Hello everyone,
the new version is out and we are now in the Beta state. Here are the changes:
- Added the external trigger input system for starting, stopping and shooting the camera. This will be extended in the future with additional triggers.
- Added a Dashboard that is displayed when the miniEngine is running. This will make it clearer to recognize if the system is running or not.
- Added a messaging system. This allows messages to the user so that the system can tell what it is actually doing.
- Added a new system font. Now there are 3 choices for the ones that want to tweak their user interface for optimal readability.
The biggest and most versatile new feature is the trigger system. This allows the execution of core commands with external signals. Right now there are 3 functions implemented:
- Start the engine
- Stop the engine
- Trigger the camera
This means that you can now start multiple miniEngines simultaneously with one signal. You can also start / stop the miniEngine or trigger the camera on certain events which could come from anywhere (‘want to play with a light sensor?). This is the current menu for the trigger setup:
The easies way to implement this new feature is this:
Please keep in mind that the trigger inputs are directly connected to the Arduino processor! This means you need to keep your signals between 0V and 3.3V – otherwise you might destroy your Arduino! If you use the above circuit and the trigger type “Falling”, it works without any external voltages and just a simple switch. In this case you can ignore the red text above.
Triggers are only active if the miniEngine was started by pressing the “Start” key. when you defined a “Start” trigger, the system will wait until it actually starts until the trigger signal arrived.
The next big new thing is the Dashboard. This is what you now see when the engine is running:
…and here the new message system in action:
I hope you like the new features and also that they allow more versatile setups and thus to boost your creativity.
Have fun and post some of your thoughts in the forum!
Airic