Catch Up on Missed Tasks (Tasks 4, 5)

I've been treating this as a sort of code dump so I'm going to catch up on some of my "wordy" tasks in this post.

4)Check out all the sites related to the list in the embedded notices blog.
Write a sentence about what each one does. You don't have to be very familiar with each one.

Arduino Environment: This is the compiler used for writing and uploading code to Arduinos. It also has a built in serial monitor for receiving feedback from the Arduinos.

Processing environment: This is an open source programming language that uses visual aids to teach people how to program.

GNU gcc: The GCC is the GNU Compiler Colelction. It is a set of compilers for C, C++, Fortran, Pascal, Java and Ada as well as others. Since these come under the GNU license they are all free and open source.

WikiEducator: A wiki specially for teachers and students that can be used for sharing resources.

Moodle: A free open source e-learning platform that is similar to BlackBoard.

Chip8: This is a specialized programming language and virtual machine for running old school 8 bit games.

Fritzing: A program that is similar to Crocodile Clips. It is used to document breadboard circuits and design PCB layouts. This software is free and open source.

Open Office: More free and open source software. The open office suite is a Microsoft Office replacement.

PeerWise: A website that can be used as a revision tool. Students can ask questions and receive answers as well as view other questions and answers asked by other students.

5) Find 4 more Arduino LED related videos in Youtube, BlipTV etc. Put a link and a two-sentence review about each one in your blog. Be prepared to talk about one or more of them.

Team Fortress 2 Kill Counter

The arduino is constantly monitoring for serial communication to display output from a separate program running on the computer. Once it receives the value via serial it displays it in binary on the LEDs.

LED matrix for an Umbrella

The umbrella has 80 LEDs that are all individually addressable. Its not running purely off an arduino but has a secondary microcontroller to allow the use of so many LEDs

POV Ceiling Fan

From the site instructables (http://www.instructables.com/id/Ceiling-Fan-LED-Display/). Each blade of the fan had a row of LEDs on them that flash on or off depending on what image is being displayed. The LEDs are controlled via shift registers.

Overclocked, Liquid Cooled Arduino

Still technically an LED project as the sketch flashes a single LED on and off.