Category: Personal Projects

In 2018 I wanted to give experiences instead of presents, so Danielle and I built an escape room. It went over very well, and I documented some of the elements of it here: https://hackaday.io/list/164542-krampus-escape-room

This project uses 5 (arbitrary) magnetic reed switches in series with a battery and come LEDs. They are embedded in foam-core board, with the map overlaid on top. Some tokens have embedded rare earth magnets, so that when the tokens are placed in the correct location, on top of the switches, the switches are all…

Yes, it has been done before, but nobody else has embeded Alexa INSIDE the Billy for a seamless solution. This project uses an ATTiny to perform all the logic, which includes a photoresistor for detecting when the light ring is illuminated, and audio input for detecting the audio, running a DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform), and…

In Jan 2018 I was invited on to the Ben Heck show to build an automated workbench using Alexa. The show happened in two parts. Part 1: Part 2:

In 2017 these three posters were commissioned by the University of Wisconsin IoT Research Lab to demonstrate concepts of Internet of Things security. The three posters demonstrate 1) security vulnerabilities associated with sensors, and how a hack at each level of the chain might impact sensor data 2) security vulnerabilities with controllers, and how hacking…

This project uses an ATTiny to control WS2812 LED strips. The strips are waterproof, and the embedded PCB and connector are as well. Up to 60 LEDs can be on each strip, and they cycle different modes on a power cycle or button press. This way they can all be synchronized to the same mode….

In August 2017 I went on the Ben Heck show to build an IoT device quickly. We built the hardware, firmware, and app, in just a few hours. Part 1: Part 2:

A science museum needs interactive exhibits, and this is an exhibit that can easily be extended, is easy to setup and install, is robust and safe and easy to maintain. Exhibits can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, but this one can grow to any size budget but the top of the line is…

Originally intended for Burning Man, this device has usefulness more and more in our world as people embrace biking. Cars have had this feature for years; push the button on your keys and the car honks and the headlights flash. Why can’t we have that for bikes? This devices use a long range Bluetooth Low…