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Blog WeatherBrella - Spark Code Time
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  • Author Author: zengirl2
  • Date Created: 5 Jul 2014 11:40 PM Date Created
  • Views 752 views
  • Likes 0 likes
  • Comments 5 comments
  • internet_of_things
  • spark_core
  • umbrella
  • iot
  • Wearables
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WeatherBrella - Spark Code Time

zengirl2
zengirl2
5 Jul 2014

image

 

I was excited to try out my next step on Spark Core, but I had to go to Florida. I should mention that it would take a pretty special event to take me from my work, and it certainly was -- it was my best friend's geek wedding. I say geek because it was held at Disney World ... there was a MakerBot at the reception, laser cut souvenirs on the tables, and my friend's bridal dress had an LED lit under skirt with fiber optic flower adornments on the outer skirt. Oh yes, and Mickey and Minnie made a guest appearance at the end in their bridal attire. Did I mention I met a guy that had an embedded RFID tag in his hand, too? I doubt I will ever attend another wedding where I feel so comfortable. image Anyway, back to Philly and the fun of Spark Core.

 

I decided to try out some code rather than use the easy method of activating pins using their Tinker app. So, I set up the breadboard and added an LED with a resistor after doing some calculations with my handy Adafruit Circuit Playground App. I was worried I might not have a correct resistor around the house since I often use stitchable RGB LEDs that have built-in resistors. It was good practice, although I can tell that I need a new prescription for my lenses since I now need a magnifying glass to read the color bands on the resistors (#gettingold). Next, I went into the "Build" section on Spark's site. After logging in, I was able to select the example code for blinking an LED.

image

It was a bit tricky reading the code on my phone because it has the tendency to cut it off. However, after going back and forth on the menu a few times I was able to read it. Similar to Arduino, there is an icon for verification (checkmark) and also an icon for flashing to the controller (bolt). So, it was quite easy to learn. In just a few seconds, the code was loaded and there was a disco on my desk.

 

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Spark Core is really a small slick device. I do think longer code is going to be tricky to enter by phone, so I will have to see if you can load it first through a regular computer and then use the phone to select the new code version for flashing. I'm hoping I'm right about that method. In the meantime, did you notice I didn't use the mustache battery shield? I believe my battery was drained from my last tinkering, so I used the USB cable instead for power. Knowing you probably miss seeing it, I decided that I should leave you with the shield in charging mode. The LEDs are quite adorable. See you next time when I delve into thicker coding.

 

image

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  • DAB
    DAB over 11 years ago in reply to zengirl2

    Don't bet on it.

    C was supposed to be obsolete at least a dozen times over the last thirty years.

    I thought Forth was a dead language, but I just saw someone still using it.

     

    Old computer languages never die!  There is always someone who will use it until they die.

    DAB

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  • zengirl2
    zengirl2 over 11 years ago in reply to DAB

    You know the code is always my biggest challenge. image.  It does get easier each time, although you have to allow for the new languages coming out.  By the time I get C++, it will be obsolete.

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  • zengirl2
    zengirl2 over 11 years ago in reply to mcb1

    Haha, there's always another gadget to be had!

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  • DAB
    DAB over 11 years ago

    Hi Leslie

     

    Good update.  You have the right approach.  Do a little, test a little, learn a lot and go to the next challenge.

     

    Good Luck

    DAB

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  • mcb1
    mcb1 over 11 years ago

    Leslie

    If you have an android tablet, you should be able to download and use that, which gives you a larger interface.

    Some of the 7 inch ones are extremely cheap now.

    Mark

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