Monthly Archives: January 2016
‘Blackshades’ webcam malware co-creator gets probation
VR video brings you closer to presidential candidates
Curiosity rover takes a selfie on a Martian dune
DIY Color-sensing Nerf Turret Sees Red, Green, Blue…
A couple of years ago, we featured the Pixy, a compact image sensor that can tag hundreds of objects based on their color. Electronics company RobotGeek combined Pixy with a couple of its robot kits to create a small turret that automatically follows and shoots at its targets.
The turret is a combination of the Pixy and the RobotGeek Desktop Robo Turret with the Foam Dart Gun (i.e. Nerf pistol) attachment. You’ll need to connect the Pixy to the turret’s Geekduino microcontroller via RobotGeek’s Sensor Shield. You can teach it to track certain colors using RobotGeek’s Arduino sketch. It will automatically follow objects that bear the target colors and shoot them if they stay still for a few seconds.
Head to RobotGeek’s Instructables page for the full guide. It’s an expensive toy, but at least you can expand its capabilities and use its parts for other projects.
[via Gadgetify]
A closer look at the vehicles designed for the Hyperloop Pod competition
Life with the LG V10 and its oddball second screen
REtape is the Removable, Resealable And Reusable Tape You Can Use Again And Again
Codespace Wants Everyone to Learn to Code
As I’ve pretty much made my entire career in fields where computers are a key element, I know a thing or two about the value an early exposure to coding and tinkering with computers. I first learned the basics of programming back in the 1980s, using languages like Pilot, LOGO and Basic on my old Atari 800. I was fortunate enough to have the resources to own my own personal computer.
Sadly, not all kids get access to such things, and that’s a shame – especially in a world where computers are such an essential part of our lives and livelihoods. In fact, only about 1/4 of pre-college schools teach computer programming to students as part of their curriculum, and even if they do, many states don’t let the courses count towards graduation requirements.
One company that wants to make a difference is Codespace. Just recently launched, the Northville, Michigan company aims to teach the fundamentals of coding to as many people as possible.
Codespace plans on offering classes with a low student/teacher ratio, with professional developers leading the sessions, and a fun and friendly environment for students of all ages. They’re starting off with a series focused on the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the core technologies used on every web page on the internet.
Codespace plans on opening its first location this spring in their home town of Northville. Their plan is to spread their curriculum to school systems as well, offering a broader opportunity for students to learn how to code. If you’re interested in learning more about Codespace, you can contact them on their website.