Author Archives: the machinegeek

Cotton Candy: thumb sized Linux computer

Cotton Candy is a mini Linux box in a package resembling a USB thumb drive. FXI Technologies, Inc., a Norway-based hardware and software startup which developed the product, has launched cstick.com, a community website and technical forum where Cotton Candy development units are immediately available for pre-order. (Unit shown in above video is an engineering […]

Wardriving for ZigBee

Travis Goodspeed has assembled this wardriving project covering the ZigBee wireless protocol. It is designed around the radio module from the TelosB, which is used to sniff for nearby ZigBee/802.15.4 transmissions. This module is connected via serial to a Roving Networks RN42 module which provides a Bluetooth connection to the Nokia N9. Travis’ GoodFET firmware […]

28C3: The Atari 2600 video computer system ultimate talk

Here’s something for retro video game enthusiasts. This talk by Sven Oliver (‘SvOlli’) Moll from the recent 28C3 conference in Berlin covers the history, the hardware and how to write programs for the Atari 2600 gaming console. The Atari 2600 Video Computer System (VCS for short) was one of the first popular gaming consoles back […]

MUN Sailbot autonomous sailboat

Jordan S (who scored one of our VFD tube sets) is part of a bunch of students from Memorial University, St.John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, trying to build an autonomous sailboat instead of focusing on their studies. Their project is known as Munsailbot. “As a team we are designing, fabricating and programming a fully autonomous vessel which […]

Scheme-It: Digi-Key online schematic editor

Digi-Key has an online schematic editor known as Scheme-It. “Scheme-it is an online schematic and diagramming tool that allows anyone to design and share electronic circuit diagrams. The tool includes a comprehensive electronic symbol library and an integrated Digi-Key component catalog that allows for a wide range of circuit designs. Additionally, a built-in bill of […]

8051-compatible MCU samples from Microchip

For those of you who like the 8051 chip, we notice that Microchip has 8051 compatible MCUs available in 40-pin PDIP, part number SST89E516RD-40-C-PIE, available as samples. According to the datasheet: The SST89E516RDx and SST89V516RDx are members of the FlashFlex family of 8-bit microcontroller products designed and manufactured with SST’s patented and proprietary SuperFlash CMOS […]

PROP-6502 Propeller laptop

Dennis Ferron developed this Parallax Propeller Laptop with a 6502 co-processor and 64K of static RAM as his entry to a Parallax Propeller design contest. He observed that hardware prototyping has evolved from building-block hardware (TTL) to programmable hardware (PLA’s and FPGA’s). He believes that the Propeller chip represents the next revolution: 100% software-based virtual […]

Transparency Grenade blows WiFi privacy out of water

Created in January, 2012, by Julian Oliver for the Studio Weise7 exhibition at Labor 8, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, the Transparency Grenade represents a more physical approach to fostering the process of corporate and government transparency than the slow, tedious process of policy reform. Equipped with a tiny computer, microphone and powerful wireless […]

43Oh’s “name a device using MSP430” contest

Our friends at 43Oh.com are conducting a contest. They ask: “Do you know of any devices or gadgets in the wild open market that have MSP430 microcontrollers in them?” They will be giving a Capacitive Touch BoosterPack to one lucky entrant! Their contest ends 12:00PM on 2/23/2012. Visit the 43Oh contest webpage for entry rules.

Design Spark free schematic layout software

In examining the design files for the Maker Shed pulse sensor we noted that they weren’t produced using Eagle. Instead, the files were generated using Design Spark’s free Schematic Layout Software. This is a free (activation required at no charge) PCB design alternative and is available from the Design Spark website. These are the sample […]

Maker Shed pulse sensor

The folks over at MAKE have a pulse sensor which attaches to your fingertip or earlobe and measures minute changes in light from expansion of the capillary blood vessels to sense your heartbeat. Technical information is available here, including design files, sample code and schmetic. The device is licensed under the TAPR Open Hardware License. […]

The “MOTHER” of all hackerspace automation systems

Jonathan of LVL1 Hackerspace informs us of their latest project. “MOTHER is LVL1’s attempt to create the ultimate hackerspace A.I. and automation system. The MOTHER project is still in it’s early stages yet MOTHER has already gained the ability to monitor and control a MASSIVE numbers of sensors as well as become a central integration […]

Arduino automatic CQ caller for amateur radio

VK3YE likes to work CW (Morse Code) on the 40-meter band, but doesn’t like the monotony of hand keying CQ endlessly. He devised this simple project using an Arduino to tap out CQ and his call sign automatically at predetermined intervals. The keying was originally accomplished using a reed relay as shown in the video. […]

28C3: Hack the planet with Code Hero and Makerhoods

In this rapid fire lightning talk from the 28C3 Chaos Communication Congress held recently in Berlin, Alex Peake highlights the learning initiative known as Code Hero. “Code Hero, a game that teaches you how to make games so you can make games that teach everything else to make all knowledge playable.” (Well, that clears everything […]

Kicad libgen tool

Boseji informs us of the new libgen tool for creating Kicad schematics symbols. This tool is based on Python and can generate one Component from a XML file.This tool in multiple ways emulates the Quick KICAD Library Component Builder online tool for generating the symbols. However since it’s standalone it becomes easier to edit and […]