tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32304403410025493672024-03-13T04:25:05.332-07:00Humboldt Microcontrollers Community'Connecting And Expanding The Community Of Microcontroller Users In Humboldt County And The North Coast'Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-79837374089678743942014-08-28T08:25:00.001-07:002014-08-28T08:25:36.602-07:00Ardusat Update: 2014/15 High School Students Working With Live Arduinos In SpaceThis is an update on the Ardusat program which was mentioned in a July post, "<b><a href="http://humboldtmcu.blogspot.com/2014/07/skys-not-limit-for-arduinos-in-space.html">Sky's Not The Limit For Arduinos In Space</a></b>."<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKQwJu0I4OE/U_9B8GcLJoI/AAAAAAAABDo/MLN4Dhs0_Ec/s1600/ardusat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKQwJu0I4OE/U_9B8GcLJoI/AAAAAAAABDo/MLN4Dhs0_Ec/s1600/ardusat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardusat (from Kickstarter)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In <b><a href="http://www.ardusat.com/press">an August 27 press release</a></b>, Ardusat announced that their 'Arduino satellites' program is now available globally for K-12 students and teachers. ReadWrite has a pretty good article about Ardusat and their program in the recent post titled "<b><a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/08/27/ardusat-arduino-satellite-student-experiments">Soon Students Will Be Able To Control Satellites In Space</a></b>." It starts out with a overview of what the program consists of:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...<i><b><a href="http://www.ardusat.com/">Ardusat</a></b> is publicly launching a program to offer "space kits" with programmable sensors that it will place in small satellites in partnership with <b><a href="http://spire.com/">commercial satellite company Spire</a></b>. The space kits cost $2,500, but the company has made the curriculum and online resources available for free...Ardusat is running a science competition beginning Sept. 2 to provide 15 high schools with a free space kit and the opportunity to work directly with an astronaut...more than two dozen schools are currently using Ardusat, and with its public launch, the kits are available to everyone...Ardusat's “space kits” contain an Arduino board—a cheap, widely available circuit board for DIY electronics projects—and multiple sensors that can be programmed to capture data on temperature, luminosity, and magnetic fields. The students can program the sensors using Arduino to test scientific hypotheses based on <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uixpKL7EJXE/U_9DpZH2imI/AAAAAAAABD0/roX_Iq6nKYQ/s1600/ardusat%2Bexploded%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uixpKL7EJXE/U_9DpZH2imI/AAAAAAAABD0/roX_Iq6nKYQ/s1600/ardusat%2Bexploded%2Bview.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardusat exploded view (from Kickstarter)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
data that can be measured from satellite orbit—for example, finding the relationship between El Niño weather conditions and the ocean temperature near their schools...Satellite sensors will capture data and send it back to students in real-time, so classrooms can monitor how the experiment is performing each day.</i>"</blockquote>
The ReadWrite post also talks about one specific teacher and class that's working with the Ardusat program:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i><b><a href="http://www.bakersfieldchristian.com/science">Rachelle Romanoff is a physics and chemistry teacher</a></b>...This year, Romanoff is bringing Ardusat to her 10th and 12th grade classrooms. Her AP Physics students are so excited to program sensors in space, some students enrolled in the class just for this particular project—she now has 23 students in the class...Because students can configure the sensors in real time, Romanoff says she'll be using Ardusat throughout the school year. Students will write code to then send to the satellites housing their particular project. It will be crucial in helping students understand concepts like electricity and magnetic fields. The satellites will send the data back down to Earth, and students can collect and view the data on their iPads, and make graphs out of the information received from space to observe patterns or work out hypotheses...As the Ardusat programming gets more advanced, and more satellites become available for students, Ardusat envisions more technical experiments like thunderstorm tracking</i>."</blockquote>
I took an AP Physics class in high school, and would have loved it if we'd had access to sensors and microcontrollers (MCUs) on a satellite orbiting the earth. Can you imagine the cool projects a few creative, imaginative and determined K-12 student hackers will be doing in a few years on Ardusat's system and other cube sats or other type of education or general public satellites that get launched and have this level of access. Instead of writing "Space Invaders" in BASIC and playing it on Apple II or other early PCs, they'll be programming MCUs with the Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) or other program development tools to 'play' real-time "Orbital Space Spy," gathering real-life data in space and figuring out how to capture and package information that lets them become globally-recognized experts on their area of interest or sell information to governments or corporations.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-0KszSaCjw/U_9FP12VvyI/AAAAAAAABEA/opS8tre0mMM/s1600/ardusat%2Bbreadboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-0KszSaCjw/U_9FP12VvyI/AAAAAAAABEA/opS8tre0mMM/s1600/ardusat%2Bbreadboard.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early breadboard circuitry for Ardusat (from ExtremeTech)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Like many other developer 'platforms,' the truly valuable and innovative outcomes from widespread access to microcontrollers, sensors and other related satellite components that can capture or generate information or physical products in space will be things that the satellite launch companies never expected. Students, teachers and others with access to this space equipment will first do weird, fun and somewhat pointless things with the equipment, as well as activities initially envisioned by Ardusats and other organizations, such as thunderstorm tracking. True hackers rarely work on ideas suggested by someone else as being valuable or appropriate. They'd rather work eight or twelve hours a day on <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_LCm5yqc98/U_9IorGHvWI/AAAAAAAABEM/_ltuqFw_Mm8/s1600/ardusat%2Bspacecadet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_LCm5yqc98/U_9IorGHvWI/AAAAAAAABEM/_ltuqFw_Mm8/s1600/ardusat%2Bspacecadet.jpg" /></a></div>
something they came up with on their own, something that fully engages them, something that no one else is doing as far as they know. Or something interesting to them that they think they can do much better than someone else.<br />
<br />
The initial sensors in the Space Kit are listed on the Ardusat website as luminosity sensor, temperature sensor, magnetometer, ultra violet light sensor, infrared thermopile, and photoresistor. But I'm guessing Ardusats have a few more sensors onboard, either for testing or for unveiling at a future time to maintain interest in the program. Early on those student hackers will also come up with additional MCUs and related components that should be added to the next satellite launched, with a clear explanation of how those MCUs and components will be used. At least one of the student hacker 'improvements' will end up able to accomplish the purported task, but will turn out to have unexpected capabilities, either because someone figured out a new way to use the equipment or because the slightly-devious student hacker planned to use those capabilities all along but was intelligent enough to not tell people that before the equipment was launched into <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXje2-iXPg/U_9IsZv-mkI/AAAAAAAABEU/z64CgxVG6NU/s1600/ardusat%2Blfd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXje2-iXPg/U_9IsZv-mkI/AAAAAAAABEU/z64CgxVG6NU/s1600/ardusat%2Blfd.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
space. These escapades will bring us ever closer to the day when scifi like <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Cadet">"Space Cadet" by Robert Heinlein</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6713634-live-free-or-die">"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo</a></b> will be eclipsed by true life stories.<br />
<br />
We haven't reached the hockey-stick inflection point yet for democratization of the civilian aerospace sector, but programs like Ardusat are getting us a lot closer to the tipping point. If you work with STEM programs at K-12 schools, I highly recommend you consider getting involved with Ardusat. And if you're a student hacker interested in space, I recommend you start planning your personal participation in off-planet computing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-32988677381859889392014-08-24T20:37:00.001-07:002014-08-24T20:40:50.094-07:00MCU Music: Home Multi-zone Arduino AudioMembers of the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group have a more than average interest in microcontrollers (MCUs) and music, e.g. the Humboldt Laser Harp (HLH) and Raspberry Pi music systems.<br />
<br />
We've got the proof-of-concept HLH working, but we need to take the next step in expanding the musical capabilities of the HLH. After I talk with Ed, Nick and others in the MCU group about how to most cost effectively improve the music from the harp, I'll write a post about electronic music component options. In the meantime, here's an MCU music topic I read about in an <b><a href="https://atmelcorporation.wordpress.com/2014/08/11/transmit-tunes-anywhere-in-your-house-with-arduino/">August 2014 Atmel blog post</a></b>.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wiJcR-pfM0/U_qsXdi5_MI/AAAAAAAABC4/XWZaQeUcQ30/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Bpcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wiJcR-pfM0/U_qsXdi5_MI/AAAAAAAABC4/XWZaQeUcQ30/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Bpcb.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom PCB fabbed by OSH Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Atmel post points to an Instructables titled "<b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Smartphone-Operated-House-Wide-Audio-System/?ALLSTEPS">The Smartphone Operated House-Wide Audio System</a></b>" that talks about a system that:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...<i>solves the seemingly ubiquitous problem of being able to listen to your music from anywhere in your house. Say goodbye to a separate iPod dock in each room! This instructable will show you step-by-step how to build a house wide, multi zone audio system which can be entirely controlled from your Smartphone or computer (really anything with a web browser) from anywhere in your house which you have a Wifi connection...it's also expandable to however many zones you need...this system allows you to use speakers and amps of your choosing and at a fraction of the cost of a Sonos system. In this project we will be making use of an Arduino uno with an ethernet shield and a custom PCB which can be ordered from your favorite PCB manufacturer (I recommend <b><a href="https://oshpark.com/">OSH Park</a></b>). The central component of the PCB is the PT2258 IC. This IC allows for volume control of 6 audio channels and communicates with the Arduino over the I2C bus</i>."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quGcrPadma4/U_qspenyRAI/AAAAAAAABDA/HvuXMHAFfEs/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Barduino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quGcrPadma4/U_qspenyRAI/AAAAAAAABDA/HvuXMHAFfEs/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Barduino.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arduino with Ethernet shield and custom PCB with PT2258 IC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <b><a href="http://www.princeton.com.tw/Portals/0/Product/PT2258.pdf">Princeton Technology datasheet for the PT2258 IC</a></b> shows the block diagram and pin configuration for this component. Reading over the <b><a href="http://www.tutorialsto.com/mechine/sensor/pt2258-based-multi-channel-audio-av5-1-the-control-system.html">Tutorialsto.com write-up about the IC</a></b> will give you a general understanding of the component if you don't already know what it is.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1s3W-y4wsRY/U_qutq6FmXI/AAAAAAAABDM/Hc-hGfquY7w/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Blepai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1s3W-y4wsRY/U_qutq6FmXI/AAAAAAAABDM/Hc-hGfquY7w/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Blepai.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lepai LP-2020A+ amplifier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This MCU project is more complicated than some projects in other posts I've written, but it will give you good experience in doing activities like ordering a custom PCB (printed circuit board), soldering components on the custom PCB, and hooking up your fabbed and assembled custom PCB with a 6-channel amp and power supply. The Instructables has a pretty good set of photos showing how to solder the components on the PCB, so don't worry about that step if you haven't assembled many, or any, PCBs. The two amplifier options listed in the project write-up both look fun to work with; a <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/">Lepai LP-2020A+</a></b> for about $20 or a <b><a href="http://www.parts-express.com/6x100w-tda7498-class-d-amplifier-board--320-307">Parts Express AA-AB34181</a></b> for about $60.<br />
<br />
The Instructables project author describes using the finished audio system this way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04VzkBPdMUM/U_qu7JdCq0I/AAAAAAAABDU/DYxvUHvmoqQ/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Bpartsexpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04VzkBPdMUM/U_qu7JdCq0I/AAAAAAAABDU/DYxvUHvmoqQ/s1600/arduinoaudio%2Bpartsexpress.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parts Express AA-AB34181 amplifier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"<i>In order to maintain the idea of being able to control the system from a smartphone, I used a Chromecast with an HDMI audio extractor. This allows us to take the audio the Chromecast outputs and plug it into our PT2258 control board. Thus we can simply cast our favorite Pandora station or music from Google Play Music to the Chromecast and control the volume from our Arduino. Simply plug the Chromecast into a TV and set it up on your home network, then
unplug it from the tv and plug it into the HDMI audio extractor. Using a RCA to 3.5mm cable, plug the HDMI audio extractor into the input of the PT2258 board...The system can be controlled by anything which has a web browser and is connected to your home network. All you have to do is type in the IP address of the arduino followed by "/?app" (i.e. 192.168.1.199/?app) and you will be brought to the control app for the system...The greatest limitation of this system is the fact that there is only one audio input for the entire system. That means you have to listen to the same song throughout the entire house.</i>"</blockquote>
This system costs about $300 to build, so I won't be putting one together any time soon, but the project gives a good overview of setting up a pretty versatile home audio system from scratch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-20315412795705211802014-08-23T09:47:00.003-07:002014-08-23T10:21:14.692-07:00Daemon's Car(duino) Tracker<b><a href="http://thedaemon.com/daemonsynopsis.html"><i>Daemon</i> by Daniel Suarez</a></b> is an excellent book for most people who are interested in microcontrollers (MCUs), and I'm currently in the middle of re-reading it. The MCU project in today's post, OpenTracker v2, is something that would have been right at home in Daemon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw3LOnhxi9M/U_igZBTM7qI/AAAAAAAABBY/TXgTRqYY69M/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bdaemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw3LOnhxi9M/U_igZBTM7qI/AAAAAAAABBY/TXgTRqYY69M/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bdaemon.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
OpenTracker (we'll drop the v2 suffix for the rest of this post) is an Arduino-based GPS / GLONASS vehicle tracker. The August 21 article in Electronics Weekly gives an overview of OpenTracker and mentions a couple use cases.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>This one could of interest to a Gadget Master looking to track moving objects, such as a vehicle. Want to monitor your elderly parent, perhaps, or keep an eye on your son or daughter’s first driving adventures...The people behind it, Tigal, are raising funds on the Indiegogo crowd-funding website...it’s actually the second version of the firm’s open source GPS/GLONASS vehicle tracking system...As well as tracking single or multiple vehicles, it also monitors the speed and altitude of the objects...The Arduino Due compatible module has an Atmel SAM3A8C ARM controller, a Quectel M95 GSM/GPRS modem and a Quectel L76 GPS/GLONASS module</i>..."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8A_yLVCZ-U/U_irEvjzzDI/AAAAAAAABBo/_wiCs7Po0pY/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8A_yLVCZ-U/U_irEvjzzDI/AAAAAAAABBo/_wiCs7Po0pY/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bv1.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OpenTracker v1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
TIGAL just completed their Indiegogo effort to fund the development and launch of the second version of this moving object tracking device. Their Indiegogo campaign raised only €3,319 toward their funding goal of €50,000, so the new version of OpenTracker didn't get quick or strong uptake in the maker community or the general public. Because the Indiegogo effort was a flexible funding project, TIGAL, the developer of OpenTracker, keeps the money pledged. Also, TIGAL is an established Austrian company that sells the first version of OpenTracker online, as well as other products. <b><a href="https://www.tigal.com/product/3460">The first version can be found online</a></b> for €118.80 including 20% VAT.<br />
<br />
Based on the online description of their company, TIGAL will likely continue development of the tracker's second version in spite of not reaching their crowdfunding goal. It will likely take longer for the second version to become available, so if you're interested in this 'open source' moving object tracker, you should probably just buy the first version to learn on while waiting for the second one to appear. If you do interesting hacks with v1, TIGAL might want to have you be a beta tester for v2. <b><a href="https://www.tigal.com/about">Their website</a></b> describes the company this way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>TIGAL is a...international distributor and manufacturer of...innovative technological products. TIGAL’s product line includes embedded Linux/Windows CE devices, M2M solutions, wireless devices, CAE/CAD, development systems and compilers, professional programmers, measurement tools, LCD and OLED displays and display modules with and without touch screen functionality, and speech recognition development tools and systems. TIGAL is also leading several OEM projects with its international partners...in the fields of SMS and MMS messaging, Voice Recognition and Linux-based development tools and embedded hardware</i>."</blockquote>
If you're considering buying or building a GPS tracker, you might also want to look at a few of the <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
other open source trackers. I didn't do in-depth research to find out which have the best reputation, but here are a few links to get you started:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdCmCtxgseQ/U_jKerJ70hI/AAAAAAAABCo/FlAAUQDTXMI/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bgeogram1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdCmCtxgseQ/U_jKerJ70hI/AAAAAAAABCo/FlAAUQDTXMI/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bgeogram1.jpg" height="200" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GeogramONE board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li><b><a href="http://dsscircuits.com/index.php/geogram-one">GeogramONE</a></b> (originally released as <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dsscircuits/open-source-tracking-device">DSS Open Source Tracking Device</a></b> on Kickstarter) -- $120.00 -- "<i>The Geogram ONE is an open source tracking device based off the Arduino platform. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, several hiccups in the manufacturing and assembly process, we're proud to announce the Geogram ONE is finally available for sale. We're selling the bare bones board here for development, however to take full advantage of it's capabilites you'll still need...accessories...The board also comes preloaded with firmware to use as a tracking device. Communication is handled simply by send an SMS from your smart phone</i>."</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.ruuvitracker.fi/">RuuviTracker</a></b> -- "...<i>an open-source, electronic global positioning device as well as free <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiqy08-SYlo/U_jC8YOvQCI/AAAAAAAABCA/bQO51cWcLYU/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bruuvi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiqy08-SYlo/U_jC8YOvQCI/AAAAAAAABCA/bQO51cWcLYU/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bruuvi.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RuuviTracker Rev C PCBs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
software. Our GSM- and GPS/GLONASS/Galileo-enabled tracking system can be used for various different tasks...it can be used to track your hunting dog, it can become your vehicle's alarm system, a portable weather station, a security system for your children...The device itself will be an affordable, water-proof, robust, high-quality and state-of-the-art product...We have, for example: 168MHz ARM Cortex-M4, GSM, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, accelerometer, microSD, microphone, speaker etc. The device draws only few microamps during sleep, so even a small battery might last for several years. Additionally, our accelerometer is able to wake-up the device when it's touched</i>." Here's <b><a href="http://wiki.ruuvitracker.fi/wiki/Project_status">a link to the project status page</a></b> on their wiki. They appear to have completed a Rev C PCB (printed circuit board) for their tracker in June 2014. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.gpscookie.com/product/gps-cookie/">GPS Cookie</a></b> (funded with <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/richardhaberkern/gps-cookie-leaving-crumbs-wherever-it-goes">a Kickstarter project in 2013</a></b>) -- $89.00 -- <b><a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/gps-cookie-tracks-your-trail-of-digital-breadcrumbs/">Overview from <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z579ss5BRzY/U_jDlSwSm4I/AAAAAAAABCI/YLbx14dsBYE/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bcookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z579ss5BRzY/U_jDlSwSm4I/AAAAAAAABCI/YLbx14dsBYE/s1600/carduinotracker%2Bcookie.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GPS Cookie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
CNET</a></b>: "<i>The GPS Cookie runs on two AAA batteries and records data onto a microSD card you supply. It records data, time, and location to track your routes, letting you build up a history of your movements. That data can then be imported into Google Earth so you can visualize your travels. The idea behind the gadget is that you just carry it around and not worry about it until you upload the data to Google Earth and see your information. This could come in handy for travel abroad so you'll be able to locate that out-of-the-way Parisian cafe later. It can also be used to track bike routes, commutes, or just about any travel adventure</i>."</li>
<li><b><a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ultimate-gps-on-the-raspberry-pi?view=all">Adafruit Ultimate GPS on the Raspberry Pi</a></b> -- From <b><a href="http://www.stuffaboutcode.com/2013/09/raspberry-pi-gps-setup-and-python.html">Martin O'Hanlon's blog post</a></b> about this Adafruit GPS tracker: "<i>I got myself one of adafruit's ultimate GPS breakout boards as I want to experiment with capturing GPS data in my car projects. Its a seriously good bit of <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCqjLmyuPwg/U_jFcVcWxCI/AAAAAAAABCg/1SeLYHR6_vE/s1600/carduinotracker%2Badafruit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCqjLmyuPwg/U_jFcVcWxCI/AAAAAAAABCg/1SeLYHR6_vE/s1600/carduinotracker%2Badafruit1.jpg" height="159" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adafruit Ultimate GPS on Raspberry Pi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
kit and if you looking for a GPS module you could do a lot worse than this. They also have an excellent tutorial on setting it up with the raspberry pi...I used the raspberry pi's on board UART to connect to the GPS module, Adafruit advocate using a USB to serial device but that didn't suit my needs (I need the USB for other things). I also create a GPSController class in python to allow me to communicate with the module easily</i>."</li>
</ol>
<div>
I've never done a maker project with GPS tracking, but it appears there are a number of options for doing that with open source designs. If you want to track your child, your parent or a potentially wayward or nefarious client (I have no idea as to the legalities of any of those activities and IANAL) or if you want to clearly understand how someone might be tracking you, this post should at least point you in the right direction...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-20642394712762470392014-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:002014-08-22T19:31:34.162-07:00Arc-Controller Motor Shield: More Power!!The August 21 article "<b><a href="http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/arduino-motor-shield-arc-controller-launched-by-arc-robotics-21-08-2014/">Arduino Motor Shield, Arc-Controller Launched By Arc Robotics</a></b>" gave me a good reason to do a little research on microcontroller (MCU) motor control and motor shields.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--htZW0IfVik/U_f2arzvb-I/AAAAAAAABAc/HlCKQWSI1ds/s1600/arccontroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--htZW0IfVik/U_f2arzvb-I/AAAAAAAABAc/HlCKQWSI1ds/s1600/arccontroller.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc-Controller motor shield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The article covers the Arc-Controller, a new high capacity motor shield that has a Kickstarter campaign in progress, telling us:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Maker, developers and hobbyists that enjoy building Arduino platform based projects might be interested in a new Arduino Motor Shield called the Arc controller which has been created by Arc Robotics...“There have been a lot of amazing projects come out of the Maker revolution, however, many are limited by the capability of their motor controller. We want to change that. The Arc-Controller is a bridge to bring high Amp motor control to your projects, up to 43 amps with a heat sink. It is capable of variable speed and direction control over a single Stepper Motor or two DC motors, because when do you only need one motor. The Arc-Controller is compatible with about any Arduino, or other micro controller such as Raspberry Pi. It runs an ATMega328, and is user programmable via the Arduino IDE</i>."</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cntzqAEp4L8/U_f5RjM3HWI/AAAAAAAABAo/IfSBGMG7sVs/s1600/arccontroller%2B3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cntzqAEp4L8/U_f5RjM3HWI/AAAAAAAABAo/IfSBGMG7sVs/s1600/arccontroller%2B3d.jpg" /></a></div>
The Kickstarter campaign still has 36 days to go, but it has gotten off to a very slow start, with only $927 pledged of the $41,500 funding goal. According to <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/728868212/43-amp-arduino-motor-shield-the-arc-controller">the Arc-Controller Kickstarter page</a></b>,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The Arc-Controller built around two H-Bridges. Each one can supply 43 amps of continuous current, with a properly mounted heat shield. The dual H-Bridges run separately, controlling two high-end DC Motors or as one controlling a single stepper motor. Built into the H-Bridges are current and temperature fail-safes. If they begin to get too hot, or if they exceed the maximum current levels, current limiting will take affect. They will automatically shut down until they cool off, or until conditions are safe to operate. We also have included a reverse polarity protection...There is an integrated circuit on board that gives a current reading from the H-Brides to see how much current each individual motor is using. This gives you the option to write your sketches to react under certain loads, detect shorts and over heating states...We are creating a simple library that can be used to easily send commands to the Arc Controller. These commands can configure the Arc Controller to run a stepper motor, drive two brushed DC motors, and even an integrated an XY thumb stick “Arcade Drive”. The interface library will take input from you and transmit it to any number of connected Arc Controllers...We have had lots of success with tank style robots to the point that we made it run on two wheels until you want it to act like a tank. then it will lay down and drive like a tank. We have many theoretical uses, that we are eager to try such as: home made Segways, drive-by-wire go-karts, RC lawn mowers</i>..."</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
There are a fair number of existing motor controllers for Arduinos if the Arc-Controller is overkill<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
for your needs. Here is a sampling of what's available for Arduino:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTLdbyEAVkk/U_f7vFPk3yI/AAAAAAAABBA/VB1Hdybk3g4/s1600/arccontroller%2Badafruit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTLdbyEAVkk/U_f7vFPk3yI/AAAAAAAABBA/VB1Hdybk3g4/s1600/arccontroller%2Badafruit1.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adafruit motor shield V2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li><b><a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-motor-shield-v2-for-arduino?view=all">Adafruit Motor Shield V2 for Arduino</a></b> -- $19.95 -- "<i>We kept the ability to drive up to 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors, but added many improvements...Instead of a L293D darlington driver, we now have the TB6612 MOSFET driver: with 1.2A per channel and 3A peak current capability. It also has much lower voltage drops across the motor so you get more torque out of your batteries...Instead of using a latch and the Arduino's PWM pins, we have a fully-dedicated PWM driver chip onboard. This chip handles all the motor and speed controls over I2C...5 address-select pins means up to 32 stackable shields: that's 64 steppers or 128 DC motors!</i>"</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.pololu.com/product/2503">Pololu Dual MC33926 Motor Driver Shield for Arduino</a></b> -- $29.95 -- "<i>This shield makes it easy to control two brushed DC motors with your Arduino or Arduino-compatible board. Its dual MC33926 motor drivers operate from 5 to 28 V and can deliver a continuous 3 A per motor. These great drivers also offer current-sense feedback and accept ultrasonic PWM frequencies for quieter operation</i>."</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9815">Ardumoto - Motor Driver Shield</a></b> -- $24.95 -- "<i>This is a motor shield for Arduino that will <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l144gzDqck8/U_f8a_4k9sI/AAAAAAAABBE/kKgAA3zBZbA/s1600/arccontroller%2Bardumotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l144gzDqck8/U_f8a_4k9sI/AAAAAAAABBE/kKgAA3zBZbA/s1600/arccontroller%2Bardumotor.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardumotor from SparkFun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
control two DC motors. Based on the L298 H-bridge, the Ardumoto can drive up to 2 amps per channel. The board takes its power from the same Vin line as the Arduino board, includes blue and yellow LEDs to indicate active direction, and all driver lines are diode protected from back EMF</i>."</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10182">Monster Moto Shield</a></b> -- $69.95 -- "<i>This is essentially a ramped up version of our Ardumoto motor driver shield. For this monster shield we’ve replaced the L298 H-bridge with a pair of VNH2SP30 full-bridge motor drivers. We’ve also beefed up the support circuitry so this board is capable of driving a pair of high-current motors!</i>"</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10267">EasyDriver Stepper Motor Driver</a></b> -- $14.95 -- "<i>The EasyDriver is a simple to use stepper motor driver, compatible with anything that can output a digital 0 to 5V pulse (or 0 to 3.3V pulse if you solder SJ2 closed on the EasyDriver). EasyDriver requires a 7V to 20V supply to power the motor and can power any voltage of stepper motor</i>."</li>
</ol>
<div>
If you use large motors or lots of motors on your MCU projects and could really use the Arc-Controller, you may want to head over to their Kickstarter page and support their campaign. If you know of other motor shields that do pretty much the same thing, send an email to arcatabob (at) gmail {dott} com and let me know what you use or recommend, and I'll update the post with that info.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-40332434518675977072014-08-21T19:33:00.001-07:002014-08-21T19:41:27.757-07:00mini Duino+ And Very-Small Arduino-Compatible BoardsSo <b><a href="http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/mini-duino-open-source-ardunio-board-based-on-atmega-1284p-21-08-2014/">I read an article today</a></b> about a new, very-small, Arduino-compatible MCU development board with a recently launched Kickstarter campaign. Tonight's post looks at this new board, called the mini Duino+, and the topic of other compact Arduino-compatible boards.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUv5XYYhiXw/U_aqBjuldaI/AAAAAAAAA_0/mxf2i--gXOI/s1600/Duino%2Bquarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUv5XYYhiXw/U_aqBjuldaI/AAAAAAAAA_0/mxf2i--gXOI/s1600/Duino%2Bquarter.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mini Duino+ and a US quarter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/663438947/mini-duino">mini Duino+ Kickstarter webpage</a></b> introduces the new board this way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>I started this project to solve a few problems with current small Arduino compatible boards. I wanted to create something that had more features and ability, but yet kept the cost down. This way a full-featured platform could be developed that doesn't break the bank. It could be small and affordable enough to leave in projects, and it needed to be completely open-source...The new advancement in Arduino compatible hardware utilizes the <b><a href="http://www.atmel.com/devices/atmega1284p.aspx">ATmega 1284P</a></b> AVR, in place of the common 328p that is used in current Arduino hardware. The 1284P is the perfect mix of features, program space, and cost. Cheap enough to be used in almost every project; capable enough to deliver. No matter what you're trying to build, the Mini Duino+ packs the punch to do it and more</i>."</blockquote>
I don't have enough experience with MCUs yet to explain what use cases would be highly well-suited for using mini Duino+. Maybe Ed or Nick or one of the other members of the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group can do that in a future post. But there was a Wired article, "<b><a href="http://www.wired.com/2012/09/tinyduino/">Change of Pace: TinyDuino Microcontroller Is Smaller Than a Quarter</a></b>," that had a good overview of <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZT_tpMR5C4/U_aqq3n-XVI/AAAAAAAABAA/DzfoeJnoGtA/s1600/duino%2Btinyduino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZT_tpMR5C4/U_aqq3n-XVI/AAAAAAAABAA/DzfoeJnoGtA/s1600/duino%2Btinyduino.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TinyDuino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
very small Arduino-compatible boards, focusing primarily on the TinyDuino. That article discusses the origin of this teeny dev board.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>TinyDuino is a fully Arduino-compatible hardware platform, complete with expansion shields (add-on boards that have specific sensors or lights, for you non-robot designers). But where an Arduino Uno is around the size of a credit card, the TinyDuino is smaller than a quarter, and its sibling the TinyLily is the size of a dime. The TinyDuino line is designed around three core elements: size, affordability, and expandability. The idea, says Burns, is to open up Arduino to a whole host of applications that simply aren’t possible with the larger board. The seeds of TinyDuino were planted when Burns was working on creating smart sensors. The goal was sensors that would be plug and play, with on-board intelligence that allowed them to handle all the hard stuff, like reading data, calibration, and formatting the output</i>."</blockquote>
The <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kenburns/tinyduino-the-tiny-arduino-compatible-platform-w-s">TinyDuino was launched with a Kickstarter</a></b> in 2012 which raised over 10 times the original funding target of $10,000. The website for TinyDuino has an extensive list of available components for the board, with <b><a href="https://tiny-circuits.com/tinyduino-processor-board.html">the board itself going for $20.95</a></b>, and a <b><a href="https://tiny-circuits.com/tiny-duino/tiny-duino-kits/tiny-duino-basic-kit-121.html">basic TinyDuino kit going for $39.95</a></b>.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWclKhvFSP8/U_arQfNt4uI/AAAAAAAABAI/RmvlekklrY0/s1600/duino%2Barduinomicro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWclKhvFSP8/U_arQfNt4uI/AAAAAAAABAI/RmvlekklrY0/s1600/duino%2Barduinomicro.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arduino Micro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Other very-small Arduino-compatible boards include, but are not limited to, two official Arduino ones, the <b><a href="http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardMicro">Arduino Micro</a></b> and the <b><a href="http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardNano">Arduino Nano</a></b>, the <b><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12640">SparkFun Pro Micro</a></b>, the <b><a href="http://digistump.com/products/1">Digispark</a></b> (for only $8.95) which also launched with <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/digistump/digispark-the-tiny-arduino-enabled-usb-dev-board">a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign</a></b>, getting over 60 times its original funding goal of $5000, and a whole host of Chinese very-small form factor knockoffs.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because of limited space on these very small dev boards, they are usually more difficult for beginners to use than an Arduino Uno board. And since these boards are intended to be prototyping boards, you may want to build your prototype on a normal size board like the Uno before reproducing your successful circuit <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9dewAfciNA/U_ary2s1PPI/AAAAAAAABAM/e8GehHuUhlQ/s1600/duino%2Bdigispark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9dewAfciNA/U_ary2s1PPI/AAAAAAAABAM/e8GehHuUhlQ/s1600/duino%2Bdigispark.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digispark development board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
design on one of these smaller boards. And at some point you'll be able to go straight from prototyping with the Arduino Uno to using the desired MCU on a custom made PCB (printed circuit board), using only the components necessary which will often result in a much smaller board than the Uno.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At one of the upcoming Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meetings, I'm going to ask everyone who comes to the meeting to bring smaller MCU development boards they have, and we can discuss the pros and cons and what projects they've used the small form factor boards on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-38729450972541695302014-08-20T21:30:00.001-07:002014-08-20T21:30:50.499-07:00Samsung Smart Bike: MCUs For Your BikeBikes present a wide range of opportunities to use microcontrollers to improve your riding or at least give you a new experience. This posts briefly looks at a few of those opportunities.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ws3pUY0xAY/U_V0pEbZlEI/AAAAAAAAA-8/YKfBGL8kCVA/s1600/bikemcu%2Bsamsung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ws3pUY0xAY/U_V0pEbZlEI/AAAAAAAAA-8/YKfBGL8kCVA/s1600/bikemcu%2Bsamsung.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samsung Smart Bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tonight's collection of bike related MCU projects and ideas was prompted by reading "<b><a href="http://www.geek.com/news/samsung-smart-bike-packs-an-arduino-and-frickin-laser-beams-1596597/">Samsung Smart Bike packs an Arduino and frickin’ laser beams</a></b>," a June 12 post in Geek.com. Geek's post said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Samsung’s been working on a concept bike in conjunction with Maestros Academy...For the smart bike in particular, the design team wanted to help reduce the number of cyclists involved in accidents each year...Front and center (literally) on the bike is a magnetic smartphone mount. Slap on your Galaxy phone and fire up the app to control the bike’s systems. There’s onboard LED lighting for nighttime riding and a rearview camera so you can safely keep tabs on traffic as it approaches from behind — video is streamed to your bike-mounted phone. And then there’s the four bike-mounted lasers. The lasers on Samsung’s bike aren’t designed to take out incoming foes...They’re part of the bike’s safety system. Fire them up, and a virtual bike lane gets projected onto the roadway to make sure motorists give you enough room to </i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<i>
ride...How does the bike communicate with your phone? It’s hiding the maker’s secret weapon, an Arduino, which gets paired via Bluetooth. The Samsung app also <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82834WCjW8w/U_V02ittpsI/AAAAAAAAA_E/s43l5ZR1eSU/s1600/bikemcu%2Blasers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82834WCjW8w/U_V02ittpsI/AAAAAAAAA_E/s43l5ZR1eSU/s1600/bikemcu%2Blasers.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser bike lane concept</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
does the typical social fitness stuff. You can track your rides and share them with other smart bike users, see where other people are riding, and even keep tabs on how many people are riding the same path as you in real time</i>."</blockquote>
The Samsung Smart Bike is just one type of MCU-bike project. Using MCUs on bikes can be divided into five categories:<br />
<ol>
<li>MCUs improving biking experience but not connected to the bike</li>
<li>Bike-connected MCUs for independent projects</li>
<li>MCUs integrating multiple biking features</li>
<li>MCUs connected to bike and to smartphone</li>
<li>MCU-controlled e-bikes</li>
</ol>
Numerous MCU posts could be written about each of the above categories of bike-mcu combos. For tonight's post we'll just briefly descibe each category and mention related projects or webpage links.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cf3SdeGM0Gs/U_V1Md3HMAI/AAAAAAAAA_M/wXs_unUaSy8/s1600/bikemcu%2Bbrakebackpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cf3SdeGM0Gs/U_V1Md3HMAI/AAAAAAAAA_M/wXs_unUaSy8/s1600/bikemcu%2Bbrakebackpack.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora brake light backpack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first category, bike-related MCUs which aren't bike-connected, covers items like this <b><a href="http://makezine.com/projects/arduino-blinking-bike-patch/">Arduino blinking bike patch backpack</a></b>, this <b><a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-brakelight-backpack?view=all">Flora brake light backpack</a></b> or this <b><a href="http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2014/04/09/responsive-bike-jacket-wearablewednesday/">jacket which uses an Arduino to light up an arrow</a></b> or other rider-visibility features. The MCU in these projects aren't actually connected to the bike or integrated into its functioning, but they do create a better riding experience.<br />
<br />
The second category, bike-connected MCUs for independent projects covers items like the <b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Bike-Speedometer/">bike speedometer from Instructables</a></b> or some of the Arduino-bike projects from the <b><a href="http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2012/12/02/adafruit-components-featured-in-arduino-based-pimp-my-bike-videos-from-jdeboi/">Intro to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmWI3895csw/U_V1Zp_fLAI/AAAAAAAAA_U/WE_w0b92mSI/s1600/bikemcu%2Bspedometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmWI3895csw/U_V1Zp_fLAI/AAAAAAAAA_U/WE_w0b92mSI/s1600/bikemcu%2Bspedometer.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike speedometer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Arduino Pimp My Bike series</a></b>. To find a specific bike-mcu project you're interested in, just Google for bike Arduino <i>[or microcontroller]</i> xxxxx, where xxxxx is the topic or type of bike feature or function in which you are interested.<br />
<br />
MCUs integrating multiple biking features includes projects like this <b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-Dashboard/?ALLSTEPS">bike dashboard Instructables</a></b> which integrates a lighting system and a speedometer. An Arduino or other MCU system can control a wide variety of sensors and outputs, so you could include front and back-illuminating LEDs or lasers, blinking LEDs for turn indication, photosensors to automatically turn on your bike lights and lots of other physical computing features that are functional, cool or both.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMxw9EpGlcw/U_V1uF-8CnI/AAAAAAAAA_c/-jOtrsbq66w/s1600/bikemcu%2Bdashboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMxw9EpGlcw/U_V1uF-8CnI/AAAAAAAAA_c/-jOtrsbq66w/s1600/bikemcu%2Bdashboard.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike dashboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The fourth category, MCUs connected to the bike and a smartphone have a huge upside for innovation and benefit in the next five to ten years as smartphones add sensors and computing power and as MCUs continue to become more powerful. This category includes projects like the Samsung Smart Bike. The MCU controls and communicates with a wide variety of devices and sensors, and the smartphone can easily connect your bike with the internet and with your friends or other bikers.<br />
<br />
MCU-controlled e-bikes represents the largest financial impact of MCUs on biking to-date. China has been a huge market for e-bikes because of the size of the population, the low cost transportation provided by e-bikes and the effort to reduce or minimize pollution caused by gas or diesel vehicle engines. Here are two e-bike overview PDFs; a Samsung application note "<b><a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/file/product/s3f84a5_Ebike_apn_rev110-0.pdf">Electric Bike Controller System</a></b>" and a Texas Instruments application report "<b><a href="http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slva642/slva642.pdf">Hardware Design Considerations for an Electric Bicycle Using a BLDC Motor</a></b>."<br />
<br />
What type of MCU-bike project would you like to work on with the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group? Come to the next meeting, tomorrow night, Thursday, August 21, at 1385 8th Street, Arcata, California, and discuss that project with the MCU group.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-63558274580009396292014-08-19T08:21:00.000-07:002014-08-19T21:41:32.016-07:00An I/O Source For Platforms That Don’t Have One<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>[Today's post is by Nick Appelmans, a member of the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group]</i></div>
<br />
Many times I comment that we have more processing power in our phones than the astronauts who traveled to the moon had at their disposal. Often, I follow this up with some derogatory remark about how little we actually use this capability. One area that stands out is controlling physical devices or “physical computing.” I hope this review will inspire you to tap into the resources that sit idle in your pocket and help you to move away from pixel pushing and into the exciting world of input/output.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar5enAI_jEU/U_NelqegLfI/AAAAAAAAA-U/gDhyDu-3gj4/s1600/ioio_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar5enAI_jEU/U_NelqegLfI/AAAAAAAAA-U/gDhyDu-3gj4/s1600/ioio_1.jpg" height="147" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IOIO board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This <b><a href="http://humboldtmcu.blogspot.com/2014/08/make-your-android-phone-programmable.html">blog has previously featured a story</a></b> on a Kickstarter that produces a device that turns your Android phone into a robot controller. Back in 2011, this feat was accomplished by Ytai Ben-Tsvi, a Google developer, and coworkers working on their 20% time to bring input/output to an Android device using open source hardware and firmware. The IOIO (pronounced “yoyo”) was born and SparkFun picked it up helping to troubleshoot, design the PCB and deal with production. Subsequently in early 2013, a second version was developed, the IOIO OTG (on the go), and several companies help to produce and distribute it (still using open source and selling for $30). The “on the go” designation is more than just a marketing ploy but refers to the fact that the board can now act as a USB device as well as a USB host (more on this later). To date, there is a robust community of developers with an impressive list of completed projects (as of this publication, 181 pins on Pinterest). In this post, I’d like to cover some of the features and describe the process of developing an Android application. Finally, I’ll share some favorite projects that I discovered.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UH2amMo6CNI/U_Ne24U715I/AAAAAAAAA-c/xSH5utQG110/s1600/2014-08-18%2B09.39.35%2Bpm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UH2amMo6CNI/U_Ne24U715I/AAAAAAAAA-c/xSH5utQG110/s1600/2014-08-18%2B09.39.35%2Bpm.png" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IOIO connected to Android smartphone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The heart of the IOIO is a PIC24F which has lots of ports to provide I/O pins of various flavors (46 in total) operating at 3.3V logic. About half of these pins can be run in ‘open drain’ configuration allowing 5V logic to be implemented or to be used in a bus. These pins can source or sink maximally 20 mA of current and aren't meant to drive motors but only to connect to a driver circuit with power provided by an additional source. Sixteen pins can be used for analog input (0 - 3.3V) with a relatively low sample rate (1KHz). However, the MCU can support 500KHz total for all pins and for the enterprising firmware coder, this could be changed (Ytai expressed an interest to improve sample rate for those wishing to work with audio signals in his blog yet I couldn't find that this has been accomplished). Incidentally, Ytai has done a remarkable job of responding to blog comments and forum questions and this as well as the great design features have contributed to forming the robust community at <b><a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en_US#!forum/ioio-users">the ioio-users google group</a></b>. For more information on the specs of these pins and the board in general, <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fytai%2Fioio%2Fwiki%2FGetting-To-Know-The-IOIO-OTG-Board&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEI9ftCdKAlb6HQC73sIPai5QQTrg">check out the wiki here</a></b>. So, by connecting these pins to various sensors a whole lot of information can be processed by the Android app.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wfyUME9lY4/U_NfgNwajkI/AAAAAAAAA-s/k0fq1QwbDeE/s1600/2014-08-18%2B09.44.06%2Bpm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6wfyUME9lY4/U_NfgNwajkI/AAAAAAAAA-s/k0fq1QwbDeE/s1600/2014-08-18%2B09.44.06%2Bpm.png" height="320" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-balancing IOIO robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How do you develop an Android app to control the IOIO? Well, as I said earlier the OTG aspect of the IOIO OTG means that the board can act as a USB host and the Android phone or tablet as the USB device or the other way around for cases where developers want to control I/O ports with a PC. Those wishing to take advantage of PC control of IOIO should look at <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fytai%2Fioio%2Fwiki%2FUsing-IOIO-With-a-PC&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEuTdYIEO3GcTRmer8Jf4YR417ZCg">the wiki info on that topic here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Android development requires setting up a Java programming environment <b><a href="http://developer.android.com/training/basics/firstapp/index.html">as described here</a></b> and including the appropriate SDK for the device you will program for. This is a weak link for folks just starting to develop in Android as there is no clear hand-holding tutorial going from A to Z and the closest one is found on <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sparkfun.com%2Ftutorials%2F280&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF4vVXdSRNsaLCQlb6hXEPxf0pXiA">the SparkFun site here</a></b> which doesn't detail setting up for the current configuration of the IOIO OTG. This version uses Android Open Accessory in lieu of Android Debug Bridge. <b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fytai%2Fioio%2Fwiki%2FIOIO-Over-OpenAccessory&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHDP4awIeFZyMJHV7HTcyH0xNEwwg">See the wiki here</a></b> to use AOA IOIOLibAccessory instead of the IOIOLib that the SparkFun tutorial recommends. This link also covers setting up your AndroidManifest.xml too. It’s time to move on to writing code for the IOIO once you've got your HelloAndroid app running on your phone or tablet. Uploading the HelloIOIO took me a while to straighten out the various file links, and AOA vs ADB approaches.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vyp4mZ1egg/U_NfOjNgOoI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gLHvI-fMDHM/s1600/2014-08-18%2B09.41.55%2Bpm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vyp4mZ1egg/U_NfOjNgOoI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gLHvI-fMDHM/s1600/2014-08-18%2B09.41.55%2Bpm.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IOIO cellular wall printer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What’s been done with the IOIO board that caught my attention? Well, since I mentioned the Android robot blog post, I’d be remiss for not including <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45Q1tHr1-h4&feature=share">a link to a simple balancing robot here</a></b>. Here’s <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pequzICEv5Q#t=50">a nice surveillance robot</a></b>. I’m most excited for art that you can control with the IOIO; here’s <b><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F228909593531975609%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm1BF7h3Ii0eQwSs_OtuVHXxEGLA">a link for an android controlled pixel board</a></b>. I’m picturing a gigantic mural that android users could connect to and create a communal dynamic art piece. Another project is wearable tech; you could easily use a phone to control the color of your outfit like <b><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F228909593534161513%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLbTUlSYhp8hH3RR5MMRwItgxNyw">this color picker</a></b>. If you've ever wanted to write giant messages on your wall from your phone, <b><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmakezine.com%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Fcellular-wall-printer%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEohieXjHbxHrN2UFnGvhV8j1zQ1g">this cellular wall printer</a></b> is a great way to do that using the IOIO. And my personal favorite, <b><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.instructables.com%2Fid%2FThe-Android-Breathalyzer%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEatMgLfKtoV9g-SWI8GeInH1yOsQ">the ioio breathalyzer</a></b>.<br />
<br />
That’s it. I hope that you are motivated to check out the great work that Ytai and colleagues have accomplished and that you might even consider incorporating the IOIO into your next project.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-34342174869720343472014-08-18T21:19:00.001-07:002014-08-18T21:19:16.360-07:00Makeblock -- YAAR!!No, Makeblock is not a pirate microcontroller -- it's yet another Arduino robot.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJwXfCt3hkY/U_LOuLNVvlI/AAAAAAAAA9s/w1Z5nqtD9BE/s1600/makeblock%2Bfirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJwXfCt3hkY/U_LOuLNVvlI/AAAAAAAAA9s/w1Z5nqtD9BE/s1600/makeblock%2Bfirst.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makeblock Gold starter kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The August 13 Tech In Asia article "<b><a href="http://www.techinasia.com/makebot-lets-kids-make-and-program-their-own-robots/">This Chinese startup lets kids easily make and program their own robots</a></b>" is sort of an update of one of the Arduino robot companies that's been around for a while. They're a Shenzhen company that did <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1397854503/makeblock-next-generation-of-construct-platform">a very successful Kickstarter</a></b>, ending up with over six times their original $30,000 funding goal. According to the Tech In Asia article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>...<b><a href="http://www.makeblock.cc/">Makeblock, a startup from Shenzhen</a></b>, offers a cheaper, more practical approach. The company sells robotics kits for as little as US$120 and enterprise kits for up to US$500. Makeblock makes 200 different mechanical parts and growing, which can be programmed using either Arduino or Scratch – the latter is an MIT-developed drag-and-drop programming environment for kids to learn the fundamentals of coding. CEO Jasen Wang says kids can easily make their own toy robots, while more serious hobbyists and even professionals can create robots to be used for more practical applications. Once a robot is built, it can be controlled via mobile app...</i>"</blockquote>
A Wired article from 2012 titled "<b><a href="http://www.wired.com/2012/12/makeblock/">Robotics Hacker Erects Open Source ‘Lego for Adults’</a></b>" gives some of the backstory about Makeblock:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ194i7uWC4/U_LP0giKm_I/AAAAAAAAA98/7Zi1e47-qmA/s1600/makeblock%2Bcamera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ194i7uWC4/U_LP0giKm_I/AAAAAAAAA98/7Zi1e47-qmA/s1600/makeblock%2Bcamera.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Jasen Wang once bought a home robotics kit. He had studied aircraft design in college and spent years at an electrics engineering outfit, but he still found the instructions completely incomprehensible. And the pieces were flimsy. And after he broke two of them, he gave up entirely. The good news is that he resolved to create his own robotics kit that was actually worthy of the name. The result is Makeblock, a set of flexible components — including slots, wheels, timing belts, and motors — for building robotics...You can even integrate these components with Lego blocks, as well as open source Arduino circuit boards and various other motors and standard industrial parts. And all of Makeblock’s schematics are open source, meaning anyone can build compatible parts or try to improve upon the designs...the company has built a custom-designed servo because Wangs says the ones already on the market weren’t adequate for robotics. And he’s not entirely happy with the existing integration system, so the company is building a new electronic platform that uses modular, color-coded connectors to make it easier to attach circuit boards and sensors...The key to Makeblock’s combination of sturdiness and flexibility are the threaded slots made from aluminum. Wang hit upon the idea at his day job. Although he knew he wanted to build a better robotics kit, he had no idea how. One day, he was asked to learn more more about the production side of the business, so he was sent to the factory to be trained in assembly work. It was here that he came across an aluminum part with a threaded slot, enabling engineers to add screws or connectors anywhere on each piece.</i>"</blockquote>
A more recent <b><a href="http://makezine.com/2013/09/11/makeblock-rocks-a-robot-set/">2013 article from Make magazine</a></b> gives Makeblock kudos for the high quality <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSMuh60_Atk/U_LPDhi0VEI/AAAAAAAAA90/bBYAzj1zMHc/s1600/makeblock%2Bquality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSMuh60_Atk/U_LPDhi0VEI/AAAAAAAAA90/bBYAzj1zMHc/s1600/makeblock%2Bquality.jpg" height="200" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High quality aluminum parts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
parts.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Compared to t-slot aluminum beams, Makeblock is much more sophisticated. It has threaded grooves running along the length of the beams, bolt holes running parallel to the grooves, as well as threaded holes on the ends of the beams. You can really get a sense of these features in the photo to the right. While the beams are great, Makeblock has created an impressive array of additional parts. The wheels and treads are extremely robust. There’s a nice variety of connector plates</i>."</blockquote>
The electronics kit for Arduino and Scratch is $99 and looks like a pretty good package (it's just the electronics).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VMTP-Pyw2g/U_LP9DUgJ8I/AAAAAAAAA-E/TXFuzKKh2TU/s1600/makeblock%2Barduino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VMTP-Pyw2g/U_LP9DUgJ8I/AAAAAAAAA-E/TXFuzKKh2TU/s1600/makeblock%2Barduino.jpg" height="139" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electronics kit for Scratch and Arduino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It looks like Makeblock would be an excellent starting point for a person who wants to just build a robust robot and doesn't feel the need to cut and shape every part by hand. I don't think you have to worry about your Makeblock robot falling apart because you didn't cut components to just the right dimensions or weren't an expert with a CNC router or a laser cutter.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll ask for a Makeblock kit for Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-40090650898471965792014-08-17T17:39:00.001-07:002014-08-17T17:39:33.931-07:00Make Your Arduino Go Fast: A Modern Go-kart<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmxKrKTaH-A/U_FJISMtBAI/AAAAAAAAA9M/QalSXRiQZHE/s1600/cartduino%2Bfirstpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmxKrKTaH-A/U_FJISMtBAI/AAAAAAAAA9M/QalSXRiQZHE/s1600/cartduino%2Bfirstpic.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electric Arduino Go-kart (from Instructables)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the Hackaday post "<b><a href="http://hackaday.com/2014/07/26/electric-go-cart-has-arduino-brains/">Electric Go-Cart Has Arduino Brains</a></b>" says, most modern vehicles have lots of their functions controlled by computers (or microcontrollers / MCUs). The 2014 go-kart that's the subject of this post is truly a modern vehicle in that respect.<br />
<br />
And...the go-kart will make your Arduino go pretty fast. In MPH, not GHz.<br />
<br />
I first saw this go-kart mentioned on Google News in the Unocero article "<b><a href="http://www.unocero.com/2014/07/27/un-go-cart-electrico-que-usa-arduino/">Un Go-Cart eléctrico que usa Arduino</a></b>," so if your native language is Spanish, you may want to read that version of this tech story. Google News is nice that way, because sometimes I see a non-English article that lets me know about a story I'd not have read if it wasn't in English. Google Translate certainly is not perfect or even almost perfect, but it usually gives a usable version of the article, and you can do more Googling based on the Skynet-translated version of a non-native language article.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy0zFF18P_Y/U_FJhnlMkkI/AAAAAAAAA9U/bTUDHQ1v5rM/s1600/cartduino%2Bsteeringwheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy0zFF18P_Y/U_FJhnlMkkI/AAAAAAAAA9U/bTUDHQ1v5rM/s1600/cartduino%2Bsteeringwheel.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steering wheel showing LCD screen (from Instructables)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It appears the source of the story about this Kartduino is the "<b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Electric-Arduino-Go-kart/?ALLSTEPS">Electric Arduino Go-kart</a></b>" Instructable done by a 15-year old from California. The Instructables write-up presents some of the technology used to build the go-kart, but it cautions the reader that it's not a complete guide to building the vehicle. Here's a taste of the write-up:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The drive setup uses a Hobbywing Xerun 150A brushless electronic speed controller to control a Savox BSM5065 450Kv motor. Batteries are 3x zippy lithium polymer - 5 cells, 5000mah. The motor has two large fans I pulled out of an old computer for cooling, mounted right over the motor. The chain drive is a 1:10 overall ratio, using a 15 tooth on the motor chained to a 30 tooth on the jackshaft, and a 9 tooth from the jackshaft to a 45 tooth on the wheel. The tires are 10" diameter so at 20 volts the top speed is around 30 mph. The ESC is controlled via PWM from the arduino. A throttle potentiometer on the steering wheel controls this. Constant current is around 40-50A, and the batteries last around 30 minutes with an average speed of 10-15mph. It requires a small push to get started (really, the motor just has to be rotating) and accelerates extremely fast...This uses a sensorless brushless motor. They are not capable of starting under load. It may need a quick push before it can start. Don't try to start them under load. I already had one motor burn out because it stalled and the current burnt the coils' insulation. Sensored motors overcome this problem</i>."</blockquote>
I'm sure if the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group ever wanted to build a similar 'kartduino,' Ed and others in the group would have plenty of ideas and knowledge on how to improve the design, with 'sensored' motors or an alternate solution to the sensorless brushless motors that burned out on the design shown in the Instructables.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ1z540A8Lk/U_FJzrnvmZI/AAAAAAAAA9c/XfUFjTC95uU/s1600/cartduino%2Bwoodencontrolsbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ1z540A8Lk/U_FJzrnvmZI/AAAAAAAAA9c/XfUFjTC95uU/s1600/cartduino%2Bwoodencontrolsbox.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go-kart's wooden electronics control box (from Instructables)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With regards to the MCU in this zippy little go-kart, the Hackaday post covers the different parts of the vehicle integrated with the Arduino.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>In addition to the throttle control, the Arduino is also responsible for other operational aspects of the vehicle. There are a bunch of LED lights that serve as headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights and even one for a backup light. You may be wondering why an Arduino should be used to control something as simple as brake or headlights. [InverseCube] has programmed in some logic in the code that keeps the break lights on if the ESC brake function is enabled, if the throttle is below neutral or if the ESC enable switch is off. The headlights have 3 brightnesses, all controlled via PWM signal provided by the microcontroller. There is also an LCD display mounted to the center of the steering wheel. This too is controlled by the Arduino and displays the throttle value, status of the lights and the voltage of the battery</i>."</blockquote>
An interesting alternative kartduino I ran across whilst doing research for this post is the <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4_js-cQ-oU/U_FIsnNOPiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/cNWcy1xwhZM/s1600/cartduino%2Blolriot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4_js-cQ-oU/U_FIsnNOPiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/cNWcy1xwhZM/s1600/cartduino%2Blolriot.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOLrioKart (by MIT student)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LOLrioKart (see picture at left). This slightly-strange vehicle was created from a shopping cart by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology student. Might be handy for going on a quick trip to Wildberries or the Co-op for groceries.<br />
<br />
Speaking of modern vehicles and the increasingly important roles played by MCUs in vehicles, maybe Ford, another vehicle manufacturer, a microcontroller manufacturer or an electronics distributor will in the future want to sponsor a Humboldt Microcontrollers Group project to design and build a modified version of Steve Salzman's vehicle, with upgrades that allow it to parallel park itself as well as generate and track all sorts of vehicle operation data. That will be a fun project!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-58278489874653353982014-08-16T18:51:00.002-07:002014-08-16T18:54:33.845-07:00Using Arduino For Mind ControlThis isn't a post about using a microcontroller (MCU) to control someone's mind -- it's a post about how to use an Arduino device that lets you use your brainwaves to manipulate inanimate objects.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmxcEbZdBXs/U_AHoYdtBII/AAAAAAAAA8Q/aHmlf-gjC08/s1600/bci%2Bskull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmxcEbZdBXs/U_AHoYdtBII/AAAAAAAAA8Q/aHmlf-gjC08/s1600/bci%2Bskull.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OpenBCI prototype called "Frankenboard"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here's how the August 11 article "<b><a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/devices/building-mindcontrolled-gadgets-just-got-easier">Building Mind-Controlled Gadgets Just Got Easier</a></b>" from IEEE.org explains this new brain-computer interface (BCI).<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Their system enables DIYers to use brain waves to control anything they can hack—a video game, a robot, you name it. “It feels like there’s going to be a surge,” says Russomanno. “The floodgates are about to open.” And since their technology is open source, the creators hope hackers will also help improve the BCI itself. Their OpenBCI system makes sense of an electroencephalograph (EEG), signal, a general measure of electrical activity in the brain captured via electrodes on the scalp. The fundamental hardware component is a relatively new chip from Texas Instruments, which takes in analog data from up to eight electrodes and converts it to a digital signal. Russomanno and Murphy used the chip and an Arduino board to create OpenBCI, which essentially amplifies the brain signal and sends it via Bluetooth to a computer for processing</i>."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T0Wo5vmZuqI/U_AH-7nP20I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/dnjbW85Kxu8/s1600/bci%2Bboard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T0Wo5vmZuqI/U_AH-7nP20I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/dnjbW85Kxu8/s1600/bci%2Bboard.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current OpenBCI board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One nice aspect of Arduino is that it's getting more and more people who aren't electronics experts, computer programmers or engineers involved with physical computing. The IEEE article says they are "artists who met at Parsons the New School for Design." In the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group, there is a forester, a biologist, and an artist. And we'd love to have more non-engineers and others whose main experience and training is not in the field of electronics. The Arduino movement seems to encourage a whole new spectrum of people to see how they can apply MCUs and other modern electronics to their particular field of interest.<br />
<br />
I haven't quite figured out if I think OpenBCI will be around for the foreseeable future. They seem relatively legitimate, but <b><a href="http://openbci.com/">their website</a></b> appears to be either very new or not a high priority for the founders of OpenBCI. Quite a few of the webpages on the site say 'Under Construction.' Even the 'Getting Started' page says it's under construction. But IEEE is a pretty reputable organization, and I don't think they'd have published the article if they weren't comfortable that the project was legitimate. Overall, though, it appears you'll get the OpenBCI hardware if you want to spend the $399 on either the <b><a href="https://openbci.myshopify.com/">8-bit or 32-bit board kits</a></b>. They also have a <b><a href="https://github.com/OpenBCI/OpenBCI">GitHub site</a> </b>that contains "<i>the core OpenBCI hardware and software frameworks</i>."<br />
<br />
In addition to the IEEE August 2014 article about OpenBCI, there were a number of articles in early 2014 when OpenBCI did a successful Kickstarter campaign, getting more than twice their original goal of $100,000. Wired did an article in January 2014 titled, "<b><a href="http://www.wired.com/2014/01/openbci/">These Guys Are Creating a Brain Scanner You Can Print Out at Home</a></b>." The article featured a 3D printed 'brain scanner' headset that they called the Spider Claw 3000. Here's the article's description of the brain scanner:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fNyRTZHKDM/U_AIPQCudkI/AAAAAAAAA8g/9mldd-UEiJk/s1600/bci%2Bbrain%2Bscanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fNyRTZHKDM/U_AIPQCudkI/AAAAAAAAA8g/9mldd-UEiJk/s1600/bci%2Bbrain%2Bscanner.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Spider Claw 3000" 3D printed 'brain scanner'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>It includes sensors and a mini-computer that plugs into sensors on a black skull-grabbing piece of plastic called the “Spider Claw 3000,” which you print out on a 3-D printer. Put it all together, and it operates as a low-cost electroencephalography (EEG) brainwave scanner that connects to your PC...You can target up to 64 locations on the scalp with a maximum of 16 electrodes at a time</i>."</blockquote>
The $399 starting price for the OpenBCI is too steep for my budget, but I'm sure there will be some pretty interesting developments with this equipment in the next few years. The IEEE article mentions three projects:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Audette, the engineer from Creare, is already hacking robotic “battle spiders” that are typically steered by remote control. Audette used an OpenBCI prototype to identify three distinct brain-wave patterns that he can reproduce at will, and he sent those signals to a battle spider to command it to turn left or right or to walk straight ahead. “The first time you get something to move with your brain, the satisfaction is pretty amazing,” Audette says...In Los Angeles, a group is using another prototype to give a paralyzed graffiti artist the ability to practice his craft <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8mjr3O_1z8/U_AKR-Y0XHI/AAAAAAAAA80/TChcas6U5Tw/s1600/bci%2Bhex1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8mjr3O_1z8/U_AKR-Y0XHI/AAAAAAAAA80/TChcas6U5Tw/s1600/bci%2Bhex1.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip Audette and brain-controlled Hex Bug battle spider (from IEEE)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
again. The artist, Tempt One, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2003 and gradually progressed to the nightmarish “locked in” state. By 2010 he couldn’t move or speak and lay inert in a hospital bed—but with unimpaired consciousness, intellect, and creativity trapped inside his skull...They’re using OpenBCI to record the artist’s brain waves and are devising ways to use those brain waves to control the computer cursor so Tempt can sketch his designs on the screen...David Putrino, director of telemedicine and virtual rehabilitation at the Burke Rehabilitation Center, in White Plains, N.Y., says he’s comparing the open-source system to the $60,000 clinic-grade EEG devices he typically works with...Putrino hopes to use OpenBCI to build a low-cost EEG system that patients can take home from the hospital, and he imagines a host of applications. Stroke patients, for example, could use it to determine when their brains are most receptive to physical therapy, and Parkinson’s patients could use it to find the optimal time to take their medications</i>."</blockquote>
I wonder what some imaginative teenagers who have a lot of time and energy on their hands will come up when they start hacking OpenBCI...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-7419299487365194112014-08-15T22:36:00.000-07:002014-08-15T22:49:12.529-07:00NASA Spaceship And Mission Control Desk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYxpFf1LnbU/U-7qQUVafHI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/a065Trix5OU/s1600/nasa%2Bspaceship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYxpFf1LnbU/U-7qQUVafHI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/a065Trix5OU/s1600/nasa%2Bspaceship.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaceship in bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You have to <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfY-SlC2XHc">watch this video of a homemade NASA spaceship</a></b> and Mission Control desk, part of which is controlled by an Arduino.<br />
<br />
The above video is featured in the June 26 "<b><a href="http://makezine.com/video/making-fun-kids-room-spacecraft/">Making Fun: Kid’s Room Spacecraft</a></b>" post on the Make magazine website. The Mission Control desk featured in the above video and Make post was highlighted in a February 19 Make post, "<b><a href="http://makezine.com/video/making-fun-mission-control-desk/">Making Fun: Mission Control Desk</a></b>," and was explained in <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6zseFi070E">this video</a></b>. If you liked the video and are interested in details of how Jeff built some of the parts, make sure to read the two posts linked above.<br />
<br />
After watching that spaceship video, I was both inspired and embarrassed. Inspired by the awesome job Jeff Highsmith did of building the Mission Control desk for his sons, then later building a NASA spaceship that's linked to the Mission Control desk.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqKav-_P3m4/U-7q7bL0NtI/AAAAAAAAA7g/iQ_zKtV5p4E/s1600/nasa%2Bspaceship%2Bcontrol%2Bpanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqKav-_P3m4/U-7q7bL0NtI/AAAAAAAAA7g/iQ_zKtV5p4E/s1600/nasa%2Bspaceship%2Bcontrol%2Bpanel.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Control panel in spaceship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As someone interested in learning about microcontrollers (MCUs) and about building things with MCUs, I was very much inspired by the variety of switches, lights, controls and realistic panels on the amazing desk and spaceship that Jeff built for his sons. As an engineer I was also inspired when he said in the video, "I put in an iPhone dock for future expansion. For now it will just play video from NASA, but in the future I plan to have some homemade satellites to monitor." I don't know if he meant homemade satellites that hang from the ceiling of his son's room, or if he is figuring that in a few years, there will be civilian satellites and he plans to have one or several of those civilian satellites be his. Either way I'm sure his expanded system will be cool, and his sons will have a great time with<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4obpT-5rm7M/U-7rJaq2ayI/AAAAAAAAA7s/mxs6LMEI6Do/s1600/nasa%2Bmission%2Bcontrol%2Bdesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4obpT-5rm7M/U-7rJaq2ayI/AAAAAAAAA7s/mxs6LMEI6Do/s1600/nasa%2Bmission%2Bcontrol%2Bdesk.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission Control desk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the desk, the spaceship, the satellites and other additions Jeff and the boys make to their private space program. Can you imagine how much those two boys are going to know about electronics and building stuff by the time they reach high school!<br />
<br />
Now to the embarrassing aspect of the Highsmith Space Program. I'm a bit embarrassed I never made anything half as cool as that for my kids. I'm also a bit embarrassed that the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group hasn't come up with a really unique and interesting project that four or more people want to put a bunch of knowledge and skill into that will make people who see it say, "Whoa, that's really awesome!"<br />
<br />
There are a couple things that I want to do a little differently as a result of watching Jeff Highsmith's videos and reading his Make magazine posts about the Mission Control desk and the spaceship.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fdmFYqTWg/U-7rhruEgxI/AAAAAAAAA7w/HokjLbk5jZc/s1600/nasa%2Bspaceship%2Bremote%2Bcamera%2Bmonitor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fdmFYqTWg/U-7rhruEgxI/AAAAAAAAA7w/HokjLbk5jZc/s1600/nasa%2Bspaceship%2Bremote%2Bcamera%2Bmonitor.jpg" height="189" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Payload bay remote camera monitor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first thing to do differently with MCU projects is to 'think big while paying attention to details.' Jeff appears to have had a 'big picture' idea of what he wanted for his sons -- starting with a homework desk that can convert into a NASA Mission Control desk, then extending the space theme to his other son's bedroom with a spaceship. But what makes the desk and spaceship fantastic accomplishments is the close attention to the details. The control panels have complex and extremely realistic looking labels, switches, lights and controls. To make the experience authentic for his kids, Jeff incorporated recordings from NASA and simulations of actual astronaut problems. I realize the only way to tackle a large project is to break it down into small steps, but you have to have a good picture of what the large project will look like, and you have to pay attention to the small steps. When you know the big picture, and you're taking care of details, then commitment and perseverance have to kick in.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDvmrIVKNNw/U-7r0UIGxxI/AAAAAAAAA74/SMTzofgY3FQ/s1600/nasa%2Bmission%2Bstatus%2Blights%2Bpanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDvmrIVKNNw/U-7r0UIGxxI/AAAAAAAAA74/SMTzofgY3FQ/s1600/nasa%2Bmission%2Bstatus%2Blights%2Bpanel.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission status light panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, for the Humboldt Laser Harp and the Electronic Light Orchestra, the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group should discuss, agree on and document what the big picture is. How much time and effort do people want to put into that project. Next we should get more specific, more detailed on the finer points of what we'd like the Humboldt Laser Harp to look like and to do from both a music and a lighting standpoint.<br />
<br />
The second thing to do differently on MCU projects is taking more photos and videos at each stage of a project, planning ahead of time the shots to capture for each project. Jeff's videos have excellent documentation of building the desk and spaceship. I became less embarrassed but no less inspired when I read that Jeff is a full-time videographer. That explains thinking things out enough ahead of time that he captured cool construction sequences while he was building the projects. It would be really good if the Humboldt MCU group could find a videographer or two who are interested in MCUs and electronics and would like to participate in the group's activities. They would know how to capture the story of a project, and they'd be able to put together a cohesive and impressive video.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEWJBmvT1Gg/U-7tVlPe3MI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Z6t36uj3bSI/s1600/nasa%2Barduino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEWJBmvT1Gg/U-7tVlPe3MI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Z6t36uj3bSI/s1600/nasa%2Barduino.jpg" height="121" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardunio used to control instrument panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think I'll keep a link to Jeff's spaceship video handy and watch that regularly to keep me inspired and to remind me of how rewarding completion of a big, complex project can be.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-20636875172750126912014-08-14T19:41:00.001-07:002014-08-14T19:41:52.280-07:00Make Your Android Phone A Programmable RobotIf you've got a recent Android phone with modern sensors, a <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hippo-devices/hippo-adk-create-your-dream-gadget-with-a-smart-de">current Kickstarter project</a></b> aims to turn that phone into a programmable robot.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpKrgyrey68/U-1vSEc1rSI/AAAAAAAAA6o/DHOQVWDQkE4/s1600/hippo%2Bkickstarter%2Bbasic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpKrgyrey68/U-1vSEc1rSI/AAAAAAAAA6o/DHOQVWDQkE4/s1600/hippo%2Bkickstarter%2Bbasic.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo-ADK basic board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Hippo-ADK (Android Development Kit?) is profiled on Tech In Asia in the article, "<b><a href="http://www.techinasia.com/hippo-adk-turns-android-phone-into-robot/">This startup turns your Android phone into a fully programmable robot</a></b>." While previous coverage of the Hippo-ADK, such as <b><a href="http://hackaday.com/2014/07/16/self-balancing-robot-uses-android-and-lego-nxt/s-android-phone-into-robot/">this Hack A Day post</a></b>, focused mainly on the self-balancing capability of a two-wheeled robot made with Hippo-ADK and a gyroscope-equipped Android phone, the Tech In Asia article makes it clear the concept is to make good use of whatever sensors are in the phone.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The mass adoption of Arduino opened up hardware prototyping to the world, serving as a common platform and large community for millions of hobbyists and professionals. But even though an Arduino board only costs about US$25, finding and purchasing many of the other components can be time consuming and expensive. That’s why Shenzhen-based Hippo Devices is developing a new, easier to use controller board called Hippo-ADK. The device plugs into a user’s Android phone, allowing it to utilize the phone’s proximity sensor, gyroscope, Bluetooth, camera, and other features. “Everyone has a mobile phone, why not make use of it? Why not make use of these $300 worth of sensors that everyone already has?” says Hippo’s <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj5YQFH-SBQ/U-1vwqZvZzI/AAAAAAAAA6w/ioSqSmhCNK8/s1600/hippo%2Blego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj5YQFH-SBQ/U-1vwqZvZzI/AAAAAAAAA6w/ioSqSmhCNK8/s1600/hippo%2Blego.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo-LEGO shield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
marketing coordinator...Besides saving money on sensors, Hippo-ADK doesn’t require learning a new programming language like Arduino. Hippo offers a graphical drag-and-drop programming environment...the Java API...If you’re an Arduino junkie and you prefer to stick to your guns but would still like an easy way to take advantage of your phone hardware, it’s compatible with Arduino hardware and software...It comes equipped with several extra sensors baked into the board, including infrared, which can control home appliances like air conditioners and thermostats</i>..."<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYNaKaZHg2k/U-1wJAiKclI/AAAAAAAAA64/6vfPc64lq5U/s1600/hippo%2Barduino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYNaKaZHg2k/U-1wJAiKclI/AAAAAAAAA64/6vfPc64lq5U/s1600/hippo%2Barduino.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo-Arduino shield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</blockquote>
As mentioned in the article above, you can put your Arduino knowledge to good use with the Hippo-ADK, but you might also feel compelled to expand into some App Inventor or Java programming if you pick up some of the Hippo hardware. Arduino seems almost to be used by Hippo as a marketing tool, saying that they are "<i>combining an Arduino-like microcontroller board with Android</i>." Their board uses an STMicroelectronics microcontroller, not an Atmel MCU. The Arduino hardware Hippo is providing at this point is the Hippo-Arduino, a shield that connects Hippo-ADK and Arduino (see picture at right).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaIxEWhILQw/U-1wo-dchBI/AAAAAAAAA7A/nY9SUQa6NUA/s1600/hippo%2Binstructable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaIxEWhILQw/U-1wo-dchBI/AAAAAAAAA7A/nY9SUQa6NUA/s1600/hippo%2Binstructable.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructables Hippo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Kickstarter original funding goal of $10,000 has been met, but this isn't one of the viral crowdfunding projects at this point. With 14 days left, the total raised as of the evening of August 14 is $16,457. One aspect that may have caused some people to hold off on supporting the campaign is that building a self-balancing two-wheeled robot will cost significantly more than the $39 (early bird) or $49 for the Hippo-ADK. It looks like it would end up being a couple hundred dollars for all the parts for a self-balancing robot, assuming you're starting with an Android phone that has a gyroscope you can use for robot balance control. If you're interested in building that self-balancing robot, <b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-use-an-Android-device-and-Lego-NXT-to-build/">Hippo posted an Instructables for that</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Here's a bit of what the Kickstarter page says about the Hippo-ADK:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Hippo-ADK connects with your Android devices in real time through USB and Bluetooth.This allows you instant access to sensors,switches, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, communication modules (Wi-Fi, GPS, GSM), cameras, and LCD screens without even having to spend a dollar on optional parts. It is all on your Android devices...If you want to expand the capabilities of our firmware you can use Arduino language and IDE to program Hippo-ADK...For beginners, use the graphical programming platform App Inventor to create your first “Hello World” Hippo-ADK project in less than 10 minutes. For the more experienced, enjoy the variety of high-level customization available by our Java API...For those who want to make even cooler stuff with Hippo-ADK such as robots and intelligent homes, we provide expansion boards and modules to facilitate more rapid development</i>."</blockquote>
I like the concept of using the power and features of a smartphone to help power a robot. And the Hippo is certainly not the first -- there are other robots powered or enhanced with smartphones, including <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peterseid/romo-the-smartphone-robot-for-everyone">Romo</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.overdriverobotics.com/">SmartBot</a></b>. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) even had a January 2014 article titled "<b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304887104579306780813680134">Smartphone Robots Could Be About to Invade Our Homes</a></b>." The real question is what the killer app will be for phone-carrying robots. Part of the challenge for mass production is the huge array of phone sensors, features, processors and operating system versions on the billions of cell phones being used around the world. Connecting your phone to your robot will be commonplace when it has clear benefits, as opposed to doing it because you can. As the head of iRobot Corp. said in the WSJ article,<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-7mik90-7U/U-1xsUiBacI/AAAAAAAAA7I/VqLKBIn0lmY/s1600/hippo%2Bnot-balancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-7mik90-7U/U-1xsUiBacI/AAAAAAAAA7I/VqLKBIn0lmY/s1600/hippo%2Bnot-balancing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo non-balancing robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...<i>the challenge is to meaningfully integrate a mobile device and a robot. "Are you connected because of a fad or because the customer experience is greatly enhanced by the addition of this technology?</i>"</blockquote>
I'm looking forward to the first phone-bot that figures out the answer to this question. Not only will our robots be able to do more and be more interesting, I'm betting our phones will see new innovations, sensors and capabilities if they're frequently used to enhance our personal robots.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-65825983844017166772014-08-13T19:45:00.000-07:002014-08-13T20:06:06.033-07:00Unboxing (And Updating) A Texas Instruments MSP430FR5969 Ultra Low Power FRAM MCU<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>[Tonight's post is by Ed Smith, a member of the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group]</i></div>
<br />
I just received a Texas Instruments (TI) MSP430FR5969 LaunchPad! This is my unboxing post, I'll also cover updating the onboard programmer's firmware for use with Energia.<br />
<br />
We'll kick things off with a few specs, or at least a quick product description. This is an unboxing not a review, after all.<br />
<br />
The MSP430FR5969 MCU is aimed at extreme low power consumption, to the point where when it is operating at full power it consumes ~100µA/MHz. That's quite low; at 16MHz it's consuming a measly 1.6mA. In the various sleep modes the power draw is measured in handfuls of micro-amps, and in deep-sleep it even gets down to nano-amps.<br />
<br />
The FR5969 LaunchPad takes that MCU and gives it a home, as well as a built in programming interface, breakout headers (with very nice labels, as we'll see later), buttons, LEDs, lots of jumpers, and a 0.1F supercap. That's not µF, that's not mF, that's a tenth of a Farad, something that would have cost a tremendous amount of money a decade ago.<br />
<br />
For bonus points, Energia already supports this platform.<br />
<br />
The box is a simple affair, nothing especially flashy other than the rocket logos. Even those aren't <i>flashy</i> per se, not compared to modern marketing anyway. It's a sturdy box, I approve.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GRoLpFxddj4/U-ufnYYfuXI/AAAAAAAAAaI/y_EfQhdQx_Y/s1600/box-bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GRoLpFxddj4/U-ufnYYfuXI/AAAAAAAAAaI/y_EfQhdQx_Y/s1600/box-bottom.jpg" height="159" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdKUNNodTlE/U-ufnTCB1NI/AAAAAAAAAaE/n0xGMgOet60/s1600/box-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdKUNNodTlE/U-ufnTCB1NI/AAAAAAAAAaE/n0xGMgOet60/s1600/box-top.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVt1vrwTh74/U-ufj6D4wcI/AAAAAAAAAZY/1TkbbiYLKWE/s1600/MCU-in-bag-bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVt1vrwTh74/U-ufj6D4wcI/AAAAAAAAAZY/1TkbbiYLKWE/s1600/MCU-in-bag-bottom.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
Inside the box we find, not surprisingly, an anti-static bag with a LaunchPad in it! There actually is a surprise in here, I'll focus on it later.<br />
<br />
This is the bottom of the board, in case you hadn't guessed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLVCi2bENSI/U-ufktX_tsI/AAAAAAAAAZw/tO_ktTNQtKM/s1600/MCU-in-bag-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLVCi2bENSI/U-ufktX_tsI/AAAAAAAAAZw/tO_ktTNQtKM/s1600/MCU-in-bag-top.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
Here we have the top side, there are hints of greatness here too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSxkdHeAFI/U-ufoVM4JsI/AAAAAAAAAaY/BjjHpmzaygc/s1600/cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSxkdHeAFI/U-ufoVM4JsI/AAAAAAAAAaY/BjjHpmzaygc/s1600/cable.jpg" height="90" width="320" /></a></div>
The last thing in the box is a beefy mini-USB cable, to connect the LaunchPad to your computer for programming and/or power. It's very nice of TI to include this, and I appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7t2_OjJcmg/U-ufmq98-wI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/3_frx5RblRc/s1600/MCU-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7t2_OjJcmg/U-ufmq98-wI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/3_frx5RblRc/s1600/MCU-top.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Out of the bag we get more detail, we can see the two user buttons plus reset button, a wide array of jumpers for controlling how much of the MCU core is connected to the debug/USB/power side of the board, as well as the supercap and two user addressable LEDs. Note the amount of text near the headers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxpP2Xtq-i8/U-ufj5I4dMI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/i17EJMItThY/s1600/MCU-bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxpP2Xtq-i8/U-ufj5I4dMI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/i17EJMItThY/s1600/MCU-bottom.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
On the bottom there are two things I really, really like. One is the amount of pin information printed near the headers, I'll zoom in on it in a bit. The other is the plastic standoffs. This is something lacking in the vast majority of dev boards out there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC0kLMwVKwI/U-uflem_AZI/AAAAAAAAAZo/toIOp_AB3e0/s1600/MCU-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC0kLMwVKwI/U-uflem_AZI/AAAAAAAAAZo/toIOp_AB3e0/s1600/MCU-side.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></div>
The board sits nicely on the standoffs and bottom headers, no worries about short circuits to metal tables no MCU tipping over when you try to plug something in. It's a small thing, but I appreciate it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzvHSbyYv0Q/U-ufk6GzplI/AAAAAAAAAZg/c04ZFOc0dlw/s1600/MCU-labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzvHSbyYv0Q/U-ufk6GzplI/AAAAAAAAAZg/c04ZFOc0dlw/s1600/MCU-labels.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
The silkscreen on both sides of the board is very informative, it gives you plenty of options for charging or not charging the supercap, using or not using the supercap, current monitoring, voltage monitoring, USB power or external power, etc. It also has significantly more pin information next to the headers than one usually sees. Not only the port numbers, which is standard, but also designations as to which pins do what. Serial TX and RX are marked on most boards, MOSI/MISO/SCK(SCLK) for SPI and SCL+/SDA+ for i2c are not usually marked, and they are here. This cuts down on the amount of time needed looking at datasheets and pinout diagrams substantially. I dearly hope that other companies will follow TI's lead here; they seem to be thinking about the end user.<br />
<br />
All is not roses with the FR5969 LaunchPad however. Maybe it is roses, and we're getting to the thorns now. In any event, there are two revisions of this MCU. The first revision to come out, and the new Energy Trace revision. Energy Trace adds a solid set of features to check where the energy is going, but it also requires a newer firmware version for the on board programmer. Unfortunately for some reason or another it doesn't seem to have made it on to the first round of Energy Trace boards! On the plus side, updating the firmware is fairly easy.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Updating the MSP430FR5969 EZ-FET Firmware via Energia</h3>
This guide assumes you're going to be using Energia to do your programming, or at least your firmware updating. Code Composer Studio also ships with an updater I believe, and you can download a standalone command line updater as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYFBrGzyhhQ/U-ufoRCe9bI/AAAAAAAAAas/Jx_f9p8o_G8/s1600/update%2Bprogrammer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYFBrGzyhhQ/U-ufoRCe9bI/AAAAAAAAAas/Jx_f9p8o_G8/s1600/update%2Bprogrammer.png" height="152" width="320" /></a>The first step is to open Energia and find the Update programmer menu. It's under the Tools menu and is not hard to find.<br />
<br />
You will need to run this a few times, as there is a bug in the update script somewhere that times out after updating one device, and there are three devices on this board that need updating.<br />
<br />
For the moment, run it until you start getting errors. I was able to update two out of three devices without any further effort.<br />
<br />
Once you start getting errors you will need to close Energia and download the TI MSP430 Flasher utility, the command line program I mentioned above, you can find it here:<br />
<a href="http://software-dl.ti.com/msp430/msp430_public_sw/mcu/msp430/MSP430Flasher/latest/index_FDS.html" target="_blank"><b>MSP430 Flasher Link</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha97-iNFq1U/U-ufmkf0VKI/AAAAAAAAAaM/mqQekSRsNlI/s1600/TI%2Bfile%2Blocation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha97-iNFq1U/U-ufmkf0VKI/AAAAAAAAAaM/mqQekSRsNlI/s1600/TI%2Bfile%2Blocation.png" height="185" width="320" /></a><br />
Once you have downloaded and installed it, you need to open two folders. One is the MSP430Flasher install directory (click the pictures to the right for a larger size), the other is the mspdebug directory inside the Energia install directory. The pictures to the right show the paths on my computer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGvleUy2scQ/U-ufjqd1XqI/AAAAAAAAAZc/tAgLr_HV0eM/s1600/Energia%2Bfile%2Blocation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGvleUy2scQ/U-ufjqd1XqI/AAAAAAAAAZc/tAgLr_HV0eM/s1600/Energia%2Bfile%2Blocation.png" height="181" width="320" /></a>Once you find the two directories you want to copy HIL.dll and MSP430.dll from MSP430Flasher into Energia's mspdebug directory. Backing up Energia's copies of those two files isn't a bad idea, I created a directory called "OEM" and moved the originals into it, then copied the new HIL and MSP430 dlls.<br />
<br />
<br />
Once you have copied those two files, re-open Energia (if you didn't close it before, close it and re-open it) and run Update Programmer again. Instead of throwing errors it should happily update the remaining piece of firmware. If you feel like being sure, run it again and make sure it's happy that time too.<br />
<br />
Presto! Your MSP430FR5969 LaunchPad is now ready to use, enjoy!<br />
<br />
- Ed Smith<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-34731825285526903672014-08-12T19:52:00.002-07:002014-08-12T19:55:29.308-07:00Linduino: USB-Isolated Arduino, Working With DACs and ADCs<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCmhrSPXIkI/U-rRPmH0HhI/AAAAAAAAA6A/LKijLixbQd0/s1600/linduino%2BLinear%2BTech%2Bproduts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCmhrSPXIkI/U-rRPmH0HhI/AAAAAAAAA6A/LKijLixbQd0/s1600/linduino%2BLinear%2BTech%2Bproduts.jpg" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linear Technology products, including ADC & DAC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So a lot of microcontroller (MCU) topics I write about in this blog are mini-research projects for me, because I'm new to MCUs and to electronics in general. Through my research I get to learn more about MCUs and how they're used, and, with a little luck, you get to be informed or amused, or both, by the posts here. But today's topic, Linduino, DACs and ADCs, is even further than normal from my experience and knowledge base, so this post will just give you an overview of the Linduino board from Linear Technology.<br />
<br />
"<b><a href="http://edn.com/electronics-blogs/the-workbench/4433294/Linduino-is-a-USB-isolated-Arduino">Linduino is a USB-isolated Arduino</a></b>," an August 11 post on EDN.com, caught my interest because of the *duino name and because the post mentioned applications involving temperature sensors (Humboldt MCU Garden project), audio systems (Humboldt Laser Harp and other music-light instruments) and car systems (Ed Smith is a great resource for vehicle-related MCU projects, possibly something with on-board diagnostics, or OBD). Familiarity with the Linduino board isn't required to do any of the aforementioned Humboldt MCU projects, but at some future point a Linduino could provide major benefits for us. If nothing else, it would be worthwhile to connect with some of the *duino people at <b><a href="http://www.linear.com/">Linear Technology</a></b>, the manufacturer of the Linduino, to expand and strengthen the statewide and worldwide network of the Humboldt MCU community. Plus, their headquarters are in Milpitas, California, so maybe they'll get the urge to drive north behind the redwood curtain and participate in a Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting or a Humboldt Makers meeting!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0O08XKUl5k/U-rRodEj6tI/AAAAAAAAA6I/i0oLcOrF-h0/s1600/linduino%2Bboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0O08XKUl5k/U-rRodEj6tI/AAAAAAAAA6I/i0oLcOrF-h0/s1600/linduino%2Bboard.jpg" height="320" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linduino board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Onward to tech specifics about Linduino. The EDN blog post mentioned above says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>My pals over at Linear Technology have developed the Linduino board to drive their ADCs (analog to digital converters) and DACs (digital to analog converters) as well as temp sensors and other devices...in addition to the normal shield headers on an Arduino, there is a header that Linear Tech has used for years to drive their demo boards. This computer interface function used to be done with their DC590 interface board. Indeed, the firmware that comes shipped with the Linduino emulates that board, so you can run the original Linear Tech interface program on your PC...The Linduino board will accept all the shield mezzanine boards for Arduino, but has this extra header to control Linear Tech demo boards...Linear Tech also used one of their USB isolators on the Linduino board. This means that the board and what you plug into it are galvanically isolated from the computer you have the USB plugged into. This means you can measure things off a car or an audio system without worrying about ground loops polluting the measurement...Since Linear Tech is also a power supply chip company, they beefed up the power supply on the board, using a switching regulator to replace the linear regulator on the Arduino. This means you can get 750mA out of the power system. Since a USB can’t supply this much power, that means you have to feed the board with an external wall wart. Now you have the power to drive actuators or other heavy loads</i>..."</blockquote>
We're in the early stages of refining the Humboldt Laser Harp, and depending how deep we get into developing the Humboldt family of laser harps and other light-music MCU instruments, there may come a time when we'll need, or at least want, a board that can be used on "<i>an audio system without worrying about ground loops polluting the measurement</i>." That's one of the reasons I am interested in the Linduino board.<br />
<br />
The <b><a href="http://www.linear.com/solutions/Linduino">main Linduino webpage</a></b> has lots of info and links about the board, including several internal blog posts and an <b><a href="http://www.linear.com/solutions/4432">overview video about Linduino</a></b>. Since getting two viewpoints about what the board is and does might help you better understand its value, here's the Linear Technology webpage description of what Linduino is:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlXOPQmxmq4/U-rR-nPVzvI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/vUJrm6i070s/s1600/linduino%2Bkit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlXOPQmxmq4/U-rR-nPVzvI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/vUJrm6i070s/s1600/linduino%2Bkit.jpg" height="320" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DC2026A-KIT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Linduino is Linear Technology’s Arduino compatible system for developing and distributing firmware libraries and example code for Linear Technology’s integrated circuits. The code is designed to be highly portable to other microcontroller platforms, and is written in C using as few processor specific functions as possible. The code libraries can be downloaded by clicking the Downloads tab above and used as-is in your project or individual code snippets may be viewed in the Code section of a supported part. The Linduino One board (Demonstration Circuit DC2026A) allows you to test out the code directly, using the standard demo board for the particular IC. The Linduino One board is compatible with the Arduino Uno, using the Atmel ATMEGA328 processor. This board features a 14-pin “QuikEval” connector that can be plugged into nearly 100 daughter boards for various Linear Technology parts, including Analog to Digital converters, Digital to Analog Converters, high-voltage power monitors, temperature measurement devices, RF synthesizers, battery stack monitors, and more</i>."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LyrQlhmGG0/U-rSc5tRrsI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/-tSKBnAPaVs/s1600/linduino%2Bhumboldt%2Blaser%2Bharp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LyrQlhmGG0/U-rSc5tRrsI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/-tSKBnAPaVs/s1600/linduino%2Bhumboldt%2Blaser%2Bharp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humboldt Laser Harp and Ed Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Linduino is not inexpensive, so participants of the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group won't be buying them on a whim like a $3 Arduino Micro clone from China. But if someone has a genuine need for the board, especially a business-related, revenue-generating need, it would be good to know it's available. You can <b><a href="http://www.linear.com/demo/?demo_board=2026">order the board from this Linear Technology page</a></b>, and there are two options. One option is the <b><a href="http://www.linear.com/solutions/4472">DC2026A-KIT</a></b> for $125, and the other is just the <b><a href="http://www.linear.com/solutions/4333">DC2026A board</a></b> for $75. <b><a href="http://www.digikey.com/suppliers/us/linear-technology.page?lang=en">Digi-Key</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.newark.com/linear-technology">Newark</a></b> and <b><a href="http://components.arrow.com/manufacturers/linear-technology/">Arrow</a></b> are also distributors for Linear Technology.<br />
<br />
So now you have a general idea of what the Linduino board is and can do, and you've got links above that lead to more info about this member of the continually-expanding *duino family. I'll have to check in with Ed Smith to find out exactly what value this tool might have for us while working on the Humboldt Laser Harp, the Humboldt MCU Garden or any other MCU projects our MCU group or maker group gets involved with.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-78701063732248390112014-08-11T21:15:00.002-07:002014-08-11T21:19:59.121-07:00Adafruit's 3D Printed Wearable Video GogglesI'm not a gamer, but I still think it would be fun to make and test drive Adafruit's recent microcontroller (it uses an Arduino Micro) project titled "<b><a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-wearable-video-goggles?view=all">3D Printed Wearable Video Goggles.</a></b>"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1BNTiqreig/U-mQCfIClpI/AAAAAAAAA5M/dpJTHOeSnO0/s1600/adafruit+goggles+finished+goggles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1BNTiqreig/U-mQCfIClpI/AAAAAAAAA5M/dpJTHOeSnO0/s1600/adafruit+goggles+finished+goggles.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
There are three reasons I think this would be a good project to work on.<br />
<ol>
<li>The 3D printed goggle housing sounds like a challenge and a great learning exercise because they're printed with both PLA (<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid">polylactic acid</a></b>) and Ninjaflex (a thermoplastic elastomer) and the two materials are fused together.</li>
<li>There are a couple people in the Humboldt area I know of but haven't met who do 3D printing. Working on a project like this might be a good opportunity to meet them.</li>
<li>It seems like having a wearable 'personal monitor' might be a fun change from the normal way to view a computer screen, and for certain applications, such as video, it might be more engaging and absorbing than a standard computer monitor or screen.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Ninjaflex is a relatively new 3D printing feedstock. A May 2014 <b><a href="http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/05/30/new-3d-printer-filament-ninjaflex-making-3d-printing-lot-flexible/">post on 3D Printing Industry</a></b> profiled the <b><a href="http://www.fennerdrives.com/25c4272a-f5ab-404a-af98-a0ade180419c/_/3d/">Fenner Drives material</a></b>, which seems like a typical 'maker' story.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Until recently, prototyping flexible components was a time-consuming and cumbersome process,” said Fenner Drive product development engineer Stephen Heston “It was a big gap in the market, because so many engineered products utilize elastomeric parts. Without materials that closely approximate the properties of the end product, it is impossible to create truly functional prototypes.” After discovering that 3D printing enthusiasts were trying to use existing Fenner Drives belting material as filament, Heston found that while it was not an ideal material in its current form, with a few months of tweaking it soon could become one. The final product has a textured surface that allows it to be used in most 3D printers with a spring loaded extruder...Most impressively however is the replica of a small child's <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDm6y8vdF0A/U-mRM6IKkeI/AAAAAAAAA5U/el5shcFkiaA/s1600/adafruit+goggles+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDm6y8vdF0A/U-mRM6IKkeI/AAAAAAAAA5U/el5shcFkiaA/s1600/adafruit+goggles+heart.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3D printed Ninjaflex flexible model of child's heart (Channel 11)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
defective heart that surgeons in Kentucky recently 3D printed using his CT scans. By printing a model one and a half times the actual size from a highly flexible material, the doctors were able to pre-visualize the best way to repair the defect without having to perform the risky surgery blind. The fact that the model only cost about $600 and most likely saved a small child’s life is actually pretty incredible. It also would not have been useful to the doctors if it had been printed from a less flexible material. You can <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3lDMnymfJY">watch the local news story here</a></b>.</i>"</blockquote>
<div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpkvHo6a888" style="font-weight: bold;">This YouTube video about Ninjaflex</a> gives a pretty good idea of what the material is like. Of course, like all new materials, Ninjaflex is not without its particular challenges. On the <b><a href="http://www.lulzbot.com/ninjaflex">LulzBot webpage for Ninjaflex</a></b>, they say:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The flexibility of this material makes it nearly impossible to print using a standard extruder, so we've designed the Flexystruder, a Greg's Wade-style extruder that fully constrains flexible filaments like Ninjaflex, which is available for purchase here!</i>"</blockquote>
<div>
Both PLA and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) can be tricky to 3D print with, so I imagine there's a definite learning curve for the Ninjaflex, especially if you are using a standard 3D printer extruder and LulzBot is correct about the difficulty of printing it with a standard extruder. Before trying to print the Adafruit goggles, it would pay to make a few test prints with the Ninjaflex by <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8A5iAWuVxBM/U-mR1Ra_2NI/AAAAAAAAA5c/P4OfGAlMsUI/s1600/adafruit+goggles+multipart+screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8A5iAWuVxBM/U-mR1Ra_2NI/AAAAAAAAA5c/P4OfGAlMsUI/s1600/adafruit+goggles+multipart+screenshot.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot showing 3D printed parts of goggle (Adafruit)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
itself, then a few test prints laying Ninjaflex down on top of a PLA base.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Adafruit did a <b><a href="http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2014/08/07/layer-by-layer-3d-model-vr-goggles-for-3dprinting-3dthursday/">'Layer By Layer' post</a></b> about the goggles, in which they give lots of graphics showing different sections of the 3D build and throw in a few project tips, like:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Adjust the overall size of the goggle frame by editing the curves that make it up. Measure your forehead, cheeks and nose to adjust the cylinders that make the cuts into the hood...Adjust the goggle hood shape by editing each cylinder. The bigger one controls the forehead shape. Measure the depth and width of your head to get a general size for the hood</i>."</blockquote>
<div>
The only 3D printers I know in Humboldt are Justin Tuttle and Shawn Dean of <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/InPrintingInventInspire">InPrinting</a></b>. I've been told there are 3D printers at <b><a href="http://now.humboldt.edu/news/3d-printer-multiplies-student-learning-opportunities/">Humboldt State University</a></b> and at <b><a href="http://www.redwoods.edu/departments/drafting/">College of the Redwoods</a></b>, but I haven't met them yet. One or both of them may have already printed with Ninjaflex -- I'll have to contact them to find out if they have, and if not, maybe they'll be interested in getting some and trying it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyK_gL06M74/U-mVXFSoLTI/AAAAAAAAA5w/kw7lHkkC6w4/s1600/adafruit+goggles+wear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyK_gL06M74/U-mVXFSoLTI/AAAAAAAAA5w/kw7lHkkC6w4/s1600/adafruit+goggles+wear1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The third reason I think the Adafruit goggles would be a fun project is because I've never worn a head-mounted personal monitor. I'm not so much interested in the gaming aspect, although I would like to check out some older computer games on various ancient emulators such as an Apple II or Apple IIgs. But the main reason I'd like to try the goggles is to see how engaging the head-mounted and enclosed display would be when watching videos or movies. It seems like it would be either really enjoyable or very restricting. Who knows -- maybe I'll get the chance to find out!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-37219969983555279042014-08-10T17:10:00.001-07:002014-08-10T18:57:16.761-07:00Solar Energy And Arduino: Solar Charge ControllerThere's an intriguing microcontroller (MCU) project in an August 8 article on Design News titled "<b><a href="http://www.designnews.com/author.asp?section_id=1362&doc_id=274297">Gadget Freak Case #260: Arduino Solar Charge Controller</a></b>." I have't read a lot about solar energy and Arduinos, or any other MCUs, so I took a closer look at the article.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlBldh3OYVg/U-gcSQZFf6I/AAAAAAAAA4s/joLRMWUsUv4/s1600/charge+collector+wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlBldh3OYVg/U-gcSQZFf6I/AAAAAAAAA4s/joLRMWUsUv4/s1600/charge+collector+wiki.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residential active solar energy system (from Wikipedia CC)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Many Humboldt County people seem interested in solar energy, although the often-foggy or cloudy climate of Arcata, Eureka, and other coastal communities isn't as well suited to solar energy collection as the climate of New Mexico or Arizona cities. However, it is still good to be experienced with technologies used outside the North Coast, and there are plenty parts of Humboldt County not immersed in marine fog banks or redwood forest mists. For this reason it would be useful for participants in the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group to know the basics of active solar energy systems and to have experience with the electronic components and operation of those systems. The topic of the Design News article above isn't an inexpensive basic active solar energy system, but I think I'll do some research regarding different types of inexpensive systems for a future group project.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK4fmJpEBus/U-gXG3O6lHI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/u5l0GpVkRF8/s1600/charge+collector+solar+cirkits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK4fmJpEBus/U-gXG3O6lHI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/u5l0GpVkRF8/s1600/charge+collector+solar+cirkits.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar charge controller schematic from CirKit.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The solar charge controller that is the topic of this post is located between the solar energy collection device and the energy storage system, usually a battery. The controller regulates both the voltage and the current going to the energy storage system from the energy collection device. The schematic at the right from CirKit.com shows the general concept (although that schematic is not from Gadget Freak project). The Design News article describes the function of the Arduino this way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>This gadget uses Arduino to control the whole process and takes a voltage reading from the solar panel and the battery to be charged. Then, according to voltage levels on either side, it charges the battery using PWM control signal. Energy flow is driven with MOSFET transistors that ensure low energy loss. The charging controller is equipped with basic filters on both the battery side and the solar panel side. It is also equipped with things like overcurrent, overvoltage, PV panel reverse current, auto load disconnection, and overcharge protection</i>."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EPOZKA-YYM/U-gbN2YMUYI/AAAAAAAAA4k/lV5PHnaf8KU/s1600/charge+collector+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EPOZKA-YYM/U-gbN2YMUYI/AAAAAAAAA4k/lV5PHnaf8KU/s1600/charge+collector+finished.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gadget Freak #260: solar charge controller (Design News PDF)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The solar charge controller <b><a href="http://downloads.deusm.com/designnews/20140804-build-instructions.pdf">build instruction PDF</a></b> is linked to in the article, and seems like a good quality document. It has pictures, circuit drawings, Arduino code, and the type of helpful tips that many project documents do not include. An example of the helpful tips is where the project creator describes how to choose MOSFETs. For people who aren't already familiar with MOSFET properties and how they're used, he says this about drain source voltages for MOSFETs:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>When the MOSFET is turned off, the whole supply voltage will be measurable across it, so this rating should be larger than your supply voltage to provide sufficient protection so that the MOSFET does not fail. The maximum voltage a MOSFET can handle varies with temperature</i>."</blockquote>
He also talks about whether to use an n or p channel MOSFET, continuous drain currents, thermal loss, gate threshold voltage and more. Tips like this are especially useful to people like me who are new to microcontrollers.<br />
<br />
In months and years to come, it is my hope that the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group will build many MCU devices and systems. Nick's automated chicken coop door is the first one, as far as I know, and the Humboldt Laser Harp is the second, I think. It would be great if we can develop and put online as much information as possible about these MCU projects, assuming they're not going to be commercialized so they can earn us millions. Or even thousands. Anyway, part of gathering, organizing and publishing this MCU project information should be a good documentation format. There are many possible formats, but the Gadget Freak 'build instruction PDF' used in the solar charge controller project seems like a good place to start if someone in the MCU group doesn't have a different project information format they prefer.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2eQ1VlprTs/U-ghikFxwqI/AAAAAAAAA48/2a9NYfFJnV0/s1600/charge+collector+gadget+freak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2eQ1VlprTs/U-ghikFxwqI/AAAAAAAAA48/2a9NYfFJnV0/s1600/charge+collector+gadget+freak.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gadget Freak (from Design News and Allied Electronics)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This 'Gadget Freak' topic appears to be a regular feature of the Design News website. This solar charge controller is labelled #260. I don't know if that means there are 259 previous Gadget Freaks, but here are links to <b><a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ubm/bestofgadgetfreak_201106/index.php">The Best of Gadget Freak Volume 1</a></b> and <b><a href="http://dc.cn.ubm-us.com/i/283364">The Best of Gadget Freak Volume 2</a></b>. Design News collaborates with Allied Electric, and they invite you to submit your electronics projects for publication. This is just one more way that people in the Humboldt MCU community can participate in the expanding world of microcontrollers and possible earn a few bucks. The <b><a href="http://www.alliedelec.com/gadgetfreak/">Gadget Freak page</a></b> on Allied Electric's site says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Are you a Gadget Freak? Allied Electronics and Design News would like to send you a check for $500 to spend at alliedelec.com or anywhere you please! Submit your design for a gizmo or gadget that any Gadget Freak would appreciate, and you just might win! If your project is selected, you’ll receive a $500 check from Design News and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine with your invention. In addition to the $500 awarded for being selected as a Gadget Freak, all selected gadgets...will be included in the Gadget Freak of the Year contest. Starting in November, the readers of Design News will then vote on the best gadget...The winning gadget will receive an additional $6,000 with two runners-up who will receive $2,000 each.</i>"</blockquote>
If you've built solar energy devices or systems with MCUs, it would be great if you came to one of the every other Thursday meetings the MCU group has. The next meeting will be on Thursday, August 24. If you can't make it to the meeting but would be interested in discussing your solar energy device or system, please email me at arcatabob (at) gmail {dott} com<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
. It would be great to meet you for coffee and a tech discussion, or possibly you'd be willing to show the MCU group your MCU in operation!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-42041626859691719442014-08-09T17:46:00.000-07:002014-08-09T17:48:35.056-07:00On a cool, foggy, northern California Saturday morning in the Beachcomber Cafe in Bayside I read a Silicon Republic article titled "<b><a href="http://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/item/37877-irelands-first-internet-of/">Ireland’s first internet of things hardware hackathon happening in September</a></b>." That article sparked the desire to start the search for an event cofounder, a core team of hackathon organizers, and diverse group of sponsors for a Humboldt hackathon.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JaRA9K7zHFg/U-a6cHv20GI/AAAAAAAAA3s/VrCSI1KrQOI/s1600/hhh+ireland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JaRA9K7zHFg/U-a6cHv20GI/AAAAAAAAA3s/VrCSI1KrQOI/s1600/hhh+ireland.jpg" height="169" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from video for Ireland IoT hackathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GqqFkAnOls">promo video</a></b> for the Irish hackathon gives you a flavor of what will take place there in September 2014. Ireland's Internet of Things (IoT) <b><a href="http://hwhackathon.com/">hardware hackathon's website</a></b> says this about who can participate in their hackathon:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Anybody interested in developing ideas into physical objects, especially if they are connected, are welcome! Whether you’re hardware, software, data or entrepreneurial, you’re encouraged to attend and meet like minded people to get creative over the weekend. We will be encouraging people to share their ideas and have other participants join their teams to work together</i>."</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_RvSD-YpmI/U-a45PaLxNI/AAAAAAAAA3g/Ra4CgB4Vu2Q/s1600/hhh+iot+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_RvSD-YpmI/U-a45PaLxNI/AAAAAAAAA3g/Ra4CgB4Vu2Q/s1600/hhh+iot+graphic.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></div>
Substituting "Humboldt" for "Ireland" and borrowing some phrasing from the above Silicon Republic article, the Humboldt hackathon looks like this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The Humboldt Microcontrollers Group is calling all inventors, designers, creators, makers, entrepreneurs and engineers to take part in Humboldt County’s first hardware hackathon for the <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_Things">Internet of Things</a></b> (IoT). The hackathon is focused on the emerging IoT opportunities whereby millions and billions of devices connect to the internet. The hackathon's goal is to bring the Humboldt TIME community (Tech, Innovators, Makers, Entrepreneurs) together, engage more participants in a brave new world of microelectronics, get our hands dirty and come up with cool stuff. To make it happen, we are recruiting event sponsors to provide an extensive list of developer hardware, including Arduino kits, Raspberry Pis, Texas Instruments LaunchPad boards, Intel Galileo boards, littleBits, 3D printers, a CNC machine and other makerspace components and tools for people to create prototypes of their ideas</i>."</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGhUPXt688I/U-a9LophX4I/AAAAAAAAA34/VAueSJQVMJ8/s1600/hhh+makemit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGhUPXt688I/U-a9LophX4I/AAAAAAAAA34/VAueSJQVMJ8/s1600/hhh+makemit.jpg" height="101" width="200" /></a></div>
This Humboldt event will combine the structure of a <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackathon">hackathon</a></b> with the participant-driven principles of an <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconference">unconference</a></b>. Unconferences and software hackathons have been around for quite a few years, but hardware hackathons are a relatively recent development. The emergence of the <b><a href="http://makerfaire.com/maker-movement/">maker movement</a></b>, the wide variety of hardware hacks being promoted and funded via crowdsourcing services like <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/">Kickstarter</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/">Indiegogo</a></b>, and the rise of hardware incubators and accelerators such as <b><a href="http://highway1.io/">PCH's Highway1</a></b> have combined to build an ecosystem and raison d'etre for hardware hackathons.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pbdhkP2-WA/U-a-SVPgWsI/AAAAAAAAA4A/goSpEU3ujBU/s1600/hhh+upverter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pbdhkP2-WA/U-a-SVPgWsI/AAAAAAAAA4A/goSpEU3ujBU/s1600/hhh+upverter.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Y Combinator + Upverter hardware hackathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There is plenty of information online to help us organize an enjoyable and worthwhile IoT / hardware hackathon. There are hardware hackathon examples like <b><a href="http://makemit.org/">MakeMIT</a></b>, the <b><a href="http://hackaday.io/prize/details">Hackaday Prize</a></b>, the <b><a href="http://upverter.com/hackathons/yc-hackathon-2013/">Y Combinator + Upverter Hackathon</a></b>, and the <b><a href="http://hackathon.makerfairedetroit.com/">Maker Faire Detroit Hackathon</a></b>. The "<b><a href="http://www.fastcolabs.com/3026601/10-steps-to-pulling-off-a-killer-hardware-hackathon">10 Steps To Pulling Off A Killer Hardware Hackathon</a></b>" article in FastCoLabs has great suggestions we can use to deliver the best possible event. And I've got lots of experience with organizing and participating in unconferences, like <b><a href="https://barcampmilwaukee.org/">BarCampMilwaukee</a></b>.<br />
<br />
The keys to a successful Humboldt IoT Hardware Hackathon will be:<br />
<ol>
<li>Communication and promotion</li>
<li>Sponsor recruitment</li>
<li>Organizing team</li>
<li>Venue</li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFyri_SbrNM/U-a-85WIKjI/AAAAAAAAA4I/yftfkvt_JHM/s1600/hhh+baby+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFyri_SbrNM/U-a-85WIKjI/AAAAAAAAA4I/yftfkvt_JHM/s1600/hhh+baby+steps.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby steps, Bob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've got hundreds of ideas that will make the Humboldt hackathon be a fantastic event. But before I go much further with organizing the Humboldt IoT/Hardware Hackathon in my mind and in Google Docs, I need to find an event co-organizer. Together we'll develop the general event concept and guidelines. Then we'll recruit people for the organizing team and schedule organizing meetings to keep things moving forward.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3JPa2mvSQ4">Baby steps, Bob</a></b>. Just take one little step at a time...and I can do anything!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-83919508387252087732014-08-08T21:02:00.000-07:002014-08-08T21:16:48.480-07:00Welcome To Humboldt Laser Harp - In Detail<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>[Tonight's post is by Ed Smith, participant in the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group.]</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In this post we'll go through the Humboldt Makers Group's Humboldt Laser Harp (HLH) in rather more detail than we have previously.</div>
</div>
<br />
If you're not familiar with the concept of a laser harp YouTube has plenty of videos of different styles, or of course you can keep reading and get familiar that way. This is our harp:<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HNMDuSD9io/U-T2ZC9TYwI/AAAAAAAAAWA/o8VhZXIyIAU/s1600/HLH-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HNMDuSD9io/U-T2ZC9TYwI/AAAAAAAAAWA/o8VhZXIyIAU/s1600/HLH-front.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We opted for a closed-frame harp rather than an open frame, as the closed frame struck us as an easier proposition. It also gives us control over the laser path, rather than letting it head off into the ether. Important for harps that will be played outdoors (as ours is) or near airports / airplane flight paths.<br />
<br />
For lasers we opted for super cheap laser pointers from the local dollar store; at a buck per laser this beat mainstream suppliers prices by a huge margin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tZt2WR44PQ/U-T2YGKDaiI/AAAAAAAAAWg/uevQyVJQvAU/s1600/HLH-LaserPackage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tZt2WR44PQ/U-T2YGKDaiI/AAAAAAAAAWg/uevQyVJQvAU/s1600/HLH-LaserPackage.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUHYZmr90bA/U-T2X8adAXI/AAAAAAAAAV0/zBUGSy0Lvog/s1600/HLH-LaserCorePCB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUHYZmr90bA/U-T2X8adAXI/AAAAAAAAAV0/zBUGSy0Lvog/s1600/HLH-LaserCorePCB.jpg" /></a>Mounting the whole laser would be difficult, and those batteries don't last very long, so Nick ripped them open and hacked away most of the PCB, leaving us with a much more manageable package.<br />
Those of you familiar with LEDs / laser diodes and button cell batteries may be able to guess what happened next.<br />
We read the battery spec, 1.5v each, and fed the lasers ~4.5v. What we failed to consider was the internal resistance and resulting voltage drop of the button cell batteries.<br />
<br />
The lasers looked amazing, for about half an hour.<br />
Then they started to burn out. Oops. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0snbexNr9mY/U-T2cbaDsjI/AAAAAAAAAXE/X1dnDj7HeoI/s1600/HLH-guts-lasers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0snbexNr9mY/U-T2cbaDsjI/AAAAAAAAAXE/X1dnDj7HeoI/s1600/HLH-guts-lasers.jpg" height="129" width="320" /></a>After replacing the dead and dying lasers Nick did more testing and we eventually solved this by running the lasers on 3.3 volts, which seems to work well. Unfortunately more lasers were damaged during testing and we ran out of time to replace them, resulting in a few "strings" that didn't work well in direct sunlight. Oh well.<br />
We are debating different methods of laser amperage control for future harp designs.<br />
To hold the Lasers Nick designed and 3D printed some lovely adjustable mounts for them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The corks hold the top end of a spring, which pushes the mounts against their legs (screws) and against the harp frame. By turning the screws the aim of the laser is easily adjustable. I failed to take a picture of a mount up close, but you can see the general idea.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_ZJAY4WPlg/U-T2cXQyTQI/AAAAAAAAAXA/_kkZtN2d9eA/s1600/HLH-guts-receptors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_ZJAY4WPlg/U-T2cXQyTQI/AAAAAAAAAXA/_kkZtN2d9eA/s1600/HLH-guts-receptors.jpg" height="109" width="320" /></a>On the bottom side each laser hits a light sensitive resistor (LDR) light sensor, each sensor has a 3D printed holder and light guide tube.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The black heatshrink around the tube helps block out ambient light and results in a stronger signal from the laser. This turned out to be crucial when operating the harp in daylight outdoors.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1oA4X0XNicY/U-T2YGX-yjI/AAAAAAAAAV4/tHNhfgiF0pI/s1600/HLH-base-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1oA4X0XNicY/U-T2YGX-yjI/AAAAAAAAAV4/tHNhfgiF0pI/s1600/HLH-base-1.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a>To convince the harp to stand upright we turned to Gordon, who hit the scrap yard and attacked what he found with his MIG welder. The result was a very stable base that complimented Nick's choice of an industrial theme wonderfully.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD9xRSRzwFc/U-T2Y-OSvLI/AAAAAAAAAWI/dYddjbtAqrQ/s1600/HLH-base-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qD9xRSRzwFc/U-T2Y-OSvLI/AAAAAAAAAWI/dYddjbtAqrQ/s1600/HLH-base-2.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a>The rear screen is held in place by a pair of wing nuts, allowing us easy access to the center area. This center area will eventually hold the electronics package as well as some light effects.<br />
<br />
The combination of mild steel base and aluminum body gives the harp a very low center of gravity and makes it quite stable. I was very happy about this when sitting behind it at the recent maker fair, as the road had a fair crown to it and we had the harp on a card cable. If it was inclined to tip it would have been a very nervous time for me!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To finish off the hardware side of the harp, here's a view from the rear.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNfN3QkwCJ8/U-T2dOtSBUI/AAAAAAAAAXM/0FBNIpskleI/s1600/HLH-rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNfN3QkwCJ8/U-T2dOtSBUI/AAAAAAAAAXM/0FBNIpskleI/s1600/HLH-rear.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was in charge of the electronics package for the harp, I used a Texas Instruments Stellaris Launchpad microcontroller board for the brains. The primary reason I chose that board is that it has 12 analog inputs, making the job of reading 12 LDRs much easier. This project could be done with a microcontroller with fewer analog inputs, but you would need to use an external ADC or some comparators to turn the analog voltage from the LDRs into a digital signal.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNtJ-YWgsKI/U-T2asEJF2I/AAAAAAAAAWc/C54Szi-jHzU/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsTop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNtJ-YWgsKI/U-T2asEJF2I/AAAAAAAAAWc/C54Szi-jHzU/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsTop.jpg" height="169" width="320" /></a>To the right you can see the finished, prototype, electronics package. I used some perfboard to make a BoosterPack (what TI calls expansion boards, Arduino calls them Shields) for the LaunchPad. This simplified my design somewhat and made it easy to swap a new MCU into place if I accidentally blew this one up. Thankfully I didn't, but it was nice to have the option anyway.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_8WcGV50M0/U-T2Z5p7niI/AAAAAAAAAWM/sZE9pqHOse0/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsBottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_8WcGV50M0/U-T2Z5p7niI/AAAAAAAAAWM/sZE9pqHOse0/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsBottom.jpg" height="143" width="320" /></a>Most of the board consists of 12 copies of a very simple circuit. The 15 pin connector has one pin for positive voltage to the lasers, one ground pin, one "feature / effects" pin that is not currently in use, and then 12 pins that go to the LDRs. The circuit on the perfboard has a variable resistor that feeds voltage to the LDR pins, and a second wire that goes to the analog inputs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgoXzLc94iI/U-T2aVf13iI/AAAAAAAAAWo/4roj_f1s0l4/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsBottomCloseLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgoXzLc94iI/U-T2aVf13iI/AAAAAAAAAWo/4roj_f1s0l4/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsBottomCloseLarge.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a><br />
Having a variable resistor doing the high side of the voltage divider means that we can adjust the sensitivity of the sensors to match the strength (and aim) of the lasers. This is important when some lasers are new and happy and some are half dead! Also included in that circuit is a 0.1µF capacitor to help prevent EMI issues. Whether this is actually needed or not is unknown, but the result worked well so I'm leaving them in place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBR7NKt5gr8/U-T2bN_i9KI/AAAAAAAAAXY/L2KADFyP_W0/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsTopInside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBR7NKt5gr8/U-T2bN_i9KI/AAAAAAAAAXY/L2KADFyP_W0/s1600/HLH-guts-electronicsTopInside.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a><br />
The other two circuits on the perfboard connect the MIDI output port to the microcontroller's second TTL Serial channel, and connect the +3.3V pin to the lasers via a MOSFET. This gives the microcontroller control over the lasers, a useful feature for automatic calibration.<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, the code. I wrote the firmware for the laser harp in the Energia IDE. Energia is a fork of the Arduino IDE that is aimed at the TI Launchpad series of microcontrollers. Most simple programs can be copied straight across from Arduino to Energia and back, though you do need to change the pin definitions. Energia also has ports of many Arduino libraries, making things even simpler.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm going to describe the code and then post a link to it on GitHub rather than inserting it in this post.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The code is aimed at being easily adjustable for different numbers of "strings". Its main loop checks the status of one string, if the string status has changed it finds an open MIDI port and sends the Note On or Note Off message to the external MIDI synthesizer. If it has not changed, it does nothing. After that it increments the string counter and goes through the loop again, check the next string's status.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This loop takes between 67 and 1050 microseconds, or 0.067 - 1.05 milliseconds if you prefer. Not very long. The variation in time largely comes from whether it needs to send MIDI messages or not. The code is set to send the entire message before it goes through the next loop, to prevent against buffer overflow. This probably isn't necessary, but I didn't want it crashing in its first public outing!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Launchpad has two pushbuttons on it. One of them activates a now partially defunct programming mode that allows you to set the MIDI Velocity variable (how hard the "string" is plucked) and the threshold for the analog inputs that defines what is a HIGH and what is a LOW signal from the LDRs. The MIDI Velocity is still in place; the global threshold has been removed in favor of each "string" having its own threshold.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second button is used to set those thresholds. It first turns off all the lasers and reads the analog voltage from each LDR, then turns all the lasers on and reads the LDR voltages again. The threshold for each string is set to the mid point between the two readings.<br />
<br />
This change to the code fixed the majority of the issues we had on the Humboldt Laser Harp's first outing.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The trimmer resistors still need to be adjusted to give a good voltage range, but once they are adjusted to match the laser you don't have to do it again. Previously, every time the ambient light conditions changed, you had to redo all 12 trimmers, which took long enough that the ambient light conditions had typically changed again by the time I had finished.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can find the code here: <a href="https://github.com/Bobnova/LaserHarp/blob/master/Stellarpad_LaserHarpMIDI_R006.ino" target="_blank">GitHub Code Link.</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we upgrade the Humboldt Laser Harp we'll make new posts about it here on the blog.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
--Ed Smith</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-39051500944359444842014-08-07T22:48:00.001-07:002014-08-07T22:50:26.827-07:00Wireless Communication For Microcontrollers & August 7 MCU Group MeetingTraditionally, microcontrollers (MCUs) didn't need wireless communications because they did all their interactions in a limited space. If they interacted with something a few inches or a few feet away, wires connected the interacting devices. However, in 2014 some MCU applications require wireless communication, and this post takes an initial look at the wonderful world of wireless for MCUs.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-552_WM9y-HQ/U-Res-uNbEI/AAAAAAAAA20/8I3aEssLnOU/s1600/mcuwireless+9+video.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-552_WM9y-HQ/U-Res-uNbEI/AAAAAAAAA20/8I3aEssLnOU/s1600/mcuwireless+9+video.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breadboard setup for #9 video wireless communication</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
This post's overview of MCU wireless looks at <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKVNmA8C6m8">Jeremy Blum's #9 Arduino video tutorial</a></b>, the wireless exercise Ed Smith developed as his alternative to using the BOM components (bill of materials) and code in Jeremy's #9 video exercise, and a few recent developments and web resources for MCU wireless communication. In addition to presenting an updated look at MCU wireless, researching and writing this post is a step toward locating or developing a training exercise for Arduino wireless communication that is more up to date than Jeremy's #9 video, which was published in Febrary 2011.<br />
<br />
Two of the primary driving forces behind MCU wireless communications are the internet and the increasing power of mobile or miniature computing devices. As the increasingly ubiquitous smartphone and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) create a sharp increase in the production volume and tech innovation in MCU wireless components, the number of wireless technology solutions continues to rise and the cost to do wireless communications continues to drop. If you search online for MCU wireless projects, tutorials or components, check the dates on your search results. Information from five or even two years ago may be totally outdated.<br />
<br />
First up -- points of discussion about Jeremy's #9 video at tonight's Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting.<br />
<br />
Most of the participants in tonight's meeting had watched all or part of the #9 video. But no one had done the exact wireless exercise that Jeremy demonstrated and explained. The primary reason no one duplicated his exercise was that the components in Jeremy's exercise cost too much to buy for learning about wireless. If you already had a couple spare Arduino Unos and the XBee components sitting around idle, then Jeremy's exercise would be reasonable, but it didn't make sense to anyone at the meeting to buy all the components just to do the #9 video exercise. The main value of the #9 video seemed to be that it focused everyone's attention on MCU wireless communication, and even if we didn't follow Jeremy's exercise exactly, a couple people in the group did develop somewhat analogous wireless systems. And there was a lot of good discussion about the various wireless options and components, probably more than if everyone had used Jeremy's components.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoMPx_-a9WA/U-RgcllHYCI/AAAAAAAAA3A/ZpE1BxpEv3Q/s1600/mcuwireless+nordic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoMPx_-a9WA/U-RgcllHYCI/AAAAAAAAA3A/ZpE1BxpEv3Q/s1600/mcuwireless+nordic.jpg" height="183" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nordic RF module</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Second topic -- Ed Smith's MCU wireless communications components, circuitry and code.<br />
<br />
Ed put together a low-cost wireless exercise using a couple Nordic RF transceivers he had available. The parts used in Ed's setup include Texas Instruments Tiva-C launchpad 296-35760-ND, Texas Instruments MSP430G2553 Launchpad 296-27570-ND, <b><a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/2.4GHz-RF/nRF24L01P">Nordic 2.4 GHz RF transceiver NRF24L01+</a></b>, Pin header 952-2247-ND, Pin socket header S7031-ND, perfboard, jumper wires, solderless breadboard, TFT LCD 2.2" 240x320 and an accelerometer. The breadboarded circuit for the MSP430 and accelerometer is shown in the picture below on the right. Ed's hardware sent 3-axis information from the accelerometer from the MSP430 to the Tiva-C board and displayed it on the small LCD screen. The code was written using <a href="http://energia.nu/"><b>Energia</b></a>, which is designed <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ciW-EVFwA/U-Rgxwj2kJI/AAAAAAAAA3I/JGnWkvVzsYU/s1600/mcuwireless+MSP430G-TX-Accelerometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ciW-EVFwA/U-Rgxwj2kJI/AAAAAAAAA3I/JGnWkvVzsYU/s1600/mcuwireless+MSP430G-TX-Accelerometer.jpg" height="200" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MSP430 with Nordic RF </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"bring the Wiring and Arduino framework to the Texas Instruments MSP430 based LaunchPad". Ed will be writing up a separate blog post about his setup and the Nordic transceivers, including code and pictures, so look for that to show up on this blog soon.<br />
<br />
An alternative to the wireless components Jeremy used in the #9 video and the components Ed used is the JeeNode. Nick got two JeeNodes for about $22 each with 915 MHz radios and worked with MCU wireless using those boards. According to <b><a href="http://www.digitalsmarties.net/pages/about">Digital Smarties</a></b>, the UK fulfillment transaction processors for the boards, the JeeNode is,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>a compact wireless board with an Atmel 8-bit RISC microprocessor. JeeNodes are compatible with the Arduino platform and can be programmed under Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux using sketches created with the Arduino IDE. Each JeeNode has 4 </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQFYyPd5w6s/U-RiJVMVP6I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/dUt2MWp0hiM/s1600/mcuwireless+jeenode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQFYyPd5w6s/U-RiJVMVP6I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/dUt2MWp0hiM/s1600/mcuwireless+jeenode.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<i>
identical “ports” for attaching analog and digital I/O logic, I2C devices, and more. The JeeLib library makes it easy to interface to these ports. The JeeNode Kit contains all the parts needed to build a JeeNode v6 – including an ATmega328p processor and an RFM12B radio module</i>."</blockquote>
<b><a href="http://moderndevice.com/product/jeenode-v6-kit/">Modern Device</a></b> does much of the manufacturing for JeeLabs and is the US distributor for JeeNodes. The <b><a href="http://jeelabs.net/projects/hardware/wiki/JeeNode">JeeLabs website</a></b> describes the board this way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The JeeNode is a wireless micro-controller board designed for a variety of Physical Computing tasks. From measuring and reporting temperature, humidity, and other environmental data to tracking and controlling energy consumption around the house. It was inspired by the Arduino Duemilanove and Uno boards, and by the “Real Bare Bones Board” (RBBB) from Modern Device</i>."</blockquote>
The JeeNode component bill of materials (BOM) for learning MCU wireless would only be slightly more expensive than the Nordic RF components. Ed said for various prototypes or applications, the JeeNode would be more capable than the Nordic systems, and would be well worth the few extra dollars.<br />
<br />
Third subject -- Worthwhile web resources for newbies to understand MCU wireless.<br />
<br />
I haven't done an exhaustive search for web resources on MCU wireless, so please send me links to sites you feel are good on this topic, especially if you think they're better for a particular aspect of wireless compared to the sites I've listed. If you're new to wireless communications, you might want to read through the <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_network">Wikipedia entry for Wireless Networks</a></b>. If you are already have a good background on wireless networks, consider looking through the <b><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/pages/wireless_guide">SparkFun Wireless Buying Guide</a></b>. The SparkFun guide is where I read about Nordic RF modules yesterday for the first time ever. Then I found out what Ed used for his wireless exercise, and it turned out to be Nordic transceivers (or Nordic clones). The wireless section of your favorite MCU vendor's website is another good place to learn about wireless, especially as it applies to the MCUs you use and understand. Atmel, Texas Instruments and Microchip main pages for wireless are listed below. <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.atmel.com/products/wireless/"><b>http://www.atmel.com/products/wireless/</b></a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/wireless_connectivity/overview.page">http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/wireless_connectivity/overview.page</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.microchip.com/pagehandler/en-us/products/wireless/home.html">http://www.microchip.com/pagehandler/en-us/products/wireless/home.html</a></b></li>
</ul>
If you go through the above resources and want to know more, search for your topics of interest and you'll find lots of relevant websites to sift through for more specific info that's relevant to you.<br />
<br />
Fourth issue -- Developing an inexpensive MCU wireless educational exercise for the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group.<br />
<br />
We decided tonight that Ed's setup is about as inexpensive as you're going to be able to do a two-MCU, two-transceiver wireless exercise. Another wireless learning exercise we will probably research is one with a single MCU and a Wi-Fi system to directly connect the MCU to the Internet. Figuring that one out will wait for another day.<br />
<br />
Along with our discussions about MCU wireless, tonight's Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting covered a multitude of topics, including but not limited to freezing hard drives to recover data from them, buying vacuum tubes, flying quadcopters that have a mind of their own, the unpredictable adventures of buying electronic components from Chinese eBay sellers, good power supplies and power supplies to stay far away from, how to load Arch Linux on a Chromebook, repairing welders, upgrades to automated doors on chicken coops, the Humboldt Laser Harp, and what the topic of the next MCU group meeting should be. If you have suggestions for MCU meeting topics, please contact me at arcatabob (at) gmail [dott] com or contact Nick A.<br />
<br />
If you are interested or experienced in MCU wireless, it would be great to connect with you -- email me at arcatabob (at) gmail {dott} com. Hope to see you at the next Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting on Thursday, August 21.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-49958789948728686042014-08-06T22:18:00.000-07:002014-08-06T22:18:26.555-07:00Pi-Bot And Quin's White House NFC RobotTwo Arduino-compatible robots are the topic of this post; the Pi-Bot and Quin's White House NFC robot.<br />
<br />
The Pi-Bot was launched via a <b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1158090852/pi-bot-the-next-great-tool-in-robotics-learning-pl">Kickstarter campaign</a></b> which successfully funded on April 10, 2014. The creators of this low-cost robot had a goal of $70,000 and they ended up getting $113,175. The Pi-Bot Kickstarter page explains the robot this way:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42wZxHwvu_8/U-MIvrwFfqI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/G4egkgMYkjU/s1600/pibot+robot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42wZxHwvu_8/U-MIvrwFfqI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/G4egkgMYkjU/s1600/pibot+robot.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pi-Bot robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The Pi-Bot is a uniquely designed (and affordable!) complete robot kit for anyone interested in building and programming robots!...We have developed the perfect hands-on learning platform for both students and professional engineers to learn the hardware and software of robotics...Our team has spent years testing all of the leading robotics kits on the market today. Although many have impressive features, they are either too complicated or overly simplistic... and always much too expensive. Today, a typical Arduino based robot usually costs over $150. Too often we spent money on kits that could not do much or were too costly to be practical. Not to mention, many of these kits used proprietary components that limited the scope of real-world usage. We wanted to change this...Modular platform for interchangeable sensors...Standardized Arduino C programming...We give you the flexibility to design your own projects with included line following and ultrasonic distance sensors. The modular chassis allows sensors to be moved and positioned for your convenience. No soldering is needed to fully construct your Pi-Bot! We are currently developing an assortment of new sensors and motors for even more capabilities in the future.</i>"</blockquote>
On their company website, the Pi-Bot creators have <b><a href="http://www.stemcenterusa.com/pi-bot/tutorials-/">video tutorials for building the robot</a></b>, downloadable chapters of the <b><a href="http://www.stemcenterusa.com/pi-bot/downloads-/">operating manual and code for the Pi-Bot</a></b>.<br />
<br />
If you want to buy this robot, you can do that from the <b><a href="http://pi-bot.org/products/pi-bot">Pi-Bot website order page</a></b>. The current cost is $75 plus shipping, handling and taxes. Seems like a pretty reasonable cost.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3RunXwu1so/U-MKchITUhI/AAAAAAAAA2c/OU7kDwKbHlw/s1600/pibot+quin+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3RunXwu1so/U-MKchITUhI/AAAAAAAAA2c/OU7kDwKbHlw/s1600/pibot+quin+front.jpg" height="173" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quin's White House NFC robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The second robot covered by today's post is Quin's White House NFC robot. Quin is a 13 year old active maker from southern California who has <b><a href="http://www.qtechknow.com/">his own website, call Qtechknow</a></b>. Hackaday covered Quin's robot that he built and took to the recent White House Maker Faire. The robot appears to be an upgraded version of <b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/FuzzBot/">Quin's FuzzBot featured on Instructables</a></b>. The Hackaday article describes the <b><a href="http://www.pololu.com/">Pololu-chassis</a></b> robot this way:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Td1Su2_kYM/U-MK0vEuXjI/AAAAAAAAA2k/QlqekufMecM/s1600/pibot+quin+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Td1Su2_kYM/U-MK0vEuXjI/AAAAAAAAA2k/QlqekufMecM/s1600/pibot+quin+top.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view of Quin's robot and the controller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>This remote controlled, Arduino-based robot was created by a young student named [Quin] who likes to teach electronics classes at hackerspaces...The quick, little device uses a robot chassis kit with an XBee wireless module so that the controller and the robot can be connected together. An NFC Shield was hacked and split in half so that the wires could be soldered in place. [Quin]‘s goal was to develop a fun game that records the number of times the robot drives over NFC tags laid across a flat surface...The controller container was made with an open source 3D printer called a Bukobot. The enclosure holds an Arduino and another XBee shield along with a joystick and a neopixel ring, giving it a nice polished look complete with a circle of beautiful, flashing LED’s</i>."</blockquote>
The other two robots I've covered in the blog so far are <b><a href="http://humboldtmcu.blogspot.com/2014/07/robotics-takes-flight-with-hummingbird.html">the Hummingbird Duo</a></b> and <b><a href="http://humboldtmcu.blogspot.com/2014/07/poppet-basic-arduino-robot-kit-humboldt.html">the PopPet</a></b>. You can buy the Hummingbird Duo kit from Adafruit for $199 plus shipping. The PopPet will cost $80 AUD for the basic kit plus $15 AUD for shipping to the US, or $100 AUD for the advanced kit plus $15 AUD shipping.<br />
<br />
So now the question is, who else is interested in building one or several microcontroller-based robots, and which one should we build. This question is one of the ones I plan to ask of participants at this Thursday's Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting. If you're interested in robots, please plan to participate in the meeting!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-45885282826427773492014-08-05T21:36:00.003-07:002014-08-05T21:50:54.412-07:00#9 Jeremy Blum Arduino Wireless Tutorial & MCU Group Mtg August 7Tonight's post is a bit of a preview of <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKVNmA8C6m8">Jeremy's #9 Arduino video tutorial about wireless</a></b>, along with a couple related comments and alternatives regarding microcontroller (MCU) wireless tutorials for future use by the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group.<br />
<br />
But before I get into the Arduino wireless tutorial, there are two 'special deal' items for people who buy MCU-related electronic components. I found out about these from SparkFun and Jameco emails.<br />
<ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BslIWYZzLo4/U-GtD-SuMcI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ZY8wksJc8lQ/s1600/9video+sparkfun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BslIWYZzLo4/U-GtD-SuMcI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ZY8wksJc8lQ/s1600/9video+sparkfun.jpg" /></a>
<li><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1555"><b>SparkFun Retrosparktive</b></a>: "<i>SparkFun will be vacating its offices at 6175 Longbow and moving on up to Dry Creek Parkway...As part of the Retrosparktive, each week we are offering up a selection of classic products at “historically low prices” (sorry, couldn’t help myself). We’re calling this first selection the “Bare Necessities” - great things to have around your workspace or office. This selection of items is only on sale from 8/4/2014 at 12:01 a.m. MT until 8/10/14 at 11:59 p.m. MT - so get ‘em while you can! BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! We’re also offering a promo code good for $10 off any orders over $40. Just put the code “RETROSPARK” into the box at checkout to get your discount. This code is good until August 31, 2014</i>."</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PageDisplayView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&content=freefriday">Jameco Free Friday Electronic Components Giveaway</a></b>: "<i>Jameco's team of component buyers hunts for special buys and every Friday we will highlight one of these great buys by making a limited supply of one product available for free at www.Jameco.com/Free. We'll <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuaAVSbXLms/U-GtMS9HGfI/AAAAAAAAA1U/F5MCqxUSuTc/s1600/9video+jameco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuaAVSbXLms/U-GtMS9HGfI/AAAAAAAAA1U/F5MCqxUSuTc/s1600/9video+jameco.jpg" /></a></div>
post new inventory every Friday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time and it will be available on a first come, first serve basis</i>."</li>
</ol>
<div>
The next Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting is this Thursday, August 7. The main topic of the meeting will be to discuss Jeremy Blum's #9 video tutorial, so tonight's post takes a look at that tutorial. The topic is wireless communications with Arduino, and the #9 video exercise uses XBee radios. <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBee">Wikipedia's entry</a></b> on this type of wireless communication equipment says:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>XBee is the brand name from Digi International for a family of form factor compatible radio modules. The first XBee radios were introduced under the MaxStream brand in 2005 and were based on the <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.15.4">802.15.4</a></b>-2003 standard</i>..."</blockquote>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rs2qYMiIL9k/U-GuFYTopOI/AAAAAAAAA1c/Lhyz_Q2CIvQ/s1600/9video+xbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rs2qYMiIL9k/U-GuFYTopOI/AAAAAAAAA1c/Lhyz_Q2CIvQ/s1600/9video+xbee.jpg" height="169" width="200" /></a>The XBee brand has a wide range of models, with 2.4 GHz and 900Hz options, and the XBee-PRO 900HP is listed as having a 28 mile range. Having an Arduino communicate wirelessly 20+ miles away without cellular or Internet service seems like it could be handy for some things.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
XBee is a brand name, and generally speaking, follows the <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZigBee">ZigBee protocol</a></b> for wireless personal area networks (<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_area_network#Wireless_PAN">WPAN</a></b>). However, not all XBee technology is compatible with everything in the Zigbee world. For different views of what XBee is and how compatible it is, see the <b><a href="http://www.digi.com/products/wireless-wired-embedded-solutions/zigbee-rf-modules/zigbee-mesh-module/xbee-zb-module#overview">Digi International page</a></b> about this, the <b><a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/pages/xbee_guide">SparkFun XBee Buying Guide</a></b> or the <b><a href="http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/5314/what-is-xbee-and-how-is-it-different-from-zigbee">StackExchange thread</a></b> on the topic, which says:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>ZigBee / ZigBee Pro are mesh communication protocols that sits on top of IEEE 802.15.4 PHY. XBee / XBee Pro are product names for radio communications modules made by Digi. The modules can be loaded with various firmwares to support ZigBee / ZigBee Pro / DigiMesh and come in several frequency bands. DigiMesh is an alternative to ZigBee that changes a few things, and adds some features to make it generally better to work with. But, you sacrifice compatibility with ZigBee devices. For example DigiMesh allows routers to sleep, has lower overhead, has 1 node type vs zigbee's 3 leading to a more robust mesh, can run at higher data rates, etc.</i>"</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMgkU64ckTA/U-Gvjk3feUI/AAAAAAAAA1o/7jGeBL39qgw/s1600/9video+boards+exercise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMgkU64ckTA/U-Gvjk3feUI/AAAAAAAAA1o/7jGeBL39qgw/s1600/9video+boards+exercise.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boards for the #9 video tutorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The moral of the story for MCU beginners like me is, if you want to do wireless communications with MCUs, use all the same brand and model of wireless radios. No need to try and figure out if your circuit doesn't work because the two or more radios aren't compatible -- you'll have enough fun just figuring out if the circuit is hooked up incorrectly or if your code has errors or poor design.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The exercise in Jeremy's #9 video uses these boards -- two Arduino Unos, two XBee transceiver modules, two XBee shields, and a SparkFun USB to XBee adapter. In addition, you'll need a stepper motor, a mini-B USB cable and a few other parts you probably have from other Arduino projects or tutorial exercises. Jeremy shows how to program the Xbee units' ID numbers and how to hook up the Arduinos and other components. Then he walks the video viewer through the steps to write the program which allow the potentiometer connected to one Arduino to wirelessly control the position of the stepper motor which is connected to the other Arduino.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BlmCWkZHlI/U-Gv4K92QSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/tT-72R7Lgew/s1600/9video+breadboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BlmCWkZHlI/U-Gv4K92QSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/tT-72R7Lgew/s1600/9video+breadboard.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#9 exercise wired to breadboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Excluding the two Arduinos and the miscellaneous parts you probably have, you can spend over $100 just on parts for the exercise in the #9 video. Ed Smith didn't have all the parts lying around to do this exercise and figured out an alternative exercise with a couple radios and other parts he did have around. He said he'll explain on August 7th what he put together for an MCU wireless exercise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Humboldt Microcontrollers Group should consider discussing cost-effective options for a useful training session on MCU wireless technology.There are lots of options, but a couple starter ideas are:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Have people work in groups of two or three to do essentially the same exercise Jeremy demonstrates. The people can buy different parts that they want to keep after the exercise, or one person can buy all the parts and keep them when the training is finished.</li>
<li>Do essentially the same exercise as the #9 video, but identify less expensive components than the Arduino and XBee parts spec'd by Jeremy.</li>
<li>Use one wireless radio instead of two and find or write a tutorial involving one radio.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Others in the MCU group will know or think of additional options for MCU wireless training sessions. A couple specific training sessions I found in a quick search were:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sgLMo760ns/U-GweMRndeI/AAAAAAAAA14/f7xKfgFRH5g/s1600/9video+cc3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sgLMo760ns/U-GweMRndeI/AAAAAAAAA14/f7xKfgFRH5g/s1600/9video+cc3000.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC3000</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b><a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/wireless-gardening-arduino-cc3000-wifi-modules?view=all">Wireless Gardening with Arduino + CC3000 WiFi Modules</a></b> by Adafruit. I like this one because of the Humboldt MCU Garden project. The garden project would make the investment seem more useful than it would for a generic training exercise. Here's <b><a href="http://www.adafruit.com/products/1491">the CC3000 module</a></b> from Adafruit, and here's <b><a href="https://plus.google.com/+ladyada/posts/fQy4NWDTjZr">a post about the CC3000</a></b> by ladyada.</li>
<li>SparkFun has two MCU wireless tutorials; <b><a href="https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/arduino-wireless-communication-via-the-electric-imp">Arduino Wireless Communication via the Electric Imp</a></b> and <b><a href="https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/wireless-arduino-programming-with-electric-imp">Wireless Arduino Programming with Electric Imp</a></b>.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Wireless-SD-Shield-Tutorial/?ALLSTEPS">Arduino Wireless SD Shield Tutorial from Instructables</a></b> is one of the many Arduino Wi-Fi tutorials.</li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBWcbDYxkfo/U-GwuQLCe1I/AAAAAAAAA2A/1STwz9xb434/s1600/9video+cc3200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBWcbDYxkfo/U-GwuQLCe1I/AAAAAAAAA2A/1STwz9xb434/s1600/9video+cc3200.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC3200 LaunchPad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We could also find or develop a training session around one of the newer MCUs with built-in WiFi, such as the <a href="http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/wireless_connectivity/simplelink/wireless_mcus/overview.page"><b>SimpleLink</b> <b>products from Texas Instruments</b></a> (e.g. the <b><a href="http://www.ti.com/tool/cc3200-launchxl">CC3200 LaunchPad</a></b>) or one of the other MCU manufacturer's MCU with integrated Wi-Fi. Identifying some of those other integrated wireless / Wi-Fi components will likely be the subject of future research and blog posts.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In addition to discussing MCU wireless on Thursday, the MCU group will likely talk about upgrades to the Humboldt Laser Harp (HLH). After it's debut performance in Eureka on August 2, we've got several improvements in mind. I'm hopeful the HLH will make an appearance at the MCU group meeting on Thursday so everyone at the meeting can play with it and get excited about improving it, about making additional laser harps, and about designing and building other electronic music-light instruments which will help create the Humboldt Electronic Light Orchestra.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you haven't watched the #9 video, check it out. If you don't have time to watch it between now and Thursday but are interested in MCU wireless, come to the MCU group meeting anyway. We're looking forward to seeing you from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, August 7, at 1385 8th Street, Arcata, CA.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-78000758386122370692014-08-04T21:25:00.002-07:002014-08-04T21:29:59.163-07:00Energia: Using The EEPROM on TI Stellaris and Tiva-C Launchpads<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>[Tonight's post is by Ed Smith, participant in the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group]</i></div>
<br />
I'm writing this blog post largely because it took me quite a while to figure out how to use the Tiva-C's EEPROM in an effective way. My hope is that this page will make life easier for future people who use the Tiva-C.<br />
<br />
First up, these are the Microcontroller boards we're going to be talking about today.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiRKWC_R84g/U97aQlE2gpI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/FWN-HZlr6a0/s1600/TM4C129Launchpad-Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiRKWC_R84g/U97aQlE2gpI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/FWN-HZlr6a0/s1600/TM4C129Launchpad-Top.jpg" height="320" width="169" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCUPogFteAA/U97XNPn4YGI/AAAAAAAAAUw/43FInaVYOLw/s1600/EK-TM4C123GXL_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCUPogFteAA/U97XNPn4YGI/AAAAAAAAAUw/43FInaVYOLw/s1600/EK-TM4C123GXL_1.png" height="320" width="218" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Stellaris LM4F120 / Tiva-C TM4C123 Launchpad and the very snazzy TM4C129 Connected IoT Launchpad.<br />
<br />
There are plenty of other Launchpads worth talking about, but all of them fall into one or more of two categories: Launchpads I do not have, and: Launchpads containing no EEPROM.<br />
Not having EEPROM makes this article about using the built in EEPROM a bit irrelevant, and if I haven't used it I don't like writing about it.<br />
<br />
Many programs and projects don't <i>need</i> to use EEPROM. All the variables are either burnt into the flash and never change, or are kept in RAM and updated as needed for that boot. When power is cycled the program starts fresh and off it goes. You don't need your calculator to remember what you did last week for instance.<br />
There are other times when having some storage is extremely useful, calibrating sensors is a wonderful example. The Humboldt Laser Harp for instance uses EEPROM to store the calibration data for the laser sensors, as well as to store the MIDI "Velocity" of the notes. Without EEPROM you would have to either redo the mechanical/physical calibration every time you turned the harp on in slightly different circumstances (which takes 10-15 minutes), or recompile and reupload the firmware every time.<br />
Almost any sort of sensor that requires calibration once in a while is a good use for EEPROM. Things like odometers or hour meters as well.<br />
That brings us to the question of <i>how</i>.<br />
<br />
<i><b>How do I get access to the EEPROM of my microcontroller?</b></i><br />
I'm glad you asked!<br />
If you're using an Arduino, or a TI Launchpad and the Energia IDE, the process is very simple.<br />
First you include the EEPROM library (At the top of your program, add "#include <EEPROM.h>" without the quotes), then in your program you call EEPROM.read(address) and EEPROM.write(address, value) to read and store values respectively. For example:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hszcDi9zd9c/U97X0lys_PI/AAAAAAAAAVA/_JlqBVvqZ8k/s1600/simpleEEPROM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hszcDi9zd9c/U97X0lys_PI/AAAAAAAAAVA/_JlqBVvqZ8k/s1600/simpleEEPROM.png" /></a>This would read the value at address 10 into the someVariable variable, update it, and then stuff it back into EEPROM address 10.<br />
The process is very simple, <i>if</i> your value fits into a single byte. That is to say, 0-255. If your value is 256 it will be stored as 0. If it's 260 it will be stored as 4, and so on.<br />
You have to do some <a href="http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/Bitshift" target="_blank">bitshifting</a> to split larger variables up into bytes and store the bytes individually, then bitshift it back together when you want to use it. It's very doable, but something of a pain.<br />
There are add-on Arduino libraries that can be used to automate the bitshifting, though I have not used them.<br />
What I have used is a slightly lower level method of EEPROM access on the TI Stellaris and Tiva-C chips.<br />
This method and example still uses the Energia IDE, though I believe the code is more or less the same for TivaWare and the TI Code Composer Studio.<br />
<br />
Instead of EEPROM.whatever, you use "ROM_EEPROMRead(variable, start address, length)" and "ROM_EEPROMProgram(variable, start address, length)".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvy1HulIaq4/U97_jhQNZQI/AAAAAAAAAVg/uo2by1lF2oM/s1600/nicerEEPROM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvy1HulIaq4/U97_jhQNZQI/AAAAAAAAAVg/uo2by1lF2oM/s1600/nicerEEPROM.png" /></a>The trick is, the variables you use are long integers (32 bits, 4 bytes) in an array, rather than single bytes.<br />
The same operation as above, but with the ability to count from zero to a bit over four billion. Quite the improvement over 0-255.<br />
<br />
You can also use sizeof(someVariable) rather than listing the number of bytes (so ROM_EEPROMRead(someVariable,10,sizeof(someVariable)); instead of 4) this is useful if you're using an array with more than one variable in it.<br />
What I really like about this method is you can stick an entire array in just as easily, rather than the single member array we declared above you can declare an arbitrarily long array. Say 30 members. Then the exact same ROM_EEPROM calls store that entire array.<br />
It does start to get tricky if you're using a number of addresses, the above example code uses address 10 as its starting point, it also uses address 11, 12 and 13, as the address is done by the number of bytes used. That 30 memory long array would use 120 bytes / address slots.<br />
If you aren't paying attention and write something else to the middle of that range you're going to be unhappy with the results!<br />
You get 32kB worth on the basic Tiva-C, and 256kB on the Connected Tiva-C, so you can afford to be lavish.<br />
The really entertaining part to me is that if you use the Arduino style EEPROM calls on the TI chips, the EEPROM library is converting them into the unsigned long flavor of call to interface with the TI MCU itself. That means that if you're storing an unsigned long using the Arduino method on TI chips, you're bitshifting it manually into bytes, then the library is bitshifting it back into unsigned longs and storing it. Bit of a crackup if you ask me.<br />
<br />
When you do use EEPROM it is a good idea to think about how often it will be written to, if you write to it once per second you only get 27 hours of operation before you hit the rated lifespan. Real world testing of Arduino (Atmega328 MCU) EEPROM has shown it to typically get to well over 1,000,000 writes before it starts throwing errors. Atmel and TI are not willing to guarantee that you'll get a million writes though.<br />
Reads are free, read the EEPROM as often as you want, but try to keep the writes within reason. If you write once per minute you'll get ~69 days of operation per the spec, or 694 days if your EEPROM does the >1 million writes many seem to. Once an hour on average gives you a very long lifespan indeed, a bit over 4,000 days per spec or 40,000 if you're lucky. That's 11 to 110 years, which should be enough.<br />
<br />
If you made it this far through this wall of text, congratulations! My next post will have more pictures.<br />
I hope this was an interesting read and/or helped, look for a blog post about the Humboldt Laser Harp coming in the near future. This coming blog post will include some (most? all?) of the code for the laser harp, including the EEPROM bits.<br />
<br />
--Ed Smith<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-62623435146874147002014-08-03T15:08:00.000-07:002014-08-03T15:15:53.383-07:00Mutli-Phase Humboldt MCU Garden ProjectAs <b><a href="http://humboldtmcu.blogspot.com/2014/08/humboldt-makers-group-at-eureka-craft.html">yesterday's Humboldt Laser Harp post</a></b> indicated, the microcontroller (MCU) music group project is well under way. So now I'm thinking about how to get the second group project started in the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group, one involving gardening.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab__KgoYe-s/U96wgR_4CdI/AAAAAAAAA0g/j9iWaT2OI1w/s1600/gardenmcu+soil+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab__KgoYe-s/U96wgR_4CdI/AAAAAAAAA0g/j9iWaT2OI1w/s1600/gardenmcu+soil+pot.jpg" height="200" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCU and sensors for potted plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Several people who've been at <b><a href="http://www.humboldtmakers.org/">Humboldt Makers Group</a></b> meetings or the MCU group meetings have said they're interested in MCUs and gardening. And it seems like lots of other people in Humboldt County might have an interest in ways to improve gardening. There are lots of organic gardeners in the area, and agriculture has been part of the Humboldt economy for much of the area's history. So I've decided to outline a multi-phase approach to a collaborative project focused on MCU gardening. And a significant part of this collaborative project will be identifying and reaching out to Humboldt people who are involved in gardening or agriculture and might be interested in sharing their knowledge and / or participating in this project.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xetDs7J0-qE/U96wwI_WzAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/OknixNiat7c/s1600/gardenmcu+hydroponics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xetDs7J0-qE/U96wwI_WzAI/AAAAAAAAA0o/OknixNiat7c/s1600/gardenmcu+hydroponics.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCU and hydroponics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Two long term goals I have for the MCU gardening is to be involved with a successful hydroponics system and a successful aquaponics system. There are lots of websites and projects on the Internet that tell a person how to do hydroponics or aquaponics, but I'm an engineer, and I like to understand what I'm doing. Plus I don't have a lot of money to spend on these projects. So my preferred approach to MCU gardening is to start out small, and get more complex after I understand the technology and 'green thumb art' involved with each part of the MCU garden project.<br />
<br />
Below are proposed MCU garden project phases. If we get the right people involved with the project and if we can secure funding of some type for the project, we can move very quickly through the phases or work on more than one phase at a time. So if you know people who'd like to participate in this project or know of money that can be used for purchasing electronic components and supplies for this, please contact me at arcatabob (at) gmail {dott} com. These are the proposed phases for the Humboldt MCU Garden group project:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10p8o2p8Xag/U96w9OqVzLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/tzJiwOrO6TU/s1600/gardenmcu+aquaponics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10p8o2p8Xag/U96w9OqVzLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/tzJiwOrO6TU/s1600/gardenmcu+aquaponics.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCU and aquaponics (from dzbc.org.cn)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li>Grow one plant indoor in soil.</li>
<li>Grow four to eight plants indoor in soil.</li>
<li>Grow four types of plants outdoor in soil.</li>
<li>Grow one 'tray' of plants indoors in hydroponic system.</li>
<li>Grow three types of plants indoors in hydroponic system.</li>
<li>Grow one type of plant in aquaponics system.</li>
<li>Grow three types of plants in aquaponics system.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Phase 1 of the Humboldt MCU Garden project is simple and low cost and will help us learn the basic principles of MCU gardening. Phases 2 through 7 can easily be redefined as we get more people involved in the project and we learn more about what we don't know about MCU gardening.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first draft design of the Humboldt MCU Garden project includes:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>One type of plant.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM8wYbL-2SM/U96s6HNlOYI/AAAAAAAAA0U/Jlb5JeaWEtI/s1600/gardenmcu+lettuce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM8wYbL-2SM/U96s6HNlOYI/AAAAAAAAA0U/Jlb5JeaWEtI/s1600/gardenmcu+lettuce.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEDs and lettuce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<ol>
<li>Lettuce is my first choice, partly because of what's being done with optimized lettuce 'mcu gardening' in Japan and other places (see my blog post "<b><a href="http://humboldtmcu.blogspot.com/2014/07/led-lettuce-hydro-tower-and-led.html">LED Lettuce, The HydroTower And LED Humboldt Hydroponics</a></b>.") We might be able to find useful data about optimum growing conditions for lettuce (light wavelengths, relative humidity, nutrients, temperature, etc.).</li>
<li>If other people who want to participate in the Humboldt MCU Garden project prefer to grow something other than lettuce and have information about good growing conditions for that plant, I'm willing to switch from lettuce.</li>
</ol>
<li>Growing container.</li>
<ol>
<li>The type of growing container probably won't be too critical for Phase 1. Mainly something large enough to hold the soil and drainage system that will provide good growing conditions for the plant.</li>
<li>A five gallon plastic bucket is one option, especially if we can find a free one.</li>
<li>We need to figure out where the container with the plant and MCU Garden system will be kept. It seems like Phase 1 should mostly be indoors because that means we don't need to have a rain-proof system. But having a Phase 1 container that's easily movable would be nice so we can roll or carry the container outside on nice days.</li>
</ol>
<li>Growing condition sensors</li>
<ol>
<li>Light sensor -- very important so we get good photosynthesis (and good respiration?).<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itSBuk0odCY/U96yfVkAT-I/AAAAAAAAA08/-Pmw3d1Os8s/s1600/gardenmcu+light+sensor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itSBuk0odCY/U96yfVkAT-I/AAAAAAAAA08/-Pmw3d1Os8s/s1600/gardenmcu+light+sensor.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One type of light sensor (from Adafruit)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Soil moisture sensor -- very important because too dry means 'dead plant' and too wet means 'dead plant.'</li>
<li>Temperature sensor -- important for growth, especially during Humboldt winters. Temperature will be less critical for plants like lettuce, but very critical for plants like tomatoes.</li>
<li>Relative humidity sensor (RH) -- RH won't be critical for lettuce growth in Phase 1, but it will be critical as the project's future phases try to minimize water usage and as we try to grow RH-sensitive plants like redwood trees.</li>
</ol>
<li>LEDs for indoor gardening</li>
<ol>
<li>RGB LEDs will let us adjust the light if we want</li>
<li>Red and Blue LEDs appear to be used for optimum lettuce growth.</li>
<li>Research and / or people who know plant growth lighting and LEDs are required.</li>
</ol>
<li>MCU to gather and record sensor data</li>
<ol>
<li>Which MCU we use for the Humboldt MCU Garden project depends partly on who wants to be involved with the project.</li>
<ol>
<li>If we can get a sponsor for the Humboldt MCU Garden project, such as an MCU manufacturer or distributor, I'll use whichever MCU they manufacture or distribute!</li>
<li>If no MCU manufacturer or distributor sponsor can be recruited, the MCU will be determined by whoever takes the lead on programming for the project.</li>
<ol>
<li>If Ed takes the lead, we'll probably use a Texas Instruments MCU.</li>
<li>If Josiah takes the lead, or if I'm filling that role, it will likely be an Arduino or Arduino-compatible.</li>
<li>If someone other than Josiah, Ed or me volunteers to lead the garden-variety programming for this project, that person can choose the MCU type.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
</ol>
<li>Type of soil</li>
<ol>
<li>Determining what type of soil to use will require research or a project member who has good experience with growing plants indoors in containers.</li>
<li>The type of soil will likely affect other gardening aspects such as what nutrients we need to add and the soil moisture measurement.</li>
</ol>
<li>Fertilizer and trace nutrients to add</li>
<ol>
<li>Fertilizer and trace nutrients is another topic that will require research or a project member experienced in the art.</li>
<li>Might want to evaluate whether pH or some other batch or continuous sensor (pH? nutrient analysis?) should be used to track nutrient levels.</li>
</ol>
<li>Data gathering and analysis</li>
<ol>
<li>There are no specific requirements for data gathering and analysis for Phase 1 since it's such a simple system. However, part of the purpose of Phase 1 is to learn how to effectively monitor growing conditions, so it makes sense to establish good gardening data practices (GGDP) for those growing conditions and different types of sensors.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jaSEpju7l9Y/U96r-GBTOII/AAAAAAAAA0M/TGzsrldiuBk/s1600/gardenmcu+ifttt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jaSEpju7l9Y/U96r-GBTOII/AAAAAAAAA0M/TGzsrldiuBk/s1600/gardenmcu+ifttt.jpg" height="97" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>As part of my goal to get Humboldt people more involved in the Internet of Things (IoT), it would be good to use services like open data bases and <b><a href="https://ifttt.com/">IFTTT</a></b> (If This Then That).</li>
<li>One 'gardening data' goal is to use that data to automatically track, alarm and interpret the data generated by the sensors. It would be nice to generate online graphs and have alarms sent out by IFTTT when growing conditions reach or approach setpoints where action needs to be taken.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
The above outline give you an idea of what I think Phase 1 of the Humboldt MCU Garden group project should look like. Next steps for me to get this project rolling are (1) talk to and try to recruit a couple people who've expressed an interest in MCU gardening, (2) promote the project to other people in the Humboldt Makers and MCU group and try to recruit some of them, (3) develop a one-page MCU project proposal that I can use to pitch to potential sponsors, and (4) continue to do research for Phase 1 topics like sensors, nutrients and soil types.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are interested in this project or know someone who might be, please email me at arcatabob (at) gmail {dott} com or come to an MCU group meeting or <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtMakers">Humboldt Makers</a></b> meeting in the near future.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-60157484290870490602014-08-02T22:15:00.001-07:002014-08-03T12:46:24.570-07:00Humboldt Makers Group At Eureka Craft FairThe <b><a href="http://www.humboldtmakers.org/">Humboldt Makers Group</a></b> had a tech demo and information table today at the 'Humboldt Makers Street Fair,' an arts and craft fair in Eureka, California.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MN-DAsz2ebk/U9246EywB2I/AAAAAAAAAzM/dPgLEVel7Ns/s1600/eureka+maker+fair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MN-DAsz2ebk/U9246EywB2I/AAAAAAAAAzM/dPgLEVel7Ns/s1600/eureka+maker+fair.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
<br />
The arts and craft street fair was organized by Origin Design Lab from Eureka, and it was <b><a href="http://www.eurekamainstreet.org/node/1284">the 4th annual fair</a></b> for them. Several blocks of 2nd Street in the Old Town section of Eureka hosted arts and crafts booths and a variety of local musicians. The Humboldt Makers Group had a table there to raise the visibility of the group in the local community and to encourage participation in the Humboldt Makers monthly meetings from 6 to 8 PM at 1385 8th Street in Arcata. We also had the brand new Humboldt Laser Harp (HLH) on the table to amaze and entertain passersby.<br />
<br />
Although most of the public walking around to the different booths and tables appeared to be tourists or shoppers looking at the arts and crafts for sale, rather than makers, it was worthwhile for us to have a table at the event. We did talk with a few people who seemed interested enough in the maker group to come to future monthly meetings. These interested people ranged from young students who wanted to learn about electronics but didn't have much money or drivers license to people who took a smartphone picture of the Humboldt Makers Group sign and said they wanted to come to meetings to people who seemed interested in the makers but didn't appear committed to getting involved with the group.<br />
<br />
Having these people stop by the table to talk with us simply reinforced what I've found to be true in many places. Every maker event and tech unconference I've participated in over the past ten years has involved talking with people at the event who say they just heard about the event (which was of high interest to them) the day before, or they ask how long we've been around and why it's so hard to find out about us, or they tell me they were sure there were no other people like them (a maker or a tech enthusiast) in the area because they sure didn't know of any. I'm firmly convinced that a combination of three things can greatly strengthen and expand the community of makers or tech enthusiasts in an area.<br />
<ol>
<li>Establishing regular in-person events for either the maker community or the tech enthusiast community.</li>
<li>Organizing and facilitating event activities which are of interest to the people who show up and participate in the event.</li>
<li>Extensively promoting, communicating and marketing the events and the groups behind the events so that as many potentially-interested people as possible find out about them. A big part of this involves personal invitations to people to participate in an event.</li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xKo0G-OKRE/U925zbZA7lI/AAAAAAAAAzU/7djxCwiWaYM/s1600/eureka+bay+area+faire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xKo0G-OKRE/U925zbZA7lI/AAAAAAAAAzU/7djxCwiWaYM/s1600/eureka+bay+area+faire.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maker Faire -- Bay Area, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
No one I talked to at today's event knew what the '<b><a href="http://makerfaire.com/maker-movement/">maker movement</a></b>' is and only a couple had heard of the <b><a href="http://makerfaire.com/bay-area-2014/">Maker Faire in the Bay area</a></b>. This was partly because people at today's event were there for an arts and craft street fair. But the lack of awareness also shows a need for more promotion and education about 'makers' and 'Maker Faire.' A dedicated core group of people can greatly raise the visibility in Humboldt County of the maker movement, but we one or two new people in the group who are good at marketing and promotion, and we need sponsors that enable us to effectively promote the Humboldt Makers Group.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzj4Z0wILA8/U96PU7jqjfI/AAAAAAAAAz0/s_r9EyYHPXA/s1600/eureka+fair+HLH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzj4Z0wILA8/U96PU7jqjfI/AAAAAAAAAz0/s_r9EyYHPXA/s1600/eureka+fair+HLH2.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First public display of Humboldt Laser Harp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The HLH demo went fairly well, especially considering that physical construction of the harp was started last week, and it first became playable yesterday. Having an outdoor, midday venue to demo it also presented challenges, especially in terms of the changing sunlight affecting the light sensors and their correct calibration. Concerns about burning out the 'dollar store' lasers used in the HLH caused us to periodically power down the lasers to try and make them last longer. Powering down the lasers creates an interesting phenomenon. Within ~ two minutes of powering down the lasers, someone would come to our table and ask "What's the Humboldt Laser Harp?" Which, of course, meant we had to power them back up! It was worth it though, because it was fun to watch them play the harp and be amazed at how it works. A robust and versatile harp will be an excellent promotional tool for the Humboldt Makers Group and should be displayed to the general public as much as possible. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ed Smith and I thought of quite a few improvements we'd like to make on the Grip-Strut version of the HLH. Ed is much more familiar with both the hardware and software of the HLH than am I, so I'll let him explain to Nick and others what will be most effective at improving the HLH. However, below is my understanding of HLH stuff we should figure out and work on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEyhwZmIuMA/U96QHR7PqgI/AAAAAAAAAz8/YN2625skKxA/s1600/eureka+fair+HLH3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEyhwZmIuMA/U96QHR7PqgI/AAAAAAAAAz8/YN2625skKxA/s1600/eureka+fair+HLH3.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Reduce ambient light reaching the light sensors.</li>
<li>Improve alignment of lasers.</li>
<li>Modify software so the twelve lasers can all be calibrated to have the same sensitivity or span or whatever the correct term is.</li>
<li>Find better quality, but still reasonable cost, lasers to replace the dollar store lasers.</li>
<li>Make a dark enclosure for the HLH to reduce daylight hitting light sensors and to make laser beams (more) visible outdoors during daytime demos.</li>
<li>Equip the HLH with LEDs that are influenced by the music or breaking of the laser beams.</li>
<li>Add hardware and software that gives improved musical capabilities to the HLH.</li>
<li>Consider building two small laser harps for display with the HLH so three people can experiment with laser beam music at the same time during public demos.</li>
</ol>
<div>
We'll probably have the HLH at next week's Humboldt Microcontrollers Group meeting on Thursday. So if you want to see it in action (and hear it in action), or if you want to contribute in some way to the HLH group project, consider participating in this Thursday's meeting.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230440341002549367.post-91049789757316134632014-08-01T19:14:00.002-07:002014-08-01T19:15:43.224-07:00Atmel Microcontroller Powers Kickstarter Sci-Fi HoverbikeAccording to a recent post titled "<b><a href="http://atmelcorporation.wordpress.com/2014/07/26/hoverbikes-may-soon-become-a-reality/">Hoverbikes may soon become a reality</a></b>," the futuristic hoverbike featured in an in-progress Kickstarter campaign is controlled by an <b><a href="http://www.atmel.com/devices/atmega32u4.aspx">Atmel ATmega32U4</a></b> microcontroller (MCU).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyDmQsXrc7s/U9w-ijH6mfI/AAAAAAAAAyI/FJ5o1bLHlLo/s1600/hovercraft+in+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyDmQsXrc7s/U9w-ijH6mfI/AAAAAAAAAyI/FJ5o1bLHlLo/s1600/hovercraft+in+field.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyborg Buster on scale model hovercraft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Atmel post explains that the Kickstarter campaign supporters don't get a full-size human-carrying hovercraft, but rather a 1/3 size model of the airborne 'motorcycle' current design.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Hoverbikes may not be ready for your daily commute just yet, but thanks UK-based Malloy Aeronautics, we’re now a step closer. Debuting just days ago on Kickstarter, the firm is producing a one-third sized version of its design to help fund the full-sized prototype. “This drone was originally built as a proof of concept for our latest full-sized Hoverbike prototype...After testing the one-third Hoverbike, we realized that it had lots of features that made it a fantastic drone, not only this — selling this scale Hoverbike to the public would allow us to raise funds to continue the development of the manned version.”...the 1.15-meter-long mini replica can carry payloads of around 1.5kg and weighs in at 2.2kg unladen. The 3DR Pixhawk flight controller allows for it to be controlled remotely, as well as follow predetermined flight paths — or the pilot themselves — automatically. The mini-hoverbike also comes equipped with a third-scaled, 3D-printed humanoid ‘pilot’ complete with a space on its head specifically-designed for a GoPro camera.</i>"</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gh5PDFaXy8g/U9w_sRLDjiI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/bENPonBwdn4/s1600/hovercraft+folds+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gh5PDFaXy8g/U9w_sRLDjiI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/bENPonBwdn4/s1600/hovercraft+folds+up.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hovercraft folds up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are several aspects of this MCU project and Kickstarter campaign worth remarking on, some of which come from my recent immersion in the world of MCUs and others from my years of covering aviation innovations for the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The aspects of interest are:<br />
<ol>
<li>The MCU controlling the scale model is a relatively low-powered 8-bit AVR unit, the ATmega32U4. It would be interesting to know what their criteria was for choosing that specific MCU.</li>
<li>It's kind of cool that the hoverbike project has spun off the <b><a href="http://www.hover-bike.com/MA/product/macro-micro/">Macro Micro</a></b> Arduino-compatible board that can be bought for $50 from the Malloy Aeronautics hovercraft website. That's an opportunity made possible by the open source concept of the Arduino ecosystem.</li>
<li>The hovercraft folds up for transportation.</li>
<li>I like the Cyborg Buster 'rider' designed for and shown in pictures of the Kickstarter hovercraft. It will be 3D printed by people who want the lifelike figure, and it has a cavity in its head for a Go-Pro video camera. Creating an appealing 'cyborg' which really has nothing to do with whether this<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVJu1tKJ3dM/U9xATG4fG-I/AAAAAAAAAyY/2f2vU1Lpceo/s1600/hovercraft+cyborg+buster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVJu1tKJ3dM/U9xATG4fG-I/AAAAAAAAAyY/2f2vU1Lpceo/s1600/hovercraft+cyborg+buster.jpg" height="200" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyborg Buster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
is an airworthy hovercraft is an excellent marketing strategy.</li>
<li>The quadcopter design of the hovercraft is unusual in that the two front props appear to partially overlap, as do the two in the rear. I'm not an aeronautical engineer or pilot, but it would be interesting to know how that impacts the aerodynamics of the craft.</li>
<li>The Kickstarter campaign page combines two stories -- one about the full-size hovercraft and one about the scale model quadcopter. Mixing the two stories like that may leave the reader somewhat unclear as to exactly what they are funding when they contribute to the campaign.</li>
<li>The radical departure from traditional aircraft paradigms mean that the hoverbike Kickstarter supporters should not expect a commercial model of the full-size flight-ready hoverbike for quite a few years. Check the history of the Terrafugia Transition and the Martin Jetpack -- you'll see what I mean.</li>
</ol>
<div>
With respect to the Atmel MCU and the scale model hoverbike quadcopter, the Kickstarter website says:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>If you have never flown a multicopter before, we highly recommend purchasing a small drone to practice with first (the Hubsan X4 is great to start with). We designed this 1/3rd scale Hoverbike to be safe and robust, however without rc experience you will be sure to fly your brand new Hoverbike into the ground on the first day and there are practical limits to how strong we can make this!...Our MAcro Micro is an Arduino Micro compatible microcontroller that is easy to program, with 3A inputs and outputs, up to 30V in, analog out, and has hundreds of uses in robotics and home projects, including stepper motor driver, LED strip light controller, servo actuator, fan speed controller, brew kit controller, electric car window conversions...We designed this tiny board to drive the multicolor LED's on the Hoverbike, and to allow owners of our 1/3rd Hoverbikee to do more with their drone than just look passively from the sky, by switching and actuating levers, release pins, spot lights via their radio or program</i>."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upy9enrg1g4/U9xD3JbG1cI/AAAAAAAAAyk/bXJDj8x_FZU/s1600/hovercraft+umaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upy9enrg1g4/U9xD3JbG1cI/AAAAAAAAAyk/bXJDj8x_FZU/s1600/hovercraft+umaine.jpg" height="96" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UMaine Hover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Atmel MCUs have been used in the drone ArduPilots for quite a few years, but this hoverbike Kickstarter campaign shows the expanding non-engineering use of MCUs. In this case, the MCU is really being used as a marketing tool to raise R&D money, rather than just being the brains of the quadcopter autopilot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On a related note for those readers interested in this type of personal aircraft, here are links to two other hoverbike projects. The first is for the 'UMaine Hover,' a <b><a href="http://www.umaine.edu/MechEng/mo/2012-2013%20Capstone/Hoverbike%20Website/December%20Report/December%20Report.pdf">senior design project</a></b> for a group of University of Maine students. Here's a <b><a href="http://www.umaine.edu/MechEng/mo/2012-2013%20Capstone/Hoverbike%20Website/index.html">link to the UMaine Hover website</a></b>. The second project was the Aerofex 'hover<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvweMWoVq1s/U9xI7cwKBwI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Smjb5LamT80/s1600/hovercraft+aerofex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvweMWoVq1s/U9xI7cwKBwI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Smjb5LamT80/s1600/hovercraft+aerofex.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerofex hover bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
bike' from a couple years ago. The <b><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/21/business/la-fi-tn-hover-bike-jedi-20120821">LA Times article</a></b> has a video of that's worth watching of a test run on the airborne personal sportcraft. Looks like it would have fun to pilot. Aerofex apparently made it clear that they weren't planning to sell the 'aircraft' as a human-piloted craft, but were rather using it as a drone development tool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If the Humboldt Microcontrollers Group wanted to get involved with quadcopters, I'd be all for that. My recommendation, though, would be to get some flying experience with a well <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hww95BcWdpo/U9xJXrVOCxI/AAAAAAAAAy8/OGPSI6kxBDg/s1600/hovercraft+ardrone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hww95BcWdpo/U9xJXrVOCxI/AAAAAAAAAy8/OGPSI6kxBDg/s1600/hovercraft+ardrone.jpg" height="103" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parrot AR.Drone 2.0</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
tested one like the <b><a href="http://ardrone2.parrot.com/">Parrot AR.Drone</a></b>. I've flown that a little, and it was both fun and relatively easy to keep in the air. One of the participants in a recent meeting of the MCU group had interesting stories to tell about his adventures with drones and MCUs. If you have built or flown an MCU-controlled quadcopter, consider coming to an upcoming meeting of the MCU group. The next meeting is on August 7th. Hope to see you there!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650104091974551856noreply@blogger.com0