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https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/rc-car-controlled-by-an-ipad-or-kinect/
|
R/C Car Controlled By An IPad Or Kinect
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Kinect hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"ipad",
"Kinect",
"R/C car"
] |
R/C cars can be tons of fun, but sometimes the fun runs out after awhile. [Gaurav] got bored of steering around his R/C car with its remote, so he built an interface that lets him control the car
using two different motion-detecting devices
.
He built an HTML5 application for his iPad, which allows him to steer the car around. As you can see in the video below, the application utilizes the iPad’s tilt sensor to activate the car’s motors and steering depending on where on the screen he has moved the guide marker.
The second steering method he devised uses his Kinect sensor to track his movements. His hand gestures are mapped to a set of virtual spaces similar to those which the iPad uses. By moving his hands through these areas, the Arduino triggers the car’s remote just as it does with the iPad.
The actual remote control interface is achieved by wiring the car’s remote to an Arduino via a handful of opto-isolators. The Arduino is also connected to his computer via the serial port, where it waits for commands to be sent. In the case of the iPad, a Python server waits for commands to be issued from the HTML5 application. The Kinect’s interface is slightly different, with a C# application monitoring his movements and sending the commands directly to the serial port.
Check out the video below to see the car in action, and swing by his site if you are interested in grabbing some source code and giving it a try yourself.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Ses-VGU9U&w=470]
| 2
| 2
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371212",
"author": "Travis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:49:20",
"content": "Yeah, it turns out that it’s not _too_ difficult. A while back uber-hacker Matt Might showed us how to make an iOS-controlled robot in ~6 hours an 200 lines of Javascript / Python:http://www.hizook.com/blog/2011/01/12/ipad-and-iphone-controlled-robot-toys",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371384",
"author": "rondet",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T03:42:40",
"content": "would be nice if the video showed how the car interfaces with the computer and mabey gave some info on the back end software",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,228.865138
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/screaming-altoids-tin-just-in-time-for-april-fools/
|
Screaming Altoids Tin Just In Time For April Fool’s
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"555 timer",
"prank",
"screamer"
] |
Maker [Dino Segovis] has started on a project he calls “Hack a week” where he will be putting together one hack or project per week, for a full year. The first installment of his video series was finished just two days before April Fool’s, and appropriately enough covers the construction of a
circuit you can use to prank your friends
.
The “Altoids Screamer” is a simple circuit based on a 555 timer that he built into a standard Altoids Tin. The 555 timer is used to generate a loud pitched squeal whenever the tin is opened. This is accomplished by wiring up the 555 in astable mode, and connecting it to a speaker to output the sound. A micro switch is installed inside the tin to detect when the top has been opened, triggering the “scream”.
While it’s not the most complex circuit we’ve seen, it definitely gets the job done and is easy enough to build in time for tomorrow’s festivities. It is a great hack for the office, the library, or any other quiet place.
Continue reading to watch [Dino’s] first
Hack a Week
video demonstrating the prank’s construction. If you are interested in some more of his work, be sure to check out this
automatic ball launcher
and this other
555 Screamer toy
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8fqwOllRVI&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371198",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:15:08",
"content": "Hack a week – nice idea. I’m not a fan of this first project but will keep an eye on his site :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371209",
"author": "Carl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:46:09",
"content": "Forgive my ignorance, but what purpose do the 555, resistors, and capacitors serve? I’ve made a nearly identical device (in an altoid tin even!) with just a switch, battery, and piezo speaker.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371223",
"author": "Trav",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:57:26",
"content": "At least it didn’t require an Arduino.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371249",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T21:59:04",
"content": "@carl:It generates the audio signal; a square wave.I don’t believe that applying a constant voltage should cause any effect.Anyway, in regards to the actual video, I’m slightly disappointed. It’s a 555 timer in a pretty conventional astable configuration with a speaker hooked up. Common, basic, not all that interesting.I’m sure it can’t always be utter brilliance if you’re forcing yourself to build something in such a short time, but the deadlines are self-imposed. I think we would rather see quality than sheer volume. It would be OK with me if a project wasn’t taken from start to completion each week. Why not just start something a little more substantial or experimental and give a little update each week. I think one thing we don’t see often enough is the design _process_.Regardless, the hack-a-week video blog is a really cool idea and I’d definitely like to see more of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371264",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:18:29",
"content": "Damnit! I actually just came up with this idea yesterday, but mine involved a photoresistor such that when you opened the mint tin, the frequency changed from low to high as more light entered. This would give it a pretty cool growling to screaming effect. At least that’s the idea. You could design it such that in darkness, it clicks away eluding to something being in the tin… then when you open you get a nice surprise. I think I’ll still build mine… I have one too many 555’s and altoids tins laying around ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371268",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:30:28",
"content": "@Brett W.Hey that light sensing thing sounds like a good idea, you could you it in a game of “Blind Man’s Bluff”, a blindfold, a flashlightn and an empty room.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371481",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T09:21:20",
"content": "@carl, @r_dIndeed Carl, your version would be simpler.There are some (many?) piezo buzzers that self-oscillate as well as the ones that behave like speakers and need an AC input.The 555 allows you to chose a specific tone though, and it might be easier to find a loud speaker than a buzzer",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371550",
"author": "woutervddn",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T12:31:04",
"content": "I wonder where I found the name for his website.. it seems so familiar to me..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371559",
"author": "TimTheGeek",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T12:54:59",
"content": "After being inspired by this post.. i went the the Shack, found a slightly different yet quicker to assemble version. The Shack carries a 102db piezo siren (12v) add a micro lever switch and a soldered in 23A battery. The all fit into the tin taking about 2/3 of the width, leaving enuff space for a few altoids to rattle. Also very close to the weight of a full tin of mints. I just twisted the wires and held everything with hot glue. 15 mins assembly time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371697",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T16:18:41",
"content": "So liking the variations on this. :) Part of the reason I’m doing a hack a week… to inspire.Hack A Week won’t be all things to all people, but it will be lots of fun.Dino",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371956",
"author": "Carl",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T23:33:00",
"content": "@r_d @JonathanThanks, I didn’t realize the difference in speakers/buzzers.I like that there are so many different possibilities for this project. Maybe a flashbulb or some leds?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372341",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T14:18:47",
"content": "could use two transistors or so",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "373468",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-04-04T14:42:43",
"content": "I just wanted to follow up on my claim of the idea I had. Please see my light sensitive Growl & Scream Altoids Prank here:http://hackaday.com/2011/04/03/adjustable-prank-box-growls-and-screams/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.018034
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/think-geeks-wants-you-to-have-broken-stuff/
|
Think Geeks Wants You To Have Broken Stuff
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Hackerspaces",
"News"
] |
[
"broken",
"damaged",
"returned",
"salvage",
"think geek"
] |
Think Geek has a growing pile of
returns and damaged product that they’re trying to get rid of
. The purveyors of technological oddities, like any other large retailer, sometimes have stuff that doesn’t work right, or has been damaged somewhere between factory and consumer. The broken bits find their way back to the distribution center and now they’re stuck with the task of doing something with it.
They can’t sell it, and we’re happy to say they don’t want to throw it out. So they’re considering giving it away to worth-while causes like Hackerspaces and schools. Looks like no real details have been hammered out as of yet. But if you belong to a Hackerspace or other group that can find a use for this stuff, click-through the link above and sign up to let them know you’re interested. The goldmine of reusable stuff is located in Columbus, Ohio and pick-ups might be available. Otherwise they’re going to need to find a way to cover the cost to ship boxes to those interested.
Don’t forget to document your projects and
let us know what you use this stuff for
.
[Thanks RenderMan]
| 13
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371141",
"author": "Invader21",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:11:15",
"content": "A) first coment! Woot! B) damn. I just put up somthing just like that on the clasifides.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371161",
"author": "ino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:45:23",
"content": "Excellent idea !All broken things should have a second try before landfill.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371181",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:45:59",
"content": "Dated a girl who worked for support at ThinkGeek. She used to bring home returns all the time. I have plenty of “broken” Thinkgeek toys.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371193",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:04:26",
"content": "[troll mode]@Andrew: Dated? So she’s free now?[/troll mode]Anyways, I guess shipping to russia is not an option, so I’ll stick to china suppliers =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371196",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:13:26",
"content": "This is an absolutely wonderful idea. Good on you ThinkGeek!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371208",
"author": "Frogz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:42:45",
"content": "Damn i love tg *proudly wears hisSTFUniversity tshirts*",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371228",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T21:08:53",
"content": "lol at them using “borked”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371326",
"author": "Thopter",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T00:21:40",
"content": "I’m wondering if this isn’t part of their April Fools tradition for this year",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371420",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T05:45:09",
"content": "@Thopter: I hope not – considering they’re collecting names and addresses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371452",
"author": "jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T07:47:11",
"content": "I was thinking of submitting an April Fools hack, but i’ve been busy and it’s kind of hard to photograph yourself with your working lightsaber prototype. the only reason i’m even saying this here is because my ‘lightsaber’ is broken goods. a cold cathode i’ve had forever, one wire came off, i’ve taken it apart and soldered a new wire on now though, and it has been repurposed as an artificial sun for indoor plants. if you’ve got some old cold-cathodes laying around, it’s the wire at the far end of the tube that you sever, and then instead of a solid tube of light, it becomes proximity-reactive, as it feeds off your electrons or whatever. the open wire is great for burning yourself and frying electronics, among other things. seeing what it can do makes me extra cautious about how i place cold cathode wiring in relation to my mobo, etc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371820",
"author": "pelhamjohnston",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T19:06:49",
"content": "Weird coincidence, I was at the thrift store the other day and they had a huge bin of some musical shirts from ThinkGeek (like the drum set shirt, electric guitar shirt etc.) for 3 bucks a pop.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "424988",
"author": "Old electronics",
"timestamp": "2011-07-29T06:59:47",
"content": "Awesome! Reminds me of ‘district 9′ in the slums the one alien has a load of computer parts just hacking it up!I got a drawer of old modems and WIFI adapters n’ old radios and all sorts of crap. I figure a person could siphon any number of components out of that crap! Old remotes and laser pens…who knows????Lots of things to tinker with! Or just salvage what you can!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6296935",
"author": "Enrique Gomezyin",
"timestamp": "2020-11-23T09:46:22",
"content": "Hey I was wondering if you still have those old items. I’d gladly take them for some current projects I’m working on",
"parent_id": "424988",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,229.246599
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/building-an-advanced-mobile-phone-service-amps-base-station/
|
Building An Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) Base Station
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"advanced mobile phone service",
"amps",
"base station",
"tower"
] |
Remember the early days of cellphones and carphones when they were super-bulky and all the rage? Those early handsets used analog technology for communications in a protocol called Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS). As more customers flocked to wireless providers, networks were transitioned over to digital phones in order to save bandwidth. Some places still support AMPS but it has rapidly gone the way of the Dodo. But a few years back [Mark Atherton] got his hands on some old hardware, including a bag-phone and some test equipment, and set out to build
a base station that can control AMPS handsets
. In short, he’s creating his own analog cellphone tower. There’s a wealth of information on his page. The writeup comes out as a mix of protocol and electronic resources he scavenged across the net, as well as a work log serving as a testament to his successes and failures. He did his experiments in New Zealand, so if you’re thinking of undertaking this make sure to research your local radio regulations first.
[Thanks J]
| 8
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371222",
"author": "DanAdamKOF",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:57:15",
"content": "This is really great. If only my cousin didn’t lose my OKI 1325 a year ago :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371265",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:26:18",
"content": "this is really cool, anyone know if you can do this in the U.S.?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3506746",
"author": "Sarge",
"timestamp": "2017-04-05T15:26:23",
"content": "Yes but you have to have a licence through fcc",
"parent_id": "371265",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "371298",
"author": "o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T23:29:17",
"content": "This is a really cool way to keep those old brick phones useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "373285",
"author": "Entropia",
"timestamp": "2011-04-04T07:28:47",
"content": "Whoa! This is AWESOME! I wanna do the same with the local AMPS-equivalent, NMT network. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3506752",
"author": "Sarge",
"timestamp": "2017-04-05T15:28:16",
"content": "I would like to do this with our local ham radio emergency club",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6198746",
"author": "Sam Robinson",
"timestamp": "2019-11-28T22:20:33",
"content": "Has anyone do a YouTube review on this? I’m into old technology. I want to make an AMPS System using Raspberry Pi and using VOIP Technology. I know that the AMPS System is old technology. But it’s not impossible. What I want to do is replace the phone number from the AMPS unit to a VOIP Number. There’s little review on this. What way can be done to build an AMPS Antenna? Sam",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6367600",
"author": "Fox",
"timestamp": "2021-07-27T14:27:02",
"content": "You should look into an open source project called Osmocom analog. This is a project that supports loads of analog phone networks and allows for use of modern software defined radios to create your own little base stations.",
"parent_id": "6198746",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,229.066413
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/solar-powered-mp3-playing-speaker/
|
Solar-powered MP3 Playing Speaker
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital audio hacks",
"Solar Hacks"
] |
[
"mp3",
"solar",
"speakers"
] |
[Valentin] bought a small battery-powered cube speaker with a built-in amp some time ago, but didn’t have much patience for replacing or recharging the batteries. It sat on the shelf for awhile until he decided to
revive an old MP3 player he had sitting around
.
He gutted a pair of solar garden lamps, retaining the solar panels, the built-in charging circuits, as well as the included rechargeable batteries. The MP3 player was disassembled, and its components were built into the speaker enclosure. The player’s buttons were relocated to the outer shell of the speaker box with a few pieces of wire, allowing him to easily control his music without having to build in a method for opening the case. Both the speaker and the MP3 player are powered by the batteries salvaged from the solar lamps, which is why he opted to mount both of the solar panels on the the side of the speaker enclosure rather than just one.
We like it even though the speaker looks a bit rough at the moment, especially where the MP3 player’s buttons were transplanted. After a few minutes of touch-up work however, it’ll look great.
If you’re interested in some more solar hacks, check out this
solar-powered junkbot
, these
solar toys for kids
, and this
solar-powered WiFi repeater
we featured in the past.
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371096",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:00:56",
"content": "I think I would have put one solar panel on each side, on a hinge that could be propped up so the solar panel would be catching light from above. I can’t imagine much light is going to hit the side of that thing.Unless he intends to leave it laying on it’s side, which would seem a bit daft.Cool though. I wonder how well it really works. I’d imagine the mp3 player and speaker will eat up substantially more power than the LED garden light.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371101",
"author": "David s",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:07:25",
"content": "A wonderful thing about portable things is that they’re portable.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371110",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:20:56",
"content": "Yes David. The sky is also blue btw.I have a portable TV. Whether using it inside or in the garden, I wouldn’t want it on it’s side, I’d want it in the regular vertical position for easy use of buttons and easy viewing ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371190",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:00:39",
"content": "A static charge will zap this thru the naked buttons when touched. That’s OK because it will silence an extremely bad source of sound. A cube is the worst shape for a speaker box. Mpee’s are defective corrupt files, delete them. Solar panels need to be able to pivot to any angle to suit the sun at time of use.I have had the need to turn my monitor on it’s side many times to watch YouTube phone posted videos. Some people don’t know that video takes vs stills auto rotate. They hold the phone sideways, shoot and then push send.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371454",
"author": "jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T07:51:08",
"content": "i have one of these, although it’s larger, sounds better, and utilizes a car battery, amp, big solar panel.. great for the beach",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,228.96812
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/pcbs-without-any-substrate/
|
PCBs Without Any Substrate
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"free formed",
"pcb",
"steel wire"
] |
[Kimio Kosaka] is taking the concept of free-formed circuits to the next level with
O’Baka Project No.7
. It’s a fully functioning Arduino board, without the board. The traces are there and provide all of the support for the rest of the hardware. You can imagine the fragility of the package so it won’t be a surprise to learn that O’Baka Project means ‘stupid’ project.
We don’t think this manufacturing process is completely worthless. The ‘board’ seen above looks quite interesting and might be a good idea when building a show-piece where you want the circuitry to be seen. [Kimio] describes the process he used to achieve this look. The first step is to design a single-sided circuit board; he used EagleCAD. After printing out the traces he used 0.46mm steel wire to trace out each connection. Now heat up that soldering iron – [Kimio] recommends using high-acid flux to ease the process of soldering to the steel.
We think this would nicely compliment projects like
LED cubes
that use the circuit itself as a support structure. See this Arduino alternative from several different angles in the video after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH3ZUCmhe18&w=470]
[Thanks Eric]
| 52
| 48
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371029",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:07:41",
"content": "Yeah I know everyone’s gonna say “not a hack”. But still impressive in kind of an artsy way.And he didn’t even name it the “Skeleduino” or something.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371030",
"author": "goaran",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:09:00",
"content": "looks nice ;)i made a alarm clock with this concept:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52U30_UqrEohttp://robotik.dyyyh.de/wecker.htm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371038",
"author": "Martin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:21:50",
"content": "Now seal it in epoxy -> PROFIT!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371039",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:24:11",
"content": "Seal it in RTV silicone!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371040",
"author": "fred",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:24:40",
"content": "I’ve read over and over that you should never use acid core solder for electronics. This guy is using it. What is the downside? Will the ICs disintegrate at some point?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371041",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:30:42",
"content": "That’s a lot of work to not be able to really use it. Put it in a shadowbox and be done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371042",
"author": "doug",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:31:34",
"content": "The “one-chip arduino” at the bottom link is nice too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371045",
"author": "alxy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:35:23",
"content": "For micron-thin copper traces of a PCB, acid core solder can eat away the trace itself. (When you etch, you use a strong acid to remove the unexposed PCB material.) But for thicker steel wire, it’s not as much of a concern.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "537816",
"author": "DjKiDD",
"timestamp": "2011-12-16T23:25:40",
"content": "Not acid core, “high acid FLUX”Acid core solder is used by plumber to solder copper pipes…",
"parent_id": "371045",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "371047",
"author": "fungus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:37:50",
"content": "little confused…dont you need that usb to serial chip to program the arduino via usb?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "802332",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2012-10-01T16:58:40",
"content": "I think he is using a version of the main uC that has USB functionality built-in. There is something about a one-chip arduino on the page.",
"parent_id": "371047",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "802334",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2012-10-01T17:00:00",
"content": "I was wrong, he uses a USB->Serial Converter thingy he built to program them.",
"parent_id": "371047",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "371052",
"author": "zing",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:45:43",
"content": "@fungusIt is actually based on the Metaboard, which implements the USB connection in the bootloader code. Calling it an Arduino is a bit misleading as it isn’t technically 100% compatible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371053",
"author": "Akoi Meexx",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:46:45",
"content": "def exercise(type=(patience | madness)):print “This project is insane.”@alxy Thanks for the explanation; dunno about Fred, but I appreciated the reasoning there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371054",
"author": "0x4368726973",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:46:46",
"content": "@fredThe reason to not normally use acid core solder is the acid will eat the leads, and destroy the parts, IF the core isn’t completely cleaned off the parts. This is very dificult to do completely, especially if you are using stranded wire, or a circuit board, where there are lots of tiny places for things to hide. The metals we typically use for electronics don’t need nearly as agressive of a flux to clean them. Resin core effectively doesn’t need to be cleaned off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371056",
"author": "hawkeyaez1",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:52:14",
"content": "Encase it in acrylic, and it isn’t so stupid anymore–it’s art!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371067",
"author": "Chamelius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:07:17",
"content": "Might be fun to wire this with conductive thread and put onto clothing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371070",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:11:40",
"content": "Wait a minute — this is no sort of bad idea. If you use insulated wires wherever possible, then you could probably wrap it around whatever you intend to install it in once you’ve fully tapped out the hardware and software.Imagine that, like those ‘slap bracelets’ from the 1980s. Just “stick my microcontroller board on here” *wham* done!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371072",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:13:15",
"content": "Nice idea, but i think it’s quite impractical. (yes, I see it is for art..) All you have left is the ‘C’ in the PCB…there’s no Printed and no Board :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371075",
"author": "cantido",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:22:13",
"content": "@dan fruzzettiexcept that a PDIP package ain’t small or flexible..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371080",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:35:21",
"content": "needs moar poxipol!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371087",
"author": "AlanWright",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:48:25",
"content": "It’s a goofy project, but we’ve seen many uses for this sort of thing before.-It may be harder to build like this, but it’s a lot cheaper than having a single board printed.-It’s flexible. There’s no reason you can’t easily adjust the shape of this thing to suit your needs as you’re building it. That might mean stuffing the circuit into a much smaller package.-It’s adaptable: You could embed it in concrete, epoxy, plastic, fiberglass, carbon-fiber, etc. You could even paper-mache it.-It’s easily dismantled: Just clip some wires and you’re down to basic components.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371100",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:06:04",
"content": "@goaran: Now THAT is cool! Nice alarm clock!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371102",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:07:38",
"content": "Hmm…I’ll state the obvious. It’s not a PCB if there is no P and no B.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371103",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:08:32",
"content": "I’d love to see a version of this with the FTDI SMD chip in place, somehow :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371108",
"author": "MoJo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:16:39",
"content": "In Japanese ō adds honour to the following word. “Baka” means fool but with the ō it becomes “silly”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371109",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:18:19",
"content": "Also has anyone noticed it’s not really a PCB? The P part never happened here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371116",
"author": "Kiddi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:32:07",
"content": "So many people reiterating the same comment “Hurr durr, no p and no b!”… Reading comments before posting might be a good idea sometimes ya know.Apart from that, this is a very nice project :) Quite original. I feel this is more art than practicality but seeing how many hacks are used for purely decorative purposes these days that isnt a bad thing :) Keep up the good work, also, seal it in epoxy and market it! I’d buy one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371122",
"author": "mowcius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:39:57",
"content": "Is this where I sayOMGthisissooldwherehaveyoubeenhackaday?:DNow that alarm clock is so much cooler! More info on that?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371123",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:43:12",
"content": "Heh, I think it’s a hack in the classic definition of the word- taking steel wire and using it for something it wasn’t intended for: in place of a PCB. If you don’t think that’s a hack, just imagine Macgyver making one of these out of some chicken wire when he doesn’t have a substrate to work with. XD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371131",
"author": "D Webb",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:55:15",
"content": "Granted, I don’t know much about the power requirements for the Arduino. But my first thought was the lack of any heatsink, be it an actual heatsink or metal under-layer as on a typical board, for the voltage regulator.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371133",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:59:42",
"content": "I did this once to make a video inverter board.Worked fine for ages, got bored with it and scrapped it for parts.Its a good prototyping technique if you have a lot of recycled parts with short leads and want to try out different configurations quickly as it becomes trivial to detach resistors etc without wrecking the tracks on a PCB.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371134",
"author": "Harvie.CZ",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:01:00",
"content": "Similar concept:ReCycled CD CircuitBoards & HOWTO make them…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBxeVaDqe4g",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371180",
"author": "goaran",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:42:57",
"content": "@mowciussome more info on the alarm:it is a atmega8 controller, a speaker from a broken mobile phone , a 2×16 char display and some spring steel wire. (and some resisors, and other small parts)unfortunatly i dont have the source any more because that was on a harddrive which is broken :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371205",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:36:16",
"content": "Acid no go. Just steel wool or grind with a fine disc in a moto tool, REALLY CLEAN the steel wire. Use good regular paste flux for electronic use. Fine gauge piano wire is great for this, very strong for the gauge. To cut, don’t ruin your dykes. Bend sharply twice and snap, or nick first with grinder disc.Study the Art Deco of the 20’s 30’s for ways that tech first blended with art, all in good taste. Style circuits. 2 or 3d. Another potting source, strip-able weatherstrip caulk in clear.This can cram in amp into a headphone device pod etc many uses!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371229",
"author": "Standard Mischief",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T21:16:05",
"content": "An easy solution might be to use copper-coated steel wire.You can pick up a roll at any big-box hardware store. Look for MIG welding wire (the type without the flux core). Not all MIG wire is copper coated, but it should be easy enough to find.It’s also useful for antennas.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371276",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:50:48",
"content": "You don’t need to use steel wire at all for this; all the wires are terminated on copper terminals. You can get stiff pre-tinned copper wire that looks the same, will solder with normal rosin core solder, is plenty strong enough and looks almost exactly the same.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371307",
"author": "rjnerd",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T00:05:14",
"content": "One more step, and its actually a very rugged construction method. If you took apart an early 60’s missile guidance system, you would find modules that were the same skeleton construction, potted in clear plastic, so they wouldn’t move.One other difference, instead of soldering, all joints were actually spot welded.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371331",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T00:38:37",
"content": "Although it might not be the most stable or beautiful, these would make an excellent teaching aid for people getting into digital or simple circuits. It presents itself much more like a schematic than finished product while allowing interaction and easy access analysis.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371338",
"author": "SK",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T01:16:44",
"content": "NO-sided PCB! Awsome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371340",
"author": "1337",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T01:22:00",
"content": "bravo!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371353",
"author": "Microguy",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T01:49:03",
"content": "Why not use regular copper (plated copper) bus wire and be done with it?? Yeah, a little more fragile, but hey, lot easier to solder and you don’t need to use acid flux with it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371430",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T06:21:37",
"content": "now that is ART!@ acid flux babies: you clean it with metholated spirits… and/or WATER… and a toothbrush. Too lazy? so soak it! sheesh. Someone might think you’ve never done it before.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371443",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T07:20:02",
"content": "@goaran: waycool!Tip: If you’d called it X-duino, where X is an obvious reference to what you project is doing and showed a video of you having sex with it (or just flashing an LED) THEN it would have been accepted and may have even been a featured article.I agree your way is better ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "538052",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-12-17T09:37:34",
"content": "It’s obviously an AIRduino…",
"parent_id": "371443",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "371905",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T22:00:01",
"content": "Have you noticed how often hacks/projects are done by people with poor cameras? I think all the contests should start giving cameras to the winners.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372003",
"author": "downtheladder",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T01:12:58",
"content": "This looks really nice.Reminds me of Peter Vogel’s work:http://www.google.com/images?q=Peter%20Vogel&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1680&bih=944",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372348",
"author": "cgmark",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T14:39:13",
"content": "Interesting take on point to point wiring. If you really want to see some well done designs look at old electronics of the vacuum tube era. There were high power transmitters, even televisions, made up of nothing but wires soldered from one point to another. The routing was tedious to do but it worked. Not sure who came up with the PCB idea. I know things went from point to point, then terminal strips, then wire wrap + solder, then pcb.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372427",
"author": "Isa",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T18:03:05",
"content": "This would be a perfect thing to cast in resin!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "373463",
"author": "Jason Knight",
"timestamp": "2011-04-04T14:30:09",
"content": "I’d have been considering a higher guage copper than the steel — easier to solder to, and probably more attractive…The idea of sealing it in some form of hard resin is cool too — build the layout, then encase it. I wouldn’t suggest epoxy as it yellows badly with age, but a polyester mix like that made by “Castin Craft” would probably work great.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "429761",
"author": "j s",
"timestamp": "2011-08-07T02:37:48",
"content": "Yep, obaka does mean stupid- in Japanese.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "793289",
"author": "Cosmo",
"timestamp": "2012-09-22T19:07:43",
"content": "Hmm, I believe it would look great when combined with this project:http://hackaday.com/2012/04/13/free-formed-circuit-protected-by-a-brick-of-crystal-clear-resin/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.197433
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/the-electroaxe-full-body-percussion-suit/
|
The ElectroAxé Full-Body Percussion Suit
|
Jason Komp
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Musical Hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"drum suit",
"midi",
"wearable",
"wireless"
] |
Carnival in Salvador, Brazil is arguably one of the biggest and craziest parties this world has ever known. With millions in attendance for what is already an incredible audio and visual display, performers are faced with the daunting task of continually bringing something new and fresh to the masses. One could always add more fireworks or visual displays (never a bad thing), but it will only take you so far. [Kyle McDonald] and [Lucas Werthein]’s answer:
The ElectroAxé Full-Body Percussion Suit
as demonstrated by Carlinhos Brown at Carnival 2011.
When most people hear the word “axe” as related to music they think of an electric guitar. “Axé” however, refers to a unique Afro-Caribbean fusion genre of music that originated in Salvador in the mid 1980’s and is a favorite at Carnival. [Carlinhos Brown] is a popular Brazilian percussionist and was looking for a creative new way to express himself through his song and dance. Instead of being stuck in one place near his instruments or carrying one or two drums around “marching-band style”, he is now able to move around the stage freely – his body has become his instrument.
In order to make the magic happen, [Kyle] and [Lucas] designed custom laser cut and cnc machined drum pads containing piezo sensors and integrated them with a full-body jump suit. When struck, these sensors send a signal to an Arduino with a Sparkfun Midi Shield housed in a custom enclosure on the performer’s waist. From there the MIDI signal is sent wirelessly and then audio is played through the existing sound system – it appears that a CMD WIDI X-8 wireless MIDI system is employed for the actual wireless transmission.
Although details are somewhat scarce, there are plenty of
pictures
, (
more
) available. You really can’t argue with the results as you watch thousands of people jam along.
Come join in the festivities with video after the break!
[vimeo
http://vimeo.com/21531156
w=470]
| 17
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "371025",
"author": "mknghorn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:00:29",
"content": "check out a guy named futureman.he has been doing this for decades in bela fleck ‘ band the “flecktones”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371063",
"author": "zengar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:04:29",
"content": "Laurie Anderson also did something like this in the 70s or 80s. I wish I could remember what she called it so I could track down a video and/or remember exactly when.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371073",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:14:02",
"content": "I want one for my steering wheel. :)Seriously, I rock out wheel-drumming.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371078",
"author": "danbuntu",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:30:37",
"content": "All see the crazy genius John Otwayhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsJtVi-5H8U",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371136",
"author": "foo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:04:38",
"content": "Nice build, if not a new idea. But forget the suit, I want to know what the story is with those awesome looking shoes he’s got!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371151",
"author": "Leonardo B Postacchini",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:25:22",
"content": "This hardly can count as percursion though, this is just a glorified keyboard with drums settings.Music is truly lost…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371167",
"author": "zengar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:04:18",
"content": "Ah, found it: [youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t11uEvjt2Qk&w=480&h=390%5DIt turns out it was a really short bit becausehersuit wasn’t wireless so she was very nearly as stuck in place as with a normal instrument. Of course, shewasstuck using 1985 technology…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371173",
"author": "phyxr",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:19:39",
"content": "Y’know, every time I see tech like this (and there was a pair od drum jeans on the BBC today too) I think of John Otway.First saw him back in ’78, what a genius. Thanks for the link danbuntu.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371235",
"author": "Leithoa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T21:25:26",
"content": "and a nod to the analog version from 1964[youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_rVzBt20N0&w=480&h=390%5D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371262",
"author": "sd",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:16:02",
"content": "With respect to the creators, the project is called EletroAxé not ElectroAxé :-(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371289",
"author": "Omegageek",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T23:10:18",
"content": "Definitely not a new idea. I saw Mick Fleetwood do something like this 20 years ago at a Fleetwood Mac concert. In the middle of an amazing drum solo, Mick stood up and walked out from behind his drum set, keeping the solo going without missing a beat, by slapping drum pads affixed all over his body. He strutted around the stage and did the craziest dance imaginable while continuing the drum solo. Then, again, without missing a beat, he walked back to his drum set, sat down, and picked up the beat with his conventional drums, and the rest of the band came on stage as they transitioned into another song. It was crazy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "987991",
"author": "tara",
"timestamp": "2013-04-02T02:58:49",
"content": "I saw the same concert. I happened to google mick fleetwood playing drum body suit hoping to find some footage and found your message here. It truly was amazing.",
"parent_id": "371289",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2901662",
"author": "Nancy",
"timestamp": "2016-01-29T08:58:27",
"content": "I saw Mick Fleetwood in 90 doing the same thing, I couldn’t find footage either. It was arguably the most entertaining performance I have ever seen. If anyone has video of his antics, please post or direct me to where I can see.",
"parent_id": "371289",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6655876",
"author": "Kaz",
"timestamp": "2023-06-25T10:57:09",
"content": "I saw that performance,amazin.also searching for footage.",
"parent_id": "2901662",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "371299",
"author": "Daniel Sousa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T23:40:19",
"content": "Sorry… this comments is in portuguese…O Brasil é cheio destas figuras que engrandece o nosso povo pelo mundo todo… é criatividade de todos nós brasileiros que nos torna únicos…Conheçam o Brasil…Abraços a todos!DanielTranslation to english:Brazil is full of these figures that enrich our people around the world … Creativity is all of us Brazilians that makes us unique …Meet Brazil …Thank you all!Daniel",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371354",
"author": "Kyle McDonald",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T01:50:12",
"content": "@foo, they’re ‘kangaroo jumps’.@leonardo, i think what you’re seeing + hearing isn’t any lack of design, and certainly not a lack of musical ability — just a lack of practice. the most perfect violin won’t make a decent sound unless you know how to play. and just because carlinhos is a genius at other percussion doesn’t mean was instantly able to play the suit.@everyone, thanks for all the positive feedback and links to earlier work :) i think this is a case where it’s great that we have people solving the same problem over and over in their own way, dealing with the requirements unique to their situation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371399",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T04:30:41",
"content": "Body percussion is what you had left when your master took away your drums. You could text on them too for several miles, and access the network. Pert neer advanced for a slave.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,228.923587
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/jason-scott-gets-a-job-in-a-candy-factory-kinda/
|
[Jason Scott] Gets A Job In A Candy Factory — Kinda
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"archivist",
"bbs",
"documentary",
"historian",
"internet archive",
"jason scott",
"phone phreaking"
] |
Remember when you used to have to dial into a Bulletin Board System to connect with others through computers? How about those fond memories of phone phreaking? If you find that the details are fading in your mind you’ll be happy to know that [Jason Scott] is making sure they’ll never be forgotten. And now
he’s landed a new job that will make this mission even easier
.
We’re most familiar with [Jason’s] film,
BBS: The Documentary
. This five-hour epic traverses the oft-forgotten world of the BBS. It pays attention to things like the formation of ASCII art groups, the elite control of the Sysop before the Internet decentralized access to information, and quirky technological limitations like what happened as FIDOnet ran out of addresses for new nodes.
In short, [Jason Scott] is a technological historian.
He gives speeches
, makes movies, and finds information stashes that history shouldn’t forget. He’s done this outside the tradition of finding a Professorship or Curator position for a major institution. Instead he
asked for sabbatical funding through Kickstart
, and now he’s found his way to a position that seems like it’s made just for him; Archivist for
the Internet Archive
. Go get ’em [Jason].
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370975",
"author": "bbses.info",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:23:19",
"content": "Congrats jas!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370988",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:54:46",
"content": "Sounds cool. I can’t seem to find any digital download option. Is it really DVD only?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370991",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:55:56",
"content": "To be clear, I’m asking about the BBS documentary which I hadn’t heard of before this post :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371007",
"author": "burnkit2600",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:35:27",
"content": "Congrats, Jason! Right man for the job, our internets are safe now!The BBS docu is available (where else?) at the internet archive:http://www.archive.org/details/BBS.The.Documentary",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371009",
"author": "Koolguy007",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:40:14",
"content": "I hope there is some mention of what Valve did to announce Portal 2. I felt like a boss when I was decoding the pictures to get that phone number. That was the last time I ever heard of BBS being used on a moderately large scale.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371057",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:56:47",
"content": "It may in fact be good, but one thing is for sure, the trailer sucks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371060",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:00:15",
"content": "burnkit2600, thanks a lot for sharing the link. I also found it available as a torrent.Cheers",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371083",
"author": "Tony",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:37:50",
"content": "That is so funny. I ran a BBS back in the day that eventually became a “chain” of BBS’es that was pretty popular locally. It is funny to see something like this hit the mainstream. Before this post, I had not heard of any of the above projects so I am surely going to download and watch. Maybe I will find a way to offer some input somewhere. The Archive maybe?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371166",
"author": "bob jones",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:55:25",
"content": "I met Jason Scott at one of the first Slashdot meetups and the guy was an unbelievable blowhard.The table was full of people, yet Jason would. not. shut. up. about. himself.What is this about how usual paths involve professorships? The guy DOES NOT HAVE A DEGREE THAT WOULD ALLOW HIM TO.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371329",
"author": "Jesse",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T00:35:47",
"content": "shit, awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "542954",
"author": "jas",
"timestamp": "2011-12-23T13:49:31",
"content": "jason scott: professional beggar and legend in his own mind",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.34732
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/31/using-touchosc-with-your-projects/
|
Using TouchOSC With Your Projects
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"iphone hacks"
] |
[
"android",
"iphone",
"open sound control",
"osc",
"processing",
"touchosc"
] |
[Marcus] wrote
a guide to using TouchOSC
to control your projects. He sent a link to us after reading our feature about
using Open Sound Control for Arduino
without an Ethernet shield. He’s been using that method for quite some time now, but takes it one step further by using a smartphone as a control device. He designs his own user interface for the iPhone using TouchOSC. This is a package which
we’ve seen in other projects
but now you can get an idea of how easy it really is.
The project starts by interfacing an Arduino with the device you’d like to control. The circuit above patches into a remote control using a couple of transistors. Now the Arduino can simulate button presses on that remote, sending the signal to turn a light on or off. Next, TouchOSC is used for the smartphone – here it’s an iPhone but the suite works on Android as well. In the video after the break you can watch a quick interface design demo. Buttons are dragged into existence, uploaded to the phone, then configured to control you device over a network. A Processing sketch listens for OSC commands and then sends instructions to the Arduino via USB.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjMEoPwIA6w&w=470]
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370961",
"author": "USL",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T12:58:53",
"content": "Neat!But is there a way of doing this without a PC or Mac? i.e. direct connection mobile – Arduino (or similar device)?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371010",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:42:54",
"content": "@USL – There is the “wireless” way, and I did just that. But it still uses the WiFi and PC. You can replace the USB connection with a pair of Zigbee radios and power the Arduino with batteries.If you want wireless programming of your Arduino, you can go with one of two easy to follow tutorials:Adafruit’s which I could not make work:http://www.ladyada.net/make/xbee/arduino.htmlor Nate’s which looks like it works, although I didn’t implement it yet:http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/122What would be better though, is controlling your hardware directly from the phone like you requested, and you should be able to do it with Bluetooth. However the last I looked, Apple was very picky about who they let connect to the iPhone with bluetooth. It’s probably not the same with all phones, and it might have been solved already on iPhones… dunno.Good luck!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371068",
"author": "Marcus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:08:03",
"content": "I haven’t tried it myself but there is a library for Osc commands to the wiznet Ethernet sheild. Or you can use a xbee which I have done. You can also set it up outside wifi",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371119",
"author": "xeracy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:36:45",
"content": "If you are on an android phone, touchOSC is quite gimped still. You can use FingerPlay MIDI (outputs both MIDI and OSC) for the same purpose, and it allows for custom XML layouts.check it out here:http://thesundancekid.net/blog/fingerplay-midi/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371347",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T01:36:15",
"content": "an iphone, a pc, an arduino lot of software, some glueain’t that a lot to switch on a lamp ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.116522
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/snuggle-up-with-the-softer-side-of-hacking/
|
Snuggle Up With The Softer Side Of Hacking
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"led",
"lilypad",
"quilt"
] |
Not all hacks need to be made up of servo motors, wireless radios, and PIR sensors. Sometimes hacking has a softer side, of which [Katie]
reminds us with her latest creation
.
Her LED quilt incorporates 64 hand-sewn LEDs, all of which were painstakingly attached with conductive thread. The same thread was used in a sewing machine to build the conductive grid that powers the LEDs. One half of the circuit was sewn into the front of the quilt in the form of 8 rows, while the columns are sewn into the back side. All of the rows and columns meet in the corner of the quilt, where they are attached to a Lilypad Arduino using simple metal snaps.
The LED matrix panel was then tested, then sewn into an actual quilt. The finished product looks completely innocuous until lit up, as you can see in the video below. We think it would make a great nightlight replacement for a child, especially if programmed to display soothing light patterns.
[via
Make
]
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/20846646 w=470]
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/20969368 w=470]
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370683",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:18:00",
"content": "Somebody needs to come up with a truly soft and flexible LED. Maybe some kind of non silicon technology and embedded in a flexible silicone elastomer?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370687",
"author": "CaptainSmirk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:23:21",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuywhoa there cowboy before you modify the phase variance you should consider polynucleation distortions",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370690",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:31:48",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuy SMTs are as good as you’ll get for now, some are small enough to go unnoticed and still quite bright…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370694",
"author": "junkhacker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:33:42",
"content": "an SMD LED on a small PCB could be made size of a small button",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370699",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:52:43",
"content": "SMT LEDs in a soft elastomer with some easy method of making connections to them and mounting them?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370700",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:54:41",
"content": "or smaller :)http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10045",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370722",
"author": "twoolie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:48:01",
"content": "all she needs now is a wireless power reciever built into the quilt so it can light up without having a lab bench supply in your kid’s room.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370724",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:51:16",
"content": "Anything to make harmless blinky leds married to shirts without setting off alarms from the “I know what bombs look like from watching television” crowd. Strapping a breadboard and wires to your chest then going to an airport probably isn’t the *best* idea to show off to lay people who don’t have EE knowledge.http://papers-please.tripod.com/terrorist_art_sam_simpson.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370733",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:20:09",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuy for sewing, i suppose you could solder little eyelets on them – or use those cool little breakouts Ben posted – neat! The mere method of sewing the wire is the mounting method… Encasing in silicone or epoxy would ensure durability(washing)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370735",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:26:35",
"content": "This is actually one of the more impressive hacks I’ve seen recently. I like the fact that the LED’s are hidden in the batting, where they aren’t likely to be noticed until they turn on. Something old, something new… all she needs is a borrowed panel and blue LED’s, and it’s the perfect wedding gift.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370740",
"author": "Microguy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:39:20",
"content": "I think I would have gone with SMD LEDs and perhaps sew a small patch of thin material over it. These LED’s will be catching on everything. So small LED’s, and thin cloth covering.It’d still be plenty bright enough.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370744",
"author": "Swankie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:42:56",
"content": "flexible LED – what you mean is called OLED. there are flexible OLED display prototypes out there. you just need to convince a company to produce big, bright, single OLEDs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370745",
"author": "Swankie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:46:01",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8S8tbQMp2k",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370787",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T02:23:59",
"content": "The ahhhmoooohhhleeeead song aside, that is quite neat. I doubt it can hold up to being creased unfortunately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370954",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T12:25:45",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuy at first I felt bad for the woman in the story on papers-please.tripod.com, but then I read on to their description of what happened in the case of Jean Charles de Menezes. Talk about complete and utter BS. Their account of what happened to him is a total fantasy. So there goes any credit for their first story.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371002",
"author": "Fallen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:23:44",
"content": "Why can’t you just solder SMT LEDs to a flexible substrate and then encase the whole thing in silicone? It won’t stand up to creasing, but folding it should be fine.Otherwise, why not try a different technology. Electroluminescence anyone? EL wire, but without the 2 wires. Just the ground, and then put a fine wire around the part you want to light up. In other words divide it up into segments.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371011",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:44:24",
"content": "I can’t speak to the second link. Just the first. Sorry.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371107",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:12:58",
"content": "You could set up the leds to show a frame in a cellular automation game,maybe with some sort of tracking function so that the frame is showing the most active regions or modify a typical requirement of such games and make the environment finite; that would be cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371144",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:15:19",
"content": "What i want is e-ink segments that are about 1cm diameter, with two connections and multiple colours depending on the magnitude and direction of the applied voltage pulse.The ink only needs 12V at a microamp or so to switch but it does need to be encapsulated or moisture gets in and mucks up something in the capsules.(this can be fixed with gentle applied heat or a vacuum chamber however)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.298275
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/oscilloscope-thinks-its-a-video-monitor/
|
Oscilloscope Thinks It’s A Video Monitor
|
Jeff Katz
|
[
"Tool Hacks",
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"oscilloscope",
"video"
] |
There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture.
Where would we be if we listened to advice like that? [Eric] writes that with a fairly simple circuit, he’s able to
split a composite video signal into its constituent X and Y ramp signals
for display on his trusty Tektronix 465m. A LM1881 IC does the bulk of the heavy lifting. After running the signal through a few passive components, the generated ramp signals are ready for consumption by his venerable ‘scope. All that’s needed past that is some additional glue logic to invert the levels so the image shows up properly. The end result is a display that has an almost ethereal quality to it, like an old TV set or something out of the movie
Brazil
.
Hit the break to catch a video of the circuit in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FK7hy5usYE&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370656",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:19:45",
"content": "This is so awesome. I can’t think of a practical use (except for showing off to nerdy friends, I suppose) but I love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370658",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:27:25",
"content": "See also the “youscope” demo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370671",
"author": "Christopher Mitchell",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:51:48",
"content": "No offense, but this is a standard project in many a college EE lab curriculum.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370688",
"author": "austinmarton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:24:14",
"content": "So awesome. Wasn’t in our curriculum unfortunately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370696",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:47:04",
"content": "Cur-rick-cu-lum?I don’t know about all that, but that’s a damn fine lil’ hack right there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370703",
"author": "teqo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:02:53",
"content": "I always thought the steampunquesque machines in Brazil where made of Apple IIc monitors, typewriters and Hollywood glue….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370730",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:57:06",
"content": "Thats how they watched XHamster in the old days.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370805",
"author": "Slanderer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T03:33:04",
"content": "I mean, it’s hardly a hack in the sense that this is basically what the LM1881 was designed to do…I followed this years ago:http://www.electronixandmore.com/project/14.htmlAnd then added the additional inverter. Uses really common parts, and has a much cleaner scope output.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370855",
"author": "Grod",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T06:03:42",
"content": "That was one of the projects we did in 2nd year engineering. That would have been about 22 years ago.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370879",
"author": "Alan Parekh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T07:14:44",
"content": "That looks creepy! That would be a great prank to play on someone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370884",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T07:43:19",
"content": "It’s even better when you set H or V to sub intervals, and mess with the aspect ratio like there’s no today on the tube. Come to think of it you can correct for the aspect ratio mess that has arisen since widescreen TV. Cool if you like black & green TV. Come to think of it most TV has turned a sickly green.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370939",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T11:35:56",
"content": "I vote for Youscope.For anyone who doesn’t know yet, Youscope is only a (stereo) audio file which is played on an analog (or really high end digital) oscilloscope. NO extra circuitry required.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370960",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T12:57:39",
"content": "Yes it’s a popular engineering lab experiment, but not everyone here is an engineer and it’s one of those things that is high payoff in cool factor for not much effort. You know- a hack.@Paul- never saw that before. It’s going on the scope in the lab this morning.http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2007/08/youscope-oscilloscope-dem.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.449853
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/stupid-expert-builds-a-machete-slingshot-for-the-impending-zombie-apocalypse/
|
“Stupid Expert” Builds A Machete Slingshot For The Impending Zombie Apocalypse
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"dangerous",
"machete",
"slingshot"
] |
Sometimes people build things for the simple challenge of building.
This is one of those cases
.
The gentleman you see in the image above is [Jörg Sprave] of
The Slingshot Channel
. He is a self-proclaimed “Supid Expert” on the subject of slingshots and has taken his love of flinging things at absurd velocities to a whole new level.
His latest creation is a machete slingshot, which is really more accurately described as a machete crossbow. Measuring over six feet long, the impressive apparatus fires a specially altered machete with an insane amount of force using thick rubber bands. In the test firing shown in the video below, the machete is embedded up to the hilt in six layers of very thick cardboard, requiring quite a bit of work to remove.
As he states in the video while brandishing his bloodied forearm, building such a device is extremely dangerous, and should be limited to “Stupid Experts” . In no way should you attempt to build one of your own.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSU1jQoGIqo&w=470]
| 50
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370615",
"author": "DiogoW",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:08:48",
"content": "What could possibly go wrong ? LOL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370619",
"author": "Michael Nielsen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:17:32",
"content": "I want one",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370620",
"author": "sn0b0ardr",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:18:01",
"content": "There’s no way in heck I would trust that kind of a trigger mechanism with a weapon like that!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370625",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:25:27",
"content": "HOLLLLY SHIITTTTTTTTTT!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370630",
"author": "Phil",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:33:42",
"content": "Cool! Yet is that what the European male has been reduced to in their socialist paradise?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370631",
"author": "f8l_0e",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:35:16",
"content": "I think no other name could suit this weapon than “Darwins Opus.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370632",
"author": "mic",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:35:58",
"content": "AIM AWAY FROM FACE!!! WTF? Really! Cool but WTF, seriously! This guy is awesome, who would think of something like this? He out crazied me!!! Wait I still have my trusty underwater grenade launcher…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370635",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:39:34",
"content": "This reminds me of watermelon to the face.Funny with watermelons although she still probably sustained at least a mild concussion.Not funny with machetes.[youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwq35fqIatw&w=640&h=390%5D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370636",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:40:22",
"content": "Link embedding appears to be broken… let me try again.[youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwq35fqIatw&w=640&h=390%5D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370637",
"author": "NatureTM",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:40:34",
"content": "Awesome! I wish he had some better safety equipment. Maybe a little chainmail?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370640",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:43:02",
"content": "Sorry about the link – not sure why embedding youtube is now broken. This hack isn’t much different from commercially available spear guns. But they have a much better designed release mechanism. I have some serious concerns about this device maiming or killing the shooter. Wearing a faceshield is a good idea and clothing helps a bit and this weapon really isn’t THAT bad but you would not find me anywhere close to it without some cut and slash resistant clothing on head to toe.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370641",
"author": "Waterearth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:43:40",
"content": "Totally impressed by combination muscles/slingshot. Those are killers with that 90mm lead bead!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370647",
"author": "woutervddn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:50:51",
"content": "who dares to shoot upward?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370649",
"author": "Jargwna",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:52:13",
"content": "Did anyone else notice the cut on his arm?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370653",
"author": "Anton Onszers",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:05:56",
"content": "This is definitely more stupid than ingenious. This is seriously dangerous – and it does not look very well crafted! If you see this guy coming ’round the corner, RUN!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370654",
"author": "nate",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:17:57",
"content": "Really awesome, but I was a little disappointed with the demonstration. I want to see machetes flying through the air, not smashing into a target three feet away. What is the effective range of this thing?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370655",
"author": "CD",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:19:21",
"content": "“which is really more accurately described as a machete crossbow.”No… not even close. Just having a stock and trigger mechanism does not a crossbow make.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370681",
"author": "Colin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:08:49",
"content": "espirit has never been so hardcore.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370682",
"author": "Moonmonster",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:13:16",
"content": "Machete slingshots are totally outdatedReal guys use something like that:http://uploads.neatorama.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/rpc_rocket_propelled_chainsaw.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370684",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:18:42",
"content": "@Nate – This guy isn’t as stupid as he may claim or appear. Longer than three feet and the machete may flip, bouncing back unpredictably from a handle strike. You can see it starting to happen in the second shot.Like many of his creations, this is meant as an entertaining novelty, not a serious weapon. Watch some of his other videos, this guy is *strong* and could have tripled the bands and power on this if he’d wanted. Or even used his legs to draw the bands like on one monster slingshot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370686",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:21:06",
"content": "Total range is probably limited to at most 200 feet or so. Effective range is probably 75ish or less. The machete is just so massive compared to the “arrow” on commercial spear fishing “harpoon” guns.This hack gets a 10 for the creative and blog friendly buzz generation ability but only a 2 or a 3 for actual realistic potential as a legitimate weapon.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370693",
"author": "blacksecond",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:32:59",
"content": "Sorry, it’s a slingshot, not more accurately described as a crossbow. A crossbow uses, wait for it, a bow that sits perpendicular to, or across, the stock. The bow is the source of the source of energy. This guy’s awesome weapon uses an elastic band as the energy source.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370698",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:49:33",
"content": "I don’t remember that card in Dead Rising 2…The neat thing is that it would probably also make an excellent melee weapon.What?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370716",
"author": "rlanctot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:30:37",
"content": "Completely unusable. What if there aren’t any ‘stupid experts’ around when the ZA comes? What if they’ve been zombified, or are zombies with lasers in their eyes? Needs a rethink to make simpler. Plus you’d want to keep your machete, not throw it away…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370736",
"author": "mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:29:00",
"content": "first off, he was successful as this video just went viral. secondly, the contraption is erratic. i thought if the long body had a guide like a ‘drain’ or something, it would be less erratic. powerful and dangerous, but no range. who the hell wants to slingshot a machete? haha. nevertheless, cool work on the slingshot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370747",
"author": "Majincarne",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:51:23",
"content": "You can snuggle up to a zombie with a melee weapon but I would defiantly prefer to stay several feet away if at all possible.A pear or halberd being far more preferable than a machete. Possibly machete on a stick if I had to.I would have gone for some stabilizing guides on the firing mechanism but that seems like it would have been over engineering a design that is not actually meant to be practical.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370749",
"author": "h_2_o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:59:40",
"content": "this guy is a genius",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370752",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:09:26",
"content": "makes me want to construct a machete launching potato gun.. which would actually just be a potato gun launching specially modified machete ammo, with potatoes as handles, or special cylindrical handles..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370753",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:11:48",
"content": "This is the kind of insanity I can fully approve of. I imagine this could be easily adapted to throw more convenient ammunition, but he of course gets mega bonus points for thinking of something quite unconventional to fling with his high power toy. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370767",
"author": "Waldemar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:36:04",
"content": "He does mention that he built it just for the challenge and that it’s not intended to be a practical weapon. I’m fascinated by the sheer audacity of the idea.This guy has built a whole bunch of slingshots, some with probably enough power to pierce a human skull, so I assume he knew what risks he was taking.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370781",
"author": "San Diego",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T02:02:57",
"content": "Right blacksecond! And ya, a weapon that long with an effective range of 3 feet is pretty useless. I want to see the lob.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370857",
"author": "VIPER!",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T06:09:14",
"content": "HOLD MY BEER! Watch THIS!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370874",
"author": "zig",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T07:01:42",
"content": "That’s a one twisted Expert. Hay Americans if your government tries to disarm you do not worry get one of these.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370932",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T11:06:03",
"content": "You could make a rapid fire version out of a tennis ball launcher with minimal modifications.This is idiotic and that guy is just asking to get locked up, it’s all fun and games until someone loses a head, then it’s just fun.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370934",
"author": "SantiaTraining",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T11:09:13",
"content": "This looks like a Health & Safety nightmare, call the paramedics now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370935",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T11:14:36",
"content": "Just thought of that scottisch guy who build a big trebuchet. Big enough for burning piano’s and small cars.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370937",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T11:34:13",
"content": "I love how everyone is impressed by shooting at a target 3 feet away. It’s not impressive, it’s not “throwing” it with any real force.Impressive starts at seeing it go to the hilt through 3/4 inch plywood from 100 feet away with even a general semblance of accuracy.Which will NOT happen. throwing machetes is stupid as hell. It makes as much sense as shooting live cats at someone. Zero accuracy, near zero chance of hurting someone because if you watch it you can see the projectile start to tumble as soon as it releases, there is a HUGE chance that at 4 feet it will be sideways.Plus he had to sharpen the hell out of it to get it to cut through the cardboard.Epic Fail.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370950",
"author": "winning",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T11:57:26",
"content": "thank god he had the flimsy plastic face shield on made to protect from small flying particles cause if that machete had flown off towards his face it would have totally saved him…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370964",
"author": "gr00ve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:04:39",
"content": "Have You seen a video about a girl *slingshoting* a watermelon in her face? got the point? :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370969",
"author": "Duncan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:12:27",
"content": "Does it come with a bayonet?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370977",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:26:18",
"content": "I think it’s a bit hilarious how some of you are discussing this semi-seriously when the guy himself says that the only practical use for it is to get hits on youtube.His enthusiasm for his hobby is infectious though, I ended up watching his videos for a good hour or two last night.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370999",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:16:23",
"content": "epic ftw!some people can do epic hacks like this one. those that can’t complain about epic hacks like this one",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371051",
"author": "andrew rose",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:45:23",
"content": "how is this a hack, I’m getting tired of seeing stupid Un-safe posts to this blog, he should be on Americas funnest home videos not this site. back to the trailer park.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371114",
"author": "nthcircle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:24:25",
"content": "Forget the machete slingshot. I want a lawn dart catapult.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371179",
"author": "rlanctot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:42:20",
"content": "Myself, I’d like to see a machete sten minigun…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371425",
"author": "anufaq",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T06:10:03",
"content": "title is misleading, he did it for fun",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371597",
"author": "emerson",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T14:05:09",
"content": "definition of man",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372974",
"author": "fuggy",
"timestamp": "2011-04-03T20:31:54",
"content": "this = retarded on soo many levels!!guy = retarded for making it! then making a video of it, then hackaday = retarded for posting it on their site. WTF hakaday, sort it out, this isn’t a hack it is a weapon! kids use this site and your giving them very bad ideas!just my opinion and i don’t care if you flame me for it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "376227",
"author": "ZombieLover",
"timestamp": "2011-04-08T14:26:14",
"content": "I totally agree with all you who feel this is extremely dangerous, as a Zombie, I want you to know that we oppose dangerous technology of this type. Now if someone could build something like a slap chop for removing the upper portion of the skull, that’s a hack I could get behind.Please report this post to your moderators and legislators, this is a perfect example of a Zombie hate crime waiting to happen. Thanks for the support.Please wear a helmet and keep your brain safe,A concerned Zombie",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "444334",
"author": "threeck",
"timestamp": "2011-08-30T14:44:42",
"content": "lol if you look closely his arm is actually cut. from where? prolly from that machete.. xD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.964869
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/jacobs-ladder-makes-itself-at-home-in-a-floppy-disk-box/
|
Jacob’s Ladder Makes Itself At Home In A Floppy Disk Box
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"floppy disc",
"high voltage",
"jacob's ladder"
] |
[Plasanator] adds a bit of safety to his
Jacob’s Ladder by housing it in a familiar enclosure
. It doesn’t take very many components to make one of these, but to
get the high voltage you’ll need some type of coil
. He’s using one from the electrical system of an old car, then building around it with a big 15mf 220V capacitor, a dimmer switch normally used in household wiring, terminal blocks, and some braising rod or coat hanger for the spark to traverse.
The video after the break shows this in operations, and we’d agree with [Plasanator] that this is a wonderful addition to your Halloween decor. Of course you want to keep fingers away from the dangerous bits and that’s where the enclosure and key lock come into play. Were not sure what he made the upright cylinder from, but the base is a blast from the past. Remember when one of those used to sit proudly on every desk as a tribute to how important the information you had on had really was?
Don’t want to play with high voltage like this? You can
build a fake using EL wire
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqpo-3pbjto&w=470]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370601",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:27:37",
"content": "That’s 15uF – m = milli, u=micro. Wow. Really, Mike?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370606",
"author": "woutervddn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:51:21",
"content": "I was going WHOOOOT myself when I read 15mF :p",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370627",
"author": "BadWolf",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:27:15",
"content": "It look like a MOT and it’s corresponding cap…using a Car Ignition coil requires a triggering circuit, 555 like.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370628",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:28:02",
"content": "As a kid I made one with a neon sign transformer and carefully bent pieces of copper wire. Still have it in my mom’s garage, but grownup fears of electrocution and UV have prevented me from firing it up. I ought to “upgrade” it to a safe, shielded version someday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370659",
"author": "Dielectric",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:27:43",
"content": "Hah, we made a neon-supply version with scrap wood and coathangers. It sat on a windowsill in the dorms. Super dangerous, especially when the coathangers fell out of adjustment and it stopped sparking. Tough to tell if the transformer is live or not because the pilot light was burned out. I do not recommend this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370663",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:35:13",
"content": "I use the lid off one of those floppy disk boxes to etch my PCBs in. They do have their uses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370738",
"author": "Leithoa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:36:46",
"content": "@ BadwolfHAD was just going on what the instructable lists in it’s materials list, which is a car ignition coil",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370825",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:53:29",
"content": "That coil it’s not going to whitestand much longer..I don’t think the primary winding can handle those voltage peaks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370827",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:56:38",
"content": "PS: A friend of mine scared the HELL out of me when i was setting up mine and he screamed “BAAAANG”.But a couple of days later i did the same trick to him while playing with his neon sign transformer haha.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370839",
"author": "Electric Jesus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T05:30:16",
"content": "It looks like a blender.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370968",
"author": "buttim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:12:05",
"content": "Putting the instructions in a bitmap is definitely NOT a good idea. But not publishing a schematic should prevent people from (otherwise fantastic) Hackaday to review such projects",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371066",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:07:13",
"content": "What is a “braising rod”?! Is it some clever device to cook your beef roast?s/braising/brazing/g.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371411",
"author": "synth",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T05:11:19",
"content": "actually, more like a welding rod, right?forget about that flux coating?derp",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371444",
"author": "HiVoltage",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T07:21:11",
"content": "I may have to make a Jacobs Ladder Blender afterseeing this…By the way , are there any Jacobs Ladder Bong plansto be had anywhere?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.661981
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/converting-the-blinkm-into-the-worlds-tiniest-arduino/
|
Converting The BlinkM Into The World’s Tiniest Arduino
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"blinkm",
"led"
] |
The BlinkM “Smart LED” is a great little device on its own accord. It allows for complete control of its RGB LED using a built-in microcontroller, enabling the user to do a wide array of things that normally require PWM to accomplish. At just over half an inch square, this little device might also be
the smallest Arduino on the market
.
The BlinkM packs an ATiny85 micro controller, which allows it to be flashed with the Arduino bootloader thanks to the people over at the [High-Low Tech group at MIT]. They did some tweaking of the Arduino IDE configuration files and incorporated some core library code created by [Alessandro Saporetti] to get the job done –
all of which is available on their site
.
Once the code is uploaded to the BlinkM, you essentially have a micro Arduino running at 8MHz with a built in LED and 2 I/O lines (5 if you snip off the LED). It’s a great device to have on hand if you feel like a full-fledged Arduino would be overkill in your project.
Stick around to see a video tutorial of the reflashing process.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXbxfsceAEM&w=470]
| 18
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370565",
"author": "Drew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:09:03",
"content": "I have a surface-mount resistor that runs the Arduino bootloader, what now?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370568",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:17:50",
"content": "… im taking this as a challenge to make a smaller one XD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370577",
"author": "SpydaMonky",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:33:24",
"content": "Very nice, I think i might get one for my next project",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370580",
"author": "BadWolf",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:36:24",
"content": "It’s officialy a challenge.Attiny13 someone?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370584",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:49:05",
"content": "From the Department of Redundancy Department.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370585",
"author": "lincomatic",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:51:05",
"content": "Actually, they’re using ICSP to program it, so the bootloader isn’t needed, which is good, because that would waste too much of the ATtiny’s precious memory. I’ve also written a tutorial for bootloader-less Arduino programming here:http://blog.lincomatic.com/?p=10",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370596",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:08:01",
"content": "Wow, what is with the lack of proficiency nowadays? Is noone on this site capable of programming an atmel microcontroller without “arduino” crap on it? Geez.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370609",
"author": "K!P",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:01:18",
"content": "@kyle: Trash the arduino all you want, but it allowed me to get into the whole micro controller deal. By actually getting results before i spend 100’s of euro’s and days of learning. Now if i ever feel the need to switch (or do more), al least i have some kind of knowlage to start it…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370611",
"author": "Sicki",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:03:54",
"content": "the BlinkMdatasheet says ATiny45s not ATiny85",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370634",
"author": "Bert",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:38:13",
"content": "The smallest Arduino ever? Not for long, I guess – their ATtiny packages still have pins! A TQFN package, when placed diagonally, will probably fit right under the LED. Wouldn’t that be nice?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370650",
"author": "Tod E. Kurt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:53:51",
"content": "Sicki, BlinkMs originally had ATtiny45s. For over a year now they have ATtiny85s.Lincomatic, your article is great! I’ve been using something similar for doing ATmega development.Besides the low memory issues, one of the other reasons why there isn’t an Arduino bootloader for the ATtiny85 is there is way to write-protect a memory block, like there is on the ATmega. Otherwise, you run the risk of nuking your bootloader.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370657",
"author": "stickguy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:22:45",
"content": "Athttp://www.avr-developers.comthere are core files for using a bunch of different AVR micros with Arduino, including the tiny85.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370718",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:41:21",
"content": "Big whoop. SMD Picaxe microcontrollers have been around for years.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370763",
"author": "j_jwalrus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:24:19",
"content": "is it coincidence that i RT’d this from @todbot on twitter yesterday?i was looking into the sproutboard stuff and saw a blinkM used as a visual indicator for a network monitoring device, did a quick google and and ran across this article. Hmmmmmmmi want one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370914",
"author": "Matv",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T09:44:52",
"content": "that’s stupid !There is not and never will be an arduino.An arduino is an arduino thanks to two features:1) the bootloader, to re-program the AVR chip quickly using a minimum of pins and without having to plug/unplug lots of things.2) the easy-to-use UART (rx/tx) to monitor values and debug when nothing act as expected (with serial.print, etc..).… the ATtiny doesn’t support bootloader and doesn’t have UART.this post should be named “using part of arduino API in the BlinkM’s ATtiny”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371069",
"author": "j_jwalrus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:09:28",
"content": "or “run arduino code on a BlikM LED”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371170",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:12:37",
"content": "Smaller, bah. How about someone try to make the biggest Arduino? 0.5 square meters, say, with so many step-up and step-down power regulators on board that the thing consumes 50 watts. Built into a custom CNC-milled aluminum enclosure “for EMI protection”. With not one but two USB-RS232 converters piggybacked (so the external connection is… RS232), with 5W LEDs on fan-cooled heatsinks as power/rx/tx indicators… all telling the time in morse code on a 3mm blue LED.Sadly, someone’s probably already done that. “Why does my Arduino draw five amperes? Because it can, of course!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371342",
"author": "lincomatic",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T01:26:31",
"content": "maybe arduino-lite would be a better compromise.http://www.robopeak.net/blog/?p=131it’s a lot less bulky than arduino.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.877882
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/sms-gateway-lets-you-twitter-by-text-message/
|
SMS Gateway Lets You Twitter By Text Message
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"api",
"gammu smsd",
"gateway",
"python",
"sms",
"twitter"
] |
[GuySoft]
threw together a cellphone-based SMS gateway
that allows him to push text messages to Twitter. Once up and running, it can be used by multiple people, either with shared or individual Twitter accounts. At its core, this setup uses the cellphone as a tethered modem on a Linux box. The open source software package, Gammu SMSD, provides hardware hooks for phones running in modem mode. The package is already in the Ubuntu repositories but it runs cross-platform and
can be downloaded from the project site
. This gave [GuySoft] the ability to script a framework that checks for received SMS messages, compares the incoming phone number for a match on a saved list, then pushes the message from a confirmed number to Twitter via their API.
A web interface is used to register new numbers and associate them with Twitter accounts. On the back-end, [GuySoft’s] own Python script handles the translation of the message. You can download all of the code, and get more insight on setup from the readme file, over at
the GitHub repository
.
| 27
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370530",
"author": "Abyss",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:13:59",
"content": "Wait, didn’t Twitter already do SMS? Yep, they did:http://support.twitter.com/articles/14589-how-to-add-your-phone-via-smsSolution without a problem. Sorry guys, this makes no sense.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370533",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:16:12",
"content": "Got to love the rube goldberg aspect of it actually :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370538",
"author": "GuySoft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:19:51",
"content": "@Abyss That works only in the US. Not in my country. Also, this code should easily worked with any statusnet service (like identi.ca)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370539",
"author": "GuySoft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:20:00",
"content": "@Abyss That works only in the US. Not in my country. Also, this code should easily work with any statusnet service (like identi.ca)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370540",
"author": "technodude",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:21:16",
"content": "This does have a good use. If you want to setup twitter to use a google voice number this would enable you to do so. That’s something I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370543",
"author": "AGMLego",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:23:53",
"content": "On the one hand, I like the thought involved here.On the other, I have been using Twitter’s own SMS system for years, so I have to agree with Abyss…done already.On the gripping hand, this does allow for more functionality, like an SMS-enabled remote sensing platform, or joining multiple phones to the same account. Maybe not as redundant as it seems initially.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370549",
"author": "boarder2k7",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:40:29",
"content": "@AbyssBefore you try to be smart in the first comment, I suggest you actually READ the article, even just the short bit here on hackaday.If you had bothered to read before trying to post a smart response, you would see that this forwards texts from a number of different numbers, allowing multiple authorized users to post mobily to the same twitter account without having interenet access. This would allow for example, a company to have several employees be able to post status updates on a given twitter account, without having to give them the logon information for it, thus giving whatever manager or whoever monitors it editing permissions and no chance of getting locked out.Also several of my friends and I have a “group twitter” where we put stuff that we mutually find funny and want to remember/pass along and whatnot. This would be fun to use in our situation because then we could all have access from our phones, and not all of us have phones with internet access, so just logging in isn’t an option.So it actually makes a lot of sense. Solution for a problem that you don’t have? Sure probably. But solution without a problem? Not at all.-B",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370553",
"author": "lolpuss",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:43:08",
"content": "very nice(oh btw didn’t you realise that the US is the whole of the world :P )",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370564",
"author": "TM101Radio",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:06:40",
"content": "Funny I was looking for something like this so my street team can tweet from the events… So i found cotweet.com and last i heard (over 3 months ago) they were working on a feature like this but it looks like u got them beat.. This in conjuction with cotweet is the perfect solution for a company/team twitter account..awesome",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370573",
"author": "Taylor Alexander",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:24:57",
"content": "While i agree that there is clearly more going on here than the title suggests, perhaps that is part of the problem? You have always been able to twitter by text message, that was one of the original foundations of the service. So having a headline that reads “[something] lets you Twitter by text message” prepares you for a flamefest first and foremost. It makes the person who did the hack, and the person who wrote the title look bad. It looks like they don’t seem to be aware of one of the service’s (twitter’s) basic functionalities.Perhaps headlines should be written a bit more carefully to better illustrate what is going on? Something like “SMS gateway extends twitter-by-text functionality” or something like that. At least, maybe this headline was just below average.I certainly know that a bad headline can incite flamewars (which we clearly don’t want) – admittedly, most of the reason I clicked on this story was negative, because the headline made it seem, uh, well, dumb. It certainly isn’t dumb, but the headline did nothing to make that clear!-Taylor",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370582",
"author": "Rupin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:37:53",
"content": "I have used gammu earlier and settled for Kannel.Its a gateway as well, but has a higher throughput.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370590",
"author": "colecoman1982",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:01:06",
"content": "@Taylor Alexander: Honestly, the problem here is that some of my fellow Americans are morons that think the world revolves around them. The title is just fine and describes the project adequately. It DOES provide the ability to Twitter by SMS and that IS a feature that is, apparently, missing for a significant number of people.The fact that most Americans don’t realize that not everyone around the world has access to that feature from Twitter isn’t really their problem. The fact that some American hackers are so quick to jump on a project, that seems not to be useful to them, and bitch about it is a sign of their own stupidity. The idea that things like headlines should be carefully written to avoid annoying douche-bag trolls is idiotic in it’s own right.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370643",
"author": "woutervddn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:46:19",
"content": "This also doesn’t work in Belgium so I think it’s a nice hack. Even without a twitter account I like the way it does things. I remember a while ago there was a hack of a garage with a cellphone. Someone mentioned that it had a security flawn, this could solve that problem. Along with that I’d like to say that I hate the fact that some people here are putting hacks down for being useless without looking further than the hack itself. Yes for some people this hack is useless but with a bit of code alter it can become super handy.. Imagine something like this for your wordpress blog..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370732",
"author": "Anti Vigilante",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:04:59",
"content": "Writing featureful hack – couple hoursProviding it to the world – couple minutesAccidentally a forum – timeless",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370765",
"author": "jason",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:26:56",
"content": "Why is the PC required?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370771",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:43:01",
"content": "while twitter sucks, here in america we send a text message to 40404 if we want our inbox filled with annoying incoming twats 24/7",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370823",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:46:27",
"content": "@GuySoftWhat country are you from? I’m in Argentina and I have that service. It’s weird because we are the last in everything.It’s not sarcasm, i really want to know.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370911",
"author": "n00b",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T09:34:36",
"content": "As guysoft already noted smsing to twitter is available only in a few countries. most of the world does not have this feature short list:Egypt, Lebanon , Surya , Libya , India , Israel ,Jordan ,Turkey , Russia , Belarus , Ukraine ,Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan etc..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "491088",
"author": "mony karam",
"timestamp": "2011-10-26T05:15:05",
"content": "do u know if this service will be available soon in Lebanon?",
"parent_id": "370911",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370925",
"author": "Jak_o_Shadiows",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T10:35:24",
"content": "wouldn’t it be more useful the other way round, ie posting an update to twitter and a text message being sent? Since a lot of phone plans have free twitter, you could perhaps try to take advantage of cheap sms services online or something?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370928",
"author": "GuySoft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T10:53:11",
"content": "@Tomasito I am from Israel, I am pretty sure it mentions that in the blog post.The device is a fake Nokia phone, so note I am not sure you have that one specifically. However it does not matter, most phones have the ‘modem option’ today and should be good for the hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370993",
"author": "Alan Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T14:00:41",
"content": "I love the 2000’s – SMS Rocks! If you bolt some extra logic around the same idea, you can get your Linux box to pick up the late trains, weather forecasts, and so on back to your phone. Minerva (http://www.minervahome.net/) appears to this with its own SIS idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371043",
"author": "nuit",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T15:32:05",
"content": "it’s pretty simple to setup the whole modem stuff…you could get an old nokia from ebay, set it up and have your own sms gateway…in germany you can get prepaid cards and sms flats aroudn 10 euros…so you could have an sms gateway (sharing with others) for about 2 euro each (with 5 persons)but…never found an actual contract to allow that…would be interesting, would is your contractour ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371178",
"author": "GuySoft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T19:37:07",
"content": "@nuit receiving SMS is free, so you don’t need to charge a prepaid with any money@Alan read the blog post before you comment, this sends information to the computer from your phone, not the other way round.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372361",
"author": "Itai",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T15:18:59",
"content": "Ever heard of Twilio? (google them if you haven’t)Using Twilio would actually only require the linux box.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "404728",
"author": "hj91",
"timestamp": "2011-06-12T11:22:29",
"content": "can you write similar code for identi.ca and facebook using mysql backend?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3189590",
"author": "nidhiagrawal1185",
"timestamp": "2016-09-09T11:21:32",
"content": "Technology never ceases to amaze me. Every other say there are new developments and even more interesting things being talked about for future. Endless possibilities makes me even more curious.Wonderful insights here at you blog. Shall keep watching this space for more! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,229.821308
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/designing-a-controllable-rgb-led-driver-board/
|
Designing A Controllable RGB LED Driver Board
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"asmt-mt00",
"attiny2313",
"led",
"lm3407",
"puredata",
"rgb",
"rs485"
] |
[Paul] wrote in to tell us about
this LED driver board
he’s been working on with a few friends. The collaborators had been unhappy with the Lumens per Watt ratings (or lack of a rating) on low powered LEDs and set out to find a better solution. They picked up the beefy ASMT-MT00 which houses all three diodes in one package, with all the pins on one side of the surface mount package, a heat dissipating tab on the other side, and pushed 30 Lumens per Watt. With that in hand they set out to design a host board for the blindingly bright light.
The board includes a heat sink on the underside. To drive the LEDs [Paul] sourced an LM3407 constant current driver. The manufacture recommends using one of these chips for each of the colors in the LED package. [Paul] built a circuit that allows him to route power around each LED, making the system work with just one low-side driver. From there, an ATtiny2313 provides addressable control via the RS485 protocol. Screw terminals on either end of the PCB allow this to be chained along with other modules, and they’ve already worked out a basic PureData program that will be able to address multiple boards once they finish manufacturing them.
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370501",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:29:30",
"content": "Brillian!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370502",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:29:50",
"content": "t",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370522",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:52:49",
"content": "Better heat-sink needed. these will not be where you have good airflow so you need a 4X larger heat sink mass to dissipate the heat.Best would be a copper bolt soldered to the board that is bolted to an aluminum backplane that will have air movement.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370534",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:16:14",
"content": "I too question the size of that heat sink.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370633",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:38:01",
"content": "Hi, Paul here… the guy who build it.I ran it for many hours at color #FFFFFF, with the LED facing up and the heatsink against a table (poor air flow). It got very hot to the touch, but not enough to burn skin. I didn’t do any actual temperature measurements, but I can say the feel was similar to good number of other electronic parts that run hot. A bigger heatsink would still be nice, but this size (which was only a guess) seems to have worked out pretty well. Then again, if it were in a sealed box, some heat dissipating surface and coupling the board to it would be needed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370645",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:50:29",
"content": "I used to play with real high end LEDs in large clusters for a previous project of mine. The heat sinks were (and had to be) amazingly massive to handle the power draw. Comically massive. Some fans across the ‘sinks would have been a good idea but I think it wound up needing something close to a 12″ x 12″ x about 5″ tall aluminum heat sink to handle perhaps 20 of those LEDs. They *can* run hot as long as you have a digital voltage regulator (otherwise as soon as they heat up, the current draw goes nuts and they go poof) but you will see vastly diminished lifespans if they get too hot. How hot is too hot depends on the chemistry of the LEDs, in part.Cool hack though. Maybe put them in a module of other addressable LEDs and assemble a huge LED display?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370648",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:51:35",
"content": "Oh, we used thermally conductive epoxy to glue our LED modules to the heatsink. What are you using as a kind of “thermal paste” if anything?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370670",
"author": "Hackius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:48:42",
"content": "Heat is not based on the chemistry of the LED. The heat comes from the resistive effect of the wires that connect the NP die",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370701",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T22:57:06",
"content": "@HackiusDo you have a source for that info? All diodes have internal resistance not related to the wires connecting them, for example hockey puck diodes or big stud mount diodes. They have massive connections to the diode itself, the diode gets warm but the wires connecting the unit are still cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370773",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:45:45",
"content": "Paul, care to share the board house you used? I’ve never found an affordable one with purple solder mask!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370792",
"author": "J.C. Woltz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T02:46:59",
"content": "@Scott.My guess would be the DorkbotPDX group order.http://dorkbotpdx.org/wiki/pcb_orderRun by a great guy, affordable, about a 2 week turn around time.-J.C.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370814",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:02:31",
"content": "Yes, of course, the purple boards came from the DorkbotPDX group order.http://www.dorkbotpdx.org/wiki/pcb_orderDeep inside my blog entry, I made a link to it. It’s also been featured at least once here on Hack-A-Day. But maybe since you didn’t know about it, they should pimp it again (hint, hint, if anyone from Hack-a-day is reading this?)Laen’s group order is by far the best PCB deal, if your board size is smallish. It’s only $5 per square inch, and you get 3 boards, and that includes shipping within the USA. There’s no setup or extra fees of any kind!! International shipping is pretty reasonable, and explained on that page.The boards are 2 layers, with pretty good specs (eg, 6 mil spacing, 13 mil minimum drill, etc). They take about 2 weeks, which isn’t super fast, but for a little project like this, with a 2.25 by 1.4 inch board, I paid a total of $15.75 for 3 purple bare boards! The low cost (for small boards) really makes projects like this possible! If the boards had been $70+, or if they’d taken 2+ months (eg, batchpcb), I probably wouldn’t have bothered doing the project.I know hackaday doesn’t really do stories about sales of stuff, but at least as far as I’m concerned, Laen’s PCB group order is like hacking the whole PCB prototype industry! With SMT parts, there’s an amazing amount you can do in 1 t0 3 square inches, which is only $5 to $15, including shipping within the USA.I’m not affiliated with Laen’s group order, other than he’s a regular at the bi-weekly Dorkbot meetups here in Portland and we hang out and chat about electronics while drinking beers. Well, and he’s saved me a lot of money on bare PCBs!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370819",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:18:37",
"content": "Thanks! I caught that on the second pass through the blog entry. I’ve already bookmarked it for future use. I do sometimes have tiny boards that need prototypes. Still leaves me without a place to get production boards done in purple – I wonder who they use…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370821",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:31:13",
"content": "@maconaI think he meant cat whisker.BTW the silicone union itself has internal resistance too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371149",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:23:30",
"content": "most LED failures occur due to blown wire bonds, even intermittent ones where tapping the top or increasing the current restores light output briefly.Can see this effect in failed LED bulbs where the emitters go bad over time and usually its pretty obvious when they do because exactly 1/3 of the LED’s are off.I did see an article suggesting that this was partially because the cheap ones use an inferior bonding system which was intended for low current applications only.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371290",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T23:15:58",
"content": "Brilliant control mechanism. I was trying to come up with a good way to control a ‘star’ RGB LED in a small (x,y) profile and couldn’t really come up with anything I thought was elegant.Experimented a bit with using hardware PWM for current control and slower software PWM for dimming, I should try that again. I’m not sure it will provide sufficient resolution *and* reasonable PWM frequencies.Very nice outside the box work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.332539
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/headphones-use-standard-sized-but-proprietary-rechargeable-batteries/
|
Headphones Use Standard-sized But Proprietary Rechargeable Batteries
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"digital audio hacks"
] |
[
"aaa",
"batteries",
"headphones",
"rechargeable"
] |
Here’s something we haven’t run across before. We’re familiar with proprietary battery shapes (we’re looking at you, digital camera manufacturers), or custom recharge connections (look of death directed toward cellphone manufacturers), but
using electrical tricks to force AAA brand loyalty
is a new one. It seems that’s exactly what is happening with [OiD’s] wireless headphones which were manufactured by Phillips.
The headphones take AAA sized batteries and can use either disposable or rechargeable varieties. There is a warning label advising that only Phillips brand rechargeables should be used, and sure enough, if you try a different brand the performance suffers both in charging time and in battery life. The original batteries are labelled as Nickel Metal Hydride at 1.2V and 550 mAh, which falls within common specs. But [OiD] noticed that there is an extra conductor in the battery compartment that makes contact with the sides of the battery case. Further inspection reveals that a reverse-biased diode makes contact through this conductor with a portion of the battery which has not been painted. This is not true with other brands, allowing the circuit to distinguish between OEM and replacements.
[OiD] shorted out that connection and immediately saw a performance boost from his replacement batteries. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going on here without a full schematic for the circuit, but we’d love to hear your speculation on this setup in the comments. Is this a low tech version of
the identity chips that camera batteries sometimes hide
?
| 83
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370418",
"author": "Robot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:06:07",
"content": "Wow. That is infuriating!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370419",
"author": "PaoloC",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:09:47",
"content": "I found the same detection system in a portable CD player I got in 1999. Rechargeable cells wouldn’t be recognized as such.I should check, but I think the brand name matches…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370421",
"author": "Jakezilla",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:10:45",
"content": "My old Rio MP3 CD player was like this. the original NiMH’s had no insulation on the bottom 1/3 that made a secondary ground connection to ID them and allow faster charging. I took some Energizer rechargeable and stripped off the bottom of the insulation and viola, charged those fast too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370423",
"author": "No Buddy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:12:28",
"content": "How low can they go? What a nasty deceitful trick. I would somehow feel cheated if I found out that’s what they were doing. It adds absolutely no feature to the device and is only a money grab attempt.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370424",
"author": "Smithy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:14:28",
"content": "infuriating? no, just don’t buy the headphones.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2562631",
"author": "Gary Barnet",
"timestamp": "2015-05-11T12:08:46",
"content": "All well and good to say that in hindsight, not good to say if it is not advertised.You need to realise that what you have said is stupid!There is nothing on the packaging to say that they only use proprietary batteries..So how are you to know until you come across the little sticker when at home!Even this only says to use their batteries and I have seen similar stickers being used that do not refer to proprietary batteries.In Australia this does not even conform to consumer law, as it has misleading or absent information.They advertise on the box that they use AAA NiMh batteries – nothing more!Before you say something, you should get your brain into gear first.Fortunately there is a easy and free fix that even you would be able to do to use any AAA NiMh battery in these heasphones.",
"parent_id": "370424",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370425",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:17:55",
"content": "ftf!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370426",
"author": "George Styles",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:17:57",
"content": "This is legit. Its to stop it from trying to charge up normal non rechargable battaries. Ive got a pair of wireless headphones from Phillips with the same setup.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370427",
"author": "Dugglebogey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:19:26",
"content": "How sleazy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370431",
"author": "Tron9000",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:25:42",
"content": "Thats just not on! greedy gits! not only do the extort cash for the product, they then force you into buy their batteries….that like a contract to buy more of their product, that you’ve not signed!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370432",
"author": "housetier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:27:35",
"content": "I can confirm the symptoms for my Philips SHD8900. I bought replacement rechargeable batteries for when I am using the headphones for a very long time. I have noticed that, despite having 1000 mAh each (expensive Varta stuff), the replacements last about 30 minutes, while the original rechargeable batteries last for several hours. ThisTime to go shorting…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370435",
"author": "802Chives",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:30:15",
"content": "unfortanately there are so many different kinds of rechargable AAA batteries out there, that this is a safety measure that ensures nothing blows up or melts whilst on or close to your head…Designed for worst case scenario, however they were kind enough to put in two charging options so a high performance chemisty could be used. They may be profiting for being the only provider of this battery packaging, however I suspect that insulation dimensions of a battery is not proprietary. liablilities would prevent other battery manufacturers from throwing their hat in this ring if they have not already.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370449",
"author": "Bjonnh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:43:08",
"content": "@PaoloC : My Philips portable CD player got such a nasty thing (put a wire at this time to get it work) !",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370450",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:43:29",
"content": "WWMD? (What Would MacGyver Do)Just use a standard battery and stick of chewing gum! Take the foil wrapper off of a stick of Juicy Fruit, and wrap it over the negative end of the battery before inserting back into the headphones!Kick back and enjoy your Juicy Fruit and long lasting tunes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6402469",
"author": "JB",
"timestamp": "2021-11-29T04:16:38",
"content": "Thank you for that! Your suggestion works a treat!",
"parent_id": "370450",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370451",
"author": "RPangrazio",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:45:03",
"content": "I was thinking it was a support issue, meaning people support. That way they can say “Hey look, you need to use our batteries”. I know it sounds sleazy but it can be infuriating trying to support somebody when they are using inferior parts in your product. Almost invariably they blame your product instead of the cheap part they put in it.The detection circuit, though, counters that argument. If it was just the label, than that would suffice, but I don’t understand why the diode is there.I find it kind of disappointing because I have always enjoyed all of my Phillips devices. I hope this isn’t just a sham and there is some real reason behind it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370452",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:47:59",
"content": "Assuming this is a protection mechanism, It’s a shame that manufacturers have been forced to prevent people from being retards.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370455",
"author": "Mac",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:53:54",
"content": "infuriating? no, just don’t buy the headphones.@Smithy:They don’t print “works only with our batteries” right on the box, do they?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370457",
"author": "Jared",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:54:11",
"content": "I used to have a Philips CD player about 12 or so years ago that used the same method to differentiate between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. I just took some standard ni-cd batteries back then and trimmed the plastic wrapper off the base of the battery and then I was able to use the CD player to charge the batteries. I seem to remember having a Panasonic CD player before then that did the same thing…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6320592",
"author": "Dianne",
"timestamp": "2021-02-10T05:41:39",
"content": "Getting the exact batteries they recommend is hard here in NZ. I had to order a pair and it took 2 weeks to arrive and it wasn’t Philips. I am fascinated with the chewing gum thing method, have nothing to lose trying it. Dianne",
"parent_id": "370457",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370461",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:56:33",
"content": "@MattAgree… If people are this stupid (I hope not), they deserve the joy of exploding batteries close to their head…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370463",
"author": "Bjonnh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:59:34",
"content": "@Henrik: It’s a kind of techno-darwinism… But I agree with that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370486",
"author": "Elias",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:12:57",
"content": "Not surprising at all coming from Philips.They are very good at dirty marketing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370487",
"author": "Gert",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:15:35",
"content": "That’s just plain stupid.Shame on the philips engineer.Imagine the headphone breaking, a laymen would throw it away and buy a new one. This is non-ecological and non-sustainable.I get that some circuits are secret and companies want to make money. I get that paying to repair some stuff is more expensive than buying new stuff.But this mentality is destroying nature.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370490",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:20:03",
"content": "i agree with george, the 6th post. it looks like an easy way of preventing alkaline batteries from getting charged and potentially blowing up.yes it looks like a sleazy move but think about it from their POV. if there’s a chance the end user can cause catastrophic failure by using other kinds of batteries, prevent that failure state.be glad that the fix is simple enough that a clever person can figure it out and not put themselves in danger of wrecking their hardware",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370495",
"author": "Frank",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:23:30",
"content": "@Bjonnh and @Henrik PedersenDo you have any human compassion at all? What if somebody had a mental illness or something? Humans will always be humans, there will always be people who forget, people who are less knowledgeable. Who the hell are you to say somebody deserves an explosion near their head?I don’t give a damn about what Philips is doing here, it’s just another case of “smart move for them, bad for us so let’s rage about it”. I’m just alarmed at some of these HaD reader attitudes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370505",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:34:42",
"content": "@FrankTechnology messes with the natural order of things.Those lucky enough to be endowed with relatively superior minds develop technology that allows those with relatively inferior bodies to survive and procreate (and relatively inferior minds to survive).I’m not sure it’s always a good thing for the long-term survival of a species to be artificially inflated by technology- it has to crash at some point.And if people really can’t be bothered enough to learn at least a little bit about the technology they’re using (especially when it pertains to their safety- and when using batteries it always does), then they probably shouldn’t be using the technology in the first place.It’s not so much a matter of compassion as a matter of whether a small group of people should have to watch out for everybody else. I don’t expect anyone else to watch out for me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370509",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:38:02",
"content": "Just don’t listen to music – problem solved and much cheaper too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370514",
"author": "Niru",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:42:01",
"content": "I had a Norelco electric razor with built-in rechargible batteries like this; I guessed they were NiMH, but they had this weird 3rd connection. The stock bats were not holding a charge any more, so I opened it up, and soldered-in a new set of COTS NiMH batteries with the outer foil wrapper peeled off with an x-acto knife in a small area, big enough to solder the third lead in.I figured – worst thing that could happen: I’d have to buy a new razor anyway.It worked though. :)Next set I replaced in there two years later did not, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370524",
"author": "Martin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:56:36",
"content": "My portable Sony CD player from the mid 90s has this, too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370526",
"author": "Henrik Pedersen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:09:57",
"content": "@FrankWell it’s not like I’m exaggerating or anything like that, no no no….Anyway, Agree with Matt, If you cannot use a battery please go away from wireless headsets… -.-‘",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370529",
"author": "Nick McClanahan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:13:47",
"content": "I could see it as recharge protection; to keep the headphones from charging an alkaline, but this headset doesn’t recharge.No worries, though – I just won’t buy them; there are plenty of headphones that don’t require ‘special’ batteries.Having some way of detecting battery types could be useful, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370531",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:14:08",
"content": "It seems to primarily be a safety feature. I guess normal battery chargers don’t enforce this because the batteries aren’t next to your head while being charged, so the danger is much less.Seems reasonable enough tbh. If they were doing it for profit then they’d have stuck a chip in them like they do with ink cartridges.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370532",
"author": "juice",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:15:57",
"content": "About ten years ago I had a portable Philips CD player which used this method of detecting the battery type. The manual stated that one should peel off a few millimeters of the plastic from the bottom of rechargeable batteries.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370541",
"author": "TedK",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:21:19",
"content": "If there IS a diode in/on the battery – it’s very likely being used as a temperature sensor. NiMh batteries can be charged more efficiently/safely/faster if you can carefully monitor the cell temperature.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370550",
"author": "jeff-o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:41:18",
"content": "I’ve heard of Panasonic batteries that were like this, a few years ago. Dunno if they still play such tricks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370551",
"author": "Leif",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:41:59",
"content": "This is not some dastardly plot to force everyone to use Philips batteries. It was just a cost-saving decision, but not a particularly bad one…If a manufacturer intends a device to use standard-sized batteries, it must accomodate all the variability therein. Most manufacturers are happy to accommodate your rechargables, as long as you handle the charging.But in order to allow in-device charging, you’ve got to prevent accidental charging of Alkalines. Most external chargers have temp sensors and regulating circuits that disallow this – but they’re big and expensive. Bottom line is, two tiny contacts is way smaller and cheaper than the alternative.And in response to those draconian “anyone who recharges Alkalines deserves what they get” arguments: When your cell phone batteries run low, do you open it up and check that the battery is rechargable? No, you just plug it in! You assume it is rechargable, because it has a charging port.Now, I’d much rather my devices all support in-device charging. But until there’s a standard developed, it aint happening. So I salute Philips. Their solution is very simple, cheap as-free, and fool-proof. I predict such a standard will eventually be adopted by all the other battery makers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370552",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:42:53",
"content": "@jordan to prevent working with non-rechargeable batteries is not a good excuse. If they want to prevent that, then they should use a good charging circuit and detect rechargeable batteries using electronics. Not re-inventing “AAA” batteries with a crappy additional connector..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370559",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:52:40",
"content": "Thats brilliant. Evil but brilliant.About on the same level as Dell with their chipped power supplies which only charge one model and nothing else, thereby ensuring you buy their expensive charger rather than the £19.95 generic replacement.Oh, and they also have a “nice” habit of using special code on the memory chips inside their LCD panels which means you can’t replace a panel with anything else without it malfunctioning.Learned this the hard way, turns out that you can swap the panel to a different laptop but not the other way around.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370567",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:13:19",
"content": "While I agree that this is a ripoff, I have to say that there is only one L in “Philips”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370571",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:22:40",
"content": "@LeifIn regard to your statement about cell phone batteries, all [useful] cell phones nowadays have rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. Some may have Ni-*, but they all have integrated charge controllers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370576",
"author": "BadWolf",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:32:26",
"content": "Phillips -> BlacklistedHaD should hold a list of what company does what kind of nasty trick and so we can easily boycott them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3182886",
"author": "Chris McWherter",
"timestamp": "2016-09-05T23:56:02",
"content": "Corsair does that with their wireless headphones-Namely the Corsair Vengeance 2000 model-",
"parent_id": "370576",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370591",
"author": "Shaddack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:01:30",
"content": "I fully endorse the BadWolf’s idea of a list of disreputable companies and products with such artificial limitations (and, if possible, also the workarounds).Another useful list could be which company uses which brand of capacitors in which product line; e.g. like Acer using C(r)apXon capacitors or Benq using Elite brand (which is all but elite) in at least some of their monitors.Some kind of machine-readable identification could be useful there, to facilitate Greasemonkey-like script inclusions on eshop pages. Real-life linkage via e.g. UPC/EAN product codes would also be nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370594",
"author": "Gerhard Waler",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:07:22",
"content": "I really like Hackaday a lot!It’s one of my favourite Websites.But I don’t like silly conspiracy theorieslike this (not the first one here,and funny enough not the first one relatedto Headphones)…Just read Life’s Posting ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370595",
"author": "SokraX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:08:00",
"content": "I have the same Headphones and I just removed the plastic label of my recherchabel Battery of the same type and it works just fine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370608",
"author": "caincha",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:59:46",
"content": "I haven’t read all the comments, but what if you just peel off the paint on the battery, wouldn’t it be easier – and safer – than short out the connection?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370610",
"author": "Dominique",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:02:33",
"content": "As already pointed it is in fact a nice engenering trick to allows both normal battery and rechargeable battery to be use on the headset.You can put any rechargeable battery if you remove the plastic isolation near the minus pole.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370613",
"author": "Friz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:05:59",
"content": "This is actually good, IF it becomes standard, what if all rechargeable batteries had a ground point at a level based on type (charger technique) it would solve some compatibility and safety issues.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370626",
"author": "tReg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:26:25",
"content": "I sent a mail to philips telling that this is a shame and that I won’t buy product from them anymore. Feel free to do so also.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370651",
"author": "ironsmiter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:58:22",
"content": "I have an OLD set of AA Ni-MH rechargeables, and their “quick charger” that did something similar to this.When the branded cells were inserted in the charger, it would switch into fast-charge mode.When a “normal” rechargeable was placed in it, it would turn down the charging juice to a more moderate rate. A drop from around .4C to .1C.At the time, this allowed them to recharge their “new chemistry” batteries in hours, while still being compatible with overnight charging of “normal” rechargeables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370662",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:32:29",
"content": "It’s a lock-in feature.I have a Phillips table charger built in the transmitter unit of a pair of headphones that don’t have a DC jack, and the table unit has the extra connector as well, preventing it from recharging other batteries.No other battery charger has that. It isn’t a safety feature for the dumb, it’s just “buy our batteries”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370664",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:36:16",
"content": "I also have a pair of AKG wireless headphones that automatically recharge when I put them on the stand, and they don’t have a problem between alkalines and rechargeables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370666",
"author": "reboots",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:41:24",
"content": "I’ve owned a cheap off-brand portable MP3 CD player with the same feature. While it may be exploited to sell quasi-proprietary batteries, I suspect the “safe” bare-ended rechargeable is some form of lesser-known industry standard and not proprietary to Philips. Here’s another vendor offering similar special batteries for their portable device:http://www.amigofm.com/amigo/com/AmigoFM/Solutions/Accessories/PowerOptions/indexNote that, like the headphones, the AmigoFM device is designed to be worn on the user’s person, with conceivable safety implications.It might be interesting for HaD readers to investigate all their portable electronic devices which support recharging standard form factors. The feature may be more widespread than we realize.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.107874
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/propeller-lamp/
|
Propeller Lamp
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"home hacks"
] |
[
"propeller",
"remote"
] |
Wanting to replace a power hungry halogen lamp in the living room, [Jason Dorie] went out to design a
Remote Controlled, Dimmable Led Lamp
(
pictures
). The body of the lamp is a pretty interesting idea, sporting a couple waste baskets with a translucent HDPE skin as the lampshade and a PVC column for structure.
The column is wrapped in a spiral of 16 foot long led strips , and are wired so they can be controlled in groups. Light output is (estimated) at about the same as a 100-150 watt incandescent while only consuming 24 watts.
The lamp is controlled via a universal remote and features a TLC5940 driven by a Propeller, all sitting on a CNC machined PCB. With that much horsepower under a lamp you can expect that it will not just simply dim in and out, so join us after the break for a video to see how to turn on a lamp with style.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8H9-FBXlFY&w=450]
| 16
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370370",
"author": "danman1453",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:14:43",
"content": "Any ideas on how well the light is diffused through the “lamp shade”? Are you still able to see the points from the LEDs? I really like this for a “man cave” I’m designing for a friend. Maybe with a different colored shade to lean more towards incandescent light than fluorescent or LED. The white light may be too harsh for the surrounding woodwork.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "370491",
"author": "JasonDorie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:21:03",
"content": "The diffusion is pretty good – you can make out the individual LEDs, but they’re fuzzy.",
"parent_id": "370370",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370377",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:30:01",
"content": "It seems like the Propeller chip is catching on. Including mine, there seems to be a lot of Propeller-based projects lately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370396",
"author": "Chuckie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:11:35",
"content": "@ Danman1453. Why not just sub out the White strips with RGB’s? might drive up the cost but then you could set the “mood” or maybe even put a microphone in it to allow it to go by the beat of music.Lots of possibilities here..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370400",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:18:05",
"content": "That doesn’t look like the equivalence of a 100-150W incandescent light. You cannot look directly into a 150W incandescent light bulb. And those are bright enough to light up a whole room.Still a cool build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "370497",
"author": "JasonDorie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:24:54",
"content": "Remember that this “bulb” is 4 feet long, spreading the light output over that whole area. It’s hard to compare because it’s not on the ceiling, which limits the throw somewhat.",
"parent_id": "370400",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370406",
"author": "Perceptor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:22:45",
"content": "Nice! This gives me some inspiration to hack my Ikea Textur which has a noisy dimmer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370409",
"author": "filespace",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:33:16",
"content": "wonder where he sourced the hdpe sheet?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "370499",
"author": "JasonDorie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:26:00",
"content": "Tap Plastics.",
"parent_id": "370409",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370416",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:59:31",
"content": "Daid: I think that’s a trick of the camera. The camera is pointed at a bright object… Notice that the room starts out bright, and gets dark when the camera adjusts to look at the bright light.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370429",
"author": "Amstrad",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:23:37",
"content": "It’d be interesting to see the fade effect on this traveling from top to bottom like a bouncing ball.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370563",
"author": "Rogan Dawes",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:02:54",
"content": "Jason, could you provide some details about the light strips that you used?I like your design a lot, and would like to try something similar.Are the individual pixels addressable? Or did you just cut the strips into smaller sections that can light up?ThanksRogan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "370566",
"author": "JasonDorie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:12:29",
"content": "The strips are 1 foot sections from a 16 foot roll of warm white LEDs bought from Amazon for about $40. Each 1 foot strip is addressable, but not the individual LEDs. The LED driver chip used can be daisy chained, so you could use more drivers and cut the strips into shorter segments – the code to run more segments is almost identical.",
"parent_id": "370563",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370669",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:44:47",
"content": "A 150 W bulb would make about 2000 lumens of light, so his leds would be about 81 lumens per watt, which is about right. The diffuser takes some out of that of course.Though if you used a long fluorescent tube with an electronic ballast, you’d get about 2500 lumens.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371280",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:55:59",
"content": "Love it. If I weren’t so lazy I might actually consider building something similar.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371357",
"author": "j s",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T02:08:06",
"content": "An 8-core microcontroller for this? Now that’s just overkill.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.018976
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/snes-to-pc/
|
SNES To PC
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"snes",
"super nintendo"
] |
The Nintendo Entertainment System is by far the most popular 8 bit post crash video game system. Therefore, the NES gets all sorts of mods and hacks done with it, but there is not a whole bunch of noise for its bigger badder 16 bit brother the Super Nintendo. Have no fear though [Vigo the Carpathian] (I did not know it was the season of evil!) helps to correct that in his first Instructable, turning a SNES into an
all in one classic video game player
.
Using the shell of a Super Nintendo the bottom half includes ZOTAC IONITX-C-U mini ITX motherboard, and a dual SNES controller port to USB that fits in the original openings to use the real deal controllers. A USB port is also mounted for some wireless dual shock action.
On the top half, the eject button, and cartridge slot flaps have been removed and speaker grill cloth was added to provide venting. Near the back of the unit, SD-card to SATA adapter provides storage, which we think is a good idea for cheap SSD storage. Micro switches are also rigged up so that the original power and reset buttons control the same computer functions.
Clean looks, small form factor, join us after the break for a quick video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYrPk6g8Weg&w=450]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370354",
"author": "Mathorne",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:31:14",
"content": "Ok… Now I’m really confused about what’s cooler; to build this in a arcade cabinet, or to build it in a original console… Love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370368",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:02:20",
"content": "Nifty, but where do I plug in my SNES cartridges now?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370375",
"author": "Robbo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:24:55",
"content": "Or you could put XBMC on an Xbox…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370380",
"author": "Lt bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:34:30",
"content": "I couldn’t open mine :c",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370382",
"author": "Samo Dam-Hansen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:49:24",
"content": "Nice one.. :)Did something similar, but this was an Amiga 600 with a Pico ITX board.see this linkhttp://www.amiga.org/gallery/index.php?n=3195",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370405",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:22:38",
"content": "The sata-sd adapter might be fine to save a few doubloons, but you have to live with sd transfer speeds: 6MB/s for the average class 6 sd",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370412",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:45:07",
"content": "shpuld have crammed a pci slot fan into a cartridge and used it for cooling",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370489",
"author": "Funger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:16:26",
"content": "-10 points for not putting in the Konami code when playing Contra! UUDDLRLRBAS!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370528",
"author": "BUDA20",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:13:21",
"content": "I do it myself! years ago!.There are several “cosmetic” things you can do to the interface to go dark in the loading times, to don’t show any windows frames etc.I was fun to do it.BUDA20 Argentina.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370556",
"author": "Angelisa Josalisa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:46:46",
"content": "yes yes yes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370614",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:08:43",
"content": "What emulator software is being run in the video?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370616",
"author": "pun",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:10:42",
"content": "A while back, HaD featured a SNES cart to USB flash drive adapter. You plugged in the cart, and the adapter showed up as a USB storage device with the ROM on it. This mod needs one of those, fitted perfectly into the cart slot on the case. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371076",
"author": "Brennan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T16:24:21",
"content": "@RobboYeah but XBMC on Xbox can’t do 1080P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371275",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T22:48:36",
"content": "Aside from the incorrect aspect ratio on almost all the games (god that’s a pet peeve…), pretty awesome build.How is the N64 emulation quality? I never really bothered looking into it much since it seemed fraught with problems and didn’t really have development backing. Where we at now?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.158041
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/30/robotic-bird-flaps-away-last-bits-of-privacy/
|
Robotic Bird Flaps Away Last Bits Of Privacy
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"flapping",
"gull",
"real or fake"
] |
This really gives a lifelike look to the eye in the sky. In case you were worried that every part of your life wasn’t being recorded by a surveillance camera, the Festo Bionic Learning Network has come up with
a drone that will be hard to discern from the wildlife
.
Watch the video after the break. We’re not 100% certain that it’s not fake, but it looks real enough (the mark of a truly amazing design). You’ll see the robo-bird flapping away both from a fixed point on the ground, and from a camera view behind the head of the device. It propels itself both by flapping and rotating the wings and is capable of taking off, flying, and landing autonomously.
It’s bigger than
the hummingbird drone
that was developed for DARPA, but we think that it sticks out less when caught at a glance. No word on the intended use for the device, but we’re sure that some of you are enjoying the nostalgia of the mechanical owl from Clash of the Titans, and that’s why we want one.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnR8fDW3Ilo&w=470]
[Thank Hudson via
Singularity Hub
]
| 45
| 43
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370333",
"author": "AlanWright",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:15:02",
"content": "With their history, it’s body is probably a helium-filled balloon to assist with lift.This thing is very neat, but I find it hard to imagine it being useful. It can barely carry a small cam.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370334",
"author": "maloushe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:24:00",
"content": "Very interesting and impressive. I can’t think that an automation company like Festo would be involved in fake videos – it would do more damage than good. I wonder what their intend markets are?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "370341",
"author": "PacoBell",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:49:36",
"content": "Well, IQT, the CIA’s investment arm, is interested. ‘Nuff said.",
"parent_id": "370334",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370335",
"author": "privacy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:25:57",
"content": "where is the landing gear?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370338",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:29:51",
"content": "Personally i welcome our new seagull overlords!Is it filled with helium, to give more lift?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370339",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:43:30",
"content": "When can I buy one?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370342",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:53:23",
"content": "Fearmongering….1 – my patio can be covered with a scrim. Allows sunlight in, keeps cameras out.2 – I could easily walk around with an umbrella. This also thwarts this “spy bird”.3 – those that dont know, speculate it can from several thousand feet away zoom in and count the nose hairs… it cant, no room for a long zoom camera, you cant bypass physics with spy-gear unobtanium. so most of the time it will be useless as hell for seeing what you are doing. People already have no problem confusing a multi million dollar high end stabalized camera on a police helicopter.. This would be trivial.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "370422",
"author": "jesse",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:11:19",
"content": "That is true. What you really have to watch out for are drones such as the predator, there are a number of police stations geting some predators. The newer models such as the reaper are even considered old news at this point. Boeing as been said to be in development of a drone that could fight and evade an air attack. I believe it was boeing, might be a different company though. THOSE can zoom. They can’t count your nose hairs but they can count the change you just put on that picnic table.",
"parent_id": "370342",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370345",
"author": "Medox",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T11:58:22",
"content": "the bird is a little big with a wingspan of 1.96mstill, very impressive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370346",
"author": "Alberto fro Nutchip Labs",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:06:56",
"content": "Found more on Festo web site:http://www.festo.com/cms/en_corp/11369_11378.htm#id_11378Lots more of interesting prototypes, too!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370355",
"author": "Akoi Meexx",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:35:31",
"content": "I wonder how well it stands up to a pellet gun?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370360",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:46:09",
"content": "AlanWright, considering how slowly the wings are moving, I’d have to guess you’re right.But how does it pull up from an almost still hovering position when the wing movement is so weak?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370374",
"author": "grook",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:23:14",
"content": "Wow .. It looks great.I have to own one :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370385",
"author": "Gravis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:53:45",
"content": "yeah, it’s definitely a balloon body filled with helium. check out the video at 1:27 and you can get a good look of the body wobbling like it’s filled with an air/helium mixture.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnR8fDW3Ilo&feature=player_embedded#at=87",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370387",
"author": "Gravis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:55:12",
"content": "ack! apparently pasting a link to youtube embeds the whole damn video!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370390",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:05:51",
"content": "ill be scared when wing thrust charges saving battery life..I think the NSA already has stuff like this, this will be bought up by marketing companies probably",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370395",
"author": "BobSmith",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:10:42",
"content": "Yeah, it’s legit, they’ve made a lot of other nifty things, mostly helium filled flapping flying things.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370408",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:31:26",
"content": "“It can barely carry a small cam.” which is all it needs to be able to carry one",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370414",
"author": "GameboyRMH",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:53:44",
"content": "What’s most amazing about this is that it doesn’t use any aircraft-like control surfaces at all. It’s controlled just like a real bird, with wing warping and tail movement. This is probably the first ornithopter to do away with aircraft-like control surfaces entirely. Most either have an airplane-like empennage or use thruster props.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370417",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:05:47",
"content": "Why do so many of you guys think it’s real? My initial impression was that the bird in the video is CGI, with closeups of actual things to make it look real. It certainly doesn’t appear to be flying with the flapping wings alone, and it’s almost like the scale keeps changing, sometimes it looks the size of a normal bird and other times much bigger. Some parts make it look like it’s on strings, and others look totally CGI to me.If they have made it, good on them, but I’m not convinced…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370428",
"author": "phuzz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:21:08",
"content": "Festo are well known for creating flying robots that look like they’re CGI (have a google for their flying/swimming penguin and jelly fish).I guess William Gibson using them in his recent book Zero History takes things full circle.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370430",
"author": "soopergooman",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:23:46",
"content": "Fake, there are no reflections in the windows of the buildings as it flies by them nor any shadows cast on the ground. Nice try seeing as what tomorrow is. Debunked!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370433",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:29:19",
"content": "@soopergoomanYou’re an idiot. There’s no point at which the bird and camera are juxtaposed so you should be able to see a reflection.Nor is there a point where you should see a shadow.It’s a helium balloon in the shape of a bird, with a couple servos to flap/steer.If you think that’s so impossible you have to cry fake, you’re on the wrong site.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370434",
"author": "mic",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:29:34",
"content": "It may look lifelike but real birds have behavior patterns. Anyone who has ever seen a bird would know that there is something fishy going on. Given that all they do is eat, crap (mostly on my car) and fly. One that does none of these would be very suspicious, and the thing would practically have to hit you in the head to get a decent picture.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370436",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:33:50",
"content": "Of note from Festo’s site:“This bionic technology-bearer, which is inspired by the herring gull, can start, fly and land autonomously – with no additional drive mechanism. Its wings not only beat up and down, but also twist at specific angles. This is made possible by an active articulated torsional drive unit, which in combination with a complex control system attains an unprecedented level of efficiency in flight operation. Festo has thus succeeded for the first time in creating an energy-efficient technical adaptation of this model from nature.”CG Version of Video with internal schematic:http://www.festo.com/cms/en_corp/11369_11437.htm#id_11437",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370438",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:34:42",
"content": "PS: The glowing blue eyes are creepy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370458",
"author": "jonzilla",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:54:14",
"content": "I doubt there is any helium in the body to assist with lift. Helium provides a lifting force equivalent to about 1g/L of gas. The body of the bird has a volume of a few liters at most, so the impact of a buoyant gas would only be a few grams.(There are model planes in single gram weight range, but they are too delicate to fly outdoors or as fast as this bird).There are plenty of RC ornithopters available for hobbyists; this one “just” has much more sophisticated flapping and control systems.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370464",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:01:05",
"content": "For disbelievers – they can easily make this stuff nowadays. You’re living in the 90’s if you don’t think it can be done. I want to catch one and back-engineer it to spy on the spies.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370474",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:06:47",
"content": "@soopergooman,I’ve met some festo folks personally and seen some of their stuff. This is an actual item. There is no doubt, or question of being a hoax.Do not attack others personally or you will be banned.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370492",
"author": "AllThatJazz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:21:41",
"content": "AirHogs will have one on the shelves by this summer…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370503",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:30:18",
"content": "God I hope so.WOW-and yeah, Festo is SO for real.Super wow.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370535",
"author": "Drew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:17:40",
"content": "I want to see it take off.Landing, well duh it can land, even an albatross “lands”.But they say it can take off with no additional mechanism, that I want to see.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370605",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:49:29",
"content": ">”We’re not 100% certain that it’s not fake…”Really? Why? Is it that hard to believe? Or have you been burned by your stupidity so many times that you just put this statement in “just in case”?Lol. Obviously real.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370644",
"author": "jAMES",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T20:48:11",
"content": "Drew. I don’t think they have said it can take off on its own. I know another news article that did claim that, but so far I haven’t seen festo claim that. Do you have a source?which brings me to my second point. Kudo’s hackaday, for having the integrity to admit that it wasn’t designed as a spy drone. Its always refreshing to see some responsible reporting.last point: not everything that looks awesome is CG.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370673",
"author": "Jaded",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T21:56:35",
"content": "Looks like a bird, flaps like a bird. Probably dies like one too when you shoot it. Hard to observe some one when they keep their air space clear.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370760",
"author": "dbear",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:20:59",
"content": "“I wonder how well it stands up to a pellet gun?”I wonder how well it stands up to bird shot. 8)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370955",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T12:31:12",
"content": "This is the sweetest thing I’ve seen all month",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370981",
"author": "Masta Squidge",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:42:01",
"content": "@ jesse…Do you have any idea how expensive and how large a SINGLE Predator Drone is?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-1_Predator#SpecificationsBlah blah yeah its wikipedia. However, a 27 foot AIRCRAFT is not something police departments use. A helicopter is cheaper.But please feel free to prove me wrong with at the very least a link.The only things I have found are that a couple (2-3) very large departments are using much smaller, less expensive unmanned aircraft. They certainly arent running around with predator drones… Fox News has a tendancy to scare people with footage of military drones calling them the same thing.http://youtu.be/-GCmfR7sXu0Talks about a 40 lb drone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370983",
"author": "Masta Squidge",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:42:38",
"content": "btw that link is valid, i used the “short link” feature on youtube. Just in case anyone decides to claim its a virus site or some crap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371876",
"author": "Kristof",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T20:44:26",
"content": "The SmartBird is not filled with helium.The SmartBird can be seen in Hannover (Germany) this comming monday. There will be actually 3 of them. All the technolog is explained there. Of course it is not fake and the video is also not slow motion! The aerodynamical efficiency is very high, that’s why it is flapping the wings so slowly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371986",
"author": "dosx",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T00:31:42",
"content": "very impressive indeed but if anyone remembers a post on HAD a few months back…..argh days feel so clustered feels like months anyways it showed off a fly which was suppose to be some sort of surveilance device created by CIA if my memory is still here……..anyways considering the fact that the fly was extremely tiny and really still life like i figure if they can use that for surveilance why would it be unbeliavable for it to work on this have u seen the size of cameras today……….can someone who remembers the link for that old post pop it up here………",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372209",
"author": "Apex",
"timestamp": "2011-04-02T09:55:53",
"content": "I can asure you it is not a fake. I work for Festo and the Bird flew by my office. Its purpose is to attract people at the Hannover Exhibition. Other than that there is no real use for the bird. Oh and by the way it is not filles with He, has a span of a bit under 2m and weight of about 300g.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "374145",
"author": "whatever",
"timestamp": "2011-04-05T18:18:02",
"content": "A few more infos (start, weight approx 0.45 kg)http://www.spiegel.de/video/video-1119890.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "378767",
"author": "lol",
"timestamp": "2011-04-12T13:03:49",
"content": "Ähm btw…this is no fake.The company festo was on the “hannover messe” last week. They are specialst in biomechnic research for new mechnical solutions and such things. They even build a robotic arm that just looks like one of the arms of Dr. Octopus!http://www.festo.com/net/SupportPortal/Downloads/26890/NHB_2011_en.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2712059",
"author": "Myles",
"timestamp": "2015-09-12T23:04:00",
"content": "I would love to purchase this technology. As for the brain dead individuals who pose retarded remarks. Please get a drink and save us from your comments!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.237749
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/wireless-luge-timer-levels-the-playing-field/
|
Wireless Luge Timer Levels The Playing Field
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"luge",
"timer"
] |
In Colorado,
amateur luge competitions are serious business
.
Every winter, [Ryan’s] friends dig a long luge track through the many feet of snow that occupies their yard, and have competitive sled races to see who can make it down the giant hill in the least time. They call it
the Mario Cup
, after one of the participants, not the Nintendo mascot, and they were in desperate need of some timing equipment.
You see, the luge track is several hundred feet long, and they decided that a human armed with a stopwatch is not a good enough means of picking a conclusive winner. A set of three Arduino sensors packed inside plastic food containers were used along with light sensors to track when the luger passed the start, midpoint, and finish lines of the race. XBee radios then transmitted the timing data back to the base station for recording.
The system worked quite well according to the participants, and they look forward to using the system again in the future. Of course, improvements have been planned, including dual timers at each checkpoint to gauge the luger’s speed, as well as a Christmas-tree starting signal like you see at drag races.
Continue reading to see a video below of the luger’s in action, as well as the timer system undergoing some tests.
[via
Make
]
[flickr video=http://www.flickr.com/photos/25404257@N04/5535414235/ w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r95RXY9zeGA&w=470]
| 3
| 3
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370117",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T22:59:13",
"content": "LUGER, LUGER!! (Nah, I’m just kidding, it actually looks kind of neat.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370143",
"author": "swighton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:31:17",
"content": "Is that Steamboat CO? What an awesome place to live.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370228",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T05:39:58",
"content": "there needs to be a hackanight or something for us insomniacs",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.276392
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/propeller-android-communications-using-debug-mode/
|
Propeller-Android Communications Using Debug Mode
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Android Hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"adb",
"android debug bridge",
"propeller",
"TCP"
] |
Here’s a new way to connect an Android phone and a Propeller microcontroller. It’s called
the PropBridge
and uses a very simple circuit with a voltage regulator, a couple of transistors, and a few resistors. The trick to this method lies in creative use of software features that already exist on Android hardware, the
Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
. The ADB was added with development in mind, but since it provides low-level control of certain parts of these devices it was just waiting to be incorporated into a hack.
The Propeller itself uses firmware to make Android think it is one of two different externally connected hardware devices. It can act like a PC running the ADB client or it can mimic a TCP connection. There’s still plenty of room on the uC to add your own firmware, and the majority of the I/O pins are unneeded for the basic connection. Check out the video after the break for a quick overview of the system.
If you need a little help with Android programming before you’re able to use this in your own projects, check out
our Android development series
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcR0ZG_7YC8&w=470]
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370090",
"author": "multivac",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T22:23:15",
"content": "i was waiting for the pic to finish loading… but that was it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370100",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T22:32:08",
"content": "im not a big fan of Propeller but its nice!i did work with communicating via bluetooth with an arduino to control a coffee maker … ill throw it up on the forums when i get time",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370129",
"author": "Beepboopbeep",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:41:55",
"content": "I saw this on their forums, it looks like a great way to maybe integrate one of those cheap knock off tablets with a touch screen to a microcontroller.I just happen to have both of these lying around!Thanks",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370137",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:19:31",
"content": "Note that the transistors on the schematic are just for the programming cable, the only hardware needed that doesn’t usually come with a proto board are the USB connector and the four resistors! Also, you need a 6Mhz crystal (usually propeller boards ship with 5).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370139",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:24:27",
"content": "http://code.google.com/p/microbridge/This guy did it first, by the way — my own solution comes from wanting to use as few external components as possible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370187",
"author": "cantido",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T02:15:14",
"content": ">>The ADB was added with development in mind,Um.. it’s been there since the start. Debugging stuff is generally part of any decent development environment..>>but since it provides low-level controlUm, I don’t think it does.. unless you have a rooted phone, then you have control of stuff via the normal kernel interfaces. ADB itself is just a bridge.>>of certain parts of these devices>>it was just waiting to be incorporated>>into a hack.You could have used bluetooth.. there’s nothing special that ADB has access to that you don’t have access to from Dalvik or native code.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370192",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T02:36:28",
"content": "Actually one pretty powerful thing is that even on nonrooted phones, an adb shell has permission to reboot the phone via commandline — that allows the microcontroller to watchdog the phone.Also, ADB uses less power than bluetooth and has less latency (and doesn’t have to share spectrum with wifi, so you can actually use all your wifi bandwidth).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370200",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T03:25:38",
"content": "Finally, ADB will work on anything that has android on it. Bluetooth wasn’t really in the API until 2.2 and there’s still a lot of 1.x phones out there, plus it needs the hardware. This lets you use bluetooth for something else ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370247",
"author": "Inopia",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T06:23:40",
"content": "@cantido: USB is much more reliable than BT and cheaper too in most cases. Spiritplumber used a propeller, but there are many cheap USB host enabled dev boards out there (micropendous, vinculo, fez domino, etc.) that can interface with an Android device using this protocol.For robotics, it’s also nice that you can provide VBUS from the main power supply (i.e. an ESC) and power the phone from it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370277",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T08:10:09",
"content": "@Beepboopbeep:First thing I thought too.There are a TON of really crappy Android tablets that would make excellent hack fodder for projects like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370294",
"author": "Inopia",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T08:49:45",
"content": "ps: this is a port of MicroBridge (code.google.com/p/microbridge) to the Propeller chip. MicroBridge uses an Arduino in combination with Oleg Masurov’s USB host shield (sparkfun sells these for $25). So if you already have an Arduino and just want to play around with Androidmcu connectivity, you can always go that route.Note that MicroBridge is C code though, no Wiring language crap :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370311",
"author": "Inopia",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T10:08:07",
"content": "@spiritplumber: btw, please don’t claim this as your work. You ported my code without giving proper credits and without stating that a) this is a port of another project, b) providing people with a link to said project.Please give people credit for their work. Saying “this guy did it first” is not the same as saying “I took this guy’s source and ported it to another platform”.Before MicroBridge there was no easy way to connect Android devices to microcontrollers, I put quite a bit of work into getting the ADB protocol to work correctly and all I ask is a little recognition for that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370441",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:40:32",
"content": "I’m not going to get into an argument about this. I understand where you’re coming from re: attribution (I’m usually on the other end of the problem), just tell me what you want the wiki to say and I’ll gladly put that there. That said if you look at the code, I had to take a different direction than microbridge. If you still feel my work derives from yours you’re welcome to feel that way and I will acommodate you, just please tell me what you want the wiki to say.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370517",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:47:48",
"content": "Anyway if you are unhappy with the page — it’s a wiki, make an account and edit it, I don’t mind either way :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "377563",
"author": "GoneLoopy",
"timestamp": "2011-04-10T10:55:55",
"content": "@Inopia: Gees, get over yourself man! The ADB protocol is an open protocol from Google, @spiritplumber has just made that usable on a Propeller. I’m sure you did spend a lot of time making it work on an Arduino – well done – but the Propeller code doesn’t seem to follow your code to any great degree, so – to my mind – there’s been no copying here.@spiritplumber: Well done man, and thanks for giving us Propeller folks a wired Android link.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "384556",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-04-22T12:29:10",
"content": "Version 2 will have two ports, one for the phone and one for another usb device.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "395799",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-05-18T22:46:40",
"content": "Version 2 done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.388529
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/cfl-breakdown/
|
CFL Breakdown
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"home hacks"
] |
[
"cfl",
"high voltage"
] |
Reader [Jay] was inspired by one of our earlier articles and started digging around the web for some more information, and found a handy web page with
tear downs and schematics of popular compact florescent lamps
.
Schematics are provided to 15 fairly common models including bigluz, isotronic, luxtek, maway, maxilux, polaris, brownie, Phillips, Ikea, Osram, and eurolight. Also, just in case you were ever interested in these little packages but did not want to open them due to sharp glass, mercury vapor, or phosphorus powders, photos are provided as well.
So if you need a few hundred extra volts to pack a little spark in your next project, need a
63rd way to cook your goose
you should check this page out.
| 26
| 25
|
[
{
"comment_id": "370017",
"author": "Jordan Gray",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:15:19",
"content": "Well, this is great. I just received an unknown CFL PCB and was planning on using it for an EL project… this will be wonderful! Thanks HaD!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370021",
"author": "NoOneSpecific",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:20:51",
"content": "Damn! And here I was hoping for a comparison of the differences between NFL and CFL regulation play!Disappointed!=P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370048",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:15:45",
"content": "Hm… Looks like this is the stuff I’ll need for a project…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370049",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:16:38",
"content": "There is no phosphorus in them – there are phosphors in them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370050",
"author": "BadWolf",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:18:55",
"content": "fyi HADJay=BadwolfJust didn’t want to see my name up here lol.thanks for sharing this info tho ^^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370056",
"author": "Thopter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:23:02",
"content": "I wonder where the author of that page is from, writing about “princip”, “Kathodes” and “plasm”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370125",
"author": "Standard Mischief",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:20:18",
"content": "schematics are wholly for 230 volts though, so this is the antithesis of U.S,-centric information.I’ve got a number of CF bulbs (and LED night lights) that never lived up to the label claims of brightness or longevity.The LEDs go first in those ones, the CF usually blow a capacitor.I’m sure they could, with only a modest increase in pricing, give the CF bulbs the lifetime of commercial neon lamps.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370130",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:53:01",
"content": "I had wonder for long now, why contactless fluorescent bulbs excited purely by magnetic energy almost non existent. Magnetic driving circuit is not any more complicated or costly and the bulb should outlast human lifetime. Well even if commercial nonexistence can be explained by evil greed, then why there inst any more luck in DIY community",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370136",
"author": "Steven S.",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:18:29",
"content": "Well, though not interested in making something out of the CFL lights, I have taken many of these apart(just the electronics found in the white part) and was VERY disappointed to find that the usual reason for premature failure of the CFLs was solder joints which broke down!! Cheap, crappy manufacturing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370146",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:34:33",
"content": "When I moved to my new house we were missing a lot of light bulbs, I guess the previous tenants let them burn out and never replaced them for financial reasons (it was a foreclosure). So we made the jump to all CFL’s and are not very happy. I’d say about 50% of them failed within 3 months. And some make a crackling noise so I took those out as well. I heard horror stories of them crackling for awhile and then starting on fire.So their claim about saving money in the long run doesn’t really play out, you pay more out of pocket for them, and sure they use less energy, but they don’t last long enough to pay it off.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370155",
"author": "Queeg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T01:00:32",
"content": "I put 4 CFL’s in my den – my wife immediately noticed and hated them.One pair was ‘ecosmart’ from Home Depot – one failed in just a couple months. The other pair are GEs from Target, and one just failed at about 5 months.I snuck a Cree CR6 into the kitchen over my wife’s workspace and she never knew it. Put 15 more in the house and they are fantastic. My bride still doesn’t know, and I don’t get so crabby about lights left on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370218",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T05:12:34",
"content": "Maybe in USA you have some substandard CFLs? In Europe they come with 1 year warranty and typically last 2 years. I don’t remember last time when I changed a light bulb in my house.Author is from Chech Republic.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370251",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T06:42:05",
"content": "I’ve had better luck with “recent” CFLs than older models. I like the IKEA bulbs, but it’s hard to beat the (subsidized by local electric utilities) prices of the sort of generic CFL bulbs available at costco and similar (usually “Feit” brand?)I wonder if 220V CFLs are fundamentally more reliable than 110V versions? The warranties are pretty useless since they require that you still have the original receipts/etc (after several months? Right.)The real annoyances are the circline fixtures and torchiers I’ve put in that seem to be prone to blowing their electronic ballasts nearly as often as they blow bulbs. It’s a major inconvenience to replace the fixtures, in addition to the expense. Grr.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370252",
"author": "juice",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T06:42:29",
"content": "It’s the same crap in Europe too unless you’re lucky and happen to get some decent ones (which are usually damn expensive).I for one am still sticking to good old incandescent light bulbs. From September this year it will be illegal to sell 60W bulbs in Finland, so better start hoarding…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370253",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T06:52:50",
"content": "I used to work commercial lighting. Plilips and Osram/Sylvania were the only ones that really lasted and then it was only the ones from Europe. We used some made by TCP and they were not bad. But anything else and forget it. Probably costs more in electricity and energy to make a POS CFL than it will save in energy during its short life span.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370282",
"author": "space",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T08:30:27",
"content": "I had no problem with CFLs. I’m using it in open light fixtures, it seems to makes them to last much longer. I’m using expensive ones in range of 4 to 8 euros.When they blow up it is usually electrolytic capacitor or neon tube itself. I am reusing electronic ballast from CFLs to power old school 18W fluorescent tubes. When placed away from heat sources electronic ballasts may last very long.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370569",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:18:26",
"content": "I have it on good authority that CFLs can and do catch fire after a few months or years if they are particularly badly made.This can happen with no warning as the typical failure mode is for a capacitor to dry out which affects the oscillator and drives tens of amps into the tube resulting in massive overheating and eventual combustion.The cheap nonames are worst for this, unfortunately due to economies of scale the vast majority of bulbs out there are of this type.Do the maths people, £6 for a properly made bulb isn’t a lot to ask.Interestingly this is a direct result of cost cutting, the early CFLs used an iron ballast which didn’t fail in this way whereas the newer ones omit even a series thermal fuse on the input.The PCB used even has a space for one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370757",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:18:49",
"content": "by the way always install CFL glass spiral to the top so hot air flow away from electronics and bulb instead into electronics, this increase their life at least by 3x",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370846",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T05:44:57",
"content": "These schematics are next to useless without knowing the inductance values of transformer windings and inductors; something that is so simple to measure. What a shame.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370848",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T05:45:50",
"content": "Oh and the series resistance of the windings should be included too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370980",
"author": "walt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T13:37:19",
"content": "i’ll never understand why we throw away the entire CFL. they should be made of 2 parts allowing you to toss the fluorescent lamp and replace it while keeping the rest.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371197",
"author": "GregS",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T20:13:29",
"content": "I’ve had lots of CFLs fail on me after only a year or so of service. The most reliable ones I have are the first generation ones Ikea sold – the ones with straight tubes. I bought several of those when they first came out and not one has failed yet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1167499",
"author": "kabukicho2001 said,",
"timestamp": "2014-01-22T14:38:16",
"content": "that Hg can kill u",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1352857",
"author": "Robert Lominick Jr.",
"timestamp": "2014-04-16T00:27:54",
"content": "most people do not eat it…I guess you may have the disease of being a liberal.. It make normal people stupid beyond belief.. You probably believe the lie about how humans cause the so called lie about “global warming”.. Science has proven humans have little to no affect on global temperatues..",
"parent_id": "1167499",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "1618641",
"author": "Morgan",
"timestamp": "2014-07-06T05:08:36",
"content": "The one failure (after only three months) I looked at was because the electrolytic Capacitor failed. It’s max Voltage rating was lower than it should have been, so no wonder it failed.Sub-engineering or cost saving engineering, or maybe space saving.The evaluations of CFLs by Consumers Reports, etc. need to analyze the parts in the circuitry for the parts that they test. then balance the cost per bulb versus the proper reliable design, and that would figure into the life of the part.Also, I wonder if the real cheap ones use those salvaged, used cpmponents that get recycled in Asia.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2922059",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2016-02-17T05:55:14",
"content": "I had to hack one by cutting slivers off the base because apparently it was a proprietary bulb. (Not a screw in, one with contacts and a socket).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.460468
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/quadcopter-pair-plays-table-tennis-without-the-table/
|
Quadcopter Pair Plays Table Tennis Without The Table
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"copter",
"drone",
"helicopter",
"ping pong",
"quad",
"quadrotor"
] |
This pair of
quad-rotor helicopters does a better job of keeping a ping-pong ball in the air
than we could. The two flying drones are performing inside of
the flying machine arena
, a 1000 cubic meter indoor space surrounded by nets with a foam-padded floor. This makes for a prototype-friendly space, protecting the copters from hard landings and the experimenters from the maiming that might accompany a runaway robot.
This project is headed by researcher [Raffaello D’Andrea]. Previously, we’ve seen his work on
a distributed flight array
. This time around he’s not working with configurable modules, but completely separate units. Don’t miss the video after the break to see several iterations used to keep a ball in the air. Each bot has the head of a tennis racket mounted at its center. Throw a ball at them and they’ll to what they can to prevent it touching the ground.
While we’re on the topic, we caught
a story on NPR about hobby drones
. Sounds like their growing popularity has caught the attention of the non-hacker community and restrictions might be on the way. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make your own flyer while it’s still the wild-west of personal drones.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CR5y8qZf0Y&w=470]
[Thanks Ketin]
| 22
| 22
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369968",
"author": "Wizzard",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:08:16",
"content": "No net can contain these once a runaway robot WANTS to run away or maim it’s experimenters, and is not merely doing so accidentally.Awesome video, too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369973",
"author": "Dmill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:17:47",
"content": "Okay, cool factor is way up there!Love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369974",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:24:15",
"content": "I think that for the time being, a net is going to thwart even the most savvy, completely run amok AI that is driven to kill all humans flying robot.The real question is why more restrictions?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369984",
"author": "captain",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:36:13",
"content": "Soon the government will want to “regulate” (i.e. tax or license) these drones. To protect us from terrorism.Yes, like Al-Queda gets their ideas from sites like Hackaday.Really, Osama?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369996",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:52:43",
"content": "Paraphrase from “The Amp Hour” (.com) …“””All it will take is one idiot with an RC drone to fly over Norad and these quad copters will be banned forever.”””Plus I think it looks a bit CGI, but maybe that’s the fluorescent lighting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370002",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:57:37",
"content": "maybe would work better if they used ping pong paddles instead of racquetsbut still probably better than some people can do heh",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370024",
"author": "bill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:26:27",
"content": "this made me think of a real life brick breaker game",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370027",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:29:57",
"content": "I for one welcome our new ping pong overlords.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370042",
"author": "taraCkaans",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:00:00",
"content": "One of the coolest vids I’ve seen in a while!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370053",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:20:33",
"content": "Tennis for two Quadcopters.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370079",
"author": "qcop",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T22:04:24",
"content": "Don’t forget that they are not acting fully autonomously.There are a bunch of motion capture cams spread around the arena that feed positional data to them.That’s how they know where they are and how they “see” the ball.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370140",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:24:35",
"content": "Vicon systems are cheating.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370148",
"author": "Andy Goth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:43:40",
"content": "Great Quadcopter photo I took at MAGFest 9:http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6069575&l=67e0ddd4d0&id=752588531",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370153",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:57:00",
"content": "I think I just had a nerdgasm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370249",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T06:35:22",
"content": "Is it just me or did the one that played the winning shot smirk?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370288",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T08:36:23",
"content": "@ Steve I agree, although very useful for data acquisition a Vicon system is cheating. I cant wait to see this without the stablisers on!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370305",
"author": "twopartepoxy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T09:36:21",
"content": "if this is real, then hats-off to these guys, realyl impressive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370506",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:36:36",
"content": "I think it’s gonna be a while before this type of stuff can be done without an external vision system. Hopefully Moore’s law’ll hold out long enough to give us someself containedevil quad-copters",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370555",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T17:44:31",
"content": "Does this remind anyone of a certain (probably only out by a few years) sci-fi film featuring Arnie?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370754",
"author": "Swankie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:12:52",
"content": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToACDIXTzo0",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370826",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:54:35",
"content": "They look so eager and lifelike in motion",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371162",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:46:07",
"content": "@Tom and GrovenstienAt the end of the video there is this link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcgvWhu8Arc&annotation_id=annotation_927089&feature=ivIn that video they show a quadcopter doing a loop without the Vicon system. — So really the acrobatics/stabilization are already good, they’re mainly using the Vicon to calibrate them and ball tracking for the tennis..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.517314
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/printable-gripping-rover-is-wristwatch-controlled/
|
Printable Gripping Rover Is Wristwatch Controlled
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"cc1110",
"chronos",
"msp430"
] |
[Lars Kristian Roland] is
using a wristwatch to control this rover
. The bot itself is a utilitarian build with a gripper based on
this Thingiverse project
. As you can see in the video after the break, it’s got variable speed control based on accelerometer data from a
TI ez430 Chronos wristwatch
.
The watch connects to the bot wirelessly thanks to a CC1110 development board which relays communications to the on-board Arduino through a serial connection. It looks like it’s a bit of a bother to make slow and precise movements using this setup, but this can probably be changed by tweaking how accelerometer values are interpreted (using a non-linear equation would allow you more control at low speeds without sacrificing top speed for the motors).
Because this is using the same RF hardware that the IM-ME does, we can’t help but wonder if the CC1110 development board could be swapped out for an unused
IM-ME dongle
?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhE8F9rWmAg&w=470]
[Thanks Hugo]
| 4
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369971",
"author": "swighton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:14:29",
"content": "The tilt control is neat but it seems really hard to control. Throw on one of these:http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9032And I bet you would see a huge increase in controllability.Really cool use of reprap/makerbot/RP. Love to see people prototyping useful things",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370262",
"author": "RadAway",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T07:21:43",
"content": "In fukisima 1 they would need a army of those robots :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370462",
"author": "GameboyRMH",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T15:58:05",
"content": "This could actually have some rescue applications. Little robots like this can work together to drag a person who can’t move, swarms like this have already been demonstrated. Making them printable means they’ll be easy to replace or make more as necessary, as long as you have spare electronics for each one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "447614",
"author": "trandi",
"timestamp": "2011-09-04T11:47:07",
"content": "Here’s another quick but reasonably advanced Hello World example for the eZ430 watch, that deals with how to display some scrolling text on the watch itself:http://trandi.wordpress.com/2011/09/03/ti-ez430-watch-unbox-hworld/Dan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.564533
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/propeller-proto-board-has-you-flying-in-no-time/
|
Propeller Proto Board Has You Flying In No Time
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"parallax",
"propeller",
"prototyping"
] |
[Parker]
was in need of a Propeller development board
to make working on his projects easier. More often than not, when he needed to prototype something, he would pull the only one he had on hand from his home made pinball machine, and replace it when finished. This was time consuming and cumbersome, so he decided he needed a better way of doing things.
He looked into purchasing a Gadget Gangster proto board which allows you to use a Propeller much like an Arduino, complete with support for shields and the like. Unfortunately, they were sold out and he was in a hurry to finish up a project. Rather than wait, he decided to build his own proto board, which would be more flexible than the COTS version – allowing him to add things like an Analog to Digital converter without having to use a shield.
He looked around online and found some schematics to follow, and had his proto board constructed in no time. It gets the job done and looks quite clean, considering it was put together using perf board.
Keep reading to see a video walkthrough of the Propeller development board construction.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc5mCpTmNBs&w=470]
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369907",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:10:08",
"content": "Nothing groundbreaking here, but it’s very well explained and… hey is that a SD card slot? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369911",
"author": "Brennan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:24:23",
"content": "As a side note, I bought a dev board (C3) and a book for the propeller and I am not very impressed. The multicore processing is really not much of a selling point once you consider that several cores have to be tied up doing mundane tasks that a PIC can do while simultaneously running sequential code and interrupts. Want a UART module? There goes a core. Want an ADC module? There goes a core. Want basic debugging features that are still underpowered compared to PIC? There goes a core. By the end of it you don’t really have much multiprocessing capability. The advantage is you [arguably] have greater control over the modules being used and the existing object library is very handy. Plus video generation is much easier than on other uC’s if that’s yoru thing. But overall I think the chip is a novelty and pretty much only good for limited DIY project use. Just my $.02, I’m sure many people will disagree with me on here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369913",
"author": "Karl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:30:41",
"content": "pushing a piece of wood thru a circular saw w/o a pushstick [video opening], and he still has all his fingers – remarkable",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369918",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:37:16",
"content": "Brennan, we’ve been using propellers in commercial UAV and autonomous vessels for three years now, they do the job. Cores can watchdog each other, which is handy for that sort of thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369920",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:41:37",
"content": "Nice video!I’ve been thinking of doing something similar with my own Propeller project which is currently on a breadboard, but I would put all parts (or at least the Propeller and the EEPROM) in sockets so they’re easy to remove and reuse. I would also put a heat sink on the 7805 because my project has a bunch of TTL chips.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369946",
"author": "The Longhorn Engineer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T18:32:53",
"content": "@BrennanDepends on what you want to do. The propeller can do more then only 8 things. The Cogs are really fast even when they run spin.The pinball machine I am working on runs off of 1 prop. It runs 2 SD cards, 2 Stereo 44kHz sound (thats 4 channels of audio), a 96×16 LED matrix display which supports animations, the kernel, 16 7-segment displays, 16 16-segment displays, all the LEDs to do the playfield (about 64 individually controlled), along with the solenoid/motor controller and the general I/O board that does the switches. All that and it can still find time to run a I2C routine to run a 64K eeprom.Trying to do this on an Arduino would be a nightmare of interrupts. Propeller makes it so easy. Now I am not saying there isn’t a place for Arduino microcontrollers. Now your thinking with Propellers!@Karl I don’t know about you but I don’t close my eyes when using a table saw :)Thanks for the comments people!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370043",
"author": "elcomol",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:01:02",
"content": "Good pro video!I`m gonna build that, thanks. I go add a video/vga connector to it. Would be nice to make a oldskool standalone text based computer out of it. I see PropDOS is available. There is also a spin compiler for the propellor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370086",
"author": "Brennan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T22:10:32",
"content": "@The Longhorn EngineerThe propeller cogs aren’t terribly fast as far as uC’s go. Assuming a clock speed of 100MHz (via PLL) each cog can run at 1/4 that speed because of the 4:1 clock cycle:instruction cycle divider. A PIC32 can run at 80MIPS and technically can perform “parallel” processing even though it requires more planning and thought. I could easily run all of those peripherals on a PIC32 board but it would probably take more time to develop. As far as rapid prototyping goes, I would pick a Prop over an Arduino any day, but professionally I still use Microchip PIC.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370103",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T22:37:22",
"content": "@Brennan don’t forget that part of the Propeller’s design genius is the very small cog RAM, which allows each 32-bit instruction run @ 20 MiPS to include source and destination addresses as well as a whole bunch of condition and result flags that normally take extra instructions in a 32-bit CPU. This easily doubles the throughput compared to a larger memory architecture running the same #iPS.What I find special about the prop is that there are *no* hardware defined capabilities; if you want to run 28 serial ports by running the 4-port UART object in 7 cogs, you’re good to go. Or three *different* NTSC video outputs. When cogs are tight it is also possible to program them more creatively than the default objects suggest; I just did one that does high-speed I2C and a UART channel at the same time.OTOH while PICs are available with a wide variety of I/O capabilities, if your app doesn’t happen to conform to what they have anticipated life gets much harder.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370167",
"author": "Oldbitcollector",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T01:22:41",
"content": "I’m a huge fan of the GGPP board, but I’m positive you will get more enjoyment from the clone that you built. (Just because you built it)Order a AV board from Wulfden (http://www.wulfden.org/TheShoppe/prop/prplatvga.shtml) or just build one.. :) and you’ll be set.The multicore abilities of the Propeller are what make it special and set it apart from so many other micros.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370321",
"author": "Sup Dawg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T10:17:31",
"content": "“Yo Dawg! I heard you like to emulate peripherals in software so we put eight microcontrollers in your microcontroller, so you can emulate while you emulate.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "463103",
"author": "N0LKK",
"timestamp": "2011-09-24T03:13:52",
"content": "Parker should have built several while he was at it. Sooner or later this one will get tied up in a project,and he’s without a development board again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4441166",
"author": "drwho8 (@drwho8)",
"timestamp": "2018-03-24T00:33:28",
"content": "I see two I know already commented here first. But here goes, anything the Arduino can do, the Prop can do eight times over and probably faster.There’s a good airplane analogy here, but I’ll spare all of you that one.Hey a new name, be careful of Mike S’s tribbles, there should be several million now where there was about two million not too long ago.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.893127
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/super-pong-table-doubles-the-fun/
|
Super Pong Table Doubles The Fun
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"LED Hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"led",
"pic",
"pong",
"video games"
] |
While Pong has traditionally been a game played between two individuals, Instructables user [Brad] has put together
a variation that doubles the fun
. His Pong coffee table has the ability to support up to four users at once, and makes for quite the living room centerpiece.
The table is made from sheets of MDF and incorporates a grid of 900 LEDs, all controlled by a PIC18 micro controller. The MCU is installed on a control board he designed, along with the other additional bits required to drive the LED array. A set of old Atari paddle controllers were disassembled and installed around the table, making this a true retro Pong experience.
As you can see in the video, the action is pretty frantic. It’s hard to tell who is winning until the game is over, but [Brad] says that a scoreboard will come in a future revision.
4-way Pong is a really cool idea!
, but it looks like there are no open source schematics or code for the control board. We’re hoping someone sees this project and puts together a version for all to use, free of charge.
We were mistaken about the status of this project in relation to whether or not it was open source. [Brad] wrote to us letting us know that his code was not originally included with the Instructable as a result of a late night omission. As always, his projects are open source, and you can now download all of the source code and schematics at the page linked above (and in the first step of the Instructable, no less). Mea culpas all around, thanks for the update, [Brad]!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jdxOdGvJJw&&w=470]
| 8
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369871",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:23:42",
"content": "Dude.Cool project, but share the love!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369875",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:31:59",
"content": "Ideal?/nitpick",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369903",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:03:32",
"content": "This would be awesome with a touchscreen!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370147",
"author": "bradsprojects",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:41:20",
"content": "Apologies everyone.I submitted this instructable late last night and forgot to include the download links to the schematic, PCB layout and sourcecode. I woke up in the morning to some not so happy comments saying that it is all a way to make money.For those who know me around the electronics community, I am sure you would realise that this is not the case.All my projects have always been open source, not only that but I am always willing to help people along when they attempt my projects.I wanted to make it easier for people to make this project so I decided to offer a board with all associated PCB components for what I consider to be a reasonable cost of $30 – this includes myself soldering on the microcontroller and programming it.So once again, I apologise for offending people but I have now updated the instructable to include the download links.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370358",
"author": "sdudley",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:43:04",
"content": "Ok… so I can purchase blank FR4, the materials to etch and make my own PCB using the schematic and other files, then purchase the microcontroller and have to do it all myself, or simply order it from Brad for a BARGIN price of $30.00?DUH, let me think about that one!Sorry Hack-A-Day but your “FREE OF CHARGE” doesn’t add up! Even if I was proficient at making my own PCB’s, it would cost me MORE than that in my time alone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370407",
"author": "emerson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:31:00",
"content": "it’s kinda like Warlords. great job",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370493",
"author": "Pogyhauler",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:22:01",
"content": "If your time is too valuable to accept somebodies volunteered information to make a hack for yourself,Or, if you can’t respect the time or energy added value of assembling and shipping a kit,Where’d you find the time to waste reading about otherpeoples crazy time wasters, and waste the time making such a damn ignorant wasteful comment?Consider Day Trading. it’ll keep you busy, and you won’t notice the time waste.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370575",
"author": "sdudley",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:31:12",
"content": "Let me restate my “damn ignorant wasteful comment”…Brad is willing to sell a PCB with a microcontroller mounted and pre-programmed for an EXTREMELY generous offer of $30.00.The statement in the original write up (now crossed out) does not add up.“We’re hoping someone see’s this project and puts together a version for all of us to use, free of charge”.I disagree with that statement. It will cost less money (for most people) to purchase the PCB and microcontroller from Brad than it will be if they try and make the PCB on their own.If that is a “damn ignorant wasteful comment” then forgive my ignorance!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.943741
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/how-a-hp-vfd-module-was-reverse-engineered/
|
How A HP VFD Module Was Reverse Engineered
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"vfd"
] |
We all love getting a good deal on sweet parts, but not all of them are documented. Some of us have trained our eyes and brains to spot “timesinks”, having been burned before. The rest sit down with whatever pile of stuff they have on hand, and figure out how to talk to that
HP Media Center VFD
.
[Jayeson] found some good deals on some
Vacuum Fluorescent Displays
from a HP Media Center computer as “new”, from some (unmentioned) shady dealers. Once receiving his B stock displays he needed to figure out a way to make them work.
Fun and excitement includes: figuring out the pins, first attempts of communication, getting the data sheet for a house brand chip… that still has the Atmel stamp on it, sniffing traffic with a logic analyzer, and deciphering that data. All that while being a pretty interesting read, good showing of willpower, and resulting in a couple Arduino Libraries as a bonus.
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369844",
"author": "Faelenor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:32:49",
"content": "Cool, I wanted a similar display for a project. Anyone knows a source for those? I found some on the web, but either too expensive or with prohibitive shipping fees.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369853",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:39:13",
"content": "Nice documentation hack, these look great. Would love a source for them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369854",
"author": "andres",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:40:51",
"content": "huh, this is pretty hilarious since two days ago i pulled out another Samsung VFD (from an HP plotter) and tried to find what i could online.dead links are my current worst enemy, but i found enough similar data sheets to make a decent start. definitely going to look at what is done here to help me through.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369863",
"author": "JLS",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:58:16",
"content": "For sources, there is now a link lower down the page:http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,56534.0.htmlThe “logic analyzer” used is just an Arduino sketch with a$5 clip lead set but that is half the fun.@andres, what is the model or driver chip used in the Samsung VFD? What model of plotter, I’m interested in getting a display myself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369882",
"author": "Faelenor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:42:55",
"content": "@JLS: this is one of the expensive sources. With shipping, it’s more than 40$. Maybe that’s the price for this kind of device, but I find it expensive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370069",
"author": "Gigawatts",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:46:19",
"content": "This same forum user very recently helped me out by creating an Arduino library for a VFD display out of an old HP LaserJet printer.http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,56230.msg403171.htmlThis guy is awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370133",
"author": "JLS",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:59:32",
"content": "@Faelenor, perhaps we are in different countries. That eBay search shows these for me, all under $10 including shipping.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400197038727http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190508642202http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230398628163http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400198054039I’ll note again that I have not dealt with all of the above sellers and was not successful in locating a display I would consider new, firsts quality.If you are unfamiliar with VFD, they cost considerably more than an equivalent LCD. A new non-surplus VFD equivalent to this HP one would retail for > $50 + shipping. They key reason they are still in use is because of their brightness. I like them mainly because of their cool tube construction.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370347",
"author": "Faelenor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:17:24",
"content": "@JLS: yeah, I’m in Canada and shipping is more expensive. But still, in your links, I found one for about 20$ including shipping, which is not so bad. I don’t know why it didn’t show in my previous searches though. Thanks!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370737",
"author": "JLS",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T00:31:16",
"content": "@andres, I did some Googling and it seems that I may have already created an Arduino library that will work with the VFD’s from HP plotters:http://arduino.cc/playground/Main/FutabaUsVfdIf that doesn’t work, then I suspect that this library created by Adafruit will do the trick:https://github.com/adafruit/SPI_VFDI’d love to know the outcome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371742",
"author": "boondaburrah",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T17:14:02",
"content": "Has anyone figured out how to talk to/read from the LEDs and the IR receiver? I’m thinking of using this display for it’s intended purpose (gasp) but on a linux/xbmc setup. having the IR receiver and display taken care of in one part would be great.Not to mention it would be cool to add remote capabilities to any random project that happens to have one of these displays.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371921",
"author": "JLS",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T22:20:40",
"content": "You essentially have direct access to the LEDS, IR receiver and LDR so you can hook any/all of them to a microcontroller. The microcontroller on the display board is not connected/involved with these components.For the red LED, the +ve side of the LED + current limiting resistor runs to a pin. You just drive that pin high.There is a clear thing that looks like an LED but does not appear to generate visible light. Not sure what it is for.The LDR appears to have a latching circuit running to 1 pin. I suspect you can read the high/low level of that one pin to determine if it is light or dark. I assume this is used in the HP PC to set the display brightness.The IR receiver (I’m guessing that is what it is) has two of its three leads running to pins. You might start here for info on how to use it:http://www.arcfn.com/search/label/irMore pinout info is here:http://arduino.cc/playground/Main/H9150VFDDataWhat I am not familiar with is how to create a USB device to get the IR info to the PC. For the display, it is fairly easy to create an Arduino sketch to turn it into a USB-Serial device. I did this here, for example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D87qZISHIrA",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372561",
"author": "Vis0r",
"timestamp": "2011-04-03T00:33:15",
"content": "Got mine for 8 Bucks, works well!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMyuNUeZQBk",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.72119
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/portable-bench-supply-carries-around-10-amp-hours-of-juice/
|
Portable Bench Supply Carries Around 10 Amp-hours Of Juice
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"bench supply",
"boost converter",
"charger",
"lipo",
"lithium",
"pcm",
"power supply",
"sparkfun"
] |
[Punish3r] wanted to have power for prototyping on the go. What he came up with is this little thing above. Inside you’ll find common components that let the unit provide
10 amp hours of current with a 12V 500mA output
.
The storage capacity is provided by a dozen Lithium batteries. These 3.7V cheapies are wired in parallel behind a protection board. For charging and discharging, a Sparkfun LiPo charger board was used, taking care of all the work necessary to top off the batteries using a wall-wort. The final piece in the puzzle is a boost converter that provides the regulated 12v connected to the red and black banana plug receivers on the bottom of the case.
This is very much a plug-and-play design… just make sure you hook the parts up correctly and you’re up and running. We would love to see a roll-your-own boost converter circuit that include a switch or dial that lets you select common PSU voltage levels. If you’re going to the trouble to make your own board you might as well incorporate the charging circuit at the same time.
[Thanks Paul]
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369768",
"author": "gmcurrie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T12:13:44",
"content": "‘wart’ rather than ‘wort’?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369777",
"author": "vtl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T12:38:18",
"content": "I hate when they rate batteries in milliamp hours! This would be fine if this was fairy land but real batteries drop voltage as they drain. Watt hours is the best way of measuring it because it takes the drop into account and is a proper measurement of energy",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369778",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T12:41:08",
"content": "@gmcurrie It is quite l4m3 when the only thing you have to add is spell correction.On topic: This was really well thought and made. He even added a flame retardant case! Does the protection board protect against short-circuits? I couldn’t get that piece of info from TFA.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369779",
"author": "Leif - KC8RWR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T12:44:34",
"content": "“If you’re going to the trouble to make your own board you might as well incorporate the charging circuit at the same time.”That’s the popular way to do things these days. Removable batteries aren’t a bad way to go either, that way on longer trips you can take spares then charge them when you get home.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369780",
"author": "Leif - KC8RWR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T12:45:20",
"content": "Nice build btw",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369799",
"author": "gmcurrie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T13:29:40",
"content": "@MrXYeah, bit pedantic, just kinda niggles – if making $ from knocking off a precis of someone else’s handiwork, at least give them the good justice of proper proof-reading.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369823",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:37:12",
"content": "Wouldn’t a sealed lead acid battery do the job? Or am I missing the point?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369824",
"author": "Daid",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:37:55",
"content": "Why not just carry around a 12V lead acid battery, found in every car? The smallest ones supply 40Ah, no electronics that can break, and no fire hazard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369832",
"author": "Digital Sarge",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:50:31",
"content": "Considering most car batteries weigh a minimum of 30 pounds, then that could get heavy quick. The bench I am working on at the house will go that route though. I have a giant commercial battery at the house (Out of a semi) that isn’t doing nothing but jumping off the occasional car.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369842",
"author": "nanomonkey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:27:55",
"content": "Where is the regulated 5 and 3.3 volt outlets? Any self respecting bench supply would have more than 12 volt out. Something like this with a variable voltage and current control would be quite useful. Throw in a function generator all in the same form factor and I’m sold.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369878",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:35:40",
"content": "Very nice work and a clean build!I built something similar for use with my 2-meter ham radio years ago.I still have my “uniteruptable DC power supply” in the closet, waiting for a new SLA battery.I used a 7ah SLA, and a few other OTS parts, like a smart charging circuit, switching power supply, and a relay and built the whole thing into a larger size ammo box for portability with some ruggedness.While plugged in, the power supply, uh…supplied power while the smart charger maintained the battery. When unplugged or interrupted the relay would close and the battery would then supply power.Power projects are fun as hell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370010",
"author": "phnx",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:10:00",
"content": "wall WART…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370032",
"author": "PUNiSH3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:40:33",
"content": "Thanks for all the praise!(I agree with “wart”, as “wort” is actually pronounced “wurt” and is a term of the brewing industry.)@vtl:I will be sure to lower my sample rate and integrate the curve for ya the next chance I get. :)@MrX:The PCM (protection board) monitors both the pack voltage and temperature. If either goes outside their preset windows, the ability to charge or discharge the pack is blocked by the PCM. It’s a one-time-use component, but at $2.75 I view it as cheap insurance.@nanomonkey:The idea was to provide a single, relatively high output that could be regulated down to the required voltage. As the majority of my designs are stand-alone, some kind of regulation or voltage conversion is implicit, and I would rather see a prototype’s reactions with its “real” power regulator in place, rather than some idealized lab supply.That being said, my original intent was to have 5V and 3.3V on the box… :) And there is PLENTY of room to do 3.3/5/Var and a function generator board (oh, and panel meters!); easily 70% of the case volume is still available. (I have/had made a comment on HackHut about the atrocious volumetric efficiency)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370572",
"author": "bothersaidpooh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:23:22",
"content": "needs a few more failsafes methinks, including a circuit breaker on the output and a timer so if the controller throws a wobbly due to out of spec input voltage etc and carries on charging it will shut off and flash an error light.I ran into this little problem once with a cheap charger, by the time I’d noticed that the charging light was flickering the battery was too hot to touch and bulging.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.044961
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/29/ps3-guncontroller-hybrid/
|
PS3 Gun/controller Hybrid
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Playstation Hacks"
] |
[
"controller",
"gun",
"namco",
"six-axis"
] |
[Luis] is very particular about his gaming controllers. He wanted to mod a Six Axis controller to fit into a Nerf gun body but there wasn’t really enough room for all of the components. After shopping around for a while he discovered a wired gun controller made by Namco which was developed for use with the game Time Crisis. He picked one up and went to work
replacing the guts with a set pulled from a wireless controller
.
The majority of the work on a mod like this one comes in extending the reach of each component. After cracking open the gun controller’s case, [Luis] begins preparing and soldering all twenty contact on the Six Axis controller PCB, then completing the connections necessary for each relocated component. This does make us wonder if there won’t be some element of noise introduced to the signals coming from the analog sticks? He mentions that one of them is ‘glitchy’ but that could be because he started with a used controller from eBay.
We took a couple of good tips out of this. Since the plastic housing is designed to hold each of the original PCBs securely, [Luis] reused them as a mounting surface for the replacement components. A little creative use of protoboard and some time in the paint shop and you’re done. Check out a video of the entire process, which also shares the finished results, after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdL8_KkylBI&w=470]
| 7
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369803",
"author": "Don",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T13:48:19",
"content": "Nice build, looks great! Thanks for sharing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369815",
"author": "Neo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:22:41",
"content": "Have you tried using this on pc, assign the accelerometers to look let us know how you get on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369822",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:37:04",
"content": "Killer",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369835",
"author": "Cyberteque",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:57:59",
"content": "I’ve modified a LOT of those PS2 guns!The second, “reload” switch was in the worst place!I’m still positive it was a deliberate attempt to teach bad handgun shooting habits!My mod was simple, make the second button act like the slide release on a real hand gun.It made Time Crisis much more fun!(insert evil laugh here!)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369885",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:46:43",
"content": "VERY cool.Maybe a ferrite bead or two on those analog lines if there is enough slack in ’em?That looks great! Well done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370006",
"author": "lil brudder",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:03:13",
"content": "“buddons”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370059",
"author": "ursua",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:28:25",
"content": "coool now lets go to play some need for speed loollll jajjaja",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,230.99221
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/keeping-beer-chilled-from-keg-to-tap/
|
Keeping Beer Chilled From Keg To Tap
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Beer Hacks",
"home hacks"
] |
[
"beer",
"homebrew",
"keg"
] |
[Stan] was putting together his nano-brewery, and while waiting for his beer to finish fermenting, he decided to work on the storage portion of his project. He built a kegerator to store his forthcoming brews but realized that since it was about 10 feet away from his tap tower, the beer was becoming unacceptably warm and frothy in transit.
In commercial tap systems, a separate line of chilled propylene glycol is bundled with the beer lines, keeping it cool as it travels from keg to tap.
[Stan] decided to replicate this setup
, and after three different iterations, he nailed it.
His first two attempts involved keeping the cooling solution inside of the kegerator, but he found that either the pumps added too much heat to the solution, or that the kegerator was running at nearly a 100% duty cycle. Scrapping any sort of kegerator-based cooling, he decided to build a separate cooling unit with a dehumidifier he had sitting around. After fitting the unit into a cooler and filling it with solution, he found it to cool so well it turned the propylene glycol solution to slush!
Check out his site for more details on his cooling setup – if you are in the business of homebrew, you will be glad you did.
| 21
| 21
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369471",
"author": "Girrrrrrr2",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:04:01",
"content": "This goes perfectly with the Auto Beer, now we just need to get it into cans, and we can use the beer launcher to get it to us….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369507",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T00:06:29",
"content": "He should add more propylene glycol and less water then. You do lose some cooling capacity then however.http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/propylene-glycol-d_363.htmlAlso, I can almost guarantee you that re-purposed dehumidifier was soldered with lead and the copper also probably contains unhealthy amounts of lead. As long as the beer stays in stainless steel lines, it is probably fine but something to be aware of.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369520",
"author": "ehrichweiss",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T00:39:58",
"content": "Ever heard of a chill plate? It’s essentially a piece of aluminum with a path for your beer to pass through; put it in a cooler full of ice and it’ll dispense cold beer till the ice/water gets too warm which is usually long before you are done. Yeah, I know this isn’t very “hackable” but it is far more energy efficient and you could always learn to cast your own aluminum, etc. and make your own.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369537",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:08:15",
"content": "We used to have a pop machine in the house years ago. The carbonator and syrup was in the basement and heads were on the first floor. We took an old AC unit and cut off the cold side and replaced it with about 60 ft of 1/4″ copper pipe with a two elbows at the top to make a u-turn. Then we wrapped the supply lines and copper pipe in insulation. It took a couple of weeks to get the temps right, but it kept everything nice and cool.**btw, don’t do this without a reclaimer. If you wanna do this, just call a heating/ac guy and ask them if they can do the freon part of it (reclaim and filling).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369553",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:46:15",
"content": "I wonder if something like an automotive heater core (unused, of course) is food-safe? If you ran pure ethanol through it for a while to dissolve any manufacturing oils, then flushed it with water, I bet the insides would be clean enough to drink from. Put it in a cooler of ice water and you’ve got an instant liquid chiller.I suppose it might rust, though. What are heater core internal lines made of?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369558",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:55:22",
"content": "Anybody have experience moving beer UP a floor? I’m thinking of this setup with a peristalic pump. That way only a slight amount of beer (in the tube through the pump) gets warm.Before you say”Pressurize it!” the head pressure of that much CO2 will give you an unpleasantly large head.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369565",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:06:17",
"content": "I wonder if something like an automotive heater core (unused, of course) is food-safe? If you ran pure ethanol through it for a while to dissolve any manufacturing oils, then flushed it with water, I bet the insides would be clean enough to drink from. Put it in a cooler of ice water and you’ve got an instant liquid chiller.Do not do this. Ever. Unless you are absolutely sure the solder they use is lead free. *Some* modern cars no longer use lead. Most do. In the braze and in the copper. Many of them are also painted and you have no idea what went into that paint. You also have no idea if they used ethylene glycol to test the lines with. You can probably mostly clean that out but the lead? Nope. There is a very good reason why companies use stainless steel to brew with, mix pharmaceuticals with and make food with. I love creative hacks but please start with the right materials for food contact items, please.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369567",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:11:06",
"content": "“Before you say”Pressurize it!” the head pressure of that much CO2 will give you an unpleasantly large head.”Could you pressurize it with filtered oil free air in a 5 gallon corny “pony” keg? Peristaltic pumps generally have fairly low head. *Probably* enough to up 8 – 15 feet no problem but you would want to double check.Pump curves in feet of head can be converted to pressure – psi – by the expression:p = 0.434 * h * SGwherep = pressure (psi)h = head (ft)SG = specific gravityAs long as you can generate about 6 or 7 psi then you should be fine, just keep in mind the pressure the Co2 can create – most peristaltic pump lines are good for maybe 50 psi?Speaking of peristaltic pump lines, I suggest platinum cured silicone. Food grade and see through.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369574",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:23:06",
"content": "Good idea- but air (primarily dissolved oxygen) will stale the beer unless you can drink 5gal in a day or two. Same concept of pumping up a keg with an air pump- next day it already starts to taste a little funky. I need to keep the CO2 partial pressure at around 10psi to maintain the carbonation levels I prefer for my style of beer, but I can handle much higher hydrostatic pressure as long as the CO2 doesn’t come out of solution in the line. If I keep the line cool I don’t think it will be an issue (I’m not sure here- haven’t tried it yet). Thanks for the line advice- off to mcmaster carr for a price check!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369583",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:34:52",
"content": "Forgot to mention- at 10 feet, the pressure is 4.3 psi less, I believe that without a pump the CO2 will come out of solution and the first few ounces will be flat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369587",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:44:12",
"content": "Maybe use food grade nitrogen instead of air? You can pressurize a 5 gallon keg up to 120 PSI or so – PLENTY of pressure to push it up a single flight of stairs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369588",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:44:38",
"content": "I wish he would have posted pictures of the trunk line. The best method (IMO) for a trunk line would be probably a 1-1.25″ ID copper pipe, with the beer lines inside it. It would have sealed ends with barbs and the glycol solution running through it. Similar to a chemistry type condenser setup.If the beer lines are steel, this would result in a very efficient method for chilling the beer in the lines.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369591",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:48:58",
"content": "If you want to push beer up a level, the trick used by bars and such is to use nitrogen to get the beer to get the required pressure.Nitrogen won’t react with the beer or dissolve readily like co2 does, so you can bump the pressure up quite a ways for serving. You’ll need a gas blender to do this and get the right blend however.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369605",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T03:29:37",
"content": "If the beer lines are only steel, it would also result in quite a bit of rust. I assume you mean stainless steel?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369716",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T09:00:24",
"content": "Does anyone know how the storage temperature of the keg affects the shelf-life of the beer? I can’t seem to find a chart comparing the shelf lives relative to different types of pressurization and room temp v. cold storage.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369737",
"author": "abaddon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T10:25:02",
"content": "from personal experiance ( i worked as a bar manger/supervisor for some years) you should never use straight CO2. usally a 80/20 mix of CO2/nitrogen is used this helps to keep head size down while still keeping presure in the lines (most pubs/bars in the uk have there cellers in basements)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370376",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T13:26:07",
"content": "drools",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370603",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:37:06",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuyDo you know how many houses have copper lines soldered with lead? We’ve been doing it for a very, very long time. Nothing to worry about :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370721",
"author": "Joe Zajac",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:47:23",
"content": "Awesome. If you need Propylene Glycol USP and you can order it direct. This is safe for consumption if if comes in contact with your food.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "583800",
"author": "Craft Beer",
"timestamp": "2012-02-17T04:22:52",
"content": "Awesome setup. Wish I had something similar for hauling my beer around.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2647613",
"author": "J.L. Benet",
"timestamp": "2015-07-16T17:42:46",
"content": "For a pump to move the beer up floors, you can use SHURflo 2088-492-444 Park Model Fresh Water Pump. It’s food grade, made to pump potable water. It’s a workhorse, used on RVs and food trucks. This specific model is 115v AC, so you don’t have to worry about a DC converter. It’s also an on demand pump, so you don’t need to worry about a switch.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.102042
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/automated-home-beer-brewery-best-laundry-room-add-on-ever/
|
Automated Home Beer Brewery — Best Laundry Room Add-on Ever
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Beer Hacks"
] |
[
"beer",
"brew",
"homebrew",
"Renesas",
"robot"
] |
All-grain home brewing takes time… a lot of time. We’re not going to pretend like a good batch of beer isn’t thanks mostly to the artist that is the brewmaster, but at the same time it’s pretty amazing to see a compact
system like the one above that can boil a batch of wort without much help from you
.
[Zizzle] built this machine as his entry in
the Renesas contest
. You can see the development board there just to the left of the brew kettle. It’s network connected with a web interface that allows you to take recipes from
Brewtarget
and import them directly to the system. All you need to do is make sure that you load up the grain basket and boil addition modules to match your recipe. The bot takes it from there, filling the kettle, preheating that water, lowering the grains and maintaining temperature for the mash, and completing the boil with additions from the servo-controlled PVC pipe pods. Experienced brewers will notice a few steps missing, like the sparge, and a quick way to cool the finished wort. But this does take a huge part of the drudgery out of our hands. If only it had a clean-in-place system… then we’d really be happy! Don’t miss the video after the break and take a moment to check out
the build-log posts
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xQenrnkNOQ&w=470]
| 24
| 24
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369453",
"author": "Girrrrrrr2",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:32:55",
"content": "I want this… but i would take 2 sheds and make them into my own home brew area.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369460",
"author": "Sean",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:50:30",
"content": "Great work Zizzle! No chilla for life! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369468",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:58:54",
"content": "I commonly find that putting automated heating equipment next to combustible wood is generally an ill advised design decision.Maybe his next project will be an automated fire detector and extinguisher or a 911 dialing smoke detector that updates twitter to let him know his house burned down?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369470",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:02:27",
"content": "Otherwise, this is a reasonable hack. I like the use of stainless steel vs brass and flexible pvc that many brewers use. Love the re-purposed cell phone display.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369490",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:30:29",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuy it’s got a thermostat and a bunch of water in it. He’s not going to causing any fires.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369496",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:42:11",
"content": "The conductive level sensors are there to prevent dry firing the heating element.A flow sensor probably would have been easier to use, but wouldn’t not cover the case of the tap being left open or similar.Thanks to a bug, it actually went through a dry firing at one point. The element went pop, but no other damage. I suspect the solid state relay that drives the element would give up pretty early in the event of a failure.But realistically we won’t be running it unattended for the foreseeable future.When homebrewing beer, you obviously take some risk no matter what you do: a lot of heat energy is involved, near boiling liquids, malt crushers, lots of big glass containers, and you consume the result!Relax and have another homebrew!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369512",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T00:12:41",
"content": "What if something flammable falls on the heating element or what if something knocks over the heater and causes it to contact something flammable? Perhaps the level sensors kick in then and turn it off? It might be too late though, depending on the flash point of said object. I worry about things like earthquakes, pets, children, etc.I don’t want to be overly alarmist but considering most houses are build out of kindling, a reasonable amount of precaution seems in order when “hacking” together stuff like this. Not to mention insurance companies.You CAN automate fire or heaters – just about every house in America has gas or electrical powered water heaters. Some people even have gas powered refrigerators. But this design isn’t something I would personally feel comfortable leaving out and automated to leave to run unattended without more process controls and a redesign. Otherwise, I applaud the effort that went into it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369544",
"author": "Carter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:29:30",
"content": "A lot of good knowledge you have in that setup. I’m currently in the process of doing something similar. Would you be willing to share the code of how you integrated with brew target?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369550",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:40:42",
"content": "I’ve always been somewhat surprised by the alarmism displayed by HaD posters. Yeah, some hacks are stupid and dangerous for no reason — I’m reminded of an Instructables “hand warmer” that was literally just a couple of shorted-out 9V batteries in an altoids tin. But all the running around screaming about the sky falling any time someone does something with more than 5 volts or temperatures above 100 degrees or speeds above 20 miles an hour is just annoying to read. You don’t learn if you never try.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369563",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:00:42",
"content": "@macw: He’s right. This is why you don’t see many self made thermostats. Think about how your house would react if the heat (or the AC for that matter) stayed on constantly during the worst possible time while you’re on vacation. That said, I would find this very useful, as I find the greatest part of the brewing experience is to sit back, while brewing, with a few beers and a few friends. With this, I would have less labor and I could enjoy another cold brew.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369616",
"author": "Marc",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T03:48:45",
"content": "As a homebrewer and geek, I can assure you this is awsome. Good job sir!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369734",
"author": "Dion",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T10:17:58",
"content": "Brilliant. Surely the front loader could play a role somewhere along the way :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369746",
"author": "Tropica",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T10:48:02",
"content": "Amazing!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369820",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:35:29",
"content": "this is a must have in every home!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369840",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:17:31",
"content": "It isn’t alarmist to point out that hacks have potential for danger. After all, they are hacks.We hacked our way to the moon but we also built in back ups. And we had solid designs with sensors that reacted for us automatically. There was a reason that the fuels used to lift off from the moon were hypergolic. Because you greatly lessen the chance of it not firing. AKA moon tomb.When hacks incorporate items that may be a problem and that you don’t know them to be a problem until, well, they are problems, you should stop and ask yourself – could this go badly and if so, how? If there is no chance of this, as there are on many hacks, then don’t worry about it. If there is, then well, at least try to address it.Not ever hack needs this of course but it is a really good practice, especially if you start to incorporate high voltages and hydraulics and high pressure and temperatures and such into your builds to step back and think about what has a small probability of occurring but if it did, would have dire consequences. That isn’t alarmist, it is practical. No design is perfect and things fail, even when brand new.We work with 480 volt AC systems, hydraulic systems in excess of 50,000 PSI, temperatures that exceed 5,000 F and all host of other things that can be dealt with safely but need to be thought about, understood and handled properly in order to be used safely. As I mentioned earlier – we have whole house heaters in most homes. But they have also been engineered and have several safety backups as well. Which is why houses rarely burn down because of them.Unless hacks are carefully designed to at least have a nod towards safety, you may wind up doing something you never intended to do – like burn your house down or accidentally launch projectiles at high pressure at somebody. I am not saying obsess over it but I am saying at least stop for a moment during the 40 hour build or what have you and think…. what things do I not expect to go wrong could go wrong and how can I resolve those issues before they become potentially serious issues later down the road.That is all I am saying. Write that off as alarmist if you want and failure is always an option but I encourage you to set things up so by design if they fail, they don’t result in you failing. At life.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369869",
"author": "Life2Death",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:22:17",
"content": "mmmm, linty beer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369877",
"author": "Joe Mama",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:34:22",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuy No one cares! Go troll somewhere else.Awesome build!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369931",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:56:33",
"content": "Do you honestly believe my goal here is to troll? Go ahead and do whatever you want, I don’t care. I am just trying to point out a potential issue. Burn your own house down, or don’t. Just don’t put it in a commercial product and try to sell it to me is all I ask.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369938",
"author": "Chopperdave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T18:10:10",
"content": "Great build!Do you end up losing much fermentable/delicious material by not sparging the grains at all?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370005",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T20:00:56",
"content": "@Carter sure the Brewtarget mod is a bit of a hack. It pretty much adds on to the text recipe export and FTPs to the brewbot. I can send you a diff.@Chopperdave Actually no, our efficiency is still pretty good at around 70%. It’s thinner mash than normal which helps.There is a forum dedicated to Brew In A Bag here:http://www.biabrewer.info",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370128",
"author": "adamziegler",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:32:10",
"content": "I like this. The amount of time and planning that must have gone into this. I sorta want to plan something like this that I can hold bins of grain that grind as needed, and keep track of supplies remaining.dreams….Thanks for doing this!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370519",
"author": "seanterrill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:50:14",
"content": "While no-sparge, no-chill brewing isn’t the norm in the States, it’s quite popular in Australia.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370521",
"author": "sam",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T16:51:09",
"content": "could you use arduinos to control it and use a second aduino and a xbee shield to make a pager",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "395856",
"author": "Brewallon",
"timestamp": "2011-05-19T01:50:04",
"content": "Where did you find the food grade stainless steel basket?Did you make it yourself?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.16183
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/your-robot-stand-in-has-arrived/
|
Your Robot Stand-in Has Arrived
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"balancing",
"balancing bot",
"telepresence",
"wrt54g"
] |
Meet TIPI, the
Telepresence Interface by Pendulum Inversion
. TIPI is something of a surrogate, giving physical presence to telecommuters by balancing an LCD screen and camera atop its six foot frame. The user has full control of the robot’s movement, with their own camera image shown on the display so that others interacting with the bot will with whom they are conversing.
A pair of 12.5″ wheels connec to DC motors via a gear box with a 37:1 ratio. These specs are necessary to recover from a sudden 20 degree loss of equilibrium, quite impressive for a bot of this stature. An Orangutan SVP board monitors a two-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope for accurate positioning data. This board automatically keeps balance, while taking user commands from a second control, a Beagle Board. The Beagle Board handles the communications, including sending and receiving the video signals, and delivering incoming position control data to the Orangutan. Separating the two systems guards against a screen-shattering fall by making sure the hardware likely to face slow-down or lockup is physically separate from that responsible for balance.
Check out the video clip after the brake to see some balancing goodness. It shouldn’t be hard to build your own version for much less than the
$15k price tag enjoyed by some commercial versions
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmhrrKtjYDs&w=470]
| 15
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369434",
"author": "Brennan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T21:48:52",
"content": "Didn’t Sheldon do something like this?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369438",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T21:57:56",
"content": "Nice build!Am I the only one wincing at the lead acid battery perched near the top of the pendulum, or does the extra mass actually help with stability?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "369483",
"author": "Taylor Page",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:20:26",
"content": "Try balancing a golfclub on-end in your hand.",
"parent_id": "369438",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "369444",
"author": "MJD",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:15:42",
"content": "the centre of mass being further from the wheels means it has a higher moment of inertia around those wheels, so it’ll accelerate less easily than if the lead acid battery was at the wheels, so it actually helps active stabilisation, even though it makes it less statically stable. You can see this by trying to balance a broom handle or similar upright on your hand. It’s easier with a longer pole.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369448",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:26:50",
"content": "http://geeksyndicate.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/big-bang-theory-cruciferous-vegetable-amplification-11.jpg?w=500&h=334",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369455",
"author": "Taylor Page",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:40:18",
"content": "It actually only cost them about $1500 to build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369456",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T22:46:45",
"content": "Looks nice, but almost like they tried to put too much stuff into one package. Having it self balancing is a neat technical accomplishment, but it doesn’t appear to do anything but make the robot super wobbly. Mechanically, it is again impressive but ultimately overkill: if it didn’t have to worry about balancing itself a much simpler drive system could have had similar, if not better, performance. And then it’s like they ran out of time or energy to add things that would have made a big difference, such as the ability to control it wirelessly over the internet.Sorry don’t mean to get too down on this, it looks like a great technology demonstration by the student team. Just not super practical.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "369481",
"author": "Taylor Page",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:18:10",
"content": "All of that functionality is there. The school’s network was blocking all of the ports at the presentation and they were being capped so skype was useless at 50kbps.",
"parent_id": "369456",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "369473",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:09:07",
"content": "“Unfortunately. the University network blocked and throttled all of our internet communication sofware so we were forced to hack together a wired solution during the first 30 minutes of our symposium. This is why the monitor is just showing what the webcam is looking at.” – patfairbank.com/tipiIt is typically controlled wirelessly over the internet.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369482",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:19:08",
"content": "does it come with spare LCD screens ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369491",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:33:50",
"content": "@MJDOk, thought it might.@AlexThe video’s description says it does work over Wifi/internet, but the network at the demo site wasn’t up to it.As for the inverted pendulum setup, I expect it makes it far less likely to topple over during braking/acceleration than a non-balancing bot, and it can brake/accelerate at the maximum dV/dt the layout allows.Once the controller is tuned properly that is… otherwise you’re going to need lots of spare LCDs :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369504",
"author": "TPage",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T00:00:32",
"content": "@ JonathanThey got the balancing to work properly at 12am before the presentation. A day before that it would only balance for about a minute before becoming unstable, and a day before that it wouldn’t balance at all.It only fell twice during the 5 hour presentation, and they never had to replace the LCD.And thanks for pointing out my video description to Alex.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369841",
"author": "kubik",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T15:27:45",
"content": "“This video contains content from EMI. It is restricted.. blah blah… “",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370829",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:57:35",
"content": "Does it have a way to prevent itself from being stolen by anyone with a $30 phone + gps + wifi jammer from dealextreme?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372702",
"author": "Sappheir",
"timestamp": "2011-04-03T10:17:46",
"content": "@dan fruzettiI understand the wifi jammer, but why the phone and a gps?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.213313
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/nano-sumo-robot-takes-on-all-comers/
|
Nano Sumo Robot Takes On All Comers
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"robot",
"sumo"
] |
While most Sumo-style robots are fairly sizable, there is a subsection of the Sumo robot movement that focuses on making small robots. Really small robots.
[Patrick] wrote in to share his latest creation,
a Nano Sumo robot
measuring a scant 1 in. x 1 in. The Nano Sumo is operated by an ATMega 328 micro controller housed on a custom-built PCB. The board was designed to interface directly with the 1A Dual Motor Driver from SparkFun, which provides all of the PWM signaling to the motors for speed control and braking. A small 50mAh Li-poly battery is attached to the robot, which can be charged using 4 AA batteries via a custom charging circuit. The mechanical components of the bot were handled by his friend [Gary], which you can
read about here
.
As you can see in the video below, the bot does its job pretty well. It does seem like the object detection gets confused every once in awhile, but that can likely be remedied with a few software tweaks.
Check out his page for additional build videos, including the PCB construction and programming processes.
If you’re interested in learning more about Sumo bots, check out this
slightly larger robot
we covered a short while back.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-5aRlMBRvE&w=470]
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369414",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T20:50:38",
"content": "Damn, that’s dinky!Very nice construction, looks pretty solid.Could this be done even smaller with a 8-pin PIC and a coin cell?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369515",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T00:26:59",
"content": "That’s simply adorable. It sure hates those boxes getting into its circle…“Why do they keep coming back?!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369600",
"author": "Gilliam V.",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T03:23:47",
"content": "Is it pushing with its little lithium battery pack on the front?Sumo-mini-bot mk2: “sumo ninja assassin” could have a little li-po piercing sword/lance.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369661",
"author": "notmyfault2000",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T05:50:32",
"content": "Just watching the video, I think the reason it has trouble sometimes is because the center of gravity is in just the wrong spot. If it were a little shorter or a little longer it would be more stable, so that when it accelerates it doesn’t pop a wheelie and therefore the circle detection sensors don’t misfire.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369735",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T10:19:51",
"content": "Can you pit two against each other?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369759",
"author": "florinzgtrst",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T11:43:54",
"content": "One of these little guys (or even smaller) would be awesome as a keychain toy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369817",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:29:47",
"content": "too sweet! Just don’t lose it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369834",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:56:50",
"content": "This is rather cool, but I have two negative things to say.1. the video is 4 minutes too long.2. “Made on a Mac” graphic with hyperlink to apple.com/mac … why don’t you try to be a bit more of a douchebag?Otherwise I thought the robot was cool because of it’s size and how well it worked.Fuck those paper cubes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369867",
"author": "swighton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:13:10",
"content": "@ScottI’m fairly certain the the “Made on a Mac” is placed automatically when using iWeb (apples web authoring software) – the same way the iPhone automatically signs emails “sent from my iPhone” so it probably wasn’t the pompous move that it appears.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371105",
"author": "Annon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T17:12:24",
"content": "@SwightonApple does not automatically put sent from iPhone, its an option that everyone should know how to change.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.262781
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/nintendo-hacked-to-fit-inside-an-nes-cartridge/
|
Nintendo Hacked To Fit Inside An NES Cartridge
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"nes",
"nintendo",
"NOAC"
] |
Instructables user [dany32412] recently built what is arguably one of the smallest NES consoles we have seen to date. Using a Nintendo on a Chip (NOAC) board, he has fabricated an
NES system that fits inside a hollowed out NES cartridge
.
He purchased a NOAC system at a local resale shop and got to work disassembling it. As most of these devices typically consist of a game system built into the controller with a Famicom game slot added for good measure, he knew he had a lot of work ahead of him if he was going to convert it to work properly with actual NES games and controllers.
He hacked apart most of the NOAC’s board, leaving just the CPU and the controller interface chip. He then built a custom controller interface board in order to properly map his NES controller’s buttons to the pads on the NOAC. He wired in a 72-pin NES cartridge slot, then added a pair of controller ports and a power switch. Once he had everything connected and tested, it was all secured in a Super Mario Brothers NES cartridge.
Check out the video below of his mini NES in action.
If you can’t get enough Nintendo hacks, be sure to take a look at this
portable NES
as well as this
emulator-based NES in a cartridge
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yGzoNGbgIA&w=470]
| 22
| 22
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369324",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:24:05",
"content": "Insert a Mario bro cartridge into this and let the yo dawg jokes begin. In all seriousness, very clean and small.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369341",
"author": "joe hosman",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:42:19",
"content": "awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369354",
"author": "walt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:52:04",
"content": "this is too cool to be on instructables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369357",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:55:36",
"content": "For his next trick, lets see a NES system hacked to go inside a NES controller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369359",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:56:31",
"content": "The saddest part of all seems to be the fact that it took us 25 years to get to this point.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369360",
"author": "Pedro",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:58:20",
"content": "http://forums.benheck.com/viewtopic.php?t=14764NES inside a NES controller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369364",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:00:41",
"content": "this has been done befor and a guy on the benhack forums put one in an nes controller",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369379",
"author": "SheeEttin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:13:46",
"content": "Hmm… Now what if he puts the guts of a cartridge (or something that has a whole bunch of games on a cartridge, if they exist)… inside an NES console? :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369386",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:37:42",
"content": "“if they exist”At the very least, there’s Super Mario All Stars, which I believe is SNES but contains upgraded versions of all the Mario games made up to that point.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369408",
"author": "Angelisa Josalisa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T20:34:31",
"content": "This is so perfect. I want to make it, and take it everywhere with me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369409",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T20:39:41",
"content": "ah I hate those cheap chinese NES on a chip things. The sound is so bad. Bugs. Your better off with an emulator.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369488",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:27:47",
"content": "so this is not another hackaday rerun, somebody else built a NES inside a NEScart?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369492",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:33:50",
"content": "the actual circuitboard that comes in that cartridge that was used as the case is actually small enough that it could have been kept intact and the cartridge still used as a NES, so you could plug your NES into your NES and oh wait maybe not, the one i have is mario bros + duck hunt and the chip is small enough to be included in the design. i’ll mail it to you, i have no use for it..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369530",
"author": "GroverDill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T00:54:54",
"content": "This is cool, but I wish that the form factor had placed the NES cartridge plug where the old cartridge connector went instead of cutting a big slot out of the side of the cartridge to add the plug. That way it would look like 2 cartridges plugged into each other in a still unnatural, yet potentially more pleasing way.As an aside, I just noticed that it is impossible to further discuss this concept without the entire thing starting to sound really creepy. Let’s just move on as if this had never happened.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369585",
"author": "Yawn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:37:19",
"content": "http://kotomiblog.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.htmlhttp://forums.benheck.com/viewtopic.php?p=295702Yawn, any original ideas?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369695",
"author": "Bakamoichigei",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T07:50:41",
"content": "When I saw this on Kotaku, my first reaction was that it’s kind of a ‘meh’ hack because it seems kind of silly to use another cartridge like that. Now, if they’d built the guts into a GAME GENIE or something, then it’d make more sense. Know what I mean? :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369797",
"author": "Andrew Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T13:25:09",
"content": "Lol nintendo fits inside a nes game… I’d like to see that",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369816",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:27:39",
"content": "this is truelly….wow…gratz on an 3pic hack! Made more so by the fact a Mario catridge was used!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370583",
"author": "Ivan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T18:38:11",
"content": "What I want to see is a complete PS3 inside the Blu-Ray",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370599",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T19:20:54",
"content": "FYI, this is not a “hack” – The NOAC has not been modified to perform a different function – It still does exactly what it did before. The use of the third party atmel board “arduino” was some pretty extreme overkill.Also, this has been done a thousand times over.HaD, could you post something NEW that is actually a *hack* for once? This is getting booooooringgggg…. You promise a “hack a day” with your name, yet regularly fail at that mission.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370830",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T04:58:54",
"content": "this is just too sexy",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1124646",
"author": "Miyamoto",
"timestamp": "2013-12-06T23:53:42",
"content": "Idiot. Really clean looking cart. What a waste. Idiot. -_-",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.320174
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/breathing-new-life-into-a-broken-ipod/
|
Breathing New Life Into A Broken IPod
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"ipod hacks",
"Repair Hacks"
] |
[
"fix",
"ipod",
"repair"
] |
[Craig] had a busted 2nd Gen iPod Nano that was well out of warranty. The play/pause button no longer worked, leaving him unable to play or pause music, nor power off the device. He didn’t want to scrap the iPod, so he figured out a way to
add an external play/pause button instead
.
He ordered an iPod dock connector from SparkFun and found that it had just enough space inside for the electronic components he would be adding. He consulted some online references for pinout information, then got busy cramming an ATiny13 and a pushbutton into the dock connector.
To minimize the drain on the iPod’s battery, he puts the ATiny into sleep mode when it is not being used. When the button is pressed, it wakes up the microcontroller and sends the proper signal to the iPod. Based on his estimations, it would take nearly 250 years for the ATiny to drain the iPod’s battery completely, so he’s pretty comfortable leaving the dongle attached at all times.
If you have an iPod with similar issues, he has made his source code available so you can save yours from the trash heap as well.
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369258",
"author": "Pip",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:13:41",
"content": "What is the total cost?Because 2nd Gen iPods do not cost that much.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369268",
"author": "mrbippers",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:32:27",
"content": "Neat I guess but you can get replacement wheels for like $5 on ebay.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369281",
"author": "dext3r",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:03:43",
"content": "@mrbippersand then you have to open it up, replace the part and then make sure everything seals up properly.actually seems easier and less frustrating to make an external dongle like this!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369282",
"author": "chango",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:05:03",
"content": "mrbippers: Hackaday wouldn’t be necessary if we all fixed things the direct way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369283",
"author": "synth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:05:49",
"content": "lol, if you’re ok with quick, ugly, and cheap, did you consider opening the stupid thing up and trying to fix the button?or add a new button by soldering to the board?what’s the most ghetto thing you could have possibly done?remove the play/pause button and have two wires coming out of the resulting hole that you can short?arguably less goofy and accident prone than that dongle sticking out.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369284",
"author": "StacyD",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:07:30",
"content": "Nicely done, it is pretty amazing how much you can do by interfacing with the dock connector. The serial ports on it are pretty fun to play with to once you install iPod Linux or RockBox, although this one is basically acting like the remote. The next step should be using the line-out and the remote functions in conjunction with a 3.3V opamp coming from the line-out for a much better sound and more fucntionality which can be trasferred to any iPod device. Did one once, LM and TI have some great chips that run off that voltage.Remote codes are well known and can be easily emulated with an ATTiny like here, PIC, or MSP430. The MSP430 would have been a better choice for battery and cost, but they are not exactly popular…..Good Luck man!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369289",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:20:58",
"content": "Stuff like this is why this site exists and why it’s awesome. :3",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369300",
"author": "Brennan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:36:30",
"content": "@synthShorting two wires may or may not work, depending on what kind of handling there is for a button press. If there is no/little delay between button presses, it may actually be hard to get a single button press by touching wires together. Plus it would be really easy to accidentally touch them together in a pocket or something.Personally I think this is a sweet hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369304",
"author": "Greg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:40:43",
"content": "umm…don’t these things work with the iphone headphones that have the mic/skip/play button on it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369331",
"author": "vinny",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:33:56",
"content": "Why not just buy some remote (Apple used to sell one) .You plug it into the 30 pin connector, and use that.Way simpler and just works.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369355",
"author": "Alexandre Souza",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:52:54",
"content": "I have an iPod mini 2g with something like the same problem – it pauses at will. When I turn it on, it pauses tens of times until goes to a state that it “kind of works”. I think I need to change the clickwheel…For me, in Brazil, I could even think about it. But in USA? Buy a new click wheel :o) Or recover the broken one! :oDI need a new iPod…4GB is not enough :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369590",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T02:45:27",
"content": "My local RadioShack had some iPod nanos on clearance for like $25 the other day. Just saying…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369900",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:54:21",
"content": "So you’re saying to just buy another one? BRILLIANT!I admire the balls in trotting out that kind of blatant jackassery on a site devoted to hacking.Fight the good fight, and good luck with those test scores.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.490566
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/motion-sensing-minecraft-creeper-will-scare-the-pickaxe-offa-ya/
|
Motion Sensing Minecraft Creeper Will Scare The Pickaxe Offa’ya
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"minecraft",
"motion"
] |
[Chris] Writes in to tell us about his motion sensing,
Arduino powered Creeper
. As if these buggers were not frightening enough in game, [Chris] had to go and make the closest (legal) real world facsimile. The Creeper utilizes an Arduino Uno with a wave shield to playback creeper noises, PIR sensor to detect victims, and an RC car as a motorized cart. The creeper sits and waits for a signal from the PIR detector, when it sees motion the RC remote is triggered, Creeper noises played and (we assume) panic ensues.
We might have forgone the entire RC part of the toy car and found the H-bridge motor controller, but using the RC remote has potential. The whole triggering mechanism can be placed remotely allowing the Creeper to jump out from some kind of cover.
Not enough Minecraft? Check out some our other
Minecraft projects
if you are interested in more tree-punching goodness.
A video of the creeper in action is available after the jump!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_mMtAKLzMJE&w=470]
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369238",
"author": "krazeecain",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:20:35",
"content": "Well… crap.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369243",
"author": "peter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:26:04",
"content": "ack. Just some crappy cardboard ducttaped to an R/C car.. wtf?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369248",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:33:59",
"content": "ssssssssssssssssssssssss",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369254",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:57:22",
"content": "Clear example on how to not spend your time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369261",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:23:43",
"content": "Lame game, lame project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369262",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:25:07",
"content": "Wow… some people have too much time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369263",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:25:13",
"content": "Had potential, failure in execution. Would have been cooler if it was tiny, like table-top sized, and had glowing red LEDs in it’s eyes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369288",
"author": "Dzhus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:16:51",
"content": "Looks laggy.Just like Minecraft.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369298",
"author": "zoo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:31:57",
"content": "This would be even creepier on strandbeest legs",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369330",
"author": "ftorama",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:33:32",
"content": "hope he’s twelve years old…that would explain a lot of things",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369421",
"author": "Philpax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T21:08:27",
"content": "He decided to use what he had to make a fun homage to the game. Doesn’t matter if it’s flimsy or you hate Minecraft – he likes it, and he enjoyed having building it; and that’s the spirit of hacking.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369548",
"author": "Skitchin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:34:01",
"content": "I’m really disappointed to see he said that he didn’t really hack much on the controller, it’s only wired to go forward.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369814",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T14:21:54",
"content": "wow, awsome use of time, im glad there are people out there doing these things.@trolls,,Oh no how dare someoine use their time to do something you dont like instead of hanging around hackaday to complain about people using their time for things you dont like. If you don’t like it, then how about use your time to do a product to post here..if you have the skillz. Oh wait, maybe that is why all you do is troll.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370959",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T12:50:55",
"content": "It failed to be epic win when it didn’t actually explode.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "410436",
"author": "Nimaid",
"timestamp": "2011-06-27T00:54:59",
"content": "@IJ Dee-VoDid you just troll, then anti-troll? I think that is a violation of the internet.Anyways, this project is OK, but kinda poorly done. Not that I could do any better with my resources, but still.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.692863
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/led-floor-lamp-really-ties-the-room-together/
|
LED Floor Lamp Really Ties The Room Together
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"disco",
"led"
] |
Instructables user [lincomatic] was doing some home decorating and was trying to find something that would really tie the room together. He decided against adding a nice rug, a light fixture is what he was after. Rather than settle on a simple lamp for the corner of the room, he constructed an
8×8 RGB LED fixture he calls the Lampduino
.
He constructed the 8×8 grid using some leftover cardboard packaging, then got to work wiring up the LED strands. In a rather unorthodox move, he decided to wire wrap the LED leads instead of soldering them. Once the LEDs were in place, he wired everything up to his Colorduino, an Arduino derivative specially made for driving large quantities of LEDs. A thin sheet of drafting film was placed on both sides of the board, then it was mounted on a stand for display.
His Daft Punk-esque lamp can be programmed to display just about anything from color patterns to video game sprites, and it can also be timed to music if desired. We think it looks great, and could make for a nice wall hanging if he ever got sick of the stand. While the wire wrap technique sounds like it sped up the development of this project significantly, we would be interested in hearing how it holds up after a few months of use.
Check out the trio of videos embedded below to see the Lampduino in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZUnk9GjPEw&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpqwqo4Rcd8&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFOD6wtOcUo&w=470]
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369215",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:20:50",
"content": "3p1c",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369242",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:24:58",
"content": "3p1c? or you could just say epic like a normal person :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369244",
"author": "Aaron",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:29:02",
"content": "I bet the wire-wrap holds up just fine. I gutted a ~20-year-old component amp the other day, and found wire-wrapped connections between the power supply and the main board — somewhat surprising, but they were all in great shape and not even a little bit loose. So long as nobody’s fooling around with it, I see no reason why it should be a problem.(Also, I know 6p6c and 8p8c, but what good’s a 3p1c connector?)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369245",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:30:08",
"content": "There is way too much of the word “duino” involved here – but nice project either way…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369311",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:58:51",
"content": "Wirewrap has flown in space. It’s quite rugged if done right.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369323",
"author": "0x4368726973",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:23:27",
"content": "@Aaron – I’m not certain what good a 3p1c is, but 6p2c connectors are quite common and cheep. Maybe they decided to cut one of these in half for some goofy reason.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369369",
"author": "Fallen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:06:16",
"content": "Cool, but I’m not a fan of how he’s diffusing the diode. IMO it would look better if the pixels were one solid color. I know that is hard to do. I’m not saying I could do it better, or have a better way of doing it. As it is however, I’m not a fan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369372",
"author": "danielmiester",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:07:15",
"content": "Wirewrap ,if done right, is superior to soldering in many respects (except for labor.)It actually forms a cold weld at *EACH* corner of the post, every time the wire passes. It is not near as likely to break the wire off at the joint. (The first few wraps of insulated wire provide a strain relief) A soldered connection may have a thin layer of solder between the conductive surfaces, while a wire wrapped connection is a direct conductor-to-conductor join, providing for minimal added resistance as well as a joint that handles high temperatures like a champ.Can your soldering job handle heavy vibrations at 350 deg. C?Wirewrap can!But in all honesty, I prefer soldering in most cases myself.Wirewrap sucks for most hobbyists for a big reason: How do you strip the insulation off a 30ga wire anyhow? I don’t own a stripper capable of doing that without damaging the core of the wire too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369382",
"author": "Hitek146",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:25:49",
"content": "So this looks like a disco floor, and is described as a floor, but is not actually a floor? Am I missing something here?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369416",
"author": "Fallen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T20:51:49",
"content": "Also Agreed that wirewrap is superior in many applications. I agree fully with daniel above. It sure is time consuming though.But most of the wire wrap tools have a stripper for the 30AWG wire. At least all of the ones I do, and it works great for kynar(SP?) and teflon insulation. My main issue is getting the length of the wire right, to have it lay flat on the board. Also sourcing the pins for wirewrap can be a pain, and the good ones are often expensive….and sharp as hell lol.But it’s nice that you don’t need any power to do up a circuit, and with CA glue, the parts are usually secured just as well, if not better than if they were soldered.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369666",
"author": "neimad",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T06:02:48",
"content": "“duino” has really hit rock bottom as a word tack-on. does every goddamn thing to be a “duino” now? Makes it sound stupid. ‘lampduino’? really??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369912",
"author": "Trollduino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T17:30:11",
"content": "Toolduino",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.788367
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/hiduino-the-only-limit-is-yourself/
|
HIDUINO: Your Arduino Is Now A MIDI Interface
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"Arduino AVR ISP",
"usb hack"
] |
[Dimitri Diakopoulos] dropped into our tip line to let us know his
HIDUINO
project. The HIDUINO is a set of firmware for the ATmega8u2 used in the new revisions of the Arduino (Uno, and Mega2560 for example). Once the HIDUINO is loaded your Arduino can show up as any HID compliant device you wish, no extra drivers necessary. This means that using this firmware, music software such as Max, Ableton, Reaktor etc can read and write MIDI directly to/from the Arduino. Currently the project is for direct USB-MIDI communication but could be altered to act as a variety of HID devices.
Flashing the ATmega8u2 with your own device type or name requires a bit of work on the developers part like owning an ISP programmer, soldering header pins to the board, and re-flashing the ATmega8u2 every time you want to load new code into the Arduino. Users without an ISP can still flash HIDUINO using
Atmel’s FLIP software
(Windows) or the
DFU programmer
(Mac OS X and Linux) and a precompiled HIDUINO firmware. They still have to solder a
jumper
on the underside of the board to use the DFU bootloader.
This firmware could certainly benefit anyone building an
Arduinome
,
Joystick
, or any
variety
of devices that users simply want to interface to a PC without additional software.
A guide for ISP flashing can be found at [Dimitri]’s
site
.
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369158",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:17:45",
"content": "If this can do a keyboard, I can see it used for automation in the (sadly frequent) intances in which you aren’t allowed to write a shell script.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369166",
"author": "vasskk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:26:57",
"content": "omg yes, i was JUST working on a project to do just this. Perfect timing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369199",
"author": "synth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:55:21",
"content": "o wow, the novelty of a usb avr doing usb!honestly, the tarduino IDE and firmware is cool. good work there.but lol @ people buying the devboards.the tarduino board platform has some pretty lols design choices, and the new iterations are equally lols in how the stupidity is perpetuated (for compatibility).lol, how about a real usb avr devboard that is cheaper, better, and has consistently arranged standard 0.1″ pitch breakouts (anyone into breadboards? lol)e.g. teensycontinuing with these stupidly arranged headers (oh no, my old, overpriced, premade ‘shields’ won’t fit!) and two avrs makes me lol hard!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369208",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:14:38",
"content": "@ synth=lol at the loltroll..oh no someone didnt use for their project what i would have done so instead of making my own and post it, i’ll troll",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369216",
"author": "gezepi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:23:20",
"content": "This sounds like a lot of work to be able to get at the HID functionality in the new Arduinos. I’ve been working with the Teensy’s lately and they’re pretty nice. The Adruino IDE works with them so there really isn’t anything new to learn for programming them. Plus you can tell them to be any kind of USB device you want. That and they’re priced very closely to the UNO and much smaller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369217",
"author": "G",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:31:24",
"content": "@synth,You make some excellent points… I just wish you did so without so many lols… :DI think the arduino is an interesting tool for hobbyists but the spacing should have been fixed… Sparkfun sells “offset headers” so you can use them in your design and still be compatible with the arduino board… Well, if arduino didn’t want to scrap their first batch of boards with the spacing flaw then they should have considered populating that first batch with an offset header on the arduino itself, then fixed the spacing issue on subsequent runs of the board. All the shields would then have standard spacing and people could use standard perboards without screwing around, and it would have worked it’s way out of they system after the first run of arduino PCBs.Propagating the error to the next board seems silly. Perfect chance to fix the error, and just throw in one of the offset headers with the board so people could swap it if they want to use it with old shields.When the UNO came out it was hyped that it could be used as any USB device but there wasn’t any support offered to really help you out. Kudos to this guy for coming up with a way to achieve what they were hyping. Really makes me wonder if the arduino team really intended for this to be a “feature” or if they just needed a replacement for the FTDI usb-to-serial chip for some reason. They sure didn’t make it easy or convenient to reprogram the new chip… if it was an intended feature they should have at least put the headers on there…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369222",
"author": "Ratty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:50:13",
"content": "Totally agree with gezepi, if you want a devboard that’ll pretend to be a HID, but you don’t own a ‘new’ arduino yet. Get a teensy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369239",
"author": "pinky",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:21:14",
"content": "Holy crap, ITS LIKE YOU READ MY MIND OR SOMETHING!!! I was just going to search for HID in hackaday, and here you are, just bi-winning all over the place! <3",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369241",
"author": "Eric",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:24:11",
"content": "Nitpicky, but Arduinomes/other monomes and clones run on OSC, not MIDI.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369260",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:19:02",
"content": "Awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369348",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:47:28",
"content": "bout time someone started working on that, unos have been out for a while",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369474",
"author": "Sam",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T23:11:08",
"content": "Wouldn’t it be easier/better to use a Teensy which is actually designed for this?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369538",
"author": "ewan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:17:17",
"content": "this is great. finaly that chip is going to realise his potential!although there are better dev boards for usb, there are loads of people with arduinos, and they are really easy to get hold of. and normal people have heard of them(i don’t know why this matters, though.)still i don’t know whats wrong with v-usb.lol @ troll",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369807",
"author": "signal7",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T13:57:21",
"content": "If it were me, I would try to program the 8u2 to be able to handle multiple USB profiles all at the same time. Selection of the profile could be done with jumpers. At least then you wouldn’t be constantly reprogramming the darn thing when you want to switch from HID to rs232…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369880",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:37:41",
"content": "If you want to play with this without soldering anything, a screwdriver will bridge the pads just as well. Serious pain if you’re going to be doing it often, but for some quick experimentation, have fun :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2484022",
"author": "did",
"timestamp": "2015-03-18T14:30:39",
"content": "does someone know if it the sparkfun midi shield still works once you made the modification on the arduino? thanks a lot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4407577",
"author": "Jack",
"timestamp": "2018-03-10T02:13:34",
"content": "HIDUINO is mainly bases on the LUFA library by Dean Camera.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.16037
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/wireless-animatronic-hand-control/
|
Wireless Animatronic Hand Control
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"robot",
"telepresence"
] |
[Easton] was looking to enter his local science fair and needed a project that would wow the judges. After considering it for a bit, he decided that
an animatronic hand would be a sure winner
. Many animatronic projects we have seen are connected to a computer for control purposes, but his is a bit different.
[Easton] wanted to be able to control the hand in real time with his own movements, so he sewed some flex sensors onto a glove and wired them up to a custom Arduino shield he built. The Arduino is also connected to an XBee radio, allowing it to interface with his animatronic hand wirelessly.
He built the hand after studying anatomical drawings to better understand where finger joints were located and how they moved. He cut up pieces of flexible wire tubing to build the fingers, reinforcing them with Lego bricks. He ran fishing wire from the finger tips to five independent servos to provide the hand’s motion. Another Arduino with an XBee shield was used to control the hand and receive wireless signals from the glove.
Check out the video below to see why this project won [Easton] first place in the science fair.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYKoNi48m9o&w=470]
| 9
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369142",
"author": "r3",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T12:41:16",
"content": "with all the respect … as such work clearly deserves it … nobody heard of the color coded gloves+webcam API ?http://www.sciencelov.com/?p=3151#more-3151",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369150",
"author": "Craig",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T12:59:12",
"content": "Really cool. I bet the first time he got it up and running he just sat there clenching/unclenching his fist for a satisfying half hour =)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369246",
"author": "Christian Pigeon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:31:17",
"content": "Thats beautiful… also noticed the legos… Love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369413",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T20:48:20",
"content": "I’m not trying to troll, but I have what I to be a legitimate question. Where is the line between engineering and science? Or, is there no line?I’ve had many arguments with people over the years on this topic and I wonder what HaD has to say. Thx",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369607",
"author": "DPTR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T03:30:41",
"content": "Hmm… imagine this in a compact form controlling an animatronic prosthetic hand. For someone who still has one hand it could mirror image what the human hand is doing.This would essentially allow the amputee to have control over both hands and would allow them to do many things!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "443950",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-08-29T21:51:33",
"content": "As long as those things were the same for both hands.",
"parent_id": "369607",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "369612",
"author": "Easton L",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T03:39:53",
"content": "I am the maker of this and actually the main point of this project was to control an animatronic hand without the use of a computer. Also the wireless was a big part also. You could adapt another was to control the hand other than hand control.Thank You, Easton",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369686",
"author": "Jeremy Blum",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T07:03:44",
"content": "wooooo! Go Easton! This is awesome. Great work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "372935",
"author": "Robo",
"timestamp": "2011-04-03T18:54:04",
"content": "How hard would it be to adapt a feedback system so you know when the remote has touched something?Andrew,From a professional level, there is no live between science and engineering. Engineering is applied science. They are different aspects of the same thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.741752
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/28/open-source-wireless-mesh-networking-energy-meter/
|
Open Source Wireless Mesh Networking Energy Meter
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"home hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"Monitoring",
"power consumption"
] |
[Jay Kickliter] writes in to tell us about his open source
energy/power meter
. With his buddy [Frank Lynam] they designed a small device that crams into existing power boxes and uses and 8 core propeller (P8X32A) microcontroller to perform true RMS voltage and current measurements using a current transformer. [Frank] and [Jay] don’t stop there. The meter also features an xbee pro 900 MHZ to provide wireless (and even mesh networking) capabilities to the whole ordeal.
[Jay and Frank] estimate a total unit cost of around $80 (US) per prototype. With volume the price goes down by about half. With a larger number of units, and the magic of mesh networking, we could see cheaper xbee’s driving the cost down some. Check out the
Google code
page for details or the
schematic
(pdf) if you are interested.
So far the project is in the beta stages, and only features a single module sending data to a PC running an OS X Cocoa application. [Jay] is about to be otherwise occupied by the Merchant Marines and [Frank] the Navy, so they figured we could have a go at it for awhile.
We have seen other hardware used to
monitor power
consumption, but cramming this circuit into each power box is a neat idea.
[Frank] explains the whole project in the video after the jump.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ingz7y9FLMo&w=470]
| 35
| 34
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369103",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:13:35",
"content": "wow 80 bucks? what is the other 40 for?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369105",
"author": "bootc",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:15:44",
"content": "The guy on the video was rushing through it so fast it was difficult to get a grasp on it! Very interesting project though, and something I was thinking about doing myself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369108",
"author": "Hackius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:18:55",
"content": "Xbees are expensive as hell. Why not use Nordic nRF24L01? You can find them for under 10$ and they can be mesh networked.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369112",
"author": "Dzhus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:43:17",
"content": "Too expensive, ISM components like RFM23B or TR24A are quite suitable for this and cost 5$ each max.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369116",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:55:52",
"content": "We’re using XBee’s because this was a proof of concept for utilities to use as actual home meter’s. I guess I didn’t get that across in the description. If I were to make one specifically for single outlet use I’d definitely use a much cheaper transmitter. $80 is what it cost us to prototype on such a short schedule (1 month idea to product). A lot of that was overnight PCB’s and much too expensive op amps and voltage regulator. Cheaper IC’s can be used to drop the price significantly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369117",
"author": "Jesse Congdon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:58:17",
"content": "Those are some interesting modules, Ill have to remember them for future RF projects! :) The zigbee is far more powerful (+17dBm) than the RFM23B(+13dBm), TR24A(+2dBm) or the nRF24L01 (+0dBm). Also the zigbee has mesh networking capability, the module’s micro builds the whole network and manages packet transmission all on its own, less fuss.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369121",
"author": "holly_smoke",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T12:03:53",
"content": "You might want to go back and proof read the article. Reading parts of it was quite an ordeal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369129",
"author": "Sebastiaan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T12:18:29",
"content": "I would never use this because of various reasons.HV measurement is directly in the AC part without any galvanic isolation.You could fry your electronics/yourself easily.The use of an opto-coupler is advised.further the current op-amps could be connected in another way, so the op-amp with the virtual ground could be ditched.I would advise to connect the op-amp as an differential amplifier.And use the a load resitor for an power measurement",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369139",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T12:36:28",
"content": "@Jay, what part are you using as the current transformer?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369141",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T12:39:41",
"content": "I get xbees for 25 bucks a unit single order and I’m nobody special..I could get the rest of the parts around 10 bucks from most dealers single unit order. Thus why I ask what the other 40 is for..Something like this though you want to go as cheap as possible on digital logic parts.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369167",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:27:03",
"content": "Spend the money on solar panels. Snart meters only help power companies excert control over your lives.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369173",
"author": "Davd",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:38:56",
"content": "I love how everyone is so quick to jump onto how much better we’d make it, without considering the reasoning behind the design choices that were made :)As they were trying to complete something quickly and simply, they opted for less risky/more expensive components like xbee’s and an op amp for virtual ground. Just because you have a different definition of “better” doesn’t mean it’s right ;)Rather than uselessly picking at other people’s designs online, please spend less time stroking your e-peen and more time building projects! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369203",
"author": "Sebastiaan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:07:38",
"content": "I am sorry if my reaction sounded like that Davd.I just was looking through a cool idea and cool project and saw some room for improvements and a little protection for the schematics.I don’t want to bash it in any way, just to improve it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369210",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:15:35",
"content": "@David=ftw",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369221",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T14:46:35",
"content": "Nice to see some Propeller love :) One thing, if the prop is right under the xbee, you may get some radio interference from the PLL.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369224",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:03:57",
"content": "The HAD summary is a little misleading, the board pictured and built by the guys is only good for 12Amps, not exactly whole house rated like my current clamp meter mentioned at the end of the HAD article.O wait, I get it. The want to cram this thing into every outlet. That can get expensive, but gives more detailed about your power flow I guess. I’ve had some requests to add features to my project that would allow multiple circuits to be monitored, which would give room level detail about power flow depending on how your house is wired. So there is some demand for it.I got sent a free Xbee smart meter RF kit, and when I have time, I’m going to look into integrating it into V2 of my power meter, along with the multi-circuit monitoring. I’ll have to thumb through this code to see if there is anything I can use for my project. Good Job guys.Also, Go Navy! (I’m an engineer for the Navy)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369290",
"author": "Dzhus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:23:29",
"content": "RFM22B has +20 dB. Mesh networking can be implemented on any module.+13 Db is already quite enough for in-house networks, don’t spam on public frequencies with high-power transmitters plox.The project is great no matter how much money was spent since energy accounting is a good task to invest time and money in.There’s a SEGmeter project which uses Hall effect sensors instead of transformers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369305",
"author": "Kris Lee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:40:53",
"content": "This is FAIL because of even $40 is too expensive (come on, compare it with possible savings). Idea of having this in every socket is insane (just do basic math how much it would cost (well man can dream of course)).It is also FAIL for using wireless instead of power line communication.Still huge success for being open source and true RMS.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369318",
"author": "Nabil",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:14:11",
"content": "I have build a wireless energy monitor with various sensors, smart meter readers, thermostat and ac panel monitor using the RFM12B modules. More work to insure reliability and mesh networking, but you only have to do that once so it’s worth the financial savings. I’ll post the project one my website one day.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369325",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:24:32",
"content": "You need to sample faster than 100 samples per second. Your platform is clearly capable of it. In the US you need to sample at at least 120 samples per second, and even higher would be better. I understand that this is a proof of concept, but it matters. You aren’t getting even a decent approximation of the voltage and current waveforms at that sampling rate…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369329",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:29:25",
"content": "After looking again, your FFT idea is pointless if you are only sampling at 100 Hz. Read up a bit on how the FFT works, as well as nyquist theory and you may learn something.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369349",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:48:36",
"content": "@Bill. The unit was just configured for 12A, it’s easy to change the max current capacity. All you have to do is put in a different current transformer and change the burden resistance. And maybe change the gain current sense op amp circuit. The next generation board will be able to switch either gains or burden resistance, for a wide dynamic range.@bigbob, not sure where you got that number, maybe we wrote down some bad specs somewhere? We’re sampling at 6 kHz, or 100 samples per voltage cycle. The FFT it is 1024 Hz.@Kris. We have no intention on on installing this in every socket in a house. The only reason we the current transformer was installed inside the box in that demo unit is for portability for demonstrations. I’m going to install the next generation design I come up with on the 2 phases coming into my house.This isn’t a drop in product. It’s a prototype, budding platform, that will most likely need to be modified for whatever use-case you might come up with. And $40 is a lot cheaper than what utilities are paying for smart meters.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369384",
"author": "Kris Lee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:28:07",
"content": "@JayI understand that this is only the prototype.The problem is in my opinion that used components are inheritly expensive and to get the price (really) lower (like into $10-$15 range) you have to completelly redesign your project.But thumbs up for very good documentation. This is very inspiring!FYI Plugwise is a commercial product that does basically the same (checkhttp://www.plugwise.com).But there is one very big catch – THEY STEAL YOUR DATA. Seriously, they secretly upload the data to their servers (http://blog.hekkers.net/2008/12/31/plugwise-makes-a-big-mistake/). So I am unable to buy their product.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369668",
"author": "bigbob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T06:07:33",
"content": "@ JayI misunderstood the video. At about 1:40 it is noted that the waves are sampled at “100 samples per cycle” and I misunderstood that as “100 samples per second”.My bad…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369881",
"author": "Duane",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T16:38:02",
"content": "Did I miss the response? What Current transformer are you using?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370250",
"author": "xorpunk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T06:36:35",
"content": "I priced an exact replicate at 37.89+$10 in S&H..you can do it under 25 by getting rid of the xbee..If you don’t like criticism don’t publish..it’s simple. People aren’t going to be quiet cause you’re over-sensitive about your work.. it’s public and we’ll say what we want about it..get use to it or GTFO.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370283",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T08:32:38",
"content": "Great work.How about a client that runs on open platforms?I’d really appreciate a device like this if I can build it for <$25/ea including the CT. I think the ZigBee module probably precludes that, but it might just take a bit of hacking to switch to one of the Nordics or similar.Is there room to increase the sampling rate?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370289",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T08:36:37",
"content": "Oh yeah, and do you even need the virtual ground buffer at all? I don’t see where you’re drawing any current from it. I only see it being used as a reference at the high impedance noninverting inputs. Why not just use the divider?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370388",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T14:00:49",
"content": "@Duane, sorry, I forgot to reply. It’s a CR8420-1000-G. You can use any CT you want, with modifications.@xorpunk, you’re right. Thanks for doing the pricing, $40 was just a rough estimate. Did you find cheaper IC’s, like op amps, or used the original parts list?@error404. I only have experience writing OS X programs. But, there’s Google Power Meter. If anyone else to write an interface for it, that would be awesome. About the VGnd buffer. You might be able to use just a divider, and we did in prototypes. But we got inconsistant results. Then I found an old TI app note about single supply op amp circuits, that recommended using a buffer to feed the same virtual ground to multiple circuits. I’ll attach the link below. And yes, you can increase the sampling rate significantly. I don’t see much of purpose of going much faster, unless you wanted to work with a greater than 60 Hz system.http://focus.ti.com/lit/an/sloa058/sloa058.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370717",
"author": "Dzhus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T23:35:59",
"content": "Why people are always getting so butthurt in HaD comments?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371158",
"author": "Ernesto",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T18:39:08",
"content": "Come’on guys, i hurts to see the lot of cheaping and bitching comments. we are missing the point here that is OpenSource, basically leaving it to us to improve and adapt to our particular situations… and contribute back!will we have to duplicate the voltage and CT circuit in order to monitor the other 120 vac line in US installations? or better yet, find a way to sync more than one unit?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "413980",
"author": "jacket",
"timestamp": "2011-07-07T05:28:03",
"content": "$40 or other price it not a problem, but the defficult is for the manufacture cost, can use a plug-in module or located in the plug, this is not easy, need so many measurement point.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "522808",
"author": "mjosern",
"timestamp": "2011-11-30T14:12:40",
"content": "Lovely project :)I have thought about the same thing my self.Would be really awesome if you added a solid state relay on each phase. So it would be possible to wireless turn the socket on and off. Another cool safety feature would be to add temperature sensor, so if something goes wrong and the socket temperature gets to high it would automatically shut off the power to prevent fire",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "940982",
"author": "apip",
"timestamp": "2013-01-17T06:53:44",
"content": "hello..I have a question..can this project connect to the main switch board ? or only to electrical equipment..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3077279",
"author": "vu",
"timestamp": "2016-07-03T06:15:42",
"content": "it can connect to the main switch board, you can use uno r3, it’s a good board to do",
"parent_id": "940982",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
}
] | 1,760,377,231.861292
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/27/function-generator-built-and-mounted-inside-electronics-bench/
|
Function Generator Built And Mounted Inside Electronics Bench
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"bench",
"function generator",
"max038"
] |
A function generator is a handy piece of test equipment to have on-site. [Kammenos]
designed and built his own function generator
, using the bench itself as the enclosure. You can see above that the control panel presents a clean finished look. To achieve it, [Kammenos] designed and printed the panel labels on a sheet of paper, and used a piece of acrylic to protect it. The circuit inside uses a MAX038 high-frequency generator chip. This is a full-featured part that allows for great control based on a few external components. One of those is a selectable frequency range based on the capacitance value on one pin. This is selectable using a twelve-step rotary switch with a dozen different cap values. There’s also adjustment knobs for fine tuning, duty cycle, and DC offset.
Check out the video after the break for a full demonstration. If you want to build this yourself you’ll need to do some chip hunting. The MAX038 is obsolete. You may still be able to find one, but at around $20 you should be able to source a replacement with the same features and save yourself cash all in one step.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSryBvvFmBw&w=470]
[Thanks Rich]
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368752",
"author": "dustandechoes91",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:28:42",
"content": "We have these at school for labs, there is a panel in the wall and the TA puts whatever signals are needed into them.Would kill to have that-or even a function gen at home. Damn good idea on this guys part.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368760",
"author": "Mr.Non-Descript",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:37:22",
"content": "Nice work indeed. For as often as a function generator is used for building and troubleshooting I can see the value of having it “right there.” Nice build and I hope he can get the waveforms stable at the higher frequencies with some tweaking. If I get around to building something like this perhaps I’ll throw in a freq-counter display definitely but kudos to the builder!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368766",
"author": "anonymus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:46:22",
"content": "Nice, but does he have long leads for tricky to move projects?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368767",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:46:43",
"content": "Good design, but don’t know where you can still find MAX038, they are obsolete for quite a long time.In fact, if i remember correctly, maxim had these for a special order but produced more in order to get the price down…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368769",
"author": "gyro_john",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:52:32",
"content": "Thanks, Kammenos. I like it a lot! If I build myself one, I will add a couple of automatic amplitude settings which will be helpful for me: 5Vp-p output and 3.3Vp-p output. Then I won’t have to manually adjust for them.Cheers!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368771",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:58:52",
"content": "Search for XR2206/7They’re pretty inferior but readily available.If you don’t need sine-wave, go for the XR2207.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368774",
"author": "TheFileClerk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T20:11:07",
"content": "I would suggest the XR2206, but it is being fazed out completely in April without any comparable replacement.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368779",
"author": "TheFileClerk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T20:14:41",
"content": "Doing a quick google search for monolithic function generator ic brings up a few other decent chips including an ICL8038 which with a cursory glance seems like it may do the trick.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368807",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T21:23:47",
"content": "i saw this a while back when i was searching for vco chipsi picked up an XR2206but for musical reasonsyou may be able to find the others for cheap on ebay, i know i’ve seen ICL8038s there",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368815",
"author": "Leif - KC8RWR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T21:49:56",
"content": "There’s lot’s of MAX038 on Ebay though with the price they are going for if I had one I might chose sell it and design my function generator to use something else anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368828",
"author": "Smoking",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T22:03:03",
"content": "Good job! But they are less expensive as you think.http://www.atten.eu/function-generators.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368984",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T04:32:15",
"content": "Yeah, the MAX038 is dead part. Even the designer recommends not building this. Why did HaD post this?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369014",
"author": "veneficus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T06:35:43",
"content": "The Max038 is about $20 and up on ebay. I’d buy myself a simple function generator from eBay instead. You can find one about $40 if you look for it. If the device is powering up, it is very likely to be functioning (calibration might be off).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369028",
"author": "Mick M",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T07:22:55",
"content": "Futurlec has them:http://www.futurlec.com/index.shtmlfor $22.90",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369049",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T08:23:54",
"content": "for $40 you can get a digital DDS chip, a micro to control it and maybe even the lcd. It’s a more complex design but might be worth it.Agreed about the xr2206, realy available and cheap, but only 1MHz",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369226",
"author": "fred",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T15:09:05",
"content": "@bogdanThat’s great. Where is your web page that has all of the information to build it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369264",
"author": "Tomasito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T16:25:32",
"content": "Just an advice, with the XR2206 it’s REALLY difficult to reach 1MHz, it’ll go up to 100KHz in most cases.That’s why I said “pretty inferior”.If you came up with a desing that uses a 2206/7 and reaches 1MHz please post it, it would be very usefull for many people (me included).All that is, without distortion, off course.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369381",
"author": "Giorgos Lazaridis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T19:18:46",
"content": "I made this with the MAX038 because i simply found it somewhere in my parts bin, forgotten from a past era… Anyone asking me about this, i discourage him to do it with this chip. XR-2206 could be one solution, but it goes up to 1 MHz.The PCB design is very hard and the rest of the parts also was not chosen wisely. Above 10MHz i have some problems with the integrity. I may solve those issues, but not in the near future :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370131",
"author": "Middlerun",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:55:06",
"content": "I’m making a function generator using the XR2206. Mine works up to about 830 kHz. Any higher and the signal cuts out. The waveforms start to distort after about 100 kHz.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.219661
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/27/multi-function-bech-power-supply/
|
Multi-Function Bench Power Supply
|
Jason Komp
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"7805",
"7905",
"lm350",
"Multi-function",
"power supply",
"psu"
] |
Concerned with your project’s power consumption but don’t want to constantly leave an ammeter wired in series with your power supply? [Rajendra] feels your pain and has recently documented his solution to the problem: a
variable-output bench top power supply
that clearly displays load current consumption among other things!
Everything is wired up in a nice roomy enclosure that has front-panel access to ±5V and variable outputs, an adjustment potentiometer, and even an input for an integrated frequency counter. A PIC16F689 MCU runs the show and displays the variable output voltage and current on a 16×2 character LCD. Although clearly useful as is, the PIC has plenty of I/Os and muscle left for future expansion and a capacitance meter has already been hinted at as and addition for version 2!
The power supply itself is pretty straight forward and uses 7805 and 7905 voltage regulator ICs to provide ±5V DC output. A LM350 IC also provides a variable output of between 1.25V and 9V – limited to 3V below the input voltage, in this case a rectified 12V from a standard transformer.
In order to measure current, a shunt of low but known resistance is wired in series with the output. In high-current applications these shunts are typically made of alloys that maintain a fairly consistent resistance across a wide temperature range. Since the currents in this project will be limited to a few Amperes there shouldn’t be too much resistive heating going on, and a 5 foot length of 22AWG wire wound into a coil provides a convenient and low-cost alternative. The voltage dropped across this resistance can then be measured and is directly proportional to the current flowing through it as related by Ohm’s law. This voltage drop reduces the voltage presented to the actual load as compared to the output of the regulator IC where the voltage is being measured in this case, but is accounted for in the code before the value is displayed on the lcd.
Full source code and schematics are provided and plenty of time was devoted to explaining some of the trickier concepts such as amplifying or decreasing signal amplitudes to levels suitable for ADC input and how to use a prescaler to count high frequencies exceeding the PICs own 20MHz oscillator. Also, although this design limits the current sensing capabilities to 1.2A, alternatives to the op-amp stage are discussed that could increase this limit.
Overall this project should be very approachable to even novice hackers and is a great way to practice many basic electronic concepts. What makes it even better is that the end result is a useful tool for future prototyping.
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368702",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:14:51",
"content": "Great, I’ve been looking for somthing to power my bech!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368708",
"author": "xrazorwirex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:20:18",
"content": "I wonder if Bech even has power:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bech",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368709",
"author": "Effigy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:22:10",
"content": "HaD is alwas typo heavy, but the title, really?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368712",
"author": "xrazorwirex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:28:12",
"content": "“a 5 foot length of 22AWG wire wound into a coil provides a convenient and low-cost alternative”So an inductor? Any thoughts on if this would adversely effect anything? From what I understand it would oppose the changing of current draw…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368739",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:53:50",
"content": "Should have used a switching supply for the variable side, then the wire inductor would be dual purpose :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368742",
"author": "Gothmog",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:58:40",
"content": "Not bad but why the hell it’s green?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368743",
"author": "Mhoriarty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:02:47",
"content": "@xrazorwirexThat’s what I thought initially too – but to DC (or sufficiently low frequencies) inductors are shorts. So 22 gauge AWG at 5 feet would be 0.0823 Ohms, and could handle an amperage of 4.42 A.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368756",
"author": "gyro_john",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:32:24",
"content": "Come on, Jason Komp. At least let the guy have a BENCH power supply.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368765",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:44:00",
"content": "He doesn’t mention the fact that the wire will be cheaper than a regular shunt resistor.In fact, where i live, a 5W resistor(good enough for this application) would be cheaper than that much wire…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368806",
"author": "Jason Komp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T21:16:28",
"content": "Hey guys, terribly sorry about the typo. Having a problem getting in to edit it right now but I’ll make sure it is taken care of. In the mean time maybe we can all just use our imaginations?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368812",
"author": "chic",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T21:35:35",
"content": "A sensible addition would be double pole double throw switch that isolates the output of the supply. That way you can switch it out when your working on stuff and not worry about transient effects as the supply goes down / comes up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368846",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T22:39:00",
"content": "“In the mean time maybe we can all just use our imaginations?”Nobody faults HAD for a typo. People are human and they make mistakes. That doesn’t mean we will not give you a friendly ribbing however :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368865",
"author": "Jason Komp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T23:18:47",
"content": "@xrazorwirex: Inductors do function to counteract or oppose changes in current (by adding to or “charging up” the magnetic field when power is applied and releasing that energy back when it is removed) but I think this would be very transient in this case. Maybe it will take a few extra fractions of a second to fully ramp up/down when turned on and off? There might be other minor implications as well, but the author’s test measurements with a multimeter were in agreement with those on the PSU’s lcd plus/minus a few percent.@chic: I think that a switch might be redundant since the outputs are spring terminals that can be hooked up / unplugged as easily as throwing a switch. If someone wanted to it sure would be an easy addition though!@CutThroughStuffGuy: Thanks! I know I would do the same!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368957",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T03:11:58",
"content": "I would have just used actual resistors as a current shunt. I built the Tuxgraphics power supply kit and it just uses three 1.5-ohm resistors in parallel as a 0.75-ohm shunt. That coiled wire seems a bit dodgy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369435",
"author": "Richard",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T21:48:57",
"content": "Really Simon? 3 1.5R in parallel makes 0.75?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370212",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T04:24:02",
"content": "The inductance will increase the supply’s output impedance at higher frequencies. This might matter; load currents aren’t often going to be constant, but it really depends on the inductance of the coil. Often these currents would be delivered by a local decoupling cap anyway, if the frequencies are high enough. Anyway, it’s not really desirable, but for a hobbyist bench it’s pretty unlikely to be a problem.IMO a bench supply isn’t very useful without current limiting. Maybe I just blow things up by accident too often…Frequency counter is a great idea. Maybe add reciprocal counting to handle low frequencies, trivial to do with a micro.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.102074
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/27/music-synthesized-from-the-game-of-life/
|
Music Synthesized From The Game Of Life
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital audio hacks"
] |
[
"circuit bending",
"game of life",
"synthesizers"
] |
[vtol] has built a very elaborate system of electronic sound machines, which can be patched together in various ways in order to create all sorts of sounds and sound effects. The modules range from simple noise synthesizers to pitch shifters, sequencers, and effects processors. The most recent addition to his synthesizer system is a matrix sequencer named 2112, which focuses on
generating random sounds from a very familiar mechanism
.
The sequencer simulates Conway’s Game of Life, representing the colony movements in beeps and buzzes, creating a nearly infinite array of random sound effects. Using firmware from the
Game of Life board by Ladyada
, the sequencer generates different sound patterns based upon the number of colonies on the board. The output varies according to the shapes and proximity of the organisms to one another. Since it is part of his already modular system, the 2112 board can be combined with any number of his other sound generators and effects machines to make all sorts of circuit bent music.
Keep reading to check out the trio of videos below demonstrating the Game of Life board in action.
[vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/21476617
w=470]
[vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/21474573
w=470]
[vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/21475330
w=470]
| 12
| 12
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368683",
"author": "jAMES",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T17:36:28",
"content": "listening to that made me angry. if art is defined as something that causes an emotional response, this is a win.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368686",
"author": "Fili",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T17:48:59",
"content": "Sorry but random annoying noises can’t be called music. You need rythm and melody to create music. You can’t put a cat on a piano keyboard and call that music (unless it’s this cathttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0zgQAp7EYwor this onehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J—aiyznGQ)I’ve seen random music generators that take input from something (like a text file or, let’s say, the game of life) and generate patterns that really sound ok. This just creates random noise. So epic fail from me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368694",
"author": "okmijn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:02:57",
"content": "the waveforms used makes it ‘painful’, next time try to plug it in a moog synth :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368710",
"author": "hmm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:24:13",
"content": "you need a much bigger playfield. This kinda, well, sucks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368715",
"author": "desearcher",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:34:26",
"content": "It needs more gliders.Now I’m wondering how a state machine synthesizer would sound.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368718",
"author": "Acedio",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:48:40",
"content": "There’s an old-ish bit of DS homebrew called GlitchDS (http://www.glitchds.com) that using the Game of Life to trigger samples. Much better, IMO. Still a cool project, though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368740",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:53:50",
"content": "Just a small point. “Aleatoric music” does not mean “random noises”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368744",
"author": "Oddish",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:04:45",
"content": "The bottom video sounds like the soundtrack to some sort of cyberpunk slasher flick.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368778",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T20:13:37",
"content": "it sounds like it’s malfunctioning",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368863",
"author": "bty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T23:18:08",
"content": "“music”also would of been a lot easier and cheaper to do in software.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369018",
"author": "HRpuffnstuff",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T06:49:25",
"content": "2112 = Rush reference FTW",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369100",
"author": "Happosai",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:04:20",
"content": "I’ve been messing around with glitchDS, a sample sequencer based on cellular automata, on the Nintendo DS for a couple of years:http://www.glitchds.com/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,231.911882
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/27/arduino-and-open-sound-control-without-an-ethernet-shield/
|
Arduino And Open Sound Control Without An Ethernet Shield
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"digital audio hacks"
] |
[
"maxmsp",
"open sound control",
"osc",
"processing"
] |
Open Sound Control (OSC) is a communications protocol that can be seen as a modern alternative to MIDI. It’s specifically designed to play nicely with network communication systems. The problem with using it along with Arduino-based gadgets is that you then need to use something like an Ethernet shield to provide the network connection. [Liam Lacey] decided to
use Processing as a go-between for OSC and the Arduino
in lieu of the Ethernet Shield. One of the major benefits of this method is that it gives you some flexibility when it comes to how the Arduino communicates. Since a USB connected Arduino can be addressed by the Processing sketch in the same way as an AVR chip connected via an RS232 serial port, [Liam’s] method will allow you to prototype on an Arduino board, but transition to your own non-USB hardware for the finished project. The one big drawback to this method is the need to have a computer connected to your controller, but we’d bet you’d need one to run MAXmsp anyway.
| 7
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "369084",
"author": "Moe K",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T09:57:35",
"content": "touchOSC on iOS Has a very nice UI and plays nicely with processing with many examples on YouTube",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369118",
"author": "py",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:58:21",
"content": "a free alternative can be pduino set of abstractions for puredata.it uses the firmata firmware.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369301",
"author": "shyft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T17:37:41",
"content": "I am by no means “hating”, but I’ve been doing this for about a year now. I built a crossfader to complement the touchscreen software (touch_mix, also written in processing) I wrote that controls an open source dj’ing app called Mixxx.I’ve been actively dj’ing with it for months now.I meant to submit it, but never put the final touches on it. (It’s housed in a sparkfun box and wires are secured as well as they could be)At any rate, good work.-Shyft",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369541",
"author": "ewan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T01:25:23",
"content": "i still don’t see the point of osc. midi is still good enough for sending notes.if you’re going to send stuff via a serial cable why not do it directly to you max patch?or maybe he’s ordered an ethernet sheild and can’t wait for it to arrive!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3388203",
"author": "pyfave",
"timestamp": "2017-01-30T17:33:54",
"content": "osc is packets of data over ip.its much more easy to use ethernet on a local network.every computer hac an interface for ip nowadaysand the data comes structured (with branches you can redirect)you can broadcast to all ip too.and you can use wifi.and resolution of data is better.",
"parent_id": "369541",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370185",
"author": "Liam",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T02:11:54",
"content": "I chose to use OSC as it’s a protocol I almost fully understand, and the data can be sent to/received from other OSC devices like iPhone apps as well if need be. The best system I found for sending data straight the max patch was Maxuino but I couldn’t really get to grips with exactly what was going on in the patch, and I was finding it hard to extract the necessary code into my own patches. If i studied it more and learn more about Max I’m sure it would make sense eventually, but personally using OSC made more sense for me. I’m sure it wouldn’t be the best method for everyone though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1011430",
"author": "Adrian Freed",
"timestamp": "2013-06-02T04:25:01",
"content": "You can take Processing out of the picture now because we have created a solid OSC library for Arduino:https://github.com/CNMAT/OSC",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.052393
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/27/hackaday-links-march-27-2011/
|
Hackaday Links: March 27, 2011
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Hackaday links"
] |
[
"katamari damacy",
"magnifying",
"pcb",
"photoshop",
"printer"
] |
Magnified glasses
A late hacking session, and parts-on-hand came together as the inspiration for [BadWolf’s]
magnified glasses with LED lighting
.
Pendulum Printer
This orb, when swung like a pendulum,
prints images by dropping ink out the bottom
. A processing sketch works in conjuction with a Wii Remote and an IR LED in the orb to sense when the print head is in just the right position for dispensing ink.
ITead PCB fab house tips and tricks
[Flemming] uses a PCB fab house called
ITead Studio
. We hadn’t heard of it before but if you consider giving it a try make sure you look over
his tips and tricks about the service
before submitting your designs.
Katamari Bookmarklet
[Spi] wrote in to let us know about this
Java
Bookmarklet he came across that lets you
turn any webpage into a Katamari Damacy level
. It’s a pretty clever bit of code.
Color-picker pen
Here’s
a pen concept inspired by Photoshop
. On one end there’s a scanner that lets you pick your color from any physical object. Then just turn it around and write with the exact same color. Now go out and make this reality! [Thanks Frank]
| 23
| 23
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368566",
"author": "Conan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T13:33:09",
"content": "First thought was to combine a Pantone Color Real CapSure or similar device with a “Printbrush” printer but maybe still a bit to large to be considered a pencil :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368583",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T13:54:30",
"content": "Never seen an pen tip inktjet printer, but that could be cool..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368584",
"author": "Hackius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T13:56:05",
"content": "That pen is the typical “designer” drivel that floods the internet. Anyone who’s ever taken a photo understand that can’t be done",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368589",
"author": "Nathan Zadoks",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T14:04:11",
"content": "Note that Seeedstudio is actually a reseller for iTead – or so I was told.–Nathan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368590",
"author": "sd",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T14:13:43",
"content": "@mike, that katamari code is javascript, not java.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368608",
"author": "BadWolf",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T14:46:56",
"content": "@sdnot being a web programmer,there’s a difference between java and js? You triggered my curiosity there =P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368609",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T14:52:16",
"content": "JavaScript has some naming and style in common with Java, but the two are otherwise unrelated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368610",
"author": "hhj",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T15:03:22",
"content": "I don’t know what happened to Hackaday over the last year or so, but there is way too much ‘low grade’ article. Things like difference between Java and JavaScript should be understood by everyone writing article here. Hackaday is not in my daily websites bookmarks anymore.@BadWolfJavaScript is a web ‘programming language’ used to interact with a webpage in your browser.Java is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems that can be used to make software that run on a Java Virtual Machine…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368613",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T15:14:25",
"content": "I like the on page Asteroids game better then the Katamari.http://erkie.github.com/What’s you high score on a HAD page?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368615",
"author": "compukidmike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T15:17:49",
"content": "I could see the pen idea being really useful for drawing tablets. I find it hard to accurately match colors in photoshop. This would make it much easier!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368630",
"author": "intelligentGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T15:49:48",
"content": "iteadstudio is *so much* look alike to seeedstudio.I remember, sparkfun revealed some of its copycats on their website and it AFAIK being a copycat is something *bad*.To sum up, i think iteadstudio is a big copycat of seeedstudio. Designwise and also productwise.I dont know why dont anybody hasen’t been pointed it out yet?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368640",
"author": "9a3eedi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T16:15:29",
"content": "Not sure if anyone realizes, but that color picker is just EXCELLENT for colorblind people who want to do some art lol.In my experience with art, I ended up coloring people’s skin green without realizing it, among other things.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368657",
"author": "Philip",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T16:39:41",
"content": "Because nobody cares. The majority of the products are available openly on the chinese market, they are just reselling them like Seeed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368659",
"author": "Flemming Frandsen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T16:41:27",
"content": "Copycat? Are you sure you didn’t mean “competitor”?ITead and Seeed both use the same prototyping factory, there is absolutely nothing wrong with both of them reselling that service.In fact, it’s a great advantage having several competitors in a market, because that tends to drive the prices down, why any sane person would try to limit the number of competing suppliers they have to choose from is beyond me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368662",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T16:46:58",
"content": "“being a copycat is something *bad*.”Not true. If a copycat can offer the same quality service for less, then it is more efficient and will overtake the original. This is how the free market forces businesses to strive for efficiency and keeps prices low. How is that bad?Granted, there are rules and regulations to keep some unethical an unfair practices (like sweat shops) from happening, but generally, a ‘copy-cat’ is not bad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368671",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T17:04:33",
"content": "@Bill aha! awesome! I can now remove undesirable HaD comments using a space ship :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368672",
"author": "Bill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T17:06:40",
"content": "@MrX,I know, right? I have the code saved in a Toolbar shortcut so I can blast away internet evil-doers on demand.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368689",
"author": "intelligentGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T17:59:05",
"content": "@FlemmingI said copycat by looking at two firm’s website designs side by side. Either on of each copied the design.By looking at the prices, i might say that iTeadstudio offers generally lower prices, especially for PCB service, and i admire it.But, come on, why do they have same design look with seeedstudio? That is what bothers me.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368777",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T20:12:55",
"content": "That real-world-palette thing has existed as the ioBrush from MIT for eight years now.http://web.media.mit.edu/~kimiko/iobrush/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368840",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T22:22:21",
"content": "“That pen is the typical “designer” drivel that floods the internet. Anyone who’s ever taken a photo understand that can’t be done”Why not?Of course it can be done, because you can control every aspect of the process. You can even take a whole spectrum sample by illuminating the sample with LEDs of different wavelenght and picking the result with a B&W camera that is sensitive to all of them. Then calculate what would give a similiar result with your inks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368902",
"author": "ccox",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T00:51:52",
"content": "Measuring the color is relatively easy (XYZ or a small set of spectral samples, say 8).The problem is storing the 5 or more inks you need for a decent spectral match, then mixing them in the right proportion in such a small space.> You can even take a whole spectrum sample by illuminating> the sample with LEDs of different wavelenght and picking the> result with a B&W camera that is sensitive to all of them.No, that only works for samples that are not fluorescent in any way. Several companies have tried that approach, and fail badly when there is any fluorescence (like, say, in most paper and cloth).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369104",
"author": "Haku",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T11:14:57",
"content": "I like the pen concept, but I can see a prototype version taking a different route:Instead of the pen having the primary ink colours inside and then mixed on-the-fly, you use a scanner tool to pick the colour your want, then plug that into a device that can fill an empty pen with the colour your scanner tool picked.That way you could easily have a few pens with custom ink colours. I know it’s not the one-pen-for-all-colours goal but it’s a start.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369315",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:07:23",
"content": "I’d rather it be a separate tool, because this looks like you lose the eraser.Maybe an actual eyedropper shape, shining a true-white light down the tube for illumination and the sensor is at the fine-point tip – or a small camera in the bulb focused on the aperture of the dropper, and the aperture has a fine cross hair in it (visible through the glass of the dropper) for an accurate sampling point",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.281955
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/26/sudoglove-gets-a-big-software-upgrade/
|
SudoGlove Gets A Big Software Upgrade
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"digital audio hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] |
[
"flex sensor",
"glove",
"processing",
"puredata",
"synthesizer"
] |
[Jeremy Blum] recently finished writing a couple of software packages for his SudoGlove system that turns it into a music controller with a lot of features. We’ve seen the hardware
in a previous post
and as a goal for this iteration he decided not to alter the hardware or the firmware controlling it whatsoever–making this a PC-side software only hack. It’s nice to see improvement on the original ideas as we feel most of the glove-based projects we’ve covered end up getting thrown in the junk box after the developer’s interest wanes.
After the break you can see and hear a demonstration of the complete system. The front end of application shown
was written using Processing and
includes a slew of user configurations for each sensor on the glove itself. Under the hood [Jeremy] built on
the PureData framework
in order to really unlock the potential for translating physical movement into synthesized sound. There is also a visual feedback application which will help you practice your movements, important if you’re giving live performances where each finger is a different instrument. Everything for this project, both hardware and software, has been released under a CC license so check out [Jeremy’s] site if you’re interested in building on part or all of the good work he’s done.
Update:
[Jeremy] wrote in with a bit of a correction for our synopsis. The application shown in the video is written entirely in PureData and the visual debugger was written with Processing. The two are standalone packages that don’t depend on each other. He also sent us
a link to download the code packages
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bXEzAOvSrc&w=470]
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368237",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T21:05:44",
"content": "Nice work Jeremy and great videos! I can see this getting further development and turning into a really cool and versatile interface.…and it just looks cool too! :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368307",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T00:03:26",
"content": "pretty coolit seems there is a little lag though, could be a problem if you’re doing musiclooks like a lot of work in pdby looking at the interface it seems the sensors are working pretty wellmaybe you’d get rid of some lag by not using the xbee",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368502",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T08:46:35",
"content": "Rats! and here I was thinking of a set of gloves you put one when you want to do superuser stuff …",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368528",
"author": "Zli",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T10:50:14",
"content": "Kinect is better",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368586",
"author": "dombeef",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T14:02:28",
"content": "sudo make me a sandwich!aww not the same thing…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368614",
"author": "JohnBailey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T15:16:34",
"content": "@PaulNo.. You use the cape for that. And put your underwear on the outside.…. You do know about the cape.. Yes?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368811",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T21:34:23",
"content": "@Paul @ dombeefI was thinking the same thing! Maybe there should be a linux use of a kinect as multitouch and a “sudo” glove that lets you use superuser commandsbash self-destruct 10bash: self-destruct command not foundsudo self-destruct 10Self destruct sequence initiated …10987",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370348",
"author": "Nick",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T12:18:23",
"content": "wow!!!!! genius!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "376801",
"author": "zitonguito",
"timestamp": "2011-04-09T05:45:24",
"content": "wooow… it´s crazy",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "392390",
"author": "Stone",
"timestamp": "2011-05-10T17:42:05",
"content": "This is awsome! It kinda reminds me of The Boys! and Crash… I want 6 of these, ima start a band with them! Jeremy, can I buy some of these from you?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "393600",
"author": "Jeremy Blum",
"timestamp": "2011-05-13T02:25:53",
"content": "I’m not selling any right now, but I do intend to develop a version 2 at some point. All the plans on on my blog if you want to build one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.553921
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/26/papercraft-gyroscope/
|
Papercraft Gyroscope
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"gyroscope",
"paper",
"paperclip",
"papercraft"
] |
Although spring keeps trying to break through the winter doldrums you might be looking for just one more weekend activity before the outdoor season begins. Grab the kids and
give this paper gyroscope a try
.
It’s not
an electronic sensor made of paper
, but the modern equivalent of a spinning top. The frame remains stationary while the center assembly spins at high speed, keeping the whole thing balanced on one narrow point. [Dombeef] put together a printable template which you can use to make your own parts. He got a hold of the heavy paper that’s used to hold X-ray film, but you can just trace out multiple copies of the parts and make a beefy section by laminating them together with glue. Combine the inner and outer parts using a paper clip as the axis and you’re ready to go. Pull hard on a bit of floss wound around the axis to get the center frame spinning, then sit back and see how long it will remain standing.
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368300",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T23:39:22",
"content": "i’ve done papercraft, i doubt this works too well",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368305",
"author": "Dombeef",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T23:55:27",
"content": "I made this, and it works, unfortuantly my dog sat on it, she is a bit over weight, and broke it.There was a prototype made of the X-ray paper and it worked, you just have to add wire to the edges so when it spins it lasts longer and balances. It can only balance on it’s side, but it is a prototype, the new one is being worked on and it will be able to spin like a top",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368419",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T04:16:37",
"content": "I’m not even going to try this one without seeing a video of it in action.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368450",
"author": "mykeyfinn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T06:02:05",
"content": "Hell just a nice model to stick up next to the robots and vehicles. a different type of papercraft would be nice, if it works Ill consider it icing on the cake. Oh and he word you’re looking for is card stock, or pressed cardboard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369157",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:14:33",
"content": "Win",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.322904
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/26/automatic-trigger-for-lightning-photography/
|
Automatic Trigger For Lightning Photography
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"camera trigger",
"lighting",
"photography"
] |
[Vicktor] has always been fascinated by photographs of lightning and decided to try his hand at capturing a few strikes on his camera. Every time he attempted it however, he didn’t have much success. Instead of trying to operate his camera manually to take the images, he decided to
build a lightning trigger that would do it for him
.
His circuit uses a large photodiode to sense when lightning strikes, triggering the camera via a hacked shutter release cable. A PIC micro controller is used to adjust the sensitivity of the device, as well as to send the actual trigger signal to the camera. His circuit is connected to the camera via a pair of opto couplers to ensure that his circuit cannot cause any harm to the camera.
When the box is powered on, it enters a calibration mode where the user can adjust the circuit to compensate for whatever amount of ambient light is present. Once armed, the box waits for a sudden change in ambient lighting, sending the exposure release signal to the camera.
A schematic is available on his site, and he will send you the code he use on request. There is currently no video of the trigger in action, but hopefully we’ll see one soon.
If you’re interested in seeing some other remote camera triggers, check out this one
made from air freshener parts
, and this one
which uses lasers
.
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368138",
"author": "Tito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:11:07",
"content": "I also heard it’s possible to make a trigger using a radio receiver, I which case it’s possible to detect a lightning like a second before it happens!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368141",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:23:01",
"content": "Aww I was hoping for some pics I too enjoy lightning.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368147",
"author": "antonio",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:44:43",
"content": "You don’t have to trigger the camera when there is a flash of lightning to take a good picture. Just use a long exposure of 1-2 seconds. It takes a bit of experimentation to get the exposure correct. I’m sure a trigger works better but for anyone who wants to try lightning photography this is an easy and accessible method. Look at one of my results :http://picasaweb.google.com/the.antonio.lucero/Thunderstorm102410#5532556991287719410",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368150",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:52:28",
"content": "Hadn’t thought about opto-couplers for my own version, I should probably add that… My version will be quite a bit smaller (simpler, no adjustment knob) and also acts as an IR-remote. Now, if the damn postal system could do its job so I could finish the thing (been waiting a couple of months for two separate packages now *grr*).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368152",
"author": "Bruce Perens",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:58:13",
"content": "Radio receivers detect lightning you can’t see or hear. Detecting lightning a second ahead of a nearby stroke sounds like too long. Although there is a sequence of discharges, it’s shorter than that. You might be able to detect some of the less powerful discharges before the main one, But how would you distinguish them from distant bolts? I don’t know if there’s any time or frequency difference.Even an optical detector is going to need to be fast to photograph a bolt while it’s still in progress.You can do some science here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368162",
"author": "michal227",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:19:29",
"content": "It is also possible to use CHDK and some motion detection script for lighting photography. The lag is about 200ms.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368179",
"author": "arrrrGB",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:43:42",
"content": "If you have a Canon point and shoot, you can start lightning photography without extra HW using the CHDK firmware, discussed here before:http://hackaday.com/?s=chdk",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368282",
"author": "Sam",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T23:03:54",
"content": "The best lightning photos I’ve seen use anywhere between 10-30 second exposure, so wouldn’t need a device like this.Still quite cool though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368306",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T00:00:19",
"content": "i would not have used that a-d chip it is very laggy i found out using one as an encoderbut i got rather nice lightning shots with just hitting the shutterhttp://biozz.deviantart.com/gallery/?q=lightning#/d2og21chttp://biozz.deviantart.com/gallery/?q=lightning#/d2og5lihttp://biozz.deviantart.com/gallery/?q=lightning#/d1n8gjz",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368367",
"author": "Wesley H.",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T02:23:15",
"content": "Alternatively, I have heard of people just setting a manual exposure. That would only work if you are in a secluded area though…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368368",
"author": "ccox",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T02:26:13",
"content": "You could do away with the calibration step by using a simple highpass filter (analog or digital).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368383",
"author": "Alan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T02:42:19",
"content": "To get lightning images, you simply need to set the camera on a tripod, (or some other solid surface) set the aperture to f16, then leave the shutter open. (while pointing the camera in the general direction of the lightning.)I’ve done it…but the area I live isn’t conducive to great weather photos because of the flat terrain and buildings. But it does work…provided it’s not daytime. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368473",
"author": "XBMC^N",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T07:10:18",
"content": "Yeah, I wouldn’t shoot lightning like this. I use a tripod and a remote shutter release (to avoid jostling the camera while the shutter is open). Set the shutter speed to “bulb”. Compose. Set aperture by trial and error (depends on how long between strikes / ambient light levels / how impressive you want the strikes to be). Open the shutter. Wait for a lightning flash (or as many as you want to be in the picture). Close the shutter. Repeat until you get rained out or the lightning starts to get too close for comfort.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368499",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T08:42:08",
"content": "The problem isn’t going to be lag in your detector, but lag in your camera. Lightning only lasts a few hundred milliseconds at most and anything less than a good SLR will have a longer shutter lag than that.Which is why locking the shutter open and pointing it in the general direction works best. I’ve done it tons of times that way. You also have the bonus of seeing the rest of the surrounding terrain instead of just a flash of lightning on a black field.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368503",
"author": "Garbz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T08:51:27",
"content": "If you pre-focus and shoot in manual shutterlag typically ranges from 84ms for a D3000, to 41ms for a D3. This would imply that you still get some amount of lightning in the exposure, but not as much as if you’d shot properly to begin with.One thing that really gets on my nerves is designs like this. Opto coupler with a comparator and a voltage reference would have done the job nicely. Instead now we have a micrcontroller, the microcontroller introducing it’s own sample time, and program delays.Aside from the fact that the problem shouldn’t exist, the solution is the slowest and most expensive possible design. A very neat looking design, but slow and expensive none the less.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368529",
"author": "Sefi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T10:58:19",
"content": "I’m the original designer of this circuit (http://fototipp.hu/light2). First of all, the original goal of this circuit was to make possible lightning photography in daylight. This is why it has the OPT101. Yes you can do it with a number of op-amps and some timers, but it’s easier and more convenient to do with a microcontroller. The delay added by the controller can be measured in a couple hundred nanoseconds and this is irrelevant.When detecting lightning for photography, you have to detect the very first event which called the“stepped leader”. This event, which is usually takes about 100ms, precedes the lightning strike, and emits light mostly in near infrared. The circuit was designed to detect this kind of events.Yes, indeed, you will need a good DSLR to get a lightning, however with a correct detection of the stepped leader, you will be able to capture most of the lightning, since an average DSLR shutter lag is less than 100ms.I doubt that these pictures could be taken with any other technique:http://fototipp.hu/galleria/sefi/villamok/villam-12http://fototipp.hu/galleria/sefi/villamok/villam-13http://fototipp.hu/galleria/sefi/villamok/villam-9",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369662",
"author": "rbius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T05:52:19",
"content": "@Sefi – as an avid amateur photographer here, with those photos, WIN! I am so building one to use with my DSLR and possibly my 35mm.. got a few rolls still good of some b+w film i’ve been looking for a reason to use.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "422286",
"author": "MiniMee",
"timestamp": "2011-07-24T20:31:09",
"content": "I can’t ever imagine the need for something so complex. Just a photocell or magnetic pulse detector aimed in the same direction as the camera driving an op-amp threshold detector driving an optocoupler would be far more than enough. I doubt it would cost a few dollars in parts plus an hour or two of time.I agree with the other person who said the real problem is shutter response time of the camera.What really needs to be done is have a camera that takes one photo after another but can be programmed to save the photo taken during the trigger pulse.My home security system does that. It constantly processes video frames and records any frame where motion or rapid image change is occuring.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2564012",
"author": "eyes bleeding",
"timestamp": "2015-05-12T11:03:09",
"content": "Old post, but I built a similar system several years ago, using a fast PIC running at 40MHz. The nice thing about using a micro is that you have a lot more control over calibrating out the ambient light, which makes day time captures that much easier. You could use a high pass filter as someone suggested, but you can implement and calibrate one in software a lot more easily and quicker. I also have a delay setting, which locks out the camera for a selectable amount of time, because you will get a lot of false positives from strikes that are just out of frame. You miss some real strikes, but the false positives happen way more often and can fill a memory card pretty quickly in an intense storm. I’ve considered building a hybrid system that uses the faster comparator circuit with a high pass filter along with a micro to do some other tricks, such as holding the shutter open and then closing it after a strike or set amount of time for over exposure control. But I never got around to it due to the fact my PIC circuit works so well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.381988
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/26/wifi-radio-plays-your-tunes-in-style/
|
WiFi Radio Plays Your Tunes In Style
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"digital audio hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"openwrt",
"radio",
"wifi"
] |
Instructables user [Jan] likes listening to music while hacking away in his workshop, but listening to the same CDs gets tired and boring after awhile. He contemplated listening to streaming audio over the Internet, but hated the idea of needing a computer around at all times. After a bit of reading, he found some information about building a WiFi radio, and
got started on constructing his own
.
Using a guide he found at the MightyOhm, he hacked an Asus router to use OpenWRT, adding a music player daemon to tune in various stations. He added a small LCD display and an ATmega32 to drive it, as well as a rotary encoder to allow him to switch between stations.
The case was built using several layers of MDF which were cut using a CNC mill, and joined together with glue and wooden dowels. The front and back panels were milled out of alucobond sheets, with the remainder of the case covered in white wood veneer. The detail that went into this build is great, we especially love the “WiFi Symbol” speaker grilles.
All of his code and schematics are available for download, should you desire to make a WiFi radio of your own. Stick around to see a video of his completed radio in action.
[via
MightyOhm
]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bltRuA8pe4I&w=470]
| 9
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368112",
"author": "j0z0r",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:05:47",
"content": "That music reminds me of Bioshock, lol. I’ve been looking to do this for a while now, but I wanted it to look professional. I like the small graphic display and just the idea overall. Good, clean hack",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368123",
"author": "Lt bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:44:03",
"content": "Lol I have the same router… Hmm…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368125",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:46:07",
"content": "white wood veneer.Pretty sure thats poplar.Nice build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368168",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:29:06",
"content": "As if any hacker wouldn’t have a laptop on hand at all times anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368181",
"author": "smoketester",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:48:42",
"content": "Nice hack. The speaker grills are a nice touch. Along those lines, recessing the front panel just a bit to give it relief might improve the total package. And I would add to my wish list station presets using the LED’s circling the knob as sensors (Green best for this?)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368186",
"author": "compukidmike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T19:14:21",
"content": "Very nice build! The startup time would drive me nuts! I would probably make the power switch a ‘soft switch’ that just turns off the audio and display, leaving the router powered.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368280",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T22:57:47",
"content": "Build is nice, but Harrison Pham’s Thumper (winner of the 2010 Parallax design contest) doesn’t have the startup hassle and does more:http://www.parallax.com/Thumper/tabid/848/Default.aspx",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368353",
"author": "ino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T01:47:20",
"content": "@localrogerAFAIK Thumper is not wifi enabled.The mightyohm’s ‘wifi’ radio is …",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368700",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T18:12:09",
"content": "Veyr nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,232.508045
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/26/kinect-two-fer-mocap-movie-and-robot-control/
|
Kinect Two-fer: MoCap Movie And Robot Control
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Kinect hacks",
"Robots Hacks",
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"animation",
"Kinect",
"mindstorms",
"robot",
"video"
] |
It’s no mystery that we like the Kinect around here, which is why we’re bringing you a Kinect two-fer today.
We have seen video hacks using the Kinect before, and this one ranks up there on the coolness scale.
In [Torben’s] short film
about an animation student nearly missing his assignment deadline, the Kinect was used to script the animation of a stick figure model. The animation was captured and built in Maya, then overlaid on a separate video clip to complete the movie. The overall quality is great, though you can notice some of the typical “jitter” that the Kinect is known for, and there are a few places where the model sinks into the floor a bit.
If you want to try your hand at animation using the Kinect, all of the scripts used to make the movie are available on the creator’s site for free. [via
Kinect-Hacks
]
Our second Kinect item comes in the form of a
gesture driven Lego MindStorms bot
. Using OpenNI along with Primesense for body tracking, [rasomuro] was able to use simple motions to drive his NXT bot around the house. His movements are tracked by the Kinect sensor which are translated into commands relayed to the robot via his laptop’s Bluetooth connection. Since the robot has two motors, he mapped couple of simple arm motions to drive the bot around. We’ll be honest when we say that the motions remind us of Will Farrell’s “Frank the Tank” scene in Old School, but [rasomuro] says that he is trying to simulate the use of levers to drive the bot. Either way, it’s pretty cool.
Videos of both hacks are embedded below for your perusal.
If you are interested in seeing some more cool Kinect hacks be sure to check out this
Minecraft interface trio
, this
cool Kinect realtime video overlay
, and this
Kinect-Nerf gun video game interface
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv9yFkEP6qI&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPLdbJg047Y&w=470]
| 6
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "368113",
"author": "Josh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:05:47",
"content": "That All Nighter vid was awesome. Wonder if Microsoft ever thought the Kinect would be used this way?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368118",
"author": "bzroom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:29:42",
"content": "i can’t help but think that using primesense libraries is practically cheating. the kinect is already “cheating.” (/rant, working on my own person tracking and 3d lib)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368121",
"author": "bzroom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:34:07",
"content": "the technology was actually developed my primesense. microsoft was just the first with the balls to deploy it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368127",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:52:41",
"content": "There were some things that weren’t perfect, but All Nighter was great! :) I laughed my ass off at the coffee in the lap, then the little guy slumped in a chair on the laptop. Cute",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368378",
"author": "Volfram",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T02:37:30",
"content": "the Kinect bot is awesome.And using Kinect for your mocap is not cheating. It is clever.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368759",
"author": "darksim905",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:36:38",
"content": "Kitty ate the man! :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.478685
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/hand-built-car-made-almost-entirely-from-scavenged-parts/
|
Hand-built Car Made Almost Entirely From Scavenged Parts
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Transportation Hacks"
] |
[
"car",
"scavenging"
] |
So you’ve swapped out your car’s motor or added new tranny. Perhaps you’ve rewired your ancient VW bus from 6v to 12v. Do you think that makes you a car expert? [Orismar de Souza] might beg to differ.
The homeless Brazilian native has spent the last four years of his life
building a car from sheet metal and junked parts
. He searched high and low across the region looking for parts, scoring a 125cc motorcycle motor, among other various components – mostly from old Fiats. He scraped together $270 while panhandling and simultaneously fighting off starvation over the span of four months in order to purchase enough sheet metal to skin the vehicle. Crafting the body panels by hand using a borrowed hammer and chisel, he nearly gave up, but was resolute in not letting his dream die.
The car features more amenities than you would imagine. It can hit 50 mph on the freeway and includes a real car ignition, which replaces the old motorcycle kickstarter. It was recently fitted with a new gearbox that allows him to go in reverse, and if you look at the picture above closely enough, you will also see that he even took the time to install a stereo.
We are totally blown away by [Orismar’s] “Shrimpmobile” – it definitely takes scavenging to a whole new level. Got any amazing stories of scrounging and hacking? Share them with us in the comments.
| 73
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367583",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:10:50",
"content": "Pure. WIN.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367600",
"author": "isama",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:34:28",
"content": "just wow. i love it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367603",
"author": "Techrat",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:38:44",
"content": "What’s it being held together with? Or did he he have access to a welder? And that fancy paint job tells me he had some help in this. I’m not buying this story.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367615",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:02:31",
"content": "I better start now if I am gonna do better",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367620",
"author": "Drew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:12:37",
"content": "I just don’t get the story – he was homeless, so he built a car, and now his life is much better?Regardless, it’s a very cool hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367621",
"author": "Fan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:12:45",
"content": "Johnny Cash did this ‘One Piece at a Time’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuo0KIqD_E",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367627",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:22:27",
"content": "“The car features more amenities than you would imagine.”Like the fact that it doubles as a casket for when anything hits it. The designer appears to have to forgot to design in crumple zones.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367635",
"author": "npc",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:43:56",
"content": "The question is who is is sponsor. Whom did he borrow tools form beyond the hammer and chisel. If he is homeless, which can be said about college students, where is his kit.http://g1.globo.com/carros/noticia/2011/03/ex-mendigo-constroi-carro-com-martelo-e-talhadeira-na-paraiba.htmlhttp://g1.globo.com/carros/fotos/2011/03/veja-fotos-do-carro-construido-por-ex-mendigo-na-paraiba.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367650",
"author": "essjay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:03:54",
"content": "ANyone else notice that the MUFFLER seems to be painted green? That would burn off in a few short runs and turn to a flakey powdery residue. If he has access and can afford to buy heat proof paint thats up to the job, let alone the custom made colour to match the body there, well then he cant be that poor, and for what the paint would have cost could have bought a small motorbike or car anyway.Cool story if its true, but highly highly doubt it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367656",
"author": "Milk BR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:16:58",
"content": "Original Story here in Portuguesehttp://eptv.globo.com/noticias/NOT,0,0,341463,Ex-mendigo+constroi+carro+com+martelo+e+talhadeira+na+Paraiba.aspxHood with flames and Johnnie Walker logoso gangsta. :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367664",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:42:57",
"content": "I love a good hack as much as the next person and I don’t mean to disparage this builder as there is something to be said for making things yourself.But there is also something to be said for your time being worth something. For $1000 or possibly even less, you can buy a working car that is better made. So in my opinion, this is a great display of resourcefulness but a poor display of practical use of time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367666",
"author": "Kevin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:49:32",
"content": "Re: essjayI painted the muffler on my wrangler with spraypaint over a year ago and it still looks fine.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367672",
"author": "ho0d0o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:53:19",
"content": "Congrats to him. Although this is pure awesome…I would like to know why he is homeless if he is this resourceful. I’m not trying to knock him but maybe he could have spent this time changing his lifestyle in order to gain a home. I guess in some respects he did by building that car.It seems to me this would make more sense if we knew more about him.From a purely “epic point of view” this is awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367683",
"author": "jerm1386",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:18:56",
"content": "@cutthroughstuffguywhat do you mean by ‘a practical use of time’? He wasn’t getting paid to build it but the article said he used it to help find himself a job and a home. I’d kill to have the kind of resourcefulness and determination that this guy does, even if it doesn’t earn me the big bucks. besides, $0 is 100% cheaper than $1000. and he doesn’t need to worry that a mechanic’s going to screw him on a repair: he knows all the ins and outs of the car, there are no surprises to him, and he can fix it all himself.Would you have motorcycles be banned from the road? If he offers you a ride and you’re more worried about the lack of crumple zones than amazed at his ingenuity, feel free to decline.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367686",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:27:32",
"content": "He spent four years building this car. Presumably he didn’t spend 16 hours a day building it but he obviously put considerable effort into it.$0 is cheaper than $1000, yes. But he still had to spend money to buy the parts. Then spend 4 years putting said parts together into a useful car.The thing that I think you are missing here is opportunity cost. What else could he have done with those four years? He could have obtained a job working even at a minimum wage and obtained far more money than it would have cost to build this car from parts and time. So if he could have done so, then that would have been a better decision than to spend so much time building this.He can fix it all himself but it will still take his time to do so and because it is so custom, nobody else is really qualified to fix it but him. I am technically able to fix just about anything on my car but that doesn’t mean I choose to exchange my time rather than money to do so because I can engage in other more productive things that earn more money than spending a day fixing a car. I still like to change my own oil and such but at some point in time you have to do a cost benefit analysis.I don’t think the creator of this ever bothered to do so but maybe I am being too harsh on the guy. He now has a car and that is great but don’t kid yourself that it cost him $0. Maybe he can now land a job fixing cars so that might be worth something. Who knows?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367691",
"author": "Volkemon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:37:56",
"content": "“and includes a real car ignition, which replaces the old motorcycle kickstarter”OK… how does an ignition system replace a starting system? BIIIIIIIG coil?@CutThroughStuffGuy-I agree. Late to the table, but my first thoughts on the post were “Homeless…getting a car. WHY??”Maybe to GTF out of there, but 4 years of walking would get one quite a ways away :)Overall, it makes me call shenanigans.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367695",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:43:01",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuy:He could have obtained a job working even at a minimum wage and obtained far more money than it would have cost to build this car from parts and time.Um, I don’t think they have a minimum wage in Brazil.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367698",
"author": "DarkAxi0m",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:48:01",
"content": "I think you missing a big point of this site… or at least what I think it is.Making/Building things, not because you can do it better than someone else or they can do it better than you, rather to learn how to do it your self.More so its often something you enjoy doing your self. I could pay someone to build my computers, or service my car But then what would I learn.Clearly this guy as an interest in building cars, and with out knowing him more I doubt he spent every hour of the day for 4 year working on it. So plenty of time to look for a job and doing the other things we are “supposed” to do with our lives.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367701",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:53:39",
"content": "BrazilThe Brazilian national minimum wage is adjusted annually. The minimum wage in 2009 was R$ 465 per month (which corresponds to R$ 23,25 per day and R$ 2,9 per hour).[14]2010= Brazilian minimum wage increased to R$ 510 per month (which corresponds to R$25,5 per day and R$ 3,18 per hour).[15]Brazilian states can set higher minimum wages, which may vary in different economic sectors.In Brazil each increase the minimum wage results in a significant burden on the federal budget, because the minimum wage is tied to social security benefits and other government programs and salaries.[16]",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367704",
"author": "jerm1386",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:59:16",
"content": "you’re right, I did not note the amount of time it took him to build; the opportunity cost of 4 years worth of time is undeniable. that’s a lot he could have done with his life.but what if he actually wanted to spend 4 years of his life building a car? I don’t think this is a case of ‘well i have no money but lots of time, building a car is my only option’. I think he was doing something very fulfilling in those 4 years. Clearly his dreams didn’t involve making money as soon as possible as fast as possible (which you seem to say means making a ‘worse’ decision). sure he could have built a bike quicker and gotten a job sooner, maybe he’d have made some money so that his eventual car would be a little nicer, but the end result is this: he wanted to build a car and he didn’t let his unemployment or homelessness stand in his way. I’d rather the homeless guys on the corner use my donations to build cool stuff like this than buy booze.Besides, without a job there are more available hours in the day. building a car: 4 years. building a car while working a job: 10 years.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367713",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:18:21",
"content": "Better than the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367725",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:48:39",
"content": "“Besides, without a job there are more available hours in the day. building a car: 4 years. building a car while working a job: 10 years.”Besides, without a job there are more available hours in the day. Building a car: 4 years. Working a job: 1 year then buy said car.I still fail to see why building this car paid off anything except learning how cars work (which if that’s the point – great) but my point is there are *MUCH* easier / better ways to achieve the end goal of obtaining transportation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367726",
"author": "stormdog",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:49:06",
"content": "I’m dubious. I enjoy working on old vehicles myself, and I can’t fault the guys craftsmanship, but the whole “built out of junk by a homeless guy” is a stretch. He had to have had a garage and lots of $$$ tied up in tools to have built something that looks this good. Something just doesn’t jive here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367735",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:02:48",
"content": "Anybody else notice the Fiat emblem on the back?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367736",
"author": "drew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:04:50",
"content": "This is godlike. He MADE a car, from scrap scavenged. This is like an unwritten Gingery book after “how to build a sheet metal brake”- “How to build a car from scrap”.I was just thinking today, if I started with nothing but a book, and dug up my own metals, and made my own tools, and worked by hand, how long it would take me to, without electricity and nothing but homebuilt tools Gingery style, build a working, flying ultralight helicopter.It seems this guy thinks like me, and as amazing as it is, true awe inspiring, what the hell does having a car do for a homeless man? I bet he didn’t calculate for the ridiculous gas prices now and realized that after 4 years, he could beg for a month and afford enough gas to go 10 miles.Someone, give this man a job as a mechanic- he’s more than qualified!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367741",
"author": "Doug",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:22:56",
"content": "Sometimes I wonder if the so called hackers that comment to HAD could. handle it if life threw them a box of lemons. When a person in the States says it took the X years to build or remodel or restore something do people really think they meant they spent all their time on it or do they understand they meant part time. 30 years ago dad and I built a shed from stuff scrounge from the old city, dump including the paint. Paint of all colors, brands . the result was an acceptable yellow most of it is still stuck to the metal that never received a prep job other than a light sanding to the original paint.For his efforts the mam has a shelter that will fellow him. Few will be tempted to steal it. The people who panhandles from will begrudge him the fact that he has a “car”, except if the read, comment to HAD :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367746",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:28:40",
"content": "make a 7 speed double clutch transmission out of a beer bottle, string, a squeal and a megaphone",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367761",
"author": "jerm1386",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:49:25",
"content": "You’re right that there are faster ways of merely obtaining transportation. but if all you’re looking for is the fastest and easiest way of doing something (and you’re going to criticize people for doing otherwise), why hack at all? I’ll continue to dump time into hobbies that don’t make me any money but are sure a lot of fun!Here are some of the payoffs you seem to have overlooked. building something, experience with creative fabrication, learning how cars work, recycling materials, doing a lot with very little, gaining transportation at a low price, doing something to get you noticed around the world, cementing the discipline to see a task through to the bitter end, pride in craftsmanship, pride in ingenuity, pride in creativity, self-expression, car doubles as a home, excellent resume item, given his publicity he could probably sell the car for more than it cost to make, probably more fuel-efficient than 99% of all enclosed vehicles, and probably a great story to tell the kids one day.Not all payoffs are monetary. That is why we hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367791",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:10:13",
"content": "Oh who gives a crap if the guy was homeless or not- he built his own car. Very cool, but I wish there were more technical details.Of course, homeless could mean he didn’t have a home of his own, but was living with someone else and relying on someone else’s generosity in order to live. In that case a car would be a good tool to becoming independent, as it would allow you to travel to a job so you can work. Even living in the US I can understand where he’s coming from, as many people simply cannot get a local job that pays enough to be independent and are forced to commute in order to work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367812",
"author": "Mark429",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:29:32",
"content": "I knew of a guy in Dolgeville NY back in the early 90’s that built a full size pickup completely from junkyard and barnyard parts. That thing was awesome. It sort of looked like a dodge power wagon but it had a ford tranny and a chevy engine. The frame, cab & bed were welded together from all sorts of donors some of which weren’t even trucks… I remember the floor in the bed was the corrugated steel of an old silo.. It was amazing for a highschool farmboy to be able to do it, how the hell a homeless guy did it is beyond me.. Bravo",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367828",
"author": "garrett",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:32:46",
"content": "if you read to the end of the article, you find out that he got a home and job. lay off the guy. he’s winning.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367853",
"author": "EFH",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T04:10:31",
"content": "For sure this thing wouldn’t be street legal here in the U.S. of A. Could you legally drive that bucket around in Brazil?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367877",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T05:00:20",
"content": "“Not all payoffs are monetary. That is why we hack.”I agree but the payoff isn’t really monetary in this case and I never argued it was. I too love the learning process of figuring things out and that is one motivation behind hacking. But my point was merely pointing out if he wanted to make a car to become not homeless and get a job, there were probably far easier ways of doing it than spending 4 years and more money than it would have cost to just buy a used car. I don’t know the Brazil used car market that well but I could imagine that he could have bought a complete used car for what he paid for just the sheet metal.If cars were not available at all or not available for less than $20,000 or something amazingly high then I would applaud this hack much more. But because used, well made cars are available for so cheap, it just doesn’t seem to make sense to spend so much time and effort for, let’s be honest, a mediocre result.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367901",
"author": "KnowsWhatItsLike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T06:01:45",
"content": "I see a lot of comments saying how its not practical, not street-worthy, and how he would’ve needed more money to do it.Living and visiting different countries in South America, I can assure everyone that this is plausable. I have seen my fair share of homemade looking vehicles over here.Also, for those saying the paint job looks too nice or someone had to have given him paint or more tools or money, this was a work in progress. When he first started driving this thing, I assure you there wasn’t even a roof on the thing. Notice in the link it says “Souza was able to replace the motorcycle engine’s kickstarter with a car ignition”. So he was still making changes on it then.What we see is the finished product after 4 years of changing and revising. All I can say to Souza is BRAVO! I wouldn’t have even known where to start.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367910",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T07:02:35",
"content": "@arfinkGood point. He may not be truly homeless living on the streets. The homeless I see definitely do not look like him.Nice work though. All he needs to do now is convert it to electric or bio-diesel and bum for french fry grease.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367912",
"author": "essjay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T07:05:02",
"content": "The article linked to in the comments states that he saved up $450 over 4 months to go and buy the steel for the panels. Give me $450 (or the $270 that HAD says even) and a day and i can come back with a runnning licenced car with a tank of fuel to boot. The original article and i think even more so HAD are playing up the ‘poor homeless beggar man’ part of this story, indeed the original states EX homeless man. (the original article does not say he was fighting starvation. It says he chose to save money rather than buy food. Thats a deliberate choice not starvation.)It seems that what SHOULD have been said was “man builds his own car on small budget, discarded car and motorbike parts and handmade the panels to join it together, because he really really wanted to”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367940",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T08:17:11",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuyDo you like hearing yourself speak or something?It is glaringly obviously you don’t understand the point of hacking so please-please-pleeeease just restrict yourself to the arduino threads.Cheers.Awesome hack!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367973",
"author": "abobymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:30:27",
"content": "I wish there was an ignore feature, so I could filter out tedious dull trolls like cutthroughstuffguy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367986",
"author": "qwerty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T10:10:07",
"content": "Great achievement! Hats off to this guy, I wish I had one tenth of his patience!@CutThroughStuffGuy: This guy had no job but the car he built helped him to find one, so that the four years spent building the car actually gave value to his time.The fact that he found a job in a sugar cane field instead of as a mechanic speaks loud about the difficulties over there.That man is a monument to ingenuity and perseverance; he should be leading some big industry, not working in a sugar cane field.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368034",
"author": "steve perry",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T11:57:22",
"content": "SHENANIGANS!!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368069",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T14:17:04",
"content": "“man builds his own car on small budget, discarded car and motorbike parts and handmade the panels to join it together, because he really really wanted to”Exactly.Or: “man builds his own car for the same price as a used car only it takes him far longer for an inferior result compared to a commercially available car because he really, really wanted to and that is perfectly ok – we like hacking and we encourage innovation and that is a really, really good thing. But let’s not over play this hack up simply because he was homeless.”This isn’t the story of somebody rising to fame, wealth and happiness through the direct result of their amazing hacking skills that allow them to take $0 and turn it into working cars and space ships and teleporters. This is a guy who spent more money and time building a car than he could have spent buying a used car or heck even a used motorcycle. I am not trying to demean the spirit of hacking or this man’s efforts. My point, which hasn’t changed here, is that there were FAR simpler, cheaper and easier ways of accomplishing his goal here.If the point was hacking for the sake of hacking – that’s completely fine. I applaud his efforts. It takes a lot to make this work. I am not and have not been demeaning of the ingenuity that went into this.However, what I do question is why if you need a car to further yourself along in life that you chose the clearly inferior option from the time, cost and end result perspective when you could simply find a COTS solution and be done with it. If it is about the experience then alright, I can respect that.Maybe I am just too practical in my hacking? Before I start a project I ask myself, is there a better way than starting from scratch and putting something custom together? Is there at least documentation available? Can I leverage others previous work to accelerate my outcome or improve the process? How many COTS parts can I incorporate into this project?To be fair, this gentleman did incorporate COTS parts. But the point I am raising is that is all well and good but in my opinion, he seems to have missed the outcome of finding a better, cheaper, faster way of achieving the same goal. That’s my only point here. And if like custom hot rod builders that was entirely the point then I guess it doesn’t matter. But I just don’t get the impression that is the case here. If so then I guess I am wrong and that is completely fine too.Hacking isn’t just about coming up with a barely working solution. I appreciate this hack for what it is and the time invested in it; but I don’t applaud it. A good hack (simple or extravagant) is well executed, clever in its methods, resourceful, reuses as much as it can and only seeks to reinvent the wheel if nothing else is available or that can be modified that can adequately accomplish the same task or series of tasks.Bottom line: If you can buy something that accomplishes the same result you seek to produce for less money and far less time AND achieve a far superior result then you wasted your time and you wasted your resources, even if the end result is functional and unique.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368082",
"author": "essjay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T14:34:49",
"content": "As much as everyone hates to hear it, you said it all right there. What was the end point of all this for the guy? It does not seem like he built it to gain an understanding of the workings of a motor vehicle, or panel beating, or the internal combustion engine. He did not achieve a better or even comparable result than he could have got for the same amount of money and far far less work. What did he accomplish here at the end of the day? Could he not have spent his 4 years of time and money on getting an education, some actual job qualifications, or on his parents farm as mentioned in the article. He could have bought a far better car, what was the purpose in building it, what did he gain from it?I disagree with the above post on one point only: Even if you are going backwards in regards to time and money, if your project gives you a working knowledge of something you did not previously understand, then it would be worth it. Unfortunately this does not seem to be the case with our featured friend and his ‘car’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368083",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T14:34:51",
"content": "I’ll take that as a “yes” then ;)“It’s the Journey NOT the Destination….”Some people just don’t understand that concept, even when they kick and scream they do *roll eyes*",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368084",
"author": "KnowsWhatItsLike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T14:36:40",
"content": "@CutThroughStuffGuyCars in South America cost a lot more than they do in the states. To get a small used (crappy) little car in the states you can pay $500. But to do the same in South America it’ll normally cost about $2000. Please do not play down what he did.Let’s forget all the bullcrap if he was homeless or not. Just focus on he had limited funds and did what he could do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368097",
"author": "Zer0",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:21:35",
"content": "@KnowsWhatItsLikeexactly i live in brasil, and an used car is far more expensive then most you think:(prices are in reais not dollars)http://carros.mercadolivre.com.br/carros/carros_Qshow_30i belive he just did it because he said he would, people laghed at him and he wanted to prove he could do it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368106",
"author": "KebertXela",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:39:48",
"content": "CutThroughStuffGuy: “Can I leverage others previous work to accelerate my outcome or improve the process? How many COTS parts can I incorporate into this project?”So Arduinos all around then?Leverages others work to accelerate my outcome? – checkImproves the process? – CheckCOTS parts to incorporate into my project? – Check",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368122",
"author": "lunar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:38:02",
"content": "You guys should check / link up withhttp://www.afrigadget.com/they have alot of these kind of hacks where people have almost no $ and build things from scrap parts!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368128",
"author": "OdSquad64",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:55:07",
"content": "This reminds me of something I was thinking about the other day; I’d like to see someone build a car using completely non-OEM parts. For example, if someone just bought enough replacement parts to completely build what looks like a Honda Accord without ever actually having a Honda Accord. I think that would be pretty neat to see.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368131",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:02:10",
"content": "Dudes… Just stop, who cares? Sure this story was probably exaggerated to some point, who are you to pick apart the life of a Brazilian guy that you read a paragraph about on some website. You keep talking about how “he could have been more resourceful with his 4 years” but look at you, you read a short paragraph and ended up writing a novel explaining how stupid a homeless man is to build a car instead of getting a real job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368154",
"author": "Wagner Felix",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:00:26",
"content": "You just don’t understand how is brazilian life to realize the conditions and the story.Believe me: there’s no an exaggerated story.Some people just can’t get easily “a real job”.Osimar made the car with TRASH parts and DONATED parts(discarted from garages, lije the old 125 cc engine).What this guy did was incredible EVEN for who lives here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.32044
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/stirring-plate-from-usb-enclosure/
|
Stirring Plate From USB Enclosure
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Beer Hacks"
] |
[
"enclosure",
"fan",
"hdd",
"stir plate",
"usb"
] |
[Loreno Minati]
built his own stir plate
out of a hard drive enclosure. It’s the exact
same hack as the one we saw a few weeks ago
. A magnet was glued to the center of a computer fan, which causes the magnetic capsule inside the beaker to spin. This creates a vortex, evenly mixing the liquid.
Using a hard drive enclosure is a brilliant idea. It’s designed to sit in plain sight so you get a very nice finished look. It’s also exactly the right size for the fan itself. A potentiometer mounted in the cap of the enclosure allows for variable speeds, and the DC barrel jack is being used for the power source. Now that we think of it, this may be the best use of an external HDD enclosure we’ve ever seen (even eclipsing its original purpose). Check out a video and image gallery of the project after the break.
We’ve categorized this as a beer hack since stir plates are often built by hobbyists for growing yeast starters used in home brewing.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uSiuCR-UQU&w=470]
[Thanks Jorge]
| 18
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367557",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:26:59",
"content": "All he has to do now is add a heater :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367579",
"author": "marcus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:05:16",
"content": "From the picture, it looks like more than just a potentiometer is used for the speed control. Most simple instructions suggest a basic LM317 circuit.Also, I wonder what metal this enclosure is made of. Usually diamagnetic materials like aluminum tend to cause the spinning magnet to spin slower due to Lenz’s law.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367585",
"author": "Goja",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:13:45",
"content": "If the case is made of alluminium, the idea is not that brilliant, because the eddy-current slows the rotation down.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_current",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367593",
"author": "ehrichweiss",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:27:02",
"content": "@Goja, yep. There’s a magic trick that uses the eddy current to make for a very magical(and scientific) effect. For the life of me I can’t remember the name of it but I know it contained the word “Newton”…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367601",
"author": "Jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:36:40",
"content": "sooo, where do you get the magnetic bars from? I’ve got the rest sitting around….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367602",
"author": "Jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:38:33",
"content": "@ehrichweiss:http://tinyurl.com/4z94x9gThat what you needed?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367678",
"author": "rwohleb",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:04:53",
"content": "@Goja, the eddy current will be minimal and is not a big issue. Look at just about any hot plate with integrated stirrer. The top is frequently steel, which will also have eddy currents.The brilliant part of this hack is the reuse of materials.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367699",
"author": "Tom Hargrave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T00:50:09",
"content": "You can buy stir bars here.http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=350-2&Category_Code=SPLT",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367752",
"author": "Chuckt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:37:05",
"content": "Just get a cheap plastic hard drive case and a fan.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367811",
"author": "Amos",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:26:46",
"content": "Actually, this and all the “beer” hacks should be in the “chemistry hacks” category.The only way to make this better would be to keep the USB connection; allowing a PC to change the speed (or at least just start/stop). It would allow timed stirring cycles. Yes, hotplate functionality would make it better, too, but I doubt if the materials would take much heat, anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367854",
"author": "Rachel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T04:19:46",
"content": "Eddy currents definitely reduce efficiency. Try holding a magnet over some spinning hard drive platters, and watch it slow down significantly.It would also help to break off the blades of the fans.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367932",
"author": "jaqen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T07:42:08",
"content": "@rachel: keeping the fans will keep the enclosure ventilated though, i suppose even a fan motor will generate some heat, that doesn’t have anywhere to go since it’s enclosed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367975",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:33:39",
"content": "Try sliding one of those hard-drive magnets down a ramp of aluminum channel. They are small and heavy, but they float down instead of drop. Could a slow enough speed be had with the platter motor in a drive running on a lower 3-phase freq ? If good; then glue magnet on, heat resistors inside, and put cover on. Drives can get hotter than fermentation needs. Put the little tea cozy on the flask, and let a dwino set the temp and rpm 3phase.A naked hard drive with a flask whirling away on top is more interesting than the sleek approach.Not all beer hacks are chem-related. Keg-fridges and beer ballistiae come to mind. An old advert in the 60’s had a beer company wanting to deliver faster for fresher taste. Things they tried: one, an ICBM (Inter-City Beer Missile) there was another skit I forget. Get hacking. I challenge everyone to send a growler to space and return it safely to earth to get refiled. To send great beer where no beer has gone before. This is not trivial. The first hackers of stone and bone encountered alcohol and wanted more. Thus began farming to get enough grain and staying put to brew and ferment in some of the oldest structures built by man known to exist, in-ground vats!Where would we be with the best hack after stone tools? Beer!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368061",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T13:29:09",
"content": "The “circuit” looks like just a NPN transistor amp (from the transistor-looking thing’s part#), to avoid burning up the pot.I expect the PCB is just there because that’s what was in the case to start with, and has no other components on it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368087",
"author": "zipgoods",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T14:55:44",
"content": "eheh, very cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368103",
"author": "marcus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:26:30",
"content": "@Rachel: If you break off the blades off the fan, and you do it unevenly, you’ll wind up with a big vibrating motor. Better just to keep the fan blades intact.Also, be careful with kegkits.com:http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/read-before-you-buy-kegkits-com-120110/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368129",
"author": "Goja",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:56:15",
"content": "Actually, a throttled fan (closed intake) will run faster, because a lot of the air, that creates friction is pumped out.Its not a vacuum, but it makes a noticeable difference.So keep the blades in. ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "705968",
"author": "fraguk",
"timestamp": "2012-07-18T02:34:29",
"content": "Found this similar device using a fan:http://brewiki.org/StirPlateI’m actually tempted to make a heated one of these for gravy. Or yeast.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.231069
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/mechanical-turing-machine-can-compute-anything-slowly/
|
Mechanical Turing Machine Can Compute Anything…slowly
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"classic hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"mechanical",
"turing"
] |
For several years, [Jim] has wanted to construct
a fully-mechanical universal Turing machine
. Without the help of any electronic circuits or electrical input, his goal was to build the machine using simple hand tools and scrap materials.
If you are not familiar with the concept of a Turing machine, they are devices that manipulate symbols or input from a strip of tape, according to a set table of rules. By definition, a Turing machine should be adaptable to simulate the logic of any computer algorithm, albeit in a much slower fashion than you would see from a computer.
He has replaced the strip of tape with a wire grid, and the symbols have been implemented in the form of ball bearings placed on the aforementioned grid. His hand-cranked machine uses magnets to lift the input symbols from the grid, processing them according to the rules table he routed out of a wood block.
The implementation is definitely clever, though [Jim] admits it is not without its problems. He took it to Maker Faire UK, and most people didn’t quite understand what they were seeing without a full explanation. The machine is not quite as reliable as he would like it to be, and he would like to make it a bit more powerful as it currently would take months to add two numbers together.
Keep reading to see a brief video demo of his Turing machine in action, and check out his blog if you want to see more information on how the machine was built.
Interested in seeing more Turing machines? Check out
these
two
machines
we featured a while back.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40DkJ9vt5CI&w=470]
| 12
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367522",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:26:22",
"content": "Very nice, I am impressed sir. :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367655",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:16:22",
"content": "Pure win. Most Turing machine builds I’ve seen use an actual von Neumann computer to implement the state change mechanism.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367843",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:57:11",
"content": "Love the project, hate the title. Im sure even this awesome project is limited to turing computable problems. If this is not the case, you have a millenium prize coming your way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367914",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T07:06:15",
"content": "Awesome!! no electrics involved! w00t!! But only a few comments? wtf? What’s not to love?Does it have to inapptopriately include a fisher-price uC to get ppls attention?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367962",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:16:16",
"content": "This post deserves some xkcd love ;)http://xkcd.com/505/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367978",
"author": "tom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:38:00",
"content": "excellent! its good to see this working after seeing it at various states of build/teardown in the London Hackspace!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368011",
"author": "Per Jensen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T10:51:38",
"content": "I like the use of a steam machine for drive at the very last :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368095",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:18:40",
"content": "Yeah, this can’t really be universal. Read the wikipedia definition of a “universal computer.” Computer scientists believe that a truly universal Turing machine is not possible, as “A universal computer is defined as a device with a Turing complete instruction set, infinite memory, and an infinite lifespan. All real-world systems necessarily have finite memory, making the true universal computer a theoretical construct.”Now, Turing complete will suffice. And this device certainly seems to do the trick. Very cool implementation I might add.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2809411",
"author": "Greenaum",
"timestamp": "2015-11-25T14:27:16",
"content": "The “non-infinite size and lifespan” is usually taken as a given when people make Turing machines.",
"parent_id": "368095",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "368134",
"author": "steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:06:40",
"content": "now the only thing it needs is a series of lego men glued to it with hard lab coats.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369154",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T13:04:51",
"content": "filled with pwning awsome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "4374873",
"author": "Bonzadog",
"timestamp": "2018-02-23T10:03:22",
"content": "An excellent project showing a very high degree of originality and electro-mechanical knowledge. Well done indeed!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.163882
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/low-voltage-wind-turbine-lighting/
|
Low-voltage Wind Turbine Lighting
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"led",
"stepper",
"turbine",
"wind"
] |
Instructables user [Dustyn] recently
constructed a wind-based lantern
to provide a bit of free, renewable light in urban settings. The project is based around a vertical-axis wind turbine, which she says are better suited to these environments since wind often comes from all different directions. Despite their lower efficiency compared their horizontal-axis brethren, this style of turbine seems to fit her needs quite well.
She provided a complete bill of materials, down to the last screw and washer you would need to replicate her work. The wind sails were constructed from thin aluminum flashing, and inserted between two acrylic sheets. These were then mounted to the central aluminum shaft of the turbine, which drives the stepper motor built into the base.
The current from the stepper motor is rectified and run through a pair of capacitors before being used to light the attached LED. This allows the bipolar motor to provide current regardless of the direction the turbine is turning, and the caps smooth things out so that the LEDs don’t flicker wildly under varying wind conditions. The turbine is not going to light up a full city block, but it is definitely a nice alternative to
sun jars
.
Stick around to see a video of the turbine mechanism in action.
[flickr video=http://www.flickr.com/photos/dustynrobots/5539693723/ w=470]
| 30
| 30
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366579",
"author": "HackerK",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:14:26",
"content": "Instead of 1N4001, one can use a LDO diode to get more juice out of it….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366581",
"author": "Ragnar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:16:27",
"content": "Lovely piece of engineering! Look neat and carries a message. Considering building my own for the allotment garden!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366583",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:22:24",
"content": "Nice project.Vertical axis turbines are NOT less efficient. Also efficiency is a useless term in renewable energy because there is no scarcity of energy.Vertical axis turbines are the future, because they do not have the instability inherent in turbines where the blade loses all pressure every time it moves in front of the support.Trivium: There is a rediculous 2010 US patent (12/720,377)that allows it’s owner to royalties for VAWT on top of buildings, pilons, traffic signs, cell towers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366592",
"author": "Brett",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:36:11",
"content": "Seems like a good opportunity for a joule thief.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366604",
"author": "Devin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:53:56",
"content": "Why not a standard DC motor as a generator? There isn’t really a need for that and a rectifier since this design of VAWT only spins one way. Less cost, fewer diodes, and (I’d expect) higher efficiency! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366606",
"author": "Devin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:54:35",
"content": "Meant to say that there is no need for a stepper motor and rectifier**",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366607",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:59:07",
"content": "I think this would be allot more useful if it utilized some Cymbet ‘Enerchips’ instead of caps. But this is an awesome project highlighting ways to harvest energy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366624",
"author": "Dmill",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:33:13",
"content": "Efficiency is NOT a useless term in renewable energy. It tells you how much of the energy hitting your device you turn into useful work. Has nothing to do with how scarce the energy is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366641",
"author": "Tyler",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T22:17:11",
"content": "You may be able to get more power if you made it an impulse turbine. As is it catches the wind and trys to stop it, If you made it so the wind was getting scooped by the blade then you might be able to nearly double it’s efficiency. What you would do is make it to the hub of the turbine isn’t solid, rather the air getting scooped gets dumped into the blade opposide of it. This would work best with a 2-blade setup. What I’m talking about is take a circle, split it and half but instead of shifting a half by a distance equal to the diameter only shift it 2/3 of the diameter. Now imagine shooting a stream of water at one half, It will follow the half circle creating an impulse force, that spilled water would then run across the other blade creating a bit more impulse. the air would do the same thing. tricky part is mounting the scoops without a center hub to block the air.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366653",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T22:47:49",
"content": "It’s beautiful, to be certain, and I’m not one to criticize art for art’s sake (I’m a photographer and a writer), but I do kind of wonder at the fascination with less-than-functional lighting.Crypto gives us the idea of “opportunistic encryption”; is this “opportunistic lighting”?“Better to fabricate a wind turbine than curse the darkness,” I suppose. I dunno; I like the dark, myself…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366676",
"author": "TacoStand",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T23:36:45",
"content": "“This allows the bipolar motor to provide current regardless of the direction the turbine is turning”Is this a typo or is someone not paying attention? This type of turbine only spins one direction.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366726",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T00:52:40",
"content": "I’m not sure about the statement that HAWTs lose all pressure as the blade passes the tower. It causes some torque variation, but not total loss from that blade. It used to be a problem when many were blade-behind-tower configuration, but practically all commercial units are now blade before tower.Efficiency is not a useless term, it measures how well one system works in relation to another in the same situation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366811",
"author": "anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T01:47:57",
"content": "Looks nice, but in my part of the country it doesn’t usually get too windy indoors.Efficiency is very important. If you were building a wind farm, would you rather have twenty-five turbines that are 1% efficient, or one that is 25% efficient?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366977",
"author": "knox",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T02:12:50",
"content": "Am I the only one who thinks this should be called;Lets take a simple project and make it really expensive. Nice idea, but scrap wood and junk parts would achieve the same results. I will say it did inspire me somewhat to replicate it with I have on hand if I had a use for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366980",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T02:17:18",
"content": "@knox I think your project should be called:“let’s take a beautiful project and make it out of ugly junk because we don’t care about aesthetics”Make your prototypes look like crap all you want, but if you’re trying to make something that anyone else will want, you can’t use “scrap wood and junk parts”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366982",
"author": "David S",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T02:25:00",
"content": "I kind of figured you’d get a little more energy… maybe to light more than a few measly little leds, tiny super efficient lights.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367057",
"author": "dredwerker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T05:06:57",
"content": "Now where do I plug the arduino in?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367102",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T06:39:50",
"content": "When I was in Japan, they had many posts which had the the lamp, then vertical wind turbine and then a flat solar panel on top. So they can’t be that inefficient if Japan are putting these things all over Tokyo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367104",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T06:50:04",
"content": "It’s a good looking piece of hardware and would be a great teaching device in schools. But does it pretty provide any kind of useful light? Doesn’t seem so.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367122",
"author": "Jean-Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T07:43:47",
"content": "@Devin: DC motors are less efficient than AC motors, due to losses in the commutator. and the brushes wear out.@Tyler:you mean like aSavoniusturbine?You definitely will not double the efficiency. Thes are drag type turbines to start with, which prefer reliability over efficiency. Looking at the design, any crossover of blades will actually reduce the efficiency, not increase it.Unlike a transverse flow water turbine, which can add up to 50%, but certainly not double.Don’t forget, the blades are moving, not standing still. You throw water at it, and it will move out of the way, not stand still and redirect the flow for you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367123",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T07:52:42",
"content": "There seems to be a prevailing attitude these days that anything powered by some form of renewable energy is an unconditionally worthwhile thing to make, whether it is of any practical use or not.I beg to differ.It’s a nice project, and possibly looks great in places that are fairly windy at nigth – but I wouldn’t call it “lighting”, let alone usable lighting.Oh, and if you’re at least half-serious about this sort of thing, you really can’t afford to throw away half a day’s worth of energy by not storing daytime charge in a battery, I’d say… I do have to admit this does have the upper hand on the solar versions – you can scavenge a small electric motor practically everywhere these days, whereas a solar cell – not so much.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367198",
"author": "GZ",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T11:19:50",
"content": "No battery and associated negatives? Win. I’m coastal so wind is often available. Should be great for pool / yard lights.Increase the aesthetic factor and it could be a front yard lamp post as well.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367210",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T12:10:14",
"content": "@Jean-PaulYou are right about the brushes and the commutators, but I have to nit-pick that a stepper motor is NOT an AC motor. It is a DC motor with varying voltage. A true AC motor uses induced current for the rotor instead of permanent magnets.@Mike Nathan, allAs pointed out, it only spins one direction, but that wouldn’t matter anyway. Any DC motor that spins will produce sinusoidal waveforms regardless of direction. A brushed motor will produce a single sine wave, whereas a brushless DC or stepper would produce multiple sinusoids out of phase depending on how it was wired. For best efficiency use a brushless DC as they are meant for fast, long term rotation whereas steppers are much more targeted to precise speed and position control.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367214",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T12:16:18",
"content": "A better choice of generator motor and that thing could store power in a set of AA’s during the day and let out the light at 10X the brightness of that art project at night.Nice art project. IT’s a good early alpha version 0.01 that needs to be refined better by the community to become way better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367277",
"author": "Scoops",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T14:01:58",
"content": "From the looks of it, after outside in a few rains the electronics/mechanics/brearings will be pretty full of water.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367301",
"author": "Seth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:07:57",
"content": "I think it is a cool project, and a fun one as well. Everyone here seems to think it needs to be perfect… Its just a small VAWT project for fun lighting. I bet most of the folks that comment couldn’t build one of these on there own like this without instructions.Thanks for sharing, kudos to Dustyn, and I wonder if she has ever thought about making a bigger one with a similar design. Time to check out her site/blog.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367431",
"author": "Pookey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:16:19",
"content": "@Will-Your corrections require corrections… or at least clarification.Traditionally, stepper motors are not driven with “varying voltages.” To drive a stepper, you sequence the coils on and off. There are more elaborate controllers now that make use of PWM, bipolar currents, and and overlapping coil phasing to improve resolution and performance, but at the heart of things, steppers are on-off devices.As to your comment about “AC Motors,” I suspect that you are being sloppy with terminology. The motor you are describing is an induction motor. While all induction motors are AC motors, not all AC motors are induction motors. A universal motor, for example, will run on either AC or DC. Shaft direction has to do with the phase relationship between field and rotor coils.Induction in that case has nothing to do with it’s operation.A DC motor with a commutator and brushes does not produce sinusoids if you spin the shaft. In fact, the commutator to an extent, acts as an electromechanical rectifier.A motor with a permanent magnet field and slip rings (not a commutator) however, will produce a sinusoidal output.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367440",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:35:40",
"content": "why no one remember about tape wind turbines they much more efficient than vertical-axis and take even less space",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367457",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:49:26",
"content": "here what I meanhttp://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpidAAZ1ewL+lVuEmzcyuCrwjzP9dplQVt14o",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368849",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T22:52:27",
"content": "“Vertical axis turbines are NOT less efficient. Also efficiency is a useless term in renewable energy because there is no scarcity of energy.”Yes they are, at least this type is.The reason being that it slows the wind down too much at higher wind speeds. It tries to rotate faster and faster with the wind, but it can’t.When the wind picks up, its output will not increase like with other designs. Eventually the side load will be enough to stop it completely.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.386864
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/lower-cost-arduino-cell-shield/
|
Lower Cost Arduino Cell Shield
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Cellphone Hacks"
] |
[
"GPRS",
"gsm"
] |
People love putting their Arduinos in interesting and remote places. while it may be possible, it may not be practical to run out and collect data from the devices. That is where this
GSM / GPRS shield
comes in handy.
Based around the SIMCom SIM900 that puts this device on the lower end of the price scale, (49 Euro for the module, ~60 Euro for the module mounted on a breakout board, or around 85 greenbacks) makes this module an interesting target for anyone wanting to add cell phone connectivity to a project.
To take this a step further [Boris] whipped up a nice shield PCB for the Arduino and Arduino like footprint users to make connections between the 900’s breakout board and the Arduino layout a snap. Electrically its just wires, and a LM317.
| 14
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366549",
"author": "CptAJ",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:24:12",
"content": "How come these are still so damn expensive? In this day and age of cheap, 20 dollar cellphones, you’d think a raw module without human interface features would be cheap as hell.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366565",
"author": "iamthesoundman",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:38:23",
"content": "http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/gprs-shield-p-779.html?cPath=132_134",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366566",
"author": "Bill D Williams",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:38:55",
"content": "Jimmy-Christmas. Stop it with the cell modules.Someone needs to hack a pay-as-you-go cell phone. Simple, cheap, done. What’s the plan cost to work with one of these? $50 a month? Plus the $85? Plus a contract? Good grief!I can go to walmart and get a cell phone with plan for about $30-40. Maybe hacking a cell phone by it’s USB connection might be too hard. Maybe someone should find one with a decent keyboard/connector that can be soldered to and “bit bang” the buttons to take control of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366569",
"author": "Leif - KC8RWR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:50:50",
"content": "@CptAJ – I often wonder the same thing!I was about to get into a rant about the definition of low but then I saw it said ‘Lower’, not ‘Low’.So far the only actual Low cost ways to get a cellular modem for a DYI project I have ever seen are to either use an actual old cellphone with an RS232 port or this:http://finch.am/projects/arduinogsm/. I don’t remember where I found that, it might have even been Hackaday but I bookmarked the actual article, not the blog.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366571",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:55:09",
"content": "@CptAJIt’s the same reason a lot of other specialty hobbyist items are more expensive than they should be. Because they can’t sell them by the hundred-thousands. Also, they know hobbyists are pretty much over a barrel.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366575",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:03:51",
"content": "make a CDMA one and im all over it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367064",
"author": "rob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T05:19:35",
"content": "@Bill D Williams go get a sim card and activate it on a pay as you go plan cost you 30 bucks here pay as you go phones still cost a 100 or so@biozz cdma means you have to have a carrier that will support a device that they didn’t sell good luck with that telus and bell here were both cdma last year and well even shared towers and networksbut you couldn’t put a telus phone on a bells network they didn’t have the iemi in their database they didn’t have to give you service",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367103",
"author": "rbroich",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T06:49:43",
"content": "SIMCom SIM900 modules available on ebay for less than $30",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367136",
"author": "MrBishop",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T09:09:40",
"content": "@rob thats not really a issue, if you know what your doing flashing a IEMI is really easy, not to mention the PRL. All and all it takes me 4-6 minutes for the phone I know I am doing, new phones take longer. Although the FCC does have certain.. issues with such acts but hell I own the devices I got the codes off of.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367182",
"author": "mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T10:42:37",
"content": "@BillWilliamsPlenty of work has been done with pay as you go phones. If all you want to do is dial a number, or send a text, such devices might be suitable. For anything else they’re more trouble than they’re worth. I’d much rather make a modest initial investment on a dev board than deal with the constraints of a cheap phone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367458",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:50:09",
"content": "What the hell is with the need for a “shield”?? Are people too incompetent to just wire their MCU dev board to it? I don’t get it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369031",
"author": "Boris",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T07:37:57",
"content": "Hi Kyle,the shield is like all shield for arduino. It’s for an easy and speedy develop.The cost is higher than a commercial phone, for the same reason that a bluetooth key cost about 2 Euroshttp://www.miniinthebox.com/mini-bluetooth-2-0-adapter-dongle-vista-compatible_p79211.htmland the cheaper module in sparkfun 35.55 Euroshttp://www.sparkfun.com/products/8771",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409059",
"author": "Oleg Mazurov",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T06:14:08",
"content": "This is how you can do it with a regular phone ->http://www.circuitsathome.com/mcu/programming/interfacing-arduino-to-a-cellular-phone",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409063",
"author": "Boris",
"timestamp": "2011-06-23T06:36:04",
"content": "Now the GSM shield works in GPRS.http://code.google.com/p/gsm-shield-arduino/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.437901
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/laptop-touchpad-based-led-lighting-control/
|
Laptop Touchpad-based LED Lighting Control
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"laptops hacks",
"LED Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"laptop",
"led",
"pwm",
"TouchPad"
] |
[Dave] needed some extra light above his desk/workbench area and decided to wire up some RGB LED light strips to brighten the place up a bit. He wasn’t content with using a standard switch to toggle them on and off, and after some brainstorming, he decided to build a capacitive touch circuit using a pair of copper tubes mounted in a project box. Just as he was putting the finishing touches on his switch, he saw a project online where a Synaptics touchpad was used in conjunction with an Arduino for lighting control. The copper tube switch was pitched, and
he got busy working with his Arduino
.
When connected to an Arduino, the touchpads can be used in two modes – relative and absolute. Relative mode is familiar to most people because it is used to guide the mouse cursor around on a laptop’s screen. Absolute mode however, relays coordinate information back to the Arduino, allowing the user to map specific areas of the pad to specific functions. [Dave] enabled his touchpad to use absolute mode, and mapped a handful of different functions on the Arduino. He can now fade his lights on and off or light the room on a timer, as well as use a sliding function to tweak the LEDs’ brightness.
It’s a neat, yet simple hack and a great way to repurpose old laptop touchpads.
Continue reading for a quick demo video he put together, and swing by his site if you want to take a look at the source code he used to get this working.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViBDuM0C-KM&w=470]
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366548",
"author": "Leo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:24:10",
"content": "Does anyone else think this project would be great with a touchpad overlaid with a colour selector wheel – something like you see in photoshop or paint. Touch the colour you want, and the arduino reads the touch point, converts that into an RGB value and outputs it to the LEDs. A simple sticker shouldn’t interrupt the touchpad operation too much, and would look absolutely awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366556",
"author": "Dave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:31:01",
"content": "Leo,At one point, I did have similar functionality. I’m going to update the blog with this but in summary – I have separate control over each RGB of the Main LED, and was using the right side (at first) to play with the blue. With RGB if you go full brightness (255) on all 3 colours, its still very cool blue looking. So, I used the slider to vary the blue value, but then figured I would rather just get a warm white colour I like and hard code a reduced blue value for all ranges Im using. The only issue is I’m not sure I would want to do all sorts of colours – unless I build a disco in the basement!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366580",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:15:28",
"content": "I think I’d like Leo’s idea better as an input to a graphics program. Off the top of my head I bet Paint.NET would support a plugin for that sort of thing, but I don’t use any of those programs for more than crop/resize anyway.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366992",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T03:08:53",
"content": "Good example why the Arduino bandwaggon can be BAD.He was going to “hack” something together (and therefore learn something) but then went with the “someone else’s code” route.Sad.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368142",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:28:27",
"content": "Yes, because everyone knows you can interface to synaptics touchpads with only three 555 timers and a NAND gate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.110285
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/more-high-voltage-experimentation-with-a-flyback-inverter/
|
More High Voltage Experimentation With A Flyback Inverter
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"flyback",
"high voltage",
"inverter",
"plasma",
"transformer"
] |
[Electorials] actually
makes working with a flyback inverter sound rather easy
. This comes hot on the heals of the
huge high voltage collection
we saw the other day, but slows way down in the presentation of information. This makes the project very approachable for the newbie, especially considering that the majority of the testing is done with low voltages.
He’s using a flyback transform for this project, which can be pulled from an old CRT monitor. Once you have one in hand, all that’s required to figure out how to use it is a voltometer, a 9V battery, a MOSFET (also salvaged in this case), and miscellaneous components. Once he establishes what each external connection does electronically, [Electorials] builds his circuit on a breadboard, then uses it to create plasma in the bulb above as well as to light up a CCFL.
| 16
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366451",
"author": "Sanjay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:13:01",
"content": "“hot on the heals” ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366476",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:42:56",
"content": "@Sanjay maybe HV burns heal fast?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366496",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:04:50",
"content": "Maybe HV is so hot it cauterizes the wound, making it heal more quickly?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366529",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:57:28",
"content": "Mike, are you doing it on purpose just to annoy us?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366539",
"author": "Doug",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:10:35",
"content": "LOL “heals”. I have the same problem sometime, the damn spell check doesn’t know what word I meant to type. In that I have never seen a HAD spelling mistake obscure important in formation. Maybe the mistakes are intentional, to get a rise some readers. As far as the instructable goes making a continuity tester that use a higher voltage than 1.5 V to sort out the high turns count secondary is a good tip.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366547",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:23:36",
"content": "I kinda like this, in that he attempts to make it safe, doesnt try to write the whole book and focuses on doing it in a way that is less likely to generate makerbbq.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366551",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:24:22",
"content": "PS you guys sure your engineers and not english teachers?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "366621",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:30:47",
"content": "You mite want to cheque you’re own grammar before critizing others. It’s you’re, not your.",
"parent_id": "366551",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "366632",
"author": "Paul",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:53:09",
"content": "Accidents (Stupid, unexpected stuff) happen. One I had blew the end off the screwdriver I was using. I got a good whack even knowing I was holding the insulated end. Since then I have been bloody careful around anything over 50 volts.Anyway isnt an English Teacher just another name for a spell checker?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366683",
"author": "Jonathan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T23:47:04",
"content": "It looks like a boobie!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367010",
"author": "Lemonmaster0",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T03:27:04",
"content": "@ JonathanHa ha, you said boobie.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367079",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T05:44:35",
"content": "@ matti think its this to be correct if not blame GoogleYou might want to cheque your own grammar before criticizing others. It’s you’re, not your.my own grammar sucks if not spelling to. I have the Dyslexia but am good with electronics and the sorts. So i tend to care less about the grammar and spelling and focuses more on the subject at hand. I get the information that there trying to get across to us.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367201",
"author": "cgmark",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T11:39:11",
"content": "To remove a flyback from a CRT safely you shouldn’t use a screwdriver alone. You need to use a wire with a 1Mohm resistor in series with the wire going to the CRT ground and hold it to the connection. . CRT discharge can kill or cause serious injury so I recommend using a glove on the hand holding the screwdriver. The injuries I have seen are usually not from the shock itself but the reflex action. You get shocked, jerk your hand back and your hand or arm hits something else causing the injury. When we did repairs we used a probe to discharge the CRT. It was about 2 ft long designed for that purpose but internally was just a resistor and insulators. Still it is best to follow the rule of ‘keep one hand in your pocket’ when working with HV.Now the fun stuff:flybacks work over a 5-25VDC range, most though need to stay below 12VDC or they overheat and can consume up to about 4 or 5A. The older ones are best, and the bigger the CRT it was used on the better. At full power a 27″ CRT flyback can generate a spark gap of about 2 inches. You can calculate the voltage by the gap size. About 1mm per 1,000 volts",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367284",
"author": "KanchoBlindside",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T14:17:06",
"content": "“Voltometer” was my peeve.Neat device, but why would anyone use a C/CFL? LED or incandescent is the only way to go. Everything else sucks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368251",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T22:01:17",
"content": "CRTs and their flybacks (especially from very old or B/W TVs before they permanently sealed rectifier diodes into the flyback) are getting harder to come by, but small automotive ignition coils work great too. For my HV stuff I’m using a coil for a motorcycle/moped, about $10 new on ebay.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "477503",
"author": "Electorials",
"timestamp": "2011-10-11T12:25:49",
"content": "This is weird.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.610893
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/redbull-sends-marketing-doodad-to-hackerspace-using-an-open-source-product/
|
Redbull Sends Marketing Doodad To Hackerspace Using An Open Source Product
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Hackerspaces"
] |
[
"advertising",
"marketing",
"redbull",
"uzebox"
] |
Posts
Looks like Redbull is harnessing the power of
open source hardware to market their product to hackers
everywhere. We’d say that it worked because here we are, posting up some free advertising for them. It seems that a rep for the company dropped off a package at a hackerspace in LA called
Null Space Labs
. It came in what is obviously a laser cut wooden box, a material that tends to make hackers salivate. Inside they found the board you see above. It took a bit of time to look over the hardware was eventually identified as
an Uzebox
. Sure enough, then plugged in an original NES controller to the controller port on the back of the board and were playing a version of Pac-man in no time.
Marketing and advertising have their place in our lives which can be annoying and intrusive at times. But we have no problem with it when done creatively and targeted to our interests. Good job Redbull, and might we add, that’s a heck of a routing path for your PCB outline!
| 39
| 39
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366435",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:52:31",
"content": "Yet another corporation with a clue. This is good to see and worth highlighting.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366439",
"author": "Alex Grant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:59:46",
"content": "That is the greatest thing I have ever seen!Totally makes it worth paying £1.15 for a small can of caffine and sugar now…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366440",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:59:53",
"content": "I am glad to see redbull knows how to spend marketing dollars.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366443",
"author": "Ratty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:04:48",
"content": "I was about to post what-ifs about looking through the source and ROM on this but decided to look at the first link. Good thing too, as HAD has pretty-much missed the point entirely with this post.The box has “A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” etched onto it and when the board is plugged in as a via usb it contains an encrypted zip.Come on HAD, this is much more interesting that you’re making it out to be.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366446",
"author": "Brick",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:05:12",
"content": "I love lamp.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366447",
"author": "datagram",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:05:23",
"content": "Protip: Redbull did not put pacman on it. It was flashed to get rid of their shitty advertising thing. This was lame other than looking neat and giving us all bull driven hard-ons.If I had got there an hour earlier I would have asked them to buy us a case of Monster.PEACE,dg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366448",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:07:53",
"content": "@XiuiX: Compared to the cost of running the F1, MotoGP, Nascar and WRC teams and events all over the world, dropping someone a grand or two to do this must be like a drop in the ocean. Still appealing though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366454",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:17:55",
"content": "Raise your hand if you also recognized that connector immediately",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366455",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:18:34",
"content": "seriously it wasn’t that interesting or well planned out. Timeline was something likeopen box.pull off foam, see the website, go to website. (which apparently was the end goal)while some guys did that, it was obviously a video game, so i put it together to see what it was, pulled off the ROM over the ISP, plugged in the usb , grabbed the zip files, looked in the actual interesting files ( the resource forks, which had not much interesting expect the google gmail links to where the attachemnts had probably come from )then two other guys who weren’t even at the space decoded the base64 ( really? come on use a new technique ) and password.i threw the rom into IDA, but then when someone yelled out it said it was an uzebox i just stopped, since i made the mistake of thinking it was going to be something tasty.it was less than 30 minutes to do the whole thing, but the end game was about 10 seconds. if you want a challenging task go to defcon / toorcon or layerone and join in one of their competitions.it only took as long as 30 minutes because of a lack of motivation to get involved an obvious marketing campaign that we’ll see little to no real benefit in, and because we’ve all been there before with one of these companies.redbull used to do stuff with hackers but they told them, so long suckers, after it was saturated. This is just a new ploy to cash on on the new marking friendly term of ‘maker’, which is why i reckon that term was coined in the first place, because of the negative stereotyping of hacker.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366458",
"author": "Hamtaro",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:19:33",
"content": "If I liked the taste of Redbull, I’d switch because of this. Its enjoyable to see the number of references that Redbull stuck in it. Clever!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366463",
"author": "Stealth-",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:25:23",
"content": "I generally didn’t used to have a preference for energy drinks, but I definitely do now ;)Way to go Red Bull.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366470",
"author": "tortal",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:34:08",
"content": "Umm…Am I the only one laughing at this cheap way to buy some nerds favor? How hard would it be for a multi-billion corp. to produce a simple gimmick like one pacman game in a wooden box?Don’t get me wrong – it’s beautiful. But don’t loose your pants over it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366482",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:48:06",
"content": "Isn’t Bawls the drink of choice for geeks?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366484",
"author": "theodore",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:48:44",
"content": "I want one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366487",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:51:50",
"content": ">Am I the only one laughing at this cheap way to buy some nerds favor?only if you fail in the reading department. seriously i though i was laying on the sarcasm pretty heavily.>Isn’t Bawls the drink of choice for geeks?Brawndo, its got electrolytesClubmate/tschunk if you’re down with nick and strom",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366503",
"author": "Mooseral",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:13:19",
"content": "I dunno, from what I’ve seen of Red Bull’s other marketing things, such as the the flugtag, is that they sound like good ideas but ultimately prove in reality to be profoundly superficial and shallow.When I see something like this, I think that it is kind of neat, but it fails to make me really more interested in the company. It is still essentially a marketing gimmick, and not really genuine; we might perhaps congratulate the random marketing man who came up with the idea on their creativity.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366506",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:18:45",
"content": "First I’d like to say that this is a nice, but cheesy attempt to get ‘Hackers, Makers, etc..’ interested in RedBull.Next I’d like to add F**K Red Bull. If you visit the site it explains a contest– where they will take your idea and permanently own it, royalty free. They can also share it, sell it, etc and use your name, face, likeness… which they can also sell/give to 3rd party companies. It’s all in the T&C on their site.All in all, kudos for getting our attention, but your lame attempt at 4chan humor and pathetic attempt at making this challenging just end with my continued hatred for marketing campaigns.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366523",
"author": "Mlöck",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:48:42",
"content": "This thread is suspiciously free of “spelling error”, “this is not a hack”, etc. posts. All the comments are obviously bought by Red Bull corp.“U CAN HAS RICKROLL?!?!” Sweet mercy… Is cringeworthiness big in advertisement business those days?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366534",
"author": "Timmah",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:02:06",
"content": "I’m gonna use mine to create a defibrillator to get my heart out of v-tach after I consume the dangerous beverage.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366560",
"author": "fritz269",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:31:55",
"content": "And I laugh that the lady had to walk up the staits in the dark with a case of redbull.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366570",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:52:29",
"content": "Reminded me of the Altera promo thing from a few years back. Arguably a bit more interesting with the LED marquee on board and they managed to encase it in a big solid chunk of plexiglas:http://d.hatena.ne.jp/Susutawari/20100201I still have one of these somewhere.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366578",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:12:50",
"content": "I think something that is lost on most of you is that marketing is constantly evolving. Although it may be superficial , not cost millions, and have come with some lame advertising , the simple fact is other companies are seeing this. They could have taken a much more self centered approach, and I think its important to notice what they did that was cool so they and other companies make more efforts to give back. Dont think on such a short time scale. See the big picture that other companies will see this and act on it as well.I think we will start seeing allot more MAJOR companies extending them selves to the community. Bad mouthing redbull for this seems to detract from this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366585",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T20:25:59",
"content": "“I think something that is lost on most of you is that marketing is constantly evolving”That is frankly bollocks, marketing rarely evolves its the old turn on the TV see what everyone else is doing and follow that. How many ‘hackerspace’ challenges are currently running by companies eager to profit from another media friendly outlet that hasn’t been swamped? Go to New York and do a scavenger hunt / build something in a few days ? How Original, what marketing genius came up with that idea ? Fabulous Prizes to be won!It is nothing new, and it is a poor implementation of stuff thats been done a 100 times before, and by redbull at that. The uzebox is cool, go get one of those, hack that and turn it into something better. Make something that doesn’t require corporate sponsorship.If companies wanted to be all generous or something, then just donate test equipment /soldering irons /pay rent for a new space for a year etc and help them get off the ground. Net worth of redbull guys is $4 billion, formula one costs a fortune, this is nothing.It’ll never happen because its purely just capitalism, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with companies making money, that is what they’re supposed to do , but thats all it is. Don’t fall for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366614",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:14:04",
"content": "Social media, crowd sourcing , Interaction between companies and …. us . This is evolving even if you would prefer not to recognize it. Bad marketing has been around for ages. Companies made their product counter intuitive and difficult to use to drive user loyalty. But thats even changing and being driven by big business in some places. Open source in others, and combination’s of the two (nasa for instance)The thing i will stress again is we need to be cup half full people or this like many other failed marketing will be dubbed a failure and not evolve.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366617",
"author": "isama",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:22:17",
"content": "I really like it. The next time i buy an energy drink i’ll get red bull to show my appreciation. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366618",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:25:52",
"content": "I think this generated a fair amount of the correct feedback.It was a neat-o gee-whiz thing that Red Bull still happens to have employees that know a little bit about makers.On the other hand, it’s not worth getting TOO excited about… it’s just a custom Uzebox. Any reasonably intuitive marketer would know this just as they know hot chicks sell beer. (Although the makers would be the equivalent of craft beer snobs who don’t give a shit about hype).If Red Bull or Mountain Dew, etc. want some free advertising -and- have it be much more positive, then yeah it makes more sense if they sponsor some workshop.I don’t see evidence of astroturfing here as Mlöck suggests. Lack of grammar+spelling errors is not conclusive. Marketers can -easily- emulate the “too busy to use punctuation or the shift key” style of Phil Torrone’s writing. :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366638",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T22:08:23",
"content": "i had that style way before PT did",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366988",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T02:50:02",
"content": "Marketing != AdvertisingAdvertising is a capitalist concept: information about available products/services.Marketing is a consumerist concept: relying on the fickleness and gullibility of the consumer to allow the marketing “guru” to “create the need”. Vile! Sheeple (marketing term) LOVE it!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367003",
"author": "charliex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T03:18:53",
"content": "good point, it needed to be made, hopefully now gets that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367015",
"author": "EBodell",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T03:44:16",
"content": "we got one of these boxes at TechShop today.. no-one has started soldering on it yet, but it does have the ICSP header for the atmega in the package. looks like they intended for us to reflash the uzebox and do something useful with the board after figuring out the invite, which isn’t much of a challenge after AlphaOne posted about peeling the foamalso a bunch of PIC micros and dsPICs and such on there; the nyc resistor guys apparently found spectrograms and stuff. we’re going to waste some time on it tomorrow.eb",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367019",
"author": "phnx",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T03:54:34",
"content": "@dan fruzzetti – *raises hand*…But I was telling myself that’s surely not it’s intended purpose…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367031",
"author": "GuiltyPixel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T04:12:20",
"content": "Really… I can’t imagine why so few manufacturers support hackers, what with all the warm reception. Quit flaming them already you bunch of fairies. It was a hackable and very creative gift. How can you expect any other companies to do cool stuff with us in mind if you’re going to throw their attempts back in their faces. “Oh, its marketing!!” No shit, if they didn’t profit there wouldn’t be a company to make the effort. And yeah, we all know Red Bull tastes kinda like diet ass, but maybe giving them constructive feedback we might get a flavor of our own.Food for thought, not for trolls.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367037",
"author": "Cool!",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T04:20:41",
"content": "I have thought that manufacturers avoid supporting ‘hackers’ because.. well.. the Maker movement itself is a revolt against modern manufacturing, with it’s non-repairable black box design.(And the disposable nature of things will not change until the cost of recycling goods becomes built into the purchase cost.)Red Bull is getting the response they fully deserve: mixed. Trying to tilt the average by being their cheerleader isn’t going to change anything.Most of the makers I know avoid HFCS crappy syrup drinks. Want a caffeine buzz? Drink coffee or a double black coffee stout beer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367099",
"author": "E-leeet",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T06:32:20",
"content": "I believe Jolt Cola is The soft drink of the elite hacker.Sheesh.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367120",
"author": "zzzomb",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T07:38:40",
"content": "http://www.redbullusa.com/creationWow! Lucky buggers in USA.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368948",
"author": "jadon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T02:46:29",
"content": "anyone else notice the original NES gamepad plug on the PCB",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370127",
"author": "Panda",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T23:28:42",
"content": "FreesideATL just got theirs (30 sec ago).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "375836",
"author": "noid",
"timestamp": "2011-04-07T23:28:11",
"content": "Apparently we just got one at the Black Lodge. I look forward to bricking it at some point.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "377138",
"author": "Ryan",
"timestamp": "2011-04-09T18:10:59",
"content": "http://www.i3detroit.com/taking-the-red-bull-by-the-horns-achievement-unlocked",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.683832
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/hackaday-is-looking-for-a-full-time-project-builder-video-host/
|
Hackaday Is Looking For A Full Time Project Builder/ Video Host!
|
Caleb Kraft
|
[
"News"
] |
[] |
Hackaday.com is looking for an experienced hacker/writer to join our team doing original hacking and modding projects on video. Are you energetic, outgoing, and passionate about hacking/modding? Can you solder AND explain what you’re doing and why? Come join our team and modify/hack/create things daily with a professional film crew to be aired on HackADay, then post a writeup detailing how you did your hack. Let your mind run wild, combine Mythbusters with Ben Heck, can you do it?
To be able to do this job successfully you need to be energetic, passionate and knowledgeable about hacking. The person who is perfect for this job will have experience with computer modding, hobby robotics, basic electronics, microcontroller programming, as well as some larger manufacturing skills like running a CNC mill and welding. Take a look at Hackaday.com to see the kinds of projects we would like to see created. Writing/blogging experience is a plus.
Job duties will include:
-following trends to see what the latest awesome hack would be
-brainstorming your own original hacks and mods
-executing those hacks
-breaking down the hacks to educate the viewers
This is a full-time, in-house position at our Santa Monica office. Pay is $30-$40k a year based on experience and includes benefits. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to our online job board (
http://mhlo.co/ed886g
). In your cover letter tell us why you’d be the best fit for the job, and please feel free to include any links to personal hacks/projects, or any future hack ideas you’d bring to HackADay.
| 79
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366314",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:55:19",
"content": "Wish i lived in the US….Looks like you we’re going to have a hack show. Can’t wait to watch it.Good luck HAD!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366316",
"author": "NoX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:59:25",
"content": "Indeed that would be a perfect job!!But I’m from Spain and my spoken English would be the fun of all people! :-D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366323",
"author": "Chris Rojas",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:10:15",
"content": "sweet gig. You should make them post an application video and let HAD followers vote on the winner.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366336",
"author": "Ninja",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:27:35",
"content": "that’s actually not a bad idea. ^^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366343",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:36:30",
"content": "Outgoing, passionate, knowledgeable hacker? Oxymoron! The wisest men/women are the least outspoken.You need to choose between someone who knows some fundamentals and is really fun and good at presenting, or someone who knows a lot and is not quite as good at presenting. You won’t find someone who is the best at both, it’s impossible.It does sound like a great opportunity though, and I’m sure some university graduates would love to do this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366351",
"author": "Bergo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:43:38",
"content": "“You need to choose between someone who knows some fundamentals and is really fun and good at presenting, or someone who knows a lot and is not quite as good at presenting. You won’t find someone who is the best at both, it’s impossible.”jeri ellsworth, and ben heck come to mind as fitting their description. I’m sure it’s possible to find someone. Although, it’s hard to say if 40K buys you that skillset, I suppose it depends on the living costs in that region, which I am unfamiliar with.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366353",
"author": "apolo8",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:45:34",
"content": "You are full of nice surprises…and great ideas to improve even more HaD…I´m willing to see those great features near soon.Cheers!!!-a background reader.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366358",
"author": "Simon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:52:54",
"content": "Thank God for that. Came here earlier n my iPad, and had some sort of horrible mobile-only site foisted on me. This time it was the normal site. Please keep it that way, the other one (a) didn’t work properly, (b) didn’t let me comment, and (c) looked fugly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "366363",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:01:08",
"content": "@Simon,Our host added the ipad plugin automatically recently. We got some complaints so I found it and turned it off. Sorry for the inconvenience.",
"parent_id": "366358",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "366365",
"author": "Renan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:03:45",
"content": "Oh man… Sure it´s not to someone on other countries ? I´d love this job! I mean… The text was describing me. I started learning everything I could about robots, uCs, techonologies, and I still have the passion to do that.Too bad I don´t live in the USA, I have the skills to apply for this job…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366366",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:06:46",
"content": "I agree with James to some extent. I think the brightest hackers/engineers tend to be more focused on puzzles than communication skills. There is some trade-off there, but I think it’s better to err on the side of knowledge and passion rather than media professional, at least for this audience. We’re mostly technical people and knowledge will go further with us than energy.@Bergo:I don’t follow Ben Heck’s work super-closely, and I don’t want to diminish his work, but I wouldn’t say that he’s the perfect host for such a show. At least from what I’ve seen, he hasn’t really demonstrated a great understanding of electronics. His hacks are mostly wiring new switches to the pads of existing controllers and fitting hardware in shiny new cases. Fabrication is where he really shines, and the level of polish is what people like to see. It’s really a different audience, I think.Jeri Ellsworth has the knowledge and passion, but I wouldn’t really call her super energetic. Using hosts of Revision 3, or similar internet TV shows as a benchmark, I can think of very few who she exceeds in energy.That’s totally perfectly fine though. Like I said, we don’t really need ‘energy’. What we need is someone who’s actually capable of showing us interesting new tricks, and someone like her would be perfect for that job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366370",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:09:35",
"content": "“jeri ellsworth, and ben heck come to mind as fitting their description.”Nah, Jeri is not that knowledgeable, Ben Heck is not that outgoing. I said you won’t find someone who’s the best at both. Nobody is perfect. There’s probably some theory on it in some psychology study, but I can’t be bothered to find it. You always have to compromise in one of those areas.I also think $40k USD isn’t enough for someone older/better than a new graduate. It’s only £24.6k GBP. Most experienced people would want $60k USD and up, so this could be for a graduate or part-time job IMHO. No offence!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366371",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:10:03",
"content": "MY INVENTIONS TEND NOT TO WORK, I BARELY SPEAK ENGLISH, I HAVE A LISP AND A CRAPPY WEBCAM!when should i expect my first paycheck?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366373",
"author": "Illuminator",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:12:35",
"content": "You do realize that a 30-40k per year job in that area of the country will be a huge turn off to a lot of potential candidates.The median household income in that area is well above your offered salary range, with housing costs not even close. Renting a place in that area would, likely, based on data found, run over $1000/month, which would be over 25% of the proposed salary.Thanks but no thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366374",
"author": "Jakezilla",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:13:27",
"content": "You are going to have to find a pretty big sucker to rope in; an electrical engineer with a strong mechanical background and a high level of media skill, to work for 40K? EEs in the area start at 75K, Cost of Living is at 254 in Santa Monica!http://www.bestplaces.net/city/california/santa_monica#",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366377",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:21:03",
"content": "@James:Pretty sure you’ve got it backwards. Jeri might make mistakes once in a while, but she’s smart and persistent enough to make integrated circuits in her basement with an oven.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366383",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:27:20",
"content": "Also, Ben Heck has a show on Revision 3 which, I would say, is pretty energetic.This is all _really_ tangential though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366384",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:27:43",
"content": "@r_d:Ok, maybe I got it wrong.Maybe HaD needs to be more specific about what knowledge the presenter needs to have. It’s debatable as to what makes someone knowledgeable… some DIY stuff is easy enough for primary-school children, and people can do stuff without understanding it fully.If you want someone who can explain the physics and chemistry behind their hacks in-depth, you need someone who understands what they’re talking about. If you want someone who presents really well, and reads a script, they could also be good because it makes hacking more approachable for lay-people.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366388",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:30:05",
"content": "Wow good luck filling that. that location and chump-change pay rate.Does it come with a cardboard box for them to live in? Santa Monica = gotta be rich to live here. and $40K is not rich.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366389",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:34:31",
"content": "Oh noes 40k is too little for me to consider this job. Protip: DON’T APPLY. Somebody else will be THRILLED to work doing what they love for $40,000 per year $160 / day, about $800 / week, $3,333.34 / month.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366392",
"author": "Robot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:37:47",
"content": "I am a well paid R&D engineer in the Boston area. . . while I only have 4 years in industry at this point I can still command a very good salary. Regardless, I would do this just as I would take a teaching job at a university. I suspect there are many post-docs out there who fit the bill for this position. Yes, industry can pay more than twice HaDs offer, but their offer is on par with anything that can be found in academe.– Robot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366400",
"author": "Robot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:00:31",
"content": "PS,What I am trying to say is that HaD is offering an opportunity that seems creative and fun, and that has (IMO) real value.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366403",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:11:55",
"content": "@Robot:Yeah, I guess people can get caught up in salary and forget about job satisfaction! Working at HaD is probably a great environment to nurture a sense of job satisfaction for passionate hackers.I’m side tracking but it would be cool if HaD or some other group made a “hackers guild” where people could physically come together, show and tell, and share their hacks, maybe even collaborate on bigger projects :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366405",
"author": "Anon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:13:15",
"content": "Do they have to have sex with an Arduino first, or can they attach their LED’s straight to a battery? Just wondering cause the number of real Arduino projects vs. the number of under-utilized LED flashing Arduino projects is a flacidizing reality.I would be willing to raise resistance against a swarm of useless development board projects centered around diode stimulation.ALSO, following trends? I thought hacking was much more about breaking trends. Fail on HaD’s part. And WTF is 30-40k for a full time position? One could work at a shitty intercity Radio$hack, part time, and have more money, time, and inspiration to hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366410",
"author": "FightCube.com",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:18:47",
"content": "I could see someone that’s really good at this, starting for $40k… and earning a hefty raise as the ratings go off the charts… or vice versa. This would be a sweet gig for someone that wants to go have fun and be creative. The salary would get you a place to live, but it wouldn’t be great or anything. You would be consumed with hacking and having fun, so I don’t think that would matter much. I wonder if HAD will provide resources such as parts, PCB making supplies & services, tools and equipment… you know, typical stuff an engineering company would provide for you to do your job. If so, what would the annual budget be?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366417",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:23:26",
"content": "I could sooo fill that position but not for anything less than $50K.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366420",
"author": "HurpDurp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:25:51",
"content": "Neat idea, but you’ll never get any real talent with that salary. Talent costs money. There’s also an obvious expense cap here; this writer will be severely limited to what they can make by the salary received: no jetpacks, no fusion devices, no high powered lasers. I fear more arduino and Not-a-hacks.This job posting is almost a disservice to the community: You’re going to take someone out of their current profitable, comfortable hacking environment and place them in this high-pressure job where they’ll have to crank out ‘original’ hacks every week. There’s nothing original about something forced.I can see the shit-storm now. Has anyone ever thought that maybe HaD should die with it’s original creator’s intent? That instead of trying to reform HaD every once in a while, that it just dies and lets other sites take over so we don’t end up with a mediocre lull?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "366462",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:23:30",
"content": "@HurpDurp,1. no, we haven’t considered letting it die. that’s pretty silly.2. the original creator, Phillip Torrone, is in constant contact with us and loves this idea.3. What an odd point of view you have where offering to pay someone to hack (though admittedly not a ton of money) is somehow bad. We’re not holding a gun to some scientist and forcing them to quit their “current profitable, comfortable” hacking job.",
"parent_id": "366420",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "366421",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:26:54",
"content": "Also, @ James“Jeri is not that knowledgeable…”…umm, are you high on something??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366422",
"author": "Sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:29:40",
"content": "@Jamesthey have those, they’re called hackerspaces.http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Hackerspaces",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366425",
"author": "NatureTM",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:34:41",
"content": "It sounds awesome to me, but I don’t think I have the EE chops. If noone else wants it though, I might have to apply…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366426",
"author": "Robot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:35:34",
"content": "@Anon: LULz: “Just wondering cause the number of real Arduino projects vs. the number of under-utilized LED flashing Arduino projects is a flacidizing reality.”One of the best things I read in a long time.– Robot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366441",
"author": "JC",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:00:30",
"content": "@Jakezilla – My thoughts exactly (although I’m an ME with a good electrical background not the other way around like you). Sounds like a feally fun job, but it might be hard to get the right person for it :(.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366453",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:16:59",
"content": "“…umm, are you high on something??”Ughhh… she’s not Einstein…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366464",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:25:40",
"content": "I wouldn’t look at this as a “full time job” but a side job on top of/complimenting something you already do, assuming your current work allows you free time holes throughout the day… At least not at the rate HaD currently churns out articles.Maybe even students @ the local college(s) if you need them in-house. Post fliers around their engineering buidlings",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366467",
"author": "Zizzle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:29:50",
"content": "$40K … I LOLed… good one. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366475",
"author": "Ratty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:41:10",
"content": "Great idea. I actually, and very rudely, thought “About time they got a real hacker on the team”.But this bit “This is a full-time, in-house position at our Santa Monica office.” shoots it in the foot. You want someone who is very skilled professionally and socially, to already be living in or move to your city, (meaning most likely US citizens only) work full-time and be paid peanuts. I swear that whoever drew this up works in every HR department of every company currently operating and does their job advertisements too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366481",
"author": "Jason",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:47:54",
"content": "Thanks for the great feedback everyone… really hoping we can take HAD to the next level and double traffic. if we do we will have a budget for 2-3 f/t staff and can do many, many more sick hacks.best jasonps – should we move comments to disqus?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366485",
"author": "Jac",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:50:40",
"content": "Following trends… Check.Brainstorming hacks and projects: Might need some inspiration from others about what projects to do but otherwise… Check.Executing hacks… Been there done that. Check.Educate the viewers… Done, doing and will do. Check.Santa Monica… Nice! Check.$30-40k… Oh wait, I get it. April Fools.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366489",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:55:11",
"content": "I’m thinking what Ratty said is probably true. I do think HaD would probably get better skill if they were willing to accept someone to films the video elsewhere and sends them to HaD. Maybe request a sample video explaining a project to see if they’ve got the skills. You get a much larger pool of candidates that way.If this was the case — and I actually owned a camera — and I was actually good at speaking — I would probably apply. One could still write an Android app or two for a little extra cash, right?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366494",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:02:41",
"content": "Oh and the trends thing does sound a little “traditional journalist”.I probably shouldn’t speak for everyone, but I think many HaD readers feel pretty strongly about it. It’s not really fun to have a week of nothing but Aruduinos, followed by a week of nothing but ‘Steampunk’ (all from Instructables, of course!), then four days of Twittering appliances and bunch of LED cubes just because it’s what’s “trendy” at the time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366502",
"author": "DanAdamKOF",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:11:18",
"content": "Can I join as a proofreader? Hell I’ll even do it for free.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366528",
"author": "HurpDurp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:54:49",
"content": "@Caleb KraftOh sure, now you’re positive that this’ll turn out great and that there has to be someone out there creative enough to constantly pull hacks out of their behinds, but have you considered you’re idealizing a bit here? One does not pay for creativity, creativity pays for itself.And you think this person you hire is going to be some sort of unbiased hacking dynamo? With your guys’ luck you’ll probably find some sort of arduino freak who posts 7 arduino varients of the LED cube every day.It’s cool, but it gets old, and you’re going to hire someone who builds LED cubes to work full time making various sizes of LED cubes on a very limited budget. You’ll tell them to be original and creative, they’ll cry, and instead of making that arduino lawn mowing robot that that person would have made if they would have stayed in their mom’s basement, you’ld be giving them free reign to make impractical, sensationalist, ‘hacks’ that can only cause infinite butt hurt for this community. Seen it before, TLDR.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "366550",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:24:14",
"content": "@hurpdurp,What? You’re just being argumentative here. We are offering a job for someone to make cool hacks. You’re assuming all kinds of odd things and projecting waaay too much.here are the basics: cool job offer, hopefully cool result. that’s all. I think we’re done with this exchange.",
"parent_id": "366528",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "366531",
"author": "Jason",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:59:31",
"content": "HurpDurp: Well, the person could also modify and expand on other well-done hacks out there. I’d also like to do a hacking 101 series for Mahalo.com as a bridge to get some folks into the space who might be intimidated.finally, we might be able to have this person take requests/crowdsource project ideas.i’m really into mobile/video/wearable/car/clothes hacks….. i think the lifecasting + mobile + interweb + sensor space is going to be big.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366533",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:00:24",
"content": "so you want someone with all that knowledge to sacrifice the job they probably already have to work for less than half as much and be ridiculed by HAD trolls…sounds like a great dealmaybe try kip kay? lulz",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366535",
"author": "JamesMK2",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:03:12",
"content": "Don’t diss Jeri she’ll thermite yourwork bench and test equipment while youwatch on, helpless, crazyglued to the spot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366552",
"author": "Robot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:27:31",
"content": "I just wanted to throw it out there that working in industry can be rewarding or really awful.There is no shortage of busting your hump, working unpaid overtime because you want to keep the client happy and being thrown to the wolves by your boss when things go wrong (even though it was the client that forced engineering to use an ultimately unworkable solution.)Even in the fast paced world of R&D there is unbearable monotony, compliance, documentation, TPS reports, memo memo memo, kill me now.If you’re good you eventually get to manage your own projects which means under bidding projects and yet more unpaid work.I would say that $40k is looking pretty good.Just sayin’– Robot",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366563",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:34:32",
"content": "This is an awesome opportunity.Getting paid to hack….I look at this as HAD giving back to the community. That money coulda gotten some one a nice vacation or bonus. Instead they recycle it into the community.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366608",
"author": "Sal_The_Tiller",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:00:47",
"content": "I would love to do this, and I’m pretty good at explaining, but my skills aren’t that great…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366625",
"author": "Bill D Williams",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:36:22",
"content": "40k a year in Santa Monica?For people that don’t know California real estate and living costs, that’s works out to be about 15k a year compared to the rest of the country. For someone with the combined skill set of hacker, inventor, camera man, editor and producer – you’re offering peanuts.Shame on you HAD. Shame on you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366655",
"author": "Aleks Clark",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T22:59:40",
"content": "salary is redonculous. srsly? move your office to Clarkston, WA, and then pay people like that, no problem.Admittedly it’s a “fun” job but I hope a cardboard box or a space in the janitor’s closet comes included.also lol “trends”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366673",
"author": "macegr",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T23:34:15",
"content": "If you up the pay rate to something that an older, experienced hacker could stomach, you would be spending more but ultimately putting together a much higher quality show. Ideally, the right person would have more knowledge and experience than any of your current writers. Someone who still enjoys electronics and hacking things, but who has a lot to teach us all. I’m thinking someone on the level of Windell Oskay, Bill Hammack, Tom Igoe, etc…not someone who figured out one or two cool things for a senior project, but someone who has made a career of this stuff and miraculously doesn’t still have one. Gonna be tough to find. But you’ll get way better investment from your money, compared to putting someone inexperienced into a situation where they have to think what to do next with an Arduino, RC servo, and an LED.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.771331
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/video-experimenter-shield/
|
Video Experimenter Shield
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Video Hacks"
] |
[
"lm1881"
] |
People always want to do more with less and the
Video Experimenter Shield
is no exception. Consisting of an
LM1881
video sync separator, a handful of passive components, and a stylish PCB in the standard Arduino shield footprint.
The board features simple but useful controls and features, a removable jumper allows you to select a sync source, either from incoming video or the Arduino, a potentiometer to adjust the analog threshold, and there is a convenient signal breakout header.
Software is an enhanced version of the popular
TV out library
and allows you to start off with video graphics overlay, closed caption decoding, a simple gun game, and basic, but still effective frame capture, and computer vision. Of course, there are all sorts of other fun and amusing experiments that start to pop in mind once you check out a quick demo video after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGy70XxhpMY&w=450]
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366328",
"author": "Stephen Shaffer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:15:43",
"content": "OOOH I want one! Can the overlay by any color other than white?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366342",
"author": "Nigel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:35:54",
"content": "I wonder if this is NTSC only, or if it supports PAL as well ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366345",
"author": "Nigel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:39:46",
"content": "Looks like the chip can support NTSC, PAL or SECAM :)http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM1881.html#Overview",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366376",
"author": "nootropic",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:20:02",
"content": "some answers:– output is white pixels only. The Arduino is bit-banging the composite signal out, so it’s limited.– yes, PAL and SECAM are supported. I tested PAL with a CMOS camera I have that can output PAL.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366474",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:37:33",
"content": "Ahh cool, I can add info to the video stream of my drone now… Thank you comrades!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366514",
"author": "skinner",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:33:37",
"content": "Decent price too. Might pick one up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366665",
"author": "OiD",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T23:14:59",
"content": "Very elegant. Looks like a great way to try computer vision.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367080",
"author": "shazzner",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T05:52:57",
"content": "Excellent, picked one up. Can anyone recommend a small ntsc video camera? Basically this but in-stock:http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8739",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367107",
"author": "Amos",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T06:56:24",
"content": "See? There’s still a reason to keep NTSC backward compatibility in modern TVs. ;)I’m thinking an actual light-gun would be something cool to try with this (if only I had an Arduino to plug it into…)@Kevin: A sentence fragment in the first paragraph. In fact, the whole article needs a good seeing to.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367134",
"author": "lurker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T08:58:57",
"content": "GAH!!! The LM1881 is an obsolete piece of shit and should NOT have been used for this project!!!…The LM1881 is capable of separating sync signals from CSYNC signals – However, that is ALL that it should be used for. My fear is that someone will buy this in the hopes of separating SOG – in which case, they’ll get HSYNC and VSYNC+G – A much better choice would have been the EL1883, which, IIRC, is both pin and electrically compatible and will provide stripped sync signals.…I say this out of experience – A few years ago, I was working on a cheap alternative to the VDIGI – I wanted ONE box that would allow me to connect my xbox, ps2, and any other YPbPr output to a flatscreen monitor – In essence, allowing me to use ONE monitor for my TV, as a gaming screen, and as an auxiliary monitor – I came up with two results;1 – The LM1881, although VERY cheap and easily obtainable, is stupidly obsolete – it will ONLY properly handle the csync signal from S/Composite video – It is absolutely useless for anything else unless you get lucky.2 – The EL1883, from Intersil (yes, you can get a sample) is everything the LM1881 wants to be. It is designed to give PURE and SEPARATE sync signals – You’ll need this if your display can’t filter out the extra noise on the VSYNC line.…And for the kicker, a tandem effort between the EL1883 and LMH1251 is theoretically capable, withe the help of a fistful of switches, of transforming virtually ANY video signal into something acceptable by ANY modern display – I was never able to test my design (not about to buy a new laser printer and similar devices are already patented), but if you’re seriously intested in video conversion you should check out both chips…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367185",
"author": "skot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T10:50:04",
"content": "Wow, that’s a pretty reasonable price! I remember seeing some cool projects for a while back where people would mute the volume on the TV if they detected certain annoying news topics..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367200",
"author": "arthur",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T11:33:19",
"content": "Could this be used with an ethernet shield to make a cheap-ass version of the ybox? (http://www.ladyada.net/make/ybox2/)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367323",
"author": "Johannes",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:49:53",
"content": "@lurker i have used the LM1881 with my xbox to get VGA output via SoG and it works great. Are you sure you used the correct firmware + changed the xbox type to NTSC?I was just wondering if this overlay is possible with VGA somehow. If anyone knows how this is possible please write :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368974",
"author": "ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T04:10:06",
"content": "So does this just work like a video-dac?How does the board create the vsync/hsync timing based on the input (ttl voltages?) from the arduino?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370780",
"author": "firebelcher",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:56:24",
"content": "@fartface – For a person who complains about Arduino every time a post happens.. you sure were fast wanting to pick up one for your Arduino. Are you a closet Arduino lover?On a side note, this looks sweet.. another great shield from the hackvision creators.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.828806
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/virtual-serial-bridge/
|
Virtual Serial Bridge
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"emulation",
"serial"
] |
When you are running emulators or virtual machines it may be sometimes handy to be able to connect a serial port from the guest machine to the host machine. [Aurimas] had that issue, and also had a fun fix for that using 2 USB <> Serial adapters, but as you can imagine that is not a ideal solution, enter the
Virtual Serial Bridge
.
Digging around Vmware it was found that the support for what he needed was there, but not really used. A little addition of a few lines to the guest OS vmx file and configuring the socat multipurpose relay package. Though the instructions revolve around the Mac platform as the host and Windows as the guest socat and Vmware you can probably mix it up with any software that uses the serial port and a *x or windows host.
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366300",
"author": "syale",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:14:01",
"content": "Oracle VirtualBox does this out of the box and it’s free",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366305",
"author": "gcds",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:23:19",
"content": "Syale it does the same thing as VMware just makes pipe file which is useless. But if you use socat as i written you can do the same thing :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366315",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:58:52",
"content": "Under linux you can easily snoop in on rs232 commands. use your host OS as linux and you are all set for hacking.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366367",
"author": "Ewan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:06:52",
"content": "Is vmware realy that much better than virtualbox?i never usee vmware because i didn’t want to waste time learning how to use a closed source adictionware program when there was a perfectly good opensource alternative.what gives? What am i missing? Why does everbody use vmware?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366369",
"author": "asheets",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:09:34",
"content": "Its nice to see that someone figured out how to make VMware do this — I prefer OVB because it does passthrough right out of the “box”, but corporate and future employers want to pay for their solutions for some reason.This will be added to my bookmarks today.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366402",
"author": "gcds",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:05:55",
"content": "VirtualBox is half open source…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366404",
"author": "mike bradley",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:12:40",
"content": "For me, I have higher performance with vmware, and I can move vm’s to hostless hardware, and I can move live vms between hardware based on load. But fir vms on the desktop, well if you are tinkering around, any solutiion will do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366429",
"author": "leadacid",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:40:39",
"content": "The power of virtualization depends on your application. Certain things work better for certain situations.VMware really shines in the enterprise environment, when you have tens/hundreds/thousands of VMs running across a myriad of hosts. Its the management tools they provide that makes it the killer platform. VMWare ESX and ESXi (bare-metal hosting) provide live migration between hosts, VM templates & cloning, snapshots, resource pools, statistics, hot failover, NFS & iSCSI support for data stores, NIC teaming, distributed resource schedulers, etc. all make it extremely worth the money, in my production environment.I’m not sure how well it stacks up against the competition for single or low numbers of VMs. I’ve used the VMware Workstation product (virtualization on top of another OS) and I wasn’t really thrilled with the performance.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367202",
"author": "Sigg3",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T11:46:54",
"content": "I like waffles better than vmware! In fact, ’cause it’s Friday, I’m gonna have a waffle right now. I deserve it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367386",
"author": "ewanuno",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:52:36",
"content": "thanks for the info, next time i have to install a massive virtual server farm i’ll think about vmware.fair point about the not completely open sourceness of virtualbox. and i’m not too sure about putting all my eggs in oracles basket, but if the worst come to worst i can just use the gpl fork.(maybe i should switch already)so far i only run non performace critical things on virtualbox, and i don’t need five nines uptime.i’m not an open source zealot, one of my mission critical apps is closed source. but i certainly Prefer free to no-free, when it comes to freedom. although when talking about beer, often you get what you pay for.i like waffles too, but i’m going to settle for ice cream",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.876154
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/24/portable-nes-console-gets-it-oh-so-right/
|
Portable NES Console Gets It Oh So Right
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"nes",
"nintendo",
"portable"
] |
[Doug] over at the moddedbybacteria forums has been working hard on a
fantastic looking portable NES console
and wrote in to let us know it was complete.
The console started as a simple idea to use a Nintendo on a chip (NOAC) board in order to create a portable console that played original NES cartridges. Once a plastic case and some batteries were sourced, along with the NOAC board, the project was well on its way.
[Doug] eventually decided that he would rather use a real Nintendo motherboard in the project, so the NOAC was scrapped…temporarily. He accidentally fried the Nintendo board, so it was back to the NOAC, but with upgraded wiring to take care of some interference problems he was having earlier in the build. An original NES controller was disassembled for use in the console, which gives the portable an authentic feel. Getting the case to look just right was a long process, but we think he did a great job with it.
If you want to take a look at his entire build log, be aware that it is 23 pages long. If you’re impatient and want to jump straight to the unveiling, that happens on
page 22
.
Keep reading to see a pair of videos [Doug] put together both during the production and after his build was completed.
If you are interested in seeing some other portable NES consoles we have featured in the past, look no further than
here
,
here
, and
here
.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXjkCGqbOPM&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCcHHakUmJE&w=470]
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366268",
"author": "Paul Potter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T11:38:40",
"content": "Very nice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366327",
"author": "jeremiah",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:13:56",
"content": "Someone buy this man a tripod, for crying out loud.INCREDIBLY great build. THANK YOU for not demoing with Super Mario Bros.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366356",
"author": "JD",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:51:50",
"content": "-1 Nintendo in the world.Pretty cool though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366387",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:29:44",
"content": "I also made one of those once. It was called a Gameboy Micro plus a dev cart plus an emulator. Pocket sized. Advanced features such as save states. No cart needed to play. Great battery life. You could buy one of these for $30 – $50. Stylish, compact, portable, easier, better.Nice hack though – but I don’t see it is all that practical or useful.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366411",
"author": "Doug104231",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:19:29",
"content": "Well CutThroughStuffGuy i have many things that can emulate nes games sure but there nothing like grabbing the old cart you wanna play popping it in and playing. its nostalgia something that some people still care about",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366413",
"author": "Raizer04",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:20:41",
"content": "BEHOLD DOUG!This is by far one of the best NES portables I have ever seen. This guy clearly is a top notch portablizer. Moddedbybacteria has the BEST MODS EVER!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366427",
"author": "MrAfterFx",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:36:10",
"content": "Great job doug! I am very impressed and you came a long way in a short amount of time! I always enjoy reading all of your post at MBB because they are so helpful. Great job on getting noticed on hackaday!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366428",
"author": "CharlieP",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:40:04",
"content": "This is absolutely awesome! Although some people seem to be missing the point.“You could buy one of these for $30 – $50. Stylish, compact, portable, easier, better.”Pfff please. Anyone can download an emulator and play their favorite games with choppy framerate and savestates. FOR FREEThis is the fruit of someones labor who clearly cares about the experience of the player. By using classic cartridges and buttons he preserves that nostalgic feeling we all have, despite our ages. This custom job is worth far more.You get what you pay for.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366649",
"author": "Drew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T22:29:27",
"content": "Where do people get those NOACs?I always hear about them in projects, but I never see where they can be bought, and how much they cost.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366983",
"author": "mulder",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T02:29:26",
"content": "For the people talking about emulating the NES on a Gameboy Micro/Advance… the resolution of the GBA is too short to match the NES, so they squish it… looks terrible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367040",
"author": "iknowthesethings",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T04:26:44",
"content": "Decent NESP but nothing special. for a NESp using a NOAC its pretty large, and drilling holes in a project box isnt that hard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367535",
"author": "MrAfterFx",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:40:15",
"content": "There was no need for that comment for multiple reasons. Trying to bring someone down for their work makes you look very stupid. Plus this is his first attempt at a handheld and it is amazing to say the least :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367744",
"author": "jaz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:24:59",
"content": "the chip inside is about 2″ tall, you could custom design a holder, shorter like the genesis one…yes, I tore this very same cart apart trying to replace the battery inside.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367900",
"author": "thecauseandeffect",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T05:53:23",
"content": "thats why i just added an original controller to my ds and emulated. i think the nostalgia is more in the controls than the carts",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368308",
"author": "Doug104231",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T00:04:28",
"content": "yo iknowthesethings if you look at the worklog at all not sure if you can navigate through that many pages you would see the type of work that goes into making one of these not look like complete trash like i know many from a certain site do",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "430230",
"author": "KyleSimmons",
"timestamp": "2011-08-08T00:35:06",
"content": "DOUG! THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING NOACp I have ever seen. Sure, its not the smallest, but I haven’t seen one that hads looked nicer that was lazer cut, let alone frankencased!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,234.927878
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/mini-arcade-cabinet-looks-as-good-as-the-real-thing/
|
Mini Arcade Cabinet Looks As Good As The Real Thing
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Netbook Hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"arcade",
"EeePc",
"mame",
"netbook"
] |
[Ed] had a netbook he no longer needed and decided to
make it into a mini MAME cabinet
for some of his family members. MAME cabinets are pretty plentiful, but this one was so nicely done, we wanted to share it.
He removed the monitor from an EeePC 901 in order to get some precise measurements, then went about crafting a mini cabinet from MDF. The whole thing was wrapped in sticky label paper adorned with old-school Galaga graphics, then covered in plexiglass for a nice sleek look that also protects the artwork.
He used an iPac 2 controller board to wire up all of the buttons and joystick to the netbook, opting to solder the controller’s wires directly to the USB header on the eeePC’s motherboard. A power switch was added up on top for easy operation, and the cabinet was sealed shut, though the back does open easily in the event that maintenance is required. The system is managed using the Maximus Arcade front end for MAME, which [Ed] claims is incredibly easy.
If you are interested in making your own MAME cabinet, check out some of the
other
MAME-based
projects
we have featured in the past, and don’t miss the video below of [Ed’s] cabinet in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIKoh_WYNZ8&w=470]
| 9
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "366014",
"author": "JeremyC",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:05:39",
"content": "Nice build! The tiny cabinets are pretty cool…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366052",
"author": "DMackey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T00:38:54",
"content": "Excellent, I’ll take 2 please.. :) Nice job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366132",
"author": "joe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T04:09:28",
"content": "Nice project. Could have been even cooler if he had rotated the screen 90 degrees to get a more authentic arcade setup.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366250",
"author": "Xavi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T10:21:41",
"content": "A couple of speakers mounted in the front part of the cabinet would be a good improvement. eeePC sound is too bad.Nice job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366406",
"author": "mark",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:15:40",
"content": "“Could have been even cooler if he had rotated the screen 90 degrees to get a more authentic arcade setup.”The narrow vertical viewing angle on netbook screens means you really wouldn’t want this. Each eye would see substantially different images. It’s really annoying. If you wanted a portrait display, you’d need to use a different display.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366544",
"author": "Angelisa Josalisa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T19:16:51",
"content": "I want this. Oh the envy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367096",
"author": "prem",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T06:23:04",
"content": "love these mini arcade cabinets, cant get enough of em. the only thing i’d do differently on the software side of things is replace the boot screen and launch mame as the shell on startup.lookin awesome, keep em coming.extra points for the turtles pinball machine in the background.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "409545",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2011-06-24T12:58:06",
"content": "is this for sale",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "512793",
"author": "Charles",
"timestamp": "2011-11-19T04:16:06",
"content": "Could you provide a link to the art so we can print it up?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.329343
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/diy-scanning-electron-microscope/
|
DIY Scanning Electron Microscope
|
Jason Komp
|
[
"Tool Hacks"
] |
[
"electron microscope",
"sem"
] |
[Ben Krasnow] has recently completed a
home-built scanning electron microscope
and has posted a video of it in action on his blog.
The build itself was done quite creatively using many off-the shelf components. We particularly like how long threaded brass rods were used not only for the supports, but also to maintain column alignment and fine-tune the spacing between the various beam focusing components. A large glass “bell jar” covers the entire apparatus and is sealed to the bottom plate when the air is removed from within by a mechanical vacuum pump.
In order to produce an image, an electron gun similar to one found in a conventional CRT television tube accelerates the electrons with a 5kV potential from the top of the microscope downwards through a long copper column. Along the way the beam is focused and manipulated by electronic lenses in much the same way that light would be handled by conventional optical lenses. Near the base of the main column there are electrostatic deflection plates placed orthogonally in the X and Y directions that allow for precise scanning of the beam across the sample’s surface. When this high-energy electron beam is scanned across the sample, scattering surface electrons are then picked up by a nearby detector consisting of a phosphor screen and photomultiplier – a system that supposedly allows for higher sensitivity than trying to measure the small numbers of electrons directly.
Although the resolution of the first few scans is
only
around 50uM, this early success clearly shows that the device functions as intended and will provide a great starting point for future refinement with the final goal being resolutions down to the 1uM range.
Despite Ben’s reassurance that the x-rays produced at this energy level won’t even penetrate the glass chamber, you can be sure that if we ever visit his garage we will definitely be donning some tin foil protection like
these guys
.
[Thanks kyle]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdjYVF4a6iU&&w=470]
| 22
| 20
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365959",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:35:05",
"content": "“Every weekend since January”…What, January 1982?I’m wary of things like this now, since we’ve had a few fake project on here lately.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365976",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:56:12",
"content": "What’s with the spark plugs?He seems pretty legit to me, especially when he rattled off this thing:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everhart-Thornley_detectorImpressive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3094111",
"author": "Daniel",
"timestamp": "2016-07-20T05:46:54",
"content": "I’ve been following his videos for a while now. He is pretty smart and has done some other equally-as-impressive things. I believe the spark plugs are so that he can introduce an airtight electrical connection into the vacuum chamber. Spark plugs are designed to seal gas-tight, conduct electricity and electrically insulate said conductor from the rest of the world.",
"parent_id": "365976",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "365981",
"author": "Jason Komp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:05:43",
"content": "It’s definitely good to be a skeptic during the next week or so leading up to the first of April! This guy really knows his stuff though and it isn’t the first time he’s posted some really impressive hacks online.The microscope really does look like a prop out of some movie though – not as I would have expected it, but nice!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365982",
"author": "John Floyd",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:05:50",
"content": "WOW! That is AWESOME! Overall price or cost estimate? Any ways to shrink size and cost at all?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365984",
"author": "GuruBuckaroo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:08:31",
"content": "I love how he says “IF it generates any interest”. I don’t think there will be a problem with that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365990",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:15:32",
"content": "Spark plugs make pretty darn good high voltage vacuum feedthoughs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366010",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:55:42",
"content": "@macona — never thought about them that way, but yeah, that would be a great use for them! I wonder if it’s hard to solder to the iridium/platinum tips?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366041",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:55:13",
"content": "Beautiful build.@macw Doubt there would be any need to solder. Croc clips probably suffice and at the top end you get a thread you can put a nut on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366046",
"author": "kak",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T00:27:37",
"content": "spark plugs are a perfect insulated and pressure sealed voltage conduit. This is real people and this really is how electron scanning microscopes work. The other crap is obvious fake since any logical person who understands the components know weather or not that the implied use is plausible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366096",
"author": "Jim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:40:42",
"content": "I love it!! Show more, great video…Thanks dude!I learned something",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366110",
"author": "Beepboopbeep",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T03:11:20",
"content": "This is amazing, I can’t even imagine the thought and planning that must have went into this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366124",
"author": "zed",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T03:56:40",
"content": "What are electronic lenses?I will google that for myself, but lenses that aren’t polycarbonate or glass? Have I been under a rock?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "884732",
"author": "n0lkk",
"timestamp": "2012-11-17T02:27:42",
"content": "That’s ELECTRON lenshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_lens#Electron_lens, not electronic lens.",
"parent_id": "366124",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "366151",
"author": "Rachel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T05:07:06",
"content": "Hackaday, fix your units. It’s “μm”, with a lower case “m”. You’re as bad as my pharmacy who tries to give me 100 megagram pills.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366176",
"author": "Darren",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T06:26:36",
"content": "I agree with Rachel: a resolution of fifty micromolar is a little odd, given molarity is usually used to refer to concentration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366194",
"author": "swink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T07:14:53",
"content": "sparkplugs as vacuum feedtrough ..Brilliant!!the studs, I hope they are Stainless steeloutgassing of other than stainles steel is major proplem",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366291",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T12:57:16",
"content": "I notice the wires are all uninsulated. Is this because of the potential for plastic insulation to outgas in a vacuum?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366335",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:26:26",
"content": "What is the vacuum level in the glass jar during operation? Brass has zinc in it and will evaporate out at low vacuum levels and may provide a bit of extra “stuff” in there. Most systems have stainless components or aluminum components to avoid sublimation, but given the “available” part description, that may be what was available.@zedelectronic lenses are electric coils or electromagnets that produce a field that will “focus” the beam of electrons that pass from the cathode ray tube to the sample. The field exerts force on the negatively charged electrons passing through it so they deflect in some way. They can converge, diverge or simply be steered to give the raster pattern for the picture.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366423",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:31:30",
"content": "Nice work! Outgasing will be an issue I hope he does not have trouble with that. It can cause pulling a vacuum to take a very long time, but he won’t need as good a vacuum as a nm resolution SEM would.Also, I think those threaded rods would be a pain in the but to adjust. You don’t just change one, but all of them to move a lens along a tiny fraction.You could also use conductivity or capacitance to image the sample in an SEM by attaching a lead to the sample and using a very fine A/D. This can be easier than the phosphorus/photomultiplier method, but not as high resolution.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366461",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:22:36",
"content": "sexy as hell. like, seriously. i would commission one of those.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366473",
"author": "nes",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:37:10",
"content": "Outgassing is not really a problem with these. You just leave the pump running while you do the scan. You might want to be looking at something which gasses anyway like a biological specimen.I think the problems are tightly focussing the electron beam with stray atoms floating about in there and detecting the scattered electrons. I heard it is possible to use secondary emission to amplify the signal by placing a ring of moderately positively charged conductive stuff like graphite around the target and then counting the electrons getting knocked out of that by measuring the current in another anode.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.518037
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/geiger-counter-ad-conversion-for-radiation-level-crowdsourcing/
|
Geiger Counter A/D Conversion For Radiation Level Crowdsourcing
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Hackerspaces"
] |
[
"arduino",
"geiger",
"japan",
"radiation"
] |
[Akiba] and the crew at Tokyo Hakerspace
are still hard at work
trying to help out their fellow countrymen after the recent earthquake, tsunami, and ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan. You may remember the group as they are behind the Kimono Lantern project
we featured last week
. This time around, their efforts are focused on getting usable information out to those who need it.
With all of the talk about nuclear fallout, they wanted to see what sort of measurements they could get in Tokyo, however they could not locate a Geiger counter anywhere nearby. Luckily, they were eventually able to source two old counters from
the Reuseum
in Idaho. One is being lent out to individuals in order to check if their home’s radiation levels are safe, but it was decided that the other would reside outdoors in order to collect radiation readings from the air.
[Akiba] wanted to put the results from the external Geiger counter up on
Pachube
, however these old units are all analog. He figured that a quick and dirty way to do analog to digital conversion would be to monitor the chirps coming off the counter’s speaker. This was done by wiring up an Arduino to the speaker leads, and keeping track of each time the speaker was activated. This resulted in an accurate digital radiation reading, matching that of the counter’s analog display. The Arduinio wirelessly sends the information to another Arduino stationed inside his apartment, which then uploads the data to Pachube.
A walkthrough of his conversion as well as the source code for both the Arduino counter and the Pachube uploader are available on his site, in case anyone else in the Tokyo area has a Geiger counter handy and wishes to do the same.
| 17
| 17
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365914",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:28:51",
"content": "Just make sure the range settings on the Geiger counter match those on your integrating Arduinio, or people might have a scare.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365957",
"author": "poiso",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:31:32",
"content": "i would take the readings from these counters with a grain of salt unless they are properly calibrated and used properly",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365964",
"author": "Okian Warrior",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:43:10",
"content": "The calibration of these counters is for the meter reading of clicks per minute.This is distinct and has nothing to do with the actual sensing of clicks. A standard geiger tube will have a fixed capture aperture (meaning – X% of the decays are counted) and is largely invariant to minor variations in tube voltage. (Capture ratio is 10% for 6993 tubes, the pancake version shown will have a different value.)Clicks per minute won’t change and will have a fixed accuracy basically forever. If you integrate over an accurate timebase, then the output will be accurate.Since the expected usage is monitoring fallout from a far away source, 1/d effects will be minimal (ie – the difference between 20 miles away and 21 miles away is small).Just count clicks per minute and compare against background – it will be accurate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365974",
"author": "Okian Warrior",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:55:20",
"content": "For a more accurate reading, run a 2pf capacitor from the center lead of the GM tube. Wire the cap directly into a 74HC04 and also have a 1 meg resistor to ground.This will result in a very clean 20 us 4 volt pulse which can be used by a micro for logging.The speaker outputs long clicks – long enough that two counts which come close together can be masked by the length of the pulse.Also, the speaker pulse on my units had a lot of ringing, which could potentially cause false counts.The 2pf cap should be a ceramic with 2KV rating (these are common).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365989",
"author": "doug",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:15:32",
"content": "This build really wouldn’t instill confident in myself. In normal operation the meter reading is what the user will use to determine the safety of current conditions, not the speaker output. Yes it would have been more effort to determine what amount of current corresponded to the meter scale readings. There was no mention if the Arduino’s readout matched the Geiger counter’s readout. Finally when is the last time the counter has been regulated? I would consider all that a moot point if this was for this individual’s personal use. However this the readout is presented for public consumption, and that should demand the highest possible level of quality, IMO. Anyway a nice project,an E for effort. When the survivors in Japan take care of all the victims, and return the new normal life, they should take actions on the lessons learned. Chances are nuclear power will always be used in Japan. The hackers, and other interested parties willing to help should build a network of radiation monitoring based on tested,proven instruments regularly calibrated. Shop built is OK if they meet standards. That should be an effort anyone interest should be taking up, that live near nuclear facilities",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366001",
"author": "Okian Warrior",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:35:50",
"content": "I think Doug is making some valid points.The builders should get the meter regulated, or at least post the date at which the unit was last regulated.Also, measuring the current is probably not worth the effort, so ignore my last post as it’s really a lot of work for little benefit.And I agree that accuracy is key. A unit which is inaccurate by 5% or more is completely useless in these circumstances. Even more so because the results will be publicly available – that 5% could mean the difference between a comfortable margin of safety and mass panic.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366021",
"author": "Akiba",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:22:35",
"content": "The meter and the digital CPM correlate quite well. There are small differences but that’s because the VU meter uses an analog integrator and decay circuit, where the digital circuit counts the exact number of events.A 5% inaccuracy or even 100% inaccuracy will not cause a panic at the levels the geiger counter is currently reading. They’re far below the known safe dosage levels.Also, if people here see an abnormal reading, the first thing they will do is check some other geiger counter on Ustream or Pachube to verify it.The last calibration of the geiger counter is unknown. However the readings taken indoors range around 0.11 to 0.15 uSv/Hr. That matches the official gov’t readings of around 0.12 uSv/Hr so its unlikely the counter is very far off.There is already a collaborative geiger project going on at SEEED studio. Here’s the link if you’re interested:http://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2011/03/16/radiation-detector-help-needed/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366075",
"author": "TheRafMan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T01:52:30",
"content": "Geiger counter, Fusion reactor… what is going on on Hackaday today?Pretty cool stuff nonetheless.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366076",
"author": "Doc Oct",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T01:57:14",
"content": "Would it be possible to make a geiger counter sort of apparatus from a smoke detector? Obviously it would not be an accurate reading like a geiger counter but maybe it could be built to trip at certain warning levels that could be monitored. Plus they are everywhere.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_detector#Ionization(Makes me wonder if maybe ionization type alarms would be less effective in the radiation zones actually)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366079",
"author": "o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:02:57",
"content": "I was just about to undertake this project on my own!I’ve got an analog Geiger counter that doesn’t have a CPM reading or output port.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366086",
"author": "doug",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:12:42",
"content": "Doh!Of course when is the last time the counter has been regulated, was to be calibrated.Oklan warrior’s, comment come through while I was composing mine.The value’s of component’s that make up electronic circuitry don’t last forever.Practically every instrument that use Electronic circuitry needs be be calibrated, if it’s readings are going to be used to make decisions. A simple or old uncalibrated Geiger counter will indicate a rise in background radiation. During a nuclear event we are interest when radiation levels are nearing or have reached hazardous level. Has been so long since I built a Geiger counter, I can’t the theory of operation. other than that radiation entering the GM tube causes an electron tube to conduct. If indeed the circuit count clicks, and the meter displays clicks per the circuit could be calibrated in the home shop remember I know where I can get at least one old Civil Defense Geiger counter for free. Hopefully, and there is no corrosion the battery(ies) have been remove. I plan to get it, and if it’s still functional, I may decide to spend the money for calibration someday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366103",
"author": "Cameron",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:57:26",
"content": "For those of you on the west coast of the US my research group at UC Berkeley is monitoring the air and rainwater for radiation from the incident in Japan using much more sensitive instruments (high purity germanium detectors). We are able to measure iodine, cesium, and tellurium most likely from the reactor in japan. The levels are very low and dose to the public is insignificant. We post our latest results roughly once per day.http://www.nuc.berkeley.edu/UCBAirSampling",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366178",
"author": "JB",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T06:34:22",
"content": "A CDV-700 Is a marvelous detector used by the civil defense in the 60s. They are quite sensitive and come with a test patch of some kind of radioactive isotope on the side. They use 4 D cells and have a real Geiger tube sealed in stainless that spins open to reveal vents around the tube. Because of the Japan panic in the US, they are selling for around $200-300 on ebay. Do NOT be fooled into getting other CDV models as they are for extreme radiation and are not sensitive enough. The 700 comes with headphones to compliment the analog meter. Normal background radiation is about 14 clicks per minute in our area. (N. CA) I have noticed no change. This unit will detect ionizing smoke detector radiation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366623",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:33:08",
"content": "There is a calibration issue: If the tube is receiving too little or too much voltage it’s count rate in clicks-per-minute will not reflect reality.As for Ludlum meters, schematics are available on their web-site, and it’s pretty easy to find the actual pulse into the sound generator. The model I have even has a terminal for it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369418",
"author": "brimstoner",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T21:04:51",
"content": "Seeing as XKCD doesn’t take suggestions. Can someone make a XKCD style comic with Islamic fundamentalists trying to catch/net radioactive particles out of the ocean near Japan with an actual net?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371619",
"author": "Andrew Pate",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T14:40:16",
"content": "Watching the geiger counter rate against time and compairing to the background level seems a good way to go.Measuring the radiation level in a volume of captured rain water is also good idea. I recommend keeping the detector a constant distance from the water sample though.It would also be possible to capture samples of airborne dust using a vacumn cleaner then test if their is any increase in radiation from its air filtering components. Be aware that the levels of aireborne dust vary with weather & traffic etc",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371635",
"author": "Andrew Pate",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T14:56:00",
"content": "This site is also worth a visit – decribing the difference between REM/RAD, and counts measured with geiger counters near a radioactive object.http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread676279/pg1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.391055
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/fusion-reactor-wins-science-fairs/
|
Fusion Reactor Wins Science Fairs
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"deuterium",
"fusor",
"heavy water",
"nuclear fusion",
"reactor"
] |
[Will Jack] built
a heavy water fusion reactor
and then won district and regional science fair projects with it. Someone give this man a job!
We
looked in on his fusion reactor
about a year ago. At the time he had managed to build a magnetic containment field but didn’t have the voltages or the deuterium necessary to achieve fusion. We’ll that’s all changed. Using a boron-10 lined sensor tube he’s managed to detect the rise in neutron counts that would indicate fusion. Remarkable. He’s now working on a refined gas system that will allow him to increase the deuterium purity by cutting down on the leak rate. He mentions a few other hardware improvements such as a new containment unit and an ion source upgrade. Both of these concepts go beyond our knowledge so do make sure to put on your Nuclear Engineering hat while reading through his project update.
| 36
| 36
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365864",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:25:04",
"content": "it just LOOKS like something that could kill you XD",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365869",
"author": "Givemelove",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:27:36",
"content": "+1",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365871",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:30:58",
"content": "EPIC!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365876",
"author": "tylo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:38:40",
"content": "*Very* impressive. Making just a simple fusor in a bell jar that doesn’t do too much is pretty easy. But this is a lot more involved and technical than just the initial build, it shows some good understanding into how these reactors work. Can’t wait to see what Will works on next.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365877",
"author": "NoOneSpecific",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:39:51",
"content": "Where does this guy go to school? Chernobyl High? Eureka Secondary School?How exactly does one get deuterium for a Science Fair Project and should we be worried?=P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365880",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:45:32",
"content": "That is wonderful, looks like a miniature version of a cyclotron. Great work.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365881",
"author": "Whoknows",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:46:15",
"content": "Deuterium can be had for $200, for a lecture bottle size.These are pretty easy to make, just cost a lot for vacuum equipment. Really nothing new here, its one of those “it looks cool” things. Has no practicality.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365893",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:58:59",
"content": "Mr Fusion!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365907",
"author": "Thopter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:15:43",
"content": "Yay fusors! Fusors are fun ^_^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365910",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:22:05",
"content": "@whoknows if you need a source of neutron radiation, it’s a pretty effective way of doing that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365951",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:24:04",
"content": "alright I want one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365973",
"author": "Freddo Frog",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:50:13",
"content": "Well now Whoknows, what have you brought for show and tell today?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366030",
"author": "slurm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:39:45",
"content": "Nice, but cold fusion is so much “cooler”http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/17/nuclear-future-beyond-japan/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366035",
"author": "Other Rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:45:30",
"content": "@Whoknows:What makes you think there is no practicality? People are ‘putzing’ with these things to learn and understand the concepts involved with fusion. How do you know that one day, Will won’t realize so called ‘cold fusion’? That’s right, you don’t.@Will:Looks awesome. Keep up the work, maybe one day you can solve the world’s energy problems.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366065",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T01:13:38",
"content": "So does it produce more energy than it uses?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366098",
"author": "Will Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:42:06",
"content": "@Hirudinea:No, it is horrendously inefficient.@Whoknows:Although the concept is quite simple, going about acquiring all of the components as an amateur, let alone a minor (I began this when I was 14, I am currently 16), is very, very difficult.Also, it is not just a thing that looks cool. It is an excellent source for neutrons, as well as a good platform for other plasma experimentation.It won’t fuel cities with electricity, but it will fuel one’s mind with ideas, and food for curiosity.It is great fun, very interesting, and in many aspects, quite practical (not in energy generation)._________Also, the reactor does not use magnetic confinement, as stated in the article, but rather uses inertial electrostatic confinement.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366099",
"author": "Will Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:45:54",
"content": "Also, it doesn’t use heavy water (dideuterium monoxide) in an electrolysis setup to fuel the reactor, rather it uses deuterium from a lecture bottle.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366145",
"author": "Freddo Frog",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T04:56:24",
"content": "You’re only 16? And you built a frigging fusion reactor? Will Jack you are amazing. :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366147",
"author": "Psyd",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T05:03:10",
"content": "Lessee here, who just got owned by an adolescent?1 Professer Know-it-all1 Troll3 Chicken Littles1 H-a-D writerNice work kid, if I can find it, I’m fwding this URL on to a nuclear engineer friend of mine.; Only because he is of the casual opinion that his present work will result in cold fusion by 2020, a large capacity KW generating mechanism will be feasible in prototype by 2030, and 20% of US power will be generated by it by 2050.He’s gonna need you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366165",
"author": "DeadEagle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T05:50:01",
"content": "@WillVery, very impressive sir, keep up the good work. Regardless of how practical or impractical a project like this may be, experimentation is the greatest source of scientific advancement. Theoretical operations are important as well, but too often it seems people forgo the experimentation aspect and nothing is accomplished from brilliant theoretical work.If you don’t mind my asking, what kind of efficiency are you getting from this? With respect to the amount of energy needed for operation I mean.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366191",
"author": "XBMC^N",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T07:05:10",
"content": "/checks date.//nope – still march///holy shit, this is for real!?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366278",
"author": "Terrapsices",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T12:25:29",
"content": "Congrats Will on an excellent escapade! It makes me proud to be a human to see this type of ingenuity. To hell with any nay-sayers… You are one of the few who will help up continue on to greatness. Keep it up!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366288",
"author": "h3llphyre",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T12:43:25",
"content": "@Will JackBravo young man, bravo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366321",
"author": "Hacksaw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:09:36",
"content": "Will aren’t you worried about a bunch of black suburbans rolling up on your house while you sleep? JK ! Great work keep it up!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366452",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:15:07",
"content": "Oh no!!! It’s the libyans!!! ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366504",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:14:46",
"content": "–in after ignorant fanboys–This thing is cool, but there have been a multitude of fusor projects featured on hackaday for years now. Every time it comes up everyone creams their pants without actually understanding what this device does.Must be easy to win school science fairs when your parent(s) are loaded and have connections to get all sorts of custom/restricted stuff…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366613",
"author": "Will Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T21:12:26",
"content": "@octelI actually funded a large portion of this project myself, and the overall price of the project, when compared to other hobbies and sports that some people may play (when fees and other expenses are factored in), is not terribly high. Also, my parents don’t have too many science “connections” my mom is an interior designer, and my dad works at business firm. The majority of the connections that I made I made myself, and I made them through the very hard work that I have done.The majority of the parts were not custom (and none were “restricted” deuterium is not in a sense restricted, but it must be delivered to a non-residential address), rather they were scrounged from ebay. There are very few, if any (other than some small gas line fittings and valves) parts that are not surplus or used.Whether or not you win a science fair is not determined by the device you build (if you do build something) rather it is determined by the quality of the data taken, the analysis of said data, as well as the general adherence to the scientific process, and overall quality of your research.I have spent many years of hard work forging the connections I have made, as well as building, engineering, and designing my reactor.I think that you are being quite cynical in your statements.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366705",
"author": "evs",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T00:29:56",
"content": "Cynical or not, comments like those do serve a purpose. Inevitably there will be people who will read the headline and misunderstand what is being presented here. They will see “fusion reactor” and think that a 16 year old kid has solved our energy problems by inventing a viable fusion reactor for a power plant, without understanding that this is more of an experimentation apparatus than anything purely utilitarian. So those comments will hopefully cause them to look into what this actually is rather than persisting in ignorance.At any rate, any one who has ever built anything knows that even a relatively simple project can be more difficult than it sounds, so this project would be a massive undertaking for any hobbyist, much less for a 14 year old, so very well done. Besides, why are you wasting your time answering your detractors here? At least half of them are trolls, the rest are jealous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366713",
"author": "nemo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T00:35:28",
"content": "11 11 2 11 3 3 11 4 6 4 1Will Jack knows stuff.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366789",
"author": "Will Jack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T01:36:00",
"content": "@evsVery good point.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367065",
"author": "MrBishop",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T05:27:04",
"content": "I admit I am very jealous that I lack the skills and knowledge to build such a magnificent creation. Although it has inspired me to learn more about Fusors.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367604",
"author": "Time",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:41:47",
"content": "At home IEC devices are nothing new. Space charge owns Will Jack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367972",
"author": "jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:29:32",
"content": "Its awesome… I know my projects were not as grand when I was living at the parents house but I am sure you will get the “our power bill dropped by half when you moved out” speach like I did. Keep learning and don’t let the trolls get you side tracked.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369795",
"author": "willow",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T13:24:27",
"content": "Excellent work, looking forward to what you produce in the future.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369978",
"author": "captain",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T19:29:58",
"content": "Keep up the good work. One day those same trolls giving you a hard time will be crying for a fusion reactor to solve their energy supply problem and power their spaceship to Mars or another solar system.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "680431",
"author": "Chad Levi Davis",
"timestamp": "2012-06-14T00:19:57",
"content": "Your device is a work of fiction; only I possess the power of stars.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.462331
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/diy-low-power-psu-for-home-server-use/
|
DIY Low-power PSU For Home Server Use
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"computer hacks"
] |
[
"low power",
"power supply",
"server"
] |
[Viktor] decided to replace his old power hungry home server with a model that is much easier on the old electric bill. The new motherboard uses an Intel Atom chip and consumes far less power than its predecessor. He figured there was no reason to use a bulky ATX power supply when all he needed was 12V for the mainboard and a pair of 5V rails for his hard drives,
so he decided to build a PSU himself
.
He sourced a 100VA toroid transformer as the basis of the power supply due to its popularity with audio amp builders, adding a standard bridge rectifier and smoothing capacitor before regulating the DC output. A pair of switching regulators were added, one for the 6A, 12V, and a second for the 1.5A, 5V supply. The motherboard only requires about 18W at full tilt, so the PSU should be more than sufficient for his needs.
Schematics and board layouts are available for free on his site, if you are in the market for your own DIY low-power PSU.
Looking for more build to suit electronics? Check out this
DIY amp we featured
just the other day.
[Thanks, Chris]
| 26
| 26
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365823",
"author": "Alexander",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:50:53",
"content": "Or.. You know… You could buy the PicoPSU power supply.Hacks aside, sometimes you have to wonder why a more expensive solution is chosen over a cheaper alternative. As this is essentially what the guy made, only in a form factor that can easily be switched out to other boards should the one fail.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365830",
"author": "hmbemis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:55:07",
"content": "I’d be interested to see what a Kill-A-Watt or other power measurement meter clocks his rig w/ a standard PSU vs. his home brew PSU…I’d also like to point out that I’m using an 8 year old Pentium-M HP laptop as a server of sorts at my house… it’s been running since 2003 w/ very little interaction (other then network stuff). It consumes 22W under normal operation (lid closed) which includes a 4200rpm HDD.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365832",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:58:19",
"content": "Let’s take a nice, highly-efficient SMPS we already have, and build a horribly inefficient linear power supply with expensive boutique parts we have to purchase.Sigh…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365834",
"author": "Wizzard",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:06:35",
"content": "@hmbemis – I run a pair of laptop boards, each with no LCD, optical drive or anything but a shared 120W 19V adaptor between them… They mount quite nicely on their own LCD back cover with standoffs and hot glue :) One was a DV6000 (chipset repaired- Quite nice with 4GB DDR2-800!) and a GM965/P8100 (but limited to DDR2-667… Lame)But +1 for low-power servers instead of 400W idle gaming behemoths left running all day to download torrents and stream video over internets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365840",
"author": "Michael Taylor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:13:58",
"content": "Too bad there is still a large power lose in the step-down transformer connected to the AC mains, that reduces the efficiently over a purely switching mode power supply (SMPS).The design is a traditional unregulated DC linear power supply as its front end (bulky power transformer, diode rectifiers, and filter capacitor) and two DC-DC modules (switching) from Texas Instruments for voltage regulation.It was a well done project, and I understand the design decisions, but it is an unusual power supply design.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365865",
"author": "none",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:26:37",
"content": "I believe this may have missed the efficiency boat. I don’t see a flyback/switch mode circuit on the front end. I see AC mains being stepped down, bridge rectified, smoothed, then put through a switch mode module. So the benefit of a flyback style circuit is lost regardless of the fact that after being stepped down some switch mode modules are being used.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365873",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:33:25",
"content": "lets take $50 in components and make a psu that would cost $10 on ebay, print pointless PCBs and spend god knows how much more a year on power THAN put it all in a PSU casei love his logic",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365892",
"author": "Viktor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:58:48",
"content": "Alright, let me address some of the comments.Price: I got the toroidal transformer and the RIFA cap for free and TI boards relatively cheap. Agreed that this probably isn’t worth building if you have to buy all the parts though. But I’m not really telling anyone to do so. This is just a project log.Just buying it: See above. A picoPsu or similar bundled with a reasonable quality SMPS adapter brick would’ve cost more than I spent on this project. And while It’s true that you can get a 12v some amp chinese adapter for peanuts I don’t think I’d want to run my 24/7 home server off one ;)Efficiency: According to my Kill-a-watt clone the board idled at 12W w/o an HDD. The guys at silentpcreview measued 11-12W in idle with this board and a laptop hdd using a Seasonic SMPS adapter. According to the manufacturer that HDD consumes 0.6W in low-power idle mode (or 1.9W while read/write). Either way the difference is pretty negligible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365903",
"author": "eV",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:11:22",
"content": "the supply he built is just as “bulky” as an atx psu. it even looks like it’s in a atx psu case.also, as a few other people have said, even the cheapest atx psu is going to be more efficient than that configuration. atx uses a switcher to step down the 120/240 to 12v where he’s using a toroidal…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365913",
"author": "Payne",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:25:24",
"content": "Hey now, lets all remember that home projects do not have to be justified like projects in industry. If he want to build a power supply for the experience, then let him.Of course buying a COTS component is always preferred, but that is not the point of this website.Ok…. I’m stepping off my soap box",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365923",
"author": "Viktor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:47:23",
"content": "@eV: Size was never really an issue for me. You’re right that it’s in an old regular size psu case.ATX PSUs are not terribly efficient despite being SMPS (and efficiency tends to go down with price). But I’ve never tested the board with a regular ATX PSU so I can’t really say how much of a difference there is.I am quite happy with the power consumption being almost identical to reviews using better SMPS adapter bricks though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365953",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:28:20",
"content": "Power factor? Harmonic distortion? Conducted emissions / immunity? Radiated emissions / immunity? How does it handle fast transients?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365955",
"author": "none",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:30:50",
"content": "@Viktor: So long as you got what you wanted from it then good job. To you, and interested readers, I would recommend researching flyback circuits at some point though to get the science of why a (properly designed) SMPS is more efficient. You were able to achieve good enough numbers but to squeeze more out of it you’d have to go the SMPS route.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365963",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:41:28",
"content": "Wow after all that work and it’s still a fail on the objective. I guess it was a good learning experience and a fun hobby project.. Kind of like my 120 watt FM transmitter linear amplifier and notch filter cans… Cant use them legally but it was fun blasting the local rap station out of the water with country music for an hour.Atom motherboard + green PS = dual core server that idles at 8 watts and peaks at 21-25 watts. 4 green WD drives deliver 6TB of storage and spin down when not needed. It peaks at 120watts when I get it to ramp up to full load and spin up all the drives at once but that peak lasts only 30 seconds before it settles back to the 21-25 watts.The second one I built for zoneminder hovers at 62 watts simply because the 8 chip 120fps bttv card sucks power like no other and zoneminder doing frame analysis is very cpu intensive. But then I have a government class 8 channel video security system that even the $30,000 systems suck compared to it in useability and features.Basement 19″ rack went from 3400 watts down to under 240. The whole house audio system still peaks at 1000 watts if I have the garage, living room and basement all cranking along, and I cant reduce the 120 watts that the Crestron procesor uses.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366114",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T03:29:53",
"content": "“[Viktor] decided to replace his old power hungry home server with a model that is much easier on the old electric bill.”WHAT? Since when is a step-down linear supply more efficient than a switcher?Seriously, HaD, you need some quality control. Let’s assume that he is putting a 100% load on this transformer, giving him a power conversion efficiency of about 80%. Now, let’s assume that he is getting ~90% efficiency from his switcher. In this perfect little world, he gets around 70 percent efficiency. However, in the real world, this number will most definitely be lower!At best, this is equivalent to a normal switcher. Viktor, I’m not knocking your project, good job on a construction that appears to work well for you. I’m just knocking typical HaD oversight ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366118",
"author": "Shadyman",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T03:37:04",
"content": "Wow, why all the negative vibes in the comments?Viktor: Congrats on a finished, working project that didn’t cost an arm and a leg :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366120",
"author": "Johnny Smalls",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T03:39:39",
"content": "@fartface: wow, where do you find pants to fit your giant penis. It’s obviously WAY bigger than mine./sarcasm (just in case your ego missed it)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366180",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T06:39:54",
"content": "Kudos to Viktor for building a working power supply, and for taking the time to write up the details so that others might learn.But shame to Hack-A-Day. Not for featuring this project, but for falsely representing it as smaller, more efficient, and something other people might want to replicate exactly. For the cost of the parts (or resale price if you already have them) you could buy a PS that really is smaller, more efficient, and more versatile.Or better yet, you could use recent “hacks” to power the server from free energy, gathered by homegrown piezo crystals, and rectified by toothpaste. Make sure to document the entire build process with two terapixel cameras, and release it as a 3D video which can only be viewed with eyelid shutter glasses. ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366195",
"author": "monkey boy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T07:17:47",
"content": "I can suggest going to national.com and useing their online tools to suggest a few more efficient suggestions and schematics, their webbench tool is handy for fine tuneing and learning about appropriate components in the right spots, things like low esr or inductance parts….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366227",
"author": "mux",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T09:08:28",
"content": "Honestly, there is really no need for this kind of contraptions anymore. Especially if you are interested in power electronics topics there is ample knowledge around on how to build high efficiency AC-DC converters and how to optimize system power consumption. In general, not just for PC power supplies.What Viktor has done here is, and I don’t mean this offensive, use old technology and use it in an outdated way. Toroid transformers, although well-coupled and relatively low-emission, suffer from high magnetic losses especially at low power. They are probably the *worst* choice for low power supply if used in this way (with a huge low-esr capacitor causing peaked current use and a bad power factor). Transformers also suffer from relatively high static (i.e. primary voltage-induced) losses. And then your PCB quality: you’re talking about reliability of that big capacitor, and subsequently soldering low-quality etched PCB with unstabilized statically indeterminate pins on the dc/dc converter module. And if anything, audiophiles are again the worst place to go search for efficiency, those weird people are still using class A/B amps…There is SO MUCH knowledge on the internet and it is so easy to come by that it just plain hurts to see people engaging in such designs for all the wrong reasons. And to see them on hackaday.Almost all major SMPS controller manufacturers have at least exhaustive application notes, and some even have demo boards, of synchrounous-rectified quasiresonant or LLC resonant switchmode power supplies that can, with a minimum of tinkering or if you are so inclined simulation, attain 90% efficiency or better at these low loads. What is more, you can build such a device either from scratch or by modding a demo board for probably the same money as this device. With input and output protection.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366234",
"author": "Anonymouse",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T09:21:50",
"content": "This is not a linear power supply. A linear power supply uses a linear regulator (such as the LM317 or 7805). The efficiency of this supply is mainly governed by the efficiency of the transformer and the efficiency of the switching regulator modules.The efficiency of the transformer should be pretty good, considering it’s a bit over spec’d. The cap is a bit large though. Power factor could be lousy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366306",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:24:44",
"content": "@ShadymanHaD represents themselves as a place that links to other people’s “hacks”, and does a little write-up on them as well. This is a tiny little bit of work to just link to someone else’s project. It isn’t that hard. Therefore, it is surprising to see oversight like this on almost a daily basis. Futhermore, it is surprising to see poor solutions to a problem (like this) published as relevant “hacks” on a daily basis. I can not imagine how many people are misled by this site every day. HaD needs new management.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366309",
"author": "Captain Obvious",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T13:33:40",
"content": "@Kyle,Over-react much? Send them good hacks and get off your high horse. I’m sure the writers don’t have time to do exhaustive research on every project.Also, Hacks aren’t always perfect. You might be thinking of an engineering blog. Sure this guy didn’t do an awesome job, but at least he did something.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366330",
"author": "salec",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:17:25",
"content": "“But I’ve never tested the board with a regular ATX PSU so I can’t really say how much of a difference there is.”@Viktor: Can you do it now? For science sake. If you were right, you can tell all the critics to put a sock in it, and in any case the rest of us will know if we should follow your example or not, or in other words we’ll all gain an insight in how SMPS’s scale their efficiency against power consumption.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367046",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T04:42:15",
"content": "OH MY GOD PEOPLE he is using a toroidal transformer connected to two SWITCHING REGULATORS not LINEAR REGULATORS!! he clearly says “Essentially they’re complete switching regulators on a piece of PCB” when describing the regulator modules he used. I guess nobody reads things anymore.For the record, transformers are surprisingly efficient and often have efficiencies in the high 90% range. this paired with some high-efficiency switching regulators like he is doing could be quite effective; if the transformer and regulators have 90% efficiency each (he claims the regulators can reach as high as 96%), that’s an 81% overall efficiency (0.9^2) and enough to beat even some high-end Corsair power supplies.I’m not saying he actually does reach these efficiencies in real-life since it depends on a number of factors, but come on people, give it a chance!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367204",
"author": "cgmark",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T11:50:14",
"content": "Nice project. Some people don’t understand the joy of building things yourself. Yes it can cost more than an off the shelf product but you don’t learn anything do it that way. You can read all the books you want but until you build things yourself you will never understand electronics.I will be glad when power supplies in pc switch to using one voltage. There is no need for all the different voltages we have now, it is a legacy thing. Nothing is powered directly from 5V or 12V in the pc except the 12V fans. Everything takes the 5v or 12v and converts it to 3.3, 1.8, 1.3 or lower. A single 12VDC supply could power everything in the pc and some things can already do it.Some hard drives have converters that while wired to 5V on the connector are within specs that would allow them to run off 12V only without anything but a soldering iron modification. Even external devices like routers and modems don’t use 5v or 12v internally. All these devices convert it to lesser voltages. I repaired a router the other day that actually had stamped on the board, DC input 5~18VDC for the input because it connected directly to a smps supply that output 3.3vdc.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.718462
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/darpa-needs-your-help-design-a-ground-combat-vehicle/
|
DARPA Needs Your Help! Design A Ground Combat Vehicle.
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"Hackerspaces",
"News"
] |
[
"crowdsource",
"darpa"
] |
[Joe Schlesinger] of MakeIt Labs wrote in to let us know about an upcoming
live chat session
march 28th on IRC to discuss DARPA’s latest project, the
Adaptive Vehicle Make
.
DARPA, in the pursuit of innovative high-risk high-payoff tactical technology is looking to crowd-source the design and construction of the 3000-5000 parts that make up your run of the mill super advanced next generation military hardware. They are even going to distribute about a thousand 3D printers to schools, where students will compete to design some of the complex systems. The project emphasizes “not traditional” vendors (IE: Hackerspaces) and monetary compensation will be involved in the parts production process.
If you like acronyms (and who doesn’t), or feel like wading through jargon, check out their site. We also found the
Wikipedia
entry to be helpful in understanding what they are carrying on about. A briefing
PDF
(6mb) also contains a lot of information on DARPA’s plans, and pretty pictures.
As per usual DARPA plans on issuing several challenges to make up the entire project, all with huge cash prizes. The first two challenges last 9 months, starting with the Mobility/Drivetrain Challenge in the middle of 2012. The Chassis/Integrated Survivability Challenge starts in 2013. These first two also include a cash prize of 500 thousand to one million dollars. The third challenge, the Total Platform Challenge
lasts 15 months and begins in late 2013 this carries a prize of one to two million.
[Joe]’s
Hackerspace
will be there, any chance we could help out?
| 63
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367492",
"author": "Hunter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:45:24",
"content": "Okay, so I’m gonna need a reprap and some old school G.I. Joe vehicles to rescale. Mission Accomplished.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367494",
"author": "der_picknicker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:45:40",
"content": "I’m disappointed about this post. Hackers should not use their knowledge and networks to design military gear. Use your power and skills for peace, justice and truth.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367496",
"author": "walt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:46:44",
"content": "for the win!http://3sajes.com/thesajes/images/games/madcat.jpg1st!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367510",
"author": "peacefulwarrior",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:10:05",
"content": "Yay! We get to use our brains to kill more brown people!!! Awesome.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367513",
"author": "DanielK",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:13:08",
"content": "There is a company called Local Motors that have a similar approach for the car industry:http://www.local-motors.com/Here is a lecture given by the founder:http://www.dolectures.co.uk/speakers/speakers-2010/jay-rogers",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367514",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:14:56",
"content": "They need a new energy source instead, to stop harassing other countries.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367515",
"author": "Booker T. Worthington",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:16:43",
"content": "It’s not mIRC, it’s IRC. mIRC is a client, get with the program guys./pedantic",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367516",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:17:35",
"content": "I’m torn about DARPA. On the one hand they are innovative and helpful but on the other they’re making more efficient ways of killing people.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367521",
"author": "revoltlab",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:25:46",
"content": "Stop wasting your talents on the Empire’s Imperial Walkers! Seriously!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367524",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:28:17",
"content": "@Booker T. WorthingtonThey really need to change how they run things around here. (har har)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367527",
"author": "Jesse Congdon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:34:34",
"content": "The Offending “m” has been eradicated! (Thanks @Booker T.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367529",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:36:08",
"content": "My last comment was meant to be a pun, if you didn’t catch that. Based off of his (unintentional) pun.No offense to hackaday meant. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367532",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:39:07",
"content": "Lets invent something to make DARPA go away.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367546",
"author": "wutwut",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:03:37",
"content": "It’s the cyberpunk in the flesh, why would you even try to help those bastards?PS @anon, i dvach you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367559",
"author": "Setsuna F. Seiei",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:32:35",
"content": "Isn’t this what they made Gundams for?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367562",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:35:07",
"content": "https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=702bf8119f61a896ca2a27e57d28c613They’re trying to build friggin’ SkyNet. That’s not cool, man. More hardware, less software. Avoid the AI.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367596",
"author": "wasteofcreativity",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:31:36",
"content": "Great, students designing machines used to kill people.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367609",
"author": "Aero",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:49:50",
"content": "So I read through the main page and the wiki and still don’t understand what the program is about. Anyone else?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367617",
"author": "djohnston",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:05:29",
"content": "I can’t believe any open source hacker with a conscience would want to help DARPA with anything. DARPA’s all about making war and killing people. How is that innovative?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367622",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:12:46",
"content": "I just hope their new vehicle will just explode and kill all this people at darpa. Why do they need help to kill innocents? Their engineers can’t find new way to kill people?@Aero: they just want to fuck the world.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367626",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:21:44",
"content": "@jesse congdon: you are amazing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367644",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:53:32",
"content": "Oh man, so much hate against DARPA. It’s not like they invented the internet or anything. Or the fact that all military tech trickles down to civilian tech.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367645",
"author": "Joe Bonasses",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:55:20",
"content": "As if 15% of federal outlays spent on defense aren’t enough (half a trillion dollars/year). Screw the whole god damned defense industry.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367647",
"author": "Jesse Congdon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T22:59:50",
"content": "@Aero, I just found this press release in the side bar, I think it explains things a bit better. You still have to read through the first page to get to the part where they talk about crowd sourcing.http://www.darpa.mil/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2658(small PDF).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367706",
"author": "Pierre",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:07:46",
"content": "Obviously they need to get cracking on some Tachikoma:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2e/Tatikoma_B2.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367708",
"author": "Lemonmaster0",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:15:49",
"content": "@ OlivierSo you want to protest killing people by killing other people that you disagree with? How righteous of you. What are you, 11 or just ignorant? I don’t agree with war either but I also don’t believe in hurting someone for having a differing opinion. It’s people like you that cause all the problems in the world.Oh, and go DARPA. I want my robotic car.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367710",
"author": "Jesse Congdon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:16:33",
"content": "@Pierre Only if they have philosophical debates.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367728",
"author": "Maave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T01:53:35",
"content": "The Dark Night’s Batmobile, duh.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367751",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:34:48",
"content": "@Lemonmaster0: No, I’m 11 1/2 yo. Are you at least 11 3/4 to write what you wrote?There’s no such thing in agreeing to make wars. So yes, I don’t care if their weapons kill this guys. At least, that wouldn’t hurt innocent victims.The guys at DARPA (and others companies like that) don’t have a “differing opinion”, they are just murderers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367767",
"author": "Daley",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:58:02",
"content": "If I’m not mistaken, the “D” in DARPA stands for Defense – as in defending our nation’s freedom. Last I checked, we weren’t the ones flying planes into foreign buildings because their religious beliefs differ from ours. I’m certainly not advocating war, but I’m also not supporting the idea that we sit here and take it either.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367787",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:06:01",
"content": "It’s Defense because we changed the name of the War Department to something a little less scary.I think everyone has the right to defend themselves but that’s a loose philosophical position to take.We thought it would be a good idea to preemptively defend both us and Israel by attacking Iraq. Given all we know now I doubt anyone reasonably thinks that Iraq was actually worth it.I’m not saying I personally think DARPA is bad, I’m just not sure how much I’d personally want to support them.Ideologies get changed with other ideas, not guns and bullets. Those just displace ideologies in space and time until you luck out and finally get it with a counter ideology.If we spent just a fraction of our defense budget on ways of making people happy I doubt most people would be willing to fly planes into anything. If you have nothing to live for you have everything to die for.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367808",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T03:16:33",
"content": "how about a bulletproof tree, with a lazer-turret inside and a secret door that leads to the tunnel network that leads to the HQ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367904",
"author": "derpa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T06:23:05",
"content": "How about a pickup truck filled with fertilizer, vaccines and food aid? Much cheaper and more effective than gunning down small Afghan children with cannon fire.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367931",
"author": "shazzner",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T07:40:10",
"content": "How about instead we make a machine that lifts people out of poverty; instead of another expensive murdertoy that will _surely_ defeat the AK-wielding primitives we’re currently losing to.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367934",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T07:52:58",
"content": "Winning and losing are exactly why we have such a problem. Politicians tend to frame things in those terms and it doesn’t really apply.In terms of killing people, we’re clearly “winning.” I have no doubt that the US Military can defeat any enemy, the real problem is preventing new ones from forming.When you bomb the shit out of a terrorist cell and then leave the rubble behind for people to clean up, all under the impression that they will be happy because of some vague idea of freedom, you’re creating more problems.Where are deployable MRI’s? What about hyper-advanced water purification systems that need little maintenance? We do such a great job a destroying things but an absolute shit one at rebuilding after.The Iraq war to date was about a month of ultra-high tech and efficient bombing the shit out of people and about 7 years 11 months of not having a fucking clue about how to fix things and maintain order.I’m not a total pacifist but I think if we’re going to insist on using warfare we should at least get equally good at stability and support operations too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367979",
"author": "tetsu",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:40:53",
"content": "At first I had the same reaction as the rest of you, “How can you post shit like this, Hackaday? I trusted you!” I was about ready to abandon the blog as coopted by the military-industrial complex.But doesn’t the Hacker Credo have some bit in there about using military-industrial technologies? Something about how it’s not safe for only the elite to be familiar with these dangerous technologies? Wasn’t that our excuse to say using computers is cool?I don’t like it. I don’t like the idea of making something that DARPA is going to use to kill people. But at the same time, they won’t trust us not to introduce small flaws to sabotage their vehicles, so they’re probably not going to use them. If they’re not going to use them, then their goal is probably just to disseminate their ‘IFAB’ thing and ‘META’ programming language.If that’s the case… shouldn’t we be aware of those things?(I don’t speak for my entire lab in this post)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368013",
"author": "hanz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T10:56:17",
"content": "yeaaah lets crowdsource machines to kill people, great killaday uuh hackaday.wtf is this shit here?! i can’t believe it…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368184",
"author": "jack roberts",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:58:22",
"content": "Screw DARPA.So now hackaday is run by DOD?Ever since that one propeller helicopter post was taken over by the DOD i knew that was only the start. RIP hackaday.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368193",
"author": "jAMES",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T19:33:38",
"content": "wow. people. relax. Darpa wants you to make a golf cart. not a mega ultra death ray.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368208",
"author": "Historisis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T20:11:05",
"content": "First off, the military vehicles are nothing more than reinforced, over-sized, primitive vehicles. Second, I have designed countless ways to redesign vehicles that will NOT use fossil fuel and Will run longer than a single tank of fuel on any vehicle the military has. My engines are a lot more powerful and a hell of a lot smaller. If DARPA is really serious about creating ADVANCED military transport, they can contact me. I am willing to make a deal.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368209",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T20:16:07",
"content": "Kill!That is kill this post. DARPA should at least pay full price for its killing “golf carts” so the public picks up the full tab.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368211",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T20:19:41",
"content": "@Daley, last I checked we were the ones dropping bombs on wedding parties of innocent people. Because someone attacked you, you do not have the right to go marauding around the world.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368236",
"author": "RandomReader",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T21:04:23",
"content": "lol at all these hate filled comments, ye its irisonsible to crowd source for a killing machine tho that aint what there looking for, i but those of us that have worked on heavy weight robots to kill other heavy weight robots have built more dangerus things than there asking forchillax ^_^",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368246",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T21:35:49",
"content": "I used to use mIRC to connect to mIRC-X using the IRC protocol. Perfectly clear.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368259",
"author": "Whoever",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T22:18:03",
"content": "@Alex: “Oh man, so much hate against DARPA. It’s not like they invented the internet or anything. Or the fact that all military tech trickles down to civilian tech.”Then why don’t we, as hackers, aim directly for civilian and bypass the war stuff altogether? If it’s us who’re going to do it anyway.Wait.. Isn’t that more or less what we’re supposed to be doing anyhow?“Darpa wants you to make a golf cart.” Yeah, a golf cart they can attach weapons to (or, more realistically, get ideas from to then build their own weapon version).I understand perfectly the need for defense equipment including killing machines, and I would gladly help (even a foreign gov’t as I’m not American) *if* it was actually used strictly to defend the population.The problem is that “defense” equipment is seldom used for actual defense in the long run.It always ends up being used to protect political interests, steal other people’s junk, impose your ideologies, or just plain flex your peen. (Even the internet is slowly ending up that way). I’ll not help with that no matter how indirectly.My $.01½.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368431",
"author": "Amtal",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T04:55:00",
"content": "Sounds like there are three choices:1. build technology that kills people, benefit from civilian applications and global power2. don’t build technology that kills people, get your stuff taken by nations that do3. live in a nation that does 1. but bitch a lot, disregard how fucked anyone that does 2. isExcellent.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368432",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T05:02:39",
"content": "You want us to help the military industrial complex grow larger and get more powerful? FUCK THAT SHITShame on you, Hack a Day.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368479",
"author": "Amtal",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T07:26:26",
"content": "^ a classic example of #3!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368514",
"author": "Renee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T09:37:22",
"content": "Where is option 4?4) Bypass tech designed for killing people and just make ethical techPeople seem to be trying to make the argument that it’s useful because DARPA made the internet and so on.Could the internet only have been invented by DARPA? Military tech eventually becoming civilian tech doesn’t mean it’s justifiable because that doesn’t imply that it can ONLY come from military applications.Plenty of amazing things have been invented without needing some initial military version. I think that the space program actually gave us more useful tech than the military.The ends don’t justify the means if there’s more than one option for the means.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368661",
"author": "Tampopo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T16:45:30",
"content": "Oh great, more power for the USA overlords. They want kill 3rd world people more fast? :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.649695
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/mame-cabinet-springs-to-life-from-ikea-furniture/
|
Mame Cabinet Springs To Life From Ikea Furniture
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"home entertainment hacks"
] |
[
"cabinet",
"coffee table",
"ikea",
"mame"
] |
[Jed] built
a MAME cabinet into some flat pack furniture
(
translated
). For the housing he chose
an Ikea Ramvik side table
. This is a perfect piece of furniture for the project for several reasons; it’s cheap, coming in at under $70, it’s a reasonable height to use while sitting on the sofa, it has a built-in drawer that will hide the guts of the system, and it was designed to use a piece of glass as the table surface.
The electronics are pretty straight forward. A notebook computer runs the MAME frontend, with an auxiliary screen which is framed nicely under the glass. Controls are standard coin-op type buttons soldered to the contacts on the PCB from a USB joystick. The brushed aluminum bezel added to the surface of the table keeps the modern finished look that one would want with a showpiece like this one.
We always like to keep our eyes open for hackable items when visiting Ikea. Make sure to check out their As-Is department (preferably as soon as they open) to find
hackable furniture
on the cheap.
| 6
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367501",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:54:50",
"content": "Whoah, I like this. Excellent case work, that’s a fine price for a fine case. :) Having built a sit-down style MAME cabinet myself in high school I can attest to mine having been a lot more expensive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367505",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:03:36",
"content": "What a cool idea, and he did such a good job too! It looks amazing",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367511",
"author": "JC",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:12:07",
"content": "Yeah, nice build!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367519",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:23:22",
"content": "Also, the cabinet is officially a real hack. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369015",
"author": "Coda",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T06:39:29",
"content": "The Ikea table is a great find. The only thing that concerns me is that arcade machines didn’t run on LCD screens, and apart from not looking right, the viewing angles on most of them are horrible, which means selecting the right one for a cocktail design more of a problem.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "447450",
"author": "Jim",
"timestamp": "2011-09-04T03:09:34",
"content": "Hackable furniture. That is a pretty good term. You should start a wiki page on that. Definitely catchy. I have to say, this is one of the coolest things I have seen in a while. Well done!Jim",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.562906
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/matchstick-model-rocketry/
|
Matchstick Model Rocketry
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"matchsticks",
"rocket"
] |
[Valentin] is the MacGyver of model rocketry,
building a small rocket out of three items
many people have hanging around the house. Cat litter, matchsticks, and a ballpoint pen are the raw materials that he rounded up before setting to work on the build.
The housing of the ballpoint pen will act as the body of the rocket. [Valentin] stuffed the tip of the pen with cat litter, creating the first part of the fuel chamber. Next, the heads of the matches were very carefully muddled into a fine powder which fills the bulk of the pen housing. Finish this off with another plug of cat litter and you’re almost done. The final step is to drill a hole through the plug layer at the tip of the pen, creating a nozzle to focus the force as the fuel burns.
From the videos we’d say there needs to be some work done as far as rocket guidance, but the solid state fuel certainly does work. Just remember to make your personal safety the first priority when working with combustibles like this!
Wondering how to launch something like this? Here’s a way to
make your own igniters
.
| 47
| 47
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367417",
"author": "Tom the Brat",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:06:04",
"content": "Um. I think you’d better stick with Estes? Match heads are very unstable, especially when packed into a tight place. Perhaps safer when muddled, but, um, stick with Estes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367433",
"author": "ejonesss",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:20:44",
"content": "also i am not sure how legal this is you may want to check with the laws .i know that when you get into big rockets you have to clear with the faa to even have a temporary no fly zone created because of how high they go",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367434",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:21:24",
"content": "currently we can obtain all components for gunpowder legally as well as gunpowder itself in US so I dont see reason to play with matches",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367439",
"author": "vollkontakt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:32:19",
"content": "“focus the force as the fuel burns” some very creative writing going here… details ey?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367442",
"author": "Kuhltwo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:37:51",
"content": "When I was a kid (mid 60’s) and into model rocketry, these were called “basement bombs” and very unstable to use, among some of the issues were uneven burning, and explosions, sending shrapnel into everything.Not really a good idea.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367445",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:40:45",
"content": "FYI, this is incredibly dangerous and your rocket could explode. This is nothing new (well, neither is anything else they post here), and many people have hurt themselves performing different derivations of this “project”.Lol. HaD fail.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367464",
"author": "XiuiX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:03:15",
"content": "This seems less of a hack and more of a dangerous homemade bomb build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367467",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:06:21",
"content": "“To finish this rocketengine you have to drill a hole from the botten to about the halft of the matchstickpowder. The hot gases will escape throuh this hole and create thrust:”That sounds like a tricky part there.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367468",
"author": "ToolGuyd",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:09:30",
"content": "It is grossly irresponsible to encourage the use of match heads as the fuel for miniature model rocketry. This is extremely dangerous and risky and should not be attempted by anyone. My recommendation would be to find a safer fuel alternative.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367476",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:21:33",
"content": "The instructions say to be careful when packing the powder, but what care should be taken with grinding the matchstick heads? Grind them together sounds like a fatal idea. Same as for packing them.We should probably make a robot for these tasks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367477",
"author": "fotoflojoe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:23:53",
"content": "Uh, Houston, we have a problem…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367480",
"author": "Plaid",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:27:41",
"content": "This is just asinine, for all the various reasons stated above. When I was a kid, I made bombs from powdered matchstick heads, paper and duct tape. (I don’t dispute that that was pretty asinine, too.)This is the same thing, especially before you get to drilling the hole in base. Some of the ones about the size he’s making could take off your fingers, and that was without plastic shrapnel.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367481",
"author": "BigHank53",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:27:52",
"content": "This is good way to inspire another project–homebrew prosthetics. I hear making new eyes is kind of tricky.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367484",
"author": "Doug",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:31:13",
"content": "@Kyle practically everything posted here is new to someone, somewhere.@ejonesss While you are correct in par,you must be joking about FAA clearance with this stunt.Anyway this may be the excuse for some to finally to build/buy that ball mill they always wanted or maybe that mortar pestal?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367498",
"author": "darkith",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:49:43",
"content": "A much safer plan for budding rocket scientists is the Teleflite “5 cent Sugar rocket”. I had lots of fun with these as a youth. Takes a bit of care, since the mixture needs to be carefully packed into a carefully made engine to be effective, but it has the upside of being relatively safe to handle until ignition.Alas, some of the ingredients are becoming hard to find in some countries…:P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367504",
"author": "bty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:01:46",
"content": "We used to make em using potasium nitrate and sugar.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367506",
"author": "nateL",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:05:33",
"content": "I love the idea of drilling into this “unstable”, “volatile” substance. Heat? Indeed. Friction? Quite. Fingers in about 10 minutes? Not likely.That said, for the particularly stupid (those who build these), rather than drilling it, before you put anything in the pen, drill a hole in the end and insert a wooden skewer as far in as you want the nozzle. Then pack your ingredients in via the same manner (namely, reckless abandon).Or as the first comment said, use an Estes and continue being able to count to 10 with what’s on your hands.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367533",
"author": "author[Valentin]",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:39:12",
"content": "Some of you are absolutley right!Bad things happen but if you know that it’s dangerous you can take precautions!See for yourself:http://diytechgadgets.blogspot.com/2011/03/addition-to-homemade-inexpensive.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367536",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:42:33",
"content": "Yes I have to agree. This is one hack that HAD should actually take down. This is the king of bad ideas.Just about every book on model rocketry going back to the late 1950s has some horror story or cautionary tale about matchhead rockets.Really just go buy a kit and build it your self. If you want to get into it more then design your own and keep going up in power.This hack really is one of those Darwin awards in the making. The sad thing is that it also makes a really crappy rocket.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367541",
"author": "rock",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T19:53:15",
"content": "Don’t drill with the combustibles in the pen!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367553",
"author": "smartie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:16:26",
"content": "Not only extremely unsafe but would likely constitute bomb making in the states. Any kind of highly flammable substance packed into an enclosure is absolutely non legal, and downright dangerous!@HAD – Shame on you for posting! We want to see hacks, not how to blow fingers off…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367558",
"author": "10fingers",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:32:08",
"content": "One more word of caution to add to the chorus… don’t use strike anywhere matches.I’m not as convinced you’ll have a problem with safety matches if you follow a few precautions, but then again I wasn’t particularly impressed with the video either. And drilling into a combustible substance is retarded, use the pre-drill/dowel idea above.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367576",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:59:51",
"content": "Congratulations! You’ve made a very small pipe bomb. Say goodbye to your eyebrows.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367577",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:01:06",
"content": "Well considering that everybody seems to agree this is just a pipe bome with a hole it it I hope he used clean kitty litter or he’ll get a nasty infection from the shrapnel!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367581",
"author": "stmojo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:06:39",
"content": "My brother almost blew his hand off with a similar project. You’ll want a good surgeon on standby.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367587",
"author": "BruceJ",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:15:40",
"content": "Am I the only one old enough to remember the grisly pictures in the back of the Estes catalog?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367654",
"author": "Barry Cunningham",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:14:03",
"content": "I remember making even smaller “rockets” when I was a kid. We took the lead bullet and gunpowder out of a .22 long, leaving the primer in the shell. Then we set lighted end of a kitchen match in it. When the flame reached the primer, it launched a flaming little match-head a few feet in the air.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367658",
"author": "RBR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:30:01",
"content": "You know there are different types of matches, If their safety matches then it shouldn’t be attempted by anyone. To address the comment “safer fuel alternative” there is no such thing. You are responsible for YOUR safety and YOUR responsible to take the initiative to educate yourself with the knowledge of proper handling of types of fuels. You can blow your hand off just as easy Estes engine when your ignorant.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367675",
"author": "Maxwell Smart",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:56:35",
"content": "At least it isn’t another of the seemingly endless stream of Kinect or Arduino articles – ho hum…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367737",
"author": "stormdog",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:05:59",
"content": "Dang! You all sound like my parents when I was 10. I can’t be the only one that learned quite a lot by doing dangerous (and sometimes stupid) things. Surely the people posting the dire warnings aren’t the typical HAD readers, are they?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367897",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T05:35:31",
"content": "WHat a bunch of whiny morons. This is no more dangerous than the high voltage CRT hacks and such like that gets posted here.I’ve scraped off the ends of hundreds of matches and often had fun with them. It’s really not that dangerous if you have some common sense.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367907",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T06:58:59",
"content": "+1 whiney little bitches!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367908",
"author": "WestfW",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T06:59:52",
"content": "It’s not JUST that match-head rockets are unacceptably dangerous (even by the standards of the 1960s), but also… The state of the art of hobbyist amateur rocketry AND amateur fireworks making have both advanced a great deal in the last half of a century.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367956",
"author": "rocketman1001",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T09:05:26",
"content": "As an experienced and qualified pyro I assure you this is foolhardy.The issue here is that ALL match heads are based on Potassium Chlorate mixes which when confined risk detonation.By all means make yourself a small rocket with a black powder green mix or sugar fuel. Use a cardboard tube, not metal or rigid plastic. As these these are Potassium Nitrate based they are inherently much safer, though they still need a long fuse…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368058",
"author": "adamziegler",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T13:08:40",
"content": "When I was a kid we used to take wooden matches, cover the heads with aluminum foil and make tiny rockets. The trick is to get a thin sewing needle and hold it against the side of the the match stick, and match head while you wrap a small 1″x1″ (or smaller) piece of foil around it.When you slide out the needle a path is created. Using a lighter or another match apply flame under the foiled head. Many time the pressure will find its way out the needle path and propel the matchstick.Hard part is making an inclined “launcher” of sorts… we use paper clips.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368092",
"author": "rusty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:01:13",
"content": "I think I am gonna go blow my fingers off despite all the warning, also I think I way light it then throw it like a bottle rocket.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368098",
"author": "mic",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:22:02",
"content": "I doubt you could loose a finger to that thing, probably JUST an eye. Where safety goggles. Plastic pen pipe bomb? Hilarious suggestion.Fun with matches:Anyone ever filled a tennis ball with strike anywhere matches and threw it at some sort of noun?Use small diodes to ignite from a distance electrically. Save the fuses. Glass diodes actually melt when you short them out on lantern battery. Test them first, the most dangerous rocket/bomb is the one you have to diffuse…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368109",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T15:45:11",
"content": "Matchstick are so safe as can be, and they ignite very slowly, so not it’s not a pipe bomb and no removing the heads will not make them ignite since that can only happen with the first matches that you could light without a matchbox, normal ones either need a matchbox to rub over or need to reach a high temperature at which point lots of things will burn like paper and wood and various plastics and compounds we all use all the time and sit on and wear.It’s getting a bit silly to get too excited about things approved for kids 5 and over..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368114",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T16:20:21",
"content": "Hey gang!I know a guy with some disassembled microwave oven parts we can use to set these off with!/sarcasm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368139",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:11:36",
"content": "I used to build rockets from match heads. And everybody I know around here used to do that too, and from many other very very dangerous materials that would without doubt blow heads off. Thanks to educated hackaday readers I now know scary this is and will now only buy springloaded usb controlled missile launchers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368175",
"author": "Anthony",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T18:37:54",
"content": "Which is the hack? The contents of the post, or the author?If you want to use matches for rockets, check out adamziegler’s comment. If you’re looking for a good way to wind up in the emergency room, use Valentin’s method. If you don’t take off your eyebrows while grinding the matches, and manage to avoid getting shrapnel shot in your face from the firecracker you just made, congratulations. Scaling this up any amount does turn it into a decent pipe bomb, albeit one prone to going off spontaneously.Hackaday, if you want to make rocketry posts, find something about making your own solid rocket fuel, or even something on hybrid rockets. With some digging, you’ll even find stuff on liquid fueled rockets. This? Somebody got lazy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368195",
"author": "signal7",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T19:38:52",
"content": "Better way to make an igniter: use a razor blade to make a slit in the head of a paper match from a match book. Run a 30ga or finer piece of wire through the slit. Place match head at the engine nozzle and apply a current to the wire. The wire heats up until the match head ignites, which in turn ignites the engine. Way easier than what’s mentioned here.Also – note that I did NOT say to put the match head inside the nozzle. A blocked nozzle = bomb = bad. You may have to add some combustible material to the nozzle to ensure ignition, but it must not leave a residue that will block the nozzle. FF or FFF gun powder would be one possible option.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368203",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T19:54:37",
"content": "I bet someone will drill a hole after rocket is full of matches and drill get hot ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368222",
"author": "JDW",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T20:36:52",
"content": "I am happy to see that the this community is concerned with others safety. But it is interesting to see every day items used for this. Still dangerous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368656",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T16:33:47",
"content": "Anyone interested in this sort of thing should look into just building real model rockets. It can be done for super cheap. I did it as a kids activity at a science camp for 6th graders over the summer. Gross costs work out to being about 12$ for three rockets. All you need are rockets engines (3$ at a hobby shop) white glue, some thicker card stock and batteries and a rod to use for launching . Tons of fun and in some cities (Halifax for one) completely legal!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368749",
"author": "Cameron Watt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T19:17:19",
"content": "Leave it in Darwin’s hands.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368787",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T20:52:07",
"content": "I burnt my face and hands trying this, whats the address for the HaD legal department please…hurry, only compensation can ease the pain.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.006879
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/antique-light-bulb-organ/
|
Antique Light Bulb Organ
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"atmega324",
"light organ"
] |
Add a retro light show to any MIDI instrument with this
Antique Light Bulb Organ
, twelve 30 watt antique style light bulbs correspond with the 12 notes in an octave with a simple on or off action. The organ is also monitoring the pedals, so the lights will stay on as you use the sustain. Add in the natural slow reaction time of a light bulb and the effect is quite nice.
Along with MIDI instruments , you can also connect to a PC via USB allowing for remote control either with MIDI or OSC. On the hardware end there is a Atmega324P board that handles communication, user input and of course the lights. To switch the 120v AC current required by the lights twelve Sharp
PR36MF22NSZF
isolated solid state relays were wired up to some screw down light sockets also fitting the retro theme.
Lastly everything is placed in a nice fold up wooden cabinet, perfect for those long road trips to prevent breakage, but it also makes a nice place to put your keyboard while on stage.
Join us after the break for a quick music video that features this good looking light organ.
[vimeo
http://vimeo.com/19471256
w=450]
| 6
| 6
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367342",
"author": "Logic6",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:10:48",
"content": "Cool",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367446",
"author": "Io",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:41:20",
"content": "The piano lights are great, but I want to know what the story is behind those microphone cans. I sense homebrew there too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367542",
"author": "Drew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:00:51",
"content": "on is an sure sm7b im not sure about the chrome one though",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367661",
"author": "Maxwell Smart",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:37:22",
"content": "Great build – but terrible music…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368136",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T17:08:27",
"content": "So it lights incandescent light bulbs to music? Not really very retro. I have around 40 incandescent light bulbs in my flat, I blink them all of the time.I expected a “light organ” to use light to modulate sound somehow. This is just a midi-controlled blinky-thingy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "417215",
"author": "Juicer",
"timestamp": "2011-07-13T21:57:29",
"content": "Couldnt have put it any better myself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.90509
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/bubble-display/
|
Bubble Display
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Misc Hacks",
"Musical Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] |
[
"bubble"
] |
As hackers we have come up with some pretty wild and unique ways to display data, but that never stops us from creating even wilder ways such as this
Bubble Display
. Inspired by a Hackaday article called
Liquid Display
the bubble display started out as a one column lexan tank so the team could check out different liquids, and build methods, which gave them the opportunity to test out their wet/dry vacuum in the basement as well.
After the leaks were solved in the prototype, different fluids were tried out to see what would work best, glycerine (though the most expensive out of the 3 items tested) gave the best performance in how the bubbles rose to the top, and the uniformity of each individual bubble.
The final tank design features (24?) channels to keep bubbles from interacting with each other and are fitted with some Parker A005-C23-2P pneumatic valves hooked up to a standard air compressor. Electrically it’s pretty standard, with the solinoid driver stuff all run by a PIC18F4455 clocked at 48MHz.
Software wise the device has 3 modes, one mode allows users to enter text or simple bitmaps from a computer using a homebrew GUI written in Visual Basic, there is also a demo loop for when you still want to show it off, but there is not someone there to constantly bang data into it, and finally a live keyboard mode which acts as a bubble music visualizer when there is a keyboard connected via MIDI. Check all 3 out in a short video after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cQ-oU3LidA&w=450]
| 25
| 25
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367300",
"author": "Michael Bradley",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:05:01",
"content": "Love it, except the end where they put a keyboard on it, then it just didnt seam so nice anymore.I wonder how hard it is to get better resolution and slower rise. perhaps oil instead of watter?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367302",
"author": "alankilian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:08:00",
"content": "Sweet! We did a 96-tube version for the Ontario Science Centre a few years ago with a webcam so users can take a photo of themselves and see it in the display.taomc . com /art/permanent_installations/pipedream_series/pipedream_iii.htmlbobodyne . com /web-docs/robots/OSC/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367313",
"author": "Pup",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:26:48",
"content": "Huzzah! Is that Balrog?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367315",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:29:21",
"content": "@Michael Bradley: water ? It’s glycerine which is used.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367318",
"author": "GSMPedia",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:32:54",
"content": "It looks awesome, i wonder if tthey can up the resolution",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367331",
"author": "Craig",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:00:49",
"content": "Prototype C, of course, will be controllable liquid pumps on each tube that will create a downward flow that can keep the bubbles stationary once the image is created.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367345",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:16:28",
"content": "They could have used silicone oil as well but it probably would not have saved them money over glycerin.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367347",
"author": "CutThroughStuffGuy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:18:52",
"content": "But it would have given them a wider viscosity choice (and it may have actually saved them some money, I don’t know the going price of 20 – 55 gallons or so of glycerin).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367382",
"author": "arfink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:51:13",
"content": "The Science Museum of Minnesota has had a bubble wall display like this for a very long time now. I can recall seeing it as much as 13 years ago, and it had been there for a while at that point. Theirs is several stories tall and makes a glorious wall-shaking clatter when in operation. They used to have a giant step-sensing keyboard as well, but since the installation was mounted on the other side of the back wall of their iMax theater they had to remove it since pranksters would trigger the whole wall at once to make the theater screen shake. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367398",
"author": "ewanuno",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:57:16",
"content": "it’d s shame that regular water dosent work so well, it’s be fantastic to have fish swimming arround inside it!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367400",
"author": "Andrew Hooper",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:58:32",
"content": "You could increase the pressure in the top of unit so as to reduce the speed that the bubble floats up at.Nice Job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367425",
"author": "Roberto",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:11:23",
"content": "Uh? Increasing the pressure would make the bubbles smaller, increasing their terminal floating velocity, right?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367435",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:25:47",
"content": "this is older than you grand grandpa. Before light bulbs was invented telegraphs used electrodes to create bubbles in glass jars with solution as indicators",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367438",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:31:33",
"content": "and they did it in pre-light-bulb era without compressors and certainly without visual basic",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367441",
"author": "goldscott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:36:59",
"content": "@therian – uphill, both ways, in the snow!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367448",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:42:26",
"content": "Wow, WTF is with the loose use of “hacker” around here? I don’t see these guys performing any never-done-before reverse engineering of a product and then modifying it to do something that it was never meant to do in the first place.Are you guys trying to redefine the word, or do you just like saying it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367452",
"author": "Graeme",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:47:49",
"content": "Very impressive.If you could remove the amount of liquid at the bottom that the bubble displaces, it’d probably keep the bubbles in alignment much better.I’d like to see a higher resolution display for this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367472",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:14:49",
"content": "Comments here are going to youtube level I fear, shape up guys, we know bubbles aren’t new.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367563",
"author": "skot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:36:10",
"content": "Nice! The first demo has a translucent background, which looks like it increases the contrast on the bubbles. Might be cool to put some RGB LEDs in there and see how the reflection looks..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367572",
"author": "Hirudinea",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:52:12",
"content": "Couldn’t they use some kind of coloured smoke in the air of the bubbles to get better contrast?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367586",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:14:10",
"content": "I saw something like this at CMU about 10 years ago. Thought it was cool then, still do. If anyone has more info on the bubble display from Carnegie Mellon, post it. I think it may have functioned similar to Craig’s description above, because I seem to remember the images being stationary if they wanted them to be.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367590",
"author": "Tim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:21:04",
"content": "NM, I found it:http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~hudson/bubbles/Swear it wasn’t there last time I looked. Anyway, not quite what I remembered, but still neat.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367594",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T21:28:01",
"content": "@Tim –http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~hudson/bubbles/I remember seeing it about 5 years ago when I was at CMU. It was set up in Newell Simon Hall.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368788",
"author": "thouton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T21:00:08",
"content": "@Hirudinea Nice idea…I’d imagine they’d be best off using regular smoke because they could use directed RGB LEDs to change colour through the bubble’s life. The smoke bubble would show up much brighter than an un-smoky bubble plain bubble when lit.@Craig Nice idea, I wonder how effective a vortex would be in keeping a bubble submerged, in particular if the vortex is driven from below like this;http://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/stirring-plate-from-usb-enclosure/If you sealed the top (perhaps with oil?) to prevent an air core vortex forming (I think the viscosity of the oil would prevent an oil core vortex at modest speeds) would the higher speed water at the bottom of the container draw bubbles down? I may have my physics wrong but I see no reason why a set speed of rotation couldn’t have an equilibrium point in the water/medium at which the bubble “hovers” (ie. doesn’t float up or down). Of course as far as I can think this would only work for one bubble/equilibrium at a time, but perhaps would be interesting none the less.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369417",
"author": "maetb",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T20:51:57",
"content": "@thouton I agree, some LED lighting would make this awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,235.864365
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/interactive-dice-game-pits-man-against-machine/
|
Interactive Dice Game Pits Man Against Machine
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"Toy Hacks"
] |
[
"arduino",
"atmega",
"dice",
"hall sensor"
] |
While most dice games are based on luck and chance more than anything else, [Mike] decided he
wanted to create a dice
game that took a little more skill to play. He built a replica of a game found in Ian Stewart’s “The Cow Maze”, a book of mathematical stories and puzzles.
The theory behind the game is as follows:
A number is randomly drawn and is considered the “heap”. Players take turns reducing the heap, using the die to represent the number they would like to remove. The only restrictions placed on moves are that you cannot re-use the same number chosen by your opponent in the preceding move, nor can you use the number on the die face opposite that number. The winner of the game is the individual reducing the heap to exactly zero, though you can also lose the game automatically if you reduce the heap to a negative number.
The game operates using a magnet-loaded wooden die and hall sensors built into the playing surface. The sensors relay the value of the die’s face to the ATmega chip he used to run the game. His code provides the logic for your computer opponent as well as for keeping score.
The whole project is wrapped up in a nice-looking wooden box that gives it a bit of old time-y charm, micro controller and LCD aside.
Be sure to check out the video below to see a few rounds of the game being played, and swing by his site for more details.
[via
SparkFun
]
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/21342024 w=470]
| 4
| 4
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367462",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:59:27",
"content": "This reminds me of that old text adventure game “Martello Towers” from the BBC micro back in the day.Nice build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367485",
"author": "hmm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:35:20",
"content": "does his name really sounds like ‘my cock’?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367544",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T20:03:05",
"content": "i don’t really like the game, but the sensor is kind of interesting",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368404",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-03-27T03:49:58",
"content": "“Close the lid.” -Very creepy tone.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.050546
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/25/kinect-minecraft-trifecta/
|
Kinect + Minecraft Trifecta
|
Jesse Congdon
|
[
"Kinect hacks",
"Roundup"
] |
[
"Kinect",
"minecraft",
"motion tracking"
] |
Today we have a special treat, three projects combining the “fastest selling consumer electronics device”, Kinect, and the “fastest selling indie java game that once kept us from sleeping for an entire weekend”, Minecraft!
[Sean Oczkowski] writes in to tell us about his efforts to play
Minecraft with Kinect
using no more than the OpenKinect Java wrapper on Ubuntu. The code was written in about 4 days with some help from Wikipedia. Using histograms to locate the player in the field of view, the script calculates the center mass of the body and defines interactions for the limb occupying that quadrant of the screen. [Sean] does an excellent job of running through the whole process as well as the decisions made along the way. The whole thing is a bit like running in
place
, and we can’t imagine the flailing that will occur during the inevitable creeper encounter.
Next we have [Wade McGillis] with his award winning
Minecraft Kinect Controller
. [Wade] provides source code and executables at
his site
. This version of control uses skeletal tracking data to sense the user’s gestures. This still involves holding your hands out like a zombie but it is a bit more versatile as one can pass their arms in front of their own body.
Finally [Nathan Viniconis] has been doing some very
interesting work
using the Kinect to import giant three dimensional models into the game world. [Nathan] then goes the extra mile and animates the figures! Check out the video below for the really impressive results. We here at Hackaday feel that this is the most appropriate use of this technology, and may begin building gigantic statues of ourselves on public servers.
Check out the the tricrafta (minefecta?) of videos after the jump!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcQrkYLLQQ4&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS_N-qIPGY4&w=470#t=2m30s]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2mCDkqXki0&w=470]
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "367256",
"author": "BadWolf",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:18:44",
"content": "I wanna play minecraft now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367265",
"author": "Sariel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:30:31",
"content": "didn’t the developer for minecraft promise to the people who bought the beta that he would give them a full release for free when it came out of beta? Didn’t he also scrap minecraft altogether just to start on minecraft 2? I think he also said that everyone would have to buy #2 and it would be the same as before — ie: buy the beta and get the full ver for free. so why would anyone want to pay for a version of this gmod ripoff, especially when the developer is obviously a new Gabe Newell? correct me if I’m wrong please.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367267",
"author": "zing",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:36:37",
"content": "@SarielErm, no and no. Unless you are from the future.Minecraft is still in beta, there is no minecraft 2.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367272",
"author": "Ollie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:45:23",
"content": "@SarielGmod ripoff? Pffffffft! Just no.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367273",
"author": "Khai",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:52:06",
"content": "@Sariel“didn’t the developer for minecraft promise to the people who bought the beta that he would give them a full release for free when it came out of beta?”yes and that’s still binding.the rest.. he did a JOKE interview where MC2 was mentioned. he also said in that JOKE interview there was no MC2.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367275",
"author": "Pup",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:57:45",
"content": "Actually it’s the Minecraft Alpha purchases that have free updates forever. Beta purchases only get updates upto the release version –http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2175441966/minecraft-beta-december-20-2010",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367276",
"author": "Khai",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T13:59:20",
"content": "yup – but Beta get the full game (that was the question ;) )",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367281",
"author": "bunedoggle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T14:11:26",
"content": "Looks kinds cool. I’ve only played minecraft for about 1 or 2 minutes so I’m not too familiar with it. Can someone explain the third video?It seems like the premise of the whole game is to build things by slowly chipping away at the land scape and combining materials to build new tools and stuff. So, if you can build huge, complex structures with software, then why bother with all the chipping away and whatnot?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367291",
"author": "T0ast",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T14:31:42",
"content": "@BunedoggieLots of people do that, there are many programs were you can edit your inventory and have what ever you want. Many servers even have this built in for online play.But lots of people enjoy the normal “vanilla” play, where you have to mine for everything.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367319",
"author": "octel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T15:34:02",
"content": "@bunedoggleSo, if you can do certain tasks to acquire points with software, then why bother with all the tasks away and whatnot? Why not run a memory editor on Super Mario Bros to give yourself 9999999 points and skip to the ending sequence?Why play at all?You’ve just stumbled on to a very philosophical question.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367333",
"author": "Sigg3",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:01:44",
"content": "Talk about taking all the fun out of the game.. Love the creativity of the build and all, but Minecraft is all about fast-paced I/O.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367449",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T17:45:25",
"content": "Sigg3: I played Minecraft. It was (very) temporarily interesting (I hesitate to use the word “fun”), and definitely not fast-paced.I/O? What?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367479",
"author": "Wiregeek",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T18:25:58",
"content": "love me some minecraft.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367649",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T23:02:18",
"content": "Has anyone made an open-source hardware version of the Kinect yet?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367990",
"author": "Ecchin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T10:18:44",
"content": "This is not new though. This project was released a few months ago for a contest.There was a time when notch (not “Notch”) said only who buys Alpha gets the full game. A month later, he took it back and now Beta will offer you the full game when it’s released and any patches and updates after that. I wouldn’t have bought it if that wasn’t the case.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.159534
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/hackaday-links-march-22-2011/
|
Hackaday Links: March 22, 2011
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Hackaday links"
] |
[
"3d",
"atari",
"ben heck",
"case modding",
"rockets",
"servo",
"xbox 360"
] |
3D holographic fog display
Some researchers in Japan are hard at work building a
3D volumetric fog display
that would allow you to live out some of your Leia-related Star Wars fantasies. Using a column of fog and three projectors, they were able to create a display that looks three-dimensional from any angle. It might be a while before the technology hits your living room, so don’t clear your calendar just yet, Obi Wan. [via
Neatorama
]
The Claw – a three-fingered robotic gripper
Instructables user [AntMan] has been hard at work revising his
robotic claw gripping mechanism
. Laser cut from wood, this servo-driven claw can easily grasp small objects with little effort. We can’t wait to see someone build a version from milled aluminum!
Ben Heck’s retro Xbox 360
[Ben Heck] is at it again, and has recently given the Xbox 360
a sweet retro makeover
. Taking inspiration from gaming consoles of the 70’s, he converted an Xbox 360 into a laptop-style portable (again), but this time with the look and feel of an old Atari 2600. Retro gamers rejoice, you can now get your Xbox on while enjoying the sweet simulated wood-grain you grew up with.
Rocket-based ice fishing notification system
What fun is ice fishing if you have to sit outside freezing your butt off? We’re assuming that was the driving thought behind [Mike’s]
rocket-based ice fishing rig
. A model rocket is attached to his fishing sledge, which is triggered when a fish is detected on the line. Using a low-tech detonator, the rocket lets him know it’s time to check the lines. Now only if we could get the fish to fillet themselves…
Case modding video series hits the web
The “
Mod Men
” is a fairly new web series that takes you out of the basement and into the garage for some professionally constructed case mods. Described as “American Chopper for geeks with a dash of This Old House”, the creators aim to showcase over-the-top case mods with a professional flair. They already have three episodes under their belt, all of which are available on their site.
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364919",
"author": "Jeremy Streich",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:42:27",
"content": "The steam hologram is now real? Someone tell the creator of seaQuest. Martenson Hologram a.k.a. “The Old Man” was supposed to created this way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364954",
"author": "andar_b",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:00:17",
"content": "It’s not a hologram.It’s three different images projected onto fog. Not that much different from the ‘hologram’ used in seaQuest, in fact. Except seaQuest did it better. :p",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365017",
"author": "desearcher",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:28:15",
"content": "Did the hologram remind anybody else think of a the Patronus charm?http://harrypotter.wikia.com/index.php?title=Patronus_Charm&image=Luna-27s_Patronus-gif",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365026",
"author": "desearcher",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:32:41",
"content": "I think I was having a stroke during that last comment…“Does the hologram remind anyone else of the Patronus charm?”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367228",
"author": "Bianca",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T12:21:56",
"content": "I loved when Ben Heck converted the 360 into a laptop-style portable but this time making it look like an old Atari 2600 he surpassed himself!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.206857
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/paper-mechanical-iris/
|
Paper Mechanical Iris
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"how-to"
] |
[
"iris"
] |
This functioning
mechanical irs
is made from paper templates, foam core poster board, old credit / gift / etc cards, paper clips and masking tape. First, patterns are designed and multiples are printed and laid out to make the 10 parts needed. Two rings are cut out of foam board and a third ring is cut into wedges to form a cam mechanism on top of one of the other two rings.
Twelve shutters are then cut from the credit cards, and small pieces of paper clip are glued to each end and both sides. One side rides the cam mechanism the other side is punched through the final ring.
We found it to be an interesting project that should be pretty easy for just about anyone to replicate (now that its all figured out for us), and besides, you never know when you might stumble across a small box of hotel key’s with a defunct pizza parlor’s advertisement on the back.
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364873",
"author": "CosmicVoyager",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T13:14:40",
"content": "“you never know when you might stumble across a small box of hotel key’s with a defunct pizza parlor’s advertisement on the back.”Huh?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364899",
"author": "Breach",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T13:56:42",
"content": "It’s actually a “Plastic Mechanical Iris”. The iris is made of plastic cards (credit, gift, etc). The paper was only used as a template for cutting the plastic to the proper shape.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364905",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:02:38",
"content": "Where can I find paper credit cards?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364914",
"author": "NoBrainNeeded",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:29:41",
"content": "Awesome, this is much needed for my Stargate’s security.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364915",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:36:20",
"content": "@CosmicVoyagerhe’s referring to the RFID style hotel keys, they credit-card sized plastic ones, talking about using them for this project",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364952",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:50:16",
"content": "@fartface you could probably recode transit tickets, e.g. BART here in SF, CA’s tickets are CC-sized and the magstrip is in the same location",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364953",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:53:57",
"content": "Hmm.. it’s not very clear how it work. I assumed you have to twist it to open and close the iris but the instructables say that the paperclips go all the way through, which would make twisting impossible. How does it work?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364962",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:25:18",
"content": "WTB tiny paper stargate.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365118",
"author": "doubleup",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:07:28",
"content": "That project stinks. I’m going to try and make a better one.Here’s an animated GIF on wikipedia showing how it should work.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_Diaphragm.gif",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365121",
"author": "Geisst",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:14:27",
"content": "I´ve build some dieselpunk style goggles some time ago. It´s mechanism is working slightly different and got only 5 blades (i´m lazy!), but it´s easy to rebuild. The blades are made from a tin can, with pieces of a paperclip solded onto. The framing is made from some scrap metal.Here is a picture of the parts:http://prof-geisst.deviantart.com/gallery/25832828#/d2ton6x",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "647646",
"author": "no_light",
"timestamp": "2012-05-09T07:08:59",
"content": "this is actually from instructables . com(http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Mechanical-Iris/?ALLSTEPS)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.258586
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/birthday-gift-is-a-constant-reminder-of-impending-aarp-membership/
|
Birthday Gift Is A Constant Reminder Of Impending AARP Membership
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"clock hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"launchpad",
"LM317",
"timer"
] |
Sometimes milestone birthdays can be a bit depressing. 30 is rough, and 40 tougher – but 50…that’s a big one!
[Ryan’s] uncle is going to be turning 50 shortly, and in the interest of good-natured fun, he has constructed a handy
birthday countdown timer
for his uncle, lest he forget (or tries to avoid) the big day.
The device displays the amount of time left before his uncle’s birthday, playing an audio clip of “Don’t fear the Reaper” when the clock strikes 00:00. This is accomplished by using the MSP430’s internal clock to keep time, while also interfacing with a Nokia 3310 LCD panel to display the countdown timer. The music is provided by the circuit board from a greeting card he gutted for the project, which was wired to the LaunchPad in order to be triggered at the right moment. Everything was crammed inside an Altoids tin, as you can see in the picture above.
Though not overly complicated, it’s a fun little project, and we’re hoping his uncle gets a big kick out of it. Once his birthday has come and gone, [Ryan] plans on converting the piece into a permanent desktop clock for his uncle.
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364845",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:18:32",
"content": "This is awesome. Well as long as i dont put it into context with my own age. Then im just glad we have cake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364850",
"author": "Rmg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:25:08",
"content": "…. an lm317 clock? tsss… hackaday…. atleast READ the source article… the lm317 is an voltage regulator",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364852",
"author": "Fallen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:25:48",
"content": "Lmao awesom",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364853",
"author": "ryan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:26:32",
"content": "Ya, the lm317 isn’t to keep time..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364854",
"author": "Smokey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:29:12",
"content": "“This is accomplished by using a LM317 clock to keep time”LM317 clock. Hell yeah!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364860",
"author": "Sean",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:38:59",
"content": "Adjustable voltage regulator == Clock??",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364862",
"author": "pfargtl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:42:21",
"content": "i read lm317 and i was like wut?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364872",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T13:14:20",
"content": "I have no idea what you guys are on about. I always keep time with a simple voltage regulator, don’t you?Mea culpas all around – I wrote this up late last night and was clearly delirious at the time – I saw LM317, read DS1337. Time for new glasses!Thank you for pointing out my glaring mistake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364893",
"author": "AgedCheddar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T13:46:09",
"content": "Glaring is only a mistake when aimed at the wrong person.It can be quite useful at times for expressing what a verbal exchange would be wholly inadequate for.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364909",
"author": "Jeff",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:12:40",
"content": "Sad, so sad… I turned 50 last week. My nephew even did not show up. He went to a party abroad instead. He sent me an SMS to tell me ‘happy birthday’ and that he ran out of money and that his cell phone had to be recharged. I got the hint…I wish my nephew was as creative as the one above.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364910",
"author": "Pilotgeek",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:13:55",
"content": "2nd Try… Hackaday isn’t a fan of ascii art?….-‘—`-..’……….`.|………….\\|…………..\\\\…………_..\\,\\.._….,’-,/-)\\(.*.\\.\\,’.,’.,’-)…_,)…..-‘,-‘)…\\/……..”/….)……././…/…….,’-‘",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364929",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:12:35",
"content": "Next week on HAD we feature the new Lm555 microprocessor!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364969",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:36:48",
"content": "Harsh crowd lol, I figured there was some coffee involved somewhere with that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365077",
"author": "crystalfire",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:21:38",
"content": "Now for more fun… add some yellow or gray playdoe and mail it internationally to a forwarder and mail it to your uncle.//Why yes, I’ll have the rubber glove treatment.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365318",
"author": "anti-fanboi",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T03:43:48",
"content": "@fartfaceWTF!! Oh, you mean the “Arduino”…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3602849",
"author": "Stan Arduous",
"timestamp": "2017-05-20T07:32:06",
"content": "The link seems to be an attack website. Where is the original project?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.108194
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/wristwatch-turntables/
|
Wristwatch Turntables
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Musical Hacks"
] |
[
"instructables",
"turntable"
] |
Ever wish you could DJ on the fly while using equipment that your already wearing? Well neither have we but heck now we can, cheaply and easily with the
Wristwatch Turntables
. While being functional and stylish, this interesting project is fairly easy to construct and if need be, even sports a full function digital watch.
The audio electronics are donated by a pair of talking / musical greeting cards. Both, “record your own” and “just deal with what we give you” types, though which ones you choose is left up to your taste. The greeting cards are then cut apart for their hidden goodies and then a little circuit bending action is performed to monkey with the amplifier of the sound module.
Potentiometers are added, buttons are relocated, and everything gets housed in a small box, with a wristwatch ran down the middle so you can wear the whole deal and blast your funky beats anywhere you may be. Join us after the break for a quick video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfFWFbSO8Gk&w=450]
| 7
| 7
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364822",
"author": "Bramswynn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T11:23:56",
"content": "This is very reminiscent of the Wasp T12 Speechtool (http://www.trashbat.co.ck/t12/index.html), though of course it lacks the anti-shark mechanism.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364844",
"author": "Liam",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T12:17:36",
"content": "Somebody has seen Wavetwisters",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364874",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T13:16:36",
"content": "“Ever wish you could DJ on the fly while using equipment that your already wearing? ”Nope, never. even “dj’ing” in the smaller pro fake turntables sucks compared to a set of real ones.That thing is nothing but an exercise in frustration.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364971",
"author": "I/j Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:44:42",
"content": "this is…uber",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365273",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:48:59",
"content": "those audio cards are fun to play withi hooked up a motor to the battery and capacitor, it runs and if you stop the motor with your hands it stops the music slowly like a stabyou can also spin the motor and make the clip start and run at various speedsalso using the pot/timing resistor hack",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365615",
"author": "walt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T14:33:31",
"content": "totally doesn’t work as a watch. you’d have to take your watch off just to put your coat on.. or to take your shirt off.. or wipe your butt. come to think of it, I don’t think I could drive with a black box on my wrist. what if the fresh dj jams go me going and I busted into a dance? I would probably knock people out with my brick wrist.some dude- “yo, what time is it?”wrist dj- “I dunno. I’m a DJ. yo, check it..” *crunch* *scrape* *phychology-logy-gy-gy* *lo-fi noise*some dude- “hey man, I think your blood pressure monitor is broken. I hope you don’t die or something”wrist dj- “eff all that noise. I’m a DJ and this be my jamz. here we go!..” *crunch* *re-reverse* *phy* *bzzzt* “yeah. that shit’s dope yall!”some dude- “never mind what I said. I do hope you die.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365991",
"author": "Hitek146",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:18:29",
"content": "^Hahaha!!! That’s some funny shit! Also, agreed, this is not a wristwatch…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.60857
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/rf-range-finder-doesnt-need-to-see-to-calculate-distance/
|
RF Range Finder Doesn’t Need To See To Calculate Distance
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Radio Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] |
[
"range finder",
"RF"
] |
Instructables user [Jones Electric] has been quite busy lately, building a
radio-frequency range finder
. Built as part of a German youth science competition, he and his partner built a pair of transmitter/receiver modules that can be used to measure distances of up to a mile (~1.5km). Their argument for radio-based rangefinders is that laser rangefinders are obviously limited to line of sight, whereas their range finders are not.
To determine the distance between the two stations, the base station is triggered, which starts a counter and sends a 433 MHz signal to the second station. When the second station receives the signal, it in turn broadcasts an 868 MHz signal, which is received by the base station. The total distance between the points is then calculated based upon the round trip time of the two radio signals.
[Jones Electric] claims that the range finder is relatively accurate, with a deviation of up to 5 meters per measurement, and that the accuracy could be increased by adding a higher frequency crystal to the timing circuit.
We are pretty sure using these two frequencies in the US without a license is not allowed, though we are unsure of the usage laws in Germany, where this was constructed.
| 35
| 35
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364448",
"author": "Nippey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:10:20",
"content": "Great project.These frequencies are free here in germany ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364449",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:10:30",
"content": "In the most of Europe, 433MHz is at low powers unlicensed and used for lots of remote operated equipment, including RF based power switches and such.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364451",
"author": "kernelcode",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:12:27",
"content": "868 MHz is smack bang in the middle of CDMA BC0… So I reckon that’s probably frowned upon in the US.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364455",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:17:01",
"content": "While it would probably take a much more powerful (and faster!) MCU, doing phase-comparison or rising/trailing edge detection on the signal can get you time-of-flight accuracy to a thousandth of a percent or better. That’s what GPS receivers are doing to measure distance to a few meters when they’re 20,000km away ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364460",
"author": "superlopez",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:24:38",
"content": "433/868 are the european equivalent of 315/915 Mhz in US.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364461",
"author": "Kemp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:25:02",
"content": "To my knowledge, 433MHz is allowed in most places, and 868MHz is allowed in Europe (isn’t 900MHz or thereabouts the equivalent in the US?).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364462",
"author": "Kemp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:25:32",
"content": "Ah, my question has been answered before I asked it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364463",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:30:13",
"content": "Might be answered in the article (will take a look when a get more time), but how did they compensate for the “offset” or latency caused by the remote station (time to receive, detect, transmit). Given the speed of light, every nano second of additional delay will cause error (one feet (0.3m) per ns).I suppose that delay should be fairly constant, so some calibration can take care of it.Great idea!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364465",
"author": "truthspew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:32:35",
"content": "I’m good on the 433mHz band in fact it appears a lot of devices use that.The 866mHz band however is land mobile. I suppose my commercial radiotel license might cover me but why risk it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364468",
"author": "Miroslav",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:35:42",
"content": "@macwPossibly I missed your point with detecting the phase detection, but not sure it’s applicable here.Remote “station” does not have a refference to compare the phase with, and if you do that on the main station’s side, it’s not te same signal anymore.GPS does it quite differently as they do not compare absolute dalays (what this device does), but relative delays between several (many) refferential points distributed arround the (visible) sky. Also all refferential points (satellites) are using high level of syncronization (interal clocks), that one can’t aford with a home brew :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364474",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:41:39",
"content": "Elegant.-and who doesn’t like a good RF hack?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364518",
"author": "macona",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:57:57",
"content": "Pointless. Laser range finders dont need to be in two places at once like this does. Thats really nice when you are trying to blow up the thing you are measuring the distance to. And there is a RF range finder, its called radar.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364530",
"author": "Ken",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:21:28",
"content": "Why does he need 10 digits??? Looks like fun anyway!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364533",
"author": "Williwaw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:22:05",
"content": "^^Dont be a delta bravo macona!*******************************Great project and congratulations on 1st prize. Your passive coordination sounds reminisce of LORAN, unlike that of an active RADAR.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364543",
"author": "Homer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:45:06",
"content": "@macona I wouldn’t really call it useless. It says it’s part of a youth science competition, and I take this to mean they’re less than 18 years old (not professional engineers). While not very efficient as opposed to commercial alternatives, it is a very good exercise and project for young minds.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364605",
"author": "lwatcdr",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T02:28:28",
"content": "Actually this sounds a lot like DME. As to being useless. Not really was used for decades as a navigation system and still is until VOR/DME is retired.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364632",
"author": "therian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T03:27:41",
"content": "Im god and I let all electromagnetic spectrum to be used as you wish",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364680",
"author": "joshfee",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T04:55:21",
"content": "I could see some fun Geocaching applications :) :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364717",
"author": "Greg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T06:34:53",
"content": "They are using a 30Mhz counter and they are getting measurements that are +-5 meters?How is that possible (the light travels in a 30 millionth of a second 10 meters)?What about other delays, how are they compensating for temperature changes?I thing this is great work, I am just a little bit skeptical regarding the precision.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364735",
"author": "Marco",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T07:23:30",
"content": "Nice project, but I doubt that this actually scored 1st place in the jugend forscht nationals. They tend to be a lot more competitive than the regionals.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364758",
"author": "qwerty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T08:26:37",
"content": "Two thumbs up for the interesting project but one thumb down for posting it at Instructables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364760",
"author": "INquiRY",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T08:39:51",
"content": "To add to superlopez post regarding the frequency:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_band",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364778",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T09:25:07",
"content": "Very nice, but way to inaccurate and cumbersome to be really useful.I like the multiple numeric displays.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364791",
"author": "Jan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T09:46:06",
"content": "868MHz is used for alarms, RFID and similar low power devices in Europe. So the rangefinder is probably fine in Europe.OTOH, the various FM wireless microphones (bugs) transmitting in the 88-108MHz band that I have seen here are completely illegal in Europe. If someone complains of interference, you are in for a hefty fine.Check your local laws before tinkering with radio!Jan",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364817",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T11:06:12",
"content": "If they took four measurements and calculated the average, they would in effect get one bit more information, which would mean that they would double their resolution.So, all they need is 16 times supersampling, and they’re down to 1 m accuracy, assuming that the deviation is random.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364870",
"author": "holly_smoke",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T13:03:54",
"content": "Jan I think you will find European law not as simple as you make out.Low power FM transmitters are allowed. Infact my Nokia N97 handset has one built in which allows me to listen to MP3 files playing on the phone via my car stereo.The range is limited to a few meters, due to legal requirements.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365111",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:05:07",
"content": "Awesome project, and impressive results.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365405",
"author": "Jon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T07:39:44",
"content": "Good to see an RF hack.Too bad this project can’t be used in the US (unless using different frequencies).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365444",
"author": "woutervddn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T09:47:21",
"content": "@greg I agree on the calculating delays, but what has temperature have to do with it? afaik EM waves keep traveling the same speed regardless of the temperature..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365540",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:37:42",
"content": "Meh, I saw a project write-up very much like this in an electronics magazine in the early 90’s. I don’t remember which magazine, maybe Circuit Cellar?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365703",
"author": "Tom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:53:30",
"content": "@Jan You are wrong. There’s a European guideline that had to be implemented in the whole Eurozone which allows you to run a FM rig on every frequency in 88 – 108MHz but only on low power (I thought it was 25 or 50mW EIRP).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366004",
"author": "Thomas",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:40:16",
"content": "Can anyone tell me how to do this with Arduino or perhaps some other microprocessor(s)?The processor speed would be the limiting factor for precision. I really think this can be done WAY simpler.What if you use VxWorks or something",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366334",
"author": "Greg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:23:23",
"content": "@woutervddnTemperature is affecting the frequency at which the crystal is oscillating. This adds a significant error to the measurements.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366399",
"author": "N3LPT",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T15:58:39",
"content": "In the US, 433MHz requires a license. Hams also share the band with Federal operators, so please don’t transmit illegally!http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Hambands_color.pdf",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3525651",
"author": "Demyke",
"timestamp": "2017-04-14T14:56:11",
"content": "This is a good work, keep on, I’m this knowledge of yours can be greatly employed where you neva thought. Thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.849223
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/tis-grace-a-new-mcu-ide-gui-dnftt/
|
TI’s Grace – A New MCU IDE GUI (DNFTT)
|
Jason Komp
|
[
"Microcontrollers",
"News",
"Software Development"
] |
[
"ide",
"texas instruments"
] |
TI has recently been fighting to gain traction in the market of low-cost microcontroller development platforms with products such as the MSP430 Value Line Launchpad. In order to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base and appeal to a broader market they have recently released
Grace beta Graphical Peripheral Configuration Tool
. Grace is a plugin for TI’s own Code-Composer Studio (CCS) IDE that allows users to graphically control many aspecst of MSP430 development and is compatible with all MSP430F2xx/G2xx MCUs.
Utilizing a simple “wizard-like” interface, Grace allows users to quickly and efficiently control peripherals such clocks, timers, OpAmps, ADCs, GPIOs, comparators, and even more advanced features such as serial communications or the configuration of low-level register settings. Once everything is configured as desired, Grace outputs standard C code that can be debugged and handled as if it were hand-written.
Although Code-Composer Studio is not free, there is a 30-day full-featured trial available as well as other (restricted) free
licensing options
as well. Since CCS is based on the Eclipse open-source software development framework, perhaps we will see other similar development tools in the near future. Although not an apples-to-apples comparison, we could imagine that such a tool might provide many novice users with a simple and cost-effective alternative to the Arduino IDE.
The questions then becomes: If a later incarnation were to raise the MSP430 line to “Arduino-killer” status, would it be rejoiced as such or would it simply then become a new target for those die-hard microcontroller purists who love to shout “overkill” on the forums at the slightest provocation? Of course we would love to hear your take in the comments below!
| 49
| 46
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364405",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:19:12",
"content": "“TI has recently been fighting to gain traction in the market of low-cost microcontroller development platforms with products such as the MSP430 Value Line Launchpad” and “Although Code-Composer Studio is not free…”.Sorry, but for me it’s a fail. If TI wants more amateur users, they really must giveaway their dev tools for free.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "565186",
"author": "marcus",
"timestamp": "2012-01-23T08:03:32",
"content": "agree!!Why some many people like arduino, Open software and open hardware?I like the TI’s product!! But, I dont like TI.!!",
"parent_id": "364405",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364417",
"author": "vinito",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:32:42",
"content": "Here here.Nothing will ever “kill” Arduino unless the dev tools are free.Since this has been obvious from the beginning and since they TI bean-counters are still resisting it, I don’t think it’s likely to ever change. Thus Arduino will maintain it’s status as King until those blinder-wearing suits “get” the clue.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364418",
"author": "Chris W",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:35:28",
"content": "There is a “code size limited” version of Code Composer. While I just recently got my Launchpad, I can’t see how the size limit will be a problem as none of the current MSP430 chips will hit the 16kB limit. I’ll be trying out Grace as soon as I get the chance, but as I’m primarily a coder I’m not sure I’d have much use for it other than a quick way to get a program written.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364420",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:37:56",
"content": "The MSP430 series only have up to 8k of program space, and the main limitation on the free version of CCS is 10k of program size. There are effectively no limitations for hobbyists using the launchpad series to program MSP430s.Also, MSP-GCC exists if you just want to write code and burn it to the chip. It’s standard C — you don’t have to use the TI tools.The MSP430 isn’t really a competitor to the Arduino in theory, because it’s smaller and has much less memory. But for what most people use the Arduino for (blinking LEDs, sending and receiving serial data, and stuff) it’s ideal. It’s very low-power, drawing a tenth of a microamp (!) in sleep mode and only 3.5mA at full speed.Not everything has to be free and open-source to be a useful product and a good deal.(Actually, I find that open-source is usually completely at odds with the software being functional and useful, but that’s a discussion for another time)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364423",
"author": "Avaviel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:41:37",
"content": "Having many options in a market is a good thing. Choices.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364429",
"author": "gadget",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:45:02",
"content": "CCS is free for the code size limited version which I believe is larger than the chip’s flash ram capacity anyway. The real problem for TI IMO is that the arduino IDE and command language is much easier for beginners to grasp compared to TI’s offering, which is designed for professional development. Plus the Arduino has excellent library support by the hobbyist community.TI really needs to come out with a set of tools aimed squarely at this market if they want to succeed.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364430",
"author": "Chris W",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:45:21",
"content": "@macwOddly enough the Launchpad is open source. You can get the schematics, PCB, BOM and gerber files right from the wiki and build your own if you like. At $4.30 each you’d be nuts to build one if you realy want one.As for those that cry overkill any time someone uses an Arduino for every little project, the MSP430 would be an ideal choice in my opinion because of the small code size and low power usage.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364443",
"author": "trialex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:52:41",
"content": "Yep, this is an excellent step in the right direction.I do a lot of arduino projects, but I have ZERO interest in learning c++ or any other language to be able to use TI’s chips, so this does make them more tempting for low power projects.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364445",
"author": "naturetm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:57:27",
"content": "It would be good for MSP430 to get an Arduino-like IDE and libraries. With low price dev boards like the Launchpad, embedded development could be opened up to new audiences.I’d love to see it used as an educational tool in poorer countries. I picture a relatively small investment giving students real, applicable, 21st century skills. This could push business to invest in these regions, boosting economies.Some might say Arduino is merely a crutch, but I think it’s a stepping stone for the uninitiated. Anyone is free to move beyond the Arduino framework when they’re ready. That’s how I got started with MSP430.That said, I wouldn’t make much use of an Arduino-on-MSP430 framework, nor have I ever used GRACE. MSP430 is relatively simple to use, and the documentation is nice, so working with the peripherals hasn’t been too much of a problem.The point is, just because it’s not for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t right for someone else. I think that’s a point the Arduino-haters seem to miss sometimes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364447",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:03:01",
"content": "Does not run on linux.Not opensourceAnother crappy vendor locked IDE, which is totally useless.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "366319",
"author": "Darkmoon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:07:37",
"content": "LOL – Useless huh? I’ve worked with the vendor-locked / closed source / Windows-only solutions for MSP430, AVR, PSOC, M16C. They are anything but useless – and they were less fussy and had more features than the GNU MSP430 toolchain which (in 2004 anyway) didn’t even have a debugger worth mentioning, let alone using. Remember micros are aimed mostly at industry, not hobbyists, so be thankful they even give away any software for free (they didn’t used to!). And if you must be an open source snob, then hey, good on ya – I’ll stick with my IAR.",
"parent_id": "364447",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364453",
"author": "GWDeveloper",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:13:15",
"content": "Grace makes it really easy to set the registers. I ported the breathing LED application over to CCS using Grace.https://github.com/GWDeveloper/msp430-Breathe-with-Grace",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364456",
"author": "The Longhorn Engineer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:21:41",
"content": "@Necromant1. Most users don’t use Linux. I am sorry to break it to you. Once Linux becomes an intuitive product and its tech support becomes more then people bickering on forums then it might have a shot at OSx and Windows. Till then keep dreaming.2. Open source != good. It is just a buzzword used to get people to buy there products. The best DSPs on the market are TI products that are closed source.3. This MC is not useless at all. It was very low (extremely low) power consumption and could run for months if not up to a year in sleep mode. Probably longer if hooked into a lead acid battery. Perfect for applications out in the field.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364457",
"author": "moxbox",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:21:51",
"content": "Sorry, but Cypress Semiconductor has better capability than this for years, and it’s a free download! It can use GCC under the hood for ARM Cortex designs, or you can use their i8051 version with a free/lite version of Keil.http://www.cypress.com/?id=2494PSoC – Programable System on Chip…Think of it as a mixed signal FPGA/CPLD withgraphical/schematic user interface.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364473",
"author": "Jason Komp",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:40:36",
"content": "Some very good points are being made here! I forgot to reference it in the article, but in case you missed it about two weeks ago:http://hackaday.com/2011/03/09/header-file-brings-arduino-sketches-to-the-ti-launchpad/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364481",
"author": "J Harton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:58:05",
"content": "I don’t think a commercial company will be able to make an “arduino-killer”. They are too uncomfortable with releasing decent quality software for free and might not like only being able to make $30-40 on a dev board anyone could easily duplicate and sell.In any case, I would hate to see it. I haven’t done much with my own Arduino (Diecimila USB), but I would like it (someday) to be a stepping stone to more sophisticated direct programming, not piecing pre-generated code together or having WYSIWYG design software. That doesn’t appeal as much. It would be ok if someone made a new development system that was WYSIWYG, but it needs to be more usable than the Lego NXT tools, which are really worthless in my opinion due to limited functions.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364505",
"author": "cmholm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:41:13",
"content": "@J Harton, I hear what you’re saying re “arduino-killer”, since it’s hard to complete against “free”.On the other hand, since the Launchpad is a loss-leader intended to sell *many* more MSP430s, it might seem that tossing in more low-end, free-beer and/or speech dev tools could only help.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364507",
"author": "H3LIO",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:45:27",
"content": "I think T.I is doing a great job with launchpad, I rather be using ansi c++ than other c compilers. T.I had put lot of effort on Grace and tutorial videos.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364528",
"author": "nave.notnilc",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:18:42",
"content": "gcc is good enough for me :P",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364534",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:25:17",
"content": "Big deal. So it generates some register assignments for you. While the UI looks nice, sort of like interactive documentation, I see the following FAIL POINTS:1. It’s not Free. Will never replace actual free tools. In my professional work as well as my personal projects, I only use completely free tools. The transparency and flexibility this provides is tremendously important to me.2. TI’s tool generously generates code to assign registers, but if you don’t understand this code, you won’t be able to read and understand your own code later.3. You could have easily written the peripheral setup code yourself. In fact, since you did not actually write it, you probably don’t understand it.4. One more time: Seriously, how much work is it to assign a couple of register values to set up your peripheral?When you come back to read your C code again, you’ll wish you had not used a code generator, but instead wrote some readable, well-structured code yourself. You should expect your code to be read MANY times, so take a few moments to make it readable in the first place. Write once, read many!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "620394",
"author": "Matthew Rogan",
"timestamp": "2012-04-04T11:17:32",
"content": "it saves time and effort, you can get it to generate the register assignments so you can make your own damned code. you can look at the code it generates and it comes with comments so you can read it as you feel like and use some in your mainline code as you switch some peherals on and off (an important feature in ultra low power enviroments).plus the code limit is not something you’ll ever hit so it’s pretty much free. when you revisit old code theres two ways it can go down:with grace – gui showing how you set it up and the code it generates with full comments on how it’s set up and what you can change it to with each commandwithout – read through your comments if you remembered to add them and try to remember why you did it that way",
"parent_id": "364534",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364535",
"author": "ds2ktj",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:29:23",
"content": "Well here are my issues with it:1) TI – they can’t even get one in the mail to me. It ended up in customs for 2 weeks and is now on it’s way back to singapore.2) IDE/Dev Tools – On a mac it’s a pain – I don’t want to spend 2 hours building a tool chain to do anything. I want to be able to do what I need to do and be done.If/when I ever get my launchpad I’ll comment more…My arduino board came in 2 days – the only thing that would have made it better is if it came with a pile of additional micro-controllers so I could just prototype and pop one into my end project.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364540",
"author": "AlexParky",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:42:29",
"content": "TI for me is doing the right thing. For those of you that haven’t checked, the “free” version of CCS is free in very much the same way EAGLE is “free”. It’ll do what you need. Yes, the demo is limited to a 16kB code. Does anyone have an MSP430 that has more than 16kB memory? EAGLE is limited in an analogous way.TI also gives away free samples – I’ve got 3 Launchpads (not free) and about 10 microcontrollers scattered on my desk; I have another 5 on their way as I type.They also program in C, not “Processduino” or something.Keep it up TI, the competition is good for the Arduino (which, frankly, I’m getting a little sick of).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364548",
"author": "DBump",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:47:45",
"content": "Gadget’s comments are right on target. To compete with the hobbyist sector, the IDE has to be easy to configure and use. It’d also help if it were easier to even get, as it requires registration to even download, and a massive install process. Then, if you don’t program micros for a living, it’s a bit like opening Photoshop for the first time–so many things to click. Arduino IDE download is 3 clicks from the main page, unzips, runs without an install, and you’re coding away. That’s the experience they need to provide to even start catching up. I love the hardware; just wish it weren’t so painful to use it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364551",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:50:07",
"content": "@Necromant Open source is nice in theory, but proprietary closed-source software is what actually gets things done. Your car was designed in a $60,000 CAD package, the books you read were typeset in QuarkXPress, and your money is stored in some proprietary database on a bank’s ancient proprietary mainframe. I guess what I’m saying is, if you can’t accept that money needs to change hands for really good software to exist, then go to hell.@ColinB this is a way for beginners to quickly prototype things, not something for crusty neckbeards with 40 years of C experience to code in. Also see the above point about free vs. proprietary software.@everyone else: this isn’t really an Arduino killer because the chip isn’t comparable to an ATMega*. It’s closer to an ATTiny. You likely won’t see an Arduino bootloader kind of thing on it because it has such a small amount of program space. Gotta save all that space for your actual code!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364577",
"author": "Philip",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T01:41:28",
"content": "Anyone else keep getting a retarded error when trying to add Grace? Something about Grace requres org.eclipse.rtsc.xdctools_3.21The problem is the only version of RTSC/XDCTools available to update to is 3.20WTF TI WTF",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364596",
"author": "Dr bob bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T02:13:23",
"content": "If the launchpad replaces the Arduino I would be really happy. I doubt that it will because of the already mentioned issues. The reason that I would like this to replace the Arduino is the fact that the launchpad has a built in debugger. I don’t care what you say about printf, there are times where I want to single step debug. This is one of the reasons that I don’t really like python since I don’t have a single step debugger. (I am willing to listen to suggestions on python debuggers)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364618",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T02:53:53",
"content": "Why does the MSP430 have to be a *duino “killer”? Why can’t hobbyists have more than one microcontroller to choose from? As I see it, four big advantages of the MSP430 are its low cost, low support component count (internal oscillator, even), its low power consumption, and that it doesn’t require expensive hardware to flash a bootloader. That $5 Launchpad is all you need to program a fistful of microprocessors.I don’t see the need for an IDE for the vast majority of embedded microcontroller projects; this kind of C is pretty straightforward, and porting over much of the Arduino libraries is reasonably trivial. (Look at Hive76’s port of the Arduino’s LCD library, for instance.)If anything’s hampering the adoption of the MSP430, I’d guess it’s the lack of dev boards, myself…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364628",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T03:12:56",
"content": "It amazes me how people think a “Locked” IDE is just fine as long as the limitations don’t impact their playing around with “entry-level” processors. Learning to effectively use a new programming environment is a time consuming, hence costly endeavor – an investment if you will. I don’t want to invest my valuable resources in something that wants to hook a vacuum cleaner to my bank account the first time I need to step up to a slightly higher powered controller!Forget it TI – find your minions elsewhere.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364634",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T03:29:24",
"content": "@DroneHow exactly is learning this IDE a “time consuming investment”? The process is still “write code, burn to chip, there is no step three” like it always has been. The code is plain old C, which anyone who calls themselves a programmer should already understand. What’s so hard, learning where the “debug” button has moved to?The nice thing about learning to program is that once you’ve learned a language, most of what you need to learn to pick up another is just syntax — and like I said, this is C, so what is there to learn?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364636",
"author": "Daniel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T03:36:13",
"content": "@Dr bob bob +1 Arduino should have a debugger. It’s a pity that the AVR debugging protocol is proprietary; I’m pretty sure you could single-step an Arduino with the $50. AVR dragon.Python has at least 5 single-step debuggers, including the excellent WinPDB and the not-as-excellent but built-into-the-standard-library pdb, and one for every Python IDE.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364637",
"author": "Emg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T03:37:19",
"content": "This is cool and all for the most basic users. I’m a EE though and some of my peers have started to use this tool and I swear they act like they completely forgot microprocessor based design. All of the sudden they are completely reliant on the tool to do anything.So. Great for beginners/ laymen. Horriblefor engineers because it will become a crutch and a way to not learn and understand microprocessor coding.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364652",
"author": "Forrest Voight",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T04:02:30",
"content": "@macw, yet you’re using an open source browser (assuming you’re using something other than IE) to access an open source web server running an open source CMS …",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364668",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T04:20:51",
"content": "@Forrest Voight — web software is certainly one of the places where open-source software has become established, but it’s far from popular outside these computer geek circles. Internet Explorer still holds the largest share of any browser. And in the rest of computing, forget about it! Hardly anyone has heard of OpenOffice (which still has terrible compatibility with Office), the GIMP is nowhere near a replacement for Photoshop, and there are actually more people browsing the web from iOS than from all Linux variations combined.Open source is great in theory, but anyone who rejects all forms of proprietary software and thinks they’re getting the same experience as the rest of the world is just deluding themselves.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364723",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T06:42:23",
"content": "@Phillip – I’m getting the same error. Not sure why. Anyone able to successfully get this loaded using the instructions in the wiki?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364728",
"author": "ColinB",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T07:05:39",
"content": "@macw – As a user of and advocate for free software and open source, I certainly do *not* think I’m getting the same experience as the “rest of the world”… the whole point is to have a better experience!For instance, I carefully set up my dual-core Apple MacBook Pro for triple-boot into Windows, Mac OS X, and Ubuntu. I haven’t used Windows or Mac OS on it for over two years now, because I simply prefer the Ubuntu experience.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364734",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T07:22:12",
"content": "OK, I found this which helped.http://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/msp43016-bit_ultra-low_power_mcus/f/166/p/91412/319254.aspxThis is what it says.You can also download the Grace installer directly by enteringhttp://software-dl.ti.com/dsps/dsps_public_sw/sdo_ccstudio/grace/features/com.ti.sdo.grace_1.00_1.0.0.56-eng/grace_setupwin32_1_00_00_56_eng.exein your browser. You can also get XDCtools 3.21.0.27-eng (required for using Grace beta release) athttp://software-dl.ti.com/dsps/dsps_public_sw/sdo_ccstudio/TargetContent/Updates/full/features/org.eclipse.rtsc.xdctools_3.21_3.21.0.27-eng/xdctools_ccs_setupwin32_3_21_00_27_eng.exeInstall these two bundles in the default folder – c:\\Program Files\\Texas Instruments. When you startup CCS4, the IDE will detect these products and prompt a restart. After the restart you should be able to start using Grace.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364759",
"author": "henryh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T08:28:43",
"content": "@Dr bob bobThis doesn’t work for you?import pdbpdb.set_trace()",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364808",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T10:38:45",
"content": "C’mon guys, have you seriously never met a troll before…? You _do_not_ feed it. You completely disregard it so it gets bored and crawls back under the rock it came from. Or you could get some popcorn and just enjoy the fireworks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364923",
"author": "Necromant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:49:15",
"content": "@macw o’rly? There are certain things, where you cannot go off without a proprietary software, but not in this case. The worst part of basing projects on such crap is, that should you want to port it to another vendor’s micro, you’ll have a lot of sex as a result. At least some pain in the ass maintaining two different branches. Okay, now there are thingies like IAR that work for many micros, but they are not a panacea.Once you have to deal with something more perculiar, like supporting several uC device revisions with a slightly different hardware and logic, you’ll discover that this stuff goes beyond the things a preprocessor can handle. Things get worse when you need to make code as small as possible to use the cheapes uC to save money in mass production.Besides, each so-called IDE is a totally different shit, and you’ll waste your time getting yourself familiar with all that hotkeys. Personally I use emacs & makefiles. This is the most universal stuff ever created.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364930",
"author": "uC",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:12:56",
"content": "@ds2ktjYou cant get the launchpads still? Really? I buy them to give them away to fellow hackers, and early hackers. I’ve gone through almost 10 of them already, and just got another 3 yesterday after waiting about 3 days for them to arrive.They’re cheap, and they ship them for free. Cant ask for anything more.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365085",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:30:08",
"content": "@Max ColinB is a pretty good troll. Go to his website and he claims to be a wedding photographer, and he hasn’t used anything but Ubuntu in 2 years? I wouldn’t want him to shoot my wedding!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365196",
"author": "George",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:09:03",
"content": "macw: Why does one’s OS preferences affect one’s artistic ability? I have a good friend who’s a professional photographer, shooting art stuff and intentionally-retro portraiture with fifty-year-old film cameras, mainly in monochrome. He uses Debian as an OS of choice, but his entire workflow is 100% analog…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365330",
"author": "Dr bob bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T04:22:51",
"content": "@Daniel and @henryhThanks for the python debugging suggestions. I hadn’t looked around for any python debugging. The reason that I brought it up was because most python advocates that I have talked to just rely on print statements and forgo the use of a debugger.Print statements may work fine on a PC for most cases but there are times when I want to really know what is going on. On an embedded system things are usually time critical and print statements can take a long time (especially if they are 9600 baud serial)I need to get around to buying a Dragon to play with AVRs. I have a cheap ISP that should work but it does not debug. I found a clone of the JTAGICE for $18 from mdfly that might be nice for debugging AVRs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365513",
"author": "kaluce",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:51:34",
"content": "but will the MSP430 run crysis?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "385565",
"author": "Donald Murray",
"timestamp": "2011-04-24T23:36:18",
"content": "I just ordered my launchpad. I think it’s unbeatable at that price $4.30 !!!! with 2 microcontrollers and I can get a bunch free for samples. The tools are free for all practical purposes. Most of these chips are under 4K flash and the CCS tools have a max size of 16K for the free version (I don’t see a problem here). I really don’t care if it’s a little complex to install the tools. I’m not a beginner. I believe that the more options, the better. ST is doing something similar with their STM32 and STM8 discovery boards. The more the merrier.I’m currently planning a project for a device to assist the blind that I need to use a low power fast cheap processor and the MSP430 hits the spot (is even cheaper and more powerful than comparible PICs). I can hook a 20 cent serial EEPROM onto it if I want or a 2M serial flash for 50 cents if I want some more storage space which my app will want. It’s a perfect solution for what I want to do to prototype my project. The more the merrier.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "804711",
"author": "Larry",
"timestamp": "2012-10-03T20:58:32",
"content": "Hello all,I was born in the first half of the last century, but still try to keep up with available tools. I have been writing software since 1965.I just tried GRACE last night for the first time. I have to say that this is an incredible time saver. The first time I wrote a PWM routine for an MSP430 device, it took me about a month to work out all of the bugs. Last night it took no more than 30 minutes, and that included learning how to stumble through a minimal GRACE learning curve.I can’t wait to use it for A/D conversion and even simple GPIO.I don’t work for TI, and have mainly developed using Microchip products. I think I will use more MSP430 devices for a while at least.By the way, great site you have here.Larry",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "8114554",
"author": "Bill Roman",
"timestamp": "2025-04-02T00:03:51",
"content": "Since GRACE is no longer supported by composer and I have a msp430 launchPad I have someone’s code to just flash to a MSP430G2211. I have a grace.cfg and a main.c file. How would I flash this if I’m using Composer 20.1 …….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.119756
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/magic-8-thing-answers-all-of-your-burning-questions/
|
Magic 8 Thing Answers All Of Your Burning Questions
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Microcontrollers",
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"8-ball",
"atmega",
"lcd"
] |
[Pete] was hard at work putting off a repair job for a friend, and wondered how much longer he could possibly procrastinate. With no fellow humans in earshot to which he could propose this question, he thought it would be great if he could ask a Magic 8-ball for an answer. Alas, he doesn’t have a Magic 8-ball, so
he would have to build one
if he wanted his answer.
Continuing to delay the repair job, he scrounged around his house and dug up an ATmega328 to control the 8-ball and a LCD panel to display the sage-like responses. He wanted the 8-ball to be as authentic in operation as he could, so he had to locate some sort of sensor that would register if the device had been shaken. With no accelerometer at hand, he opted to use a mercury tilt switch that he scavenged from an old thermostat. He wrote some software to display the responses from the original Magic 8-ball when shaken, then he threw the components together in a small plastic case.
As you can see in the video below, his Magic 8-thing works just like the original, sans the dark fluid and icosahedron. If you were wondering, he did finally ask the 8-thing whether he had procrastinated long enough on his initial task – the response: “Yes”
If you’re in the mood for more Magic 8-ball shenanigans,
check out
these posts
!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edm9MSHHszk&w=470]
| 6
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364498",
"author": "Frank",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:31:03",
"content": "It would be awesome if you can power this using the same method those shake-up flash lights use.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364499",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:31:13",
"content": "i like how the mercury switch is actually big enough that you can hear itsounds similar to a real magic8ball",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364526",
"author": "VIPER!",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:14:41",
"content": "You know they made these things in 1946 and they didnt even need an ATmega328 or a LCD display for that matter.Cool tho.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364588",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T02:04:41",
"content": "it would have been cool if he attached the contrast to a pwm or digipot to make it fade in like a real magic 8 ball XP",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "364911",
"author": "mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:21:57",
"content": "Even better, use a smaller display and mount it in an old 8ball shell.",
"parent_id": "364588",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "365218",
"author": "Barti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:50:46",
"content": "That is what I made recently for a friend of mine for his birthday:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_OiARQenzs",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.710179
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/remote-controlled-tank-tread-robot-will-walk-the-dog-for-you/
|
Remote-controlled Tank Tread Robot Will Walk The Dog For You
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"autonomous",
"parallax",
"robot"
] |
Instructables user [IAMTHEBOT] recently
finished building his robot
which can be controlled by a human using an R/C transmitter, via a PC, or through its built-in object avoidance system. The robot doesn’t seem to have a name, though Johnny Five might be appropriate.
The robot was built using plenty of erector set parts, as well as a Lynx motion tank tread kit. The robot is crammed full of controllers, including a Propeller USB servo controller which operates the arms, and a pair of Parallax motor controllers to manage the tread movement. A pair of Parallax Stamp controllers are used to drive these controllers as well as to manage the remainder of the robot’s functions.
The robot’s head consists of a custom pan and tilt wireless camera system, which allows him to drive it around from the comfort of his home, while watching the video stream on his PC. The robot also has the ability to roam around autonomously, avoiding objects using a ping sensor that can be mounted where the camera is currently located. It seems all that’s missing is Steve Guttenberg.
As you can see in the videos below, the robot manages pretty well on all sorts of surfaces, and even walks this guy’s dogs.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLuBOUzhSWc&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgGu_RPKA-w&w=470]
| 30
| 28
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365157",
"author": "joe hosman",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T20:06:08",
"content": "lol, looks like the dog is walking the robot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365159",
"author": "QWERTY",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T20:11:00",
"content": "Johnny 5?!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365164",
"author": "Zack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T20:20:52",
"content": "My first thought was.. “HEY, LAZERLIPS”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365165",
"author": "MrX",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T20:21:02",
"content": "Holly crap! This is one of the best constructions I’ve seen in a while. Props to the author!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365206",
"author": "Admiral Michael",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:35:42",
"content": "Number Five Alive!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365210",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:41:00",
"content": "Not to say anything bad but is there a functional purpose for the raised center point on the tracks?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "3257856",
"author": "Max West",
"timestamp": "2016-11-07T12:40:45",
"content": "Yes that raised portion is where the drive sprockets and the motors are.",
"parent_id": "365210",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "365212",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:44:37",
"content": "While I’m sure it’s advanced and awesome in some way, my dog won’t even go near my brother without growling or barking. I’m gonna venture that he won’t go near this either.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365217",
"author": "M4CGYV3R",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:48:51",
"content": "Strikes two and three would have to be that it is based on the Parallax BOE base, and that it’s posted on Instructables.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365219",
"author": "anon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:54:44",
"content": "I think if it took my dog for a walk. You’d never see the robot again.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365223",
"author": "dwan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T22:03:00",
"content": "Drake : Maybe to adjust the tension of the tracks ?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365226",
"author": "hekilledmywire",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T22:12:34",
"content": "The high point of the tracks is where the motors are located, so they are a bit further from the ground protecting them a little bit more from water and dust.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365232",
"author": "Will",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T22:28:51",
"content": "@Mac:And where’s strike one? Oh…wait…it was joe cool using a 4 as an A and a 3 as an E. roflFAIL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365242",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T00:54:28",
"content": "@M4CGYV3R Good thing its for his dog then Those things arnt strikes but bonuses.This is epic, anyone that dosn’t like how others do their creations are welcome to build their own and to post it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365271",
"author": "medwardl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:44:33",
"content": "First thing I thought of when I saw it was Johny 5",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365317",
"author": "James Shield",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T03:43:20",
"content": "Wallace & Gromit anyone?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365335",
"author": "apothus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T04:38:51",
"content": "Lynx motion actually sell a complete kit with the tracks as a jhonny 5 replica so im sure they will be glad thats what people think.http://www.lynxmotion.com/images/hi-res/j501.jpgI have one of these triTrax kits at home and i have been impressed with them. The triangle formation makes it easier for the laser cut parts to have some ground clearance. An important point to note is that there is an alternate motor configuration that comes with shaft encoders. A useful addition considering the large internal firction of the tracks. My pwm motor controllers (ardumoto) run at 80% duty just to get the tracks moving without load on them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365369",
"author": "RBR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T05:54:55",
"content": "@DrakeI always thought the triangle formation on some tracks were to allow you to reconfigure it by flipping upside down so it can tread over large objects. For example a rock thats larger than the track roller size Kinda like thishttp://goo.gl/BCANR",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365386",
"author": "Amos",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T06:50:02",
"content": "WOOT! Johnny 0.5! Now just get the wise-cracking AI and LED bar-graph lips installed and you’re golden!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365451",
"author": "DDevine",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T10:12:26",
"content": "I’m surprised somebody hasn’t yet referred to the sexual connotation of “robot will walk the dog for you.”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365622",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T14:37:25",
"content": "Ya mama was a snowblower! Nice design. I think Johnny 5 was my inspiration to get interested in Robotics.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365721",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:24:58",
"content": "Call me when the robot can give me a “Rusty Venture”…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366015",
"author": "IMTHEBOT",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:05:45",
"content": "HEY guys thanks for the comments!!! I appreciate it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366047",
"author": "ewanuno",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T00:27:47",
"content": "looks funall lynxmotion kit by the looks of it.fairly pricey all the stuff though. i wanted a robot platfrom like the lynxmotuion 4×4 rover, but i ended up just building it from metal L section shelving.i did buy the sabertooth 4×10 diferential motor controler though, it’s great, easy to control, and with regenerative breaking!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366139",
"author": "Eages",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T04:26:19",
"content": "He’s a mini Johnny 5. Perhaps his name should be Johnny 4? Replace the webcam with a Kinect and you won’t need a ping sensor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366149",
"author": "apothus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T05:06:07",
"content": "@Eages I like the kinect idea. I hadnt even considered that with mine. Modelling the Ultrasonic and IR sesors on mine is driving me mad as it is..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "369313",
"author": "asc",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T18:02:23",
"content": "cool, but this is a complete off the shelf kit bar the usb cam which he doesn’t even explain how it is hooked up (i think it is all looks at the moment)overall, nothing special, awesome or hacktastic given you can buy this entire kit off the shelf…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370758",
"author": "IAMTHEBOT",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:20:35",
"content": "You obviously know nothing about robotics or electronics. First off I used tank tread kit brackets and some servos. I built the body, and configured everything else including the head pan and tilt and wireless camera. I used all my own electronics and wired everything up my way and programmed and incoorperated the remote. Robotics is about what it can do and the program and I’ll out program you anyday!!!. So no it is not even close off the shelf there buddy. SOMEONE SOUNDS JEALOUS!!… Where is yours at?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2605803",
"author": "Dennis",
"timestamp": "2015-06-12T15:24:56",
"content": "Doubt you have the time but could you please teach me a few things?If you have the time maybe you can learn something too.",
"parent_id": "370758",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "370766",
"author": "IAMTHEBOT",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T01:27:30",
"content": "on top of that i just encorporated telepresence on to it I mean come on man dont diss",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.777552
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/high-voltage-how-to-cook-your-goose-in-62-easy-steps/
|
High Voltage: How To Cook Your Goose In 62 Easy Steps
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"ac",
"danger"
] |
Prepare to learn. [Grenadier] has put together
a collection of information about AC electricity
that can safely be called a super-post. In 62 parts he covers a myriad of topics, some of them safe, many of them not so much. You may want to spend time reading through everything that he has to offer, but just in case you don’t, step one is a table of contents. In it you’ll find a listing of major points including transformers of every kind imaginable; from microwave ovens, neon signs, bug zappers, x-rays, and televisions. [Grenadier] covers the type of transformers that these items use, where to find them, and how to set up your own experiments. There’s plenty of pictures and several videos where the high-powered sparks fly. We feel like there’s enough here that we can be satisfied with vicarious AC interactions while safely in front of our monitor and far away from the heart-stopping action.
[Thanks Marcus]
| 18
| 18
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365120",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:13:53",
"content": "i have never seen so many illegally used copyrighted images on a single instructable ever XDi prefer AC flybacks ZVS driven and MOTs my self but i love any hv!if you have any hv transformers laying about your willing to sell or hand off give me a shout atonebiozz@gmail.com",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365124",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:25:13",
"content": "@biozzAfter writing the instructable there was only enough time for me to take about 80% of the pictures I needed. As time permits I plan on replacing the last 20% with my own pictures, though some of them I’ll need to buy transformers first. IE the potential transformers (I don’t have a couple hundred dollars to spend on one atm).And I’ll take HV transformers too…Teravolt.org (at) gmail (dot com)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365149",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:49:36",
"content": "@grenadierits always good practice to take your own pictures or get permission before using others work … expecally without even giving them credit",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365151",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:56:55",
"content": "@biozzCheck the image annotations. The 5 or so images I did not take have their authors’ names annotated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365238",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T22:46:46",
"content": "OK, as if people haven’t learned how dangerous Microwave transformers are, now there’s an instructable on them, please don’t play with them unless you have taken 2 full years of electrical courses. they can and will kill you if you don’t know what your doing. and no, reading up about them on line doesn’t count. I really think HaD should make a disclaimer for anyone who kills themselves playing with this kind of stuff. or at the very least have an age verification.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365253",
"author": "Maurice",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:11:40",
"content": "While I don’t disagree with the comments here, I feel kind of bad for you grenadier. I know this was a lot of work and it’s very useful to those of us who have done some high voltage work, but haven’t done a lot. Great resource. Thanks!I haven’t read all these pages yet, but I’m hoping something there will help me make a better high speed flash. Here’s a link to my current version:http://www.glacialwanderer.com/hobbyrobotics/?p=490If anyone has ideas how to improve it let me know.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365299",
"author": "xrazorwirex",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T03:04:47",
"content": "I accidentally brushed my hand against the 4000+ volt side of a microwave HVT when it was running and it turned my pinky into an arc welder for a brief moment; luckily I was grounded at the wrist….Worst thing I’ve ever done in my career, by far.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365310",
"author": "Alchemyguy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T03:26:55",
"content": "lolz at horseplay around high voltage.Unless you were fleeing something more dangerous, then I feel bad for you. My worst event was mindlessly shorting all 3 phases of 347 when I grabbed a loop of wires in a jb and put my linesmans to them. Then I needed new linesmans.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365322",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T04:02:46",
"content": "ok i love the chicken stick. where can i get the little chicken @.i always tell people if there not afraid of electricity then don’t mess with it. when i was in ctc i was fixing a tv and caught my elbow on the CRT and it discharge in my finger to the circuit board and i went flying back off my set. my hand was numb for a bit after that. now i double check to see if the CRT is fully discharged.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365399",
"author": "von_neumann",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T07:19:29",
"content": "Sure it will kill you, but so can a camp fire. Learning to respect lethal things is part of growing up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365457",
"author": "grenadier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T10:22:36",
"content": "Simple rule to avoid death:Don’t touch the hot wires!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365522",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:11:36",
"content": "@grenadier you or your tools. Im skeptical of posting any thing hv related. Just wouldnt feel real good with my self if some one managed to bbq them selves.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365524",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:11:46",
"content": "High voltage…. how cute….65,000 volts at 900 amps… THAT’s high voltage. not the little girl voltages coming off of a flyback or available in a home…220V how cute….Real high voltage is alive, sentient and is looking to kill you. IT wants to kill you.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365780",
"author": "tyco",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:35:20",
"content": "Considering the hazardous nature of these items, I have trouble trusting an Instructable writer who uses clearly broken English such as “a 60mA NST is you.”Grenadier, I highly recommend rewriting your article in more professional language. Especially if you’re trying to win an instructables contest, or if you eventually want to show off your compilation of information to a potential employer.Also, it is mentioned early in the article that neutral is at 0V and specifically says it “is safe to touch.” That is a horribly dangerous statement to make, as household wiring is notorious for having hot-neutral swaps; that’s why we typically use a third prong as a safety ground to be absolutely sure. Also, it’s only safe to touch if the neutral wire is still indeed connected to ground at the power transformer outside, which is not always the case. The transformer will still function and your house will still get perfectly fine power if it’s not connected, but a dangerous potential can develop between neutral and true earth ground (your body) if neutral is floating at the power transformer.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366138",
"author": "tooth",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T04:25:25",
"content": "@fartface how cute…..15v at 65mA will kill you just as easy. If you consider that as not dangerous. than you need to learn more about electricity. always use cation around any electronics. if not you may turn from fartypants to poopypants haha just joshing ya. but seriously it is just as dangerous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366491",
"author": "Rawrl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:00:07",
"content": "@tycoHoly shit, lrn2internets. “A [x] is you” has been around for ages.http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=a%20winner%20is%20you",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366499",
"author": "tyco",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T18:11:02",
"content": "@rawrlMy point is that if someone wants to write an educational piece and have people take it seriously, it needs to drop language like that and language like “watch the people in the model city sh*t bricks.” I can translate through all the internet-speak and still get useful information from the article, but there is really no need for it. It just makes the article seem less credible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370047",
"author": "Brett W. (FightCube.com)",
"timestamp": "2011-03-29T21:15:27",
"content": "@Tyco – I didn’t read the whole article, but it seems plenty credible to me. The author apparently sprinkled in some “fun” language to break up all of the dry details… which can get monotonous to just about anyone, unless you are a robot named Johnny Five. “watch the people in the model city sh*t bricks” sounds like a reference to Legos, and if so… that’s pretty damn funny. In closing, lighten up… the World is not so rigid, real people do real things.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.665459
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/roll-away-clock-becomes-a-programmable-rover/
|
Roll Away Clock Becomes A Programmable Rover
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Arduino Hacks"
] |
[
"ardweeny",
"atmega328",
"gearhead",
"h-bridge",
"l293",
"rover",
"wii nunchuck"
] |
The parts laid bare in the picture above all make up a roll away alarm clock that flees when you don’t get out of bed. It’s an interesting idea, but considering most folks don’t sleep on hardwood floors we can understand why [TheRafMan] was able to pick this gem up for under $5. That’s quite a deal because there’s a very usable LCD module at the top. But for this hack, he focused on
using the gearhead motors to make a programmable rover
.
In order to make this programmable [TheRafMan] had to add a microcontroller. He chose an Arduino variant, called the Ardweeny. It’s
a board that piggy-backs the ATmega328
. But he didn’t use a stock Ardweeny;
he’s altered it
to play nicely with jumper wire. The uC is able to interface with the gearhead motors thanks to an L293D h-bridge motor driver chip. As you can see in the clip after the jump, the rover can now be driven around using a Wii Nunchuck or via a USB connection. If you’ve got a Bluetooth module lying around it wouldn’t be hard to make this a wireless solution that can be controlled with the accelerometers in a Wii remote.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/21343780]
| 11
| 11
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365092",
"author": "jensma",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:37:15",
"content": "This video does not exist.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365119",
"author": "Adrian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:12:30",
"content": "Its almost zen-like in it’s assertion: the existential question of whether a video exist if there is noone who can watch it brings up questions of our own mortality. Thank you, vimeo, for this interesting piece of art in my day to day life!Yah, video doesn’t exist.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365135",
"author": "yetihehe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:31:10",
"content": "If we consider a situation in which there is no people with working sight and they are using screenreaders to confirm that video indeed exists, your question is answered.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365204",
"author": "Gnut",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:31:36",
"content": "Hear no video, see no video…Speak no video?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365275",
"author": "TheRafMan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:49:23",
"content": "Sorry guys, here is the correct video link:http://www.vimeo.com/21343780",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365328",
"author": "David",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T04:12:59",
"content": "The video is a lie?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365518",
"author": "holly_smoke",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:59:44",
"content": "This site has been blocked by the network administrator.URL:http://www.vimeo.com/21343780Block reason: Forbidden Category “MP3/Streaming”If you believe the below web site is rated incorrectly click hereBlah…HAD needs to start hosting it’s own videos. Trolling the blog comments at lunch time has got kind of boring now.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365738",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:50:49",
"content": "What is the make of the roving clock? Where can I get one for $5?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365741",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:54:35",
"content": "Okay here it is, but not for $5!https://www.retro36.com/shop/type-of-gift/clocks/clocky-roving-alarm-clock",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365744",
"author": "TheRafMan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:59:04",
"content": "Hey Ren,I got mine at Staples, they were clearing them out last month; I purchased a couple but didn’t do anything with one until last week. The sad thing is that the Clocky on the web site is the same unit which makes one wonder what kind of markup they have…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366095",
"author": "BenJ",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:36:48",
"content": "You can pickup those clocks on eBay by doing a search for Clocky. You generally get the clones which can be had for under $20",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.898384
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/rc-override-for-autonomous-hardware/
|
RC Override For Autonomous Hardware
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"Microcontrollers",
"Radio Hacks"
] |
[
"autonomous",
"override",
"servo"
] |
[Simon Inns] developed this board to act as
a radio controlled override for autonomous hardware
. It sits between some servo motors and two different sets of controllers for those motors. One set of hardware that can control the motors is a microcontroller programmed for autonomous tasks. In [Simon’s] case this enables a sailboat to navigate open water with out human intervention. But if that board fails, or if you just need to call the boat back to port, this module allows for a traditional RF vehicle controller to take command.
The board seen above, dubbed the Servo Switcher, uses a PIC 12F683 to monitor the incoming signal from the RF receiver. If that signal is not present it switches control of the motors over to a separate microcontroller board. This means that the override control is established simply by turning the handheld controller on. This will save you a swim to retrieve your boat, which is a nice convenience. But if you modify this for a plane or helicopter, it can save your aircraft from certain destruction. Check out the video walk through after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sm1w1PV5mw&w=470]
| 9
| 9
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365031",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:36:56",
"content": "interesting concept, love it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365035",
"author": "addidis",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:39:37",
"content": "looks similar to something im working on. You can do allot of cool things with this setup. PS i think you meant off, not on.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365059",
"author": "EMG",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:02:18",
"content": "Cool idea.I’m not really sure how RF controller frequencies are handled but could a random harmonic or other unwanted signal enable the manual control if there is no authentication?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365084",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:29:41",
"content": "Great project. I’m knocking around a similar idea at the moment. My biggest problem is that I use the Spektrum R/C equipment, and when the transmitter is off the receiver continues to send valid servo signals. I still haven’t figured out a way to consistently detect when the transmitter is off versus on. In my case, I was using FPV (first-person video), and the on board transmitter caused a loss of control of my plane. I had the video transmitter behind a relay controlled by a R/C channel, but no control means that I couldn’t shut it down. Luckily, I was able to recover control before it crashed.Anyway, I’d love to hear any ideas if people have solved this problem using Spektrum receivers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365087",
"author": "Simon Inns",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:32:55",
"content": "@EMG – It doesn’t monitor the actual radio signal, instead it looks for a valid control signal between the radio receiver and the servo (which is a series of regular pulses at intervals of 10-30 mS). It also looks for 40 valid timed pulses in every 50 before considering the receiver active and switching over – so it should be hard to fool it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365113",
"author": "Bill Porter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:05:23",
"content": "Old concept/idea. There’s tons of commercial products that do this for professional robots, and DIY solutions that do the same. Ardupilot has a similar solution built in.But this is a nice clean implmentation of the idea. Good job.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365422",
"author": "Scorp-D",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T09:00:01",
"content": "What’s the difference from this build, compared to Pololu’s 4 channels Multiplexer or similar product?Except Pololu’s uses an channel for control.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365482",
"author": "Simon Inns",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:01:09",
"content": "@Scorp-D – the hardware design is CC licensed, the code is open-source, it doesn’t require an extra channel for control, you can reprogram it according to your requirements (in-circuit) and you can add as many channels as you like.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365888",
"author": "Hank Cowdog",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:51:57",
"content": "@Simon Inns-yeah, but other than that…. :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,236.944445
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/terapixel-images-and-see-through-cameras-real-or-fake/
|
Terapixel Images And See-through Cameras: Real Or Fake?
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"camera",
"invisible",
"real or fake"
] |
Once again it’s time for you, the sharp-eyed readers of Hack a Day, to decide whether the following video demonstrates technology at its finest, or if it is complete hogwash. This edition of
Real or Fake?
is brought to us by Hack a Day reader [Wizzard] who sent us a link to “
The Invisible Camera
”
Watch the video embedded below to see the unveiling of this camera as well as a discussion of its new, revolutionary technology by its creator – photographer
Chris Marquardt
. The camera is composed of a simple, non-moving lens mounted in a completely transparent box made of specially polarized glass. This glass is supposed to align the ambient lighting, which amplifies the energy coming through the lens, in order to expose the special film they created for the camera.
The film was developed using standard film “combined with innovations in chemistry” to produce ultra-low sensitivity image media, which the creators are calling “Directionally Desensitized” film. This film can be handled in full light, as it is only sensitive to the high-energy light directed on its surface by the aforementioned lens. It is claimed that due to this special film, the camera goes beyond the Megapixel, past the Gigapixel, and captures images in Terapixels.
Now, call us skeptical, but isn’t it a bit early for April Fools jokes? We just can’t imagine any scenario where holding a piece of film in the sun as shown in the video would not cause it to be exposed in at least some areas due to the massive amounts of reflected light in the environment.
What’s your take?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWU3-gA3ueo&w=470]
| 125
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364974",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:48:58",
"content": "Fake – no filter is 100% effective and even the slightest leakage would lead to overexposure over time.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364975",
"author": "Jules",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:51:40",
"content": "Ummm… You should post this on April 1st along side the perpetual motion from an Arduino posts…Complete FakeJules",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364980",
"author": "Jru",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:57:16",
"content": "The glass does not look polarized at all… My best guess is that it is a great hoax to see and hope it is real :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364981",
"author": "eldorel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:57:54",
"content": "I couldn’t hear it very well because of the voice over, but I’m fairly certain that the dutch gentleman in the clip from 3:05 till 3:30 is not talking about “Directionally desensitized” film.Also, if there was any real science to this, wouldn’t they be referring to it as “Hyper-polarized”?I call BS.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364985",
"author": "ehhh",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:01:16",
"content": "could this be anymore obviously fake.But if it is real (but it isn’t)then i still would not buy itsrsly… a glass camera. WTFif i drop my cheap digital camera and a bit of plastic comes off… eh so whatif i drop this camera…. it’s gona take me a long time to pick up all the little glass peices.and what if I scratch it… won’t that change the picture.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364986",
"author": "Trakk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:02:00",
"content": "I believe this is fake.The clincher for me was the interview with the film designer. He was talking about chemical composition. And then moved to the subject of light angles. While talking about light angles he is “modeling” a chemical. But when people are speaking of abstract things such as light angles, they typically use hand gestures representing it. In other scenes, the camera “inventor” does just that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364987",
"author": "Remarknl",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:03:27",
"content": "@eldorelthey are not dutch, but german.and its not true.. Its bull$ Made clear at 3:20",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364988",
"author": "Ben Wright",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:04:42",
"content": "I Spy acrylic or poly-carb. Not polarized glass as in the video’s narrative. I vote fake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364990",
"author": "Jeremy Streich",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:05:31",
"content": "Another thing is that the frame is polarized to prevent accidental exposure, but you can supposedly hold it in full sun without exposure. Then, why is the camera box polarized?I could imagine a film that could only be exposed by laser in a specific light frequency after a long exposure period ( even that left in the sun long enough would begin to expose), but that isn’t what he’s claiming.I say fake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364992",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:07:56",
"content": "The camera is fake. Even if you make the film sensible to light coming from only a narrow angle, there will be radiation in the ambient scattered light coming from that angle. And ISO 1500? That would take fractions of seconds to expose.Not to mention the pinhole…and so many pixels? Ya right.If the case were to polarize light, it would also attenuate a lot, and not allow it to be so transparent.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364994",
"author": "Mike",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:08:31",
"content": "Fake. Good production effort on the video, but still quite fake.The film only exposes from a specific angle of light? That would make film alignment with the pinhole EXTREMELY difficult.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364995",
"author": "bolke",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:09:13",
"content": "Allright hackaday, enough with the bull feces,I’d rather read another arduino with a button postthen the complete content of the sci fi channel.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364996",
"author": "Marco",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:10:44",
"content": "Bullshit.For example, if you go to 3:10 you see this guy talking about “Directionally Desensitized” film. However, this guy, Michael Weyl, is well known in the the photographic community in Germany: He runs an internet shop for analogue photo supplies. The bottle with the super secret breakthrough chemistry he holds in the movie (marked “M..T..”) can be ordered here:http://www.spuersinn-shop.de/index.php?page=product&info=366It’s part of the “MixTour” film development kit (you can mix your own developer with that).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364999",
"author": "bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:11:59",
"content": "http://www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com/2011/03/22/tfttf506-special-the-invisible-camera-q-and-a/listen to him explaining it, his voice seems stressed when he speaks about the existence of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365003",
"author": "mccand",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:14:16",
"content": "I’m no expert, but I’ll happily agree that this is fake. Steve is right. No polarized filter is 100% effective. In addition, I have a hard time believing that the chemical emulsion on the film could be perfectly effective at filtering environmental light out of the image.In addition, to get a “terapixel” image, his “9 x 12 cm” film would need to display items measuring less than 1.04E-7 meters across. Conventional optical microscopy can only resolve objects down to about 1E-6 meters. Note that this also assumes that the lens is perfect: every ray of light goes exactly where it is supposed to go, without diffraction.I suggest that everyone apply to be field testers. The proof is in the pudding (or not, as I suspect is the case.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365007",
"author": "FiveseveN",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:15:28",
"content": "Here’s an obvious question: if “ambient light” is being “amplified” why can’t we see it? I.e. why isn’t the back of the camera emitting the visible light that’s allegedly being measured by the meter?Pretty sure the First Law of Thermodynamics would have a say in all this business.The techno-babble is also a dead giveaway. Comments on the YT page point out lots more “plot holes”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365009",
"author": "astro73",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:17:56",
"content": "Popular Science covered a gigapixel camera once. The film was from a spy satellite and was measured in feet.Anyone have calculations about the size of a pixel for a one terapixel camera?On top of this, is it possible to amplify such a broad range of wavelengths? I’m no physics guy, so I could be off-base.And I would be surprised if a photographer would routinely handle his film in daylight, given that it would “wear away” the exposure. And all it would take is one flash in some good sun light and BAM film ruined. (Sun light is effectively one direction, remember.)“Bullet proof”? Really? No way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365010",
"author": "Dialin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:18:26",
"content": "Well maybe my english is not good enough for this but doesn’t invisible mean that i can’t see it? Obviously i can.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365011",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:18:50",
"content": "What I don’t get is why they describe the resolution in pixels. Since this is not a digital device there are no pixels.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365013",
"author": "Marco",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:22:19",
"content": "Also, Michal Weyl seems to talk about “ungerichtete Lichtstrahlen” (undirected beams of light) – in sync with what the english speaker says – So he’s probably in the joke :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365014",
"author": "detectorgadget",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:24:36",
"content": "this is lamethis is not a hack–> go start realorfakeaday.comare you posting anything anyone sends you at this point?blatantly fake for many reasons. here are a few:since when is analog film resolution rated in pixels?if you lay two pieces of polarized glass on top of one another you cant see through it (the transparency is dependent on how the polarization of the glass lines up) — it wouldn’t be clear at all angles if arranged in a box. that thing is plastic.that “film” he is using is just regular film that has been exposed to light. that’s what color film turns if you don’t process it and leave it in the light. you can even see the notches cut into the side used to identify what type of film you are loading in the darkroom — you feel the notch pattern with your finger.and there’s the fact that… ahh forget it…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365027",
"author": "omgwtfnowai",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:33:53",
"content": "Someone call the waaambulance because this is not a “real” hack. Sure as heck looks “hack-y” to me.No different from the other real or fake crap posted before. If it is too good to be true it likely is.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365032",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:37:31",
"content": "What fool moves a camera AFTER opening the exposure shutter? The guy does not even know how to use a camera!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365036",
"author": "FightCube.com",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:39:50",
"content": "Fake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365037",
"author": "Jac Goudsmit",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:42:32",
"content": "Fake.First clue: at 2:31 they are holding a light meter in the camera, but I’m pretty sure this kind of light meter has the sensor at the top, not on the front.Next, they don’t show any pictures made by the camera in the video (let alone prove convincingly that they are actually made with the camera).Next, they are talking about desensitizing the photo chemicals. This makes no sense to me; didn’t early cameras need to have their shutter open much longer because the film was a lot less sensitive than today? It should be very easy to produce low-sensitivity film, you just make it not as good as you normally would.Finally, the whole point of manufacturers making the film more sensitive (besides making it possible to use short shutter times) is higher resolution. Making the film less sensitive would only DECREASE resolution, not increase it, and definitely not increase it by a claimed factor of 1000 (gigapixel->terapixel) or more.Furthermore, theorizing: Let’s say you want to make a transparent camera with a pinhole for a lens. What would it take? You would have to block the light from reaching the film. Yes, polarization filters (basically transparent films with microscopic straight lines of light blocking material) come to mind. Any high school student should know that if you use two polarization filters at a 90 degree angle it blocks the light from going through. I can’t see how you would improve on that.So they put polarization filters on the walls of the camera I guess. But then what? The light still comes from all directions so even if you put another polarization filter right on the film, it’s never going to align with all (any?) the polarization filters on the camera walls. And it wouldn’t keep the film from being exposed when it’s outside the camera because the light isn’t blocked unless there are two filters: one on the camera walls and one on the film.The only way I can think of that this might work is to construct some filter that consists of microscopic light pipes that let light through from a certain direction and block it from all other directions, like a bundle of glass fiber cables. But then you would have to align each of the light pipes to point to the lens/pinhole. In a camera that’s the size of the one shown in the video, the angles of the light pipes would vary wildly and it would be impossible to make such a thing at a scale so small that you can’t see it in the video.I would think you’d get better results by using the light pipes themselves as tiny little pinhole cameras: just put some photo paper behind a bundle of glass fiber. No need for a lens or pinhole in front of it. You would still need a shutter, though, and it would have to be as big as the paper, so it would not be very practical…Clearly that’s not what they did.Busted.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365038",
"author": "EternityTransfer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:43:16",
"content": "Seriously,My Bullshit-o-meter (TM) reading is off the scale here.A Glass camera? INVISIBLE film (ie: film that lets light pass through…)?Pull the other one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365039",
"author": "Keith",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:45:45",
"content": "Fake!What is the fascination with creating these elaborate fake videos? What are they hoping to accomplish with it all? Just harvesting email addresses?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365042",
"author": "crizo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:46:49",
"content": "The pinhole implies that every point on the film’s directionally-sensitive surface must be perfectly aligned with the cone of light rays coming in from the pinhole. This seems a bit far-fetched.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365047",
"author": "jimmy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:53:35",
"content": "If the camera body were indeed of polarized material, why can we see clearly see through multiple layers of the material, regardless of the angle to the video camera recording the scene? That’s not consistent with a polarized material.Why would ambient light from random angles “amplify” light entering the lens? Does it suddenly change direction? Nope, it would simply cross any light entering the lens.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365049",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:57:24",
"content": "IF YOU CAN SEE THE PLATE IN THE BACK LIGHT HAS HIT IT AND BOUNCED BACK!so in short the invisible camera cant workits another fake and honestly im tired of these fake things",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365050",
"author": "Ronin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:57:40",
"content": "@Matt: Though unorthodox, he is converting the relative light exposure concentration vs. surface area of developed exposure. Its a relative conversion, though still inaccurate. He also mentions “D-mk.II” as a light rating, but I’ve never heard of that measurement before. Could be real, but I find it oddly coincidental that Canon makes a line of cameras called the “D Mark 2”.1. If the housing is so special for polarizing light to “amplify” the light, you’d want to keep it immaculately clean. Video at 5:24 shows more fingerprints on it than the touchscreen of my phone.2. I agree to hearing the film chemist clearly speaking German when they say he is Polish.3. How can you begin to say “directionally desensitized” for a film that will only expose given a specific light angle? Polarizing doesn’t bend light, it filters light so only waves “vibrating” on a certain axis can pass. There’s no way to amplify light this way, only SUBTRACT that which isn’t oriented the correct way. Its like putting a comment card in a sealed suggestion box: you have to line the paper up with the hole for it to fit through or it won’t go in.4. On a further note, you can’t take the same light you already have and make it more intense without focusing it; this is why lenses were invented. Ignoring that a polarizing filter would actually FILTER OUT useful light, its not going to change the angle of refraction to more greatly expose the film.5. He didn’t say anything about the pin-hole being polarized or including this special glass, just the box. So, essentially its just a trace amount of light that’s still getting through to form the image anyway.6. If ambient light coming from the sides of the box are expected to amplify the total image, it would be light that was reflected off of other surfaces; this would mean that, even if it were possible with the given structure, the image would be exposing itself to other images over the pinhole’s intended image.7. Pics or GTFO. Didn’t see a single example of a photo taken by the camera in-question.8. “…in broad daylight with no effect whatsoever…” Seriously? You mean you developed a “directionally sensitive” film that WON’T react to the daylight that also happens to include every possible angle of light? Does it just ignore those supposed angles that are correct until the magic glass is in front of it?Sorry, but IMHO: Myth busted!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365051",
"author": "Mrshko",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:57:43",
"content": "They’re trying to rick-roll people. Just like the 3D eye-lid video. It get’s them advertising money on youtube and their website. Bullet-proof plexiglass! Ha!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365061",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:03:16",
"content": "I say 100% real. That is an invisible camera…that also produces invisible pictures, and will make the inventor invisible billions.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365062",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:05:07",
"content": "Where is this additional energy coming from? The light is supposedly “amplified” by the glass box, but where is the energy coming from to allow that to happen?And for that matter, your choices for increasing the exposure on a piece of film are (1) higher number of photons (brighter light) or (2) higher energy photons (shorter wavelength). So if this box is working the way they say it does, you could stick your head in it and either see way brighter light than the outside ambient light level (what?) or you’d get a blast of gamma rays in your face.A true scientist doesn’t just reject claims of new science because they don’t align with the existing models, but these should really publish some instructions for duplicating the process if they aren’t just making it all up. I’m pretty skeptical.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365067",
"author": "just ME :)",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:13:59",
"content": "Hehe it’s not a fake it’s only an ART :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365068",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:14:29",
"content": "BS meter offscale positive.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365070",
"author": "jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:17:32",
"content": "Bob is dead on, haha.Mrshko is the most correct though. by simply watching these videos you’re giving the hoaxers money. It’s a shame that hoaxes are so easy nowadays and so easily distributed. loads of people will see it and, through the magic of the internet, give the creator of the hoax real life money within a few days if done with a little thought.even the intelligent discussion here on disproving them is perpetuating why hoaxes are a reasonable advertising model and worse, a veritable ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365071",
"author": "SKUNK STINK SAMMY",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:18:21",
"content": "I gotta get me one of these! Then again, i just fell off of the cabbage truck too.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365073",
"author": "AlanKilian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:19:16",
"content": "I’ll check the “Plausible” box.What if it’s like this:1) Made of plastic that blocks Infrared light.2) Uses film sensitive to IR.3) Uses a pinhole lens which will pass IR light.Now, the scene showing the film in sunlight would be just wrong, but loading film into a holder in the dark, placing it into the camera and then removing the shield, exposing for a long time, putting the shield back on, removing the film pack and developing in an area with not much IR light seems plausible.And look at these IR images. They look similar to the ones on the site.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nikau-IR.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SD10_IR_Bending_Tree.jpgNow, all the buzzword bingo, that’s another matter.I say Plausible.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365078",
"author": "capncrunch",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:21:41",
"content": "I fail to see how the hoax = real life money. It just makes the guy look like an a-hole with too much time on his hands, imo.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365080",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:24:40",
"content": "@macwit uses a common method used by many inventors called “lying”this is also a common method used by politicians of amplifying political standing XP",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365082",
"author": "Sodor",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:26:37",
"content": "This sound like an study of how many morons will send him an email asking for one of those cameras…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365093",
"author": "oba",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:38:41",
"content": "hashah so fake.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365094",
"author": "Ellie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:39:09",
"content": "This camera is ABSOLUTELY real. Unfortunately it can only photograph functioning free-energy devices and perpetual motion machines.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365109",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:01:48",
"content": "A slow film would create blurry images. If the camera amplifies the light it would have to have a shutter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365123",
"author": "wosser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:23:45",
"content": "That outer metal ring looks like the central hub from a hard disk motor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365127",
"author": "tim",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:25:56",
"content": "F.A.K.E.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365136",
"author": "Kryoclasm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:31:15",
"content": "This is BS.First, the film is BS, if as described, it would still develop in broad sunlight, because the ambient light has light of all polarities.Second, the case is not polarized because as described bnecause the edges or faces would darken and lighten as the viewing angle changes.Third, nothing that thin is bullet proof.Fourth, when you are dealing with film, there NO pixels. The resolution depends on the films grain size.The best image that this camera would make with any film would be a complete exposure, ie: a black image.Kryoclasm",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365139",
"author": "anton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:35:49",
"content": "hey common, photons dont collide, so theres no chance he can use ambient light to amplify what so ever….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365140",
"author": "William",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:38:10",
"content": "I call BS on this one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.207082
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/pc-case-using-cnc-router-and-home-building-products/
|
PC Case Using CNC Router And Home Building Products
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"cnc hacks",
"computer hacks"
] |
[
"acrylic",
"case",
"cnc",
"lumber",
"PVC",
"router"
] |
[Reinventing Science] needed a project that he could use to test out his skills on a new CNC routing machine he recently acquire. He settled on
building a PC case using easily obtained materials
. What he ended up with is the clean-looking case seen above that was machined from materials you can pick up at the home store.
The bulk of the case is made from extruded PVC which is designed to perform like solid wood trim. He picked up one piece of the ‘lumber’ and cut out the front, back, top, bottom, and drive bay bezel. We expected the joints between the horizontal and vertical pieces to either be butt joints, or rabbits. But [Reinventing Science] wanted a cleaner look and managed to mill mortise and tenon joints. These are strong joints that leave a very nice finished look. Since the material is designed as a lumber replacement it shouldn’t be too surprising to see drywall screws used as the fasteners.
In addition to joinery, some other CNC tricks were used. The sides of the case were cut from clear acrylic, with a decorative bead milled in the surface. There’s also fan ports cut in the top and vents on the bottom, as well as some engraving with the name of the project just above the optical drive. The wood-grain embossing makes for an interesting final look; we’d like to see how this takes a few careful coats of paint.
If you’re interested in the CNC hardware used, take a look at
the unboxing post
that shares a few details.
| 19
| 19
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364961",
"author": "fotoflojoe",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:23:36",
"content": "I applaud the skill, but I’m not feeling the design.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364964",
"author": "f8l_0e",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:30:11",
"content": "I actually sort of like the case. I just would be worried about ESD everytime you have to work inside the case.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364967",
"author": "Charlie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:32:11",
"content": "I do like the handles for easy of transportation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364973",
"author": "I/j Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:48:02",
"content": "Nice, i like the side drives.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364979",
"author": "reinventingscience",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:57:05",
"content": "Because of the materials used I was also concerned about ESD but so far its not been an issue (at assembly or when I replaced the MB due to the Intel Chipset issue)The mother board is mounted on a metal ATX tray, the drive bay, hard drive cage, and other components are all metal and everything is tied together and tied to the power supply ground. In addition there is also a metal strip on the back right hand corner of the case intended as a bleed for any static that might build up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365024",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:30:41",
"content": "Does the PC case is supposed to protect others devices from some radio emission due to high frequencies involved (CPU, PSU …) ? (And therefore, that’s why it’s usually built with metal …). But I may be wrong.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365048",
"author": "Eddie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T17:57:10",
"content": "How much does it weight compared to the usual metal chassis? I expect the above DIY to weigh quite a bit more.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365058",
"author": "Techrat",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:01:40",
"content": "I like the shot of the guy’s desk — even with all the high-tech stuff, note that he’s got a Commodore 64 under the TV set. I’m assuming this rig was built for video editing? Seems like there’s a lot of A/V equipment on that desk.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365063",
"author": "CH",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:06:16",
"content": "@reinventingscienceBut the mobo isn’t encased in metal, so it still may give off, or be susceptible to ESR; and since ESR is a silent killer, there would be no simple way to determine if it was causing problems.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365064",
"author": "kimg",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:06:51",
"content": "The only issue I would see is heat dissipation. To some extent, metal cases act as heat sinks for those items that are bolted to it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365069",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:17:01",
"content": "@kimg most parts are attached using standoffs, because the last thing you want is one giant metal object that all your components are connected to! The case will warm up but it’s not going to shoulder much of the thermal load.I’m not feeling the design very much either. Don’t like the texture on the side panels.oh, and HaD, it’s a “rabbet” joint, not “rabbit”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365075",
"author": "reinventingscience",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:21:18",
"content": "@Eddie,I’ve not actually weighed the case but it is definitely a bit heavier than a metal case. The PVC Lumber is less dense than the same volume of wood. I considered machining out pockets on the inside or outside of the case to reduce weight but since I don’t intend to move the PC that often I went with a cleaner design. My other thought was that with lots of pockets/details there is the potential for much higher dust collection. So as with all design decisions there are trade offs.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365081",
"author": "reinventingscience",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:24:43",
"content": "@ChrisElectronics can radiate noise that can cause interference in other electronic devices. However since the components in a PC are designed with this in mind they have a “Faraday Ground” that acts to absorb most unwanted radiation.In my PC the mother board is mounted on a metal tray thats grounded, and all other parts are also grounded.So far I’ve not had any problems with interference (in or out) and I have a lot of electronics in close proximity.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365086",
"author": "reinventingscience",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:31:17",
"content": "@kimgThe case has no problems with heat. All the sensors on the processor/motherboard/graphics-card show temps in the 80-98 F range even under moderate load.The case has an air space underneath with 1 inch of clearance, plus slots cut on the bottom, a vent on the back that allows cables to enter and be connected, and another vent on the front under the drive cage.The two fans at the top of the case added to the power supply fan (plus a lot of heat sinks on components) keep the air moving (and its really quiet even under moderate load). I’ve also got another spare fan in reserve but so far have not needed to use it. (if I add more drives or components I can expand).Beyond this there is a lot of air space inside the case. One problem with metal cases is that parts are crammed into a close space and all the cables and cards get in the way of air flow.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365088",
"author": "reinventingscience",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:34:01",
"content": "@TechratThanks for noticing the C64 (tucked behind it is my old 1541 Disk Drive)Yes the rig was built mostly for video editing, though it serves as my main desktop for web production, graphics, audio, anything I need to do.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365090",
"author": "nanomonkey",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:34:35",
"content": "I’d like to see the same project only done in aluminum…it would be a great heat sink, light and slick as all hell. Most cnc routers can handle aluminum milling.Drywall screws equal fail in my book. Either go with all wood or use something that won’t rust and detract from the look of the case.All in all, a nice build.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365247",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:02:20",
"content": "nothing wrong with a guy desining his case to his liking",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365398",
"author": "Invader21",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T07:17:45",
"content": "I love the desighn! It leaves space for soo much more like a monitor in the exess space near the psu and a few asorted wireless adapters inside the case (bluetooth, wifi,wireless keyboard adapter, exc.) A diy usb hub would fit nicely above the CD drive aswhell! it would make a verry nice fragbox aswhell as a space eficiant desktop computer for at home use.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365429",
"author": "anton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T09:07:07",
"content": "PVC is not exactly known for its electromagnetic shielding capacity. How does you WLAN react to operating a gigaherz processor without proper shielding? Even more so: how does your neighbour’s pacemaker react to it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.268328
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/22/autonomous-paintball-sentry-gun-2/
|
Autonomous Paintball Sentry Gun
|
Kevin Dady
|
[
"Arduino Hacks",
"hardware",
"Weapons Hacks"
] |
[
"paintball"
] |
What is the best thing about making a computer program that targets and kills anything that enters its sight? Why giving it a weapon, of course! No, we are not talking for real, but the next best thing, an
Autonomous Paintball Sentry Gun
.
The autonomous part of the device comes from a pc on the sideline and is fed input though a standard webcam. The feed is ran though a
processing
script where, once accustomed to the background has the option to fire at anything it sees moving, or a nice point n click manual mode.
The Arduino part is in a the role of driving the servo motors for X/Y movement and a trigger and is powered by a fist full of D cell batteries to give plenty of time for fun. Also, be sure to check out our other sentry guns, one using
Microchip PIC
, and another sporting a super compact
computer running Ubuntu
| 24
| 24
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364935",
"author": "Avaviel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:27:59",
"content": "So if you want to live, find some portable trees.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364941",
"author": "Khai",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:39:05",
"content": "(Gun shown is Airsoft. not available in all areas. please wait before swimming. may contain nuts.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364947",
"author": "Barefoot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T15:46:10",
"content": "After reading the headline my first thought was, “sigh… another one?”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364965",
"author": "snipplet",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:31:09",
"content": "wow Barefoot, you have been here for a while!Thank you for pointing that out because this article only links to those posts and you didnt comment on them..I myself love when they show different ways of doing something",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364968",
"author": "I/j Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:35:29",
"content": "After reading the headline my first thought was, “Cool another one!”",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364982",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:58:24",
"content": "I really wish someone sould make these with real servos instead of the toys from a hobby shop. you should be able to target and aim in less than 1/50th of a second.Please someone that has access to real servos and a CNC shop make a nice real sentry… please!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364983",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T16:58:46",
"content": "Bonus points if you use an IR beacon to do IFF",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365079",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:23:01",
"content": "Seems like a rechargeable motorcycle battery would be a better power source than a bunch of D-cells. Unless of course it’s meant to be a static system — I don’t see many people dragging their laptops out to the paintball field. In that case just use an AC adapter.That one a while back that had the laptop, turret, and power supply all mounted in a briefcase that you could just drop, open and set up in seconds — that was way cooler IMO.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365096",
"author": "kdkk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:39:45",
"content": "if it was a real gun i would be impressed. they could make arduino and ubuntu team up to kill anything that moves.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365103",
"author": "brad",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T18:49:47",
"content": "this was a triumph. i’m making a note here: huge success.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365131",
"author": "Barefoot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:27:48",
"content": "@snipplet: here are your links for past “sentry” projects on HaD. Perhaps I should have included them to back up my “sigh” comment. Maybe it would have been better received if I added something snarky about using an arduino?http://hackaday.com/2005/09/21/robotic-sentry-gun/http://hackaday.com/2008/08/21/das-uber-airsoft-gun-turret/http://hackaday.com/2008/08/24/autonomous-paintball-sentry-gun/http://hackaday.com/2009/02/26/paintball-gun-turret/http://hackaday.com/2009/04/09/portal-ish-automated-turret/http://hackaday.com/2009/05/17/nerf-centry-gun-with-image-recognition/http://hackaday.com/2009/06/26/automated-paintball-sentry/http://hackaday.com/2010/05/12/nerf-sentry-gun-build-in-progress/http://hackaday.com/2010/06/18/nerf-sentry-turret/http://hackaday.com/2010/10/17/hackaday-links-october-17-2010/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365137",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:32:12",
"content": "@kdkk it looks like it could be converted to use a real gun in a few minutes — it’s just a servo pulling a trigger. Put a semiautomatic rifle in there instead and you’ve got an extremely dangerous, deadly and illegal device.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365147",
"author": "loulinkj7",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T19:47:47",
"content": "What image processing algorithm(s) did you use? How hard was it to learn? I’m a computer engineer myself so the hardware part of this is pretty neat but I’d like to get into image processing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365179",
"author": "D³",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T20:44:55",
"content": "I’d like to see one of these made into an anti-vandalism/tagger gun. Add some sensors to activate the system when it smells aerosol paint, target the tagger and paint them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365198",
"author": "macw",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T21:15:54",
"content": "@loulinkj7 If he wrote his own algorithms I’m completely amazed — I’ll bet it’s just an implementation of the well-established stuff in OpenCV. Look into that if you want to get started…there are versions of it for everything from C to ActionScript and it does most of the image processing automatically.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365256",
"author": "John4",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:14:28",
"content": "I’ve checked out all of the different sentry projects and found thathttp://www.thesentryproject.com/is by far the best so far.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365274",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T01:49:17",
"content": "does it go for the headshot? it should go for the nut-shot so you don’t need eye protection.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365306",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T03:16:17",
"content": "Where’s the homemade sapper to go with it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365308",
"author": "PocketBrain",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T03:24:27",
"content": "Are you still there?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365380",
"author": "MrBishop",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T06:38:17",
"content": "@brad: My thoughts exactly.I love these projects, it makes me want to setup a bunch of 22mm semi automatic rifles or the like. Thats some nice Anti-Zombie technology right there, add some solar panels for self recharging and Wifi with a Cantenna. Oh yeah I’m feeling safer just thinking about it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365544",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:38:52",
"content": "Same post, different day, and that’s an AIRSOFT gun – Your standard idiot can look at the picture and tell you that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "616317",
"author": "Donald",
"timestamp": "2012-03-30T20:37:21",
"content": "I agree that the one on thesentryproject is good compared to all the others but.. The kit cost $550. The kit includes about $15 iron pipe and $20 in cheap servos and free open source software. In the 5 minute video there was only about 4 or 5 strikes on the target at a distance of more than 30 feet and those 4 or 5 strikes were after emptying a 100 round hopper about 5 times. Less than %1 accuracy. The white goomba face stayed white almost the whole video.It would be nice to see somebody with CNC building experience do a project like this. If there’s one thing machinists know it’s rigidity. That mixed with a little Speed-Direction predicting algorithm would be king.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "2039649",
"author": "Joe",
"timestamp": "2014-10-24T21:49:01",
"content": "the one from RealSentryGun.com is by far the best out there IMHO.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "6516322",
"author": "Russ C.",
"timestamp": "2022-09-25T16:13:35",
"content": "I am trying to figure this all out and wanted to build the shield (older) version due to the fact thats what i have parts for and wouldnt have to figure out getting a custom PCB built and tested. Problem is the instructables for the version I want contains what appears to be links to actual scripts for the Arduino and the Processing script for the computer, they link to general pages at the respective sites but no code anywhere, ditto for the libraries listed to use with the processing IDE. can any one possibly provide me with the code needed to make this thing really work? I am not familiar enough with the software used to have any luck writingt my own. Any help much welcomed thanks.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.325018
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/learn-the-geometry-to-draw-an-analog-clock-on-a-graphic-lcd-screen/
|
Learn The Geometry To Draw An Analog Clock On A Graphic LCD Screen
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"clock hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"analog clock",
"atmega16",
"bascom",
"geometry",
"graphic lcd"
] |
Does the image of the clock above make you shutter with fear because of the math you’d need to use to recreate your own version of the project? We certainly understand that High School geometry is becoming a very distant memory, but it’s really not as hard as you think. [Janw]
built this analog clock using a graphic LCD
and he’s done a great job of explaining the concepts behind it.
The hardware he’s using is pretty standard for an electronic hobby clock; an ATmega16, graphic LCD, DS1307 real-time clock, and supporting hardware like a potentiometer, resistors, and buttons. The code is written in Bascom, but like we said, [Janw] explains the concepts behind drawing the hands on the clock so you can recreate this with any microcontroller or software language you prefer. We recommend grabbing a calculator and some blank paper. It took us a few tries to brush the cobwebs out and really grasp what he’s doing with each equation.
| 13
| 13
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365820",
"author": "David Rysdam",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:47:00",
"content": "Trigonometry.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365826",
"author": "Dr. Spelgud",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:52:24",
"content": "cameras make me shutter with fear, math just makes me shudder. Math, and illiteracy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365836",
"author": "bty",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:09:19",
"content": "shutter with fear because of the math ?this is the most basic of basic trigonometry.A twelve year old can do this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365859",
"author": "Nick Short",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:20:57",
"content": "@davidBoth, actually. Trig to get the angles for the hands and geometry to draw the shapes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365860",
"author": "Nick Short",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:21:50",
"content": "@btyI think it was more about drawing the objects than determining the position of the hands.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365863",
"author": "Nick Short",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:23:13",
"content": "Nevermind…I did something I rarely do and failed to read the content of the link, first. You both are correct!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365915",
"author": "Andrew Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:32:30",
"content": "Yeah, this isn’t very complex trig :/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365971",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T21:49:55",
"content": "Cant you just draw several thousand pictures in paint?Math be hard!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365997",
"author": "Dax",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T22:30:37",
"content": "Drawing the objects is simpleConsider that you have two points A and B. The equation that gives you the funtion of a straight line between these points isy = Ay + (By – Ay) / (Bx – Ax) * (x – Ax)It isn’t any more complicated than that when you cut off the handwaving.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366019",
"author": "Agent420",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:18:06",
"content": "Agreed… sad day when basic trig is considered a hack.But – I’ve been using BASCOM AVR for years, it’s freakin awesome. As it creates compiled code, it’s no slouch and the cases I feel compelled to code in C are far and few between.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366037",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:49:00",
"content": "trig… hard?…I want to know advanced linear algebra!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366091",
"author": "lcuk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:32:15",
"content": "Hey, that is awesome!I have something similar, however my analog clock is actually hand drawn! :)It is a cool effect, have a glance here:http://liqbase.net/20110323_002.jpg",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "374823",
"author": "Just me",
"timestamp": "2011-04-06T16:57:14",
"content": "More useful would be to implement proper vector/matrix math with the mcu. Then anything graphical would be much easier.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.382211
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/vote-for-the-open-source-hardware-logo/
|
Vote For The Open Source Hardware Logo
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"News"
] |
[
"logo",
"open source hardware",
"oshw",
"vote"
] |
The Open Source Hardware (OSHW) initiative is rolling right along. But now it’s time for you to share your input. The movement is choosing a logo and
you get to decide which one it will be
. The ten finalists shown above were narrowed down from the
129 submissions
received during the public call for logos. The thought is that any time you have a new project which fits
the OSHW definition
you can slap this on the project page, or silk screen it right on the PCB (although OSHW applies to more than just electronic projects). A picture says a thousand words you know.
Voting ends April 5.
[via
Evil Mad Scientist
]
| 29
| 29
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365762",
"author": "biozz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:17:04",
"content": "i like the red one on top",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365766",
"author": "pman",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:22:25",
"content": "You have to be honest, none of those logos are very good at all.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365768",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:23:59",
"content": "There are many really nice designs. It’s gonna be a tough choice. I wonder which one will win.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365773",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:28:14",
"content": "Put the one with the deep red background on a flag, and we can re-enact the cold war",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365776",
"author": "iamthemik",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:30:18",
"content": "The big OSHW on the bottom sure isn’t as flashy as the rest but keep in mind it should be something that is simple enough to silkscreen/etch/laser engrave onto your hardware.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365779",
"author": "Brian.Holiday",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:35:17",
"content": "What a great set of logos, it was a hard to decide.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365781",
"author": "Colecago",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:36:52",
"content": "I like the black IC on the upper right",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365784",
"author": "Andrew Parting",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:42:23",
"content": "I went for the copy-left chip",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365786",
"author": "DeadlyFoez",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:44:29",
"content": "I vote the blue OSHW towards the middle.Very hard to choose. I think I will recognize them all if I ever see them.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365795",
"author": "Ben Ryves",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:57:20",
"content": "The “copyleft” chip is a nice idea, but I don’t know how it would work in practice unless you also put a “this way up” logo somewhere near it. I’d assume I was looking at the board upside down and think it was a stylised copyright logo, myself.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365806",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:14:38",
"content": "I picked the gears. I like the first of the three. Copyleft was next, but it just seems silly to me.@Ben RyvesIf the copy left had any text nearby it would work. (see the other two examples below the red one)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365813",
"author": "Brian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:24:52",
"content": "My reading of OSHW doesn’t see anything that forces copyleft, given that many people like permissive licenses I do not see how any of the “copyleft” logos are appropriate, I am rather surprised a committee would select them without any objections.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365843",
"author": "sneakypoo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:17:04",
"content": "None of them stood out to me all that much. I went with the OH gears as they were least bad so to speak.Also, the voting page is horribly broken.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365844",
"author": "Squintz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:17:31",
"content": "52 – OSHW Bot was my choice.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365875",
"author": "VEC7OR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:34:56",
"content": "Copyleft chip is my vote, OH gears look somewhat defunct…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365883",
"author": "svofski",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T19:49:34",
"content": "Why does it need a logo?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365905",
"author": "Wolfton",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:12:58",
"content": "None of these are acceptable. The one I like best it the gear with the opening toward the top, though. While gears may not actually be a part of computers, they do signify hardware very well and of course, there’s more to hardware than computers. Copyleft is a good concept for incorporation into the logo but I don’t like the implementations here.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365918",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:37:49",
"content": "I like the one that says “open hardware” with the two screws next to it, because it kind of suggests that “open hardware” could also be read as a command.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366012",
"author": "Dino",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:02:02",
"content": "I don’t really think the final ten are that good honestly. A good logo will reproduce at a very small scale and still be legible. Most of these are way too detailed to do that. Also, none of them really convey open hardware without words next to them.I guess if I had to pick one, it would be the “OSHW” one bottom center.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366018",
"author": "Anonymous",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:17:16",
"content": "#3 looks too much like the SCSI logo. #16 is an obvious copy of the Open Source Initiative Logo rather than something completely original. #4, #52, #53, and possibly #95 fail to achieve language neutrality (“OSHW” is an English initialism). I agree with both Ben Ryves and Brian on #28. To me, the others look even worse.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366061",
"author": "r_d",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T00:58:00",
"content": "Copyleft chip, definitely.The OSI-parody one (also popular), seems way too generic to me. I’d rather open hardware be thought of as independent from free/open source software (even though they’re both awesome), not just a spin-off of the FOSS ‘movement’.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366150",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T05:06:50",
"content": "Uhh these logos are terrible. These are the kind of logos you get from indians on digitalpoint forums for $3 a piece.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366154",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T05:13:06",
"content": "There are far better logos on the full list than these 10 finalists. Sigh.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366175",
"author": "Squirrel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T06:26:34",
"content": "I’d have to place my vote in for gears becauseA) looks pretty decentB) lets people know what the OH/OSHW stands for at a glance.C) I don’t really like any of the circuit-based ones, since hardware is a lot more than just that (and I AM studying to be a computer engineer)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366325",
"author": "john",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T14:11:10",
"content": "I like the bottom gear, without the text",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366418",
"author": "enpassant",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T16:23:27",
"content": "I voted for the opened gear, OpenHardware should loose the electronics associations as soon as possible.Since, I assume, the logo itself will be opensource, I can omit the Open Hardware text at the bottom of the logo, which I do not like.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366460",
"author": "capn",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:21:20",
"content": "My favorite was the open gear. I think it is the only one that has a logo that actually shows what it is: Open hardware. All the other ones are kind of lost on me little robot with eyes? No. Upside down flag and circle? No.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371303",
"author": "Thopter",
"timestamp": "2011-03-31T23:49:48",
"content": "I’d go with the FSM logo in the middle",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "371319",
"author": "Doug",
"timestamp": "2011-04-01T00:07:37",
"content": "I sorta liked the gear wit the missing segment, until I realized it looked like a broken part. Broken is not something we would want associated with “open” anything. I now lean to copy left chip. I don’t seeing a reversed orientation being a problem if placement is paid attention to. Practically every pat has an obvious “up” direction. Fot example insure it’s near or matches other text on a circuit board, and so one.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.445145
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/real-life-super-mario-coin-block/
|
Real Life Super Mario Coin Block
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Nintendo Hacks"
] |
[
"555 timer",
"mario",
"nintendo",
"servo"
] |
Instructables user [Bruno] recently constructed a fun little toy that brings a bit of the Mario nostalgia out of the video game universe and into ours.
His Super Mario coin block
is instantly recognizable from the first Mario game and performs just as you would expect it to. Punching or tapping the bottom of the block releases coins one at a time, complete with sounds straight from the game.
The coin block is constructed from thick cardboard and wrapped in color mock ups of the in-game block. Inside, a spring-loaded tube of coins is placed above a launch arm which is also connected to a spring. A servo actuated arm pulls the launch arm down, dropping a coin from its tube on to the launch arm which is then flung from the top of the box once the servo arm rotates far enough. When this occurs, the built-in MP3 player is triggered to play the “coin sound” from the game. A 555 timer is used to ensure the servo actuated arm rotates once per activation, and a LM386-based amplifier is used to increase the output volume of the MP3 player, both of which operate using rechargeable batteries.
Be sure to check out some of the inner workings as well as the final product in the videos embedded below.
[Thanks, Samjc3]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5yEQWhpZiI&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXYyJfUzODM&w=470]
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365739",
"author": "Arthur Grumbine",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:53:04",
"content": "The amount of win in this build is beyond measure. The mind, it boggles.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365742",
"author": "fungus",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:55:22",
"content": "now make it shoot out mushrooms",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365743",
"author": "Ib",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:57:28",
"content": "Very Cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365750",
"author": "Harald",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:03:16",
"content": "LOOL I need one of these.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365757",
"author": "jon",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:10:23",
"content": "I love it! Only improvement I can think of is to have the servo starting position be with the spring already tensioned. That way the response to a punch is more instantaneous. Once again, I love this thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365761",
"author": "CT",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:16:09",
"content": "Now it just needs to be made into a plush toy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365793",
"author": "kyoorius",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:54:21",
"content": "thumbs up.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365800",
"author": "Olly Parry-Jones",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:09:56",
"content": "Mushrooms would be good. A beanstalk, perhaps even better! ;-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365805",
"author": "Erik Johnson",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:12:47",
"content": "Neat! @jon exactly my thoughts",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365822",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:48:36",
"content": "no words…they should have sent a poet",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365911",
"author": "yankleshark",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:22:29",
"content": "@Olly Parry-JonesUse a Zippermast for the beanstalk!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFvwp5vReSw",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366039",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T23:54:04",
"content": "wow just wow",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366088",
"author": "bob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T02:20:55",
"content": "While i agree that this is very cool, It hurts me to see such complicated hardware for such a simple problem.I think that the servo is completely unnecessary. Its just acting as an actuator moving something in response to a signal in response to a motion.Surely the signal stage could be eliminated and just have the motion of the block being moved up triggering a spring mechanism to suit.I agree that the electronics for the sound are require.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367352",
"author": "Dario",
"timestamp": "2011-03-25T16:30:48",
"content": "the guy seems to be from Argentina, as that coin is a 25 cents (silver variant) of a peso from Argentina (The picture in the back is the “Cabildo” wich is in Buenos Aires",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368893",
"author": "Damiana",
"timestamp": "2011-03-28T00:23:18",
"content": "At a post at an Argentine site, the guy says he had to use the servo only to “reload” because it was too slow –he just wanted to create the thing with the stuff he already had at his workshop– and this way it was better.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.544534
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/photographing-stuff-thats-not-there-by-using-stencils/
|
Photographing Stuff That’s Not There By Using Stencils
|
Mike Szczys
|
[
"digital cameras hacks"
] |
[
"cardboard box",
"flash",
"jig",
"stencil"
] |
This image was not made in post production, but captured during a long camera exposure.
The method uses stencils to add components
to a picture. [Alex] built a jig for his camera from a cardboard box. This jig positions a large frame in front of the camera lens where a printed stencil can be inserted. He printed two identical sheets of paper with black covering the area all around the 8-bit joggers. When properly aligned and inserted in the jig, the black parts of the stencil will act to mask the areas where he wants to capture the natural surroundings of the image. Once the camera shutter is triggered, he uses a flash to illuminated the stencil, then removes the the paper image from the jig and ambient light from the dark surrounding is captured during the remainder of the 20-30 second exposure time. The real trick is getting the light levels between the flash and the ambient light to balance and produce a result like the one seen above.
Is anyone else hearing the Punch Out cut-scene music in their heads right about now?
| 8
| 8
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365690",
"author": "James",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:31:31",
"content": "Wow, this takes “light drawings” to a new level! You could use the screen of a mobile device to get the characters and just mask the rest of the screen with modeling clay or blu-tack, and use a box with a screen sized hole to blank the rest of the scene. Then turn off the screen or put some card in front, and remove the box while it captures the background. Quite difficult to get the timing right though.You could put realistic objects in the scene, or photos of people to make it look like they are materializing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365692",
"author": "Ben",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:37:03",
"content": "Kudos for coming up with a method to do this physically, but I have to admit the end results look no different from a quickly done Photoshop.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365695",
"author": "Bartzilla",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:42:24",
"content": "Not Punch-Out. Track and Field:http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8524747",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365735",
"author": "fartface",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:44:26",
"content": "Hard way of doing that.simply print them out as cutouts, out in the frame, take photo.This is not new and has been done for ages, look up fairy photos to see some of the most famous from the early days of photography.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365747",
"author": "Drone",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:00:36",
"content": "Am I missing something here? This could be done digitally with almost any image editor. Add shadows, etc. Why the “physical” bloat?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365764",
"author": "AgedCheddar",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:20:42",
"content": "Why not do it in GIMP, PaintShop Pro, or some other digital manipulation tool?Point and click with a mouse is not challenging enough for some.Attempting to re-create digital effects through physical means is pretty challenging and, when it works, very rewarding.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365792",
"author": "John",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:52:14",
"content": "I was totally playing the Punch-Out!! music in my head (yes – even though it’s the Track & Field dudes). When I read the last line I nearly fell off my seat!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366137",
"author": "Grayda",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T04:22:09",
"content": "Well that’s one way of doing it. The way I’ve been taught is to cut out a shape in the middle of a black piece of card, attach different bits of celophane to “colour” it in, then take your photo, put an external flash behind, then fire the external. You get a similar effect, but without having to touch your camera once the exposure starts (which can cause blurring if your tripod isn’t sturdyAnd to all of those people who are saying “Just photoshop it, it’s easier”. Yes it’s easier, but so is shoving a netbook into a project that only requires an Arduino, because you’re too lazy to learn how to program chips.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.49297
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/convert-an-old-busted-phone-into-a-voice-altering-prank-machine/
|
Convert An Old Busted Phone Into A Voice-altering Prank Machine
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"News",
"Phone Hacks"
] |
[
"mixer",
"phone",
"prank"
] |
Have you ever wanted to be someone else, at least over the phone? Do you dream of turning the tables on telemarketers, making them hurry to get off the line instead of you? If so, [Brad] over at LucidScience
has the project for you
.
A bit of a prankster at heart, he walks through the conversion of a normal telephone into a Data Access Arrangement device (DAA), allowing you to interface it with either hardware or software-based audio mixers.
The process can be completed in a relatively short time period, and doesn’t require much more than an old telephone, a handful of tools, and some miscellaneous switches and jacks. He disassembled a telephone and trimmed off all of the unnecessary circuitry while retaining most of the original functionality. Line in and out jacks were then installed in place of the handset microphone and speakers, respectively. The final result is a compact box that relays altered audio from any kind of mixing device to person at the other end of the call. Since the majority of the phone remains intact, your calls still sound natural as they pass through the phone’s existing voice filter and preamp circuitry.
Once the DAA is complete, you can use any number of effects on your voice, limited only by your audio mixer. [Brad] says he has long-time friends that don’t even recognize his voice after he has run it through his effects machine, so get started on yours before April Fool’s day arrives!
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365525",
"author": "fred",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:13:17",
"content": "“and doesn’t require much more than an old telephone, a handful of tools, and some miscellaneous switches and jacks”. I guess the voice transformer effects box counts as “miscellaneous”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365533",
"author": "sidetabs",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:22:53",
"content": "Lol I think the dude meant the phone part not the whole thing. You can use free software too but you had to rtfa to know that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365554",
"author": "aggaz",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:46:40",
"content": "fred is rihgt, the title of this post is ambiguous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365683",
"author": "walt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:17:23",
"content": "good luck finding a vt-1 for a reasonable price. ever since that To Catch a Chester show started using them to sound like young chicks, they got super pricey.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365701",
"author": "seer",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:51:34",
"content": "well … why not using more hobbyist friendly chip such as HT8950 instead of the expensive and professional box?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365704",
"author": "BobbySlay",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:53:31",
"content": "seer, oooooor the free software he mentions towards the end of his build log.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365736",
"author": "Oneironaut",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:44:50",
"content": "Thanks for posting my project.To answer the above questions…– Yes, the build is about the mixer, not the actual effect, which can be either an external fx box or computer software (as explained in the writeup).– Indeed, the VT1 seems hard to find, but it is the best voice changer hands down.– The Holtek HT8950 is only good for a few funny chipmunk or devil voices. I have used them for gag voice changers in the past. The VT1 or even VCS software can pull of a voice disguise good enough to convince even your family on the phone.Check out the video I made of my voice and then search youtube for other voice changers to see the huge difference in quality. Those little black box units sound like cartoon characters!Ironically, some of these so called “Spy Stores” sell the VT1 with a few .01 uF caps soldered to an RJ-11 jack for well over $1000 and call it a custom designed voice changer.I just wanted to demonstrate how to mix audio to and from the phone system without needing to design or install a custom DAA solution.This was a fun project to make, and I enjoy talking to telemarketers with my satan voice. It’s amazing how long you can keep them on the line sometimes.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "367743",
"author": "Maave",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T02:24:16",
"content": "I’m fond of alligator clips on wires myself, a homemade adapter is really versatile.Try using the program VSTHost with some plugins for voice changing. The only problem will be latency which can be fixed with some ASIO drivers (like ASIO4All) instead of the default MME or DS drivers.I choose VSTHost over “voice changer” software because VSTHost is completely free and has a plethora of plugins. ckpitchshifter is a mandatory plugin for voice changing. X-Orcism is pretty good too.I had guides to setting up VSTHost but Google nuked my blog and never gave it back. Just screw around with VSTHost and you’ll get the hang of it.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "374771",
"author": "cns949",
"timestamp": "2011-04-06T15:04:35",
"content": "This wouldn’t get you a PH.D but it sounds like a lot of fun :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "3138486",
"author": "Rogan Dawes",
"timestamp": "2016-08-17T08:22:38",
"content": "Question: Is this actually a reasonable way of connecting a line-level input/output to a POTS?I want to make a handsfree phone using my bluetooth headset (or even a cheapie wired headset), and would like to know if this is “legit”. It seems a little suspect when he says “use the lowest volume setting on your MP3 player to play music over the phone” (roughly quoted)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.645577
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/surplus-military-gear-keeps-your-hands-free-calls-private/
|
Surplus Military Gear Keeps Your Hands Free, Calls Private
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks",
"Phone Hacks"
] |
[
"bluetooth",
"RF",
"surplus"
] |
[Julian] was rummaging through a military surplus store when he spotted a pair of old helicopter pilot helmets that
he absolutely had to have
. At $25 they were a steal, but pretty useless in their current state. He decided to modify one of the helmets for use while playing video games, but he didn’t stop there.
The helmet had two decent speakers built-in so he kept them, but tweaked the wiring from a mono-only configuration to accept stereo input. A RF wireless headset was disassembled and wired into the helmet so he could use it for playing video games while his wife is asleep. As an added bonus, the headset he used happened to have an AM/FM receiver built in, so he can enjoy music while sitting around with his helmet on as well. A Bluetooth cell phone headset was also torn down and wired into the helmet for gaming and handling phone calls. The Bluetooth mic was extended into the original mic stem built into the helmet, keeping things authentic-looking.
Overall it’s a quite a useful recycling of some old military junk. It’s a great idea though the helmet looks like it could be a touch cumbersome after awhile.
| 16
| 16
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365487",
"author": "HanSolo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:14:19",
"content": "two words,AWESOME!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365536",
"author": "Moonmonster",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:32:38",
"content": "Yeah, quite useful in Japan, if the earth quakes and the roof decides to collapse.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365537",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:32:51",
"content": "My headphones keep my hands free and calls private as well…I think this write up overstates the usefulness of this wiring job, but its a fun idea nonetheless.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365571",
"author": "pelrun",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T14:06:51",
"content": "I think the main problem with this helmet is that it’s impossible to wear it without singing Danger Zone over and over and over.RIGHT IN TO THE DANGER ZOOOOOONE!HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONEEEEEEEEEEE!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365573",
"author": "Leithoa",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T14:07:22",
"content": "You gotta wonder if someone yelled ‘hand check’ right before they took the picture.Now to complete the helmet he needs to rig up some tracking so he can change views by turning his head.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365680",
"author": "Kaj",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:12:40",
"content": "@LeithoaGood call on the hand check, I think :)Add that motion tracking to a pair of hi-res stereo video goggles, and you’ve got a winner for flight sim!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365685",
"author": "Jakezilla",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:21:14",
"content": "Man, I have never found anything that cool in a surplus store!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365705",
"author": "DarthSynack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:53:39",
"content": "Now just need to cover the outside of the helmet with 3.14 layers of tinfoil – have to keep the government brainwave scanners from listening to your calls…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365737",
"author": "Ed Minchau",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T16:46:02",
"content": "This cries out for a Wiimote to be disassembled and repurposed inside.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365751",
"author": "Aud1073cH",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:04:03",
"content": "I have a David Clark headsethttp://www.davidclark.com/index.htmlfound at a thrift store for $6 !– planning to adapt it to 4pin XLR (for clearcom), and make a breakout box from that for other applications. Its got a helicopter plug- havn’t had a reply from DC on pinout or what dc voltage the mic requires.Anyone know what the pinout for the single-jack aviation headsets is?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365763",
"author": "Yoda",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:19:13",
"content": "I’m pretty sure awesome is just one word smart guy.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365791",
"author": "Olivier",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T17:47:53",
"content": "@pelrun: or the Airwolf intro.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365809",
"author": "julian santa-rita",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:19:31",
"content": "@Aud1073cHwhat’s the connector type? the aviation pinout on mine was(from tip to leads) Mic+, Mic GND, SPKR+,SPKR GND. The mic requires phantom power, but a quick query of “electret” microphone will net you a simple circuit to power it up.“Electrets need biassing because of the built-in FET amplifier inside the microphone capsule. Bias voltages should be kept clean, because the noise in thiss will get to the microphone output.Basic electret microphone powering circuitsBasic circuit+—————————- battery +ve (3 to 12 Volts)|2k2 R1|o———- 10uF ——o—– output|+ |CAPSULE 10k R2|- |+———————-o—– GND, and battery -veThis is the basic electret microphone powering circuit which you can use as generic reference when receivign circuits which use electret microphones. The putput impedance is determined by R1 and R2. If you leave out R2 the output impedance is roughly the resistance of R2. ”fromhttp://www.epanorama.net/circuits/microphone_powering.html#basicslater -Julian",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365812",
"author": "julian santa-rita",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:23:39",
"content": "@Kyleno doubt(and i admit) this is a very simple update of the functionality. Sometimes it’s nice to have a one day project.what you might be missing is that it actually has TWO sets of wireless (bluetooth and RF) communications resulting in one set of stereo out for ambient TV noise or music, AND one mono speaker and a microphone for Communications, so it can combine the two into one unit.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365942",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:59:11",
"content": "On his site he says he used single-strand wire on the inside wiring (cat5). Bummer. Breakage will occur in spite of massive amounts of hot-glue, instead of silicone or strip-able caulking.The best way is to mix the BT output into the preamp of the always on amp of the radio. BT amp is low output, it won’t keep up with the radio. Using resistors (not diodes) to mix will kill the output. With the right pair of resistors the mix will not bleed-off the stereo separation in the radio.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366466",
"author": "dan fruzzetti",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T17:28:28",
"content": "It’s really cool, but seriously dude, go pay attention to your wife before you lose her. And maybe have some kids so you’ll have something to do :PMy hacks are all less-than-an-hour affairs now that we’re up to two kids. I’ll get back into the big projects but not until the kids are bigger and I’m rich.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.601892
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/23/real-time-wireframe-video-effect-overlay-with-kinect/
|
Real-time Wireframe Video Effect Overlay With Kinect
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Kinect hacks",
"Video Hacks",
"Xbox Hacks"
] |
[
"Kinect",
"video",
"wireframe"
] |
[Francois] over at 1024 Architecture
has been working on a project
we think you’ll be likely to see in a professional music video before too long. Using his Kinect sensor, ha has been tracking skeletal movements, adding special effects to the resulting wire frame with Quartz Composer. While this idea isn’t new, the next part is. He takes the QC tweaked video stream and then projects it back over the performer using MadMapper to match the video to the body movements, recording the resultant display.
The project started out with a few hiccups, including a noticeable delay between the body tracking and the display. It caused the performer to have to move more slowly than he would like, so things had to be tweaked. [Francois] first tested the latency between his computer and the projector by displaying a timecode representation on the screen as well as via the projector. He found the projector to have a latency of 1 frame at 60 fps, which wasn’t too bad. This led him to believe the culprit was his Kinect, and he was right. There was a 6 frame delay, so he locked the video output to 30 fps in hopes of cutting that delay in half.
The effect is slightly reminiscent of Tron, but with more distortion. We can’t wait to see more projects similar to this one in the future.
The resulting video embedded below is pretty cool in our opinion, but you can judge for yourself.
[vimeo
http://vimeo.com/21308228 w=470%5D
| 15
| 15
|
[
{
"comment_id": "365467",
"author": "Solidacid",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T11:11:05",
"content": "That looks amazing, it’s a shame kinect is so expensive..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365478",
"author": "Steve",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T11:29:34",
"content": "Wow, loved the part where he shakes a virtual dangling rope at 20 seconds into the video! Not much into the dancing, but to each their own. I’m actually quite surprised how quickly “real” applications came to be after how quickly it was hacked! I’m also surprised how little delay the Kinect has. Not bad for $150!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365480",
"author": "Bob D",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T11:53:04",
"content": "@Solidacid Expensive? I’m guessing you aren’t aware that before the Kinect this kind of tech cost many thousands of dollars.This looks fantastic and I’m glad to see some artistic applications coming out of it so quickly.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365493",
"author": "spiritplumber",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:20:09",
"content": "Change the scheme, alter the mood, electrify the boys and girls!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365505",
"author": "darkith",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:38:37",
"content": "I wonder if adding a little motion compensation/prediction (like FPS games do to compensate for connection latency) would smooth out some of the action (with a slight penalty for rapid changes in direction).D.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365508",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:45:28",
"content": "150 dollars vs 10000..ya expensive. Nice work!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365511",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T12:47:09",
"content": "granted expensive relates to how much ypu can afford",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365564",
"author": "Solidacid",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T14:03:54",
"content": "it might not be relatively expensive bit it IS expensive. if you disagree, feel free to send me one, i’d love to get hacking..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365674",
"author": "EFH",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T14:57:08",
"content": "Extremely cool!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365691",
"author": "Grovenstien",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T15:34:52",
"content": "DAMN IT SOMEONE GOT THERE BEFORE ME!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365824",
"author": "IJ Dee-Vo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T18:52:11",
"content": "@Solidacid buying for me=not expensive, buying for others very expensive",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365897",
"author": "echodelta",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T20:08:25",
"content": "Altering and controlling projected reality. This will be the greatest user interface since buttons and levers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "366044",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-03-24T00:24:20",
"content": "You mean you have to use your hands?That’s like a baby’s toy!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "368188",
"author": "bzroom",
"timestamp": "2011-03-26T19:24:23",
"content": "very bad ass",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "370135",
"author": "BristolGarry",
"timestamp": "2011-03-30T00:14:14",
"content": "This looks very similar to a technique that was used on Kylie Minogue’s video “Get Outta My Way”, but I am sure is a WHOLE lot less expensive than the system that was used there. Just as impressive, though!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.916128
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/pov-business-card-is-guaranteed-to-get-you-noticed/
|
POV Business Card Is Guaranteed To Get You Noticed
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"LED Hacks",
"Microcontrollers"
] |
[
"business card",
"led",
"pic"
] |
Some say that handing out business cards is an antiquated practice due to the ubiquity of smart phones which can be used to trade or record contact information in mere moments. Instructables user [sponges] however, doesn’t agree and is pushing a “business card renaissance” of sorts with
his POV business card
.
Hand-built in his basement, the cards feature a handful of SMD LEDs that display his name, followed by his phone number when waved back and forth. Constructed to be nearly the same size as a standard business card, his verison uses a PIC to manage the display as well as a tilt sensor to monitor the card’s motion. His walkthrough is quite thorough, and includes tutorials for each of the steps required to build the card. He discusses constructing your own etching tank, converting a laminator for PCB transfer purposes, building a solder reflow oven controller, as well as hacking an aquarium pump for use as a vacuum-powered pick and place.
The end result is a sharp looking business card that ensures you won’t forget meeting him. Keep reading to see a video of the card in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud7QIuD4lUM&w=470]
| 17
| 14
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364337",
"author": "bogdan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:41:14",
"content": "The idea is great, but i want to see pictures or movies of it.I do find it rather unpractical because is quite hard to get the name out of it…but then, the impression might be great enough to remember him/her…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364358",
"author": "Nonya",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:13:31",
"content": "it would be more ausome if you could spinn it like a top.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364367",
"author": "t&p",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:31:40",
"content": "has anyone make a top POV?That would be kind of cool.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "763433",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2012-08-30T18:46:57",
"content": "I bought a POV top at a educational toy store a few years ago, it didn’t display alpha-numerics but stepped through various patterns while spinning and playing music. Alas and alack all that is left of it is the PC board, which I might attach it to a drill someday just to watch it again.",
"parent_id": "364367",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364489",
"author": "David S",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:15:04",
"content": "Excellent hack… but you’re a little soon on calling business cards antiquated.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364496",
"author": "h_2_o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:30:03",
"content": "agreed on calling business cards antiquated. also i would as well like to see a movie of it.great idea however.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364503",
"author": "Brennan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:36:54",
"content": "It would be pretty hard to create a POV top because you would need to accurately measure the speed of rotation to sync up the LEDs (in order to display meaningful stuff and not just patterns)…plus the actual construction and weighting of the top would be a challenge.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "364913",
"author": "Caleb Kraft",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T14:29:09",
"content": "@Brennan,POV tops are pretty common. They function at top speed then stop once they slow down beyond a threshold. My kids had one.",
"parent_id": "364503",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "763437",
"author": "Ren",
"timestamp": "2012-08-30T18:49:04",
"content": "yeah, mine (okay, my daughter’s) had a centrifugal switch consisting of one contact on a weighted spring. As the top slowed down the switch opened.",
"parent_id": "364913",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364508",
"author": "zool",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:45:35",
"content": "nice design, would like to see it working and estimated costhis write up involves stuff other than just the pcb design..not sure people would bother doing all of that",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364595",
"author": "Ed3",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T02:06:45",
"content": "@t&p @Brennan – POV Top –http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/01/pov-top.html",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364709",
"author": "mrbrt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T06:21:37",
"content": "have you guys tried following the link to the instructable? there’s a video on the first page.awesome idea, excellent execution. It even looks pretty slick with the circular etching design.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364757",
"author": "Stevie",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T08:26:08",
"content": "In the video it looks like the card is attached to a spinning bike wheel",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364792",
"author": "monster",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T09:46:24",
"content": "@Brennanin theory, an accelerometer could sense the outward forces on the top and calculate the rotational speed of the top.you also might even be able to use it to balance the top, like how they balance tires by spinning them on that machine",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364799",
"author": "Max",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T10:03:42",
"content": "I’m still waiting for more than anecdotal evidence that anyone at HR actually hung on to any of the “supacustom1337haxxxored” cards one can see around the net (let alone actually hire someone based on it);Engineers these days are nothing more than “cannon fodder” for industry, a required ingredient for the machine that churns out PRODUCT (they pretty much get valued accordingly too, sadly). Unless you try to get hired at NASA, Boeing or a fusion research lab (yeah good luck with either), your would-be employer is interested in good little lemmings who stay in the line and deliver on schedule, not rebel geniuses who’s card they can’t even pocket properly……oh, and while we’re on the subject – sorry, Santa isn’t real either.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364811",
"author": "Mike Nathan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T10:42:23",
"content": "@mrbt – The video on his Instructables page is new and was posted after we published this story – thank you for the heads up, it has been added.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "365546",
"author": "Kyle",
"timestamp": "2011-03-23T13:40:36",
"content": "Hahahaha, why the hell would you need a reflow oven for this? Mass production? I don’t think that will be necessary ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,237.857151
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/herf-gun-zaps-more-than-your-dinner/
|
HERF Gun Zaps More Than Your Dinner
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Misc Hacks"
] |
[
"dangerous",
"HERF",
"microwave",
"radiation"
] |
Instructables user [Jimmy Neutron] had an old microwave sitting around and figured he might as well gut it to build a
high-energy radio frequency (HERF) gun
.
The concept of a HERF gun is not incredibly complex. Much like your microwave at home functions, a high voltage power source is used to drive a magnetron, which produces micro wave radiation at 2.45GHz. These waves are then guided away from the magnetron using a waveguide, towards whatever the target might be. These waves then energize the target in a similar fashion as the water molecules in your food are energized during cooking.
[Jimmy] has not quite finished his HERF gun as he still needs to build a waveguide for it and then safely mount it for use. In the meantime, check out the pair of HERF guns we found in the videos below.
As a parting note, we must stress that building a similar device is dangerous, very dangerous – especially if you do not know what you are doing. Microwaves contain high voltage components, and exposure to microwave radiation can be deadly under certain circumstances. Stay safe!
Looking for more microwave fun? Check
these
out
!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoOT2_Z-GIE&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY8s5lzd3_Q&w=470]
| 76
| 50
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364271",
"author": "Jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:11:50",
"content": "typo heaven.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364272",
"author": "HackerK",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:13:03",
"content": "This is just stupid and dangerous. And this is nothing new. I don’t think HaD should promo this kind of activities.Next you will see kids playing with X-Ray guns…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "905379",
"author": "Art",
"timestamp": "2012-12-17T14:55:09",
"content": "Actually as stated in the Instructables version by someone with proper testing equipment, without the directional antenna a 600w magnetron isn’t really dangerous…I tried frying a possum with one at 10ft from a 1000w magnetron and it did nothing…though mine didn’t have a wave guide so that may have been the issue…",
"parent_id": "364272",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1434002",
"author": "clavell",
"timestamp": "2014-05-09T14:36:48",
"content": "The risk of other types of thermal injury only really exists if you are within a metre or so of an unshielded kW magnetron (inverse square etc.) so if you’re not a complete imbecile messing around with microwaves isn’t that dangerous.The greatest risk is blindness, but as Wikipedia says: “Microwave-induced cataracts are reported in scattered and isolated partially documented cases, but these are insufficient for establishing a causal relationship of higher than only conjectural validity; while it is possible to cause a cataract by exposure to microwaves, the required intensities WOULD CAUSE BRAIN DEATH. Experiments on rabbits and dogs, mostly in the UHF range of frequencies, shown that the ocular effects are confined to eyelids and conjuctiva (as e.g. anterior segment keratitis or iritis).[7] Cataracts were observed at several workers exposed to radiofrequency radiation, but in some of the cases the cause was unrelated to the RF exposure and in the other cases the evidence was incomplete or inconclusive.”The main risks to your health are the RF police and the high voltage supply, but there are thousands of ‘how-to’s for those around here that I don’t see you complaining about :)",
"parent_id": "364272",
"depth": 2,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "2919283",
"author": "Bob",
"timestamp": "2016-02-15T07:57:53",
"content": "As a former General class amateur radio operator (at the young age of 13 some years ago), I would confirm that this device, if not properly shielded, grounded, and wired, can pose a serious danger to a novice. Microwave induced cataracts and ocular opacities have been reportedly suffered by technicians who worked with microwave and radar systems in the scientific literature. Without a highly directional resonant waveguide, the power density follows the inverse square law in its dissipation from the source. With a highly directional waveguide, there is still the danger of more concentrated thermal injury to human skin at close distances from the source of emission.Chemical leakages from the magnetron may also pose a neurological danger if aerosolized and inhaled.Unless proper safeguards are taken with respect to any rewiring of the device, high voltage danger exists to those unfamiliar with uhf and microwave electronics.",
"parent_id": "1434002",
"depth": 3,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "3179126",
"author": "Alex",
"timestamp": "2016-09-03T07:22:07",
"content": "OOH xray guns- thakyou for that idea",
"parent_id": "364272",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364273",
"author": "Jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:13:20",
"content": "“building a similar devices is dangerous”should it be “building similar devices is dangerous” or “building a similar device is dangerous”?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364276",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:20:56",
"content": "Right so weve had the typ police and the safety police. Can we get on with the real comments now please?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1134022",
"author": "Milo DeOlivares",
"timestamp": "2013-12-14T21:24:50",
"content": "In the first video there was a waveguide for the magnetron which is dangerous but within the realm of reasonable. However in the second video there was just the emitter probe .I mean that’s just plain crazy. The microwaves will radiate in all directions and can cause serious radio frequency burns.",
"parent_id": "364276",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364286",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:29:40",
"content": "You forgot the legal police.This is also very illegal. Microwaves generally use the ISM band centered around 2.4ghz. They are only legally operating at 1kW because the radiated power (outside of the enclosure) must be below 5mW. By only removing the magnetron you blow that out of the water, and by focusing it you enter crazy-town. I hope this person gives themselves radio burns and destroys is before anyone else gets hurt.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364288",
"author": "hubert",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:32:41",
"content": "You should only build this if you want to get your balls zapped(cooked).",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364290",
"author": "Malte",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:35:19",
"content": "I have to agree with HackerK: It’s one thing if some people are stupid enough to play around with magnetron. You can’t prevent that. It’s another thing to promote this. Using these to make “guns” isn’t “dangerous, very dangerous”, this is simply dumb.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364291",
"author": "SamIAm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:36:05",
"content": "@hpux735 – you truly wish physical harm on this kid because he’s doing something you don’t agree with? C’mon, pull your panties out of your crack.Is it stupid? Yes. Is it dangerous? Yes. Is it impacting you? Not so much.@hubert – The dude in the second video is totally wearing a foil crotch protector – it’s all good!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364293",
"author": "o",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:40:03",
"content": "This is a cool hack. Incredibly dangerous, but very awesome.Don’t aim it at any large objects, i.e. sheets of metal, concrete walls, etc.Some of the radio waves will be reflected, unpredictably cooking other stuff nearby.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364294",
"author": "HARaaM",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:41:41",
"content": "if you are a ham, it can be legal. still dangerous, but that is where the fun is. ouch, my eyes….",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364295",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:41:54",
"content": "@HackerKWhy stop at x-ray. z-ray is a whole letter better!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364299",
"author": "Bruce Perens",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:44:44",
"content": "I read in QST about 20 years ago a letter from a ham who blinded himself with high power UHF. He got the dose before he knew he was injured. Apparently the retina is pretty sensitive to being damaged this way.I agree with others that it’s just not smart.Bruce Perens K6BP",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364304",
"author": "G",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:49:16",
"content": "@DrakeYou forgot ‘Y’.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364305",
"author": "TSR",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:50:31",
"content": "This is as easy as pulling apart an old microwave and mounting the magnetron on a satellite dish. I didn’t know that was all it took to get on HaD.Also, the real safety danger is your eyes. While the rest of your body would take a few minutes to be significantly damaged, eyes will turn white like a poached egg in 15-30 seconds.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364306",
"author": "Aero",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:51:43",
"content": "Wow this is dangerous.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364310",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:02:00",
"content": "I actually didn’t want him to get hurt. Read carefully. My main concern is someone else getting hurt. I’d just rather him get hurt than an innocent bystander.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364311",
"author": "Gert",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:03:38",
"content": "Microwaves contain Beryllium. That stuff is very toxic.It’s the copper colored stuff you see around the transmitter.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364319",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:12:26",
"content": "i have all those parts sitting around. i like to connect them, plug them in, and point the magnetron at my cranium.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364320",
"author": "SamIAm",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:14:27",
"content": "@hpux735 –“I hope this person gives themselves radio burns and destroys is before anyone else gets hurt.”Typos aside, looks like a clear desire to see this person injured as a result of their tomfoolery regardless of your concern for others.As long as this kid does not stand in front of the magnetron, point it at another living thing, or stick the beryllium in his mouth this is no more dangerous than building a tesla coil. At least he might get a bit of a burning sensation if he accidentally steps in the way of the micro waves – 10kv doesn’t stop to say hello before striking you dead.At the end of the day if his parents are letting him screw with these things or his “uncle” is not supervising him while experimenting, they are ultimately at fault if something goes wrong.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364321",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:14:59",
"content": "really what is shown here is the inside of a microwave, assembled outside of the box. so, i could take the case off my VCR, NES, cellphone, tv, etc.. and call it a hack, except those things wont cause bodily harm at long range..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364324",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:19:32",
"content": "looking at the first video, it seems they have constructed a time machine!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364326",
"author": "Jesse",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:27:11",
"content": "Very cool to see this type of project here!If this kind of thing interests anyone I suggest checking out the boards at 4hv.org for other awesome and dangerous projects without many comments from concerned mothers. ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1867595",
"author": "rory",
"timestamp": "2014-09-22T20:07:52",
"content": "concerned mothers,lol….best comment on this page by far…though i do agree this is pretty stupid shit to be fuckin around with … 2000V alone in my opinioin is outrageous to just have placed on a piece of plpywood lol",
"parent_id": "364326",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364334",
"author": "hpux735",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:34:20",
"content": "@SamIAmI’ll grant you that I wasn’t as clear as I could be, and I want to emphasize that I DO NOT want ANYONE to get hurt.Anyway, once you feel a bit of a “burning sensation” the damage has been done. There are many examples of significant and permanent damage occurred hours (or days) after exposure. Just lookup “microwave burns”.In my opinion this is no better than making pipe bombs. There are just as many reasonable uses, and just as many dangers.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364349",
"author": "wvdv2002",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T19:54:29",
"content": "Now to hack a microwave to become a 1kW bluetooth transmitter. Don’t use at close distances, this might fry your bluetooth dongle.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1644899",
"author": "Greenaum",
"timestamp": "2014-07-17T21:32:36",
"content": "Actually, with proper safety and blah blah blah, I’d really like to see this done! See if two phones can pair over 50 miles! Can you frequency-modulate a magnetron?",
"parent_id": "364349",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364353",
"author": "Shaddack",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:00:56",
"content": "Nice thing. (Also nice how it got the Wussy Brigade buzzing.)Could be used as a wide-area wifi/bluetooth jammer. Or a long-range one, with a good directional antenna.Given the magnetron radiates more or less omnidirectionally from its tip, the EM field intensity drops pretty fast with distance. With precautions it should not be That Much Dangerous, though it is definitely something to pay attention to while playing with it.I wonder… if the signal is modulated, could it be used for moon bounce communication? Alternatively, could it be just keyed on/off and use a suitable receiver nearby to have a radar bounde from the Moon?An interesting thing to do is melting glass with microwaves. The trick is to focus the power into a small area in the glass mass; once it heats enough, it starts absorbing enough to be heated efficiently.Another possible thing to have fun with is trying to tune the magnetron, how much of frequency shift could be achieved. Also, power modulation is of interest. (See “microwave-assisted chemistry” for more ideas for its use. Also microwave-assisted drying of materials.)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364355",
"author": "Eraser",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:09:54",
"content": "Looks like fun! everyone yelling, just shut up and don’t play with these kind of things if you don’t want to.Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364359",
"author": "Frits Rincker",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:18:42",
"content": "This seems realy risky stuff. You can get severe burns who knows how deep this radiation penetrates. Not a good idea for the playfull types imho.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364372",
"author": "Jeditalian",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:34:53",
"content": "you should try: pointing it at the sun, bouncing it off the moon, aiming it at stars, satellites. also, plant some (pop)corn and use it as an artificial sun, so you can be the creator of ‘microwave popcorn’",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364373",
"author": "roswellaliens",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:35:01",
"content": "What, not even portable? Hardly a HERF gun.I did look into this a while back for powering a plasma experiment.. turns out that you can drive a magnetron using the inverter transformers from a 32″ or larger LCD but it needs to be the sort with two large transformers and not the eight small ones.Run them in parallel with diodes to rectify the HV and a smaller winding wound around one or both and it should power the heater as well.To make the magnetron smaller I’d start by removing the fins and magnets, the replacing these with smaller neodymiums around the edge and it will then fit inside a heat gun sized casing.Use some magnetic viewing film to make sure the field is correct in the centre of the tube where the cavity sits, and it should work.Disclaimer.. I haven’t actually built this yet!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364383",
"author": "Nate",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:48:49",
"content": "I tried this one some time ago but never got it to work which was a good thing. You can get bad RF burns. This wikipedia page sums it uphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_burn",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364384",
"author": "elwing",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:50:17",
"content": "quess my tinfoil hat now has a use…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "1106882",
"author": "marcolinuxBR",
"timestamp": "2013-11-21T04:31:44",
"content": "Im a Target individual (see stopeg.com), burned all day every day since 2012, prob. before without knowing. Yes, it sucks. I protect myself with inflatable matress with water at home and with a pillow with gel at work. I hope this helps anyone in the same situation.",
"parent_id": "364384",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364414",
"author": "Spork",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:31:32",
"content": "Yes there is a real risk, so be careful, but if you take proper precautions I could see this being a fun hack for experimenting.I would like to see the radiation contained, but in a smaller area so you could directly heat a substance quickly and accurately. — Would make for an awesome piece of equipment in a science lab.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "4647869",
"author": "esotaeronaut",
"timestamp": "2018-06-22T22:54:16",
"content": "“I would like to see the radiation contained, but in a smaller area so you could directly heat a substance quickly and accurately. — Would make for an awesome piece of equipment in a science lab.”you just described a microwave",
"parent_id": "364414",
"depth": 2,
"replies": []
}
]
},
{
"comment_id": "364419",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:36:23",
"content": "I think you can wish him minor harm because he not only makes a thing that can definitely mess up other people/animals or technical installations or vehicles (like planes) but he also makes instructions available for others on a site that is not exactly targeted at the highly educated.So let the guy that vented alone already.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364444",
"author": "Drake",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T21:52:51",
"content": "@Gmeant to say 2 better. Reference to Futurama.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364454",
"author": "Bostwickenator",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:15:03",
"content": "Take this down for the love of god. Look at the videos you posted they take no safety precautions at all. Not to mention this is very illegal and will do horrible damage to you before you know what is happening.The people in the video are complaining about tingling from stray radiation. Not to mention the metallic objects they are irradiating are probably scattering radiation in all directions.Is this the behavior that hackaday wants to encourage?!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364472",
"author": "truthspew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:39:56",
"content": "The real trick is to ditch the control panel and use a charged capacitor bank to trigger the magnetron. Guide it out to a dish and spread the pattern if you wish.A number of uses come to mind. No more boom-boom from cars. In fact aim it right, car won’t run.For the more devious among us I’m sure you can take this to it’s logical end. Yeah, radio doesn’t like high energy in certain sections like the IF etc.Just imagine what you could do with that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364476",
"author": "strider_mt2k",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:46:14",
"content": "Safety shmafety.MY problem is they built a gun without a barrel or a handle in the form of removing the outer parts of a microwave oven, submitted it as a hack…and it was accepted and posted.Incomplete, weak…and weak.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364477",
"author": "aztraph",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T22:48:12",
"content": "OK. coming from the point of view of someone whose job it is repair microwaves and having gone to many schools for microwave repair over the last 15 years, its a miracle they didn’t get killed.touching a spark plug on a running engine will give you a solid jolt. it’s about 10,000 volts at about 15-20 miliamps. the transformer microwave puts out about 2,000 volts ac which it bucks up to 4,000 volts dc because of the diode and capacitor, but the power draw of the transformer is 5-8 amps. this won’t just kill you, it turns your brain off and throws you across the room. but if you are determined to do this rather insain experiment, please note the size of the capacitor is determined by the physical size of the inside of the cooking chamber of the microwave, useless tidbit, but if you want to overdrive the magnetron, increase to a capacitor that has a larger microfarad rating. typically they are about 1 uf. i would go to 2 uf or 2.5 but don’t expect the magnetron to last long under these conditions. and for pete’s sake BE CAREFUL",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364485",
"author": "random stupid question",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T23:06:31",
"content": "why not make your own portable Doppler Radar? using an arduino and a microwave..why make a weapon at all? just saying..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364524",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:11:14",
"content": "A much better and safer microwave hack, which works even when the microwave is dead, is to disassemble the magnetron for the ring magnets which make the best refrigerator magnets ever.Well, second best, the damping magnets from a mechanical analytical balance are actually better, but unless you worked in certain industries during a certain era it’s unlikely you’ll be able to salvage a set of those :-)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364536",
"author": "Whatnot",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:31:25",
"content": "That was an interesting observation about beryllium btw gert, wikipedia has some interesting stuff on it and its toxicity, and that’s it’s hard to recognize and they used to determine it by tasting it because it used to be hard to tell if it was beryllium or not. That stuff does indeed sound like tricky business.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364542",
"author": "Whoohoo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:45:03",
"content": "SSSSSsssssssssSSSSSSSSSSssssshit storm!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364572",
"author": "FredTheFanMan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T01:31:34",
"content": "This is the lamest HAD post ever. Wow I can light up the phosphor in fluros with a microwave. I disassembled it and now its a hack. The quality of this post is ridiculously bad. Where is the hack here? What did they modify? Lame.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364613",
"author": "Fallen",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T02:42:27",
"content": "Great way to get cataracts…More like a Derp gun…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364622",
"author": "Mr.Dizzy",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T03:02:17",
"content": "They forgot the tinfoil hats. :)But seriously: Don’t do this at home kids. Microwaves are dangerous and not a toy if dismantled. You can get blind playing with unshielded microwaves.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364655",
"author": "Matt",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T04:05:11",
"content": "This is in no way a hack. It’s a kid who took apart a microwave, keeping the transformer, voltage doubler, and magnetron.The kid in his instructable is proud of hiding this from his parents who would “freak out”. Of course the parents would freak out. Without a horn antenna to focus the power it’s going to be radiating all over the place when it’s turned on. Even with a properly constructed antenna it’s still extremely dangerous because of the kilowatt power levels and the fact that the power is going to be reflecting off of anything it hits. This kid is a danger to himself and others.The safety disclaimer in Mike Nathan’s post is wholly insufficient given that the linked project is extremely dangerous and contains no useful information on high-power RF safety.I thought that the free energy posts were the worst I’d see on Hackaday. But those were harmless, this is not.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364665",
"author": "kdkk",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T04:19:21",
"content": "Have fun with your genetically altered children you crazy bastard.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364671",
"author": "Mister X",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T04:30:27",
"content": "Besides being an Amateur Radio Operator who understands the Dangers of Uncontrolled High Power RF Emissions, I was an independent contractor during the consumer microwave oven boom (Circa 1976-77) preforming factory authorized service on 6 different major brands, it was quite lucrative money wise, but I had to stop after about 18 months because I was getting ill from the low level microwave exposures.I rarely use a cell phone to this day unless it’s critical, because the power levels I experienced then are nearly identical to current phone emissions, but I digress. Not only are these guys endangering themselves, anyone down range of that magnetron is endangered at those illegally high power levels. They are setting themselves up for Darwin Awards at those power levels, nice … but please don’t Glorify it on Hack A Day.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364731",
"author": "swink",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T07:16:32",
"content": "as a HAM I must say this is illegal in SO MANY WAYS!as a guy That likes HAD i must saythis is the most effing FU of HAD ever!!!next you see a guy with a self made gun shooting at people. Would you publish THAT!! $^%&#$&@%^#^&$#^$#$",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364787",
"author": "S",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T09:39:28",
"content": "The next hack will be a braille reader for those blinded? :/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,238.005022
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/clever-hack-tethers-a-kinect-sensor-to-the-ps3/
|
Clever Hack Tethers A Kinect Sensor To The PS3
|
Mike Nathan
|
[
"Kinect hacks",
"Playstation Hacks"
] |
[
"Kinect",
"openni",
"ps3"
] |
Now that Kinect has been hacked to work with just about everything from robots to toaster ovens, someone finally got around to tweaking it for use on the PS3.
[Shantanu] has been hard at work writing code and experimenting with some preexisting Kinect software to
get the sensor to talk to his PS3
. The Kinect is hooked up to a PC, which captures all of his movements with
OpenNI
. Those movements are mapped to PS3 controls via
NITE
, a piece of middleware used for interpreting gestures into commands. All of the captured button presses are then relayed to the PS3 over a Bluetooth connection using
DIYPS3Controller
.
As you can see in the video below, the solution works pretty well for what should be considered pre-alpha code. He has been able to map several custom gestures to button presses, and the Kinect does an overall decent job tracking his limbs and translating their movements to on-screen actions. The actual in-game use is a bit rough at the moment, but aside from the infancy of the code, you have to remember that these games were never meant to be played with the Kinect.
It’s a job well done, and we can’t wait to see where this project goes.
Looking for more Kinect fun? Look
no further
than
right here
.
[via
Kinect-Hacks
]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QnWDRF9w7k&w=470]
| 5
| 5
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364182",
"author": "regaladys",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T17:06:11",
"content": "O_O wow… surprise after surprise since reading about these kinect hacks 2 weeks ago.can’t afford them though, not from this part of the world. lol",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364275",
"author": "Phil",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:19:20",
"content": "It makes me angry that there x-postings with “fake”.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364289",
"author": "andrew",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:35:14",
"content": "eh, i thought he was writing a kinect driver/library for the homebrew community. Plus, using a kinect to provide input to a typical controller mostly defeats the benefits of using a kinect in the first place. Either way, I wonder who would be irritated more at this: sony or microsoft.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364297",
"author": "Matlo",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:42:40",
"content": "Based on a previous hack published on hackaday:http://hackaday.com/2010/05/05/custom-ps3-controller-software-emulation-version/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "1127746",
"author": "playstation 4 price",
"timestamp": "2013-12-09T20:44:07",
"content": "With the 32 markets that this PS4 does launch within rightat the end of 2013, House said Sony would be able to provide a solid supply for consumers throughthe entire holiday season. In terms of PS4 availability, the modern Sony Play – Station 4 console is now availablearound the Amazon website. However, most users much like the Invisible Speakers whichmight be also unique to others in the line. This problem canbe hard to fix, which is the reason many peoplewill show you to send your console over to Sony, but is this really your onlyoption.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,238.050085
|
||
https://hackaday.com/2011/03/21/freedombot-explores-your-fridge/
|
Freedombot Explores Your Fridge
|
Chris Nelson
|
[
"Robots Hacks"
] |
[
"555",
"freedombot",
"servo"
] |
Freedombot
is a neat little robot designed for exploring magnetic surfaces. It has two whiskers for detecting objects in its path and two rare earth magnets which allow it to stick to your fridge.
Overall Freedombot may not be anything revolutionary but its builder [skater_j10] does a good job of covering topics which my be interesting to robotics beginners. For example he goes through the process of modifying some HiTec HS- 55 Micro Servos for continuous rotation which allows them to act as the wheels. To control the bot he uses two 555 timers wired up in astable mode to generate the needed PWM for the servos. The proximity sensors are simple limit switches with some wire soldered on to the end. The end result is a neat little robot for roaming the front of your fridge. See a video of it in action after the break.
This happens to be [skater_j10]’s entry into the
555 timer contest
. Unfortunately the deadline has passed for new entries but be sure to swing by and check out some more awesome 555 hacking.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KOiFB3wayHQ&w=470]
| 10
| 10
|
[
{
"comment_id": "364171",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T16:57:51",
"content": "I am unaware what a rare earth magnate is. :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364172",
"author": "alan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T16:57:51",
"content": "I am unaware what a rare earth magnate is. :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364181",
"author": "Devin",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T17:06:01",
"content": "This robot and the previously posted robot should be combined into a Fridge Wanderer!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364203",
"author": "Per",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T17:21:08",
"content": "Is there a particular reason you use the phrase “after the break” in every single post or are you just stuck?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364267",
"author": "Jordan",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:10:00",
"content": "typo heaven.Its[sic] got two whiskers for detecting objects in its path and two rare earth magnates[sic] which allow it to stick to your fridge.*It’s, magnets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364280",
"author": "Avaviel",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T18:24:45",
"content": "Was I the only one that thought it would get stuff from your fridge for you?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364357",
"author": "Abbott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-21T20:11:47",
"content": "@Avaviel:Nope, I thought that when I first read the title too.Pretty slick little device, and even better is that it doesn’t use any micro at all.Great job!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364541",
"author": "Nick Short",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T00:42:31",
"content": "Also, you mean that it explores ferro-magnetic surfaces. Magnetic surfaces are the surfaces of magnets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364562",
"author": "Scott",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T01:14:16",
"content": "Just make those whiskers a little less rigid and you’re in business. Add one with different geometry on the bottom and it won’t go around the corners. It’s beautifully simple though.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "364770",
"author": "Rob",
"timestamp": "2011-03-22T09:08:25",
"content": "I have one that exploers the inside of the fridge. I call it my stepson and it’s 10 bit digital.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}
] | 1,760,377,238.096979
|
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