View Full Version : Interest in Hardware Hacking Village
Stealing an idea directly from LosTboy, I'm trying to get a rough idea on the number of people who might be interested in participating in the HHV. Please let me know your interest level. We're just trying to gauge the number of kits and space size.
Thanks,
-Russ
Thorn
04-17-2008, 04:22 PM
Definitely interested, Russ.
Also, the Wireless Village has already been discussing some projects that we may be able to have some crossover to the Hardware Village.
I'll be hanging around in the hardware hacking village. Definitely interested depending on what is being served!
hackajar
04-20-2008, 01:51 PM
If you can get Joe to make some guest appearances, that might up the interest level :grin:
mage2
04-22-2008, 07:54 AM
Ill be there.
Yeah I think I'll be there ;)
kampf
04-24-2008, 06:00 PM
Sounds like fun.
raphel
04-27-2008, 02:49 AM
Very good！
I would never set foot in such a place. Ever. :)
LosT
DJ Jackalope
04-28-2008, 10:50 AM
I would be interested...but it would probably be more to even just get a baseline of even how to start on hardware hacking and just drop in and watch. (My time at con unfortunately is extremely limited.)
I would never set foot in such a place. Ever. :)
LosT
Uh huh. Off course you would not.
SmittyHalibut
04-28-2008, 09:25 PM
Count me in. I've got a team entered into the MC so it's not unlikely that we'll be spending some serious time in the HHV.
Speaking of hardware hacking, anyone here headed to Maker Faire this weekend?
Yes, I will be at the Maker Faire this weekend.
LosT
Yes, I will be at the Maker Faire this weekend.
LosT
I hope you take a lot of good notes and pictures.
bombnav
05-13-2008, 09:10 PM
I'll be there and can/will help out.
I'll be there and can/will help out.
Obviously judging by the size of your font....
And you are?
1057
Ehm, LosT he is bombnav :P
bombnav
05-16-2008, 11:13 PM
Obviously judging by the size of your font....
And you are?
1057
Sorry about the font. I am a electronics nerd working as a engineer on the other side of the Mojave Desert in California. This will be my third Con and I am looking to help out in some way.
Thought about putting a team together for Mystery Challenge?
LosT
Sorry about the font. I am a electronics nerd working as a engineer on the other side of the Mojave Desert in California. This will be my third Con and I am looking to help out in some way.
bombnav
05-18-2008, 06:36 PM
Thought about putting a team together for Mystery Challenge?
LosT
Not really thats not something I enjoy.
You don't enjoy embedded systems/electronics? Hum. Ok. I'm confused about the offer to help in the village then...
LosT
Sorry about the font. I am a electronics nerd working as a engineer on the other side of the Mojave Desert in California. This will be my third Con and I am looking to help out in some way.
bombnav
05-20-2008, 10:05 PM
You don't enjoy embedded systems/electronics? Hum. Ok. I'm confused about the offer to help in the village then...
LosT
I am at a loss at the style of your posts.... either I am not understanding what you are saying or you are trying to get me to go away as I am not welcome to help.
Thorn
05-20-2008, 10:26 PM
I am at a loss at the style of your posts.... either I am not understanding what you are saying or you are trying to get me to go away as I am not welcome to help.The Mystery Challenge involves embedded systems and electronics, which pretty much goes hand-in-hand with the stated goals of the Hardware Village.
I can't speak for the people running the Hardware Village, but they'll probably welcome help from anyone who knows a diode from a dildo.
theprez98
05-21-2008, 06:02 AM
I can't speak for the people running the Hardware Village, but they'll probably welcome help from anyone who knows a diode from a dildo.
Unfortunately, there are probably some people at DEFCON who don't! :wink:
Deviant Ollam
05-21-2008, 07:25 AM
they'll probably welcome help from anyone who knows a diode from a dildo.and cue all the bad one-liner jokes stating either "how diodes are like dildoes" or "why diodes are better than dildoes" etc etc etc
here's a few starters...
1. they both have the ability to turn women on, if the individual in question is cool enough
2. the best and most expensive ones take lots of electricity
3. overuse or overtaxing of either can result in excessive heat and eventual ruin
4. you are looked at like a real weirdo if you try to return a used diode or dildo
heh, now this whole thing makes me want to quote Dimitri Martin, a young hipster kid who has a delightfully subtle style of comedy...
i never had to pluralize dildo before. i don't know if that's right, it sort of likes /dill- DUHS/
i hope i never have to again... like in a deposition or something...
"how many dildoes were there?"
"i don't know but i'm sore and i want to go home"wow... there's absolutely everything out there on the tubes. the video clip of that segment of Dimitri's act can be found here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcwfdFT1ohE). while he doesn't always represent data on a graph properly, it's still pretty good. you deserve a break and your employers work you too hard for too little money. take seven minutes out of your day and go watch it.
bombnav
05-21-2008, 09:12 PM
I will have my tools with me and see what happens.
sugardaddy
05-29-2008, 09:18 PM
I'd like to help out as well. It's been a while since I did much with electronics but like bombnav this will be my 3rd con and I'd like to be more involved. I brought my wife last year and pretty much sealed the deal that she'll never return (marriage tip: don't combine an anniversary trip with a hacker conference and the MC unless your wife is totally into it too). Hence I should have more time on my hands this go 'round. Who do we talk to about signing up?
SD
Ok, well if you're interested in volunteering to help out, let me know, please. Email works best, but a PM in the forums works, too.
Anyway, LosT and I have been trying to pull together a really kick a$$ kit for the HHV this year. I'm pretty excited about it. And yes, Joe (kingpin) will be spending a good deal of time in the HHV this summer, since that's where he's going to help out with hacking the badges. It's going to be a good time. It looks like we've been assigned Skybox 209, upstairs next to the other "villages".
Even if you've never done anything like this in the past, but you've always been interested, this is really the best time to get involved. You'll learn a lot of basics at the HHV if you've never done this before. And for the experienced folks, you'll definitely have your opportunity to play as well.
I'm really glad this is working out. This was actually a conversation that got started between A, myself, and LosT while we were all at ApacheCon last Fall. woohooo.
OH YEAH! Bring your tools if you've got em. We'll put tables, chairs, and power in the room.
-Russ
Wow, dude, really. You should have asked about the "bringing the wife to con" thing beforehand. haha Very few guys are lucky enough to have wives that enjoy con.
I'd like to help out as well. It's been a while since I did much with electronics but like bombnav this will be my 3rd con and I'd like to be more involved. I brought my wife last year and pretty much sealed the deal that she'll never return (marriage tip: don't combine an anniversary trip with a hacker conference and the MC unless your wife is totally into it too). Hence I should have more time on my hands this go 'round. Who do we talk to about signing up?
SD
LosT is actually a very nice guy (what what!).... we're just working him too hard. :-) The Mystery Box is his baby.
The mystery box isn't a computer hacking contest, per se. It's a combination of disciplines, balanced heavily on the shoulders of embedded systems and electronics. It's sort of like a modern day Da Vinci Code. You'd probably enjoy it a lot. It's one of the con's most popular contests, by far. (I think Thorn already answered this.... sorry Thorn!)
I am at a loss at the style of your posts.... either I am not understanding what you are saying or you are trying to get me to go away as I am not welcome to help.
afterburn188
06-02-2008, 11:35 AM
Any ideas about if/what exactly would be going on at this thing yet? I know there is a group of us traveling to the con who are coming to present a talk on some hardware exploits and would be interested in contributing if at all possible. Just thought I'd offer.
We would welcome any presentations and assistance, talk to Russ or myself when you get to con...
What hardware will you be bringing in tow?
We will be doing uControllers for n00bs, as well as badge hacking, simple I/O basics, etc...the purpose is to get more coders into the hardware arena...
1057
Any ideas about if/what exactly would be going on at this thing yet? I know there is a group of us traveling to the con who are coming to present a talk on some hardware exploits and would be interested in contributing if at all possible. Just thought I'd offer.
Any ideas about if/what exactly would be going on at this thing yet? I know there is a group of us traveling to the con who are coming to present a talk on some hardware exploits and would be interested in contributing if at all possible. Just thought I'd offer.
You speak of it as an event, when it is more of a place. While we are still figuring out where this space will take us, my view of it at least, is that it is a place for people who have an interest in hardware* to meet, discuss and experiment.
While those of us who are putting it together have some ideas as to where we want to steer the HHV, it is up to those who visit to make it what it will become.
If you have ever found yourself wishing you had access to a soldering iron, or some bench equipment during Defcon? Say you wanted to add on feature X to badge last year, then this should be your first stop. I'm not sure how much equipment we will all be able to bring in, as most of us are flying, we will make sure to at least have power and some work space for you if you bring your own, and hopefully share with your fellow hackers.
If you need somewhere to give a demonstration after your talk, hit myself, l0st or Russ up and we can try to work something out.
*Hardware in this context is loosely defined as systems that interact with the physical word more or less directly. Embedded controllers, sensors, control systems, etc.
afterburn188
06-02-2008, 01:12 PM
We would welcome any presentations and assistance, talk to Russ or myself when you get to con...
What hardware will you be bringing in tow?
We will be doing uControllers for n00bs, as well as badge hacking, simple I/O basics, etc...the purpose is to get more coders into the hardware arena...
1057
I shot Russ an email. We will be bringing some Xilinx Spartan 3 demo boards and a couple custom modified WRT54GLs for our presentation. I'll see what else we could bring of some interest. If there is anything in particular you're looking for let me know. We might be able to dig it up in our collection of different stuff. We could even set up and show off our exploits to attract the security minded individuals into sticking around and learning more about it. I don't know it's up to you guys. We just feel that hardware has been getting ignored for years and that's why there is so much to explore :)
I apologize for the miswording. I understand what you mean now and we'll try to bring whatever we can to contribute. I personally would definitely be willing to assist with some uC stuff if need be. Do you know what platform you'll be using? Freescale? TI? 8/16/32bit? What kind of I/O are you thinking? Maybe some RS232 or I2C communication? The possibilities are limitless...
Hardware has been lacking in the hacker community, hence my creation of the Mystery Challenge-
For now we are working on a BS2SX (SX based 16-bit Stamp- keep in mind the audience)- I may be bringing some Altera FPGAs, as well as some other stuff (TI 430s, etc)-
LosT
afterburn188
06-02-2008, 06:23 PM
I agree with you about the lacking interest from within the community and commend you on the Mystery Challenge. Now to convince the other members of my group to possibly participate in it :doubt:
Okay so you're starting off with some stamps. I might be able to bring a few old Motorolla/Freescale HCS08 series demo boards that we have access to. These boards have been used for years for education purposes. Like I said previously, we will have some Spartan 3E Starter Kits for our talk. We'll be glad to set up and show off some of our hardware trojans if you will have us. I think that people should especially enjoy the compromised Linksys WRT54GLs that we have. They will hopefully either excite or spook some interest into the area of hardware...
If there's anything else I can do let me know...
Hardware has been lacking in the hacker community, hence my creation of the Mystery Challenge-
For now we are working on a BS2SX (SX based 16-bit Stamp- keep in mind the audience)- I may be bringing some Altera FPGAs, as well as some other stuff (TI 430s, etc)-
LosT
Hey Afterburn188,
I wish to participate in hardware hacking village - I think it is a great idea. What about bringing some hardware along like logic analyzer/scope, microscope and have some setups to show/teach people how something is reverse engineered.
I agree with you about the lacking interest from within the community and commend you on the Mystery Challenge. Now to convince the other members of my group to possibly participate in it :doubt:
Okay so you're starting off with some stamps. I might be able to bring a few old Motorolla/Freescale HCS08 series demo boards that we have access to. These boards have been used for years for education purposes. Like I said previously, we will have some Spartan 3E Starter Kits for our talk. We'll be glad to set up and show off some of our hardware trojans if you will have us. I think that people should especially enjoy the compromised Linksys WRT54GLs that we have. They will hopefully either excite or spook some interest into the area of hardware...
If there's anything else I can do let me know...
afterburn188
06-05-2008, 10:09 AM
LoST/A/Russ,
Would it help if we brought some of this equipment? Do you think this is too much? We have some nice scopes and such that are pretty portable. I don't know if you think this is overkill or what. Like I said, this kind of stuff is specifically what our group does so we have the equipment. It's just a matter of what you guys want and what Dr K wants to bring on the plane. Let us know.
Hey Afterburn188,
I wish to participate in hardware hacking village - I think it is a great idea. What about bringing some hardware along like logic analyzer/scope, microscope and have some setups to show/teach people how something is reverse engineered.
Sure, let's bring the hardware. We'll use what we can. Heck, a short presentation on what some of the hardware is and how it works might be useful as well. I would imagine that we're going to have a shortage of soldering irons and such, including protective mats. I know I don't have a mat myself.
So I was just thinking it might be a GOOD idea to have a presentation sign up list for the HHV and LARGE white board that we can put up on a tripod outside the door so people can see what's coming up in the near future.
LoST/A/Russ,
Would it help if we brought some of this equipment? Do you think this is too much? We have some nice scopes and such that are pretty portable. I don't know if you think this is overkill or what. Like I said, this kind of stuff is specifically what our group does so we have the equipment. It's just a matter of what you guys want and what Dr K wants to bring on the plane. Let us know.
Yes, especially since several of us will be going back and forth between the HHV and the contest area...
1057
Ok, I think I've seen two volunteers on this list, so far, that are willing to help out. If you've mentioned that you're interested and have NOT email me, please do that. It will make it so much simpler. So, volunteers... email me.... russ (at) defcon (dot) org or vertigo (at) securitytribe (dot) com.
LosT and I are footing the bill on this venture and, based on the current cost, we're probably only going to buy 100 of these kits to sell in the HHV. I haven't gotten any feedback that would make me think we need more and I honestly (as much as I LOVE extra hardware) don't want another 100 of these kits sitting around in my workspace. haha
As for presentation topics, here's a short list I'd like to see. If any of you want to volunteer to give a presentation, post it here or email me. It would be really cool to have a base schedule set up prior to con so all we have to do is fill in the blanks.
- Badge Hacking Basics (Friday afternoon sometime)
- Making the DC16 Badge (Sat... redo from Friday's talk)
- The Kingpin is In (Q&A with Joe Grand) (Sat afternoon sometime)
- Building a BS2 microcontroller
- Basic Electronics
- Understanding Electronics tools (think oscilloscope, multimeter, etc)
- Soldering Basics
- Programming the BS2
As for the actual makeup of the HHV, I'm beginning to think people should bring their own Serial to USB adapters, soldering irons, etc. I know some of the volunteers have mentioned bringing stuff in and potentially being interested in presenting or helping out. Please let me know what your interest level and areas are so we can start planning.
Thanks!
-Russ
Oh yeah, as an aside, the PCBs for the BS2 kits will have the Defcon logo printed on them. Just in case you're into that sort of thing. It should look really sweet.
LosT and I are footing the bill on this venture and, based on the current cost, we're probably only going to buy 100 of these kits to sell in the HHV. I haven't gotten any feedback that would make me think we need more and I honestly (as much as I LOVE extra hardware) don't want another 100 of these kits sitting around in my workspace. haha
afterburn188
06-09-2008, 02:08 PM
We (CVORG (http://www.cvorg.ece.udel.edu)) would like to volunteer to do a presentation or two on hardware trojans and the concepts/tools of reverse engineering. Our presentation can range from being a basic overview to being slightly more detailed. We will also be bringing some big toys (think o-scopes and signal generators) that we would be willing to contribute to the tools presentation. I agree with the idea of having a base schedule since there are many different events we are participating at con. The sooner we can get that outlined, the better.
Another note: The goal of this seems to be to attract people into hardware, and hardware hacking. I personally have been recently giving talks to perspective freshman/high school seniors at our university, attempting to attract them to become an Electrical Engineer. What we've found what works best is short talks, a few demos, and a huge Q&A portion. This allows for you to have a mixed/diverse group of people with different levels of knowledge (Parents, Students, Parents with a EE background) become more informed. I feel if Q&A approaches are stressed a lot more people can be attracted. Also mentioning what kind of hardware hacks have been done that they may already be benefiting from (the hacking of the Linksys WRT54G, the hacking of the XBox via the JTAG interface) will possibly attract some more attention. Just some thoughts to throw around for comment...
As for presentation topics, here's a short list I'd like to see. If any of you want to volunteer to give a presentation, post it here or email me. It would be really cool to have a base schedule set up prior to con so all we have to do is fill in the blanks.
The website doesn't come up when I click on the link. The presentations you have in mind sound great! I'm glad this is all coming together. You're absolutely correct about our target audience. When we started the robot contest a few years ago, we really thought it would take off. What we discovered was that 1) Alot of hackers are intimidated or feel ignorant of the hardware side of things and 2) In order to have a contest like this, it has to be evolve and be dynamic. We also need an "entry vector" for those that may be interested but don't want to look silly. That's my goal with the HHV... we ARE that entry vector.
Thanks for your help. Email me if you haven't already.
We (CVORG (http://cvorg.ece.udel.edu)) would like to volunteer to do a presentation or two on hardware trojans and the concepts/tools of reverse engineering.
afterburn188
06-09-2008, 03:21 PM
The website doesn't come up when I click on the link.
whoops....forgot the www in front...here (http://www.cvorg.ece.udel.edu) is the new link.
I emailed you a while ago but I will send you another email and CC our group's lead.
sugardaddy
06-24-2008, 12:27 AM
Ok, I think I've seen two volunteers on this list, so far, that are willing to help out. If you've mentioned that you're interested and have NOT email me, please do that. It will make it so much simpler. So, volunteers... email me.... russ (at) defcon (dot) org or vertigo (at) securitytribe (dot) com.
LosT and I are footing the bill on this venture and, based on the current cost, we're probably only going to buy 100 of these kits to sell in the HHV. I haven't gotten any feedback that would make me think we need more and I honestly (as much as I LOVE extra hardware) don't want another 100 of these kits sitting around in my workspace. haha
As for presentation topics, here's a short list I'd like to see. If any of you want to volunteer to give a presentation, post it here or email me. It would be really cool to have a base schedule set up prior to con so all we have to do is fill in the blanks.
- Badge Hacking Basics (Friday afternoon sometime)
- Making the DC16 Badge (Sat... redo from Friday's talk)
- The Kingpin is In (Q&A with Joe Grand) (Sat afternoon sometime)
- Building a BS2 microcontroller
- Basic Electronics
- Understanding Electronics tools (think oscilloscope, multimeter, etc)
- Soldering Basics
- Programming the BS2
As for the actual makeup of the HHV, I'm beginning to think people should bring their own Serial to USB adapters, soldering irons, etc. I know some of the volunteers have mentioned bringing stuff in and potentially being interested in presenting or helping out. Please let me know what your interest level and areas are so we can start planning.
Thanks!
-Russ
Howdy Russ.
I dropped you an email yesterday stating I wanted to volunteer. My forum account just got fixed so I'm posting here as well.
What about set up, tear down, etc.? I'm available as early as Thursday afternoon and not flying out until Monday morning.
Thanks.
SD
sugardaddy
06-24-2008, 12:31 AM
Additional HW?
I have 4 Linksys WRT54G boxes (3 S's and 1 L) I could also bring. I bought them to play with the alternate firmware but haven't had time yet. I recall someone on the list talking about demonstrating a hack against those (either in HW or for WiFi). Would that help anyone's presentation or potential demonstration?
SD
afterburn188
06-24-2008, 05:19 AM
The more the merrier! If anything, you can at least get some alternative firmware on those guys and see what other hardware modifications you can make to them. And if you absolutely want, I will be glad to compromise your routers for you if you so desire!
Additional HW?
I recall someone on the list talking about demonstrating a hack against those (either in HW or for WiFi). Would that help anyone's presentation or potential demonstration?
SD
And no device is complete without some rs232 ports: http://www.rwhitby.net/projects/wrt54gs
Additional HW?
I have 4 Linksys WRT54G boxes (3 S's and 1 L) I could also bring. I bought them to play with the alternate firmware but haven't had time yet. I recall someone on the list talking about demonstrating a hack against those (either in HW or for WiFi). Would that help anyone's presentation or potential demonstration?
SD
ducksauz
07-04-2008, 03:16 PM
Russ:
Count me in for helping out in the HHV. I just dropped an email on you as well, so both bases should be covered. I'd be glad to hold a soldering workshop to get people going with that.
/ducksauz
Is anyone interested in a Servos 101?
By the way, Russ, A, and I appreciate the enthusiasm on this venture.
Go team venture.
LosT
afterburn188
07-04-2008, 06:10 PM
what about sensors with uC? Interface with router?
So is that a request? We can only do so many sessions, especially since all of us are involved with multiple areas of Defcon (such as Mystery Challenge)-
Sensors covers quite a bit of ground- since our goal is to help the n00bs get more into hardware I would be willing to do things on IR emitter/detectors, infrared, ultrasonic, LEDs as sensors (photoelectric effect), or similar.
"Interface with router" - I assume you mean web enabling embedded systems? TCP/IP, UDP etc? You need to be more specific-
1057
what about sensors with uC? Interface with router?
Voltage Spike
07-04-2008, 07:07 PM
Is anyone interested in a Servos 101?
I believe this is an excellent suggestion. Sensors (as requested above), analog input, displays ... they are all kind of the same thing (and, in my opinion, very similar to working purely in software). Servos, though? My experience with macroscopic motion is essentially limited to throwing a lot of voltage at a motor through controlled relay bursts.
afterburn188
07-05-2008, 08:32 AM
It was not so much a request but an offer. I apologize for the half hearted reply as I was responding to the thread update on a nokia tablet while at a party.
I was thinking of something where the uC would gather data from sensors and then show how to interface it back to another device such as a hacked router with a serial port mod. I would be willing to help work on teaching a session on that. This combined with a session on servos would give those the basics necessary to build something...like say a robot for that challenge next year? I don't know, maybe that's too ambitious. I was just thinking that maybe offering a session on a more advanced topic for those who know already know basic circuit theory would attract some more advanced users to hang out in the villiage...maybe even help out? Just an idea...let me know what you think.
So is that a request? We can only do so many sessions, especially since all of us are involved with multiple areas of Defcon (such as Mystery Challenge)-
Sensors covers quite a bit of ground- since our goal is to help the n00bs get more into hardware I would be willing to do things on IR emitter/detectors, infrared, ultrasonic, LEDs as sensors (photoelectric effect), or similar.
"Interface with router" - I assume you mean web enabling embedded systems? TCP/IP, UDP etc? You need to be more specific-
1057
sugardaddy
07-05-2008, 09:55 PM
Is anyone interested in a Servos 101?
By the way, Russ, A, and I appreciate the enthusiasm on this venture.
Go team venture.
LosT
I'd be interested in a session on servos. I don't get enough time to spend on any robotics stuff these days so I'm up for pretty much anything you hold (servos, sensors, mind control interface, etc.).
Will there be any sessions related to the HHV kits you're developing?
SD
sugardaddy
07-05-2008, 10:04 PM
It was not so much a request but an offer. I apologize for the half hearted reply as I was responding to the thread update on a nokia tablet while at a party.
I was thinking of something where the uC would gather data from sensors and then show how to interface it back to another device such as a hacked router with a serial port mod. I would be willing to help work on teaching a session on that. This combined with a session on servos would give those the basics necessary to build something...like say a robot for that challenge next year? I don't know, maybe that's too ambitious. I was just thinking that maybe offering a session on a more advanced topic for those who know already know basic circuit theory would attract some more advanced users to hang out in the villiage...maybe even help out? Just an idea...let me know what you think.
Do you mean something like a linksys box? So if we used a wireless router then I assume we could put that box/bot/uC on the network too? That would be cool. Would there be any after session hands on options to try it out?
I think we're going to try to have a couple of session on the kits we're putting together. This will be more for the person who wants to get into electronics. The second kit will work with the primary kit (I've taken to calling it the expansion pack for the HHV kit!).
I'd be interested in a session on servos. I don't get enough time to spend on any robotics stuff these days so I'm up for pretty much anything you hold (servos, sensors, mind control interface, etc.).
Will there be any sessions related to the HHV kits you're developing?
SD
mage2
07-09-2008, 12:46 PM
kits and talks about electronics, sounds like a blast. Any talks/breakouts would be great.
We have lots of stuff planned- stay tuned...
LosT
kallahar
07-09-2008, 02:36 PM
I've also got about 6 kits ready for the Robot Contest. The parts cost is about $300, which sucks, but it comes with everything someone would need to enter into the contest. We could have them buy a kit, put it together in the HHV and get help and stuff, then compete! The kit is at http://robotairsoft.com
Kallahar
I think we're going to try to have a couple of session on the kits we're putting together. This will be more for the person who wants to get into electronics. The second kit will work with the primary kit (I've taken to calling it the expansion pack for the HHV kit!).
When you folks have firmed up the talks and activities, any chance you can post a rough schedule of days and times?
afterburn188
07-10-2008, 06:12 AM
A linksys box is exactly like what I was describing. The idea of using a WRT54GL with its 200MHz processor and abilities to join/host a wireless network make it quite attractive. Add a uC on the serial port and it becomes a very attractive piece of equipment. Think robot with IP camera mounted on top and able to be controlled via the internet. Of course we would never be able to get that in depth but it still is a fun idea...
Do you mean something like a linksys box? So if we used a wireless router then I assume we could put that box/bot/uC on the network too? That would be cool. Would there be any after session hands on options to try it out?
I may also bring some SB70s (Netburner) or WiPort (Lantronix) or Tibbo modules as well.
Things are coming along nicely!
As for the request for a schedule I'll try to get a rough time line put together this weekend.
LosT
A linksys box is exactly like what I was describing. The idea of using a WRT54GL with its 200MHz processor and abilities to join/host a wireless network make it quite attractive. Add a uC on the serial port and it becomes a very attractive piece of equipment. Think robot with IP camera mounted on top and able to be controlled via the internet. Of course we would never be able to get that in depth but it still is a fun idea...
mouseling
07-10-2008, 10:13 AM
I've been wanting to learn the hardware side for so long - this sounds great!
-mouse
I hope to have a rough schedule up next week. Just keep in mind that it's likely to change a bit by the time Con actually rolls around. My plan is to have a white board up outside the HHV with the updated schedule for each day, too.
When you folks have firmed up the talks and activities, any chance you can post a rough schedule of days and times?
I hope to have a rough schedule up next week. Just keep in mind that it's likely to change a bit by the time Con actually rolls around. My plan is to have a white board up outside the HHV with the updated schedule for each day, too.
Thanks Russ. Appreciate the effort and look forward to the talks for folks new to hardware tinkering.
sugardaddy
07-23-2008, 01:20 PM
Howdy Folks.
I was at HOPE last weekend and wanted to share what they did from a hardware hacking perspective. Mitch Altman and Lady Ada were speakers and both were selling small electronic kits that were ready made with all the components and online instructions (MAKE was also selling kits). There was also an area (4 tables) with soldering irons and various small tools (cutters, pliers, solder, multi-meters, etc) already in place for people to sit down and start assembling their kits. Some folks took time to hack their badges here too (the HOPE badge was a battery powered RFID tag experiment with a few extra holes for mods).
This area was constantly filled with people assembling their kits, many of which had never soldered before. Mitch and helpers were available to assist folks with the basics as well as some troubleshooting if things weren't working. The kits really seem to be the key with getting folks involved. They were simple enough to fully assemble within an hour or two, had all the parts, and since the folks had purchased them directly, they had a vested interest in putting them together as a tangible result of their efforts. I built a SIM card reader (LadyAda kit) and a simple LED game called Mignonette that Mitch designed.
From an attendee perspective it was great just to sit there for a few hours and build stuff, even if it was as simple as stuffing boards. There was another table close by filled with electronic toys that people were taking apart to see what else they could do with the parts. Lots of "circuit bending" as they called it. I don't think it was nearly as popular as the soldering stations but it seems like there were parts from these old toys that could be useful as "burner" parts for folks to experiment with. Mainly small DC motors, speakers, LED's, etc. Since the parts were coming from partially broken toys and the like it wasn't a big deal if they were destroyed in the building process. Perhaps a bin of parts like this might help folks get into the spirit of hacking their badges or just trying to build something with their HHV kit/board.
I don't know how feasible it is to replicate this or if it's close to what you're already planning for the HHV but I thought you'd like to know what seemed to work well at a similar conference. What do you think?
SD
You must not have been following the threads here...
Limor's stuff is always great.
Don't worry, we will have classes/tutorials/soldering in the HHV.
LosT
sugardaddy
07-24-2008, 09:01 AM
You must not have been following the threads here...
Limor's stuff is always great.
Don't worry, we will have classes/tutorials/soldering in the HHV.
LosT
Hey LosT.
I've been following the threads and I knew the soldering instruction is going to be offered. I just thought I'd share what I saw since it seemed to work so well and I know this is the first year for HHV. I'm not nearly as hard core as many of you on the hardware side but I can still solder and was planning on helping folks with that while I'm working in the HHV. Are there going to be any other kits besides the ones already mentioned here? I think I've seen mention of 2 (1 as possibly an expansion to the HHV kit).
SD
As you've pointed out this will be the first year...kits that you will see floating around the village will include (but won't be limited to): Xilinx FPGAs (think Spartan kits), BASIC kits for beginners, kits that won't be mentioned yet for badge hacking, badges themselves, and the myriad of others that people will be bringing. Our focus this year is getting the electronics n00bs into the scene, and we hope to shift this focus in following years as we get more and more people involved.
LosT
mouseling
07-25-2008, 11:45 AM
As you've pointed out this will be the first year...kits that you will see floating around the village will include (but won't be limited to): Xilinx FPGAs (think Spartan kits), BASIC kits for beginners, kits that won't be mentioned yet for badge hacking, badges themselves, and the myriad of others that people will be bringing. Our focus this year is getting the electronics n00bs into the scene, and we hope to shift this focus in following years as we get more and more people involved.
LosT
I am really excited about this. As a matter of fact, I am under direct orders to imerse myself as deep as I can in the hardware side of things at con. There doesn't seem to be anywhere at my uni that someone can get this knowledge - even the EEs are have to pick it up on their own.
Can't wait!
-mouse