Badge16 Ideas

Software

• Interpreter for high level functionality
• microPython / eLUA - run 'out of the box' on several microcontrollers. Would just require HAL c code for access to peripherals
  • Would allow users to run their own code on the badge without any additional software on their PCs. micropython appears as mass storage or via a terminal on USB
• have SD card support for additional user storage

User Interface (Screen Options)

• 'low res' black & white LCD (as 2014)
  • can be seen during the day without a backlight
  • backlight needed at night (~10mA)
  • good outside contrast
• 'high res' colour TFT LCD
  • higher resolution and colour adds to experience
  • backlight needed all the time (can be dimmed in low light)
  • contrast is poor in daylight
  • cost about the same as the mono LCD
  • 'transflective' modules with improved daylight contrast available, but likely increased cost

Wireless Network

• Downloading camp info
• Can be used to obtain badge location based on RSSI
• send messages to friends
• ask for friends location
• sensor network
  • combine with location to map temperatures and so on over the weekend
• potential parts - MRF89XA (3mA rx current, 868MHz, 10mW)

Other peripherals

• IR for sharing between badges
  • can share python/LUA scripts, contact details
  • used to 'friend people' to share messages via the radio
• accelerometer to go into low power mode when put down
  • eg MMA8652 (40p)

Power supply

• ideally would last the weekend (60 hours)
• single AA
  • standard alkaline - 2.5Whr (~15mA average at 3.3V)
  • lithium AA - 4.5Whr (~25mA average at 3.3V)
• lipo
  • 2014 lipo ~4Whr
  • requires charging circuitry
  • ideally wants a hard back to prevent damage
  • increased cost

Hackability

• conductive thread pads next to lanyard
  • supply little bags of LEDs and thread for say £2
• extra GPIO broken out
  • ardiuno footprint?
• python/LUA would allow for beginners to hack the badge