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	<title>FoxyTronics Community Blog List</title>
	<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blogs/</link>
	<description>Community Blog List Syndication</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 01:50:49 +0000</pubDate>
	<webMaster>customerservice@foxytronics.com (FoxyTronics)</webMaster>
	<generator>IP.Blog</generator>
	<ttl>60</ttl>
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		<title>FoxyTronics News - New Products</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-63-new-products/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[<span  style='color: rgb(40,40,40)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'>Checkout the new products we've added recently!</span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/287-rotary-encoder-board' class='bbc_url' title=''>Rotary Encoder Board (KY-040)</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/287-rotary-encoder-board' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/287/rotary-encoder-board-960.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a simple and easy to use rotary encoder that works in both directions. It is often used with Arduino projects and many guides for it can be found online</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/307-super-heavy-duty-double-sided-tape' class='bbc_url' title=''>Super Heavy Duty Double Sided Tape</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/307-super-heavy-duty-double-sided-tape' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/307/super-heavy-duty-double-sided-tape-975.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a 1x8" strip of super heavy duty double sided tape with a holding strength of 5 lbs.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/322-stomp-switch-dpdt' class='bbc_url' title=''>Stomp Switch (DPDT)</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/322-stomp-switch-dpdt' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/322/stomp-switch-dpdt-969.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>These are durable, high quality stomp switches that are perfect for guitar pedals.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/320-10k-audio-knob-potentiometer' class='bbc_url' title=''>10kΩ Audio Knob Potentiometer</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/320-10k-audio-knob-potentiometer' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/320/10k-audio-knob-potentiometer-965.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>These are 10kΩ audio knob potentiometers.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/321-100k-linear-knob-potentiometer' class='bbc_url' title=''>100kΩ Linear Knob Potentiometer</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/321-100k-linear-knob-potentiometer' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/321/100k-linear-knob-potentiometer-967.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>These are 10kΩ audio knob potentiometers.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/268-2-way-2-1mm-5-5mm-dc-barrel-jack-splitter' class='bbc_url' title=''>2-Way 2.1mm/5.5mm DC Barrel Jack Splitter</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/268-2-way-2-1mm-5-5mm-dc-barrel-jack-splitter' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 12px'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/268/2-way-2-1mm-5-5mm-dc-barrel-jack-splitter-973.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a 2-way power jack splitter that allows you to split one 2.1mm/5.5mm DC barrel jack into two. This cable makes it easy to power two separate devices from one power </span></span></span><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>supply. </span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/309-prototyping-board-2-x2-75' class='bbc_url' title=''>Prototyping board (2"x2.75")</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/309-prototyping-board-2-x2-75' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/309/prototyping-board-2-x2-75-963.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>These prototyping PCBs are perfect for prototyping circuits, hence their name. They are somewhat of an intermediary between solderless breadboards and making a real PCB. They are cheap and work great!</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/284-2-4ghz-wireless-transceiver' class='bbc_url' title=''>2.4GHz Wireless Transceiver</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/284-2-4ghz-wireless-transceiver' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/284/2-4ghz-wireless-transceiver-957.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This board has a 2.4GHz wireless transceiver. In order to establish a communication link, you will need to buy two boards. NRF24L01+ based boards are very popular and many tutorials and libraries can be found online.</span></span></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2014 04:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-63-new-products/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>FoxyTronics News - New Products</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-62-new-products/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Checkout the new products we've added over the past few weeks!<br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/299-usbasp-usbisp-3-3v-5v-avr-programmer' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>USBasp USBISP 3.3V / 5V AVR Programmer</span></a><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/299-usbasp-usbisp-3-3v-5v-avr-programmer' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/299/usbasp-usbisp-3-3v-5v-avr-programmer-908.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is an inexpensive AVR programmer that can program 51 different AVR parts.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/283-4-digit-7-segment-display' class='bbc_url' title=''>4-Digit 7-Segment Display (Common Anode)</a></span><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/283-4-digit-7-segment-display' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/283/4-digit-7-segment-display-931.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a standard 4-Digit 7-Segment Display. To simplify your interface to a 7-segment display with multiple digits, consider using an </span></span></span><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/293-max7219cng-led-display-driver' class='bbc_url' title=''>LED Display Driver</a><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/294-atmega8-16pu' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>ATMEGA8-16PU</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/294-atmega8-16pu' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/294/atmega8-16pu-943.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The ATMEGA8-16PU is a popular ATMEL microcontroller commonly used for Arduino projects. The ATMEGA8-16PU can operate up to 16MHz, has a 10-bit ADC, 8 KB of program memory, 1 KB of data RAM, and supports SPI and USART.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/295-ds18b20-waterproof-temperature-probe' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>DS18B20 Waterproof Temperature Probe</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/295-ds18b20-waterproof-temperature-probe' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/295/ds18b20-waterproof-temperature-probe-940.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a waterproof temperature probe with the DS18B20 temperature sensor inside it and can be used to precisely and accurately measure temperature. This sensor can be easily integrated with Arduino by using </span></span></span><a href='http://playground.arduino.cc/Learning/OneWire' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>the OneWire library</a><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>. The red wire is VCC, black is GND, and yellow is data.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>We also have <a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/183-ds18b20-digital-temperature-sensor' class='bbc_url' title=''>a breakout board with the</a><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/183-ds18b20-digital-temperature-sensor' class='bbc_url' title=''>DS18B20</a> if you don't need a waterproof version.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/293-max7219cng-led-display-driver' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>MAX7219CNG LED Display Driver</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/293-max7219cng-led-display-driver' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/293/max7219cng-led-display-driver-936.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The MAX7219CNG is a compact, serial input/output common-cathode display driver used to interface microprocessors to 7-segment numeric LED displays of up to 8 digits, bar-graph displays, or 64 individual LEDs. Included on-chip are a BCD code-B decoder, multiplex scan circuitry, segment and digit drivers, and an 8x8 static RAM that stores each digit. Only one external resistor is required to set the segment current for all LEDs.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/296-pro-mini' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Pro Mini</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/296-pro-mini' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/296/pro-mini-938.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The Pro Mini is a great little Arduino-Compatible board. The small form factor makes it perfect for use in projects where space is a concern.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The<a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/257-leonardo-pro-micro' class='bbc_url' title=''> Pro Micro</a> is similar to the Pro Mini, but uses the ATmega32U4, which allows USB connectivity to be added on-board. The Pro Micro is considered to be the replacement for the Pro Mini, but costs slightly more.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/277-sharp-ir-sensor-gp2y0a02yk0f' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Sharp IR Sensor (GP2Y0A02YK0F)</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/277-sharp-ir-sensor-gp2y0a02yk0f' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/277/sharp-ir-sensor-gp2y0a02yk0f-922.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The GP2Y0A02YK0F is Sharp's top of the line IR distance sensor. It has a range of 20-150cm (~8in-5ft) and an easy to use analog output. Unlike many stores that sell this sensor, we include a cable with it!</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/282-4-digit-7-segment-display' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>4-Digit 7-Segment Display Board (Common Anode)</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/282-4-digit-7-segment-display' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/282/4-digit-7-segment-display-929.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a standard 4-Digit 7-Segment Display, but on a breakout board for ease of use. The LED segments are red and are 0.36" tall. The board has current limiting resistors built-in, so no external resistors are necessary - just connect pins from your microcontroller to the board and you're ready to go!</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/286-tcs230-color-sensor-module' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>TCS230 Color Sensor Module</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/286-tcs230-color-sensor-module' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/286/color-sensor-933.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This board uses the TCS230 sensor to detect the color of objects. The board outputs a 0-5V analog signal corresponding to the measured color and can be directly interfaced with a microcontroller.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/285-hr202-humidity-sensor-module' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>HR202 Humidity Sensor Module</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/285-hr202-humidity-sensor-module' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/285/humidity-sensor-932.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This module detects the humidity of the surrounding environment and outputs both analog and digital signals. The board has a potentiometer which allows the sensitivity to be adjusted.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/279-ov7670-cmos-camera' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>OV7670 CMOS Camera</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/279-ov7670-cmos-camera' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/279/ov7670-cmos-camera-945.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The OV7670 is a popular and inexpensive CMOS Camera. It has high sensitivity, allowing it to work well in low light environments, a low operating voltage, and a standard SCCB interface (compatible with I2C).</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/280-pir-motion-sensor' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>PIR Motion Sensor</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/280-pir-motion-sensor' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/280/pir-motion-sensor-926.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is an easy to use motion sensor. PIR sensors are used to detect motion caused by humans or pets and are great for determining whether people have entered or left a room.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/288-5mm-rgb-tri-color-led-common-anode' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>5mm RGB Tri-Color LED (Common Anode)</span></a><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/288-5mm-rgb-tri-color-led-common-anode' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/288/rgb-tri-color-common-anode-led-934.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><br />This is a 5mm common anode RGB LED. An RGB LED is like a regular LED, but with three different colors (red, green, and blue) all in a single package. This makes it easy to not only change the color of an LED, but also to create intermediate colors by "blending" the three colors together.<br /><br />We also added <a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/289-5mm-rgb-tri-color-led-common-cathode' class='bbc_url' title=''>common cathode RGB LEDs</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/281-tcrt5000-reflective-optical-sensor' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>TCRT5000 Reflective Optical Sensor</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/281-tcrt5000-reflective-optical-sensor' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/281/tcrt5000-reflective-optical-sensor-927.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The TCRT5000 is a popular IR sensor that combines an IR LED and IR receiver in one easy to use package. This sensor is often used for line follower robots.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/242-hall-effect-sensor-us5881lua' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Hall effect sensor - US5881LUA</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/242-hall-effect-sensor-us5881lua' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/242/hall-effect-sensor-us5881lua-920.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br />The US5881LUA is a hall effect sensor, which is used to detect whether a magnet is near. Hall effect sensors are often used on rotary encoders and position sensors for things like switches.<br /><br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/267-dc-barrel-breadboard-power-jack' class='bbc_url' title=''>DC Barrel Breadboard Power Jack</a></span><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/267-dc-barrel-breadboard-power-jack' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/267/dc-barrel-breadboard-power-jack-921.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br />This barrel power jack is extremely nice as it will fit into both PCBs and breadboards. The jack is designed for plugs that have a 2.1mm inner diameter and 5.5mm outer diameter (by far the most commonly used size for power connectors).<br /><br /><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/306-usb-a-to-b-3-cable' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 18px'>USB A to B Cable - 2ft</span></a><br /><a href='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/306-usb-a-to-b-3-cable' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/306/usb-a-to-b-3-cable-939.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><br />This is the same USB cable that comes with our Funduino UNO and Funduino Mega boards. It's about 2ft long and work great!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2013 02:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-62-new-products/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nathan's Blog - Liberty University Jerry Falwell Library Tour]]></title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/1/entry-61-liberty-university-jerry-falwell-library-tour/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Liberty University is building a new $50M library and the <a href='http://www.libertyrobotics.org' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Liberty University Robotics Club</a> had the opportunity to tour the new library and see it's robotic book retrieval system today.<br /><br />I forgot to bring a camera and used my cell to take the pictures and video below, so they're not the best quality, but hopefully you get the idea of how cool it was!<br /><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="https://youtube.com/embed/JX3Sbgi2hdc?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="https://youtube.com/embed/93xGWRLV8E4?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="https://youtube.com/embed/eOex8NOoH40?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="https://youtube.com/embed/WY4ji1QfDQo?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="https://youtube.com/embed/cYUlUEocthc?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe><br /><br />Main entrance.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img607/182/hcuy.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The view after walking in the main entrance.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img11/7807/dgt2.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Another view from the main entrance.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img850/2360/go71.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Lounge/computer area.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img809/3166/rmi7.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Unfinished stairs = FUN!<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img30/5531/w8t7.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />2nd floor?<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img826/5163/vpd6.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />2nd floor view of the main lobby (note: we had a bet as to who could hop down the unfinished stairs in the background, on one leg, backward, blindfolded, but although there was a generous $5 reward, there weren't any takers. Cowards.).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img19/9283/fzem.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Another view of the main lobby.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img837/2412/lx63.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Pic across campus from the 2nd floor. To the right is a lake, to the left is an underground athletic training facility/basketball court (a lawn will be laid over the top) and in the background is the new humongous eight story dorm being built.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img28/6818/xkvl.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Robotic book retrieval system.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img837/7513/wp9b.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img853/6497/erjp.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The boxes come in from the sides, at which time a diagram of the box comes up on the display showing which of the six partitions the book needing to be picked is located. After the operator picks the book, he or she scans it, sticks the receipt printed out into the book, and it's ready for pickup by the student who ordered it. Time from order (placed online) to being ready for pickup is about 10 minutes.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img542/7503/n4zy.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Some more pics of the retrieval system..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img713/3739/fx0u.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img689/3615/oelv.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Matthew's head.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img812/4120/1uyn.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The retrieval system can move at about 4.7 MPH horizontally and 1.7 MPH vertically. It travels on both axis at the same time to improve picking speed.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img577/3012/9xwj.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />It was hard not pushing these buttons...<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img34/3707/01c0.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />... but much harder not pushing this one..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img38/5566/bul0.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />It makes really cool noises when it moves.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img35/8489/hxrd.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />All these empty spaces will be filled soon..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img18/7538/r1c2.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />I agree, that is a SICK laser (it's used to make sure books aren't sticking above the top of the box before moving to storage).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img594/2002/ca0a.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Operator station (with a missing monitor).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img6/4930/kvdn.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The robot brings the boxes down to this level, then slides them into the station.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img6/3646/y5op.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Another pic of empty-but-soon-to-be-filled-spaces.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img407/8715/g7jm.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />I like taking pictures.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img266/7098/49n4.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />BGEVROOOMEEEEEEEEE (it sounds much cooler than that).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img593/2987/n7i7.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img198/5953/ypd4.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Heavy duty stuff..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img600/7913/i3pp.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img841/236/7yok.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Is this company looking for interns?<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img543/6826/6c2a.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />I was tempted to reach in and touch that back rail -- it looked like a once in a lifetime experience..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img196/4392/2jd4.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The box was just transferred from the retrieval/delivery system into the station.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img546/2518/3qr6.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Apparently the engineers at Muratec really like lasers, because they're everywhere.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img855/6797/k4ro.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img191/914/2e8h.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Huge boiler room (or something-room) in the basement.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img801/2109/gd9j.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Pictures through an observation window on the ground floor.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img29/804/i66y.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img89/4412/ui9z.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Another pic out across campus.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img5/962/tqqq.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The lake is to the right of the above picture.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img248/2189/1xet.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />We were not authorized to ascend these stairs. I don't like being told what to do, so I half-stepped onto the first one.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img23/1329/9jtx.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Mini food-court place.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img38/404/9rvm.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Not sure which floor this is, but you can see the books stacks on the right (stacks are on all four floors).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img844/6387/p8qf.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />I've never been particularly fond of glass railings, but they look nice.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img513/6452/7e9w.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The fourth floor has glass from floor to ceiling instead of just a glass railing. Apparently it has something to do with fire suppression.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img585/3683/pyw2.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />A view from the back of the library out into the main lobby. The stairs going up are actually just the narrow strop on the left, while what appear to be larger steps on the right will be benches. I think the guide referred to this as "the forum," or something similarly Roman, which has inspired me to reenact the assassination of Julius Caesar here (with real swords, obviously).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img443/1389/wgyj.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />This is the somewhat-awesome staircase where the $5 bet/dare occurred, but as previously mentioned there were no takers.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img541/6674/h0nr.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />This picture is totally unnecessary as there is an almost identical one above.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img35/9100/jx8u.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The stacks on the first two floors can be seen here. Unlike libraries at other universities, it is highly unlikely that students will be making out in these stacks, as there is very little privacy (clearly by design, jerks).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img812/3614/o6fh.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Actually, I like the glass.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img600/6955/t23k.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />A few more pics from another observation window:<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img197/9713/1cgf.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img15/3030/12pi.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />At first glance, it may seem that the robot had become self-aware and was attempting to communicate with me via a flashing light. Unfortunately, it was my camera's flash.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img542/5011/9fpe.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Another picture across campus, this time with the athletic training facility, lake, and dorm all in view.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img692/4503/kwjb.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />A few more pics from the upper floors..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img208/4718/7knj.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />To the girl leaning against the glass railing: see the duct tape holding it together?<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img713/1248/nclt.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />We feel a zipline from the library to the dorm on the right would be a great addition (someone suggested monkey bars, but that's just silly).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img577/553/6y0c.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />The main lobby again.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img692/5281/qalc.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />One of the 40 or so group study rooms. Apparently, there's a special kind of paint on the walls that allows students to write on them with dry-erase markers. The windows, glass-top table, and people can also be written on.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img841/8522/ixz8.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Views of the main lobby from the second floor overpass.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img23/8776/oqca.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img4/3177/j7in.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img32/8853/6bax.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img708/982/ng62.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Outside the front of the library. I believe this area will be a grass mall.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img19/1983/knhq.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />A dedicated quiet reading room. For some unknown reason, all of the books that start with the letter "p" will also be in here.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img856/4553/bht1.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img542/7531/vfk3.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img401/4151/rw6b.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img842/2688/7hxc.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />I don't think he was supposed to go out there.. (note to self, use this as blackmail)<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img407/1445/wpik.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />This is a picture of the reading room, not the girl, I swear.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img811/1069/45h5.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />We weren't allowed to walk on these stairs, either, but I was actually OK with that.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img801/531/1aee.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Middle of the 3rd floor (I think).<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img594/9213/kotl.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img811/4868/nps9.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />Our tour guide, who was awesome, wore a hard hat. We were not given hard hats, which some of us resented.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img407/3347/74qm.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />One of several uncompleted terraces.<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img4/1987/hzb5.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />It's a long way down..<br /><br /><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://imageshack.com/a/img845/4272/kg68.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span><br /><br />We had a great time touring the new library and are especially grateful for being shown the very cool robotic book retrieval system. Thanks very much to everyone involved in organizing the tour!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2013 01:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>FoxyTronics News - New Products</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-56-new-products/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Check out our new products below!<br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/264-ftdi-usb-ttl-breakout-for-arduino' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>FTDI USB-TTL Breakout For Arduino</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/264-ftdi-usb-ttl-breakout-for-arduino' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/264/ftdi-usb-ttl-adapter-877.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This breakout board is an easy-to-use USB-TTL converter. A jumper on the board allows it to be configured to operate at either 3.3V or 5V (both power output and I/O level). The board has a standard USB connector on one end and a 6-pin female header on the other.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/263-small-stepper-motor' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Small Stepper Motor</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/263-small-stepper-motor' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/263/small-stepper-motor-875.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This is a small but powerful bipolar stepper motor, great for CNC and robotics applications.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/269-2-5-8-plastic-black-wheel' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>2-5/8" Plastic Black Wheel</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/269-2-5-8-plastic-black-wheel' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/269/2-5-8-plastic-black-wheel-883.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>Pololu's 2-5/8" Plastic Black Wheel is made to fit servos with Futaba splines, such as the </span></span></span><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/68-springrc-sm-s4303r-continuous-rotation-servo' class='bbc_url' title=''>SpringRC SM-S4303R Continuous Rotation Servo</a><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>. The wheels come with two rubber bands (one is a spare) that can be wrapped around the wheel to give it high friction.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/270-caster-with-3-8-plastic-ball' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Caster with 3/8" Plastic Ball</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/270-caster-with-3-8-plastic-ball' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/270/caster-with-3-8-plastic-ball-889.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This small, light ball caster from Pololu uses a 3/8" diameter plastic ball. The height of the assembled kit ranges from 0.4" to 0.6".</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This ball caster kit includes a black ABS housing, a 3/8" diameter plastic ball, two spacers (1/16" and 1/8" thick), and two #2 screw sets. The total height of the ball caster, 0.4", can be increased to about 0.6" using the included spacers. The two included #2 screws can be used to mount the ball caster to your chassis (the distance between the screw holes is 0.53").</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>Note that our ball casters are designed for small robots; they are not intended to bear more than a few pounds. With more weight than this, friction between the ball and the housing will probably keep it from rolling well.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/271-caster-with-1-2-plastic-ball' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Caster with 1/2" Plastic Ball</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/271-caster-with-1-2-plastic-ball' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='https://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/271/caster-with-1-2-plastic-ball-892.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This light ball caster from Pololu uses a 1/2" diameter plastic ball. The height of the assembled kit ranges from 0.5" to 0.8".</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This ball caster kit includes a black ABS housing, a 1/2" diameter plastic ball, two spacers (1/16" and 1/8" thick), and two #2 screw sets. The total height of the ball caster, 0.53", can be increased to about 0.7" using the included spacers. The two included #2 screws can be used to mount the ball caster to your chassis (the distance between the screw holes is 0.58").</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(51,51,51)'><span  style='font-family: sans-serif'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>Note that our ball casters are designed for small robots; they are not intended to bear more than a few pounds. With more weight than this, friction between the ball and the housing will probably keep it from rolling well.</span></span></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 2013 18:39:48 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nathan's Blog - Arduino maze solving robot]]></title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/1/entry-59-arduino-maze-solving-robot/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Last semester my robotic's club's goal was to build small robots that could navigate through mazes. I was able to complete the challenge, but I just realized I never posted about it on here!<br /><br /><p class='bbc_center'><iframe id="ytplayer" class="EmbeddedVideo" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="https://youtube.com/embed/sLwJEyHSLCY?html5=1&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen /></iframe></p><br />The Arduino code is available for download here: <a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/files/file/36-arduino-maze-solving-robot-code/' class='bbc_url' title=''>Arduino maze solving robot code</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>FoxyTronics News - Delivery Times</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-57-delivery-times/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[We're proud to offer same day shipping for all orders placed before 2PM EST. And as you can see below, USPS does a great job of getting packages places very quickly!<br /> <br /><p class='bbc_center'><span rel='lightbox'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/uploads/gallery/album_3/gallery_1_3_6310.png' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></p>No bad, eh?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Aug 2013 14:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>FoxyTronics News - Tutorial authors and editors needed</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-58-tutorial-authors-and-editors-needed/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[FoxyTronics is all about education. One of my biggest motivations in starting FoxyTronics was to provide students and hobbyists with parts more inexpensively than other hobby stores, most of which dramatically mark up product prices. Another goal was to provide free tutorials to help people learn about electronics and robotics. Writing tutorials was something that I did long before starting FoxyTronics, back when my website was at www.roboticsguy.com, but now that I have a store selling components and kits I'm trying doubly hard to write tutorials that show how to use them.<br />
<br />
If you have any interest in writing tutorials for the website, please shoot me an email at nathan.house at foxytronics.com. I would be happy to have your help!<br />
<br />
Thanks!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2013 23:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>FoxyTronics News - New Products</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-55-new-products/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Once again, a new products post long overdue! We've added a lot of new products the last few weeks. Check them out!<br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/250-usb-to-serial-adaptor' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>USB to Serial Adaptor</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/250-usb-to-serial-adaptor' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/250/usb-to-serial-adaptor-866.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: #5a5a5a'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'>This USB to Serial Adapter has a standard USB A connector on one end and three wires with female connectors (making them easy to plug into header pins) on the other.</span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/251-barometric-pressure-sensor-bmp180' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Barometric Pressure Sensor (BMP180)</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/251-barometric-pressure-sensor-bmp180' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/251/barometric-pressure-sensor-bmp085-843.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br />This breakout board is for the Bosch BMP180 (replaces the BMP085) high-precision digital pressure sensor. The BMP180 measures a pressure range of 300 - 1100hPa.<br /><br />The BMP180 is the function compatible successor of the BMP085, a new generation of high precision digital pressure sensors for consumer applications. The ultra-low power, low voltage electronics of the BMP180 is optimized for use in mobile phones, PDAs, GPS navigation devices and outdoor equipment.<br /><br />With a low altitude noise of merely 0.25m at fast conversion time, the BMP180 offers superior performance. The I2C interface allows for easy system integration with a microcontroller. The BMP180 is based on piezo-resistive technology for EMC robustness, high accuracy and linearity as well as long term stability.<br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/259-5a-current-sensor-acs712' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>5A Current Sensor (ACS712)</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/259-5a-current-sensor-acs712' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/259/5a-current-sensor-acs712-846.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This current sensor board is based on the popular ACS712 current sensor IC. A current sensor is a great way to measure the power consumption of a system, or to detect line activity. This analog current sensor can measure up to 5A of current at a resolution of 185 mV/A.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/252-30a-current-sensor-acs712' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>30A Current Sensor (ACS712)</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/252-30a-current-sensor-acs712' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/252/30a-current-sensor-acs712-847.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This current sensor board is based on the popular ACS712 current sensor IC. A current sensor is a great way to measure the power consumption of a system, or to detect line activity. This analog current sensor can measure up to 30A of current at a resolution of 100 mV/A.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/253-motor-shield-for-arduino-l293d' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Motor Shield for Arduino (L293D)</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/253-motor-shield-for-arduino-l293d' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/253/arduino-motor-shield-l293d-848.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This motor driver shield allows you to easily control DC motors and servos from your Arduino. The shield has 2 connections for 5V servos and can drive 4 bi-directional DC motors or 2 stepper motors (unipolar or bipolar). The 4 H-Bridges are capable of providing 0.6A continuous current (1.2A peak current) at 4.5V to 25V.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This shield was originally designed by Adafruit Industries. Details and tutorials for the shield can be found on the Adafruit website, but they will not provide support for this shield as it was not manufactured by them.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/255-breadboard-jumper-wire-kit' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Breadboard Jumper Wire Kit</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/255-breadboard-jumper-wire-kit' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/255/breadboard-jumper-wire-kit-853.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>This jumper wire contains 140 pre-formed wires ready for use in your next prototyping project! The wires come in a variety of colors and lengths and are already formed and stripped.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/256-sensor-shield-for-arduino' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Sensor Shield for Arduino</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/256-sensor-shield-for-arduino' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/256/arduino-sensor-shield-854.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The Sensor Shield makes it easy to connect sensors, servos, relays, buttons, potentiometers and more to your Arduino.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/257-leonardo-pro-micro' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Leonardo Pro Micro</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/257-leonardo-pro-micro' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/257/leonardo-pro-micro-856.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The Leonardo Pro Micro is a great little Arduino-Compatible board. </span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/258-10a-two-channel-power-relay' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>10A Two Channel Power Relay</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/258-10a-two-channel-power-relay' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/258/10a-two-channel-power-relay-858.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>A relay allows a low power device, such as a microcontroller, to control a high power device. This relay board makes it possible to control a high-current device that draws up to 10A through a 5V signal pin.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/261-6-digital-calipers' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Digital Calipers</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/261-6-digital-calipers' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/261/6-digital-calipers-869.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>These digital calipers are extremely handy. They can measure object up to 6" long with a resolution of 0.001". The digital calipers can measure in inches or millimeters, with a button that allows toggling between the two easy. A hard shell, padded carrying case and extra battery are included.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/262-safety-glasses' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Safety Glasses</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/262-safety-glasses' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/262/safety-glasses-870.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>These are just your standard safety glasses. There isn't really anything special about them, but they're comfortable and get the job done.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/265-funduino-uno-r3' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Funduino Uno</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/265-funduino-uno-r3' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/265/funduino-uno-r3-874.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></span></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The Funduino Uno R3 is functionally identical to the the latest version of the extremely popular and easy-to-use open source Arduino Uno. The Arduino Uno R3 uses the ATmega328 microcontroller and features 14 digital I/O pins (6 may be used as PWM outputs) and 6 analog input pins. The Arduino Uno R3 can be powered through a USB connection, </span></span></span><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/80-6-x-aa-battery-holder-with-dc-power-jack-9v' class='bbc_url' title=''>battery</a><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>, or a </span></span></span><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/184-9v-dc-1000ma-power-adapter' class='bbc_url' title=''>wall power adaptor</a><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>. This package comes with comes with a 3ft USB cable.</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/266-funduino-mega-2560' class='bbc_url' title=''><span  style='font-size: 24px'>Funduino Mega 2560</span></a><br /><a href='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/266-funduino-mega-2560' class='bbc_url' title=''><img class='bbc_img' src='http://www.foxytronics.com/products/images/266/funduino-mega-2560-872.jpg' alt='Posted Image'  /></a><br /><span  style='color: rgb(90,90,90)'><span  style='font-family: helvetica'><span  style='font-size: 12px'>The Funduino Mega 2560 is functionally identical to the extremely popular and easy-to-use open source Arduino Mega. The board is based on the ATmega2560 wich runs at 16MHz. It has 54 digital I/O pins (of which 15 provide PWM output) and 16 analog inputs. This package comes with comes with a 3ft USB cable.</span></span></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2013 19:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-55-new-products/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nathan's Blog - Averaging HC-SR04 ultrasonic distance sensor readings in a non-blocking manner]]></title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/1/entry-54-averaging-hc-sr04-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-readings-in-a-non-blocking-manner/</link>
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		<description><![CDATA[This is a reply to a facebook post. It would have been difficult to read in facebook's narrow layout, so I'm posting it here.<br /><br />In order to average three readings from a sensor in a non-blocking manner, you could either have three variables like this:<pre class='prettyprint lang-auto linenums:0'>
int ultrasonicReading0 = 0;
int ultrasonicReading1 = 0;
int ultrasonicReading2 = 0;</pre>A variable to store the average distance in:<pre class='prettyprint lang-auto linenums:0'>
int averageDistance = 0;</pre>And then another variable to keep track of which value you are currently storing:<pre class='prettyprint lang-auto linenums:0'>
int currentUltrasonicReading = 0;</pre>Or you could have an array of integers instead of three separate integers. Then, when you read from the sensor you would have something like this:<pre class='prettyprint lang-auto linenums:0'>
if(currentUltrasonicReading == 0)
{
    ultrasonicReading0 = (pulseIn(utlrasonic2EchoPin, HIGH)/2)/29;
    currentUltrasonicReading++;
}
else if(currentUltrasonicReading == 1)
{
    ultrasonicReading1 = (pulseIn(utlrasonic2EchoPin, HIGH)/2)/29;
    currentUltrasonicReading++;
}
else if(currentUltrasonicReading == 2)
{
    ultrasonicReading2 = (pulseIn(utlrasonic2EchoPin, HIGH)/2)/29;
    currentUltrasonicReading++;
}
else
{
    averageDistance = (ultrasonicReading0 + ultrasonicReading1 + ultrasonicReading2)/3;
    currentUltrasonicReading = 0;
}</pre>This may seem like an overly complicated way of doing things, but non-blocking code is always better even if it adds complexity to your program. Also, I'm sure the above code could be optimized, I just came up with this quickly as an example.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:48:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/1/entry-54-averaging-hc-sr04-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-readings-in-a-non-blocking-manner/</guid>
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		<title>FoxyTronics News - Business Monday - Starting a Small Business</title>
		<link>https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-53-business-monday-starting-a-small-business/</link>
		<category></category>
		<description><![CDATA[Starting and running a small business is a challenging prospect. I started FoxyTronics with my minuscule personal savings and the money I made from a summer internship, so I wasn't able to hire anyone to help me with <em class='bbc'>anything -- </em> I've literally had to do everything myself. While this has made it difficult to get my business up and running, it also means that I've learned an absolutely tremendous amount.<br /><br />Much of what I know today I learned through trial and error, but I also learned a lot by reading articles and blog posts written by other business owners. In the spirit of helping others get their business started, as well as to give anyone who is interested an idea of how this business got started and operates today, I'm going to try to have a blog post every Monday about business. So I guess I might as well start at the beginning:<br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Forming a Company</span><br /><br />I started FoxyTronics in Virginia, which is great because Virginia is really friendly to small businesses. There are many companies out there that will form an LLC for you for a price (I've heard great things about LegalZoom, who charges $99 + the state filing fee), but if you don't mind doing the paperwork yourself, forming an LLC is actually pretty easy to do (at least in Virginia). The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has <a href='https://sccefile.scc.virginia.gov/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>a fantastic website</a> that makes forming and managing a company very easy.<br /><br />There are several different types of entities that you can choose for your business:<ul class='bbc'><li>Sole Proprietorships</li><li>Limited Liability Companies (LLC's)</li><li>C-Corporations</li><li>S-Corportaions</li></ul>There may be more, but those are the ones I'm familiar with.<br /><br />Sole Proprietorships are businesses that are run by one person, or by a person and their spouse. The business is not a separate entity from the owner, which makes it easier and cheaper to get started than the other entity types, but it also can be bad because if the business has legal or financial trouble there is no separation between the owner and business.<br /><br />If an LLC is owned by a single member, then it is very similar to a Sole Proprietorship with a few key differences, the main one being that the business is separate from the owner in the eyes of the law, which can be useful for legal and financial reasons. For example, if the business were to go bankrupt, or be sued, the owners would have "limited liability," ideally meaning that the owner's assets would not be at risk.<br /><br />Another advantage of an LLC is that the record keeping <em class='bbc'>should</em> be completely separate from the owner's personal records, which is a very good business practice for a plethora of reasons. I say <em class='bbc'>should</em> because many small business owners make the mistake of not isolating their business records from their personal records (I made this mistake early on, too).<br /><br />The Virginia SCC website defines Corporations and LLCs on the <a href='http://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/busdef.aspx' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Entity Types and Categories page</a>:<br /> <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' ><p>Corporation<br /><br />A corporation is an artificial person or legal entity managed by a board of directors, consisting of one or more individuals, who collectively elect officers to run the corporation’s day-to-day business activities. There are two types of corporations in Virginia, stock corporations, which are authorized to issue shares to persons who become shareholders, the owners of the corporation, and nonstock corporations, which may have members, but not owners. Stock corporations are usually formed to generate a profit for the shareholders. Nonstock corporations are usually organized for not-for-profit purposes, such as a tax-exempt, charitable organization or a property owners’ association. Generally, officers, directors, shareholders and members are not liable for the obligations of the corporation.<br /><br />Limited Liability Company<br /><br />A limited liability company is an unincorporated association of one or more members (the owners) who share in the profits and losses of the company’s business. It is managed in accordance with an operating agreement by one or more members (member-managed) or by one or more managers (manager-managed). A limited liability company is a separate legal entity and, generally, the members and managers are not liable for the obligations of the limited liability company.</p></blockquote><br />Here are some websites that go over the differences between a Sole Proprietorship and LLC in more detail:<ul class='bbc'><li><a href='http://www.limitedliabilitycompanycenter.com/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Sole Proprietorship or LLC?</a></li><li><a href='http://thompsonhall.com/single-member-llc-vs-sole-proprietorship-pros-cons-faq/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Single Member LLC vs Sole Proprietorship</a></li></ul>A corporation is what a large business would register as. It's more expensive to register and maintain a corporation and the requirements are <em class='bbc'>much</em> more strict. A small business, whether comprised of of single person or several members, most likely should not be formed as a corporation.<br /><br />Here are a few more really good articles about LLC's:<ul class='bbc'><li><a href='http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/llc-basics-30163.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>NOLO - LLC Basics</a></li><li><a href='http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/virginia-form-llc-31855.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>NOLO - How to Form an LLC in Virginia</a></li><li><a href='http://www.bos.virginia.gov/starting.shtml' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Virginia Business One Stop - Steps to launching a business</a></li></ul><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Taxes</span><br /><br />In addition to being less expensive and less complicated than a corporation, another huge advantage of a LLC is that it is a pass-through tax entity, which means that the business expenses and revenue are simply "passed through" to the owner of the LLC and reported on the individual's personal tax return. This greatly simplifies taxes for the business. NOLO has a good article on the subject: <a href='http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-llcs-are-taxed-29675.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>How LLC Members Are Taxed</a><br /><br />I felt that a LLC was the best choice for FoxyTronics because it is inexpensive to register and renew, has lax requirements compared to a corporation, is easy to form, provides some measure of limited liability, and because taxes are simple.<br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Choosing a Name</span><br /><br />One of the most important decisions to be made when starting a business is the name of the business. Coming up with a name not being used by another business is challenging, but what's even more difficult is coming up with a name not being used by another business <em class='bbc'>and</em> where the domain name is available. It's absolutely amazing how many domain names are taken. People referred to as "domainers" buy up domain names comprised of common initials, words, or phrases in huge bulk hoping that some day an individual or business will pay them an exorbitant amount of money for it; until someone does, they "park" the page, putting ads on it. Domainers compare this practice to real estate investments, but to me it seems more like blackmail.<br /><br />In any case, it is very difficult to find a good business name where the domain name is available. It probably took me a good six months of consistently thinking of business names, checking if another business was using it, if it was trademarked, and if a relevant domain name was available, before I came up with FoxyTronics.<br /><br /><span  style='font-size: 18px'>Conclusion</span><br /><br />Hopefully that gives you an idea of what it takes to start a small business. Next time I'll talk about separation of personal and business assets, bank accounts, credit cards, book keeping, and more.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2013 22:22:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.foxytronics.com/blog/4/entry-53-business-monday-starting-a-small-business/</guid>
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