Measure Activity on the XO<br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(</span>The Activity which converts the XO into an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyzer and a data logger !)<br><br><br></span>
Release 9 of the Measure Activity (build 575 onwards) features an improved UI and the following basic features -
<br>* Apply an AC or DC signal into Mic_In port, or simply observe the sound signal picked up from the Mic on the XO<br>* Watch the signal in time domain for frequency domain representation<br>* Toggle the bias voltage at the Mic_in port ON/OFF. This voltage is required by many sensors.
<br>* Log data at a specified interval, take a snapshot of the current waveform; and draw a graph of the logged data too.<br><br><br><br>How can you help ?<br><br><br>(1)
Help in software development of the activity. There are many
refinements and features that can further be added. I have put some of
the priority ones down as tickets in Trac. Have a look at #3435, #3437,
#3438 and #3461.<br><br>(2) Do projects (and help
document them ) around the Measure Activity. Ideas ranging from
building a low cost ECG system to a low cost intrusion alarm system.
I've built and tested two ideas illustrating the concept : <br>=>'A low cost intrusion alarm system' that makes use of a toy
laser that I powered from the USB and used a simple LDR (light
dependent resistor) connected to the MIC_IN. Switch on the bias, set
the activity to DC mode; observe the voltage change when the light path
of laser upon the LDR is cut! <br>=>'Temperature' monitoring system that I made simply with an LM35 temp sensor, and I powered the sensor from the USB port. <br><br><br>(3)
Help develop content and curriculum around the Measure activity.
Science experiments, Physics concepts...being able to relate concepts
with physical phenomena through hands on experiments makes for great
learning !
<br>For example, kids can whistle into the mic and using the frequency
domain display mode in Measure, compare and learn about frequencies...<br><br><br>(4)
Want to build a low cost science/physics/chemistry lab ? A tele-health
monitoring system ? Lots of possibilities to be explored. All new ideas
welcome!
<br><br><br>
(5) Help document such projects and other cool ideas . We would , in
probability, be going in for Makezine DIY style documentation of such
projects - with cool illustrations, photographs and explanation...<br><br><br><br><br>Get in touch with me at <a href="mailto:arjun@laptop.org" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">arjun@laptop.org
</a> for any details/clarifications.<br><br>Looking forward to great collaboration and support from the community.<br><br><br>sincerely,<br>Arjun<br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Arjun Sarwal ( <a href="mailto:arjun@laptop.org">
arjun@laptop.org</a> )