BadPrinter 2 is an ATmega2560 powered 3D printer

Italy-based Bad Devices has recently launched its latest 3D printer, the BadPrinter 2, which is based on an Atmel ATmega2560 microcontroller (MCU).

As its unique, eye-catching name suggests, this gadget is truly bad to the bone! Powered by a Megatronics v3.0 motherboard (ATmega2560), the printer can create objects 226 x 228 x 210mm in size, while its printheads are encased in a black steel structure. With dual independent extruders, the machine is equipped to handle print speeds up to 150mm/s, while its 0.4mm nozzle is capable of printing layers up to 50 microns in thickness. It also includes a quickly removable 4mm heated glass bed and an enclosed working area specifically made for ABS plastic.

The company has chosen to create its own path by taking its high-quality 3D printer directly to market, forgoing a crowdfunding campaign like many of its competitors.

To demonstrate its dual-color functionality, the Bad Devices team captured the megaAVR powered device printing a soccer ball.

Those wishing to learn more about the 3D printer can head over to its official page or download its spec sheet here.

Crank up the tunes with this stepper motor music box

It seems as though Makers just love creating instruments out of aging computer parts! Jeremy Weatherford recently repurposed two stepper motors to play high-tech versions of some of the classics and you have to hear it to believe it!

Inspired by similar Maker projects that he encountered on the web, Weatherford writes that he was was driven to create his own musical device. His DIY machine produces sounds from two stepper motors and two servo driven percussion units. MIDI files are loaded onto the unit and then converted into high-tech tones.

At the core of Weatherford’s device sits an Iteaduino MEGA 2560 (ATmega2560) and a series of percussion linkages. In his Hackaday tutorial, Jeremy notes, “The fun part for me was putting it all in a wooden box, and trying out panel-mount components for the first time. There’s a power-switch where the LED lights up when a power source is connected, so I don’t leave a LiPo in it.”

He also included a barrel jack that can disconnect the battery connector when a wall source is connected in order to protect the LiPo.

Now turn up the volume and check out the music box in action!

 

More details revealed around the Arduino Materia 101

As recently reported on Bits & Pieces, Arduino co-founder Massimo Banzi gave the world a sneak peek of the company’s first 3D Printer, the Arduino Materia 101. First shared on the Arduino Twitter account and introduced on the Italian television show Che tempo che fa, the white and teal device will be presented next weekend at Maker Faire Rome.

While their entry into the 3D printing space may seem like an interesting one, it is not entirely shocking. In fact, a number of machines are driven by Atmel megaAVR and AVR XMEGA MCUs — the same chip used to power a majority of Arduino boards.

Writing for MAKE Magazine, Mike Senese notes that the open source 3D printer is the largest piece of hardware that our friends over at Arduino have launched to date.

“It’s an interesting move for the company, but not an entirely disconnected element, as many of the printer developments in the 3D community have used [megaAVR powered] Arduino boards for control. Moreover, it further indicates how bigger companies are starting to release 3D printers,” he writes.

After quite a bit of buzz over the past couple of days, Arduino has revealed the full specs of the newly-unveiled Materia 101 3D printer, which was developed in collaboration with Italian 3D printer manufacturer Sharebot:

• Printer Size: 310 x 330 x 350 mm
• Printer Weight: 10 kg
• Printing Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
• Build Volume: 140 x 100 x 100 mm +/- 5mm
• X and Y Resolution: 0.06 mm
• Z Resolution: 0.0025 mm
• Filament Type and Size: 1.75 mm, PLA.
• Extrusion diameter: 0.35 mm
• Experimented filaments: Cristal Flex, PLA Thermosense, Thermoplastic Polyuretane (TPU), PET, PLA Sand, PLA Flex
• LCD display 20 x 4 with encoder menu

The electronics board will be compatible with Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560) with open source firmware.

UPDATE (10/16/2014): Arduino has announced that they have made the Materia 101 available for pre-order from their online store. The printer will be priced at $727 in kit form, and $887 fully-assembled.

While you wait for your printer, the team has shared several documents and resources around the product, including its detailed manual and Github repository with all the source files.

BuildersBot CNC Router is also a 3D printer

A Maker named “aldricnegrier” has designed an Arduino-based BuildersBot machine, which he describes as a CNC Router that is also capable of 3D printing.

“The BuildersBot works/moves within a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, allowing the machine to position its tool (drill bit or hot end) in any location inside the three-dimensional work space,” aldricnegrier explained in a recent Instructables post.

“The X axis will move the tool from left to right, the Y axis will move the tool from back to forth and finally the Z axis will move the tool up and down inside the work area.”

Key BuildersBot components include:

• 4 Nema 23 Motor dual shaft 425oz-in
• 4 driver 4.2A 128MicroDriver
• 3 power supplies (36V, 36V and 12V)
• 1 Arduino Mega (ATmega2560)
• 1 Ramps 1.4 Board (for CNC milling and 3D printing)
• Smart controller LCD
• 6 end stops
• 5 meter LED Strip with remote control (IR)
• Kress 1050 Spindle MFE

“The Buildersbot electronics enclosure is made from 7 laser cut acrylic parts, [with] all parts fitting together to make the enclosure. The enclosure houses the four Micro Stepping Drivers, three power supplies (36V, 36V and 12V), the Arduino Mega, a Ramps 1.4 board and two fans for cooling,” said aldricnegrier.

“The enclosure has rear holes for all exterior wire connections, [with] all stepper drivers mounted on an acrylic plate and positioned in the middle of the enclosure. The enclosure is closed using zip-ties. For extra fun there are four blue LEDs that light up the enclosure when power is on.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the project’s official page here.

ATmega2560 powers UPS solar controller

Markus Loeffler has debuted an Atmel-based solar UPS controller.

Powered by the popular ATmega2560 microcontroller (MCU), the UPS controller comprises three primary blocks:

• 120V AC unit
• 12/24V DC unit
• Microcontroller and sensors

“The controller [is tasked with] transfer switching between the solar powered inverter and main utility power to optimize battery life and maximize solar energy usage,” Loeffler explained in a recent blog post.

“It is also monitoring phase shift between utility power and inverter and only switches in phase-sync to protect your equipment. [In addition], the controller offers a standby UPS mode to provide surge protection and battery backup around the clock.”

According to Loeffler, the run-time for the battery-operated UPS mode depends on the type and size of batteries and rate of discharge, as well as the efficiency of the inverter.

“A wide variety of inverters and battery sizes can be combined. You can setup a minimal system with 12V, 10AH and go up to 24V, 500AH using common lead-acid batteries. [Plus], the controller has a simple menu driven setup mode where levels for different kinds of battery types can be adjusted,” he noted.

“If you are a hacker, Maker, inventor or DIY person, and like to build your own prototypes this is a new platform you can use to build electronics that plug into 120V and control high power items like heaters, pumps, lights, etc.”

Aside from Atmel’s ATmega2560 MCU, key UPS solar controller feature and specs include:

• AC 2x inlet, 1x outlet 10A @ 120VAC, 60Hz
• Solar panel terminal 50A @ 12-50V
• Charge controller terminal 50A @ 12/24V
• Inverter terminal 50A @ 12/24V
• Battery capacity range 10-500AH @ 12/24V
• Temperature range -20 … 60C
• RGB display
• Two menu buttons and a slide switch for the operation mode
• 1.5A @ 5V USB connector (to charge phone, pad, etc directly)

“The controller is essentially an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) that switches a load between two sources. It automatically switches when it senses one of the sources has lost power. The type is called open transition transfer switch. It is a break before make transfer switch which breaks contact with one source of power before it makes contact with another,” Loeffler added.

“This prevents back-feeding from an inverter/generator back into the utility line. The ATS will automatically tell the inverter to start. Once the ATS sees that the inverter is ready to provide electric power, the ATS breaks the home’s connection to the utility grid and connects the inverter. The inverter supplies power to the electric load, but is not connected to the electric utility lines.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the project’s official page here.

Arduino Mega drives this Roboartist

A trio of Makers – Niazangels, Maxarjun and Ashwin – have designed a particularly impressive Arduino-based vector drawing robot.

According to HackADay’s Mike Szcys, the most notable feature of the build is the robot’s ability to process what it “sees” via a standard webcam and subsequently sketch an accurate image with a pen and paper.

“The arm itself has four stages and remarkably little slop. The remaining slight wiggle is just enough to make the images seem as if they were not printed to perfection and we like that effect,” he explained.

“The hardware uses an [Atmel-based] Arduino Mega (ATmega2560) to take input via USB or Bluetooth and drives the quartet of servo motors accordingly.”

The Roboartist runs a modded version of the Canny Edge Detector to precisely determine where to place the pen strokes. Currently, MATLAB is included in the software, although Szcys confirms the trio of Makers plan to move towards alternative open source tools in the future.

“In addition to the LEDs you can see around the perimeter of the acrylic drawing surface, there are also rows of RGB strips below,” he said.

“The software runs a filter for the under lighting in order to compliment the lines on the paper. This is why there is a violet hue that fades out toward one side of the drawing.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the project’s official HackADay page here.

Video: ArdaSol monitors this photovoltaic plant

Heinz Pieren’s ArdaSol was recently featured on the official Arduino blog. This innovative platform is designed to monitor energy production and consumption of a domestic photovoltaic plant.

ArdaSol can be broken down into three primary components. The first – known as ArdaSol Display – is built around an Atmel-based Arduino Mega board (ATmega2560 MCU) and tasked with collecting data, as well as relaying information to a remote server.

Next up is the Energy Monitor, which is powered by an an Atmel-based Arduino Uno (ATmega328 MCU). This component measures consumption, displays energy values and relays data to the ArdaSol display.

Last, but certainly not least, the Remote PVI Interface is based on a (second) Arduino Uno. The PVI is equipped with an RS485 interface connected to the ArdaSol remote, effectively acting as a gateway to the ArdaSol Display.

“It converts the requests, with a radio signal to the PVI and vice versa,” Pieren added.

Interested in learning more? You can check out Pieren’s official ArdaSol page here and the original Arduino blog post here.

Winning with Atmel on Kickstarter

Kickstarter first opened its virtual doors on April 28, 2009. Since then, the wildly popular crowdfunding website has tracked over $1 billion in pledges from 5.9 million individuals who actively funded 59,000 creative projects.

Unsurprisingly, quite a number of Atmel-powered Kickstarter projects have been successfully funded over the past year, including:

MicroView



MicroView is a chip-sized platform with a built-in OLED (64×48) display that allows Makers to see what the Atmel-based board is “thinking” without having to link with a PC.

The device, designed by the Geek Ammo crew, is built around Atmel’s versatile ATmega328P microcontroller (MCU).



1Sheeld

Integreight’s 1Sheeld – designed around Atmel’s ATMega162 MCU – is an easily configurable shield for Arduino boards.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/integreight/1sheeld-replace-your-arduino-shields-with-your-sma

Essentially, 1Sheeld connects to a mobile Android app that allows users to take advantage of various smartphone features including the display, gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, GSM, Wi-Fi and GPS.

DIWire



The first desktop CNC wire bender recently hit Kickstarter with an Atmel MCU (ATxmega192/TinyG) under the hood.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1638882643/diwire-the-first-desktop-wire-bender

Designed by Pensa Labs, the DIWire transforms drawn curves into bent wire that can be assembled to make just about anything.

Primo



Primo can best be described as a playful physical programming interface that helps teach children programming logic without the need for literacy.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1039674461/primo-teaching-programming-logic-to-children-age-4

Powered by an Atmel-based Arduino board, the Primo play-set uses shapes, colors and spacial awareness to instruct programming logic through a tactile, warm and magical learning experience

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Robox



Robox is a 3D printing and micro-manufacturing platform designed byC Enterprise Ltd. (CEL).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robox/robox-desktop-3d-printer-and-micro-manufacturing-p?ref=live

Driven by an ARM-based Atmel chip, the Robox was designed by its creators to “demystify” the 3D printing process.

The EX¹ 

The Atmel-powered (ATmega2560) EX¹ allows Makers and engineers to quickly print circuit boards on a wide variety of material.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cartesianco/the-ex1-rapid-3d-printing-of-circuit-boards

Simply put, the EX¹ is helping to transform electronics and prototyping in the same way that conventional 3D printing revolutionized traditional manufacturing.

Touch Board: Interactivity Everywhere



The Touch Board is an Atmel-powered platform (ATmega32U4 MCU) that allows Makers to more easily create interactive and responsive projects.

The Touch Board can change the world around you by turning almost any material or surface into a sensor.

Flutter

Flutter is an open source Atmel-powered wireless platform with a 1000m+ (3200 ft) range.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flutterwireless/flutter-20-wireless-arduino-with-half-mile-1km-ran

Protected from digital intruders by Atmel’s ATSHA204 which offers 256-bit AES hardware encryption, Flutter makes it easy for DIY Makers to build projects that communicate across a house, neighborhood and beyond.

Hex ‘Copter

Hex – powered by Atmel’s ATmega32U4 – is a 3D-printed nanocopter that can be controlled using the gravity sensors in a mobile device.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1387330585/hex-a-copter-that-anyone-can-fly

Essentially, Hex imitates the movement of the smartphone or a tablet in the air. In addition, traditional throttle, elevator, aileron, rudder control systems can be used to operate your Hex.

ATtiny85 ISP!



Designed by Ben Escobedo, the open source ATtiny85 ISP! can probably best be described as a breakout prototyping board for Atmel’s ATtiny85/45/25 lineup.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rullywowr/attiny85-isp-shrink-your-arduino-projects-with-eas?ref=live

The project’s goal? Allowing Makers to take advantage of the ATtiny85 chip’s potential, while using the familiar Arduino IDE and harnessing the super awesome support from the Arduino community.

Agent Smartwatch



Atmel’s SAM4S and tinyAVR MCUs are inside the Agent smartwatch which raised well over a million dollars on the crowdfunding website.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretlabs/agent-the-worlds-smartest-watch

The next-gen smartwatch offers brand-new technology, world-class developer tools, unparalleled battery life and Qi wireless charging.

Blinky Tape



BlinkyTape – powered by Atmel’s ATmega32U4 – is a portable LED strip with 60 pixels and an integrated USB-programmable light processor.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/740956622/blinkytape-the-led-strip-reinvented

Additional key specs include 32KB Flash memory, 2.5KB RAM, 1KB EEPROM, a micro USB connector for power and data, as well as an on-board micro switch for interactive applications.

Vega Edge



Made of laser-cut leather, the Atmel-powered, Arduino-based Edge is a wearable light that snaps securely onto your clothing with the help of four strong neodymium magnets.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/868814363/vega-edge

You can wear it discreetly by day or brightly at night with your winter coat, cardigan, hood, scarf, handbag, collar, pocket, belt, or wherever you’d like a touch of light.

The Open Enigma Project

Designed by the ST-Geotronics crew, the Open Enigma (M4) Project – powered by an Atmel-based Arduino Mega (ATmega1280) – first surfaced towards the end of 2013.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/438986934/the-open-enigma-project

When it went live on Kickstarter, the Open Engima successfully raised over $62,000, facilitating the implementation of several important stretch goals.

Skirmos: Open Source Laser Tag

Skirmos is an open source, versatile laser tag system that features an ATmega328P microcontroller (MCU), Arduino bootloader, color LCD screen (acts as a realtime HUD) and an infrared LED.

Skirmos currently offers a trio of preset gametypes: basic, free-for-all and team slayer. However, the platform is ultimately expected to boast an almost unlimited number of gametypes.

OSCAR: Open Screen Adapter



OSCAR is a super high resolution 9.7″ screen with an Atmel-powered (ATmega32u4) adapter that allows users to easily link the display to their PC, Mac or Linux machine.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1859884318/oscar-the-open-screen-adapter?ref=live

The board is Arduino compatible ,which makes modifying the behavior easy, as all the software and hardware is open source.

DigiX

DigiX is an Atmel-based development board (AT91SAM3X8E) with WiFi and Mesh networking, Audio, USB OTG, microSD and 99 i/o pins.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/digistump/digix-the-ultimate-arduino-compatible-board-with-w?ref=live

The DigiX was designed to be a dev board ready for any project – with no compromises.

Reactor Core – Arduino/AVR Programmer, DIY Soldering Kit



The Reactor Core is a hardware programming platform for Arduino boards and stand-alone AVR-based microcontrollers (MCUs).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1257390142/reactor-core-arduino-avr-programmer-diy-soldering?ref=live

Designed by Frank Fox, the Reactor Core is powered by Atmel’s ATmega328P MCU and an FT232R for USB to serial communication.

King’s Assembly Mouse

Solid Art Labs recently debuted the King’s Assembly – a unique device that packs a high-precision laser mouse, full mechanical keyboard and an analog joystick into a single platform.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/70308014/kings-assembly-a-computer-mouse-full-of-awesome

Atmel’s AT90USB128 MCU powers this three-in-one mouse. Key features include 30 keys for each hand, finger key rows angled for fast access and a two-axis analog joystick for each thumb.

Pi-Bot

The Atmel-powered Pi-Bot (ATmega328) is a hands-on robotic learning platform for both students and professional engineers.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1158090852/pi-bot-the-next-great-tool-in-robotics-learning-pl?ref=category#

According to STEM Center USA CEO Melissa Jawaharlal, the team designed the Pi-Bot from the ground up to optimize functionality and ensure affordability.

Game Frame: The Art of Pixels



Game Frame – an Arduino-based grid of 256 ultra-bright LED pixels – was designed by Jeremy Williams to showcase pixel art and old school video games.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jerware/game-frame-the-art-of-pixels

As Williams notes, video game artists used to draw everything with a sheet of graph paper, a few colors and a couple of animation frames.

Robot Army Starter Kit

The Robot Army is a DIY Delta Robot kit powered by Atmel’s versatile ATmega328 microcontroller for the rapidly growing Maker community.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1984252088/robot-army-starter-kit?ref=footer

The kit includes all mechanical pieces in grey and neon yellow plastic (the yellow fluoresces under black light), spacers, brackets, ball bearings and hardware required for assembly. In addition, the kit is packed with electronic components, PCB and wire harnesses.

MicroSlice: Mini Laser Cutter & Engraver



The MicroSlice is a mini laser cutter and engraver.

The open source platform, powered by an Atmel-based Arduino Uno (ATmega328), is currently being promoted as a kit that takes approximately 15 hours to build.

uARM: Miniature Industrial Robot



This four-axis parallel-mechanism desktop robot arm is modeled after the ABB industrial PalletPack robot and is built around Atmel’s ATmega328 MCU which powers a custom board.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ufactory/uarm-put-a-miniature-industrial-robot-arm-on-your?ref=live

The uARM platform is constructed with acrylic or wood parts and fitted with standard RC hobby servos.

Smart Nixie Tube



The Smart Nixie Tube is an open source platform powered by Atmel’s versatile ATmega328p.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/popshields/smart-nixie-tube?ref=live

Designed by Tyler Nehowing, the platform is fully programmable using the unmodified Arduino IDE, as it appears as an Arduino Uno running at 16MHz/5V.

OpenBCI: An Open Source Brain-Computer Interface For Makers

OpenBCI – designed by Joel Murphy & Conor Russomanno – is a low-cost programmable open-source EEG platform that offers Makers easy access to their brainwaves. In addition to an ADS1299 IC, the OpenBCI is equipped with Atmel’s ATmega328 (+ Arduino’s latest bootloader).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openbci/openbci-an-open-source-brain-computer-interface-fo?ref=live

The project’s vision? 

”To realize the potential of the open-source movement to accelerate innovation in brain science through collaborative hardware and software development.”

White Bread Shield for Arduino

Mark Davidson recently designed an Atmel-powered (ATmega328) Arduino prototyping shield that can also be used as a stand-alone board for various DIY Maker projects.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1214533021/white-bread-shield-for-arduino?ref=live

Dubbed the “White Bread Shield,” the platform is compatible with Arduino Uno boards.

Hauntbox



The Hauntbox is a prop controller and automation machine that is browser-configured and open source.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1020117671/hauntbox

The ATmega2560-based platform allows Makers to easily automate inputs and outputs without the need for complex programming.

ControlLeo

ControLeo – designed by two retired Silicon Valley engineers – can probably best be described as a quad relay controller enclosed in a professional box.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1471240030/controleo-an-arduino-compatible-controller?ref=live

The platform is driven by Atmel’s ATmega32u4 paired with an Arduino Leonardo boot loader.

FEZ Medusa



FEZ Medusa is an open source hardware (OSHW) processor board powered by Atmel’s ATmega328P.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1359959821/an-arduino-compatible-electronic-building-block-sy?ref=search

Aptly described as “electronic building blocks” by the GHI Electronics crew, the Fez Medusa is designed to keep soldering irons optional with a comprehensive ecosystem of mainboards, sensors and control modules.

Rapid IoT prototyping with SODAQ

The Atmel-based SODAQ (ATmega328P) is a LEGO-like, plug-in, rapid prototyping board.

Simply put, the multi-feature microprocessor board allows both Makers and engineers to easily connect a wide variety of sensors and devices to the Internet.

Oscilloscope Watch

A Maker by the name of Gabriel Anzziani recently designed a rather impressive oscilloscope watch built around Atmel’s versatile ATxmega256A3U MCU.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/920064946/oscilloscope-watch

The device boasts all the trappings of a modern watch (time, calendar and alarm), along with all the features of the popular Xprotolab – oscilloscope, waveform generator, logic analyzer, protocol sniffer and frequency counter.

GPS Cookie

Developed by Richard Haberkern, the open source GPS Cookie is built around Atmel’s popular ATmega328P.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/richardhaberkern/gps-cookie-leaving-crumbs-wherever-it-goes

The Cookie’s compact form factor (available in two form factors, or shapes) makes it easy to carry, experiment with and expand.

Little Robot Friends



Little Robot Friends are both interactive and customizable, each with a unique and evolving personality.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aesthetec/little-robot-friends?ref=home_spotlight

According to Mark Argo of Aesthetec Studio, the Little ‘bot family is built around Atmel’s ATmega328P MCU. Each Little Robot is powered by two rechargeable AAA batteries and depending on the frequency of use, should last for weeks or months on a single charge.

Lumapad



The Lumapad is an open source, high intensity, 8000 lumen LED lighting system built around Atmel’s ATmega328P MCU and an (optional) electric IMP.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/richardhaberkern/open-source-ultra-bright-led-light-pad-with-wifi-a

According to project designer Richard Haberkern, 32 ultra-bright LEDs are positioned in a landscape array to provide bright, even and controllable lighting, drawing only 88 watts. Last, but certainly not least, a built in electronic dimmer makes the light intensity adjustable to fit just about any environment.

Delta Six Game Controller



The Delta Six mirrors the look of a modern military combat rifle, including real time aiming as well as a kickback sensation. The Atmel-powered, Arduino-based Delta Six was developed using IR sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide unparalleled arcade experience.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/356540105/delta-six-a-new-kind-of-game-controller

The controller is compatible with Xbox 360, Play Station 3, and PC systems – and upgradeable for next-gen systems like Playstation 4.

Neko – A Color Field Oil Painter



Created by Laura Lippincott, Neko was brought to life with an Arduino Mega (Atmel ATmega1280), hobby parts and a 3D printer.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/painterbot/neko-a-color-field-oil-painter?ref=live

The ‘bot is currently being primed with color data in an attempt to make him more creative.

Smart Citizen Kit

Designed by Acrobotic, the Smart Citizen Kit is an open-source environmental monitoring platform powered by Atmel’s ATmega32U4.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acrobotic/the-smart-citizen-kit-crowdsourced-environmental-m?ref=live

Dubbed the Ambient Board, the Kit hardware comprises two printed-circuit boards – an interchangeable daughterboard or shield, and an Arduino-compatible data-processing board. As the name suggests, it is equipped with sensors to measure air composition (CO and NO2), temperature, light intensity, sound levels and humidity.

Sparki – The Easy Robot for Everyone


Sparki is an easy to use Arduino-based robot (ATmega32u4RC) that offers a fun introduction to programming, electronics and robotics.

Although Sparki is simple enough for beginners, the ‘bot is packed with more than enough features to satisfy more experienced Makers.

Linkbot



Designed by Barobo, the Linkbot  is a modular robot platform powered by Atmel’s ATmega128RFA1 (running at 16MHz) that boasts 100oz-in (7.2 Kg-cm) of torque and a free-run speed of 300 deg/sec.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/barobo/linkbot-create-with-robots

Arduino Uno powers this three-zone thermostat

Last week, Bits & Pieces took a closer look at a smart thermostat in the Netherlands powered by an Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560 MCU). Today, we’re going to be getting up close and personal with a three-zone thermostat built around an Atmel-based Arduino Uno (ATmega328).

The three zone system – which recently surfaced on Instructables courtesy of hbomb9000 – is also equipped with DS18B20 temperature sensors, DS1307 RT Clock, 16×2 character display, LCD keypad Arduino shield, along with various miscellaneous wire leads, connectors and resistors. 

On the software side, hbomb9000 used an add on for SublimeText known as Stino, as well as two libraries: OneWire and DallasTemperature.

“The first step in making the program actually work was to get the temp sensors working. They are at the heart of the thermostat. Without them, the furnace doesn’t know when to turn on or off,” hbomb9000 explained.

“The temperature sensor is pretty cool in that it uses a single wire to send data back to the Arduino. What’s more, each sensor has an address, a unique number which identifies the sensor. This is really exciting because it means you can have multiple sensors sending their inputs into the same pin on the Arduino.”

In terms of wiring, hbomb9000 described the process as “super simple.”

“Run one wire into the analog pin of your choice (my program reads from pin A0), and connect that to one side of the button array. The other side of the button array is connected to ground,” he said.

“From there, the buttons are simply chained together via a resistor network. An additional wire is added from each button to the analog input pin, so every button has a direct path to the analog pin.”

At this stage, hbomb9000’s three-zone thermostat is mostly theoretical, although he does intend on installing it after further soldering, tweaking and adding Internet connectivity.

“My next steps will be to fashion a housing for the main thermostat as well as the two remote temperature sensors. These housings will sit on the wall in their respective zones,” he concluded.

“I’ve decided I will be using hardwood maple for the housings, so they should look fairly sharp once attached to the wall. Beyond that, some simple soldering and affixing the components to permanent breadboards will be required, as again these breadboards are not designed for permanent use. I have to either procure or build out some zone dampers.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the project’s official Instructables page here.

Open source Lathon 3D printer hits Kickstarter

Nohtal Alex Partansky recently debuted his Lathon 3D printer on Kickstarter. The open source platform – powered by an Atmel-based RUMBA board (ATmega2560) – is equipped with a dual nozzle and offers support for over 8 different materials.

Aside from the Atmel-powered RUMBA, key Lathon features include:

• Enclosed build volume
• Air filtration
• Large high quality prints
• Dual nozzle printing
• Dissolvable support
• Overmolded prototypes
• Multiple materials
• Standalone printing

“Many printers have an ‘open-air’ printing architecture [and] this approach has many pitfalls. The act of 3D printing is a balance of thermodynamics and kinematics. Any rapid change in temperature such as opening a door will create errors in the print,” Partansky explained.

“These temperature changes can lead to having a single layer of your print be ruined, which can cause a total print failure. The enclosed build volume also prevents curling of ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene aka LEGO plastic) printed models.”

This is why, says Partansky, the Lathon circulates air in the build volume, constantly passing through two activated carbon filters that drastically reduce the amount of ABS particles in the air.

“[Plus], with an enclosed build volume and an Ultem 2300 print bed you can set your mind at ease as you can make massive prints without errors. With a 12″x9″x8″ build volume you can actually print useful items, not just small toys,” Partansky continued.

“Imagine printing your own Iron Man costume or a carbon fiber wrench; with the Lathon this is possible! The printing surface is made out of Ultem 2300 that does not need any tape or ABS juice to function. Laminating kapton tape to the build surface takes at least 5-10 minutes and applying ABS juice is messy; this will not be a problem. Just use the included heated bed, let the print cool down and the final print simply pops right off.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the open source Lathon 3D printer on Kickstarter here.