its not uncommon to see atmel’s attiny line used as an rfid reader, or reader interface, but [micah] at scanwidget used an attiny85 to respond as an rfid tag using just one external inductor. he also has a more stable version using only a handful of parts (capacitors, resistors, and a copper coil). the simplification comes from the idea of using the incoming rfid pulse as a power source, data source, and clock source, with a handful of handwritten instructions in place of the regular firmware. while this isnt the most elegant soulution, it does make making whole batches of homebrew tags much closer to reality. code available in subversion, and hardware described in detail.

read…

future hackaday writer [james munns] combines a number of familiar parts, including shiftbrites (our review), XBees, and an arduino diecimillia to show off a prototype of a remote shiftbrite display. currently, the display responds to plain-text serial commands, which can be controlled manually or by code in any flavor that supports serial output. in the next few weeks, [james] plans to scale the prototype up to a wall-sized light with a 75W max output. video after the break.

video via youtube

whenever high power, low cost tools toys can be made rather than bought, we are all over it. [laser rain] takes this fun to the world of high power lasers with his blu-ray laser diode based maglite hack. he managed to assemble all the parts for under $100 dollars shipped. parts list and instructions available over on the instructable. thoughtfully, he also included the obligatory eye damage opportunity risk warning.

Hookah James’ Standard Setup

• Hookah: Sahara Smoke Tsunami, 2 hose, Extra long down stem.
• Hoses: Nammors, from http://www.hookah-shisha.com/
• Coals: Exotica Square Natural Coals (Still amazing) from Sahara Smoke
• Other: Water with ice, 3 people smoking.
• Bowl: Im using the super cheap 2$ clay bowl from sahara smoke, and to be honest, it is my favorite above all others.

Flavor: 9/10.

I love blueberry now. I had a friend recommend some, and now it is definately in my top three flavors. From the moment I opened the tub, I was hit with the amazing flavor. Hookah Hookah’s blueberry also manages to include that little bit of tart to perfectly balance out the sweet. After I drain this 250g tub, I will probably make it one of my “On hand” flavors.

Smoke: 8/10.

Same as the Hookah-Freak shisha, the smoke came almost instantly after I added the coals, and lasted a solid 90 minutes to an hour (wasn’t watching the clock). The smoke never got harsh, but did turn just a bit more on the tart side in the last 20-30 mins. This was a subtle change though, and my room mate didnt pick up on it (he doesn’t hookah often). Still got the clouds, starting maybe 15 min in, and lasting until the coals ran out (I used about 1 and 1/2 Exotica Coals, could almost have made it a full 2, but I am almost out )

Cost: $11.95/250g; $32.85/assorted 750g

Another solid flavor from Hookah-Hookah. From personal experience, I know blueberry also mixes excellently with vanilla or acai berry of pretty much any brand.

Enjoy!

-Hookah James

(PS: I have the “Round of Shots”, so if there is a flavor that you want an opinion on, let me know and I will get it going!)

Today I tried my new “Banana Hammock” shisha from Sahara Smoke. First off, I used my new standard setup,

• Hookah: Sahara Smoke Tsunami, 4 hose (Only 2 of them today), Extra long down stem.
• Hoses: Nammors, from http://www.hookah-shisha.com/
• Coals: Exotica Square Natural Coals (Fantastic, 100% recommended) from Sahara Smoke
• Other: Regular water, no ice, 2 people smoking regularly, 2 people in and out

Flavor: 7/10

Flavor was good, definitely didn’t get boring, despite not being as rich or as tangy as some fruitier flavors can be. Sahara smoke defines Banana Hammock as:

Banana Hammock – Strap up a hammock between two Banana trees, and sip on a chocolate shake while everything falls into place.  This is a true island flavor.

I don’t know about all that, but it definitely came through as a delicious banana-chocolate mix. I really enjoyed it. I think it would be good mixed with a tangier fruit flavor such as Raspberry or Cranberry, which might complement the Banana well by giving it that kick it is missing.

Smoke: 8/10

I dont know what it is about Hookah-Hookah/Hookah Freak shisha, it never looks like much when packing the bowl (It is a much less moist feeling shisha than something like an Al-Fahker, and definitely not as sticky as a Starbuzz. However, every time I’ve had HH/HF, Ive gotten amazing clouds, and it seems like it is very difficult to burn. I wouldn’t torch it, but it does seem to be much less tempermental than a lot that ive tried. It also doesn’t leave a sticky mess in the bowl or stem, and cleans up easily. No killer buzz, but that’s not always a bad thing.

Cost: $7.99/100g; $18.50/300g @ Sahara Smoke.

Overall I would definitely recommend. Not too expensive, and if you’re looking to change things up from standard mixes and don’t have a wide variety sitting around, its a good place to start.

I’ve also gotten in some other HH/HF stuff, so the next couple reviews will be over that.

Feel free to ask me any questions, as always, use coupon code MUST01 (has to be in all caps) to get 10% of your net order at Sahara Smoke.

Enjoy!
-Hookah James

Quote of the moment:

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire

Getting Jinzora going again, hopefully it will turn into something that is worth really using.

Uploading St. Pats pics to Flickr right now, I need to go find my camera and upload all the ones since then.

Lots of places to go, how? No idea.

Damn no sleep nights… bet I fall asleep during EE121… oops.

Its now possible.

Call/Msg me for details/help

(ITS VERY IMPORTANT YOU USE THIS VERSION AND SETTINGS. OTHERWISE BATTLE/SAVING MAY NOT WORK)

Railroad Bandit Kanye

Originally uploaded by James Munns

Mmmm… yes…..

Uploaded some new pictures to http://flickr.com/photos/packam/

Pretty much the last of the ones on my iPhone. I have Gonzo’s 2 Gig card for my camera, so 10 Mpx shenanigans begin tommorow.

Finally posted pics of the “Sistine Chapel“…. definately worth a peek. Hit up my photostream as always at http://flickr.com/photos/packam/

Much love.
Jahmez