In 2011, while researching ideas for measuring and monitoring the level in my rainwater storage cisterns, I continually read about a new thing called ‘Arduino’, an open-source electronics prototyping platform (microcontroller). I was impressed with the innovative open-source hardware approach, and was sold on their product and philosophy: “it's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments”. The Arduino platform, and Processing programming language is the basis for many of my projects.
While taking stuff apart my imagination hits warp-drive when I find an especially curious or useful item to add to the parts bin; or else I'll get kick-started on an idea by visiting websites such as Instructables, Hack A Day, and Make Magazine. So now I have several lifetime's worth of projects I'd like to pursue... yet I still haven't built a rainwater cistern level monitor (see Rule #3 in A Codified Set of Rules).
Currently, my list of active projects is fairly short:
MARCH 16, 2012
- finish building new and improved electronic workbench
- dismantle the growing pile of items people have discarded or generously donated
- itemise and label plastic storage containers and parts drawers to keep everything organised
- experiment with Arduino Uno and short-circuit my way through the electronics learning process
- build an ultrasonic and/or pressure-sensitive cistern level monitor, with wireless data-logging
Future intentions:
- G.I. Bot - Gabriola Island Robot project using mostly parts & stuff from discarded items
- automated GMRS/phone link system (may work better than the island's cell coverage)
- nixie tube clock - because they are just so awesome cool!
- a persistence of vision display and levitating water fountain - ditto above
- an RGB LED cube - because no techno-geek should be without one
- anything related to Steampunk - can't seem to get enough of it
— Visit the e-Waste Workshop and the Links section for more reusable ideas —
