Tag: Arduino

What is the best programming language?

The thing I get asked the most by parents and people trying to figure out how to get into the tech world is where to start. While a knowledge of at least some hardware is important, this post will be more focused on the structure of programming languages and why it is better to know one over another. This really boils down to the common modern day argument over C++ vs JavaScript vs Python. Continue reading What is the best programming language?

Another late night at the shop.

I have been helping out with a project that will be featured at the Bay Area Maker Faire. This will be my first time there and I am super excited about it, but the deadline is tight. So yesterday I designed the structure for the display, prototyped it in cardbourd, then cut out all of the main supports on the CNC. I was there until 2am, but the parts look amazing and the fit is tight and solid.

The chalenges for this is that it all has to be flat packed for shipping, assembel quickly, and survive many potential shipments. So this is my solution.

Tomorrow I should have the basic structure built and will start installing electronics.

I made an X-mass scarf today…

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With family coming in for Thanksgiving from all over, I wanted to make a holiday scarf that really slapped people in the face with a big sack of JOY! Something not so annoyingly gaudy that I would not go out in public with it, but at the same time visually irresistible.

So the Ultimate Holiday Scarf is born.

This scarf is designed to look like a Christmas tree with all the trimmings. Aside from the glittery tinsel, I added some NeoPixel LEDs from Adafruit to really brighten the mood. Upon startup, the scarf will play a holiday tune to get you going while putting on a colorful LED light show. People love the scarf, then drop their jaws when it is turned on.

The Parts Are In

Sorry for the lack of updates, but the last shipment of parts has just arrived.

I have been organizing and building on stuff as it has come in. I even got a bit of help doing servo mods last weekend. I now have all of the parts needed to fulfill the crowd funding rewards and it looks like we will be able to get it all sent out near December 1st as expected.

wpid-wp-1415818422260A few unexpected surprises have come up along the way. I found a really good line sensor that matches the price of the old one. It will require a slight change to the chassis cut files, but it works much better and does not require a change in programming. Aside from that, I discovered that the servos now only come with 1 mounting screw rather than the 2 that previously secured the Servo horn to each wheel. I tried to see if I could get things to work with just 1 screw, but ultimately I just ordered some replacement screws that should arrive soon.

I have been working with a new Makerspace and just cut a deal for some discounted machine time in exchange for help with workshops and what not. The first chassis will be cut this Saturday and photos will soon follow.

Instructions, for those who ordered the inbuilt kits, is underway and now that I have parts to assemble, I will be adding photos soon.

We are one step closer to having a visual programming environment with Ardublocks. A friend has figured out how to set up the Java environment so we can create new blocks to work with the Hack-E-Bot. I will try to have that going shortly after shipping, but for now getting the kits sent out is my priority.

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