Hart Kallen
@hartkallen.bsky.social
Retired gent living on the Allegheny Plateau (SWPA).
Chatting with friends, keeping track of events, documenting my hobbies.
Chatting with friends, keeping track of events, documenting my hobbies.
#project_ufo
The fine folks at Adafruit don’t know of any reason why the speaker should get hot, but suggest that I go with the 5W speaker (as opposed to the 3W.)
The fine folks at Adafruit don’t know of any reason why the speaker should get hot, but suggest that I go with the 5W speaker (as opposed to the 3W.)
November 12, 2025 at 6:30 AM
#project_ufo
The fine folks at Adafruit don’t know of any reason why the speaker should get hot, but suggest that I go with the 5W speaker (as opposed to the 3W.)
The fine folks at Adafruit don’t know of any reason why the speaker should get hot, but suggest that I go with the 5W speaker (as opposed to the 3W.)
#project_ufo
I took a look at a light saber program from Adafruit, plus the AI-generated chase lights and tone generating programs. I gained insight in looking at the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather software, and how it differed from other Feather microcontrollers.
1/
I took a look at a light saber program from Adafruit, plus the AI-generated chase lights and tone generating programs. I gained insight in looking at the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather software, and how it differed from other Feather microcontrollers.
1/
November 11, 2025 at 12:16 AM
#project_ufo
I took a look at a light saber program from Adafruit, plus the AI-generated chase lights and tone generating programs. I gained insight in looking at the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather software, and how it differed from other Feather microcontrollers.
1/
I took a look at a light saber program from Adafruit, plus the AI-generated chase lights and tone generating programs. I gained insight in looking at the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather software, and how it differed from other Feather microcontrollers.
1/
#ufo_project
Well, this is interesting. I fixed the AI-generated tone program and produced a tone. After a few minutes, I started smelling a familar scent - hot electronics! Not quite sure what was getting hot, but I'm thinking it may have been the speaker.
Well, this is interesting. I fixed the AI-generated tone program and produced a tone. After a few minutes, I started smelling a familar scent - hot electronics! Not quite sure what was getting hot, but I'm thinking it may have been the speaker.
November 9, 2025 at 8:59 PM
#ufo_project
Well, this is interesting. I fixed the AI-generated tone program and produced a tone. After a few minutes, I started smelling a familar scent - hot electronics! Not quite sure what was getting hot, but I'm thinking it may have been the speaker.
Well, this is interesting. I fixed the AI-generated tone program and produced a tone. After a few minutes, I started smelling a familar scent - hot electronics! Not quite sure what was getting hot, but I'm thinking it may have been the speaker.
#ufo_project
I have the lights working in the demo light program. The program from MS Co-Pilot didn’t turn on the external_power nor load the digitalio module. I figured out what the problem was and fixed the code.
I have the lights working in the demo light program. The program from MS Co-Pilot didn’t turn on the external_power nor load the digitalio module. I figured out what the problem was and fixed the code.
November 9, 2025 at 3:23 AM
#ufo_project
I have the lights working in the demo light program. The program from MS Co-Pilot didn’t turn on the external_power nor load the digitalio module. I figured out what the problem was and fixed the code.
I have the lights working in the demo light program. The program from MS Co-Pilot didn’t turn on the external_power nor load the digitalio module. I figured out what the problem was and fixed the code.
More parts for projects. On the left, 3.7V LIPO batteries, 150mAh and 105mAh. Adafruit.com On the right, hollow hexagonal box with spacer. Measured 4 inches vertex-to-vertex, 3-1/2 inches side-to-side, 1-1/8 inches tall with middle third spacer installed. For hiding electronics. Newtype.us
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
More parts for projects. On the left, 3.7V LIPO batteries, 150mAh and 105mAh. Adafruit.com On the right, hollow hexagonal box with spacer. Measured 4 inches vertex-to-vertex, 3-1/2 inches side-to-side, 1-1/8 inches tall with middle third spacer installed. For hiding electronics. Newtype.us
#project_ufo
Some parts came in. I plan on cutting a hole in the iris on the bottom of the UFO model, and adding a speaker grill. On the inside, I plan on placing a speaker to emit an ambient UFO hum.
Some parts came in. I plan on cutting a hole in the iris on the bottom of the UFO model, and adding a speaker grill. On the inside, I plan on placing a speaker to emit an ambient UFO hum.
November 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
#project_ufo
Some parts came in. I plan on cutting a hole in the iris on the bottom of the UFO model, and adding a speaker grill. On the inside, I plan on placing a speaker to emit an ambient UFO hum.
Some parts came in. I plan on cutting a hole in the iris on the bottom of the UFO model, and adding a speaker grill. On the inside, I plan on placing a speaker to emit an ambient UFO hum.
#project_ufo
I've ordered a 40mm speaker for the UFO. It has to have a better bass response than what I was using.
I've also ordered a 100mAh and a 150mAh battery for the ACS mecha carrier.
Work on building models has been suspended until mid-month, as other projects have priority.
I've ordered a 40mm speaker for the UFO. It has to have a better bass response than what I was using.
I've also ordered a 100mAh and a 150mAh battery for the ACS mecha carrier.
Work on building models has been suspended until mid-month, as other projects have priority.
November 2, 2025 at 1:28 AM
#project_ufo
I've ordered a 40mm speaker for the UFO. It has to have a better bass response than what I was using.
I've also ordered a 100mAh and a 150mAh battery for the ACS mecha carrier.
Work on building models has been suspended until mid-month, as other projects have priority.
I've ordered a 40mm speaker for the UFO. It has to have a better bass response than what I was using.
I've also ordered a 100mAh and a 150mAh battery for the ACS mecha carrier.
Work on building models has been suspended until mid-month, as other projects have priority.
#project_ufo
The MS Co-Pilot generated chase program wasn't perfect. There is a single NeoPixel mounted on the board called board.NEOPIXEL. There is also terminal strip on the board for connecting NeoPIxels. That connection is called board.EXTERNAL_NEOPIXELS.
Co-Pilot incorrectly used the former.
The MS Co-Pilot generated chase program wasn't perfect. There is a single NeoPixel mounted on the board called board.NEOPIXEL. There is also terminal strip on the board for connecting NeoPIxels. That connection is called board.EXTERNAL_NEOPIXELS.
Co-Pilot incorrectly used the former.
October 28, 2025 at 2:20 AM
#project_ufo
The MS Co-Pilot generated chase program wasn't perfect. There is a single NeoPixel mounted on the board called board.NEOPIXEL. There is also terminal strip on the board for connecting NeoPIxels. That connection is called board.EXTERNAL_NEOPIXELS.
Co-Pilot incorrectly used the former.
The MS Co-Pilot generated chase program wasn't perfect. There is a single NeoPixel mounted on the board called board.NEOPIXEL. There is also terminal strip on the board for connecting NeoPIxels. That connection is called board.EXTERNAL_NEOPIXELS.
Co-Pilot incorrectly used the former.
#project_ufo
With the hardware progressing, it's time I doubled down on understanding CircuitPython. I want to light a NeoPixel ring with an Adafruit RP2040 PropMaker Feather, and I want to create the subtle sound of an alien spacecraft idling.
1/
With the hardware progressing, it's time I doubled down on understanding CircuitPython. I want to light a NeoPixel ring with an Adafruit RP2040 PropMaker Feather, and I want to create the subtle sound of an alien spacecraft idling.
1/
October 26, 2025 at 3:32 PM
#project_ufo
With the hardware progressing, it's time I doubled down on understanding CircuitPython. I want to light a NeoPixel ring with an Adafruit RP2040 PropMaker Feather, and I want to create the subtle sound of an alien spacecraft idling.
1/
With the hardware progressing, it's time I doubled down on understanding CircuitPython. I want to light a NeoPixel ring with an Adafruit RP2040 PropMaker Feather, and I want to create the subtle sound of an alien spacecraft idling.
1/
#project_ufo
We sat down and brain stormed some of the design. We decided to add a mid layer to support effects hardware. An Adafruit RP 2040 Propmaker Feather, a LiPo battery, a speaker will mount to the bottom of the plate. A Neopixel ring will mount to the top and illuminate the windows and dome.
We sat down and brain stormed some of the design. We decided to add a mid layer to support effects hardware. An Adafruit RP 2040 Propmaker Feather, a LiPo battery, a speaker will mount to the bottom of the plate. A Neopixel ring will mount to the top and illuminate the windows and dome.
October 25, 2025 at 11:29 PM
#project_ufo
We sat down and brain stormed some of the design. We decided to add a mid layer to support effects hardware. An Adafruit RP 2040 Propmaker Feather, a LiPo battery, a speaker will mount to the bottom of the plate. A Neopixel ring will mount to the top and illuminate the windows and dome.
We sat down and brain stormed some of the design. We decided to add a mid layer to support effects hardware. An Adafruit RP 2040 Propmaker Feather, a LiPo battery, a speaker will mount to the bottom of the plate. A Neopixel ring will mount to the top and illuminate the windows and dome.
#project_ufo
I have ideas. I'm just not sure which way to go.
The very top of the saucer has a 1-15/16 inch opening for a green dome to peek through and six "clerestory" green windows around the sides.
Green lighting seems almost mandatory, but I want more than a simple glow.
1/
I have ideas. I'm just not sure which way to go.
The very top of the saucer has a 1-15/16 inch opening for a green dome to peek through and six "clerestory" green windows around the sides.
Green lighting seems almost mandatory, but I want more than a simple glow.
1/
October 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM
#project_ufo
I have ideas. I'm just not sure which way to go.
The very top of the saucer has a 1-15/16 inch opening for a green dome to peek through and six "clerestory" green windows around the sides.
Green lighting seems almost mandatory, but I want more than a simple glow.
1/
I have ideas. I'm just not sure which way to go.
The very top of the saucer has a 1-15/16 inch opening for a green dome to peek through and six "clerestory" green windows around the sides.
Green lighting seems almost mandatory, but I want more than a simple glow.
1/
The Area-51 UFO A.E.-341.15B model has arrived. Twenty-one pieces total. Lots of space inside for effects.
October 23, 2025 at 10:58 PM
The Area-51 UFO A.E.-341.15B model has arrived. Twenty-one pieces total. Lots of space inside for effects.
Life being what it is, model-making has been postponed until next week. That being said, I have ordered an AMAIM: Warrior at The Borderline - Armored Special Carrier (ASC) model, and a Area-51 UFO A.E.-341.15B model.
The Defiant and the V-33 Stork need to wait until the paint booth is available.
The Defiant and the V-33 Stork need to wait until the paint booth is available.
October 16, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Life being what it is, model-making has been postponed until next week. That being said, I have ordered an AMAIM: Warrior at The Borderline - Armored Special Carrier (ASC) model, and a Area-51 UFO A.E.-341.15B model.
The Defiant and the V-33 Stork need to wait until the paint booth is available.
The Defiant and the V-33 Stork need to wait until the paint booth is available.
With everything taking longer than expected, I decided to snap together at V-33 Stork VTOL from the Japanese anime "Warrior at the Borderline". No paint. No glue. No stickers.
I may glue it together and paint it later.
This would be my first completed model.
I may glue it together and paint it later.
This would be my first completed model.
October 9, 2025 at 2:55 AM
With everything taking longer than expected, I decided to snap together at V-33 Stork VTOL from the Japanese anime "Warrior at the Borderline". No paint. No glue. No stickers.
I may glue it together and paint it later.
This would be my first completed model.
I may glue it together and paint it later.
This would be my first completed model.
#defiant
The algorithm is watching. My browser sent me over to eBay, to see a lighting kit for a 1:1000 scale Defiant. The price was $39.95.
The pictures were taken in the dark with over-exposed shots showing the Main Deflector, Bussard Collectors, and Warp Grills.
The algorithm is watching. My browser sent me over to eBay, to see a lighting kit for a 1:1000 scale Defiant. The price was $39.95.
The pictures were taken in the dark with over-exposed shots showing the Main Deflector, Bussard Collectors, and Warp Grills.
October 5, 2025 at 4:11 AM
#defiant
The algorithm is watching. My browser sent me over to eBay, to see a lighting kit for a 1:1000 scale Defiant. The price was $39.95.
The pictures were taken in the dark with over-exposed shots showing the Main Deflector, Bussard Collectors, and Warp Grills.
The algorithm is watching. My browser sent me over to eBay, to see a lighting kit for a 1:1000 scale Defiant. The price was $39.95.
The pictures were taken in the dark with over-exposed shots showing the Main Deflector, Bussard Collectors, and Warp Grills.
#defiant
A new shipment of 1.8/2mm round top LEDs came in from Lighthouse LEDs. These will be the Pulse Phaser Emitters, and they'll be mounted externally.
I also received a new TLC59711 PWM LED Driver from Adafruit. This will work all the various lighting channels.
A new shipment of 1.8/2mm round top LEDs came in from Lighthouse LEDs. These will be the Pulse Phaser Emitters, and they'll be mounted externally.
I also received a new TLC59711 PWM LED Driver from Adafruit. This will work all the various lighting channels.
October 4, 2025 at 11:03 PM
#defiant
A new shipment of 1.8/2mm round top LEDs came in from Lighthouse LEDs. These will be the Pulse Phaser Emitters, and they'll be mounted externally.
I also received a new TLC59711 PWM LED Driver from Adafruit. This will work all the various lighting channels.
A new shipment of 1.8/2mm round top LEDs came in from Lighthouse LEDs. These will be the Pulse Phaser Emitters, and they'll be mounted externally.
I also received a new TLC59711 PWM LED Driver from Adafruit. This will work all the various lighting channels.
#defiant
Meanwhile, lighting this model will be difficult.
1 - 4. Pulse Phasers
5 - 6. Bussards P/S
7 - 8. Aft Warp Grills P/S
9 - 10. Engineering Vents P/S
11 - 12. Impulse Engines P/S
13. Main Deflector
There is no space for even the tiniest of LEDs to light the Pulse Phasers.
1/
Meanwhile, lighting this model will be difficult.
1 - 4. Pulse Phasers
5 - 6. Bussards P/S
7 - 8. Aft Warp Grills P/S
9 - 10. Engineering Vents P/S
11 - 12. Impulse Engines P/S
13. Main Deflector
There is no space for even the tiniest of LEDs to light the Pulse Phasers.
1/
October 3, 2025 at 2:47 AM
#defiant
Meanwhile, lighting this model will be difficult.
1 - 4. Pulse Phasers
5 - 6. Bussards P/S
7 - 8. Aft Warp Grills P/S
9 - 10. Engineering Vents P/S
11 - 12. Impulse Engines P/S
13. Main Deflector
There is no space for even the tiniest of LEDs to light the Pulse Phasers.
1/
Meanwhile, lighting this model will be difficult.
1 - 4. Pulse Phasers
5 - 6. Bussards P/S
7 - 8. Aft Warp Grills P/S
9 - 10. Engineering Vents P/S
11 - 12. Impulse Engines P/S
13. Main Deflector
There is no space for even the tiniest of LEDs to light the Pulse Phasers.
1/
#defiant
I picked up a lenticular screen to help diffuse the light, and some self-adhesive holographic film in six different patterns to add a bit of sparkle to whatever light source is behind it.
I picked up a lenticular screen to help diffuse the light, and some self-adhesive holographic film in six different patterns to add a bit of sparkle to whatever light source is behind it.
October 3, 2025 at 2:40 AM
#defiant
I picked up a lenticular screen to help diffuse the light, and some self-adhesive holographic film in six different patterns to add a bit of sparkle to whatever light source is behind it.
I picked up a lenticular screen to help diffuse the light, and some self-adhesive holographic film in six different patterns to add a bit of sparkle to whatever light source is behind it.
#jester_class
I have a lot of work to do.
I have a lot of work to do.
September 26, 2025 at 10:19 PM
#jester_class
I have a lot of work to do.
I have a lot of work to do.
#jester_class
It works! It was a loose speaker wire!
It works! It was a loose speaker wire!
September 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
#jester_class
It works! It was a loose speaker wire!
It works! It was a loose speaker wire!
#jester_class
I have added pins to the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather and plugged it into a solderless breadboard. I connected a 3W, 4ohm speaker to Pins 1 and 2 of the Terminal Block and loaded the Ruiz Brother's HAL9000 program.
Drat! I need the .wav files in the /sounds/ directory!
1/
I have added pins to the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather and plugged it into a solderless breadboard. I connected a 3W, 4ohm speaker to Pins 1 and 2 of the Terminal Block and loaded the Ruiz Brother's HAL9000 program.
Drat! I need the .wav files in the /sounds/ directory!
1/
September 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM
#jester_class
I have added pins to the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather and plugged it into a solderless breadboard. I connected a 3W, 4ohm speaker to Pins 1 and 2 of the Terminal Block and loaded the Ruiz Brother's HAL9000 program.
Drat! I need the .wav files in the /sounds/ directory!
1/
I have added pins to the Adafruit RP2040 Propmaker Feather and plugged it into a solderless breadboard. I connected a 3W, 4ohm speaker to Pins 1 and 2 of the Terminal Block and loaded the Ruiz Brother's HAL9000 program.
Drat! I need the .wav files in the /sounds/ directory!
1/
Sealing batteries into the #defiant would not be a good idea. What if we added a hole to the underside of the model and pressed a magnetic USB-C plug tip into it. That tip would socket into a USB-C Breakout. We have connectors for voltage and data.
September 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Sealing batteries into the #defiant would not be a good idea. What if we added a hole to the underside of the model and pressed a magnetic USB-C plug tip into it. That tip would socket into a USB-C Breakout. We have connectors for voltage and data.
#defiant
Started work on the 1:1000 Defiant model. Painting insides with flat black primer for light blocking. Added hole on ventral side for magnetic USB-C port to deliver power and maybe data.
Started work on the 1:1000 Defiant model. Painting insides with flat black primer for light blocking. Added hole on ventral side for magnetic USB-C port to deliver power and maybe data.
September 26, 2025 at 2:03 AM
#defiant
Started work on the 1:1000 Defiant model. Painting insides with flat black primer for light blocking. Added hole on ventral side for magnetic USB-C port to deliver power and maybe data.
Started work on the 1:1000 Defiant model. Painting insides with flat black primer for light blocking. Added hole on ventral side for magnetic USB-C port to deliver power and maybe data.
Path Forward:
I need to solder pins onto an @adafruit.com Feather RP2040 Propmaker #microcontroller and a TLS59711 PWM LED Driver so I can learn the #CircuitPython to light LEDs. After that, I need to tackle adding the sound.
My efforts seem to be taking the long way around.
I need to solder pins onto an @adafruit.com Feather RP2040 Propmaker #microcontroller and a TLS59711 PWM LED Driver so I can learn the #CircuitPython to light LEDs. After that, I need to tackle adding the sound.
My efforts seem to be taking the long way around.
September 25, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Path Forward:
I need to solder pins onto an @adafruit.com Feather RP2040 Propmaker #microcontroller and a TLS59711 PWM LED Driver so I can learn the #CircuitPython to light LEDs. After that, I need to tackle adding the sound.
My efforts seem to be taking the long way around.
I need to solder pins onto an @adafruit.com Feather RP2040 Propmaker #microcontroller and a TLS59711 PWM LED Driver so I can learn the #CircuitPython to light LEDs. After that, I need to tackle adding the sound.
My efforts seem to be taking the long way around.
I am recovering from cataract surgery, so my projects are on-hold for a bit.
We did paint a black light-blocking primer coat to the inside of the #defiant in preparation for a white reflective coat, and we added a magnetic USB-C tip to the bottom of the hull to bring power in for lighting.
We did paint a black light-blocking primer coat to the inside of the #defiant in preparation for a white reflective coat, and we added a magnetic USB-C tip to the bottom of the hull to bring power in for lighting.
September 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
I am recovering from cataract surgery, so my projects are on-hold for a bit.
We did paint a black light-blocking primer coat to the inside of the #defiant in preparation for a white reflective coat, and we added a magnetic USB-C tip to the bottom of the hull to bring power in for lighting.
We did paint a black light-blocking primer coat to the inside of the #defiant in preparation for a white reflective coat, and we added a magnetic USB-C tip to the bottom of the hull to bring power in for lighting.