Friday, June 27, 2014

QR Codes

QR codes ( 2 dimensional bar codes are queer ducks ).  They can be read by smart phone cameras , web cams , tablet cams, .....   They can be displayed using a smart phone screen , tablet screen , printed on paper , .....     There are apps ( local and online ) that create QR codes.

I have learned that TinkerMill.org in Longmont , CO has some interest in developing an access control system.  QR codes could be a useful technology.


Using a tablet
I want to explore using QR codes. ( 2 dimensional bar codes )  I am starting an experiment to use a cheeep ( less than $50 ) Android tablet as a local QR reader. The tablet would read QR codes using a integral camera ( or USB webcam ). Depending on how the tablet is networked , it can verify the code, determine permissions , maintain an activity log , provide a control profile ( permitted length of use , permitted dead time , etc. ). In some cases the tablet could provide some other value to the devices it is connected to. Perhaps the tablet can also talk to smart phones, tablets, etc.

SQRL
Ryan Diebel pointed out that Steve Gibson has started a project ( SQRL ) "squirrel"  to use QR codes as " a comprehensive, easy-to-use, high security replacement for usernames,
passwords, reminders, one-time-code authenticators . . . and everything else.
"
https://www.grc.com/sqrl/sqrl.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQRL

tags:  #QRcodes    99guspuppet


Thursday, June 26, 2014

MetGlas

Why should you care about Metglas ?
Metglas has a maximum relative permeability approximately 1,000,000.  This means it channels ( concentrates ) existing magnetic fields better than any other material.  Empty space ( vacuum ) has a permeability of 1.  Superconductors have a permeability of zero.  Steel materials vary from 100 to 5,000.  So MG can come in very handy for constructing magnetic circuits.

Here are some informative links ....
http://www.metglas.com/faq/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metglas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permeability_%28electromagnetism%29

My observations...
I ordered some MetGlas from AllElectronics.com .   3 spools for $12.  I am interested in seeing what I can do with it.

MetGlas is attracted to a magnet.  Small amount has noticeable attraction thru paper to Neodymium magnet.  MG is brittle and hard to unwind from a spool.

tags:  99guspuppet  #MetGlas  #MetGlasReview

Use TinkerMill to Invent

TinkerMill is located in Longmont, Colorado.  Driven by visionaries .... ( Scott Converse is one of them ) , they have a two site campus that has some wonderful people and some wonderful stuff.
Here are some ( sometimes ) live video feeds.

Downtown   40.1655137,-105.1016172
Kimbark Street & 4th
The downtown site is office-like and has AV production facilities, classroom space and 1Gbit Cloud connection.

Delaware Place          40.1554859,-105.1247727
The location at Delaware Place is next to a spectacular lake , has offices , giant machines , an auto bay , warehouse workspace , 1Gbit Cloud and more.  Here is the layout.

Resources
http://forum.tinkermill.org/    <=== TM projects are broken out here












 




tags :  99guspuppet   #Tinkermill    #GoToInvent   #DentTheUniverse