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  • Author Author: zengirl2
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The FLORAbrella Finale

zengirl2

Wow, it has been quite a project.  From my beginning research of unique umbrellas, to wiring individually addressable LED Neopixel strips and facing 3D printing – I’ve just learned so much.  Adafruit’s Forum has been outstanding, along with the support I’ve received from the Element 14 folks.  Anyway, I was going to shoot my video last night, but yesterday my dog had to have a sudden operation to remove a cancerous tumor.  This is Lucci, the amazing Italian Greyhound.

 

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Don’t worry, it went well, but after seeing him so fragile and woozy, there was no way to leave him in the house alone.  So, I had to shoot tonight with the help of my husband and a friend (love you, Annarita Gentile!).  It was all done with an Iphone, how funny is that??  So, without further ado, this one is for you.  Hugs, kisses and open hardware to tout le monde! (hint, hint).

 

  • Look what's in Cosmopolitan--

     

    Struck by a surprise shower during your commute? In the future, you'll always match. FLORAbrella, a LED-stripe umbrella, has a color sensor that can match its light to what you're wearing...

     

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  • in reply to DAB

    WOW!  GO man. We need some forward thinking men individuals like that.

    I told you you were awesome last year. Can't wait.

    Bill

  • in reply to zengirl2

    Hi Leslie,

     

    Thanks for the good thoughts.

     

    Right now I am so busy with my book writing that my maker/research projects are being neglected.  I will eventually get back to them in due time, at least thats what I tell myself.

     

    Helping all of you keeps me young at heart and encourages me to keep participating.

    Don't feel too sorry for me, I had an amazing career and I am about to cause a big ruckus in the world of Physics and Cosmology. 

    Like Steven Hawking, I have learned to use my down time to contemplate issues in many fields.  I have been lucky, in an instant I saw a way to explain just about everything in the relm of matter and energy, even the so called "Dark" matter.  Having my friend validate the equations and ideas verified that it was not a pain/medication induced episode, so we are going to challenge a lot of people to take a look at a much simpler way to explain what we see and measure.  It will be a very interesting journey as we lead people out of an eighty year sidestep.

     

    Anyway, I appreciate your comments.

    Keep on making, you are on a quest to learn new things.  I have found nothing that competes with the feelings you get from successfully implementing an idea.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    DAB, the night before I videotaped, I had run down the battery pretty low, forgetting that it takes about 15-20 hrs. to recharge.  So, it only got about 9  hours of charge in before the shoot.  I was really scared and I couldn't risk not having power for the shoot, so I switched the umbrella on and off for each individual shot. In fact, I think my husband got sick of me saying, "In a minute, I need to do another color sensor match".  Anyway, I plugged the battery in today and it now has another full charge.  So, we will see what happens when I test next.  I know for sure that the rainbow effect takes more power, because I'm feeling some warmth from the FLORA.  In fact, I may even cut a breathing hole for the controller on the other side of my "hammock" as I know electronics don't like heat.  Get ready for more observations of what worked and what I would like to improve in my next post -- I'm waiting for more things to congeal in my head (and I need to snuggle with my dog) LOL.  BTW, I agree with Linda about your helpful observations.  I am unaware of any handicaps because all I see is someone filled with love of electronics and nothing but encouragement.  So, the question is, what can we build you that would be helpful???  Sounds like another Element 14 Challenge -- game on!

  • Hi Leslie,

    wauw, that's one cool umbrella! How wonderful that you finished it on time and with a great video! image

    I especially love the part where the ledtrips show the raindrops, so cool!

    Thanks for competing and posting your progress throughout the competition.

     

    Linda