In my previous post I started the electronics and software for an Arduino Sketch for an ESP8266 WiFi microprocessor and several MAX31820 temperature sensors, that will eventually estimate and upload the level of water in our well water tank.
Well depth sensing: it begins
I’ve begun another Arduino/ESP8266 project: reporting the level of water in our well tank. This project will involve the ESP8266, MAX31820 temperature sensors, some mechanical work, sending data to a web-based database, and interpreting the temperature data to estimate the well water level.
My 1984 Desk
I try not to spend much time talking about ye olde timey computing that I lived through, because it quickly becomes boring to all but those who were there, and the future is so much more exciting. But in looking up evidence I had of Tektronix having Ethernet (and Internet connectivity before that), I found a photo of my olde timey Tektronix office desk, and couldn’t resist cataloging how office computing has changed.
Cost-Reducing the Lunar Clock: IoT really is here
I have to confess that sometimes I need a push to make the right design choice.
It’s been a long time – way too long – since I worked on my Lunar Clock project. In the meantime, Sparkfun has introduced new, inexpensive microcontrollers aimed at Internet-of-Things applications. I knew one of those new microcontrollers would be perfect for the Lunar Clock, but I dragged my feet.
Continue reading Cost-Reducing the Lunar Clock: IoT really is here
My first 3D printed Sundial
I’ve been interested in sundials for ages. Tracking the sun’s path by observing the shadow of a stick is an ancient form of astronomy, and a gateway into geometry (literally “measuring the earth”).
How to watch Tomorrowland, the movie
Because the 2015 movie Tomorrowland is back in the news, I thought I’d offer my ideas of how to enjoy this promising and flawed movie.
Needless to say, this post contains spoilers.
How to replace an ADT sensor battery
Because in-home sensor systems and User Experience are interests of mine, I offer this How To after replacing a sensor in my home alarm system. Continue reading How to replace an ADT sensor battery
Chinchilla Cam: Installing the Raspberry Pi Camera Module and OpenCV
For some time we’ve caught rare glimpses of small, rabbit-like animals who seem to be living under our front porch. We’ve seen little, round ears bobbing past the window, footprints in the snow, and during one hot summer I found a dead chinchilla in the garage – the poor thing couldn’t take the heat. Continue reading Chinchilla Cam: Installing the Raspberry Pi Camera Module and OpenCV
A Highly Fictional, Future Historical Walking Tour of Hillsboro Oregon
Ever wonder what happens when people from A.D. 2100 want to indulge a nostalgia about the early 21st century? Wonder no longer. I’ve posted my Highly Fictional, Future Historical Walking Tour of Hillsboro, Oregon, in which a hapless kid trying to fix his cell phone accidentally eavesdrops on the future.
Continue reading A Highly Fictional, Future Historical Walking Tour of Hillsboro Oregon
Super Glue and 3D Printing: a match made in heaven
Having recently finished reading Clifford Smyth’s excellent book, Functional Design for 3D Printing, I was anxious to try out his method of cutting a design into parts and gluing those parts together after printing. Continue reading Super Glue and 3D Printing: a match made in heaven