Hello World 2

Yep, it's that time again. This is where I attempt a go at blogging. I will start by saying that I'm moving to WordPress. I hope to outline the basic steps in a clear manor. This is simply my record of what I experience. So, without further adieu...

Is anyone home?

Holy crap... It has been a spell, and I have much to tell.
Till then,
Enjoy some art from XKCD...
http://xkcd.com/

Happy Saturday....

Free Book?

Can this be true...

Oh yes... It is true... The wonderful people at Number One Novels are giving away The Killing Tree by Rachel Keener.

I don't think this is the slash'em up, explosion, kill everyone but the good guy book that I normally read, but you might know someone who would like it...

Just visit NON and read how to enter.

Best of luck to you!! -cheers

Humor Me

The TBS Humor Study web site has tickled my funny bone...
“Get your mind, out the gutter”
It is a well made FLASH site that has won multiple awards.
I spent some time pocking around and had a blast answering questions, creating movies and future sitcoms. I love the Sean Connery voice for the sitcoms... Mine was Pirates with amnesia living in L.A.
I even made a laugh track using The Table of Periodic Laughter... Go to the site and click around.
www.tbshumorstudy.com

Make Your Own Comics!!

I could not contain my enthusiasm when I saw this gem at Life Hacker.
Create your own comic strips with Strip Generator!! With a few people, objects, and text styles, Strip Generator gives you the basics, it's up to you for creativity... It is so simple to use. Try it out HERE...
Below is a screen shot of my first strip...
(you can see the strip HERE)You don't have to sign up to make one, but I think you do if you want to save it.
Kudos for the find LH, and big thanks to the folks at stripgenerator.com for the best office productivity killer I have ever seen.

Auto Blinds Part I

So, recently I completed a project that required a microprocessor and some sort of mechanical action. What better project than Automated Window Blinds. I have seen quite a few examples of automation and power, but few were... well... elegant. Take this one for example, HACKADAY
It is huge...
My goal was to incorporate a micro servo and use the guts of the blind assembly to rotate the bar on the inside. That is the key term here... inside. This, and having multiple power and input options without a monstrosity of motors and cables. To add a twist, I used an LDR to measure sunlight. That's right, my blinds will close in direct sun, automatically. I built a wooden frame so I could demonstrate.

You are looking at my completed project above...

All the action is under the top rail of the frame. You can see my custom wooden servo mount, my servo, the fancy handmade washer between horn and worm gear, and the rod that twists and winds string to open or close blinds. All of this is completely hidden.

Now, I needed something to house the electronics and mount the LDR. A pre-made project box from FRY'S fit the bill.
You can see the LDR poking out the top and some wire inside.. I will explain more in my next blog...
Till then... -cheers