Treadle computer
From Makers Local 256
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Creator: |
Contents
[hide]Overview
A treadle (foot pedal from an old sewing machine) powered computer. Got the idea from The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi. The idea of a user powered computer seems like a great way to stay on task when one sits down to use it. You'll sit down and type up that e-mail instead of watching youtube videos for a half hour.
Needed
- treadle ✓
- low power computer ✓
- low power display ✓
- small battery or capacitor bank
- circuit to detect the absence of voltage in and send a signal to the computer to hibernate to disk.
- serial connection to computer
Design options
Direct
- configure wheel as a generator
Belt driven
- configure wheel to drive a motor with a belt
Notes
- I'll be obtaining a donated Singer treadle powered sewing machine on 08/16/2013. Researched low power displays and came up with three possible solutions: pixel qi 10" ($299), mimo 710s 7" displaylink display ($140), or pico projector (~$200 and would require shading on the desk) --strages (talk) 10:17, 13 August 2013 (CDT)
- AOC E2251FWU 22 - Inch Widescreen USB LED Monitor
- latest-ish Ubuntus are fully displaylink compatible
- 5V computer hardware comparison
- another low power ARM computer
- '84 Ford Ranger alternator is the cheapest alternator to be had.
- MarS board
Final design
References
- Jean-Paul Tarit's treadle computer
- direct drive?
- Muckle LLP's treadle computer
- belt driven
