The Longhorn Engineer

Super Boost running off of AA batteries. Just because it can.

Parker — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:06:49 +0000

Super Boost charging my phone off of two AA batteries.

I think that is enough update posts for right now.

NES 2 (Top Loader) Portable now ready for Maker Faire

Parker — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:51:48 +0000

Here is a status update for the NES Top Loader portable!

Assembling the front half of the case. Using size M2 sheet metal screws to attach the PCBs to the case. Holes are tapped with a 1.5mm drill bit before hand. For those that know the PSone screen accepts 7.4V then converts it down to 5V in some areas with a 7805 linear regulator. I removed the 7805s and attached my 5V switching power supply to the pads which dropped the power draw of the screen.

The back side houses much more parts. Batteries, switching powersupply, NES Top Loader PCB, speaker, amplifier, and volume control are all housed here. There is no hotglue in this portable. Everything is mechanically held in place. Some electrical tape is used to insulate parts but that is about it.

The button on the right is supposed to be for an internal MCU (like a MSP430) if I ever want to add more functionality to the portable.

I have some extra space between the front pcb boards and the rear pcb boards inside the case. I will be able to slim off about 1/8″ – 3/16″ off the thickness on the next case.

Like all portrait layout portables the top is a bit top heavy but it still has a good balance because of the thickness of the portable. The controls are laid out in the exact same dimensions as a real NES controller so it feels really nice. It has enough battery power to go for about 10 hours at max volume. I will need to tweak the audio amp a bit however as the volume is a bit soft. Should be able to adjust it by changing two resistors on the SparkFun amplifier board.

Check out the NES Top Loader project page for more details.

msPROBOT Ready for Maker Faire

Parker — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:33:34 +0000

I finished the first physical version of the msPROBOT just in time for Maker Faire. I have the majority of the demo code written and I will post it when I test the code. All the basic library functions are written. Just need to make a main program that strings it all together.

There is more information and PCB files you can download at the msPROBOT project page.

msPROBOT Assemble! And…..NES Top Loader Proto Case Completed!

Parker — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:59:49 +0000

Do not have time to do a full write up right now but here are some juicy pictures.

msPROBOT PCB works!

Parker — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:19 +0000

It really does work! The 3.3V is a little flaky but it functions fine with a load on it. Chassis parts should be here today.

edit// Chassis parts arrive!

msPROBOT PCB Arrives!

Parker — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:51:11 +0000

Stuffing the board tonight.

msPROBOT PCBs are Shipped!

Parker — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:58:26 +0000

I just received notification that the msPROBOT PCBs shipped from China. They will arrive on Monday. I have the motor controller pretty much coded out. I will post it later today.

Super Boost 3D printed case design

Parker — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:24:51 +0000

I designed a 3D printed case for the Super Boost. It has two parts and is designed to hold two cylindrical 18650 lithium cells.

Files (AutoDesk 123D)

Super Boost Case Ver1.0
Super Boost Case Part_A Ver1.0
Super Boost Case Part_B Ver1.0

Super Boost Built. It WORKS!

Parker — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:55:11 +0000

So I just finished building my first Super Boost. It converts 2.2V – 4.5V to a steady 5V source. This is perfect for charging a cell phone or any other device that charges via USB by using 2 AA batteries or a single cell lithium battery.

The project page is here and the DIY page on assembly is here.

Business Cards Arrive!

Parker — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:30:20 +0000

Going to solder one together tonight.