Owen Project

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  • Found out that I was in some wrong threads and stuff. So I regroup my stuff "here".
    Please note: I quite often edit my own posts to keep noise down so this container might get long dependent on how big the text field can be

    puck.js
    Presently, I have only one and have drilled out the holes of the black base. Current hold up is a female connector that I thought I had that I have lost for the area between the base to the puck.js. Allows for placement on PCB (male header going up thru the optional black base to puck with optional white cover on top) Wearables (pin thru clothes and black base to female headers)
    Some thought as how to fixate puck.js on pins but allow for operation of switch: nothing found yet
    Basic PCB preperation with size of puck.js on a PCB ardunio prototype shield: the two sets of 4 holes are ok: other holes and top surface pins need thought.

    Several bits and pieces that I need to put together, with another puch.js to make a set Lora

    Usage of child labour is a must

    https://github.com/lrnzzz/RN2483-LoRa-Sh­ield/issues

    watch for wearables as pendant and build on @MaBe excellent http://forum.espruino.com/comments/13462­373/ with hopefull neopixels 12 and 24 round stuff

    Software is another story for the hardware, with some focus on nw.js for the time being
    https://software.intel.com/en-us/intel-x­dk with: understanding nw.js and some whys? for chome, web ide and bluetooth. Possible all in one windows 10 package for node, npm etc

    pipeline: a little puck.js on TTN?
    https://www.tindie.com/products/DrAzzy/r­n2483-breakout-bare-board/


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  • Looks good! It's be interesting to see how you get on with the pins - and yes, using the button is annoying if it's on headers. I guess you could use Pogo pins on the Arduino shield, then you don't have to solder to the Puck at all - and you could still use the button?

    The 2 extra pins by the side aren't on a 0.1" grid (it just wasn't possible) but since you can put any peripheral on any pin (apart from analogs) only having the 6 IOs shouldn't be too bad.

    Possible all in one windows 10 package for node, npm etc

    Surely that's what this is? http://www.espruino.com/Web+IDE#as-a-nat­ive-application

    Or am I missing something? You shouldn't need node.js with nw.js since nw.exe is effectively also a version of Node.

  • Pogo pins are in scope: trying to find the right ones as have previously used them in certain situations.
    2 extra pins: in scope and usable with care
    nw.exe is effectivly node (node version in package is very old an seems to be included for unkown reasons)
    Probably "nice setup" where gyp etc are taken care of and a lesser learning curve for some use cases.

    (about 4 pucks ready in my checkout: didn't quite make 20 but it probably will happen as my time was less than expected (drains and new IT system in implementation) with advertisements to support espurino)

    (Tindie not working for credit card at the moment)

  • The Things Network, Denmark as if I do not get more on my local city project, I don't get help setting up my local test setup .
    See pic above with puck.js and some cards.
    Wonders if @MaBe is on the things ...

    Not relevant for this comment, but a holder for some info when I get some back
    https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn­:li:activity:6242999873143078912/ shows the new nRF5 with a question from me

    Edit:
    3 GW's for TTN i Silkeborg are now sponsered: parts on the table, but ... ill: so not this weekend.

    https://github.com/ttn-zh/ic880a-gateway­/wiki Gonzalo, from the espruino community guide, is the setup(s)

  • Hmmm, power requirements and software: but looks nice as a broach/plaything for my daughter.

    Just have to find time to pin the thing
    CJMCU-2812-61 CJMCU-21812B-8 (behind puck.js: to be detached from concentric rings)
    CJMCU-21812B-12
    CJMCU-21812B-16
    CJMCU-21812B-24

    The thin wood that one may have noticed in the picture? Wait and see :)


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  • OK: my 8 yr old's puck is about to be soldered but ...
    Just to be 100% and as I am ill with one hell of a cold, NeoPixel signal: what is the prefered output pin?
    For general info: the power line and gnd get made into a bus (bare metal), the in and outs get small insulated connections.
    Gnd and power to the neopixels get exposed at the edge (for strap so the thing can be a nice necklace)
    Other signals get exposed at edge: touch would be good.
    The thing can be a put on the wall, put on a shelf (with nice wooden holder)
    Power in neclace scenario is batteries behind her hair with breakable connections so she doesn't get caught (power and gnd to NeoPixels will be exposed at edge and in middle area)

    Solder is maybe this evening if I feel my head can take it

    Edit: not easily seen is the thin wood in front of NeoPixels
    also note, the sweet spot for a nice spreading of the puck's own led's is about 1cm away from the wood: this is not being addressed just yet: I am going for a flatish back and maybe can add something in the front circle "one day"
    Note that the battery is replaceable ie the puck pcb is level with back, battery container is exposed for easy battery replacement

    Edit: there was a delay due to me losing the puck.js from 11 dys !!!
    Found :)

    Edit:
    yep :) @oesterle there was the possibility to try: so I tried it
    Cardboard, is also possible, and if the correct type, just as good

    Edit:
    Funny, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSyXpM1L­4B4

    came up on my screen with the start about the "clock": this is also a clock 24/12 rings: so somethings, one can't just do with a micro controller, some bits and pieces needed. Thank goodness for Espruino to allow time for the bits and pieces( when I finally get rid of this flu that just turned into hayfever :( )


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  • Very cool, @OwenBrotherwood! Laser cutting the wood, I see!

  • Sun 2017.03.19

    Hello Owen,
    I have been following along since project inception and I am as excited as your daughter will be once this ornament is glowing, especially in the dark!!

    Just to be 100% and as I am ill with one hell of a cold, NeoPixel signal: what is the preferred output pin?

    Although your discourse hasn't included the extent of your background in electronics or programming, forgive me if the following sounds audacious. also, . . . hope you are feeling better.

    There isn't an indication as to whether the NeoPixel(s) has been fired up yet, (I see the wood rings have been though) ;-)

    I blindly followed the example tutorial code on both a Pico and an ESP8266 with no regard to output pin selection, just changing the code to represent which pin the NeoPixel data pin was wired to, and had no issue. The device and NeoPixel have been running for two weeks solid and no smoke yet. ;-)

    Now, with that said, the NeoPixel is a power hog. Will you be notifying the power company before you fire this up?

    I wired mine through a separate wall-wort with a 3.3v regulator for the ESP8266. But I see 61 NeoPixels, which will pull over an amp just with basic code fiddling. Don't believe the Puck will keep up with that demand, definitely not with a CR2032. If the code requires constant white with all on, expect stuff to get quite warm. (20ma * 3 colors ea NeoPixel)

    Discovered this tidbit:

    PICO: 25mA by pin, but not more than 120mA for all pins together. forum post

    My guess is that the decision for a separate supply has already been discovered as only around 5 or 6 LEDs can be powered directly from the Puck itself, any Espruino board for that matter.

    Hope the soldering part is going well and can't wait for the animated video . . . .
    Robin

  • Thanks Robin (and oestrie).
    Yes I need power from external source: the puck.js uses it's battery for it's own use, while the external power comes from somewhere else.

    (off to doctors tomorrow: think I have some mild form of lung phenomena: so still not soldered but she is still happy )

  • Yes I need power from external source: the puck.js uses it's battery for it's own use, while the external power comes from somewhere else.

    As the need to power from an external source, wouldn't the inclusion of a regulator offset the cost of of powering the Puck via a CR2032?

    Unless of course the NeoPixel battery requirement isn't above the regulator input.

  • @Robin, @OwenBrotherwood: Yeah, maybe a 3.3v buck converter like this:
    https://www.adafruit.com/products/1066

    …plus a USB 5v 1A battery pack.

    I've made this to replace the CR2032 on Puck.js with AA batteries:


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  • Great: when I get this thing done, I'll post a video

    One thing that is on my mind ... bluetooth scan for her friends mobile (she doesn't have a mobile) then display a pattern based on the info (name, hw address) into some pseudo random but "nice" display. Just another crazy idea that needs thought but could be fun.
    However, she has to also program the thing: step by step

    Edit:
    The power to puck.js is expected to be it's standard battery, all power to the LED's from external.

  • Just to add, I'm not sure it's been covered - you can use any data pin for Neopixels.

    However sometimes they're a bit picky about the voltage levels of the data relative to their supply - I find it works great running neopixels off a 3.7v LiPo while using the Puck's internal battery, but if running neopixels off 5v you may hit some issues and need a level converter.

    Another option is to run the neopixels off 3.7v (maybe charge a LiPo behind the clock with a LiPo charger?) and to then run Puck.js off that same 3.7v but with a diode to drop the voltage enough for it?

  • Thanks Gordon.
    I review the stuff so far:data relative to supply was a new one.
    At some stage, I may even get code on it :)

    Edit
    I try first with the extra neopixels that come from the middle of the concentric rings: they fit perfectly into the extra puck.js housing I have with another puck.js in its own housing, a fun shape when the two housings are put together back to back
    (wonders if there is room for a gyro in the second housing: stop, get the neo done Owen)

    Edit
    I am really beginning to like oesterle battery replacer :)

    Edit
    https://www.razimports.com/Shop/ItemList­.aspx?CatID=x&ThemeID=MPX7&Sort=1
    usa : needs to find something closer with postage

    Edit:
    Project 2 : make a battery converter: two pieces of metal and some plastic in the middle: should be "ok" and the "leads" can hold the whole thing nicely if done correctly.

    Edit:
    Update on the NeoPixels after Easter as Lara has to have time to be involved in the project: and also program the thing:)

  • Just to say, if you're soldering to the Puck already then you could just solder to GND and 3V wires - it's exactly the same as you're getting from the battery adaptor :)

  • I have to prepare for a TTN thing, 3 pi gw's and no device!!!
    The device just has to be a puck.js (and due to other activities, a micro:bit).

    The problem to be prepared is the alterations of an arduino shield that contains a valuable module that is now in very short supply. (http://forum.espruino.com/comments/13572­658/ contains some info as, by chance, there was a little connection there)

    SMD ... hmmm, removal and replacement onto a @DrAzzy pcb.
    Is the following video a viable course when one has no access to anything near professional gear (except a frying pan)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSbZMZ7Y­9IU

    (Update on the NeoPixels after Easter as Lara has to have time to be involved in the project: and also program the thing:))

  • Wed 2017.05.31

    This code fiddle popped up in a separate forum that may provide a shortcut in program development time. https://benjaminbenben.com/espruino-pixe­ls/ @benjaminbenben

    from: (#11) http://forum.espruino.com/conversations/­305442/#comment13656647

    Would love to get an update on your project success @OwenBrotherwood

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Owen Project

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