*Edit* So I was just trying to edit it, but I guess it posted it as a new post. Harley, I've tried the link this time before putting my foot in my mouth again and it should work. Weird how before it didn't work since the link looked right....very weird, but appropriately so. Let's try this again shall we!!
This week on First Spin we firstly apologize for the sound quality! 10 minutes before we were about to start recording, our audio mixer decided to completely die on us. We even opened it up and hacked around on it to see if there were any capacitors we could replace. And about 2 minutes from finishing our episode, the recording software just quit without leaving us a temp file. This happened TWICE. So this particular recording is the third iteration! We are working towards getting our set up back up and running - thank you for your patience!
But it is a fantastic episode where we discuss the GPS module that Parallax provides! We talk about the satellite system that helps to ensure GPS working, the GPS module hardware, and analyze the Kickstart Code initially. Since we want more information, we also analyzed how to make your main function modular and how to get more information by reading through the OBJ. We talk about the difference between Vcc, Vdd, Vss. We also talk about Ascii tables and pre-programmed serial terminal "commands" and provide some good reminder tips on serial terminals. And we finish up with touching on the new polar heart rate module available at Parallax! A very good, though hard-earned episode . Here are the links we go through:
Sorry to bug you all, but these episodes are greatly looked forward to listening to.
Congratulations on "..getting Tab B into Slot A..". I have no idea what it takes to generate and post these episodes. Only, just planning What to talk about for an episode would be a chore for me. You guys are great. Thanks.
This week on First Spin we talk about using the compass module! As with the other modules, we discuss the hardware and what the pins are used for. And then we go into two different methods of coding to get the information necessary: one found on the kickstart page and one found on the product page. We discuss, as last week, using ascii tables in making serial terminals look good. Most of the code is for the I2C information so we don’t go into the latter halves of the code – though we could if anyone is interested!
This week on First Spin we talk about the Passive Infrared Motion Sensor (PIR), what it is, what it means, and different ways to use this. We discuss the hardware in terms of pins, sensitivity, and touch upon the internals. And then we go through two methods of code (again) by looking at the KickStart code and then code Addie wrote which modified the KickStart code. She changes the serial terminal code from Parallax Serial Terminal to FullDuplexSerial and we go through the differences between the two in terms of syntax and control codes. We also touch upon the differences in code between getting a Ping sensor and a PIR sensor working and communicating with the Propeller.
This week on First Spin we are super excited to talk with Joe Grand about his latest creation in partnership with Parallax – the text-to-speech module Emic 2! It has been a LONG time coming and we discuss the history of the module as well as the hardware and software that goes into making it work. It’s even simple enough for Addie to use! We show a number of demonstrations including the simple text to speech capability, singing capability, and hold a conversation with Emic2 .You’ll notice this is Episode 33 – we’re actually posting it a week early to coincide with the release of Emic2!!
This week on First Spin, we talk about Parallax's 3-axis gyroscope module L3G4200D! We touch upon the concepts behind the gyroscope and as always, go through the hardware and software of the module. And if you're lacking in ideas for the gyroscope module, we talk about the many uses as well!
This week on First Spin we take a look at the 2-Axis Joystick and RCTime! As always, we go through the hardware, the software, and the concepts behind their use. We compare it to the 5-position switch and give a few examples of why they’re useful!We also share some BIG news for our resident expert Roy Eltham!
Kickstart: http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/27800
Addie’s Review: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/27558550332/parallax-2-axis-joystick
This week on First Spin we talk about the Polar Heart Rate Receiver and Transmitter, going, as always, through the hardware and software. We talk about Addie's latest project to make all of the previously discussed sensors and modules wireless. And we also respond to BrainStrain's comments from the last two episodes! All packed together for a good episode of chat!
This week on First Spin we talk about accelerometers! We go through the Memsic 2125 Accelerometer Module and we talk about how it works, the hardware, the software, and everything in between. We clarify what the Accelerometer actually outputs and what it actually measures, and the significance of it to projects requiring this.
No first spin this week as Roy's on the move! We'll see if we can be back next week assuming Roy is set up! Send us an email or message if you have any ideas for what we should talk about!
We're back!! This week on First Spin we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Parallax's existence and give a little history about how we came to be avid fans of their chips. We also get down to business with discussing I2C modules and how to actually use them all together the way they were meant to be used! We even get to discuss some I2C handshaking.
This week on First Spin we talk about Addie's choice of measurements and go into the use of XBees with Propellers! We talk about why they're useful, discuss the hardware included in a Parallax provided XBee Wireless Pack, and talk about some of the software involved in using this. Our best recommendations are to walk through the XBee tutorial step by step, or go off some of Addie's code!
This week on First Spin we take a first look through sound generation on the Propeller. This however requires a slightly more in-depth look at how PWM works and how you can use it with analog filters to create different wave forms (ie sawtooth, sine wave, etc). So we talk about the subtleties involved in that and reference the Propeller Signal Generator object.
This week on First Spin we head to the Parallax Forums for posts from the community and realize that there are still a few loose ends about using counters for duty-cycle PWM to cover. So we talk about how to set up the counters to control things such as motors. And then we cover a few random tidbits such as how to use high EEPROM to save "nonvolatile values" and touch on incorporating real time clocks like DS1307.
This week on First Spin we go back to the Parallax forums for posts from the community. We re-cover real time clocks, go over SPI RAM and talk a bit on SD cards. We discuss when you’d use them, how to address them, and even how to create objects and what goes into those! We also talk about the SoundPal that many folks received in their Parallax Mystery Grab Bag. A lot of little tidbits!
You guys rock. I was going to fidle with my sound pal, and see what it could do, but having a podcast on it is even better. Didn't even know I wanted a podcast on that, but yu folks always make things interesting, so although I haven't gotten to that episode yet, I will make sure to get to it asap, this should be fun.
I'm behind (what else is new) But I just listened to this show, and wanted to comment on something mentioned in the show.
Addie mentioned that she was trying to build a picture of the surrounding area, using the ping sensor and a compass module along with a continuous rotation servo.
A very interesting experiment that was launched several years ago, and apparently is still going strong is the seeing with sound web site. The idea is that blind folks use sound to navigate their environment already, so why not expand this to encompass the entire range of objects around them. The seeing with sound concept uses a camera to take a picture of something, then translate this picture into sound, thereby giving the blind person more cues about what it is the camera is looking at.
I took a look at this project when it first started several years ago, but not having a camera at the time, I gave up on it, but I understand, some folks are having quite a lot of success with this approach.
If you guys haven't already, I'd be interested in hearing a podcast on the laser range finder sensor from Parallax.
The reason being, back in the 70s, there was a device that used sound with tactile feedback (it was called the mowat sensor) to give blind folks an idea of their surroundings. I think one was featured in see no evil hear no evil with Richard pryor and gene Wilder) (1989 movie) so the idea isn't really a new one, but to my knowledge, this is the first time actual sound has been used as a substitute for vision, which is an intriguing idea.
There has been other attempts to use such things as navigationl aids. The laser cane for example (never had one, too expensive) would use lasers to detect overhead objects, and warn of changes in terrain such as curbs, steps and the like. I find all these attempts fascinating, even though none of them actually panned out all that well, as evidenced by the fact that none of these devices are currently available (as far as I know) but still, it's an interesting idea, and with enough working over, may actually be worth persuing.
The whole seeing with sound idea is interesting because it's trying to use one sense as a direct replacement for another, and the implications of such (assuming they can make it work) are extremely interesting as well.
The site where the seeing with sound research is summarized, and currently ongoing is: http://www.seeingwithsound.com
You can download software there and even get samples of the sound looking at different things. I've not checked into it recently, but the whole ir sensors, and lrf sensors from parallax is severely tempting me to build myself a device, and see if I can't get somewhere with it all.
Just thought folks would find this little bit of information interesting. I know there's a lot of folks who like to tinker here, and this might raise a few ideas.
Hey Softcon! Thanks for your suggestions and kind remarks! (Sorry for the delay, we just got back from an epic roadtrip). I'll see what we can do about the LRF. I'll have to see if we have it somewhere here and then go over it! And I'll get back to working on that "owl project" and see if it can translate to something tactile maybe?
This week on First Spin we are back! This episode starts out a bit silly and less didactic as we talk roadtrips and Wil Wheaton. But then of course we continue with the Parallax forums and see what we need to cover. So this week we sort of touch on sigma-delta modulation and how they'll be implemented in Propeller 2! We will have more information on it next week though! And we also get some funny fan mail
This week on First Spin we hear from Addie who's starting her first steps into learning how to program in C and what the differences are between Spin and C. We talk about buffer overflows and error traps to consider when coding. And we also touch a tiny bit more on sigma-delta modulation - though it is still a topic that needs more love!
This week on First Spin we return back to old faithful and old confusing for Addie - counters! We go into more detail about the PLL's role and function in the PLL modes. We go through the different modes and explain what PLLDIV, PHSx[31], and PHSx-Carry refer to. We also differentiate between single-ended and differential modes! A good review, and a nice look into more of the details.
This week on First Spin we look at how to hook up the pins on a Propeller Board of Education such that TV/VGA works! We discuss the basics of how VGA works and how you can use the Propeller to have this sort of functionality. Next week we'll go indepth into the VGA demo codes written by Chip Gracey!
This week on First Spin we go into the demo code made by Chip Gracey for TV/VGA awesome! We go step by step into code analysis and talk about how to achieve correct spacing and coloring. We do this by going into the objects and showing you where you can change the "settings"!
Comments
The text for the link implies episode 29, but I tried it severaltimes and still get episode 28, Servos are Easy. Sorry, no prize yet.
This week on First Spin we firstly apologize for the sound quality! 10 minutes before we were about to start recording, our audio mixer decided to completely die on us. We even opened it up and hacked around on it to see if there were any capacitors we could replace. And about 2 minutes from finishing our episode, the recording software just quit without leaving us a temp file. This happened TWICE. So this particular recording is the third iteration! We are working towards getting our set up back up and running - thank you for your patience!
But it is a fantastic episode where we discuss the GPS module that Parallax provides! We talk about the satellite system that helps to ensure GPS working, the GPS module hardware, and analyze the Kickstart Code initially. Since we want more information, we also analyzed how to make your main function modular and how to get more information by reading through the OBJ. We talk about the difference between Vcc, Vdd, Vss. We also talk about Ascii tables and pre-programmed serial terminal "commands" and provide some good reminder tips on serial terminals. And we finish up with touching on the new polar heart rate module available at Parallax! A very good, though hard-earned episode
Here are the links we go through:
- Kickstart Code (Referenced in podcast) : http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/28500
- Analysis of Kickstart Code: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/20352168988/parallax-gps-internal-antenna
- Own code: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/20623727935/parallax-gps-internal-antenna-adding-altitude-speed
- Own code Part II (Referenced in podcast): http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/20655281847/parallax-gps-internal-antenna-adding-altitude-speed
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/06/12/first-spin-episode-029-gps-module/Sorry to bug you all, but these episodes are greatly looked forward to listening to.
Congratulations on "..getting Tab B into Slot A..". I have no idea what it takes to generate and post these episodes. Only, just planning What to talk about for an episode would be a chore for me. You guys are great. Thanks.
- http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/29133
- http://learn.parallax.com/sites/default/files/content/kickstart/code/Compass-Propeller.zip
- http://www.parallax.com/portals/0/downloads/docs/prod/sens/29133-CompassSpinDemo.zip
- Pictures: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/22237323716/parallax-compass-module-3-axis-hmc5883l-29133
- Data Collection: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/22258810035/parallax-compass-module-3-axis-hmc5883l-29133-part
Episode: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/06/19/first-spin-episode-030-compass-module/(And I tested the link this time!)
Code Referenced:
Kickstart Code: http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/555-28027
Addie's Code: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/25650529744/parallax-pir-motion-sensor
Parallax Serial Terminal vs FullDuplexSerial: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/25786123323/noob-view-on-differences-between-two-serial-terminal
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/06/26/first-spin-episode-031-pir-motion-sensor/
And if you haven't seen Ken and Chip's Interview yet:
[video=youtube_share;eE_mBBlYuWk]
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/07/03/first-spin-episode-033-emic-2-text-to-speech-module/
[video=youtube_share;wk5Y_Kkok7M]
I love the SIDcog + Emic2 music part
Here's this week's episode!
This week on First Spin we talk about how to use the altimeter module! As always we discuss the hardware on the altimeter module. We also go through the Kickstart Code as well as code Addie created by noting the modular nature of the code.
KickStart Code: http://learn.parallax.com/kickstart/29124
Original Demo Code: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/21916124555/parallax-altimeter-module-29124-rev-a-ms5607-part-1-2
Addie's Code: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/21982704463/parallax-altimeter-module-29124-rev-a-ms5607-part-2-2
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/07/10/first-spin-episode-032-altimeter-module/
Kickstart Code: http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/27911
Addie's Introduction: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/22053744495/parallax-gyroscope-module-l3g4200d-27911
An addendum (Ratronic's code): http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/22126521804/parallax-gyroscope-module-l3g4200d-27911-addendum
Link for the episode: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/07/17/first-spin-episode-034-3-axis-gyroscope-module/
Kickstart: http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/27800
Addie’s Review: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/27558550332/parallax-2-axis-joystick
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/07/24/first-spin-episode-035-2-axis-joystick-and-rctime/
Polar Heart Rate Code: http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/28048
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/08/07/first-spin-episode-037-polar-heart-rate-receiver/
Kickstart code: http://learn.parallax.com/KickStart/28017
Addie's look at it: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/29198969331/memsic-2125-dual-axis-accelerometer-1-of-2
http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/29268133678/memsic-2125-dual-axis-accelerometer-2-of-2
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/08/14/first-spin-episode-038-accelerometer-module/
No first spin this week as Roy's on the move! We'll see if we can be back next week assuming Roy is set up! Send us an email or message if you have any ideas for what we should talk about!
Roy, get your move finished and let's hear from you all again, next week.
Enjoy the series greatly. I've kept a list of all the episodes, plus some pricing/item# data, so will have a 'hole' for 21 Aug.
Keep up the great discussions. I have no suggestions for topics at this time.
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/09/04/first-spin-episode-039-parallax-turns-25/
And thanks for the support Harley
This week on First Spin we talk about Addie's choice of measurements and go into the use of XBees with Propellers! We talk about why they're useful, discuss the hardware included in a Parallax provided XBee Wireless Pack, and talk about some of the software involved in using this. Our best recommendations are to walk through the XBee tutorial step by step, or go off some of Addie's code!
Episode: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/09/11/first-spin-episode-040-xbee-wireless-modules/
Tymkrs's Tutorial: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/archive - February and March 2012 go through each example in the XBee Tutorial provided by Parallax
Parallax's Tutorial: http://www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/rf/122-32450-XBeeTutorial-v1.0.1.pdf
Wireless Modules: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/29056927094/compilation-parallaxinc-modules-xbeewireless
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/09/18/first-spin-episode-041-making-sounds/
Addie's Servo Code: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/16979651524/parallax-rc-servo-part-iii-my-own-code
Servo Episode: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/06/05/first-spin-episode-028-servos-are-easy/
Counter Episode: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/03/06/first-spin-episode-015-%E2%80%93-more-directives-and-counters/
Counter App Note: http://www.parallaxsemiconductor.com/sites/default/files/appnotes/AN001-P8X32ACounters-v2.0_2.pdf
Episode: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/09/25/first-spin-episode-042-listener-questions/
SoundPal: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/32266224018/parallax-soundpal-and-the-propeller
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/10/02/first-spin-episode-043-ram-sound-pal-and-more/
Addie mentioned that she was trying to build a picture of the surrounding area, using the ping sensor and a compass module along with a continuous rotation servo.
A very interesting experiment that was launched several years ago, and apparently is still going strong is the seeing with sound web site. The idea is that blind folks use sound to navigate their environment already, so why not expand this to encompass the entire range of objects around them. The seeing with sound concept uses a camera to take a picture of something, then translate this picture into sound, thereby giving the blind person more cues about what it is the camera is looking at.
I took a look at this project when it first started several years ago, but not having a camera at the time, I gave up on it, but I understand, some folks are having quite a lot of success with this approach.
If you guys haven't already, I'd be interested in hearing a podcast on the laser range finder sensor from Parallax.
The reason being, back in the 70s, there was a device that used sound with tactile feedback (it was called the mowat sensor) to give blind folks an idea of their surroundings. I think one was featured in see no evil hear no evil with Richard pryor and gene Wilder) (1989 movie) so the idea isn't really a new one, but to my knowledge, this is the first time actual sound has been used as a substitute for vision, which is an intriguing idea.
There has been other attempts to use such things as navigationl aids. The laser cane for example (never had one, too expensive) would use lasers to detect overhead objects, and warn of changes in terrain such as curbs, steps and the like. I find all these attempts fascinating, even though none of them actually panned out all that well, as evidenced by the fact that none of these devices are currently available (as far as I know) but still, it's an interesting idea, and with enough working over, may actually be worth persuing.
The whole seeing with sound idea is interesting because it's trying to use one sense as a direct replacement for another, and the implications of such (assuming they can make it work) are extremely interesting as well.
The site where the seeing with sound research is summarized, and currently ongoing is:
http://www.seeingwithsound.com
You can download software there and even get samples of the sound looking at different things. I've not checked into it recently, but the whole ir sensors, and lrf sensors from parallax is severely tempting me to build myself a device, and see if I can't get somewhere with it all.
Just thought folks would find this little bit of information interesting. I know there's a lot of folks who like to tinker here, and this might raise a few ideas.
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/10/23/first-spin-episode-044-paper-bags/
Sigma-delta modulation links:
http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/34356672040/delta-sigma-modulation-bitstream-and-low-pass-filter
http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/34419987123/delta-sigma-modulation-pwm-vs-sigma-delta-meaty-info
http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/34491150969/sigma-delta-modulation-the-adc
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/10/30/first-spin-episode-045-include-c/
AppNote: http://www.parallaxsemiconductor.com/sites/default/files/appnotes/AN001-P8X32ACounters-v2.0_2.pdf
Addie's Counter Summary: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/34569362735/overview-of-counters-on-the-propeller
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/11/06/first-spin-episode-046-counter-magic/
Summary: http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/35492427205/tv-vga-connections-on-the-propboe-the-basics
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/11/13/first-spin-episode-047-set-up-vga/
For reference:
http://tymkrs.tumblr.com/post/35492427205/tv-vga-connections-on-the-propboe-the-basics
Episode Link: http://www.firstspin.tv/2012/11/20/first-spin-episode-048-first-vga-code/