This is a bit of a teaser...I was suddenly struck by a project idea that I wanted to implement once before, but moved and never got back to it. Now the interest in it has been brought up again recently and now I have decided to push this project to the front of the line. To that end, I placed and Amazon order, which came in today. You're welcome to make guesses on what the project is. Obviously some parts were bought in bulk to bring pricing down.
2025-01-26-Project-Parts.jpg
Buttons make me suggest mobile gaming device? But probly not
I'm trying to make out what all the components are, I see microcontrollers a case a couple of power supplies the servos and df players there are a couple of objects I can't see well.
So it has moving parts, sound either music or questions/instructions or scary stuff, there is going to be user interaction with the buttons perhaps a keycode. Yes I need a clue :)
Admittedly, the photos are just copied / pasted from the order screen on Amazon, and so not very detailed (or sized). Going down the left side from top to bottom, then the right side from top to bottom we have:
(5) DFPlayer Mini
(12) NRF24L01 Transceiver
(2) 2-Packs DC 5V@2A Power Adapter
(2) 3-Pack ELEGOO Nano Board CH 340
(1) 40-pc 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC Power Jack
(3) Wooden Storage Box w/Hinged Lid, Rosewood (10.79" x 7.8" x 2.4")
(1) 10-Pack SG90 Micro Servo
(1) 8-pc 12mm Momentary Push Button Switch (NO, 4 red / 4 silver)
As with any prototype, parts are subject to change and I am already reconsidering the push buttons and DC jacks due to the thickness of the wooden box, which I did not know when I ordered them. There is also a vinyl decal not shown, because it would totally give away the project, which I am not ready to do yet.
I am currently working on the electronics and source code, then the mechanical stuff will come after. Here's what I will say. There will be a second box which I am still deciding on due to design requirements. The wooden box shown will have two different colored push buttons, one Nano, a transceiver and a power pack.
The second "box" will have a Nano, transceiver, DFPlayer Mini, NeoPixel ring and a servo.
I know it's not much, but this is a priority project at the moment and I am still working out a few design aspects.
Here's a video talking about connecting the transceiver to the Arduino Nano, as well as a connection diagram using an adapter that I have since ordered.
Arduino_Nano_NRF24L01_Fritzing.jpg
Communications test was a success tonight!
20250209_004356_640x480.jpg
The left Arduino Nano is the transmitter, while the right Arduino Nano is the receiver.
NRF24L01_Receiver_Serial_Monitor.jpg
The transmitter is sending, "Hello World", and the receiver is displaying it on the serial monitor.
Next test will be to connect the two pushbuttons to the transmitter and properly display which button is pressed using LEDs on the receiver.
Finally I will, based on which button is pressed, on the receiver play one of two WAV files, move a servo to one of two positions and activate a NeoPixel ring / bar.
Looking good Chris, I still have no idea what the final product will be , I am following with interest.
Quote from: Jeff_T on Feb 09, 2025, 11:13 AMLooking good Chris, I still have no idea what the final product will be , I am following with interest.
I am definitely putting the utmost priority into wrapping three units A.S.A.P. I just realized I never ordered the case for the receiver side. ::) I will do that shortly.
I will add the following details of the functionality...
Transmitter Side:
One of two buttons is pressed. Not sure if I will implement any sort of acknowledgement system that the receiver has received the signal.
Receiver Side:
The DFPlayer Mini will play one of two preprogrammed MP3 / WAV files. A servo will move one of two flags to the up position. A NeoPixel ring / bar will light up.
I may offer more as I get closer. There is a project stub, however it is not yet published. It is a draft. Don't want to give away the project
before I post it. ;)
20250210_002340_640x480.jpg
Here the Transmitter has been updated with two pushbuttons and a piezo speaker (something I am testing). The Receiver has been updated with two LEDs (Red / White) and a signal wire has been run for the servo, though the current prototype setup doesn't have the power to drive the servo, so it's not currently connected.
I spent my evening last night merging the different pieces of code for the hardware. As I said, the original prototype demo was just a "Hello World" from one module to another. As of last night, I added constants and setup for the buttons and piezo on the transmitter side. I'm intending to use the piezo as a feedback mechanism to let the sender know that their message was received, and subsequently when it was acknowledged.
I also added constants for the receiver side for the LEDs and servo, though I still need to add a button and eventually the LEDs will be a NeoPixel string of some sort. So yeah, still in the "testing hardware" phase, but soon ready to develop the final code.
Hmm perhaps a seasonal thing, valentines or easter maybe?
Quote from: Jeff_T on Feb 11, 2025, 10:16 AMHmm perhaps a seasonal thing, valentines or easter maybe?
It's a great guess. Currently this is slated as a test-pilot product, based on current pop-culture references. I will release three units, then post the project with some options / modifications. I am hoping to post the first three units on eBay in less than a month. Once I do, I will link them here. I rarely do things for profit, however, in this case it's a matter of timing.
now, on the other hand, you mentioned Valentine's / Easter. Years back I had hoped to replicate someone else's project you may recall, The Original Reverse Geocache (https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2010/12/one-year-later-the-story-of-the-first-reverse-geocache-puzzle-box/), with my own modifications, of course. But alas, Wendy was diagnosed with cancer and I never got back to it before she passed. But I have been thinking of something equally unique, but different. I am still working on some ideas.
As for Easter, same thing. I remember one year before Parallax laid me off we were supplying parts for an organization that was doing an easter egg hunt for the blind. So the eggs were plastic with a beeper in them to make it easier for blind people to find them. It was a great idea / project. I was hoping to make something unique for everyone. I even posted a message about it (https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=142.0) at the time. I'm always on the hunt for great project ideas, be it for the holidays or whatever.
UPDATE: My receiver enclosures came in today, so I am very close to getting all three initial units ready.
Puzzle box then?
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Feb 11, 2025, 05:41 PMPuzzle box then?
No, but now I am compelled to ask...do these puzzle boxes have more than one box (transmitter / receiver) that work together? I've never done one, except the old wooden ones from the 60s/70s/80s. Those were a single box made up of multiple interlocking wood parts.
UPDATE: The receiver boxes came in last night.(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612aAQ+r3WL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
These boxes are (obviously) designed for a completely different application as they are ballot / donation boxes. However, I needed an enclosure with a slot in the top and these are already setup that way.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LN9wVSjnL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
This is the second style, I wanted to check out more than one option.
Been working on the code tonight. I made a lot of progress. ;)
One of the issues that I have been dealing with regarding the wooden box is that it is ~10mm thick, which is how deep the threads are on both the push buttons and then DC barrel jack. So I have been researching options on how to handle this and I think I finally have a solution for the push buttons. Still working on options for the DC jack.
Yesh, sometimes, it just don't work as intended... there's always Hot Snot aka Hot Glue as Dave Jones has put it.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Feb 20, 2025, 11:44 AMYesh, sometimes, it just don't work as intended... there's always Hot Snot aka Hot Glue as Dave Jones has put it.
On prototypes I have glued things before, however in finished projects I always err toward being able to easily repair something, and if I glue the switches and DC jack in place, I make it much more difficult to repair should something go wrong. It's a good idea, but this is a "for-profit" project, so I need to avoid glue and tape. ;)
Quote from: Chris Savage on Feb 20, 2025, 12:15 PMOn prototypes I have glued things before, however in finished projects I always err toward being able to easily repair something, and if I glue the switches and DC jack in place, I make it much more difficult to repair should something go wrong. It's a good idea, but this is a "for-profit" project, so I need to avoid glue and tape. ;)
Speaking of glue and tape, have you seen Dave Jones hit the roof about this tablet:
Quote from: granz on Feb 20, 2025, 04:26 PMSpeaking of glue and tape, have you seen Dave Jones hit the roof about this tablet:
I did not see it. I hope this doesn't sound petty, but I don't listen to Dave Jones. He has one of those voices that just irritates me. There are certain people (I'll admit, usually female) that have voices that kind of grate on my nerves. Dave has such a voice. Hard to explain...I've tried to listen to specific videos people have sent me, but I just can't keep it on for long. Here's Michael jackson telling his sister her voice is annoying. LOL
BONUS example.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Feb 20, 2025, 05:30 PMI did not see it. I hope this doesn't sound petty, but I don't listen to Dave Jones. He has one of those voices that just irritates me. ...
Yeah, it does take a bit to get used to his voice. Maybe just turn off the sound and watch - although you don't get the full effect, he hates this tablet. Of course, so would any decent engineer or tech. The guy who did this should never be allowed to work on anything ever again.
Quote from: granz on Feb 21, 2025, 06:38 AMYeah, it does take a bit to get used to his voice. Maybe just turn off the sound and watch - although you don't get the full effect, he hates this tablet.
He's not the only one. In the past I have looked up YouTube tutorials on my subjects, including video editing software, CAD software and even Arduino stuff when I was first getting started. Some of the YouTubers have accents and many are fairly easy to understand like, "Great Scott (https://www.youtube.com/@greatscottlab)".
But there are many that might otherwise be great videos, but the accent is difficult for me to understand. Many were thick Indian accents where the words just seemed to run-on to each other. My brain just can't do it. Which is sad, because as I said, many seem to be good tutorials, but my brain can't decipher what they're saying and it's like white noise over the content.
If I get a break this weekend I will try to watch the beginning of the video you posted. I just wanted you to understand why I don't watch his videos. I used to listen to The Amp Hour podcast. Not sure if Dave is still in that, but I was disappointed at a few comments he made back when I used to listen. He made some very uninformed opinions / comments about companies he knew nothing about (including Parallax).
People are entitled to their opinions, of course. But, when you hear someone make a claim about a company that they know nothing about or don't know the details and you have a large following, as he seems to have, it puts an unnecessary stain on those companies reputations.
By the way, another thing that I don't watch (or care to watch) that many people do like to watch are unboxing and / or tear-down videos. Watching someone cut open their package and describe what they're doing and the contents of the box, well I find myself scrolling ahead. LOL
In the past when I have done reviews, I didn't do unboxing videos, I took everything out and showed photos. I can't picture anyone actually wanting to listen to me describe everything they're seeing me do. LOL
Quote from: Chris Savage on Feb 20, 2025, 05:30 PMI hope this doesn't sound petty, but I don't listen to Dave Jones. He has one of those voices that just irritates me.
Oh good. Time todo my Dave Jones impressions! *Insert Evil Salem Saberhagen laugh here, since no short clip on YouTube.*Screenshot_20250221_110710_YouTube.jpg
I have tolerance for people who speak the way they do because of the part of the world they come from but there is no excuse for "Vocal Fry" lol.
The box being thicker than the threads on your buttons could probably be resolved with a forstner bit from the inside of the box.
Quote from: Jeff_T on Feb 21, 2025, 11:20 AMI have tolerance for people who speak the way they do because of the part of the world they come from but there is no excuse for "Vocal Fry" lol.
That's why I expanded my thoughts on things. It's "me", not necessarily the person with the accent. I'm just not wired to spend so much thought trying to filter the English words while trying to appreciate the content.
Quote from: Jeff_T on Feb 21, 2025, 11:20 AMThe box being thicker than the threads on your buttons could probably be resolved with a forstner bit from the inside of the box.
So, a co-worker recently suggested this and even showed me a video from YouTube on how to do it. But I have since decided that, since I have a cordless DeWalt router, it would probably be easier for me to do that on the inside of the box. My cordless power tools are in storage, but I am hoping to get them this weekend.
I was thinking I might be able to try this option this weekend. I'm confident it will work for the push buttons. Not as confident on the jack, since the jack has to go through the side of the box. While the side is the same thickness, the lid isn't very tall. I may have to try again to find a DC jack with a deeper mounting thread or think of something else.
P.S. - I know some of you are wondering when you will know exactly "what" this project is and when I will publish the page. I would like to say before the end of March.
Cool
I'm about 50% complete on the radio code (TX and RX), then I have some minor servo and NeoPixel (WS2812B) code (RX) and then I can finalize the hardware. I'm looking into publishing this in Servo Magazine as well. The first three units will be sold and then I may offer some custom versions on my website via my WooCommerce store (currently disabled).
With the workshop being an even bigger mess, due to the arrival of the new 3D printer, I have been working off the edge of my main PC desk in the future media room.
2025-03-10_11-15-50_Project_01_640x300.jpg
As you can see there's a tray table next to the desk because I didn't have enough room for all my "stuff".
2025-03-10_11-15-50_Project_02_640x480.jpg
You can see the two breadboards sitting on the left edge of the desk.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 10, 2025, 01:33 PMWith the workshop being an even bigger mess, due to the arrival of the new 3D printer, I have been working off the edge of my main PC desk in the future media room.
2025-03-10_11-15-50_Project_01_640x300.jpg
As you can see there's a tray table next to the desk because I didn't have enough room for all my "stuff".
2025-03-10_11-15-50_Project_02_640x480.jpg
You can see the two breadboards sitting on the left edge of the desk.
Isn't this normal?? I never have room... lol
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Mar 10, 2025, 02:33 PMIsn't this normal?? I never have room... lol
Yeah, Chris' place looks positively empty! :P
Quote from: granz on Mar 10, 2025, 03:40 PMYeah, Chris' place looks positively empty! :P
You were saying?
20250310_220454_640x480.jpg
This is just a few shot of the upstairs...
20250310_220430_640x480.jpg
So much...STUFF...unsorted...waiting to be put away.
20250310_220407_640x480.jpg
Lots of work to do. So much space being taken up by stuff that needs to be put away.
Now looks better. lol
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Mar 10, 2025, 10:37 PMNow looks better. lol
Every room in the house has piles like this. Furniture waiting to be assembled, stuff waiting to be sorted, recently unpacked items where the bags, bubble wrap and boxes need to be taken care of, etc. I keep moving from pile to pile as needed. But, at least the washer and dryer are now fully installed and working (https://savagechats.com/index.php?msg=1400)!
Can't even see my desk surface...
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Mar 11, 2025, 10:44 PMCan't even see my desk surface...
(https://y.yarn.co/6a084288-28bd-43ff-a35e-fde90b5c37ba_text.gif)
I just have no storage at all...
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Mar 11, 2025, 11:40 PMI just have no storage at all...
I wouldn't do this now (wife to think about), but when I had no room, I took over the dining room table! :o
Prior to that, the kitchen table (didn't have a separate dining room then)! :-X
This project is languishing a little at the end here because of the damn weather! I need to get out in the shed and drill / cut some stuff, but the weather keeps going back to winter mode and I've now had to move a lot of stuff into the shed to get it out of the way for the destruction of the metal shed / garage. I really need to wrap this project so I can get it published / posted. Little frustrated. :-[
EDIT: I guess everyone gave up trying to guess what it is. :P
Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 10, 2025, 10:33 PMQuote from: granz on Mar 10, 2025, 03:40 PMYeah, Chris' place looks positively empty! :P
You were saying?
(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Workshop1.jpg)
This is at the entrance to my shop, looking towards my workbench/desk. That super-bright screen behind my monitor is just a window with a closed Venetian blind. :P (https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Workshop2.jpg)
This is from my work area, looking almost directly backwards (slightly to my left.) You can see a tiny bit of our kitchen out the door.(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Workshop3.jpg)
And, this is looking to my right (when sitting at my desk.)[/i]
So yes, Chris, your work area still looks positively empty. I need to get rid of a lot of stuff, so that I can get back to working on the projects which interest me most.
And, FWIW, at least it's not as bad as Jon Williams: :o
(https://www.edn.com/wp-content/uploads/media-1123761-291880-jim-williams-in-his-lab-2007.jpg)
Not that that is saying much. :(
Quote from: granz on Apr 17, 2025, 06:09 PMQuote from: Chris Savage on Mar 10, 2025, 10:33 PMQuote from: granz on Mar 10, 2025, 03:40 PMYeah, Chris' place looks positively empty! :P
You were saying?
(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Workshop1.jpg)
This is at the entrance to my shop, looking towards my workbench/desk. That super-bright screen behind my monitor is just a window with a closed Venetian blind. :P
(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Workshop2.jpg)
This is from my work area, looking almost directly backwards (slightly to my left.) You can see a tiny bit of our kitchen out the door.
(https://files.granzeier.com/Downloads/SavageCircuits/Workshop3.jpg)
And, this is looking to my right (when sitting at my desk.)[/i]
So yes, Chris, your work area still looks positively empty. I need to get rid of a lot of stuff, so that I can get back to working on the projects which interest me most.
And, FWIW, at least it's not as bad as Jon Williams: :o
(https://www.edn.com/wp-content/uploads/media-1123761-291880-jim-williams-in-his-lab-2007.jpg)
Not that that is saying much. :(
LOL Glad I am not the only one with a desk like that.... lol NO room.
Quote from: granz on Apr 17, 2025, 06:09 PMAnd, this is looking to my right (when sitting at my desk.) So yes, Chris, your work area still looks positively empty. I need to get rid of a lot of stuff, so that I can get back to working on the projects which interest me most. And, FWIW, at least it's not as bad as Jon Williams: :o Not that that is saying much. :(
Okay, granz. YOU WIN! I CONCEDE! HOLY WOW! :o
Jon Williams? That's not JonnyMac.
Quote from: granz on Apr 17, 2025, 06:09 PMAnd, FWIW, at least it's not as bad as Jon Williams: :o
(https://www.edn.com/wp-content/uploads/media-1123761-291880-jim-williams-in-his-lab-2007.jpg)
Not that that is saying much. :(
So, who is this, really?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Apr 18, 2025, 12:24 PMQuote from: granz on Apr 17, 2025, 06:09 PMAnd, FWIW, at least it's not as bad as Jon Williams: :o
(https://www.edn.com/wp-content/uploads/media-1123761-291880-jim-williams-in-his-lab-2007.jpg)
Not that that is saying much. :(
So, who is this, really?
Sorry, I got the wrong first name.
Jim Williams was a genius analog design engineer. He had a pretty messy desk. The Computer History Museum has a page about him, showing some of his desks (https://computerhistory.org/blog/an-analog-life-remembering-jim-williams/).
His biography also shows some of his desks (https://hunterwlong.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/jwbib.pdf)
Analog engineering consultants, SpecialtyCircuits, has a list of his Application Notes from when he worked at Linear Technology (https://www.specialtycircuits.com/list-of-jim-williams-application-note-at-linear-technology.html).
This project was supposed to be done at the end of March. Here it is Almost the end of August! :-[
That seems about right - I have way too many of these types of projects. :( :-[
Quote from: granz on Aug 22, 2025, 05:19 PMThat seems about right - I have way too many of these types of projects. :( :-[
There was some time-sensitivity to this one. I guess we'll see if I can recover from that.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 22, 2025, 11:01 PMThere was some time-sensitivity to this one. I guess we'll see if I can recover from that.
Well, if there is anything that we can do to help, let us know.
At least you all got to see what this project really is at the Electronics Meetup. I am going to try and build all three prototypes at once, so as soon as the development PC bench is setup (this weekend) I can refocus on this project again.