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Gadget Gangster Design Competition '09 — Parallax Forums

Gadget Gangster Design Competition '09

Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
edited 2009-08-05 23:17 in Propeller 1
Our new contest is called: THE DESIGN COMPETITION. Okay, not a very creative name, but we have $2,000 in one-of-a-kind prizes to give away to the best designers.

Unlike the Mother's Day contest, this is open to all microcontrollers including Prop & SX, can use any of our project boards, and the method of scoring is a little different. There's more info on the Competition Page. A huge thank you to Parallax for providing the prizes for the competition. If you have any questions, you can just reply to this thread.


gg_comp.jpg

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Comments

  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,400
    edited 2009-07-30 17:21
    Hey all,

    We've met with Nick and support this effort. Gadget Gangster is here for the long-term and we're happy to see the unique business model he's created.

    Also, there's no Parallax-centric aspect to this contest. We only provided the prizes and most of them work with any processor. Using our products is not a requirement or a criteria for judging, so this one is wide open!

    Ken Gracey
    Parallax Inc.
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-07-30 17:50
    Can I enter in both the Gadget Gangster and the Propeller design contest?

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    Robots are microcontroled.
    I am microcontroled.


    If it's not Parallax then don't even bother. :-)
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  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2009-07-30 17:54
    Are we allowed to enter the same project into both contests? (Parallax & GG)

    OBC

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  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2009-07-30 18:05
    For sure!

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  • SRLMSRLM Posts: 5,045
    edited 2009-07-30 21:00
    Does this replace the "School Days" contest that you had?

    Also, you have a typo on your contest page: "VideoPort Ultimate"

    Post Edited (SRLM) : 7/30/2009 9:18:21 PM GMT
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,400
    edited 2009-07-30 21:02
    Sure, and you can enter our contest if you are under 18.

    - Ken
  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2009-07-30 22:43
    No changes to the School Days Contest. Typo fixed.

    Did you find anything confusing on how the prizes are distributed?

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  • VaatiVaati Posts: 712
    edited 2009-07-30 23:04
    No--This sounds like an awesome contest!! I don't know what I will do, and what I would pick...

    So, we can use any mcu in the inventory--ATtiny/mega, Microchip PIC, SX, Propeller, or PICaxe?



    Thanks.

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  • Clock LoopClock Loop Posts: 2,069
    edited 2009-07-30 23:36
    To enter this contest, I noticed it says you must use a board FROM gadget gangster.

    That limits the design severely, and almost makes it pointless. I thought the point of design competitions was to design something new, not make what already exsists?


    I'm posting this not to complain, but to make sure the "must use our pcbs" rule is true.
  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2009-07-31 00:04
    @vaati - yes, you can use any microcontroller (or no microcontroller!).

    @Clock Loop - Our project boards are a lot like protoboards, they also support connecting up headphones, potentiometers, PS/2, NES controllers, audio/video, midi, DB-9, etc. There are plenty of projects you could build with them that that have yet to be built. Here's more info on our Boss Board & our other boards

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  • hover1hover1 Posts: 1,929
    edited 2009-07-31 00:30
    In all fairness, it is Nick's contest. He can set the rules. And he is footing the bill for the prizes, (although I see Parallax·just made·a contribution).

    There are plenty of "no holds barred" contest out there, DARPA Grand Challenge·comes to mind, but I think Nick is trying to keep it within the price range of the hobbiest.

    These type of lower budget contests, I believe, will attract·more of the younger enthusiasts.

    Just my observation.

    Jim
    Clock Loop said...
    To enter this contest, I noticed it says you must use a board FROM gadget gangster.

    That limits the design severely, and almost makes it pointless. I thought the point of design competitions was to design something new, not make what already exsists?


    I'm posting this not to complain, but to make sure the "must use our pcbs" rule is true.
  • VaatiVaati Posts: 712
    edited 2009-07-31 00:54
    Well, I think the GG pcbs are really cool--they aren't like the ones from RadioShack (now christened RipoffShack after a problem with a DB-9 *solder* connector costing $3) which have completely isolated holes are pathetically useless...

    But I see what you mean--if one were to use a pcb made with eagle or expresspcb, it would make it impossible, or more literally, extremely expensive for the project to be reproduced...


    What I think would be a winner would be to use the lonely little RJ11/45 board which hasn't (yet smile.gif) been used in a single project...

    Someone also said that the component inventory was a little depressing, and I regrettably must agree: but it is possible to just send Nick an email or a pm and the component you need in a design/project will usually be added.

    Now, I am not accusing anyone or anything of that sort, but this is just a bit of advice and info to the next person who looks at this thread...


    Vaati

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    Quit buying all those fixed voltage regulators, and·get an Adjustable Power Supply·for your projects!· Includes an LED testing terminal!

    *-NEW-* SD Card Adapter·Now available!· Add extra memory to your next Propeller project with ease!
  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2009-07-31 04:42
    I'm always thinking about inventory - I did a survey of designers, though, and most designers were satisfied with the current stock. Of course, I'm game for adding inventory - just let me know what you need for your project.

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  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-07-31 14:17
    This will most definatly attract the younger ones!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Toys are microcontroled.
    Robots are microcontroled.
    I am microcontroled.


    If it's not Parallax then don't even bother. :-)
    ·

    Mini-Din/PS2 connectors are for sale! 5 for $1! PM me if you wish to make an order.
    Cheap·shipping unless specified!··········150 left!!··


  • Nick McClickNick McClick Posts: 1,003
    edited 2009-08-05 23:17
    There are a ton of projects that can be built with our project boards - but I recognize that not every project will work. What do you think of the following:

    1 - If your project requires a custom PCB, you would submit the PCB design with your project
    2 - Builders can still order the components for your project from us (and we'll still split the sales with you), but they'd have to get the PCB themselves (or maybe they would breadboard it)
    3 - Periodically, we'll take a look at the custom PCB projects that are getting a lot of interest, and we'll do a commercial run of those PCB's.

    We wouldn't be able to manufacture boards for every custom pcb project submitted, but boards that fit our upcoming Gadget Gangster Platform footprint and could also be used in other projects would be preferred.

    What do you think? Would you post a custom pcb project if you weren't sure that we would do a commercial run of PCB's?

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