There is a new firmware update for the USB Tester OLED Backpack. This update completely redesigns the display and makes use of the button. Updated OLED Display Change Log:-Removed SVolt and BVolt-Moved CurrentVolt under graph-Extend graph width of display-Use clearDisplay() to speed up redraws-Reduce logo display time-Enabled button to cycle display speed-Millis based delay You can find the update on github:https://github.com/FriedCircuits/FC-USB-Tester-OLED-Backpack If you need directions on how to update:http://friedcircuits.us/docs/oled-backpack-how-to-update-firmware/
Another Toaster Reflow Oven Part One
As Friedcircuits grows, the need to produce more at once increases. Before making the OLED backpacks I was hand soldering each product. During the development and fundraiser stages, I figured it would be a good idea to look into a better way to manufacture them. After researching and talking to a few people, I decided to go with a custom-built reflow oven. Well, really, it’s a converted toaster oven, just modified to suit my needs. I used resources from across the Web that I’d like to bring together in one post as well as my experience. Reflow Oven Parts Here is a list of my parts for my build: Arduino Shield PID Controller from RocketScream Arduino Uno R3 from Sparkfun …
LED Matrix Master Fundraiser on Tindie
LED Matrix Master You can support the fundraiser here: https://tindie.com/products/FriedCircuits/led-matrix-master/ Over the next two weeks we will be running a fundraiser to “kick start” the LED Matrix Master. If successful, the PCBs will be ordered and it should be about 3-4 weeks to start shipping. Thanks for your support. Each fundraiser you support helps build FriedCircuits and fuels development of new products. We have a few more designs in the works including entry into the home automation field. If there are any ideas you would like to see, feel free to contact us. The LED Matrix Master is a microcontroller (Arduino compatible Atmega328p) in the same form factor as the LED Matrix Link. After programming you can easily mate it with …
LED Matrix Link: Last day of fundraiser
Today is the last day to get in on the LED Matrix Link. You can get yours on Tindie: https://www.tindie.com/shops/FriedCircuits/led-matrix-link/ If you are unable to get one today, they will be in stock in about 2-3 weeks. After the fundraiser you can sign up to be notified on the Tindie product page.
MAX7219 and eBay fakes
I have been receiving feedback that I can use eBay suppliers to lower my price on the MAX7219. I had previously considered that option, but after some research I have found that a lot of people are receiving counterfeits on eBay. While some counterfeits may work, their reliability is questionable and that would make my product unreliable. I do not believe that it is “good business” to support businesses and companies which pirate technology and sell it as if it were legitimate. I sincerely hope everyone understands why I am skeptical about using an unknown supplier for parts. Here is a good forum post about coming across the fake variety: http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?22481-Real-or-fake The more units I can sell initially will increase my …
LED Matrix Link on Tindie
The LED Matrix Link is now on Tindie. You can find it here: https://www.tindie.com/shops/FriedCircuits/led-matrix-link/
LED Matrix Link: Prototype
Update: I have listed the LED Matrix Link on Tindie as a fundraiser to get this started. You can support it here: https://www.tindie.com/shops/FriedCircuits/led-matrix-link/ This prototype stems from another projectproduct to be that I haven’t posted about except for this sneak peak: Project Sneak Peak. I noticed that most LED Matrix drivers on the market use shift registers to give a microcontroller the ability to control more LEDs than would be possible. Last year I came across the MAX7219 from Maxim Integrated. This cool little IC does all the work for you to drive a LED Matrix or LED Segment display. It uses a variation of the SPI protocol and can be daisy chained. The other cool feature is you only need 1 resistor to set …
USB Tester and Sick of Beige
From the beginning I designed the USB Tester to use the Dangerous Prototype Sick of Beige (SOB) standard PCB sizes. 50x31mm being the smallest rectangle and most ideal for the USB Tester. One of these reasons was that in doing so it would fit their standard acrylic cases which can be found at Seeedstudio.com for $3. After waiting many days, my order has come in and I can show you one way you can use the case. When you order the enclosure it comes with the following: 4x Long Screws 4x Short Screws 4x Tall Stand offs 4x Short Stand offs 2x 50x31mm Acrylic cut with mounting holes I found what worked is to use one acrylic sheet, all eight hex stand offs and the four long …
USB Tester OLED Backpack with Display Fundraiser
Today we have started the fundraiser for the USB Tester OLED backpack with the display. This is a great addition to the USB Tester, which makes it easy to monitor voltage and current for any USB device. Now you don’t even need your DMM. You can use this to see how much power your Raspberry Pi is using or that custom Arduino based project you are working on. This is a great way to make sure you aren’t getting a voltage drop due to that USB hub you are using. Check out the product description below and thanks for your support. You can back your here: https://www.tindie.com/shops/FriedCircuits/usb-tester-oled-backpack-with-display/ USB Tester OLED Backpack measuring Raspberry Pi USB Tester OLED Backpack and USB Tester …
USB Tester OLED Backpack: Surprise Feature 3 (Not Needed Anymore)
This post was about a feature I was going to add, but after prototyping I realized that it isn’t needed. The microcontroller can be connected to both power sources and before the sense resistor without any affect on measurements. The maximum power you can use is still affected as mentioned at the end of the post. If no host computer is connected for the microcontroller, it will draw power from the same source as the device you are measuring. This can make it convenient for checking a device without needing to be near a computer or 2nd power source. This will be great for testing on the spot. In the future it might be possible to do some light data logging to the microcontroller via a …