DIY Christmas Tree - Happy Holidays

Hi guys I would like to share my recent project this week. A DIY cute Christmas Tree I purchased from eBay last week. All you need is basic electronic knowledge and soldering skills.

Materials:
1. resistor
2. transistors
3. board for Christmas tree and base
4. battery holder
5. switch
6. 5v adaptor
7. RGB leds
8. diodes


Please refer to the images below of the materials and the setup process. The soldering process is easy inlcuding the electronic parts are labeled on the circuit board. All remeber the anode and cathode of the led (positive and negative).

The finished product and video. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, may the spirit of love, blessing and goodwill be with you all.

 

Arduino Uno and Arduino Clone Comparison

I purchased a clone Arduino Uno recently to test and compared it with genuine Arduino Uno. This clone is made in China. Take note that the Arduino Chinese Clone is not plug and play. You need to access your window device manager from your Control Panel and install the device driver for CH40 and CH41. You can search google to download the CH40 driver for Arduino Chinese Clone in order to use it.

Unlike Genuine Arduino Uno, it's plug and play using Arduino IDE (You might need to set the PORT manually). For Arduino Clone it's quite tricky.. lol.. It took a couple of hours searching for the working driver and clear instruction on how to make it work with Windows 10.

In your device manager you may need to enable View Hidden Devices to see the Ports Used by CH40 and CH41 USB. Once you see the device CH40 you need to install the driver which you downloaded from Chinese site.



Here is the comparison of the two Arduino:

 

Image 1. Front View Comparison

 

Image 2. Back View Comparison 

Close up view of the Arduino Uno and Arduino Clone

Genuine Arduino Uno

 

Arduino Clone (Chinese Clone CH40)

Overall here's the score.
Both hardware can function and run the same codes. Overall both device can run same codes, shield and modules just like the genuine arduino. 

Here's the difference:
1. The PCB board used is very distinctive. The Genuine Arduino is using quality PCB board and circuitry.
2. The pin and slots of the genuine Arduino is strong and good quality.
3. The USB input of the Clone is quite troublesome since you can hardly find the USB adapter like this this time. There's no USB adapter included when I purchase this thing, however I have secured and used my old USB adapter from my old external drive. I hope they will upgrade with Micro USB adapter instead.
4. The device driver of Chinese Clone Arduino is tricky and require a little patience in order to make it recognizable by your your system.


Right now I am using the clone as test bed before deploying the system and code to my genuine Arduino. I advice you guys to prefer the genuine Arduino UNO since it very robust and good quality. However for beginners out there you may use the Clone as test bed before moving your Arduino hobby to the next level using the Genuine Arduino.

Happy coding geeks!

Going Green with Wind Turbine (HAWT 12DC)

I would liketo share the specification of my HAWT Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine that's been active for 4 years already. It surpoassed one majot super typhoon 3 years ago.

Specification: 
Voltage: 12DC
Power: 400W Peak
Charger: Hybrid 12/24DC Wind and Solar Charger

Please refer for the image taken below.

I have incoming shipment of IstaBreeze Wind Turbine from Germany. I will post the assembly and operation video and pictures soon. The IstaBreeze looks sturdy and strong. I am excited to test the product and install it in my homestead.

Live video of wind turbine in operation:

DIY Electric Fence using Patriot Electric Fence Charger (DC)

Hi guys, I would like to share my DIY electric fencing for goat and cow grazing. I use the meterials listed below for this DIY project.

Materials needed:
* Electric Fence Charger (Patriot Fence Charger - DC Model)
* Steel wire, poly tape ( You may need long wire depending on the diameter of the area)
* Electric Fence Insulator ( I used garden hose / with threads or you may use quality rubber or plastic)
* Fencing Poles (I used iron bar 2.5feet with concrete base)
* Small DC Battery (I used an old motorcycle battery)
* Lightning Protector / Arrester (THIS IS RECOMMENDED to protect your fence charger)
* Solar Panel 5watt 


Please refer to the photos below. It been 4 years already and running smoothly. Please install lightning arrester to protect your fence charger since mine was hit by lightning twice already in 4 yrs. Fence charger cost 100USD minimum so to protect your investment please use lightning arrester. 

5-Watt Solar Panel (was installed last 2012)

Full-setup of DC Powered Electric Fence

12v Battery (Power Source during the evening)

Patriot Lightning Arrester

Video of the system running:

DIY Fireworks Remote Firing System (12 Channel)

Here's my DIY remote firing system. 

Needed:
* 12CH Relay with remote
* Electric Matches
* 12DC Battery 

Specification: 
* 12 Channel Remote Firing
* Maximum Firing Distance: 100-200m (open space)


Note: 
The 12 Channel Relay was purchased from eBay and wired according to remote firing needs (Always Open).  This system was used during 2016 New Year and I will use it again to welcome 2017 New Year.

Image of the 12CH Relay (12DC)

Image with Antenna and Electric Matches

I will test fire the firing system this 2017 New Years Eve and post the fireworks video soon.

Building 6 DOF Robotic Arm with Arduino

Here are the materials needed:
* 6 Servos
* 6 Servo horns
* robotic claw
* metal L-Bracket
* metal base Bracket
* 3 metal U-Bracket
* 6 metal servo Bracket
* Arduino Uno / Arduino Yun / ATmega
* Arduino WIFI shield
* Adafruit Servo Shield

Assemble the materials starting with the base:

Attached the base servo and servo bracket:

Prepare the Claw:

Here's the complete 6DOF Robotic Arm (Arduino Code and Servo Shield will be posted next week)

I will upload the code and video of the working robotic arm soon.