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What is your 2014 Project to do list? — Parallax Forums

What is your 2014 Project to do list?

RagtopRagtop Posts: 406
edited 2014-01-06 21:12 in General Discussion
Thought I would share my rather short (esp in the electronics arena) project plans for the new year. Please share yours!
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Comments

  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2013-12-30 09:25
    Mine is to get my derryairy back moving and finish the music products.

    My BS2pe-based flagship is near done (after a complete re-design & 1-year hiatus), two more have been prototyped and are completely functional, one is proto-prototyped (more than a bag o' parts, but less than presentable), and the last is still "on paper".
  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    edited 2013-12-30 11:03
    davejames wrote: »
    Mine is to get my derryairy back moving and finish the music products.

    My BS2pe-based flagship is near done (after a complete re-design & 1-year hiatus), two more have been prototyped and are completely functional, one is proto-prototyped (more than a bag o' parts, but less than presentable), and the last is still "on paper".
    What music products?
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2013-12-30 11:42
    David Betz wrote: »
    What music products?

    PM'd
  • KotobukiKotobuki Posts: 82
    edited 2013-12-30 14:02
    My to do list for this new year are three:

    First to get my HexCrawler working as smoothly as a linear hexapod can walk, and to develop 3DOF legs that do not require tearing up the current legs. (I have some ideas that involve small linear actuators and bell cranks...)

    Second is to expand my poultry and egg production. If I can get my flock and facilities to the point where I want it this year, I probably will no longer sell my corn production, using instead for feed. There is a huge demand for free range (in the true sense of the word) egg and poultry products. I cannot keep up with demand from restaurants let alone those who simply want a dozen eggs.

    Thirdly, I want to divest myself of all of the Model 15 TTY equipment that I have collected over the years. I have tons of this stuff, all working and tuned, but I am now only interested in the Model 28 gear. I will probably give it away to HAMS and TTY collectors this May at Dayton.

    Best,

    Joe
  • jdoleckijdolecki Posts: 726
    edited 2013-12-30 14:10
    Learn the scope the wife got me for Christmas .

    image.jpg
    1024 x 765 - 113K
  • jazzedjazzed Posts: 11,803
    edited 2013-12-30 14:31
    jdolecki wrote: »
    Learn the scope the wife got me for Christmas .

    image.jpg

    Major envy :)
  • xanatosxanatos Posts: 1,120
    edited 2013-12-30 14:58
    Other than work projects - my Sonic Screwdriver :)
  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    edited 2013-12-30 15:04
    jdolecki wrote: »
    Learn the scope the wife got me for Christmas .

    image.jpg
    My wife got me the Korg littleBits synthesizer kit. The littleBits company thought they wouldn't be able to deliver it in time for Christmas so they sent their $199 deluxe kit as a consolation prize. It turns out that the Korg kit did come the day before Christmas so I got both! :-)

    I'm trying to figure out how the little modules work and whether any of them have microcontrollers on them.
  • $WMc%$WMc% Posts: 1,884
    edited 2013-12-30 15:16
    Figure out Gerber / G-code.
    '
    This is as clear as mud to me at present.But I'll figure it out.
    '
    What a wierd way to write a bunch of GOTO's...lol
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2013-12-30 15:51
    xanatos wrote: »
    Other than work projects - my Sonic Screwdriver :)

    ...keep it away from the Jelly Babies!!!
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2013-12-30 15:58
    Confession is good for the soul. Don't call this a "to-do list", call it your New Years Resolution. Loudly and boldly state here what you WILL achieve in 2014, and let's "check in" on each other regularly. That sounds so much nicer than "Let's hold each other accountable" !

    I find that shame is the most powerful motivator for me (a thick skin helps). This year was my year to run 1000 miles. I told all my family and friends early on last year, and they "checked in on me" and kept me motivated all year. I was not about to fail. I kept right on schedule and hit 1000 miles a bit early on Dec 27 with the twins scootering beside me for the last mile. Hurts so good.

    Just do it! Whatever you want to do, commit to making it happen and take steps now to ensure your success!
    800 x 850 - 416K
  • User NameUser Name Posts: 1,451
    edited 2013-12-30 16:27
    For 2014, my crystal ball foretells extensive involvement with large Ferroxcube UR cores. That certainly is how 2013 is ending.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-01-01 21:17
    Interesting plans Thomas. I'm looking forward to seeing some more great projects.
    I really appreciate the time you and others take to document your projects on the forum. Thanks.

    This thread and erco's recent tour of his robot room (very cool BTW), has got me thinking about projects and robots.

    One of the things I'd really like to do this year is get some of my almost finished project to a place where they can be demonstrated to people stopping by (or to school and scout groups).

    This includes projects that were once finished but then I took it apart of an upgrade which was never completed.

    I usually have my Mecanum wheeled robot ready to roll but other than that most of my robots and projects are in a state of disarray.

    Here's my list to get finished and presentable:

    Hexacopter with LEDs controlled by the radio.
    Three wheeled omni bot.
    Roboni-I with Propeller control board.
    Remote controlled Roomba.
    Small 18-servo hexapod.
    Penguin (gift I've never powered up).
    Toddler (used in need of minor repairs).
    AX-12 Smart Arm
    Rover 5 with treads.
    Cheap Bot with small Vex wheels.
    PropBOE-Bot with ActivityBot style upgrades.
    Scribbler 2 with added ultrasound (switching from Maxbotix sensor to cheap ebay sensor).

    One of the things holding back some of these robots is my work on several different remote control devices. I have three Propeller controlled remotes to use with these robots. The remotes have the potential of being very cool devices (IMO) once they're working but right now they're just a collection of parts.

    I have a bunch of software projects which are also close to completion. One of these software projects is improved encoder feedback for the Rover 5 chassis. I'm hoping to complete the improved encoder/motor software along with software I've been working on for a digital compass (HMC5883L) in time to make some cool figure 8 tracks out in the snow before it get too warm.

    I've also got a bunch of LED projects I'd like to finalize. I've got a cool six digit 6" 7-segment display I'd like to get mounted somewhere in our home instead of it just sitting unused on a shelf.

    I usually have the "mood enhancing LEDs" ready to show people, I've also got some GE-35 Christmas lights scrolling Christmas greetings in our front window but I have many more LED projects not quite done. I want to make sure I have some sort of battery pack to use with these other LED projects so they're easy to show off.

    I'd like to keep as many of these robots and other electronics projects ready with charged batteries so they can be used to show others how cool robotics is (and how cool I am while I'm at it).

    I don't think I'll have a robot room anywhere as amazing as erco's (though mine will have a Toddler) but I'd like to keep what I have ready to roll (or glow or fly) whenever someone would like to see them.

    So I count twelve robots (including the hexacopter) so that gives me about a month per robot to get them operational. So expect an update on the various project threads or a new project thread, for those robot I haven't documented yet, about once a month. I will likely start with the Rover 5 so it's ready to make graceful tracks in the snow this winter.
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2014-01-01 21:24
    # 1 on my list ... master SPIN ..... So I Can show the geeks at my college how a Real micon is programmed . none of this sketch nonsense .

    #2 get my data all sorted and archived for my 10 Year plan .

    #3 Build my KSP hardware FLight Sim interface .
  • Peter JakackiPeter Jakacki Posts: 10,193
    edited 2014-01-01 21:27
    jdolecki wrote: »
    Learn the scope the wife got me for Christmas .

    image.jpg

    I think your Prop has just flat-lined. Time for an 8-cog salute.
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,934
    edited 2014-01-02 00:37
    $WMc% wrote: »
    Figure out Gerber / G-code.
    '
    This is as clear as mud to me at present.But I'll figure it out.
    '
    What a wierd way to write a bunch of GOTO's...lol

    What do you want to know? Sadly, a few years ago I designed a small PCB in notepad by typing in RS274X. Back in 2003, I got a nice little guide that fully explains gerber 274D and 274X. Attached is the PDF. It's also in few places all over the net if you Google just right.....
  • RagtopRagtop Posts: 406
    edited 2014-01-02 07:29
    If anybody else is interested in board game making, I forgot to include the link of this business I found.

    The Game Crafter

    The game I want to create is a western of "job makers" gambling around a poker table and
    buying land deeds and businesses to become the big honcho of Maplesville, SD or known
    to locals as Cutthroat Junction.

    Was thinking of adding leds to the game board on each property to light the player color of the owner, but
    seems a bit idiosyncratic for a western. Still would be kinda cool.
  • RagtopRagtop Posts: 406
    edited 2014-01-02 07:37
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    This includes projects that were once finished but then I took it apart of an upgrade which was never completed.

    Familiar with that. My GPS datalogger is in many pieces awaiting a rebuild.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-01-02 07:46
    What do you want to know? Sadly, a few years ago I designed a small PCB in notepad by typing in RS274X. Back in 2003, I got a nice little guide that fully explains gerber 274D and 274X. Attached is the PDF. It's also in few places all over the net if you Google just right.....

    The most up-to-date spec can always be found here:

    http://www.ucamco.com/downloads.aspx


  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-01-02 08:07
    A. Make a complete list of 'Must Have' 3.3volt chips for the Propeller, e.g; ADC, DAC, shift registers, and other. I have to import these as everything local is 5.0 volt logic is it is no longer any fun to adapt everything. The 3.3v list should be divided between surface mount and DIP devices

    B. Make an automotive Propeller set up with ADC inputs, logic to 12 volt relay outputs, and DAC output, including a power supply setup for the automotive environment that is highly noise and failure resistant.

    C. Finish reading my eForth document and possibly create my own version of Forth on the Propeller that follows the eForth model. It won't be the best or the fastest, but it will allow new Forth on the Propeller users to study how Forth works from some very complete documentation.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Not Propeller related -- finish my electric R/C stunt plane. I have all the components, just need to do it.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-01-02 09:08
    Ragtop wrote: »
    Familiar with that. My GPS datalogger is in many pieces awaiting a rebuild.

    I now have the parts to rebuild my GPS pedometer. I'd like to get that put together again too. It's just not as big of a hit with nieces and nephews as the robots are (and I must maintain my status as favorite uncle).
    A. Make a complete list of 'Must Have' 3.3volt chips for the Propeller, e.g; ADC, DAC, shift registers, and other.

    I hope you share your list with the rest of us. I only know how to use a handful of these type of support chips and it would be great to know which other chips I should add to my tool kit.


    All this talk of g-code reminded me I didn't even mention my highest priority project. Getting my CNC router up and running. I'm hoping to use a Propeller as the controller by I may resort of a Linux box of some sort.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-01-02 09:23
    Ragtop wrote: »
    If anybody else is interested in board game making, I forgot to include the link of this business I found.

    The Game Crafter

    The game I want to create is a western of "job makers" gambling around a poker table and
    buying land deeds and businesses to become the big honcho of Maplesville, SD or known
    to locals as Cutthroat Junction.

    Was thinking of adding leds to the game board on each property to light the player color of the owner, but
    seems a bit idiosyncratic for a western. Still would be kinda cool.

    I teach English to one boy that wants to learn all the games I can find for him.

    We started with 5X5 chess and checkers a few weeks ago, and have now shifted to 5X6 chess.
    I am not sure if you are familiar with Chinese chess http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangqi

    But I just got inspired to make a similar reduced board format of it. The original is a 9x9 grid (pieces go on the intersections, not in the squares), so I am going to start with a 5x9 grid. That should be very interesting to explore.

    The real beauty of doing this is the boy is not just learning to play games, He has to use English while we play. And now he is learning to be empowered to make his own modifications to games.

    BTW, I absolutely refuse to play any computer games with him as he doesn't seem to acquire much of anything with those. We play gin rummy, casino, cribbage, backgammon, canasta, hearts, fish, poker, and much more. These games all sharpen the mind to calculate quickly and the differences emphasis changes is a winning strategy.

    Above all, this teaches him to enjoy winning and learning how to win.

    5x6 Chess is more fun than 5X5, and is great for kids as the games are short and fierce with lots of excitement. Kids want games that slam their opponents, but the quiet battles of Contract Bridge or regular Chess. They have to grow into those.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-01-02 09:32
    Duane Degn wrote: »

    I hope you share your list with the rest of us. I only know how to use a handful of these type of support chips and it would be great to know which other chips I should add to my tool kit.

    I don't have to be the only one making this list. Maybe we should start another thread of 'must-have 3.3 volt chips'. I can only find a few items that are in DIP packages. It seems that the changeover to 3.3 volts coincided with the shift to SMDs.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2014-01-02 10:27

    Above it, this teaches him to enjoy winning and learning how to win.

    That's so politically incorrect! You must teach him to not be concerned about the winning. It's the act of participating in an endeavor that is filled with others of diverse skills and beliefs (unless you believe in winning). Growth comes through participation, not winning. Self worth comes from how well you allow others to share values and your ability to be tolerant of all involved in the game. Winning implies someone is "the best" and that just won't be tolerated!
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-01-02 11:08
    mindrobots wrote: »
    That's so politically incorrect! You must teach him to not be concerned about the winning. It's the act of participating in an endeavor that is filled with others of diverse skills and beliefs (unless you believe in winning). Growth comes through participation, not winning. Self worth comes from how well you allow others to share values and your ability to be tolerant of all involved in the game. Winning implies someone is "the best" and that just won't be tolerated!

    Well, it may be politically incorrect; but I'd rather see a child learn to be a Tiger Woods than a noob. Growth does indeed come through participation in some ways, but losing can certainly put a damper on growth. My dear old dad was a master at contract bridge, but he hated to loose and so I never learned how to win from him. I just learned to avoid playing games with him. Now that is politically incorrect.

    OTOH, teaching a kid how to win doesn't necessarily mean teaching him how to be selfish. It just teaches him the analytical skills and awareness needed to deal with new challenges as they come up in life.

    It wasn't until much later in life that I actually learned how to keep track of a full deck of cards. That is an important skill for competing in bridge. I just how wonder how a parent or a mentor can ignore sharing how to get successful outcomes. It is not as if I am teaching the boy how to cheat. Fair play is also an important component. In fact, I generally teach kids that cheating spoils the fun and makes the competition less rewarding.

    How would you feel if you had a boy that said, "Dad taught me everything I know. But he just hated teaching. So that's the way I am."

    Good parenting involves mentoring winning.
  • RagtopRagtop Posts: 406
    edited 2014-01-02 13:25
    Loopy, you made me learn something new today which is cool.
    I had never heard of Chinese Chess.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-01-03 04:33
    Yes, Chinese chess is a lot of fun and really a mind-bender. I started to play and got heavily beat up by the cannons shooting over pieces.

    If you really want to learn, get a copy of "Chinese Chess" by Lau, published by Tuttle. And expect to get very beat up by any Chinese kids that you want to play with.

    The most interesting facts are that it is entirely symmetrical in layout, the King has to stay in his castle, and there is no Queen. And it has cannons...

    So far I have three different layouts I am pondering for a 5x9 board. And another three for a 5 x7 board. This could be a the start of a very interesting project.
  • LevLev Posts: 182
    edited 2014-01-03 05:35
    Mine are:

    1) spend more time learning DipTrace and less time using ExpressPCB
    2) Morph one of my BOE Bots to an ActivityBOT
    3) Learn to do TV graphics so I can finish that bike ride simulator (that I have been thinking about for the past ten years when I should have been actually riding my bike)
    4) Get a "microcontrollers in science" course going at my high school
    5) Spend a lot more time playing with Spin, and a little more time with GCC and SimpleIDE
    and finally:
    6) resurrect my Stingray which has suffered from neglect the past few years. After I scrape off the layers of dust it will get the new motors installed, get a new P1 based controller board, and encoders
    So little time, so much to do :)
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-01-03 07:11
    I had forgotten to mention one project that I really would love to have...

    A miniture electronic remote control forklift.... about the size of a Roomba in footprint, but capable of really lifting something. It might retrive books and take out the garbage. Or if your favorate beverages are in the bottom of the refridge, it could grab one for you. Of course, add video to be sure you get a good pickup, and maybe auto routing to your most frequent locations.

    This could make storage under your bed and other similar places become very handy.
  • RforbesRforbes Posts: 281
    edited 2014-01-03 09:58
    I'd really like to finish a 3 axis stepper motor controller with a quickstart I started awhile back. It currently has the following features/limitations:

    Features:
    • Half, full and wave drive mode
    • Step and direction mode
    • infinite acceleration and deceleration ramping ability (not really infinite, but pretty darn close)
    • standard trapezoid motion profile only for now (no clue how to implement an s curve on the accel or decel)
    • RGB LED dimmer pack mode
    • dynamic (on the fly) motion profile starts regardless of mode (starts a new profile based on where/what it's currently doing.)
    • axis semi-synchronization based on time, position, velocity or other triggers (only syncronizes the start of a motion profile for any given axis or multiple axis)
    • relative and absolute positional move commands, along with jog, home, stop, etc.
    Limitations:
    • It works pretty well, but the top end speed is quite low- around 1025 pulses per second max.
    • No positional feedback ability or stall detection built in.
    Need to work on the limitations and also make a serial interface to link up multiple controllers. I think I can get 21 axis running pretty well together. And then.... it's "fun with animatronics time!" :):):)
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