Octopus Paul

Paul predicted the winners of each of the seven 2010 FIFA World Cup matches that the German team played, against Australia, Serbia, Ghana, England, Argentina, Spain, and Uruguay. His prediction that Argentina would lose prompted Argentine chef Nicolas Bedorrou to post an octopus recipe on Facebook. Paul’s keeper, Oliver Walenciak, responded by saying “There are always people who want to eat our octopus but he is not shy and we are here to protect him as well. He will survive.”

Octopus Paul correctly predicted the outcome of the semi-final, by choosing the food in the box marked with the Spanish flag. German supporters drew hope from his incorrect choice for the Germany versus Spain match in the UEFA Euro 2008 but were disappointed. The prediction led to death threats as German fans called for Paul to be cooked and eaten. In response, Spanish prime minister Jose Zapatero jokingly offered to send Paul official state protection, and the Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian called for Paul to be given safe haven in Spain. Octopus Paul maintained a 100% accurate record during the tournament by correctly predicting Spain’s victory over the Netherlands in the final as well as Germany’s win over Uruguay in the third-place playoff, and subsequently went into retirement.

Source:Wikipedia

Imagine, you just bought a product let’s say a cell phone and you’re happy with it. What are you going to do, enjoy your new gadget or search the internet for other peoples experience? Right, enjoy your toy.

Now imagine you bought some crap that’s not working like expected. That’s the time you’re going to search Google for reviews and ratings. And when you’re there, looking for solutions to the problems your new cell phone has, why not give the product some bad points?

Ratings in numbers

Let’s translate it into numbers. No exact science, just some estimations.

An average product has more satisfied than unsatisfied owners. A ratio of 60% being happy and 40% who expected better. Keeping in mind the fact that it’s more likely that people experiencing problems with the product are rating products the 80/20 rule can be applied. Of the 60% being happy 20% is rating the product. That’s 12%. Of the 40% unhappy owners 80% is searching the internet for solutions. That’s 32%.

Although 60% of the people who bought the product are happy only 12 out of 44 people are giving the product a good rating.

Apply a fixed correction to ratings?

No. A fixed correction will not work. In the example of a cell phone, negative experiences will affect the results the most. But how about movie reviews? People reviewing movies are there to discover more like the movie they saw. They are looking for other movies from the same director or with the same actors. Most of them will be positive. A fixed correction will not work.

Conclusion

Manipulating the results to give a correct representation is not an easy task. In fact it might be better not to automatically apply a correction to every rating on the internet. The visitor, looking for information before buying the product, should take in mind that the rating given to a product isn’t an exact representation of the experience of other users.

Today everybody is expecting more features, connectivity and smooth usability from their phones. In the case of the CiPhone C6 Cell Phone, we have a more elegant but useful mobile phone with all the features a decent smart-phone has. You can enjoy a lot of applications and features with this mobile phone like GPS and WIFI. The price? It seems to cheap to be true, but it’s true: only $173.00. Not much for an iPhone look-a-like with similar features.

But…oh no! It’s made in China. Don’t be frightened: in China they make reliable products as well.

What we expected

We didn’t expect to much from the CiPhone. We thought it was just another cheap iPhone clone. We were wrong.

What we got from the CiPhone C6

In a table:

The CiPhone C6 incorporates many features of its predecessor the CiPhone C5. However the C6 has a 3.5″ display, wireless network, Bluetooth and integrated GPS.

Just like the real iPhone the CiPhone C6 has a gravity sensor making it possible to rotate the display by tilting the CiPhone C6. Like the C5, the C6 is based on Windows Mobile, which allows the installation of many popular and useful applications and games. For the display, the resolution has been improved and now supports a higher resolution than the CiPhone C5.

Conclusion

It’s not an iPhone. If you want an iPhone, go and buy one. If you want a good looking Windows based smart phone the CiPhone C6 is something for you. It’s certainly worth the $173.00. ]]> http://www.techible.net/2010/04/ciphone-c6-review/feed/ http://www.techible.net/2010/04/top-3-iphone-clones-for-less-than-175/ http://www.techible.net/2010/04/top-3-iphone-clones-for-less-than-175/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:04:43 +0000 Peter http://www.techible.net/?p=578 iPhones are expensive, for those who don’t want to spend way to much money on a fancy smart-phone there are some good looking iPhone alternatives. The iPhone clones listed on this post are all priced below $175. Although ‘made in china’ these iPhone clones are from average to good quality.

If fast look at the iPhone clones you might think they are nothing but some normal iPhones. Take a closer look, you’ll be surprised.

1. Ciphone C6 $173.00
   • WiFi - Check emails, or just surf the Web with advanced WiFi technology.
   • Built-In GPS - Find your way anywhere
   • Bluetooth - High speed wireless technology
   • Touchscreen - Easy-to-use and responsive touchscreen function for smooth navigating.
   • High Definition Camera – Take high quality photos with your phone! Connects to your Java-enabled - Get the latest apps on your phone with Java technology!
   • FM Radio - Pick up your favorite FM radio stations wherever you are
   • iPhone-Style Menu - Slick touchscreen menu has everything you need
   • Windows Mobile 6.0 - Compact operating system specially designed for phones
   • Multiple Software Support – Run programs such as MSN, Excel and Skype
2. hiphone H8 $94.00
   • Dual SIM -  Switch easily between two SIM card/phone numbers in the same handset.
   • Bluetooth - High speed wireless technology.
   • FM Radio - Pick up your favorite FM radio stations wherever you are.
   • Gravity Acceleration Sensor Cell phone - Go beyond touchscreen! Lets you navigate your phone’s options without having ever to touch a button or screen. Just tilt and shake!
   • Flat Touch Screen - Easy-to-use and responsive touch screen function for smooth navigating.
   • Change the wallpaper,song by shaving the phone
   • High Def PC Cam - The best quality pictures available from a phone! Connects to your PC for easy picture upload/downloading.
   • Super Slim- Slim and compact so it disappears in your pocket when not in use. Ultra-thin phones are smart and efficient.
   • iPhone-Style Menu - Slick and familiar touchscreen menu has everything you need
3. hiphone 3GS $135.00
   • Dual Camera - Front and rear lenses for a more versatile shot.
   • FM Radio - Pick up your favorite FM radio stations wherever you are.
   • Bluetooth - High speed wireless technology.
   • Touch Screen - Easy-to-use and responsive touch screen function for smooth navigating.
   • Full Screen View - Crystal clear viewing with our cinematic full-screen mode.
   • Fully Unlocked - Works on all four main GSM frequency bands for great reception world wide.
   • Ultra-Thin - Slim and compact so it disappears in your pocket when not in use. Ultra-thin phones are smart and efficient.
   • Change the wallpaper and song by shaking the phone

Previous posts:

Home automation over ethernet
The home automation over IP controller

Software

Right now the micro controller board with the Atmega168 can read analog inputs, switch relays and dim LEDs using pulse width modulation. However no logical decisions are made by the micro controller.

To do the logics I made a client and server application with Java that’s able to run JavaScript files in a script engine. The Java application retrieves the values from the micro controllers, executes the JavaScript and sends the updated values back to the micro controllers. It acts like some kind of soft PLC, running on a simple language like JavaScript.

Because the JavaScript based soft PLC has no GUI I integrated an extra webserver in it. Now it’s possible to create fancy interfaces with Adobe Flash or any other development tool that’s able to get and send data over HTTP.

A complete cycle is as follows:

1. retrieve IO status from micro controllers
2. execute script
3. retrieve modified IO status from script engine and put it in the IO buffer
4. apply modifications received by the server in IO buffer
5. flush the buffer to the micro controllers
6. goto step 1…

To avoid to much load on the network a cycle is only ran once every 200ms. For industrial purposes this could be to slow but for switching on and of lights in your house this is fast enough. When pushing a button in a Flash movie the delay is barely noticed.

Hardware

Beside the point that the modules will not be build in to a housing that can be mounted on a DIN rail there are no changes on the hardware part.

Can I get the source and schematics from this project?

At the moment, no. It might get open source one day, it might be not.

Het Digicorder probleem

Veel digitale kijkers die gebruik maken van de Digicorder van Telenet ondervinden na enkele jaren problemen. Deze gaan van af en toe een melding dat de stekker uitgetrokken moet worden om alle functionaliteiten te herstellen tot het continu herstarten van de Digicorder. De garantietermijn van de Digicorder bedraagt 2 jaar en die garantietermijn blijkt net iets korter te zijn dan de levenstermijn ervan. Wat weinig mensen weten is dat je voor nog geen 3 euro de Digicorder zelf kan herstellen.

De oorzaak van de problemen

Hoewel je zou kunnen denken dat de oorzaak aan de software ligt is dit veelal niet het geval. De eerste firmware versies van de Digicorder waren niet de beste maar tegenwoordig is de software behoorlijk stabiel. Waar het dan wel fout loopt bij de Digicorder is de hardware.

Na het openschroeven van de Digicorder wordt het probleem meteen duidelijk. Zeven condensatoren die bol staan of zelfs uitgelopen zijn.

Overzicht digicorder

Bolle en lekkende elco

De oplossing

Gezien het probleem ligt de oplossing voor de hand. Vervang de zeven onder gedimensioneerde elco’s door nieuwe van een hogere spanning.

De defecte elco’s zijn allen van het type 470µF/16V. De nieuwe condensatoren zijn eveneens 470µF maar dan 25V.

Benodigdheden:

• Defecte Digicorder
• 7 elco’s 470µF/25V
• Kruis schroevendraaier
• Soldeerbout
• Soldeertin

Begin met het openen van de behuizing. Hiervoor moet je 8 schroeven losdraaien. Het deksel schuif je dan een beetje naar achteren zodat je het eenvoudig kan verwijderen.

De condensatoren die we gaan vervangen bevinden zich op de grootste printplaat in de Digicorder. Aan de voorkant, naast de harde schijf, zie je 7 identieke twart/gouden condensatoren van 470µF/16V. Als deze bol staan of als ze lekken aan de bovenkant zit je met het probleem waar deze tutorial een oplossing voor biedt. Verder lezen is de boodschap!

Om met de soldeerbout aan de condensatoren te geraken moet de printplaat uit de Digicorder verwijderd worden. Als eerste moet het kleine zwevende printplaatje dat de houder bevat voor de smartcard los gemaakt worden.

Zwevende printplaat smartcard

Om deze printplaat te verwijderen maak je de twee schroeven aan de zijkant los. Haal ook de smartcard uit het slot.

Zwevende printplaat weg

Om voldoende ruimte te hebben om de twee printplaten die op de onderkant van de Digicorder liggen uit elkaar te halen moeten ze beide losgeschroefd worden. De kleine printplaat zit vast met 3 schroeven, de grote (met de elco’s) met 5. Vergeet ook de schroef aan de achterkant niet. Deze zit in de audio connector.

Niet te vergeten schroef

Om nog wat extra bewegingsvrijheid te geven aan de printplaten maak je ook best één van de schroeven van de harde schrijf los. Ook de blauwe geluidsdemper (jaja, die zitten er wel degelijk in) mag eruit.

Plaats maken

Maak ook alle connectoren los. Ook de voeding van de harde schijf, deze vertrekt immers van de printplaat die we uit de Digicorder gaan halen.

Connectoren los

Nu zouden de printplaten voldoende moeten kunnen schuiven om de aansluitingen die zich aan de achterkant van de Digicorder bevinden naar binnen te schuiven. Waarna de twee printplaten ook uit elkaar geschoven kunnen worden. De twee printplaten zijn gescheiden door middel van een stuk rechtopstaand plastiek.

Aansluitingen naar binnen geschoven

Printplaat losmaken

Losgemaakte printplaat

Nu de printplaat uit de Digicorder is kunnen de condensatoren los gesoldeerd worden. Vermits de printplaat loodvrij gesoldeerd is moet je zeker zien dat je soldeerbout warm genoeg staat. Als je de benen van de condensator warm maakt en terwijl aan de andere kant aan de condensator trekt met een klein tangetje gaat het los solderen behoorlijk vlot.

Desolderen elco's

Vervang de condensatoren door de nieuwe, lettend op de polariteit.

Elco 's vervangen

Als de zeven condensatoren vervangen zijn kan je je Digicorder weer in elkaar schroeven. Sluit alle connectoren weer aan en plaats ook de smartcard terug in het slot. Nu alles weer in elkaar zit zoals het hoort sluit je de Digicorder aan op je TV en zet je hem onder spanning.

Nieuwe condensatoren in digicorder

Gemaakte digicorder

Om met een propere lei te starten kan je ook een factory reset met verlies van data doen. Huisje -> instellingen -> Digibox/Digicorder -> Systeem instellingen -> Instellingen resetten.  Je Digicorder zal nu herstarten. Geef je netwerk en regio code in (zie boekje Digicorder). Laat nu je Digicorder even met rust. De software zal geüpdatet worden en de tvgids wordt gedownload. Als dit allemaal achter de rug is trek je je stroomkabel nog eens uit en steek je hem weer in. Veel kans dat je nu weer even verder kan met je Digicorder.

Conclusie

Veel mensen denken onterecht dat hun Digicorder voor de vuilbak is als hij meer en meer irritante kuren krijgt. Dit is ook wat men aanraadt bij de Telenet helpdesk. Telenet heeft er immers voordeel bij als je overschakelt van je gekochte toestel op een huur Digicorder.

Hoewel er enige handigheid en tijd benodigd is om deze reparatie tot een goed einde te brengen is ze niet onoverkomelijk. En zeker niet duur. Voor minder dan 3 euro heb je weer een werkende Digicorder. Het proberen waard als de garantietermijn verstreken is!

Include the Atmega watchdog functions:

Enable the watchdog timer:

Super loop:

Restart the microcontroller:

This an easy and effective way to reset the controller.

Unfortunately the tcp/ip stack has some internal loops that keep the system busy when the network cable is disconnected. Because the watchdog timer is only reseted at the beginning of the super loop the watchdog flows over, again and again. When the micro controller boots the settings are read/written from and to the eeprom. With a maximum of 100.000 write cycles for eeprom leaving it powered for a whole day wasn’t a good move. Time to order a new micro controller, again some learning money spend

To make it possible to mount the controller in a common electric cabinet it will be housed in a DIN Rail mountable enclosure.

DIN Rail housing

To bring the micro controller outputs to the exterior I made a PCB using the toner transfer method.

PCB for connectors

After soldering the connectors on the PCB and wiring the micro controller board to the connector board everything is mounted in the enclosure. At the moment the PCB’s are not yet fixed in the enclosure.

Controller mounted on rail

Currently the firmware supports the change of some basic settings like IP, MAC and IO port direction. 12 IO ports are available on the connectors. Four of them can be used as analog input, they can all be configured as digital input or output. To make flashing the firmware possible while the micro controller is in it’s housing the ISP port is also available on the connectors.

The current version of the computer software can be used to set digital outputs and read analog inputs.

Computer software screenshot

Because using a mouse or keyboard isn’t fancy enough for home automation a 7″ touch screen will be connected to the computer.

The next step will be attaching a relay board so the controller can be used to switch lights or other appliances.