Future Home: smarter and smarter

Have you ever dreamed of your future home? How is it like? Will it be just like the home from the fiction movie that is full of smart devices like AI or RC controller? In fact, it might not be just a dream. Technology is developing every day rapidly and more and more smart gadgets like the smart remote controller or wireless smart plug have been invented to improve our life convenience. Let’s have a look at some smart gadgets that might achieve your dreamlike smart home.

1. Smart remote controller

The xiaomi smart remote controller is an 'universal' remote control that it can replace the remote control of an ordinary home appliance, such as air conditioning, TV, set-top boxes, amplifier, and speakers. Besides, it can also replace the infrared transmission remote control and also supports remote control and remote operation APP. Simply put, that is the one can put all of the remote control of your family appliances into one, using this remote control can remote control all home appliances so easily.

2. Mini Intelligent Wifi Router

The xiaomi pocket router is the mainstream of dual-band AC intelligent routers and has been praised in the industry as the cost-effective champion. 3 times faster! Support for the latest 802.11ac protocol, transmission rate up to 1167Mbps. A key switch, the metamorphosis of universal relay let home WiFi coverage without a dead angle. It is also a dual-band AC 2.4GHz/5GHz router which can be an intelligent home controller center to operate all the smart home appliances.

3. WiFi Wireless Remote Control Smart Socket

The xiaomi wifi plug can be controlled by the xiaomi APP and can be said as the world’s smallest smart socket with 3C certification. The xiaomi smart wifi plug with standard 5V/1A USB interface supports timer function.

4. Smart 4 Antennas WiFi Router

The xiaomi mi router is the mainstream of dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz AC intelligent routers offering 3 times faster speed than traditional wireless routers, supporting the latest 802.11ac protocol, up to 1167Mbps total bandwidth, 300Mbps in 2.4G and 867Mbps in 5G. The 4 pcs real 2X2 dual-band AC antennas, cover wilder, and as an intelligent home controller center to operate all the smart home appliances. 7 sets of protection, more secure to protect your exclusive WiFi zone and etc. Creative, direct and swift connection give you the best experience.

YG-300 review: 2017 best cost-effective projector

Many of our readers have asked me to recommend an affordable projector for them since the projector at home does not have to be that expensive and professional and what they need just to satisfy their watching needs. In most of this kind of situation, I will always recommend the YG-300 LCD Mini Portable LED Projector which can be said the highest cost-effective projector these years. What is also amazing is that all the feedbacks about this portable led projector are 9/10 or 10/10 good reviews.

Let’s go check it out why can this portable led projector satisfy its customers so well.

Description:

YG-300 LCD Projector is a multimedia player with 320 x 240 pixels, visible 400 - 600 lumens and 800:1 contrast ratio. With this small but high-performance projector, you can enjoy the high-quality images and videos in a very comfortable position.

Features:

High performance

With 400 - 600 lumens and 800:1 contrast ratio, this mini portable led projector will provide you the clear, razor-sharp images and as comfortable visual experience as the cinema.

Full high-definition

With the native resolution 320 x 240 pixels for clear and bright images, this mini portable led projector provides exceptional display quality which is perfectly designed for home theater.

User-friendly

Support AV / CVBS / High Definition Multimedia Interface / USB multimedia interfaces for DVD player, laptop computer, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, etc.. You don’t need to worry about any installment or compatibility problem since it’s very easy to use and compatible with most of the devices.

Durable and trustworthy

LED lamp life is over 30000 hours by many tests which can be said that it never needs to replace. The wifi led projector will be your lifetime trusty companion giving you the happy and satisfied enjoyment of watching photos and videos. Infrared remote control lets you enjoy your wonderful life which the wireless brings to you.

Kindly notice: According to our testing, the projection distance of the led projector hd 1080p preferably within 1.5 meters. If this distance is exceeded, the projector may not be able to focus, thank you.

BlitzWolf BW-MP1 Portable WIFI Led Projector Review

There are many brands and models of home theater projectors in the market now since the concept of home cinema is becoming increasingly popular, and sometimes it’s hard for customers to choose a right mini projector. For most of the people, they hope the projector can be easy to install and operate, besides, they also hope it to be small in size and wireless so it will not need much space. All in all, we compared so many projectors from different brands and this BlitzWolf BW-MP1 projector got the highest score from cost and quality.

Description:

Immerse the MP1 in darkness and bring your movies to life on the big screen. With our unique BW link technology, you can wirelessly connect your computer, iPhone and Android smartphone to the wifi wireless projector. Once paired, anything you play on your device will be shown on the projector screen. Get the popcorn, dim the lights and get the show started!

Features:

1. Enhanced LED Technology, 20% Brighter than ordinary LED.

This wireless led projector adopts the lasted upgraded LED technology and provides more brightness per watt than ordinary LED projector systems. The long-lasting lamp can operate for more than 20000 Hours.

2. WiFi Connectivity.

Connect your iPhone/iPad/Android device/Mac/PC with the wifi projector via Miracast/Air-Play without any cable. 

3. Large Screen Experience.

With a native resolution of 800*480, you can create a screen with an image size of 34-130 Inches(Recommend Distance 8.0 ft), and this wireless projector can project an aspect ratio of 4:3 and 16:9.

4. Keystone Function +-15 degrees.

Adjust the image manually with keystone to create a perfectly square distortion free screen.

5. Multiple Input Interfaces.

You can watch your favorite programs with bigger screen via VGA/HDMI/USB/SD card;connect an external speaker via the 3.5 mm headphone jack, or via the AV port, connect PC / Laptop via VGA or HDMI, connect chrome cast / fire stick via HDMI & USB 5V ports, connect DVD / cable box via AV cable, connect PlayStation PS3 PS4 or X-Box ONE Wii via HDMI cable to enjoy games on such  big screen wireless video projector.

6. Amazingly high definition

The high quality LED will offer you 1200 lumens brightness, 16 million colors and 800：1 contrast, so you will enjoy incredible real immerse.

Why wireless security systems are popular

Security cameras are installed in both private and public places. Property owners install Wireless Security Camera to keep tabs on what is transpiring while they are busy or away. Wireless IP Cameras are not only flexible but also affordable. Owners can determine how high or low they would like the wireless camera system fitted in your business or residential premises. Individuals prefer Wireless Security Camera because they do not fill rooms with all sorts of cables. If you have been considering installing a security smart home system in your business or home then you can go for the Wireless Security Camera. Here are some of the reasons why you need to install Wireless Security Camera.

First and foremost, Wireless IP Camera can be connected to your tablet or cell phone to the surveillance system. You do not need to hire an expert to help you in monitoring the home. The  Smart Camera can be used remotely from the comfort of your home. The unit can be used to detect anyone lurking around your property. Homeowners can use the device to watch live video feeds. The Smart Camera enables parents to monitor their children once they arrive at home. In addition, you the device can be applied to determine how your employees are treating your family members.

Secondly, installation of Smart Security Camera creates room for automation. You do not need to patrol your home all night and day to guard your property against intruders or thieves. Installing a Smart Camera will protect your home from any form of peril. If you are freezing in your bedroom then you can use the automated system to turn on a thermostat. The Smart Camera also allows you to adjust your environmental controls to create comfort.

Thirdly, installing magnetic car mount holder makes driving safe. For an overall personal safety, except for the home security, driving safety is also quite essential. Once you have installed the magnetic car holder, you do not need to hold your smartphone in your hand while driving. Instead, you only need to place the device in the holder as you drive. The units are compactly designed to make it easy to install them in your home or commercial property. In addition, users can relocate them with ease whenever they feel like doing so, thanks to the simple design, which means this car vent mount, in fact, can be used in many places. You can also try the wireless car charger holder which can hold and charge your phone at the same time.

Fourthly, the Smart Camera allows for distant transmission. A high-quality Wireless Security Camera will transmit strong signals to motion sensors in different parts of your property. The sensors can enable detect any form of motion taking place within your room so that you can take a necessary action to counter the same. You can take advantage of different brands of Smart Security Camera on the market to boost the safety of your home.

The evolution of the 3D printer

The past decade has witnessed quite a milestone in the rise of quality of print, especially since the advent of 3D printing. Not only that, but the several intriguing activities one can do using a 3-dimensional printer are enough to coerce every home or office to possess one. The facial features of an ancient king have reportedly been brought back to life from his skull's skeletal template using three-dimensional printing. 3D printing simply uses computer-aided design to shape up an object.

Where can one use a 3D Printer?

On that account, the 3d printer has creatively carved its space in homes and schools as the fun way to solve minor issues. A simple 3d printer kit can enhance the classroom experience for both learner and teacher as they develop model designs to depict actual structures and situations. While a tad of ideas on what to print out at home using a diy 3D printer exists on the vast, ever-faithful internet, technological advances have improved the first 3D printer's form to a portable micro 3d printer. As is characteristic of all improvements on innovations, its portability makes it the ultimate one to own as a beginner.

Striking traits of a worthy 3D Printer

Kickstarting the personal use of 3D technology may seem like a mammoth project but the facts demystify this notion. Take for example the popular Anet A8 3D Printer diy 3d printer. It's an ideal choice for newbies. Weighing roughly 9kgs, it is fascinating that the user can assemble it and start work 3 hours after receiving it. In fact, one can finish up their first 3D printed earbud holder as a trial task in an hour, as long as the design's file exists. The 3d printer kit that packages the Anet A8 3D Printer is completely do-it-yourself. It runs on Repetier-Host software - which is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac - prints 100mm per second with an accuracy of 0.1-0.4mm and has an SD-card reader. Alternatively, data can be input via usb printer cable. A standard 3d laser printer should have such qualities. Moreover, the user would have to ensure adequate power supply for a 12 volts' plug and provide an environment that will allow the aluminum heating plate temperature to achieve its maximum 110 degrees celsius comfortably.

Striking improvements: Wireless printer is already here

Adding WiFi to 3D technology has brought forth the wireless printer too. It's an exemplary innovation that avoids one getting tethered to their 3d laser printer like a pet. Using appropriate software, objects can even be produced in 3D in your absence by just sending commands to the printer from a different room or even through the internet. Notably, one can add WiFi capabilities to their printing gadget via a USB WiFi booster.

Time to get your hands on a 3D printer kit

It's undeniably fair that the 3d printing gospel is an apt way to save humanity from the boredom that solving everyday tasks can sometimes become. 3D printing makes one's simple private space a cherished 'manufacturing firm'. Another novelty gadget about 3d printer that is a hit trend now is the 3d printer pen which is very incredibly magical and amusing.

The Smart Home Concept: Get More Comfort and Convenience

Smart home innovation is becoming an emerging trend that empowers individuals to control their home wireless, remotely and intelligently. Smart homes are splendid ideas for the individuals who need to carry on with their life in solace and extravagance. In a smart home, you benefit from a top class comfort.

The xiaomi smart remote control 

There are a lot of smart gadgets accessible for your home. Each smart home gadget can be controlled, observed, and overseen using one application. This makes it exceptionally advantageous to attempt and control many devices at the same time. However, to achieve all this, you will need an automation hub such as xiaomi smart remote control. This gadget is integrated with smart home innovation allowing you to control each device using the hub remotely.

The xiaomi remote control will enable you to exchange your customary home into a smart home. The Home Hub has been intended to supplant conventional remote controllers and empower you to control all associated home apparatuses with the downloadable application remotely. Presently you can control machines whenever and anyplace, including AC, TV, set-top boxes, amplifier, speakers, projector, fan, camera, and so forth.

It is App Controlled where you can access the Mi xiaomi remote control anyplace using the App "Mi Smart Home" from smartphones. It has a 360-degree omnidirectional control meaning you can control all apparatuses in one room with 20m operation distance. It has dark light transmissive material which decreases the diffuse reflection and enhances infrared infiltration.

The smart xiaomi robot

Keeping up a clean home is not an easy task. However, xiaomi mi robot vacuum is here to soothe your tedious errand. The xiaomi mi robot vacuum cleaner is a profoundly insightful cleaning gadget and a standout amongst other created robot vacuums accessible in the market. The tremendous navigational aptitudes and AI fueled rationales makes it difficult to beat.

The xiaomi robot vacuum uses 12 different sensors to outline a productive cleaning design and avoid dropping of stairs and recall the zones it has cleaned. The primary sensor is the Laser Distance (or LDS) sensor that sweeps the area 360 degrees to frame a virtual guide in its memory of your home's inside design.

The xiaomi mi vacuum has a 5,200 mAH lithium ion battery that will keep going for 2.5 hours on a single charge. It is controlled by Nidec DC Motor that produces 1,800Pa of suction power. The xiaomi mi robot doesn't accompany a remote, yet you can utilize the MI Home App that you can use to schedule, clean and keep tabs on its development remotely since it utilizes WiFi signal.

Conclusion

What was once viewed as the home without bounds is here today. Smart homes have moved toward becoming a reality and not only for the flighty and well off. Through the use of creative innovation, property holders can transform their homes into cutting-edge machines that can be controlled and checked from anyplace in the world.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 3)

We talked a lot about the basics of Arduino, and for most beginners, the first step in getting started is to choose the right arduino learning kit. So, in the following, we will discuss in detail about what an arduino starter kit will contain and their usefulness.

Of course, except for the main Arduino compatible development board, the Basic Starter Learning Kit will basically include:

1. Prototype extension board: with the Double Sided PCB Board Prototype Panel Universal Circuit Glass

2. Breadboard: The original intention of the birth of breadboard, is to provide a temporary build circuit board, try to adjust the circuit connection without welding work abutment.

3. Motor and motor driver board

4. LEDs

5. Different sensors：Vibration Sensor, Flame sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor and so on

6. Infrared receiver

7. Photoresistor

8. Passive buzzer (piezo buzzer) and Active buzzer (tone generator)

9. Remote Control: the Wireless Remote Control Switch is a learning code wireless remote control switch (receiver), the output way /working way can be changed as you like, it is easy to match the transmitter. It has 4 Relays which can make the equipment turn or reverse, on/off and so on come true. The volume is small and the performance is stable and reliable, high receive sensitivity.

10. Heating module: The higher the voltage, the greater the heating current and the effect is better.

11. Radio Receiver: the Radio Receiver Module adopt the advanced technology of DSP and FM modulation PLL to make the sound more realistic, more stable performance, long working hours without frequency offset.

12. Other things like the Key cap, Key switch, Adjustable potentiometer, Jumper cap, Screen, servos, Component box, DuPont line, Breadboard line, 8*8 dot matrix, eight-segment tube, IC 74HC595, Battery, resistor plug, pin header, USB cable and so on.

Except for the Basic Starter Learning Kit, there are other more Arduino Compatible Kits like the diy arduino kit, the DIY Digital Kit for Digital Oscilloscope, DIY LED Kit and so on. The diy electronics kit can be used in alarm clock, festival decoration, LED lights and so on.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 2)

What is a microcontroller

Before we know more about Arduino, we need to seriously teach the concept of "microcontroller."

Single-Chip Microcomputer, also known as Microcontroller, is a Microcontroller Chips that integrates a central processing unit, memory, Timer / Counter, various input / output interfaces and so on. Compared with general-purpose microprocessors used in personal computers, it emphasizes self-provisioning (without external hardware) and cost savings. Its biggest advantage is small size, can be placed inside the instrument, but the storage capacity is small, the input and output interface is simple, low function with the arduino ic chips.

The type of control system

1. I / O board

For example PicoBoard, Phidget. Although these devices can not be programmed directly, you can control their Input and Output through a desktop programming environment such as Scratch, Processing, or Flash.

2. Programmable module

Such as Arduino, BASIC Stamp. These devices, once programmed, can operate independently of the computer. There are many electronic Arduino Components on the programmable module: communication, power management(Power Supply Module), connectors... They have more scalable content than I / O boards and are more convenient than bare-chip processors. For most people, learning from this level is the best.

3. Bare-chip processor

For example, Propeller, PICAXE. You have to get all your support circuits and connections yourself, but they're cheaper. In general, they are more suitable for the more experienced hobbyist.

4. Single-board computer

Experienced programmers might feel excited about boards like the Beagle Board and the Raspberry Pi. Actually, I will not recommend for beginners with no programming foundation to get started. For programming beginners, direct access to the Linux command line is difficult.

Arduino's software development platform

Arduino Development Board has a major feature that is different from the I / O board - it is programmable, which means that Arduino specific functions on the microcontroller can be repeatedly changed. The program written by Arduino is called "sketch."

Arduino Extension Module Board 

In summary, Arduino Development Board is only the core control module can be programmed, so it needs the cooperation of other expansion modules. There are countless expansion modules available on the market for Arduino: Common sensor modules are similar to Heating Module, Power Supply Module, Radio Receiver Module, Wireless Remote Control Switch, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, etc., common actuator modules are servo motors, buzzers, LEDs and so on.

Arduino Control Board usually provides enough digital/analog input and output PIN, used to connect these expansion modules. So, a great part of learning to use Arduino is to pick the right extension module and diy electronics kit for your project, connect it to the Arduino module board correctly, write the correct driver using the Arduino IDE, and continue debugging until it succeeds.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 1)

Since 2011, Arduino has witnessed trend movements such as Maker Movement and Open Hardware Movement. From quantity to qualitative change, it has indeed become an endorsement label for these ideological movements with such terms as 3D printing and UAV. Its representation is comparable to the impact of the LSD on the Counterculture movement of the United States in the late 1960s.

Although later products claim to have more robust performance than Arduino, others have smaller volumes, none have so far surpassed Arduino in terms of popularity and community size. Today's Arduino, just like a "classic", a spiritual representative, not just a microcontroller platform. When many beginners ask why we all recommend getting started with Arduino instead of the other platforms, the answer is, it can be said that learning Arduino is not only to master a skill but also a classic paradigm of open source hardware and an understanding of the spiritual pursuit behind Maker Movement.

What is Arduino

Arduino is an open-source single-chip micro-controller, users can connect the Arduino Control Board to a variety of Arduino Components, such as LED lights, speakers, motors, switches, temperature and humidity sensors, infrared transmitters and receivers, LCD Display and so on. Arduino can perform a wide range of automation applications with just a few simple automation programs.

Why Arduino?

1. Cheap

Compared to other monolithic development platforms, Arduino development board is relatively cheap.

2. Cross-platform development environment

Arduino IDE can be run on Windows, Macintosh OSX and Linux operating systems.

3. Simple and clear development environment

Arduino's development environment is easy for beginners. Arduino is based on the Processing development environment, which makes it easier for non-electronics professionals to learn programming.

4.Open the source code

Arduino's IDE(Integrated Development Environment) is released as an open source code, advanced users can modify it. Development Board and expansion arduino module follow the "Creative Commons license agreement" issued under the premise, designers can make their own arduino modules, the corresponding expansion, and improvement.

Arduino is not perfect

Of course, Arduino also has its own limitations as a tool. It is not a panacea, for examples, Arduino most of the ethnic groups have limited computing power, most of them are not designed to deal with network solutions. So when your project requires strong computational power and network processing power, you can decisively change to Arduino Due, Arduino Yún, Banana Pi,

Raspberry Pi, Intel Edison. You can also find wholesale raspberry pi online. All in all, Arduino is a classic learning platform for beginners. It is more suitable as a low-cost sensor or executive end.

How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 3)

At the last part, let’s talk about an interesting topic - how to 3D printing robot. I guess many of you are interested in this topic since 3D printing robot is a very popular trend and it attracts more and more amateurs to involve in the 3D printing creation.

3D printing robot is another interesting experience, but it's a lot more complicated to program and assemble than simply printing small objects, but there are detailed production steps on the project page. Even if you are less professional in this area, you can do it yourself.

The 3D printing robot is mainly divided into two parts: a part that can be printed in 3D and a part that can not be printed in 3D Printer. Specified 3D Printer Parts can be made by 3D printing materials, but other parts such as circuit boards, motors, bolt nuts are externally obtained. If you are a senior DIY creator, you can make the original 3D robot completely autonomously. For most first-time 3D Printer users, there are many open source 3D robotics projects online.

Step 1

Use GitHub as an example, we first find on the site you want to try the 3D printing robot works. Most 3D printing components on GitHub are built on OpenSCAD, so 3D modeling can be done as long as the copy code is entered into OpenSCAD. After the 3D modeling is completed, the 3D Printer is delivered by the previous steps to print.

Step 2

Then, we look at other parts needed in the parts list, such as motors, circuit boards, Bluetooth modules, and bolting nuts. Most open source projects will place purchase links for parts. With the circuit board with the chip can be imported into the circuit board, where the need for certain expertise and related equipment like 3D Printer Module Board and 3D Printer Expansion Board, but not too complicated. You can go online to find a variety of tutorials, watching while doing, or to ask other experienced users.

Step 3

The final is the assembly, all the components and the 3D Printer Accessories in accordance with the assembly instructions provided on the web page, then complete your robot! Here is a test of your own hand working ability.

Step 4

Of course, you can also modify this project on your own, make your own 3D small robot on this basis by some novelty gadgets like the latest 3d stereoscopic printing pen for Art Crafting. Production of a 3D printing robot takes about 10 to 20 hours, after all, it will be a new means of recreation and leisure, and you can also learn a lot of new knowledge from the whole process.

How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 2)

3D modeling process

Almost all 3D modeling software available on the market can produce 3D models for use with 3D printers, including established CAD software such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, or CGMAX, 3DMAX, Maya, and more. However, for non-professionals, these software are too expensive and inconvenient. At present, modeling mainly uses some free open-source software, such as OpenSCAD, Tinkercad, Meshmixer and so on. In particular to mention OpenSCAD here. OpenSCAD can be programmed through the preparation of code, as long as the relevant code input can generate graphics. At present, many websites take this code as an open source form. For Reprap, of course, 3D Printer Motherboard is a must.

As to open-source 3D Printer Module Board, we have to mention the DIY Arduino 3D Printer module board as we all know the general applicability and authoritative position of Arduino. There are many 3D Printer Expansion Board like the Arduino CNC Shield V3 which is a motor driver expansion board for 3D Printer.

3D Printer slice

Before the original graphics file into the 3D printer, must be through a control software processing, the graphics "slice." Most of this software is also open source, so there are many choices, common with Cura, makerwat, Repetier, slic3r, etc., users can choose the software that is suitable for their own 3D printing equipment. So a high-performance 3D Printer Controller is very important.

The process of printing

For now, print a small project takes about ten to dozens of minutes, you can wait for a cup of coffee patiently. 3D printed finished products, according to the different 3D printer accuracy, print out works of different roughness. In addition, after all, the hardening process of the material is not completely controllable. In the printing of more complex works, the overflow and deformation of the material are often inevitable. Therefore, you should modify according to the actual situation for the latter part of grinding and modification.

For beginners who are involved in 3D modeling, there are a large number of ready-made products available on the web that can be used as a starting point for learning. Thingiverse is one of the largest sites, in addition to the old open source site GitHub, you can also find a lot of work there.