Sparky Jr.

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Forum

Michael Alves

System Requirements for SparkyJoystick and SkypeSparkySever? 3 Replies

Started by Michael Alves. Last reply by Michael Alves Nov 4.

Andrew Murray

Can I use a Window laptop? 2 Replies

Started by Andrew Murray. Last reply by Brian Oct 22.

Michael Alves

Can you used a hacked Roomba? 10 Replies

Started by Michael Alves. Last reply by Benjamin H Oct 20.

Jack Swayze

Adding more functionality. 5 Replies

Started by Jack Swayze. Last reply by Benjamin H Oct 19.

Jack Swayze

Failed to connect 20 Replies

Started by Jack Swayze. Last reply by Johnny Celenz Oct 16.

Members

  • Michael Alves
  • Jack Swayze
  • Brian
  • Tim Vaughan
  • Andrew Murray
  • Benjamin H
  • Marque Cornblatt
  • LadyBee
  • ty
  • Dave Gustafson
  • Ricky Buchanan
  • Johnny Celenz
  • Sparky Rust
  • Sandro Gomes
  • R. Vickrey
  • Kat

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Welcome to Sparky Jr.


This site is dedicated to DIY, open source mobile telepresence.
Click the tabs above to get free software and instructions, plus how-to videos, hardware links and more connecting you the growing community of mobile telepresence and videochat ROV builders.

Feel free to post your own projects and get feedback from other members.

Blog Posts

Marque Cornblatt

Sparky Xing

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on October 6, 2009 at 4:46pm

Marque Cornblatt

Intel Robot Plugs Itself In - Now, Who Wants to Code This Up for Sparky?

From Intel Labs, via Gizmodo

"Not to get all paranoid, but robots can now find outlets and plug themselves in. And this isn't some Roomba gimmick either..."


Hey! What's wrong with Roomba gimmicks...?




Here's the whole story

Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on September 29, 2009 at 3:26pm

Marque Cornblatt

The Reality of Robot Surrogates - Bruce Willis on Mobile Telepresence

An interesting take on the state-of-the-art... With Die Hard!!


Via IEEE Spectrum.org

How far are we from sending robots into the world in our stead?


Anne Marie Corrley writes:
"Imagine a world where you're stronger, younger, better looking, and don't age. Well, you do, but your robo

Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on September 24, 2009 at 1:30pm

Marque Cornblatt

Boing Boing covers Studio 360 covering the Sparky Project


Lisa Katayama, writer, journalist and blogger wrote on Boing Boing:

"My segment on Sparky — a robot made by San Francisco artist Marque Cornblatt using a Mac Mini, Skype, and a hodge podge of gadget parts — aired this weekend on PRI's Studio360, the art… Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on September 20, 2009 at 8:00pm — 2 Comments

Marque Cornblatt

Telepresence Dog Sitter or WiFi Enabled Chew Toy? You Decide.


The Pet Care Robot (concept) is a Wi-Fi controlled bot that can serve as your remote eyes and ears from a web interface. But what's a bit different than a Rovio is that this robot allows you to play fetch through a remote controlled ball you can steer around the house—all while nurturing your animal throu… Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on September 14, 2009 at 2:17pm — 2 Comments

Marque Cornblatt

Military Drones Get Audio - Full Face Video Can't Be Too Far Off

From WIRED Danger Room...

"Your Predator drone has all the latest gear, including communications, laser target designator, day and night cameras and, of course, Hellfire missiles. But, according to Special Operations Command, it still needs that essential finishing touch: the latest sound system."

Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on August 12, 2009 at 6:14pm

Marque Cornblatt

Make: Magazine Profiles Sparky for Maker Faire Bay Area 2009



Make: Magazine has assembled a terrific profile of the Sparky project in anticipation of Maker Faire Bay Area 2009. Read it Here.

The folks at Make are a great bunch. They publish an essential how-to magazine and host the ultimate DIY science and art fairs all over the world. They have always been supportiv… Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on May 14, 2009 at 6:54pm — 1 Comment

Marque Cornblatt

New Battery Hack for Mac Mini powered Sparky Robot

Just posted: Secrets of easy DIY Li-Ion battery hacks. DO try this at home...


Battery Hack Page

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on May 3, 2009 at 10:48pm

Marque Cornblatt

Step-By-Step Guide to DIY Telepresence Robotics


Easy to follow guide for making a videochat telepresence robot from common toys and computer gear. Most of the materials required for this project is available off-the-shelf and much of what I used was already in my shop from previous projects –hopefully you will have some similar gear, but be prepared to improvise, dumpster dive or hit Craigslist for missing parts.



Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on March 17, 2009 at 2:00pm

Marque Cornblatt

Transhuman Brain Transplant Performs Hamlet


Uncle, From Sony's City of Lost Children

While presenting Sparky at Maker Fair, I met Chris Jeffries, who sent along this link.

It’s a fascinating recount of Daniel C. Dennett, the first person to successfully have his brain removed and live to tell about it. Since winning his freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Pentagon, he can now s… Continue

Posted by Marque Cornblatt on March 17, 2009 at 1:24pm — 1 Comment

 
 

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Marque Cornblatt Marque Cornblatt created this social network on Ning.

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Latest Activity

Hey Johnny, have you had a chance to tinker with the PPC version yet?
November 3
I don't know if it is possible, but I am using a hackintosh...I haven't interfaced the irobot yet, but will try next week.
October 22
Yes you can. Depending on how you drill it might break the vacuum. The Create is a lot better especially for larger (heavier) loads. Plus the mount points keep it on! Please can you make one where you can send custom commands like {136} 9 Thanks!
October 20
Dave Gustafson is now a member of Sparky Jr.
October 19
Mini is WAY easier. Add a spot where you can send custom commands like the play a certain demo i think it is {136} 9 Like a text box thing. Just some thoughts.
October 19
Hey Michael- Were you able to mount the 4th wheel to the roomba 400? Thanks. Brian
October 17
Hi Jack, The control file is _intended_ to be for the irobot too. However, I never got this done. Are you familiar with C code and using make? If so, The source code is the SVN tree linked from: http://code.google.com/p/sparkyrobotcontroller/so...
October 16
Hello. controld should have been added to the crontab for root. If you sudo crontab -l, you will see the entry. Oh no, I see the bug! I will fix the distribution now. The wrong entry is: * * * * * php /Sparky/shell_check_sparky_irobot.php &> /tm...
October 16
Do you know how the commands are being processed and sent to the robot? I know controld seems to the be controller daemon that is sending the command. I found the make controller file to create my own servo commands, but that does not seem to be f...
October 16
also, start a new forum topic for your project with lots of details and a juicy title and I will feature it on the site.
October 16
The code is here: http://code.google.com/p/sparkyrobotcontroller/downloads/list probably needs updating anyway... The thumbstick control does need some work. The logic for reverse still doesn't match forward. Ultimately I would like it to drive l...
October 16
Hey, that sounds great. You are the first official Sparky not made by us. (Congrats!) Let's see some pics or video!! And thanks for the notes. Many people want to see Sparky's edge sensors working like the bumpers do, Also folks want auto-recharg...
October 16
Jack Swayze added a discussion
If any once can point me to the correct location I would love to add more functionality to this great project. I would like to add faster movement, currently it moves way too slow. I would also like to add the ability to go forward and turn at th...
October 16
WOOOHOOO!!! I was able to get the robot to finally move!!!! It turns out there are wholes in the documentation not just bugs in the code. The first major problem (if I missed it in the directions let me know) the controld app is not being auto l...
October 16
No Windows yet with this software! www.iRobot.com As for the Mac part Geek Attack! can install osx on pc's! bhylak@gmail.com
October 15
Hello. Some people have attempted to rewrite the sparky source code for windows (Including me) No luck yet! But you can install OSX on a PC with help from Geek Attack! bhylak@gmail.com I actually use a hacked netbook for my robot! I sell preasse...
October 15
 

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