https://www.rxd.hu/ Recent content on rxd Hugo -- gohugo.io en-us Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:11:12 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/organized/ Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:11:12 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/organized/ Lists I think that I was never a big fun of making lists / keeping track of stuff - I kinda believed that I could keep everything in my head and that’ll be enough. After I’ve got married the first improvement was to employ Wunderlist - because we always ended up having an argument with my wife when I had to go shopping. Dropping in Wunderlist: made it possible to keep a shared list between us add items items to buy independently from when we will be buying it ability reorder the list right away when we are about to enter a large shop depending on the number of items on the list; this could reduce the number of times the list needs to be rescanned; and reduce the total path within the store to collect all items Wunderlist was sunsetted after Microsoft bought it and “integrated it” into “To Do” for which I’ve given a go but I missed some things…I was looking for a new alternative and ended up using “Memento Database” which is different in many ways - but it has more flexibility and can be shape better to match different use cases. https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board-maoam/ Wed, 22 Apr 2020 08:00:31 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board-maoam/ After having fun with the logic game - the next fun idea was to make an automated Maoam dispenser - so that in case of successfull solution the reward is given automatically :) Initial idea At first I was thinking some vertical approach and planned to use some small servo to push out the maoam pieces. I’ve designed some alpha version to get a glimpse on how this could look like… https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board-game/ Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board-game/ Time passed by while no-one really cared about the busy board again….sometimes Kinga played with it a bit - but there was no point doing it. I wanted to also add the “official” diagrams of the gates (how much fun that is)….but when I was talking with my daughter - or I don’t know how I figured out that it could be a game… Simple game I’ll configure some binary logic using all the inputs…and the goal of the game is to make all the LEDs lit! https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board/ Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board/ The idea This whole thing started around my first little daughter (Kinga) reached the age of one. My friend showed me some pictures of busy boards…and as an enthusiastic father I wanted to build one for my little one :) Concept The original concept was to install a relatively “big” modular stuff in the hall. Around this time I was already somewhat familiar with OpenScad - so I (designed it). https://www.rxd.hu/post/long-time-no-post/ Tue, 11 Jun 2019 08:00:31 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/long-time-no-post/ Long time…no post I really liked that I was making something which I will be able to look back into; I’ll try to start this over again…but it feels like I’m leaving a big gap behind…so I’ll try to collect some things happend since my last post… I usually written these on the bus going into work…but somewhere around I stopped writing these posts I became a Hive committer and eventually got into the Hive team - this caused a little bit to change life style to adapt to some meetings which were occured later/etc. https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-pcb-order/ Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:22:54 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-pcb-order/ After finishing up with all the neccessary features on the breadboard I’ve stucked. There wasn’t really any reason why I slowed down…maybe the winter or the fact that I might order some crap; because my board design is flawed… Anyway…I’ve set some deadline for myself…wrote down some unmet requirements against it (like there should be some hole to mount it/etc)..and finished it. EasyEDA project:haut-generic2 I’ve ordered 3 pieces from a local pcb prototype lab (unipcb) https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-ir/ Sat, 17 Dec 2016 00:14:35 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-ir/ I’ve wanted to schedule the easier things to later; and after the pir/pwm came the tasks i assumed are easier. Connecting a standard ir reciever is not much an issue - usually; but no matter how i tried it, it just didnt work. I’ve kept circling after a while: check connection, check datasheet, check program, use different (remote/ir reciever/pin). I’ve even checked that the ir receiver works ysing an arduino uno… https://www.rxd.hu/post/openelec-hw-upgrade/ Wed, 09 Nov 2016 00:09:06 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/openelec-hw-upgrade/ I’m using raspberry pi boards as media center satelites to run openelec/kodi. Some features of this setup: installed directly behind the screen…essentially the hdmi port holds the board ethernet connection central mediadb => stop on device1, and continue on some other device feature I’ve hesitated to upgrade any of these devices: because they worked and i’ve read about rpi3 that it needs 3amps..but since i’ve needed an rpi board for the busyboard project; i’ve ordered one. https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-fet/ Tue, 08 Nov 2016 23:56:08 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-fet/ After the pir ride i’ve added the dht - that worked without any issues; the biggest problem was that i was sure i’ve connected it to gpio4…and in reality it was connected to 5…I now have large ESP12E module layout printed out - this will probably prevent mistakes like this. The fet needs pwm control…so I wanted to continue with that. Wiring it up was not much an issue. https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-pir/ Sat, 05 Nov 2016 23:36:57 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/esp-pir/ I wanted to start moving my hardware features to the esp prototype… baby steps? I wanted to start with something simple…the PIR sensor is either gives signal or not - that’s simple enough ;) Because I want my new board to be pure 3.3v based - i had some issues that the sensor didn’t wanted to work with 3.3v. However…it turned out; that the board is in fact 3.3v based - and I’ve used a trick to skip the hc-sr501 ’s on-board regulator. https://www.rxd.hu/post/moving-to-esp8266/ Fri, 04 Nov 2016 23:33:14 +0100 https://www.rxd.hu/post/moving-to-esp8266/ I’ve finished my planned home automation device’s prototype around 2-3 weeks ago…but it looked like I will almost sure will run out of flash space - and will loose ota update capability. While I was evaluating my options someone on #arduino have talked about an issue he is having with an esp…and it turned out that thing has more potential for me than I earlier thinked…I’ve already had an esp01 module in my ‘possibly usefull stuffs’ storage. https://www.rxd.hu/haut/status/ Fri, 07 Oct 2016 18:41:15 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/haut/status/ in production: kitchenSensor - dht,photoresistor,pir,3d printed case kitchenStrip - fet software features: rf24 comm distributed decision logic ota capable bootloader / fw ota development support queue: deploy monitoring device collect telemetry add remote control capability design generic v1 board - dht,photores,pir,fet,ir,hall design generic v1 case deploy gardrob device secure communication lines haut-generic-v1 board: https://easyeda.com/kirk/haut_generic1-Qf9rlDVd7 https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board-eval/ Tue, 13 Sep 2016 23:48:37 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/busy-board-eval/ It helps a lot to organize my taughts - to simpliy just collect all my findings, ideas and such… One of my friends have showed me the idea of “busy boards”…and I’ve kept thinking on it ever since ;) Having the haut project in progress opens up the possibilities to integrate the busy board into the it….which will enable me to add real meaning behind the various switches and such…and possibly enrich the busy board from a static collection of switches doors and etc into a playfield where solving puzzles may switchon a light or anything…. https://www.rxd.hu/post/cstand/ Tue, 13 Sep 2016 23:48:18 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/cstand/ I’ve a little girl…who has some rubber teats which helps she sleeping thru the whole night. But…the best of these devices must be charged prior to usage - lately i’ve spend about 30-60 seconds charging them; but I’ve got an idea to create a “charging station” - from a sheet of paper by using some cad magic. The plan was to create a maimed pyramid - to get some stability; because the top hole should has about ~25mm diameter. https://www.rxd.hu/post/haut-gen-1/ Sat, 03 Sep 2016 14:13:52 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/haut-gen-1/ Original plan: create schemantic I’ve met with one of my friend who does have degree in Electrical Engineering ;) And i’ve wanted to ask him to check my circuits…he asked for schemantics - and because the only “real” existing schemantic was already built… I’ve looked for a schemantic drawing tool before - but I’ve failed to find the right one for me. I was very fortunate that I’ve subscribe to ForceTronics on youtube earlier (he makes very good videos in home automation topics…gives a very good presentation about what he is talking about), and I’ve got a notification that he have just published a video about EasyEDA - i’ve considered easyeda before; but around that time it looked a bit too complicated. https://www.rxd.hu/post/kitchen_in_use/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:36:42 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/kitchen_in_use/ I’ve forgot to write about this…so I try to write my memories before I forgot this ;) Day 0 I’ve placed all devices and cables where they should be…check that it works and unpluged it for the night. Day 1 In the morining I’ve showed it to my wife: that it’s now working ;) I’ve showed my wife the most important thing of the new kitchen lightning system… there is only one plug where it gets all the electricity…in case something is not right (catches fire…or gives wierd noises) she should be able to neutralize it without having to track down the cables - and I’ve encouraged she to do so If she thinks its needed. https://www.rxd.hu/post/fix_and_deploy/ Mon, 11 Jul 2016 13:14:56 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/fix_and_deploy/ I was able to disable the nrf autoack feature; it is strange why I have to enable autoack prior to disabling it….but it looks like these modules like it this way ;) I’ve noticed a weak soldering in the sensor device - i’ve tried to fix it (without soldering) ; it went well enough to finish the current measurement for sizing the fuse; but its another minor showstopper ;) Next day or so I’ve added a diode and a 200mA polyfuse to the led driver board; to create some protecton for these circuits. https://www.rxd.hu/post/working-ota/ Wed, 29 Jun 2016 13:14:56 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/working-ota/ Lately i’ve finished the ota related software components…its still ugly; but at least it now uploads & swaps the new firmware with a success rate of around ~90%…sometimes the mega messes something up; and avrdude timeouts…but its fine for me for now at least. There were a very strange problem…sometimes the otad behaved strangely or just seemingly lost contact with the mega….it took for me a while to realize that i might be facing some memory issues; fixing all valgrind errors and warnings uncovered that i’ve forgot to initialize a buffer offset variable…I should definetly turn on -Werror and its friends… https://www.rxd.hu/post/remote-fw-loading/ Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:37:01 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/remote-fw-loading/ I’ve already evaluated what i would really need to protect my comms from 3rd parties; but i still miss the stream alike controllers on both ends to maintain the channels between the devices. remote writing (arduino – arduino) With the local self writing capability ready for use, i started adding some sequence based retrasmission capable stuff (i wasnt sure where i will end up with it eventually)… After creating the prototype for a single one directional channel I was surprised that the encryption part will just fit into the playfield by adding it behind the seq handler later on. https://www.rxd.hu/post/creating-ota-capable-bootloader/ Wed, 25 May 2016 00:37:20 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/creating-ota-capable-bootloader/ Earlier i’ve found the optiboot project, which looked like a great candidate to reshape into the key instrument to enable remote firmware upgrades for the pro minis. The idea is to have the flash split logicaally in two: first section running the current firmware second section is reserved for the new firmware The bootloader is the only “trusted” part of the flash from within flash write commands are accepted. https://www.rxd.hu/post/board2-production/ Sun, 22 May 2016 00:36:46 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/board2-production/ Moving the existing breadboard application to a soldered one was easier than before…the hardest was to find a suitable timeframe when I can start working on it. drilling holes I’ve ordered a small box earlier(and was hanging around without any purpose); because I don’t really had strict size contrains or ergonomical requirements for it - I decided to use it. I decided to use 3 dc jacks to connect: https://www.rxd.hu/post/board2-prototype/ Thu, 12 May 2016 00:36:27 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/board2-prototype/ During the last week I was able to build the breadboard version of the kitchen2 device. Learning from my previous problems with just partially prototyping the circuit. I’ve built it fully …i’ve connected the “production” power supply to it and the ledstrip too. The led strip is dimmed by a fet…because this was new for me I’ve consulted with some experts on the arduino irc channel about what i want to build and they have taught me the simplest cases of using Fets: https://www.rxd.hu/post/control-layer/ Tue, 10 May 2016 17:18:11 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/control-layer/ I’ve been struggling with it for days now…maybe if I write it down, it gets a clearer picture for me too ;) So…I will have multiple devices with the ability to communicate to each-other via radio. Possible challenges/problems: the system itself should be able to withstand partial crash of the infrastructure…so in case of catastrophic failure; all functioning parts should sustain their function as much as possible. this means that the control logic will be distributed and the nodes should behave in a mesh network like manner it might be possible that the RF24 modules would need multiple hops to reach the target this might not be the case, I will check this fact later - having a real mesh network is cool, but in case I dont need it at all… unauthorized 3rdparties should not interfere with the operation of the system communication protocol must be resilient to replay attacks I can’t do anything to prevent an adversary to flood the radio channels with noise… the nrf’s design is very limited…1 channel out; 5 channel in. https://www.rxd.hu/post/kitchen-v1-complete/ Sat, 07 May 2016 02:37:23 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/kitchen-v1-complete/ Creating the box After fixing the power related issue I encountered…I designed a box for the device; which could be 3d printed. I’ve started working with some nightly FreeCad version (v0.16) - I ended up using a the nightly version because I encountered some issue with its spreadsheet usage - I worked a lot to be able to enter all my data thru the spreadsheet page. So later I can come back, and this way I don’t have to be absolutely right at the first time - just change the parameter and I’m done - at least that’s the idea…FreeCad is designed for heavy use of constraint based modelling - it takes a lot of effort do design things in it. https://www.rxd.hu/post/kitchen-sensor-works/ Sat, 23 Apr 2016 23:29:56 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/kitchen-sensor-works/ I’ve ordered a bunch of capacitators and other gadets…to fix the problem. After my order arrived…i’ve moved the stepdown module to a prototyping board; and wired it up from there. I wanted the check that the problem still exists: so i didn’t added any capacitator…and for my biggest surprise: it worked. I thinked that: because of the different conditions…longer cabels…the noise is not that close to the other parts. I added the capacitators to the proto board…that went well to… https://www.rxd.hu/post/first-piece/ Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:11:07 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/first-piece/ Last week all needed parts arrived to start with the assembly of the first member of my home automation infrastructure. This will be the kitchen sensor - i picked this because it involves many sensors and no control. Imagined operation If i walk into the kitchen…it should be aware of my presence; if the light condition are too dim - the two lamps should turn on…to supplement lighting to the specified level. https://www.rxd.hu/post/vcc-corrected-max471/ Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:10:48 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/vcc-corrected-max471/ I’ve a max471 based voltage/current measurement module from ebay. It’s very straightforward to use it…snap in, measure the 2 AD outputs. But on my desk I power the arduino appliances driectly from usb. And for some reason, I only got 4.6 or 4.7 volts(i’m using some cheap hub). But having lower voltage does matter in this case, because the max471 communicates in analog form. I’ve tried this module earlier and I concluded that the max471 is precise; and works up to specs returning analog values - but I’m not really able to read the correct value; because of the lower VCC voltage. https://www.rxd.hu/post/ordered-items-and-their-destiny/ Thu, 14 Apr 2016 21:42:58 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/ordered-items-and-their-destiny/ I always try to don’t buy right away items on ebay - and place them in the cart instead. Because I’m aware that I might be changing my mind in a few days…but after approximatly a week, I submit my orders after throwing out some unneccesary items… The shipping time is usually 2-3 weeks…so I’ve plenty of time to think about it how i will be using the parts. So…in the last couple weeks I reached this ‘buying’ phase at least 2-3 times…and because my plans has changed…nowadays i’m getting packages with parts I might not need (now) ;) https://www.rxd.hu/post/fried-pro-mini-regulator/ Tue, 05 Apr 2016 15:53:54 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/fried-pro-mini-regulator/ I’ve tested the nrf24l01 modules on my table…and after they begin to work; I wanted to check that how far I can communicate with it – I wanted to know that I must add mesh tech to things thing or not. I have a bunch of 18650 batteries; with 3-pack battery holders. I estimated the voltage from that to be ~12.6. so I opened up the pro mini info page…even thru they wrote that 12v is the maximal voltage; I tried to open regulator’s(S80E) datasheet…my search pulled up a lot of garbage without results…so i tried to lookup what kind of regulators are on the pro mini-s…i found some pointers in a forum…and finally opened the datasheet - I quickly determined that the regulator is rated to handle up to 16V :) …so i connected the battery pack. https://www.rxd.hu/post/haut-idea/ Tue, 05 Apr 2016 14:33:47 +0200 https://www.rxd.hu/post/haut-idea/ Our living room and kitchen is in the same space; they are separated by a half-wall. We have a table in the kitchen; with a smaller tablepiece over it…I wanted to install a led strip under the upper one. I’ve bought the led strip…the power supply for it..and then I was unable to install them; because I would need to replace the existing switch with another one…which is already at a bad position…and because I forgot to buy a box for the 220v parts i needed to install - the whole idea got stuck because of implementation problems.