TI has released GRACE , a graphical configuration tool for MSP430 and Launchpad developers for setting up integrated peripherals such as ADCs, OpAmps, Timers, Clocks, and other modules. This tool is a free and open source, eclipse-based plug-in for Code Composer Studio. Code Composer Studio v4.2.0.11017 is required for the plugin to work correctly.
Via 43Oh.com
PocketMagic demos the use of an Android phone’s Bluetooth capability to transmit commands to a module interfaced through an Atmega8 with a robot car. While this project controls a Perseus 3 robot platform, the code and circuit could be easily adapted to use with any device that could be interfaced with the Atmega8, and the control could be achieved using a computer’s Bluetooth module.
doegox posted new case sticker for Bus Pirate v3 in the forum.
* Corrected UART pinouts
* Color codes in separate column for better readability of labels
* Reordered rows to match physical ordering of flat cable
* Shows alternative color for +5V: orange or pink depending on the flat ribbon you have
Get your own handy Bus Pirate for $30, including world-wide shipping. Also available from our friendly distributors Adafruit, Open Source Control Systems, and eHaJo.
The Thermochromic paint clock displays the time using resistors coated in color changing paint. Hot resistors turn light gray to form each segment.
Via Hack a Day.
Kevin Morris of FPGAJournal discusses the future of FPGAs and SoC (System On Chip) and why it may be a good idea to put peanut butter on our fabric.
Scienceprog shows how to construct a function generator using the Atmega16P. Code and schematic are included, and the project uses a repurposed PC power supply to provide 5 and 12 volt sources.
The Philadelphia, PA based Maker/hacker group Hive76 developed a tiny serial terminal using a TI Launchpad and an HD44780 LCD. The circuit diagram and code libraries are available for download. Some useful work that can be incorporated into larger projects.
Tim has written another oscilloscope script for the Bus Pirate.
The script (distribute under GPL) is attached, as are a couple of screenshots. The first displays the triggering function with the trigger voltage level (horizontal dashed line) and the trigger point (vertical dashed line) shown on the graph. The second shows the spectral analysis function for a 250Hz square wave input (the higher frequency peaks are harmonics). You can also save sampled data and the plots of this data to disk.
Via the forum.
Lattice made an over-the-top infomercial for the MachXO2 Programmable Logic Device. PLDs are in the neighborhood of CPLDs and FPGAs.
Lattice CPLDs are available at Mouser, but we’ve never tried them. Any experience?
This gem seems to have originated with Jeri Ellsworth, but it’s everywhere today.
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service.
On this super-late PCB Sunday we’re giving away two boards for the USB Universal LCD backpack. The backpack controls LCDs with up to 16 interface pins at 3.3volts or 5.0volts, including common HD44780 character LCDs and larger graphical LCDs. This project was developed collaboratively in the forum. See it come to life here, and check out the design history and work-product on the wiki.
Get an assembled USB Universal LCD backpack for $15.
Bunnie Huang (Bunnie’s Blog) reverse engineered the Xbox 360 and had been called as an expert witness in a case (USA v Crippen) charging violations of the criminal provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The case was dismissed after the first witness testified, so in order to publicly summarize the technical facts on how the box was reversed Bunnie has presented a synopsis in his blog.
The Bus Pirate PIC programming adapter is back in stock at Seeed. It’s still intended for developers only, and there isn’t any software support.
We increased the price on this batch to the ‘normal’ $12. Get the adapter here.
Deep Darc has successfully reverse engineered the operation of a 50-light set of GE multicolor Christmas lights. His work involved snooping the protocol used on the LEDs data bus line and exploration of the remote control unit, resulting in source code allowing control of the display of colors and patterns by an Attiny13A.
Naturetm has published the details on how to produce composite video using the MSP430 found on the TI Launchpad. Just two resistors added to the Launchpad and their source code will get you monochrome NTSC video in 192×40 res!
Chris Paget presented a talk at Defcon 18 on RFID and the security implications of long range reading of enhanced driver licenses which have embedded 900 MHz RFID tags.
The video is divided into four parts totaling about 45 minutes. In addition to part 1 above, here are links to parts 2-4:
We’re looked at lots of RFID projects, but most don’t disclose the source code. There’s finally an RFID spoofer with source so we can see how the magic works.
Via Hack a Day.
Kreylos combined the color and the depth image captured by the Microsoft Kinect.
Via the contact form.
Geek guru Jeri Ellsworth is at it again, continuing with her exploration of homebrew radar devices. In this installment satellite dish hardware is interfaced with an FPGA to provide
Maker Stephen Hobley presents a novel way of protecting your AC powered project from blowing up: place a light bulb in series with the circuit! While not a substitute for a fuse, this can provide a secondary means of protection from drawing too much current.
Joe Desbonnet demonstrates his use of a Bus Pirate as a serial-to-PC IO bridge with a PIC 16F327A. The PIC is simultaneously connected to a PICkit2 programmer, and this setup allowed him to communicate with the newly programmed PIC using serial commands in a prototyping environment. A good basic how-to post, including sample Bus Pirate commands, PIC Demo Program, and covering both Windows and Linux implementations.
