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Archive: Telecommunications
July 15, 2008
History of the payphone - mystery book
This is a long shot, but does anyone know anything about this fantastic indy publication "Payphone History" ? - it seems to be a small run "book" about 130 pages, excellent information and I love the paste up style. Here is the cover and table of contents.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 15, 2008 10:30 AM
Retro, Telecommunications |
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July 14, 2008
Hand-powered radio broadcaster
Robert writes in to point out the P2P Radio Broadcaster -
Remember those little pirate radio stations in the 80's? Enter the p2p radio broadcaster by Juan Esteban Rios, this little device provides a means to transmit audio content to local radio receivers, and by having the listeners act as peers, the network can be expanded as much as it needs to. Overlooked communities in remote areas or poor urban environments can now take back the radio airwaves. The device is also powered by handcranking it, 1 minute for every 40 minutes of airtime.- P2P Radio
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Jul 14, 2008 02:00 PM
Telecommunications |
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July 10, 2008
46 years of Satellite TV
46 years of Satellite TV @ Retrothing -
The Telstar 1 communication satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 10, 1962, ushering in the modern age of intercontinental broadcasting and telecommunication. It was owned by AT&T and developed at Bell Telephone Labs as part of an international project sponsored by the USA, UK and France. Its $3 million trip atop one of NASA's Thor-Delta rockets was the first commercially sponsored launch.Telstar was placed in a medium altitude elliptical orbit that circled the earth approximately once every 2 3/4 hours. This resulted in a short 20 minute window during which intercontinental communication could be established between Andover Earth Station in the United States and Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall, England or Pleumeur-Bodou in France.
Goonhilly became the first ground station to receive a live intercontinental TV feed on July 23, 1962, although the French were the first to receive a patriotic American test image from Andover, Maine.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 10, 2008 11:03 AM
Telecommunications |
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June 30, 2008
IM bark notification
Matthew replaced the controller in a robotic dog, and through some scripting, made a barking instant messenger notifier. The dog barks when you receive a message, leaving your speakers free to play music, and helping him stay polite without being glued to his computer.
More:
- Chatter Pillow - Adium, PHP, Arduino, LEDs... wireless notification pillow
- Slow Messenger makes you care more about instant messaging
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jun 30, 2008 06:00 PM
Computers, DIY Projects, Electronics, Telecommunications |
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June 19, 2008
Origami folding robot will also remove your spleen
This incredible video shows an example of "tele-surgery" techniques with the example of a surgeon remotely controlling robotic arms to fold a penny-size origami crane. Although the precision is pretty amazing, we wonder how much the average citizen will want a robot (even though it is remotely attached to a doctor) poking around inside their intestines.
[via]
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Jun 19, 2008 05:00 AM
Robotics, Science, Telecommunications |
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June 10, 2008
HOW TO - Make a DTMF phone dialer
Here's how to make a fun DTMF Phone Dialer via Zedomax (source and schematics included). Alex writes...
The company I work for recently upgraded their phone system. They got a new IP phone system that can supposedly do everything - the new phones have big LCD screens with fancy menus, lots of different modes, PC connection for remote control of the phone, e-mailing voice messages, and tons of other features. All that said, there was a critical piece missing from the picture - a way to dial a stored number while already in a call. This is a feature I use often - I'm using a calling card to call home and I need to first dial the 800 number and then send my calling card pin number. Well, believe it or not, the cool new phones with all the fancy software couldn't do this and I had to switch back to pencil and paper! "We will include this feature in release 8.0 or possibly 8.5" was the response from the phone company. Yeah right, like I'm going to wait for 8.5!So, here is the obvious solution - a dialer box that connects to the phone and can be used to store and dial phone numbers, pins, credit card numbers and what not. The circuit uses a NTE1690 DTMF dialer chip and a PIC16F690 microcontroller.
Because this is an IP phone and I cannot just send the DTMF tones over the line, the easiest place to plug in the box is between the phone and the handset. The box has two RJ9 ports at the back - one gets connected to the headset's port on the phone, the other to the headset itself. The dial tones are sent over the microphone line. This way, it works both on IP-phones, and on standard (old fashioned, non-IP) ones.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jun 10, 2008 09:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Telecommunications |
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May 15, 2008
RFID @ HOPE - Hackers track visitors to New York City
MAKE will be at HOPE (Hackers on Planet Earth, July 18-20). We will be doing talks, having a mini-Maker Faire and I think this going to be one of the biggest tech-hardware-hacking conferences of the decade - here's an announcment about the RFID they'll be using during the event!
This summer, hackers from around the world will track the movements of thousands of visitors to New York City.Images via - OpenBeacon.org.As part of a social experiment, attendees at a hacker conference in July will be issued badges with electronic tracking devices. Large displays will show in real-time where people go, with whom they associate, for how long and how often.
The tracking technology, known as RFID, is fast becoming an unseen part of everyday life. This July, for the very first time, the general public will be able to participate in the transparent operation of a major RFID tracking program.
Conference attendees will participate in games built around the tracking system. Players will seek ways to protect their privacy, find vulnerabilities in the tracking system, employ data mining techniques to learn more about other participants, and choose how much personal information they will disclose in order to play.
This demonstration will be open to the public at The Last HOPE conference from July 18-20 at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. The first 1500 preregistrants will be guaranteed an RFID badge enabling them to participate in the game. More information and preregistration is available at http://www.hope.net/.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
May 15, 2008 04:00 PM
Events, Telecommunications |
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Lighten your wallet - use a phone
Here's a good a idea, scan in all those loyalty cards on to your phone!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
May 15, 2008 06:00 AM
DIY Projects, Gadgets, Telecommunications |
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April 15, 2008
Numbers station bingo
Numbers Station Bingo a game using the mysterious shortwave radio broadcasts via Waxy.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Apr 15, 2008 01:00 PM
Gaming, Telecommunications |
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April 8, 2008
Phy2Phy at Dorkbot SoCal
Thomas Edwards, former overlord and co-founder of Dorkbot DC, has moved to LA and is now involved with Dorkbot SoCal. At a recent SoCal gathering, he reached out (over IP) to touch DC-area Dork Mark Adams, using his Phy2Phy system.
Video: Dorkbot SoCal Meeting - April 5, 2008
Phy2Phy Physical Interactions over IP
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 8, 2008 05:00 PM
Electronics, Events, Telecommunications |
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March 11, 2008
Leatherman punchdown tool
This sysamin fashioned a punchdown tool (used in telephony and computer networking) out of the large (and largely redundant) flathead driver on his Leatherman Wave multitool.
Leatherman Punchdown Tool - [via] Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Mar 11, 2008 03:00 PM
Telecommunications, Toolbox |
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March 10, 2008
Design LEGO creations on your iPhone or iPod Touch
LEGO-touch is an application for designing LEGO creations on your iPhone or iPod Touch. From the website:
View, post, build, or edit other LEGO maniacs projects. Create your own LEGO characters in pals, post your LEGO self to represent in share. Play and download different LEGO games or challenge anyone to a build-off! Personalize your bricks with color-slider and more...
The community aspect of this software seems pretty interesting to me; collaborative designs, perhaps! - Link.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Mar 10, 2008 09:00 PM
iPod, LEGO, Mobile, Telecommunications, Wireless |
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March 4, 2008
Openmoko CAD files available
Openmoko is an open source cell phone that runs a version of Linux. The creators have now published the CAD files for the Neo enclosure, bring the openness to a whole new level. You can design your own phone! - [via] Link.
Related:
OpenMoko: $300 Linux-powered mobile phone - Link.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Mar 4, 2008 12:00 PM
Cellphones, Gadgets, Open source hardware, Telecommunications |
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February 26, 2008
Follow up - DIY metal detector
Thanks to all of you who posted great explanations in the comments of yesterday's post about a dubious way to make a metal detector from an AM radio and a calculator. Mahto submitted his trial video first (shown above), and he gets a Make pocket ref! Some notable comments:
Nick Clark writes:
AM radio operates from a frequency band of 520kHz to 1610kHz. That video suggests that we set our radios to the top of the spectrum, so we'll say 1500kHz or so. Speaking as an electrical engineer, any radio waves generated by an digital device like a calculator would have to be some multiple of the device's internal clock. (e.g., a 200kHz clock would broadcast EMI at 200kHz, 400kHz, 800kHz, etc). Most of the noise would be at the clock's fundamental frequency, with most of the rest of it at twice the fundamental frequency. Thus, in order to be picked up by an AM radio near the upper band a circuit would have to be running a huge IC at 750kHz or so, or a smaller IC at 1500kHz. A metal detector like this _might_ be theoretically possible for a really power-hungry device running at 500kHz or for a not-so-hungry (but still _much_ more hungry than a solar-powered calc) 1MHz device.
CaladanJan writes:
Picking up the internal oscillators of the calculator is not at all surprising. The AM radio will pick up fundamentals or AM tones on any carrier if the signal is strong enough (and inverse squares makes that also read "close enough"). AM radios will also pick up lightning in a storm, especially if you are not on a station.
The real question is if there is any oscillator in the calculator that would be sensitive to the proximity of metallic objects. A self-tuned rod inductor oscillator will be rather sensitive to changes in the magnetic flux path, and this is actually half of how commercial metal detectors actually work. Does a calculator have such a circuit? That would depend on the calculator. A lot of LCD bias voltage generating circuits are built that way, so it's certainly possible.
I'm consistently impressed with the high level of intellect and technical competency of our readers. I learn something new every day. Way to go, guys!
Posted by Becky Stern |
Feb 26, 2008 04:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Telecommunications |
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February 18, 2008
Maker Faire tryouts on BBtv
Folks frequently ask me what happens at Maker Faire tryouts. This episode of BBtv gives you some idea, as Greg MacLaurin demos his "Judy Phone," a playback device via an old analog phone of bizarre Judy Garland audio recordings done for her 1960 autobiography.
Note to non-fans of conceptual/installation/pomo art: Don't bother to hit the Play button. There's nothing for you to see here. Move along...
Maker Faire tryouts: Judy Phone - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Feb 18, 2008 08:50 PM
Arts, Maker Faire, Retro, Telecommunications |
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December 12, 2007
144 MHz contact by bouncing signals from ISS
On 12/8/07 Ham radio operators, using morse code communicated by bouncing radio signals off the surface of the space station as it flew overhead, thanks Ollie AJ10! Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Dec 12, 2007 03:00 AM
Telecommunications, Wireless |
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September 18, 2007
FM Crystal radio
Larry writes -
I have heard, even from a physicist, that it is impossible to build FM crystal radios. On the other hand some experimenters claim that they have built them. This argument intrigued me to try and build an FM crystal radio, which I have done successfully. To my surprise, the result is an astounding performer, pulling in four local stations in Tucson. When connected as a receiver to a good sound system the sound fidelity is as good or better than more expensive AM radios. In fact, it sounds "high-fidelity".FM Crystal Radio, thanks Pekar! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Sep 18, 2007 12:00 AM
DIY Projects, Telecommunications |
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September 17, 2007
HOW TO - Build a crystal shortwave radio
jmluber writes in with another radio project -
In the old days, people used radios that used a germanium diode (crystal radio) to receive am radio without the need for a battery (the radio wave powers this type of radio). This site modernizes that concept by showing you how to build a shortwave radio that utilizes a germanium diode.Build a crystal shortwave radio - Link.
Related:
Make a Foxhole Radio - Weekend Project Podcast - Link.
Make a Foxhole Radio - Weekend Project PDFcast - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Sep 17, 2007 11:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Retro, Telecommunications |
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September 15, 2007
"Dialup" casemod with antique net phone
A retro-futuro casemod built inside of an antique phone box with the restored and retro-fit phone itself on top. The phone functions as both a landline phone and works with Skype, MSN Voice, and Google Talk.
Related:
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Sep 15, 2007 12:00 PM
Computers, Retro, Telecommunications |
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September 5, 2007
Dude sends robot replacement to work
I'm really surprised that telepresence/telerobotics hasn't caught on more than it has. IRobot was R&Ding this tech nearly a decade ago. And the tools to make it happen have only gotten cheaper and more widely distributed. In this story, reverberating around the Interwebs, Ivan Bowman, a computer programmer, works from his living room in Nova Scotia, while his "robot" (basically a remotely-controlled computer on wheels) named "IvanAnywhere" motors around the offices of his employer, iAnywhere Solutions, over 830 miles away, in Waterloo. As with the iRobot experiences and those of others who've played with tele-robotic presence since, co-workers soon forget that they're talking to a mobile coat rack and act as if Bowman is actually there. IvanAnywhere has even attended company parties.
Meet IvanAnywhere - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Sep 5, 2007 01:02 PM
Computers, Electronics, Robotics, Telecommunications |
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