It’s not uncommon to bitbang a protocol with a microcontroller in a pinch. I2C is frequently crunched from scratch, same with simple serial protocols, occasionally complex systems like Ethernet, and a whole host of other communication standards. But VGA gets pretty tricky because of the timing requirements, so it’s less common to bitbang. [Sven] completely threw caution to the wind. He didn’t just bitbang VGA on an Arduino, but he went one step further and configured an array of 7400 logic chips to output a VGA signal.

[Sven]’s project is in two parts. In part one, he discusses choosing a resolution and setting up the timing signal. He proceeds to output a simple(-ish) VGA signal that can be displayed on a monitor using a single gate. At that point only a red image was displayed, but getting signal lock from the monitor is a great proof of concept and [Sven] moved on to more intricate display tricks.

With the next iteration of the project [Sven] talks about adding in more circuitry to handle things like frame counting, geometry, and color. The graphics that are displayed were planned out in a simulator first, then used to design the 7400 chip configuration for that particular graphic display. It made us chuckle that [Sven] reports his monitor managed to survive this latest project!

We don’t remember seeing non-programmable integrated circuits used for VGA generation before. But bitbanging the signal on an Arduino or from an SD card slot is a great test of your ability to calculate and implement precise timings with an embedded system. Give it a try!

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The RobotShop Rover was largely created as an exercise in integration and when it was first released in 2009 there were not many commercial Arduino-based mobile rovers on the market. We wanted to make a mobile platform which incorporated both drive and servo motors, sensors, and was programmable using an Arduino. We also set out to keep the retail price between about $200 to $300.

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With a few simple components, these pranksters were able to build Thor's Hammer so that it truly only responds to whosoever is worthy.

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The post Will This Real-Life Thor’s Hammer Let You Pick it Up? appeared first on Make: DIY Projects, How-Tos, Electronics, Crafts and Ideas for Makers.

i'm trying to develop a device that is controlled with 2 servo's. i want the servos to be controlled independently over wifi with either a joystick or c# application. i have the project started with the following. i am looking for someone to help me complete this project, 

c# applications

Audrino uno

cc3300 wifi shield

Audrino 1.0.5-r2 sketch pad

2 Futaba s3305 servo's

DC 5V Stepper Motor 28BYJ-48 + ULN2003 Driver Test Module Board for Arduino

i'm trying to develop a device that is controlled with 2 servo's. i want the servos to be controlled independently over wifi with either a joystick or c# application. i have the project started with the following. i am looking for someone to help me complete this project, 

c# applications

Audrino uno

cc3300 wifi shield

Audrino 1.0.5-r2 sketch pad

2 Futaba s3305 servo's

DC 5V Stepper Motor 28BYJ-48 + ULN2003 Driver Test Module Board for Arduino

i'm trying to develop a device that is controlled with 2 servo's. i want the servos to be controlled independently over wifi with either a joystick or c# application. i have the project started with the following

c# applications

Audrino uno

cc3300 wifi shield

Audrino 1.0.5-r2 sketch pad

2 Futaba s3305 servo's

DC 5V Stepper Motor 28BYJ-48 + ULN2003 Driver Test Module Board for Arduino

i am looking for someone to help me complete this project, 

In this project, Jason Poel Smith shows you how to make a system that will monitor the temperature of your pipes and alert you if they get near freezing.

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The post Use Arduino to Avoid Frozen Plumbing This Winter appeared first on Make: DIY Projects, How-Tos, Electronics, Crafts and Ideas for Makers.