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• Going on a diet

  Stephen Craver • 09/03/2023 at 16:37 • 0 comments

  I’ve decided to take some "fluff” out of the software. I.E. some features that add little benefit but consume considerable amounts of resources (such as memory, ram, and perhaps most important, processing time). Not that they'll never come back from the dead, but for now a quite, small wake (wake, as in funeral, memorial, etc.). Nope. Not gonna touch political issues ;)

• Wi-Fi? Exactly! Why?

  Stephen Craver • 07/31/2023 at 15:14 • 0 comments

  Wi-Fi functionality has been put on hold for now, but not completely abandoned. There are several factors that were involved in making this decision:

  •  Lack of Wi-Fi support for Pico' s file system.
  • The fact that the Pico and its built-in Wi-Fi antenna are now housed within an aluminum case, which severely limits its range

  I'll revisit this sometime in the future, but that functionality can wait for now.

• Thank-you Hackaday Team, and Esteemed Judges

  Stephen Craver • 07/20/2023 at 17:57 • 0 comments

  I am filled with immense joy and gratitude. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hackaday and the esteemed panel of judges for selecting my project as one of the ten finalists in the Hackaday Prize 2023 contest.

  When I embarked on this project, my primary goal was to create something that could not only assist me but also potentially benefit others. To see my endeavor being recognized and chosen as a finalist among numerous exceptional projects is an incredible honor. It truly solidifies my intent and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.

  Being part of the Hackaday Prize 2023 finalists is a humbling experience, and I can't help but feel a sense of pride in what I have accomplished so far. This opportunity validates the hard work, dedication, and countless hours poured into the project.

  I am sincerely grateful for the platform Hackaday provides to innovators like me, offering a chance to showcase our creations to a global audience. It's a privilege to be among such talented individuals who are driving technological advancements and making a positive impact on the world.

  I am excited to present my project to the community and the judging panel, sharing my passion and vision with others who share the same enthusiasm for innovation.

  Once again, thank you for this remarkable opportunity. I am truly honored to be a finalist in the Hackaday Prize 2023 contest.

  With warmest regards, Stephen B Craver

• A look back at the ugly, original, Proof-Of-Concept device

  Stephen Craver • 07/20/2023 at 17:37 • 0 comments

  I wanted to share a little journey with you – one that takes us from a cringe-worthy "Proof-Of-Concept" stage to a more promising prototype. Brace yourself because the initial phase was a sight to behold, and I was utterly embarrassed by its appearance!

  As you may recall, when I embarked on this project, I started with a "Proof-Of-Concept" stage. The goal was to lay the groundwork and validate my ideas before diving into the actual prototype. But little did I know that the "Proof-Of-Concept" would turn out to be a visual disaster.

  I remember building it – it was a mishmash of crude components and amateurish design. To put it bluntly, it looked downright horrible! The combination of mismatched materials and a lack of refinement made it seem like a monstrosity. I couldn't help but cringe at the thought of anyone else laying eyes on it.

  Despite its appearance, the "Proof-Of-Concept" served its purpose. I identified numerous flaws, areas for improvement, and gathered valuable feedback. It was a humbling experience, to say the least, but it motivated me even more to push forward.

  I'm excited to share that we've made significant progress since then. The transformation is remarkable, and I'm thrilled to show you how far it has come.

  So here's pictures of the original "Proof-Of-Concept" device, but I must give you fair warning – it might be hard to unsee. However, take solace in the fact that I've moved on from this stage, and the prototype now is worlds apart.

  CAUTION: View at your own risk! (Yes, it's that bad).

• Logic UP button flowchart

  Stephen Craver • 06/29/2023 at 20:58 • 0 comments

• Moving and re-labeling the lower-limit switch

  Stephen Craver • 06/19/2023 at 23:49 • 0 comments

  I’ve decided that, rather than have a “lower” limit switch, it would be much more advantageous to have a second “home” switch. Who gives a crap how far it's reclined, anyway?

  So, there would be a “rise” home switch, and a “recline” home switch. If they BOTH are closed, you know the chair is in the “home” position; Not raised and not reclined. This would also make software engineering for it much easier.

  As is, sure it knows it is at the home position, but it doesn't know
  HOW it got there. The “Recline Home” limit switch would eliminate the question.

  Why is this important, and why does it matter?

  I’ll explain the next log entry.

• The video

  Stephen Craver • 06/16/2023 at 15:16 • 0 comments

  This is a more descriptive explanation of the device's operation

• The end is near

  Stephen Craver • 06/15/2023 at 13:37 • 0 comments

  Wow. That sounds morbid, doesn't it? How about "The project is nearly finished'?

  I worked out the remaining software glitches, so now the device's operation is nearly flawless!

  I am not necessarily tooting my own horn since I really use it (the chair, not the horn).

  The long-awaited video will be coming as soon as I convince my wife to show-off her modeling abilities. Trust me, you do not want ME to demonstrate it!!

• A note about PICO's pull-up resistors

  Stephen Craver • 06/02/2023 at 21:13 • 0 comments

  The Pin.PULL_UP settings are now Pin.PULL_DOWN, and not really needed.

   Why?

  Because by default, the controller (button) contacts are normally-closed to ground, thus eliminating the need of a PULL_DOWN resistor. The normally-open side is +5VDC.

  Yeah but...

   There is always a caveat: The above reigns true IF a controller is plugged in. If not, the inputs will "float" in an incalculable state. That would be bad, am I right? (The answer is yes)

  ---

  The bottom line: 
  

  PICO's internal Pin.PULL_DOWN setting will work just fine for unconnected controllers.

• Escaping the nasties, bugs, issues, etc. is impossible

  Stephen Craver • 06/01/2023 at 13:52 • 0 comments

  I came across some hindrances when moving from the "Proof of Concept" to "Prototype" stage.

  Or better said, from the “plastic case” to an “aluminum case” stage.

  Aluminum is a conductor, plastic is not.

  Consequently, well, you get it.

  Enough said.

  Oh, and by the way, the 5-pin DIN connector, when used for a factory powered chair/recliner/bed (and unlike its shared MIDI use), the case is very-much used. If you read any of my previous logs, in hindsight this is precisely why I fried my original Raspberry PI.
  

  Why didn't I learn?

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