Marginally Clever Robots

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Requesting Java + OpenGL + Swing

2015-02-06 Dan

Are you a Java guru? I need some help in the form of a working demo. The results of which will work their way into several projects I’m planning. I’ve been trying to get Java to run JOGL OpenGL in a JPanel and Swing components in another JPanel, each divided by a JSplitPane. I can get them sort of working but when I resize the window things get really ugly. If you’ve got some time to show me how it’s done right, please contact us!

The next regularly scheduled post will be on Monday, as I am running all over restocking and visiting a machinist to check in on some R&D.

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3D printed Power Transformer for LED Lights

2015-02-06 Dan

Mike Pretorius took our Arduino 101 LED class and was inspired to make an enclosure for the 5v4a power transformer.
This two piece print needs only a few screws and some double sided sticky foam to complete the project. Check it out:
Thing 669031 on Thingiverse.

In case you don’t know what LEDs we’re talking about, here’s a sample:

Introduction to Speakers

2015-02-05 Dan

What you see in the picture above is a piezoelectric speaker – a tiny, electrically controlled diaphragm. On the back is a small crystal. When there is power flowing through the crystal, the size changes, bending the diaphragm. The change in the diaphragm is what causes sound and music as we know it. Today, let’s go through how we can make music with a piezo and Arduino.

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News

Patrick Litchy’s Multicolor style

2015-02-04 Dan

Patrick is an artist of some renown, and on his way to Transmediale in Berlin he shared on his blog the secret of the unique Makelangelo coloring scheme he invented for his pictures of random internet cats.

Read about it here.

Patrick! Should we build “Litchy style” right into the Makelangelo?

Makelangelo

Makelangelo instructions, simplified

2015-02-04 Dan

2016-08-29: This post is out of date. For the latest instructions please see the product pages for the Makelangelo 3 and Makelangelo 2

Today I’m pleased to announce a major rewrite of the Makelangelo 2.5 assembly instructions and the Makelangelo 3 assembly instructions.

The previous instructions got a lot of feedback. I hope the changes satisfy. Please have a read through and let me know what you think in the forums, your feedback means the ~~moon~~ world to me.

Teachers! Are you using the Makelangelo in your class? Contact us. I want to promote your good work.

Extra special thanks to Melissa for kicking my rump into action.