Schlagwort: tech

  • Winners of the Arduino/Distrelec Automation & Robotics Contest announced!

    Winners of the Arduino/Distrelec Automation & Robotics Contest announced!

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    Winners of the Arduino/Distrelec Automation & Robotics Contest announced!

    Arduino Team — October 2nd, 2018

    Earlier this year, Distrelec launched an Automation & Robotics Contest that invited our community to help advance Industry 4.0 leveraging the Arduino ecosystem. Submissions were required to use Arduino hardware—ranging from WiFi (MKR1000 and Yún Rev2) to GSM/narrowband (MKR FOX 1200, MKR WAN 1300, and MKR GSM 1400) to feature-rich boards like the popular Mega and Due—along with Arduino Create to set up, control, and connect their devices.

    Fast forward five months and the winning entries have now been selected, with the top project receiving a Keithley DMM6500 Bench Top Multimeter and a trip to Maker Faire Rome to showcase their work. Other prizes included a Weller WT1010 Set (2nd place) and Grove Starter Kits for Arduino (3rd-10th).

    So without further ado, let’s take a look at the winners!

    1st Place: Arduino Data Glasses for My Multimeter

    2nd Place: Industrial Line Follower for Supplying Materials

    Runner-Up: Accessibility Controls for Droids

    Runner-Up: Skating Robot  

    Runner-Up: Autonomous Home Assistant Robot

    Runner-Up: Object Avoiding FSM Robot Arm

    Runner-Up: Automatic Monorail Control

    Runner-Up: Smart Crops: Implementing IoT in Conventional Agriculture

    Runner-Up: Building a Sensor Network for an 18th Century Gristmill

    Runner-Up: Robot Arm Controlled Through Ethernet

    Congratulations to everyone! Be sure to also check out the contest page to browse through several other projects, such as an IoT platform for vehicles, a universal CNC machine, a gesture-controlled robotic arm, and more!

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    Website: LINK

  • Vintage ham radio transformed into epic party game prop

    Vintage ham radio transformed into epic party game prop

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    Vintage ham radio transformed into epic party game prop

    Arduino Team — October 2nd, 2018

    Maker Thomas Meston needed a “mysterious looking device” that allows players to enter codes obtained via an original party game. What he came up with is entitled “Dr. Hallard’s Dream Transmission Box,” and consists of an Arduino, a party light, a smoke machine, and other components stuffed into a broken National NC-33 ham radio.

    This radio makes a really excellent enclosure for the electronics inside, and when the device is properly activated the winning team hears a special message via an Arduino Uno-controlled MP3 shield, accompanied by laser lights and smoke. 

    How it works:

    • When the box is switched on you hear static and see a yellow light. The device is ready for the codes to be entered.
    • Once all three dials have been set, the player switches the bottom toggle to “send” state, the box will message back whether team blue or team red has entered any codes with a quick flash of either a red or blue led.
    • If all three dials are set to red codes, the red team wins and hears a special message through the speaker just for them. The laser lights and smoke machine will be activated at the same time.
    • If all three dials are set to blue, a different message will play as well as activating the smoke machine and laser lights.

    More info on the project can be found here, and while it might seem like a shame to modify this kind of vintage equipment, Meston notes that he sees this as giving it a nice second life since it was previously non-functional.

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    Website: LINK

  • Custom “doorbell” flashes house lights for the hearing impaired

    Custom “doorbell” flashes house lights for the hearing impaired

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    Custom “doorbell” flashes house lights for the hearing impaired

    Arduino Team — September 28th, 2018

    Darren Lewis’ parents both have a difficult time hearing the doorbell. He experimented with an off-the-shelf flashing light, but found that could only really be seen when they were in the room—an obvious problem. In response to this, Lewis decided to make his own system that flashes multiple house lights at the same time.

    His device uses an Arduino Nano to detect the stock doorbell speaker voltage. When a press is sensed, it then activates a RF light switch via a modified remote, using an output pin and opto-isolator to substitute in for the normal button press. 

    It’s a clever hack, and certainly one that will certainly help alleviate doorbell frustration in the future!

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC8JPW88aE0?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhI5gHsknqY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • View the sea floor in 360° with this Arduino-powered dropcam

    View the sea floor in 360° with this Arduino-powered dropcam

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    View the sea floor in 360° with this Arduino-powered dropcam

    Arduino Team — September 26th, 2018

    A dive mask or even SCUBA tanks are a great way to explore the ocean, but at depths of much more than 30 meters, things become a bit dicey. 1,000 meters is generally unthinkable for amateur divers but WorkshopScience has come up with a way to explore these regions without undue danger.

    His device, developed during an internship with Blue Robotics, is touted as the world’s first consumer deep-sea dropcam. It’s able to dive to 1,000 meters and capture 360° video, as well as pressure and temperature readings. 

    When a sufficient amount of time has passed, an Arduino board releases a weight by disintegrating a length of nichrome wire with electrical current. It then floats to the surface for data analysis. How it works, along with a resulting 360° video can be seen below.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHRGnbjmQtE?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OThuULqVOYc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Three-axis rotary machining with Arduino

    Three-axis rotary machining with Arduino

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    For many years CNC machining was the purview of well-equipped shops and manufacturing facilities. With the availability of inexpensive control hardware, such as Arduino-based GRBL packages, this type of control has come to the (technically inclined) masses, enabling us to create complicated 2D and 3D shapes automatically.

    Normally, this means X, Y, and Z axes that control a cutting head, and if you wanted to much further in complexity and cost, you could add a fourth or even a fifth axis to tilt things as needed. The RotoMill, however, seen at World Maker Faire in New York, puts a different “spin” on things, substituting a stepper-controlled spindle for the Y axis. The result is a machine with unique machining capabilities, driven by an Arduino Uno running custom GRBL firmware.

    As for now, the CNC can easily mill parts out of softer materials like plastic, wood, and foam, although it is designed to cut aluminum as well.

    A three-axis rotary CNC built for the Mechanical Engineering senior design capstone course at Carnegie Mellon University by a team of engineering students. The CNC uses NEMA24 motors for each of the axes, with the X and Z axes actuated by lead screws, and the A (rotary) axis actuated by a worm gear. The spindle is an off-the-shelf Makita hand router, which allows for any router bit to be used.

    Each motor is controlled by a stepper motor driver, which are all coordinated by an Arduino Uno running a customized version of the GRBL firmware. This is in turn controlled by a laptop running open-source GCode sending software.

    To generate the GCode, we would create a 3D model of the part that we wanted to machine. We then “unwrapped” about the A axis. This basically takes the part and converts it from Cartesian coordinates to Cylindrical coordinates.

    To generate the GCode, we would create a 3D model of the part that we wanted to machine. We then “unwrapped” about the A axis. This basically takes the part and converts it from Cartesian coordinates to Cylindrical coordinates.

    At this point, we could take the unwrapped part and load it into Autodesk HSM, a popular industrial CAM package. This allowed us to generate a toolpath for machining the part. We basically “fooled” the CNC into thinking that it was a normal, three-axis Cartesian CNC. The trick, however, is that the Y axis is wrapped around and becomes the A axis.

    Additional information and photos can be found on RotoMill’s page or Hackaday’s recent write-up.

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    Website: LINK

  • Calling volunteers for Maker Faire Rome!

    Calling volunteers for Maker Faire Rome!

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    Calling volunteers for Maker Faire Rome!

    Arduino Team — September 25th, 2018

    Planning to attend Maker Faire Rome in October? We’re currently seeking volunteers to join our team during the event—staffing tables and displays, helping with demos, and providing technical assistance when necessary.

    Those who help us for one shift will receive a day pass; spend two days with us, and you’ll have a ticket for the entire weekend to explore the show. Water and snacks will be provided, of course, and we’ve even prepared a small gift to show our appreciation for your time and effort.

    Interested? Please fill out this questionnaire, and we’ll get back to you soon! (If you are under the age of 18, we will need your parents’ permission.)

    Maker Faire Rome: AAA, cercasi volontarie e volontari per il booth Arduino

    Cercasi volontari/e per Arduino! Hai in programma di visitare Maker Faire Roma? Siamo alla ricerca di volontarie e volontari per lo il nostro booth – che ci aiutino a spiegare i progetti e diano supporto durante le demo.

    Con un turno di volontariato allo stand Arduino, avrai a disposizione un pass per la giornata; se, invece, sarai al nostro booth per almeno due giorni avrai il pass per l’intero evento. Sappiamo quanto sia importante il tuo tempo e quanto sia fondamentale il tuo aiuto al nostro booth, per questo motivo saremo felici di offrirti il pranzo e una selezione di gadget Arduino.

    Ti interessa partecipare al booth Arduino? Per favore completa questo form, ti faremo sapere prestissimo!

    Se hai meno di 18 anni, puoi partecipare ma con il consenso firmato dei tuoi genitori!

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    Website: LINK

  • Star Wars mouse droid reveals hidden scrolling LED display

    Star Wars mouse droid reveals hidden scrolling LED display

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    Star Wars mouse droid reveals hidden scrolling LED display

    Arduino Team — September 24th, 2018

    In several iterations of the Star Wars saga, small black droids can be seen scurrying around imperial installations. While they tend to fade into the background or provide a fun distraction in the movies, the mouse droid by Potent Printables acts as a sort of physical messaging app. It’s able to travel to the correct location, then pop open to unveil a scrolling LED sign.

    Potent Printables can trigger the side door using a Bluetooth app on his phone. On command, an RC servo pushes it open, and lowers it down using a stepper motor/reel setup. An Arduino Uno along with an Adafruit Motor Shield are used for control, while an HC-05 module enables communication with the system.  

    Check out the latest video in this build series below!

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw-zLukmlxM?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • ArdOsc is a matchbox-sized, Arduino Nano-based oscilloscope

    ArdOsc is a matchbox-sized, Arduino Nano-based oscilloscope

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    ArdOsc is a matchbox-sized, Arduino Nano-based oscilloscope

    Arduino Team — September 19th, 2018

    Oscilloscopes come in all different shapes and sizes, and now with just a few discreet components, maker Peter Balch has been able to turn an Arduino Nano into an oscilloscope the size of a matchbox. 

    The simplest version of this device, which he calls the “ArdOsc,” displays data on a computer screen, but a 1.3” OLED can also be added if you want to use it on its own.

    His build write-up goes through several versions of the instrument, progressively adding capabilities including a logic display, signal generator, and other useful tools. It’s certainly worth checking out, whether you need tiny test equipment or just want to marvel at how something this small can be made!

    This oscilloscope costs the price of an Arduino Nano, plus a few pence for resistors, etc. Its specifications are:

    • Max 1M samples/second, min 1000sps
    • 8-bits per sample
    • DC 0-5V; AC +/- 550mV, AC +/- 117mV, AC +/- 25mV
    • USB “PC scope” or built-in display
    • Could be battery-powered
    • Optional logic display
    • Optional frequency meter
    • Optional voltmeter

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    Website: LINK

  • 3D-printed “orbament” lights up with movement

    3D-printed “orbament” lights up with movement

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    3D-printed “orbament” lights up with movement

    Arduino Team — September 18th, 2018

    What would you get if you crossed a gigantic Christmas tree ornament with an LED strip and Arduino/IMU control? Perhaps you’d come up with something akin to this colorful “RGB LED Ball” by James Bruton.

    The device features eight curved supports along with a central hub assembly, forming a structure for APA102 RGB LED strips. Each of these is linked together via wiring that winds through the central hub making them appear to the Arduino Mega controller as one continuous chain of lights. 

    Several animations can be selected with a pair of control buttons, and the ball even responds to movement using an MPU6050 IMU onboard. Files for the build are available on GitHub.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMBejIlcKSM?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • A DIY stroboscope is a bright idea!

    A DIY stroboscope is a bright idea!

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    A DIY stroboscope is a bright idea!

    Arduino Team — September 18th, 2018

    Stroboscopes produce carefully timed pulses of light in order to make a rotating object appear still. While this may seem like something of an exotic concept, YouTuber Mr. Innovative decided to build his own using an Arduino Nano.

    His project uses a PN2222A transistor to drive a 10W LED, which acts as the device’s light source. The spinning RPM is set via a potentiometer, and a small OLED provides user feedback.

    As shown in the video below, the stroboscope is able to cause a sign spinning around on a fan to appear nearly stationary. If you’d like to create you own, Arduino code is available here.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X4wF0FKkok?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Steampunk anglerfish is a mechanical marvel

    Steampunk anglerfish is a mechanical marvel

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    Steampunk anglerfish is a mechanical marvel

    Arduino Team — September 17th, 2018

    Underneath the sea are a wide variety of strange and amazing animals. Perhaps none more so than the anglerfish, with its characteristic light-up lure in front of its face. Club Asimov decided to recreate this fish in a steampunk style, using a linkage system to actuate the tail, and another to open and shut its menacing mouth.

    Three stepper motors provide power for the fish’s movements, and two Arduino boards are used for control. Additionally, the fish’s lure illuminate to attract human observers, along with a heart that rhythmically lights up.

    Inspired by the steampunk universe and the anglerfish, the fish appearing in the movie Nemo, we present to you our newest invention” “Le Poisson des Catacombes!”

    The 1-meter-long mechanical beast is made with metallic pieces recovered from an old dishwasher. It reacts from movements around it giving the impression that it can interact with its surrounding.

    To make the fish, we used:

    2 Arduinos
    2 HC-SR04 ultrasonic
    3 Nema 17 stepper motors
    3 TB6560 stepper motor drivers
    5 red LEDs with 5 100 ohm resistors
    1 old PC power supply

    You can see this mechanical marvel in action in the first video below, while the second provides background on how it was made.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcUUTuQV4co?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NddGTXR1TQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Burning Man camp marker with dancing LED robots

    Burning Man camp marker with dancing LED robots

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    Burning Man camp marker with dancing LED robots

    Arduino Team — September 17th, 2018

    Instructables user “r570sv” needed a marker to find his way back to camp at Burning Man 2018, and decided to make a trio of LED dancing robots that could be raised high up on a pole. The idea is that he could see this from anywhere in the desert, making it great for this particular event—and perhaps for later expeditions, such as beach camping.

    The robots were bent out of 1/8” steel wire, with single-color red LED strips affixed to it using zip ties. Three robotic panels are sequentially lit up using an Arduino and a bank of relays to form animations, similar to a neon sign. The flagpole used to raise the animated sculpture was affixed to his truck, creating a sturdy base as well as convenient source of 12V power.

    I wanted to make something so I could find our camp at night at Burning Man 2018. 2018 was a robot theme and I’m a fan of neon but no way was gonna head that route so I came up with an idea about a dancing cocktail glass kinda robot.

    We beach camp and have sand rails so I know how useful flying some kind of flag can be during the day and some kind of LED light pole is at night. So I figured, use it an burning man and keep using when we go to the beach.

    So using metal and welding is in my wheel house and I’m good with Arduinos so that’s the medium that I chose to implement this project in.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHPkaSGTwq4?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s9xjzY2A4g?feature=oembed&w=500&h=375]

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    Website: LINK

  • Pay for art with your mugshot

    Pay for art with your mugshot

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    Pay for art with your mugshot

    Arduino Team — September 17th, 2018

    As reported here, digital artist Matthias Dörfelt has created an art vending machine in an attempt to increase awareness around blockchain possibilities, as well as how we handle our personal information.

    Face Trade, now on display at Art Center Nabi in Seoul, takes the form of a large vaguely face shaped box. When it detects a human in front of it, the installation invites the participant to swap his or her face for art, confirmed using a large yellow button that connects to the system’s computer via an Arduino.

    Once confirmed, Face Trade snaps the person’s picture and uploads it to a blockchain in exchange for a computer generated facial image. The resulting art’s conflicted expression is meant to signify the good and bad possibilities that can come out of using this technology. For their trouble, participants also get a receipt showing their captured headshot that now appears along with each transaction on itradedmyface.com.

    Face Trade consists of a camera flash, webcam, receipt printer, inkjet printer, computer, speakers, LCD screen, button and an Arduino (to control the button, LCD screen and camera flash).

    The main application that ties everything together is written in Python. It uses OpenCV to do basic face tracking and take the images. All the Ethereum related things were done using web3.py which is the official python version of web3 to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. The receipt printer, inkjet and Arduino are controlled via Python, too. The process is comprised of taking a picture, uploading it to the blockchain, passing the resulting transaction hash to the face drawing generator that uses it to seed the random numbers (so that each face drawing is uniquely tied to the transaction that it belongs to), printing the resulting drawing and finally printing the receipt.

    [embedded content]

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    Website: LINK

  • Ariadne Headband is a wearable device for haptic navigation

    Ariadne Headband is a wearable device for haptic navigation

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    Ariadne Headband is a wearable device for haptic navigation

    Arduino Team — September 17th, 2018

    In a new take on haptic navigation, makers Vojtech Pavlovsky and Tomas Kosicek have come up with a novel feedback system called the “Ariadne Headband.”

    This device—envisioned for use by people with visual impairments, as well as those that simply want to get around without looking down at a phone while walking or biking—uses four vibrating motors arranged in a circle around the wearer’s head to indicate travel direction.

    An Arduino Nano provides computing power for the setup, along with a compass module and a Bluetooth link to communicate with a companion smartphone app. The Ariadne Headband is currently a prototype, but this type of interface could one day be miniaturized to the point that it could be placed in a hat, helmet, or other everyday headgear.

    Project Ariadne Headband is made out of two parts: headband and control app. The common usage flow is following. First, you open Ariadne Headband Android app. Using this app you connect via Bluetooth to your Headband. Next, the app will ask for you current GPS location. Then you open Google Maps integrated into our app and select your destination (place where you want to go).

    Our Android app will compute the geographical azimuth from your current location and chosen destination. When you are ready you start navigating by pressing a button that sends computed azimuth to the Headband you put on your head.

    Headband consists of Arduino Nano board, GY-271 compass module, HC-06 Bluetooth module (we selected this module only for local availability and will switch to BLE soon) and 4 vibration motors. Compass module allows us to know current azimuth, that is where is the user looking. All components are placed into a small box on back of your head. Our aim in the future will be to make this as small as possible so you will not even feel it. It is also possible to place everything into a hat or helmet for example instead of rubber headband. We are using rubber headband because it is very easy to manipulate.

    Vibration motors around your head are placed in set directions so they can signalize where you should head. Your heading is computed by taking your current azimuth and the azimuth sent from android app (that is where you are currently going and where you should go, respectively).

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    Website: LINK

  • Let this Arduino robotic bartender mix you a drink

    Let this Arduino robotic bartender mix you a drink

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    Let this Arduino robotic bartender mix you a drink

    Arduino Team — September 14th, 2018

    We’ve seen different versions of robotic bartenders over the last few years, but this one by DIY Machines looks quite clean, and because of its battery-powered operation can be taken anywhere.

    The device works like a simple CNC machine, using a stepper and pulley setup to transport a glass between one of six upside down bottles. When it’s in the correct position, two more stepper motors push a lifting assembly into the selected bottle’s dispenser valve, emptying the correct amount of liquid into the glass. An Arduino Uno is used for control, with user interface provided via a Bluetooth module and smartphone app. 

    More videos and build instructions can be found in the project’s write-up, while Arduino code is available here.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBvXknwVfaI?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Robust wheelchair model with treads!

    Robust wheelchair model with treads!

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    Robust wheelchair model with treads!

    Arduino Team — September 14th, 2018

    Most people accept that a wheelchair is, in fact, a chair with wheels. This, however, didn’t stop recent Galileo Galilei Technical Institute graduate Davide Segalerba from turning this concept on its head and producing a “wheelchair” scale model driven instead by a pair of treads. 

    This concept was inspired by Segalerba’s experience using a wheelchair himself while recovering from multiple surgeries, observing that our environment isn’t always conducive to wheeled transportation.

    An Arduino board controls the device, and user input is via a joystick, or from a smartphone app over Bluetooth. You can read more about the projector on Wired Italia or translated to English here.

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    Website: LINK

  • Control your camera with this Arduino intervalometer

    Control your camera with this Arduino intervalometer

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    Control your camera with this Arduino intervalometer

    Arduino Team — September 14th, 2018

    When you need a high-quality image, it’s hard to beat the resolution and lens options of a DSLR. But what if you want to take a photo over and over at set intervals to produce a time-lapse sequence? You could purchase an intervalometer, or make one using an Arduino Nano.

    The device shown in the video below uses a 2.5mm audio plug for the input to a Canon T2i camera. An opto-isolator is activated by the Nano, connecting the ground (base) and tip (shutter) pins. Intervals are set via a 4-position DIP switch, allowing photo intervals of 5, 10, 30, and 60 seconds—or any combination thereof.

    While the functionality shown is quite basic, the setup could be adapted for other timing patterns, or even for use with a sensor. Build instructions are available here, and you can find code and the 3D-printed base on GitHub.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6WMAieY9Pc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Build an Arduino Mega fingerprint door lock

    Build an Arduino Mega fingerprint door lock

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    Build an Arduino Mega fingerprint door lock

    Arduino Team — September 13th, 2018

    If you don’t want to carry keycard or memorize a passcode, this build from Electronoobs might be just the thing. 

    The system uses a fingerprint reader to check to see if you have access, and if approved, the device’s Arduino Mega unlocks the theoretical door using a micro servo motor. Three push buttons and a 16×2 LCD screen complete the user interface, and allow more authorized fingers to be added with the main person/finger’s permission.

    While you might question the security gained by a hobby servo, the video notes that this could trigger any sort of security device, perhaps via a relay or electromagnetic coil lock. Besides security, the build gives a good introduction to Arduino fingerprint scanning, as well as the use of an SD card for data logging functions.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xq6hQUJ4Fk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • The Airdrum plays music with Arduino and six sensor PCBs

    The Airdrum plays music with Arduino and six sensor PCBs

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    The Airdrum plays music with Arduino and six sensor PCBs

    Arduino Team — September 13th, 2018

    Playing music well can be difficult for anyone, especially those with certain disabilities. To make this form of self-expression easier for everyone,  Alessandro Verdiesen and Luuk van Kuijk built the Airdrum—an IR sensor-based instrument that is played simply by the wave of a hand.

    The Airdrum uses six individual sensor boards to detect when a hand is present. This input is then processed via an Arduino Uno and passed along to a Raspberry Pi to produce individual tones.

    People with multiple severe disabilities often encounter the difficulties of playing a music instrument due to their mental and physical deficits.

    Health care institutions which facilitate housing, learning opportunities and day care for these people often encounter the difficulties of communicating with their clients. These institutions experienced that making music together is a great way of communicating and therefore many institutions offer music therapy. According to music therapists, the main goal is having fun. It is proven that people learn more when having fun. When playing an instrument, clients can share emotions and practice their motor skills.

    We have designed a musical instrument which is easy and fun to play, not just for people with severe disabilities, but for everyone: the Airdrum. The Airdrum is a small device containing panels with motion sensors and colored lights. When somebody moves their hand or head above the panels, they light up and they play sound.

    The device, as shown in the demo video, appears to still be a work-in-progress, but has all the functionality needed to play a simple tune with RGB LED feedback.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvPtlGFwY3M?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Hack your coffee machine with voice control

    Hack your coffee machine with voice control

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    Hack your coffee machine with voice control

    Arduino Team — September 12th, 2018

    Are you still pushing buttons and adjusting knobs with your fingers to brew your favorite coffee? If so, then this voice-controlled solution could be the next project on your list.

    To accomplish this hack, a rather high-end coffee maker was disassembled and modified, adding an Arduino Nano to press buttons, along with a small motor and driver board to adjust its dial. Voice control is provided via Snips software running on a Raspberry Pi, which passes the pertinent commands along for coffee making.

    When the devices around you no longer require a lengthy operation manual, but rather, require only a voice command, this unlocks an environment where technology disappears into the background, so that you can regain the freedom to spend quality time with the people you care about. That is in fact our mission at Snips, to make technology disappear.

    Case-in-point: this voice-activated coffee machine. You can ask it to make you a double espresso or a flat white, to pour you some hot water or even to turn itself off.

    It’s purely a demo project, but at our Snips office in Paris, we’ve grown used to the convenience, and so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for anyone interested to replicate it at home.

    Code and modification instructions are available on the Snips team’s blog post, while the brewing results can be seen in the demo video below. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gN1bvl24ZM?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK

  • Show tidal shifts with this Arduino-powered moon clock

    Show tidal shifts with this Arduino-powered moon clock

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    Show tidal shifts with this Arduino-powered moon clock

    Arduino Team — September 12th, 2018

    If you want to know the tide in your area, you could look it up in the paper, on the Internet, or using an app, but this moon-shaped tide clock provides a unique way to see what’s going on at a glance.

    The 3D-printed device uses an Arduino Nano for processing, along with an RTC module to keep accurate time—thus accurate tide predictions. A tiny OLED display provides three info screens, selected via a rocket shaped button taking off of the moon’s surface. 

    As the clock is meant for education, the moon design will provide a nice reminder of what actually shifts the tides. Arduino code as well as 3D-print files are available on the project’s write-up.

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    Website: LINK

  • Sip and puff Morse code entry with Arduino

    Sip and puff Morse code entry with Arduino

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    Sip and puff Morse code entry with Arduino

    Arduino Team — September 10th, 2018

    Those that need a text entry method other than a traditional keyboard and mouse often use a method where a character is selected, then input using a sip or puff of air from the user’s mouth. Naturally this is less than ideal, and one alternative interface shown here is to instead use sip/puff air currents to indicate the dots and dashes of Morse code.

    The system—which can be seen in action in the video below—uses a modified film container, along with a pair of infrared emitters and detectors to sense air movement. The device was prototyped on an Arduino Mega, and its creators hope to eventually use a Leonardo for direct computer input. 

    A tube connected to a custom made bipolar pressure switch drives an Arduino which translates puffing and sucking into Morse code and then into text.

    Puffs make repeating short pulses (dots) and sucks repeating longer pulses (dashes) just like ham radio amateurs do with a dual-lever paddle.

    Code for this open source project can be found on GitHub.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo1gskJ759Q?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

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    Website: LINK