May someone please give me a project idea?
Microcontrolled
Posts: 2,461
Strange request, but I like doing projects, and now I can't think of another one to start. If someone can give me a project idea, or a website that would inspire an idea, it would be appreciated. :-)
Thanks,
Microcontrolled
Thanks,
Microcontrolled
Comments
(First part alone would work with IR, the second with XBee or something). If you look in the xbee data sheet, there are a lot of cool things you can read off of these.
* A scratch built Eggbot built using a stepper motor to rotate the egg, and two servos to control the pen. They look like this:
* A laser range finder using the Parallax line scan camera and a laser pointer. You would use trig to determine distance just like the Sharp IR sensors do. http://www.acroname.com/robotics/info/articles/sharp/sharp.html#e5
* A robot which navigates using beacons. Either Erco's IR pulse beacons with numbers encoded in their signal, or laser targers and a sensor to pick up the echo.
* Some sort of walking robot. A simple three servo hexapod or something similar.
* My favorite. A propeller powered LED sign using a whole bunch of LED's. Set up the LED's in a 12 x 8 matrix with two LED's charlieplexed at each intersection. The sign will have a total of 24 x 8.lights. At that point you use one cog to light the LED's from a memory mapped buffer and another cog to read inputs from an Xbee or the serial line. For font data you might be able to use the built in font from the ROM by sampling every other pixel or something. Basically the Nerdkits marque http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/ledarray2/
@Invent-O-Doc: I like that idea, and I've never really thought of it before. If there was 4 of us, though, using the Xbee modules (which I love to use), that would be $80 just for them. I actually have several project ideas that would use Xbee modules, but the high price of $40 a pair keeps me away. :-( I may go for the less-fancy IR version, though.
@Martin_H: LOVE the Eggbot and Propeller LED sign idea. I have a tub of 3000 LEDs sitting here that may have finally found a purpose.
Thanks for all the ideas so far, if anyone has more I would love to hear them!
The photo frame was showing off. What you really want to do is, if you can, snag one of the DVD players I've hacked. I haven't posted that because I broke it off to do the photo frame thing I saw would be easier and a currently available model. But I have the service manual for the DVD player, and it's a portable device with a rechargeable battery. Get on eBay while it's still cheap and snag a Philips PET 702. If you go for a used one that doesn't play DVD's any more it will be really cheap because it's not useful like the pricier players are for displaying inputed NTSC like a monitor. You want that exact model because I have the service manual, with schematics, for it. I haven't done it yet but I'm very confident that I can spoof audio out to the original speakers and headphone jack (with the original volume control), use the original battery charging circuit including the "charging" indicator, of course the LCD display, read the original keypad, and did I mention the 2 serial ports and TI keyboard interface?
With one of those DVD players you can make your own little microcomputer that's much smaller than the smallest netbook ever made. I've been dreaming about doing something like that for aboout ten years and now thanks to Parallax I'm thinking it might be possible. *
* Might appear at UPEW but time is suddenly precious. The photo frame will be there though.
A variation on this product is something that inserts static into the signal line so that when in-laws come to visit and insist on watching inane programs at deafening levels, you can kick in the static and encourage them to leave sooner rather than later.
Microcontrolled, Have You tried to learn any kind of Animation Software? (just an 'off the wall' idea)
Lots of ways to learn how Robots move about, learn about kinematimatics and other big words too...:nerd:
Regards,
Tommy
edit: lol ElectricAye, I am guessing You have visitor's? heh, Maybe another idea,
Build a "broken spring in the couch cushion" shocker device.
I've seen plug-ins that are wi-fi/internet linked where someone gets an RSS/SMS or "a text" or whatever when their Mom starts the microwave in the morning or generates an alert that it didn't [!].
If only I could "break" the couch springs hard enough to launch in-law gluteus maximae off the couch, into the air, and out the window, all while making it look like an accident...!!!
I've actually built very few projects, but have learned a great deal that is rewarding. At times, guilt has set in that I've little to show others, but that's a bit silly.
When you have a real need that does something and you cannot buy it off the shelf, I suspect you will find yourself building something rewarding. No need to replicate various things others have done for the sake of proving yourself, unless you enjoy doing so.
I have the ideal project for you. A Propeller based "Electric Monk".
"Electric Monk?" you say. Here is one definition:
I think that with the Props 8 cores it is the ideal device to handle multiple conflicting beliefs at the same time.
Just add a LED to show when it is working, then you can relax, stop worrying and get on with other things:)
Second would be a laser and two axis controlled mirror for a light show... I was thinking more of a GIF animation type thing..... 4-10 frames over and over. Honestly, I bet this can be done with a BS2 if you use your own interpretation of a Gcode like instruction set.
The laser distance sensor idea is a good one. I'm working on this myself.....as time permits.
The last thing, a ball-balancing robot.... I'll see if I can find the video. VERY cool, VERY fast and I'll bet unbelievably challenging.
I'm a faithful believer in the "Electric Skeptic."
Electric Skeptics doubt things for you. You click it on and it runs infinite loops of doubt over everything the world has caused you to believe, including doubt itself.
The Oscilloscope display that Holly posted could be worn as a watch and using it with an Xbee could make communication interesting as you could monitor systems, robots, or other information. I suppose you could even use it with a Geiger counter.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?131135-Miniature-scope-whatsit...looks-like-fun
Since you have some spare time, could you please port linux to the prop and implement a 720p 24-bit display? And while your at it, could you help Humanoido rebuld and complete the Big Brain?
Thanks,
Dave
2.Add an annoyance scale to any TV program using AI ( no samples included – it is still a free country, you make you own!) and automatically flood the internet with this data. ( May be illegal, but fun)
3.Build a “Close to cancellation” prediction meter for TV shows. It would work kinda like stock market chart. People would bet on it. You may have to move to Nevada where betting is allowed. ( Keep in mind that any shows with “special” in Hawaii is sure bet for cancellation)
Seriosly, after you digest averybody ideas, contact me via PM. I have a real project but do not want to advertize it here.
Vaclav
Each year, I build several gag gifts for people at work; personal things for VPs and/or people who have big anniversaries (20+ years) or who are retiring. Electro-mechanical items sized to hang on a wall or sit on a shelf that do something personal and memorable when you push a button, use an IR remote, or self-trigger every hour on the hour like a chiming clock. Blinking LEDs and custom digitized sound chips are a huge addition. I'm surrounded by big aerospace corporations that would pay thousands for such creations if I advertised. My own personal retirement plan.
@prophead100: That is really cool, but I have no idea how to test it without driving a truck through winds strong enough to knock it over. :-) I may give it a shot. Any idea on how it would detect wind direction without being swayed by the motion of the truck?
@ElectricAye: That is a great idea! I think I may go with that. It's going on my "Good project idea" list. Of course, you would have to find a way that prevented more then one kid to watch TV at the same time. Otherwise instead of each watching 30 minutes, they would each watch an hour and a half.
@Ttailspin: I have worked with 3D animation software, in fact that is usually what I do when I'm not doing an electronics project. You can see some animations I've made on my YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/microcontroled1204?feature=mhum
@Loopy Byteloose: I know what you mean. I usually feel like I have little to show for the hours I spend up here working at electroincs. I also have a problem of not completing projects, but usually only ones with overprojected goals or a boring outcome. For example, making a fighting game for the Propeller chip is cool to those who know the graphical limitations of the Propeller, but when it costs $70 to make why not pay $200 for a PS3 that can do infinitely better?
@Heater & ElectricAye: Funny. How would something "believe something for you?" (I do realize it's a joke), however, it would be possible to build something that doubts everything, including itself. Maybe you could hook up a small component, like a electrolytic capacitor, backward and control it with a relay. Then when relatives come to visit and they see a device doubting everything, you can push a button inconspicuously hidden on the side and it would shout out "DO I EVEN LIVE?" (or something like that) then overload the capacitor and make it explode. It would then play dead and say nothing until the relatives leave. I have to say that would be entertaining to watch.
@ChuckZ: That sounds pretty cool. How would you make is small enough to pass as a watch?
@Dave Hein: I'll assume that you aren't being sarcastic and say that I'm surprised that you think I could do that. What would you have to do to port linux to the Prop? Would it rely more on Prop code, or linux source? It could be possible.
If I missed anyone sorry, I've had this setting in the editor for some time now, so I may have missed some newer ones.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
IIUC, you are still a young man, living at home. Don't take this the wrong way, but if this is the case, you have an advantage that many of us old guys don't. I can only spend a little of my time engaged in projects which are interesting. (Specifically, Propeller time) The rest of the time, I have to concentrate on doing things which are profitable to make ends meet. (more boring stuff)
If you want to establish a reputation for yourself, and have this advantage, then simply do the things that interest you, and do them well! Post your projects, show the fun. Folks will gather around what is unique and interesting. The Propeller seems to light you up, (as it does many here.) Do something unusual and fun and post up. You'll develop the reputation with the platform (and perhaps others) and with experience folks will throw money your direction. Become the next Ben Heck. He started by simply doing something cool that interested him, and did it well.
I don't believe I'm off track here.. It sounds like you have time and opportunity. Take a chance and do something different, (I did)
OBC
A hi-res graphics display on the Prop would be really nice. I suggested 24-bit 720p. That should be doable with some SDRAM and an FPGA.
Dave
often doing projects you care little about you must develop
the knack for coming up with exciting and fun project ideas.
The creative ideas are what matters. The skill sets we all
have developed to work with uCs and coding are just means
to an end. Only those that can come up with cool ideas
on their own can survive as entrepreneurs.
An embedded engineer that has no cool project ideas is
like a political cartoonist that can't think of anything funny to draw.
I really don't know how to explain how to come up with new
ideas. Somehow you just develop an eye for things that
need to be done, things that people should have available.
It's a unique state of mind, and for an embedded engineer
almost every problem starts to look like it should be solvable
with the proper code and uC.
It's the strange applications that are so far out there that no one
has thought of them yet that will make a name for you. They might
not even be complicated ideas, sometimes the really simple ones
are most valuable. It's funny how simple and obvious things seem AFTER
someone with a vision dreams them up. :-)
I've come up with an idea. It has been floating around in my head for some time now (since UPEC last year), but I've just been missing one key component, but now I have it. One of the ideas someone gave in the thread made the final piece click for me. It's unique, strange, practical and easy to use. Maybe "practical" is stretching it, but it is cool none the less. I don't want to tell what it is until I know I can make it work, as it sounds absolutely absurd, but it appears I have all the parts and (a hint) I'm disassembling a printer right now for the stepper arm attachment. I'll update if I get anything working.
Thanks,
Microcontrolled
I wouldn't mind having one of these but they are a couple hundred dollars:
Zypad WL1500 wearable wrist computer
http://dangerousprototypes.com/2011/03/23/zypad-wl1500-wearable-wrist-computer/
I've seen people wear electronics in these project boxes (on their forearm) with a scanner attached to their finger. I've also seen workers at some of these clothing stores wear walkie talkies with the ear piece.
1) Propeller based recreation of the classic Mastermind game. Should be a slam dunk for the prop and TV out or a small color display; touchscreen would be cool. You could put a twist to it somehow to showcase the Prop's abilities. If you can design it simple enough for people to spend a small amount of money to make it, you could get some newbies added to the propeller. This $5 switch assortment is perfect for it.
2) Design a low cost Wrestling Timer/Scoreboard. A bit specific, but my brother recently asked me about designing one. He coaches wrestling (one of his female wrestlers just placed 2nd in CA) and many schools are still using flip cards because they can't afford the astronomical pricing of a basic scoreboard/timer. This one from Befour is pretty common in the "rich" schools, but is ridiculously overpriced and has an ugly/unfriendly control panel. I suggested one for about $100 using TV/VGA out and then just use a ~32" LCD TV, but ideally, it needs to be truly portable (AKA: no AC power) Most use 4" tall 7-segment LED displays which seem to run about $10 per digit, so I know that the display alone could run $100, but I bet a full setup would still be feasible for around a $250 cost. If you plan it out right, Kickstarter might be a good way to make this a true finished product by pushing it as a discounted item for schools.
3) You mentioned 3D. How about learning DipTrace and start playing with their 3D features in the latest beta version? Maybe offer services to others to make 3D models for their hardware that is not in any existing libraries. My Gadget Gangster PP-USB 3D sample (post #8) I did is missing a lot of parts.....
4) Wireless weather stations are still neat and I haven't seen one that just sits next to the TV so that you can flip to a line-in input and see a composite video screen of all of your sensors on an outside weather station. Would be slick to intercept the wireless data from an off the shelf setup like this one.
5) Duplicate any of the Leapfrog style learning games. My daughter has a bunch and I keep thinking how fun it would be to make a propeller based version of one of them.
6) Propeller Karaoke: Since the propeller can play WAV files and output NTSC video, you just need to figure out timing!
7) Something from my work project list: Component Baking Oven logging system (I may have mentioned this already). The concept could be utilized for many other things because of the way it would be setup, but basically here's the run down:
Propeller based inventory and time logged control system for moisture sensitive parts placed in an oven to be baked. An operator would use an RFID tag or Barcode to enter a package of parts into the inventory system and also enter the MSL level (which dictates how long they need to bake). The operator also scans a shelf location in the oven for where the parts are placed and the item's data is timestamped onto an SD card or into EEPROM. The display would then show a list of items in the oven, how long they have left to bake, what shelf they are on and what MSL level they are. Each row could have a background color of green or yellow (green is ready, yellow is baking). Once an item is baked, an operator scans/RFID's the package and selects "remove" to take it out of the log, but the data for that baking scenario is saved into a separate "archive" file for recordkeeping. Maybe items in the oven are in EEPROM, but when pulled the data goes to SD? Anyhow, this would be built using the GGPP-USB platform or a Prop-C3 and use either a small AV display or a small VGA monitor.
8) Some new and clever version of a binary clock.
9) Brainstorming Ideas:
a) any sort of assistance device using xbee
b) anything using a GPS, the smaller the better
c) any small, simple, easy to make project that showcases something about the propeller.
d) digital greeting card: program it, send it to a friend, plug it into a TV and get a greeting card on screen
e) minimalist handheld game. maybe make a game that can be played on the prop with just an LCD Appmod?
And if the strobe doesn't work, consider 95 GHz at 200 watts in a narrow (phased array?) beam that follows the violator(s) around the room and out the window through which they will eventually leap.