3
Aug
Help identify these plasma neon displays
Okay, the last time I asked for help identifying an unknown device, you guys came through. Even Evil Mad Scientist helped out (you guys rock.) Well, I now have two Panaplex-style neon displays that I can’t seem to find that much information on. Does anyone have any information on these or hints to where I can find more information? I’ve found a few references to the larger display, but have not had any luck locating data sheets
Or, do you just have an interesting factoid about these guys?
Read more
18
Jan
My Tracks + Nexus One + Google Earth
I just found a great new application in the Android Marketplace: My Tracks (QR Code Below) Essentially, it takes your Android phone and converts it to a GPS data logger. You can use it to analyze your running patterns or you can simply export the raw data to Google Docs, Google Maps, Twitter & Email (via Google Maps) or simply export the raw data as a KML or GPX file. For this experiment, I used the GPX export option. I took my usual hour long walk and used My Tracks to record my path.
30
Aug
ALCO MS-250AC
This is a follow up to my post on the Alco MSM-5a from about a month ago. This is an unexceptional mosaic readout display but the major differences, that I can tell, between this and the 5A is that this one is a little bit smaller, it cannot be easily disassembled and it includes a red filter to color the display. These were purchased from Surplus Shed for $2.50/each. Read more
3
May
Nixie, Numitron and VFD Tester
I am considering building the following tester based on my own design. I’d like some feedback:
Features:
- Clearly labeled inputs for power (VFD, Nixie and Numitron)
- On board batteries for Numitron power (no other power needed)
- On board batteries for the filament for VFD Displays (only +30v needed or 3 9v batteries)
- Outputs for up to 18 elements: should handle any type of display you will encounter!
- Buttons for each element to allow for testing of each element individually
- A black finish on the board with white silk screened text
- Fully assembled!
- Probably more as I go
Price: Est. $50. Read more
18
Mar
RGB LED Cubes. Wow.
Original Concept / Unknown Designer
This will get your attention:
Now, go buy the kit: eightCubed
More information after the jump:
1
Dec
Game Boy Color Connected To 20736 LEDs
The author of the linked blog made a 144×144 led matrix and then connected it to a Game Boy color. Just watch the YouTube video in awe.
19
Nov
Cleaning the Apple Keyboard
Here is a short utorual I wrote a while back to document cleaning the older white and clear keyboard. This does not apply to the newer think keyboards Apple released in 2007.
I love the design of Apple keyboards. The clean while surface supported by clear plastic looks great. However, after a few weeks of use (and eating at my computer) the keyboard became quite dirty. After a while, the device became so dirty that I purchased a second one. Since I could sacrifice one keyboard to experimentation – I did just that.
I have managed to clean both keyboards several time with no ill side-effects so far. I can’t say that this won’t destroy your nice keyboard, but here are the steps I take. Read more
16
Nov
Kickass watches
I got quite a bit of interest from the Kickass Clocks post so I thought I would do a follow up. Now, for the neatest watches in the world.
The Nixie Tube Digital Wristwatch!
By Jeff Thomas / Resonant Instruments LLC
http://www.amug.org/~jthomas/watch.html
This is the really little brother of the NixiChron clock. The fact that he managed to fit all of the components in to such a small packagaing – and fit four vacuum tubes in it is amazing. They require about 180vdc to power…your average AA battery puts out just 1.5 for comparison. Read more
13
Nov
Cell Phone Oscillscope
If you have five free minutes, you have to check out this post about the $5 cell phone oscilloscope. The display (including non-existent divisions!) is from an old Nokia phone and the CPU is a PicAxe 08M.
It is things like this that make me want to go back and get my EE degree. (Not that I don’t like my B.A. in Journalism – but EE is just a little more nerdy) Read more