New addition to downloads - COD4 Server init script unstable -- Jan 27, 2008

Over the weekend I was migrating a server, and decided to write an Init script for Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare (Dedicated linux server).

It can be found here, in the downloads section.
The server binaries are from icculus.org

Eeprom Programming Software unstable -- Jun 27, 2007

A while back I was actively developing my EasyTitle device, which controls a mini disk unit to allow quick editing of titles and table of contents. It is controlled by a PIC16F84 (1K program EEPROM, 68 bytes data RAM, 64 bytes data EEPROM ). To store all the keyboard codes and macros it uses a 24LC64 EEPROM (64k). I was using a PDIP PIC but a SMD EEPROM. The problem I was faced with is populating the 64K eeprom, as I had no means to program a surface mount chip (Only own a home made PIC programmer so wouldn't have been able to program a PDIP eeprom either).

After searching the net to find a way of populating an eeprom in stages, or indirectly from the PIC and finding no solutions, I decided to dive in and try it myself. So using a C compiler and various data sheets I finally came up with some source code which allowed me to program the PIC with a chunk of the data I wanted putting into the eeprom. It was tedious but eventually got the job done. I needed to re-program the PIC for every segment of data and increment the buffer count so the PIC knew where to place the data.

Not being able to find a similar utility on the web made me think that others might also find this useful, so I am now (finally) posting the code for anyone and everyone to use as they wish.

Feedback is greatly appreciated, together with ideas of improvements or additional features (although with it being such a small utility there is little room to implement more). If anyone finds this useful please send me a quick email so I know my work was not in vain.

Download can be found here (in the downloads section).

Le Mans 2007 motorcycle tour unstable -- May 28, 2007

After a lot of messing about with the gallery software and updating things I have finally uploaded all of our pictures from the recent Le Mans 2007 biking tour.

I have to admit it was one of the best biking holidays we have been on and we are all up for it again next year. My only complaint (Well, two of) was that it was too short and the weather was crap on Sunday.

The tour was organised by Gordon from PRIDE motorcycle training. He organises a few trips throughout the year and does it very well. It was a welcomed change not to have to worry about anything and just enjoy the holiday. Thank you Gordon and all that were involved.

You can find the gallery pictures here.
PRIDE's Website
Professional photographer pics of the tour

New found electronics skill - PCB making unstable -- Dec 10, 2006

No more stripboard for me... I have now 'mastered' the art of creating my own PCB's. Using a standard Laser printer and Ferric Chloride, I have produced my very first home made PCB.

The circuit used was from EasyTitle 2, a controller for minidisk players which emulates the remote control and allows you to quickly program all the minidisk titles from either a keyboard or PC Serial port. (Pretty nifty).
EasyTitle can be seen in it's entirity here

Using the supplied PCB layout I have 'seccessfully' (open to debate) created my own PCB board as can be seen in the gallery.

Gallery is back up unstable -- Dec 03, 2006

It seems when I moved the database to another server I didnt stop to think about the gallery :) Ooops.

All fixed now though. (Still only for members).

Rhuallt Social Project unstable -- Aug 31, 2006

http://www.rhualltsocial.co.uk

I have just finished designing and building a site for friends of mine and their village community. The site allows the community to share information about upcoming events and activities, together with advertising anything that may be happening in the near future.

I have placed a small footnote o?n the site which will hopefully bring some more traffic here, and possible even land me a few web design contacts for small companies or individuals (One can hope). If anyone reading this would like a similar site developed and even hosted, drop me a line to the usual address admin[at]unstable.co.uk

Gallery now restricted unstable -- Jul 24, 2006

Sorry peeps, I have now decided to revoke permissions for "Guests" to view the photo gallery. It is still accessable to all Registered users, and registration is free and easy.

This is just to help me keep track on who is accessing pictures and such.

For those who are registered, there is a new gallery up from the weekend of 18th July 2006. Those who know me should know it's content.

Isle of Man TT 2006 unstable -- Jun 12, 2006

We have not long come back from a well deserved break to the Isle of Man, where we saw lots of bikes, lots of racing and not enough women...

Pictures can be seen here.

Sorry for the very short review, I think the pictures say it all.

Homebrew portable USB battery charger! unstable -- Mar 22, 2006

I have just finished putting the final touches o­n an idea I had earlier today...

I am taking a flight to the states this weekend, and want to listen to MP3's o­n my Ipaq for as long as I can during the journey. This made me thing how long my ipaq batter will last when constantly playing MP3's, considering lately it has been dieing o­n me and i have had to restore all my files and settings (Pain in the arse!).

Anywhoo... I came up with the idea of having a square 9v batter in some sort of circuit that will power a USB socket, after all these devices o­nly use the 5v rail from a USB socket to charge and power. So I searched the internet a little and found a copule of people had already made such a device (Mainly for ipods, but they all do the same thing). People have been using Zener diodes to create a 5v supply from a 9v battery, or an array of 1.2v (AA, AAA...) batteries. Well seeing as I have been playing with electronics which need a regulated 5v supply lately, I know a little about the 5v regulator L7805. So, I have designed a circuit which uses the 7805 regulator, a capacitor (have lots of Tant caps laying about), and a few diodes for safety (of my ipaq). Put it all together o­n a test board and it all worked :). But the 7805 regulator wastes the extra power by converting it to heat... not much use for me and a bit crappy when relying o­n a small battery. So I decided to add a toggle switch, which I got from an ebay auction of "Various electronic components...". Together with the switch I needed an LED to show if the circuit was powered or not.

So after a quick trip to Maplin, I had all the bits needed to create my first practical project. Spent the rest of the night building the circuit and carving out the project box. Granted my Drimmel skills arent anything to boast about, but all in all I think I did a satisfactory job (It's not there for it's looks anyway). The o­nly annoying bit was the USB hole is not very square, and the socket is recessed into the box.

Well the glue is now drying, o­nce thats all set I will be giving it a field test to see how well it copes with charging my ipaq, and how long it lasts.

I think I wont be taking it to the states with me after all... I'm sure the airport security wont appreciate a little black box with a big red switch, LED and a few electronics being in my hand luggage... I doubt I would have time to explain myself and it just isnt worth the hassle (Those who know me will already know the hassle surrounding this trip to the states!!!).

I have, as always, posted some pics in the gallery. Link to them from here.

I will try and post circuit diagrams soon but it's pretty obvious where all the components go.

PIC Programmer complete and working! unstable -- Mar 19, 2006

I have finally finished my implementation of David Tait's classic programmer. It took me a while to plan it out o?nto a stripboard, but with the help of Lochmaster it all eventually took shape. Apart from having destroyed 2 PIC's :( Expencive hobby...

I am now looking forward to creating PIC software and making more LED's flash. There is o?ne project which is o?n my mind at the moment and should start to take shape in the next couple of weeks. I have already plotted out the circuit and created the stripboard layout, which will no doubt need refineing.
In the mean time here are the pics of my programmer.

In the downloads section you will find the stripboard layout for the programmer, together with a copy of the Linux port of Tait's programming software (Including all source code and build scripts).
Stripboard layout
Programming software (linux)