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So here it is! uPOV with a USB HID connection to modify the message! rucalgary.hackhut.com writes:
So I continuously recived the question… “How do you change the message?” As I answered this many times before, I began to realize that my “you use an ISP programmer along with a bash script in linux” answer wasn’t going to cut it for most people. I started looking at alternatives, and finally settled on an HID implementation. I used Objective Development’s VUSB firmware (a firmware only USB implementation for AVR microcontrollers) along with a few additional components. (ceramic resonator, three resistors, two capacitors, a voltage regulator, and of course the USB mini-B connector) I also added an aditional LED because I could.
USB POV! - [Link]
Google’s open accessory development kit on standard Arduino hardware, not confirmed but seems like it should work… [via]
A lot of people have been put off by the price of the reference hardware kit, which is roughly $390. What’s worse, they appear to be sold out until end of May, and Microchip’s cheaper ($80) alternative doesn’t arrive until July. So instead of waiting I decided to write a guide on how to get an ADK-capable Arduino for about $55.
Since the ADK reference design is based on Arduino and Oleg Mazurov’s excellent USB host shield, it stands to reason that we should be able to build our own hardware kit from these components. I already had these parts lying around from my work on MicroBridge, so I decided to ‘port’ their code, which in reality means just changing a couple of pin definitions.
Google’s open accessory development kit on standard Arduino hardware – [Link]
That was fast… [via]
Android ADK project that shows the Artist and Track info for the song your Android device is playing from the new Music Beta service from Google. The sign gets the current track metadata from the new Android Music App. The spectrum analyzer animation is just eye candy — it’s not analyzing the audio…yet
Hey look, the first Android Arduino Accessory project – [Link]
ermicro.com writes:
Most of microcontrollers work within 5 volt environment and the I/O port can only handle current up to 20mA; therefore if we want to attach the microcontroller’s I/O port to different voltage level circuit or to drive devices with more than 20mA; we need to use the interface circuit. One of the popular method is to use the Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) or we just called it transistor in this tutorial. I have to make clear on this BJT type to differentiate among the other types of transistors family such as FET (Field Effect Transistor), MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET), VMOS (Vertical MOSFET) and UJT (Uni-Junction Transistor).
Using Transistor as a Switch – [Link]
avbrand.com writes:
A few years ago, I bought a drinks / vending / pop machine on Craigslist for about $800. It was in very good condition and had clearly not been used very much at all. In fact, the only maintenance I’ve had to perform on it was to replace one of the light tubes.
The machine is made by Dixie Narco, and it turns out the machine is quite common and very capable, although by vending standards it is now considered “out of date”. But it’s good enough for my needs. I put it in the hallway of my building and use it to sell a variety of drinks to my neighbours.
PopCARD: Pop Machine Cash Card – [Link]
pyroelectro.com writes:
One of the most useful types of PCB’s in the world of electronics is the breakout board. Breakout boards offer prototypers easy access to all pins on an IC that normally has tiny leads in SOP/TSSOP/QFN/BGA type packages. If you’re trying to prototype on a breadboard a breakout board will be your savior, especially if paired with standard 0.1″ SIPs.
DIY Breakout Board PCB – [Link]
Doug Conner‘s Stirling engine may be viewed at the upcoming Bay Are Maker Faire. Check it! [via]
This Stirling engine delivers 1W to a stepper motor used as generator to power a high-power LED. This engine uses electrical heating for simplicity and to simplify efficiency measurements. At 1.7% efficiency, it’s not a good way to power your lights! It’s only for research.
Stirling Engine Generates 1 Watt – [Link]
Teague Labs has developed a device for programming and altering the code on Arduinos without the need for a computer. This opens new opportunities for in the field programming and testing of Arduino projects. [via]
The Computerless Arduino consists of two major components; an Arduino-compatible microcontroller loaded with a realtime code interpreter, and a stand-alone 5 button LCD display to display port values and manipulate code. The display can be connected to the Arduino via a 4-pin port at any time to peek at In/Out values, view the current code, and make changes as desired.
The experimental code for this device is open source and available on Teague Labs website.
Computerless Arduino programming hack - [Link]
Trimpots are adjustable resistors. They function much the same as regular potentiometers, except they are compact in size and have 0.1″ leads for easy installation on a PCB or breadboard. Learn about all the different kinds in Robot Room’s updated trimpot tutorial. [via]
Trimpot tutorial – [Link]
