As the project stands right now, we have inserted a controller between the RoboPet’s IR receiver and its microcontroller. This means that we have some minimal control: we can issue any commands to it that you can do with the remote, and we can intercept any actual remote commands (giving us a means to talk to our own controller).
It’s a good start, and it’s time to plan out the next steps.
We here at the BBC have become unhealthily obsessed with a new toy. Or, rather, an old toy. This little guy had been hiding out in the BBC storage vaults for a decade or so, and it is high time to bring him out to play.
The RoboPet is puportedly an autonomous robotic dog, and given the limitations of the technology (and price point — this is a toy) of the day, it comes amazingly close. But if it’s going to become a full-fledged autonomous member of our cabal, then it needs to come much closer. And we’re going to help it reach this next level of evolution.
We already have a good start: we have inserted a small computer between its infrared receiver and its existing microcontroller, so we can embed programs into it that can do anything that can be done through the remote control. Ultimately, this isn’t good enough, but it will do for now.
You can find all the gory details of what we’ve learned and done over here. There is probably enough information there that you can replicate our efforts. We even have software!
Since I’m terrible at self-promotion and staying on topic, there were several times during my appearance on Radio Misterioso that we discussed some of my writings here without really summarizing what they actually said or saying where you can read them. If you’re curious, here they are. If this sort of thing turns your gears, then you will probably also enjoy browsing the full set of epiphanies.
We talked a lot about how the brain percieves everything in terms of patterrns. Most of that discussion came from these essays, particularly this one.
This is the story of the hot air balloons. The BBC (No Relation) constructed hot air balloons from dry cleaning bags and released them over a city, with rather enlightening results.
You can achieve enlightenment through the meditative practice of lockpicking.
I briefly talked about my salvia experience. Here is the story I wrote about it.
Rev. Fenderson took part in a podcast for the first time ever, having a fascinating discussion with Adam Gorightly and Greg Bishop. Although his nervousness was palpable, the wide-ranging conversation was as interesting as you think! Find out more and give a listen at Radio Misterioso
Another Zaraday is upon us. May there be much muing and nervous shuffling of papers throughout the land. Discordians don’t talk much about Zarathud the Staunch, preferring the more flamboyant Dr. Van Van Mojo, or the more verbose Sri Syadasti Yadavaktavya Syadasti Syannasti Syadasti Cavaktavyasca Syadasti Syannasti Syadavatavyasca Syadasti Syannasti Syadavaktavyasca. So let’s talk about the guy.