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| One switch 9-LED 50-cent computer for hacking |
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| Showing lenses above LEDs |
WHO KNEW THE BIKE LIGHT IS A FULL COMPUTER?
FOR HACKING
This is a simple low cost new preprogrammed computer. This surprising find is made possible by the visions of the Big Brain initiative. Sometimes we need to look at things in a new light.
Imagine the Big Brain on tour within the R.O.C., can you predict what it will buy - the large multi-wire gripping clawed head scratcher, the plastic shrunken head, the fierce vicious swimming robot fish, or the 50-cent computer? It was the computer that was too good to pass up. This find came from deep within the mystical night market by the ocean inlet harbor at a dollar store with many unusual and "great find" items priced less than a dollar. This is one amazing example.
OVERVIEW
This item is a complete programmed computer, with a single push button input that controls seven modes of operation and output.
OUTPUT
The output display is made up of seven super bright LEDs enhanced with built in panel of convex lenses that collect and focus the light. It has 360 degree visibility around its perimeter and it's entirely portable, clipping to a belt or to a bike with the enclosed mount.
DISCUSSION & DATA
The cost was US 50 cents though these lights go for US$12 at bike stores. It easily removes from the mount. Designed as a person or bike light, and running from two AAA batteries, this item can be hacked for some very useful parts or used for its intended purpose. This is packaged as part number XY-118 and made in China as a "9 LED Multifunction Caution Light" for uses a a high brightness tail light. The light is claimed to run up to 150 hours or 6.25 continuous days and nights. The interesting icons on the back of the blister pack show the light mounted on a pedestrian's backpack, near the peak roof of a house or tent, inside a car positioned up by the rear window, on the back of a bike, mounted on the front of a person who is skiing, and positioned as an obstacle warning light located by debris.
USAGE
The Big Brain thinks it can be recycled and used for parts, or computer programmed for 7 different multi-functions complete with input and output from processor pins. It runs from a 3-volt power supply, making it compatible with a Parallax Propeller chip, or able to operate independently. It can be used as an 8-bit port display with LEDs showing bits 0-7 and a byte condition in binary code representations and one LED for a power indicator. The nine white LEDs can double as input sensors, the lenses taking parallel light and focusing it onto each LED for greater precision.
ADDITIONAL APPS
The lenses are ideal for making a light beam communications machine where the transmission of parallel light is needed. Nine lenses can drive nine channels of LED electromagnetic radiation. Additional circuits are needed to modulate the LEDs with voice, however, no extra parts are needed to send binary and Morse Code. This is an experimenter's bonanza with many more possible uses!
LIST OF PARTS
Housing
Mount
Computer
Switch
Lenses
Nine White LEDs
Hardware