nitrogen's posterous |
embedded linux, startups, hardware hacking |
I've released my Ruby library for supporting the xAP home automation protocol on GitHub, under a two-clause BSD license. xap_ruby uses Treetop and EventMachine to support sending and receiving xAP messages. This library is used by the Nitrogen Logic Depth Camera Controller to provide xAP support.
Download the code at github.com/nitrogenlogic/xap_ruby.
I've created a new video demonstrating how to use a Nitrogen Logic Automation Controller as a single-port or multi-port serial-to-Ethernet adapter. The Automation Controller's ability to handle multiple USB-to-RS-232 (or RS-422 or RS-485) adapters and TCP/IP network connections allows it to replace expensive serial port servers in new system designs and expand I/O on existing systems, while still leaving ample headroom for running custom automation logic.
In the video, I show that you can connect multiple USB-to-serial adapters to the controller through a USB hub, I create the automation logic necessary for serial support, demonstrate the functional serial port server setup, and hint at some of the advanced processing that can be done beyond what a normal serial port server can do.
I've just finished a new build of the Nitrogen Logic Automation Controller firmware. This new version, 0.8.9, adds several fixes and new features. There is a corresponding update for the Palace Designer software as well.
One notable new feature in this release is improved handling of multiple USB-to-serial adapters. If a single serial adapter is plugged into the controller when the Palace Designer hardware template is downloaded, then that adapter will be recognized by its make and model, and can be reconnected to any USB port. However, if multiple serial adapters are connected, they are associated with a specific USB port, and must remain connected to the same USB port. Note that compatible USB-to-DMX adapters are the same thing as serial adapters in this context.
All new automation controllers will ship with the latest firmware. Existing customers should contact Nitrogen Logic to receive the update.
I'm pleased to announce a new firmware version for the Nitrogen Logic Depth Camera Controller. This new version adds support for the xAP Basic Status and Control protocol. When xAP is enabled, the Depth Camera Controller will announce changes in each zone's occupied state via xAP on UDP port 3639. xAP protocol support allows the basic functionality of the Depth Camera Controller to be used with existing home automation systems that support xAP (e.g. HomeSeer).
All newly-shipped Depth Camera Controllers and Automation Controllers will include this firmware update. Existing customers who have a Depth Camera Controller or Automation Controller may obtain the upgrade by e-mailing Nitrogen Logic.
xAP can be enabled and configured on the updated depth controller Device Settings page (xAP is disabled by default). You can enable or disable xAP, assign a new four-digit device UID, and, when xAP is enabled, view the xAP endpoints available on the controller.
One of Nitrogen Logic's customers sent in this video of what he's doing with his Nitrogen Logic system. It's a work in progress, but he's already using his Nitrogen Logic controller and the Palace Designer software to control his lights with the Kinect. The lights are connected to "Klik aan klik uit" switches, controlled using an Arduino Nodo connected to the Nitrogen Logic controller.
You might not think that a hardware/software company like Nitrogen Logic would care about a web-focused set of laws like the Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act in the US House of Representatives and Senate. However, we all depend on a thriving and free Internet for commerce and learning. Laws like SOPA and PIPA would have a chilling effect on user participation on the Internet as well as new startups. They would also send a message from the USA to the rest of the world that it's OK to censor the web. As such, Nitrogen Logic will be joining the Jan. 18th blackout in protest of SOPA, PIPA, and similar laws. If you visit the Nitrogen Logic site on or around Jan. 18th, 2012 you will see a message about the proposed laws with links to more information.
Since I have far more ideas than time to implement them, I'm asking you to help prioritize them. You can help shape Nitrogen Logic's products into the system of your dreams by answering the questions below. Any feedback provided will be greatly appreciated.
I'm pleased to announce a new firmware version for the Nitrogen Logic automation controllers. This update comes with performance improvements and several new features.
Depth Controller
Automation Controller
Palace Designer software
All new controllers will ship with the latest version of the software. Existing customers should contact Nitrogen Logic to obtain updates for their controllers. To order, visit the Nitrogen Logic products page for more info, then use the Contact Us link to request a controller.
See this video showing controller unboxing, step-by-step setup, and the latest features. Watch this video to know exactly what you get when you buy a controller from Nitrogen Logic, as well as how to get a Kinect to control your lights and other devices. The Kinect control tutorial begins at 12:30.
Greetings, Internet, and happy holidays!
For the past month or more I've been working on a new video to demonstrate the latest features added to the Nitrogen Logic Depth Controller and Automation Controller, as well as step-by-step tutorials for setting them up. After dozens of hours of coding, screen recording, voice overs, and editing, the video is finally edited and ready to upload.
Unfortunately, just now in the moment of triumph, YouTube told me the video is too long. So while I'm figuring out which critical parts of the already dense video to speed up beyond comprehensibility or eliminate, here are a few screen shots to whet your appetite:
Update Dec. 27, 2011: My phone finally received a massive influx of YouTube verification codes that were sent yesterday, so the full-length video will be available soon. Look for another blog post in the next few hours.
If you've seen my previous videos or my company website, you know I'm always looking for creative ways to measure and reduce electricity use. A couple of months ago one of the 100W-equivalent compact fluorescent light bulbs in my kitchen burned out (right after I threw away the warranty info). Not wanting to waste the opportunity, I decided to find out how much electricity the dead bulb was using relative to a working bulb.
The bad bulb in its original location.
A nearby good bulb.
Since I wanted to measure power consumption of each bulb individually, I needed to remove them from their ceiling fixtures and install them one at a time into a lamp. I immediately noticed that the bad bulb showed considerably more discoloration to the plastic at the base.
The bad bulb shows more thermal damage.
I started with the working bulb to establish a power consumption baseline. According to the Kill-a-Watt, the working 26W bulb drew about 23.5W at first, then settled around 22.3W after 10 minutes.
The good bulb installed in a lamp.
Power draw of the good bulb at power on and after ~10 minutes.
With a baseline set at 23.5W, it was time to measure the bad bulb. Surprisingly, the bulb was still consuming almost 50% of its rated power, even though it was barely producing any light. The burned-out bulb was measured at 9.8W initially, rising to 11W after 10 minutes.
The bad bulb, installed for testing.
Power draw of the bad bulb at power on and after ~10 minutes.
A bad CFL bulb can still use 50% of the power of a good bulb (in this case 11 watts versus 22 watts). As such, it's important to replace a burned-out CFL right away. Not only is it darkening your room, it's consuming more than its fair share of power while doing so.
