Category: do it yourself

New Quad-Copter Frame

It’s been a little while since I posted any updates on my aerial adventures.

This means I have been working hard and/or having lots of fun 🙂

Here the middle size copter in my current fleet. (mini quad, quad, octo)

This quad-copter version 2.0 has an upgraded frame and computer (newer arduino mega).

I will try to edit and upload some of the video footage from it when I get some time.

How to unlock your iPhone from AT&T using cellunlocker.net

!! DISCOUNT ALERT !! – Follow the promotion instructions on their website. Upload a video of your unlock process to youtube and receive full or discounted credit back.

Simple Instructions:

  1. Go to http://www.cellunlocker.net and initiate the unlock.
  2. Wait to receive an email stating that your phone has been “UNLOCKED”.
  3. Insert a non-accepted sim card into the phone. (T-Mobile in my case)
  4. Connect phone to iTunes.
  5. Wait until iTunes detects phone
  6. Now disconnect phone and reconnect after 10 seconds.
  7. Phone is Unlocked. Enjoy!

Thanks cellunlocker.net!

Siri – Controls My Car

Siri - Vehicle Start
Siri - Vehicle Start

Yes, it really does control my car! 😉

I created a new ruby plugin that is used by plamoni’s “Siri Proxy”, a proxy server for Apple’s Siri assistant. This proxy server allows for the creation of custom plugins that can intercept recognized speech and perform virtually any function imaginable (programmable, scriptable).

The “Siri Proxy” plugin I wrote handles interaction with a php script that runs on my web server. The php script, which I developed months ago for personal use, allows me to send commands to my car which has a Viper SmartStart module installed.

Current commands accepted are: “Vehicle Arm”, “Vehicle Disarm”, “Vehicle Start”, “Vehicle Stop”, “Vehicle Pop Trunk”, and “Vehicle Panic”.

–UPDATE: Now it also responds to more conversational commands such as “Start my car”, “Lock my car”, “Pop my trunk”, etc…

I may change the command wording a bit later.  This was just a proof of concept. We’ll see.

Technical Details:

  • Siri Proxy & DNSMasq box – Ubuntu 11.04 Server VM
    Ruby 1.9.3
  • LAMP server – Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Server
Code:

More info upon request, demo video coming soon!

–UPDATE: Video Proof Can Be Found Here

–UPDATE 2: Video Proof With My Car

Quad-Copter – Update

I have been pretty busy and have not had much time to work on my quad-copter. Since my last post, I have made a few more test flights and now have wireless avionics via XBee modems working.

My next goal is to upgrade the frame (ideas), attach video for FPV (GoPro HD) and integrate GPS (Google maps way-point control).

My new motivation c/o RCExplorer

For more on my Quad-Copter project, check it out here

Quad-Copter – Test Flight

So I managed to procure another set of ESC’s, soldered them up, and finished the power harness. I still want to build some landing gear and move the battery to the bottom, but for now it will do.

I tested it briefly after work on Friday, but today I was able to tweak the programming and had a very successful test flight until one of my props broke. I ordered some more props for backup and will be back in the air soon. 😉

Thanks Robbie for shooting the video!

More detailed pics and information on the build process to come.

For more on my Quad-Copter project, check it out here

Quad-Copter – Intro

UPDATE — 11/17/2010 – Avionics complete. Frame 95% completed.

TODO:

  1. Make up a power distribution harness for suppling power from the main lipo to the ESC’s.
  2. Recieve and solder new set of H-KING 20a  ESC’s ( Was only able to procure 3 Turnigy Plush 18a ‘s before they went into BACKORDER..ahhhh)
  3. Solder female JST to Arduino for control power.
  4. Design and build some kind of landing gear and battery harness.
  5. Purchase and install Onboard video system. (Go-Hero HD??)
  6. Charge Batteries
  7. Wire management (CRAM everything in the box)
  8. Maiden flight

 

For more on my Quad-Copter project, check it out here

State of Arduino – 2010 World Maker Faire NYC

Me at the “State of Arduino” talk.

I went to the World Maker Faire this weekend in NYC. It was really nice to see the Arduino team in person and see all the cool things they have planned.  I’m really looking forward to seeing more details on the new Tinkerkit and getting to play with the new Uno and Mega.

The video c/o adafruit industries: 

“State of Arduino” talk at World Maker Faire 2010 from adafruit industries on Vimeo.

Brett Dickins Wall Sculptures

I am impressed and a little dizzy…

Quote from the creator:

I often struggle to make much sense of the world, this leaves me feeling confused and intimidated. The basic physics and mechanical principals employed in the generation of my sculptures is something I do understand, they make perfect sense to me. This gives me some comfort.