• Make Your Own Cluster Computer


    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_separator][venera_framed_image content_type=”video” css_animation=”appear” frame_type=”browser” slider_engine=”flexslider” video_link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R0UgIgcb5g” browser_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R0UgIgcb5g”][vc_separator][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_tabs][vc_tab title=”About This Project” tab_id=”1402713028-1-39e9a4-2f886e2a-7d43″][vc_column_text]

    Learn how to make a cluster computer using Raspberry Pi’s! You can also use this method to build your own super computer.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Parts and Downloads” tab_id=”1402713028-2-39e9a4-2f886e2a-7d43″][vc_column_text]

    Acquiring the Parts
    Here’s what you will need:

    1. 2 or more Raspberry Pi’s
    2. SD cards for each Pi
    3. Power Cables for each Pi
    4. Powered USB Hub (optional)
    5. Networking Cables
    6. A Hub or a Router

    TOTAL COST: ~$100.00 [tabby title=”Software”]

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Code” tab_id=”1402753910272-3-86e2a-7d43″][vc_column_text]

    Installing and Configuring Raspbian

    • Download the Raspbian Image from here.
    • Burn the Raspbian Image to your SD Card
    • Once the image is burned to your SD Card, but it into the Raspberry Pi and boot it up with a Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor and Internet attached.
    • Upon first boot, you should see the Rasbperry Pi Configuration screen (otherwise type “sudo raspbi-config“. Here’s the options we’ll need to configure
        • Expand the File System
        • If needed, set the Internationalization options to match your countries keyboard layout.
        • Overlcock the Pi to 800 Mhz
        • Advanced Options
          • Set the Hostname to Pi01
          • Split the memory to 16mb for graphics
          • Enable SSH
        • Finish out of the configuration, but don’t reboot yet
        • To enable auto-login, at the terminal command type “sudo nano /etc/inittab
          • Comment out this line: #1:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty --noclear 38400 tty1
          • And add this line right beneath it: 1:2345:respawn:/bin/login -f pi tty1 </dev/tty1 >/dev/tty1 2>&1
        • Now you can reboot your Pi and it should auto-login

    [tabby title=”Terminal Commands”]

    Installing MPICH

    • MPICH is software that allows for multi-processing communication between computers.
    • To install it on your Raspberry Pi, first make sure you have a valid Internet connection going to the Pi. Then follow these Terminal Commands
      • sudo apt-get update
      • mkdir mpich2
      • cd ~/mpich2
      • wget http://www.mpich.org/static/downloads/3.1/mpich-3.1.tar.gz
      • tar xfz mpich-3.1.tar.gz
      • sudo mkdir /home/rpimpi/
      • sudo mkdir /home/rpimpi/mpi-install
      • mkdir /home/pi/mpi-build
      • cd /home/pi/mpi-build
      • sudo apt-get install gfortran
      • sudo /home/pi/mpich2/mpich-3.1/configure -prefix=/home/rpimpi/mpi-install
      • sudo make
      • sudo make install
      • nano .bashrc
        • PATH=$PATH:/home/rpimpi/mpi-install/bin
      • sudo reboot
      • mpiexec -n 1 hostname
    • These commands will download and install MPICH, as well as add it as a path to your BASHRC boot file. The last command runs a test to see if it works. If the last command returns “Pi01”, then you did everything successfully.

    Installing MPI4PY

    • As it is, MPICH can run C and Fortran programs. But since the Raspberry Pi has the Python coding environment pre-installed, it would be easiest to install a Python to MPI interpreter. Here’s the commands to do that:

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Important Links” tab_id=”1402753981900-3-106e2a-7d43″][vc_column_text] Help support my channel: http://www.patreon.com/tinkernut Follow Tinkernut! Google + Facebook Twitter [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][/vc_tabs][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Comments Show: Motion Activated Squirt Gun



    Here’s my response to some of the top comments for the “Cheap Motion Activated Squirt Gun Prank” video.

    You can watch the original video here

    And the alternate Arduino squirt gun video here:

    Crazy Inventions:

  • Arduino Motion Detecting Squirt Gun


    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_separator][venera_framed_image content_type=”video” css_animation=”appear” frame_type=”browser” slider_engine=”flexslider” video_link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSz4FQPsir8″ browser_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSz4FQPsir8″][vc_separator][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_tabs][vc_tab title=”About This Project” tab_id=”1402713028-1-39e9a4-2f8846d9-0fc4″][vc_column_text]

    In case you want a nerdier way to make a cheap motion detecting squirt gun, Here’s how you can build your own with an Arduino and a PIR sensor!

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Parts and Downloads” tab_id=”1402713028-2-39e9a4-2f8846d9-0fc4″][vc_column_text]

    Acquiring the Parts
    Here’s what you will need:

    1. Raid Auto Trigger
    2. Arduino
    3. PIR Motion Sensor
    4. Diode
    5. NPN Transistor
    6. Wire cutters and wire

    TOTAL COST: ~$45.00

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Assembly” tab_id=”1402753910272-3-846d9-0fc4″][vc_column_text]

    Disassemble the Automatic Sprayer
    Wire Up The Arduino
    Here is a schematic of the Arduino. You can download the Fritzing files by clicking on this link. Screen Shot 2014-03-29 at 3.15.19 PM [tabby title=”Step 3″]

    Add The Code
    Here is a copy of the Arduino code to upload to your arduino. You can also download it by clicking on this link. const int pirPower = 13; const int pirIn = 12; int motorPin1 = 3; void setup(){ pinMode(pirPower, OUTPUT); pinMode(pirIn, INPUT); pinMode(motorPin1, OUTPUT); digitalWrite(motorPin1, LOW); digitalWrite(pirPower, HIGH); } void loop(){ int value= digitalRead(pirIn); if (value == HIGH){ digitalWrite(motorPin1, HIGH); delay(500); digitalWrite(motorPin1, LOW); } }

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Important Links” tab_id=”1402753981900-3-1046d9-0fc4″][vc_column_text] Help support my channel: http://www.patreon.com/tinkernut Follow Tinkernut! Google + Facebook Twitter [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][/vc_tabs][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Motion Detecting Squirt Gun Prank


    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_separator][venera_framed_image content_type=”video” css_animation=”appear” frame_type=”browser” slider_engine=”flexslider” video_link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7zxvW7MZac” browser_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7zxvW7MZac”][vc_separator][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_tabs][vc_tab title=”About This Project” tab_id=”1402713028-1-39e9a4-2f888a6d-d37d”][vc_column_text]

    In this April Fools day video, learn how to make a cheap motion detecting squirt gun using parts that you can find in your local grocery store!

    If you want a geekier way to build a motion detecting squirt gun, check out the Arduino version of this same project.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Parts and Downloads” tab_id=”1402713028-2-39e9a4-2f888a6d-d37d”][vc_column_text]

    Acquiring the Parts
    Here’s what you will need:

    TOTAL COST: ~$25.00

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Assembly” tab_id=”1402753910272-3-88a6d-d37d”][vc_column_text]

    Disassemble the Air Freshner
    Disassemble the Automatic Sprayer
    Connect the Air Freshner to the Automatic Sprayer
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Important Links” tab_id=”1402753981900-3-108a6d-d37d”][vc_column_text] Help support my channel: http://www.patreon.com/tinkernut Follow Tinkernut! Google + Facebook Twitter [/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][/vc_tabs][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Comments Show: Smartphone Controlled RC Car


    Just uploaded a new Comments Show video!

    (more…)

  • Control An RC Car With A Smartphone


    [tabby title=”Video Walkthrough”]
    Learn the basics of controlling objects with your Smartphone through Bluetooth!


    [tabby title=”Parts List”]

    Acquiring the Parts
    Here’s what you will need:

    TOTAL COST: ~$30.00

    [tabby title=”Step 1″]

    Adding Bluetooth to the Arduino

    1. To get started on adding bluetooth to the Arduino, you can watch my Arduino Bluetooth Basics Tutorial
    2. For a wiring diagram, you can reference my Fritzing sketch. (You need to download Fritzing
      in order t. view this.)

      h-bridge-wiring

    [tabby title=”Step 2″]

    Software

    Android

    1. To find your bluetooth’s MAC address, a good program to use is called Ardudroid on the Google Play store.
    2. To control the car, Tolik777 has created a great app that you can download from here and install on your Anrdoid device.

    Arduino

    1. The first thing you need to to is download the Arduino software for your computer.
    2. Then you need to copy this code to a new sketch and upload it to your Arduino device. Code provided by
     
    #include "EEPROM.h"
    
    #define D1 2          // direction of motor rotation 1
    #define M1 3          // PWM left motor
    #define D2 4          // direction of motor rotation 2
    #define M2 5          // PWM right motor
    #define HORN 13       // additional channel 1
    //#define autoOFF 2500  // milliseconds after which the robot stops when the connection
    
    #define cmdL 'L'      // UART-command for left motor
    #define cmdR 'R'      // UART-command for right motor
    #define cmdH 'H'      // UART-command for additional channel (for example Horn)
    #define cmdF 'F'      // UART-command for EEPROM operation
    #define cmdr 'r'      // UART-command for EEPROM operation (read)
    #define cmdw 'w'      // UART-command for EEPROM operation (write)
    
    char incomingByte;    // incoming data
    
    char L_Data[4];       // array data for left motor
    byte L_index = 0;     // index of array L
    char R_Data[4];       // array data for right motor
    byte R_index = 0;     // index of array R
    char H_Data[1];       // array data for additional channel
    byte H_index = 0;     // index of array H
    char F_Data[8];       // array data for  EEPROM
    byte F_index = 0;     // index of array F
    char command;         // command
    
    unsigned long currentTime, lastTimeCommand, autoOFF;
    
    void setup() {
      Serial.begin(9600);       // initialization UART
      pinMode(HORN, OUTPUT);    // additional channel
      pinMode(D1, OUTPUT);      // output for motor rotation
      pinMode(D2, OUTPUT);      // output for motor rotation
      /*EEPROM.write(0,255);
      EEPROM.write(1,255);
      EEPROM.write(2,255);
      EEPROM.write(3,255);*/
      timer_init();             // initialization software timer
    }
    
    void timer_init() {
      uint8_t sw_autoOFF = EEPROM.read(0);   // read EEPROM "is activated or not stopping the car when losing connection"
      if(sw_autoOFF == '1'){                 // if activated
        char var_Data[3];
        var_Data[0] = EEPROM.read(1);
        var_Data[1] = EEPROM.read(2);
        var_Data[2] = EEPROM.read(3);
        autoOFF = atoi(var_Data)*100;        // variable autoOFF ms
      }
      else if(sw_autoOFF == '0'){        
        autoOFF = 999999;
      }
      else if(sw_autoOFF == 255){
        autoOFF = 2500;                      // if the EEPROM is blank, dafault value is 2.5 sec
      }
      currentTime = millis();                // read the time elapsed since application start
    }
     
    void loop() {
      if (Serial.available() > 0) {          // if received UART data
        incomingByte = Serial.read();        // raed byte
        if(incomingByte == cmdL) {           // if received data for left motor L
          command = cmdL;                    // current command
          memset(L_Data,0,sizeof(L_Data));   // clear array
          L_index = 0;                       // resetting array index
        }
        else if(incomingByte == cmdR) {      // if received data for left motor R
          command = cmdR;
          memset(R_Data,0,sizeof(R_Data));
          R_index = 0;
        }
        else if(incomingByte == cmdH) {      // if received data for additional channel
          command = cmdH;
          memset(H_Data,0,sizeof(H_Data));
          H_index = 0;
        }   
        else if(incomingByte == cmdF) {      // if received data for EEPROM op
          command = cmdF;
          memset(F_Data,0,sizeof(F_Data));
          F_index = 0;
        }
        else if(incomingByte == '\r') command = 'e';   // end of line
        else if(incomingByte == '\t') command = 't';   // end of line for EEPROM op
        
        if(command == cmdL && incomingByte != cmdL){
          L_Data[L_index] = incomingByte;              // store each byte in the array
          L_index++;                                   // increment array index
        }
        else if(command == cmdR && incomingByte != cmdR){
          R_Data[R_index] = incomingByte;
          R_index++;
        }
        else if(command == cmdH && incomingByte != cmdH){
          H_Data[H_index] = incomingByte;
          H_index++;
        }   
        else if(command == cmdF && incomingByte != cmdF){
          F_Data[F_index] = incomingByte;
          F_index++;
        }   
        else if(command == 'e'){                       // if we take the line end
          Control4WD(atoi(L_Data),atoi(R_Data),atoi(H_Data));
          delay(10);
        }
        else if(command == 't'){                       // if we take the EEPROM line end
          Flash_Op(F_Data[0],F_Data[1],F_Data[2],F_Data[3],F_Data[4]);
        }
        lastTimeCommand = millis();                    // read the time elapsed since application start
      }
      if(millis() >= (lastTimeCommand + autoOFF)){     // compare the current timer with variable lastTimeCommand + autoOFF
        Control4WD(0,0,0);                             // stop the car
      }
    }
    
    void Control4WD(int mLeft, int mRight, uint8_t Horn){
    
      bool directionL, directionR;      // direction of motor rotation L298N
      byte valueL, valueR;              // PWM M1, M2 (0-255)
      
      if(mLeft > 0){
        valueL = mLeft;
        directionL = 0;
      }
      else if(mLeft < 0){
        valueL = 255 - abs(mLeft);
        directionL = 1;
      }
      else {
        directionL = 0;
        valueL = 0;
      }
     
      if(mRight > 0){
        valueR = mRight;
        directionR = 0;
      }
      else if(mRight < 0){
        valueR = 255 - abs(mRight);
        directionR = 1;
      }
      else {
        directionR = 0;
        valueR = 0;
      }
       
      analogWrite(M1, valueL);            // set speed for left motor
      analogWrite(M2, valueR);            // set speed for right motor
      digitalWrite(D1, directionL);       // set direction of left motor rotation
      digitalWrite(D2, directionR);       // set direction of right motor rotation
      
      digitalWrite(HORN, Horn);           // additional channel
    }
    
    void Flash_Op(char FCMD, uint8_t z1, uint8_t z2, uint8_t z3, uint8_t z4){
    
      if(FCMD == cmdr){           // if EEPROM data read command
        Serial.print("FData:");       // send EEPROM data
        Serial.write(EEPROM.read(0));     // read value from the memory with 0 address and print it to UART
        Serial.write(EEPROM.read(1));
        Serial.write(EEPROM.read(2));
        Serial.write(EEPROM.read(3));
        Serial.print("\r\n");         // mark the end of the transmission of data EEPROM
      }
      else if(FCMD == cmdw){          // if EEPROM data write command
        EEPROM.write(0,z1);               // z1 record to a memory with 0 address
        EEPROM.write(1,z2);
        EEPROM.write(2,z3);
        EEPROM.write(3,z4);
        timer_init();             // reinitialize the timer
        Serial.print("FWOK\r\n");         // send a message that the data is successfully written to EEPROM
      }
    }
    

    [tabby title="Links"]

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  • Arduino Bluetooth Basics


    [tabby title=”Overview”]
    This video will show you the basics of controlling an Arduino through bluetooth. Click the “Step” tags for a walkthrough!


    [tabby title=”Step 1″]

    Acquiring the Parts
    Here’s what you will need:

    • A Bluetooth Capable Smartphone (I’ll be using an Android).
    • An Arduino ($10.99)
    • An Arduino Bluetooth Module ($6.45)
    • An LED ($0.99)

    [tabby title=”Step 2″]

    Wiring

    You can download the Fritzing sketch here.

    Screen Shot 2014-03-08 at 7.38.33 PM

    [tabby title=”Step 3″]

    Software

    Android

    A good Android program for Arduino is called Ardudroid on the Google Play store.

     

    Arduino

     
    int ledPin = 13; 
    int state = 0;
    int flag = 0; 
     
    void setup() {
     pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
     digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
     
     Serial.begin(9600); // Default connection rate for my BT module
    }
     
    void loop() {
    
     if(Serial.available() > 0){
     state = Serial.read();
     flag=0;
     }
    
     if (state == '0') {
     digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
     if(flag == 0){
     Serial.println("LED: off");
     flag = 1;
     }
     }
    
     else if (state == '1') {
     digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
     if(flag == 0){
     Serial.println("LED: on");
     flag = 1;
     }
     }
    }

    [tabby title=”Links”]

    Follow Tinkernut!
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    [tabbyending]

     

  • How To Make A Replicating Virus


    [tabby title=”Video Walkthrough”]
    How do viruses clone themselves to other computers? Let’s take a look and learn how to write our own self-replicating program!


    [tabby title=”Steps”]
    Python Code for Replicator.py


    from sys import argv

    import os

    script = argv
    name = str(script[0])

    cmd = ‘start payload.txt’
    os.system(cmd)
    os.mkdir(‘clone’)
    os.system(r”copy payload.txt clone”)
    os.system(r”copy ” + name + ” clone”)


    [tabby title=”Links”]

    How To Make A Python Keylogger:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BiOPBsXh0g

    Wikipedia Article on Quines:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quine_(computing)

    Donate to support these videos:
    http://www.patreon.com/tinkernut

    Follow Tinkernut!
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    [tabbyending]

     

  • Comments Show: How To Revive An Old iPod


    Join me as I review the top comments for my last video, How To Revive An Old iPod:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoobFe435ic

    If you like these videos, please support me by donating to my Patreon page:
    http://www.patreon.com/tinkernut


  • How To Revive An Old iPod


    [tabby title=”Overview”]
    This tutorial is for those of you that love to tear apart old technology to make it useful again. Someone gave me a broken 5th Generation iPod classic, and in this video I show you how to fix it and upgrade it to something awesome!


    [tabby title=”Links”]
    Where to buy the parts: http://www.tarkan.info/store
    Rockbox Download: http://www.rockbox.org

    Follow Tinkernut!
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    [tabbyending]