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New to Pi, have a project in mind, what chip would work best?

Former Member

Hello all, I have a prop replica from a TV show that I would love to get to actually function and work as it does in the show, in the show the actors simply spoke to a static prop and it was later editied.  I have a Warehouse 13 Farnsworth replica.  If you've seen the show it is retro steampunk turn of the century first television looking, but it fits into the palm of your hand.  I have one built, and another faceplate so I could build a second one, just no case as of yet.  I work at Walmart and have been able to take some of the old small display screens you see advertising toys and such.  I have two screens that are a little different each, they are 3" x 2.5"   Sideways the screens would fit perfect, length they are a little lacking, but I would hope that since the unit has a round glass magnifying glass lens, it may appear just fine when viewing.  The unit has one one push button and two knobs.  It works in the show like this, you open the unit, push the black button on the left, it then "calls" another unit, it is not explained on the show, but I assume since the middle knob is numbered 1-12, that you would select and call the unit you wish to reach by selecting their number.  The knob to the right is maybe volume.  It has a glass chacobon round clear bead (supposed to be the camera lens) and a red light that blinks when the unit functions.  I've linked a picture that shows it with the faux antenna they designed on show for it.  What I would like to do is to get the pi, or any other suggested board to fit inside and act like a video walkie talkie.  Kind of like Apple's Facetime.  It would be even better if it could be used to actually be able to call other similar built units for Comic-con to locate other fans but not necessary.  I would use this with my wife and son when we go to comic cons, meaning I want it to use something other than wifi to transmit.  I understand range will be an issue inside of a metal box.  The Farnsworth is 6" tall, 3.5 wide, and the build depth will be around 3/4"  so it is going to be very tight.  I have a few old cell phone batteries I could use to power it, and the unit has two earphone jacks on the side I would like to use to charge the unit.  Wireless charging would be super cool, but not necessary for the space limitations.  So what pieces parts and units would anyone here suggest to get this made, or do I still have to wait a while for things to get even smaller?

Thanks

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130517011442/warehouse13/images/8/81/Modified_Farnsworth.PNG

  • If you have a look over on the Ben Heck show he did a couple of projects that might be helpful.

     

    Episode 135: Ben's Text Radios for Maker Faire Episode

    Episode 148: Ben Heck’s DIY Cell Phone Part 1 Episode

     

    There was also a recent project as part of the Sci Fi your Pi where Kenny Rasschaert did some work on this

     

    Video conferencing with the Raspberry Pi

  • Awesome project, really enjoyed that show and look forward to seeing this project when complete.

    Everything    linked above for you should help you achieve your goal but I do see space inside the Farnsworth being an issue, although the new Raspberry Pi Zero would alleviate some of that problem with its smaller size,  I couldn't tell you if it supports the camera function which would be essential to the project, as I've still not managed to get my hands on one yet and wont read any info till I do but I'm sure more knowledgeable members can answer that.

    Good luck.

    Mark

  • in reply to CrazyFace

    Thanks the Zero does not have the same camera interface as the regular Pi but it can handle USB webcams (but you might need a hub if you've got multiple USB devices). An alternative model might be the A+, it's a bit smaller than the others but bigger than the zero. But it does have the standard camera connector.

  • Well, it's been a while, been wanting to revisit this, So I purchased a spy gear kids toy, audio video communicator, wireless, uses RF for audio and video, runs on 3 AAA batteries.  Very cool toy, I got one for $4 on ebay to take apart and see how it works.  It's almost all assembled on the back of the screen.  1 1/8th wide by 1 5/16 high.  Sooo small.  I think this disassembled paired with a rechargeable battery could be put into an altoids tin sized Farnsworth and be awesome for kids.  But it's a bit small and it doesn't look like I'd be able to fasten this to a larger screen, as it is all assembled together.  So in my absence I see that now they offer a zero with a camera.attachment.  So again, I'm new to this, saw on Adafruit I can order some Zeros.  What will be the easiest way to add a RF transmitter/receiver?  Or is there a higher range bluetooth that will allow video?  Is they have a 3.5" screen without touchscreen?  Black and white camera, or is there filters I can install?  Pi runs on 5v?  I see a few things, 1A or 2A?  I have a few cell phone batteries I will probably see if I can put in two and then link them up as I'm sure the pi and a screen with transmitters etc will not make for a super long charge.  And then thoughts on antenna?  I'd like to make it look as close to the show one as possible.  In the show, Claudia makes an antenna that comes out of the 2 earphone side jacks, I plan to make that piece as well but could possibly use a real antenna and mod the extra pieces onto it.  The case for the Farnsworth is aluminum, and the faceplate is brass, so I think to get any range at all would need to use the side jacks to get a signal out.  There is two knobs and a push button on the Farnsworth.  I was thinking of a potentiometer for each, one for volume, one for function, I'd like this to be a functional sound toy, but I think the Pi could control that stuff with the ringing, pickup with video, and hang up,  But also if space dictates, a bluetooth speaker with phone handsfree as well, can the Pi do all of these, and space is EXTREMELY limited.  Fun.  Need to buy a breadboard and start searching.  What do you folks think, can it be done?