New parts for the Cray Supercomputer
Thanks to the generosity of Cray Inc, we now have hard drives that will work in our system. This means we should be good to go ahead and finish up the UNICOS installation and bring the system online! This is a vintage system that is historical and not considered fast by modern standards, but has use in learning about vector computer systems. Much thanks to Cray Inc!
Underwater ROV project underway
Build out of the underwater ROV has started. The first step is to build what will be pretty much a standard ROV design. Initially it will have lighting, video, and propulsion controlled from the surface. We are going to build (and release) a new module to facilitate digital communications with the vehicle from the surface. After this part is complete we have some ideas for new sensors and driver boards that can be developed that should be useful to the ROV community at large.
If interested, there is a ROV specific mailing list in addition to the main 757 Labs mailing list.
RockTheSlot.com – Internet connected IGT Slot Machine
Inspired by the internet connected claw machine, Kyle has built an internet connected slot machine. But it's not what you might think. There is no money flow in or out of the machine. The machine is connected to a host PC (running Linux) and allows software on the PC to command the machine to play. It also reads out any pay outs from the slot machine, and tricks the machine into thinking that the coins were paid out (there are no coins in the machine.) With every play an entry hits a SQL database logging the play, and any payout that may have occurred. Thousands and thousands of plays later there is data to be played with. Live video of the machine is also streamed onto the internet via the machines web page, and visitors can claim a spin of their own. Nothing is payed out, it's all in the name of fun and numbers. Information on the last plays is reported on a flat panel display that was repaired at the lab (thanks Jerry!) so that those curious can look in and see how it's going.
Kudos to Kyle for a job well done on a unique project!
More project information is in our wiki page about the project.
Mata Hari pinball gets a leg up (actually 4)
Ethan, MarkG, and Matt got the legs mounted on the Mata Hari pinball. Later, when DJ Mike arrived, we went to Cogan's Pizza for dinner, where we discussed plans for our upcoming MAGFest road trip. At MAGFest, we plan on setting-up a vendor table to promote the hackerspace, and maybe the radio station project.
There was also talk of a lab members-only meeting the following weekend (Saturday, January 22, 2011 around 6:00 PM EST), followed by an open hack night (8:00 PM EST until whenever).
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- Matt mounts rear legs on the Mata Hari pinball
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- Ethan mounts front legs on the Mata Hari pinball
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- Ethan mounts front legs on the Mata Hari pinball
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- Matt mounts rear legs on the Mata Hari pinball
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- Matt mounts rear legs on the Mata Hari pinball
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- Matt mounts rear legs on the Mata Hari pinball
Other plans include another electronic / MIDI music jam session, and another LAN party, both in February. Stay tuned.
Hackerspace vpn network
During my visit to FAMiLab space in Orlando, there was some talk of standing up some VPNs between spaces. I think this is an interesting idea, and think we should participate. But it raises a few issues regarding security. 757 Labs already has at least 4 separate networks, and I don't think it would be a good idea to introduce foreign traffic into any of them. But it would be possible to stand up a couple of new VPNs to help support the idea of a hackerspace network.
That talk with FAMiLab was a hostile network (for CTF type events) and a non-hostile network. I can see running some simple services on something small and low powered to contribute to the non-hostile network. Perhaps share video and audio content from our meetings and such. Any other thoughts on fun things that could be done with such a network?
CNC parts, Video, TF2 lanparty, ROV
ROV (underwater remote operated vehicle) project is underway. Check out the mailing list for more information.
CNC routing mill parts have arrived. The 60" axis and 35" axis parts should be ready to be built out.
Vex is working on the laser engraver controller.
There is talk of a TF2 lan party. Ping Mark G if interested!
New video recording system parts are mostly in. Still waiting on a few connectors and the final cameras. Will be programming the AMX for it this weekend.
Skillcrane is rocking (www.rocktheskillcrane.com.) It did close to 1000 plays yesterday.
Skillcrane is back in it’s glory!
The internet connected skillcrane is back, complete with full time internet video feed and player overlays. There is still a few small tweaks coming, but it's been running flawless (and non-stop) for a 4+ hours now.
I'm planning to make it so that when meetings are going on, the crane automagically goes administratively offline with a notice to users to return in a few hours.
Next round of projects
Now that the balloon launch is done and we were able to see some great results, it's time to start thinking about new projects. Matt C/Mark G and others have their simulator project going (and kudos to them for such great structure!) There has been a little talk among other members about starting some new projects.
UAV - Unmanned Ariel Vehicle. 757 Labs started developing an open source control program called OpenVulture. We could build a plane, run it on existing microcontroller platforms. We could fly OpenVulture with some work. We could work on building our own foam plane platforms.
ROV - Remote Operated Vehicles. Generally underwater exploration vehicles. We've also got some ideas on floating saucers that do underwater mapping, and some other neat ideas.
Interested? Have other ideas, or are interested in other things? Post on the mailing list!!
Game development project underway
There is a new project at the lab around making an arcade game/simulator. There is an ambitious schedule on a whiteboard upstairs, and a development system where a few of the open source racing applications are being tested to see which is the best candidate as a starting point. It could be quite exciting! Matt Crainer has a background in modeling & simulation programming, and a number of others are assisting. Drop him a line if you are interested!
Ground Control to Major Tom
On or about 16:30 on the 29th day of August, 2010 757 Labs successfully recovered the high altitude balloon that we launched for the Hackerspaces in Space contest.
The balloon was launched from 'Middle of Nowhere' Suffolk, VA and recovered the balloon in 'Where the Hell Are We', NC. According to the raw data I have, launch took place at about 10:55, hit a peak altitude of 103,258ft at about 13:04 and last received location at and altitude of 3,244ft at about 13:32. After that it was searching the ground and listening for chirps and data bursts.
As I type this the recovery team is on their way back with the payload and the pictures we all can't wait to see.
Update:
We just got a picture from the recovery team which shows the curve of the Earth and the black of space... and part of the payload container.
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