Category: projects

Microchip ICD 2 and Windows Vista x64

While on Christmas break, I purchased a few things to get started on the stock clock project.  First was the Explorer 16 development board, which is the same one that I used while an a co-op (internship).  I bought this particular one since I was already familiar with its features and the processors that came… Continue reading Microchip ICD 2 and Windows Vista x64

Internet Enabled Wireless Stock Clock

A project that a friend of mine wants to complete is to build a small clock type device that can connect to the internet and show something like +/- 10% for the stock market (or a specific stock).  The preliminary concept involves 2 physical devices and a program on the computer.  The program on the… Continue reading Internet Enabled Wireless Stock Clock

Infrared Robot Detection with Obstacle Avoidance

As part of a Robotics class I took as a professional elective, I designed and built two robots with the intent of having them interact with each other. My original idea was to have them play a hide and seek type game, where one robot would chase the other, while both of them would avoid… Continue reading Infrared Robot Detection with Obstacle Avoidance

Webcam on a Telescope

One of my previous project ideas, stemmed from an article in Astronomy magazine, was to use my low cost webcam (Phillips SPC 900NC) to take high quality images of the moon and other objects.  I have recently been putting more time into this, but have been frustrated by an inability to focus properly.  I had… Continue reading Webcam on a Telescope

Bluetooth Comes Alive!

Despite my lack of posting, I actually have been working on my bluetooth hardware, and am proud to report that I have had my first successful bluetooth wireless communication between my Windows machine and my CB280 microcontroller (its based on an Atmega128). Using Hyperterminal, I connected to the outgoing COM port created when the bluetooth… Continue reading Bluetooth Comes Alive!

Philips SPC900NC Camera On Linux Is A Go

In researching information about using a webcam as a low cost camera for astrophotography, many people recommended the Philips SPC900NC camera due to its use of a good quality 1.3 megapixel CCD sensor at a decent price. I bought mine from ebay, but its also available on Amazon and Newegg. My first attempt at playing… Continue reading Philips SPC900NC Camera On Linux Is A Go

LED Display

A while back one of my roommates bought 2 LED displays as part of a project idea. The signs kind of fell on the backburner as other things came up, but I thought that I could start playing with one of them since it shouldn’t need much work to get it operational again. The display… Continue reading LED Display

Webcam Astrophotography

An article in the December 2006 issue of Astronomy magazine about using cheap webcams for astrophotography got me quite interested.  After doing some research this evening, it seems like it can be a cheap and fun project to undertake.  I think I have my heart set on a Philips SPC900NC webcam, which goes for about… Continue reading Webcam Astrophotography

Bluetooth Developemnt

Since I’ve solved the issues around the software portion of the system, I decided to get started on the hardware aspect of the project.  I can’t really finish the software until I know exactly how the hardware will interact with everything.  Most importantly, I need to determine how the chip will interface with the car… Continue reading Bluetooth Developemnt