There are multiple ways to setup the STM32 UART for data reception, including polling, interrupts and using DMA. Polling is simple, you just keep checking the UART for data. However, this is a “blocking” function and ties-up the CPU from doing anything else. Using interrupts to check for data reception is a step-up from polling, […]
Category: Everything Else
In my continued work with inertial sensors, specifically IMU’s for use in autonomous navigation systems, the latest sensor I’ve been using is the BMI088 from Bosch. It’s well regarded for it’s ability to handle vibrations and is supposed to be well suited for robotics and drones. Onboard is a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyro. While […]
Building a modified LOC IV kit for the goal of Level 1 certification. I’ll build this with the intent of flying conservatively, including ejection deployment of the chute. The fins on this rocket have been an area of conern for many others, so I’m also going to swap these out with my own laser-cut fins. […]
It’s time to go BIG! The robotic tortoise is getting super-sized and will use full-size servos instead of the micro servos. It will be getting a “head” with an ultrasonic sensor for depth perception. This should be a fun one! I’ll continue to update this post as this phase of the project progresses. 1/29/2023 – […]
I’m always looking for another project to build. My most recent project was initialized by my son, who had an idea to build a robotic tortoise. Sounds fun! Though with no solid idea yet how I’d get a four legged creature to walk, I jumped in. Step 1: Leg design Fundamental to a walking turtle […]
It seemed like nearly half of all my interior lights were burned out — the instrument cluster, steering wheel, HVAC controls, door panels… everything had about 50% of the bulbs actually working. Having always been a Ford owner, is this some kind of Chevy thing? The gear selector display (also referred to as the PRND321 […]
My new farm-fresh 2005 Chevy Silverado has got 130k miles and is in need of some coolant system TLC. I decided to go ahead and do a coolant flush. After some online reading, I found that about 2 gallons of fluid is recovered after draining (which then also needs to be replenished). This formed […]
In completing my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, one of the courses I’ve got to complete is Senior Capstone. In this course you’re given the option of either selecting a project to be apart of, or proposing your own. I had two of my own projects in mind, one being a CNC hydraulic tubing bender. However, […]
Wanting to do some experimenting in a vacuum, I sought out a low-cost vacuum pump. I found all kinds, but by far the least expensive, and best-bang-for-the-buck, was an aspirator pump. These can be run on either air or water. The one I chose will use water. I got a Thermo Scientific Nalgene water aspirator […]
Cryogenics is the science that deals with the study of very low temperatures. This is not to be confused with cryonics, or the preservation of humans by freezing them. Need your brake rotor to last 3 times as long? Perhaps you’re a machinist and you’d like to get several hundred more holes out of your […]