Not yet projects
This page contains ideas and projects where you can contribute if any of them catches your eye. All of these projects are open for anyone to undertake (or participate in, if they are already started). If you've never been to Forskningsavdelningen, we hope that knowing that you can contribute and have fun while doing what you love may give you an incitement to pay us a visit!
Contents
- 1 Beowolf Cluster
- 2 Modular synthesizer group project
- 3 Time since reset sign
- 4 Rotary-woofer
- 5 Geocaching electronics-caches
- 6 Networked Serial Server
- 7 20kpps X-Y laser projector/scanner
- 8 PET-Gaming Computer Module
- 9 -insert colour here- box
- 10 Build a CNC machine
- 11 Script GIMP using Python
- 12 Program the C64
- 13 LVM workshop
- 14 Podcast sofa
- 15 Network security
Beowolf Cluster[edit]
Wanto implement a cluster of old PCs, possible becoming a supercomputer.
With the Beowolf cluster module.
Also take a peek on linux -howto
Contact: phoohb
Modular synthesizer group project[edit]
Build a Yusynth synthesizer or other modular system. The Yusynth one seems quite complete, and is a good learning set.
For instance, look at the VCO module article. There are PCB print layouts, partlists, layout help, and more.
People interested:
- Olleolleolle
- philip
- salkinitzor
- some random musicians that have yet to visit us
Resources: http://patchpierre.blogspot.com/search/label/Booktip
Time since reset sign[edit]
One button, large display. XXXX hours since someone reset this sign. Studio 60 on Sunset Boulevard has such a sign, which counted number of seconds until next show. Big pressure-maker!
Rotary-woofer[edit]
I (StG) have a crashed RC helicopter.
It would be cool to repurpose this as a rotary-woofer - even though the results would likely not be anywhere near the real thing.
A rotary woofer is a type of subwoofer capable of reproducing frequencies from roughly 20hz down to 0hz. No, that's not a typo - a rotary woofer IS capable of maintaining DC pressure in the room.
It is unique in that instead of a cone it uses a fan whose blades can be rotated to either push air into or draw it out of a room. When installed in the wall between the attic, garage or similar (which will act as an infinite baffle) it can maintain a constant flow of air thus increasing or decreasing the pressure in the room as it constantly makes up for air that escapes from the room through doors and windows.
It is one of the only ways to reproduce the subsonic frequencies of for for example thunder strikes or earthquakes but even things as subtle as mildly blowing wind creates subsonic frequencies that, if reproduced, will greatly enhance the listening experience. Way cool...
Contact: STG
Geocaching electronics-caches[edit]
A fun way to promote forskningsavdelningen to tech-head geocachers. We have all of the equipment to build one of each of these caches, except for the locking mechanism. Ideas on how to implement this are very welcome!
Battery-cache
Requires a battery.
Will open when a battery is connected to the box.
Hack-cache
Requires a computer with usb-cable and terminal program.
Powered by USB. Contains a microcontroller terminal that prompts you to solve some kind of problem that may range from a simple question to anything you could come up with.
Code-cache
May require a battery (if the current one is dead).
Opens when a code (obtained by solving a puzzle in the cache description) is entered either via switches or a keypad.
Audio-cache
May require a battery (if the current one is dead).
Allows playback of a previously recorded message, and recording a new one.
Contact: STG
Networked Serial Server[edit]
Currently, we have projects that are in need of a stable serial to ethernet interface. These include the SMS center, and the Flip-disc display. We should build an embedded server. We have eZ80F91 ethernet-module boards available, that are *very* simple to adapt for this purpose. A board with two headers, a 3.3V regulator, a 6-pin programming header and possibly additional UARTs (the board already has two) and a few MAX232's or similar is all that is required. This could be done in an afternoon at our space.
As for the software there is already a preemptive multitasking RTOS and a fully featured network stack with an HTTP server available for this platform. All we need to do is to write some basic web pages and tcp/udp services.
Contact: STG
20kpps X-Y laser projector/scanner[edit]
Laser projector gear has dropped significantly in price over the last few years. I'm getting a 20kpps X-Y galvo with associated control electronics, which is a good start. While red and green laser sources are still expensive when you need more than the few milliwatts found in ordinary laser pointers, the blue lasers from the A-140 Casio/Nichia pocket projector have dropped to roughly $50 - and they are rated at a minimum of 1000mW! Many $50-range green lasers rated at 5mW can also be overdriven to at least 15mW using regulating electronics and a peltier based cooling system. With additional lasers, blankers and prisms we could - in time - have a full-colour projector.
Contact: Mackt/Kopimi, STG
PET-Gaming Computer Module[edit]
Still alot of hardware and software that needs be done, but feel free to code whatever you like for the system! Visit the project site.
Contact: STG
-insert colour here- box[edit]
EIB (European Installation Bus) is Sweden's most common building automation system. It uses low-speed, unencrypted, serial communications over a separate pair of wires that run just behind any EIB power outlet or other EIB device. A microcontroller, tranformer and radio modem could easily be built into a small case with would attach to the required wires in just seconds using splice connectors. EIB has not made any changed their protocol since 1984, despite being informed about the potential security problems with the system.
Resources on EIB[edit]
The KNX standard is a descendant of the EIB protocol.
Names under which the EIB standard is being promoted and used (non-exhaustive list): Domotik, HES (Home Electronic System), i-Bus EIB, ImmoCAD, Instabus, Powernet, Tebis.
Originally launched on Twisted Pair communication, EIB now supports all relevant field-bus media including Powerline and Radio Frequency. EIB.net introduces automation-level capability based on Ethernet.
Austrian academic lab for home automation have created some EIB.net things.
Contact: ?
Build a CNC machine[edit]
http://www.finkbuilt.com/blog/ has built one, and it looks sweet.
CNC machines can be built in a variety of flavours and some of the required components can be sourced in our space, all we need now is some dedication! :)
The Mantis 9.1 CNC Mill is a very small unit, which looks sweet. Neat MIT-created instructions exist.
Contact: Jimbo
Script GIMP using Python[edit]
Scripting Gimp using the Python-Fu scripting environment. We can make crazy diplomas, your-face-on-a-dollar-bill and more!
Contact: OlleOlleOlle
Program the C64[edit]
Contact: ?
LVM workshop[edit]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logical_Volume_Manager_(Linux)
See also LvmWorkshop
Podcast sofa[edit]
A place, with a browsable interface and ear phones, to sit and listen to podcasts and audiobooks, perhaps with several jacks to plug in your own or a friends phones to listen together.
Contact: omni
Network security[edit]
https://etherpad.mozilla.org/forskenserien
See also LvmWorkshop
