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Reverse Geo-Cache Puzzle Project, very cool! (Propeller based version now in co — Parallax Forums

Reverse Geo-Cache Puzzle Project, very cool! (Propeller based version now in co

WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
edited 2010-01-02 08:21 in General Discussion
Do you have an LCD, GPS receiver module, Servo, and any Parallax microcontroller? Then you can make one of these:


arduiniana.org/projects/the-reverse-geo-cache-puzzle/

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Andrew Williams
WBA Consulting
WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010

Post Edited (WBA Consulting) : 1/2/2010 8:22:08 AM GMT
«1

Comments

  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-10-29 14:14
    other then

    http://www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/CompassGPS/tabid/173/CategoryID/48/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/560/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

    an LCD Display and a propmodule is there anything else I would need? I am planning to build the on/off switch feature into my next revision of my propmod-us

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    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • David BDavid B Posts: 592
    edited 2009-10-29 15:38
    I like that pololu switch used in this project:

    http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/751

    My propeller GPS logger has always had the problem that if you shut it off without closing the logging file on the SD card, the file can get corrupted.

    But if it had one of these pololu switches wired in, there could be a "shutdown" button that enables a propeller method that first closes the file, then shuts itself off. The logger could also do a self-shutdown if the battery voltage falls too low.

    Nice!
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-10-29 17:46
    the pololu switch is a great idea for generic adapter.

    The method I am planning to use will work with 1.8 to 5.5V as source voltage and give you 3.3V out @750mA

    you will turn on by pushing a switch and you will turn off by holding SCL low for more then 100mS. No extra pins as long as you keep SCL high or pulsing the system will stay running. I need to bread board it and see if it will work though. To bad it will take a 4 layer board to make and keep to the propmodule form factor.

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    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-29 21:16
    Wow, that's cool! I should make one of those sometime......

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    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
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  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-30 01:49
    Well, I built one!! Hardware wise, that is. I do not have a GPS module and can not afford one, so it is simply a locking box now. However, in this project, hardware is half the challenge. The only missing hardware now is the button and the Propeller board. (I have it ready, just couldn't mount it because the drill might wake up others) It is going to be powered by a Propeller, and may one day be enabled with GPS. Now, I am working on mounting·the keypad. This is what it looks like so far.

    October%202009%20008.JPGOctober%202009%20010.JPG



    October%202009%20009.JPG· Hope you like it. Updates will be posted tomorrow

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale




  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-10-30 02:01
    Looks cool. Sent you a pm.

    I plan to build a box like this for my parents 1gs wedding anniversary but I will be using a clock.

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    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • AlsowolfmanAlsowolfman Posts: 65
    edited 2009-10-30 02:06
    you could make it whistle controlled, you have to give it the right series of frequencies to get in, that would not be hard to code. if you have an accelerometer/gyro you could do any number of infuriating puzzles.
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-30 11:27
    mctrivia, I don't have a PM and it's been over 8 hours. Did you mean you sent me an E-mail? Or did you forget to send it?

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale




  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-10-30 11:37
    Yes ment email.

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    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-30 12:05
    I got it and replied. Thanks for the tip!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale




  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-31 18:12
    I desided not to trouble with the battery consumption fact. I wasted most of my time yesterday playing around with it and today I desided to give up. I have some example code that locks on startup and unlocks with the push of a button. The unlock and lock function work fine and the servo driver is Kye's duel servo driver. Here is my progress as of Saterday, 9:00 AM.

    October%202009(2)%20001.JPGOctober%202009(2)%20002.JPG

    As you can see the Propeller board is installed. One of the reasons I gave up on the battery consumption is that when the Propeller is in a "waitcnt" mode it goes into a sleep mode for minimum power consumption. The Arduino most likely does not do this. The Propeller only wakes up every 2 seconds to check button status. The lock for
    the box that you see is a pistol lock I got for free at an NRA (National Rifle Association) meeting. The key is hotglued to the servo·and is not under much pressure when turned. The green wires that you see leads to a non-working button that was part of a power conserving experimentation.

    October%202009(2)%20003.JPG

    This is the outside of that box. You may have noticed that I have put another board at the bottom to cover up the obvious gap caused by the mounting of the lock. The fact that I removed a board to put in the screen and the buttons gave me an extra one. The box itself is one I built years ago.(I don't know why it has "PAID" stamped on it. smile.gif·)

    I am continuing work on it and will eventully have an IR sensor on it for remote signals.


    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale




  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-10-31 19:47
    Waitpin will let you wait for the button press instead of polling it.

    Low power mode of prop is still not as low as other circuits because of the regulators

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-31 19:49
    Not just the regulators, but the LCD is what will really drain the power.
    I was not aware there was a "waitpin" command for the propeller. It's amazing what commands you wouldn't know if it wasn't for the forum and the Propeller Manuel.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale




  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-10-31 21:13
    OK! I have the IR detector rigged up and the remote built. (with an OLED display!) Coding will continue........

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale




  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-11-02 02:35
    Today I have done what I call compleated the project. Modifying is all thats left. I have switched out the circuit board inside entirely and have istalled what I never did think of until today: RFID!!!!
    It works perfectly fine unlocking when you scan your RFID card and locking ten seconds after startup. Here are some pictures.
    PB011447.JPG
    This is the guts of the device, with the back boards nailed and hot-glued in place.
    PB011448.JPG
    In this picture you can see the RFID tag attached to my watch. This way with the wave of a hand I can activate it to open.

    I will be submitting this to Parallaxes customer applications page. Thanks for your support!

    ··· Micro

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2009-11-02 03:53
    What you need to do now is eliminate the battery, maybe use one of those 'shake to charge' flash lights. Would be a bummer to have it locked with a dead battery.

    Good idea with the RFID!

    Rich H

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    The Simple Servo Tester, a kit from Gadget Gangster.
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-11-02 04:22
    Maybe I should make a concrete safe this way. Run power cable and usb inside and have fireproof data vault.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • sstone86sstone86 Posts: 19
    edited 2009-11-02 08:45
    I too thought this was a cool idea so I starting making one. Here is what I have so far:

    Just a teaser, don't ask me what it does yet cause I haven't decided. Just know it will follow the same concept as the GPS one.
    photo3dh.jpg
    photoqa.jpg
    photo2f.jpg
    photo 2.jpg
    600 x 800 - 141K
    photo 3.jpg
    600 x 800 - 139K
    photo.jpg
    600 x 800 - 153K
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-11-02 12:34
    Why does someone else's have to look SO MUCH BETTER then mine? smile.gif

    Good luck on the project! smile.gif

    Oh, I have added a power switch to the setup so you switch it on, attempt to open it, and then turn it back off. Not fancy like that auto-off on the real thing, but it works fine.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale

    Post Edited (microcontrolled) : 11/2/2009 6:47:15 PM GMT
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-11-02 18:03
    microcontrolled/sstone86: Nice work on getting a propeller version going!! I will be working on one for my wife's birthday (late December). It will be in a case similar to sstone86's because I have two like it laying around but they are briefcase sized. My plan was to make some type of multiple opening device inside so that it can be more like a scavenger hunt. Set in multiple coordinates and each coordinate will open a specific "canister". I have a few ideas to accomplish this, but it's still brewing.

    microcontrolled: Love the RFID bypass idea. My plan is to put 2 reed switches somewhere along the edges of the case so that by strategically placing 2 magnets, the lid and all canisters would open.

    sstone86: Is that a standard Leviton switch plate you are using for the LCD bezel? Nice idea.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-11-02 18:46
    The RFID was a nice touch, and my sensor for it has been sitting around for months, so.....

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale
  • mparkmpark Posts: 1,305
    edited 2009-11-02 22:52
    Micro, could you please post a side view of your box? I cannot figure out the shape from the other photos!
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-11-02 23:52
    Sure! hang on a second for the upload, it is in the shape of a treasure chest. I originaly built it for my little brothers birthday party. I'll get a picture up.

    P.S. I was going to post code now, but I am devistated at a crash on my programming computer that I believe lost all files for about 3 weeks back at the least. My code for this, my future Gadget Gangster project, my homemade clock, my seven segment driver, my entry for the Prop Design Contest, all lost. Lucky enough (if you can call it that) The code for this certian project is fairly simple so I will whip it up in about 2 hours.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·
    Want cheap wholesale electronic parts?
    Transistor parts wholesale
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-11-03 00:18
    this is why i have redundant hard drive arrays.

    DROBO

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    24 bit LCD Breakout Board coming soon. $21.99 has backlight driver and touch sensitive decoder.
  • ManetherenManetheren Posts: 117
    edited 2009-11-25 13:21
    Backup everything multiple times. LOL

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    Tia'Shar Manetheren
  • ManetherenManetheren Posts: 117
    edited 2009-11-25 13:21
    What would be the best processor to make something like this on? Would the Prop be the best or is it do able on bs2?

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    Tia'Shar Manetheren
  • ManetherenManetheren Posts: 117
    edited 2009-11-25 13:59
    I very much like the idea of the reed switches as a backup entry into the box.

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    Tia'Shar Manetheren
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-11-25 20:48
    I found a buyer for 4 of my computers so it looks like I will be able to buy my wife a new laptop to put into the briefcase for the reverse geo-cache project. So, now I need to get going on it!!!

    Anybody willing to post their code from their trials so far? I will be playing with the GPS module this weekend (after the CHRISTmas Lights are hung up).

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-12-16 18:17
    I am finally making some progress. I have the initial workings of some GPS code that will give me the Lat/Long in an easy to use format. The original code had bugs, but I just uploaded my version after some debugging. It's on the thread below. I will keep posting my updates on this thread until it's completed, then it will be posted as a completed project.

    Google Earth GPS SD Card Logger


    Current status:
    GPS code working, moving on to code for display/servo/location checking. Setup is currently on a demoboard, but will be on a proto board for the install into the case. Case is currently being hand painted on all sides by my mother-in-law with a woodland camouflage scheme. My sister-in-law handpainted a 3" square Geo-Caching logo onto the front side. It's a silver aluminum briefcase, so only the flat surfaces are being painted. The ridged edging, handle, hinges, etc are going to be left "shiny new". Display will be the uOLED 128 module (originally planned on using a 4x20 LCD, but the uOLED will look so much better). I cut out a 1.4"x3" opening in one surface for the GPS antenna and display. Unlocking override will be driven with a reed switch (apply magnet to specific location, then power up. Case will unlock for 10 seconds, then run normal program)

    Everything has to be done by Sunday night as Monday is my wife's birthday. shocked.gif

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
  • ManetherenManetheren Posts: 117
    edited 2009-12-16 18:22
    Good luck. It looks like you have your hands full in the near future.

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    Tia'Shar Manetheren
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