This may be the end of blogging here (for now)

I'm currently working on a new site that will cover the "Game Night" aspect and also the Technology side. Since time is a limited resource, I can only focus on one outlet so... for now you can continue to read more posts here;
http://www.co-gg.com

Multi - Touch Windows Desktop Interface Bump Top

Very cool, Multi touch upgrade for Windows 7. I'm sure there will be plenty of others coming out too, but this is the first one I have seen that integrates several ideas into one desktop interface.

http://bumptop.com/



http://bumptop.com/

Way too cool! See though walls with radio technology.

Since I have worked on radio mesh technology in the past (in the early days of an emerging technology) I find this article very interesting. I would have never thought of using the signal strength from each node to display a map of objects and do this in a way to visualize moving objects. Read about it here... 

Way to go Redmond, WA. Microsoft released their free security package today, including an Anti-Virus application.

Microsoft has just released a "free" anti-virus and security suite to the general public. I have not heard of any reports back from the lucky ones that were able to run the Beta version, so here is a link to Microsoft's new av software. I'm downloading it now, and will update with a small review.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

• First hitch the "privacy statement"  Make sure you read before you agree
• Validate your copy of Windows? no problem there but there is a second privacy statement for that

• Recommended you remove your existing AV. Fairly typical for AV software

Installation took about 30 seconds. Of course that is minus the time spent reading the agreements.

Another minute of updating and this thing is off and running.

I'm removing AVG now, and will check out the new system resources used by the MS product.

RDM2010 LAN Google Earth Plugin

I have spent a little time making a model of the area the RDM2010 LAN Event will be held. I will be making changes to this over the next few day to configure the table type and placement. Currently the tables are round seating 8 on a 6' diameter round.
Check back often

GameNight and Windows 7 Launch Party

The next GameNight will be held on October 24th 11:am. Same place as last. 
This will also be a Release Party for Windows 7 so we can really check this thing out. Please register through House Party to sign up for this one since Microsoft is driving this party.

http://www.houseparty.com/party/199420.htm

The "Revolution" of speakers?

Just saw this on YouTube. I thought the only fun you could have with old hard drives was target practice, but it looks like some people are much more creative. If you find this interesting you have passed over the geeky side of life. If you think it's a waste of time, (you may be right) but you have not crossed over yet.
If you want to build your own set follow the link after the video. (this may get you that uber geek title)



http://www.overclock.net/other-hardware-mods/554430-mini-project-hdd-speakers-stereo-update.html

Sony Playstation3 in 3D

This may sound like a bad film from the 80's, but according to this article all PS3 players will be able to enjoy 3D gaming on their counsel, including all of their existing titles. It's a little unclear if you will have to have a 200Hz TV, or if a 60Hz will do. But it looks like the update will be free and available in 2010.....

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/04/ps3s-new-3d-mode-captured-on-video-coming-in-2010-to-all-exist/

YikeBike -- What a great idea...

Everyone in a big congested city should have one of these. Maybe GM can start to mass produce them, and you can trade in your clunker for one. Until then only someone with $5500 bucks to blow will be able to ride in style.

Battlefield v1.50 released!

I have downloaded, but not installed the latest patch. It's a whopping 2GB download so hang in there. Don't forget that you must also have your BF2 patched to v1.41 before you can apply the latest patch.
For anyone in our group that would rather not download it, and receive it on a DVD (including the v1.41 patch) please let me know.

Augmented Reality / Navigation

I have been following links on Augmented Reality, and found this one to be very exciting. Developed by Mobilizy Research and Development, Wikitude Drive. This is a navigation system that uses live video with navigation prompts overlaid on the live video. Much like a HUD. It looks like it will be released for Android and iPhone platforms in the near future.
Check out the you tube video, and more information in the link below.

http://www.mobilizy.com/drive

August GameNight UPDATE

It's looking good. We should have at least 12 people show, we do have a few seats left.

Don't forget to bring your;
1. Computer
2. Headset
3. Patch Cable
4. outlet strip
5. $5.00 for the food (still thinking pizza for now)

If you need directions please let me know....


Get your BF2 v1.41 patch here:
http://battlefield.ea.com/battlefield/bf2/

FYI --- Battlefield 2 update v1.50 almost ready

While looking for the latest patch I ran across this:

http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/bf2_2142/archive/2009/08/27/battlefield-2-update-v1-50-is-almost-here.aspx

A quick update to the gamenight event this Saturday....

Place:
PI Office
Time:
08/29/09 12:pm - 10pm
BRING:
LAN cord, power strips, headsets, BF2, and your PC system.
$5 bucks for pizza/food
There is also a vending machine available for your eating pleasure


I currently have 4 seats available (keep tabs on availability to the upper right), so if your going to come, and or bring friends please RSVP!!

SOLD---Epson Stylus 9600 Pro 44" wide format inkjet printer $1500.00

SOLD

I'm selling my Epson wide format printer. It has been very well taken care of. Kept in a climate controlled area, mostly dust free (it is Central Oregon)

$1500.00 Includes

• Printer
• Stand
• Dust Cover
  
• 7 Installed Ultra Chrome Ink 220ml
• 3 unused Ultra Chrome Ink 220ml
• Operator Manual
• Drivers
• Cleaning Cartridge
• ~10'x44” Breathing Color Chromata White Canvas
• Breathing color profile

For more information or to setup and appointment please Call (541) 719-8417

MUAV

Amazing!

Find out more here

GAMENIGHT

END of Summer GameNight
Where - PI Office
When - August 29th
12:noon - 10:pm

Looks like BattleField 2 is on the play list again. Detailed information to follow

Stills

Brian's CNC at work




Just a few shots

Final Cut

Taking Shape

Taking Shape

Button Holes

Button Holes

BIG THANKS!!

I have to give a big THANK YOU !! to Brian for working on the control panel. He built the CNC machine you see here doing the work.

FLEXCADE ARCADE Control Panel

Another Video

FLEXCADE ARCADE Control Panel

We are moving along with the design or our Model 1.0 arcade system. Here is some video of the CNC work on the Panel.
This panel is going to be cut out of a plywood laminated with Oregon Pine on the top and bottom. The finish work on this will bring out the beautiful wood grain.
Model 1.0 is an all inclusive system that has the arcade controls and pc in one small box. The box will connect to your existing AV system through HDMI. Currently under test is Windows 7, MAME, Gametap.com and 3D game titles like Battlefield 2 from EA Games.

2nd Flight

Yea, there was a second flight. Much easier to fly with the controls reacting as expected. A few things to note.
1. This is faster than the Slow Stick
2. It can climb fast
3. It can glide
4. The model is very stable
5. The glide path is very smooth (no power, would be great for gliding and thermals)

A few more flights, and I can start the electronic side of the UAV

First Flight

After a few more modifications to the body to accommodate the on board camera. (Panasonic DMC-FX35). I checked the center of gravity and was ready to fly. So off to the park we go. Radio check ok, ready to go. Gave it 1/4 throttle and off we go. At about 1 second into the flight something was horribly wrong, the controls were not right. They were reversed (duh I always check that.) 2 seconds into the flight the model is headed strait up so I kill the power. Now the model is headed strait down (so as any good panic struck pilot I gave it full thottle to pull out of the nose dive) 4 seconds into the flight the model was at rest on the ground in several more pieces than I had brought to the park. I have images and video and will post later.
I gathered up the parts and pieces brought them back to the shop. About 15 minutes later and some glue the model was ready to fly again. The magic of elapor.

Easy Star assembly

OK,
So I have completed the construction of the Easy Star with all the whiz bang upgrades. The box did say it would take 2 hours to get it assembled. I must say that was a good guess, I did have to modify a few parts to make it work. It took 3 hours to build including the setup of the electronics. I have images and will post later

So here is the running total for hours and dollars so far

$100.00 (funny but it really was even)
3 hours

Total $165.99
Total 3 hours

Big day for Microsoft!

I have been using Windows 7 Beta for the past several months, and today Microsoft is releasing Windows 7 RC1 to the general public. If you interested click on the link below to sign in for a key and the download --- The download page states" You don't need to rush! The RC will be available at least through July, and we're not limiting the number of downloads or product keys. So you have plenty of time."

Make sure to read and understand all that is required with this download. You will need to do a clean install, and it will expire. So don't expect to get a free ride forever....

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/05/05/the-windows-7-release-candidate-rc-is-here.aspx

Where is Spring

Still waiting for a glimps of Spring weather. even the trees are holding back.

UAV - A new project

For the last 6 months or so, I have been following several forums/blogs on how to make your own amateur UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). Basically this is a consumer, or self built, remote control plane with a micro-controller, GPS, wing leveling IR, and a pressure sensors for airspeed, assessing it's current position and making control adjustments to rendezvous with pre-programmed 3D way points. Without the intervention of a human.
I have completed my first purchase, (the air frame) and I'm hoping to get this built this weekend. I picked up the Multiplex EasyStar (at the local hobby store D's Hobbies) as recommended by http://www.diydrones.com This is a great frame for a quick build and very stable for flight. It's a simple 3 channel plane, and has both a dihedral, and polyhedral in the wing form for added stability. It's made in Germany, so it has to be good. They state a 2 hour build time, but I would guess that it will take longer (mostly because I have to dismantle my slowstick and use its electronics.)
I will upload some images and keep a progress log here on the blog, that will contain the total number of hours into the project, and total cost.
Cost = $65.99
Hours = 0

TCost = $65.99
THours = 0 (other than countless hours of research, hope that pays off)

San Diego Temple

Once again another trip for work, but this time I had the opportunity to take some images. This is the Mormon Temple in San Diego, California. Very awesome and inspiring building. I has some of the most glass work I have ever seen in a Temple.

Whistler, BC

Just had the opportunity to travel to CANADA. Whistler, BC to be exact. I was able to spend some time at the athletes village that is under construction for the 2010 Winter Olympics. I have to say this is some of the most beautiful country I have seen. It resides in some of the most rugged landscape, with snow capped mountains I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to snap any images so you out of luck.

It's been a long Winter

6 months of Winter (it seems like.) And It still seems to be hanging in here. I have not had much time to work with any of the heli projects or plane projects since the start of the cold weather.

I have worked on a KIOSK idea and was able to get that completed. This is a coffee table replacement system that is currently being used as a library book index and mapping/stitching station. Its built with a 42" monitor and a great trackball for the mouse. There are also 5 authentic arcade buttons for input. (could be good for head to head PACMAN)

I'm now working on a multi touch interface for a taller table like system. I'm still working on getting parts in to complete the project. This will be similar to the Microsoft Surface system.

Black Thursday UPDATE!!

It's been 10 months since the first round of terminations, and the start of this BLOG. Unfortunately there have been 3 more rounds of terminations, and a few lost because of personal choices. This now leaves our group at 9. A far cry from the original numbers of 46+. The guys I use to manage have moved on and I fell they are doing well in their new respective situations. A lot has happened over the last 10 Months, our group no longer has many of the responsibilities from the past and a new direction has been laid out before us.