New Year Starts

After taking a few months off to do other things, it is a new year and time to start working on the next set of new devices.

So what am I attempting to do   Most of the work revolves around USB Type C power delivery.  Building new USB power modules that use Type C connectors and thus can deliver more than the 5-7W of a typical USB connection. This also applies to the Brick Controller which will be able to deliver more power to the motors.

Here is a 3D model of the test prototype of the Type C power module.  From this design it looks like I will be able to maintain the 1.5 x 1.5 inch size of the previous modules.  This is the area contained inside the four mounting holes.  I have added a small PIC18F area(to the right) so that I can monitor the STUSB4500 during the test process,   In the end the configuration will be programmed into NVM on the IC and this wont be needed.

The other project is the new brick controller.  Besides adding Type C, I want to add an MP3 player and storage for music that appears as a USB drive, as an option.  With USB HID and MSD, MP3 and BTLE interface, a PIC18F is not going to make it.  So I am moving this design to a PIC32.  Some what of learning experience, since the Harmony Configurator is taking some time to get use to.  I am prototyping the design using a PIC32MX470 Curiosity development board for now.  With two expansion slots it should make it easier to do.  Here is a stock picture of the development board.

 

Maker Faire San Diego

We had an outstanding experience at the San Diego Maker Faire (#makerfairesandiego).  We want to thank everyone who helped make it an event to remember.  Looking forward to next year. Don’t forget we are honoring the Maker Faire prices until Oct 15 at the store website, www.mymakertools.com .

First Day at Maker Faire San Diego

Hope everyone is having fun at the first day of the #makerfairesandiego at Balboa Park! We will be at our booth in the Fleet Science Center tomorrow October 7 showcasing our Brick Design powered by the #MakerPower control bricks. Don’t forget we are also currently having a sale at the store website, www.mymakertools.com . Hope to see you there!

Here is our booth and some closeups.

Maker Faire San Diego

We will be at the San Diego Maker Faire this weekend. To celebrate, most items are on sale for the event. If you can't make the Faire, then checkout the prices on our website.

Mini Maker Faire Sale

With Seattle Maker Faire and the Tulsa Maker Faire, we have lowered the prices for a lot of items.  Check out the store to see what we have going.  The Sales Prices will be good until 9/1/18.

Maker Faires

We will be going to the Maker Faire in San Diego, Oct 6-7.  We will have a little of everything by them and will be showing new and exciting things.  Dont miss it.

And as a reminder we will be in Seattle Aug 18-19 for the Seattle Maker Faire

And in Tulsa on Aug 25 for the Tulsa Maker Faire

These are always a lot of fun and hope to see a lot of people there.

Apps in Google Play Store

We have pushed the initial production releases of the Brick Buddy and the Power Monitor to the Play Store on Google.  This allows everyone to view the capability of the apps and the equipment they control.  The Apps are free.