Automated testing

After changing the settings on your function generator and switching the next button for the 100th time you start to become a big fan of automated testing. The ability to test a given process/project in either hardware or software without significant user action is a time saver, and an incredible tool. The ability to get results out of your tests in minutes rather than hours gives you more time to get the design right.

My team has been using the Rigol DG1022 and DS1000 series scopes for testing hardware and software. The issue is that they’re wasting too much time getting settings right, or reading values when they could be spending their time doing development. To help the be more productive, I’ve been working on some Rigol usbtmc drivers. As it stands right now, it works well with Linux. I’m in the middle of resolving some issues with Windows and Mac (still need to test the result on OS X).

Why another attempt to do this? I’ve had the code sitting around from previous projects and it’s not that complicated. Ideally, I would like to create a NIVisa free interface for all systems. It’s a fantastic bit of kit, but it’s a pain in the neck to get a reliable response on our Windows machines, and I’m really not impressed.

A friend asked me to share my favourite bible verse is and God actually started revealing more about it as I wrote my response. As such it got a little long for facebook, so I decided to place it here.

The verse that springs to mind at the moment is 1 John 3:1(a) (yes, it’s only half a verse…If Jesus can do it so can I). From the NLT it reads,

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” –1 John 3:1a, NLT

It’s a verse that has become more than a quaint phrase heard from the pulpit, or glossed over in my readings. It’s a living and growing revelation of late, especially in light of being a father.

What really strikes me about this passage is the immense depth of truth and promises that it contains! If people could understand the depth of that passage, what a different world it would be! I still struggle coming to grips with this in my life, but I’m getting there.

Time for a change

Thank you to GoDaddy for your wonderful service, it’s been great. My moving to GitHub was an economic decision. Free web hosting for my static site, or pay > $100 per year to stay where I was. For a site that gets very little traffic it was a no-brainer.

Thank you GitHub! Now I’ll have that much more money for my projects! Now…to work on that time issue.

Sleep deprivation can prove useful…

Finally my sleep deprivation has proven useful, I’ve learned a new python feature! Because you’re probably more interested in the python feature than my sob story about getting no sleep (again) I’ll get to the point.

In the Python interpreter the single underscore ‘_’ returns the last answer that was returned on the interpreter. It will probably make more sense if I just show you…(especially in my sleep deprived state.) >>> 4 4 >>> _ 4 This is an interesting feature. But you need to remember that it will be evaluated again at the end of each output. This means that if you string together a number of lines, all of which would return their answer to the interpreter and not a stored value, you’ll be working on the previous lines result for each ‘_’ used. To better understand it, try this: >>>4 >>>_ >>>_*_;_*_;_/4

See what I mean?

A bit of perspective…

I’ll have to admit, I am an avid Hack A Day reader. I love reading about like minded individuals from all walks of life, experimenting with the world around them.

One of the cool products that I’ve seen utilised in a few endeavours is the Spark core device. Initially I passed it off as an arduino accessory, for drop in wifi. Personally, I like the journey to the final destination just as much (maybe slightly more) than getting there, so I like to actually design and prototype my own hardware modules (where possible). Regardless, a few weeks later I read an article where people were using the Spark core to program their ARM boards wirelessly. Now this was a truly great idea, could this little device help me de-clutter my desk and remove at least a few of the thick black vines sprawling across it? (Probably not, but it did cross my mind)

With my interest piqued, all I needed now was a valid excuse to order one. Once I’d convinced myself that I could learn a bit about their API and remote user interface for a new project I’m putting together, I had all the excuses I needed to push the order button. Now I just had to wait.

Typically, I’m very time poor, and I don’t get to spend hours sitting down discussing interesting technical concepts with my peers. I also favour written communication, I’m not sure if that is just my personality or that I believe I can convey my message better in text. Either way, I’ve always wanted to have a place where I can share with others my projects, insights and solutions. A place where (hopefully) I can also get feedback and learn from other’s comments. The added benefit of running a blog, is that I also get the ability to collate my notes in a structured and searchable manner.

Personally I strive to do my best at whatever I put my hand to. In my mind, this blog is also an attempt to improve my craft and expand my understanding. There will always be someone smarter or better at something. It is my hope that by putting myself out here, these people (you) will take a few moments every once in a while to comment on my posts or projects and help me sharpen my skills. If you have done something similar, or used a particular product let me know!

So what would I hope any one who reads this blog do? Email me or write your comments! Teach me, give me feedback, help me to improve my craft! I will be pushing ahead with or without you, but I really hope you stick along for the ride.

Also, a word of warning. I’m a very proud dad so I may, on occasion, utilise this as a forum to boast about my family…you have been warned. =0)