This office chair will let you speed around the office at 20 MPH

---

The Office Chairiot Mark II has turned an ordinary piece of furniture into something quite awesome.

---

Let’s face it, sitting behind the same desk in the same chair can get a bit boring after a while. But what if that same chair could whiz through the office at 15 to 20 miles per hour? That’s exactly what Maker Andy Frey sought to accomplish.

In essence, the Office Chairiot Mark II is a motorized IKEA Poäng chair that uses some off-the-shelf scooter parts like wheels, axles and batteries to roll around. The second-generation gadget is comprised of three parts: the chassis, the control panel and the chair itself.

One of the primary parts of the chassis is its motor controller, which enables a rider to navigate in between cubicles with a single, user-friendly joystick. The twin engines are computer-controlled through a Dimension Engineering Sabertooth 2×60 controller capable of 60 amps per channel. The chassis is based on an Arduino Mega 2560 (ATmega2560) that can be controlled via a handheld remote, which is tasked with receiving data from various sensors for motor, power wire and ambient temperature, as well as wheel RPMs and accelerometer information. The Arduino takes commands from any number of remote controls over its UART and translates a simple protocol of characters and bytes into motor commands, RGB LED and relay control.

What’s more, the NASA-like, aluminum control panel is comprised of over 30 switches and buttons, a few displays, and a master switch. Each of the devices on what the Maker calls an “over-complicated” console are controlled by a second Arduino Mega (ATmega2560).

Frey even packed the office vehicle with LED lighting for its headlights, turn signals and undercarriage. To really round out the design, he added an audio PCB, an Adafruit Class D Audio Amplifier and an MP3/SD card breakout board to give the office vehicle some sound effects, which range from flatulence to car alarms to horns. These can also be customized by simply placing an MP3 on the SD card.

The Chairiot’s firmware was designed with simplicity and safety in mind. The remote needs to ping the onboard Arduino twice a second; otherwise, the unit will stop dead in its tracks and turn off the lights.

“I am very busy eating up all of my spare time writing the firmware for the command console. It’s written in C++ using embeddXcode+, an amazing piece of Xcode add-on/tweaking engineering that allows you to build AVR/Arduino firmware using Apple’s very excellent Xcode IDE,” Frey notes.

Most recently, the Maker plugged an Xbee wireless receiver board into the chassis’ DB-15 connector, which is now capable of handling commands over the air and thereby replacing the cable. The wireless remote is built around an Arduino Pro (ATmega328) and powered by a LiPo battery thanks to SparkFun’s USB LiPoly Charger.

“I like [Arduino Pro] for quick builds because I can program them using the Atmel AVR ISP Mk II programmer. I don’t need the Arduino bootloader at all, which also means I don’t have to have an on-board USB port when I don’t need it. This Pro is running at 8 MHz and only 3.3V to match with the Xbee board.

Thinking about souping up your desk chair? Frey plans on making his schematics, code and CAD drawings all open-source. Until then, you can read about his build here and watch it in action below.

Painting random patterns on Easter eggs with Arduino

---

What an eggs-ellent idea!

---

First conceived in the spring of 1990 by Bruce Shapiro, the Egg-Bot is an art robot capable of drawing on rounded objects ranging in size from a ping-pong ball to a softball. The Maker initially came up with the idea as he grew fascinated by controlling stepper motors from his computer. And given the timing, the obvious canvas had been an Easter egg.

Since then, there have been a slew of Egg-Bot styled machines to come out of the DIY community. While many of them have been tasked with complex geometric patterns, Maker Curtis Swartley decided to take a different approach.

In order to bring his Random Pattern Easter Egg Machine to life, the Maker employed an Arduino Mega (ATmega2560), a pair of Arduino Unos (ATmega328), two motor shields, a couple of servos, some stepper motors, a few limit switches, and a Sharpie marker. Oh, and don’t forget the egg.

Watch the end result below!

Geeetech i3 Pro C is a dual-extruder 3D printer

---

This easy-to-use printer lets Makers create their own two-color objects. 

---

Recently launched by Shenzhen-based startup Geeetech, the i3 Pro C is a dual-extruder 3D printer with a laser-cut acrylic frame. In order to maintain its garage-built feel and handmade charms, the device also comes in kit form.

Like a number of devices currently on the market, the newly-revealed 3D printer uses plastic filaments such as ABS and PLA. Designed with the DIY community in mind, the Geeetech i3 Pro C is fast, easy-to-use, and affordable, which makes it a great option for projects that don’t require super high-precision.

The printer boasts a layer height resolution of 0.1mm – 0.3mm, a positioning precision of 0.1 – 0.3mm on its Z-axis, and a maximum build envelope of 200mm x 200mm x 180mm. Thanks to its dual-extruder, Makers can either print a single two-color object or two objects with separate colors in one job. However, since the dual-extruder motor pushes filament through two heads separately, mixing colors isn’t possible at this time.

What’s more, it is powered by a custom control board, the GT2560 (ATmega2560). As its team notes, “This is a perfect combination of Arduino Mega 2560  and Ultimaker, making 3D printing faster and easier.” The i3 is equipped with a control panel, enabling users to configure and calibrate their machine, view the extruder’s temperature, as well as stay informed of the print job’s progress. Makers can also use the control panel to print directly from the printer’s SD card slot.

• Printer size: 45cm x 44cm x 44 cm
• Build volume: 200mm x 200mm x 180mm
• Layer resolution:  0.1mm – 0.3mm
• Nozzle diameter: 0.3mm – 0.5mm
• Filament type: ABS, PLA (1.75mm)
• Connectivity: USB, SD card
• Software: Repetier Host, Printrun

Interested? You can learn more by heading over to the i3’s official page here.

Ares is a drone that everyone can fly

---

This drone gets rid of confusing controls and complicated cameras. Instead, it does it all for you.

---

As drones become increasingly affordable and accessible, the power of flight is being put into the hands of more and more hobbyists. However, ongoing legal battles and compliance issues could take the controls away from them before even launching into the sky. Though a number of companies have already created software to automate the process of checking for TSA no-fly updates and have implemented GPS and other wireless technologies to keep drones flying legally, a new startup out of State College, PA is hoping that its solution Ares will provide a more effective option to maximize safety by minimizing human error.

That’s because the company has developed a program that prohibits its UAVs from entering no-fly zones and limits their altitude to 400 feet — the height ceiling imposed by the FAA. “At Ares, we take safety very seriously.  Since our drones are driven by an app, we can visualize nearby flight restrictions right on the map. This gives users the ability to make more informed flight decisions even before they take off,” the team writes. “If a flight path is accidentally drawn through a no-fly zone, the app will alert you. Our app also keeps an eye on the weather by providing recommendations based on current wind speed and other factors.”

Using a touchscreen interface, the Ares app enables users to trace a designated flight plan directly onto their map. Restricted airspace zones, such as government properties, airports and hospitals, will automatically appear in red circles. Once a flight plan is approved, the drone flies along that path autonomously without any manual interference.

Beyond its safety capabilities to ensure responsible droning, Ares offers one-of-a-kind aerial footage. The UAV makes it easier than ever before to fly and capture high-resolution photos and videos from above. With just three simple steps, practically anyone can plan their own flight and launch the UAV. Designed to be a true “out-of-the-box” solution, each of the drone’s components come already assembled — the propellers are pre-attached, camera system fully integrated, and battery pre-charged. Meanwhile, like a number of other drones on the market today, the Ares is based on both ATmega2560 and ATmega32U2 microcontrollers.

How it works is like this: A user draws their flight path, tells Ares where to point the camera, and sets the altitude. From there, the drone takes off autonomously. While the drone is landing itself, the app will automatically download the captured content and will be ready to share as soon as it hits the ground — all from one device. It’s as easy as that.

Intrigued? Fly on over to its official Kickstarter page, where the team is currently seeking $50,000. Ares will come in three different models: Ares One (for GoPro owners only), HD and 4K. Shipment of the One is expected to begin in October 2015, while you’ll have to wait until February 2016 for both the HD and 4K versions.

VormVrij unveils a lineup of clay-based 3D printers

---

This large 3D clay printer is ideal for potters, digital artists and Makers.

---

Plastics, metals, woods and even chocolates are among some of the materials currently being used by 3D printers today. While they may be great mediums for rapid prototyping, they simply won’t suffice for artists and craftsmen looking to create elaborate things out of clay. That was until now. Thanks to the duo of Dutch inventors Yao and Marlieke, who together make up the startup VormVrij, DIYers will soon be able to fabricate ceramic pieces faster than ever before.

As we’ve previously covered on Bits & Pieces, VormVrij has been focused on using clay as an alternative to plastic filaments and debuted their first machine last fall. For those unfamiliar with this niche, typical ceramic printers can be a bit pricey when compared to more traditional polymer-based devices. Aside from that, these machines can require a considerable amount of time and attention to the recipe of the clay itself. Luckily, the startup has introduced a new process that is meant to replace the usual scenario where a sculptor creates a bust as the model sits or similar services where the model is scanned and printed.

The Netherlands-based duo has announced that they have released a new line of dual claystruder LUTUM 3D printers, which start at €4,655 ($5,065). Following in the footsteps of last year’s prototype, this family of devices all boast the same base and can print within a volume of at least 650mm x 700mm x 700mm. Yet, each of the four models possess varying extruder systems and clay tank sizes. The printers are all prepared for future updates as well, ranging from automatic nozzle cleaning systems to arm lights for better print vision.

In terms of the clay system, the storage and pressure vessels are comprised of high-pressure plastic with a transparent tube that enables users to easily check clay levels. The maximum working pressure is 5 Bar (72psi) and the vessels are equipped with a pressure dial to ensure consistency during a print job, a pressure relief valve for safety, and a quick-snap air hose connector on top. The vessels come in two different sizes, 3.5 liters and 8 liters, depending on the amount of clay needed for the job.

The LUTUM series was designed with ease-of-use in mind. That being said, the printers each feature a single press-dial system and a 128 x 64 LCD screen. This unit includes SD support for standalone printing, as well as a USB connection on its front-panel for a direct computer interface. As in their predecessor, the printers are all based on Arduino Mega (ATmega2560) and RAMPS 1.4.

Perhaps one critical attribute of the clay 3D printers is that they are considerably faster than any existing desktop machine. While it may take hours to devise a flower vase on a FDM or SLA 3D printer, for example, one of the LUTUM 3D printers can whip up one in a matter of minutes.

• Printer size: 1040mm x 960mm x 1300mm
• Print area: 650mm x700mm x 700mm
• Print speed: 30mm/sec for rounded parts; 15mm/sec for cornered parts
• Maximum print speed: 100mm/sec at 3mm extrusion width and 1.5mm extrusion height
• Filament: Softened clay
• Connectivity: USB, SD card
• Software: All open-source, e.g. Slic3r, Pronterface and Repetier

Sound like something you’d like to have? Head over to the company’s official page to learn more.

Creating a DIY Kerbal Space Program controller with Arduino

---

If you’re looking for another way to control your spacecraft other than with WASD keys, you’ll love this. 

---

Kerbal Space Program is a space flight simulation game that lets players design spacecrafts for a fictional race of green humanoids (called Kerbals), who have constructed a fully-furnished and functional spaceport (known as the Kerbal Space Center) on their homeworld Kerbin.

Those looking for another way to control their spacecraft other than with their WASD keys may want to check out Kegan Holtzhausen’s latest project. The Maker has designed a KSP control console equipped with a joystick, multiple displays, and various buttons and switches that will meet any player’s possible command needs. The device, which he calls the Psimax CS40 Telemetric Joystick, was built with modularity in mind, allowing for control to be swapped in and out as necessary.

Under the hood lie three Arduino boards: One Arduino Mega (ATmega2560) runs HoodLoader2 to provide joystick data over HID, another enables the buttons and switches to communicate with the game over KSP Serial IO, while an Arduino Due (SAM3X8E) is tasked with driving three LCDs. Furthermore, the Maker is currently working on OLED meters as well. When all was said and done, Holtzhausen housed the controller’s modules inside a Retex Abox enclosure and 3D-printed a number of the DIY console’s parts.

Intrigued? Then you’ll want to check out the Maker’s detailed build log here.

Orbis is a steampunk-inspired kinetic sculpture

---

Maker meshes wood and electronics to create an innovative piece of artwork.

---

Over the last couple of months, we’ve seen a number of impressive installations that fused both traditional art and modern-day technology in pretty slick ways. Added to that growing list is Orbis, the brainchild of Long Island-based Maker Guido Bonelli, who many of you may recall from last year’s Kickstarter campaign for his Arduino debugging tool, Dr.Duino.

The concept for the wooden kinetic and lighting sculpture all began after Bonelli was commissioned by a client to find some truly unique artwork that would serve as the focal piece of their home. Upon conducting a search for a dynamic piece to adorn his own walls, the Maker realized that there wasn’t anything available today that truly met either his or his client’s needs. And so the idea of Orbis was conceived, coalescing a classic wooden look with electronics in a simple yet extremely imaginative manner.

The installation, which mounts to the wall like any other form of art, will surely capture the attention of anyone in the room as it spins to life and emits a series of bright, color-chaning lights. In addition, the client requested a separate control box that would allow visitors to interact with the kinetic sculpture themselves. The steampunk-like installation is powered through some custom firmware and a pair of independent Arduino Mega 2560 boards (ATmega2560) — one lies underneath Orbis itself, the other housed in the control box that communicates via a pair of Xbee modules. The device is also equipped with several potentiometers, which let a user do things like control its LEDs and the speed of the motor.

In order to create the unique kinetic sculpture and control box, custom 3D models were meticulously developed and tested. Once the client approved of the initial design, the relevant files were emailed to a laser wood cutting service, with each piece subsequently hand stained and carefully assembled.

Orbis is capable of displaying nearly 16 million various colors, and features six distinct control modes of operation which are selected via a rotary phone dial. Two of the operation modes enable the user to take direct control over the installation.

Fascinated? You’ll not only want to watch it in action below, but may want to head over to its official page here.

 

RenderBot is a DIY 3D printer with a focus on quality

---

RenderBot is a high-quality, inexpensive and easy-to-build 3D printer for Makers of any level.

---

It’s no secret that new, do-it-yourself 3D printers are a dime a dozen these days. Yet, it seems like a majority of these kits are designed with the goal of packing as many components into the machine as humanly possible, while still maintaining a low-cost and compact form factor. In reality, this leads to a device with limited capabilities and a number of malfunctioning parts, which ends up costing you a lot of more money in the long run. After experiencing the aforementioned problems first-hand with a variety of crowdfunding printers, one Springfield, Illinois startup has set out to change that trend with their RenderBot. This DIY 3D printer kit is not only inexpensive and easy-to-assemble, but more importantly, was created with superior quality in mind.

Tailored to both novice and advanced Makers alike, the RenderBot comes with a completely genuine, all-metal E3D hotend right from the start. This provides users with the durability and flexibility necessary to print with any plastic filament currently available. In addition, the printer is based on an RAMBo controller board (ATmega2560/ATmega32U2), which enables users to upgrade their printer at a later date should they want to add on non-essential components such as a heated bed, an LCD, a dual-extruder or an external temperature sensor.

“This printer is easy to assemble as well. With most printers, wires are difficult to work with. Once they are attached, you have to disassemble the entire machine to rework them. The motors on the RenderBot are all detachable from their wiring, which makes it incredibly easy to install them without having to worry where their wires go ahead of time. Once you are ready, you just plug one end into the motors and the other end into the controller board,” the team writes.

RenderBot is comprised of a sturdy steel frame in the form of two connected right triangles. This allows for the front of the printer to be relatively transparent and easily accessible for part retrieval and inspection. What’s more, users will never have to reach into the device or bend over to see the progress of a print.

• Printer size: 14.5″ x 16.5” x 17.5″ (422mm x 367mm x 448mm)
• Build volume: 10” x 10″ x 10″ (254mm x 254mm x 254mm)
• Layer resolution: 0.32mm – 0.2mm
• Print speed: Stable at 60mm/seconds (can go higher)
• Filament type: ABS, PLA, nylon, flexible, wood, ceramic, bronze, polycarbonate, HDPE, PVA (1.75mm)

Interested in a RenderBot for yourself? The printer currently comes in one of three different ways, either as a standard kit, an easy kit upgrade or fully-assembled. Head over to its official Kickstarter page here, where the team is currently seeking $65,000. Pending all goes to plan, shipment is slated to begin in June 2015. (And we’ll have to admit, between smashing objects and lighting things on fire, we couldn’t help but watch the entire crowdfunding video!)

This 3D-printed, Arduino-powered device can treat hypothermia

---

A team of students has created a portable heated IV device for extreme climate situations and high-altitude climbers.

---

Hypothermia is a serious danger to high-altitude climbers. When a patient suffering from hypothermia is brought to a hospital for medical assistance, a doctor typically begins treating the patient through the use of a heated IV. Injecting warm saline solution into the body raises the patient’s core temperature along with properly hydrating them. However, often times those suffering from hypothermia don’t have immediate access to medical assistance.

Cognizant of this, a team of students at NuVu Studio have created a portable heated IV for extreme climate situations and high-altitude climbers suffering from hypothermia, or dehydration for that matter. This product, which they call Backcountry IV, is not supposed to heal a person completely; instead, it is intended to serve as a temporary aid to prolong the user’s life until they can receive actual medical help.

The students were able to bring the idea to fruition, which resembles that of a mini flashlight and lantern, through the use of 3D printing. The device works by purifying water using a 3D-printed cap with built-in UV lights, which connects to another compartment containing ceramic resistors that heat the liquid between 104-106°F.  Once this is done, the water flows through the IV tubing until it reaches the needle that is clipped onto the specialized, 3D-printed cuff resting on a hiker’s forearm. The canister also holds several other necessary parts like a salt tablet and an infrared light vein finder.

“The importance of the product is clear — it could be the defying factor of a high altitude climber’s survival. Without the Portable Warm IV, a person could possibly die of hypothermia on the mountain but with the IV, the chance of his or her core body temperature warming enough to prolong the survival long enough to receive medical assistance is likely. There are no existing products that are capable of helping high altitude mountaineers let alone in extreme conditions return their body to a normal temperature. Since hypothermia is such a serious threat to the lives of mountaineers, it is crucial to have a device that would keep them alive at high altitudes and dangerously cold temperatures. The portable warm IV would bring the user fundamental and pragmatic medical attention immediately, making it a life-changing product… Literally,” the team writes.

The students constructed each part of this device using an ATmega2560 powered MakerGear 3D printer, with the exception of the actual IV and electronic panel, where the Arduino Micro (ATmega32U4) sits.

“This process began by simply hooking a 3.9 ohm resistor up to the Arduino and attaching the resistor up to the temperature sensor in order to read the heat that the resistor was giving off. Initially there was not enough power to make the resistor heat up to the optimal heat. Many alterations were then made over a span of three days. The result was four resistors soldered in series hooked up to an 11 volt lithium polymer battery. This battery provided the correct amount of power in order to heat the resistors up to the correct temperature.”

Interested in learning more? Check out the team’s entire build log here. This is just one of many Atmel based projects that are ‘making’ a difference in the world. Have a similar idea? Be sure to submit it for a chance to win The Hackaday Prize!

Scout is a 3D-printable, Flutter-based RC car

---

This remote control car is screwless, wireless, and full of awesomeness. 

---

Certainly not new to the Maker Movement, Taylor Alexander has spent a life of hacking and transfiguring electronics. At the early age of five, he would break objects down and rebuild them as something entirely different. This included taking parts from old cameras and stereos, then transforming them into electric cars.

Born out of his own frustration as to how difficult it was to wirelessly connect two Arduino boards, the Maker went on to invent Flutter, which not only gained enormous popularity among the DIY crowd but garnered just over $150,000 on Kickstarter back in 2013. The $36 wireless Arduino with a half-mile range lets users develop mesh networking protocols and connected devices in an efficient yet inexpensive manner.

As you can imagine, the processor is perfect for an assortment of applications, like robotics, consumer electronics, wireless sensor networks and educational platforms. Flutter is packed with a powerful Atmel | SMART SAM3S Cortex-M3 MCU, while an ATSHA204 crypto engine keeps it protected from digital intruders. This enables Makers to easily (and securely) build projects that communicate across a house, a neighborhood and beyond, as in the case of the 3D-printable remote control car named Scout.

Scout is an experimental vehicle that can be constructed by anyone using a 3D printer with at least 165mm of travel in one axis. The original prototypes were printed using an ATmega2560 based Ultimaker, a Maker-friendly machine which he highly recommends. Impressively, Scout doesn’t use any screws, and instead, simply snaps together using interlocking parts and clips. This allows the whole vehicle to be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes.

The current vehicle was crafted pretty quickly over the course of a few weekends as a mere proof-of-concept. What this means is that it admittedly comes with a few flaws, for the moment at least. However, the Maker does encourage his fellow Github community to share their input to help improve its design. Despite the flaws, which Alexander reveals below, the car is quite capable. So much so that it can even pull off 10-foot wheelies. How ‘bout that?!

“A short list [of flaws include]: The right angle mounting of the motor creates a week point with the bevel gears. The wheels are supposed to slip on, but using my printer they need to be hammered into place with a mallet. The steering requires a piece of bent piano wire, and should be replaced with a printed linkage. The body shell easily comes off, and so tape should be wrapped around the body of the system. There is no hole in the body shell for a power switch, so without modification the tape needs to be cut to toggle power. After agressive driving the motor gets hot and eventually wiggles in its mount,” he writes.

Aside from the Flutter wireless board, the project consists of eight 608 Skate bearings, a metal gear servo, a brushless quadcopter motor, a quadrotor propeller adapter, four toy car tires, and of course, some batteries and other electronic components. To see how Alexander put these pieces together, well you’ll have to head over to his Github page here. In the meantime, watch it in action below!