DIY hamster wheel spedometer - Page 2

alexarcano · 02-21-2011, 06:03 AM

It's not so much more accurate as less invasive as parts could probably be left on overnight without danger to hammie, most especially the laser (you should get away with a high intensity IR LED), as this can be left outside the cage with a slim strip of retroreflective tape on the 'back' of the wheel (surface towards the bars) basically all it does is count 'flashes' as the tape reflects back the light. At high speed this may become innacurate depending on the quality/distance/type of the photo sensor used.
Hope this gives you the idea of what I mean.

starrylight99 · 02-21-2011, 07:01 AM

Ohh I understand. Yes, that's a very cool idea, I bet my boyfriend could set up something like that. The problem with the bump switch is that its large and sometimes trips twice in one rotation, giving inaccurate results. I'll mention it to him. If you're interested in seeing his coding (not sure how many, if any, programmers on here) I can share it.

alexarcano · 02-21-2011, 07:25 AM

I'm almost exclusively hardware, except for some design/prototype software that I use. Only have basic/theoretical knowlege of programming I'm afraid (last time I did any real programming was college.. and that was in Basic

). However I'm sure that swapping out the hardware would be no problem for him as operationally it still basically just a switch, the light source does not even need to be on the same circuit for it to function. Oh, just don't use any TV remote controls near it

Gillzy · 02-21-2011, 10:41 AM

My OH is a programmer but I mentioned it to him and he was like "NO. I'm not doing it." lol. :P

alexarcano · 02-21-2011, 10:44 AM

Aww.. I'm sure you convince your OH that it's a good idea.

Then you can share it with us

Umm... I don't mean how you got the programming done or anything. Just the programme.
Ahem.

starrylight99 · 02-21-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gillzy

My OH is a programmer but I mentioned it to him and he was like "NO. I'm not doing it." lol. :P

I already have the code! My boyfriend wrote it already. All you would need to do is buy the project board and any necessary other supplies, and I can give you the coding for the program.

My boyfriend actually wrote up a nice tutorial of how to make your own, complete with code and schematics, if you or your OH would like to see.

Samantha · 02-25-2011, 01:11 AM

Hey, I'm on a maths and stats degree and know a little about programming so i would really appreciate it if you could send me the tutorial and code etc. I have 2 syrians both with identical wheels so it might be interesting to apply some statistical analysis to the data i collect :P
I know that sounds really sad, but if you are on a maths degree then you start to grasp at straws lol.

starrylight99 · 02-25-2011, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samantha

Hey, I'm on a maths and stats degree and know a little about programming so i would really appreciate it if you could send me the tutorial and code etc. I have 2 syrians both with identical wheels so it might be interesting to apply some statistical analysis to the data i collect :P
I know that sounds really sad, but if you are on a maths degree then you start to grasp at straws lol.

Haha I'm on a Immunology/Virology degree...I completely understand.

I'll be happy to send you the tutorial and coding. I can't do it until after work this evening, so maybe in 10 or 11 hours I'll send it to you.