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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

GeForce4 MX | GeForce MX

None of the Drivers for my GeForce4 MX 440 Video Card will work right in Debian 6. So, I' trying the Manufacturers Driver Download now...

Specs of my Video Card in my BlueFIC P4 System...

GeForce4 MX 440 AGP 8X

Fill Rate:
Triangles per Second:
Memory Bandwidth:
Maximum Memory:

1.1 Billion Texels/Sec.
34 Million
8.0GB/Sec.
64MB

Go there...
http://www.nvidia.com/page/geforce4mx.html

NVIDIA Home > Download Drivers

http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

Nvidia links all 05-31-11: RivaTV project for nVidia video-in; iTWire - WiFi password cracking with ATI and NVIDIA; Linux Today - University of Antwerp builds desktop supercomputer with 13 NVIDIA GPUs; MSI GF615M-P33 Motherboard - NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE & nForce 430, Socket AM3, MicroATX, Audio, Video, PCI Express, 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN, USB 2.0, RAID at TigerDirect.com; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; [Phoronix] NVIDIA Updates Two Of Their Old Legacy Drivers; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 680i, Socket 775, ATX, Audio, PCI Express, SLI, Dual Gigabit LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0 & Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID 122-CK-NF68-RX at TigerDirect.com; EVGA nForce 680i SE SLI Recertified Motherboard - NVIDIA, Socket 775, ATX, Audio, PCI Express, SLI, Dual Gigabit LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0 & Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID 122-CK-NF63-RX at TigerDirect.com; EVGA e-7050610i Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 610i, Socket 775, MicroATX, Audio, Video, Audio, PCI Express, 10100 Ethernet LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0, Serial ATA, RAID 112-CK-NF72-K1 at TigerDirect.com; EVGA e-7150630i Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 630i, Socket 775, MicroATX, Audio, Video, HDMI, DVI, PCI Express, Gigabit LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0, Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID 112-CK-NF77-A1 at TigerDirect.com; EVGA e-7050610i Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 610i, Socket 775, MicroATX, Audio, Video, Audio, PCI Express, 10100 Ethernet LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0, Serial ATA, RAID 112-CK-NF72-K1 at TigerDirect.com; EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 680i, Socket 775, ATX, Audio, PCI Express, SLI, Dual Gigabit LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0 & Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID 122-CK-NF68-RX at TigerDirect.com; EVGA nForce 680i SE SLI Recertified Motherboard - NVIDIA, Socket 775, ATX, Audio, PCI Express, SLI, Dual Gigabit LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0 & Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID 122-CK-NF63-RX at TigerDirect.com; EVGA e-7150630i Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 630i, Socket 775, MicroATX, Audio, Video, HDMI, DVI, PCI Express, Gigabit LAN, SPDIF, USB 2.0, Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID 112-CK-NF77-A1 at TigerDirect.com; MachSpeed MSNV-939 NVIDIA Socket 939 ATX Motherboard and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2.0GHz OEM Processor at TigerDirect.com; Abit NF-M2S NVIDIA Socket AM2 MicroATX Motherboard and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 2.0GHz Processor with Fan (Retail) at TigerDirect.com; Visionman AMD Socket AM2 Barebones - Biostar TForce TF7025-M2 AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 1GB DDR2-800 Gigabit LAN NVIDIA GeForce 7025 Video Media Reader PCI-Express RAID 0, 1, 5 585 Watts BSBB200 at TigerDirect.com; HP Pavilion m8417c Refurbished Desktop PC - Phenom X3 8400 2.10GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB SATA 3G, SATA DVDRWRAM, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, 10100 Ethernet LAN, Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 RB-KQ417AAR at TigerDirect.com; XFX nForce 630i Socket 775 Barebone Kit - NVIDIA GeForce 7100, Intel Pentium D 940, 3GB DDR2-667, 500GB SATA II, Mid Tower Case, 450 Watt Power Supply at TigerDirect.com; Abit NF-M2S NVIDIA Socket AM2 MicroATX Motherboard and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 2.0GHz Processor with Fan (Retail) at TigerDirect.com; MachSpeed MSNV-939 NVIDIA Socket 939 ATX Motherboard and an AMD Athlon (...); XFX nForce 630i Socket 775 Barebone Kit - NVIDIA GeForce 7100, Intel P (...); HP Pavilion m8417c Refurbished Desktop PC - Phenom X3 8400 2.10GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB SATA 3G, SATA DVDRWRAM, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, 10100 Ethernet LAN, Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 RB-KQ417AAR at TigerDirect.com; NVidia GeForce GTS 240 1024MB or ATI Radeon HD 4350 512MB - Graphics-Cards - Graphic-Displays; [Phoronix] Nouveau Driver Q&A (Open-Source NVIDIA Driver); Linux.com :: Nouveau project hacks away at free Nvidia drivers; Nouveau Becomes NVIDIA's New Standard Driver - Linux Magazine Online; Laptop Repair Help » How to fix laptop motherboard with failed NVIDIA graphics chip; Laptop Repair Help » How to fix laptop motherboard with failed NVIDIA graphics chip; Enabling Compiz Fusion On A Debian Squeeze Desktop (Nvidia GeForce 8200) | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos and Tutorials; NVIDIA GeForce DIY Kit - GTS 250 512MB Graphics, Intel G41 Mobo, Intel E5400 2.7Ghz CPU, CPU Cooler, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 22X DVD Writer, 500GB Hard Drive, Keyboard, Optical Mouse, Nvidia Case, 500W PSU at TigerDirect.com; [SOLVED] Enabling the nvidia driver: /etc/rc.d/init.d/functions: line 526: 1263 Segmentation - FedoraForum.org; New Nvidia Linux Driver Supports Ubuntu 11.04 - Softpedia; Welcome to NVIDIA - World Leader in Visual Computing Technologies; Linux Today - University of Antwerp builds desktop supercomputer with 13 NVIDIA GPUs; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; New Nvidia Video Driver for Linux Supports X Server 1.8 - Available for 32-bit and 64-bit platforms - Softpedia; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux.com :: Nouveau project hacks away at free Nvidia drivers; Nouveau Becomes NVIDIA's New Standard Driver - Linux Magazine Online; Enabling Compiz Fusion On A Debian Squeeze Desktop (Nvidia GeForce 8200) | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos and Tutorials; New Nvidia Linux Driver Supports Ubuntu 11.04 - Softpedia; HP Pavilion m8417c Refurbished Desktop PC - Phenom X3 8400 2.10GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB SATA 3G, SATA DVDRWRAM, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, 10100 Ethernet LAN, Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 RB-KQ417AAR at TigerDirect.com; HP Pavilion m8417c Refurbished Desktop PC - Phenom X3 8400 2.10GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB SATA 3G, SATA DVDRWRAM, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, 10100 Ethernet LAN, Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 RB-KQ417AAR at TigerDirect.com; DonsDeals: Fedora 12 Research on Fixing Broken GUI after installing Nvidia Graphics Driver by Uninstalling; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Fedora Nvidia Driver Install Guide; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; fedora 12 video nvidia lock up - Google Search; [SOLVED] Enabling the nvidia driver: /etc/rc.d/init.d/functions: line 526: 1263 Segmentation - FedoraForum.org; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; Linux Software Blog » Blog Archive » SOLVED Fedora 12 + Nvidia installation problems; debian 6 nvidia video driver - Google Search; NvidiaGraphicsDrivers - Debian Wiki; Debian -- Details of package nvidia-glx in squeeze; What's a legacy driver?; Appendix A. Supported NVIDIA GPU Products; NvidiaGraphicsDrivers - Debian Wiki; Debian User Forums • View topic - nVIDIA drivers HowTo; Welcome to NVIDIA - World Leader in Visual Computing Technologies; Search NVIDIA; GeForce4 MX | GeForce MX; Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers; NVIDIA DRIVERS 96.43.19 Certified; DonsDeals: Fedora 12 Research on Fixing Broken GUI after installing Nvidia Graphics Driver by Uninstalling

Don

EasyTransfer Arduino Library « The Mind of Bill Porter

EasyTransfer Arduino Library

Posted in Arduino Libraries by Bill

30 May 2011

The purpose of this library is to make it easy for the everyday Arduino user working on projects with multiple Arduinos communicating with each other and sharing data. I had many people ask me for the code I used in my PS2X library example that sent PS2 Controller values wirelessly to my SAGAR robot. It got to be tiresome answering the questions and I had an idea to write a library to help the inexperienced with micro controller communications. This is a easy to use and no frills way to send data between two Arduinos.

In most of my own projects I define and write my own NMEA standard communication protocols. This makes communications human readable and easy to debug, but proves wasteful with bandwidth and processing power so it’s not right for every application. Binary communications is much more efficient and versatile, but requires careful handling. This library abstracts the finer points of packetized serial communication away from the user so it easy to use and understand.

Read More...
http://www.billporter.info/easytransfer-arduino-library/

Arduino: Library makes Arduino to Arduino serial communications dead simple - Hack a Day; EasyTransfer Arduino Library « The Mind of Bill Porter; arduino - Google Search; Arduino - HomePage; Arduino - Software; Arduino - Hardware

Don

Awesomium | Web-Browser Framework

Sounds Neat, But What’s It For?

Web-page capture, site scraping, in-app advertising, web automation, in-app browsing, and way more. Here’s 3 ideas to get you started:

For In-Game Browsing:

Add a custom web-browser to your game to grant users access to forums, guides, and additional online game content without ever leaving your application.

For .NET and WPF

Great when used with WPF; get started quickly with our drop-in WebViewControl or use our full .NET API for total customization. No airspace issues here!

For HTML UIs

Power your UI with latest-generation XHTML, CSS, and JS. Mature toolset and rapid-prototyping possibilities make this a great new option for game developers.

Sounds Neat, But What’s It For?

Web-page capture, site scraping, in-app advertising, web automation, in-app browsing, and way more. Here’s 3 ideas to get you started:

For In-Game Browsing:

Add a custom web-browser to your game to grant users access to forums, guides, and additional online game content without ever leaving your application.

For .NET and WPF

Great when used with WPF; get started quickly with our drop-in WebViewControl or use our full .NET API for total customization. No airspace issues here!

For HTML UIs

Power your UI with latest-generation XHTML, CSS, and JS. Mature toolset and rapid-prototyping possibilities make this a great new option for game developers.

Check Out The Features

Features

The Latest in Web Standards

Our powerful framework supports the latest in web standards: HTML5 semantics, JavaScript, and CSS3, as well as Flash™ and Silverlight™ plugins. Awesomium is a branch of Google Chromium.

Windowless Rendering

Render web-pages to any graphics surface, 3D texture, or otherwise. Perfect for use in games, multi-touch simulations, and more.

Application Integration

Create custom web-pages that integrate with your application. Pass data to/from a page via JavaScript, register callbacks, or send custom HTTP headers to your web-server.

Multi-Process

Uses a multi-process architecture for crash isolation, security sandboxing, and premium load-balancing across multiple CPU cores.

Flexible Resource Loader

Our Resource Interceptor system makes it easy to monitor HTTP requests and/or use your own custom resource-loader.

Browse the API

Clean API

It has a clean, readable API with plenty of documentation and samples so you can get going in a matter of minutes.

AwesomiumSharp

Video Link...
http://youtu.be/KN_p6kHt8R8

WebFlow 3D Browser Demo

Video Link...
http://youtu.be/dt4_NxoIq98

Interesting App... I'm not in to gaming and sure can't develop them. But, I am wondering if this Application could be used to add Web Browsing to GeeXboX, which is a free and Open Source Media-Center purposed Linux distribution for embedded devices and desktop computers. GeeXboX is not an application, it’s a full-featured OS, that one can boot as a LiveCD, from a USB key, an SD/MMC card or install on its regular HDD. The GeeXboX distribution is lightweight and designed for one single goal: embed all major multimedia applications as to turn your computer into an HTPC. GeeXboX runs on x86, PowerPC and ARM devices. http://www.geexbox.org/ I have tried out the GeeXboX on CD and it runs great on my P4 With 1GB of Ram and a 64MB nVidia Video Card. The only thing it is lacking is a way to watch Streaming Web Viedo (a Web Browser). I just notice today that they also have another Project. OpenBricks http://www.openbricks.org/ is an enterprise-grade embedded Linux framework that provides easy creation of custom distributions for industrial embedded devices. It features a complete embedded development kit for rapid deployment on x86, ARM, PowerPC and MIPS systems with support for industry leaders. Pick your device, select your software bricks and cook your product !

I have also tried out XBMC. XBMC http://xbmc.org/ is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub for digital media. XBMC is available for Linux, OSX, and Windows. Created in 2003 by a group of like minded programmers, XBMC is a non-profit project run and developed by volunteers located around the world. More than 50 software developers have contributed to XBMC, and 100-plus translators have worked to expand its reach, making it available in more than 30 languages. I actually installed XBMC on my P4 last night. But it did not work with my nVidia Geforce 440 Video Card. All I got was a Command Prompt when it Booted. I typed in "startx" and got and error message about my Video Card. I was Not about to muck around in the Command Line for hours trying to type out all of the long commands to install the nVidia Driver, not even knowing if that would even work. So, I reformatted that drive with Debian 6, again. I also have WinXP and will Be installing Fusion 14 on it soon. I want to use this System mostly for Watching Video on the Web and am trying out different OS's for that purpose. I Don't Want to use XP, since it is so Prone to getting Virus Infections. That and I hate WindBlows too! I have been running Fedora as my main OS since Fedora 5 and am now running Fedora 14 on my other System. So, It would be really cool. If I cold use my TV Tuner Card's Remote to watch TV and Web Video. Thus the interest in Awesomium Web-Browser Framework. There will be a learning Curve for me, working with Awesomium. But, I'm hoping that it will work in GeeXboX. What do you think? Would this work?

Don

Awesomium Windowless Web Browser Framework Ported to Linux: Awesomium Windowless Web Browser Framework Ported to Linux ~ Ubuntu Vibes; Awesomium | Web-Browser Framework; YouTube - Awesomium Demo v1.0 Walk-Through; YouTube - AwesomiumSharp; YouTube - WebFlow 3D Browser Demo; Overgrowth - Wolfire Games; Does Awesomium supports Linux platform ? / Problems / Discussion Area - Awesomium Support; Could be Awesomium used to add Web Browsing to GeeXboX? / Questions / Discussion Area - Awesomium Support

Solar-powered bird house Tweets using B-Squares - Hack a Day

Solar-powered bird house Tweets using B-Squares

posted May 30th 2011 2:00pm by Mike Szczys
filed under: arduino hacks

This bird house will tweet to let you know when the occupants pass through the door… err… hole. It uses solar panels to keep a battery topped off, and an Arduino along with an optical sensor which monitors the doorway to pass along an alert via an XBee module.

Admittedly, the video after the break is a bit tongue-in-cheek and doesn’t safeguard against the elements, or even against bird poop. AND it’s basically an advertisement for B-Squares. But we still like it.

These squares use magnetic corners to connect the solar squares together, as well as the squares that house the Arduino and the battery. These magnetic corners also act as the power and ground rails. Two nails have been pounded through the roof of the bird house, acting as a surface to magnetically attach the solar panels to, as well as a conductor to pass the power rails through the wood. It’s no wonder that B-Squares are closing in on raising five-times their Kickstarter goal.

B-Squares Recipe: Solar Powered Wireless Tweeting Birdhouse.

Video Link...
http://youtu.be/aQmtyG3buzc

tagged: arduino, b-squares, bird house, solar-powered, tweet, twitter, xbee

Go there...
http://hackaday.com/2011/05/30/solar-powered-bird-house-tweets-using-b-squares/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Wonder what the heck is a B-Square???

There Pretty Cool!:)

Don

B-Squares: Modular Solar Powered Electrics.

About this project

Hello Kickstarter! Thanks for visiting our project page and helping take B-Squares from prototype to product.

This project started on January 26, 2011 with a quick sketch while both myself and Shawn were trying to prototype another solar product. We were getting frustrated that it was so difficult to integrate solar energy into our professional and for-fun ‘electric graffiti’ projects. So, after three months of intense development, with B-Squares we now think we have a technology that can bring solar, energy storage, and interactivity into a range of projects, instantly. And we need your help to complete the journey.

B-Squares is a 3D modular electronics system with an emphasis on (but not limited to) solar power and expandable energy storage. Each Square has a magnetic contact on each of the corners which allows the Squares to easily snap together without wires. The magnetic contacts are also used to transmit electric signals between the Squares. This design allows users to quickly assemble Squares into arrays, with power flowing through the array via the corner contact, without wiring or soldering. Also, due to the use of multiple magnetic contacts on each Square, the overall circuit of the array can quickly be changed simply by rotating one of the Squares – for instance, the color of the LED Square can change with a flip or a rotation.

What is “3D” about B-Squares? The Squares aren't restricted to being connected side-to-side in a single plane, but can also be stacked on top of or perpendicular one another. Think of it like a deck of electric cards that you can use to make 2D or 3D card houses and have the electricity flow through the entire array.

From the moment we developed the first crude foam prototypes of B-Squares, we were surprised to discover new applications and combinations of Squares each day. We’d Skype each other at each new discovery:

“Woah, did you know these things can solar charge off-the-shelf rechargeable AA batteries, through their magnetic contacts!”

“We can use aluminum foil and paperclips to make a solar-powered clock array!”

“I just made a solar-powered iPod Square!”

Versatility, portability, and simplicity were our primary goals in designing B-Squares. Our hope is that these become a tool/toy/gadget for hobbyists, students, artists and anyone that's ever said "I wonder if that could be solar-powered!?"

To get B-Squares started we designed everything from scratch and went through several design revisions using SLS rapid prototyping and precision machining processes. We settled on, and redesigned for manufacture, six different B-Squares, which we are launching here on Kickstarter:

1. Solar-Square -- Includes 0.325W Solar Panel and a non-adhesive microsuction cup material for sticking to windows and other flat surfaces.

2. Battery-Square -- Includes three (3) internal rechargeable AAA batteries.

3. LED-Square -- Includes three (3) multi-color Light Emitting Diodes (LED).

4. Arduino-Square -- Includes a 3.3V Arduino Pro compatible microcomputer with easy access to the shield ports. (Don’t know what an Arduino is? Don’t worry, we didn't at first either. If you’re curious, see the FAQs for more information on this powerful Square.)

5. iPhone-Square -- Includes iPhone/iPod dock connector, PC USB connector, and stereo outputs.

6. Proto-Square -- Includes a standard 2.54mm pitch perfboard area on the printed circuit board (PCB). (Design your own B-Square!!)

This is just the beginning. With your support we hope to begin production of these initial 6 designs immediately as well as expand the B-Square line with more new and creative B-Squares!

B-Squares™

PATENT PENDING.

Project location: Seattle, WA

FAQS

How do I add an iPhone-Square to one of the other reward packages?

Simple, when you sign up for one of the B-Square packages you can adjust the total amount that you would like to pledge. On the pledge page, choose one of the B-Square Kit rewards (the $50, $100, or $250 kits) and then add $25 to your total in the "Enter your pledge amount" box. For instance, if you are interested in the Developer’s Kit and would like to add an iPhone square, you would 1. Type in $125 (Developer’s Kit + iPhone Square) into the "Enter your pledge amount" box and 2. select the Developer's Kit Reward. We know you added on an iPhone-Square because of how the Reward amounts are structured -- don't worry. You can do all of this the first time you order, or you can order a Kit and then adjust your pledge later to add the iPhone-Square.
What are the Technical Specifications for the Solar-Square?

The Solar-Square uses a 60x60[mm] polycrystalline solar PV panel. The output is rated at 0.325W (5V at 65mA). Solar Squares can be connected in parallel to increase current (so, two Solar Squares in parallel would output 5V with 130mA peak) or they can be connected in series to increase voltage (so, two Solar Squares in series would output 10V with 65mA). Of course, you can add however many Solar Squares into a B-Squares array as you need for your application.
What is the energy storage capacity of the Battery-Square?

The Battery-Square uses three internal AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries in series. These are the same type of rechargeable batteries you can get at your local store. The batteries in the Battery-Square can be recharged with one or more Solar-Squares or the batteries can be individually recharged in a standard wall charger. For the tech savvy: Why NiMH instead of Li-Ion? In general, NiMH batteries are not only safer than batteries with a Li-Ion chemistry but they’re also much better for the environment. And while you can easily stack multiple Battery-Squares to get increased capacity, if you really need the extra capacity of a Li-Ion battery, we’ve designed the Battery-Square so that you can swap out the printed circuit board (PCB) with one that accommodates a Li-Ion battery. The typical capacity of a single AAA rechargeable battery is 1000mAh.
That micro-suction cup material on the Solar-Squares is amazing! Where can I find out more about it?

Yes it is! We’ve partnered with the Japanese manufacturer to bring this technology to B-Squares. To buy some samples of your own for non-B-Squares projects, you can find the material here: http://www.inventables.com/technologies/suction-cup-tape
Is there a Kickstarter reward that includes the Speaker Square?

For now, unfortunately no. For the Speaker-Square we really want to ensure a high quality of sound with the thin speakers. We feel uncomfortable promising this as a reward since it still requires a small amount of design and would greatly increase our manufacturing costs, and therefore our Kickstarter goal. When we do launch the Speaker-Square following this launch, it will be fully compatible with the other Squares.
What is an Arduino?

An Arduino is basically a small micro-computer that allows you to develop your own computer software and integrates with a wide range of electronics hardware. From the Arduino website: “Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.” For more information on Arduino see: http://www.arduino.cc/
What is a B-Square recipe?

B-Square recipes are basic instructions on how to configure the B-Square modules into fun and useful configurations. Think of each B-Square as an ingredient and a B-Square recipe as…well, a recipe! Although we already have some initial ideas for great B-Square recipes we really hope to build a community behind the B-Squares where people can share their awesome recipes that they’ve come up with.
Who are Jordan and Shawn?

Solar-powered bird house Tweets using B-Squares: Solar-powered bird house Tweets using B-Squares - Hack a Day; YouTube - B-Squares Recipe: Solar Powered Wireless Tweeting Birdhouse.; B-Squares: Modular Solar Powered Electrics. by Jordan McRae — Kickstarter

Monday, May 30, 2011

A Bright Idea - Hack a Day

A Bright Idea

posted May 30th 2011 12:00pm by Kevin Dady
filed under: HackIt, led hacks

[Jeri Ellsworth] had a bright idea – a brain-activated light bulb that floats above your head. While out and about, she saw some guy with a video game icon attached to metal rod sticking out of his backpack. The rod made the icon appear to be floating above his head (think The Sims), which was the inspiration for this LED powered light bulb. The bulb is connected to a metal rod, as well as a metal hoop which is springy enough to keep a pair of electrodes snugly attached to your head.

Those electrodes, along with a third probe used for noise reference, are hooked up to a AD620 instrumentation amplifier. With the help of op amps, it modulates the red or green LEDs that are attached to the back side of the light bulb. The end result is an amusing way to show brain activity while being grilled on a Q/A panel, or while just wandering around taking in all the amazing sights presented at Maker Faire.

Join us after the break for a video demonstration.

The Brain Bulb - I've Got an Idea!

Video Link...
http://youtu.be/Quz78xRxv1Y

tagged: brainwaves, jeri ellsworth, leds, opamp

Go There...
http://hackaday.com/2011/05/30/a-bright-idea/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Hacks

Sunday, May 29, 2011

2011 Perseid Meteor Showers, Best Viewing, Photo & Telescope Tips

Catch a Falling Star, The August Perseid Meteor Shower

Video Link...
http://youtu.be/UJ_B0d1pr6I

More meteor shower guides -> Geminids | Leonids | Orionids

The Perseid meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that is extremely regular in its timing and can potentially be visible for weeks in the late summer sky, depending on weather and location.

The Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus, which is located in roughly the same point of the night sky where the Perseid meteor shower appears to originate from. This is a useful naming convention, but not very accurate!

The source of the Perseid meteor shower is actually debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. Every year, the earth passes through the debris cloud left by the comet when the earth's atmosphere is bombarded by what is popularly known as "falling stars."

When and where to look for Perseids in 2011

In 2011, visibility (the weather also notwithstanding) will be somewhat limited by a full moon on August 13 which will likely wipe out fainter meteors from view.

Because of the way the earth hits this debris cloud, the Perseid meteor shower is much more visible in the Northern hemisphere.

People in Canada, for instance, can see the meteor shower by mid-July, but generally there isn't much activity at such an early date. Throughout Europe, the US and the rest of North America, meteor shower activity usually peaks sometime around August 12th, when it is not unusual to see at least 60 meteors per hour streaking across the Northeast sky.

The meteors are certainly bright, but they are actually only tiny objects, usually no more than a grain of sand. However, as they travel at speeds of up to 71 kilometers per second, these small particles put on quite a brilliant show.

The Perseid meteor showers were observed as far back as two thousand years ago, and in ancient Europe, the Perseid meteor shower was known as the "Tears of St. Lawrence."

How to view Perseids

Read More...
http://www.chiff.com/science/perseids.htm

2011 Meteor Showers

The next meteor shower is the Perseids on the night of August 13.

Name	Date of Peak	Moon
Quadrantids	night of January 3	New
Lyrids	night of April 21	Rises after midnight
Eta Aquarids	night of May 5	Sets in early evening
Perseids	night of August 13	Full
Draconids	night of October 8	Sets around midnight
Orionids	night of October 21	Rises after midnight
Leonids	night of November 17	Rises around midnight
Geminids	night of December 13	Just past full

NOTES These are approximate times for the Lower 48 states; actual shower times can vary. Bright moonlight makes it difficult to see all but the brightest meteors.

What are meteor showers?

An increase in the number of meteors at a particular time of year is called a meteor shower.

Comets shed the debris that becomes most meteor showers. As comets orbit the Sun, they shed an icy, dusty debris stream along the comet's orbit. If Earth travels through this stream, we will see a meteor shower. Depending on where Earth and the stream meet, meteors appear to fall from a particular place in the sky, maybe within the neighborhood of a constellation.

Meteor showers are named by the constellation from which meteors appear to fall, a spot in the sky astronomers call the radiant. For instance, the radiant for the Leonid meteor shower is located in the constellation Leo. The Perseid meteor shower is so named because meteors appear to fall from a point in the constellation Perseus.

What are shooting stars?

Read More...
http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors

Orbit Diagram

Note: Make sure you have Java enabled on your browser to see the applet. This applet is provided as a 3D orbit visualization tool. The applet was implemented using 2-body methods, and hence should not be used for determining accurate long-term trajectories (over several years or decades) or planetary encounter circumstances. For accurate long-term ephemerides, please instead use our Horizons system.

Orbit Viewer

Additional Notes: the orbits shown in the applet are color coded. The planets are white lines, and the asteroid/comet is a blue line. The bright white line indicates the portion of the orbit that is above the ecliptic plane, and the darker portion is below the ecliptic plane. Likewise for the asteroid/comet orbit, the light blue indicates the portion above the ecliptic plane, and the dark blue the portion below the ecliptic plane.

Orbit Viewer applet originally written and kindly provided by Osamu Ajiki (AstroArts), and further modified by Ron Baalke (JPL).

Go there and See Orbital Paths...
http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?orb=1;sstr=2001