This week on the Adafruit Show and Tell, I showed the Java application that will graph and data log the current and voltage from the USB Tester. Check it out below.
Smart Outlet: ADE7753
After completing the first version of the smart outlet, I needed a better way to monitor current usage. Using an Hall Effect sensor with an Atmega 328p didn’t work out so well. It was very difficult to get accurate calculations and it tied up the microcontroller from doing other tasks. Proper monitoring should take into account the AC voltage and zero wave crossing. First version First version where you can see the mistake in the design where I forgot the DC side power In my research travels I came across this site, http://arduinopower.pbworks.com/w/page/10175892/FrontPage, which mentioned using the ADE7753 from Analog Digital. In theory this IC is great; it does all the hard work for you. You just talk to it over SPI and grab the data. …
Adafruit Show and Tell: 01/12/2013 USB Tester
Adafruit’s Show and Tell is a must if you’re looking to get ideas on various projects. Ladyada hosts a Google+ Hangout each Saturday evening in which she invites makers to share their latest projects. This past Show and Tell I showcased the USB Tester and a glimpse of the OLED backpack being developed. Enjoy!
USB Tester OLED Backpack on the Breadboard
As we wait for the USB Tester OLED backpack PCBs, I have started to develop the software that will run on it. If you missed it, here is a 3D model of the PCB: http://www.mobilewill.us/2012/12/3d-model-of-usb-tester-oled-adapter.html. Below is a picture of the display working on a breadboard. I am using an Xbee on a Sparkfun explorer as a load for testing. I even tested it with a Raspberry Pi while it is booting. Pretty neat, I am really excited to get this completed. USB Tester OLED Display On the breadboard you will see the Adafruit 128×32 SPI OLED display, INA219B DC High side current sensor (I2C), and a Arduino Leonardo. Currently the OLED display is using the default library that is bit banged SPI …
Raspberry Pi and eXtplorer
Over the last few months as I have been working with the Raspberry Pi, I have been using eXtplorer as a file manager and text editor. It is PHP and runs from the RPi’s web server. This is a great way to write code on the RPi from your desktop or from any web browser. I figured that I should share it since it is such a great tool. It should almost come with Rasbian. You can find it here: http://extplorer.net/ Here are some pictures of it running on the RPi: eXtplorer Login Screen eXtplorer File Manager Some of the great features are listed below (from their site). This is a must needed tool for working on the Raspberry Pi! I can’t …
SparkFun’s Engineering Roundtable: Domino Logic Gates
After a much needed winter break, I was able to catch-up and read some articles today. I’d like to share this video from SparkFun, of an easy way to learn logic gates using dominoes.
Misson Accomplished!
Today on December 29, 2012 at 8:44AM, we reached our fundraising goal! I can’t thank our supporters enough. This will definitely help jump start Fried Circuits (our new shop) and enable us to prototype some projects we have designed. You can still place an order and once the fundraiser is over, I will order the PCBs which will take about two weeks from OSH Park.
USB Tester 2 Days Left!
It has been a great two weeks, not just because of the holidays, but our fundraiser is doing well. With only two days left, we are very close to reaching our goal. Currently we are at $552, with a goal of $600. If you haven’t ordered, please come help us out. I look forward to starting the new year making and shipping the USB Testers as well as getting the OLED backpack into your hands. USB Tester Front USB Tester OLED 3D Model Thank you so much for your support!
Disassembly of an 8 Pin Connector
For a new upcoming project I bought an 8-Pin Mini Din connector from Fry’s Electronics and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out how to take it part. They really should sell it to you separated so that you don’t have to disassemble it yourself, possibly damaging the connector. Now that I figured it out, I thought it would be a good idea to to share it since I couldn’t find any other sites. Unfortunately, their site doesn’t list it, so I couldn’t find the part to link to. The 8-din packaging with the other parts for the project At first examine of the part there doesn’t seem an easy way to take it apart without damaging it. Upon closer inspection it looked like …
3D Model of USB Tester OLED Adapter
Before I head out for a holiday break, I wanted to post a teaser of the USB Tester OLED Adapter. I ordered a few PCBs for the first prototype. I was able to breakout all of the unused pins on the Atmega32u4. There are a few that have a via close to the pin instead of a normal header on the edge of the board. I used eagleUp to create the 3D model. You can find it here if you would like to try it: http://eagleup.wordpress.com/. The model is only the PCB, I haven’t had a chance to get the parts working yet. Happy Holidays! Enjoy!