DHMN Labs Coder's Workshop

[Paul Klemstine]

At lunch last week, there was some discussion of starting an extra monthly event, devoted to coding and software design. 

My idea is to break the participants into teams based on programming language preference and/or interest in the teams project, and have all the teams build something cool.

There is a big room available Thursday January 10th from 5-9 at the Appleton library I can reserve if I'm quick. Harmony Cafe seems to have their rooms full every night.

We could come to the meeting with software project ideas to pitch, and babble on for a 2 minute presentation. Then everyone will split into teams, to plot their mad science for the upcoming weeks.

Maker's would also be welcome if they're quiet and mind their own business.

Anyone interested, any thoughts/feedback?

[Mark Nickel]

This is a cool Idea, Paul.

I'm definitely interested. 

I think I could do Jan 10.

[Brent Buchholz]

I'm interested, software is my primary focus, and I'm good with an array of languages...

[Ross Larson]

I'm interested, if time allows.

[Mike Putnam]

<projectpitch>An Android app that RESTfully consumes JSON from Google App Engine (python) and conveys "Is this week a recyclables week?" </projectpitch>

I've already written portions of this as a pet project. It scrapes http://my.appleton.org for garbage date. My intent is to open source all components under the DHMN Labs github account. http://github.com/DHMN

Help me work on/expand this idea!

[Brent Buchholz]

Android and JSON in a RESTful environment appeals to me, I have a pet project using Rails and I want to work in Android clients and Backbone.js, so JSON and Android would be a valuable exercise for me as a programmer.

Like Ross, however, time constraints could be an issue for me, but if we setup a github repo, I'd be willing to contribute when times permits.

[Paul Klemstine]

Okay, I've submitted the room request to the library for Jan 10th, 2013, 5pm - 9pm. I'll let you know when they respond with a confirmation.

[Brent Buchholz]

This is what my REST pet project is going to run on, 

http://coenraets.org/blog/2012/10/creating-a-rest-api-using-node-js-express-and-mongodb/

hosted on https://www.heroku.com/

full example here, hosted on heroku and github:

http://coenraets.org/blog/2012/10/nodecellar-sample-application-with-backbone-js-twitter-bootstrap-node-js-express-and-mongodb/

As an example of a pure HTML5, CSS and Javascript alternative to Google App Engine and Python.

[Kristin]

I'm interested as well. I have tiny bits of experience with VB.net (I think?) and Python.

 

I'm definitely interested in any opportunity to learn more programming.

[Brent Buchholz]

I have experience with .NET (VB & C#) as well as Python, and would be very interested in challenging my coding skills on any projects that might arise...

[j]

I’m interested… I’m learning java and python, know c and javascript, and could hack my way around perl.

[GeekOnCoffee]

I'm a ruby guy, but open to python or perl, or whatever. 

Appleton is a long haul for me, but I'll try and make it occasionally and keep an eye on the github organization looking for ways to contribute. 

[Ross Larson]

As a scheduling note, NEWLUG traditionally meets on the second Thursday of each month, which happens to also be January 10th.  There is a small amount of overlap between the two events, but it's probably not so significant that this event should be rescheduled.  It may be be a future scheduling consideration, however.

I'm still seriously considering attending this event, since NEWLUG usually records their presentations for later online viewing.

Ross

[Bob Waldron]

I'd like to submit my vote for non-Thursday regular sessions of a DHMN Labs Coder Workshop (in addition to Thursday events, or as an alternative day) because I would seriously like to improve my negligible coding skills but have other events scheduled on all Thursdays. If others are interested in learning or mentoring at Coding 101 or 102 regular sessions, please raise your hands...

L-Dron

[Paul Klemstine]

Okay, I just heard back from the Appleton library, we have meeting room A, Jan 10'th, 5-9pm.

[Ross Larson]

It's official!  We even have an extra long URL to prove it!

http://host6.evanced.info/appleton/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=11117&rts=&disptype=info&ret=eventcalendar.asp&pointer=&returnToSearch=&SignupType=&num=0&ad=&dt=mo&mo=1/1/2013&df=calendar&EventType=ALL&Lib=&AgeGroup=ALL&LangType=0&WindowMode=&noheader=&lad=&pub=1&nopub=&page=&pgdisp=

[Kristin]

I wouldn't be against a different day, but unfortunately Wednesdays are completely out for me, and Tuesdays can get interesting between lessons and knit lab. :D

 

Other than that, I think the other days of the week work.

[Paul Klemstine]

Here is a good beginning to our DHMN Android app:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/19401902/DHMNDroid.apk

It's got the web site, google groups, RSS, the calendar, IRC hackaday and make blog as tabs.

[Matt Buck]

how about the source?

-Matt

[Mike Putnam]

Linked off http://dhmn.net/ ...

https://github.com/dhmn

[Mike Putnam]

The next DHMN Coder's Workshop will be Monday February 4th at 6pm.

Graciously hosted by Kristin M.

Previously we began working through getting Eclipse installed and
learning the basics of git + github. We also began a DHMN Android app of
varied purpose.

Please contact Kristin directly if you would like to attend:

dryic...@gmail.com

[Kristin]

I'm working on putting some documentation together on the Eclipse install and pre-reqs, plus git + github integration.

 

Will post when done, hopefully this weekend.

[Kristin]

I think I've gotten address and directions to everyone who has requested and I have an email address for. :)

 

If you would like directions, please email me. I'll check email again tonight and monitor throughout the day tomorrow.

 

On Friday, January 18, 2013 11:53:03 AM UTC-6, Mike Putnam wrote:

[Matt Buck]

I'd be interested though not sure if schedule permits.

-Matt

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[Patrick Burskey]

I'll second that. Interested, I find it hard to get too involved with things I can't share with my kids. My play time tends to start around 9 to 10pm most nights.

Sent from my iPhone

[j]

I will not be able to make it tomorrow. L

 

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[Mike Putnam]

The Coder's Workshop 0.2 is tonight, right now in fact.

There are three of us at the moment.

Mike

[j]

I wrote that last night, and it just got sent out.

 

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[Ross Larson]

I'm running late due a toddler meltdown, but I still fully intend on attending.

Ross

[Paul Klemstine]

We've got a room reserved for the DHMN Coder's Workshop 

at the Menasha Public Library

March 4th, 5:00pm - 8:30pm

[Paul Klemstine]

Oh yeah, the library will provide a LCD projector and a 36 coffee cup urn, so if someone could help provide coffee and cups, we will have some refreshment.

[Mike Putnam]

Completed "Links" tab on DHMNdroid app.

Changelog

Download this version

Submit feature requests here

[Mike Putnam]

So as not to stagnate the Coder's Workshop on only the DHMN android app
I propose attendees also come prepared to:

* Discuss one programmery learning they've had since last we met
* Ask one question of the attendees and their knowledge
* Optionally demonstrate a bit of code you find useful or clever

[Paul Klemstine]

Just a reminder that we will be meeting at the Menasha Library, from 5:00-8:30pm on Monday, March 4th.
I welcome everyone to bring refreshments and treats to share, we also will have a 36 cup coffee urn we can fill with hot water for instant beverages.Bring a mug!
The focus of the nights activities will be computer programming, but the space is open to all makers, there should be plenty of space.
I'm going to try and have a ten minute presentation, but I don't know anything more about that at the moment.

[Karl P. Niemuth II]

I might just come to help drink coffee

--

[Mike Putnam]

Also please consider the following optional things:

* Discuss one programmery learning they've had since last we met
* Ask one question of the attendees and their knowledge
* Optionally demonstrate a bit of code you find useful or clever

[Paul Klemstine]

The meeting room is in the basement of the library, I'm not exactly sure which one is ours, but it should be fairly easy to find.

[Paul Klemstine]

Tonight I will be demonstrating and then exploring the open source robot software framework MyRobotLab.org.

MRL is written in Java, but there is a python interface, and Android client. It is a framework of services that allows you to connect together "modules" like an OpenCV camera module, or an Arduino interface module, a or Kinect camera module. You connect all the components together graphically or programmatically, and messages get passed around the framework activating or listening to other modules. For example, when a button on the Arduino is pressed the Speech Synthesizer kicks in., Or when the camera detects motion, and alarm is played, and the robot starts firing. All the dependencies are automatically installed for you. It's super awesome!

Modules Include:

WebServer controller

Arduino/Arduino Motor shield modules

Kinect

OpenCV

Picaxe

Tracking

Roomba

Speech transcribing

Servos

Bluetooth

Remote Internet Control

Android client

and lots more!

http://myrobotlab.org/services

It's super awesome!

MyRobotLab FAQ:

What is myrobotlab?
Myrobotlab is a open source Java service based framework for robotics and creative machine control.

What does it run on?
Myrobotlab runs on the Java 1.6 JVM, so any computer or device which supports this JVM conceptually could run myrobotlab.  Many of MyRobotLab Services will run on Android's Dalvik JVM.

What are the Services it offers?
The services myrobotlab include machine vision from Javacv/Opencv, speech recognition from Sphinx 4, text to speech from FreeTTS, Motor control, Servo control, GUI control and microcontroller communication.  Third party services are wrapped in myrobotlab Service wrappers and added to the framework.  A list of services is here.

How would myrobotlab control a robot?
It would depend on what kind of robot it is.  If the robot contained a regular PC as part of its system, myrobotlab could run directly on the robot itself.  If the robot consisted of a microcontroller only, myrobotlab could run on an ancillary computer and communicate/control the robot through RF, Infrared, WiFi, Bluetooth or any number of othercommunication methods (WiiCom).

What microcontrollers does myrobotlab currently support?
At the moment, Arduino and Arduino clones are only supported, however, the .pde code which comes with myrobotlab is very simple.  It basically uses the Arduino microcontrollers serial communication and turns the Arduino into a IO-slave.  Porting this microcontroller code to other microcontrollers (Propeller, PicAxe, Stamp, Make, etc) would be fairly easy.

Can 2 different computers running myrobotlab talk to one another?
Yes.  Myrobotlab can run and communicate on multiple computers at once.  When one instance of myrobotlab connects to another, it can expose all of its currently running services to the second instance.  This allows services on different computers, robots, or systems to seamlessly communicate with one another.

How does myrobotlab communicate?
This depends on what its communicating with.  If there is only one instance and everything is local, in communicates with binary objects.  If remote access is enabled or if more than one myrobotlab is running on multiple computers, the communication is done with TCP or UDP depending on configuration.  Microcontrollers are typically communicated to serially.  Go to http://myrobotlab.org/content/communication for ideas on different ways to implement communication.

Why Java?
There is an enormous amount of well organized, open source Java projects on the net which would be relevant to robotics. Java was chosen to ease interoperability and leverage this potential functionality.  Java also supports reflection which aids to dynamically exposing functionality in services.

Does it have a GUI?
Yes.  It can have multiple GUIs, a single GUI, or no GUIs at all.  The GUI is just another Service in the framework.  And it too like all other services, can communicate remotely if needed.  It can also be wrapped in an Applet if the user desires it to be embedded on a web page.

Do you need to know how to program to use myrobotlab?
Currently, Yes.  Although more and more functionality is being exposed through the GUI, to do anything neat you'll probably need to program it.  The idea is to allow the GUI to create, configure Services and graphically change message routing.  Currently, the GUI only allows Service creation.

[Mike Putnam]

8 people in attendance

Stuff
--
32 cups of hot water
SIMON bot
http://myrobotlab.org/
python - dictionaries,lists,strings,modules,etc
http://codecademy.com/
usb drivers for a Nexus 7
raspbian/raspberrypi
javascript
ubuntu
file i/o
LaffyTaffy
java
voice synthesis
FIRST Robotics

[Paul Klemstine]

The planning for the Coder's Lab 0.4 is slipping through my fingers...

Anyone have any suggestions of a place and time we could meet in April?

I also can't meet on Monday's anymore(except for the DHMN business meeting). 

[Kristin]

I just thought of it today. I'd like to keep them going if only so that they keep me working on coding at least once a month. However, if Mondays don't work, does anyone have any suggestions for a new day to meet?

 

Or do we hold off for April and reconvene in May?

[Ross Larson]

I agree.  We should keep doing these events.

I think it's too early to give up on April.  I'm pretty flexible, as long as I have enough notice ahead of time.  How do Tuesdays look if Monday doesn't work?

[Paul Klemstine]

I'd like this workshop to become a monthly DHMN event, so we should meet in April sometime. Maybe around the last two weeks of April?

How are people for Tuesdays? Or a Thursday?  Maybe we'll have a Coder's workshop once a week at the new DHMN facility.

You up for hosting a night, Kristin?

[Mike Putnam]

My availability will be spotty in the in coming months.

I'm super keen on DHMN Coder's Workshop (honestly this concept was my initial motivation to get and stay involved with DHMN two years ago). However, between an unusual level of work time-commitment and family stuff, I'm not going to be able to make every DHMN function as was my habit.

I am in no way abandoning my beloved DHMN, but it has to take a back seat for a time.

Mike

[Kristin]

Yes, I could do that.

 

Tuesdays and Thursdays both work. I would just need to leave everyone to the tender mercies of my brother for about an hour on Tuesdays when I go to my guitar lessons.

[Kristin]

I totally forgot about this...

 

I think at one point we had talked about having it today (1st Monday) at my house.

 

I am still ok with hosting it, but just need to know if anyone would be coming.

 

Otherwise, because of everything that's been going on, I would say postpone it again until we can devote some time and attention to it.

 

On Monday, December 17, 2012 11:55:53 AM UTC-6, Paul Klemstine wrote:

At lunch last week, there was some discussion of starting an extra monthly event, devoted to coding and software design. 

My idea is to break the participants into teams based on programming language preference and/or interest in the teams project, and have all the teams build something cool.

There is a big room available Thursday January 10th from 5-9 at the Appleton library I can reserve if I'm quick. Harmony Cafe seems to have their rooms full every night.

We could come to the meeting with software project ideas to pitch, and babble on for a 2 minute presentation. Then everyone will split into teams, to plot their mad science for the upcoming weeks.

Maker's would also be welcome if they're quiet and mind their own business.

Anyone interested, any thoughts/feedback?

[Ross Larson]

My vote is for postponing the event.  We should figure out what we want to accomplish before we get together.

[Paul Klemstine]

Sorry about this late notice about Coder's Workshop..

I'm headed to the makerspace by 6pm,  We'll be open for the DHMN Coder's workshop. 

Projects include building a better Red Bull project light controller built with an Arduino, and better Python(or Java) code to interface with the Turbull Encabulator controlling the lights. Also experiments with MyRobotLab controlling a servo activated pan/tilt webcam.

There's snacks, maybe someone could bring coffee (we need a coffee pot still).

The place is a disaster, but maybe wen can clean it up a little.

The 3d printer might have a clogged head, but we can also try and fix that.

C'mon down and Make(tm) something.

[Mike Putnam]

Here! (at Appleton Makerspace)

[Karl P. Niemuth II]

Door open?