Author Archives: the machinegeek

DEFCON 20: bypassing endpoint security with USB keys

In this talk from the DEFCON 20 conference, Phil Polsta, Computer Security Professor at the University of Dubuque discusses the relative insecurity of using USB “keys” as a way of restricting access to tech resources. He explains in detail how any USB mass storage (flash or hard) drive can be made to appear as an […]

Free Stellaris Launchpad webinar

TI is offering a free webinar designed to introduce attendees to the Stellaris Launchpad ecosystem as well as feature a live demonstration of the hardware and software. The event is set for Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 11:00am ET. TI says attendees will also receive a chance to purchase up to 5 different LaunchPad parts […]

ArduPower – remote control AC devices over Ethernet

Alberto Panu has designed this Arduino-based project to remotely control a bank of AC household current outlets through an Ethernet network. The project uses an Arduino Uno, Ethernet shield, ULN2003 Darlington transistor array along with six power relays and a handful of discrete components. The AC outlets are controlled based upon Telnet commands and the […]

PropProgTH standalone Propeller programmer

If you’re into the Parallax Propeller and are interested in a standalone programmer, here’s a project for you. Known as the PropProgTH it uses the Propeller to take a stored program and load it onto another Propeller. Storage of the program is either in an optional micro-SD card adapter or by uploading the files needed […]

SkyDogCon 2012 : Cryptanalysis of the enigma

At the recent SkyDogCon conference, Bob Weiss and Benjamin Gatti presented this talk analyzing Enigma, the World War II era Nazi encryption machine. The encryption theory behind Enigma is covered, including a detailed under-the-hood view of a typical device. Finally, a demo is conducted using a laptop in an effort to crack an Enigma message. […]

Tutorial: debug Stellaris LM4Fxxx MCU with open source tools

Scompo noticed that the examples with the Stellaris Launchpad are close source licensed. So he developed a BSD licensed low level startup code, linker script and makefile as a template. To test it he built OpenOCD and wrote a short tutorial for it. Scompo explains, “This is a sample project to be used with Stellaris […]

Closer look at a direct sequence spread spectrum signal

Sebastian Westerhold draws our attention to his article taking a closer look at a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) signal. Sebastian is holder of amateur radio license KF5OBS and is interested in experimenting with pseudorandom number generators. In his article he describes the generation of a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) using a linear feedback shift […]

Video: PhreakNIC 16 – Wardriving the 4.9GHz public safety bands

What is the 4.9 GHz public safety band? In the US RF hackers may be familiar with the old VHF and UHF FM voice police/fire/ems radio bands. Few are aware that in the post-9/11 environment other public safety data and digital voice ops are moving to previously unused portions of the spectrum. In this video […]

TI previews MSP430FR59xx low power MCUs

TI has announced the preview of the MSP430FR58xx and MSP430FR59xx family of ultra-low-power microcontrollers. This group consists of several devices featuring embedded FRAM nonvolatile memory, an ultra-low-power 16-bit MSP430 CPU, and different sets of peripherals targeted for various applications. The architecture, FRAM, and peripherals, combined with seven low-power modes, are optimized to achieve extended battery […]

PropForth 5.0 and beginner’s guide available

PropForth 5.0 is available for use on the Parallax Propeller. As the PropForth crew explains, “It is an interactive development and run time system. You can communicate with PropForth using a standard serial port, or via ethernet and telnet depending on the capabilities of the system you are using. It has a rich set of […]

Preheating plate + tinfoil = almost reflow

Andrew Tergis presents an interesting method of reflowing SMD components using a preheating plate and tinfoil (to catch infrared energy). He also uses a Fluke temperature probe attached to the PCB to more accurately monitor temperature. This gives newcomers to reflow an idea of the pitfalls involved. Vladimir via the contact form.

Beginners project: Arduino zombie detector

Yeah we know Halloween is over, but what better time for the zombie invasion to begin than when you let your guard down? With this easy Arduino project from MAKE, even beginners can be protected. Simply breadboard a PIR sensor, LED and buzzer and connect them to your Arduino. Then upload the code to your […]

Toorcon: HackRF low cost SDR platform

At the recent Toorcon conference in San Diego, Michael Ossmann from GreatScottGadgets presented this talk providing details on his HackRF project which we covered in a recent post. In this video Michael presents an overview of the history of SDR and details on the development of the HackRF board. Visit the HackRF project page for […]

How-to: build an 8×8 LED cube kit

Chris from PyroElectro presents this post explaining the process for building an 8x8x8 LED cube (that’s 512 LEDs) from a kit. This is essentially Chris’ review of the Jameco 8×8 LED Cube Kit. He explains both how to build the LED cube and how to make the electronics that control it. Visit PyroElectro for more […]

Video: Android app insecurity and reversing

In this just released video from the Open Web App Security Project (OWASP) AppSecUSA 2011 conference held in Minneapolis, MN, Mike Park discusses the insecurity of Android “.apk” apps and covers the ease with which Android Apps can be reversed, the ability to store sensitive data locally, and how these apps can be trojaned to […]

Minimalist Arduino for $3

What’s the fewest components you need to have a functional Arduino? Wolf Paulus gets it down to just an Atmega168 chip, power connector and LED for good measure. He describes, “This is probably the most minimal ATmega168-20PU based Arduino you can come up with. The ATmega168 (available for about $3) was the default Arduino chip […]