Using Parallax Products at Work
Dave Hein
Posts: 6,347
My day job and my hobby activities are usually mutually exclusive, but recently I was able to use the Prop demo board for something I needed at work. The company I work for builds videoconferencing equipment, and we needed to detemine how closely our audio and video signals were synchronized. Using some of the objects in the OBEX I was able to put together a test rig that could generate an audio pulse, and a changing VGA signal, and measure the delay times using a photo-transistor and a microphone. It probably took me about 3 or 4 days to get it all working, and now I'm able to get some fairly accurate delay measurements.
It was a lot of fun to work with the Prop for my day job, and get paid for doing something that I like to do as a hobby. I'm wondering how many other people have used the Prop or the Stamp for work-related projects.
It was a lot of fun to work with the Prop for my day job, and get paid for doing something that I like to do as a hobby. I'm wondering how many other people have used the Prop or the Stamp for work-related projects.
Comments
You must've done it in C. 'Probably would've taken only a day or two in Spin!
Seriously, though, quickie protos are the Propeller's fort
Does that mean "told humorously" ?
So yes, I use Parallax products at work, although it's only the Propeller. Everything else is too specific, so it's custom.
ps: I've just recently switched over to G++, and I don't have any regrets. I really like object oriented programming for embedded systems.
This device we use for a long time "Smartlips Set" www.bpr.org.uk. Cheap, and easy
This is a easy way to check the delay of a camera to screen.
The system is universal, everybody can handle this signal ....
The metering system works within 1 frame 40ms
I use a lot of Propellers, basic stamps at work (video broadcasting facility), and never get trouble wen I put them online. Some of them for 6 years now
Not sure the bosses would be happy if they found out:)
@Ltech, the Smartlips product looks interesting. I'm not sure if it does exactly what I needed, but I might look into getting it.
I certainly do!
-Phil
I'm guessing it's one we know.
I have a small chemistry lab and I've been able to drastically increase the speed and accuracy of testing by having data digitally recorded to a SD card.
Adding barcodes (interfaced with a Prop) to vials and bottles has also greatly increased the speed and accuracy of testing.
The Prop changed a job that had been very dull and tedious to one that's practically (and often actually) fun.
Please do ask erco, that sounds cool! I wish I could use parallax items at my job, but with soooo many government regulations.....
I replaced an older automation controller in a Simplex 35mm projector for a small 6 screen independent movie theater. The automation controller was going to cost some astronomical number to repair or replace. I used a Basic Stamp 2 BOE board, a few transistors and some optocouplers, the rest was already there. Good times, wish I still had some pics to share.
I'd love to hear more about how you are using a barcode reader. A lot of data input tasks are redundant and tedious. Having the Propeller read bar codes really eliminates a lot of drudgery and enhances the utility of the Propeller.
I love barcodes and barcode readers. I no longer have to try to figure out what was written in a lab book.
I initially used a scanner from SparkFun but I found a less expensive scanner on ebay that works even better than the SparkFun version. Both the ebay scanner and the SparkFun scanner use the same protocol.
I have more information about this in this thread. To use the scanners with a serial connection instead of a USB connection a custom cable needs to be made (using Cat5). I give instruction about making this cable in the SparkFun's barcode reader comment section. My user name at SparkFun is "ddegn".