Saturday, June 30, 2012
Become a Google power searcher
Become a Google power searcher: You may already be familiar with some shortcuts for Google Search, like using the search box as a calculator or finding local movie showtimes by typing [movies] and your zip code. But there are many more tips, tricks and tactics you can use to find exactly what you’re looking for, when you most need it.
Today, we’ve opened registration for Power Searching with Google, a free, online, community-based course showcasing these techniques and how you can use them to solve everyday problems. Our course is aimed at empowering you to find what you need faster, no matter how you currently use search. For example, did you know that you can search for and read pages written in languages you’ve never even studied? Identify the location of a picture your friend took during his vacation a few months ago? How about finally identifying that green-covered book about gardening that you’ve been trying to track down for years? You can learn all this and more over six 50-minute classes.
Lessons will be released daily starting on July 10, 2012, and you can take them according to your own schedule during a two-week window, alongside a worldwide community. The lessons include interactive activities to practice new skills, and many opportunities to connect with others using Google tools such as Google Groups, Moderator and Google+, including Hangouts on Air, where world-renowned search experts will answer your questions on how search works. Googlers will also be on hand during the course period to help and answer your questions in case you get stuck.
Power Searching with Google blends the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) learning format pioneered by Stanford and MIT with our social and communication tools to create what we hope is a true community learning experience.
Visit the course homepage to learn more. By the end of this course, you'll know several new techniques that will make you a Google Power Searcher and help you find out information about whatever you can imagine—from how to prepare for a new family pet to where moss grows on Stonehenge or how to grow katniss in your garden. Sign up now!
Posted by Terry Ednacot, Education Program Manager
Today, we’ve opened registration for Power Searching with Google, a free, online, community-based course showcasing these techniques and how you can use them to solve everyday problems. Our course is aimed at empowering you to find what you need faster, no matter how you currently use search. For example, did you know that you can search for and read pages written in languages you’ve never even studied? Identify the location of a picture your friend took during his vacation a few months ago? How about finally identifying that green-covered book about gardening that you’ve been trying to track down for years? You can learn all this and more over six 50-minute classes.
Lessons will be released daily starting on July 10, 2012, and you can take them according to your own schedule during a two-week window, alongside a worldwide community. The lessons include interactive activities to practice new skills, and many opportunities to connect with others using Google tools such as Google Groups, Moderator and Google+, including Hangouts on Air, where world-renowned search experts will answer your questions on how search works. Googlers will also be on hand during the course period to help and answer your questions in case you get stuck.
Power Searching with Google blends the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) learning format pioneered by Stanford and MIT with our social and communication tools to create what we hope is a true community learning experience.
Visit the course homepage to learn more. By the end of this course, you'll know several new techniques that will make you a Google Power Searcher and help you find out information about whatever you can imagine—from how to prepare for a new family pet to where moss grows on Stonehenge or how to grow katniss in your garden. Sign up now!
Posted by Terry Ednacot, Education Program Manager
EEVblog #301 – LTspice Temperature Sweep Tutorial
EEVblog #301 – LTspice Temperature Sweep Tutorial:
Dave shows how to do temperature and parameter sweeping of your circuit using LTspice
Dave shows how to do temperature and parameter sweeping of your circuit using LTspice
Friday, June 29, 2012
Aligning sides on DIY two-sided circuit boards
Aligning sides on DIY two-sided circuit boards:
How to get good alignment results when etching two sided boards at home. This method uses marks placed outside of the PCB design to help with aliment.
Via Gadget Factory.
How to get good alignment results when etching two sided boards at home. This method uses marks placed outside of the PCB design to help with aliment.
Via Gadget Factory.
Self balancer does it differently than we’re used to seeing
Self balancer does it differently than we’re used to seeing:
This self balancing robot still uses just two wheels, but it’s balancing very differently than we’re used to seeing. Where most of the projects use a form factor that’s similar to a Segway, this works just like a bicycle. But it doesn’t need to keep the front and rear wheels spinning to stay upright. In fact, the video after the break shows it balancing perfectly while at a complete standstill. [Aoki2001's] creation isn’t stuck in one place. He included distance sensors on the front and back which are used to move the bike as if by repulsion.
The large wheel where the rider would be is what makes sure the vehicle doesn’t topple over. It acts as an inverted pendulum, pushing against the large wheel’s inertia by rotating the motor to which it is attached. The same concept was seen back in march on a full-sized bike. But why use two wheels when you only need one? His unicycle version can also be seen embedded after the break.
It’s worth looking at [Aoki's] other YouTube offerings too. He’s got a small robot which balances on top of a ball. It’s the desk-sized version of this hack.
Filed under: robots hacks
This self balancing robot still uses just two wheels, but it’s balancing very differently than we’re used to seeing. Where most of the projects use a form factor that’s similar to a Segway, this works just like a bicycle. But it doesn’t need to keep the front and rear wheels spinning to stay upright. In fact, the video after the break shows it balancing perfectly while at a complete standstill. [Aoki2001's] creation isn’t stuck in one place. He included distance sensors on the front and back which are used to move the bike as if by repulsion.
The large wheel where the rider would be is what makes sure the vehicle doesn’t topple over. It acts as an inverted pendulum, pushing against the large wheel’s inertia by rotating the motor to which it is attached. The same concept was seen back in march on a full-sized bike. But why use two wheels when you only need one? His unicycle version can also be seen embedded after the break.
It’s worth looking at [Aoki's] other YouTube offerings too. He’s got a small robot which balances on top of a ball. It’s the desk-sized version of this hack.
Filed under: robots hacks
Thursday, June 28, 2012
With XBee-PRO 868 you have 40 km within reach
With XBee-PRO 868 you have 40 km within reach:
If you´re searching for an RF communication module with a long range, you´re on the right address. More precisely said – 40 km at line-of-sight outdoor, or 550m indoor.
XBee technology enables to transfer data from various sources, mainly in industry – for example data from various sensors, controlling of technology and similar. XBee-PRO 868 from DIGI International (Maxstream) uses SRD G3 868 MHz band (869,525 MHz) and has a software selectable output power in the 1 – 315mW range.
Relatively high maximum output power provides to the module a very long range. This enables to use it in applications with long distances between particular points. XBee_PRO can be connected to your application via a standard 3.3V CMOS UART with 1.2 to 230.4 Kbps data rate. Various XBee modules from Digi International feature common footprint, that´s why they´re mutually exchangeable this adaptable to your application requirements. XBee-PRO 868 features 128 bit AES encryption and a 64 bitovou adress (network ID). They are usable for Point-to-Multipoint/Star or also Peer-to-peer topologies. An advantage is also an easy use – no further configuration is necessary.
Available are multiple versions, type XBP08-DPSIT-024 has an RPSMA connector. Thanks to it, the module can be connected to various antennas.
Detailed information will provide you the XBP08-DPSIT-024 datasheet, overview of XBee-PRO 868 modules, as well as XBee/RF family comparison from company Digi International.
With XBee-PRO 868 you have 40 km within reach - [Link]
If you´re searching for an RF communication module with a long range, you´re on the right address. More precisely said – 40 km at line-of-sight outdoor, or 550m indoor.
XBee technology enables to transfer data from various sources, mainly in industry – for example data from various sensors, controlling of technology and similar. XBee-PRO 868 from DIGI International (Maxstream) uses SRD G3 868 MHz band (869,525 MHz) and has a software selectable output power in the 1 – 315mW range.
Relatively high maximum output power provides to the module a very long range. This enables to use it in applications with long distances between particular points. XBee_PRO can be connected to your application via a standard 3.3V CMOS UART with 1.2 to 230.4 Kbps data rate. Various XBee modules from Digi International feature common footprint, that´s why they´re mutually exchangeable this adaptable to your application requirements. XBee-PRO 868 features 128 bit AES encryption and a 64 bitovou adress (network ID). They are usable for Point-to-Multipoint/Star or also Peer-to-peer topologies. An advantage is also an easy use – no further configuration is necessary.
Available are multiple versions, type XBP08-DPSIT-024 has an RPSMA connector. Thanks to it, the module can be connected to various antennas.
Detailed information will provide you the XBP08-DPSIT-024 datasheet, overview of XBee-PRO 868 modules, as well as XBee/RF family comparison from company Digi International.
With XBee-PRO 868 you have 40 km within reach - [Link]
Simplecortex – 125MHz dev board with an ARM Cortex M3
Simplecortex – 125MHz dev board with an ARM Cortex M3:
The Simplecortex is a microcontroller dev board with an ARM Cortex M3 from NXP.
The Simplecortex is a microcontroller dev board with an ARM Cortex M3 from NXP.
The Simplecortex is a microcontroller development board that is shield compatible with the Arduino. The Simplecortex has a fast microcontroller, the LPC1769 from NXP. This is a ARM Cortex M3 microcontroller with 512KB flash, 64KB RAM and it runs at 120Mhz. To make sure that the Simplecortex is easy to use we made tutorials for almost every peripheral on the chip and examples to get you started. There are tutorials for simple stuff like IO control up to more advanced tutorials for MicroSD cards. If you have ideas for a new tutorial or made a tutorial yourself, feel free to drop an email or post it in the forum. The Simplecortex also has an onboard debugger. It can also be used to program external devices like a self made PCB for your own project. No more microcontrollers with pre-programmed bootloader needed.Simplecortex – 125MHz dev board with an ARM Cortex M3 - [Link]
New app for Mac gives speech to your Arduino
New app for Mac gives speech to your Arduino:
Here is a voice synthesizer app for Mac giving your Arduino speech capability. You simply send strings over the serial port and the app reads them out.
Here is a voice synthesizer app for Mac giving your Arduino speech capability. You simply send strings over the serial port and the app reads them out.
Speech for Arduino supports all voices on your Mac. You are able to change the pitch, rate, and volume straight from the window. You can also use various speech commands to modify emphasis on words.Via RobotGrrl.
MEET YOUR CREATOR – QUADROTOR SHOW
MEET YOUR CREATOR – QUADROTOR SHOW:
A troupe of 16 quadrotors (flying robots) dance to and manipulate sound and light at the Saacthi & Saatchi New Directors’ Showcase 2012.
MEET YOUR CREATOR – QUADROTOR SHOW
MEET YOUR CREATOR – QUADROTOR SHOW:
A troupe of 16 quadrotors (flying robots) dance to and manipulate sound and light at the Saacthi & Saatchi New Directors’ Showcase 2012.
Google Tries Something Retro – Made in the U.S.A.
Google Tries Something Retro – Made in the U.S.A.:
Google Tries Something Retro – Made in the U.S.A. – NYTimes.com.
Google Tries Something Retro – Made in the U.S.A. – NYTimes.com.
Etched into the base of Google’s new wireless home media player that was introduced on Wednesday is its most intriguing feature. On the underside there is a simple inscription: “Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.”
The Google executives and engineers who decided to build the player, the Nexus Q, here are engaged in an experiment in American manufacturing. “We’ve been absent for so long, we decided why don’t we try it and see what happens?” said Andy Rubin, the Google executive who leads the company’sAndroid mobile business.
How a Microwave Oven Works
How a Microwave Oven Works:
Bill details how a microwave oven heats food. He describes how the microwave vacuum tube, called a magnetron, generates radio frequencies that cause the water in food to rotate back and forth. He shows the standing wave inside the oven, and notes how you can measure the wavelength with melted cheese. He concludes by describing how a magnetron generates radio waves.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ankle bracelet lets you become Emperor Palpatine
Ankle bracelet lets you become Emperor Palpatine:
Want to shoot lighting bolts from your hands to punish your enemies? You can (almost) do just that with this static electricity generator hack. Above you can see the charge jumping off of this guy’s knuckle and surging through the LED. But that’s not the only trick you can pull off when wearing just a bit of hardware around your ankle. The video after the break shows sand grains jumping around as a charged hand is waved over them.
The trick is done by powering a negative ion generator from a 9V battery. This can’t be done directly, since the ion generator is looking for an AC power source. But conversion is as easy as scrapping an inverter which is designed to plug into a car cigarette lighter. Everything is shoehorned into a glasses case, which can then be strapped on to your ankle. Why this fascination with the ankle area? One part of the answer is that this provides an easy way to interface the ion generator output with your skin. The other part of the answer is that you need to make sure the system is grounded (but you’re not) and the build includes a ring that goes around your shoe to achieve this.
Check out the demo and full build instructions in the video after the break.
[Thanks Nate]
Filed under: wearable hacks
Want to shoot lighting bolts from your hands to punish your enemies? You can (almost) do just that with this static electricity generator hack. Above you can see the charge jumping off of this guy’s knuckle and surging through the LED. But that’s not the only trick you can pull off when wearing just a bit of hardware around your ankle. The video after the break shows sand grains jumping around as a charged hand is waved over them.
The trick is done by powering a negative ion generator from a 9V battery. This can’t be done directly, since the ion generator is looking for an AC power source. But conversion is as easy as scrapping an inverter which is designed to plug into a car cigarette lighter. Everything is shoehorned into a glasses case, which can then be strapped on to your ankle. Why this fascination with the ankle area? One part of the answer is that this provides an easy way to interface the ion generator output with your skin. The other part of the answer is that you need to make sure the system is grounded (but you’re not) and the build includes a ring that goes around your shoe to achieve this.
Check out the demo and full build instructions in the video after the break.
[Thanks Nate]
Filed under: wearable hacks
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Logic Sniffer client 0.96 beta 3 is released
Logic Sniffer client 0.96 beta 3 is released:
Jawi made excellent strides with the cross-platform client for the Logic Sniffer. Last week v0.96 beta 3 was released. The latest release features an improved UI, as well as dual/quad mode SPI decoding.
Jawi made excellent strides with the cross-platform client for the Logic Sniffer. Last week v0.96 beta 3 was released. The latest release features an improved UI, as well as dual/quad mode SPI decoding.
Most of the UI repainting bugs should be squatted by now (at least the most annoying ones ;)), and some small improvements in the look and feel have been made. Also extended the keyboard/mouse control a bit, see this wiki page for the current bindings and additional information.Thanks Jawi! Via the forum.
With the help of TitanMKD, the SPI decoder tool is now also able to decode dual/quad mode SPI (aka SPIFI). An initial attempt to a Manchester decoding tool is also added, which should work but might need some additional attention before fully usable…
Bicycle quadcopter flies for dozens of seconds
Bicycle quadcopter flies for dozens of seconds:
If you decide to fly into town on this bicycle-powered quadcopter your arms and legs really will be tired. That’s because this athlete had to give it his all to power the rotors through the foot pedals and the hand cranks. You can see just one of the rotors on the right side of the background. Yeah, this thing is big!
You’re looking at the Gamera II, a craft developed by students at the University of Maryland. About a year ago they were showing off the first version of the aircraft. With the passing of the year comes the breaking of world records as a different rider manages to keep it up for 50 seconds in the video after the break. Although the structure is huge (over 100 feet across) the building materials and techniques let it weigh in at only 71 pounds.
It still looks like way to much physical work for us. We’re sticking to the pedal-powered hydrofoil as our dream transport.
[via Reddit]
Filed under: transportation hacks
If you decide to fly into town on this bicycle-powered quadcopter your arms and legs really will be tired. That’s because this athlete had to give it his all to power the rotors through the foot pedals and the hand cranks. You can see just one of the rotors on the right side of the background. Yeah, this thing is big!
You’re looking at the Gamera II, a craft developed by students at the University of Maryland. About a year ago they were showing off the first version of the aircraft. With the passing of the year comes the breaking of world records as a different rider manages to keep it up for 50 seconds in the video after the break. Although the structure is huge (over 100 feet across) the building materials and techniques let it weigh in at only 71 pounds.
It still looks like way to much physical work for us. We’re sticking to the pedal-powered hydrofoil as our dream transport.
[via Reddit]
Filed under: transportation hacks
New Scientist’s Instant Expert Series Free Download
New Scientist’s Instant Expert Series Free Download:
“Instant Expert” is a new ongoing series by New Scientist magazine,these guides will get to deeper knowledge about various topics in Science and Technology.Fortunately the series is available for public download,Here I gave the Download link to the first five parts of this series.
Instant Expert 1 – General relativity – See Whats inside
Instant Expert 2 – Cloning – See Whats inside
Instant Expert 3 – Unseen Universe – See Whats inside
Instant Expert 4 – Extreme weather – See Whats inside
Instant Expert 5 – Human Origins – See Whats inside
Download Full Series as Zip Download zbove five PDF in a Zip
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)