Servo8Bit Library version 0.6 released

The next version of the Servo8Bit library is released which includes the much sought after integration with Arduino libraries for the Attiny as well as other various improvements.

Here is a run down of what’s new:

  • Now works with various Arduino libraries for the Attiny45 and Attiny85.
  • Added support to run at 1mhz in addition to 8mhz.
  • Added ability to easily select if this library should use timer0 or timer1.
  • By default timer1 is now used. The old default used to be timer0.

Download the Servo8Bit library from its Github page here https://github.com/fri000/Servo8Bit .

ZIP button downloads all library files together

If you’re unfamiliar with Git Hub you should know that you can download all of the library files by click on the “ZIP” button, at the top left corner. Part of the download is an example program that shows you how to use the library on a bare bone Attiny. If you looking to use the Servo8Bit with an Arduino library check out this example, which shows you how to do just that.

When you use Servo8Bit with an Attiny Arduino library (such as the one found here) I recommended that you run the Attiny chip at 8mhz , instead of at 1mhz. The Arduino library uses it own interrupts (in order to keep track of time and what not) which sometimes fire at the same time as the interrupt used by the Servo8bit driver. The interrupts step on each other’s toe, so to speak. The effect is that sometimes the connected servo jerks a bit because the PWM pulse sent to it was too long. Running at 8mhz reduces this effect by a lot.


ATtiny45/85 Servo Library

attiny85 controls servo

Recently I worked on a project where I wanted to control a servo using an ATtiny85. I checked online for ready made code that did this but I couldn’t find anything satisfactory. Not wanting to switch to a larger microcontroller I decided to write my own servo library for the ATtiny85.

I call it Servo8Bit. It supports up to 5 servos, runs on the ATtiny85 or ATtiny45 and uses only one 8 bit counter. It can generate a servo control pulse from 512 to 2560 microseconds with 256 steps of resolution. And, most importantly, it is very easy to use.

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Cunning Turtle Inc featured on the new DIY show JUNKies!

Ilya and I were just on a TV show called JUNKies. The show is centered around Jimmy and his amazing crew. Jimmy owns Freeport Auto Parts & Wrecking Corp, he gets all sorts of weird requests for parts and the show is centered around his crew trying to find rare hardware parts for crazy inventions. We helped out with a wireless project and brought our fire cannon for the episode that aired 9/1/2011 10pm Science Channel. It was a lot of work but we had an awesome time.


World’s Most Complicated Hit Counter

Hit counters are found on very site on the internet – though they barely go by that name anymore. Modern hit counters are invisible, fast and do more than keep track of the number of times a web page was loaded. Suites like Google Analytics record which geographical region a visitor is from, what operating system they use, and how much time they spend on the website.

The hit counter I built may not do any of those things, but it does keep track of hits, and in the most complicated way possible.

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Casio EX-ZR100 High Speed Point and Shoot

I recently purchased a new high speed camera to record the new projects. This was a video test I did to see the quality. I love the new camera, but the high speed has a very low resolution and requires a lot of additional lighting. At the end of the day I’m glad I paid $250 for the high speed despite these flaws.


Pipe Inspection Robots

 

The Active Structures Laboratory built these amazing pipe inspection robots. The mechanism has a spinning wheel assembly that propels it through pipes. It even allows it to climb up pipes almost effortlessly. I wonder if someone can build something similar using Lego bricks. They have some really good videos of it on their website.

http://www.ulb.ac.be/scmero/documents/Research/robotics/robotics_pipe.html


Seattle Doctor Folds and Throws Paper Airplane using da Vince Robot

Via C.K.


Lego Styrofoam Cutter

Lego bricks are great for making models, but sometimes you can make real tools with them. If you want to work with foam you should definitely consider building this hot wire cutter. It’s a great tool because it doesn’t leave any dust and it cuts through foam like butter. A few years back I didn’t have any scrap wood but I had plenty of Lego pieces.


Apple infused Pumpkin

Delicious Apple Infused Pumpkin using an Common Household Air Cannon!


Lego Self Resetting Target Range

One of my hobbies is taking out the Airsoft gun and picking off innocent Lego bricks from a shelf. Eventually I got tired of picking up my fallen victims and decided to turn the Lego’s into a self resetting target range. I wanted to make a cool electronic range, but I figured there must be an easy mechanical way that doesn’t cost me $12 per servo and days worth of wiring. I looked on the internet and found some $60+ dollar targets and just knew I could redesign them using Lego pieces. Once I found the right angles and proportions for the pieces the thing worked like a charm. When I shot the bottom two targets they get locked in place. When finished I shot the top target to release the bottom two. I added a stop motion video on how to construct one at the end and some different views so you can build your own.