When building microcontroller projects it’s often desirable to connect them to a computer. Most RS232 computer ports are able to read 0 and 5 volt TTL data levels however there are some computers that require voltage levels that are closer to the true RS232 spec. Most people use a MAX 232 chip when there is a need to follow the spec. correctly, but it’s possible to build your own circuit.
Warning, DIY Pneumatic guns can be dangerous. Be very careful if you attempt to build your own.
Richie Burnett has a Induction Heating Demonstration that is worth having a look at. Richie has also done extensive work with Tesla coils, make sure you have a look at those also. “Induction heating is a non-contact heating process. It uses high frequency electricity to heat materials that are electrically conductive. Since it is non-contact, the heating process does not contaminate the material being heated. It is also very efficient
If you are musically inclined this Open Source MIDI Keyboard hack might be something that you would be interested in. Using this system you could start with an inexpensive keyboard as demonstrated or use anything else that you see fit. “This project details the steps to build your own Open Source (musical) keyboard which connects to a computer via USB and sends MIDI signals. This is achieved using an AN2131
I wouldn’t have thought that I would ever see a home made surface mount pick and place machine. But if someone can pull it off it would be the creator of the worlds fastest electric motorcycle! “The below video clip is of my CNC Taig mill setup as a surface mount Pick and Place machine. It’s slow, but it’s more fun watching it do the work then it is
Benjamin Tang and Rishi Ramchand are Cornell University students who made an Autonomous Blimp as their final project in the ECE 476 Microcontroller Design course. The project uses a GP2Y0D340 IR sensor to see if there is an obstacle in the way that needs to be maneuvered around. That IR sensor looks to be the type that is normally found in the automatic water taps that are found in most
Ross Smith from the University of South Australia gave an interesting microcontroller design presentation that contains some useful information for anyone that is considering using one in their next project. “This presentation looks at how to develop your own custom microcontroller hardware from scratch. Often laptops and general purpose computers are too powerful and too large to use for simple hardware projects. Often you can perform tasks like controlling DC
