url stringlengths 37 208 | title stringlengths 4 148 | author stringclasses 173 values | publish_date stringclasses 1 value | categories listlengths 0 12 | tags listlengths 0 27 | featured_image stringlengths 0 272 | content stringlengths 0 56.1k | comments_count int64 0 900 | scraped_comments_count int64 0 50 | comments listlengths 0 50 | scraped_at float64 1.76B 1.76B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/05/automated-dvd-dispenser/ | Automated DVD Dispenser | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"home entertainment hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"dispenser",
"dvd"
] | [Andrew] made this
DVD dispenser
for his senior project in high school. It is using an ATmega8515 for the brains, and a custom coded driver for the LCD. As you can see in the video, after the break, you can select a
DVD
by various identifiers such as genre or title. It then pushes that DVD out of the rack so you can grab it. Right now, all the DVDs have to be placed in predetermined positions, but it’s not a bad start at all. Thanks for sending this in [Andrew].
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-lfP7dy-qM] | 24 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "65373",
"author": "The MPAA",
"timestamp": "2009-03-05T20:14:56",
"content": "Hey, those DVDs look pirated. We know where you live, Andrew",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "65378",
"author": "urlax",
"timestamp": "2009-03... | 1,760,377,677.176348 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/04/n8vem-computer-with-a-3km-wireless-link/ | N8VEM Computer With A 3Km Wireless Link | Caleb Kraft | [
"computer hacks"
] | [
"cpm",
"home brew computer",
"n8vem"
] | [James] sent in this project in which he
built a tiny computer with text based OS and a 3Km wireless link
. The details are a bit scarce, but he used an N8VEM, a Propeller Pocket Term, a 4 line LCD and an RF Transceiver to build it. It runs CP/M, the text based operating system and uses less than a half of a watt, without the vga monitor. With a total cost of 145 and 4 serial ports for sensors, this thing could come in handy. Especially since its low power consumption could allow it to be solar powered. You may recall the N8VEM from
an earlier
post we did. | 26 | 26 | [
{
"comment_id": "65298",
"author": "hum4n",
"timestamp": "2009-03-04T23:36:29",
"content": "that could run some neat little stationary solar gadgets.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "65303",
"author": "orgy316",
"timestamp": "2009-03-05T0... | 1,760,377,677.109094 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/02/restoring-yellowed-computer-plastics/ | Restoring Yellowed Computer Plastics | Eliot | [
"computer hacks",
"Mac Hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] | [
"amiga",
"apple",
"commodore",
"glycerine",
"hydrogen peroxide",
"oxy",
"plastic",
"restoration",
"restore",
"retr0brite",
"snes",
"super nintendo",
"vintage",
"vintage computing",
"xanthan gum",
"yellow plastic"
] | Many of our cherished computers and consoles from the past have not stood up well over time. It’s not the hardware as much as the color. From Commodores, Apples, to Super Nintendos, the machines have slowly drifted towards a sickly yellow and even brown. The culprit appears to be the fire retardant chemicals used in the plastics. Amiga enthusiasts have spent the last year perfecting a technique that restores the plastic of these machines to its original splendor. Dubbed ‘
Retr0brite
‘ it’s a gel made from hydrogen peroxide, xanthan gum, glycerine, and ‘Oxy’ style laundry booster. The results are really impressive. If you do start restoring your own machines, caution should be used since it requires strong concentrations of hydrogen peroxide typically employed in bleaching hair.
[via
Waxy
] | 39 | 38 | [
{
"comment_id": "64907",
"author": "epicelite",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T20:31:18",
"content": ":awesome:",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64908",
"author": "The Moogle",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T20:40:39",
"content": "I can see it no... | 1,760,377,677.401285 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/02/parts-32kb-spi-sram-memory-23k256/ | Parts: 32KB SPI SRAM Memory (23K256) | Ian | [
"Misc Hacks",
"Parts"
] | [
"23k256",
"32K",
"memory",
"parts",
"ram",
"spi",
"sram",
"storage"
] | Microchip’s new
23K256
is a serially interfaced 32 kilobyte
SRAM
memory chip, available in 8 pin DIP and 8 pin SO packages. SRAM, like
EEPROM
, is a data storage medium. Data stored in SRAM is lost without constant power, but it’s really fast and there’s no limits to the number of write cycles. EERPOM stores data even without power, but it’s slow and usually limited to around a million write cycles.
32K SRAM chips typically have 15 address lines and 8 data lines, like the
IS61LV256AL
we used on our
CPLD development board
. The 23K256 requires just four signal lines, but sacrifices the speed of a parallel memory interface. It’s a great way to add extra memory to a low-pin count microcontroller without routing 23 signal traces. We’ll show you how to interface this chip below.
Microchip 23K256, 32K SPI SRAM (
Mouser search
,
Octopart search
, $1.48).
Datasheet
(PDF).
Bus Pirate
23K256 (pin #)
CS
/CS (1)
MISO
SO (2)
MOSI
SI (5)
Clock
SCK (6)
GND
/HOLD (7)
GND
VSS (4)
+3volts
VCC (8)
We connected the 23K256 to our
Bus Pirate universal serial interface tool
as shown in the table. It’s very important to power the chip using only the Bus Pirate’s 3.3volt supply, the 23K256 isn’t rated for 5volts.
The Bus Pirate is an easy way to learn about a chip without writing any code, but the same principals apply to using the 23K256 with any microcontroller. This demonstration uses the latest version of the Bus Pirate firmware (26-FEB-2009), which you can download from our
Google Code SVN
.
HiZ>m
<–choose mode
1. HiZ
…
5. SPI
…
MODE>5
<–SPI mode
MODE SET
…
<–30KHz, all default settings
SPI READY
SPI>W
<–capital ‘W’ enables power supplies
VOLTAGE SUPPLIES ON
SPI>
First, we put the Bus Pirate into SPI mode at 30KHz and chose the default settings for all options. We enabled the Bus Pirate’s on-board 3.3volt power supply with a capital ‘W’.
Configuration register
bit 7,6 = byte (00) page (10) sequence (01) mode
bit 0 = Hold disabled (1)
Data is stored inside the 23K256 in 1024 pages that each contain 32bytes. The scope of reads and writes is set by bit 7 and 6 of the configuration register. Storage can be accessed by the byte (00), by 32byte pages (10), or sequentially through the entire 32K (01). We’ll work in sequence mode, which gives us access to read and write any length of data, anywhere in the 32K of storage space.
The hold pin is used to pause transfers when other chips on the same bus need to be accessed. Bit 0 of the configuration register controls the hold pin. When set to 1, the hold pin is disabled. We tied hold to ground for normal operation, but its functionality can be completely disabled by setting bit 0.
The configuration register is changed by sending the
write configuration command
(0b00000001) and the new settings.
SPI>[
0b1
0b01000001
]
<–update config register
CS ENABLED
WRITE: 0x01
<–write config command
WRITE: 0x41
<–value to write
CS DISABLED
SPI>
We start an SPI transaction by enabling the 23K256 chip select line ([). We send the write configuration command (
0b1, 0x01, or 1
), followed by the new settings for the configuration register (
0b01000001, 0x41
). We set bit 6 for sequential access mode, and set bit 0 to disable the hold pin function. Bits 5-1 have no function, but the datasheet says to always write 0. The transaction concludes by disabling the chip select signal (]).
SPI>[
0b101
r
]
CS ENABLED
WRITE: 0x05
<–read config register
READ: 0x41
<–value read
CS DISABLED
SPI>
Next, we use the
read configuration register command
(
0b00000101, 0b101, 0x05, or 5
) to verify that the settings were properly written. This command returns one byte (
r
) which should match the value we wrote in the previous operation (0x41, or 0b01000001).
Data access
Now we can read and write data to the chip. Writes begin with the
data write command
(0b10, 0x02, or 2), followed by two bytes which determine where to write the data. The values to store are sent after the address. Depending on the access mode, a single byte, a page, or the entire memory can be filled in a single operation.
SPI>[
0b10
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10]
CS ENABLED
WRITE: 0x02
<–data write command
WRITE: 0x00
<–address byte 1
WRITE: 0x00
<–address byte 2
WRITE: 0x01
<–start of data to write
WRITE: 0x02
WRITE: 0x03
WRITE: 0x04
WRITE: 0x05
WRITE: 0x06
WRITE: 0x07
WRITE: 0x08
WRITE: 0x09
WRITE: 0x0A
CS DISABLED
SPI>
We start with the
write data command
(
0b10
) and set the write location to the beginning of the chip (
0 0
). We send a total of ten values to store, the numbers 1 to 10.
After writing the data, we can read it back with the
read data command
(0b00000011, 0b11, 0x03, or 3).
SPI>[
0b11
0 0
r:10]
CS ENABLED
WRITE: 0x03
<–read data command
WRITE: 0x00
<–start address byte 1
WRITE: 0x00
<–start address byte 2
BULK READ 0x0A BYTES:
<–read out 10 bytes
0x01 0x02 0x03 0x04 0x05 0x06 0x07 0x08 0x09 0x0A
CS DISABLED
SPI>
We send the read data command (
0b11
), followed by the address from which to start reading (
0 0
). We then read back 10 bytes (r:10). The 10 byte are the numbers 1 to 10, the same values we wrote in the previous step.
Like this post? Check out the
parts posts
you may have missed. Want to request a part post? Please leave your suggestions in the comments. | 15 | 15 | [
{
"comment_id": "64887",
"author": "stunmonkey",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T18:46:02",
"content": "32k? That’s totally not enough to run Crysis…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64898",
"author": "x",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T19:38:47",
... | 1,760,377,677.048341 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/02/hexapod-helicopter/ | Hexapod Helicopter | Caleb Kraft | [
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"helicopter",
"hexapod",
"robot"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMhrSwatSiE]
[Kiethrobot]
built this six legged little helicopter
. You can see that it is fairly mobile. You can also see that it doesn’t really make it off the ground really well. He must have gotten more power out of it though because he destroyed it in a crash the day after filming this. It is surprising how much character those six little legs add to the RC helicopter. This thing is almost as cute as something from
crabfu
.
[via
BotJunkie
] | 24 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "64870",
"author": "EdwardNardella",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T17:01:25",
"content": "Maybe jumping will help get it off the ground?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64872",
"author": "nubie",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T17:04... | 1,760,377,677.455378 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/01/nerf-sniper/ | Nerf Sniper | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks"
] | [
"gun",
"nerf"
] | a true hacker knows that you just can’t blow away the competition with a stock piece of equipment. Nerf warfare is no different. These guys did what they had to do to become the dominant force in their offices Nerf wars. They
built their own high power Nerf rifle
. Using some PVC, a sprinkler valve, and a bicycle pump, they made a Nerf gun that can fire roughly 300 feet. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBTau9KGn-k&w=470] | 29 | 29 | [
{
"comment_id": "64804",
"author": "Reezy",
"timestamp": "2009-03-02T00:54:08",
"content": "replace that manual pump with an electric one and it would be much cooler. Also need to sit down and re-design the aesthetics/function form. Its clumsy looking and cumbersome, not to mention a pain to reload ... | 1,760,377,677.562024 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/03/01/skate-or-die2-with-a-real-skateboard/ | Skate Or Die With A Real Skateboard | Caleb Kraft | [
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"ballance board",
"commodore",
"skateboard"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPIwJO-Ekj4]
In order to update Skate or Die to a newer experience, [Jeff] has
hacked together a skateboard controller
for his Commodore 128. He’s using a parallax propeller to interface the skateboard to the unit, and another controller to boot up the game. Watch out Wii. | 11 | 11 | [
{
"comment_id": "64786",
"author": "Nemo",
"timestamp": "2009-03-01T22:10:47",
"content": "Ha. Small world. Was looking on the parallax website earlier today (going to get a demo board for my b-day *yay*), and I looked at that exact same thing.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies":... | 1,760,377,677.495789 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/28/full-debian-on-a-router-board/ | Full Debian On A Router Board | Caleb Kraft | [
"News"
] | [
"debian",
"linux",
"mips",
"router"
] | [Anthony] has
transformed a simple router board into a fully fledged Debian system
. The board is an
RB433AH
which has a 680Mhz development board with 3 LAN ports and 3 Mini PCI slots intended for routing tasks. At roughly $150, this could be a pretty versatile tool to have around. Possibly more useful than the
SheevaPlug
. | 11 | 11 | [
{
"comment_id": "64695",
"author": "konez2k",
"timestamp": "2009-02-28T22:07:24",
"content": "better a SheevaPlus if we compare a 680mhz CPU @ $150 and a 1.2 Ghz CPU @ 99$ if you wish to use as a webserver / dbserver",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_i... | 1,760,377,676.927481 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/28/automatic-grow-light/ | Automatic Grow Light | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"home hacks"
] | [
"automated",
"gardening",
"plants"
] | We’ve covered
automated plant growing
before, but that project might be overkill for many situations. Many of us don’t need our plants to have
facial expressions
either. Sometimes, we just need a little bit of help. This
automated grow light
is a nice little project that supplies decent light when necessary. You can download the source files on the tutorial. It is currently set to supply an additional 4 hours of light, detecting the low light levels to turn it on. | 22 | 22 | [
{
"comment_id": "64688",
"author": "Michael",
"timestamp": "2009-02-28T20:18:57",
"content": "Did anyone else see little ceramic disk capacitors growing in the B&W pic?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64689",
"author": "ragnar",
"timesta... | 1,760,377,677.23845 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/25/kindle-2-teardown/ | Kindle 2 Teardown | Eliot | [
"handhelds hacks",
"News"
] | [
"amazon",
"arm",
"book",
"e-ink",
"e-paper",
"ebook",
"eink",
"freescale",
"keyboard",
"kindle",
"kindle 2",
"make",
"teardown"
] | The people at iFixit have shown that they’re still on top of their game by
tearing down the new Kindle 2
eBook
reader. The main processor is a 532MHz ARM-11 from Freescale. Interestly, there isn’t any significant circuitry behind the large keyboard; it seems its existence is just to hide the battery.
Related:
previous teardowns on Hack a Day
[via
Make
] | 25 | 25 | [
{
"comment_id": "64356",
"author": "moj",
"timestamp": "2009-02-26T02:23:02",
"content": "Very interest article.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64357",
"author": "hum4n",
"timestamp": "2009-02-26T02:25:32",
"content": "the thing is ... | 1,760,377,676.991231 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/25/sheevaplug-tiny-linux-server/ | SheevaPlug, Tiny Linux Server | Caleb Kraft | [
"computer hacks",
"home hacks"
] | [
"linux",
"sheevaplug",
"wall wart"
] | This little wall plug is actually a full computer
with 1.2GHz cpu, with 512MB of RAM and 512MB of of flash memory. It comes with versions of linux, ported for its ARM processor. At $50, this cool system could be finding itself in a lot of homes. You can get
more information
from the manufacturer. What uses can you think of for it?
[thanks, everyone who sent this in] | 132 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "64301",
"author": "Terry",
"timestamp": "2009-02-25T20:59:37",
"content": "That is bad-ass.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64302",
"author": "Laslow",
"timestamp": "2009-02-25T21:06:30",
"content": "it could be used... | 1,760,377,677.650119 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/25/propirc-propeller-based-irc-client/ | PropIRC: Propeller Based IRC Client | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"computer hacks"
] | [
"client",
"internet relay chat",
"irc",
"microcontroller",
"parallax",
"propeller"
] | Many people don’t want to miss anything in their IRC room, so they “idle” or just leave the client open to capture all the conversations. It can be annoying to have it going in the background on your computer though. To remedy this, [Harrison]
built a simple computer from a propeller microcontroller that’s only purpose is to connect to IRC servers
. It can take a regular PS2 keyboard and works with a standard monitor at 1024×768. It’s compact size and low power requirements make it quite a useful tool to have around if you are always on IRC. you can download the source code and schematics on the site.
[Thanks Scott] | 18 | 18 | [
{
"comment_id": "64298",
"author": "macegr",
"timestamp": "2009-02-25T20:21:15",
"content": "“IRC room”? blasphemy! they’re called channels!I love this project though…one of these days I’ll have enough free time to play with a Propeller.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
}... | 1,760,377,677.766209 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/24/parts-analog-distance-sensors-sharp-gp2d122y0a02/ | Parts: Analog Distance Sensors (Sharp GP2D12/2Y0A02) | Ian | [
"Parts",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"2y0a02",
"distance sensors",
"gp2d12",
"ir rangers",
"ir sensors",
"measurement",
"robot sensors",
"sensors",
"sharp ir rangers"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGiRK0vmcUw]
Sharp GP2D12 and 2Y0A02 infrared rangers output a voltage proportionate to the distance of an object from the sensor. The GPD12 senses objects at a distance of 10-80cm, while the 2Y0A02 has twice the range.
We’ve previously looked at the
Sharp GP2Y0D02 digital proximity sensor
. It only signals the presence of objects, while the GP2D12 and 2Y0A02 measure distance to them. If you’ve got a GP2YoD02, it might still be possible to
tap the analog output
. We’ll show you how use these sensors below.
Sharp
GP2D12
, 10-80cm analog IR ranger (Digikey #
425-2046-ND
, $12.81).
Datasheet
(PDF).
Sharp
2Y0A02
, 20-150cm analog IR ranger (Digikey #
425-2062-ND
, $14.38).
Datasheet
(PDF).
We powered the sensors with a 5volt supply, as shown in the schematic above. We connected the output directly to a multimeter set to measure voltage. The datasheet also recommends a 10uF
bypass capacitor
between the power and ground pins, but we didn’t use it for this demonstration.
This graph shows the relationship between the output voltage of the GP2D12 and the distance of objects from the sensor (datasheet page 3, figure 6). You can find the distance/voltage curve for the 2Y0A02 in datasheet page 5, figure 2. There’s
an equation
to determine distance from the output voltage, or you could use a simple
lookup table
.
The output is unreliable for extremely close objects, seen as the small hump between 5 and 10cm. It’s possible to combat this by using several sensors with
overlapping ranges
, or by placing sensors so that
nothing can come within the minimum range
.
For an exhaustive discussion of the various Sharp proximity sensors, check out the
Sharp IR ranger information page
at Arconame.
Like this post? Check out the
parts posts
you may have missed. Want to request a part post? Please leave your suggestions in the comments. | 23 | 23 | [
{
"comment_id": "64218",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-25T00:12:38",
"content": "that’s some brilliant timing, i impulse bought a gp2d12 along with some other stuff last week. saw some on a robot at work and thought it might be cool to play with. my intention is to combine it with a vibrati... | 1,760,377,677.712214 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/24/windows-95-running-on-an-n95/ | Windows 95 Running On An N95 | Caleb Kraft | [
"Cellphone Hacks",
"classic hacks"
] | [
"n95",
"symbian",
"windows"
] | We’ve had this same hack submitted by two people, pointing to two
different
(
translated
)
sources
(
translated
) today. It seems with a recent version of dos box, you can load windows 3.1 or windows 95 on N95 or N85 devices. They’re both in polish, so they may be the same people posting in different places. If you can follow along, there seems to be sufficient information to do this yourself. We don’t know why you would want to, but you could. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZngrzFzMVqQ]
[thanks Eddie and ft] | 43 | 43 | [
{
"comment_id": "64204",
"author": "Phaux",
"timestamp": "2009-02-24T22:35:18",
"content": "I’m totally trying this on my N95-3 when I get home :DI wonder if this will pave the way to installing other types of OSes on it, like a full copy of linux, or maybe Win2k or XP? Probably not enough power to... | 1,760,377,677.890389 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/24/bar2d2-gets-automated/ | Bar2d2 Gets Automated | Caleb Kraft | [
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"alchohol",
"bar",
"bar2d2"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITcC3QazHyg]
When we showed you
Bar2d2
, the bar tending party bot, there was one huge hurdle left to solve. It was only a drink dispenser at that, while awesome, couldn’t actually mix drinks. That has been remedied in this update. Now, a computer handles all of the drink orders, then sends them via bluetooth to bar2d2. The drinks are mixed right there in front of you in the comforting blue glow of bar2d2’s neon. You can check out
more build pictures here
. | 24 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "64187",
"author": "JediSquirrel",
"timestamp": "2009-02-24T18:15:48",
"content": "That is truly amazing, good work! :D",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64188",
"author": "Hacksaw",
"timestamp": "2009-02-24T18:16:56",
... | 1,760,377,678.48595 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/23/sslstrip-hijacking-ssl-in-network/ | Sslstrip, Hijacking SSL In Network | Eliot | [
"cons",
"downloads hacks",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"Black Hat",
"black hat dc",
"browser",
"forbes",
"HTTP",
"https",
"moxie",
"moxie marlinspike",
"security",
"ssl",
"unicode",
"url"
] | Last week at Black Hat DC, [Moxie Marlinspike] presented a novel way to hijack SSL. You can read about it in this
Forbes article
, but we highly recommend you watch the video.
sslstrip
can rewrite all https links as http, but it goes far beyond that. Using unicode characters that look similar to / and ? it can construct URLs with a valid certificate and then redirect the user to the original site after stealing their credentials. The attack can be very difficult for even above average users to notice. This attack requires access to the client’s network, but [Moxie] successfully ran it on a
Tor
exit node. | 21 | 21 | [
{
"comment_id": "64145",
"author": "nick",
"timestamp": "2009-02-24T03:52:15",
"content": "scary cool, yet another reason to go to my bank or store in person.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64151",
"author": "Andrew",
"timestamp": "2009... | 1,760,377,678.539618 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/23/4-or-more-servos-on-an-arduino/ | 4 Or More Servos On An Arduino | Caleb Kraft | [
"Arduino Hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"arduino",
"roboduino",
"servo"
] | The latest version of the
Arduino software
allows you to use more than two servos at a time.
Curious Inventor has posted a demo
showing how to run 4 servos from a keyboard input. The code should also work just fine on Arduino clones, like the Roboduino pictured above. They point out that if you are running version 12 of the software, some manual additions will be necessary. | 17 | 17 | [
{
"comment_id": "64118",
"author": "nathan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-23T21:44:55",
"content": "I didn’t know I was limited to 2. Here I went and made things that use up to 6 servos.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64119",
"author": "thethirdm... | 1,760,377,678.19793 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/23/false-theremin/ | False Theremin | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"digital audio hacks"
] | [
"photoresistor",
"theremin"
] | [vilxes91] sent in this cool little
false-theremin
(
translated
). Its a
pretty simple circuit
, that can fit in really small places. It isn’t a true theremen because it uses the amount of light coming in around the lid for the modulation. To play it, you turn it on and open it up, the more open the lid, the higher the pitch. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1E8zfIacw0] | 18 | 18 | [
{
"comment_id": "64107",
"author": "epicelite",
"timestamp": "2009-02-23T20:24:18",
"content": "Whats a theremin?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64109",
"author": "Jim",
"timestamp": "2009-02-23T20:35:10",
"content": "musical instru... | 1,760,377,678.089986 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/22/x11-on-android/ | X11 On Android | Eliot | [
"Android Hacks",
"Cellphone Hacks",
"downloads hacks",
"g1 hacks"
] | [
"android",
"debian",
"desktop environment",
"G1",
"ghostwalker",
"icewm",
"linux",
"lxde",
"t-mobile g1",
"vnc",
"vnc client",
"vnc server",
"window manager",
"x11"
] | [ghostwalker] has put together instructions for
running X11 on your Android device
. This means you can run a full-blown Linux desktop environment on your phone. It requires you to already have a Debian shell on the phone,
which we covered earlier
. Instead of having to come up with a custom display driver, it’s hooked to a
VNC
server. You can connect to it using an
Android VNC viewer
on the phone or via any other VNC client. The how-to suggests either
IceWM
or the even lighter-weight
LXDE
for a window manager. You could potentially install Gnome or KDE, but we’d be surprised if it was any faster than dog slow. Let us know if you have any success with this and what you think the best use is. | 18 | 18 | [
{
"comment_id": "64028",
"author": "indiekid97",
"timestamp": "2009-02-23T02:59:26",
"content": "this is exactly the kind of thing i was hoping to find before pulling the trigger on the g1 dev editionthanks hackaday!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id... | 1,760,377,678.145511 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/22/qrss-radio-amateurs-slow-speed-narrowband/ | QRSS: Radio Amateurs’ Slow-speed Narrowband | Eliot | [
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"10.140mhz",
"amateur radio",
"dsp",
"guest post",
"ham",
"morse",
"morse code",
"narrowband",
"qrss",
"soldersmoke"
] | Host of the
Soldersmoke
podcast, [Bill Meara], contributed this guest post.
While the rest of the world is moving toward high speed broadband, some hams—including one Nobel Prize winner—are going in exactly the opposite direction. Our ‘QRSS’ mode makes use of an unusual mixture of modern digital signal processing (DSP), ancient Morse code, and simple homebrewed transmitters. Very narrow bandwidth is desirable because this reduces the noise in the radio communication channel, greatly improving the S/N ratio. But Shannon’s communication theory tells us that narrow bandwidth comes with a cost: slow data rates. In QRSS, beacon transmitters using only milliwatts churn out slow speed Morse ID signals on 10.140 MHz that are routinely picked up by DSP-based receivers on the other side of the globe. Many of the receivers, ‘grabbers’, have visual outputs that are available online in real time. QRSS has been getting a lot of attention on the
Soldersmoke
podcast and on the
Soldersmoke Blog
. For more information check out
this overview
and the
hardware involved
. Here’s a
gallery of received signals
. | 30 | 30 | [
{
"comment_id": "64014",
"author": "chinesegambling",
"timestamp": "2009-02-22T23:37:57",
"content": "sorry, don’t get it",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64015",
"author": "rick",
"timestamp": "2009-02-22T23:54:13",
"content": "it’s ... | 1,760,377,678.274574 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/22/nes-controller-on-a-ds/ | NES Controller On A DS | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Nintendo DS Hacks",
"Nintendo Game Boy Hacks",
"Nintendo Hacks"
] | [
"ds",
"dsl",
"dslight",
"nes",
"nintendo"
] | You can get most of the old NES games for the DS, but they just don’t feel the same. Sure your hands still cramp up, but its just not the same cramp we remember. What is the solution?
Put an old Nintendo Entertainment System controller on your DS
. [Parker] did exactly that. The method he used is fairly strait forward. He opened the DS, wired extensions onto the buttons he wanted to use to a controller. Instead of making it permanent though, he chose to wire it through the GBA slot. This allows him to plug the controller in whenever he wants to use it. This reminds us of the
PSP with a SNES controller
we covered back in October.
You can see a video of it in action after the break. You’ll notice in the video, he has also modded his buttons to have LEDs behind them.
In the comments, [tri-edge] points out that you can
follow his
build in the acidmods forum. There seem to be some other variations as well, including an SNES controller.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwkqc1cTCS8] | 13 | 13 | [
{
"comment_id": "63995",
"author": "Tri-edge",
"timestamp": "2009-02-22T17:17:26",
"content": "This originally came from acidmods.http://www.acidmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=22502.0",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63997",
"author": "calebk... | 1,760,377,678.328404 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/21/dell-mini-9-osx-install/ | Dell Mini 9 OSX Install | Eliot | [
"computer hacks",
"laptops hacks",
"Mac Hacks",
"Netbook Hacks"
] | [
"apple",
"boing boing gadgets",
"dell",
"dell mini 9",
"dvd",
"eula",
"gizmodo",
"hackintosh",
"leopard",
"mini 9",
"netbook",
"OsX"
] | Installing OSX on commodity PC hardware has advanced a lot since the early days of OSx86 when Apple switched to Intel. With the advent of
netbooks
, a new target platform has emerged; one that doesn’t have an official Apple equivalent. The small subset of models means that it’s easy to find someone else that has the same machine as you, but it still takes some forum walking to bring all the pieces together. Gizmodo has done this and compiled a
comprehensive guide for the Dell Mini 9
. The Mini 9 is a very nice machine and according to Boing Boing Gadgets’ chart, one of the
most compatible with OSX
. Earlier this week you could purchase a new one for just $200.
For Gizmodo’s install, they used a Leopard retail DVD with [Type11]’s
bootloader
. They’re breaking the EULA, but at least it’s not piracy. They had to use both a DVD drive and a USB hard drive because device recognition was flakey. Despite this, the actual install process doesn’t appear to be too difficult. They say all the hardware works, “The Mini 9 is a beautiful OS X machine.” Check out this Hackit to learn about
netbook OSX experiences from other Hack a Day readers
. | 36 | 36 | [
{
"comment_id": "63932",
"author": "gordunk",
"timestamp": "2009-02-21T23:10:13",
"content": "Why would you want to install OSX on a computer that comes with WinXP, the best windows OS to ever come out. I can understand if it came with vista, but hell, Mac can’t possibly have that much going for it... | 1,760,377,678.61702 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/21/high-quality-macro-lens/ | High Quality Macro Lens | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks"
] | [
"canon",
"lens",
"macro",
"photography"
] | [Chris] wanted to do some macro photography, but found the price tag off putting. He was looking at roughly $800 for a decent macro lens. Instead, he decided to
build his own
. He wanted to build a lens that could be removed and used just like his normal lenses. He picked up a standard Canon AF lens for $10 to start with. He has posted detailed steps on how he modded it to work, and you can see the results are quite stunning. Great job [Chris]. If you want to try your hand at macro photography but don’t think you can pull of a job like this, you might want to check out the
pringles can macro lens
. | 6 | 6 | [
{
"comment_id": "63919",
"author": "thethirdmoose",
"timestamp": "2009-02-21T21:26:34",
"content": "sometimes, it’s really hard to figure out what a hack is about if you link to a page somewhere in the middle of the article. please link to the front page of the hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"de... | 1,760,377,678.663317 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/27/tweet-a-watt-wins-greener-gadgets-design-competition/ | Tweet-a-Watt Wins Greener Gadgets Design Competition | Eliot | [
"home hacks",
"News",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"802.15.4",
"competition",
"dvice",
"greener gadgets",
"kill a watt",
"killawatt",
"power",
"tweet a watt",
"wattcher",
"xbee",
"zigbee"
] | The team behind the the Tweet-a-Watt/
Wattcher
just
won first prize
at the Greener Gadgets design competition. The device is a hacked
Kill A Watt
that transmits power consumption using an XBee. After checking out DVICE’s
preview of the competitors
yesterday, we’re happy to see a prototype win instead of just a concept sketch. | 28 | 28 | [
{
"comment_id": "64616",
"author": "emilio",
"timestamp": "2009-02-28T01:40:32",
"content": "wasn’t there a hackaday Twitter moratorium?so, yeah, neat gadget an all, but this just drives home the problem with many Twitter-enabled devices: what’s the point? i see a tweet and… do i run home and swi... | 1,760,377,678.732172 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/27/laser-lighter/ | Laser Lighter | Caleb Kraft | [
"Laser Hacks"
] | [
"blue ray",
"blueray",
"laser",
"lighter"
] | [rog8811] shared his
laser lighter
with us. He has gutted a zippo style lighter and inserted a blue ray laser module. The old fuel compartment houses the batteries. This is pretty cool, though it might take forever to actually light a cigarette with it. His build log is quite nice with diagrams and detailed pictures of the whole process. Our question is simple, why haven’t we seen this on a James Bond film? Too bad he couldn’t use a stronger laser, like from a laser cutter. We know they do a fine job of
cutting pizzas
. | 22 | 22 | [
{
"comment_id": "64589",
"author": "BigD145",
"timestamp": "2009-02-27T22:34:42",
"content": "it’s pointed the wrong way.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64590",
"author": "hypoxide",
"timestamp": "2009-02-27T22:38:42",
"content": "t... | 1,760,377,678.79411 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/27/tools-proxxon-drill-press-tbm115tbm220/ | Tools: Proxxon Drill Press TBM115/TBM220 | Ian | [
"Reviews"
] | [
"circuit board",
"drill",
"drill press",
"electronics tools",
"pcb drill",
"proxxon",
"review",
"tbm115",
"tbm220",
"tools"
] | A decent drill press is a crucial tool for an electronics lab. We use our drill press to make holes in our own circuit boards, and tap or break traces on existing circuit boards. We’ve used a lot of tools to drill circuit boards — power drills, power drills in “drill press stands”, and high-speed rotary tools — but when we started doing projects on a schedule, it was time for something more reliable.
We first spotted the
Proxxon
TBM115/TBM220 drill press in the window of a local shop. Its tiny size and adjustable speed seemed ideal for drilling circuit boards. At $200, this is one of the pricier tools in our lab, but quality bearings and smooth drilling action aren’t cheap. Read about our experience with this tool below the break.
This drill press is tiny, less than a foot tall. It’s easy to tuck away in a closet or under a bed. Despite it’s size, it has all the typical drill press functions like adjustable height and drill depth.
An adjustable drive belt connects the drill head to the motor. The belt moves to different positions on internal pulleys to create three combinations of speed and torque; 1,800, 4,700 and 8,500 rpm. It’s a bit of a pain to adjust the belt, and the instructions for proper tightness are a bit vague.
If the drill is left for long periods, the belt should be loosened so it doesn’t warp. We think our drill press was over-tightened and stood in a hot shop window for more than a year. Now it sometimes suffers excessive vibration and noise after long periods of drilling. This was ameliorated to some extent by the previously mentioned vague adjustment procedure, but we probably need a new belt. While this is a problem specific to our drill, it’s something to consider if you have similar problems, or if you have the opportunity to buy a new belt when you get the drill.
The drill came with 6
collets
of various diameters, but no chuck. We bought the collet-compatible drill bit in the photo at the local electronics store for about $10. Reconditioned drill bits are much cheaper on eBay and we’ve also had
Drill Bit City
recommended to us.
We usually use cheap 0.8mm bits that don’t fit in a collet, so we bought the optional chuck. As you can see in the photo, after a couple years we still haven’t taken it out of the package. The drill is so smooth and straight that the first bit we purchased has lasted through two years of medium-duty use.
Proper safety is imperative when working with high-speed drills and tiny bits. You
must
wear safety glasses. Every bit will break, it’s just a question of when. A broken bit will usually stick inside the circuit board, but sometimes they shoot out like shrapnel and stick in the woodwork. Not wearing safety glasses while using a high-speed drill almost guarantees you’ll eventually lose an eye. We also wear a dust mask, not just to protect the lungs from fiberglass dust, but to shield the face from broken drill bit debris.
Like our
soldering station
, this is another tool that we absolutely love. It’s the prefect size for working with circuit boards, and worlds better than any high-speed rotary tool we’ve had the displeasure of using. The drilling action is very smooth, and the motor has tons of speed and torque. The biggest difference to us, migrating from a cordless drill on an old drill press stand, is the steadiness of the drilling head. It drills super sharp holes with no wobble or rough edges. This is one of the most important tools in our lab, and one of our favorites.
The 115volt North American model (TBM 115) is available
here
for about $200, a
search
shows several other outlets. The 220volt EU/AUS/world model (TBM 220) is available from
here
, and a number of
online shops
. You can also
contact Proxxon
to find nearby brick and mortar outlets. | 30 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "64583",
"author": "J. Peterson",
"timestamp": "2009-02-27T21:41:03",
"content": "What’s the largest bit size it can handle? Can I drill 1/2″ holes with it?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "6727970",
"author": "Sam H Re... | 1,760,377,678.959685 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/27/bmow-a-home-made-cpu/ | BMOW: A Home Made Cpu | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"computer hacks"
] | [
"cpu",
"wire wrap"
] | Building your own CPU sounds like quite a daunting task as it is.
Building your own CPU using manual wire wrapping
transcends difficult to become an art form. [Steve] has built a CPU by
manually wrapping
every single wire. That’s 1253 wires, or 2506 wrapped ends. Even if it didn’t work, it would be nice to look at. But it does work, you can see a demo video showing the audio functions after the break. The system is now enclosed in an Acer x-terminal case, so it isn’t as pretty, but its still quite a project. You can follow along as he builds each section, the video, sound, even the keyboard interface. It’s pretty amazing seeing it all broken down to the most basic forms.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdTH4KGBaBk]
[thanks Ben] | 34 | 34 | [
{
"comment_id": "64576",
"author": "DerAxeman",
"timestamp": "2009-02-27T20:22:25",
"content": "Its been a long time since I have seen a bit sliced CPU. I never thought I would see another one after fpgas came out.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id":... | 1,760,377,678.875302 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/26/paintball-gun-turret/ | Paintball Gun Turret | Eliot | [
"Misc Hacks",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"gun",
"invent geek",
"InventGeek",
"jared bouck",
"kit",
"paintball",
"paintball gun",
"q-loader",
"rc",
"sentry",
"sentry gun",
"trigger"
] | [Jared Bouck] has been sending in his projects for a couple years now. We’ve enjoyed his
heavy-duty DDR pads
,
LCD backlight repair
, and
ion cooling projects
. His latest, an
RC paintball gun turret
, is our favorite though. He actually rates this as one of the easier projects he’s published; it just took a while to assemble. Several design decisions were made to keep the project simple. Two 32 Degrees Icon-E paintball guns were used. The guns already have electric solenoids for firing, so a special trigger mechanism didn’t have to be fashioned.
Q-loaders
were used to prevent any ball feed problems. The motors, driver boards, and RC components are all borrowed from combat robots for reliability. He’s hoping to produce a small number of kits based on this design.
Related: We’ve got quite a few
sentry gun
projects in the archive. | 39 | 38 | [
{
"comment_id": "64501",
"author": "tony",
"timestamp": "2009-02-27T03:05:10",
"content": "C’mon, no video?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64503",
"author": "Mr. Sandman",
"timestamp": "2009-02-27T03:21:09",
"content": "Spy’s sappin... | 1,760,377,679.050664 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/26/icast-imac-lcd-dreamcast/ | ICast: Imac + LCD + DreamCast | Caleb Kraft | [
"home entertainment hacks"
] | [
"dreamcast",
"imac"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrwMSQP-qPg]
[Logicdustbin] sent in his
iCast project
. He gutted a blue
iMac
and inserted a DreamCast and an LCD. It looks very nice. His ports on the front seem almost factory installed. You can
follow his build on the cgcc forums
. | 43 | 43 | [
{
"comment_id": "64460",
"author": "spacecoyote",
"timestamp": "2009-02-26T21:17:16",
"content": "How do you change the disc?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "64466",
"author": "Wolf",
"timestamp": "2009-02-26T22:08:14",
"content": "L... | 1,760,377,679.135923 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/26/avr-mega8-rss-reader/ | AVR Mega8 RSS Reader | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"AVR",
"microcontroller",
"rss",
"serial"
] | [Barney_1] built this
sereial RSS reader
. He’s using the
Dragon Rider 500
development board, which is a kit that has expansions available including the LCD, serial interface, and power supply. You don’t need the kit though, you could just build your own with similar specs. He has written a program in python to scrape RSS feeds and send them to the LCD. He’s got some specific workarounds for the Dragon Rider board if you do have one. You can download the firmware and source code on his site. You can see a video of it after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZMm5AMRi8g] | 16 | 16 | [
{
"comment_id": "64453",
"author": "pokey",
"timestamp": "2009-02-26T20:51:56",
"content": "Sounds like a fun project for [barney_1] to have done, if a little weak for a H-A-D post. Though, I might have to take his script and do the same with an old WRT router as the network backend.",
"parent_... | 1,760,377,679.191546 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/18/vacuum-former-toy/ | Vacuum Former Toy | Eliot | [
"Roundup",
"Tool Hacks"
] | [
"drcrash",
"easy-bake oven",
"lightbulb",
"mattel",
"ralis kahn",
"toy",
"toymax",
"vacuum",
"vacuum formed",
"vacuum former",
"vacuum forming"
] | Vacuum formers are still fairly rare in our community, so it was a surprise to see that in the 1960s Mattel
marketed one as a toy
. It used a hot plate to mold plastic sheets into various shapes. The design was updated by Toymax in the early ’90s to use a light bulb heating element to make car bodies, like some sort of manly Easy-Bake Oven. The home-built machines we’ve seen are a much larger scale. In 2005, we
posted
[Ralis Kahn]’s version that
employed an electric grill
as the heating element. [drcrash] has since built on those plans, hoping to
develop an even cheaper device
.
[via
Gizmodo
] | 24 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "63595",
"author": "vinnymeyer",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T04:10:33",
"content": "I used to have one of these!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63596",
"author": "BigD145",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T04:14:09",
"content":... | 1,760,377,679.253957 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/18/temperature-sensing-munny/ | Temperature Sensing Munny | Eliot | [
"home hacks",
"LED Hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] | [
"adc",
"Atmel",
"attiny",
"attiny5l",
"AVR",
"gift",
"isp",
"joao silva",
"kidrobot",
"led",
"lm35cz",
"munny",
"present",
"rgb",
"RGB LED",
"temperature",
"thermometer",
"valentine"
] | Here’s another nerdy present that was built for Valentine’s Day. [João Silva] created a
temperature sensing Munny
. A
Munny
is a vinyl toy made to be customized. Other than these
Munny speakers
, we haven’t seen them in many electronics projects. The LM35CZ temperature sensor has an analog output that connects to the ADC on the ATtiny15L. The microcontroller changes the RGB LED’s color based on the temperature: blue for cold, green for comfortable, and red for hot. It only flashes every three minutes to conserve the power in the coin cells. His one-off circuit board also includes an ISP header for programming. The Munny’s head looks like it does a great job diffusing the light. | 7 | 7 | [
{
"comment_id": "63593",
"author": "sly",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T03:37:10",
"content": "from smurf to lgm (think toy story) in a few degrees",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63616",
"author": "João Silva",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T07:19... | 1,760,377,679.557732 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/18/dirks-accident/ | Dirk’s Accident | Caleb Kraft | [
"News"
] | [
"finger",
"magnet"
] | Warning: this link contains graphic images depicting
removal of a fingernail by giant freaking magnets
. [Dirk] likes to collect odd things. A few of those odd things, just happen to be massive Neodymium magnets. Even though he was really really careful, somehow two of them ended up close enough to attract each other. After a brief flight, the two collided with his finger tip in between them. It is probably still there now.
We know these things can be pretty dangerous and usually warn people when doing projects that require them, like
building a wind turbine
. | 57 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "63544",
"author": "compukidmike",
"timestamp": "2009-02-18T22:19:20",
"content": "All I can say is wow! I’ve had my finger get in the way of some hard drive magnets and it hurt for a while but this is insane! (they were from a 10 platter SCSI drive and are about 1″x2″x1/2″ thick, so... | 1,760,377,679.339349 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/18/lcd-repair/ | LCD Repair | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"capacitor",
"fix",
"lcd",
"monitor",
"repair"
] | [Andrew] sent us this great breakdown of an
LCD monitor repair
. After his wife’s monitor developed an issue with rippling in the picture, he was forced to decide between trashing it, or fixing it. He decided for the latter, possibly to his wife’s disappointment. The rippling image could easily be attributed to a failed filter in the power supply. Knowing that
capacitors are a prime suspect in these cases
, he tore in, looking for failures. He found that there were, in fact, 2 bad capacitors on the back light circuit. After replacing them with newer, higher quality ones, the monitor was as good as new. | 42 | 40 | [
{
"comment_id": "63520",
"author": "Dan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-18T20:29:37",
"content": "he was forced to decide between fixing it, or trashing it. he decided for the latterYou mean he chose the former? Cause he fixed it right?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
... | 1,760,377,679.5096 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/17/sparkfun-stencil-and-solder-paste-class-notes/ | SparkFun Stencil And Solder Paste Class Notes | Eliot | [
"Tool Hacks"
] | [
"boulder",
"class",
"landon",
"mightyohm",
"pcb",
"smd",
"solder",
"solder paste",
"sparkfun",
"video"
] | Hobby electronics manufacturer SparkFun has started offering
various classes
at their Boulder, CO facility. [Landon] has been attending as many as possible and posted about his
experience during their Stencil and Solder Paste class
. Solder paste is used when manufacturing boards with a reflow oven. He took quite a few pictures of the process and posted notes and audio. He says it’s definitely something you’d have to learn hands-on, but his numerous photos give you an idea of what’s involved. Below, you can watch a video of the paste clean-up pass and stencil removal.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0UDire1P4]
[via
mightyOhm
] | 15 | 15 | [
{
"comment_id": "63426",
"author": "alexfox",
"timestamp": "2009-02-18T03:31:47",
"content": "why exactly must you learn it hands-on?i learned it by reading a few websites on the matter, and then trying it once…thats all it takes; its not that difficult, especially compared to the alternative of sol... | 1,760,377,679.859082 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/17/hackit-hackable-bluetooth-bracelet/ | Hackit: Hackable Bluetooth Bracelet? | Eliot | [
"Cellphone Hacks",
"HackIt",
"Wearable Hacks"
] | [
"bluetooth",
"bracelet",
"bt",
"caller id",
"callerid",
"display",
"dvice",
"HackIt",
"wearable"
] | We spotted this odd piece of geek couture
on DVICE today
. It’s a bracelet that
displays incoming calls via Bluetooth
and also vibrates. The intended use is kinda interesting, but we wonder what else could be done with it. Could you update it with any text you want by creating fake caller ID messages? You could have your
laptop
in your backpack and have the bracelet update when it finds an open access point or any other sort of notification. The display shows the word “Connecting” in pictures, but apparently only displays numbers for incoming calls. It also includes a button to reject calls.
Do you have a project that needs a wireless display? Are there other options like this? At $25, this might be worth a try. | 63 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "63416",
"author": "Hellmark",
"timestamp": "2009-02-18T02:36:13",
"content": "If it was more like a Dick Tracy communicator watch, I think it would be cooler.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63420",
"author": "biozz",
"t... | 1,760,377,679.647407 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/17/mac-mini-in-an-old-mac-disk-drive/ | Mac Mini In An Old Apple II Disk Drive | Caleb Kraft | [
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"mac",
"macintosh"
] | Yo dawg, we heard you liked macs. [Charles] got sick of his Mac mini looking nice and pretty and decided to
cram it into an old beige box
. This old beige box just happened to be an old Apple II disk drive, so we guess that gives it some more street cred. The original disk drive sold in 1978 for $500. Man times have changed.
[thanks BluRy] | 19 | 19 | [
{
"comment_id": "63364",
"author": "Peter Hosey",
"timestamp": "2009-02-17T22:46:57",
"content": "The Disk II was for the Apple II, not the Mac.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63365",
"author": "Deadpan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-17T22:47:... | 1,760,377,679.707106 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/20/tools-aoyue-968-3-in-1-soldering-and-rework-station/ | Tools: Aoyue 968 3-in-1 Soldering And Rework Station | Ian | [
"Reviews",
"Tool Hacks"
] | [
"3-in-1",
"aoyue",
"aoyue 968",
"combined tools",
"hot air rework station",
"multitools",
"reviews",
"soldering",
"soldering iron",
"soldering station",
"tool reviews"
] | The $10 “fire-starter” is the most common beginner soldering iron. These are simple irons with a hot end, a handle, and little else. There’s no temperature control or indication. Despite their simplicity, they’ll do just about anything. You can solder any legged chip type with this type of iron. We used fire-starters in the lab for years.
Eventually, we wanted a hot air rework tool to salvage SMD parts and solder QFN chips. Aoyue is a relatively unknown Chinese brand that makes soldering stations very similar in appearance and function to
Hakko
. Aoyue stations are
recommended
and used
by Sparkfun Electronics, something that factored heavily in our decision to buy an Aoyue. Read more about our experiences with this tool after the break.
The Aoyue 968 combines three tools: an adjustable soldering iron, a digitally controlled hot air tool, and a fume extractor. We usually prefer separate units because the parts can be individually upgraded or replaced, but this combined tool is much cheaper and saves valuable bench space in the lab.
The soldering iron temperature is adjusted with a knob, with a range of 200 to 480 degrees Celsius. We usually solder between 300C and 350C.
The iron handle is an inexpensive plastic assembly that eventually broke along the threads that hold the iron in place.
New irons
are available for around $15, but we fixed the old one with some high-temperature epoxy.
The fume extractor is a tube that attaches to the soldering iron. The hot air rework tool air intake is used to suck fumes away from the tip of the iron. The fumes are filtered with a small plastic net before exiting through the hot-air tool. It works really well, and eliminates the breath-hold-solder-breath system we used to avoid getting a nose full of flux fumes. The tiny filter doesn’t look like it does much, but it came with a replacement. We worry somewhat about the long term effects of coating the hot air tool’s heating element with rosin and other crud.
It’s pretty obvious that the iron holder wasn’t intended for this particular iron because the holding ring doesn’t fit the fume extractor attachment, this is a bit of a pain.
The hot air rework tool has a temperature range of 90 to 480 degrees Celsius. We use 400C hot air to remove passive parts, and 420C to remove chips.
The temperature is adjusted in 2 degree increments using the digital numerical readouts. The air flow rate is adjusted with a knob, volume is indicated by a floating ball gauge. The hot air tool came with a half-dozen nozzles, we’ve only used the medium size.
We’re extremely happy with the Auyoe 968. It’s already paid for itself twice, in terms of not having to replace $10 soldering irons every month. If it breaks, we can buy a new one without regret. The hot air rework tool has opened a world of possibilities for salvaging parts and repairing projects. The adjustable soldering iron provides enough heat to solder something big and dirty, but also adjusts downward so it doesn’t destroy delicate traces. We haven’t needed to replace the iron tip or either heating element, but we understand they’re compatible with parts from other major manufacturers .
Until recently, Auyoe was only available in Asia and Europe. We bought this one in Germany for about $100. The Aoyue 968 is now available on
Amazon
in North America,
Sparkfun
also has several other Aoyue models.
Sure, Aoyue isn’t haute couture for geeks like a
Hakko
or
Weller
, but for less than a third of the price you get a respectable rework station that’s not a lifetime investment. As heavy DIY users, we think this station has performed great. We highly recommend it to anyone buying their first serious soldering iron. If you’re a pro with an industrial budget, buy yourself a Hakko or Weller; we’re doing just fine with our Aoyue!
Learn about soldering with an iron and hot air, and see an Aoyue in action, in the
Sparkfun soldering tutorials
.
Are there any
tool reviews
you’d like to see? | 73 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "63825",
"author": "Jake",
"timestamp": "2009-02-20T23:23:54",
"content": "I’ve had mine for at least a year or so for light soldering and occasionally rework and its great. The holder is mildly annoying but you can get the air extractor to fit outside the ring and the soldering part... | 1,760,377,679.80026 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/20/non-von1-supercomputer/ | Non-von1 Supercomputer | Caleb Kraft | [
"computer hacks"
] | [
"parallel",
"supercomputer",
"von neumann"
] | [Chris] sent us this project, where he built a
tiny supercomputer called the Non-von1
. Wanting a supercomputer, but lacking space and funds, he opted to go after the supercomputers of the 80s. His system was patterned after the “
Von Neumann
” systems developed at Columbia university. His system has 31 8 bit processors to crunch numbers for him. The whole unit communicates with the computer using a19.2 kbps serial link. He does talk about its limited capabilities, stating that he could use it as a way to store roughly half of his cell phone’s phonebook. This reminds us of the
Basic stamp supercomputer
we covered back in November. | 9 | 9 | [
{
"comment_id": "63818",
"author": "localroger",
"timestamp": "2009-02-20T21:52:55",
"content": "this is actually a *non*-von neumann machine, meaning it does not store program and data in the same memory space. the decidedly non-supercomputeriffic intel 8048 and 8051 are also non-von designs.",
... | 1,760,377,679.964548 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/20/experiments-in-polaroid/ | Experiments In Polaroid | Caleb Kraft | [
"Misc Hacks",
"News"
] | [
"camera",
"exposure",
"film",
"polaroid"
] | [Peter] found that Polaroid film was an easy medium to play with, as the ability to develop it is built in. He has done several fun experiments, from
electrocuting it to making giant mozaics
. The Polaroid film may not be easy to get your hands on though. They stopped producing it in the summer of 2008. Some
former employees are trying hard to get it back into production
, but that may never happen. Polaroid has
recently received permission to sell itself at auction
. We’ll just have to wait and see. | 16 | 16 | [
{
"comment_id": "63806",
"author": "dildo baggins",
"timestamp": "2009-02-20T20:45:41",
"content": "Kind of neat photos, especially the static fields, but god is that guy ever an obnoxious douche:“I disrupt the authority and authenticity inherent to Polaroid imaging. I am able to disorient an audien... | 1,760,377,679.912376 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/20/flatpack-walker/ | Flatpack Walker | Caleb Kraft | [
"Arduino Hacks",
"classic hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"2 servo",
"arduino",
"beam robotics",
"walker"
] | If you’re into robotics, you’re probably already familiar with the 2 motor walker. This design, usually used in
B.E.A.M. robotics
is a pretty easy way to make a 4 legged walking robot. [Edwindertien] has made the design a little bit easier to build with these
flatpack walker plans
. He used 4mm thick birch, cut by laser to get his walker into shape, but the design would work with almost any material. His walker is Arduino powered, so it could be
programmed for all kinds of behavior
, especially if you add some sensors. You can see his bot in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCFLj4B7-xc] | 9 | 8 | [
{
"comment_id": "63804",
"author": "polymath",
"timestamp": "2009-02-20T20:10:22",
"content": "wonder if you link a bunch of em together and make a centipede",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": [
{
"comment_id": "904145",
"author": "matrix29bear",
"t... | 1,760,377,680.077788 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/19/stantums-high-precision-multitouch/ | Stantum’s High Precision Multitouch | Eliot | [
"Cellphone Hacks",
"Multitouch Hacks",
"News"
] | [
"cellphone",
"engadget",
"multitouch",
"mwc",
"stantum",
"touchscreen",
"video"
] | We love keeping track of new interaction technologies and this new touchscreen by Stantum looks especially promising. Engadget shot a
hands-on video with it
at the Mobile World Conference. It’s a resistive screen, so it can be used with both fingers and styluses (unlike capacitive screens). It’s sensitive enough that you could use a brush too. The screen supports any number of
multitouch
points and does pressure sensing based on the size of the detected fingertip. The touch detection is actually more accurate than the screen can display. Stantum is hoping mobile manufactures will pick up their input framework for inclusion in new devices. The resistive touchscreen was built to Stantum’s specifications (it won’t work with current phones), but they say it wouldn’t be hard to go into mass production. | 9 | 9 | [
{
"comment_id": "63739",
"author": "jaded124",
"timestamp": "2009-02-20T02:21:32",
"content": "Awesome!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63748",
"author": "Urza",
"timestamp": "2009-02-20T04:03:03",
"content": "Need one of those for m... | 1,760,377,680.014916 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/19/segway-and-input-filtering/ | Segway And Input Filtering | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Transportation Hacks"
] | [
"accellerometer",
"gyroscope",
"segway"
] | [Kerry] is
building a segway type vehicle
for a senior project. Though it doesn’t appear to be done yet, there is some good work finished. As with any balancing bot, it relies heavily on input from a gyroscope, and at least in this case, an accelerometer. That data can be very messy. The sensitivity of the sensor means that people often end up with vibrating or drifting in their projects. [Kerry] has put some work into finding a method of smoothing that results in fast, accurate, but smooth reaction. You can see a video of some comparisons between methods after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzkSJKIBofs] | 25 | 25 | [
{
"comment_id": "63689",
"author": "Hackius",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T20:56:14",
"content": "What the hell? Not available outside US? WHY???",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63695",
"author": "Frac",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T21:14:11",
... | 1,760,377,680.150274 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/19/bristle-bot-controversy/ | Bristle Bot Controversy | Caleb Kraft | [
"News"
] | [
"bristle",
"ems",
"emsl",
"evil mad scientist laboratories",
"klutz",
"make",
"OpenSource"
] | When the
Bristlebots
were released back in 2007 by Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, we all thought they were pretty cool. Apparently someone at Klutz did too. They have released a book, with the title “Invasion of the BristleBots”. The bots seem to be identical and the name is identical. There is no mention of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories anywhere in it.
[Phillip Torrone] has attempted to contact Klutz and the book publisher Scholastic
directly to find out more information.
[Windell] and [Lenore] from EMSL had this to say:
“This is the first that I’ve heard of it. Frankly, I am a bit offended. Klutz makes some nice things, and I’m surprised that they wouldn’t have contacted us, asked permission, or at least given us credit. (Locomotion by ratcheting bristles isn’t remotely new — it occurs in nature — but the name ‘Bristlebot’ is surely ours, and I don’t know of any prior implementation with a toothbrush.)”
You probably know EMSL from their other projects such as the
Peggy
and
Meggy jr
. How would you feel if a project you did was published without credit? Would you care or not? | 66 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "63683",
"author": "Hackius",
"timestamp": "2009-02-19T20:01:18",
"content": "It might just be a case of different paths converging to the same solution. It’s not like it has more than 3-4 parts.If it had more parts you could say it’s an idea but with current toothbrushes having elec... | 1,760,377,680.35681 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/17/cell-phone-triggered-fireworks/ | Cell Phone Triggered Fireworks | Caleb Kraft | [
"Cellphone Hacks",
"classic hacks"
] | [
"cellphone",
"fireworks"
] | [Mr. Hasselhoff] is
using a disposable cell phone to trigger his fireworks
. He has wired into the speaker leads for the speaker phone. When the phone rings, the current sets off a
thyristor
allowing for a battery pack to be discharged into a rocket fuse. These fuses heat up and ignite, so you can use them to light fireworks fuses pretty easily. This is pretty simple and cheap, considering the price of the cell phone was only $10. His next idea was to have it recognize dial tones and set individual fuses off, but that would require a microcontroller and a much more complex hack. At that point, you might as well just build a
fully fledged wireless fireworks launching system
and possibly
add rocket launching abilities too
.
[thanks Adam] | 68 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "63313",
"author": "Slurpy",
"timestamp": "2009-02-17T19:22:05",
"content": "This is how they set off roadside bombs..",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63314",
"author": "ant",
"timestamp": "2009-02-17T19:23:58",
"cont... | 1,760,377,680.263269 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/16/shmoocon-2009-chris-pagets-rfid-cloning-talk/ | ShmooCon 2009: Chris Paget’s RFID Cloning Talk | Eliot | [
"cons",
"Security Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"125khz",
"13.56mhz",
"900mhz",
"chris paget",
"contactless",
"e-passport",
"epc",
"gnu radio",
"mifare",
"passport",
"passportcard",
"payment card",
"rfid",
"shmoocon",
"shmoocon 2009",
"shmoocon2009",
"usrp",
"whti"
] | [googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-282861825889939203]
When we first saw
[Chris Paget]’s cloning video
, our reaction was pretty ‘meh’. We’d seen RFID cloning before and the
Mifare crack
was probably the last time RFID was actually interesting. His ShmooCon presentation, embedded above, caught us completely off-guard. It’s very informative; we highly recommend it.
The hardest part about selling this talk is that it has to use two overloaded words: ‘RFID’ and ‘passport’. The Passport Card, which is part the the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
(WHTI), is not like the passport book that you’re familiar with. It has the form factor of a driver’s license and can only be used for land and sea travel between the USA, Canada, the Caribbean region, Bermuda, and Mexico. They’ve only started issuing them this year.
The Passport Card also uses RFID… but not the same technology as e-passports that have been issued world wide. You’re probably familiar with 125KHz access control cards and 13.56MHz smartcards, MiFare tags, and e-passports. These are all inductively coupled technologies. The RFID used in Passport Cards is in the 900MHz band and is a capacitive technology. It’s EPC Class 1 Generation 2, the same sort of technology used to track goods in warehouses. Each EPC has a 96bit ID number. By design, they have to be readable from a minimum of 30 feet.
To start his research, [Chris] purchased an XR400 RFID reader of off eBay. This is an industrial reader with four antenna ports and Windows CE. He got a great deal… because it didn’t work. He guessed that the ball grid array (BGA) solder joints had cracked. Putting enough pressure on the chips allowed the device to boot. He repaired the board using a heat gun to reflow the solder. He referenced this video of an
Xbox 360 being repaired with the same technique
. [bunnie] has a post from last year
investigating Xbox 360 RRODs
and possible BGA failures.
900MHz RFID cards are not inductively coupled to the reader, so their read range is not limited by the wavelength. With a HAM license in the US, you can broadcast with up to 1500W. At Defcon this year, [Chris] plans on going for a new read record. He cited the company
ThingMagic
using 10W into a 12dbi antenna and getting 100% read reliability from 213ft. The theoretical limit for 1500W through a 18dBi antenna is 2.35 miles; you’d be limited by how far the tag can transmit though. He’s set up the site
RFIDHackers.com
to help coordinate efforts.
Another future project is using the
GNU Radio USRP board
to do differential power analysis against the Passport Card. It’s a brute force method for extracting the 32bit kill and lock codes for the tags, which could then be used to deactivate cards.
The goal of [Chris]’ research from the beginning was to show that RFID is unsuitable for security situations like this. Passport Cards assign a unique identifier to each holder. This ID can be read from a distance and coordinated with the holders other RFID items like their credit card. Any party can track someone holding these cards, and they don’t make border crossings any faster, since the cards still have to be checked in person.
The USA is now tracking its residents with the same respect given to items in Walmart. | 13 | 13 | [
{
"comment_id": "63248",
"author": "Túlio Fernandes",
"timestamp": "2009-02-17T04:07:48",
"content": "Amazing presentation.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63260",
"author": "chippy",
"timestamp": "2009-02-17T08:12:29",
"content": "m... | 1,760,377,680.691147 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/16/pirate-bay-trial-starts/ | Pirate Bay Trial Starts | Eliot | [
"downloads hacks",
"News",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"copyright",
"copyright infringement",
"criminal",
"piratebay",
"sweden",
"The Pirate Bay",
"trial"
] | The first day of The Pirate Bay’s trial has concluded. The prosecution, representing many large media companies, is attempting to prove that the defendants are directly responsible for copyright infringement. The members of The Pirate Bay are treating the trial as a
reality TV farce
. From
TorrentFreak’s coverage
, it sounds like it’s off to a great start: “For several minutes, listeners of the live audio could hear mouse-clicks as Roswall [the prosecutor -Ed.], who earlier claimed to be an expert on computer crimes, tried to get his PowerPoint presentation on the screen.”
[via
Waxy
] | 41 | 41 | [
{
"comment_id": "63209",
"author": "Mattias",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T23:57:13",
"content": "As a swedish citizen I will stand outside that court waving the pirate banner! ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63213",
"author": "sean",
"ti... | 1,760,377,680.640491 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/16/solar-batteries/ | Solar Batteries | Eliot | [
"home hacks",
"Solar Hacks",
"Tool Hacks"
] | [
"battery",
"knut karlsen",
"prototype",
"rechargeable batteries",
"solar",
"solar battery",
"solar cell"
] | [Knut Karlsen] put together a prototype set of
solar rechargeable batteries
. He always seemed to have batteries laying around on his worktable and figured they might as well be charging. The flexible solar cells were given to him by researchers at the
IFE
and are rated at 1.8V. He used superglue to secure them to the C cells. A silver conductive pen plus flat wires from a Canon lens connect the solar cells to the battery terminals. The batteries just trickle charge for now, but he’s going to try to build cells with built in charge controllers in the future. | 51 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "63185",
"author": "epicelite",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T22:37:23",
"content": "DO WANT!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63188",
"author": "nubie",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T22:41:25",
"content": "Did anybody else read... | 1,760,377,680.560682 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/16/molten-metal-led-display/ | Molten Metal LED Display | Caleb Kraft | [
"LED Hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] | [
"led",
"mercury",
"wood's metal"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMuDudCiPR8]
firstly, we don’t know why they are doing this, and we don’t care. You are watching an
LED panel, controlled by molten metal
. The panel has the leads sticking down below the bottom of the board, so the metal can make connections as it flows past. They are using
Wood’s metal
, not mercury so it has to be heated to about 159 degrees Fahrenheit to be fluid. This has been representing problems as the metal tends to stick to whatever container he is holding it in. That actually seems to be what most of the writeup and discussion are about, rather than, what it will be used for.
[Thanks Andre] | 19 | 19 | [
{
"comment_id": "63168",
"author": "meowsqueak",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T20:38:14",
"content": "According to the linked Wikipedia article, Wood’s metal is quite toxic, especially when molten. Including the fumes…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": ... | 1,760,377,680.800277 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/16/parts-i2c-audio-volume-potentiometer-ds1807/ | Parts: I2C Audio Volume Potentiometer (DS1807) | Ian | [
"digital audio hacks",
"Parts"
] | [
"audio",
"bus pirate",
"ds1807",
"i2c",
"parts",
"potentiometer",
"volume"
] | The
DS1807
contains two logarithmic
digital potentiometers
(pots) for audio volume adjustment. Each pot has 64 volume levels plus a mute setting. The volume level of each pot is set over a two-wire
I2C
serial interface. We’ll show you how to connect and interface the DS1807 below.
DS1807 I2C audio volume potentiometer (Digikey #
DS1807+-ND
, $3.04)
Connections
Bus Pirate
DS1807 (pin #)
GND
GND (1)
GND
A2 (2)
GND
A1 (3)
GND
A0 (4)
GND
AGND (11)
SDA
SDA (12)
Clock
SCL (13)
+5volts
VCC (14)
We connected the DS1807 to the
Bus Pirate universal serial interface tool
as shown in the table, the same basic principals apply to any custom configuration. We used the Bus Pirate’s 5volt power supply, but the DS1807 will also work at 3.3volts. I2C requires a
pull-up resistor
on each signal line, we used the Bus Pirate’s on-board resistors connected to the on-board 5volt power supply.
Connect the DS1807 to an audio source as shown on page 3 of the datasheet. Connect the raw audio signal to the H pin and connect the L pin to ground, the attenuated audio signal will come from the W pin.
Interfacing
First, setup the Bus Pirate for I2C mode, and activate the 5volt power supply. We covered this procedure in our
last parts post
.
I2C>v
<–voltage monitor
9xx VOLTAGE MONITOR: 5V: 4.9 | 3.3V: 0.0 | VPULLUP: 5.0 |
I2C>
With the power supply configured, check the voltage monitor (v) to be sure the 5volt supply is active and that 5volts is present at the pull-up resistors.
I2C>(0)
<–list available macros
0.Macro menu
1.7bit address search
I2C>(1)
<–run address search
xxx Searching 7bit I2C address space.
Found devices at:
0x50 0x51 0x52
<–potential addresses
I2C>
The Bus Pirate’s address search macro is a quick way to locate I2C devices without looking at the datasheet. 0x50 is an I2C write address because the last bit is 0, 0x51 is read address (last bit 1). 0x52 is probably a group/global write address because it doesn’t have a corresponding read address.
We could also determine the address from the datasheet: the base address is 0101 plus the three address select bits (A0-2, all grounded, 000) and the write or read bit (0 or 1) gives 0b01010000 (0x50).
I2C>[0x51 r r]
<–read pot values
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x51 GOT ACK: YES
<–device read address
230 I2C READ: 0x3F
<–pot0
230 I2C READ: 0x3F
<–pot1
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>
First, we read the potentiometer values at startup. [ issues the I2C start condition, 0x51 is the device read address, “r r” reads two bytes, and ] issues the I2C stop command. The default startup value is 63 (0x3f), one position above mute (datasheet page 2).
I2C>[0x50 0b10101001 0]
<–write pot0
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x50 GOT ACK: YES
<–DS1807 write address
220 I2C WRITE: 0xA9 GOT ACK: YES
<–pot0 write command
220 I2C WRITE: 0x00 GOT ACK: YES
<–volume to set
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>[0x50 0b10101010 64]
<–write pot1
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x50 GOT ACK: YES
<–DS1807 write address
220 I2C WRITE: 0xAA GOT ACK: YES
<–pot1 write command
220 I2C WRITE: 0x40 GOT ACK: YES
<–volume to set
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>[0x51 r r]
<–read values back to verify
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x51 GOT ACK: YES
<–DS1807 read address
230 I2C READ: 0x00
<–pot0 value
230 I2C READ: 0x40
<–pot1 value
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>
Next, we update each volume pot with a separate command. 0x50 is the DS1807 write address, 0b10101001 (0xA9) is the command to update pot0, and 0 sets the volume to full. The next sequence uses the update pot1 command, 0b10101010 (0xaa), and sets the volume to mute (64, 0x40). Finally, we use the read procedure to verify that the values are correct.
I2C>[0x50 0xA9 64 0]
<–write both pot values
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x50 GOT ACK: YES
220 I2C WRITE: 0xA9 GOT ACK: YES
<–update pot0 command
220 I2C WRITE: 0x40 GOT ACK: YES
<–pot0 value
220 I2C WRITE: 0x00 GOT ACK: YES
<–pot1 value
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>[0x51 r r]
<–read back values
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x51 GOT ACK: YES
230 I2C READ: 0x40
<–pot0 value
230 I2C READ: 0x00
<–pot1 value
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>
The pot 0 write command can also be used to set both potentiometer values with a single command. Use the pot0 update command (0b10101001, 0xA9), and send the pot1 value (0) following the pot0 value (64).
I2C>[0x50 0b10101111 0x20]
<–update both pots with the same value
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x50 GOT ACK: YES
220 I2C WRITE: 0xAF GOT ACK: YES
<–dual update command
220 I2C WRITE: 0x20 GOT ACK: YES
<–value to set
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>[0x51 r r]
<–read back values
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x51 GOT ACK: YES
230 I2C READ: 0x20
<–pot0 value
230 I2C READ: 0x20
<–pot1 value
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
I2C>
Finally, 0xAF (0b10101111) can be used to update both potentiometers with the same value. This is probably the most useful command for stereo audio volume control where both channels have the same value and change simultaneously.
Are there any chips or components you’d like us to cover in future
parts
posts? | 7 | 7 | [
{
"comment_id": "63165",
"author": "sanchoooo",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T19:46:57",
"content": "Excellent post. Very Well done.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63170",
"author": "rectilinear",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T20:41:36",
"co... | 1,760,377,680.74664 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/16/vhs-toaster/ | VHS Toaster | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"home hacks"
] | [
"toast",
"vcr",
"VHS"
] | Though the inspiration was said to have come from a clip of The
Young Ones
, we all know this was bound to happen eventually. [lemonie] has turned a
VHS deck into a toaster
. They’ve done a fantastic job, it looks almost perfectly stock. We can imagine that maintaining the look of the VCR was pretty difficult especially getting everything to line up correctly. Finally, we have a use for our old VHS deck. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQz_CBQKhw] | 28 | 28 | [
{
"comment_id": "63137",
"author": "g3n",
"timestamp": "2009-02-16T15:53:06",
"content": "I’d be careful eating the toast as I don’t think all those plastics are made to sustain high temperatures…there could be bad fumes coming out.Very nice thing though !",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
... | 1,760,377,682.957909 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/12/pdf-redaction-still-not-working/ | PDF Redaction Still Not Working | Eliot | [
"downloads hacks",
"News",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"adobe",
"ap",
"black bars",
"bryan veloso",
"connectu",
"copy",
"facebook",
"humor",
"investment",
"paste",
"pdf",
"redact",
"redaction",
"techcrunch"
] | Facebook’s internal valuation was revealed this week thanks to
shoddy PDF redaction
. Court documents from a settlement between Facebook and
ConnectU
showed that Facebook values itself at $3.7 billion, much less than the $15 billion that was speculated during the Microsoft investment. The
AP uncovered this
by cutting and pasting from the redacted court document. It’s the same thing we showed in
our PDF redaction screencast
last summer… and it will never cease to be funny.
[photo:
Bryan Veloso
] | 20 | 20 | [
{
"comment_id": "62802",
"author": "hc",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T00:39:29",
"content": "pwned!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62812",
"author": "roshamboe",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T02:34:43",
"content": "who cares",
"parent_id... | 1,760,377,683.012219 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/12/curiosity-killed-the-twit-twitter-clickjacking/ | Curiosity Killed The Twit, Twitter Clickjacking | Eliot | [
"News",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"clickjacking",
"don't click",
"iframe",
"javascript",
"security",
"snippet",
"tinyurl",
"twitter",
"twitter.com"
] | Twitter was flooded this morning with users posting “Don’t Click:
http://tinyurl.com/amgzs6”
;. TinyURL has since
terminated the URL
. The
original page
doesn’t seem to be live either. It displayed a button that said “Don’t Click”. If the user happened to be logged into Twitter, it would automatically update their status. The instigator partially describes the method
on his blog
(
translated
). The page would load the user’s Twitter page in an invisible iframe. The status would be pasted in and the “Don’t Click” button is placed on top of the update button. You can find the
code snippets here
and the original author
credits this post
for the inspiration. Twitter has since
added a JavaScript fragment
to each page to break out of iframes.
if (window.top !== window.self) { window.top.location.href = window.self.location.href; } | 24 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "62768",
"author": "supernova_hq",
"timestamp": "2009-02-12T20:32:21",
"content": "I am not from Nigeria and have absolutely no connection to any royalty of any country. You have no relation (familiar or friendly) with me or anyone I know. There is no money available for you and I am... | 1,760,377,682.708977 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/12/impress-tactile-interface/ | Impress: Tactile Interface | Caleb Kraft | [
"Multitouch Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"input",
"multitouch",
"tactile"
] | Touch screen interfaces are generally hard and flat.
Impress
tries to break from that tradition by making the display flexible. Allowing you to feel more like you are interacting with the display. In the image above, the circles seem to physically fall into the dent made by your fingers. Another application shows some rudimentary 3d modeling being done by physically pushing on the vertexes. This prototype is very interesting, we’d love to see much higher resolution on the input side of things. It states that it does pressure sensitivity, but we weren’t able to distinguish it in the video. Maybe you can, catch the video after the break. Maybe laying
one of these
on some foam would be another alternative.
[vimeo=3187100] | 13 | 13 | [
{
"comment_id": "62765",
"author": "Dean Putney",
"timestamp": "2009-02-12T20:11:01",
"content": "This seems to be a prime candidate for rear projection. Since they’re using fabric, it should be relatively easy to see light coming from behind.Their major changes would be removing the foam padding an... | 1,760,377,682.897049 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/12/solar-charging-your-ds/ | Solar Charging Your DS | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Nintendo DS Hacks",
"Nintendo Game Boy Hacks",
"Nintendo Hacks"
] | [
"ds",
"nintendo",
"solar"
] | [dark sponge] decided to make his DS lite, solar powered. Or, at least
charged via solar panels
. He was able to find solar cells that were 60×60 mm, which means he could fit 4 of them on the outside of the DS. This gives him a total of 6V at 80 mA output. These panels charge the battery between uses. The DS has to be open and laying on its face for all 4 panels to be exposed, but this way of mounting them didn’t alter the pocket-ability of the unit. He says he’s been using it for a while and hasn’t had to plug it in yet, but we have concerns about wiring the panels directly to the battery. As [cyrozap] points out in the comments on the instructable, this is a Lithium Ion battery, shouldn’t there be some charging circuitry involved? | 38 | 38 | [
{
"comment_id": "62734",
"author": "Ben S",
"timestamp": "2009-02-12T16:46:15",
"content": "Should have cannibalized an AC adapter for its connector and used it to make a dongle to plug into the AC port.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62736",
... | 1,760,377,682.647527 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/11/electric-matchstick/ | Electric Matchstick | Caleb Kraft | [
"LED Hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] | [
"led",
"match"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-HY8a9cCvI]
Here is a cool little toy, an LED matchstick. We don’t really know what purpose it serves, but [dhananjaygadre] did a pretty good job of reproducing the effect. The light is controlled by a microprocessor to emulate the flickering of a flame. It holds a charge for a short while, staying lit for an amount of time comparable to a match. To turn it on, you even “strike” it on a match box filled with magnets. | 34 | 34 | [
{
"comment_id": "62634",
"author": "techyguru",
"timestamp": "2009-02-11T21:49:35",
"content": "Looks perfect for a play or musical in a theater that does not allow open flame. Perhaps a high school or middle school.The flicker is great but I might use a orange led.",
"parent_id": null,
"de... | 1,760,377,683.324454 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/11/cell-phone-shoe/ | Cell Phone Shoe | Caleb Kraft | [
"Cellphone Hacks",
"classic hacks"
] | [
"cell phone",
"get smart",
"shoe",
"shoephone"
] | Sometimes you absolutely need to keep your phone a secret. You know, like when you’re on spy missions. The goons at the door will always frisk you, but they never check under your shoe, right? [mikeyberman] shows us how to make our own
Maxwell Smart style shoe phone
. All you need is to dig a giant hole in your shoe sole and cram a cell phone in there. Will it get ruined by water? Probably. Will you look like a goon trying to talk on it? Definitely. Can you make it through airport security? Try it and let us know. | 59 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "62614",
"author": "BigD145",
"timestamp": "2009-02-11T19:51:36",
"content": "Horrible job on this. Where’s the movable heel?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62617",
"author": "Chris",
"timestamp": "2009-02-11T20:21:44",
... | 1,760,377,682.573558 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/10/backtrack-4-beta-released/ | BackTrack 4 Beta Released | Eliot | [
"downloads hacks",
"Security Hacks",
"Tool Hacks"
] | [
"backtrack",
"distro",
"exploit",
"fpga",
"iso",
"livecd",
"pentest",
"remote-exploit",
"security",
"vmware"
] | The
Remote Exploit Development Team
has just
announced BackTrack 4 Beta
. BackTrack is a Linux based LiveCD intended for security testing and we’ve been watching the project since the very early days. They say this new beta is both stable and usable. They’ve moved towards behaving like an actual distribution: it’s based on Debian core, they use Ubuntu software, and they’re running their own BackTrack repositories for future updates. There are a lot of new features, but the one we’re most interested in is the built in
Pico
card support. You can use the
FPGA
s to generate rainbow tables and do lookups for things like WPA,
GSM
, and Bluetooth cracking.
BackTrack ISO and VMWare images are available here
. | 101 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "62558",
"author": "Daniel Velazquez",
"timestamp": "2009-02-11T04:46:53",
"content": "I used backtrack on a macbook to hack all the wireless networks surrounding me and works great",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62564",
"au... | 1,760,377,682.846133 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/10/wifi-and-bluetooth-tethering-on-android/ | WiFi And Bluetooth Tethering On Android | Eliot | [
"Android Hacks",
"Cellphone Hacks",
"g1 hacks",
"google hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"adb",
"adp1",
"android",
"android debug bridge",
"bluetooth",
"bt",
"firmware",
"G1",
"ipod",
"jesusfreke",
"laptop",
"moussam",
"nat",
"proxy",
"socks",
"t-mobile g1",
"Tether",
"tetherbot",
"usb",
"wifi"
] | Many G1/ADP1 owners have been using the app
Tetherbot
to get internet access on their
laptop
via
USB
to the phone’s data connection. The app relied on the
Android Debug Bridge
to forward ports. It worked, but people wanted a solution better than a SOCKS proxy. The community figured out a way to create a
properly NAT’d connection using iptables
and then [moussam] rolled them up into easy to use applications. There’s one for setting up a
PAN device on Bluetooth
and another for
adhoc WiFi networking
. It requires you to have root on your phone, but hopefully you’ve achieved that and are already running the
latest community firmware
.
[photo:
tnkgrl
] | 11 | 11 | [
{
"comment_id": "62556",
"author": "clark",
"timestamp": "2009-02-11T04:14:04",
"content": "wow, it sure took you guys long enough to get this on here. I’ve been using the Adhoc tether app on my rooted G1 for abou 1.5-2 weeks now. its a nice little way to set up a quick lan in an office suite.anyh... | 1,760,377,682.7577 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/10/brain-controlled-fluid-simulation/ | Brain Controlled Fluid Simulation | Eliot | [
"downloads hacks",
"Video Hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] | [
"besmoke",
"bil",
"brain",
"brain control",
"eric gradman",
"fluid dynamics",
"fluid simulation",
"gradman",
"nia",
"ocx nia",
"ocz",
"video"
] | [vimeo 3157584]
Here’s another
video demo
of [Eric]’s
Besmoke
interactive fluid simulation that we
covered earlier
. It was put together for the
BIL Conference
last weekend. This time around he’s strapped the iPhone to his head (complying with California’s handsfree laws). To make things interesting, he’s also added
OCZ’s Neural Impulse Actuator
to provide brainwave input. | 18 | 18 | [
{
"comment_id": "62509",
"author": "beanpolev",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T23:03:04",
"content": "That song is totally awesome, anyone know what it is?Oh and the head-thingy is cool too ;)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62510",
"author": "mad... | 1,760,377,683.147713 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/10/accelerometer-controlled-pong-2/ | Accelerometer Controlled Pong | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks"
] | [
"accellerometer",
"atmega",
"pong"
] | [Adam] sent us this cool game he made. It is
accelerometer controlled pong
(
translated
). The screen is a Nokia 3310 LCD, tied to an ATmega8 for the brains. He’s using an MMA7260 accelerometer for the controls. The whole thing is encased in an iPod nano box. this looks like a pretty fun little game, though we’d like to see someone attempt a two player match with it. | 6 | 6 | [
{
"comment_id": "62500",
"author": "hum4n",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T22:18:46",
"content": "i made a multiplayer TI 84 pong once. somehow reminds me of that.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62507",
"author": "spiderwebby",
"timestamp": "... | 1,760,377,683.442129 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/10/the-ponginator/ | The Ponginator | Caleb Kraft | [
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"parallax",
"ping pong ball",
"robot"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYfybYkB2io]
All bow your heads in reverence to
the Ponginator
. This bad boy is a performance robot, mounted to the end of a 3 story tall crane. He makes all kinds of noises, flashes all kinds of lights, and shoots ping pong balls at 170 miles an hour. This thing looks like it would be so much fun to play with. listen to it as he’s talking and you’ll pick out all kinds of Sci Fi sound effects, from Portal sounds to Star Trek sounds. Check out the second video on the site to actually see the Ponginator shooting. | 11 | 11 | [
{
"comment_id": "62493",
"author": "Dan P",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T21:32:17",
"content": "Damn sexy! All hail the robot overlords!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62494",
"author": "cyrozap",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T21:44:00",
"co... | 1,760,377,683.860481 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/10/vaio-p-xp-install/ | VAIO P XP Install | Eliot | [
"computer hacks",
"downloads hacks",
"laptops hacks",
"Netbook Hacks"
] | [
"gps",
"netbook",
"sony",
"sony vaio",
"sony vaio p",
"tnkgrl",
"unboxing",
"vaio",
"vaio p",
"vista",
"wwan",
"xp"
] | Sony recently started to shipping the
VAIO P
don’t-call-it-a-netbook
netbook. It comes stock with 2GB of RAM, which means
it’s not eligible
for Microsoft’s XP ultra low cost pc licensing. Hackers wanting to exorcise Vista have run into a few issues. After doing her
unboxing photoshoot
, [tnkgrl] wrote a guide for
replacing Vista with XP on the Vaio P
. She used the
Universal Extractor
to pop open the driver downloads and remove the Vista check. This got the WWAN radio and GPS working in XP. The only casualty was the volume and mute buttons are no longer working. You can see an annotated image
verifying all the components here
. | 31 | 31 | [
{
"comment_id": "62427",
"author": "chicosoft",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T11:45:03",
"content": "Put Linux… never worry with microsoft again…",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62431",
"author": "Imroy",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T12:39:45",
... | 1,760,377,683.682791 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/09/defcon-17-call-for-papers/ | Defcon 17 Call For Papers | Eliot | [
"cons",
"News"
] | [
"call for papers",
"cfp",
"defcon",
"defcon 17",
"hacker con",
"hacker conference",
"hacker convention"
] | Notorious hacker conference Defcon has just published their
Call for Papers
. The 17th annual event will happen July 30th through August 2nd. Most of the announcement is the same boilerplate they’ve included for the past two years. Like last year, they’re not defining the specific speaking track themes and will come up with them based on submissions. New for this year is a half-day of workshops on the Thursday before Defcon for anyone that’s showing up early. This pre-con event is targeted at newbies. It certainly sounds like an interesting way to ease into Defcon instead of the usual delays and fire marshals. We’ve been attending
every year since 2005
and love seeing new things. You should definitely consider presenting this year (we want to see more hardware!). | 6 | 6 | [
{
"comment_id": "62411",
"author": "marz",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T04:58:33",
"content": "What exactly is going on in that picture?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62415",
"author": "ccox",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T06:02:39",
"conte... | 1,760,377,683.615543 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/09/robotic-baby-crib/ | Robotic Baby Crib | Caleb Kraft | [
"home hacks",
"Misc Hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"baby",
"crib",
"infant",
"swing"
] | This surprisingly pleasant looking crib is actually
a robot, designed to keep babies quiet
and happy all night long. Once inside and locked up, the baby is under the robot’s care. When the robot senses crying, it rocks gently back and forth. This should allow parents the time to catch some sleep. As pointed out in the article, the $5000 price tag is a bit steep. Especially considering the fact that you can get a much less technologically advanced
equivalent for relatively cheap
. How many of you hackers have babies? What hacks did you do to get your babies to sleep? | 44 | 44 | [
{
"comment_id": "62339",
"author": "ob1",
"timestamp": "2009-02-09T22:20:58",
"content": "I find that duct tape is all that is needed to keep a baby from crying.Just duct tape her favorite mobile to the crib any everyone’s happy. What were you expecting? :)",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
... | 1,760,377,683.522106 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/15/rear-projection-tv/ | Rear Projection TV Multitouch | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Multitouch Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"laser plane",
"multitouch",
"projection tv",
"ps3 eye"
] | [Dave] sent us these fantastic instructions on how to
hack a rear projection tv to be a multitouch interface
. They’ve converted a 67″ inch TV by adding a couple of PS3 eye cameras and an infrared laser plane. There’s lots of great information, like how to replace the lenses on the PS3 eye cameras and how to create the custom fittings needed to make it all fit nicely. You can download the code, but it is Mac only. They claim that this is the first conversion of a commercial rear projection TV to multitouch, but
we know better
. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[vimeo=3165861] | 14 | 14 | [
{
"comment_id": "63076",
"author": "Failsafe",
"timestamp": "2009-02-15T18:45:17",
"content": "The example that you use to prove that this is not the first time a projection TV has ben converted into a multitouch is wrong. In the article you link to, it clearly states that he built the enclosure to... | 1,760,377,683.571045 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/14/flexible-circuit-valentine/ | Flexible Circuit Valentine | Eliot | [
"LED Hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] | [
"Atmel",
"attiny",
"attiny45",
"AVR",
"circuitboard",
"dupont",
"etching",
"led",
"pyralux",
"shiftregister",
"valentine",
"xander"
] | [xander] built this
LED valentine
for his loved one. It’s interesting because he used
Pyralux
, a flexible circuit board material from DuPont. He describes the consistency as “tough plastic tissue-paper”, but had no trouble using standard toner transfer etching. It has an ATtiny45 microcontroller that pulses the 16 LEDs at an approximation of his heart beat. To avoid soldering a bunch of surface mount resistors, he used two constant current shift registers. | 11 | 11 | [
{
"comment_id": "63027",
"author": "jme",
"timestamp": "2009-02-15T03:27:13",
"content": "[ j m e ]",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "63029",
"author": "HaDAk",
"timestamp": "2009-02-15T03:38:21",
"content": "I wish I could do neat thi... | 1,760,377,683.819054 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/14/voice-controlled-home-automation/ | Voice Controlled Home Automation | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"home hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"automation",
"voice control"
] | [Brian] sent in this writeup on his
voice controlled home automation system
. Starting with the Microsoft SAPI, a voice recognition system, he programmed some basic home automation. In a move that makes this project decidedly more awesome, he decided to build a physical representation of his automation system. This disembodied head is “Stephanie”. She responds to her name, has an articulated jaw that moves with the syllables in the words, and even ejects her “brain tray” on command. We want one.
There is lots of information on his site about the circuitry involved, as well as source code and a video. You can see the video after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqCXbP85oX0] | 64 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "62967",
"author": "Tachyon",
"timestamp": "2009-02-14T15:03:04",
"content": "Oh yeah everybody thinks it’s cute to give your house controlling computer a name and a voice and shit, but just wait til it decides to vent your oxygen and it’s daisy daisy time…",
"parent_id": null,
... | 1,760,377,683.769069 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/13/tools-smart-tweezers/ | Tools: Smart Tweezers | Ian | [
"Parts",
"Reviews"
] | [
"advanced devices",
"electronics",
"reviews",
"Smart Tweezers",
"smd",
"surface mount",
"test equipment",
"tool reviews",
"tools"
] | We’re big fans of surface mount parts. SMD components are cheaper, take less board space, and don’t require drilling; all the coolest new parts are only available in SMD packages.
Smart Tweezers
are an advanced multimeter tool specifically designed to test and troubleshoot SMD circuits. It automatically identifies resistors, capacitors, and inductors, and displays the relevant measurements.
Advanced Devices
sent us a pair of Smart Tweezers to review. We used them while building our
last few SMD projects
, read about our experience with this tool after the break.
Tool overview
Smart Tweezers are a multimeter that measures resistance, capacitance, inductance, and voltage with tweezer-like probes. The probes are shaped to hold loose SMD components, or test components already soldered to a PCB. Measurements are displayed on a small graphic LCD that reverses for left or right hand use. If you’ve ever tried to measure SMD components with a typical multimeter, the value of the tweezer profile is immediately apparent.
Starting at
$300
, this tool is intended for professionals who regularly debug, test, or repair SMD electronics. It’s a bit out of reach for a hobbyist who just wants to salvage SMD parts.
Using it
We tested the Smart Tweezers while developing three recent SMD projects: the
DIY digital picture frame
,
the Bus Pirate version 1
, and an upcoming ethernet device. It’s a real headache to debug an SMD circuit with typical multimeter probes: balance the probes on the correct pins, ensure that the probes don’t create momentary contacts that aren’t due to soldering, and then hold this position long enough to get a good measurement. This only gets worse if you have to repeat several times. The Smart Tweezers test SMD components with a quick single-handed squeeze.
The Smart Tweezers’ graphic menu is navigated with a simple jog wheel. The tool turns on with a press of the jog wheel, and turns off automatically after an adjustable timeout. The default auto-measurement mode attempts to detect the type of component and chooses the best properties to display, but auto-mode is a bit slower than setting a specific measurement mode.
Resistance
Every multimeter measures resistance, a typical multimeter has several test ranges that are toggled manually. The Smart Tweezers measure resistor values between 0.1Ohm and 5MOhms, without manual range adjustments. In the photo we’re measuring a 390ohm, 1% resistor.
Capacitance
Capacitance measurement is a feature that’s found on some high-end multimeters. The Smart Tweezers measure capacitance between 10pF and 499µF. In the photo we’re measuring a 27pF, 5% capacitor commonly used in a crystal oscillator.
A measurement taken from a single capacitor shows its value. A measurement taken from a circuit board shows the total capacitance of all connected components and of the PCB itself.
Inductance
Inductance measurement is rarely found on a multimeter. The Smart Tweezers measure inductance between 1µH and 1H. We didn’t have an SMD inductor to measure, but we tried a through-hole inductor coil from a switch mode power supply.
Voltage
The Smart Tweezers also measure up to 8volts AC or DC. After navigating to the voltage mode, the Smart Tweezers beep until you flip a small, recessed switch in the side of the case. The switch is too recessed to flip with a fingernail, so we used a through-hole resistor lead.
In the photo we’re doing a quick check to make sure that a tiny SOT-23
LTC2631a digital to analog converter
is properly soldered to an adapter board and receiving power.
Continuity/Open Test
The Smart Tweezers have a continuity checking mode that beeps to verify connections between parts. This is an easy way to make sure every leg of a large SMD chip is properly soldered, or to hunt for broken/damaged components.
Current
The Smart Tweezers don’t directly measure current consumption, but it’s easy to calculate using voltage and resistance measurements with the equation Ir=Vr/R.
A look inside
As with any tool, we can’t help but take it apart and see what’s inside.
The batteries are replaced by removing three screws and the front cover of the device. This view reveals the batteries, the LCD screen, a small piezoelectric speaker, and the back of the circuit board.
A single screw in the back of the case holds the circuit board in place. We removed the screw to expose the front of the circuit board. The Smart Tweezers are powered by a
Texas Instruments MSP430F135
microcontroller and a half-dozen analog chips. The MSP430 line is well-known for low power consumption, and it’s a logical choice for a portable device. Most of the passive support components are size 0402 or smaller.
Conclusion
The Smart Tweezers saved us a lot of time constructing and debugging three surface mount electronic designs. A simple squeeze and test is much faster and easier than awkwardly probing tiny parts with our cheap multimeter. It’s so much easier, in fact, we could hold the Smart Tweezers with one hand and take all the photos in this article with the other; try that with a normal multimeter.
We think two small changes could make the tool even easier to use. First, a larger button would make it easier to switch to voltmeter mode without a wire or screwdriver. Second, it would be really nice if it could be turned-on by squeezing the tweezers together, rather than pressing the jog wheel.
We really liked the automatic component detection and auto ranging, and the measurement speed is excellent. We appreciate that the tweezer tips are replaceable because we’re really hard on our tools.
If you’re a professional or student who does a lot of work with SMD electronics, a pair of Smart Tweezers can save you time by reducing awkward multimeter measurements to a simple squeeze. This fairly expensive tool is probably overkill for all but the most hard-core hobbyists, but if you derive income from electronics, like we do, Smart Tweezers can be really handy. | 52 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "62893",
"author": "gabe",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T23:38:24",
"content": "This isn’t a hack….It’s more of an ad than anything else.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62894",
"author": "FDP",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T23:43:... | 1,760,377,683.952224 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/13/missile-launcher-iphone-interface/ | Missile Launcher, IPhone Interface | Caleb Kraft | [
"iphone hacks",
"Misc Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"iphone",
"missile",
"python"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htd3s50Zhk8]
[Pedram] Sent us his
USB missile launcher interface project
. He happened to have some of the USB missile launchers lying around. having lost their initial draw, he wanted to do something to spice it up. He wrote an interface in python so he could control the launcher via his iPhone. We don’t see how this is any different than controlling them by the computer, but he seems to have put a decent amount of work into it. | 16 | 16 | [
{
"comment_id": "62883",
"author": "JD76",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T21:35:08",
"content": "LOL!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62887",
"author": "supernova_hq",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T22:23:51",
"content": "I hope it’s not nuclear... | 1,760,377,684.013412 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/13/vaio-p-hsdpa-mod/ | Vaio P HSDPA Mod | Eliot | [
"laptops hacks",
"Netbook Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"cdma",
"evdo",
"gobi",
"gsm",
"hsdpa",
"netbook",
"qualcomm",
"qualcomm gobi",
"sim",
"sony",
"sony vaio p",
"subcompact",
"subnotebook",
"tnkgrl",
"vaio",
"vaio p",
"verizon"
] | [tnkgrl] has concluded her
Sony Vaio P
by
adding GSM support
. We covered the
switch to XP
earlier, but this should work on Vista too. The Vaio P is sold in the US with support for Verizon’s EVDO wireless broadband, but it uses the same hardware as the European model that uses GSM. This is possible because of the the Qualcomm Gobi radio module. To get GSM support, you trick the VZAccess Manager into loading a different firmware than the stock EVDO. The difficult part is that the Vaio P doesn’t come with a SIM card slot, so you’ll have to solder in your own. When you’ve got the computer reassembled, just change VZAccess Manager to use your carrier.
UPDATE:
Wired has an
article on the Gobi chipset
. | 4 | 4 | [
{
"comment_id": "62878",
"author": "noxien",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T20:58:52",
"content": "It annoys me very much when manufactures artificially restrict their hardware. Glad to see someone has the balls to rip apart a bran new machine to do this mod and show us all.",
"parent_id": null,
"... | 1,760,377,684.095024 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/13/mcu-controllable-camera-mount/ | MCU Controllable Camera Mount | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"camera",
"pan"
] | [psymansays] needed a
panning head
for his robotics projects. Already being familiar with the
NXP LPC2148
from work, so he wanted to use that to control it. he built his own carousel out of old CDs. The axle of the carousel is a potentiometer. This is what he’s using to determine position. The gear motor was actually cobbled together with bits from a windup toy and an old motor. This may be a bit bulky, but it seems not only functional, but fairly versatile. | 3 | 3 | [
{
"comment_id": "62882",
"author": "Psymansays",
"timestamp": "2009-02-13T21:24:51",
"content": "Wow, as a daily reader of hackaday, I am very proud to see something of mine listed on this site.Thank you, Caleb Kraft, for the honor.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{... | 1,760,377,684.054603 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/09/parts-ltc2631a-i2c-digital-to-analog-converter/ | Parts: LTC2631A I2C Digital To Analog Converter | Ian | [
"Parts",
"Tool Hacks"
] | [
"bus pirate",
"dac",
"digital to analog converter",
"electronics",
"i2c",
"ltc2631a",
"serial interface",
"voltage output"
] | Linear Technology’s
LTC2631A-LZ8
is an 8bit
digital to analog converter
(DAC) with an
I2C
interface. This DAC can output 255 different voltages, spaced evenly between 0 and 2.5volts. We previously demonstrated the
LTC2640
with a three-wire
SPI
interface, but this version is controlled with only two signal wires.
Bus Pirate
LTC2631A (pin #)
DATA
SDA (3)
CLOCK
SCL (2)
ADC
VOUT (7)
—
CA0/Address 0 (1)
+5volts
CA1/Address 1 (8)
+5volts
VDD (5)
GND
GND (4)
—
REF (6)
We used the
Bus Pirate universal serial interface tool
to work with the DAC, but the same basic principals apply to any custom implementation. The connections between the Bus pirate and the LTC2631A are outlined in the table. We powered the chip from the Bus Pirate’s 5volt supply, but it would also work fine at 3.3volts.
The I2C bus requires
pull-up resistors
on both bus wires. 5volts is supplied to the pull-up resistors by connecting a wire from the 5volt supply to the pull-up resistor input terminal. Close the jumpers on the clock and data lines to supply the external voltage to the pull-up resistors.
Now, setup the Bus Pirate for I2C mode and activate the on-board power supply.
HiZ>m
<–select mode
1. HiZ
2. 1-WIRE
3. UART
4. I2C
…
9. PC AT KEYBOARD
MODE>4
<–I2C mode
900 MODE SET
202 I2C READY
I2C>p
<–setup power supply
W/w toggles 3.3volt supply?
1. NO
2. YES
MODE>1
<–don’t use 3.3volts
W/w toggles 5volt supply?
1. NO
2. YES
MODE>2
<–use 5volt supply
9xx SUPPLY CONFIGURED, USE W/w TO TOGGLE
9xx VOLTAGE MONITOR: 5V: 0.0 | 3.3V: 0.0 | VPULLUP: 0.0 |
I2C>W
<–capital ‘W’ activates the supply
9xx 5VOLT SUPPLY ON
I2C>v
<–check the voltage levels
9xx VOLTAGE MONITOR: 5V: 4.9 | 3.3V: 0.0 | VPULLUP: 5.0 |
<–supply on
I2C>
After configuring the Bus Pirate, the voltage monitor shows that the 5volt supply is active (4.9volts). Additionally, the monitor shows that 5volts is connected to the pull-up resistor supply terminal (VPULLUP).
I2C>(0)
<–list available macros
0.Macro menu
1.7bit address search
I2C>(1)
<–search for I2C devices
xxx Searching 7bit I2C address space.
Found devices at:
0x40 0xE6
<–got reply from these addresses
I2C>
The state of pin 1 and 8 determine the LTC2631A I2C address, according to the table on page 22 of the datasheet. Instead of looking up the address in the datasheet, we used the Bus Pirate’s I2C address search macro to scan the entire I2C address range. The DAC responds to the set address (0X40) and a global address (0xE6). The global address is useful for controlling multiple DACs simultaneously over the same I2C bus.
I2C>d [0x40 0b00110000 0xff 0] d
9xx VOLTAGE PROBE: 0.0VOLTS
<–output
is 0volts
210 I2C START CONDITION
<–start transaction
220 I2C WRITE: 0x40 GOT ACK: YES
<–DAC address
220 I2C WRITE: 0x30 GOT ACK: YES
<–set DAC output command
220 I2C WRITE: 0xFF GOT ACK: YES
<–set DAC to full (255)
220 I2C WRITE: 0x00 GOT ACK: YES
<–don’t care, extra byte
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
<–end transaction
9xx VOLTAGE PROBE: 2.5VOLTS
<–output at full
I2C>
Now we’re ready to interface the DAC. An initial voltage measurement (d) shows that the DAC is currently outputting 0volts.
An I2C start condition ([) alerts connected I2C devices to listen for their address. The first byte is the address (0x40) that identifies the device we want to access. The next byte is the LTC2631A command to update the DAC output (0x30 or 0b00110000), followed by the output setting (0xff or 255, 100% output). The final byte doesn’t matter for the 8bit DAC we’re using, but carries additional data bits for higher resolution versions of the DAC. The transaction is completed by sending the I2C stop condition (]).
After updating the DAC to 100%, a voltage measurement (d) shows that the output is 2.5volts.
I2C>d [0x40 0x30 0 0] d
9xx VOLTAGE PROBE: 2.5VOLTS
<–DAC at 100%
210 I2C START CONDITION
220 I2C WRITE: 0x40 GOT ACK: YES
220 I2C WRITE: 0x30 GOT ACK: YES
220 I2C WRITE: 0x00 GOT ACK: YES
<–set DAC to 0
220 I2C WRITE: 0x00 GOT ACK: YES
240 I2C STOP CONDITION
9xx VOLTAGE PROBE: 0.0VOLTS
<–DAC at 0%
I2C>
A similar command sequence sets the DAC output back to 0. A voltage measurement confirms that the DAC output is now 0volts.
For a complete list of DAC features and command codes, see the in-depth discussion of the LTC2640 SPI DAC at the end of the
Bus Pirate version 1 how-to
.
Are there any chips you’d like us to interface in future
parts
posts? | 9 | 9 | [
{
"comment_id": "62393",
"author": "Ion",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T01:47:16",
"content": "YAY another parts post, I love these, and this ones a doozy",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62418",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-10T06:58... | 1,760,377,684.340094 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/09/radio-controlled-beetle/ | Radio Controlled Beetle | Caleb Kraft | [
"News",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"beetle",
"insect",
"radio controlled",
"rc",
"robot"
] | Scientists at the university of California have managed to
implant a chip in a giant flower beetle
that makes it respond to commands from the computer. They can tell it to fly, stop, turn left and turn right. The controls are done through its optic nerves and wing muscles. Though the article states that flight signals are sent to the optic lobes and steering is done through stimulation of the wing muscles,
the video shows steering being accomplished through optic lobe stimulation
.
Though we’re sure there’s some grand scientific goal behind this, we can’t help but think (hope) that we’ll be seeing giant robot controlled beetle battles with lasers and rockets. | 57 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "62315",
"author": "JC",
"timestamp": "2009-02-09T20:59:35",
"content": "hey, so is it still alive when ya do this?seems a bit, well cruel, XD but being a techie,i have to say—AWESOME!!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62317",
... | 1,760,377,684.515755 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/09/build-a-wiremap/ | Build A Wiremap | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"3d",
"projection",
"wiremap"
] | For those of you who don’t recall, the
Wiremap is a 3d volumetric display
built from hundreds of tiny strands. An image is projected onto the strands to achieve 3d effects. [phedhex] has posted an in depth instructable on
how to build a wiremap
. He covers the construction with lots of good tips as well as giving links to the software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Check out the video after te break to see some fairly impressive 3d patterns.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rDpPex4Agk] | 13 | 13 | [
{
"comment_id": "62311",
"author": "j",
"timestamp": "2009-02-09T20:06:23",
"content": "If it can actually control the heighht of the bars then I could see a really awesome equalizer waiting to happen. That, or you could use it like a big 3d bar graph and display your network activity.",
"parent... | 1,760,377,684.391171 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/08/gray-hoverman-uhf-antenna/ | Gray Hoverman UHF Antenna | Caleb Kraft | [
"home entertainment hacks",
"home hacks"
] | [
"antenna",
"digital switchover"
] | With the impending digital switchover, many of you will find yourselves not only in need of a new converter box, but an antenna as well. Just like everything else, there are
plans out there
on how to build your own. [William] has gone through the effort of
documenting his design and build
of a very nicely made version. He used PVC for the frame and a wire mesh or chicken wire reflector. Good job [William] | 25 | 24 | [
{
"comment_id": "62228",
"author": "sly",
"timestamp": "2009-02-08T23:18:50",
"content": "that is huge… and the parts list is less than an equivalent commercial version. when I get my own house, I may well build one like this.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
... | 1,760,377,684.575948 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/08/plexi-cliffhanger-for-trackmate/ | Plexi Cliffhanger For Trackmate | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Multitouch Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"multitouch",
"ps3 eye",
"tracking",
"trackmate",
"trackpad"
] | If you’ve ever wanted to play with tangible tracking systems quick and cheap, you might be interested in this
super quick tracking surface
for trackmate.
Trackmate
is open source software for physical object tracking. Making a surface for it isn’t that hard in the first place but this one is probably the easiest. All you really need is some Plexiglas, some c-clamps and a web cam. The whole thing packs into a backpack or over the shoulder bag. This would be perfect for live performances. | 1 | 1 | [
{
"comment_id": "68586",
"author": "Issac Collins",
"timestamp": "2009-03-30T15:45:34",
"content": "That is, there is live performances and, in contrast to it, The whole thing. Sure you could use live performances of a channel, but I think that\\’s more subjective. It is live performances.",
"pa... | 1,760,377,684.435998 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/07/desulfator-in-an-altoids-tin/ | Desulfator In An Altoids Tin | Caleb Kraft | [
"Tool Hacks",
"Transportation Hacks"
] | [
"battery",
"sulfate"
] | If you’ve ever let a car sit for a period of time and returned to find that the battery was mysteriously “dead”, you were probably experiencing a sulfate crystal build up. Often, people just buy a new battery and plop it in, but that isn’t absolutely necessary. [Kmpres] takes us through the process of
building a desulfator
. A desulfator works by putting high voltage pulses into the battery forcing the sulfate crystals to dissolve back into the electrolyte. From what [Kmpres] says, you can find “bad” batteries in all kinds of places, use the desulfator on them and have perfectly fine batteries when you’re done. You may recall doing
something similar with a disposable camera
. | 26 | 26 | [
{
"comment_id": "62175",
"author": "Peep",
"timestamp": "2009-02-08T04:28:10",
"content": "wow this rules. seriously something useful on this site? haha that rules my hats off to you hackaday",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62178",
"author"... | 1,760,377,684.637309 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/07/ir-controlled-light-dimmer/ | IR Controlled Light Dimmer | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"home hacks"
] | [
"120v",
"dimmer",
"infra red",
"ir",
"remote controlled"
] | This is a pretty useful device. It is an
IR controlled light dimmer
. It goes in line with the main power and controls how much gets through to your light. You can adjust the brightness with a TV remote control. Finally, we can retire our
clapper
! These are commercially available, but making your own is just so much more fun. You may have to dig a little on their site for the schematics and programming. There are tons of other projects there as well so have fun. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-OtVkHJWXA]
[Thanks T] | 14 | 14 | [
{
"comment_id": "62157",
"author": "Jududdar",
"timestamp": "2009-02-07T21:18:27",
"content": "This is pretty amazing. In the process of completely gutting an apartment and rebuilding it for myself – dang, now I’ve got to build a bundle of these! =) Great post!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth":... | 1,760,377,684.685473 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/06/openvulture-software-for-unmanned-vehicles/ | OpenVulture, Software For Unmanned Vehicles | Eliot | [
"Robots Hacks",
"Transportation Hacks"
] | [
"ardupilot",
"arm",
"barbie",
"ethan otoole",
"matt davis",
"nslu2",
"powerwheels",
"shmoocon",
"uav",
"unmanned aerial vehicle",
"wingspan"
] | The first talk of
ShmooCon
was [Ethan O’Toole] and [Matt Davis] presenting their
OpenVulture
software for unmanned vehicles. In the initial stages, they had just planned on building software for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, but realized that with the proper planning it could be used with any vehicle: airplanes, cars, boats, and subs (or more specifically, their Barbie PowerWheels). The software is in two parts. First is a library that lets you communicate with each of the vehicle’s modules. The second half is the actual navigation software.
They’ve spent a lot of time sourcing hardware modules. They are looking for items that work well, aren’t too expensive, and have a fairly plug and play implementation. For their main processor, they wanted something that wasn’t a microcontroller and could run a full Linux system. The ARM based
NSLU2
NAS seems to be the current frontrunner. You can find the opensource software and descriptions of the supported modules on their site.
They’re building the first test UAVs now. One has a 12 foot wingspan for greater lift and stability. We’ve covered the Arduino based
Ardupilot
and
other UAVs
in the past. | 13 | 13 | [
{
"comment_id": "62113",
"author": "hum4n",
"timestamp": "2009-02-07T02:12:10",
"content": "I remember power wheels! I had a dump truck!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62114",
"author": "wafermouse",
"timestamp": "2009-02-07T02:17:32",
... | 1,760,377,684.736724 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/06/fiber-optic-flash-ring-2/ | Fiber Optic Flash Ring | Caleb Kraft | [
"digital cameras hacks"
] | [
"camera",
"flash",
"macro",
"photography",
"ring light"
] | For those who enjoy photography, a ring light is a nice tool to have. Being hackers, making your own seems only logical. This writeup will take you through the process of
making one from fiber optics for super cheap
. They basically gutted some fiber optic toys and strapped them to the lens. Sure there was a little more work involved, but that’s the gist of it. You may recall some more
in depth fiber optic ring lights using LEDs or cold cathodes
that we covered before.
[via
Hacked Gadgets
] | 6 | 6 | [
{
"comment_id": "62101",
"author": "error404",
"timestamp": "2009-02-06T22:34:46",
"content": "For a photog that first set of example images looks terrible. The first one looks like a 256 colour GIF and the other two have a JPEG quality value of about 3. The second set’s nice though.I love hacks lik... | 1,760,377,684.782512 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/06/augmented-fps-gaming/ | Augmented FPS Gaming | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Nintendo Hacks",
"Nintendo Wii Hacks",
"Xbox Hacks"
] | [
"fps",
"virtual reality",
"vr",
"wiimote"
] | [MikeFez] sent in this info about his
augmented FPS set ups
. He started this project back with an original XBox in 2006. He wanted a more immersive way of interacting with his games. Pointing out that gaming visuals and interactivity have come leaps and bounds while the controllers themselves have basically just added a few buttons, he explains his goals. He wanted to have to move his body to move his character and possibly physically aim. The
original project
, for the XBox, was successful in that he used a floor pad to control his character. Since then, the Wii has come out and he has moved to the PC as his main platform. As expected, he is now using the Wiimote as the aiming device. | 14 | 13 | [
{
"comment_id": "62076",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-06T20:04:56",
"content": "Ha, good timing. Yesterday and today I’ve been knocking together a similar idea, but using face tracking and a webcam to control where the player is looking in an FPS. Move your head up and left to look up and ... | 1,760,377,684.833169 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/06/the-2009-shmooball-gun/ | The 2009 ShmooBall Gun | Eliot | [
"cons",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"airgun",
"co2",
"con",
"convention",
"hacker con",
"larry pesce",
"paul asadoorian",
"pauldotcom",
"shmooball",
"shmoocon"
] | The registration desk hasn’t opened yet at
ShmooCon 2009
, but we’re already running into old friends. We found [Larry Pesce] and [Paul Asadoorian] from the
PaulDotCom Security Weekly
podcast showing off their latest ShmooBall gun. ShmooBalls have been a staple of ShmooCon from the very beginning. They’re soft foam balls distributed to each of the attendees who can then use them to pelt the speakers when they disagree. It’s a semi-anonymous way of expressing your dismay physically. [Larry] has been building bigger and better ways to shoot the ShmooBalls for the last couple years. You may remember seeing
the 2008 model
. This year the goal was to make the gun part much lighter. The CO2 supply is mounted remotely with a solenoid valve and coiled air line. The pistol grip has a light up arming switch and trigger. The gun is fairly easy to transport: the air line has a quick disconnect and the power is connected using ethernet jacks. | 10 | 10 | [
{
"comment_id": "62062",
"author": "eyrieowl",
"timestamp": "2009-02-06T16:39:00",
"content": "tagged as security hack? nice piece of work regardless.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "62063",
"author": "kyle",
"timestamp": "2009-02-06T16... | 1,760,377,684.995457 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/05/tinkerkit-physical-computing-toolkit/ | TinkerKit, Physical Computing Toolkit | Eliot | [
"Arduino Hacks",
"Misc Hacks",
"News",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"arduino",
"arduino shield",
"physical computing",
"sensor",
"shield",
"tinker.it",
"tinkerkit",
"toolkit",
"video",
"vimeo"
] | TinkerKit
is a collection of 20 different sensors and 10 actuators. It’s meant to make prototyping of physical computing devices much quicker/easier. The devices plug into a Sensor Hub
Arduino
shield. There is also a similar hub board that can emulate a keyboard; it translates sensor input directly to key strokes. It looks like a very ambitious project and it’s
still in development
. We love the idea though and think the wide variety of components will foster better final designs. The TinkerKit site covers the current component lineup and there’s a demo video embedded below.
[vimeo 3097895] | 5 | 5 | [
{
"comment_id": "62037",
"author": "dan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-06T11:24:42",
"content": "this looks great. the best thing about the arduino platform is that you can easily go from having an idea to having a prototype in the space of about 10 minutes.however, for me at least there’s a crucial period... | 1,760,377,684.947108 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/05/parking-violation-leads-to-malware-download/ | Parking Violation Leads To Malware Download | Eliot | [
"downloads hacks",
"News",
"Security Hacks"
] | [
"grand forks",
"malware",
"parking",
"phishing",
"vehicle",
"violation"
] | It seems some enterprising individual in Grand Forks, North Dakota has been
placing fake parking violations on cars
. If the recipient visited the URL on the flyer, they would be told to install a toolbar to view pictures of their vehicle. That piece of malicious software would then attempt to install several more. The actual vehicle pictures were from Grand Forks, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar attack happen in a much larger city. | 26 | 26 | [
{
"comment_id": "61990",
"author": "yup",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T23:20:08",
"content": "wow, spam moving to real life. I can’t wait until I start getting flyers in the mail trying to get me to download botnet clients.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"com... | 1,760,377,685.385187 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/05/sparkfun-releases-rgb-button-controller/ | SparkFun Releases RGB Button Controller | Eliot | [
"digital audio hacks",
"LED Hacks",
"News",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"led",
"lock",
"monome",
"monome clone",
"rgb",
"RGB LED",
"rgb monome",
"sparkfun",
"spi"
] | SparkFun has been selling button pad parts for some time and we used them in our
RGB door lock project
. A excellent part, but you needed to implement your own interface to use the boards. SparkFun has just released two additional versions to make it easier on builders. The first is their
Button Pad Controller USB
. It has a 4×4 grid of buttons lit by RGB LEDs and a USB interface. This board can be expanded using the
Button Pad Controller SPI
. The SPI bus means it should be easy to add the button pad to embedded projects. This newest release puts you much closer to building your own
RGB monome clone
or other custom controller than ever before. The unit pictured above is their own project and they have no plans on selling anything like it. | 5 | 5 | [
{
"comment_id": "61993",
"author": "macgyver",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T23:32:06",
"content": "It’s more of a paid advertisement than a hack.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61996",
"author": "tony",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T23:43:19",
... | 1,760,377,685.201264 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/03/toorcamp-2009-held-at-missile-silo/ | ToorCamp 2009 To Be Held At Missile Silo | Eliot | [
"cons",
"News"
] | [
"ccc",
"cccamp",
"cccamp2007",
"har",
"har2009",
"missile",
"missile silo",
"silo",
"titan 1",
"titan i",
"titan1",
"toorcamp",
"toorcon",
"washington",
"wth",
"wth2005"
] | After running a successful hacker convention for ten solid years, the people who brought you
ToorCon
are planning a new event to shake up the US hacker scene.
ToorCamp
will be held July 2nd-5th, 2009 at a former missile silo in central Washington state. Hackers will camp on-site for two days of talks followed by two days of workshops. Art and music events are planned for every night. Camps like this are already help biannually in Europe:
What the Hack in 2005
,
Chaos Communication Camp 2007
, and
Hacking at Random 2009
, coming this fall. The complex is one of three
Titan 1
missile complexes in the Moses Lake area. The sites were in operation
less than three years
between 1962 and 1965. The former missile command center has been converted to a
secure data center run by Titan I, LLC
. ToorCamp promises to be a very unique experience and we’re looking forward to attend this and future years. | 12 | 12 | [
{
"comment_id": "61799",
"author": "dubloe7",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T01:32:51",
"content": "Anyone have any pricing info? I don’t see any on the site.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61801",
"author": "Eliot Phillips",
"timestamp": "20... | 1,760,377,685.156953 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/03/rock-band-kick-pedal/ | Rock Band Kick Pedal | Caleb Kraft | [
"Nintendo Hacks",
"Nintendo Wii Hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks",
"Playstation Hacks",
"Xbox Hacks"
] | [
"bass bedal",
"drum",
"guitar hero",
"piezo",
"rock band"
] | [Raphael] sent us this nice
kick pedal mod for Guitar Hero: World Tour
. After breaking his kick pedal repeatedly, he decided to build something a bit more robust. He went to the music store intending to pick up a cheap kick pedal to start with and happened to start a conversation with an employee who had a practice pad to get rid of. [Raphael] relieved him of his practice pad and promptly made a base to hold it in position. After attaching his piezo sensor to the back of it, he had a very robust kick pedal. we can’t imagine him breaking this one any time soon. | 25 | 25 | [
{
"comment_id": "61776",
"author": "joe57005",
"timestamp": "2009-02-03T21:35:25",
"content": "Wow. all that effort just to pretend to play music. I’d be more impressed if they used it as a midi controller for REAL musical performance.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
... | 1,760,377,685.325491 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/03/punchy-punchout-controller/ | Punchy Punchout Controller | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"computer hacks",
"Peripherals Hacks"
] | [
"nes",
"punch",
"tactile"
] | We love alternative inputs. They can revitalize an old classic or add a twist to most any mundane task. Here, we see a perfect example where the game
Punch Out for the NES is being controlled by a punching bag type thing
. The impact sensors were made by hand, and wired to a PC game pad. They were mounted on some foam, allowing for a nice mushy punching surface. There’s some feedback too, when your character is hit, a custom script detects the change in the sprites color and sends a signal to an Arduino. Right now, it just lights an LED, but the goal is to signal a strobe to make you flinch. This looks like it would be fun to play with, especially if you were to make it a little more high impact. You can see a video of them lightly assaulting it after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdkJcZNeyPg] | 5 | 5 | [
{
"comment_id": "61763",
"author": "Timothy",
"timestamp": "2009-02-03T19:02:55",
"content": "that’s cool. I’d love to play the game w/ one of those. Awesome idea",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61764",
"author": "DrewG",
"timestamp": "2... | 1,760,377,685.523083 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/02/mobile-rfid-scanning/ | Mobile RFID Scanning | Eliot | [
"cons",
"Transportation Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"aclu",
"chris paget",
"con",
"dc",
"flexilis",
"motorola",
"passport",
"passport card",
"random_uid",
"RF",
"rfid",
"rfidiot",
"shmoocon",
"shmoocon 2009",
"shmoocon2009",
"video",
"xr400"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isKnDiJNPk]
[Chris Paget] is going to be presenting at
ShmooCon 2009
in Washington D.C. this week. He gave a
preview of his RFID talk to The Register
. The video above demos reading and logging unique IDs of random tags and
Passport Cards
while cruising around San Francisco. He’s using a Symbol XR400 RFID reader and a Motorola AN400 patch antenna mounted inside of his car. This is industrial gear usually used to track the movement of packages or livestock. It’s a generation newer than what
Flexilis
used to
set their distance reading records
in 2005.
The unique ID number on Passport Cards doesn’t divulge the owners private details, but it’s still unique to them. It can be used to track the owner and when combined with other details, like their RFID credit card, a profile of that person can be built. This is why the ACLU opposes Passport Cards in their current form. The US does provide a shielding sleeve for the card… of course it’s mailed to you with the card placed outside of the sleeve.
Technology exists to generate a random ID every time an RFID card is being read. The
RFIDIOt
tools were recently updated for RANDOM_UID support.
[Thanks Zort] | 18 | 18 | [
{
"comment_id": "61694",
"author": "barry99705",
"timestamp": "2009-02-03T03:16:50",
"content": "My passport didn’t come with a shielding sleeve.. :(",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61704",
"author": "Sushi",
"timestamp": "2009-02-03T03:... | 1,760,377,685.57449 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/02/bobbie-teaches-you-about-ssh-tunnels/ | Bobbie Teaches You About SSH Tunnels | Eliot | [
"downloads hacks",
"Misc Hacks"
] | [
"bobbie",
"humor",
"lon",
"sunset.cc",
"video",
"youtube"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn-e1g4vOak]
Here’s a
quick video
covering some of the pitfalls you may encounter when setting up
SSH tunnels
.
Related:
Björk teaches you about electronics
[Thanks
Lon
] | 50 | 50 | [
{
"comment_id": "61654",
"author": "Irish_wolf",
"timestamp": "2009-02-02T22:33:54",
"content": "I hope Bobbie and Skip, or whatever his name was, will post a video clearing up that whole quantum physics nonsense next! That Bobbie is a genius!!",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies"... | 1,760,377,685.701725 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/02/monocular-head-mounted-display/ | Monocular Head Mounted Display | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] | [
"glasses",
"head mounted display",
"heads up display",
"hmd",
"monocular"
] | [Xenonjon] wanted to make a Heads Up Display that he could use while maintaining the ability to see. The most logical choice was a monocular set up. He had an old Eye-Trek laying around and decided to
sacrifice it to make his Heads Up Display
. Combining a screen from his TV glasses and a wireless security camera setup, he was able to achieve an untethered monocular HUD. This has a multitude of uses, from displaying vital information, to home made night vision, or just watching TV while you work.
There’s plenty of good pictures and information there. The final result is a pair of safety glasses with the display and a pack that you have to put on your belt that holds batteries and the wireless receiver. It seems as though it isn’t horribly cumbersome, but we’d have to try it for a while to say if it would be ergonomically sound. | 13 | 12 | [
{
"comment_id": "61659",
"author": "purduecer",
"timestamp": "2009-02-02T22:57:59",
"content": "DBZ style scouter anyone?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61663",
"author": "XionicWaste",
"timestamp": "2009-02-02T23:07:10",
"content":... | 1,760,377,685.622774 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/02/pong-playing-robot/ | Pong Playing Robot | Caleb Kraft | [
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"pong",
"robot"
] | [vimeo=1564591]
Sometimes, it can be very difficult to find a partner to play pong. Lets face it, pong just isn’t worth playing alone. Someone has come up with the perfect solution, a
robot built specifically for playing pong
. It watches the “ball” with a web cam and presses the appropriate buttons on the keyboard with its tentacle like arms. It is vaguely reminiscent of the switchboard operators from Men In Black, and definitely overkill for the job. You may notice there seems to be some performance issues with their game of pong. I doubt that the game itself is that taxing, but the same computer is controlling the robot as well. | 11 | 11 | [
{
"comment_id": "61652",
"author": "Jay",
"timestamp": "2009-02-02T20:54:07",
"content": "Half of the time, if it wasn’t overkill… it wouldn’t be worth watching.I am a little confused about the robot moving it’s “head” around since it should be able to see the entire playing field from a neutral cen... | 1,760,377,685.746587 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/05/radio-controlled-sphere/ | Radio Controlled Sphere | Caleb Kraft | [
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"radio controlled",
"rc",
"sphere"
] | [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8twa_zqT9Vg&feature=player_embedded]
[prabbit22m] has written an instructable on
how to build a radio controlled sphere
. The mechanism is fairly simple, with one drive motor, one servo and a gyro for stability. To turn, the servo shifts the center of gravity off to one side. You can see that the system works pretty well in the video above. If it didn’t have that gyro, it would be insane, believe us,
we’ve done our own experimenting
. If you like this, but want more features, check out this one that
has a camera and takes pictures wherever it goes
. We can’t forget Swarm either. The
autonomous swarm of robot spheres
. Of coarse [prabbit22m] might have the best idea of all. Dress it up as a regular ball to mess with people. | 18 | 18 | [
{
"comment_id": "61977",
"author": "Dan P",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T21:27:19",
"content": "Anyone else reminded of this? :Phttp://www.xkcd.com/413/",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61982",
"author": "Ryan",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T21:58... | 1,760,377,685.798044 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/05/haptic-compass/ | Haptic Compass | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"Wearable Hacks"
] | [
"clown belt",
"compass",
"haptic",
"vibrator"
] | [eric], inspired by
this Wired article
, built his own
haptic compass
. Named “the clown belt”, it is a belt with 12 little vibrating motors mounted evenly all around. A digital compass vibrates whichever motor is closest to north at all times. This basically gives the owner an extra sense. He doesn’t go much into his own experiences, but the Wired article mentions “dreaming in north” and feeling strange once they finally removed it. Precise direction senses may not be super power worthy, but they would be cool.
[thanks cnelson] | 44 | 44 | [
{
"comment_id": "61964",
"author": "jaded124",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T20:14:19",
"content": "does that guy in the picture have a… boner?",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61967",
"author": "matt",
"timestamp": "2009-02-05T20:34:15",
... | 1,760,377,685.877079 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/04/mobius-circuit/ | Mobius Circuit | Caleb Kraft | [
"LED Hacks",
"Misc Hacks",
"Uncategorized"
] | [
"fabric",
"led",
"mobius"
] | [flickr video=3252983302]
We don’t want your brains to explode, so just trust us that
this is a truly one sided circuit
. Being a
mobius strip
means that this circuit has uber geek bragging rights. Beware, your friends who have never heard of a mobius strip will argue until they are blue in the face that there are two sides to it. The circuit they chose was fairly appropriate, an LED “chaser”. | 33 | 33 | [
{
"comment_id": "61885",
"author": "markps2",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T22:35:45",
"content": "s.o.b.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61886",
"author": "TALR",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T22:40:16",
"content": "Sweet..",
"parent_id":... | 1,760,377,686.03596 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/04/wireless-tac-2-joystick/ | Wireless TAC-2 Joystick | Caleb Kraft | [
"Peripherals Hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"c64",
"commodore 64",
"Joystick",
"TAC-2",
"wireless"
] | [Aki] had a broken TAC-2 joystick that was just begging for some new and improved use. Since it was the cable that was broken, [Aki] had the idea to
make it wireless
. He designed custom boards for the transmitter and receiver. Each is controlled by an ATTiny2313. He fitted it with the stock connector so it could possibly even still work on a commodore 64. He hasn’t tested that yet though.
[via the
Hack A Day flickr pool
] | 9 | 9 | [
{
"comment_id": "61883",
"author": "Jochen Zurborg",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T22:25:45",
"content": "Hi,last year I’ve designed a such a piece of hardware for all Commodore Amiga, C64, Atari VCS and similar computers with D-Sub 9pin connector.Our device has two DSub 9pin connectors at the sender sid... | 1,760,377,685.921446 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/04/laser-pup/ | Laser Pup | Caleb Kraft | [
"classic hacks",
"iphone hacks",
"Robots Hacks"
] | [
"dog toy",
"iobridge",
"iphone",
"laser"
] | [Joe] sent us this project called
Laser Pup
. After seeing many other projects with the ioBridge like
beer pouring
and
dog treat dispensing
, he wanted to make his own. His project allows him to play with his dog via a ceiling mounted laser pointer. We know, you were hoping for something more along the lines of
Laser Cats
, but this is still pretty cool. He built a web interface specifically for the iPhone to control the laser, room lights, and show a live feed of the puppy playing. You can see a video of it in action after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMUCPWU0d4s&eurl=http://laserpup.com/] | 27 | 27 | [
{
"comment_id": "61849",
"author": "Timothy",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T16:13:03",
"content": "That’s crazy. I wonder if the dog knows this is a game or just wants to kill that glowing dot.",
"parent_id": null,
"depth": 1,
"replies": []
},
{
"comment_id": "61853",
"author": "k... | 1,760,377,686.103372 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/03/wifi-streaming-radio-update/ | WiFi Streaming Radio Update | Nick Caiello | [
"digital audio hacks",
"home entertainment hacks",
"Wireless Hacks"
] | [
"AVR",
"mightyohm",
"openwrt",
"radio",
"streaming",
"tuning control",
"wifi",
"wifi radio",
"wrt"
] | [flickr video=3238566442]
Since our
last post
about his
WiFi Streaming Radio Project
, [Jeff] has been hard at work to release
part 8
of the project where he adds tuning control to the radio. Interestingly enough, the addition of the tuning control only requires a potentiometer and the completed AVR LCD board from
part 7
. After wiring the potentiometer to the analog to digital converter on the AVR and adding a few lines of code, the radio can now be tuned quickly and easily. In addition to thoroughly explaining the hardware changes, [Jeff] details the configuration changes required to the OpenWRT framework so that bidirectional communication between the router and AVR is possible, allowing the tuner to function properly. Be sure to check out the video above to see the tuner in action. | 6 | 6 | [
{
"comment_id": "61819",
"author": "zigzagjoe",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T05:10:44",
"content": "interesting, but it would be a lot sweeter if he used the AVR to handle a wifi module and once a stream is established feed that into a mp3 decoder chip. (i wonder if that propeller chip might be better s... | 1,760,377,686.348547 | ||
https://hackaday.com/2009/02/03/hackit-are-you-running-osx-on-your-netbook/ | Hackit: Are You Running OSX On Your Netbook? | Eliot | [
"HackIt",
"laptops hacks",
"Mac Hacks",
"Netbook Hacks"
] | [
"air",
"apple",
"appledifferent",
"Asus",
"benchmark",
"boing boing gadgets",
"eee pc",
"g4",
"hackintosh",
"macbook",
"macbook air",
"msi wind",
"netbook",
"obsessable",
"OsX",
"osx86"
] | AppleDifferent decided to run some benchmarks on their MSI Wind hackintosh to see
how it stacked up to real Apple hardware
. It comes in under the
MacBook
Air in most cases and they conclude that it performs about as well as a four year old G4. Being so small and inexpensive, you can’t really expect much better. As a counterpoint, Obsessable posted a video demoing just
how slow a first generation Eee PC can be
(embedded below). Boing Boing Gadgets is maintaining an
OSX netbook compatibility chart
. It shows that the MSI Wind is probably the best case for OSX usability. If we were buying today, we’d probably pick up a
Dell Mini 9
even though it requires an SSD upgrade before it will sleep properly.
Are any of you running OSX as the primary OS on your
netbooks
? What has your experience been?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XIbkemhC1I] | 32 | 32 | [
{
"comment_id": "61809",
"author": "Soliqsnake",
"timestamp": "2009-02-04T03:13:08",
"content": "How well is the graphics card supported? I imagine most of them have a generic Intel chipset with intel embedded graphics. Do most/all of them support core image? I doubt that they’d support quartz ex... | 1,760,377,686.306716 |
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