Join Alan, extending ADSB receivers, as he shares tips on enhancing aircraft visibility. Mark discusses his amusing journey of hacking a washing machine, mixing DIY with humor. Martin dives into his Linux Game Jam 2023 project, Antsy Alien Attack Pico, highlighting the unique challenges of creating a game within the Pico 8 environment. The trio explores the joys and quirks of tech tinkering, combining personal anecdotes with intriguing insights into game development and appliance automation!
Enhancements in ADSB receiver technology have significantly improved aircraft visibility, showcasing the power of community collaboration in tech advancements.
The innovative retrofitting of a washing machine exemplifies how creative home automation can optimize energy efficiency using existing technology.
Deep dives
Enhancing Airplane Tracking
Modifications to airplane tracking software have improved its functionality and range. The integration of additional data-sharing services such as ADS-B1 and ADS-BFI allows for better visibility of aircraft, with users able to see planes up to 130 nautical miles away. This enhancement was achieved by installing an antenna amplifier and raising the antenna's position, resulting in a significant increase in the range of detectable aircraft. Furthermore, community engagement has played a vital role, with recommendations and support from fellow enthusiasts leading to these improvements.
Hacking Household Appliances
An innovative approach to home energy efficiency is introduced through the retrofitting of a washing machine with a timer. Although the washing machine lacked a built-in delay function, a mechanical socket timer was employed to enable nighttime operation, coinciding with cheaper energy rates. When the machine was turned on and locked, it could be set to resume its cycle when the timer activated during the lower rate period. This unexpected solution exemplifies creative home automation and showcases how individuals can adapt existing technology for better energy management.
Game Development Insights
The discussion of a recent game jam reveals insights into utilizing Pico-8, a fantasy console that facilitates rapid game development. The use of this platform allowed for the recreation of a previous game project while adapting to the constraints of a modern game jam. The experience highlighted the significance of Lua as a programming language, showcasing its simplicity and effectiveness for game-making, especially for beginners. As a result, plans for future projects include using Pico-8 not only for personal development but also as a teaching tool for younger programmers.
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