tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44221778736101587462024-03-13T03:39:23.972-07:00SHARD LabsRedesigning Computing ParametersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-22282072210843843952017-10-02T15:01:00.002-07:002017-10-02T15:19:17.467-07:00Project: Preview | CardGear Duo<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What's up, everyone? SHARD Labs is back with another Project Preview for you all: the CardGear Duo accessory by the SolidFirst team out of Farmingdale, NY. Many thanks to them for quickly getting us a review unit and for all the hard work they've put into this campaign. You can find more about them and the Duo on Kickstarter and their website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/423151198/cardgear-duo-thinnest-sd-card-and-mini-usb-holder">Kickstarter</a></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<a href="http://www.solidfirst.com/">Website</a></span></div>
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Head on down below for the review!</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Review - The CardGear Duo</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the CardGear Duo? It's a simple enough concept, and yet a unique one in the sense that no one has ever done it before SolidFirst. It's a credit-card sized piece of plastic with elastic pouches on both sides. These pockets allow you to store SD cards or slim USB sticks in it and put the card inside your pocket, wallet or wherever.</span><br />
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The Duo is perfect for photographers, graphic designers, or people with lots of devices that have external storage. It's very very-low profile and easy to slip into small spaces.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The review unit I received was very small and simple- small enough, in fact, to ship inside a regular envelope. This allowed to to be shipped fast and cheap. Thanks again to SolidFirst for getting it here so quickly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My package included:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1x CardGear Duo</span></div>
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The Duo arrived inside of a cute little manila-colored pouch, with a sleek design of the card on the outside. It does a good job of protecting the Duo from any tears or scratches.<br />
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And the card itself is sleek. It's a credit-card sized piece of semitransparent plastic with black elastic pockets lining the lower half. The elastic is firm,but stretchy enough that you can slide a full-sized SD card inside one of them. I put two in it as soon as I opened it up.<br />
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The card itself is also durable, but flexible enough to withstand being bent in your pocket without snapping. A quick note, though: Especially once those pockets are filled, the Duo will be much thicker than a credit card, so depending on the size of your wallet you might have a bit of a hard time fitting in it there.<br />
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Oh, and a bonus note: The plastic card does have two different styles of holes in the top so you can attach it to a clip or keychain for carrying convenience.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">And that's the review! It's a simple but sweet one today. As of this writing, the CardGear Duo was 91% funded with 27 days still to go in the campaign! It's clear that there are plenty of people who want this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hope fully we convinced you to get one as well, and if we did, let us know in the comments below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Until the next review,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">..Carter..</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-78876245610561000142017-04-22T09:13:00.000-07:002017-04-22T09:19:24.644-07:00Project: Preview | MAKERbuino Console<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I've got a very exciting review of a product that just successfully finished funding: the MAKERbuino DIY game console by Albert Gajšak out of Croatia. Many thanks to him for obliging a review and for all his hard work. You can find more about him and the console on Kickstarter and their website, where you can also preorder a MAKERbuino of your own:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/albertgajsak/makerbuino-a-diy-game-console">Kickstarter</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-<a href="http://www.makerbuino.com/">Website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stick around and I'll fill you in on this terrific piece of tech.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is MAKERbuino? In short, it's a game console for Makers who are tired of prebuilt games consoles and want the experience and joy of building, programming, and playing their very own video games. That they've created themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The kit I recieved included both a preassembled and DIY version of the MAKERbuino. And boy does the console look sharp. And there's so much to do with it. It actually took a bit longer to review this console than I had expected because I wanted to make sure I covered every aspect of the device.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My package included:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1x Preassembled MAKERbuino</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1x DIY MAKERbuino Kit</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1x Preloaded MicroSD card</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It all fits inside a quite small package. Even though it's larger than its spiritual cousin, the Gamebuino, the MAKERbuino still leaves a pretty small footprint.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: inherit;">The Hardware:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The MAKERbuino is, first and foremost, a DIY console. Yes, you can buy a preassembled unit, but that takes half the fun out of it! There's something thrilling about putting together something like this- especially if you've never gotten the chance to solder before. Speaking of which, this DIY kit does require tools. However, if you happened to leave your soldering iron in your other suit, you can always buy the bundle from the MAKERbuino store which includes the necessary tools.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">MAKERbuino is based of the Arduino development platform, a robust, popular, and open-source microcontroller system. Arduino allows you to write, compile, and run your own programs through their IDE. Written in C++, it's easy for you to pick up and start writing programs right away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">HELLO_WORLD!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are a lot of different parts to this console, which may seem a little daunting at first. But the website offers clear, easy-to-understand assembly instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a list of all the hardware included in the DIY kit:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">MAKERbuino PCB</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">laser CNC cut acrylic casing (has three pieces) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">ATmega328P-PU microcontroller</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">28 pin IC socket (for the ATmega328) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nokia 5110 graphic LCD breakout board</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Li-Po charger board with micro USB port (TP4056 charging circuit)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Li-Po battery, 3.7V, 600mAh with male JST connector</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">female JST battery connector </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">128MB SD card preloaded with games (for storing, loading and streaming files and programs) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">SD socket</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">16Mhz crystal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.3v voltage regulator (MCP1702-3302E)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 pin angle anti-reverse pin header (for i2c ports) x2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.5mm headphone socket</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2N2222A NPN transistor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">100uF capacitor x3</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">100nf capacitor x2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">22pf capacitor x2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">100Ω resistor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">10kΩ resistor x24.7kΩ resistor x2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2kΩ resistor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1kΩ trim-potentiometer x2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1N4148 diode </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">big clicky pushbutton with corresponding button cap x7</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">mini slide toggle switch x2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">8Ω, 0.5W, 28mm diameter speaker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">ISP port angle header pins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Serial port angle header pins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Breakout port angle header pins </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">FTDI USB to rs232 adapter board (a board for conneccting your MAKERbuino to the computer) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Set of screws, nuts and spacers needed for fixating the screen and the casing</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It may seem like too much to keep track of, but everything's pretty easy to figure out. And the instructions are simple and straightforward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've mainly reviewed the presassembled model so far, but we'll update this article once we've thoroughly reviewed the DIY model as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our unit came in a lovely red PCB with matching buttons. (Same PCB color for the DIY model as well) Everything was in working order, and the oversized buttons feel solid and responsive. The buttons actually have caps on them, so you can swap out the colored caps for nearly endless color combinations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The included MicroSD card (and adapter) is only 128MB large, but that's all you'll need for this system. The .HEX files that the games are loaded from are tiny, meaning you can fit plenty of code onto that card without any worries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The screen is the same kind used in the Nokia 5110, wwhich makes sense. This console looks like the child of a Nokia candybar phone and the Gameboy Micro. Which is actually a pretty cool thing. The screen is sharp and clear, and a dial on the bottom controls the screen's backlight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other dial controls the speaker volume. (There's also a switch to toggle the volume on/off) The sound is nice and loud, although like any project like this the louder you go the tinnier it sounds. But it's still pretty impressive how the different tunes and sound effect are incorporated into the games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You also have your various ports around the edges of the console. Besides the MicroUSB for power, the MAKERbuino also includes (2) I2C ports (for multiplayer daisy-chaining), ICSP, serial port (for programming it) and extra breakout holes. The serial port will be covered more in the next section.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The battery is a 600mAh Li-Po. And it can last a long time. When we pulled it out of the box, it was already charged up and ready to go. You can definitely get quite a few hours of gameplay before you have to hook it up to a USB charger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like I mentioned earlier, the MAKERbuino is the sort of spiritual cousin to the smaller Arduino-based console, Gamebuino. Successfully crowdfunded on Indiegogo in 2014, Gamebuino was the creation of Aurelien Rodot and was a major inspiration for the MAKERbuino.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Software:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best parts about MAKERbuino being related to the Gamebuino is that it is fully compatible with the entire game library and programming tools that Gamebuino already has developed! This makes it a LOT easy to develop for this console, since there is already a heavily-involved community that's written tons of programs, demos, and random bits of code and guides on how to use the system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like I mentioned, the SD card included is preloaded with a TON of games already. Some of my favorite gems included Paqman, Super Crate Buino, and Maruino. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There is just sooo much to do with this console.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If the games written by the community isn't enough to sate your appetite, you can always write your own! MAKERbuino is fully compatible with the Arduino IDE (the development tool) and has preexisting libraries of code to make the process easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it's not just games you can play on the MAKERbuino. There are also apps written that allow you to play audio files, paint on a canvas, and more. If it doesn't exist, you could be the first to write it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every game I tried was snappy and responsive, with no noticeable bugs. Loading the SD card game menu takes a little while, but it's understandable, considering this is all running off a single microcontroller.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The easiest way to load games onto your MAKERbuino is to copy the .HEX files onto your SD card. However, you can also use the serial port and USB adapter to program games directly to the console from your computer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For reference, here are the tech specs for the MAKERbuino:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">CPU: ATmega328 @ 16MHz (same MCU used in Arduino UNO)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sound: 0.5W speaker with 4-channel audio generation, 3.5mm headphone connector, hardware volume control </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Input: 7 pushbuttons with replaceable button caps (D-pad + ABC buttons) </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Storage: 32kB of FLASH program memory, 2kB of RAM, up to 2GB SD card for loading and saving programs (HEX files) and data</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication: serial UART port, i2c, SPI</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The community for these two consoles is already huge and growing every day. The Gamebuino forums are a great place to ask questions, get help with a project, and see what other programs people have created.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a well-polished device all around. I found no problems, both software- and hardware-wise that caused problems, and the website is very easy and helpful with all guides and FAQs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The MAKERbuino system truly is amazing. Mad props to Albert Gajšak and the rest of the team working hard to ship out orders! There will be plenty more development as the community continues to grow and flourish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Kickstarter is over but you can preorder MAKERbuino at the official web site, www.makerbuino.com today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The kits preordered in this period will ship after the rewards from the Kickstarter campaign (June 2017).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="420" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/albertgajsak/makerbuino-a-diy-game-console/widget/card.html?v=2" width="220"></iframe><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And that wraps things up! If you want to learn more, or find out when and where you preorder one of these boards up for yourself, head on over to their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/albertgajsak/makerbuino-a-diy-game-console">Kickstarter</a> or the <a href="http://www.makerbuino.com/">Website</a> and tell 'em Carter sent you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until I review again...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">..Carter..</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-59831669608529215852017-02-28T06:34:00.000-08:002017-02-28T06:34:14.419-08:00Live Projects: The GPD Pocket 7.0"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l52WQ5VXcm8" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What's up, SHARDlings? I've got some news for you: GPD, the innovative gaming hardware company, has just started another campaign on Indiegogo for their latest device: The GPD Pocket 7.0".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>The GPD Pocket 7.0"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a tiny, sleek laptop that's best described as a tiny shrunk MacBook Air. Its solid-body magnesium-alloy frame only weighs 480g. It can run either Ubuntu 16.04 LTS or Windows 10 Home Edition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inside the machine, it runs a Quad-core processor/Quad threading 1.6GHz processor with 4GB of RAM, meaning this machine can easily power through most any tasks you throw at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The screen is a <span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1920×1200,7 inch, 323.45PPI, IPS technology display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The device features active cooling to keep it running at optimal speed.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">And the best part? Its 7000mAh battery gives it a 12-hour battery life. Those are some pretty impressive specs.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The campaign is live on Indiegogo right now, and you can pick one up for yourself for only $399 in either Ubuntu or Windows flavor. So what are you waiting for?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"> </span><iframe frameborder="0" height="445px" scrolling="no" src="https://www.indiegogo.com/project/gpd-pocket-7-0-umpc-laptop-ubuntu-or-win-10-os-laptop--2/embedded" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;" width="222px"></iframe></div>
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Are you buying one? Let me no what you think!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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..Carter..</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-25781513924147994662016-12-30T13:30:00.000-08:002016-12-30T13:33:28.973-08:00Review | Hexiwear<div class="p1">
What's up, everyone? SHARD Labs is back after a slight hiatus to bring our latest (former) Kickstarter review... the Hexiwear development system by MikroElektronika. They were gracious enough to send out a review just after the holidays. You can find them (and preorder a Hexiwear for yourself) at the link below:<br />
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-<a href="http://www.hexiwear.com/">Hexiwear</a><br />
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So without further ado, let's get into the review!</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Review - The Hexiwear</span></span></div>
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What is Hexiwear? The box our review unit came in, on the side, describes it as "A wearable development kit for the IoT (Internet of Things) era. A small and sleek, low-powered device packed with sensors to quantify yourself and the world around you."<br />
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That describes the device pretty well. Essentially, it's a small handheld puck-like device, made of high-quality plastic and glass, with a small screen and buttons. It can be used as a smartwatch, a smart sensor, or a smart... anything, really. It all depends on what you program it to be.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1351029401/hexiwear-a-wearable-development-kit-for-the-iot-er/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe><br />
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The Hexiwear development kit comes in a snazzy red-and white box with colorful, minimalistic designs patterned on the outside. Our kit was the "Power User Pack," so it came with two separate sections inside the box; the Hexiwear and accessories, and the docking station. Here's a comprehensive list of everything inside:<br />
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-1x Hexiwear (with glass front panel)</div>
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-2x Extra front panels (in different colors)</div>
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-1x MicroUSB cable</div>
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-1x Smartwatch strap</div>
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-1x Docking station</div>
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There's a lot of fun stuff inside. I'll cover it all in more detail in the upcoming sections. </div>
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<span class="s1"><u>The Hardware:</u></span></div>
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The Hexiwear is a pretty powerful little device. Unlike development boards developed upon the Arduino system, the Hexiwear is based on a microcontroller operating system, meaning multiple apps can be loaded and run on it at the same time. It features a color OLED screen and six capacitative buttons on the outside of the screen that control it. It also comes chock-full of sensors.<br />
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Processor: An NXP Kinetis K64 MCU (Running an ARM Cortex-M4, 120MHz processor with 1M Flash and 256K SRAM)<br />
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Connectivity: NXP Kinetis KW4x Bluetooth Low Energy & 802.15.4 Wireless MCU</div>
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Battery: 190 mAh 2C Li-Po battery</div>
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Sensors:</div>
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-Accelerometer and Magnetometer</div>
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-3-Axis Gyroscope</div>
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-Absolute Digital Pressure sensor</div>
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-Light-to-digital converter</div>
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-Digital humidity and temperature sensor</div>
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-Heart-rate sensor</div>
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Output:</div>
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-1.1" full color OLED display</div>
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-Haptic feedback engine</div>
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-RGB LED</div>
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...That's a lot of specs. And that's just in the Hexiwear itself! If you connect it to the docking station, the expansion slots allow for <i>hundreds</i> of additional sensors, outputs, and configuration. It's somewhat mind-boggling.<br />
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Besides expansion (or, as they call them, "click boards,") the docking station also allows you to enhance the core functionality with an onboard programmer, a microSD slot, and a I2S interface. This allows you to design your own circuits and connect them to the Hexiwear.<br />
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What else comes in the box? Why, accessories, of course. There are several fun ways to pimp out your Hexiwear and increase its functionality included in the kit. There are two types of rubber cases- one has straps, for smartwatch functionality, and the other includes a keychain hole (or you can use the hole to attach it to anything else.)<br />
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I'm currently using the keychain case for mine right now, and it works very well for keeping the Hexiwear safe and carrying it around.<br />
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The other interesting feature is the faceplates. The Hexiwear power user pack comes with three different-colored faceplates: yellow, green and blue. This allows you to personalize your Hexiwear to whichever color you like best. And the capacitative buttons on the faceplate work quite well, and are very responsive.<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>The Software:</u></span></span></div>
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Hexiwear runs on a custom OS designed for the low-power MCU inside. The GUI is very clean and minimalistic, and comes with several apps preloaded. They are:<br />
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-Weather</div>
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-Motion</div>
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-Flashlight</div>
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-Fitness</div>
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Fitness is actually two apps, Pedometer and Heart rate. Weather measures the air around you and gives you a real-time list of temperature, humidity, and pressure. Motion measures acceleration and rotation along the X, Y, and Z-axis. Flashlight turns on the RGB LED to full white, and fitness does two tasks. Pedometer does just what it says, measuring your step count (while the app is open) Heart rate uses an optical heart-rate sensor on the underside of the device. when you put a finger or wrist up to the sensor, it begins tracking your heart's BPM (beats per minute) in real-time. I found the heart-rate sensor to be a little of balance, as it jumped around quite a bit as it measured my pulse.<br />
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The battery lasts a remarkably long time for its small size, thanks to the low-power MCU. The software has a power-saver feature built in, so that whenever the Hexiear isn't in use, it shuts off its screen after several seconds. It can be woken up by double-tappling one of the buttons or by shaking the device.<br />
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There's not much to see software-wise with the Hexiwear, out of the box. That's because Hexiwear is first and foremost a development program. The real programs are the one you and all the users design for it.<br />
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So how do you program the the Hexiwear? Well, there are two ways of interfacing with the device. For just reading the measurements off the Hexiwear, you can download an app on either the Google Play or iOS app store and connect to the device via bluetooth. This allows you to get real-time stats and update your Hexiwear via OTAP (Over the air programming.) The iOS version of the app (which this was tested on) worked smoothly and without any hiccups, quickly pairing via bluetooth and syncing the readings in real-time.<br />
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Each Hexiwear user also gets access to a private cloud where all the sensor readings are stored, provided by WolkAbout. WolkAbout is an Internet of Things company and partner of MikroElektronika.<br />
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For actual app creation, the Kinetis Design Studio (KDS) is a free integrated development enviroment the MCU. Based on open-source software, such as Eclipse, GCC, GDB, and others, the KDS IDE is a simple development tool for designers.<br />
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The Hexiwear is also ARM mbed OS 5, as well as mikroC compatible, meaning you can write programs for the Hexiwear in whatever programming language you love best!<br />
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---</div>
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There's so much to do with Hexiwear, and SHARD Labs will continue to explore and work on developing for the Hexiwear over time. Did we convince you to buy one? If so, head over to <a href="http://www.hexiwear.com/shop/">the Shop</a> and order your own. Plus, leave a comment saying that you did so! (And what you thought of the review.)<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-16823057262273440832016-08-25T15:18:00.000-07:002016-08-25T15:18:31.476-07:00Review | LameStation<div class="p1">
Hey folkey-folks! Carter here. Again. Back from the labs with another review! This time, one of the few DIY consoles you can actually buy on the market. Our verdict: It's pretty sweet. Keep reading for more deets.</div>
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As always, a big thanks to the Lamestation folks, who shipped me a review model. They'll be starting a Kickstarter soon for an revised and updated edition of this gadget, so make sure to be on the lookout for that. You can check 'em out here:</div>
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-<a href="http://www.lamestation.com/">LameStation</a></div>
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---</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Review - The LameStation Console</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSpqZOUchbM/V79ui-B5PqI/AAAAAAAAA7s/m5HFaBXKCScwH7oVAtX2kUICBxcOOmeHACLcB/s1600/ls_reallynice_lite_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSpqZOUchbM/V79ui-B5PqI/AAAAAAAAA7s/m5HFaBXKCScwH7oVAtX2kUICBxcOOmeHACLcB/s400/ls_reallynice_lite_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So what <i>is</i> the humorously-named Lamestation? It's a handheld game console, for starters. But it's also so much more. It's powered by an arduino microprocessor, meaning you can program it to run a variety of premade applications (not just games) and even write your own programs!</div>
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Now a quick note on this model: This version of the Lamestation is actually scheduled for revision soon. The new model planned will be preassembled (the first one you had to build yourself) smaller and more ergonomic, like other handheld consoles, and will feature a rechargeable battery instead of the older version's AA battery holder. I'll be posting a link to the Kickstarter for the Lamestation upgrade version when it goes live. (Which is hopefuly soon!)</div>
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-MUST READ: <u><a href="http://www.lamestation.com/news/general/2016/04/03/new-era/">A New Era in LameStation</a></u></div>
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My model came very quickly and was preassembled, which, like I said, isn't how they come for most. But they had a couple premade ones lying around, so that helped make the review easier.</div>
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My review package included:</div>
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-1x Lamestation Console</div>
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-1x Serial-to-USB Cable</div>
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-1x DC Power Wall Plug</div>
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There isn't a lot, but you don't need a lot to have fun with this thing. The good stuff's all inside the console.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5MmiSFytd4/V79sh6SLsFI/AAAAAAAAA7U/l62V5FefoG0hRJoexqLxp2om_54aHOefACLcB/s1600/build.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5MmiSFytd4/V79sh6SLsFI/AAAAAAAAA7U/l62V5FefoG0hRJoexqLxp2om_54aHOefACLcB/s400/build.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lamestation is, at its core, a game console. Running a Parallax Propeller microcontroller, it allows you to program it with an IDE not too different from Arduino. And like an Arduino board, the Lamestation features female headers for the different inputs and outputs of the microcontroller, allowing you to hook up the console to external electronic projects as well.</div>
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The Lamestation itself is a rather chunky console. Square, with rounded edges, it fits into the contours of your hands fairly well, but what really makes it bulky is the thickness. The Lamestation is actually a circuit board connected to a clear piece of acryllic on the back by four legs. Protruding from the front of the main board is the LCD screen, and on the back you'll find the battery holder.</div>
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It's not so thick that it's uncomfortable to hold, but it does give it a bit more of a hefty weight to it. But if you use the DC power plug, it should help cut down on the weight. And I hate to be negative at all, because it's an amazing system. It's just a little bulky. But I know that's because it's a DIY kit, and most people will need the space to insert and solder the parts together.</div>
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I won't speak much on the DIY aspect, since mine came preassembled, but you will need a soldering iron and steady hand to put the console together.</div>
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The console has a variety of inputs that include the joystick, A, B, and Reset buttons, volume and screen contrast slider... oh, and the power switch. As for the ports, you have your serial port, DC power, and headphone jack.</div>
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The serial port, used for programming the Lamestation, was amusing to see. I hadn't looked at one of those in quite some time, and it seems like an interesting choice for the console. But maybe it's what the chip uses for programming. Anyway, the cable provided with the console for programming is Serial-to-USB, meaning you can plug it right into any ol' computer and it'll work. (Once certain items have been installed. But more on that later.)</div>
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The contrast slider is also a nice touch, and definitely helpful. Not every game looks the same under the same contrast level, so it was definitely nice to be able to change that for the best viewing experience.</div>
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The last parts you'll see on the board are the LEDs, the speaker, and GPIO headers. The LEDs are fairly simple; one shows code-writing progress and status, and the the other is controllable by the user. The speaker, while slightly tinny, does its job well; although there aren't that many programs yet that have sound included.</div>
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The GPIO pins are similar to what you'd find on any single-board microcontroller. You've got spots for 5V and 3.3V power, GND, IO, and more. This makes it possible to write programs that actively monitor, control, and interface with your electronic projects.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Software:</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7HrUElBn1Y/V79stx7lJYI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/1M6aV2HtDfgOTf37IObI5HUGBXzjAioqQCLcB/s1600/code.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7HrUElBn1Y/V79stx7lJYI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/1M6aV2HtDfgOTf37IObI5HUGBXzjAioqQCLcB/s400/code.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Lamestation is programmed via the PropellerIDE, a programming enviroment created just for writing SPIN code, the code that controls the Parallax Propeller chips. This enviroment is very friendly and fairly easy to learn. Even if you don't want to write you own code, the process for uploading prewritten programs to your Lamestation is very simple: Just open the correct .spin file, click compile, and either run- or write- that program to the Lamestation.</div>
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The Lamestation SDK that you download from the website contains all the different demos, apps, games, and resources to program your Lamestation. Some of the demos are more complete than others, and some are rather broken. But they're all (for the most part) still in development, so give the Lamestation community time, and they'll keep working on them.</div>
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The Lamestation site provides a bunch of documentation on how to program in the Propeller language, SPIN. I dabbled with it slightly, and from what I've seen, it's a very clear and concise syntax to follow. They'll teach you the basics, from lighting up the LEDs to drawing out images on the screen. It's very fun.</div>
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There are a whole slew of games that come with the Lamestation SDK. Ranging from Frappy Bird, (what could that possibly be a clone of?) to a maze-crawling game, to Pikemanz (a very broken Pokemon varient) to much more. There's a lot to explore and play around with.</div>
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There's also an experimental sound synth app you can run. It's interesting. There's also a few graphics-demoing programs as well.</div>
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---</div>
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And that about wraps up my review. Did I convince you guys to pick up the console? Or wait for the revised model and nab that instead? If you simply can't wait, head to the ><a href="https://www.tindie.com/products/lamestation/lamestation-gaming-handheld-diy-kit/">store</a>< to pick up a Gen 1 Lamestation. Or bookmark this article for when the Gen 2 model is released!</div>
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Write for you later,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
..Carter.. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-70608414427528556332016-08-10T14:49:00.005-07:002016-08-11T17:57:55.266-07:00Review | Circuit Scribe<div class="p1">
It's me again. Carter here. Back with another <i>SL</i> testing of a crazy way for you to draw electronic circuits... with a ballpoint pen. I know, you're shocked.</div>
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...You are shocked, right? Anyway keep reading and I'll give you the low-down on this fabulous product that raised nearly $700,000 on Kickstarter.</div>
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Also, a big thank-you to the folks at Electroninks Inc.! (I know, it's like a tougue-twister.) You can find them and their products at their website:</div>
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-<a href="http://www.circuitscribe.com/">Circuit Scribe</a></div>
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<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Review - The Circuit Scribe System</span></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC8Lx1AdCu4/V60eWr1NG7I/AAAAAAAAA0w/wMCRhaIBuasf5tzry5LTAxgD1RUTQnPVwCLcB/s1600/Circuit%2BScribe%2BToor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC8Lx1AdCu4/V60eWr1NG7I/AAAAAAAAA0w/wMCRhaIBuasf5tzry5LTAxgD1RUTQnPVwCLcB/s400/Circuit%2BScribe%2BToor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What is Circuit Scribe? To put it shortly, it's a rollerball pen that writes with conductive silver ink. Limited editon 24K gold ink (not) coming soon. But it makes drawing circuits as easy a laying down a line on a piece of paper.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iACOQdR7euc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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The Electroninks team was very generous and on the ball with sending me my review unit, it arrived just a couple days after I contacted them. So kudos to them for their speed. My review package consited of the Circuit Scribe Ultimate Kit, which includes, among other goodies,</div>
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-Workbook/Sketchbook</div>
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-Steel Sheet</div>
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-Resistors</div>
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...A bunch of modules, including:</div>
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-Dual-colored LEDs</div>
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-9V battery adapter (with included 9V battery)</div>
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-Motor</div>
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-Switches</div>
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-Jumper wires</div>
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...And more. The jumper cables let your circuit sketches become Arduino compatible, which is really cool. It makes the learning curve for basic Arduino skills far less of a challenge, without any messy breadboards to build. If you can draw it, you can power it.</div>
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But there are so many amazing elements to the kit! You can really do a lot with Circuit Scribe, depending on which kit you buy. And even if you don't use the snap-and-play modules, the conductive pen by itself has a lot of uses with standard electronic elements.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odfcBVvWbfc/V60ei4nyFFI/AAAAAAAAA00/FhX0oZMosFQu_iFRspnrIz-_9kEjPmOHwCLcB/s1600/electroninks_wallpaper%2Blogo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odfcBVvWbfc/V60ei4nyFFI/AAAAAAAAA00/FhX0oZMosFQu_iFRspnrIz-_9kEjPmOHwCLcB/s400/electroninks_wallpaper%2Blogo%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When it comes to conductive inks, Circuit Scribe really sweeps away the competition. As shown in their Kickstarter video, they've really perfected the formula for a non-toxic, water-based, conductive silver ink that dries nearly instantly. This allow for the creation of circuits that connect every time and can be set up in moments.</div>
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The workbook contains a plethora of mini-lessons on how to use your pen and how the components work. Outlines on the paper let you know where to place the correct connections, but again, don't feel restricted to those lines. The beauty to Circuit Scribe is that you can put the ink anywhere and, as long as you put down a solid line and don't cross connections, it will still light up. Or beep. Or do whatever you can think of! (Except, perhaps, make you a sandwich. I'll suggest that to them for a future module.)</div>
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The steel sheet included in the kit is what allows you to hold the modules to the paper. Simply place it behind a workbook page (Or any piece of paper) and your modules will snap onto the paper with a nice, solid click. Also, the back of the sheet has a nice diagram on how each component functions.</div>
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When you've finished setting up your circuit, you can power it all using the 9V battery and snap adapter included the kit. This is an especially nice touch by the Circuit Scribe folks; not too many companies package batteries with their kits. So it was nice to find a power source included.<br />
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I've mentioned so much, and yet I feel like I've only scratched the surface of the Circuit Scribe system. Follow that link at the beginning to discover their site and all the various products they offer in this kit and beyond!</div>
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<span class="s1">The Software:</span></div>
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Not much to say here. Obviously, there's no real software for this hardware-centric product, but if you intend to use this with Arduino, (Which if you have it, I recommend) you'll need the Arduino IDE. </div>
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Oh, and the Autodesk 123D Circuits software, which lets you create virtual circuitry, works with Circuit Scribe, meaning you can set up a full circuit on your screen and make sure it works before you lay down a sing drop of ink.</div>
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Did I convince you to grab this fantastic kit for yourself? If I did let me know in the comments below and then head on over to their <a href="http://www.circuitscribe.com/collections/kits">Store</a> and, as always, tell 'em Carter sent you. </div>
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Catch you later, skaters!...</div>
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..Carter.. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-49927283313239939312016-08-10T14:36:00.001-07:002016-08-11T18:03:01.510-07:00Review | The Makey Makey GO<div class="p1">
What's up, everybody? Carter here with another review form the labs... this time, a neato little system that converts your touch into a digital controller, regardless of the object. (Mostly.) It was highly successful on Kickstarter, raising almost $200,000. Intrigued? The review starts below.</div>
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Many thanks to the wonderful folks out of Joylabz who shipped me the device! A big thanks to them. You can find them at their website:</div>
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-<a href="http://www.makeymakey.com/">Makey Makey</a></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: large;"><u>Review - The Makey Makey GO</u></span></div>
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What is Makey Makey? And more specifically, the Makey Makey GO? To quote the Kickstarter, it's an invention kit on your keychain. And they don't lie; this stuff is pretty fantastic. Using alligator clips that hook the device up to any object that conducts electricity, it digitizes your touch and sends the signal back to your computer as either a mouse or spacebar click. Perfect for one-button games, menial tasks that you want to make more fun, or, you know, bongo-drum jello.</div>
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The folks at Joylabz were very nice to ship me a review unit, and incredibly fast to do so as well. My kit came in just a couple days and included:</div>
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-1x Makey Makey GO Device</div>
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-1x Instruction Manual</div>
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-1x Booster Kit</div>
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The device itself comes with the plug-and-play dongle, as well as an alligator clip for hooking it up. The booster kit, which they graciously included as well, includes a bunch of conductive tape, cloth, wires, and jumper cables to help you set up an epic project with your device.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
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The Makey Makey GO may be small, but it's a cool device. Roughly the same size as your standard USB flash drive, it fits into your pocket easily. But why would you put it in your pocket when you can flaunt it to the world!?! You can easily put it on a keychain or a cord and wear it around your neck.</div>
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The device is simple enough to operate: There are three capacitative buttons running along one side of the device. Well, two are buttons; one has a divot in it for you to clamp the alligator clip on.</div>
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The other two buttons control the reset, type of button press, and sensitivity mode. Reset allows you to, well, reset the device should you attach a new object. Button type lets you cycle between being detected as a mouse press or spacebar press. And sensitivity lets you increase the touch level dramatically. On very conductive surfaces, you can even have it detect your presence when your hand isn't even touching the object! (It still has to be close.)</div>
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The alligator clips have firm grips and are easy to use. They have a soft plastic casing on the outside to help grip the clamp and lessen a freak-out from the system's touch detection.</div>
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The setup for a computer is super easy. Just plug it in and you're good to go! The computer recognizes it similar to how it would a mouse or keyboard. Plus, the rainbow LEDs on the device light up in a cool light show when you plug it in.</div>
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The Booster Kit is an expansion pack for your Go. Think DLC for the real world. You get a BUNCH of nice, conductive materials that you can hook up to your Makey Makey GO and have it do tricks. Like laying down conductive tape on a slackline, hooking it up to a tablet, and seeing how long you last. It's a ton of fun.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Software:</span></div>
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This area's a bit trickier to cover, since the Makey Makey Go works to varying degrees with a TON of software. If the program accepts mouse or spacebar input (Which, if it doesn't accept either, is odd.) the GO will work. The Makey Makey site has a ton of demo Scratch applications that you can use right in your browser to test out how the GO works. (I was even able to download some of the Scratch apps straight to my computer and run them offline with the Scratch Offline Editor.</div>
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I've found that the GO device generally has more application as a spacebar input than a mouse clicker. Because while it will input left-clicks, you can't use it to move the mouse around the screen. But if you want to use a big red button of doom to make those Amazon One-Click Purchases, be my guest.</div>
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Also, nearly every website out there with Flash games has some endless runners that'll work quite well. The Flappy Bird Scratch demo I tried, however, was incredibly hard. I barely made it past one pipe! But maybe I'm just not hipster enough to play that game.</div>
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But there a definitely a lot of applications for this device. And with its portability, you can take it nearly anywhere that you, a laptop, tablet, or smartphone (with adapter) can go.</div>
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And that's that, in a nutshell! If you want to learn more, or find out when and where you can buy one of these bad boys for yourself, head on over to the <a href="http://shop.makeymakey.com/products/makey-makey-go?variant=2460882372">Store Page</a> and tell 'em Carter sent you. </div>
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Until I write again...<br />
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<br />
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..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-42735710298770672412016-07-28T10:33:00.003-07:002016-07-28T10:34:19.731-07:00Project: Preview | LumoPad<div class="p1">
Today I've got a quick- but fun- review for y'all: the LumoPad light drawing system by Nestor Tkachenko out of New York. You can find them at their Kickstarter:</div>
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-<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/823530440/lumopad-the-first-luminescent-drawing-board">Kickstarter</a></div>
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Stick around and I'll give you the inside scoop.</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Review - The LumoPad</u></span></span></div>
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What is LumoPad? It's simply a phosphorescent-paint board. You draw across the surface using a mini LED, which leaves streaks of light that fade after a short period of time. It's awesome. It's the perfect tool for children in a dark room, flipart-style animation,</div>
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The kit I recieved is just a prototype and and isn't as polished as the finished model will be. My version included:</div>
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-2x LumoPads</div>
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-1x superbright LED</div>
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It's simple, but effective and fun.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
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The LumoPad is simple enough in design; It's a simple piece of foam board that's been painted on one side with phosphorescent (or Europium-based) paints. When exposed to the superbright LED, the chemical reaction leaves a trail of glowing light on the board. The finialized model will have the board enclosed inside a frame, for protection against wear and tear, but will still weight very little.</div>
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My LumoPads came in two different colors: Yellow and Blue. The yellow board was made with phosphorescent paints, which are brighter, but fade quicker. The blue is a Europium-derived paint that isn't as bright, but holds a glow longer.</div>
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The LumoPad is still in design progress and the creators have announced that they'll be continuing to upgrade and enhance the design over time. It's a fun product that's mess-free and great for children (or adults) to enjoy in a darker room, in bed, or just with a blanket over their head. </div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="420" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/823530440/lumopad-the-first-luminescent-drawing-board/widget/card.html?v=2" width="220"></iframe><br /></div>
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And wraps things up! If you want to learn more, or find out when and where you pick one of these boards up for yourself, head on over to <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/823530440/lumopad-the-first-luminescent-drawing-board">Kickstarter</a> and tell 'em Carter sent you.</div>
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Until the next review...</div>
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..Carter..</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-24907245622105386192016-07-11T18:41:00.001-07:002016-07-11T18:41:45.095-07:00Review | The TinyArcade<div class="p1">
Today I've got a really amazing review for all you folks: the arcade machine that fits in the palm of your hand, TinyArcade! It's made by the awesome folks at TinyCircuits up in Akron, OH. (Not too far from SHARD Labs, actually.) They were generous enough to ship a review unit down to me. So many thanks to them. You can find them at their website:</div>
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-<a href="https://tinycircuits.com/">TinyCircuits</a></div>
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Intrigued? Keep on scrolling and I'll give the low-down on this Snickers-sized game box.</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Review - The TinyArcade</span></span></div>
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What is TinyArcade? Put simply, it's a miniaturized arcade machine. You have a screen, joystick, and two buttons, all positioned in the standard setup inside a cabinet... the size of a fun-sized candy bar. Seriously. It's awesome. And you can get the cabinet in several different form factors: laser-cut acrylic, wood, or even 3D printed! The first two options can be ordered as either preassembled or build-it-yourself. The 3D printed, of course, comes in one piece.</div>
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The kit also comes with several bonus items as well. Besides the slip with the link to video instructions on using the TinyArcade, my model also came with:</div>
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-1x Decal stickers</div>
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-1x 8GB MicroSD card (and adapter)</div>
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Those decal stickers are nice. They allow you to pimp up your Arcade with a retro-style design on all sides. My sticker style was spaceship-themed, a nod back to the old Space Invaders game. </div>
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<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
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The TinyArcade is another stunning piece of technology by a company that specializes in scaled-down electronics. And yet the cabinet itself is suprisingly simple. There's a screen (duh!), power switch, joystick and two buttons, speaker and volume slider, and MicroSD slot. Oh, and the MicroUSB power port. Which is the only complaint of mine, and one I'll tackle right off the start.</div>
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The USB port is positioned <i>inside </i>the cabinet, beneath the screen. To access it, you have to thread a cable up through the bottom of the cabinet while still exerting enough force to plug it in. This is tricky enough. But for me, the ribbon cable that connected the main board to the speaker curled up and in front of the USB port, making inserting it impossible. I eventually used a Lego brick seperator to push down the ribbon and insert the cable. And not every unit may have this problem; it depends on the build. So that's just a personal complaint about my specific model.</div>
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<div class="p1">
Another note for users: The MicroSD slot is NOT CAPTIVE! It's simply static-holding. So if you push in your MicroSD card as hard as you can for five minutes, you aren't going to hear a click; just the snap of your card breaking.</div>
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The TinyArcade runs on a powerful 32-bit ARM processor, the same as in the Arduino Zero. This allows you to drive 30 FPS videos with audio, and play arcade-level games. The Lithium battery allows you to run the Arcade for roughly 3 hours of gameplay. And that speaker is real and magnet-driven, not just a piezo buzzer.</div>
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The display is a 96x64 OLED screen with 16-bit color depth. As I said before you can run any video at 30 FPS, which makes for a smooth (albeit cramped) viewing experience. And the backlight is software-controlled, meaning you can program adjustments for brightness control.</div>
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The last thing I'd like to mention is the audio. The TinyArcade comes with a magnet-driven speaker that can pump it out. Of course, the louder you get, the more crackly the audio will become, and you will drain the battery a bit faster. Also, not every game has audio. Just Tiny Shooter, Tinytris, and the Video Player, as of this writing.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Software:</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyvguHtpuDQ/V4RKQC54yiI/AAAAAAAAAvc/vjIXo5Wuu7o8JVtlCsqrX8oxskZODaLHQCLcB/s1600/4696d7b95b54c29caa489e1478e2d86a_original.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyvguHtpuDQ/V4RKQC54yiI/AAAAAAAAAvc/vjIXo5Wuu7o8JVtlCsqrX8oxskZODaLHQCLcB/s320/4696d7b95b54c29caa489e1478e2d86a_original.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
TinyArcade run on Arduino, a wonderful, versatile programming system that is simple to program yet quite powerful. The TinyArcade enlists a bootloader program that reads your MicroSD card and allows you to select a program installed on the card. It then loads the program to memory, and starts up the application. One note: if you remove the MicroSD card for any reason and turn on the TinyArcade, the only option you can select is the last program you loaded up.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
TinyArcade comes with a handful of programs already installed on the MicroSD card. They are:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
3D Demo: A Doom-style maze with nothing but a laser gun and TinyCiruit logos.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Driver Demo: A nod to the classic game Outrun.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tiny Asteroids: An Asteroids clone.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Flappy Birdz: A flappy bird clone.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tiny Invaders: A Space Invaders clone.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tiny Run: An endless runner.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tiny Shooter: A 2D space side-scrolling shooter.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tinytris: A Tetris clone.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Video Player: Plays video files on the MicroSD card.</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My favorite game, Tiny Run, is also the hardest. But they're all fun. None of the games have that much depth, but then again, this is an arduino-powered arcade machine, not a Playstation. The creators have said, however, that more games will be developed for the system in the future.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The only non-game application on the TinyArcade is the Video Player, which is a really neat program. It allows you to play videos that you have uploaded to the card on a tiny screen. So don't expect 4K graphics here, people. The TinyArcade comes with two videos preloaded: The original Kickstarter video, and Big Buck Bunny, an open-source short film made with Blender.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And you can always create your own content for your Arcade! That's the beauty of Arduino- through the USB port, you can easily reprogram the TinyCircuitry to do whatever you can come up with! (Within the TinyArcade parameters, of course.)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And wraps things up! If you want to learn more, or find out when and where you can buy one of these bad boys for yourself, head on over to <a href="https://tinyarcade.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders">the TinyArcade preorder page</a> and tell 'em Carter sent you.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Until the next review...</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-63639753610254759202016-06-15T12:13:00.000-07:002016-06-15T12:13:00.650-07:00Project: Preview | RoutaBoard<div class="p1">
What's up, everyone? Today I'm reviewing the Routaboard, a new prototyping circuit board by KnivD out of London. Many thanks for the review units he shipped over. You can check him and his Kickstarter out here:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/knivd/routaboard-the-prototyping-board">Kickstarter</a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-<a href="http://routaboard.com/index.php">Website</a></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Project Preview: Routaboard</span></span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzIFEpyfxqM/V2GnCf4iY-I/AAAAAAAAAmM/ap6KStCZR_AqiJsJFRqc7FTL3tNBcWrkgCKgB/s1600/5ef647579d4f1c8fe51f265c8f56076d_original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzIFEpyfxqM/V2GnCf4iY-I/AAAAAAAAAmM/ap6KStCZR_AqiJsJFRqc7FTL3tNBcWrkgCKgB/s400/5ef647579d4f1c8fe51f265c8f56076d_original.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
What is Routaboard? It's a really cool device- a blank circuit board with unconnected traces between each of the holes. This means that instead of having to connect your electronic projects together with wires, you can simply add a tiny drop of solder in between the holes you want, thus creating an actually professional-looking prototyping package.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Routaboard also comes with free software called RoutaEdit. It's a simple program that let's you design your projects digitally and figure out where to solder the traces ahead of time.</div>
<div class="p1">
My review unit came speedily on through, which was nice since it came from overseas. I recieved four boards, (Two standard-sized doubled-sided boards, and two standard-sized singled sided boards.)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The boards look very sleek and professional, with a black finish contrasted by the gold holes and traces. They came without a single scratch or chip, which is very nice.</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The boards are a unique, and yet very smart idea and design. The standard size is 24x32 holes, big enough for most Arduino-type projects. (Or an Arduino shield!)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6bb4bCcbiQ/V2GndktUKiI/AAAAAAAAAmU/S6xJUHmn0O0rhd8K5z56DRFxc76WEs3VQCLcB/s1600/routaboard_standard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6bb4bCcbiQ/V2GndktUKiI/AAAAAAAAAmU/S6xJUHmn0O0rhd8K5z56DRFxc76WEs3VQCLcB/s400/routaboard_standard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The traces are a bit confusing at first glance, but open up the RoutaEdit software and they'll make sense. The traces extend in all four directions from each hole, but are seperated from each other by gaps in the metal. The idea behind Routaboard is that you can apply a drop of solder in the gaps in the traces, which eliminates the need for wires in your package. And because there's no need to cut wires, you can use a desoldering tool to remove these solder drops and reuse the boards again and again.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Running along the side of each board is a strip of metal. These connect to the grid of holes and work as the power, ground, and a strip for inputs. (Such as Arduino analog or digital.)</div>
<div class="p1">
Overall, the system is very handy. It makes prototyping much more minimal and space-conserving, although soldering the traces together may take a little more time. Keep in mind that to use this product to its maximum, you need a soldering iron and at least (some) solder on hand. Although if you're buying this board to begin with, you won't go far without said items.</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">The Software:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The Routaboard software, RoutaEdit, is... simplistic. I haven't used it for that long, but from what I can tell there... isn't much to do.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXUtlQ-r54/V2Gn42maNCI/AAAAAAAAAmc/47s7p-mkbOoaQO0B3Wn8daG3Txg-2D4xQCLcB/s1600/f101e5834a0351026b864542a1182dec_original.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYXUtlQ-r54/V2Gn42maNCI/AAAAAAAAAmc/47s7p-mkbOoaQO0B3Wn8daG3Txg-2D4xQCLcB/s400/f101e5834a0351026b864542a1182dec_original.png" width="311" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
That's not to say it isn't helpful; RoutaEdit does give you a visual representation of how the traces work on the Routaboard, and you can use it as a guide while soldering to make sure you solder the correct traces.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The software also lets you add a virtual component to the board; however, the only components available right now are "blank" 1x2 components, DIP8, 14, and 16 parts, and resistors. Nothing else exists... yet.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The software is still in its early stages. As Routaboard continues its campaign and development, more features will be added, including a processing code written specifically for RoutaEdit projects. I can't wait to see what becomes of the program.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Oh, and a quick note: As of this post, RoutaEdit is only available for Windows. So <span class="s2"><strike>OSX</strike></span> (sorry) macOS users, you may have to wait a bit.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="420" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/knivd/routaboard-the-prototyping-board/widget/card.html?v=2" width="220"></iframe><br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Well, that about sums up the product. Did I convince you to invest in Routaboard? If I did, let me know in the comments below. Or send me your wallet out of gratitude. Either works. And ff you want to spend even more money, consider donating to the SHARD Labs GoFundMe!<br />
<br />
-<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/juz87w8c">GoFundMe</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Later, skaters!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-33499781267668830272016-05-11T18:02:00.001-07:002016-05-11T18:02:16.213-07:00Check out the DragonBox Pyra!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey guys. Today I've got another cool (and this time, open-source) product, the DragonBox Pyra! (<a href="http://pyra-handheld.com/">pyra-handheld.com</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VMAak8miEk/VzOvQ7i6aoI/AAAAAAAAAkc/LYLhhWYKft8nQg7r1rdql-9VhP2NEen2ACLcB/s1600/Logo-Name.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VMAak8miEk/VzOvQ7i6aoI/AAAAAAAAAkc/LYLhhWYKft8nQg7r1rdql-9VhP2NEen2ACLcB/s320/Logo-Name.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a portable Linux computer LOADED with special features, all in a clamshell package roughly the size of a DS.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's DragonBox's Press Release:<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KGUn2URChU/VzPU3WxsqoI/AAAAAAAAAk8/VjyQOmBDndIxLvmSQDx2icE6T1_CzMi1ACLcB/s1600/Render-Front%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KGUn2URChU/VzPU3WxsqoI/AAAAAAAAAk8/VjyQOmBDndIxLvmSQDx2icE6T1_CzMi1ACLcB/s320/Render-Front%2B2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The DragonBox Pyra – a combination of a miniature
PC and a video gaming console. Developed together with a large community.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">OpenSource, no spy-software included, no
registriation necessary. Nothing.<br />
Even the schematics will be made public.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A full-featured Desktop-Linux-PC that fits your
pocket, open for everything and everyone. Designed and produced in Europe,
avoiding slave labour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Pre-orders have been coming in since they were made
available the 1st of May.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Similar to crowdfunding in nature, but only a
downpayment is needed – <span style="color: #141414;"> and the remainder due when the unit is ready
to be shipped.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The minimum order quantity of 500 devices has been
funded already.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Next milestone is at 750, which means 1000 can be
produced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">To get to this point has taken three years of
development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">In February functional prototypes were made, which
are thoroughly being tested to make everything ready for mass production and
subsequent hands-on within the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">As a successor to the Open Pandora, the Pyra
carries numerous large and small improvements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtVU2P1aReE/VzPUKnWlrWI/AAAAAAAAAk0/6_f951_-mOsdOA98u2FeICEAwYj_xkJtwCLcB/s1600/Proto-Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtVU2P1aReE/VzPUKnWlrWI/AAAAAAAAAk0/6_f951_-mOsdOA98u2FeICEAwYj_xkJtwCLcB/s320/Proto-Full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Besides updating the specifications to more modern
standards, it follows a new concept that no other mobile device to date offers:<br />
<br />
The Pyra is small and compact (only 13.9x8.7x3.2 cm), yet extremely modular. Designed
to be modular it is user upgradable, both mainboard, displayboard and the one
that has the processor and RAM are individual boards.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Designed to be easily repaired or modified - one
screwdriver is all you need to take it apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Better for everyone and the environment.<br />
<br />
Multiple real USB ports, Game-controls, backlit keyboard, replaceable battery,
SD-card slots, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, optional LTE mobile internet and telephony
services with GPS and various sensors.<br />
<br />
Use it as a desktop PC by connecting a HDMI-cable to a monitor.<br />
<br />
The Pyra uses an ARM processor and comes equipped with a Debian GNU/Linux
operating system. No accounts or registration is necessary to make this device
fully functional, and no ads to be found accompanying the apps.<br />
<br />
The Pyra has a large fan base and a community around it that goes far back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: transparent; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre;">
<span style="font-family: "DejaVu Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A similar device is not currently available on the market.<br />
---</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;">Quite a mind boggler, eh? It's pretty sweet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;">You can preorder one of these bad boys at the same link at the top of the article, or go </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;">directly to their preorder page <a href="https://www.dragonbox.de/en/45-pyra">HERE</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;">Enjoy! We'll continue to cover this amazing product as it continues to be developed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;">Until next time,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;">..Carter..</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-91264247144865079562016-04-06T09:11:00.000-07:002016-04-06T09:11:02.791-07:00Project: Preview | WeKast Presentation Stick<div class="p1">
Hey Folks! Another Project: Preview for you all! Today I'm previewing the WeKast presentation system by the WeKast team out of Tel Aviv. Many, many thanks to those folks for getting me a review unit. You can check them out at the links below:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allieln/wekast-plug-and-cast-presentation-solution">Kickstarter</a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
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-<a href="http://www.wekast.com/">Website</a></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: large;">Project Preview: WeKast Stick</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/bc3595c9973e4085b0b4a0d463fcf0e3/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So what is WeKast? To quote the Kickstarter, it's the only mobile-based professional presentation solution that completely eliminates the awkward set-up process while increasing mobility and engagement.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
...To much for ya, huh? Well, it's essentially a wireless dongle that allows you to display your slideshow, powerpoint, demonstration, etc... directly from your smart device. No cables, laptops, or even WiFi necessary. It's pretty handy for those business meeting presentations where the WiFi just happened to go out- and guess who forgot their HDMI cord?</div>
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<div class="p1">
I got a review unit extremely fast; they informed me that they had shipped the unit on March 22nd, and I recieved the unit just three days later, on the 25th. So kudos to them in the shipping department.</div>
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My review unit camed enveloped in a soft velvet bag, secured with drawstrings. Each individual part of the kit had a plastic sleeve protecting it, and the WeKast Stick itself was secured in bubble wrap. So there was no chance of the good ol' USPS busting up <i>this </i>shipment.</div>
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<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allieln/wekast-plug-and-cast-presentation-solution/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe><br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I was surprised (in a good way) at how many accessories the review unit came with. Keep in mind, however, that many of these parts will be integrated into the final product and won't actually be included as seperate attachments. But anyway, here's what I got:</div>
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<br /></div>
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-1x WeKast Stick<br />
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-1x 6000 mAh Portable Battery<br />
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-1x Female/Female HDMI Connector<br />
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-1x Female HDMI/Female VGA Adapter<br />
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-1x Micro USB Cable<br />
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-WeKast and Battery Instruction Manual</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
A bunch of goodies included. Again, most of this will be integrated <i>into </i>the final product, so you won't need to attach all the external gadgetry. But this is a review unit, so the design and asthetics are NOT final.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1InYNQ-xEg/VwUxkvdy8xI/AAAAAAAAAe8/FuJdC6lvcDcjAsSSvTjKMF8K-CvcvsOLw/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1InYNQ-xEg/VwUxkvdy8xI/AAAAAAAAAe8/FuJdC6lvcDcjAsSSvTjKMF8K-CvcvsOLw/s320/IMG_0144.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fL9rNiYeXlQ/VwUxjBIKNjI/AAAAAAAAAe0/nL1oxFxioKYg8YmCKbMk0nJcZ3sWdQV7w/s1600/IMG_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fL9rNiYeXlQ/VwUxjBIKNjI/AAAAAAAAAe0/nL1oxFxioKYg8YmCKbMk0nJcZ3sWdQV7w/s320/IMG_0145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9udgtpBlU8/VwUxkAEPhCI/AAAAAAAAAe4/CRwrztMKFYkV4r-b72EaZy7K0DJXJOhMQ/s1600/IMG_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9udgtpBlU8/VwUxkAEPhCI/AAAAAAAAAe4/CRwrztMKFYkV4r-b72EaZy7K0DJXJOhMQ/s320/IMG_0147.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz7Teah5L7U/VwUyssieHlI/AAAAAAAAAfM/Sq6KWcq__w8_vrfGB_DzvxlWRPu_GqyMQ/s1600/IMG_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz7Teah5L7U/VwUyssieHlI/AAAAAAAAAfM/Sq6KWcq__w8_vrfGB_DzvxlWRPu_GqyMQ/s320/IMG_0149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwBpk559XkM/VwUyoSqIkWI/AAAAAAAAAfI/JEvkyL9rRnom_MzyyWmvKuTh5S3txIkWw/s1600/IMG_0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwBpk559XkM/VwUyoSqIkWI/AAAAAAAAAfI/JEvkyL9rRnom_MzyyWmvKuTh5S3txIkWw/s320/IMG_0150.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnqE__PWbV0/VwUyuN3ZLtI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/J0JIR1TJdgUt4_I8BfUw8hA5vvta0QIFA/s1600/IMG_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnqE__PWbV0/VwUyuN3ZLtI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/J0JIR1TJdgUt4_I8BfUw8hA5vvta0QIFA/s320/IMG_0151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="p1">
The WeKast is a smooth-looking little stick. Wrapped in matte black plastic, it is sparse of any decoration save the sticker on either side with the WeKast logo. (Actually, there's a enterprise option on the Kickstarter to order WeKasts with your own logo.) The HDMI plug is covered by a plastic cap made of the same material.<br />
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To set up my stick, I plugged the WeKast into my TV using the provided HDMI adapter. I then plugged the power pack into the stick via the back microUSB port. As soon as the power is plugged in, the stick automatically boots on.<br />
<br /></div>
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To me, the WeKast is a pretty well-built product. The casing doesn't feel too flimsy (although I haven't, nor would I recommend, putting a lot of pressure on it.) The need for an external battery limits its potability slightly, but again, this just a TEST model. The stick is powered by a quad-core processor, meaning that your presentation will always be snappy and quick to load.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Software:</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPlRD95FCXY/VwU06SrBSNI/AAAAAAAAAfg/MVUZRfXorqkgRmnPIYEeooDGYCmKLie7w/s1600/9a2c274dfa5827745d9e7255bb1d4688_original.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPlRD95FCXY/VwU06SrBSNI/AAAAAAAAAfg/MVUZRfXorqkgRmnPIYEeooDGYCmKLie7w/s400/9a2c274dfa5827745d9e7255bb1d4688_original.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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The WeKast software is fairly simple and easy to use. It's built upon Android 4.4, and you'll actually notice this when the Android logo appears momentarily during setup.<br />
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In order to use the WeKast, you need three pieces of software to make things happen: First, you'll need a PowerPoint Presentation creation app. (Pretty obvious that you would have one if you're purchasing this device.) Secondly, you need the WeKast add-on button for PowerPoint. This installs into the PowerPoint app, and allows you to convert and send your slides and presentation files to your phone through your phone number. I found this method of file transfer a little odd, but just think of it as texting yourself the files. Finally, you'll need the WeKast app.<br />
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The WeKast app is SUPER simple. When you first enter the app, if you don't have any files, there's literally nothing to do or click, beside refreshing the page. (Although I do love the loading screen for the app, with its little flaming-logo animation.)<br />
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Once you have some files inside the app, you're ready to hook up to the WeKast stick itself. On Android and Windows Phone, this process automatically happens. On iOS, (I was) it may or may not automatically connect. If it doesn't, you have to go into the Internet Connections setting of your phone and connect to the "WeKast" network.<br />
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And now you're ready to rumble! You can load a presentation, set it to auto-scroll through the slides, and even add notes to each slide. It's pretty amazing.<br />
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Overall, the WeKast system is an incredibly helpful tool for any business who wants an easy, fluid way to present their information. As the Kickstarter continues and hopefully suceeds, it'll be interesting to see how the WeKast evolves and is formed into an even better product.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="420" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allieln/wekast-plug-and-cast-presentation-solution/widget/card.html?v=2" width="220"></iframe><br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And that's the show! Be sure to check out the Kickstarter and donate to that. If you want to spend even more money, consider donating to the SHARD Labs GoFundMe!<br />
<br />
-<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/juz87w8c">GoFundMe</a></div>
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<br />
Otherwise, have a great rest of your April!</div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-52830579606708617752016-03-23T17:26:00.001-07:002016-03-23T17:26:34.542-07:00Don't forget the forums!Hey guys!<br />
<br />
Just a heads-up that there are forums for the SHARD website!<br />
<br />
Either use the following <a href="http://shard-labs-forum.73111.x6.nabble.com/" style="text-decoration: underline;">link</a> or click the SHARD Forums tab on the top bar.<br />
<br />
Thanks! Can't wait to see ya there!<br />
<br />
..Carter..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-82268174446775634982016-03-23T17:18:00.001-07:002016-03-23T17:19:07.749-07:00A Change in Social Media Plans...Hey everybody. I know it's been a little while since the site had any activity, but I just wanted to update everyone on <i>SL</i>'s social media presence.<br />
<br />
For the entirety of the site's existence, <i>SL</i> has had a large presence on Google+, and that has been mainly it. (Much to the chagrin of some.)<br />
<br />
Up until February, we also enlisted Google Friend Connect, a service that allowed people with Twitter, AOL, and various other services to follow the site as well. However, Friend Connect... no longer exists. Well, it does, per say, but it only allows you to connect with Google+... which you can already do through the embedded Google+ tab on the blog.<br />
<br />
So here's the role call for SHARD Labs: If you previously used Friend Connect to follow the site, PLEASE switch over and click "Follow" on the Google+ tab.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys2fD7Odo8E/VvMx2FgMCgI/AAAAAAAAAec/EOpKc2c7QZcr9sli7Yd9gbvv3_v-2RkPg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-23%2Bat%2B8.15.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys2fD7Odo8E/VvMx2FgMCgI/AAAAAAAAAec/EOpKc2c7QZcr9sli7Yd9gbvv3_v-2RkPg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-23%2Bat%2B8.15.51%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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If you don't have a Google+ account or haven't bothered to follow us in the past... well, do it or suffer the consequences. Just kidding. Maybe.</div>
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Ta ta!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-17427025280308088632016-03-01T12:10:00.002-08:002016-03-01T12:10:53.411-08:00Review | The Qoo Bracelet<div class="p1">
Today's review is the Qoo Bracelet, a nifty transparent form of media sharing brought to you by AC Grindl, the founder of the Colombian-based company. Many many thanks to him for dealing with the import hassles of getting the bracelet to me. </div>
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Check out his website where you can buy one of your own!<br />
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-<a href="http://www.atmydevice.com/">http://www.atmydevice.com</a></div>
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<u><br />
</u></div>
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<span class="s1"><u>Review: Qoo Bracelet</u></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbHYSMi-i20/VtX180ASqsI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Avjes_nZtrk/s1600/IMG-20151205-WA0003-1-1024x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbHYSMi-i20/VtX180ASqsI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Avjes_nZtrk/s320/IMG-20151205-WA0003-1-1024x460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is the Qoo Bracelet? Simply put, it's "social media you can wear." It's an NFC-equipped, smartphone-connecting wrist band that seamlessly, privately, and instantly lets you share your favorite links, pictures, videos and other forms of social media with anyone else.</div>
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Just by holding up your wrist.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qoo2qoo/qoo-bracelet-offline-social-media-share-not-connec/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe></div>
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HARDWARE:</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Qoo Bracelet is a simple, minamalistic band of rubber with a larger disc of rubber in the middle. This disc contains the pre-programmed NFC chip that will enable you to share with phones.<br />
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<div class="p1">
The band is a smooth white rubber. It feels nice and doesn't pull at your arm hairs as it slides around. There's no connector at the bottom; instead, strips of metal run through the band. These lock into place outward, and then snap into a loop when bent. This makes for a one-size-fits-all fit, which is nice, considering that people's arm vary so greatly in size.<br />
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There's not much else to say; the company's Qoo logo is embossed on the top of the circle in pink (or gray, the color I recieved.)<br />
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SOFTWARE:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8vG3uWTeO4/VtX3GrsllNI/AAAAAAAAAdc/dLt671fujs8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-01%2Bat%2B3.09.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8vG3uWTeO4/VtX3GrsllNI/AAAAAAAAAdc/dLt671fujs8/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-01%2Bat%2B3.09.17%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The software that you'll use to upload your media is conveniently powered by Wordpress. In fact, the custom site that the band redirects to is essentially a modified blog. This makes it very easy to upload your pictures and whatnot without worrying about rewriting NFC tags and whatnot.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
To begin, you'll need the instructions that came with your Qoo bracelet. These instructions provide the unique alphanumeric code that you'll need to enter into your site in order for your band to direct phones to the site. The Qoo website does contain several video instructions that'll be very helpful during this process.<br />
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WARNING: YOU MUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LETTER. Missing or messing up a step can cause your band to redirect to nothingness instead of the personall media wall. And we don't want that now, do we?<br />
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Once you own your custom mini-blog, you'll be able to customize to your heart's content. There are more tutorial videos on how to do this as well. Wordpress has a handy system that categorizes your videos, pictures, links, posts into seperate categories through the help of a static homepage.<br />
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<div class="p1">
This brings me to a small complaint: the upload size. Wordpress has an 8MB file size upload limit, which works fine for most media, but not videos. If you want to upload a video that's larger than that, you're gonna have to provide a link to a YouTube video or file storage site instead.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But the system is very nice overall. There's a plethora of different languages to choose from, so you don't have to worry about what language you speak in order to use the band. The site customizer lets you change the themes, colors, and much more.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Overall, the band is a pretty handy tool that greatly simplifies the media sharing process.<br />
<br />
Once again, thanks to AC and if you want to check out (and possibly purchase?) the Qoo Bracelet, head over to the <a href="http://www.atmydevice.com/shop/">Qoo Shop</a> and pick one up for $6.99.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9rusk7cfCY/VtX2Iz2ua3I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XB3wndANrrA/s1600/LOGO-SQUARE-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9rusk7cfCY/VtX2Iz2ua3I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XB3wndANrrA/s1600/LOGO-SQUARE-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="p1">
Keep checking back for more reviews coming soon, and consider supporting the <a href="http://gofundme.com/juz87w8c">GoFundMe</a> if you like what you see! Until next time,</div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-68857053183601986662016-02-22T11:13:00.003-08:002016-04-06T09:07:20.911-07:00Project: Preview | RezaNinja Laser Tag<div class="p1">
Today's review is a bit of a departure from protocol; I'm actually previewing... a laser tag system? The folks at RezaNinja were nice enough to ship me a review set across the sea (and remarkably quick, at that). </div>
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Many thanks to those guys, who you can check out at the links below:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/252461877/laser-tag-sword-kungfu-tag-vest-for-gaming">RezaNinja Laser Tag</a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
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<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: large;">Project Preview: RezaNinja Laser Tag</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
What is RezaNinja? The company's slogan is "Reza mean laser!" I'll take their word for it. But on a more serious note, this business specializes in cosplay, gaming, and laser tag. The lattermost of which I am reviewing today.</div>
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<br /></div>
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They shipped me a review set remarkably fast; it took less than a week for the shipment to make it overseas from Hong Kong to my house. So kudos to them there.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If you managed to see them at the New York Toy Fair this year, than you probably don't even need to read this review. But since you probably didn't, (I sure wasn't going) keep reading after the break!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/252461877/laser-tag-sword-kungfu-tag-vest-for-gaming/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The RezaNinja laser tag system is a pretty nice-looking set of gear. And boy, is there a lot of it.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BATB-F1lLx0/VstZ2h53nmI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/8grIfCbmT8s/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BATB-F1lLx0/VstZ2h53nmI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/8grIfCbmT8s/s320/IMG_0121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RauMM2YHjR4/VstZ3kUI0JI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/nQao8-TNw88/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RauMM2YHjR4/VstZ3kUI0JI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/nQao8-TNw88/s320/IMG_0122.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-gs5Nt--7Y/VstatgjWPpI/AAAAAAAAAcg/yEDuPWVhb9M/s1600/IMG_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-gs5Nt--7Y/VstatgjWPpI/AAAAAAAAAcg/yEDuPWVhb9M/s320/IMG_0123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93FGi1x3t4w/Vstau-ERLBI/AAAAAAAAAc4/iCmkLy_-fB8/s1600/IMG_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93FGi1x3t4w/Vstau-ERLBI/AAAAAAAAAc4/iCmkLy_-fB8/s320/IMG_0124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVA_YHSCS2E/VstayE-WjpI/AAAAAAAAAc4/hfCCQQVjZms/s1600/IMG_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVA_YHSCS2E/VstayE-WjpI/AAAAAAAAAc4/hfCCQQVjZms/s320/IMG_0125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
My set included:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Laser Gun/Swords</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Point Meter Belts</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Foam Shields</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Foam Daggers</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Foam Throwing Stars</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Sword Sheaths</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
-2x Arm Bands</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
...That's a lot of stuff. But it's all very nice. The foam accessories don't really do much for the actual game, unless you buy the impact vest which measures physical hits as well. But it's all great for cosplay!</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">The Hardware:</span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Let's get into the meat and potatoes of our pie now, however: the RezaSword and Vest. This is what you'll be using to actually play the laser tag game.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
THE SWORD/GUN:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The RezaSword is a pretty nice looking piece of equipment. Some Kickstarters I review send products that are still in their prototype stages, and therefore, not as nice or streamlined, but RezaNinja has been working on their system for a while now.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKBK2ZgAIY0/VstbhEofMpI/AAAAAAAAAc8/TytVKg-Gjlg/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKBK2ZgAIY0/VstbhEofMpI/AAAAAAAAAc8/TytVKg-Gjlg/s320/IMG_0131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bskRmY-AS8/VstbUgRd6hI/AAAAAAAAAc4/hI4rNK7PufA/s1600/IMG_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bskRmY-AS8/VstbUgRd6hI/AAAAAAAAAc4/hI4rNK7PufA/s320/IMG_0129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGJQWW3ZFns/VstbUewHs5I/AAAAAAAAAco/UzmKPFMDyEs/s1600/IMG_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGJQWW3ZFns/VstbUewHs5I/AAAAAAAAAco/UzmKPFMDyEs/s320/IMG_0127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nr49sy9yyXk/VstbWDLpgjI/AAAAAAAAAc4/BMofOOe53IA/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nr49sy9yyXk/VstbWDLpgjI/AAAAAAAAAc4/BMofOOe53IA/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It reminds me a bit of a Wii remote. The device is slightly curved, with a trigger on one side, and fits well enough in your hand to work in either sword or gun mode.</div>
<div class="p1">
The handgrip is covered by a matte black rubber cover, <i>also</i> a la Wiimote. This covers the battery cover as well as the mode-changing button at one end.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
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On the front, you'll see a large angled piece of rubber with a hole in the middle. This is the laser part. (This is starting to sound wierd.)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The their are six LEDs on the gun, three on each side, and these blink repeatedly at you as play the game. There's also a rumble motor inside that vibrates whenever you're "hit."</div>
<div class="p1">
This is all very nice, but it brings me to my first complaint: the sound.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
When you first insert the AAA batteries into the remote (WARNING: You're gonna need 12 of these puppies to power the entire set) and hit the switch, the sound system kicks on with some jammin' rock tunes. Nice! Aim and pull the trigger, and you'll here the semi-loud "Pew!" "Pew!" as it fires on the opponent. But switch into sword mode, and you'll be greeted with the EAR-SPLITTING sound of metallic sword blades smashing into each other. And we're talking deafening here. It may be a little better outside, (I haven't tested it outdoors) but then again, your neighbors might just call the cops.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Otherwise, the RezaSword is very nice! For all of its sounds and blinkeys, the pair managed their battery life quite nicely. You'll want some rechargeable batteries for them to help ease your wallet.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE BELT:</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
What fun is a laser tag game without a point system? That's what the belt accomplishes with a (somewhat) easy way of keeping track of points.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The belt isn't as nice as the gun, but still accomplished its job pretty well. It has one triangular sensor on the shoulder-region of the fabric, and a point-counter screen on the back strap. This counter goes up with each hit you receive; as opposed to most systems where it shows your points for how much damage you given.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This is where the electronics to the system get a little screwy: To "sync" the belt to your sword, you must point the gun at the belt's sensor and toggle a little plastic switch on the sensor back and forth. This (may) work, at which point the belts' embedded LEDs switch from solid blue to a pulsing green. If it fails, the screen reads: ERROR and explodes.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, so it doesn't explode. But hooking the different peripherals can be quite a pain, especially if you don't have someone else helping.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Overall, the system is pretty fun. You'll want a pretty large area to play in with (preferably) some obsticals to hide behind, but it can be fun in a smaller area, too.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
RezaNinja has also announced that they're working on an augumented-reality add-on to the system as well, which will allow users to "unleash secret powers" and fire digital dragons and other things at each other with the help of AR headsets. All this and more they're working on and hope to fund in their Kickstarter. Check it out below!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="420" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/252461877/laser-tag-sword-kungfu-tag-vest-for-gaming/widget/card.html?v=2" width="220"></iframe></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
Well, that's all for this week. Be sure to check out the SHARD Labs GoFundMe...<br />
<br />
-<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/juz87w8c">GoFundMe</a><br />
<br />
...and if you like what you've read, consider donating a buck or two. (Or five hundred, if you're Bill Gates. I know you're reading this, man.)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for the next review. Have a great week!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-13889490069740241182016-02-17T12:40:00.000-08:002016-02-17T12:40:17.703-08:00GoFundMe is Live Now!Today's the day, folks! After much contemplation, and several days of getting prepared, the SHARD Labs <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/juz87w8c">GoFundMe</a> is official open!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/juz87w8c"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixLm9_zGoas/VsTQcfUc6BI/AAAAAAAAAbg/B848yRynU1g/s320/gofundme_logo_4267.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click the logo to visit the page! We've worked long and hard on this project and hope you all appreciate the campaign. Please consider donating to help us upgrade the site, purchase extra equipment, and most importantly, bring you all more content. Plus, there are several reward levels for donators, depending on how generous you are with your money. (hee hee)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We thank GoFundMe and all our readers for helping and supporting SHARD Labs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
..Carter..</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-71767540034752917712016-01-30T11:42:00.000-08:002016-01-30T11:42:57.900-08:00Review | The Black Card<div class="p1">
Today's review is the Black Card, a nifty device that (used) to be on Kickstarter.com.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But first, I'd like to thank the academy... or not. The real thanks goes to Tim Almond, the co-creator of Black Card, who was gracious enough to send me a review unit. You can check him out (and buy one for yourself) here:</div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_88821144"><br />
</a></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://blackcard.tech/">blackcard.tech</a></div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>---</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Review - The Black Card</span></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6VChnuTmfA/Vq0RimD-cBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/B4JMoPYG6GI/s1600/04eec621377db53dafa79a0c4b00f807_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6VChnuTmfA/Vq0RimD-cBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/B4JMoPYG6GI/s400/04eec621377db53dafa79a0c4b00f807_original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
What is Black Card? The Kickstarter subtitle to the project states it as "Online Privacy Simplified." And that statement would be correct. It's a plug-and-play device that let's you boot into a secure, untraceable OS from any computer, anywhere, and manage your communications, finances, and secret-agent files on a 5GB drive the size of a credit card. All without having Big Brother or malicious hackers snoop around in your personal biz.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blackcard/black-card-online-privacy-simplified/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
All this is managed by a wonderfully simple operating system, and enclosed in a sleek, minimalistic plastic case that won't draw attention in a public area, thanks to several handy features both in the software and hardware department. But more on that later.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Black Card was brought to Kickstarter at the beginning of December and quickly amassed 50-some backers before Kickstarter suspended the project for some unknown reason. While disappointed, it didn't stop Tim Almond, the co-creator, from setting up an online market for the device earlier this year.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
As I said before, Tim was very gracious to send me a review unit. He contacted me back back when the Kickstarter for this product was still up, and only five days later, my package arrived in the mail.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Unfortunately, it arrived slightly damaged. However, this was not due to a mistake on Tim's part in any way, but I can thank the good ol' USPS for crushing one corner of the package. Tax dollars at work, aye? However, the Card only had some minor scratches on one corner and functions perfectly.</div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The Hardware:</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjukBHbiPck/Vq0Q7W_z9EI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5P9LJIec_xA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-30%2Bat%2B2.36.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjukBHbiPck/Vq0Q7W_z9EI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5P9LJIec_xA/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-30%2Bat%2B2.36.42%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The Black Card is one sleek piece of hardware. Wrapped in a sleek, matte black plastic, it measures almost exactly the same dimensions of a credit card, with a thickness of about two cards. It fits quite nicely in my wallet (which is quite slim), and wouldn't draw any looks if you pulled it out at the cafe or public library.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It's also durable enough to slide into your bag or wallet without worrying about breaking it in half, but also light enough that it won't put a large weight in your pocket, like some portable hard drives.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
To get started with using the Black Card, the access USB port is popped out from the rest of the card, and swivels back and forth on a little hinge. This is helpful because it allows more freedom to plug the Card into a hard-to-reach USB port. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It's a little bit tricky to push into the port; I had to push rather hard on the card to get it into my laptop's port. I was slightly nervous that I'd break it, but maybe I'm just a clumsy person.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Once plugged in, restart your computer. While it restarts, either mash F12 (on Windows) or hold OPTION (on OS X) to be greeted by the boot screen. From there, you can boot from the Card into Tails OS, the private software enlisted by the Black Card team.</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The Software:</span></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuQ15poziOA/Vq0RObIgTTI/AAAAAAAAAVo/oR5WQvcqOro/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-30%2Bat%2B2.37.56%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuQ15poziOA/Vq0RObIgTTI/AAAAAAAAAVo/oR5WQvcqOro/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-30%2Bat%2B2.37.56%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The software, from what I've seen, is just as fluid and minimalistic as the Card itself. Tails OS (or The Amnesic Incognito Live System), an encrypted Linux OS that keeps all your docs and pics out of the snooping nose of hackers, Big Brother, and your neighbor's dog. (Although if the dog's getting your files in the first place, one of you has a problem.)</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Tails is a derived from Debian, (like most Linux OS) and is open-source for the world to use. Additionally, there is a plethora of great tools to use pre-installed on the card. Which is good, because you can't really install your own.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Some of these tools include:</div>
<div class="p1">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>OFFICE</b>:</div>
<div class="p1">
-LibreOffice</div>
<div class="p1">
-GIMP</div>
<div class="p1">
-PDF Viewer</div>
<div class="p1">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>WEB/COMMUNICATIONS</b>:</div>
<div class="p1">
-TOR Browser</div>
<div class="p1">
-Claws Mail</div>
<div class="p1">
-Electrum (Bitcoin Wallet)</div>
<div class="p1">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>MISC</b>:</div>
<div class="p1">
-Disc Burner</div>
<div class="p1">
-Sound Recorder</div>
<div class="p1">
-Video Editor</div>
<div class="p1">
-Audacity (Sound Recording/Mixing)</div>
<div class="p1">
-Poedit (Code Editor)</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
...And much more. There's enough built in that any casual web-surfing, media editing, or even businesses could use this product successfully. But there are a few things you should know:</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
1. Make sure your peripherals are hardware-connected. I learned this the hard way when I tried booting the Card on my Mac with a Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse. The new system doesn't know about preexisting wireless connections! So make sure those devices are hardwired in.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
2. One smart feature of the Black Card is the Windows 8 Camouflague. This setting is picked when you boot up the card, and disguises the operating system to look like a standard Windows 8/10 OS, meaning that if you use the Black Card in a public place such as a library, you shouldn't get a million stares.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
3. This system is as hard as a rock. A combination of LUKS storage encryption, PGP web encryption, and metadata scrubbing means that all your activities as virtually untraceable. It also utilizes randomized Mac addresses, Off-The-Record IM, and KeePassX (to safely store your passwords.)</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I won't dwell too much on the web functions since everyone uses the web for different things, but you're locked and loaded there as well. The TOR Browser uses a relays your web data across routers all over the world, making those likes and +1s untraceable.</div>
<div class="p1">
To learn more about how TOR works, visit <span class="s2"><a href="https://www.torproject.org/">https://www.torproject.org/</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>---</b></div>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And that wraps up my review! Once again, many thanks to Tim Almond, and if I interested you in buying one of these for yourself you can over to <a href="http://blackcard.tech/product/black-card/">their store</a> and pick one up for yourself!</div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Until next time,</div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
..Carter..</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-7616809641402780822015-12-30T18:46:00.004-08:002015-12-30T18:47:49.089-08:00Project: Preview | Interview with Nick PopovWhat's up, everybody? I'm back with <i>SL</i>'s second interview, this one with Nick Popov.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vividstorage/vivid-ssd-ultra-fast-and-portable-solid-state-driv/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe><br />
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Nick is the founder and head of VIVID Storage, a Sydney, AU-based company that makes portable SSDs (Solid State Drives) in colorful, aluminum cases. Plus, they're based on USB 3.0 technology, making them incredibly fast and resilient.<br />
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Which is nice.<br />
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I was able to reach out to Nick just before the Christmas season and get some questions answered. (Which was very generous, because he has been quite busy lately.)<br />
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Enjoy the interview!<br />
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carter Schaap: How long have you been working on the VIVID SSD, and at what point did you decide to create your own SSD?<u></u><u></u><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick Popov: Basically the VIVID SSD idea was born early 2104 and I worked on the project since then. The idea was taking form in my head for a couple of months, until I decided to start researching on the portable drive components and materials and to making the initial inquiries to the factories in April 2014. It wasn’t called VIVID back then; it was just a hypothetical SSD portable drive in a very small form factor and simplified aluminum case, featuring multiple colour combinations.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u>CS: Is this your full-time job now, or do you work in another field of expertise, and this is more of a side project?<u></u><u></u><br />
<u></u>NP:No, VIVID SSD is not my full time job, but lately its becoming one as it is taking more and more of my daily work routine. I run a small B2B marketing agency for Consumer IT clients in Australia and New Zealand as my main occupation and this experience helped me a lot to make VIVIVD SSD project happen. Lots of great and successful ideas and products start as a side project, but I hope VIVID SSD will grow into something bigger and more independent.</span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u>CS: When designing the SSD, were there any difficulties while creating a drive than took full use of the USB 3.0 capabilities? Same with the external casing?<u></u><u></u><br />
NP: There were difficulties at each step of making VIVID SSD, as developing a product from scratch was a new experience for everyone involved. We aimed to create the ultimate portable drive which meant using best components when designing the PCB and sourcing the top quality flash memory. The main challenge with PCB design was fitting all of the components we needed on a relatively small board to maintain the overall small form factor of the final product. Some major vital components, like ASMedia flash controllers that we use in VIVID SSD, had to be imported from TAIWAN, which became a massive challenge in terms of keeping the project in the projected timeline. Case wise, the main challenge was to get the colors we wanted right, during the color oxidation process, which meant back and forth production samples delivery from manufacturers to Australia, until we were satisfied with colors. Getting the right grade aluminum on the small test orders wasn’t easy either as larger manufactures were not interested in our initial order volumes</span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u>CS: How many prototypes or iterations of the drive did VIVID go through to reach the current design?<u></u><u></u><br />
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">NP: For the PCB part, I would say we went through at least 12-15 prototypes to make sure the sped transfer is up to our high requirements. Then, at least 10 Case design and major alterations, from improving the looks and heat spread, to adjusting the case internal design to fit the latest PCB design.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>CS: Finally, does VIVID have any other product ideas or models of the SSD in mind for the (distant) future?</span></span><br />
<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NP: Yes, we are working on a few new VIVID products at the moment, which include VIVID PRO storage solution (double/triple MSata slots in RAID 0) and even smaller consumer drive with USB-C connectivity.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They will be available soon through the <a href="http://vivivdstorage.com/" target="_blank">vivivdstorage.com</a> website.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NP: Thank you for the questions and the opportunity to be heard.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to the entire VIVID team for helping <i>SL</i> accomplish the interview! Especially Stas Svamin, the Digital Marketing and Planning leader, who coordinated between Nick and I to get the questions answered.</span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're interested in the VIVID SSD and would like to help them reach their goal, (as of this publishing, they're at 96% funded! Almost there!) you can head over to <a href="http://kck.st/1T1wS5q">Kickstarter.com</a> and pledge $181, which'll get you a Drive of your own.</span></span><br />
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<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u>Stay tuned for more project previews... Carter out!<u></u></span></span><br />
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<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">..Carter..</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-61867663491750196502015-12-28T19:37:00.001-08:002015-12-28T19:37:18.103-08:00Project: Preview | Interview with Jim SmithHey everyone! Here's <i>SL</i>'s first Project: Preview!<br />
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...While it's not a product review, (one coming soon, thought!) we have a great interview that we did with Jim Smith, the creator of Hologram Pyramid!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/662799642/hologram-pyramid/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe><br />
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Hologram Pyramid, a holographic projector for smartphones, is currently on Kickstarter. It's 19% funded as of this article's writing, with 16 days to go. Check it out here!<br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/662799642/hologram-pyramid">Hologram Pyramid</a><br />
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Well, without further ado, here<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">'s the intervi</span>ew. Enjoy!<br />
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Carter Schaap: Great to be here talking to you tonight. How are you?</div>
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Jim Smith: I'm doing good, thanks.</div>
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CS: So when did you think up the concept for Hologram Pyramid?</div>
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JS: I started the project about 3 months ago. I was searching around on the internet; Reddit, actually, and came upon instructions to make your own holographic projector out of a CD case. So, I went into my garage and got this built. It was a pretty rough prototype.</div>
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CS: Have you come across any other products on the market similar to what you've created here?</div>
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JS: Yeah, I think I found maybe three other models out there... But none have the suction cup feature.</div>
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CS: Is this your full time job now?</div>
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JS: No, no, this is a side project I work on in the wee hours of the night.</div>
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CS: So I'm assuming then that it's just a one-man team working here.</div>
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JS: Yeah, It's just me.</div>
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CS: What goes into the creation of these pyramids? You mentioned using injection molding in the future for mass-production... is this how the prototypes are created?</div>
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JS: Right now, the prototype is machined out of a solid piece of clear plastic. The process starts with a 3" by 3" block of plastic that's cut down into the pyramid shape.</div>
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CS: It sounded from the Kickstarter video like you taught yourself most of the science behind the project using simple online resources like YouTube.</div>
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JS: Yes, I had to teach myself all about how the physics worked.</div>
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CS: How many prototypes or iterations of the pyramid did you go through to reach the current design?</div>
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JS: This is about the third prototype.</div>
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CS: This is your first Kickstarter, I presume. Have you found it exciting? Stressful?</div>
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JS: A little bit of both!</div>
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CS: You already have a fair amount of backers pledging to the Kickstarter. I think partially the allure of your project is that's it's much more unique than some of the other crowdfunding campaigns out there.</div>
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CS: Finally, do you have any other concepts or ideas you'd like to work on in the future?</div>
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JS: I'd probably try and make it even better. I have a ton of concepts I'm always throwing around. I'd like to make a tablet version, something larger to project images off of bigger screens.</div>
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CS: It's been great having you on today. Where can readers find you besides, obviously, the Kickstarter?</div>
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JS: Sure thing! My website is <a href="http://www.sprybird.com/"><span class="s1">www.sprybird.com</span></a>. From there you can find all the links to my LinkedIn, etc.</div>
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CS: Thanks for your time!</div>
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JS: Take care, man.</div>
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Well, I hope ya'll enjoyed the first-ever issue of Project: Preview. If you're interested in the Hologram Pyramid, hop over to Kickstarter and donate $25, which'll get you a pyramid of your own!<br />
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And if you do, make sure and tell them Carter sent ya!<br />
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..Carter..</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-59874253537195143302015-12-10T17:59:00.003-08:002015-12-10T17:59:50.496-08:00A New, Unique Series!Get excited, everyone.<br />
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<i> SL's</i> new series, over a month in the making, is almost here! Aptly called <u>Pro</u>j<u>ect: Preview</u>, it's a unique new series which delivers hands-on, in-depth reviews... on projects that you can't actually buy (yet).<br />
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The Lab is partnering with various project leaders with currently-active Kickstarter projects that are still in the process of being funded. Their projects will be reviewed over a 3-5 (or more) day process, and then the results of that review will be published on the site as well as on all major social medias. =)<br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/?ref=nav" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="45" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3ttRNdEwY4/Vmotle1qnvI/AAAAAAAAAUw/TfSvz3yaa54/s400/kickstarter-logo-light.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hopefully in the future, this'll expand to even more crowdfunding sites. The purpose of this project is to give the readers, and potential backers, an accurate, unbiased opinion on the product before they pledge their money, as well as providing feedback to the creators regarding any potential bugs and glitches.<br />
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I hope you enjoy reading these articles and potentially backing the projects as much as I enjoy writing them. I can't wait to hear <i>your</i> feedback once they're published!<br />
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Later, skaters!<br />
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..Carter..<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-34463170390548830932015-12-03T18:36:00.003-08:002015-12-03T18:36:45.534-08:00Humble Bundle's Sweet Deal of the Month!Hello hello, all you Makers... guess what Carter's sweet Maker-ey deal of the month is this time?<br />
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...Well, okay, I guess it isn't <i>mine</i>, per say, but is that of <a href="https://www.humblebundle.com/getbooks" target="_blank">Humble Bundle</a>, the charity-sales website. They offer bundles of digital videogames and books for the low, low price of whatever you want to pay them! 90% of all the proceeds go to charity, and you get a massive grab of books (in this month's case, TONS of DIY-related guides by the MAKE: company)!<br />
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Here's what you'll get for donating $1.00:<br />
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For a donation of more than the current donator's average (currently just over $13):</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8f8yJJNCzo/VmD6nui4dPI/AAAAAAAAAUM/whMW2-x5TEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-03%2Bat%2B9.29.06%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8f8yJJNCzo/VmD6nui4dPI/AAAAAAAAAUM/whMW2-x5TEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-03%2Bat%2B9.29.06%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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That's right! You get SEVEN extra titles, two digital issues of the magazine, and ALL the extra titles released later on in the month.</div>
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But wait! There's more!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCbawzBLtYQ/VmD7K9w9z2I/AAAAAAAAAUc/lJBeC-CX5Jw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-03%2Bat%2B9.31.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCbawzBLtYQ/VmD7K9w9z2I/AAAAAAAAAUc/lJBeC-CX5Jw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-03%2Bat%2B9.31.42%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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As an added bonus, donate $15 or more and you'll get two extra (and quite expensive in-store) titles. That's 15 books total, plus 2 magazine issues, and there's still more on the way! Plus, even if you donate now, you'll receive all the bonus books added into the bundle in the future FOR FREE!</div>
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Get hyped! I already snagged myself a humble bundle, and you should too! Oh, and make sure and tell 'em Carter sent ya! ;-)</div>
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..Carter..</div>
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<a href="https://www.humblebundle.com/getbooks" target="_blank">https://www.humblebundle.com/getbooks</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-87865896881050918992015-11-26T18:10:00.001-08:002015-11-26T18:14:22.881-08:00The Raspberry Pi Zero Is a $5 Computer the Size of a Stick of Gum<br />
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The Raspberry Pi has long been one of the best credit card sized computers, but today a new version is available that comes in at about the size of a stick of gum. Plus, it’s only $5.</div>
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The Raspberry Pi Zero is obviously <a href="http://lifehacker.com/the-raspberry-pi-2-is-faster-more-powerful-and-availa-1682814956" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;">less powerful than the Raspberry Pi 2</a>, but that’s made up for in the price. Still, it’s pretty powerful all things considered. Here’s what’s packed inside the 65mm x 30mm board:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">BCM2835 chip (same as Pi 1) but up-clocked to 1GHz</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">512MB of RAM</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">Micro-SD</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">Mini-HDMI</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">Micro-USB for data</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">Micro-USB for power</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.25rem;">Unpopulated 40-pin GPIO connector (same pinout as A+/B+/2B)</li>
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The Raspberry Pi Zero is included free with this month’s copy of <a href="https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MagPi</a>(available at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> and <a href="http://www.microcenter.com/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Microcenter</a>). Otherwise, <a href="http://www.adafruit.com/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Adafruit</a> and<a href="http://www.element14.com/community/welcome" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">element14</a> have the Raspberry Pi Zero in the US, while <a href="http://thepihut.com/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Pi Hut</a>, <a href="https://shop.pimoroni.com/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pimoronia</a>, and the <a href="https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #709602; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Raspberry Pi Swag Store </a>stock it in Europe. Orders are limited to two per person at launch.</div>
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Source: <i><a href="https://kinja.com/thorinklosowski" target="_blank">THORIN KLOSOWSKI</a> - <a href="http://lifehacker.com/" target="_blank">Lifehacker</a></i></div>
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<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><small style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;">Image courtesy of The Raspberry Pi Foundation.</small></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-13887845962192379332015-11-19T18:33:00.003-08:002015-11-19T18:33:50.341-08:00Pi-Powered Laptop!Yum. I'd like to take a bite out of this pi(e)... if it didn't cost $99 for a slice. No, I'd leave it intact.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7q2nSUO61A/Vk6DEs4RAqI/AAAAAAAAATY/Yfc4MQ3-RSQ/s1600/pic-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7q2nSUO61A/Vk6DEs4RAqI/AAAAAAAAATY/Yfc4MQ3-RSQ/s1600/pic-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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The new Pi-TopCEED by, well, Pi-Top, is a portable DIY desktop computer running off a Raspberry Pi. This means that it only cost $99. NINETY-NINE D-D-DOLLARS, folks. That's crazy cheap, considering that the original Pi-Top cost $299. For you early adopters, I'm so sorry.</div>
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And it's still live on good ol' Indiegogo. So go on over right now and drop a cool hundred for a cheap computer, and tell 'em Carter sent you. Because they'll have NO idea what means.</div>
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-<a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/pi-topceed-the-first-99-raspberry-pi-desktop#/" target="_blank">Pi-TopCEED</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422177873610158746.post-53118668621508594682015-10-28T13:30:00.000-07:002015-10-29T18:40:27.608-07:00An Arduino-Powered Candy Dispenser!<div class="row" style="background-color: #f0f0f0; box-sizing: border-box !important; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Final_Without_Housing" class="aligncenter wp-image-496080 size-medium" src="http://i1.wp.com/makezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Final_Without_Housing-e1444939490417-620x699.jpg?resize=620%2C699" height="699" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box !important; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="620" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit, this is pretty cool. And very DIY-esque. And delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the story below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Source: </span><i><a href="http://makezine.com/author/scott-n-miller" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box !important; color: #337ab7; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.1; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">SCOTT N. MILLER</a><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="line-height: 25.2px;"><span style="color: #333333;">- </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://makezine.com/projects/build-an-arduino-powered-candy-vending-machine/" target="_blank">MAKE:</a></span></span></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333830418830911701noreply@blogger.com0