|
|
A very simple DIY GSM phone designed by bobricius using Atmega328 and SIM800L Quad-band GSM/GPRS Breakout Module. The phone uses Avago HCMS 8 digit display and 16 keys for dialing numbers. The current firmware can perform basic tasks like answering to incoming calls, dialing a number, display battery, signal and network status.
Read more
The infrared (IR) communication technology, which existed long before WiFi and Bluetooth, is still a key component in implementing major components of a typical home automation system. For example, IR technology is still used in cordless headphones, for intrusion detection in home security systems, and in handheld remotes for controlling home entertainment systems (TV, DVD, soundbox, etc), air-conditioning units, and other household appliances. Because IR technology requires a line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver units, it can only be used for connecting devices in short range, like in a same room. In one of my previous articles, I wrote about a simple IR
Read more
Bouncing a laser beam off a spinning mirror can create an amazing light show as illustrated in this Laser Sky video by Youtube channel Normal Universe. The spinning mirror sweeps out a laser plane, which illuminates the cross sections of smoke or fog in the room and let you visualize how the air medium is moving around you in a very cool way. The spinning mirror is built out of 8 pcs of tiny plane mirrors installed on an spinning motor assembly made of a PC fan and a 3D printed mount part. The Arduino Uno is used as the main brain in
Read more
An anemometer is a common instrument at a weather station. It is used to measure the wind speed and wind direction. The most common type of anemometer uses mechanical sensors consisting of three or four hemispherical cups mounted on horizontal arms on a vertical rod. As the wind blows, the cups are pushed causing the arms to rotate at a rate proportional to the wind speed. In addition, a wind vane connected to the anemometer can give the direction measurements. While the cup and vane anemometers are very popular due to their very simple design, they can be susceptible under cold and humid conditions
Read more
A modern smartwatch is a great wearable computer that can do a lot more than just tell time. It can track user’s activities, monitor heart beat rate, synchronize with your smartphone to work as its extension, navigate you, and many more. Most of the time, operating a smartwatch requires a free hand (not the one with the watch strapped on). In certain situations, such as when you are holding something in your hand, it becomes challenging to use the smartwatch. A group of researchers from Dartmouth College and the University of Manitoba has come up with a solution called WristWhirl, exploring the potential
Read more|
|