RubyConf 2007: Controlling Electronics with Ruby

Ben Bleything is a member of pdx.rb and works at LAIKA.

Hardware:

• X10 FireCracker (CM17A)
• BetaBrite LED sign (213c-1)
• Arduino
• XBee
  

Software:

• x10-cm17a gem
• betabrite gem
• Ruby Arduino Development

Serial ports are less common on modern laptop (solution: USB to RS232):

• Keyspan USA-19HS
• FTDI FT232R

Everything presented today is running at 9600 baud.

Demos

• A box containing an arduino and an xbee that controlled a strip of red, green and blue lights on the stage
• Controlling a red bulb and a green bulb with X10
• BetaBrite sign (protocol is a PITA)
• Continuous Integration Notifier (reminded me of a friend's Build Warden)

For communication via the XBee, he is using the Simple Messaging System. For example, "RgB" turns on the red and blue leds, and turns off the green leds.

He gives the suggestion that you do not buy XBee from sparkfun. It's substantially cheaper to get the kit and assemble it yourself.

Edit:
On the way to lunch, I asked Ben if he had any issues with his electronics at the airport. He shipped them by FedEx to avoid any problems.