IoT

There is a saying among Linux administrators:

with great power, comes great responsibility

The same is true if you use low-level tools to manage cloud resources.

Recently I worked on an automated deployment script for the AWS Greengrass v2 environment. At some point in development, this script started to behave in the nondeterministic way - I faced random issues in connectivity between Greengrass Code device and Client devices.

After a long debug session, I realized my mistake - I did not manage cloud resources carefully enough. I was using the low-level Boto3 clients and introduced race conditions which (when the timing was bad) corrupted the state of my environment.

Finally, I fixed problems with my script and decided to write a blog post on this topic.

Let me know if you faced race conditions when deploying cloud resources and how you discovered + fixed them.


https://www.thingrex.com/cloud_race_conditions/

I started a series about IoT Thing management using the AWS.

I will extend theoretical aspects of Thing management with code samples that present how to structure your code (not in the "hello world" manner).

First part - AWS IoT Thing Attributes - introduction.

https://www.thingrex.com/aws_iot_thing_attributes_intro/

The badge that does so many things you can make up your own stuff to do with it.
So what is the KareWare Badge?
It's a heart shaped electronic circuit board with a few electronic components that detect motion from pets/humanoids from about 5 meters or closer. (possibly works on zombies, not guaranteed). One motion is detected, two alert leds are triggered to flash for up to 5 seconds. (tunable)
As long as motion continues the LEDs continues to flash.
This sensor is much smaller than most PIR modules, which makes it great for unobtrusive projects. It's also fully-contained so no programming needed, just add the main components and you're good to go. 
Perfect as a desk gadget to let you know when people are walking up behind you while you're focused on work.
Great to let family know when you're in the middle of a project as a do not disturb sign on your door..
Friendly reminder to B.A. WARE before entering.
The KareWear badge was originally created as a project for folks to KareWear of how close you are standing to others, so you remember to social distance your self when in the middle of a crowd.
If you are vaccinated, it's a great talking piece to let others know that you care, and for others to B.A.WARE that the virus is real, and to do their part for getting vaccinated so we can all return to normal.
The coverage area is approx 130 degrees left to right and 100 degrees up and down.
Optionally, there is a large version of this sensor that can be used to cover additional areas if needed.
Have been involved in teaching IoT, electronics, to kids for the past few years, including local community centers, Meetup groups, MakerFaire events, and we are now about to produce our own kit device.
Order a fully assembled or order the bare board and learn how to source, solder the motion sensor and LED yourself to create your own custom design.

My first contribution to the Microsoft IoT for Beginners open source project on GitHub! 🥳

I got into my school's robotics team, the Sciborgs!

The team seems really cool, hopefully I can learn how to write robot code, along with a lot more!

System design from the end-user perspective is an extremely important yet easily forgotten approach.
I will use myself as an example.

When I was designing a frame for the 'autonomous' lego car, I focused on the practical aspects. This frame should be:

• stiff,
• versatile,
• provide a space to attach sensors.

My son (7y) understood all of the above but wanted to make this frame also look cool.

Entertaining end-user experience is extremely important. It should be embedded in every hardware/software/system design decision.

Yet, it is easily forgotten when we focus on low-level, technical details of the designed solution.

My frame was working perfectly but was boring for the end-users.