uMotio controls 3D gestures

The uMotio – which recently surfaced on Indiegogo – is an open source 3D tracking and gesture controller. The platform, equipped with Atmel’s ATmega32U4 microcontroller (MCU), can be used to control media and games or embedded in DIY projects.

“The uMotio brings a new experience to both the regular user, gamer or hacker. Whether it be on a computer, appliances, lighting or your own projects. Using hand and finger tracking you control your world,” uMotio creators Ignatius Havemann and Tom Van den Bon explained.

“The uMotio works straight out of the box, no technical experience required. Have the technical experience? Don’t worry, we have you covered. The uMotio is fully Arduino compatible and with our gesture library you will be integrating motion and gesture control into all your projects without any difficulty.”

So, how does uMotio actually work? Well, the 3D sensor technology transmits frequencies in the range of 100 kHz, which reflects a wavelength of approximately three kilometers. With electrode geometries of typically less than twenty by twenty centimeters, this Tx wavelength is much larger in comparison. As such, the magnetic component is practically zero and no wave propagation takes place.

The result?

A quasi-static electrical near field that can be used for sensing conductive objects such as the human body. Indeed, once a user enters the sensing area, the electrical field distribution becomes distorted. The field lines intercepted by the hand are shunted to ground through the conductivity of the human body itself. The proximity of the body causes a compression of the equipotential lines and shifts the receiver electrode signal levels to a lower potential which is detected by the 3D sensor technology.

“The 3D tracking and gesture sensing is done using Microchip’s 32-bit MGC3130 GestIC Technology. This gives the uMotio a 0 to 15cm detection range with a high resolution of up to 150 dpi,” said Havemann and Tom Van den Bon. “To interface with the world around it, you will find an Atmel’s ATmega32U4 8-bit AVR microcontroller operating at 3.3V. On the AVR we will load an Arduino bootloader so you can easily run your own applications on the uMotio.”

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

Video: This giant LED Tamagotchi hearts Atmel

The Tamagotchi (たまごっち?) is a handheld digital pet, originally designed in Japan by Akihiro Yokoi of WiZ and Aki Maita of Bandai way back in 1996. According to Wikipedia, well over 76 million Tamagotchis have been sold world-wide.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

The majority of Tamagotchis are housed in a small egg-shaped computer with an interface (typically) consisting of three buttons, although the number of buttons may vary.

However, a Maker by the name of Vadim recently decided to create a unique, desktop-sized Tamagotchi using a spare LED matrix and an Atmel ATmega328P microcontroller (MCU) with an Arduino bootloader.

As HackADay’s James Hobson reports, the LED matrix comprises four 8×8 LED modules with four shift registers (74HC595) and two Darlington transistor arrays to take the current.

“This is because the 256 LEDs need to be multiplexed down to 32 IO’s (16 rows + 16 columns),” he explained.

After the hardware was deemed operational, Vadim started work on the coding side of things, writing the entire game from scratch.

“While it’s not that complex it’s still an impressive amount of effort that went into this desktop- sized Tamagotchi!” Hobson added.

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

This SD card logger library fits on an ATmega8

David Gironi has designed an SD card logger library – with log rotation – that neatly fits on an ATmega8 microcontroller (MCU). Precise date and time are obtained via a DS1307 chip.

“This library implements an SD card data logger that runs on [an] ATmega,” Gironi explained in a recent blog post.

“It has a small footprint, so it can be loaded on an ATmega8, leaving space for user code; [while also] supporting SD and microSD cards formatted with FAT16.”

According to Gironi, the “Petit FAT File System Module” by ChaN is used to facilitate write capabilities to the SD card.

“We had to format the card we would like to use with FAT16 and then load it with a predefined number of empty files of a know dimension,” Gironi continued.

“Once we have files on the card, we can write on those files. You can create empty files by using the python helper provided in code.”

Configuring file dimension and number is executed on the firmware side, although the file dimension cannot be greater than 2^16 bytes as a uint16_t type variable is used to store this information. Similarly, the max number of files is limited to 256, because a uint8_t variable is employed.

“Given the number of files used by the logger and every file size, we just have to record the last written position and the file number we are using to implements the log rotation,” added Gironi. “When a file is filled up with logged data, it skips to the next one, if the file is the last one, we go back to first.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the project on David Gironi’s official page 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

.

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

Video: Robotic arm measures magnetic fields



Stanley Lio has created a magnetometer-equipped robotic arm with three degrees of freedom to accurately measure magnetic fields.

According to HackADay’s Nick Con, the arm itself was built with standard servos and aluminum mounting hardware purchased from eBay.

“He then hooked an HMC5883L magnetometer to the robotic arm, using [Atmel’s] ATmega32U4 microcontroller (MCU) and the LUFA USB library to interface with this sensor since it has a high data rate,” Con explained.

“The results were plotted in MATLAB, a very powerful mathematical based scripting language. The plots almost perfectly match the field patterns learned in introductory classes on magnetism.”

So, what’s up for version two of the magnetometer-equipped robotic arm? Well, Stanley says he has a few tweaks in mind, including:

• Adding extra redundant DOF
• Having fun with math
• Measuring positioning accuracy, precision and repeatability
• Auto calibration using the IMU (when new servos are installed)
• Light painting
• Controlling the arm by real-time input devices with a camera and/or 
mouse
• Parallel robots
• Improving positioning accuracy

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

Atmel-powered MicroView is a Kickstarter champion

The Atmel-powered MicroView – which made its first official Kickstarter appearance last week – has already raised nearly $260,000 from over 3,000 enthusiastic backers.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1516846343/microview-chip-sized-arduino-with-built-in-oled-di?ref=live

For the uninitiated, 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).

Additional key features and specs include:

• Support for the Arduino IDE 1.0+ (OSX/Win/Linux)
• Direct 3.3VDC – 16VDC power input, no power regulator required
• Standard DIP package
• Breadboard friendly or direct solder
• Operating Voltage: 5V
• Input Voltage: 3.3VDC – 16VDC
• Digital I/O Pins: 12 (of which 3 provide PWM output)
• Analog Input Pins: 6
• Flash Memory: 32 KB
• SRAM: 2 KB
• EEPROM: 1 Kilobyte
• Clock Speed: 16 Mhz

In addition to providing a wide range of tutorials, the Geek Ammo crew has developed a cross-platform MicroView course that takes Makers through a step-by-step process of building 11 different circuits including:

• Blinking LEDs and creating various colors on an RGB LED
• Obtaining readings from a potentiometer
• Taking the input from a push button
• Sensing temperature and light
• Controlling actuators relays, motors and servos
• Generating sound

The MicroView can be powered via a number of sources, including a coin cell battery, AA or AAA, USB, 9V (Square) and 12V (car).

Interested in learning more about the Atmel-powered MicroView? You can check out the project’s official Kickstarter page here and Makezine’s recent write-up here.

Agricultural monitoring with Atmel AVR

Calibit is a digital caliper equipped with an AVR-powered data logger that allows the device to efficiently monitor hectares of orchards.

The datalogger – based on an 8-bit Atmel microcontroller (MCU) – features 128Kb EEPROM memory, LCD display, USB/UART slots, watch/calendar, as well as a rechargeable lithium battery with integrated safety system and temperature control.

“[This] new technology promotes the monitoring of fruit growth as it simplifies data collection – 15-20 minutes is all it takes to gather enough data to monitor each hectare,” a FreshPlaza writer explained in a recent article.

“[Plus, users can] create multiple measuring sessions to group data and improve management, [with] the USB cable and software enabling data downloads in CSV format.”

Although Calibit was originally designed to monitor fruit growth, the platform is capable of supporting a wide-range of applications including:

• Cooperatives and collection warehouses to sample fruit before processing
• Plant nurseries to verify the diameter of striplings, branches and trunks
• Mechanical and carpentry workshops
• Scientific laboratories

Interested in learning more? You can check out Calibit’s official product site here. Readers may also want to browse through some of our previous stories on technology and farming including “The Internet of Things, Stalk by Stalk,” “Smart Urban Aquaponics in West Oakland“, “DIY Farming with Atmel and Arduino” and “Open Source Aquaponics with APDuino.”

Video: This vuvuzela is also a (soccer) remote

beIN has introduced a fully-functioning (and loud) vuvuzela that can also be used as a remote control.

When the aptly-named GameChanger is blown, a mini microphone recognizes the vuvuzela sound signature, instructing the platform’s 8-bit, Atmel-based microcontroller (MCU) to respond. The MCU then sends IR LED signals to a cable box – commanding it to change the channel to beIN sports.

The GameChanger was designed by BeIN’s agency, TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and prototyped on an Atmel-based Arduino board.

“Soccer fans are diehard fans, they will get up at any hour of the morning to watch a game, but in the U.S. soccer is kind of like the ugly stepchild of sports compared to football or basketball,” Ed Rogers, account executive at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York told DigiDay.

“We wanted to create something that shows soccer fans that we really understand their passion.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out the GameChanger’s official page here and DigiDay’s full write up here.

Video: AVR raves modded Prophet synth

Atmel microcontrollers (MCUs) have tipped up in a number of synthesizer projects over the past few months including the ATmega328 synth kit and the Atmegatron (8-bit mono).

Today, we’re going to be taking a close look at a recent AVR hack by “Gligli” that skillfully recreates the Prophet 600 – which also just happens to be the world’s very first MIDI synthesizer.

Indeed, at the January, 1983 NAMM convention, the 600 was successfully linked with a Roland Jupiter-6 synthesizer in the first public demonstration of the MIDI protocol. According to Wikipedia, the link was facilitated by a MidiMate hardware interface and MidiTrack program, both developed by Moore and his partner, Paul Rother.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

As the original 600 was powered by a Zilog Z80 microprocessor that controlled modular analog voice chips, Gligli soon discovered that most of the synthesizer’s limitations in the 600 were due to the processor. After creating a PC-based emulator to better acquaint himself with the circuits, Gligli bought a used Prophet and started hacking.

“The [AVR-based] Teensy++ 2.0 (AT90USB1286) required a few hardware mods to fill the Z80’s shoes, including cutting off a pin and adding a few jumper wires. We really like the fact that no changes to the Prophet 600 itself were required,” explained HackADay’s Adam Fabio.

“Pull out the Teensy++, drop in the Z80, and you’re ready to party like it’s 1982 again,. The new processor interfaces directly with the Z80’s 8-bit bus. Since the AVR on the Teensy has built-in RAM and ROM, it simply ignores the ROM and RAM address spaces of the original system.”

Of course, interfacing a fast micro with older parts like an 8253 timer and a 68B50 UART does require some tweaking. More specifically, the system bus has to run slow enough not to violate timing requirements of various peripheral chips. As such, Gligli added wait statements to the upgraded firmware.

“Once the system was working, Gligli was free to start adding new features. He began by smoothing out the stepped envelope and filter generators, as well as adding new exponential modes,” said Fabio.

“From there he added new keyboard polyphony modes as well as pitch and mod wheel changes. Since this is an open source project, adding a feature is as simple as cracking open your favorite editor and writing it up.”

Interested in learning more? You can check out all the relevant project files on GitHub here.

PAVA 9 is a sleek ATmega328P-based tracker

Anthony Stirk – a member of The Register’s Low Orbit Helium Assisted Navigator (LOHAN) project – has designed a sleek miniature tracker powered by Atmel’s ATmega328P microcontroller (MCU).

Dubbed Pava 9, the platform was inspired by Stirk’s goal to create the lightest tracker possible, with a run time suitable for long-distance High Altitude Ballooning (HAB) flights.

“The heart of the tracker is [Atmel’s] ATmega328P microcontroller as favored by the Arduino Uno, however in this guise it’s underclocked running at 2MHz to help with power consumption,” Stirk told Lester Haines of The Register.

“A snap-off programming header reduces the overall weight to 2.5g. Connected to the board is a u-blox MAX7C GPS module. The whole thing runs at 1.8V and can be powered either by a separate step-up or a LiPo+solar charger board… Power savings over the previous board are quite significant, giving 40 per cent more run time.”

According to Stirk, the original Pava utilized an off-the-shelf RFM22B radio transmitter, which experienced a number of issues with frequency drift due to temperature. Plus, it lacked support for modes such as DominoEX and THOR.

“[So] I decided to make a custom radio for this tracker based around SI’s 4060 transmitter chip. Making it myself meant I could choose all the components and ensure they work at the lower temperatures,” he explained.

“A TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator) ensures a stable frequency. The choice of frequency, although out of spec for the radio module, opens up the board to doing MFSK DominoEX and THOR modes.”

Before launching stratowards aboard the Vulture 2, the PAVA 9 is scheduled to relay telemetry during LOHAN’s “Punch” and “Judy” upcoming test flights.

Interested in learning more? You can check out The Register’s full write up here, the LOHAN project page here and Anthony Stirk’s PAVA project page here.