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Deddie Lab has two interesting Secret Dice projects, this one is the original but there is also a metal one that Deddie has since made. The object is to get inside the box, no smashing the box on the ground doesn’t count. The boxes have a secret code stored in them, to enter the secret code you must tilt the box in the correct ways to enter the code. When the correct code has been entered a servo will unlock the box so you can get your reward. This project was based on this secret box project. The code and schematics are provided if you are thinking of making your own.
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Thanks to Pete Friedrichs for sending in his Pipsqueak Receiver Build. I love the fact that it has been built from parts scavenged out of his junk box. At first glance I would not have guessed that it was built from junk since it has a nice kit look to it. I have never seen a spiderweb coil before, it looks absolutely fantastic. I should add one to my next project and just have it there for looks, a blue LED backlight would certainly enhance the efficiency of the coil. You need to have a look at the build log since it is very well done and full of great details. If you are wanting to make your own Pipsqueak Receiver there is certainly enough details to do so. “The Pipsqueak’s chassis is made from aluminum scrap. It began life as the housing of a discarded industrial instrument. The housing was composed of two C-shaped aluminum extrusions, which together, formed the top, bottom, and sides of the instrument. When the instrument was discarded the extrusions were saved. One extrusion became the chassis, the other the front panel. Needless to say, some work with a saw was required to encourage a cooperative fit. The front panel is secured to the chassis with a couple of 6-32 screws, lockwashers, and nuts.I have experimented with the construction of other coils in the Pipsqueak, primarily for use at shortwave frequencies. At shortwave frequencies, single-layer coils can pose problems because of the parasitic capacitance that is present between adjacent windings. While techniques can be used to introduce space between windings, I’ve had good luck with so-called “spiderweb” coils, because the way in which they are wound reduces this parasitic effect. I had never seen anyone use spiderweb coils in a plug-in format, but I figured I give it a shake.”
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Looking for a powerful open source PIC microcontroller based platform that is built with wireless sensors and communication in mind? Look no further, today OpenPicus has been launched. A free IDE, inexpensive hardware and a great Italian team all points to great success. If you are a student make sure you have your microcontroller instructor drop the OpenPicus team an email requesting your free Campus Kit. Next time I am in Rome I will have to drop in and check out the cool looking Picus Lab. “ROME, Italy, 20th January, 2011 – OpenPicus, the Italian open source platform made for wireless smart sensors and actuators, definitely takes off with a thick list of juicy news. The open source platform is mature and offers to the developers:
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The Paro Therapeutic Robot was at CES 2011. This looks like a toy that your kids would play with but it is actually a very sophisticated robot. It is full of sensors that allow it to sense touch, bright lights and voice. Just like a pet you can call Paro by name and he will eventually relate that name to be his name. Paro is used in nursing homes, hospitals, alzheimer’s association and schools for autistic children. Paro has been around since 2003 but this is the first year Paro is being sold in the US market.
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At CES 2011 we had a look at the best solution for power on the go. The Ecotricity PS1800S Portable Solar Generator will charge fast because of the large solar cell and it will provide tons of standby power because it has a 12 volt 60Ah sealed lead acid battery. The system is a simple to use because of the sealed controller to which you only need to connect to the solar panel. The controller includes a 1800 watt inverter, with this kind of power you will be blending margaritas on the beach in no time. My suggestion is to buy it for the beach but store it in your garage so next time you have a power fail you can use the PS1800S instead of the candles in the kitchen drawer. Just imagine, you could plug in your living room lamp, TV and DVD player. Then invite your neighbors over to watch a movie until the power comes back on! 
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Congratulations to the University of New South Wales Sunswift Solar Car team. They have broken the record for fastest solar powered vehicle with a speed of 88 km/h. Via: Eco Friend and Gizmag “UNSW’s Sunswift team has broken a long-standing land speed record for solar vehicles, with a Guinness-verified top speed of 88 km/h. Project manager Daniel Friedman takes us through the record attempt, which involved a team of UNSW students across several faculties.”
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Microinfinity had a great booth for us hackers and hobbyists at CES 2011. Lauro had a LEGO NXT robot getting commands from a laptop to draw a line drawing of Mona Lisa, the LEGO robot is using their CruizCore® XG1300L MEMS gyroscope. The MEMS gyroscope is very accurate and is sure to be a great addition to the sensors available to LEGO NXT hobbyists. You can purchase the XG1300L sensor here.
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