Having fun with Phidgets!

(Click image to enlarge)

I've just got a Lynxmotion - Pan and Tilt Kit from Phidgets (thanks to Microsoft!). The kit comes with two servos, a pan/tilt assembly, a Phidgets USB 4-Servo Controller, and lots of fun. :) The Phidgets controller connects to a USB port, and can control up to four servos simultaneously.

Here's a video - I'm controlling the pan/tilt of my webcam with a mouse:



I am really impressed by how easy it is to program and control the servos with the Phidgets controller. You don't need to have any knowledge of electronics or USB communication protocols for using it.

If you're interested in buying one , you can find it here - http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/3137-Pan-and-Tilt-Kit.aspx

Cheers!

New hobby - R/C airplanes!

I've got a new Silverlit X-Twin Eagle Wing R/C airplane for Rs. 1700 (about $40). Having a wingspan of only 9 inches, the plane is small enough to fly in your backyard, or in an indoor hall. Out of the box, I noticed that the plane was a bit tail-heavy. However, after I taped a dime to its nose, it flew like a dream! Overall, the plane will give at least 15-20 minutes of flight on a single charge. However, since I never fly continuously for more than 5 minutes, I usually enjoy several hours of flying before it has to be charged! Speaking of charging, the plane has a lightweight LiPo power supply, which can be charged by plugging the plane to its remote. It takes approximately 15 minutes for a full charge. Thrust comes from two pager motors mounted under the upper wing. Flying the plane is very easy, but it can be quite a challenge if its windy. It's a good thing that the plane is made up of tough EPP foam - it seems almost indestructible.

I'll try to shoot videos of the plane. However, it's a bit difficult to shoot videos and fly the airplane at the same time.....but I'll try. :)

Coding4Fun: Laser Tracking Camera

I've finally finished creating Part 2 of my article on controlling stepper motors with a computer. This time I have built a laser tracking camera panner by extending Andrew Kirillov's motion detection code (with permission) to control the motor.

• Part 1 - Article
• Part 2 - Article

Now that I think of it, I've done lots of projects with lasers. And as a matter of fact, I'm working on another project with lasers, right now! I'll shoot some videos soon, so stay tuned. And till then, have fun building a laser tracking camera!

- Ashish

Happy New Year, 2008

This image was created by my brother, Amrit Derhgawen (he's a character animator) :)

I wish all of my readers, be they regulars or new ones, a wonderful New Year with lots of whatever they like. May the year 2008 be in every aspect a better year than 2007.

Have fun! See you in 2008!

Best Wishes,
Ashish