19 July, 2012

USB links and G-Code plugin

I was looking for one Google Sketchup plugin to convert objects into G-code when I bumped into another project that called my attention: One USB Servo Controller.

This project is not using LUFA, they are using another USB stack (I didn't know this one) and it claims to be smaller and simpler than the well know LUFA above

And yes, I found the g-code sketchup plugin here.

  1. LUFA is an open-source complete USB stack for the USB-enabled Atmel AVR8 and (some of the) AVR32 microcontroller series, released under the permissive MIT License (see documentation or project source for full license details).
  2. V-USB is a software-only implementation of a low-speed USB device for Atmel’s AVR® microcontrollers, making it possible to build USB hardware with almost any AVR® microcontroller, not requiring any additional chip. USB 1.1 for low speed devices - only about 1150 to 1400 bytes code size
  3. Turning an Arduino into a USB Keyboard

17 July, 2012

AllWinnwer A10 Based Tablets

If you are looking for one cheap android ICS based tablet I would recommend this one below. It's does not came with Bluetooth nor 3G embedded but you can "easily" reflash this guy in order to add the support drivers you need.

I bought mine one eBay by 100 bucks with shipping, it's a real bargain. Where I live the usual "well know" brands are twice or more this price. I bought this guy just to stop to reflash and install code into my HTC desire - it's not a good idea to use your main cell phone to test this kind of stuff right? I don't need a US600 paper weight!

Be warned thought: there are lots and lots of versions of tablets using this microcontroller and It's almost impossible to identify all of then. I liked mine very much but I can't say who is the brand behind mine (even on the package there is no brand name nor label). Well, it's okay, it works and the material is really good for the price that I payed, to be honest it's better than what I was expecting.

I saw this very same microcontroller in one Set Top Box on deal extreme (for those whom doesn't know deal extreme is one ebay/china online seller/importer kinda of store, usually the same stuff that you see on dx you can get from ebay or on china, like the original Set Top Box here). I don't know mandarin but I do know that this Set Top Box has more power than the Raspberry Pi and cost so so 100 bucks on ebay ...

So, if you are, like me, interested on installing, flashing and trying some new roms I would recommend:

  1. The Tablet that I bought on ebay
  2. Windows 32 / 64 ADB Drivers
  3. List of tablets powered by Allwinner A10 processor
  4. Allwinner A10 General FAQ (non tablet specific)
  5. Hack A10 Devices
  6. xDev Tutorial, Build AOSP Android 2.3.7 for Allwinner A10 tablets
  7. Some pre-compiled roms to your AllWinner A10 based tablet
  8. Open Source Firmware for the Mele A1000

04 July, 2012

CMS war

Who is the best CMS out there? This is a common question without a simple answer. I just can say that a CMS is like a car - you can choose whatever you want based on your personal taste.

  1. CMS Comparison: Joomla vs. Drupal vs. WordPress
  2. How to Select a Web Content Management System

01 July, 2012

Creating foam models using Google SketchUp

The first plugin you must have is the "unfold" plugin. As the name implies this plugin flatten a 3d object in a way were you will be able to cut the foam and fold it again into the 3d base object!

The second plugin that you must have is the belzier plugin. Sketchup came with just one simple arc tool and it's not enough to the most of the plans that you can grab on the internet.

  1. YouTube, Unfold plugin use
  2. FullFuse_PART_1.wmv
  3. FullFuse_PART_2.wmv
  4. FullFuse_PART_3.wmv
  5. Profili
  6. E-Voo, Brazilian Aeromodelism site
  7. Mini tutorial: 2D to 3D using the free app Google SketchUp
  8. Google SketchUp Toolbar Series: Rotate
  9. Flattery plugin
  10. 9 Sketchup tips for better 3d modelling

3d modeling using paper folding tools

You read it right: there are hope for simple guys like you and me (or anyone whom still wants to keep up in line with your own wife, your social life and that huge list of 3d projects that you wanna make).

Well, cutting off the crap chat the hint is named Pepakura. In plain english: this fantastic tool convert your 3d model to paper craft models. Yes, you can get your sketchup models and bring then to life! I'm just doing some tests with some foamy airplane models ...

No biggie deal you might say hum? Just take a look on the links below and you will change your mind, believe-me!

  1. Pepakura Tutorial, fiber glass Halo helmet
  2. Iron Man 2 Costume, part I
  3. Iron Man 2 Costume, part II
  4. Alternative to Fiberglass Resin on Pepakura Parts Method
  5. PaperCraft Low Polygon Self Portrait
  6. Much more on youtube!