Tindie

Video games on a normal 2D screen are fun, and putting the action on a VR headset makes it immersive. You can take things to an entirely new level, however, by using a motion simulator rig to make your body physically pitch, roll, and jump in order to literally feel the experience.

Simulators like this haven’t become common on the consumer market yet, but there’s always the DIY route. If you’d like a head start on the electronics for your build, the AMC1280USB motion controller provides a great way to interface  your custom hardware (up to 6 degrees of freedom—DOF) with a computer. It features a variety of input and ouput methods for actuators, and can fit in a drive bay via an enclosure you can 3D print.

Peer this controller in various states of assembly in the first video below, but make sure you check out the second to see a very advanced exercise bike powered by it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlhfqaZHAU

If you’re more of a feet-on-the-ground gamer, Thanos also offers a bartop arcade system outlined in this post, complete with a good old-fashined 2D screen!

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Obsolete electronics can easily be repurposed into something new, and that’s exactly what Tindie seller Oscilloscope clocks does with outdated electronic tubes. Using a 3″ DG7-6 cathode ray tube (CRT), an autonomous clock with electrostatic deflection is born.

This particular clock is homemade and has dimensions of 5.5 x 6 x 8 inches. The acrylic shroud is not attached, it simply sits on the base of the clock. The board includes pots for adjusting the height, focus, astigmatism, brightness, and centering of the display.

The display alternates between digital and analog every ten seconds. It also moves slightly every six seconds to avoid burn-in on the CRT. Every aspect of the clock can be replaced or repaired as needed, including the microcontroller.

This unique oscilloscope clock is a perfect example of how makers can marry obsolete tech with modern methods to produce something entirely new.

If this looks familiar it’s because we featured the blue version back on October. But they’re just so cool I couldn’t help giving another shout out!

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What do you get when you cross a normal 7-segment display with programmable LEDs (AKA NeoPixels)? That would be the Neo7Segment designed by Unexpected Maker. These devices come in the form of a normal 7-segment display, but instead of a single LED lighting up each segment, 4 programmable LEDs do the job. This allows for some very interesting effects as demonstrated below.

Each digit is really affordable, and includes the option of a kit build (you’ll need to solder all surface mount components, including the LEDs) or fully assembled. Several digits can be chained together to make a larger display. while only one data line from your microcontroller is required, a separate power supply is recommended since each of these segments can theoretically pull up to nearly 2 amps.

You can see the design process in the video below. While it’s over 35 minutes, if you’re curious as to what goes into making a custom PCB, it will serve as a nice reference.

If you’re in the market for a unique 7-segment display, you might also check out the mechanical display controller profiled here.

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I’ve always been one to distrust the thermostat in my home. What if the temperature in the bedroom is different from the kitchen? The TeHyBug is a temperature Wifi tracker that can be used in a variety of scenarios since it comes in several different hardware options.

Shown above is a module track the temperature in a freshwater fish tank. Other options include temperature, pressure, and humidity, all reporting their readings via your WiFi network. Data is tracked at set intervals and sent to the TeHyBug Server.

You can also configure TeHyBug to relay the data to your own Raspberry Pi web server. The data can be viewed in a graph that tracks the temperature daily or hourly. Monitor changes in your fish tank, fridge, basement, server room, or anywhere else you can think of within your network.

In testing, a single 3.7 volt 18650 LiPo-Cell lasted over six months. Your mileage will vary based on data sending frequency and the battery type. Batteries are not included. The temperature tracking range is between -55 and 125 degrees Celsius.

The fish tank temperature variation uses a stainless steel packaged waterproof DS18b20 temperature sensor. The WiFi temperature tracker comes soldered and ready to use, along with instructions to get started. A preinstalled code allows you to set everything up by using a configuration web page that will give you the choice of connecting to the TeHyBug data server, or your own web host.

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Maker Faire UK is a two-day festival at the Life Science Centre and Newcastle. Over 300 hackers, coders, and makers come together to share their inventions and ideas. Inspiration is the word of the day when you attend this incredible festival.

Show Off Your Product at the Tindie Booth!

We’re inviting members of the Tindie community to come and demo projects at our booth during Maker Faire 2018. If you would like to demo one of your products, say hello on Twitter, or send us an email: hello@tindie.com

There are an estimated 10,000 makers attending this year, including some of our own Tindie sellers:

• Rober Fitzsimons is showing off his Constellation Umbrella 
• Spencer Owen is bringing the RC2014 Retro Computer Kit which he currently sells on Tindie
• Tindie seller Dronix will also be attending. Check out his store for a look at his work.
• Tynemouth Software will be demoing the Minstrel ZX80 Clone at our booth as well

This is just a small slice of the makers who will be attending Maker Faire 2018. We are on the lookout for more Tindie sellers who want to showcase their projects, so be sure to reach out if you’re interested!

Come to the Newcastle Meetup

Tindie and Hackaday are having a Newcastle meetup on Saturday, April 28th. Bring a project to show-and-tell, and please RSVP so we know how much pizza and other refreshments should be arranged.

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For those familiar with granular synthesis, it’s a thing of beauty and almost effortless  expression. For those who haven’t, there is no better introduction to it than the Gecho Loopsynth! The Gecho puts a kaleidoscope of sounds in your pocket, generated by the world around you and whatever you plug into it. It’s an innovative open-source synth that is battery operated and comes with a USB connection for updates, as well as an expandable, hackable PCB.

It can pick up and process real world noises, using a stereo pair of built-in microphones — turning your voice into a choral exploration or a tap of your fingers into a cinematic syncopation! Alternatively, plug an instrument into the stereo input for more zero-latency polyphonic tones, simultaneously soothing and expansive.

Expression is the key to the Gecho, with 4 infra-red proximity sensors to control sound parameters as well as a linear magnetic sensor, which reacts to magnetic objects!  Each of these elements control and evolve the sound — played back live or triggered using a built in sequencer — with chords, progressions, and harmonies at your fingertips.

The Gecho Loopsynth brings you a shared experience with two outputs, so you can listen with a friend or send the signals elsewhere for further exploration!  Check out the demo below and get some inspirational hack ideas from the Gecho site.

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Making LEDs dance around with music is a fun project, and a spectrum visualizer is a great way to do that. Where you start on one of these projects is of course a huge question, but why not check out jolliFactory’s Spectrum Visualizer PCB board.

This is a carrier board for two MSGEQ7 chips which process an audio input into different outputs based on frequency. Add these chips and an Arduino Nano to the board and you’re in business. The kit includes all the resistors, capacitors, and audio jacks that are needed.

See its capabilities demonstrated in the video below in a 3D visualizer made with JF’s LED Matrix Modules. You can also use it with more normal-ish LED assemblies in a 2D matrix like this 16×16 LED version.

For another take on audio experimentation, check out the Audio Hacker shield to experiment with sound using an Arduino. Perhaps you could use both at the same time for an interactive AV experience!

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Remember The Clapper, a device ahead of its time known as much for its memorable jingle as it’s ability to switch power on or off by hearing you clap your hands. Home automation is now coming into its own, and that means more options for how we interact with technology.

The IoTMATE V2b-CL switches power like the Clapper, but uses your voice thanks to Amazon’s Alexa. This support is available regardless of whether you own an Echo or not. Simulators like Reverb for voice control allow the module to support Alexa on its own.

Once configured, you can turn appliances on or off by asking Alexa or using the Alex app. To ensure security, you will need to log in with Amazon-based account linking. The module integrates with current wiring and will retrofit with existing switches.

The IoTMATE module does not connect to anything but Amazon Web Services so no sensitive data or reporting will be sent to third-parties. The package comes with the module, attached cables, a free sub-domain, and documentation on installation.

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Raspberry Pi single-board computers are great, but one thing they don’t come with is an enclosure. Sure, you could fasten one to the back of a TV or computer monitor by itself, but in order for it to live on it’s own in plain sight, you’ll need some sort of box to put it in. Naturally there are a ton of cases available, including quite a few on Tindie.

Acrylic Raspberry Pi 3 Enclosure

This Raspbery Pi 3 case surrounds your Pi in acrylic, and provides easy access to ports and the SD card reader. It also includes vents to keep things cool, and is available in several colors, including clear as shown here.

Classic Wooden Raspberry Pi Case

If you’d like a classic look for your Pi setup that evokes the feeling of an early-1900s radio, this wooden enclosure for the Pi 2/3 will do the trick! It’s cut out of a block of oak, and features a generous cooing grate, along with cutouts for access to connection ports.

DIN Rail Kit

While you wouldn’t call this an “enclosure,” if you need to use a Raspberry Pi in an industrial setting, being able to mount it to DIN rail is extremely helpful. This kit works on the Pi 2/3, along with the Pi Zero, allowing you to integrate the Pi into a controls cabinet without having to drill holes.

Anodized Aluminum Pi Enclosure

If you (correctly) think that anodized aluminum looks pretty awesome, then this case is worth a look. Granted, it costs more than your Pi computer itself, but it’s got all of the access slots you would expect, along with an aluminum reset button. Not only that, but the enclosure itself acts as a passive heat sync, helping your Pi run cool and silent!

NES-Inspired Case

Building a Pi-based retro computing system? Why not make it look the part with this 3D-printed enclosure made in the form of a small version of your favorite childhood gaming system. Cleverly, the “cartridge” door opens to reveal not a copy of Super Mario Bros, but the Ethernet and USB ports of the Pi inside. You can order it with a cooling fan included, or even a small LED to simulate the NES’ power indicator.

Press Fit Wooden Enclosure

This intersting Raspberry Pi case is made out of birch plywood, and is laser-cut in such a way that you can push it together without using any type of screws of fasteners.

Minimal Pi Zero Enclosure

This neat Pi Zero case features a pair of acrylic panels supported by standoffs. This allows .625″ above the Pi if you need space for connectors or other electronics. It’s shown in orange here, but can be ordered in a variety of colors, including clear.F

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As hackers, technologist, and engineers, we tend to be very good at building systems to automate our lives, or perhaps entertain us before being converted to “shelfware.” Plants—specifically flowers—require a different mindset in that they must be planted, tended until “working,” then maintained with water, sunlight, and nutrients week after week after week.

Nikodem Bartnik is no exception to this rule, and his mentions his “flowers are not in good condition because [he] always forgot to water them.” To help with this problem, he came up with Flotcher. This device measures changes in electrical flow between two pads on his PCB plugged into the earth surrounding a plant, and sounds a buzzer when it’s too dry. Discreet components like resistors and transistors as used here, which are not only cheaper, but helped Bartnik learn something new for this project.

He’s selling these units as PCBs only, so you’ll need to purchase your own transistors, beeper, etc. separately. You might also note that the transistors and resistors used are surface-mount. While this will likely require tweezers to get things attached, Bartnik notes that this isn’t as hard as you might think, so it could be a good intro into this world of tiny space-saving components!

For another watering solution, you might also check out the Chirp! alarm profiled here.

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