24",
"content": "Makes me want to see Primus.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408430",
"author": "Unknown",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:46:34",
"content": "I’M FREAKING JEALOUS!Nicely done, wow. It looks so impressive coming toward you haha. I wish I had one :( I’d take this along the paved trails it would sure be a looker :pC’mon Wal-mart lmao.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408432",
"author": "mrkrag",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:51:43",
"content": "Ha Ha. Good one tony. saw that too. just caught them in orlando. epic.this really really makes me want to get off my butt and build that mountain trike i’ve been daydreaming about. my kingdom for a garage…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408435",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:58:18",
"content": "Still sitting way too high. he needs to get the butts closer to the ground.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408446",
"author": "bancroft",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:40:57",
"content": "@fartface – I agree. Also, move the riders further back a bit.Very impressive fab though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408453",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:05:09",
"content": "@fartface & bancroftI would assume the reason why the seats are so far forward is to keep the maximum weight over the drive wheels so you can actually take the Boxer over softer terrain and wet pavement without loss of traction or control.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408455",
"author": "sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:06:09",
"content": "as an added bonus, I’d love to see Tom make some kind of a transfer box to turn this sucker into 4 wheel drive!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408469",
"author": "DB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:30:08",
"content": "@sariel & fartfaceIt’s a compromise between drive wheel traction and doing a face plant when he tries to make a fast stop. Or a mild stop on a steep descent.I predict he will eventually move the CG back and or down.It’s still a most impressive fab.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408470",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:30:33",
"content": "@sarielThat would be correct except the drive wheels are in the back.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408472",
"author": "DB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:33:59",
"content": "@sarielDoh! That’s what I get for responding to a post instead of really looking at the picture first.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408605",
"author": "Hack Cell",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T02:28:22",
"content": "Are they nearer the front because that is where the suspension is and it’s easier to lean and turn with your weight above the suspension?Weight in the middle and 4 wheel drive/suspension for the next one?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408608",
"author": "barry99705",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T02:57:32",
"content": "Now it needs a couple batteries and a motor!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408655",
"author": "TheInternet",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:04:32",
"content": "This gives me an idea and inspiration. Pirate a 4 wheelers physics. Professionals have already spent big money researching it and perfecting it.I am just not sure if you can peddle effectively in that position.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408674",
"author": "jim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T09:40:41",
"content": "looks like if you hit a curb you’d end up with your face in the pavement and butt in the air",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.871027
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/roomba-shares-all-of-its-daily-activity-on-the-web/
|
Roomba Shares All Of Its Daily Activity On The Web
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"home hacks"
] |
[
"remote control",
"roomba",
"tweet",
"twitter"
] |
Instructables user [matchlighter] wanted to see what he could program his Roomba to do, so he decided he would
make his little cleaning machine report its status on Twitter
whenever something happened.
He popped open the Roomba’s case to access its serial connector, crafting a simple interface cable from some spare Cat5 he had sitting around. He added a small voltage regulator between the Roomba and his Arduino in order to protect it from the high power output present while the Roomba is charging. Once the proper bits were in place, he hooked the Roomba’s serial interface to the Arduino and attached a SparkFun WiFly shield to allow for wireless communications. After a bit of coding, the Roomba was sharing its activities with the entire world on Twitter.
Not only did he want the Roomba to tweet, but he decided that he also wanted the ability to control it from the web. He created a simple interface using a handy library he found online and was sending cleaning commands to the Roomba in short order.
While there is no video of the Roomba in action, you can
check out what it is up to here
, and there’s plenty of code to be had on his Instructables page.
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408397",
"author": "Greg Smith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:11:27",
"content": "I wish there was a non Instructables version of theses instructions.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408402",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:34:47",
"content": "Too bad it look fugly, otherwise a nice hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408423",
"author": "lee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:33:31",
"content": "to bad the wifly shield is hella expensive. Wouldn’t mind seeing this hack using bluetooth or zigbee for a little more cost effectiveness.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408439",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:12:04",
"content": "11:03 sucked up a hairball…. ewwwww11:04 more dust11:05 dirt11:06 more dirt11:07 even more dirt11:08 dried up french fry…11:09 food crumbles11:10 dirt11:11 ….. these people are disgusting…..11:12 ERROR dirt spot not cleaning… ERROR11:13 dirt11:14 dust bunny11:15 bottle cap11:16 milk ring11:17 more dirt.,,,,Oh yeah, I see the value in this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408497",
"author": "iHME",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:10:13",
"content": "And then we will have blogs with roombas complaining about how humans are dirty, and commenting on posts by GLaDOS.All joking aside, why so much arduino projects never graduate from the breadboard? Some people even box up breadboard projects. I just dont get it, why use a 20eur breadboard when you can use a 4eur vero board?The circuit translates nicely from the breadboard version.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408635",
"author": "Fastjunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:13:04",
"content": "@iHME Because then you have to buy the micro-controller, a programmer, figure out how to make the simple Arduino code translate into C and upload it to the chip. Here is when you realize you need a $30 programmer, oh and don’t forget making your own power supply, serial comm etc.So now the $20 Arduino hack turns into a $50 project and much frustration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408654",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:02:45",
"content": "@Fastjunk: sure, a power supply is expensive… How much costs a 7805 and two caps ?The programmer will be used in every others project, so it’s a one time investment.Serial comm… what ?Why limiting to C when you can also use others languages, including the arduino stuff with all the available libraries ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409960",
"author": "pahosler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T16:38:35",
"content": "do roomba dream of electric dust bunnies?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410175",
"author": "AN2",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T05:21:24",
"content": "@Fastjunk – Veroboard is a brand name for stripboard [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stripboard]; so I suspect he was more making a point about how this project – like many others – seems to be wasting/misusing a breadboard [designed for temporary prototype work] on the finished product.I have to agree – breadboards are fantastic for prototyping, but they’re really not appropriate for leaving on a finished project. Especially one, like this, that’s going to be subject to a fair amount of movement and jostling; something breadboards really don’t handle all that well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410289",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-06-26T13:58:53",
"content": "My Roomba has a nasty coke problem whenever we spill it off the coffee table…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.720796
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/the-passing-of-bob-pease/
|
The Passing Of Bob Pease
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"analog",
"bob pease",
"obituary"
] |
We are saddened by the recent passing of [Bob Pease]. You may not be familiar with the man, but his work has touched your lives in more ways than you can count. As an electronics engineer who specialized in analog components he was responsible for hardware that made some of the electronics in your life possible, and designed components that you’ve probably used if you dabble in electronic design.
EDN has a lengthy
obituary celebrating his life and accomplishments
. [Bob] was part of the 1961 graduating class at MIT. He started his career designing tube amplifiers before finding his way to a position at National Semiconductor about fifteen years later. Throughout his career he worked to promote education about analog electronics both through written text, and more recently as the host of
Analog by Design
, an online video program where a panel of experts discuss the ins and outs of electronics.
[Bob] was killed in an automobile accident on June 18th at the age of 70.
[via
Make
]
| 36
| 35
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408369",
"author": "DanJ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T14:24:13",
"content": "RIP Bob. Thanks for everything. I enjoyed your articles.Sadly, he was returning from a memorial service for Jim Williams who helped found Linear Technology.Ironically he had written a book “How to Drive into Accidents — and How Not to.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408371",
"author": "indecisive",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T14:26:27",
"content": "wow 2 ends of the spectrum, Ryan Dunn – a jackass, and Bob Pease. maybe cars just arnt meant for people on the east coast.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408380",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:21:50",
"content": "We should all be so fortunate to have made such a significant mark on the world. I considered him one of my mentors even though I did not know him personally, I knew him by his writing and always came away with better insight into electronics and engineering.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408382",
"author": "zacdee16",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:28:28",
"content": "I’ve never heard of this guy (probably because I’m younger), but it’ sad that his life was ended short by a vehicle. That’s like walking into traffic on your 120th birthday, he shouldn’t have gone that way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408383",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:36:12",
"content": "I like how Europeans who trash Americans daily get really quiet when reminded that Americans did most of the work in the fields of cryptography and engineering..Who cares about math and engineering..buy an arduino",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408391",
"author": "Matthieu",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:51:39",
"content": "@xorpunk Not sure if trolling, or just very stupid…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408394",
"author": "North",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:06:04",
"content": "Just heard.This is a sad day.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408395",
"author": "andgate",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:06:25",
"content": "@xorpunk Now you just look like an ignorant American…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408401",
"author": "Homer Simpson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:30:05",
"content": "I used to read “pease porridge” in electronics design magazine back in the day. Great articles on troubleshooting analog circuits. You will be missed Bob",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408405",
"author": "Chuck Simmons",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:39:02",
"content": "Greatly saddened by the news of Bob Pease. He was a standard that I always tried to achieve – brilliant and rebellious.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408407",
"author": "arcnemisis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:42:43",
"content": "rip Bob, a true great in electronics, engineering and just a great guy. I will miss his datasheets, articles and books.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408409",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:57:55",
"content": "A great loss.RIP, Bob",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408411",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:01:30",
"content": "Never heard of him before now. My loss his video casts look great. Hey HAD how about a link a day to stuff like Analog by Design. Now I wonder what other great sites I am missing out on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408424",
"author": "Kevin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:37:19",
"content": "He was a great innovator, mentor and person. He would help out anyone that asked. I only know him through his “Pease Porridge” column and other writings. Always willing to help, he has raised the bar for all engineers.I’ll miss him",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408437",
"author": "DrDoug",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:05:31",
"content": "Time to continue carrying on the torch…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408438",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:08:09",
"content": "@indecisive- ever DRIVEN on an east coast road (particularly Northeast)? then you’d understand ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408491",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:03:29",
"content": "Bob Pease died while driving home from the funeral of his friend (and equally famous fellow analog electronics genius) Jim Williams.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408500",
"author": "Njay",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:17:29",
"content": "Two very big and sad losses in a single week… man, the gurus that were there when microelectronics started are fading away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408532",
"author": "brainzilla",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T21:46:52",
"content": "Rest in Peace Bob!A sad day…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408548",
"author": "stormdog",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T22:28:48",
"content": "I’d never met him, but I considered him one of my heroes. Always enjoyed “Pease Porrige”, and I have a copy of “Troubleshooting Analog Circuits”. He will be missed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408561",
"author": "Agent420",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T23:19:41",
"content": "“rip Bob, a true great in electronics, engineering and just a great guy. I will miss his datasheets, articles and books.”+10",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408590",
"author": "Soundwavehi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T01:12:55",
"content": "Sad day… I have one of his books on troubleshooting analog circuits, very well written, quite old but still great… You will be missed sir.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408601",
"author": "charper",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T02:04:56",
"content": "Seriously HaD. Please mention Jim Williams too. He was seriously one of my heroes.He was well-known for doodling in the blank sheet meant for his app notes (random, really funny things). Later in his career Linear started keeping them in.He also has one of the funniest app notes I’ve ever seen:Linear App Note 45. He brought his baby into the lab to work on some projects. “As such, the circuits are annotated with the number of feedings required for their completion; e.g. a ‘3-bottle circuit’ took three feedings. The circuit’s degree of difficulty, and Michael’s degree of cooperation, combined to determine the bottle rating, which is duly recorded in each figure.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "806390",
"author": "Kilo",
"timestamp": "2012-10-05T13:08:28",
"content": "I just hit that link and it comes up as not found.Apparently Linear dropped it.I actually conversed with Bob on more than one occasion.His writings were informative and hilarious.Bob was a great man.k",
"parent_id": "408601",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408611",
"author": "stormdog",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:06:49",
"content": "@charper Thanks for that link. I hadn’t seen that particular App Note.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408614",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:27:10",
"content": "The world has lost a great engineer, and it’d be hard for somebody to step into Bob’s shoes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408621",
"author": "marshall_plan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T03:59:09",
"content": "@andgateThose “ignorant Americans” started the semiconductor manufactures your European intelligence services just love to spy on and steal secrets from.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408637",
"author": "av",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T06:23:04",
"content": "RIP Bob,About once a year, i used to send a mail to Bob requesting clarifications about op-amps, power supplies and suchlike. He always answered within 24hrs, and gave crisp answers.I was always amazed that a man of his standing, and his level of work-responsibilities would take the pains to write long detailed technical mails to a nobody from India.I learnt a lot from Bob’s mails, and am deeply indebted to him. I will always miss his analog genius.av",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408662",
"author": "NateOcean",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:26:21",
"content": "As a grad student back in the 1970s I rang up National Semi to ask a question about a circuit. Lucky me, I was connected to Bob Pease who spent considerable time explaining the part and how I could improve my design. Unexpectedly, a week later he sent me a sample with a handwritten note.Later as an engineer in Silicon Valley, I’d occasionally run into Bob. Last time I saw him was about a decade ago at the Foothill Electronics Flea Market. It was a joy to have him sign my copy of his book. He wrote: “May all your circuit design problems be big ones… that way they will be easy to find!”The world of analog design lost two great ones this week. Jim Williams and Bob Pease.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408673",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T09:35:55",
"content": "@andgate: I’m in/from America?@Matthieu: I live in Europe and I’m an engineer..just saying how it is..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408691",
"author": "Oli",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T10:52:52",
"content": "So sad, I learnt so much reading his articles.Paix à ton âme, Bob.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408809",
"author": "KanchoBlindside",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T17:09:11",
"content": "He’s the uncle I Didn’t know I’d had.Too bad people will cry and fawn over the “Jackass” MTv second-rate B-cast moron who did something dumb to kill himself and others and recklessly risk the lives of strangers…and 99% of the under-40-crowd wont care even after they are told who he was.Sorry, Gen Z (some Y and X, too), a lot of you have your priorities screwed up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409018",
"author": "Life2Death",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:19:07",
"content": "http://electronicdesign.com/Only reason I got the mag was to read his “Whats all this _____ anyhow?” themed colum",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409020",
"author": "Trollicus",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T03:23:57",
"content": "It’s the quiet heroes that make our world better and advance humankind.Add up all the sports stars of today and their contributions won’t equal this one man, their salaries and lifestyles are just a drain and contribute nothing.The fastest man on earth can be outrun by the cheapest car.The strongest man can’t lift more than a $20 jack.It’s time we celebrated the true HEROES of our generation, not the guy who signs the biggest football contract and makes the most money from wearing underwear in a commercial.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409598",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T16:47:59",
"content": "@nateocean: I met him in Rochester for a seminar. I ended up staying at the same hotel as him, and we got into a bit of his brandy. I have the same book, also autographed by him, although he wrote in mine “here’s to all your problems being middle-sized ones… so you can find ’em!”Brilliant guy, didn’t accept bullshit and always had something interesting and relevant to say. sad to see him go.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "422570",
"author": "Phil",
"timestamp": "2011-07-25T13:51:25",
"content": "I met Bob at 3 of the National seminars. I have his Troubleshooting Analog Circuits, personally autographed. I will miss his column and and wit.He and Jim Williams will be missed by many of us.Rest in Peace Bob and Jim.an old analog die hard",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.040624
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/21/pll-101/
|
PLL 101
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"how-to"
] |
[
"Jeri",
"PLL"
] |
[Jeri Ellsworth] and former Commodore Computer engineer and current full time tinkerer [Bil Herd] have a little chat on skype covering the 101’s of Phase Lock Loops in this hour long video. PLL’s are handy for many applications, but their basic use is to keep clock signals in sync.
Topics covered include: Why we care, a basic explanation for the CD4046, capture ranges, and meta stability. Examples from analog tv, to clock recovery, finding falling edges and FPGA’s. This thing is jam packed full of information.
With talks of future episodes and a quick tour of [Bil’s] bench this is something to not miss. Join us after the break for the video!
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408346",
"author": "michael",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T12:40:06",
"content": "really cool. A wealth of knowledge from two very insightful people",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408349",
"author": "turn.self.off",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T12:56:43",
"content": "rambling, but in a very amusing and informative way. Seriously makes me wonder what kind of crazy stuff the modern pc gets up to before i even see the bios on screen.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408351",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T13:01:00",
"content": "Neat.Everyone remember The Broken? Haha, I miss that shit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408367",
"author": "Limey",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T14:14:27",
"content": "@Alex PartingDude, what the hell?!?Really good video. At the start I didn’t know really very much at all but they explained each thing clearly as they went through and fealt I learnt way more in that video that in a whole week of Systems (electronics) lessons at college haha.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408378",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:00:47",
"content": "@Alex: True hotness is making transistors from scratch and emulating (and selling!) a C64 in an ASIC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408408",
"author": "qwerty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:53:19",
"content": "4046 is the 555 of PLLs, very versatile and cheap, but it shows its age and it’s about time people start using its more modern successor, the 74HCT4096. Think about a *much* stabler 4046 with more features and nearly identical pinout.Now if only there were more sources for this chip in DIP package.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408434",
"author": "effigy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:55:05",
"content": "@Roman Really? we cant get beyond the physical at all here eh? How about a FUCKIN AWESOME PERSON? is that enough? pigs hating pigs up in here…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408443",
"author": "Alexander von Gluck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:28:42",
"content": "HaHa! Great timing (no pun intended)http://dev.haiku-os.org/browser/haiku/trunk/src/add-ons/accelerants/radeon_hd/pll.cpp#L72",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408466",
"author": "lol",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T19:25:39",
"content": "LOL at all the white knights here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408506",
"author": "codeasm",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T20:40:17",
"content": "yea I think he’s awwesome. should make more video’s.I like them both talking about this kind of digital and analog stuff. Definitly take a second look at this when back to skool.bout Jeri, she’s Hot. more like the things she do, but also a bit in looks. But what am i talking, I have a GF. And maybe, just maybe Jeri may read this to. I like people teaching things they know, ill do the same thanks to people like Jeri and Bil.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408579",
"author": "Ernie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:25:24",
"content": "hello, I can not find any info about the “74HCT4096” PLL that was mentioned. anyone want to share a link to a data sheet or product number that actually shows up when googled? thanks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408657",
"author": "critic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:08:20",
"content": "Unfortunately, not a very structured discussion.A/V quality unbearable at times.Very nervous guy (constantly moving around).Thanks for the effort, though.Relay this comment to youtube, will you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408687",
"author": "YT2095",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T10:38:02",
"content": "there`s an interesting article in this months Practical Wireless that features the 74hc4046 as a Pll VFO.the circuit looks simple enough and easily modifiable too ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409501",
"author": "NatureChild",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T09:45:45",
"content": "Not a very good explanation of PLLs. I missed the fundamental point a PLL is a feedback loop and how feedback loops work. A PLL is a cybernetic circuit which is similar to feedback loops in nature. If you don’t understand feedback loops you can’t understand PLLs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.920678
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/turning-spotlights-into-soft-led-nightlights/
|
Turning Spotlights Into Soft LED Nightlights
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"home hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"led",
"lighting",
"retrofit"
] |
[Bob] had a couple of bright, 12V halogen spotlights in his hallway that didn’t get much use. Rather than toss them out or leave them sitting idle,
he decided to replace the bright bulbs with dimmer LEDs
that he could keep lit through the night.
He opened up the spotlights, removing the bulbs and the built in mirrors before fitting them with 350mA LED pucks. The pucks were mounted to a pair of L-shaped aluminum scraps, which serve as both a mounting plate and heatsink. When running, the underdriven LEDs barely heat the aluminum plates, so he is pretty confident that the lights are adequately cooled.
The orange LEDs provide a nice warm glow in his hallway, and he says they are perfect for late night trips to the fridge. They currently stay lit all the time, but [Bob] is considering adding a light sensor to turn them on them automatically, as well as a PIR sensor to increase the brightness as someone passes by.
| 7
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408171",
"author": "boondaburrah",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:28:51",
"content": "Oh man, I was slightly confused for a second from the title. My brain went into full on theatre mode and assumed we were talkin’ bout big honkin’ cans o’ light that made you sweat on stage being converted into LED thingamabobs.Speaking of which, I should get on making something like that, with a proper (non-pwm) dimmer, or at least one with some sort of low pass so the stage lights don’t have a refresh-rate that gets caught on camera (or by panning your eyes hard left or right really fast)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408189",
"author": "Microguy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T01:25:36",
"content": "Use an X-10 PIR sensor. You can control the time it’s on, and program when it operates (day light or just evening). I use it for the lights under my kitchen cabinets and it works great.The only drawback is changing the batteries, you have to re-program the whole thing again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408352",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T13:08:49",
"content": "a regular security PIR would work as you already have 12V there for the “spotlights” , these are more of under counter lights that were used elsewhere. Lots of work and cash to change them over when for less than $6.00 each you can get the same thing in amber/red/disco-stew-purple/whatever at most online LED shops… I guess if I had some 1W led modules laying around I’d like to put them to use like that..Overkill on the heatsink though… That and just changing the halogen 2 pin bulbs for lower wattage ones would have done the same thing. 12V halongen fixtures run on … drumroll…. 12 volts. so a 4 watt outdoor patchway lamp bulb would plug right in (bi pin type) and do the same thing for $0.21 each and zero time spent.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408353",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T13:11:20",
"content": "Ohh even better and cheaper….http://cgi.ebay.com/Pure-White-G4-21-LED-Spotlight-Spot-Light-Bulbs-Lamp-/180683824479?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a11985d5fthey sell G4 LED retrofits that are dirt cheap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408431",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:46:55",
"content": "I chose those leds because i already had them, same for the L brakets which are leftovers. As for their size, they might be barely enough for the full 350mA current of the led. Besides, the orange light seems very well suited for the night.@fartfaceI already have a couple of security PIRs that i will use. I want to automate some other lights, all run from 12V, and I can use a single supply for everything.As for those spot lights from ebay, they look alot like what i know some people bought and are really poor quality.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408433",
"author": "sun god",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T17:52:23",
"content": "Thanks fart face. I have some old accent lighting Halogen bulb G4 fixtures that I was going to retrofit With my stash of harbor freight led flashlights. This is perfect. I’ve also got some x10 motion sensors that are programmable and wired up to an old DC wallwart (no more wasted AAA’s) Time to light my stairs, hallway, pantry, maybe kitchen too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408585",
"author": "nicotrial",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T00:54:02",
"content": "Or even better turn any 12v bulb into a led light!! i sent this to the hackaday trough a messege but did not respond..here is an intructables i made for the led contest!!http://www.instructables.com/id/12v-LED-lights-for-Car-Home-Boat/btw vote me so i can win an ipad hehe…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,160.965156
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/diy-softboxes-light-your-photos-on-the-cheap/
|
DIY Softboxes Light Your Photos On The Cheap
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"diy",
"lighting",
"photography",
"softbox"
] |
Softboxes are often considered a must-have piece of equipment when doing any sort of portrait or studio photography. While they are not the most expensive photography accessory, they can be built far cheaper than you would pay for an off the shelf model.
[Don] needed a softbox for his studio, and he ended up
constructing a fairly nice one out of a styrofoam cooler
. He mounted an outdoor light receptacle inside the cooler after laying down a reflective backing, bolting everything to a piece of plywood situated on the back of the cooler. He stretched some white cloth over the front to diffuse the light, and then mounted it on a light stand. You can see a video of the construction process below, as well as additional softbox-lit images on his site.
[Aud1073cH] had a similar need for a softbox, but
went about his construction a bit differently
. He grabbed a lampshade and a white dress shirt at a thrift store, stretching the shirt over the bottom opening before securing it with Velcro. He mounted the lampshade on a light stand, inserting his camera’s speed light through the smaller lampshade opening. As you can see in his photostream, the softbox does a great job at softening the shadows in his pictures.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fujyu-h6-no&w=470]
| 10
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408077",
"author": "taktoa",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:16:48",
"content": "I find that very thin G10/FR4 works well as a light diffuser (example:http://www.mcmaster.com/#grade-g-10/fr4-garolite/=cu0kwg).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408094",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T21:03:46",
"content": "This might be good for still life photography, although for portraits of human subjects, a strobe is far superior to continuous lighting.To get decent soft lighting with continuous lighting you might need 1000 watts of light or even much, much more if you want to use small apertures for wide depth of field.Your models will not appreciate thousands of watts of heat being blasted at them for very long.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408169",
"author": "tomn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:23:38",
"content": "I recently removed the LCD panel from a broken 17″ monitor, which makes for a very even, surprisingly bright, VESA-mountable softbox (though it mostly gets used as my regular desk lamp).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408249",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T04:21:03",
"content": "@ ColinBTrue, but I can’t think of many photographers that would prefer* a harsh and direct strobe to a diffused one.*Depending on what sort of artistic lighting you want to do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "408282",
"author": "Quin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T06:10:33",
"content": "@ReneeDiffused the strobes, then. Lots of soft light, still get the fast burst instead of the constant source. I would just be afraid of incandescent lights because of the redder colors, but the un-measured paper will probably need more color correction than the light in this case.",
"parent_id": "408249",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408310",
"author": "Jean-Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T09:12:56",
"content": "@Renee:Strobes are nearly always diffused in studio and outdoor settings. umbrellas, softboxes, they’re standard kit for a professional setup.There are exceptions, but they are done for artistic expression.@Quin:Incandescents actually have the best light spectrum distribution of any currently available light source, being closest to that available directly from the sun. Everything else is a discrete subset of the light spectrum, and hence, will require more colour balancing/correction than that plain ole incandescent.The only reason we don’t use them, is because they get hot and are energy wasteful.btw, red lights work very well on skin.Good to see more photography hacks here. It’s a fast growing field, and it’s nice to see what other people are doing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408364",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T14:04:36",
"content": "@ Jean-PaulYeah, that’s basically what I was saying in regards to Colin’s post. It was just that I didn’t understand the basis of his criticism.Well, I understood it but it seemed ancillary to this hack. This hack is about making softboxes, not what kind of light to model with.Pointing out that strobes are used seemed odd because it doesn’t really have anything to do with this hack. Apples and oranges really.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408365",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T14:08:54",
"content": "Of course, all of this missing the obvious in that the second hack is clearly making use of a strobe, it’s right there in the picture.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408390",
"author": "Don",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:51:08",
"content": "in my video I made two points:one being a simple L- bracket and hotshoe mount would allow for a strobe.two being I was intending to shoot video with my d-slr, hence the constant lightsources.next week I’ll be making a grid for this project, so do come back to my website or youtube channel…Thanx.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408440",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:12:19",
"content": "@y Jean-Paul “Incandescents actually have the best light spectrum distribution of any currently available light source”..Yeah right, and water and sand are actually the rarest substance on the planet..Not Many People Know That.I mean sure cheap fluorescent is know to be spiky and not that good but to claim incandescent is best of ‘any currently available’ is just plain grade A nonsense.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.118385
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/salvaged-coil-magnetizes-tools-on-demand/
|
Salvaged Coil Magnetizes Tools On Demand
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"magnet",
"magnetize",
"tools"
] |
When working in hard to reach areas, magnetized tools can mean the difference between wrapping things up quickly and spending way too much time blindly grasping for dropped screws. [Damir] wrote in to share a handy little contraption he built
which allows him to magnetize and demagnetize his tools
as needed.
While rubbing a magnet against the tip of a screwdriver will impart a weak and temporary magnetic field, he felt that a stronger more permanently magnetized tool was far more useful. It is pretty well known that subjecting metal to a direct current magnetic field will magnetize the item, and an alternating magnetic field will demagnetize the same object. [Damir’s] wand will perform either task with the simple flip of a switch.
He salvaged the motor coil from a broken washing machine and mounted it in a project box, along with a single-pole changeover switch. A small diode is used to perform rectification on the AC input, providing the DC current required for magnetizing his tools.
Every once in awhile we find the need for magnetized tools, so we think this would be great to have around the workshop.
Check out a quick video demo of the magnetizing wand after the jump.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv1djiPowJY&w=470]
| 23
| 23
|
[
{
"comment_id": "408018",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:08:48",
"content": "I needed that thing so ******* much just yesterday as I was trying to mount a new “strip” of power outlets (built into an industry type plastic box suited for those) under my desk …. I was fumbling with the screwdriver and had already searched the house for any neodymium magnet to connect to it…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408023",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:13:22",
"content": "That’s neat. I like that.I keep an old hard disk magnet on hand for this job. They have a pattern of N-S stripes widthwise, so quickly drawing a screwdriver along the long edge will demagnetize it a bit. Not nearly as effectively as this device though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408025",
"author": "compukidmike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:17:18",
"content": "This could also be very useful for when you already have a magnetized screwdriver and it gets full of metal shavings which are a pain to get off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408040",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:41:25",
"content": "I’ve always used magnets to magnetize some of my tools but never wondered how to demagnetize them.The tip is great and the device is neat and simple.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408043",
"author": "password",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:48:59",
"content": "@CompukidmikeIt’s easy to get rid of metal shavings, just whack you screwdriver against a hard surface.personally i don’t see the point in demagnetizing the screwdriver again , but still this tool seems like a fun project to do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408049",
"author": "Randim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:04:00",
"content": "@password: ever had a hardened tool get magnetized and pick up filings?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408050",
"author": "password",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:05:11",
"content": "also if your goal is to strongly magnetize a screwdrivers tip an improvement may be to add a silicon steel plate to the top and bottom part of the coil with the top plate having a small hole so you can poke your screwdriver in it. this will create a much easier path for the flux to travel and guide most of it through the screwdriver resulting in about 10 – 100 times greater flux density in the screwdriver an overall stronger magnetization",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408052",
"author": "Nomad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:07:59",
"content": "Magnets…how do they work? You can’t explain that! :D@Password: What if you want to (un)screw something that is sensitive to magnetism? There is your point in demagnetising said screwdriver.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408064",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:55:13",
"content": "@Nomad:As with many things I don’t think that its a case of how magnets work but more a case of why (:It’s a nice feeling to me that there are still fundamental things in the world yet to discover (: I would hate to live in a world were I could never get famous from making a scientific descovery (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408065",
"author": "KanchoBlindside",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:56:30",
"content": "Did anyone see the mistake on his page? :)I made something like this, but for some 8mm data tapes I had to erase (about 6500 of them, whew).Didnt think of this! I’m still using my $3 block from Sears (not all that much).Great demagnetizing tools when you work near live circuits sometimes. Dropping one can be disastrous (yes, even insulated tools, all I use when there’s any power nearby. Klein.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408073",
"author": "Volkemon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:08:10",
"content": "Neat project, and I am going to be looking in the recycled appliances area for some coils.NOTE: This project uses a 230v coil, not standard for North America.Other suggested coil sources from the link may not work here.The NA microwave tray rotator motors are 18-24v, IIRC. (But while you are in the microwave, don’t overlook that nice high voltage diode. Might be covered in shrink tubing, so look sharp.)Voltage on a washer control rotator motor…Hmm.. Will get back to you tomorrow. Should be 110v and easy to modify for this. Dishwashers and dryers have a similar motor in their timers, so there are many sources. :)I really want one of these in my toolbox. :) Gonna be scrounging parts tomorrow at work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408092",
"author": "The Ideanator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:56:07",
"content": "Nice trick, I am SO building this at work tomorrow!@Everyone who is worried about 110/220v differences: This will work on a lower voltage, it will just need more current. It would even work on 24v AC if your wires were beefy enough. All this is is an air/sometimes air+iron core inductor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408093",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:57:54",
"content": "Very cool, I want one :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408101",
"author": "Buddy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T21:20:29",
"content": "@Henrik PedersenConsider using Robertson screws — they’re the best for that kind of work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408132",
"author": "Raavar",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:57:28",
"content": "↑What he said↑",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408139",
"author": "Frogz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T23:23:13",
"content": "……….if you use a 220 volt motor on 110 ac(when using it as a coil)higher internal resistance means it will use LESS current as it was made to use a higher voltage, it uses longer wire of the same diameteralso the tray motors in microwaves are indeed 120 volt gear motors so they would work great for thiswhen i read this i was all like “wtf, washing machines use big open cage motors! how big is that enclosure???”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408247",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T04:15:55",
"content": "“I’ve always used magnets to magnetize some of my tools but never wondered how to demagnetize them.”Whacking it against something hard, like an anvil, will re-align the magnetic domains back to random.It doesn’t work so well with tools that are made magnetized, because they are made of a magnetic alloy that would take a whole lot of whacking to get completely randomized again.Another way is to heat the metal. It is possible to take something like a hard drive magnet, warm it up sufficiently so it loses its field, and then remagnetize it with a sufficiently large jolt from a coil. It works best if you heat it up and then let it cool down in the strong magnetic field.That way you can change the orientation of the poles in the magnet, if you need it for things like small DIY generators.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408294",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T07:36:46",
"content": "Back in the day when through-hole was king and DIP pitch ruled uncontested, we used to solder using “soldering pistols”, not irons. Which were basically a 220V transformer with a SINGLE loop of copper bar as a secondary winding, and a short copper wire as a tip to complete the circuit.I don’t think I have to describe the kind of current that went through the “tip” if it could heat it up instantly when you pulled the trigger. Incidentally, sticking any magnetized tool in that loop demagnetized it pretty much immediately.The days of DIP are pretty much gone, but I still have the pistol… ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408350",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T13:00:57",
"content": "Now there’s a device the FCC won’t give you a nice sticker for :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408403",
"author": "Hubert",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:37:10",
"content": "Nice Project.I have a tipp. If you install a switch to toggle between AC and DC you can also use it to demagnetize your screwdriver with AC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408404",
"author": "Dosbomber",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:38:05",
"content": "…nor will “UL” or any similar product safety testing organization.Still, it’s a fantastic DIY tool. Simple, effective, and very handy. I’ll be adding it to my list of stuff I want to build. Finally a use for all the magnet wire I inherited. I’ll be trying to build my own coil instead of scrounging a motor.Only problem is the portability. You’re tied to an AC outlet’s range. Rather than rectifying AC to DC, I think I’d rather have it use batteries and invert it to AC, but that will be a lot more involved than this project. Maybe if it’s intended use is only around the home/workbench…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408406",
"author": "DerpDerp",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:40:30",
"content": "@HubertDerp…RTFA…DerpThat is exactly what this does. Nice tipp!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408449",
"author": "volkemon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T18:49:49",
"content": "@Frogz- Just got back from tearing apart a few (older-1988-2004) GE, samsung and kenmore(LG) microwaves. All the platter motors and mixing plate motors were 21 V AC. Well labeled.OLDER dishwashers, washing machines, dryers…if it has a knob that clicks there is probably an Eaton brand motor inside. If there is no knob,all buttons…probably solid state. No Motor :(I just pulled a few motors out of dishwashers and a washing machine control units, c1990~. Pulled the coil out of one…looks great! May pick up a project box from Radio Shack tonight..Got a few diodes out of the microwaves also. BIG and beefy. Free too. :) Forgot a cord, however…D’oh!!! One more trip…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.18268
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/receipt-racer-wastes-a-lot-of-paper/
|
Receipt Racer Wastes A Lot Of Paper
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Peripherals Hacks"
] |
[
"openframeworks",
"printer",
"receipt",
"videogame"
] |
[Joshua Nobel] and the team at undef came up with a
receipt printer game
for the OFFF 2011 festival in Barcelona.
The game is a small
openFrameworks
app that prints a maze on a thermal printer. A ‘car’ is guided through the maze with input taken from a DualShock 3 controller. The game is limited to a maximum distance of 50 meters, the length of the roll of paper. We wondered about the waste of paper this would be until undef pointed out, “ecologically it’s pretty much a disaster, just like any real car.”
The undef team tried to use the printer for the entire visual representation of the game but that didn’t quite work out until [Joshua Noble] came up with a ‘beamer’ to project the car and score onto the paper. We’re not quite sure what the ‘beamer’ is, but everything syncs up and the resulting game is quite nice.
The game itself reminds us of a
certain flash game
, but that can’t be where the original idea came from. Check out the Receipt Racer gameplay video after the break.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/24987120]
| 40
| 40
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407938",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:03:31",
"content": "Haha wow, I love this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407944",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:08:42",
"content": "its no more waste than receipt printers primary function at the checkout counter.in fact, this is “less” waste since it has actual entertainment value and I bet Josh and his team learned some new things in the process. how’s that for waste? other receipt printers can only hope to one day reach this level!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407946",
"author": "ecchin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:13:42",
"content": "Even mothernature MUST love this. Screw trees.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407948",
"author": "kajer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:16:27",
"content": "OMG i am doing this today!I have a PICO projector and a Epson TML-90…My receipt printer just spits out RSS feeds all day, now I can play games on it!? YES!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407951",
"author": "underdoeg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:21:40",
"content": "Yes you can! Get the code on our website. If it does actually work, send us your results :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407952",
"author": "Flame500",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:22:59",
"content": "Anyone have any idea how the projection is implemented? It seems like a nice effect. Its only alluded to in the description as a “Light Beamer”…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407953",
"author": "lilhasselhoffer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:25:43",
"content": "Euro slang. A projector is the same as a beamer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407954",
"author": "Boydan Frooling",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:28:14",
"content": "Trek?Infocom?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407955",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:29:21",
"content": "Love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407956",
"author": "a.d",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:33:47",
"content": "Perhaps replace the projected car with a pen to draw your path – permanent record of the game.Looks insanely fun though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407960",
"author": "engunneer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:45:31",
"content": "‘beamer’ is just the british word for projector. Many of my Austrian colleagues say beamer because of who taught them english.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407965",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:06:13",
"content": "what if you could make it like a whiteboard somehow….make it erasable between frames of animation…have some material that is electrostatically charged (via a laser printer type system?)…but dont bond the “toner” to the material permanently. have this setup in some kind of continuously running loop, with an eraser somewhere in the loop. and run this loop very fast to give illusion of animation.i’m just rambling but does anybody follow what im thinking about?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407972",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:28:34",
"content": "Why waste thermal paper when it’s so good for press’n’peel!?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407978",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:35:53",
"content": "@engunneer: What are you talking about? Beamer is not what English people call a projector, they call it a projector.I have never heard anyone in England refer to a projector as a beamer, or ever read it anywhere.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407979",
"author": "nutwiss",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:39:37",
"content": "@Enguneer: from Wikipedia –Beamer – Video projector, a pseudo-anglicism in a number of languages including German, Dutch, and Latvian.Definitely not British, though – I’ve never heard this word in 36 years of being British.ps.. WANT…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407980",
"author": "steaky",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:39:46",
"content": "@the cageybee+1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407995",
"author": "emilio",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:23:13",
"content": "hah, fun!try it on a drum or other loop of glow material with a row of LEDs as the print head.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408000",
"author": "BigD",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:34:45",
"content": "The finish line is pink or green.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408007",
"author": "brainzilla",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:45:43",
"content": "WOW! Radical, yet wonderful!But maybe instead of just gray, make it print SAVE THE RAINFORREST! ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408010",
"author": "cdilla",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:54:09",
"content": "Lol. Love it.It reminds me of a “blind” pinball game I created for a teletype terminal connected to a PDP11. were flipper control, space the ball shooter, the bell provided auto feedback and P printed off the pinball arena – for those who needed it. All written in fortran. Such a lovely language.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408057",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:19:30",
"content": "Totally uselessly cool, but they should replace the projector (or beamer!) with a small, mechanically controled car.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408079",
"author": "oliverjenks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:46:12",
"content": "I remember typing in a game in school. I think it was on C64 (possibly a ZX81). Looked almost identical, vertical scrolling was done by virtue of printing another line. Player looked like !!I seem to remember being very happy when I managed to add ‘levels’ in the form of making the track narrower!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408095",
"author": "JamesG",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T21:07:30",
"content": "Great project. I totally disagree that it’s a waste of paper as you can print on the other side too :DJust doing my bit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408120",
"author": "Leonard",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:26:58",
"content": "Reminds me of Pitfall, the old dos game.http://www.dosgamesonline.com/index/game/565/Pitfall.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408121",
"author": "Qu3ry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:33:59",
"content": "That site is hacked as hell. LulzSec holding all the high scores at INT_MAX … seems fishy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408183",
"author": "kak",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T01:04:40",
"content": "Its the Playstation TREE! :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408197",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T01:41:20",
"content": "Carbon footprint be damned, that looks fun!This gives me an idea: If you covered a treadmill (or made a smaller one) with glow-in-the-dark paper/paint you could ‘print’ the track using a string of UV LEDs and a red laser could be the car, perhaps use one of those holographic bits on the end (I’ve got one with a bicycle).That would give you an unlimited ‘road’ to ‘drive’ on and you wouldn’t be wasting paper or ink.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408231",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:22:34",
"content": "I think the closest predecessor is SFcave for palmOS.http://www2.sunflat.net/en/index.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408235",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:50:20",
"content": "Lol haven’t heard anyone say ‘beamer’ since my german cuz was over here a few months ago :p",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408238",
"author": "Happy Heyoka",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:56:17",
"content": "The scrolling technique is really ancient… I go back as far as TRS-80 model 1, Ohio Superboard etc (~1978), and it’s older than that.Scrolling games like this often came about because the terminal (eg: TTY) didn’t allow either memory access or absolute cursor positioning (character graphics).Often for boxes like the TRS-80, Basic just wasn’t fast enough to block move the characters to do 4-way scrolling.So, carriage return/linefeed scrolling was easy and fast enough to be fun.Skiing games, racing games etc. Dig up a “learn to program Basic” type book circa 1980 and you’re bound to find at least one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408251",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T04:23:33",
"content": "Just print some rolls with randomly generated roads, tape them start to end on a bigger roll and use the same roll both ways around.When I was a kid, I had a game like that. It had a drum and a lightbulb that would throw shadows from the drum onto a frosted glass plate, and a wheel that would move the picture of the car left and right.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408252",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T04:26:06",
"content": "Come to think of it, it also had some sort of metal contacts on another drum that would stop it and sound a crash when you “hit” another car on the road, wait a second and then let it roll again.It was a completely mechanical version of this game. I never opened it, but that’s how I imagine it worked.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408269",
"author": "Brian Benchoff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T05:26:13",
"content": "@ kak: That’s a good one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408287",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T06:38:15",
"content": "Couldn’t you reduce the paper wastage by re-using the tracks?Then you would not need to keep using fresh paper",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408301",
"author": "Kiwisaft",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T08:19:01",
"content": "they could have used a second printer for the car (maybe)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408302",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T08:26:53",
"content": "…or you could just run MAME and your choice of old arcade scroller on the computer the “beamer” is connected to, and get rid of the whole printer thing (and instantly become 99% greener).…or you could “beam” the road and obstacles, and wiggle a toy car left and right on a printer head assembly – same result.Some projects just seem to be contrived for the sake of contrivedness. Wanna make a full mechanical scroller? Fine, but this ain’t that. Wanna play with augmented reality? Fine too, but this ain’t that either…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408368",
"author": "Asdd`",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T14:19:26",
"content": "instead of paper, use iron filings and magnets to make the track! sick tho ah",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408664",
"author": "Hack Cell",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:31:44",
"content": "Good idea about the LEDs and glow paper emilio. Iron filings and magnets would be a stretch but I wouldn’t put it past some of these hackers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "463888",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-09-25T17:00:51",
"content": "Awesome. I once adapted the Death Valley game from an Usborne book to print out on an 80 column dot matrix.I’m after a printer like that for Twitter feeds.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "829207",
"author": "rachel",
"timestamp": "2012-10-22T13:15:17",
"content": "i want to buy a receipt printer, use it via my computer (its a mac) and print out patterns. i would also really like to get it to endlessly print out figures from the world population clock, is this at all possible?? its for an art project and i am way out of my depth, any help would be amazing!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.594566
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/equipment-needed-to-get-started-in-electronics/
|
Equipment Needed To Get “Started” In Electronics
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"books",
"electronics",
"workbench"
] |
[Kenneth] is a Mechanical Engineer who likes to dabble in electronics. Besides providing us with an excellent picture of his workbench, he has put together
a list
of things that you’ll need as you learn to work with electronics. A beginner electronics kit from one of a number of different sources may work for some, but others may not be interested in a kit.
[Kenneth] gives links and recommendations for categories of: books, electrical equipment, development tools, components, digital electronics, and analog chips. As he puts it, this post is a “gigantic list of everything I would buy right now to replace my entire workshop if mine were to disappear.” This is a great list of things you may need if you’re starting out. If you have some experience, this list may introduce you something new. Check out some of [Kenneth’s] other projects like his
cloud chamber
or the
Chumby webserver
that he made.
| 31
| 27
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407928",
"author": "Morbious Stone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T14:10:47",
"content": "Very Cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407939",
"author": "elitesec",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:03:32",
"content": "If you need any help I am here I got mostly what everyone needs I help my dad run a computer repair and building business we are a successful business I also do xbox stuff",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407941",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:04:45",
"content": "More good info here:EEVblog #168 – How To Set Up An Electronics Labhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_PbjbRaO2E",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3216334",
"author": "Chandru",
"timestamp": "2016-09-28T14:21:01",
"content": "Where ca I get a list or inventory of stuff I need to buy. i want to construct a budget. Thanks",
"parent_id": "407941",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "407961",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:47:15",
"content": "I’ll bet he drinks a lot of coffee … ;-)Good video for anyone getting started, especially the recommendation of not buying low-priced junk. Buy good, well made tools (preferably made in the USA) … they’ll last forever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2526918",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2015-04-14T13:24:35",
"content": "That really rather depends on why you want them.Lets say I want to drill a hole in a wall to put up a shelf, (or drill some holes in a board to make a vacuum table. – really light work)I could hire a tool from a tool hire place £30 for the dayI could buy a cheap drill that’s going to last for about a year, maybe two with occasional light work for £20or I could buy something buy a “trusted” brand, such as Makita or DeWalt for £120 (6x the cheap one) sure it’s going to last me, but telling someone to go buy “the best” or “pro” tools is NOT always the best advice.buying something cheap and replaceable is clearly the “best” option here, especially when you consider that as a “hacker” you’re likely to be abusing the tools anyway (e.g using a drill as a small lathe and putting side loads on the bearings that they aren’t designed for. etc)in a different scenario, lets say I want to replace the exhaust system on my car, should I, hire a lift facility at £10 an hour (total cost about £30), or should I go buy a lift for £3000? for the one time I want to use this it doesn’t even make sense to buy a tool for that job. let alone the cost of the extra garage to put it in and installing 3ph power etc. so again, buy the best is terrible advice, hire what you can get is what most sensible people would do!On the other hand, if I am a contractor, and depend on working almost all the hours I can, I don’t want to buy a cheap drill that may give out, meaning I waste an afternoon when I’ve got customers waiting going out to buy another one. that couple of hours lost when you buy your first replacement drill will make up the difference in cost between the cheap and expensive tools. e.g. you’re off site for a couple of hours, you lose £100, so that £20 actually costs £120 anyway.but I don’t think that anyone starting in this hobby needs to think about how much they will lose if their tools go down, (based on the fact that they are just starting, (so not pro) and hobby (so not pro) so spend loads and buy “insert favourite brand or country here” is frankly terrible advice!I guess the crux of what I’m saying is that you shouldn’t just go buy some brand, you shouldn’t just look at the top of the range for tools, you should think about what you’re doing, what you need from it, where you’re buying from, and the cost, and reliability, the cost of failure etc… just like you should when buying components!",
"parent_id": "407961",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3402708",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2017-02-08T09:50:48",
"content": "Agreed. Whenever I’m picking up new hobbies, I start small and scale up as I get more experienced. I used to buy cheap headphones until I realized that I’d used my $30 pair almost daily for 3 years. So I upgraded to a very high quality pair that was 6x the price. I’ve used them regularly for almost 2 years now. Conversely, I bought a cheap camera and while I get great photos, I don’t use it more than a few times each year. I’m glad I spent $30 to get a reversal ring and some extension tubes instead of $600+ for a macro lens. I get great magnified photos of my projects without a significant cost.If I had to list the necessities for an absolute beginner:-resistors (assorted 1/4W)-assorted capacitors (lots of 10uF, the rest are used infrequently)-Arduino for easy debugging/prototyping with complex components (and lots of blinkenlights)-A handful of leds (3mm are best for breadboarding)-A handful of buttons-Breadboard-Jumper wire (or spool of wire)-Storage(bins, envelopes, ziplocks, whatever you have)-MultimeterAfter that a beginner starts to branch out:Soldering-Perfboard, a soldering iron, soldering wick, flux, solder, sponge/tip cleaner, helping handsMicrocontrollers-Prefered microcontroller (CHIP is easiest in my experience), an ISP, display modules, wireless communication, sensors, transistorsDiscrete logic & analog circuits-Gates, Timers, op-amps, etc.Well-made tools have huge value, but they frankly aren’t worth it until you are either skilled enough to appreciate them or rely on them often.",
"parent_id": "2526918",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "407969",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:22:20",
"content": "Good solid advice. I too have built up an electronics lab over the past 2 years. It’s amazing how similar my list would be.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407982",
"author": "Nomad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:45:20",
"content": "Fav’d it :]Could be useful very soon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407983",
"author": "Bad_Ad84",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:48:37",
"content": "@Brett that guy sounds like this dude:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYMnmymg1n0",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407990",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:12:47",
"content": "Agreed that cheap iron is the worst thing a noob can buy. A used Weller tempco station runs ~$60 on eBay and spare parts are readily available.I’d also recommend heat shrink. Cheap, and it can make the difference between an unreliable blob of hot glue or electrical tape and a solid interconnect.Kapton tape is underrated around here, especially since Dealextreme sells it for cheap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2847362",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2015-12-21T22:17:31",
"content": "Weller parts are usually more difficult to find. A good company i’ve been going to is Circuit Specialists they have good quality irons for real cheap and always have replacement parts available! I’ve had my 60w station from them going on 3 years now!!",
"parent_id": "407990",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "408002",
"author": "Phil Burgess",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:37:10",
"content": "Fantastic resource! Though I’m worried what I might really need now is a How to Get “Stopped” in Electronics list. Addictive hobby, DigiKey and SparkFun are my pushers. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408041",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:43:43",
"content": "That is a top notch list.When you’re ordering a lot of various parts to build your collection, I strongly recommend Newark. The prices are good and they have almost everything.But what sets them apart for me is that everything is well-packed and clearly labelled with manufacturer part numbers, descriptions, and basic specs. Too many times I’ve ordered parts from other sources, set them aside for a few months, then find I’ve forgotten what they are. And then I have to look up the part number to find out what it is and/or the basic specs. Or worse, sometimes I can’t identify the part at all.Plus the Newark shipping list includes a smaller peel-and-stick label for every item with the same information. So if you prefer to repack the parts in your own bags/boxes/bins/whatever, you already have a label. This is a huge time saver and convenience when you order an assortment of 50 different parts. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408071",
"author": "Alex Macdonald",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:03:48",
"content": "Yeah, I been bit by the crap tool gremlin.Which makes me ask, is there a decent gas soldering iron to be had in the US? I’d seen one used in Africa to great effect, but the one I got from Home Depot is a bust (great torch though)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408123",
"author": "Eli-0",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:41:02",
"content": "@Alex – I’ve used this butane one for field day, car repairs, etc. I don’t know how it compares to more expensive models but it worked well enough for me. Variable temp also.http://shop.vetcosurplus.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1287",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408127",
"author": "John Conti",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:45:25",
"content": "I like this post a bunch since I am a beginner myself (software nerd by trade). Thank you![Begin plug] And, of course, a cool electrical calculator for one’s iPhone would add to this setup:http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/watts-wheel/id438203634[End plug]",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408129",
"author": "Alex Macdonald",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:51:06",
"content": "@Eli-0 Thanks, that does look very promising.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408138",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T23:23:04",
"content": "Anybody else notice that the box of parts now says Digi-Key and not RadioShack?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408166",
"author": "Terramoto",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:16:59",
"content": "Finally someone ‘fixed the slime pipes…’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408208",
"author": "Zack",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T02:09:57",
"content": "haha, I watched the video posted in the comments and I loved how he said “And don’t forget your fire extinguishah!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408315",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T09:22:53",
"content": "On soldering countless noobs began their career learning how to soldering using a relatively inexpensive Weller soldering iron from the hardware store, and a Weller soldering gun. The most important thing about learning to solder is finding a good instructor, followed by lots of practice to learn heat control. Practice that will serve one well, even when/if they move up to a soldering station.I think it would be hard to do better than the Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series for a book, and free.http://www.rarmy.com/coleman/neets/I was a bit confused when Ken mentioned “real wire strippers”. I would bet my 36 Y/O Proto wire strippers/crimper.screw cutter would still strip wire as well a new out of the package Irwin tool recommended.I would purchase the recommende meter if I needed one at the moment, but Ken should have went into what to consider when shopping for a meter. I won’t buy a meter that doesn’t spec. it’s input impedance, or if it doesn’t have a 10-100 megohm impedance. A DMM or VOM. Personally I’d trade off a meter that has frequency counter, capacitive meter, temp probe for true RMS. An ohm meter can tell you if a transistor or capacitor in functional.On Ken’s blog someone mention using a small computer to keep notes. I can’t see using a computer to keep notes, but a digital camera has to be big step over hand drawings when doing repairs. To keep track of what went where.Yea I noticed the Digi-Key box, but not being a Radio Shack hater it didn’t occur to me to think anything of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411815",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-30T15:28:38",
"content": "This stuff about buying a decent $100 soldering iron is just stupid, and it puts people off ever moving away from the oh so sacred prototyping “lets just push this in a pin head” ardiuino platform.that’s his first mistake, instead of saying all that about a soldering station, what’s wrong with saying 30w iron with a fine tip?and the don’t buy a $10 multimeter? what’s wrong with $10 multimeter, I’ve had my cheap meter for years now, I’ve never needed anything else, a better tip is buy a meter where you can change the probes, fixed probes are not good.also, “PICs were the behemoth of the 8 bit world”?.microchip make more than 8 bit PIC chips. there are 16 and 32 bit as well, all of which are available as free samples, and all are programmable using free IDEs and an ICSP programmer that costs less than the far more limited Arduino boards. and what’s this about 3.3v being a limit? PICs are available in both flavours, so that you can use in either regular or low power applications.I mean he mentions ICSP programmers right before he mentions PICs, does he know about PICs? not knowing about them is fine, effectively saying that you may as well ignore them because Arduinos pretty much replaced them is just stupid.do the ICSP programmers for AVRs work the same as the ICSP programmers for PICs?and the advice of a 1000v diode?I suppose if you’re testing something then yeah fine do that. But on the other hand, doesn’t the guy ever keep anything he builds?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "412361",
"author": "Kenneth Finnegan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-02T06:34:04",
"content": "@dan: I’ve been burned a few times with cheap multimeters being very poorly calibrated. Hook up your $10 volt meter in parallel with a Fluke and see how much it’s different. I wasted a lot of time trying to tune amplifiers with a 10% off volt meter.Like I said, I work in the AVR and MSP430 camps, so no, I haven’t had much experience with PICs. I said you may as well ignore PICs as a beginner’s platform. Before the Arduino, it seemed the vast majority of hobbyist projects were on PIC, then the Arduino appeared and 8-bit PIC became a less appealing beginners platform. Sure, they have 16 and 32 bit PICs. They have 32 bit AVRs too, I just didn’t bother trying to mention EVERY category of uC.What’s wrong with suggesting you only bother stocking 1kV power diodes? It means the one type of diode you have will always work, and they’re even CHEAPER than many of the lower grade diodes on Digikey.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413103",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T11:05:45",
"content": ">I’ve been burned a few times with cheap multimeters being very poorly calibrated. Hook up your $10 volt meter in parallel with a Fluke and see how much it’s different. I wasted a lot of time trying to tune amplifiers with a 10% off volt meter.True, but how many beginners to electronics are tuning amplifiers? (by which I assume you mean biasing) is your article for beginners doing beginner projects? or is your article for more experienced engineers?And if you are advanced, why don’t you crack open the case and calibrate it yourself?I’ve never had a meter out by 10% as measured with meter/scope. but if it was out by that much I’d certainly be recalibrating it! (I think you exaggerate.)It’s one of those things where people take their chances I guess, do you pay lots and get something that lasts when you’re just starting out in a hobby, or just starting to replace a workbench, or do you spend enough to get the tools to get a flavour? I thought that your article was getting started? (certainly that’s what it’s titled), do you really think that Fluke’s gear is starter stuff? -I don’t.as for 1 Kv power diodes.aside from the fact that the way that I interpreted your article I believed that you were saying only get 1 diode, use and re-use it forever (hence why I ask if you ever keep anything that you make.) 1kv diodes are good for making power supplies, but to my mind a little too meaty, to be used in signal circuitry.as an example if you’re using 1KV power diodes as devices to remove crossover distortion in a class B amplifier it’s not going to work as well as using the right component for the job. (a lower voltage signal diode).(but lets assume that’s an advanced project).If you’re using 1KV power diodes as diodes for a simple distortion pedal for guitar (definitely a beginner project), then again it’s going to sound horrible -if it works at all. because you really want small low power silicon diodes, possibly even a mix of silicon and germanium for that project…I’ll stop digressing.the point is one huge diode is never going to be enough, or the right component for all jobs.And if you’re using 1000V power diodes in your amplifier, trying to bias it with a poorly calibrated multimeter is really going to be the least of your problems.For uC’s perhaps my response was a little extreme or uncalled for, but I do think that reading what you’ve written. it does sound like you’ve just written off these chips as only 8 bit, and completely old hat now that the arduino platform has come along. this is one of those each to his own things I guess.I still have a couple of unanswered questions though. (I may or may not find out myself).is AVR ICSP compatible with PIC ICSP? if so then cool. That’s a much nicer place to be, 1 tool multiple uses, or 1 tool multiple programming possibilities.does the AVR ICSP device that you have also have the capability to act as a few channel logic analyser in the same way that the pickit 2 did?if so, then cool, (saves buying or making another tool).I do really agree with the rest of what you’ve written though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413159",
"author": "Kenneth Finnegan",
"timestamp": "2011-07-04T15:47:43",
"content": "They’re not. AVR ICSP is an SPI master. You could probably do some SPI sniffing or something with it, but I’ve never even bothered looking into if any of the programmers would support that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416735",
"author": "Pa55w0rD",
"timestamp": "2011-07-12T21:25:15",
"content": "Love the DeLorean time machine license plate",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1017060",
"author": "firewizard",
"timestamp": "2013-06-18T11:22:58",
"content": "hi!i have bought a gy 26 magnetometer and i was trying to calculate readings using arduino board using i2c bus . however i haven’t been able to find anything useful if anyone has any knowledge regarding this . please do reply soon .it will help me a lot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1037358",
"author": "jurjenz",
"timestamp": "2013-08-08T11:29:21",
"content": "example of tools,equipment,material,supply for the electronics shop",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3107456",
"author": "Noah Jones",
"timestamp": "2016-07-29T10:07:00",
"content": "Very informative article and helpful for those who are starting their career in electronics. It is a good way for them to get familiar with the tools and equipment used in this field.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3547934",
"author": "malik",
"timestamp": "2017-04-30T08:39:28",
"content": "Dear AllI need your help to make a electronic workshop fro sensitive equipment used in defense sector. Kindly help me to select equipment for workshop.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.326991
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/electronic-cufflinks-for-the-discerning-hacker/
|
Electronic Cufflinks For The Discerning Hacker
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Wearable Hacks"
] |
[
"adafruit",
"cufflinks",
"fashion",
"mac",
"reverse engineering"
] |
[Phillip Torrone] gave us a heads up about a project he and [Limor Fried] along with [Mike Doell] have just wrapped up.
Their aptly-named “iCufflinks”
softly pulsate with light the same way in which you see many Mac products do.
The cufflinks are made from machined aluminum and have the ubiquitous “power symbol” milled into the face. Inside the cufflinks, you will find a small circuit board and a battery, which powers the device for up to 24 hours. The team reverse-engineered the soft LED pulse found in Mac products in order to deliver the exact same visualization in their cufflinks.
Ignoring for a minute, the name and the inspiration for the product, we think they are pretty darn cool. There’s nothing like a set of softly glowing cufflinks to spark conversation at any social gathering.
Like anything else you’ll find on Adafruit.com, the cufflinks are completely open source, so you can feel free to tweak and remix the design any way you’d like.
Continue reading to see a video of the cufflinks in action.
[vimeo
http://vimeo.com/25108667
w=470]
| 38
| 38
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407912",
"author": "Robert",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:25:11",
"content": "I’d be interested in a pair if they were thinner. As it is, they look 0.75″ thick.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407934",
"author": "gman",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T14:42:20",
"content": "They’d be so much better thinner. Maybe if the contained the coin cell in another button on the shirt or on the inside and used conductive thread to connect the power.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407936",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T14:46:27",
"content": "Cool, but $128 for the pair.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407958",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:36:29",
"content": "@robert and gman you can look at the measurements on github, they are tiny! smaller than a dime and not too thick. solid and light, they have room for the diffuser, PCB and battery. compared to other cufflinks i have they’re about the same size.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407959",
"author": "Rogan Dawes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:39:09",
"content": "I wonder how difficult/expensive it would be to make the battery be on the reverse side to the “display” side. That would help to balance it out, as well as let the display side be thinner/more attractive. It would also provide a more secure locking mechanism, so that the heavy link would not drop out.imagines a bayonet style fitting to convey the current from the battery on one side to the display on the other side. Or even just a screw with an insulated center.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407964",
"author": "daenris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:03:20",
"content": "It’s a great idea and nice clean design, but I agree that they’re far too thick for cufflinks. I don’t know where you’re shopping for cufflinks, but I’ve never seen anything near that thickness in stores. If you could get them to be closer to something like this thickness:http://walyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/WATCH-CUFFLINKS.jpgit would be better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407968",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:14:35",
"content": "@raogan, check out the images on the site – they’re not large at all and i’ve worn them for days doing the photo shoots and demos and purposely tried to get them to slip out – nearly impossible.@daenris, the watch ones you linked to are large compared to power button ones we made (i had a set of those, well – ones like them).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407986",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:59:22",
"content": "I agree with the masses here. Placing the battery on the backside of the cuff link would yield a more attractive design connecting power would be a non issue. The battery compartment could be the same piece which holds your cuff and snapping it together would connect the battery. I am thinking similar to a micro usb or the end of an ac adapter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407987",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:01:10",
"content": "@scott – we open sourced the design, anyone is welcome to try that :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408015",
"author": "daenris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:01:05",
"content": "I’m not talking about diameter, I’m talking about thickness. I’m fairly certain that those watch cufflinks are not as thick as your power button ones. The watch face section is just a bit thicker than the cross bar section, which I’d imagine is a fairly standard size across cufflinks.Even the picture on the icufflinks site shows them as being about twice as thick as the ipod they’re sitting next to. Some people may think that’s fine, others — as evidenced in the responses so far — think that that’s too thick for a cufflink.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408019",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:10:55",
"content": "@daenris – the photo you are referring to is a rending, check out the site for photos, etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408039",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:38:23",
"content": "I love the idea but I agree with the rest. They are a bit thick. I still want a pair tho.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408042",
"author": "daenris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:45:50",
"content": "@pt — so the rendering is not to scale? In any case, I did look at the photos on the site. It hasn’t changed my opinion that they’re too thick for cufflinks. The video that shows them sitting next to a dime really makes it clear.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408046",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:51:52",
"content": "@daenris – i’ll take another photo of the cufflinks next to other cufflinks i have, you’ll see they are the same size or smaller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408054",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:12:27",
"content": "Great, now I just need an EL wire tie!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408058",
"author": "Ross Marsden",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:26:33",
"content": "@pt – I like ’em thick. They wouldn’t look like a Power button otherwise.I am wanting a tie pin in the form of a slider – scale [0…11] Yes; to eleven.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408061",
"author": "Manfre",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:40:10",
"content": "Hopefully Apple doesn’t end up being their litigious selves about any product with a iProduct name.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408066",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T19:57:50",
"content": "@ross, thanks – that’s correct – they do need to be “solid” looking for it to be more than just a simple logo. we’re working on a tie pin :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408078",
"author": "tehgringe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:43:03",
"content": "@Manfre – I was thinking along the same lines. These guys have hardly made consideration to what is obviously something that Apple has copyright on. I can see it now in the application:Patent Pending:Use of electricity or other form of power to light something that blinks, flashes or pulses at varying rates, speeds and colours.u guys are boned! :PNice touch, very jelly of them. Wonder if without the milling of aluminium salvaged parts could be used.Yo",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408088",
"author": "jethomson",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:51:42",
"content": "I think the green lantern symbol and a green LED would be cooler.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408105",
"author": "iExpensive",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T21:31:59",
"content": "Like every thing I have ever seen with iName it’s iOverpriced. Like it’s inspiration little if any thought was put into the cost of actually using them ($4.99 a battery , one use per battery) . This is marketed at people with too much money just like iEverythingelse. Im sure they will still sell fine, that is part of the iAllure that its common knowledge it was way over priced and expensive to use long term. That is why its exclusive and why the fanbois eat this kinda thing up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408117",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T22:10:07",
"content": "@iexpensive – we’ve posted everything to re-create them you’re welcome to try to make them cheaper and have them made in the usa (and canada) where we make ours. i think you’ll find these are fairly priced.the battery lasts up to 48 hours if you leave it on all the time, let’s say you have a 4 hour event, that’s 12 uses / 12 events. that’s pretty good. we include an extra set of batteries and the batteries are not $4.99 each, more like less than $1 depending where you get them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408145",
"author": "iExpensive",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T23:30:30",
"content": "I quoted the radioshack price. 48hours is not bad thats 2 – 4 uses. I don’t mean to detract from them at all if any thing my feeling like this just means like iPads iPods (and the surely soon to be iPed the car that runs on non rechargeable, non-user replaceable batteries ;this is a cut on apple not you ) Its something I wouldn’t mind having which means you did a great job making them.I think the tie clips will rock it out. Plugs are also a really good idea. I especially like the idea of a tie clip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408147",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T23:31:46",
"content": "The first thing I would be doing with these is swapping out the slow pulsating light for a solid red or blue. I’m partial to the red cause it would be in memory of my recently dead xbox :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408161",
"author": "mjn",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:05:13",
"content": "Nice idea – but awful name, awful price, and they’re way too thick. Hope they do better with the next rev.The suggestion of moving the battery to the back makes sense. Heck – move everything to the back and put in a light pipe so that it can be button thin. That would be much, much sexier.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408180",
"author": "FDP",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:41:41",
"content": "Limor Fried is capable of much better things, and I look forward to them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408186",
"author": "Vampyredh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T01:17:45",
"content": "I’m sorry although I think they look great, I personally would never wear these with any suit or tuxedo I own I wear a suit every day people know I am a full fledged geek. But that for me would be just way to over the top. Like I said I think they look great just not for me. Very innovative, let’s be honest here how many of you actually own shirts that require cuff links btw? Like I said I wear a suit everyday but I only own one shirt that requires cuff links and I wear that shirt maybe twice a year to major functions that require I wear A tuxedo. So raise of hands and be honest. How many here actually own shirts that require cuff links? even if it is just one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408214",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T02:24:15",
"content": "@vampyredh – i can say for a fact that so far at least 1,200 people seem to own french cuff shirts and want these.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408215",
"author": "Greycode",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T02:26:58",
"content": "Hand raised, but the picture shown above is too thick for my tastes. Plus I don’t want people staring at my cuff links, when they should be staring at me. The cuff links just sit there, I am the one that has to wear the tux.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408222",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T02:46:47",
"content": "“@vampyredh – i can say for a fact that so far at least 1,200 people seem to own french cuff shirts and want these.” – PTWow, I guess I’m not surprised. Congrats. When are you guys going to start selling ice? The melty kind ;-) Just kiddin’ Seriously congrats.FYI: I don’t own any shirts that would require cufflinks. iHacker, iSlacker.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408240",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:58:54",
"content": "i think i’ll take better pictures so it’s clear these are not “thick” i have cufflinks that are all about the same size as these, i think a lot of people may need to see these in person too. luckily, many places that sell cufflinks have contacted me about becoming a distributor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408246",
"author": "Demosthenes",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T04:06:02",
"content": "Awesome, now I can be a smug douchenozzle even in formal dress! If they didn’t emphasize their Apple-ness, it’s an interesting idea, but as they are they’re basically pulsating Apple ads on a shirt. Almost as bad as a giant glowing logo on the back of a computer.I can’t see this post as anything other than an ad, intentional or not. There’s nothing of interest to hackers here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408265",
"author": "Devilbunny",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T05:04:49",
"content": "Vampyredh, I’ve got at least half a dozen shirts that are French cuffed. I don’t do a lot of big social events, but when I do I like to be very well dressed – and that’s what French cuffs give you.If you wear a suit to work every day, it’s probably overkill. If you don’t, it is well worth your while to save up and buy just a handful of really nice clothes. A custom-tailored suit, two or three custom-tailored shirts, two nice pair of shoes, and four great ties will run you about $2000, but they look fantastic and they last.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408389",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:47:50",
"content": "Oh HaD, how you love to hate ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408400",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T16:24:46",
"content": "@Demosthenes – the source code, the PCB, everything is open source. if you think circuits and assembly code are not interesting you’re on the wrong site :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408653",
"author": "gabriele",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T08:00:29",
"content": "Too thick… Too expensive… and… hey, are you trying to sell this to me? Where’s the hack?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408710",
"author": "Drew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-22T12:29:37",
"content": "Haha, I love the not-so-subtle attempt to appeal to mac fanboys (but then again, who else would be willing to spend that amount of money on something so simple in an aluminum case). I also love how they literally just monitored the light output from an iMac in an attempt to copy it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409773",
"author": "pt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-25T01:27:29",
"content": "@gabriele the source code, schematics and CAD files are all available to hack and mod. so far owners have made other patterns and someone is making their own version out of gold and having the LED blink green.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.414966
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/mini-google-street-view-car-built-from-lego/
|
Mini Google Street View Car Built From Lego
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital cameras hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"google",
"lego",
"nxt",
"remote control",
"streetview"
] |
[Mark] was playing around with a small GPS sensor when a light bulb lit over his head. He imagined it would be pretty cool to
replicate one of Google’s Street View cars
at a fraction of the scale using Lego NXT parts. He figured it would be easy enough to rig a few cameras to a remote controlled car, recording images and GPS coordinates as it went along.
The mini Street View car is controlled by a single NXT module that receives commands from a PS2 controller via a PSPNx sensor he purchased. A trio of cameras have been attached to the car, which are meant to take pictures in all different directions when triggered by his remote. A handful of additional motors are also used for driving the car, steering, and for activating the shutter release on the cameras.
The car worked decently during testing, but [Mark] says there is still plenty of room for improvement. He is having issues reliably triggering all cameras at the moment, but we’re sure he’ll have it sorted out soon enough.
Keep reading to see a video of his mini Street View car in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysyjGkcTTw4&w=470]
| 7
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407890",
"author": "unsy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:37:48",
"content": "I love lego. Nice work…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407899",
"author": "Anon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:48:45",
"content": "Little ‘typo’ there:“PSP controller via a PSPNx ”“PlayStation 2 controller via a PSPNx”The name is a bit missleading, since they named it PSPNx instead of PS2Nx:http://www.mindsensors.com/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=84",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407907",
"author": "MrBishop",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:13:01",
"content": "That is really cool. Make the camera about the same as an average persons height and I could see these things going around my Campus (University of Kentuckly) on the sidewalks and stuff just mapping out everything. Maybe even in some of the major buildings. I wonder if my professors would let me use this as my project when time comes. Well not this obviously since someone else made it but this extended and modified.Anyway really cool build man!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407949",
"author": "elitesec",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:17:55",
"content": "Awesome I had a guy come to me that worked for ea and did a duplicate that toyota made of these",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407992",
"author": "Dennis",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:18:14",
"content": "Google Alley Cat View?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407997",
"author": "ferdie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:25:32",
"content": "do it log info from WIFI networks and open networksthe real one have do it tobut nice bild",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408005",
"author": "robomonkey",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T17:42:54",
"content": "be great to put under a deck and find out where those Freaking hornets are building a nest.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.640989
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/20/arduinos-in-spaaaaaace/
|
Arduinos…. In…. Spaaaaaace…..
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"cubesat",
"flight computer",
"flight module",
"satellite"
] |
Since 2007, [Adam Kemp] has been leading a team of students from Thomas Jefferson High School, guiding them through the process of
designing and building
a small satellite that
NASA selected
for launch early next year.
The CubeSat, officially named TJ³Sat, uses commercial, off-the-shelf components for nearly all its systems. The team ran into a problem interfacing the
FM430 Flight Module
(PDF warning), so [Adam] designed an Arduino-based replacement. Based on an ATMEGA328, the entire board is a drop-in replacement for the FM430 Flight Module. On July 1st, the TJ³Sat will begin testing at Orbital Sciences Corp. to make sure the entire satellite is up to snuff.
The TJ³Sat’s payload will take data from the ground controllers and using a TextSpeak module convert serial data into spoken voice. This audio will then be transmitted over amateur radio frequencies and will be picked up by hams all over the world. We’d like to wish the students at Thomas Jefferson High a hearty congratulations for being the first High School to build a satellite and hope the testing and launch go as planned.
| 37
| 37
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407864",
"author": "DjXero210",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:15:37",
"content": "i know this might not be disclosed information… but where is that high school???… becasue in my city there is a thomas jefferson high school… as im sure there are plenty across the nation",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407865",
"author": "DjXero210",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:17:02",
"content": "nevermind",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407866",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:23:50",
"content": "How is this Arduino related?I can’t find any mention of it on their website.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407867",
"author": "Halfdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:23:57",
"content": "So it uses an Atmega, but is it otherwise anything like the arduino? Does it use a modified version of the board or the sourcecode or what?The article doesn’t tell us much, but from what I could glance, it just looks like a project using (understandably) the atmega chip by itself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407869",
"author": "mkp42",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:41:56",
"content": "Super cool.@wardy: check out the ArduSat Overview on website.http://tj3sat.wikidot.com/overview",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407870",
"author": "G",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:42:17",
"content": "“ATMEGA”-based and “Arduino-based” are not remotely the same thing… c’mon people quit oversimplifying…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407871",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:42:55",
"content": "Given it must be a drop-in replacement for FM430, and thus match form factor, the only vaguely “arduino related” aspect that’s certain is that it’s powered by an ATMEGA328. Now, it’s possible the arduino bootloader and libraries might be in use, but it’s not clear if that’s the case.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407872",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:43:08",
"content": "@wardy:http://tj3sat.wikidot.com/overview",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407873",
"author": "Starlight",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:45:14",
"content": "http://tj3sat.wikidot.com/overview",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407875",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:51:47",
"content": "why? We need more junk satellites?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407879",
"author": "BiOzZ",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:02:33",
"content": "@Anon because its been to long seance someone was killed by space junkanyone else think they did a billion unnecessary processes to make this … whatever it does?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407882",
"author": "theborg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:09:26",
"content": "@Anon: There have only been a few deployments to date, and there are experiments in the works to introduce de-orbit options. Hmm, a CubeSat hunter-killer – it would be Star Wars all over again, one litre at a time :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407883",
"author": "theborg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:11:20",
"content": "To clarify: the de-orbit feature would be attached to future CubeSats, the HK idea was intended as a joke.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407885",
"author": "Adam",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:26:59",
"content": "Wow. Such negativity.To answer your questions:1) The project is Arduino related as the on-board ATMEGA328 is running the Arduino bootloader….as noted on the website.2) Junk satellites? Thats funny.3) A billion unnecessary processes? The primary goal of our project is to educate aspiring engineers in aerospace and mechanical engineering. The steps that we follow are tailored to emulate, as closely as possible, the processes that are currently used within the aerospace industry to fly multi-million dollar missions.I guess I shouldn’t take such whimsical comments so seriously.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407891",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:42:54",
"content": "@everyoneGive them a fucking break, it’s a high school. You’re just jealous you didn’t do something this cool in highschool.I find the data transmission method very interesting. I sure as hell would have never thrown that down on a brainstorming whiteboard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407902",
"author": "RJSC",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:01:27",
"content": "The only criticism I have is about the solar cells shape! :oWhy use such odd shapes and not cover the whole side panels with square/rectangular cells with no gaps between them. They would generate more power on the same area and have less work placing them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407905",
"author": "Till",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:08:52",
"content": "very nice advanced Sputnik-clone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407909",
"author": "Eddy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:15:58",
"content": "Great job TJ High :) It’s awesome to see high school students going beyond the typical curriculum and exploring science and technology like this. Doing things like this sounds like a great way to encourage and motivate students that by learning new things you really can go out and make some cool stuff happen which will hopefully enable them to go out and be productive members of society.Good job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407916",
"author": "Awkward Engineer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:29:25",
"content": "I went to TJ! That’s a cool partnership they have set up with Orbital. They didn’t have anything quite like that when I was there. -www.awkwardengineer.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407919",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:34:59",
"content": "cubesats are always fun…ads on websites are always not fun…why are there ads on the website for a high school project thath has sponsors already?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407920",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:35:09",
"content": "Arduino, or ATMEGA?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407931",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T14:28:34",
"content": "I don’t know if this is a hack. This is real engineering stuff. Really impressive and really cool but maybe a a class above a hack :) Can you imagine that on your Resume? Built a micro-satellite and had it launched at 17! The chicks will so dig it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407935",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T14:43:24",
"content": "If one of your local schools or clubs is interested, InterOrbital has a satellite framework and is doing launches for schools and groups. I spoke with them, hackerspace groups do qualify.You can opt for CubeSat or TubeSat (there’s a diff in cost):http://www.interorbital.com/TubeSat_1.htm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407942",
"author": "Colecoman1982",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:07:40",
"content": "@Bob: You and the rest of the trolls would know if you got off your virtual ass and read the project…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407974",
"author": "Elliot Nixon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:29:34",
"content": "“The original idea behind ArduSat was to act as a direct replacement of Pumpkin, Inc.’s FM430 flight module which is based around TI’s MSP430-1612 microcontroller. After spending a couple of months working in CCE trying to program the MSP to utilize software serial and 1-wire protocols, our heads were thoroughly scratched, and I decided to design a Arduino based replacement. And in one week after receiving the prototype PCBs from Advanced Circuits, we were up and running.The ArduSat brings all of the wonderful features and ease of use of the Arduino into the Cubesat PC-104 form factor. In addition all of the chosen components have heritage making ArduSat a easy answer to hardware justifications and integration.”Any one thinking of leaving Arduino for TI Launch Pad should read this quote.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407975",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T16:29:59",
"content": "Rad hard enough?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408083",
"author": "tehgringe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:49:44",
"content": "Arduino bootloader!Arduino bootloader!Arduino bootloader!Read a fucking big you lazy c*nts!Also cool project – nearest I got in school was using the Bunsen burner to flame some peanuts to calculate how much energy they contained.They do not taste good roasted black. Fact.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408084",
"author": "tehgringe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T20:50:28",
"content": "ah snap! auto-correct made me look like a dick. Karma for dropping a c-bomb I guess.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408098",
"author": "Leon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T21:18:09",
"content": "@rjsc – that shape solar cell is quite a bit cheaper than the others, cannot remember what they are called though.Goodluck!Will keep an antenna out for your signal :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408141",
"author": "aEx155",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T23:24:27",
"content": "The Ametuer Radio club at my high school is doing something like this, seemed very interesting.I went for FIRST robotics, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408176",
"author": "Red",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:36:48",
"content": "@RJSC and LeonThose cells are TASC cells produced (most likely) by Spectrolab, a division of Boeing.They are the best bang for the buck when it comes to solar cells at $250 for a box of 100 cells @ ~ 21% efficiency, last I checked. Several companies sell other cells that are just small enough to fit on the side of a standard cubesat (10cm*10cm*10cm), but they are 2.5V cells so if you need a bus voltage higher then that they aren’t suitable. Also, because of their larger size, if you have a cutout in the side of a face for an access port or an antenna, chances are you won’t be able to fit two cells anymore, and a single cell does you zero good when it’s output voltage is lower then the rest of the bus.Yes, you do loose some surface area with the TASC cells triangular shape, but they allow you to work to better fit the geometry you have available on your sides, as well as allowing you to adjust your electrical characteristics to best fit the rest of the system.All these were issues that my cubesat group went through when choosing cells, cost and total power output being the main drivers. We would fully equip two cubes worth of side structure plate with cells for $500 with spares, it would of cost of about $10000 to do it with the larger cells (ITJ for instance).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408234",
"author": "o",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:44:33",
"content": "I disagree with the use of a text-to-speech chip – it would have been better to send Bell 202 modulated AFSK signals. Other than that, neat hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408239",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:58:54",
"content": "Better to make it so any school can just tune in a radio and listen with the class.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408241",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T03:59:21",
"content": "@Elliot Nixon:It’s a weird world we live in when designing completely new hardware is easier than just learning how to program the hardware you already have eh?I think this says more about what they’re experienced with than it does about the platforms.The choice of using voice is strange. Difficult to monitor autonomously, but seems like it’ll be really accessible to students, so that’s great, anything to get them excited.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408385",
"author": "Soundararajan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T15:44:02",
"content": "Wish AVRStudio is part of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410744",
"author": "Eddie",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T19:14:09",
"content": "Nice Portal 2 reference",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "447331",
"author": "Bart",
"timestamp": "2011-09-03T22:11:41",
"content": "Great project, wish I was part of it, whatever micro controller/IDE !!!;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.760286
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/19/the-infrared-graduation-cap/
|
The Infrared Graduation Cap
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Wearable Hacks"
] |
[
"ATmega168",
"infrared",
"led"
] |
It’s graduation time for many high schoolers, and while many students would love to decorate their caps, administration generally looks down upon this practice. [Victor], however, thought of a way around this.
The human eye cannot see infrared light, but camcorders generally can. Putting these two concepts together with a couple of infrared LEDs, [Victor] was able to
make a cap that displayed his decoration in everyone’s “digital memory”,
but wouldn’t be detected until the video of the offense was displayed. Hopefully by the time the prank is detected, [Victor] will have successfully graduated and presumably gone on to other pursuits.
An ATmega 168 controls this hat to display his message, “Congratulations Class of 2011,” in Morse code. What a creative use of both old and new technology to pull off an awesome graduation prank. Be sure to check out the video after the break to see how everything was put together.
[vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/25287134
w=470&h=300]
| 31
| 30
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407724",
"author": "truthspew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:12:08",
"content": "Love it! This is a phenomenal hack for a graduation cap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407726",
"author": "Ian Page-Echols",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:22:11",
"content": "This would show up on any camera with a screen while you’re shooting video of the cap. You wouldn’t have to wait until later for some reason. Still, you’d have to have a camera to see it, so it’s less likely to be noticed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407729",
"author": "Dan B",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:26:53",
"content": "I like it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407732",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:45:13",
"content": "Great idea! Anyone know if IR ELwire exists, because just imagine you wove that in with the top of your hat. Inconspicuous and in funny patterns :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407733",
"author": "HackerK",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:46:29",
"content": "Geeky. Nice Prank.It would be even cooler if one make a POV version of it so when one walk on the stage it show a message… ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407734",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:47:18",
"content": "Next generation, scrolling IR led matrix for text messages.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407740",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:01:33",
"content": "…figures. Jefferson High killed in the 2011 National Science Bowl.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407743",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:17:13",
"content": "I’d just have a flashing LED.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407747",
"author": "Sebi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:42:03",
"content": "At first I thought he built in a high power IR LED to dazzle the cameras and making the films useless. Like the guy who wanted to build a cap with IR LEDs to disturb surveillance cameras",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407750",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:48:09",
"content": "Cool, but not new i´ve been doing this since digital cameras came up. but congratulations anyway, this can be used on caps, hats, glasse or even sunglasse to keep your privacy on everyday cameras that are everywhere, even night vision cams that has them. when you change the light source from behind the camera lens to the front of it…have fun",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407752",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:51:37",
"content": "As Sebi said, you don´t need to fill a cap with leds, only one at the center is more than enough to keep you safe from surveillance cameras. Got ir leds on other things to keep me safe from everything…. and it works really well",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407755",
"author": "MS3FGX",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:16:25",
"content": "As somebody who has already been at a few graduation ceremonies this week for younger family members, I immediately thought of this as an excellent way to “paint” your graduate in the crowd.We had quite a time pointing out which one of the ~400 graduating students was the one we were waiting to cheer for; being able to scan the group with our cameras looking for an IR marker would have been great.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407757",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:20:50",
"content": "Creative integration of IR Hackery with the situational application. It’s a VERY worthy Hack. And, it’s arguably a Touchstone for taking the IR@Graduations bit to new levels.One might consider thinking a bit bigger and having multiple “Tiled” pixel caps with a truly awe inspiring floodlight effect to spell out stuff/display pictures too. Or just cute graphics like the Deadmau5 icon.Envision a lot of caps strobing with bright flashes to produce a scrolling marquee effect.BUT: The comments RE: so-called “Safety” from cams by using IR floods? That’s liable to be anything but. It’s risking at minimum, *REALLY* being noticed. And potentially “questioned” as to WtF you are hiding from/doing. Anyone recall the LED flower @ bos",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407758",
"author": "Rikohm",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:22:54",
"content": "Why not let it blink out the remote code to trigger the cameras..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407760",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:31:32",
"content": "@Squirrel, Eugene – He should have just put an IR LED matrix on the top of the morterboard and covered it with IR transparent cloth, you could have all kinds of messages in a hat like that, a very heavy hat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407763",
"author": "Thopter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:36:22",
"content": "Here I thought he built a version of the TV-Be-Gone into his mortarboard. Perhaps to prank the projectors/screens on stage, or the video cameras themselves. I believe some cameras have IR remotes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407764",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:41:14",
"content": "@Hirudinea:Good point on the IR cloth!Heavy? I’d think that conductive thread or magnet wire&LilyPad+ SMD IR’s would be trivial in mass. Even with some use of RTV or hotmelt for mounting. and some LiPo packs would power such a setup long enough with equally small weight.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407766",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:46:21",
"content": "This is great idea!Just don’t throw the cap. Without decorations identifying which cap is which, everyone just grabs whatever cap is closest after they’ve been thrown in the air. It wasn’t until I got home that I found out the cap I’d grabbed as a memento was soaked with jerrycurl juice. Bleh. :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407767",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:56:35",
"content": "@Thopter: Hmn.. That has potential for good or evil. And, IIRC the libs for TV-Be-Gone would be trivial to port into LilyPad..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407770",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T22:16:38",
"content": "One LED? doing morse? Color me unimpressed.In this day and age you’d expect more, something a bit more fancy and inventive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407791",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T02:04:37",
"content": "It could interfere with your picture being taken at graduation because there are so many people that they allow only one photographer and it is a shame to have to pay all of that money to get a bad picture covered by the IR LED.It is also noticable and could get someone kicked out of graduation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407793",
"author": "Rangerx52",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T02:33:23",
"content": "Chuckt, you’re kind of an idiot, are’nt you.The LED’s are nowhere NEAR bright enough to interfere with other people’s pictures. If anything, people would not only have to stand quite close to the hat to see they’re even on… and on top of that, be within the ~15 degrees of focused light that the led provides… which will be muted by ambient light anyway.And i’m disgusted by the fact that this is being called a prank… it’s like playing a joke on your wife- by leaving her a note on the counter that says good morning.A vanilla project that requires no creative thinking. What’s the next project going to be, how to play music on an ipod?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407819",
"author": "jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T05:10:01",
"content": "i was expecting an IR led matrix ::sadface::",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407823",
"author": "vonskippy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T05:41:36",
"content": "Wow that is just wild man. Crazy. Like a FLASHING LED at graduation – stop it – my ribs are cracking from all the laughing. Man that is cool. Double rainbow cool. Talk about your chick magnet – wooooooooooeeeeeeeeeee that’s wild. I won’t be able to sleep tonight just imagining how freaking awesome that was.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407829",
"author": "Otacon2k",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T06:31:20",
"content": "@Chuckt: Shouldn’t be a problem though. If there’s only one photographer (professional) he’s surely using a high end slr-camera. Even my entry-level slr doesn’t catch IR leds, they are well filtered.Regarding safety of surveillance cams by putting IR leds to your cap: I once saw a documentary about this. People’s faces were hidden by the light’s glow, indeed… that is, until they played around with contrast/brightness.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407874",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:51:31",
"content": "Too bad he used narrow and dim IR led’s from what I can see it will not show up on most cameras because it’s narrow beam led’s used.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407878",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:01:17",
"content": "“It could interfere with your picture being taken at graduation because there are so many people that they allow only one photographer and it is a shame to have to pay all of that money to get a bad picture covered by the IR LED.”Doesn’t stop me. I bring my SLR and don’t dress like a parent for my daughters gradualtion. I dressed like a photographer and grabbed my old event and press passes. Walked up past the “pro” they hired and snapped a 30 photos of my daughter as she graduated.It’s easy to get press passes as a “amateur” you just need to volunteer at some events around town. Screw the School board and their brain dead “only one photographer” garbage. I’d not have a problem with it if they hired a real PRO instead of a no talent hack. I went to his website after having to social engineer his name out of the Schools staff 2 weeks beforehand and saw the tripe this poser takes. So I made sure to go in and do it myself.My shots with my craptastic $1000 SLR and its super craptastic $400 lens were 800X better than his Canon 1DS MK II and his L series glass..PRO = ability not what gear you have. If a ‘pro’ has top of the line expensive gear typically he/she is a poser.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407892",
"author": "chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:43:00",
"content": "Rangerx52,The only people who disturbed my high school graduation were people who shouldn’t have graduated in my opinion. Ruining a graduation for people is not something anyone wants to remember.Chuck",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407914",
"author": "that1guy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:28:00",
"content": "Oh look, fartface is back. Cute.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408196",
"author": "DJAA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T01:39:06",
"content": "Whats the name of the song in this video, I really enjoyed the drop.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1029272",
"author": "aleks",
"timestamp": "2013-07-22T02:02:08",
"content": "elements of life, pretty famous tune so i recognize the intro’d…",
"parent_id": "408196",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,161.821493
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/19/hackaday-links-saturday-june-18th/
|
Hackaday Links: Saturday, June 18th
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Hackaday links"
] |
[
"air conditioning",
"container house",
"ipod",
"tripod"
] |
Tripod CNC Machining Setup:
Here’s a strange
“tripod” device
using the EMC software package generally used for CNC machining. In this case it looks like something that (when scaled up) might control a sky-cam-like device that one would see at football games.
The Off-Grid Container House:
Project to make an
off-grid container house
. Pretty crazy idea, but definitely not developed yet. This seems like a cool idea, so hopefully this guy will come through. It may give you some other ideas, so check it out.
Pizza in a cup
anyone?
Iphone Window Pocket
Iphone window pocket
– This Instructables article shows how to make a “window” in your pants for your Ipod. The combination of bad style and nerdiness gives a great first impression every time. Not sure how it works with the capacitive touch screen, but it should be good for viewing at least.
The Multiple AC Unit Experiment
Here’s someone who’s done some experimenting with using a
central AC unit with several window units
. Not bad, considering he documents shaving about 1/3 off his power bill. Maybe it could inspire something even better!
Incredible CNC “hexapod” Milling Center
Finally,
this machine
isn’t exactly a “hack”, but a professionally designed machining center. It uses a machining setup similar to a delta robot. Six linear actuators are coordinated to allow this CNC robot to move in five degrees of freedom with incredible speed.
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407702",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:29:28",
"content": "Hexapod CNC is amazing.Shipping container house has promise but you need to consider quite a bit – building with containers has very little in common with building with wood and nails. Of course, it is vastly superior to building with wood and nails as well but you have to think outside the box quite a bit to do it right. Insulation is tricky, modifications aren’t hard but you need to approach them the right way and with the right tools. That sort of thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407704",
"author": "Wifigod",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:31:19",
"content": "Isn’t it Sunday?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407705",
"author": "Hackerspacer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:43:01",
"content": "A 20′ container really isn’t THAT portable. In order to modify it to be broken down as the author intends… not only will you have to undertake SUBSTANTIAL modifications but doing so with hand tools…. that’s almost a disaster waiting to happen. Containers flex when you cut the walls – which are corrugated. They also happen to be extremely heavy. So even if you were able to convert one to break down (which isn’t impossible), you still have to have robust mechanisms to not only “open” fit back up (and lock it there to prevent it from filling the occupants) but you also need to consider that pulling 8000 lbs of metal for the container alone isn’t exactly energy or gas efficient.$20,000 for a 150 sq ft house is roughly $133 per sq ft. That is on par with most higher end homes and also includes land. I recognize that the idea is to include the “fully off grid” features in that price – however this doesn’t include land costs and doesn’t include anything about labor involved (which is presumed to be free). There are also economies of scale involved in building a 1500 sq ft home vs a 150 sq ft “shelter” but $20,000 of estimated costs invariably have a tendency to become $30,000 or $40,000 in costs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407745",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:32:02",
"content": "I understand YMMV is very applicable to using shipping containers to build a home. IMO, in my location doing so doesn’t make sense. Buy the container. Purchase the lumber need to get a decent R value of insulation, and to apply the interior wall ceiling surfaces on. In most locations one would want a pitched roof. To shed snow or provide a ventilated shade for the container’s metal top. Certainly most would cover a scabby looking exterior, using that opportunity to and additional insulation. Most would install a fished floor. Of course any home will have windows so that’s a draw. Where I live I can enclose, finish the same amount space that a shipping container with a materials cost that is close to the same cost of the container Those containers may be a bargain if one lives near a port, but in the middle of Kansas they are expensive. Another thing to consider is stick or other construction has the flexibility of designing a home that enclose the same sq. ft. that a shipping container does in a more friendly foot print. The only options with a shipping container is a old mobile home or large travel trailer lay out. In that most Shipping container homes are DYI projects I’m not considering labor cost at all.So the TX AC experiment is one persons rediscovery of what people have been doing for years? I’m more impressed with thishttp://ulceet.com/site70.php;http://homes-across-america.org/search/details.cfm?who=153&Feature=all&action=showDetails&Query=byStatecouple’s rediscovery as to how to live in Louisiana WITHOUT AC. With due respect to Sean O’Hara,it’s going to be the Adrians that will show us how to live comfortably in a world of declining resources, by diligently researching what worked well in the past,in their location. The locations of others are sure to require other methods.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407759",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:28:36",
"content": "I missed the additional details on the shipping container project. Collapsible, why? They are extremely portable as is. Even with the addition of the material required to make one into a home they a still wouldn’t be prohibitively heavy as to preclude to be transported by a 3/4 ton truck using a gooseneck trailer. I don’t know what it is about shipping container that awe so many people so much. In the event one plans to build it in one place planning to move it to another place that has code requirements good luck with that, even if it’s built in a place that has identical code requirement, and was inspected during construction. Commercial mobile homes have HUD stickers that are recognized by most municipalities if not all. You could install inspection panels so an inspector where you move it to can inspect it, but there’s no guarantee that will be acceptable.I have an old mobile home here that’s being used as storage. At one time I was considering of rebuilding it to have a small inexpensive home to live in that I could move it to where needed, if things really turn South here in the US. Several things nipped that idea in the bud. I have no title for the chassis, if I did it’s so old many cities wouldn’t allow it within the city, even in a MH park, and the inspection thing I mentioned.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407765",
"author": "Joshua",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:44:10",
"content": "The portability and strength of a container house makes it somewhat justifiable.It’s better then spending $500 a squarefoot on one of the stupid high end condos that are over here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407789",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T01:46:49",
"content": "uhh, I think “collapsible” means that all the stuff outside the container (solar panels, shade structures, water filtration, etc.) fits into the container for easy transport",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407801",
"author": "FDP",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T03:40:22",
"content": "I love shipping container projects, but I would never in a million years trust that guy to do it right. It doesn’t help that he has the thing sitting at an angle on some cinder blocks… there are plenty of safe ways to mount a container, he seems to have decided against them all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407807",
"author": "cliff",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T04:03:44",
"content": "shipping container? really? they have things called Motorhomes and Mobile homes for a fricken reason, for 20k he could buy a very nice motorhome or mobile home that won’t have code violations all over the place and won’t have a problem of people not allowing it near them because it looks like the clampets built it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407868",
"author": "wardy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T11:29:52",
"content": "I’d be willing to review one of those CNC machines if I’m allowed to keep it. Honestly, it’s no trouble.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407881",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:06:41",
"content": "The container guy is an idiot. there are 27,532.1 sites on this subject. He’s just scamming people to pay for his project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408024",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T18:14:04",
"content": "the central A/C with two window A/C’s is not a hack. I am sure plenty of people out there with central A/C have figured out that using window A/Cs or fans to cool the bedrooms will save on energy cost.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.875353
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/19/modding-a-car-charger-to-a-variable-power-supply/
|
Modding A Car Charger To A Variable Power Supply
|
Brian Benchoff
|
[
"classic hacks"
] |
[
"car charger",
"reverse engineering"
] |
For an upcoming road trip, [Patrick] needed a small variable power supply. Instead of lugging around a bench supply, [Patrick] did the sensible thing and
reverse engineered a cell phone charger
to fit his requirements.
After cracking open an old Kyocera car charger, [Patrick] found a small PCB with completely labeled, all through-hole components – excellent reverse engineering potential. After finding an
On Semi MC33063
IC, [Patrick] tore through the datasheets, generated a netlist, and developed a
schematic
that closely resembled the reference schematic given by the datasheets.
With all the grunt work done, [Patrick] set out to finish what he started – modifying the charger to output 3-10 Volts. After replacing a resistor with a 5k multiturn pot, [Patrick] was left with a power supply with a variable output from 2.8 to 8.8 Volts. Not exactly what was desired, but more than enough for the application at hand. While this hack isn’t a
disco floor
, it’s a great walkthough of the hacking process – building or modifying something to suit a need.
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407683",
"author": "vtl",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T15:23:53",
"content": "Not really groundbreaking but I think the most helpful thing is that the DC-DC converter is a switchmode one which can be quite handy if you want to put it into some kind of battery powered project where you don’t want to piss away the power by bleeding off the voltage with a linear regulator.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407689",
"author": "daniel reetz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T16:09:44",
"content": "Nice writeup! I did a similar thing where I changed the resistor network on a charger intended for Apple products:http://www.danreetz.com/blog/2011/01/25/de-apple-tize-your-usb-phone-charger/Also, we have a couple people on my book scanner forums using these things to power Canon Powershot cameras.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407690",
"author": "daniel reetz",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T16:12:16",
"content": "Another tip – there are literally hundreds of chargers like these in dollar stores around the country. They have non-USB connectors on them, but you can get a whole switching DC-DC supply for a buck, and adjust it with one or two resistors. Watch out for the color coding on the wires though, the wire colors are often reversed with red being negative and black being positive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407693",
"author": "andres",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T16:33:07",
"content": "done this before, its handy for when you need a power supply in a pinch. walmart sells decent ones for $5. instead of replacing one resistor i replaced the resistor divider at the output with a potentiometer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407712",
"author": "Eugene",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:53:40",
"content": "Be careful of the dollar store chargers. some a linear discrete designs. I usually use ones from the phone carriers and get them at yard sales or thrift stores. About 90% of them use the Onsemi part or a second source. Some will even have a tag hanging on the cord saying “intelligent charger 33063” Most will be set for 5V to supply the actual charging circuit in the phone for the Li-ion battery. Some will have un-used component locations for actual charge control circuitry.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407754",
"author": "wa5znu",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:59:11",
"content": "Some have an empty part labeled “C” and a wirejumper labeled “L” and produce lots of radio frequency interference. I’ve got one like that, plus some other cheap electronics from China that’s been part-reduced to save pennies and create noise.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407771",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T22:17:31",
"content": "Simple but effective.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407777",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T22:35:57",
"content": "Nice write-up, and good job.I’ve modified a few “brick” style switching AC to DC converters similarly. Although they’re more complex, finding the right resistor to modify is usually easy and can be done in a few minutes; even without any reverse engineering. Just attach a 100k resistor to a couple of probes. Use the probes to connect your resistor in parallel to a resistor on the board you think might control the voltage. If you guess wrong, the current through 100k is small enough not to harm anything (at least in my experience). If you guess right, the output voltage will change slightly (usually a few millivolts).Also useful, there’s a compact switching regulator module (KIS-3R33S) which is currently available for less than a dollar from Satistronics and Ebay. It takes 5-23V in, and outputs 3.3V @ 3A. With a similar bit of modification (usually documented by the seller), it can output other voltages. They’re so handy, I just bought 20 of them to stock my parts box for future projects.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407781",
"author": "JourneymanWizard",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T22:44:09",
"content": "The empty “C” and the jumper “L” on the ones that produce lots of noise (both radiated and on the supply) are probably the equivalent of C3 and L1, respectively, on the schematic given: they are part of the output filter. If you end up with one of these and need to decrease your output noise, add a (large-ish) electrolytic at C. If you can, an inductor at L would be ideal – if not, a wire-wound or spiral-cut small-value resistor can be substituted. Either way, the key on the output is filtration. Especially as that is part of your regulation feedback.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409516",
"author": "TiredJuan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T11:17:31",
"content": "Sparkfun has some 7.5v 1A ones for sale for $0.95 (350+in stock as I write this)http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8835/It also has a DC-DC converter, but I couldn’t find a datasheet worth a damn…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "414380",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-07-07T21:00:29",
"content": "If you are more interrested in the chip Dave made a blogpost of it:http://www.eevblog.com/2010/09/10/eevblog-110-lets-design-a-dc-to-dc-switchmode-converter/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.686758
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/19/the-party-popper-security-robot/
|
The Party Popper “Security” Robot
|
Jeremy Cook
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"lego",
"robot"
] |
This
“security” robot
is based around the
Lego Mindstorms
NXT platform. As shown in the video after the break, this robot is capable of firing a “popper” at any intruder the owner of the robot sees fit. It takes a decent amount of force to fire a popper, so this is pretty impressive with a Lego components by itself. If you’ve been looking for components to build your next robot, Lego might be worth a look.
This bot also features, according to the 14 year old Australian that built this, an HD webcam person ID system that sends him an email when it sees someone. It uses bluetooth for control. Lego designs have come a long way since the grey castles some of you may have built in the 80s and 90s. Be sure to check out the video after the break.
[youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h31h7341vY&w=470&h=349%5D
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407663",
"author": "Rambo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T13:11:52",
"content": "“Lego designs have come a long way since the grey castles some of you may have built in the 80s and 90s.”…or the 60s…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407665",
"author": "MorbiousStone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T13:22:01",
"content": "Very Cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407674",
"author": "Ray Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T14:17:05",
"content": "What do you mean castle in the 80s and 90s? I had legos in the 70s long before the castle kits. Back when we had to use our imaginations to build things from little colored bricks!Sheesh,,,get off my lawn you kids!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407676",
"author": "Ray Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T14:25:03",
"content": "On a totally different note, I have over 1000 dollars worth of mindstorms and technic addon kits. Only first generation mindstorms, however. Have yet to buy any NXT gear. I did a competition against some kids with NXT a year ago, however, and my little 8-bit first gen mindstorms bricks with proper programming using NQC beat the NXT with the lego programming language. Or at least, my programs beat theirs, and my designs. But I have age and angst over their youth and,,,enthusiam.Enjoy,Ray",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407677",
"author": "Ray Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T14:26:13",
"content": "All that being said, good work on the intruder-popper!Glad to see kids interested in doing things like this.KEEP IT UP!Enjoy,Ray",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407691",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T16:17:27",
"content": "I’d love to see a party popper gun or robot that can automatically reload the next popper(s).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407713",
"author": "Ray Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:58:59",
"content": "That could be done. Just build pre-loads with the poppers in little holders and the string caught between a couple of bricks, or tied to a brick, or something, so you could just drop it down into the firing mech and away you go. Did similar some years back with legos and rubber bands. Made a chain of lego technic pieces with rubber bands held on them. The chain would feed through the gun unit which would pick the rubber bands off, stretch them, and fire…advance chain…repeat..[:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407714",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T18:03:10",
"content": "“The grey castles some of you may have built in the 80s and 90s” – Damn, thanks for making me feel old! :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407753",
"author": "The guy who built the thing",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:53:48",
"content": "Thanks guys for all the great comments. I will put up a much higher quality HD video of the robot when I get time (pesky school) detailing all of it’s person identification features and hopefully a better weapon. At the moment I’m just having fun scaring the crap out of people as they come down my hallway. In the meantime visit my Canberra hacking website at capitalhacking.webs.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407761",
"author": "Oren Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T21:32:08",
"content": "This use of poppers is a “Less Than Lethal” Pyro effector on a ‘bot. Liability may vary depending on local laws, but the sheer COMEDY value is worth the Hack’s effort!@Ray: I recall you having those mindstorms all around the campground.. IIRC you had an X10 cam on one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407772",
"author": "Bonnie Beck",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T22:19:22",
"content": "Ray – please email me direct. Have tried to get in touch!Bonnie",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407827",
"author": "Lochie Ferrier",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T06:15:40",
"content": "This is the website of the guy who made the robotcapitalhacking.webs.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407830",
"author": "unigamer",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T06:37:30",
"content": "I made a party popper alarm clock…http://jonathanjamieson.com/projects/electronics/party-popper-alarm-clock/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.975265
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/18/the-perfect-beer-every-time/
|
The Perfect Beer Every Time
|
Nick Schulze
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Beer Hacks"
] |
[
"beer",
"perfect pour",
"pour master"
] |
The
Pour Master Pro
is a beer pouring robot, designed and built by a team of beer/robot lovers as their entry to the Red Bull’s Creation Contest. Pour Master keeps it simple (opposed to some of the other
bar bots
we have seen), it uses a modified kegerator and tap for the beer, and a few sensors which it uses to maintain its state and pour the perfect beer. The standard tower on the kegerator was replaced with a rack and pinion driven tower constructed using the Vex Robotics Design System, this allows the Pour Master to set its height to the size of any glass using a limit switch and a set of ultrasonic rangefinders.
For a perfect pour the beer must not spill over the side of the glass and needs a decent 3/4″ head, to manage this the Pour Master uses the ultrasonic rangefinder to detect the thickness and height of the head. The entire thing is controlled by an Arduino running a finite state machine which provides state feedback to the user with an LCD display. Check out the video after the break for their competition entry, now all you need is one robot to
make the beer
and why not another to
drink it
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2RSi4d4_Zc&feature=player_embedded&w=470]
| 26
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407463",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:28:07",
"content": "Skip to the 6 minute mark if you want to see the thing actually doing something.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407465",
"author": "Alex Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:32:36",
"content": "Those are awful pints.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407469",
"author": "Epic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:41:15",
"content": "Wow! This is a sweet hack! You should check outhttp://tech-revolution.com/forum/forum.php",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407470",
"author": "carbinefreak",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:46:33",
"content": "wow they like a lot of head……",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407471",
"author": "sp00nix",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:58:55",
"content": "i was expecting it to tilt the glass lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407482",
"author": "bin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:19:57",
"content": "Cool Project, but there are other ways if you prefer bottles ;-)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th8lb96rcwo",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407492",
"author": "Moi",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:59:27",
"content": "Next step…conveyor belt for the glasses :)Needs a longer nozzle for THE perfect pint!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407493",
"author": "Andy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:00:18",
"content": "Perfect? Too much froth for me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407499",
"author": "mad_max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:39:00",
"content": "That is awesome. Most people don’t like the foam, but any serious beer connoisseur will tell you that the head lets you taste extra ingredients that you wouldn’t otherwise detect, so it is important. I like how the stick that detects the height of the glass also serves to break the surface tension of the foam so that it won’t spill over the edge of the glass. Not sure if that was intentional or not.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407500",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:41:09",
"content": "If they were ever to use this system with a live beer, it would spill all over the place and fry the circuitry. There’s just no getting around having to either tilt the glass or the spout.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407502",
"author": "patman2700",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:42:41",
"content": "@ mad_maxI think you’re confused about surface tension. If the stick were to break the foam’s surface tension, itwouldspill over. That seems to be a problem, actually.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407507",
"author": "CRJEEA",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:55:13",
"content": "I think it should be able to tip the glass as it pours and change the angle according to the level of liquid. And have the option of drawing shapes in the head. (Eg. shamrock leaf)And a bit of a redesign on the pour switch.Other then that this is a quite well thought out hack. Well done (:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407508",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:55:47",
"content": "Great idea. Is it still under development? I have a few observations. I mean them with no lack of respect of what the team has already accomplished, merely ways to improve it.1) They stressed the 3/4″ head as being the perfect pour but I didn’t see that in action. The foaming is usually controlled by the barkeep angling the glass. Perhaps v2.0 can be crazy like that. Another option would be to use a bottom-filling mechanism to build the volume (see Blichmann Engineering beer gun) and then a pour function on top to add the head. Some might consider that cheating though as it is now a perfect pint but not poured “perfectly” in the classic sense.2) The gas pressure is mentioned as needing to be precisely calibrated but different beers are carbonated at different levels. Could the system be made to account for different carbonation levels and/or serving pressures? I imagine right now the team is adjusting the serve pressure until the desired head level is achieved. This will vary with temperature though. (See note 3)3) The liquid lines going to the spout are not contained within the cooling system. It doesn’t even look like they are insulated. If you’re not having a party with frequent pours, the first half a pint or so will be warm and carbonated differently than the second half. (PV=nRT)Keep up the good work. Very inventive.-Josh",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407516",
"author": "DC",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T22:36:42",
"content": "Wouldn’t it have made more sense to use the pre-existing and most likely more powerful VEX microcontrollers rather than interfacing all the VEX sensors to an Arduino?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407521",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T22:50:57",
"content": "pretty slick. can it handle the 7-minute guinness pour though?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407526",
"author": "Robogreg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T23:07:44",
"content": "hey all,I am glad you guys like the pour master. I wanted to answer some of the questions in the comments.This Project was built in a short time frame as a qualifier for the Redbull creation competition, which the team will compete July 7-10th.“The perfect Pour” This is something we debated long hours about when building this. we actually found that running the kegorator at a lower Co2 pressure was effective at keeping the foam down. The demo pours that we did for the video (30mins before the video was due for the contest) were not very good. The machine pours much better now and has a few more features.Obviously every different kind of beer will pour differently, but since this is a single keg unit, we can tune for each kind of beer.One of the major challenge with this was to be able to pour into any size glass without knowing it’s volume, which dictated that a mechanism for tipping the glass would limit the containers (pitchers + solo cups for example) the machine would work with.We used the arduino instead of the vex controller because the competition mandated using an arduino as part of the project. The eventual plan is to move it to a vex controller and add a robotic base to it also so we can drive it around.Thanks for the feedback and I will be sure to post some of our later videos with better pours on youtube.Greg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407548",
"author": "Techartisan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T00:57:46",
"content": "http://youtu.be/wiu_IX14wLI",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407589",
"author": "avrfans",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T07:07:00",
"content": "Cool, I can’t wait to diy",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407628",
"author": "KanchoBlindside",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T10:38:55",
"content": "I cant believe you’ve wasted thirty seconds of my life by linking a “beer drinking robot” clip that neither drank beer, nor is a robot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407631",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T10:47:54",
"content": "@vex,Guinness is one of the most complicated beers to pour correctly. This machine doesnt seem to achieve most of the steps needed for a perfect Guinness pint. For starters, the glass needs to be tilted at 45′ for the pour. Secondly, the “pour” is actually a three step process: the glass is first half filled, then the guinness is allowed to settle for a couple of minutes, then the second, slower pour fills it to the top. No paddle is used unlike other pours. This machine might be great for other beers, but would never pour a good pint of Guinness.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407654",
"author": "JamDog",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T12:25:08",
"content": "@mad_maxYou obviously are not a “serious beer connoisseur” because while some head is good, you don’t want half of your beer to be head (like in the second pour here). In this project, they advertise a perfect 3/4″ head, which is definitely not happening in this video.Even so, awesome build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407701",
"author": "Robogreg",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:23:53",
"content": "here is a better pouring video after some software tweeks.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzABRMW-yMs",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407711",
"author": "Justin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T17:53:01",
"content": "guys, here’s a video of a better pour from the Pourmasterhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzABRMW-yMs",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407784",
"author": "qwerty",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T00:37:20",
"content": "Where does one find those Meccano-like metal frames and strips? When I was a kid they made fantastic general purpose pieces like those, but nowadays they just sell ugly specialized kits that severely limit their usage because they want to sell you a new different box every year.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407889",
"author": "Imi Votteler",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T12:37:36",
"content": "Perfect pint?! Did you see the amount of head on that? Also, why are you drinking out of a glass shaped like a shoe… are you 5 years old? ;)Robotics & beer is always a good mix, this one more novelty than actually good. Either way… beer me",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409174",
"author": "Claudia Becks",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T12:27:16",
"content": "Looking at the mechanics of this thing, I don’t think it can last too long.This will probably need plenty of recharging and will be too expensive to operate or install.I know a thing or two about beers, and not much about robotics, but I’d just prefer pouring a glass down myself rather than using a machine to do it.Moreover, who still drinks out of a shoe shaped beer mug?Interesting to see that a lot of kids on Facebook still seem to love this idea.C",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,162.040798
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/18/you-can-keep-your-mints-safe-we-have-the-technology/
|
You Can Keep Your Mints Safe; We Have The Technology
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"555",
"cellphone",
"mints",
"timer",
"vibrate"
] |
After having his mints disappear for quite some time [Quinn Dunki] came up with an idea to get back a the fresh-breath thieves. A bit of circuit design, parts scavenging, and free-form construction led to the creation of his
mint-tin burglar system
.
Here’s how it works. Flip the on/off switch in the base of the mint tin before you head off for lunch or a coffee break. When the foul-mouthed pilferer hits up your stash they’ll get what they were looking for at first. But by opening the tin they tripped a timer circuit that will send the mints vibrating across the table soon after having been opened.
The breadboard above holds the prototype timer circuit, built around or friend the 555 timer. The vibration motor from a cellphone is a perfect choice for this hack as it’s very small and is just waiting to run from a low-voltage source. We especially liked the use of the cells from inside a 9V battery as a power source and the compact assembly that manages to fit inside the mint container.
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407413",
"author": "The Cageybee",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T17:21:35",
"content": "Some people really do have too much time on their hands!Why the 2 minute delay before it starts getting “angry”?The thief would be long gone by then.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407424",
"author": "DarkFader",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T18:03:49",
"content": "If you startle the thief directly after opening, the mints might end up all over the floor. That’s why there’s a delay I guess.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407435",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T18:49:01",
"content": "I don’t see the point if it doesn’t activate quite soon after opening the box. If someone is stealing the mints they are likely to do it quick as to avoid being seen. What purpose does a lonely vibrating tin of mints on your desk serve?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407461",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:24:42",
"content": "I don’t see anything on the author’s page about anyone actually stealing mints. Apparently this is just a prank mintbox, and an overly embellished HAD description.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407468",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:40:52",
"content": "“But by opening the tin they tripped a timer circuit that will send the mints vibrating across the table soon after having been opened”if you watch the vid it doesn’t vibrate across the table it just stays in one spotif it did, you could paint that mint box like a roomba and have a mini roomba bot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407474",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:07:08",
"content": "I was thinking before I saw the site that it would pop all the mints out everywhere by vibrating them out of the tin.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407475",
"author": "Peter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:07:18",
"content": "Until somebody builds a cattle prod into a sweet tin, this project still has work to do :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407480",
"author": "James Alexander Shield",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:17:16",
"content": "If I am not mistaken, this particular engineer has female characteristics rather is a female?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407483",
"author": "D_",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:20:42",
"content": "Call me sexist id you have to, but I’d figured that mintzilla would be female. However going by the video mintzila is male”biding his time”. Was this one of the 555 contest entries? I never have seen a comprehensive list if the entries, just the winners:(@Peter the cattle prod idea would need a remote control power switch so the owner of the mints, so they could get to their own property.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407497",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:22:26",
"content": "All I have to ask is has this guy never heard of capsaicin?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407512",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T22:20:25",
"content": "Yea, capsaicin would do the job. Sort of like how Exlax was once used only different and time delayed results. Even some sort of sour/bitter candy might do the trick as well.Don’t entertain them … punish them ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407578",
"author": "Quinn Dunki",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T04:28:58",
"content": "Thanks HaD, for posting Mintzilla! The commenters have correctly deduced that I am female, but Mintzilla is male. I don’t know why, he just is. :)The idea is to startle people at the dinner table. That’s why the delay. People will take a mint, and the tin will then sit quietly for enough time that people are no longer thinking about it. That way they’ll be extra startled when it vibrates.It will jiggle on the table a fair bit if the surface is right. The surface in the video is soft and high-traction, so not the best example.-Quinn",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407657",
"author": "blue carbuncle",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T12:32:33",
"content": "Fill one with pieces of urinal cake. Problem solved- as long as you make a tiny mark so YOU can tell the difference. The person that is out sick in the hospital is the one stealing your mints.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407715",
"author": "Bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T18:07:35",
"content": "That is one strange way to draw a schematic….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,161.926509
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/18/if-you-dont-have-a-steampunk-smartphone/
|
If You Don’t Have A Steampunk Smartphone…
|
Nick Schulze
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"smartphone",
"steampunk"
] |
[Richard] has been working on the concept of
“incorporating more feeling into our digital objects”
. His design is still just a concept but hopefully someone will take up the idea because we think the results would be amazing. The attention to detail in the design is impressive, the Rotary Mechanical Smartphone as he is calling it contains a generic smartphone maintaining all the features such as the touch screen, but also including a set of interchangeable rotary dials on the back. There is the true rotary dial just like an old phone and a push button dial, for complete integration of the old and new technologies.
Once the design was complete, Richard built himself a proof of concept model to show off his work. The shell was 3D printed and copper plated to get the desired steampunk finish. The rotary dials are made from brass plate and hand finished. [Richard] has put in a lot of effort getting the finish right with electroplating, painting, and sanding. The final results are nothing short of impressive. Check out his site for some very nice photos and build details.
| 21
| 21
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407389",
"author": "roy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T16:06:55",
"content": "oooo first :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407400",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T16:17:04",
"content": "that reminds me of the rotary phone hack. defiantly a lot of work went in to this and it shows vary nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407411",
"author": "dudefromthenorth",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T17:10:47",
"content": "But does the rotary dial *do* anything?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407414",
"author": "dontpanic",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T17:22:19",
"content": "“If you don’t have a Steampunk Smartphone…”… you’re automatically cooler than those that do.Die steampunk, die.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407418",
"author": "silvesterstillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T17:32:21",
"content": "“The shell was 3D printed and copper plated”how?i work with finishing companies spray, rotary, electroplating, and etching. How does one copper plate relatively soft plastics? chemical deposition? what type of 3d printable plastics stay within specs after that?why?why not use investment casting to do the real deal instead of simulating for more money? why not have it stamped and tada! you are ready for mass production the moment your prototype is done. why not mill it for more strength out of any base material under the sun?these are the little pragmatic details i am curious about.the etching primer was a real nice bit of work. the bag is a good design too. it is an entirely new field of study all together to make vintage aesthetic leather. coffee stain works pretty well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407464",
"author": "Buzzles",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:30:33",
"content": "@silvesterstillaloneDunno where HaD got the “The shell was 3D printed then electroplated” bit from, the page they link to quite clearly says the body is copper which has then been eletroplated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407467",
"author": "ss",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:39:44",
"content": "Cool. Reminded me of a real antique iconic rotary phone (the Cobra phone or Ericofon) that connects to your cell phone via Bluetooth. That’s a cool hack, and the guy who made it sells it.http://www.sqnewton.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407472",
"author": "tantris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:04:07",
"content": "if you don’t have a steampunk smartphone, you don’t have a steampunk smartphone",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407477",
"author": "zuul",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:12:47",
"content": "needs videobad:makes phone like 5 x biggerlooks far too expensive and impractical if he wanted to make any money off itlooks like he wants it to be an entire phone – when i first saw it i thought it was a casei understand this is just a design and he seems to be more of an artist making a work than trying to make something to sellimo what he should do is abandon the phone idea and make it a case for a popular phonethen have it connect to the phone and dial the numbers with only the rotary thing, forget the button one.don’t use brass- brass colored plasticthere is a pretty cool ‘exploded view’ of it on his page though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407556",
"author": "vonskippy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T01:39:57",
"content": "Stooooooooopid (like all steampunk crap)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407558",
"author": "FDP",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T01:53:10",
"content": "Does anyone else feel like Steampunk is the new Goth? Of course individuals should have the right to engage in whatever frivolity they like to make their own existence more interesting, but as a movement steampunk seems forced and artificial, as if it is begging for a dedicated store at a mall near you.I’m really impressed by the ingenuity exhibited in projects like these, but I can’t help but feel that the fundamental thesis is obnoxious and misguided. It seems to be entirely rooted in fantasy, facade and consumerism.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407588",
"author": "PatheticBarrel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T06:48:54",
"content": "@FDP True steampunk will (hopefully) never go the way of mass produced, mall rat frivolity. Steampunk is about getting away from the 21st century ideals of throw away tech and high price clothes that are already falling apart.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407646",
"author": "xradionut",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T11:52:30",
"content": "Steam-punk is fantasy loosely based on an “alternative” Victorian-Era. Basically it ignores the brutal reality of those times for a twisted sense of “style”. While there have been some really nice hacks with elegance and functionality, most are just ordure with bits of brass tacked on it.I grew up in the era of the rotary dial, and it’s about the most “clunky” and least user friendly interface encountered. Thankfully DTFM came along. A telegraph or radio key would be a more representative technology and is considerably more useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407658",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T12:35:10",
"content": "Interesting idea.Noting wrong with Steampunk or Goth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407667",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T13:36:48",
"content": "Re:Steampunk – you guys have to consider the premise here (alternate reality where technology remained based on steam power and mechanics); whether that would have worked in practice is questionable, but it’s obvious that it very rarely works in practice today – thus, the overwhelming majority of steampunk stuff today is of not so much functional but much more of an ornamental quality. It’s pure aesthetics, where all the little gears and pipes usually do nothing.This obviously might imply for some people that all of it is useless – others simply enjoy its specific blend of organic and metal in a world mostly ruled by plastics and invisibly performed electronic magic. It’s basically the difference between a steam locomotive and an electric/diesel one – nobody denies that the latter is more efficient, but the former has lots more character (and is generally much more fun to watch).Sometimes this leads to seriously impractical objects – and this phone is probably one of them – but often it adds class and distinction to objects without hurting practicality too much (like in the USB drives or the typewriter-style keyboards).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407746",
"author": "Andy7",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T20:38:30",
"content": "I’d rather dress my phone up in steampunk than Hello Bleedin’ Kitty or download mindless ringtones and benal wallpaper on the screen.Well done that chap for making an interesting and original piece of ART.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408207",
"author": "hessianerd",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T02:08:29",
"content": "art, sure. hack? not really… unless the rotary works which I couldnt find any evidence of.steampunk is mostly people adding, often quite literally, useless bells and whistles to something. Its a nonfunctional aesthetic emphasizing style over usefullness. Folks just slap some copper pipe and/or random gears onto something as decoration.take this classic example:http://www.etsy.com/listing/60762032/steampunk-gears-key-pendantLook and you will see that gear configuration all over the place in steampunk. In case you didnt notice, when gears are arranged like that, THEY WONT MOVE. Call me what you will, but every time I see those gears I want to slap someone.I love copper, brass, fine woods and a lot of the design elements used in steampunk. I just hate the lack of actual design. What makes mechanical watches so cool is each part has a purpose. When you just glue watch parts to a USB drive, it looses its magic IMHO",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409079",
"author": "kevin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T08:32:46",
"content": "hessianerd, that is a pendent, of course it’s not functional. Furthermore almost everything that gets ‘steampunked’ does not run on steam so of course anything designed for steam (gauges, valves, pipes, etc.) are going to be non-functional. I have a feeling you don’t quite get steampunk.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "411164",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-28T19:31:55",
"content": "meh, I think he gets it completely.“I love copper, brass, fine woods and a lot of the design elements used in steampunk. I just hate the lack of actual design.”steampunk is a nice combination of engineering and art. if you take the engineering then you take away half the appeal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416555",
"author": "viens",
"timestamp": "2011-07-12T12:37:32",
"content": "I think the rotary dial and touch screen makes its unique yet cool. I liked it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "416589",
"author": "apri",
"timestamp": "2011-07-12T14:40:37",
"content": "Love it! Definitely want one!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,162.098655
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/18/disco-isnt-dead-diy-dance-floor-spotted-at-student-parties/
|
Disco Isn’t Dead: Diy Dance Floor Spotted At Student Parties
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"home entertainment hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"AVR",
"cpld",
"dance floor",
"disco",
"embedded",
"fpga",
"led"
] |
Your party is lame if it doesn’t include interactive blinking lights on the dance floor. [Mario] and [Lukas] didn’t want to have lame parties, so they enlisted some fellow students to
build an interactive dance floor
(
translated
). The finished party-piece is 4 meters by 2.5 meters (that’s about 13’x8′ for us yanks) and includes 160 lighted squares. But it’s the electronics that really make this a heavy project.
Milled into the underside of the pressboard base are a series of pockets and channels to hold various components. If you look hard enough, you’re going to find eight AVR microcontrollers which control the LEDs, 8 CPLDs to manage the weight sensors which make the floor interactive, and an FPGA and embedded computer to tie everything together. It’s movable, a hit at parties, and so far it seems to hold up to the occasional spilled beverage.
You can’t share a project like this without some video. See it after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um1bMXSOXw8&w=470]
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407356",
"author": "Draget",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T13:11:26",
"content": "Oh god, next time warn if the sound is a *little* overdriven x.xAppart from that, funky project =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407358",
"author": "Maxwell Smart",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T13:24:53",
"content": "Disco isn’t dead? shame…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407363",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:12:24",
"content": "Was thinking about how it takes to high heals and stomping. Would plexiglass hold up?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407364",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:13:44",
"content": "*heelscomments are very much in need of an edit button",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407423",
"author": "silvesterstillalone",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T17:41:26",
"content": "@t&pplexiglass has somewhere over an order of magnitude in concussive strength over plate glass. crazing (those aesthetic wear fractures you see in plastics) is a huge problem with plexi though so some math would have to be done for minimum thickness…. or just have fun stomping on some samples.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407484",
"author": "Dr.West",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T20:34:31",
"content": "NIBBLES!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407495",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:18:25",
"content": "I just finished watching Austin Powers and now I see this, I’m in a frickin’ time warp!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407503",
"author": "drcross",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:45:16",
"content": "I think I prefer this dance floor:http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/pulse/mit_inventions_breakthroughs/dropout_design_and_the_disco_d.shtmlUnfortunately the project is finished and you cannot purchase the boards any more.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407509",
"author": "DarkFader",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:55:54",
"content": "t&p: Guess why they play nibbles/snake on it? Not made for dancing :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407583",
"author": "Rodrigo Jäger",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T06:15:44",
"content": "It would be thousand times more interesting if they did some kind of dance dance revolution with these floors. Or something more simple: VU meter, that takes their position as origin, so if you want VU meters near your feet, you gotta move around!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407669",
"author": "Mad Max",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T13:43:05",
"content": "…Can it play Gorillas too? Not yet? What a shame… ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407686",
"author": "sun god",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T15:52:02",
"content": "YEP , THIS is the kinda’ floor I want in my pad. Carpet and tile is so 90’s. Its 2011 , give me LED / interactive / marquee / & programmable floors. *With robots cleaning them.*I hate vacuuming my dirty floors, (you mean you gotta use your hands, thats like a baby’s toy)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407687",
"author": "Maddin",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T15:58:19",
"content": "Those guys have some other nice projects from a 2m propeller display over a 5*2.5 meter ping-pong display to a waterfall display as well.http://www.bastli.ethz.ch/index.php?page=projects",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407737",
"author": "HackerK",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:51:33",
"content": "Guys from The Big Bang Theory? Whoever that is, he is not dancing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407940",
"author": "Lukas",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T15:04:14",
"content": "Hey Guys,thanks for the comments.@t&p: We had very complex process for optimizing the plexi thickness: buy the thickest you can afford. It’s 8mm here as Plexiglass is rather expensive. However this is enough even for heavy people and for high heels as well! (The whole floor costs about 5000 USD.)And yeah we are into Big Bang Theory :-)Yours,Lukas",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2854563",
"author": "Andres Andy Mixlab Lopez",
"timestamp": "2015-12-26T22:25:03",
"content": "Awesome video here is my LED Dance Floor Videohttps://vimeo.com/146208315",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,162.354135
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/17/devboard-deal-ti-experimenter-board-for-15-50-off/
|
Devboard Deal: TI Experimenter Board For $15 (50% Off)
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"coupon",
"development board",
"texas instruments",
"ti"
] |
Cheap things come to those who wait. If you’ve had your eye on a TI Experimenters Board (MSP-EXP430FR5739) now’s the time to pull the trigger. You can use the coupon code MSP430_FRAM to
get 50% off
. This pulls the total price down to $14.50
plus shipping
with several readers reporting free shipping.
The board features an upgraded MSP430. Instead of using flash memory, it’s got ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) which boots the power savings of these aready lean-mean chips.
We’ve posted a few deals from Texas Instruments before, like
the announcement of the Launchpad
which was just $4.30, as well as a coupon-deal gone awry
with the evalBot
. There were huge threads in those posts reporting back how long shipping took, as well as how well the codes worked. So feel free to share your thoughts on this deal by leaving a polite comment.
Of course if you get one, we want to see what you do with it. Don’t forget to write up your projects and
send in a tip
.
| 77
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407221",
"author": "NatureTM",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T22:40:32",
"content": "Ordered mine yesterday, TI said it shipped today.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407223",
"author": "NatureTM",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T22:41:54",
"content": "Oh, and I didn’t get charged for shipping.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407230",
"author": "mickeyd",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T22:56:37",
"content": "Does this have the On-board ADXL335 accelerometer? Or is that just wishful thinking?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407232",
"author": "taktoa",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T23:00:39",
"content": "Just ordered mine… $14.50, no shipping, no tax.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407233",
"author": "Ned",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T23:03:40",
"content": "I ordered mine just now. Free shipping as well. Can only put one coupon code in per order though so will have to place multiple orders for multiple units but thats ok.Website said it will ship in 24-48 hours.Gonna go order some more now!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407234",
"author": "taktoa",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T23:04:06",
"content": "@mickeyd:Yes, it does have the accelerometer, as well as:16KB of FRAM1KB of SRAM16-bit RISC running at 8MHzNTC Thermistor8 LED’s, 2 switchesmini-USB (probably converted to serial)Consumes a measly 800uA (!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407250",
"author": "GoBO",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T00:36:08",
"content": "Im a uni student & only have experience in AVR’s. I dont know anything about any TI uC’s. Can someone please answer these questions for me?Would this be any use to me? Are these uC’s any better than the AVR’s? I don’t think I have any use for 16 bits atm. Should I buy one of these just for screwing around? What do I need to have in order to implement a design once I have it down pat on this experiment board? Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407254",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T01:05:28",
"content": "GoBO, the purpose of near loss leader deals like this is to make it cheap enough for you to get one and screw around with it. It’s very hard to know whether a particular CPU family will do what you need for a project if you’ve never worked with one in hand. TI is trying to make it as cheap as possible for you to find out whether this uC can do something you need cheaper or better than their competition.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407261",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T01:31:25",
"content": "Just wanted to comment in case any other Canadians are considering picking one up but worry of the shipping costs — I just checked out, and shipping to Canada is also free.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407264",
"author": "NatureTM",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T01:58:16",
"content": "GoBO, MSP430 is pretty easy to use. If you’re unsure about forking over the $14.50, I would recommend buying a Launchpad first. They’re only $4.30 for the usb dev board with integrated debugger, 2 chips, and a pretty nice free IDE (Code Composer Studio.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407267",
"author": "Hiatus138",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T02:26:22",
"content": "@GoBO,Better, worse, who’s to say. They’re different. The MSPs don’t separate program memory from data memory the way AVRs do, can’t remember which is princeton/harvard architecture. AVR is one, MSP430 is the other.AVR microcontrollers are what, $2.00 on up, plus 15-40$ for a programmer (usbtinyisp, avrisp, etc.), while the TI micros start at 20-25 cents, up to ~5$.You can get the MSP430 launchpad for $4.30& free shipping, which is a programmer and a serial connection and dev board all in one, plus comes with 2 micros, although pretty “small” ones. Or, you can get the FRAM board, the subject of this HaD post, for $15, about he price of even the cheapest AVR programmer, or of 1/2 of an arduino, but it’s much more capable than an arduino. (built in accelerometer?awesome!)The MSP430s target low price and energy efficiency as main design goals, thus (i think) most have fewer built in peripherals and less memory than AVR micros, but are way cheaper and very miserly power-wise.You are already familiar with AVR, so grab yourself a launchpad and compare! Maybe you could port an old AVR project of yours over to the MSP, and compare side-to-side, speed, ease, power consumption, and cost. I’d sure like to see a few people do that.There’s a lot of info about the MSPs, the Launchpad, and the FRAM devices on TI’s site, and there is a great group at 43oh.com, who can surely correct any inaccuracies in my comment here, or expand on it greatly.The only real negative I’ve found about the MSPs is that there are fewer published projects online based on it than for AVR (or arduino). That situation is improving rapidly, however. Maybe someone (i’m broke) will buy one of these FRAM kits and a launchpad or 2, and send them to Limor(LadyAda at Adafruit), Jeri Ellsworth, and/or the folks at EvilMadScientistLabs. Then maybe we’ll really see some growth in the MSP codebase!Oh yes, also, TI has sent me about $50 worth of free samples of many MSP430s, LDO v regs, led driver chips, etc. in about 6 months. They are pretty liberal with samples, even for us hobbyists. Obviously, don’t abuse it, I’d hate to see it disappear, but I can’t think of a cheaper way to get started with microcontrollers than the MSP430 line. That’s why my usbtinyisp kit is yet to be assembled, 9 months after getting it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407272",
"author": "GoBO",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T03:05:53",
"content": "@localroger, @NatureTM, @Hiatus138Thanks for your reply guys, I just ordered a launchpad and the experimenter board mentioned in this post. We will see how it goes.The problem is, with my AVR projects I just get an AVR for $6 and plug my ISP into it. What happens when I have an MSP430 project I want to implement on a PCB? How do you program these things outside of the Dev board? Thanks for the informative responses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407276",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T03:25:56",
"content": "Anyone have much experience with FRAM? From TI’s site (http://www.ti.com/ww/en/mcu/fram_ultra_low_power_embedded_memory/index.htm), it sounds like the best thing ever invented, yet I haven’t heard much about it. If it’s really as good as they make it out to be, why hasn’t it replaced Flash yet, or is that currently in the works?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407277",
"author": "deadwinter",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T03:39:45",
"content": "Just ordered one of these and a launchpad. We shall have to see.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407280",
"author": "lsellens",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T04:06:01",
"content": "@jackI think I read about fram several years ago on slash dot, but I’m having trouble finding the article. If I remember correctly (I think it was posted about 5+ years ago) It uses some crystal type element that changes its characteristics when a current is passed through it. Wish I could remember more details. I’ll keep searching for the article.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407281",
"author": "Hiatus138",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T04:11:59",
"content": "@Jack,I’m pretty sure that the TI devices we’re discussing are the very firstest commercially available FRAM. They’ve only been on the market a month or 2. Makes it feel kinda new and exciting. That’s why I ordered, even though some of it’s features, like the accelerometer, are way above my skill level.@GoBO,Just pop the chip outta the launchpad and stick it in your circuit. I’m about to replace the socket on one of my LPs with a ZIF, to make it way easier & faster.As far as the FRAM devices, im not sure but I’m guessing you can get a FET from TI for the various form factors. I don’t know if the FRAMs have spi-by-wire (TI’s 2 wire version of ISP, or is it JTAG?) The folks on 43oh! will know. If they have SBW, then the LP should be able program them too. But that’s just my guess.BTW, regarding the shipping and delivery problems surrounding the launch of the launchpad, I’ve ordered launchpads 3 different times over the past 9 months, the capacitive touch shield twice, and several rounds of free samples, and every one of those orders took less than 4 days to get to me! Apparently, that free shipping is fedex next day delivery!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407290",
"author": "SigEpBlue",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T05:27:04",
"content": "I used FRAM in a DSP project almost two years ago, and while it was pretty expensive, it worked as advertised. It’s fast, non-volatile, easy to implement, and available in many size and configuration combinations; in theory, yes, this is the cat’s ass.I think the reason it’s not displacing other types of memory, such as EEPROMs and (S)RAM, is its cost. For example, a single Ramtron 1Mbit I2C FRAM chip in an SOIC-8 package is almost $9.00 (US) at Future Electronics. Compare that to an STmicro EEPROM part with similar specs, at the same retailer: $1.65. A Microchip SST49LF 8Mbit serial flash PLCC is only $2.50 or so. Eight times the storage for a third of the price; it’s a similar story for RAM, many ICs costing only cents. I’ve not built many projects that have needed additional RAM, though.Despite its cost, there are specific applications where FRAM is a good choice; if the memory must be written and read zillions of times, yet retain its data if power fails, it’s awesome. Ramtron even has “processor companion” chips now, with onboard power monitors, watchdogs, etc.Many thanks to Mike for posting this great offering!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407293",
"author": "Nick Schulze",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T05:39:15",
"content": "To good to say no to this.Free shipping to Australia also.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407294",
"author": "Nick Schulze",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T05:39:21",
"content": "Too good to say no to this.Free shipping to Australia also.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407300",
"author": "weezy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T06:34:07",
"content": "I have a total of 5 LP’s. This new one well be added to the stable of my TI uC’s. Before the TI’s I never really used mcus. Now I can’t stop playing with them.TI ftw!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407320",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T07:55:41",
"content": "FRAM is relatively new, especially at prices and densities comparable to flash. TI is pretty enthusiastic about it, and has indicated they might be adding FRAM devices to several of their MCU lines. For the MSP430 low power market, it offers the possibility of turning off more of the circuitry during idle times (since FRAM is non-volatile.)I have a ramtron FRAM 8051-based eval board from several years ago, so it’s not THAT new. I believe the stumbling block has been fabrication process; FRAM takes extra steps, and getting the cost down requires a BIG manufacturer willing to add those steps to their fab. (whereas many microcontroller companies are going “fabless” and relying on “standard” processes available from “anywhere.”)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407322",
"author": "Adis H",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T08:02:38",
"content": "@Hiatus138I’m pretty sure I’ve seen FRAM memory chips before, as well as an 8051 with FRAM built in.I can’t remember what company it was from – I ordered samples but they never sent any :)It might have been Ramtron.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407326",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T08:29:17",
"content": "Hehe, just ordered mine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407339",
"author": "cdilla",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T10:35:05",
"content": "Marvelous. Just ordered this board plus a launchpad and it was £11.61. Free shipping to the UK. Thanks HAD, and TI.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407340",
"author": "Name123",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T11:06:12",
"content": "@ Hiatus138Ramtron has been manufacturing FRAM memory chips for many years now. There was one inside the Sega video game cartridge ” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ” released in 1994 to cite just one example.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407351",
"author": "Graybeard",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T12:55:09",
"content": "Just tried to order. Coupon code line did not appear in order summary area. Maybe all 1500 were gone by this time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407365",
"author": "john mitchell",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:16:30",
"content": "Just ordered one, 1/2 price, coupon code(entry) was on bottom right of last page (3rd ?).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407366",
"author": "norcalli",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:18:47",
"content": "Side note, you can only order 3, and it only gives $15 off, which is 50% if you have only ordered one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407371",
"author": "Hatstand_UK",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:27:06",
"content": "Just snagged one for 8.90 GBP inc. shipping using coupon code.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407373",
"author": "norcalli",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:29:03",
"content": "Scratch the last comment, you can just keep reordering 1 by 1 and get the 50% off. and as of this moment, I’m still getting the 50% off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407375",
"author": "Graybeard",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T14:45:30",
"content": "Finally got it. Thanks.Growing older is mandatory. Growing up is optional",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407401",
"author": "Adrian",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T16:18:03",
"content": "Just wanted to confirm – free shipping for the FRAM Experimenter Board featured in this article, as well as the LaunchPad.This board does have an on-board ADXL335 3-axis accelerometer as well as an NTC temp sensor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407416",
"author": "jon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T17:24:30",
"content": "Code still works. Just got one, free shipping. Thanks for the heads up HaD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407433",
"author": "SanderI",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T18:41:35",
"content": "Just ordered mine. I’m very content with TI MSP430 stuff. Already have some launchpads and pretty much abandoned AVR’s. The packaging for the Launchpad was really over-complete: two microcontrollers, a crystal, cd and micro usb cable. All that for just $4.30. Let’s see the arduino compete with that.If you’re new to the MSP430. There’s a great book by John H Davies – MSP430 Microcontroller Basics.Another nice TI MSP430 product just to have some fun with is the eZ430-Chronos Development Tool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407462",
"author": "tehgringe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:25:17",
"content": "Just ordered mine. Free shipping to UK, and not tax O_o crazy!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407498",
"author": "BLuRry",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:31:15",
"content": "I have to say their eStore is a lot more responsive than ever! It was total hell trying to get the EvalBot when that coupon code went amok — but this time it was a smooth and painless affair. I think TI was just not expecting the response they got for EvalBot, and it was a very friendly thing they still respected the coupon code even though they could have just said NO and cancelled orders for people not attending the conference where it was handed out.Yay! A TI experimenter board with accelerometer? I’m game!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407504",
"author": "Walter Moore",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T21:48:32",
"content": "Code works. Just ordered one of these and a launchpad for $18.80 USD shipped. Thanks HaD!Subtotal: $33.30Tax: $0.00Shipping and Handling: $0.00Discounts: $0.00Coupons: $14.50Total:\t$18.80",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407515",
"author": "SamuraiAlba",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T22:35:43",
"content": "@Westfwhttp://www.mram-info.com/competing_technologies/8051_based_mcu_touts_integrated_non_volatile_framFound it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407577",
"author": "Anon",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T04:12:05",
"content": "@Hiatus138Yes, this MCU has Spy-Bi-Wire support. I just looked at the datasheet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407606",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T08:48:21",
"content": "@SamuraiAlba : yep; that’s the one. 2006, eh?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407613",
"author": "Jorge Rivera",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T09:00:41",
"content": "Thanks for the tip! Great deal! Also, I can confirm that shipping to Costa Rica seems to be free, too. I hope it doesn’t take forever to get here!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407680",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T15:07:54",
"content": "A few people here have mentioned that they send for free samples. Is this available to general consumers or do you need to be a business to achieve this?Is there certain components in particular they are just handing out? I would love to get my hands on some free stuff. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407697",
"author": "tehgringe",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T16:54:55",
"content": "+1 @TheCreator asked.I’m curious about ordering samples. Seems they have no issues (so far) with UK shipping, so if someone could explain a bit, I might even go as far as Google it, but feeling especially lazy today.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407717",
"author": "hiatus138",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T18:09:33",
"content": "@TheCreato, @tehgringeTI – how to order samplesAt the top of the TI estore page. in the black bar, you can click on “Sample & Buy”, or there is a drop down with “how to order samples”They will ask you for company info, but you can just fill in those fields with “hobbyist”, or like someone on 43oh! once said, use the name your company _would_ have if these samples turned into a viable product. :-)one thing that tripped me up is that the field for “company url” has to be filled in. just put “none” in there. works fine!On any item’s main product page, there is a whole section, samples, where it lists the different packages available. in the rightmost field of the list, some packeges have “contact distributor”, others will say “add to cart” The “add to cart” ones are sampleable. Once you add the item, your sample @ purchase cart comes up, with all the distributors listed. under Texas Instruments, check the free samples box, and click free samples.some items limit samples to 1 piece, some 3 or 5, some don’t offer samples at all. your cart is limited to 5 different sample items at a time.If you order too many times in a time period (I did it 4 or 5 times) you will get an inquiry email as to why you need so much, and if you want a call from a distributor. I told them that I was building 20 units of test equipment, and trying out different LDO regulators and MCUs in each one. they were satisfied and I have not been “blacklisted”, although some people apparently have been. I have, however, spent money with TI several times. Not a lot of money, mind you, but I think it may make a difference.It’s actually really easy, to order samples, but you have to follow all the many steps, and there are a few confusing bits.You will of course have to register. but you don’t have to fake a business.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407720",
"author": "Hiatus138",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T18:16:06",
"content": "Oh, about the “newness” of FRAM, my bad. I must have read something a while ago about how it was the first cheap enough, or dense enough, or easy enough to fab, or something like that. Sorry if I confused anyone :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407735",
"author": "TheCreator",
"timestamp": "2011-06-19T19:50:14",
"content": "@ hiatus138Thanks for the response.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407904",
"author": "JoppyFurr",
"timestamp": "2011-06-20T13:05:17",
"content": "May as well give this a go. I’ve been playing around with AVRs for a while now.Just ordered this, and a launchpad.Free shipping all the way to New Zealand :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408168",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T00:23:26",
"content": "Oh. Mine ARRIVED today! That’s MUCH better than my launchpad experience!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408213",
"author": "JeshuaSan",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T02:23:38",
"content": "I just ordered it internationally, free shipping :D, let’s see when, if, it arrives",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "408248",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-06-21T04:20:17",
"content": "Wow. Mine shipped out today, and will be arriving tomorrow. From Texas to BC, Canada. Guess I need to clear my schedule…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,162.298191
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/17/slot-car-lap-timercounter/
|
Slot Car Lap Timer/counter
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"graphic lcd",
"MSP430G2553",
"reed switch",
"slot cars",
"ti launchpad"
] |
For his first project using the TI Launchpad [VOJT4] built
a lap timer and counter for slot cars
. For us it’s always hardest to come up with the idea of what to build and we think he found a great one here.
Each time a car passes the finish line of the track it trips a reed switch that was hot glued to the underside of the track segment. Both reed switches have a capacitor to smooth out the inputs (is this acting as a hardware debounce?). The time and lap number are then pushed to a graphic LCD by the MSP430G2553.
You must be logged into the forum where [VOJT4] posted the project in order to see the images. Because of this, we’ve embedded them (including the schematic) after the break along with a demo video. But do take a look at his project thread to hear his thoughts and peruse the code he wrote.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwz0Ui2cySw&w=470]
[Thanks Opcode via
43oh
]
| 4
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407219",
"author": "Bob D",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T22:12:51",
"content": "Thanks for embedding the images here. That whole “You must log in to see how awesome we are” thing went out in the 90’s. I have no idea why anyone would “share” a project that way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407227",
"author": "bluehash",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T22:53:35",
"content": "@Bob, sorry about that, you can view the post at the below link too.http://www.43oh.com/2011/06/count-slot-car-lap-times-with-the-launchpad/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407265",
"author": "ohyeah",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T02:07:26",
"content": "I had a slot car set in the late 70’s or early 80’s that did this.. It was kinda cool, but my interest in slot cars was definitely waning. I still have it.How about a hack that determines the car’s position on track? Then you could measure acceleration. Maybe via a wire that interacts with the magnets in the car?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407328",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T08:56:35",
"content": "A friend was showing off an old slot car set to me when he handed me the controller.I was actually dumbfounded for a moment looking for the steering knob then proceeded to drive the car straight off the track by over accelerating the thing.I had forgotten completely about how different an experience it is. (I’m also glad I didn’t break the car!)Cool project for an absolutely charming hobby.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,162.451329
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/06/17/keypad-uses-a-pics-built-in-capacitance-functionality/
|
Keypad Uses A PIC’s Built In Capacitance Functionality
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"16f1937",
"capacitance",
"keypad",
"pic",
"touch sensor",
"TouchPad"
] |
[Giorgos Lazaridis’] most recent project was to
build a capacitive touch pad
. Since he’s using a PIC 16F1937 it will be relatively easy. That’s because it has a 16 channel capacitance sensing module built right in. But there are still some design considerations that make the development a bit touching.
This isn’t the first time he’s worked with capacitance sensing. Through past experience he has found that it is very important to position the microcontroller as close to the button pads as possible. Because of this, the chip is soldered on the back of the PCB used for the keypad itself. Because he’s hand soldering vias, he also used some foam tape to raise the button pads just a bit. This way they will be flush with the acrylic overlay, which cannot sit flat on the board due the via solder joints.
Check out the video after the break to hear [Giorgos] walk us through the project.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQ2ht0CYO0&w=470]
| 8
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "407213",
"author": "xeracy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T21:52:11",
"content": "His voice is like a Hispanic speak-n-spell! Mesmerizing…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3296281",
"author": "Thomas R. Koll (@ananasblau)",
"timestamp": "2016-12-02T11:09:30",
"content": "Not even close, he’s Greek.",
"parent_id": "407213",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "407238",
"author": "TacoTacoTaco",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T23:18:34",
"content": "Bravo Giorgos!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407245",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-06-17T23:48:14",
"content": "I really like this guy. Interesting projects and he always explain them very well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407248",
"author": "Kuy",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T00:17:20",
"content": "@szczysBy “touching” you of course mean “touchy”, so that the pun makes sense.As an aside, do HaD authors lack the ability to edit posts, or is it policy not to? Often I see egregious errors in posts and apologies made by authors in the comments, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a correction made.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407270",
"author": "Amos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T02:42:26",
"content": "Excellent project and demo. @xeracy: spot on!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407284",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T04:31:42",
"content": "“He just kept talking in one long incredibly unbroken sentence, moving from topic to topic, so that no one had a chance to interrupt; it was really quite hypnotic.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "407446",
"author": "Panikos",
"timestamp": "2011-06-18T19:13:33",
"content": "This guy has interesting projects and always goes in depth about them. A lot of his posts are aimed at developing parts to eventually building this:http://pcbheaven.com/projectpages/Instant_Cold_Coffee_Machine/The coffee machine should get an article all by itself.Another of my favorite posts (reverse engineering an LCD screen to use again for the coffee machine)http://pcbheaven.com/exppages/Reverse-Engineering_an_LCD_Display/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,162.406572
|