LCD is Alive!

Our 4 line 20 character white on blue display from Hacktronics is alive and well. I uploaded the sample sketch and wired the display according to the tutorial that is posted on their website, and everything worked like a charm. Next step is to read the temp sensor and display the current temperature (current values displayed are a mock-up, not being read from a sensor). I need to get a 5k ohm pull up resistor, so stay tuned!

Update: got the resistor, but having problems uploading the onewire.h library

BTW, the Hacktronics LCD Tutorial also worked with the what was previously thought to be a "dead" 2 line Black on Orange LCD display we recieved earlier from GE Tech. Now I have two LCD's to play with.

What is Hackspace?

Hackspace is a local geek club for playing with electronics and computers. Ok, could I get more condescending? Hey, I'm a linux / microprocessor geek myself. Anyway, a local club develops with a facility and tools that are shared with members, and there are usually official hack nights, as well as drop by and work times. Bulk buys are usually available, and members share skills and ideas. Check one out near you, or start one yourself.

http://strugglers.net/~andy/blog/2010/08/30/london-hackspaces-arduino-for-beginners-workshop/

http://www.heatsynclabs.org/this-week-arduino-night-and-take-apart-night/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackerspace

http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/

How to Install the Lithium Backpack to your Arduino

The Lithium Backpack is a Arduino accessory that will power the Arduino when it is away from a computer or a wall power. These products are sold at Liquidware (no longer available) for under $34 each.

http://antipastohw.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-install-lithium-backpack-to-your.html

Other options - http://timewitharduino.blogspot.sg/2011/09/rechargeable-battery-shields-for.html

Make | Getting Started with Arduino

This valuable little book offers a thorough introduction to the open-source electronics prototyping platform that’s taking the design and hobbyist world by storm. Getting Started with Arduino gives you lots of ideas for Arduino projects and helps you get going on them right away.

With inexpensive hardware and open-source software components that you can download free, getting started with Arduino is a snap. To use the introductory examples in this book, all you need is a USB Arduino, USB A-B cable, and an LED.

Join the tens of thousands of hobbyists who have discovered this incredible (and educational) platform. Written by the co-founder of the Arduino project, with illustrations by Elisa Canducci, Getting Started with Arduino gets you in on the fun! This 128-page book is a greatly expanded follow-up to the author’s original short PDF that’s available on the Arduino website.

GPS + Arduino

Kevin Darrah explains in this video how to interface a GPS chip to the Arduino. Make your own lojack, navigation aid, autonomous vehicle and more.