The Premier Cincinnati Hackerspace

nOne project that was used for the passcode challenge is called the Zen PIN.  The problem is people who shoulder surf can see your PIN on a keypad system.  So a fun and simple solution is to have the user memorize an algorithm instead of a PIN number.  For a Proof-of-concept the Zen PIN was developed that uses three lights.  The user enters a random PIN and the system then generates an internal random PIN.  It then blinks certain lights to indicate if the next number is greater or less than the one last pressed.  The user follows these visual clues to "unlock" the keypad.  In the PoC this just lights up the green light and plays a "good" tone.nnnnYou can take any type of spin with this.  Such as, using multi-colored LED buttons that randomly display a color and the user knows to always press to the left of the "orange" button.  Etc.nnFor more information on this project see the wikinnn

nSeveral weeks ago Hive13 volunteered to help out a local theater company known as New Edgecliff Theatre.  They were preparing for the Equus play.  They built several horse heads.  A 3-dimensional and 5 2-dimensional ones.  Our task was to make it so the horse head eyes would glow red via a switch.  Fairly simple except we had approximately 24 hours to do it and radio shack only had a few coin battery holders.  We also needed to make our own defuzers for the eyes.  We made the 3D defuzer with extra vending bubbles and we used a $4 air filter for the rest.  Once we ran out of battery coin holders we hacked a paperclip version which worked great 😀nnnnHere are some pics of the finished horse headsnnnnThis play has been selling out and has recieved many acculades: [1], [2], [3].  This play is still going on so be sure to catch it!nnFor more info on the project see the wikinnn

nWelcome to the 1st ever Hive13 Contest challenge!nnThe mission, if you choose to accept it, is to create a unique passcode system.  This can be mechanical, electronical or purely software.  It has to reach some type of “unlock” state or goal.  This can be to play a song, turn on a green light or actually unlock something.nnThe contest deadline is September 29th after the Tuesday meeting.  After the meeting you can demo your locking mechanism.  Let the most creative lock win!nnMore details on the wiki.nnn