Latest Projects
Building MDroid-Core for OpenWRT
April 28, 2019The NanoPi R1 has proven itself to be a very capable SBC, and with FriendlyELEC’s fork of OpenWRT it stands to be an even better router. The idea here in my MDroid build is to combine the GLiNet router and the Raspberry Pi into one data-logging super-router. The problem is that most software is not […]
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License Plate Recognition: ODROID XU4
February 25, 2019Here is an earlier post where I detailed the fog light cameras. Last year I found the ODROID XU4 to punch above its weight class when compared to other SBCs. It’s a powerful board with an active community and well developed software. Naturally that makes it a top candidate for the embedded nonsense I’ve been up […]
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Dual Fog Light Cameras
February 22, 2019Some images from my recent fog light camera install. These are both Logitech C930es, installed horizontally and held in by screws on either side. The USB cable is routed out the side below the air vent. Soon to be used for Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) when the vehicle is running. It appears stable, and relatively […]
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Raspberry Pi Camera v2.1: Maximum Functional Range
February 14, 2019This one’s fairly simple, what’s the maximum range of the CSI port on the latest Raspberry Pi A+? I tested about 2.8 meters, or just over 9 feet. The CSI port is meant for ribbon cables with a max length of 25cm, I was able to get a usable signal over 11 times that distance […]
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3d Printed Switchboard for Aux Battery
February 5, 2019This is an update to the AC Inverter / Aux Battery install I did a while ago. A dangling 30c switch seemed kind of janky to me, so I 3D printed this faceplate for two switches, cable routes, and battery level indicator. Old Switch: New Switch(es): The installed setup makes a satisfying click noise as […]
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Common Linux SBC Transcoding Benchmarks
November 15, 2018It’s all about the ARMs, baby. I bought several common Linux Small Board Computers (SBCs) online and immediately threw them into deep water by testing their video transcoding performance. Intel’s x86 is far better known for video encoding/decoding. These small SoCs are still worth comparing side by side. Spreadsheet with all the answers: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lUnt97ju0zja_pXoTfO77mu4tM0Rfd_TiOtcFwW4CBc/edit?usp=sharing TL;DR […]
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AC Power and Auxiliary Battery Install
September 30, 2018An M3 is not for touring. The ride is stiff, the engine is high-strung, and the constant eyeing of the temperature gauge can make long hauls relatively uncomfortable. But I love this fun car, and comfort won’t stop me from road tripping it. I wanted an electric cooler so I wouldn’t need to buy ice every […]
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Fish Tank Light Control: ESP-8266
August 2, 2018I have many, many plans with this tiny breakout board and wanted to warm up with a practical project. This is an ESP-8266, programmed with an amateur REST api that controls two channels of these massive LED light bars with 5v relays. This microcontroller can be slow to respond to requests – it’s already been […]
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Pi Zero Dashcam
July 17, 2018I’m neither the first nor the last to make a dash cam with God’s gift to Linux SBCs, but I think this implementation is marginally different. What I have now is more proof-of-concept than anything else. It still needs to be refined to be considered competent (or even functional). With a Raspberry Pi Zero W, […]
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