Software user

Some time ago I bought this coin acceptor . Programming it to accept 4 different types of coins is convoluted, but quite ingenious, and works exactly as the spec sheet indicates, without glitches. Surprising for such a complex task, considering that the user interface consists of 3 buttons and two 7-segment LED displays. After setting it up, the mechanism identifies each coin type reliably, even providing user-friendly feedback (showing on the LED display the number of impulses sent over the COIN/white wire), very helpful for debugging. Now onto actually using it. Adafruit's graciously provided the "Piggy bank" sample project ,  including the Arduino sketch as well. The sketch however, counts the impulses simply in the loop() function. That may work fine in that particular setup, with just the coin acceptor (1 coin type nonetheless) and the LCD display. If you want to add more hardware (printer, buttons, bluetooth, SD card, LEDs etc), you need a smarter, hardware-independ

Hi friends, Today I am going to tell you a facebook trick that you will surely love. I will show you how to change background and whole theme of facebook . Follow these simple steps: Read more »

Hello friends, today I am going to tell you about some keyboard shortcuts of Ubuntu 13.04. Although its written in Ubuntu documentation but only a few of us bothers about the documentation and read them. So, I am summarizing them here. I collected it from Ubuntu official website. Read more »

All of us have seen 12 function keys (F1-F12) available on your keyboard, but only a few might be using it in different applications for making their jobs simpler. These function keys perform different functions in different applications and can be used in combination with other keys. I collected many such uses of function keys from different sites and magazines and I am putting here. Although I have Read more »

One of the requirements I consider important when designing a device is the ability to repair it, in case it breaks down. This means that the device should be easy to dis-assemble into its components, ideally without using a soldering iron. To achieve this goal, I usually tend to use headers and sockets for connecting the boards between them. I also try to place the buttons/switches etc. directly on the board, eventually sticking out through holes in the panel, rather than using their panel-mount equivalents connected to the board with wires. The main reason I called one of my latest device "ugly" in a recent post was because I could not meet this requirement (well, I did not design the whole thing either). Essentially, that particular Geiger counter is very difficult to fix. Accessing to the FTDI header to re-program the Arduino Mini is also challenging. If, for some reason, the LiPo charger breaks down, the replacement miniature board would require drilling, then trace-cu

With my limited (read "non-existent") crafting resources (e.g. space, tools), the easiest way to enclose my Arduinix clock was by recycling  my late Chumby 's shell. Things almost magically fit together, with minimal thinking and work. I was able to cram inside the box a hand-wired Wiseduino with an Arduinix-remix shield and a 4-tube board. The old Wiseduino would have come in handy if I had any left. I made one using the protoshield from Sparkfun, which also has a connector for the Bluetooth JY-MCU module. Beside the ATmega328, this pseudo-Wiseduino board includes a DS1307 with coin backup battery and a 7805 voltage regulator. The tube board is attached with screws to an empty board that plugs in the Arduinix-remixed shield. (Note that one reason for "remixing" Arduinix was to re-arrange the parts sticking out, namely the mosfet and the capacitors, so that it allows another shield to be stacked on top.) The clock has no user button (I glued the original sno

John, aka broHogan, the creator of DIYGeigerKit , skillfully built a nice enclosure for his Wise Clock 4, a potential inspiration to others. From his email: The case is made from Cocobolo (rosewood) from a slab I bought in Costa Rica. The splines are ebony. In about a year it will turn a nice deep red. It's really not this brown, more like this. Buttons also cocobolo. Holes drilled in the ends go over pushbuttons. The router jig used to cut the slots for the splines. And this reminds me of a joke. How do you double the value of a Jugo car ? You fill up the tank. Got it? :) Thanks John, I really appreciate it.