Showing posts with label python. Show all posts
Showing posts with label python. Show all posts

Thursday, October 24, 2024

My mom bought a Xiaomi Robot Vacuum E5 #xiaomi #robotvacuum #robotvacuumcleaner


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My mom had always wanted to buy a robot vacuum. She finally did after seeing one on a deal. She told me to set it up and see how it works. She got a Xiaomi Robot Vacuum E5. I like the design. Simplicity at its best. I had a problem with the iPhone app version though.

Luckily, I also have a Samsung Zflip 5 Android phone. I downloaded and quickly connected the robot vacuum to my phone. You need to download the Xiaomi Home app and follow the app instructions. It will ask you to choose the vacuum version and press both the arrow and the power button to link.

It was relatively quick and easy. It is also easy to maintain. At first, I thought, you had to unscrew to open the dust collector. You just need to press open the bin button and clear it all. I know it works because there was so much dust in it. 

For the price, I'm really impressed with the robot vacuum. It is surprisingly strong too. It literally pushed everything that could be moved. The chairs, doors, flower pots, portable aircon and even felled my bicycle inside my room.


You need to be sure nothing will get stuck to the robot broom rotator. Even if it did, a notice is sent to the phone. The app needs to be updated. Use the app to schedule the dates and times. You can also manually control it. Cool!

The robot vacuum reminds me of my Raspberry Pi car robot. You can build your own and even code it to run manually or automatically using Python code. This robot vacuum doesn't have a camera so you won't know where it's going. Will be good if it has.


I wish the robot could map the house and show its location in the phone app. You can hear the motor running but it's not as loud as a normal vacuum cleaner. It will work as long as the battery lasts and returns to its docking charger. If you want to, you can instruct it to dock.

The battery would last over five hours. I live in a small apartment building and it takes a long time to vacuum every section of the house. That doesn't include the time it got stuck. I'm not in a hurry for it to finish. It does a pretty good job.

I've had it for a few days now and I like it. It does the job. Sometimes, you need to sweep away that little rubbish it pushed from under the tables, chairs, or cabinet. I just remembered the part where you can pour water into the mop holder.   

I also added a floor detergent. If your house is too dusty, you can run it to vacuum the floor first before adding the mop part. Since the robot had cleaned the whole house, I let it vacuum and mop. Now, I feel satisfied that the robot helps maintain the house floor. 

In the future, who knows I'll be able to get a robot to clean the whole house!

What do you guys think?

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Happy cleaning!

#xioami #robotvacuum #vacuum #xiaomirobotvacuum #robotmop



Sunday, January 08, 2023

my new cheap portable RGB gaming keyboard for MacBook pro M1 Pro


RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard RGB Backlit Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black

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Check it out!

I love the 60% RGB gaming keyboard. It's so compact, portable, and light. Love the different colors and various modes available. Although, it can be a little annoying at times. Significantly, the one I'm using right now when I need to use the arrow keys. I'll need to press FN+W to activate it.

I don't use the arrow keys that often unless when I'm blogging or typing code. I'm not a pro coder but, I like dabbling with python and that's when I'll need to use the arrow keys. If you're a programmer or coder, I'm assuming you'll prefer a full keyboard size instead.



RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard RGB Backlit Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black

You might also prefer one that is wireless. I just realized mine doesn't come with a rechargeable battery. Probably, one of the reasons it's cheap. Wish it comes with a USB-c to c cable. My MacBook pro m1 pro doesn't have a USB-A type port. Had to use an adapter.

I think I have a USB-c to c cable somewhere. Have to remember where I've kept it. Nowadays, you want to be as light as possible and also wireless without the hassle of cables. I can even transfer pics and videos wirelessly from my Nikon Zfc to my mac.



Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, MageGee MK-Box LED Backlit Compact 68 Keys Mini Wired Office Keyboard with Blue Switch for Windows Laptop PC Mac - Grey/White

I did some search and there doesn't seem to have any RGB Mac mechanical gaming keyboard. Yes, you can use the normal gaming keyboard on a mac but the keycaps are normally the Win logo. Luckily, you can buy keycaps replacement with either logo.

If you're using the 60% gaming keyboard, for example, you'll have to press the Win + c or V to copy and paste. I like to change the Win logo to a Mac logo just like a mac keyboard. What can I say, I'm freaking loving my Macbook pro right now.



OEM Profile PBT RGBY CMYK Modifiers 10 Keys Laser Engraved Keycaps Mac Keycaps for Cherry MX Mechanical Keyboard (CMYK Mac Top)

I like to mod and change things up. Like my bicycles, I've changed the boring handlebar, pedals, and stems to a more colorful design. That's why I also like to play around with raspberry pi, dabble with python, DIY robotic cars, etc. It's really fun!

You can check out some of my DIY projects on my youtube channel here. Well, I found my USB-c to c cable. Now, I don't need the adapter. I also just remembered to use the mac ports' dust plugs for the extra USB c and earphone plugs. Have I told you I found a nice hard case for my mac?



Cherry MX RGB Mechanical Keyboard with MX Red Silent Gold-Crosspoint Key switches for typists, Programmers, Creator, Coder, Work in The Office or at Home G80-3000N RGB (Full Size)



Razer Mamba Elite Wired Gaming Mouse: 16,000 DPI Optical Sensor - Chroma RGB Lighting - 9 Programmable Buttons - Mechanical Switches

Oh yeah, what's using an RGB gaming keyboard without a good RGB gaming mouse eh? Of course, all these products are my own preferences setup. Now, I love my MacBook pro more. Lol. When I post about my new 14-inch MacBook pro M1 pro there are actually sour grapes people. 

One comment is that it's nothing to shout about me getting a Macbook pro. Another says it's not good for gaming, while my video shows Dirt 4 running on my Mac. It plays smoothly and the sound on this MacBook is pretty loud too. 

Anyway, who cares what they think. I'm the one enjoying using this Mac. Thinking of playing Diablo after this.

What do you guys think?

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Happy MacBook computing!

#Apple #MacBook #macbookpro #macbookprom1pro #rgbgamingkeyboard #gamingkeyboard

P.S. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard RGB Backlit Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black




Sunday, June 12, 2022

my new blue iphone 13 256gb #iPhone #iPhone13 #samsung

Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

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I was looking to buy a second phone and decided to get the latest iPhone 13. My nephews and nieces have been using the iPhone 12, and I wasn't impressed with it. I still hate the notch, so I stuck with my Samsung Note 10+.

Since I wanted a second phone for cycling that I could use Google Maps on, I decided, what the heck, I might as well get a rather good phone that I can also use daily. Although I hate the notch, I was curious how good the latest iPhone is with the latest A15 bionic chips.

Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

My last iPhone was the iPhone 8. I've loved the iPhone since the first day Steve Jobs announced it. When Apple didn't want to get rid of the notch, I decided to get back to Samsung. One of the things I like about the iPhone is that it has a good camera and the app iMovie.

I love using the iMovie and even though, I have a Samsung phone, I'll rather use the iPad camera and edit it using what else, iMovie. On Android phones, the only video editing software I like is Quik. It's free, easy to edit, and has no stupid watermarks.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, 256GB, Pacific Blue - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

I have been using my new iPhone 13 as my main phone for a week now and I like it. I still prefer the notch to go away, but other than that, I have no problem checking out Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media.

Of course, I also love to play some of my favorite games on it. For now, I just prefer using touch control. If you have been following my blog, you'll know I hate playing games with touch control. Nowadays, you can play some games with an Xbox One S controller.


You can watch me playing Street Fighter mobile with an Xbox controller here. For stardew gameplay, watch it here. If you want to know how to connect your mobile phone to an Xbox One S controller, watch it here. Please like, share, and subscribe!

As you can see, playing mobile games can be more fun using a controller. We are all used to playing our favorite FPS, RPG, and other games with a controller. We can even play with our eyes closed. You can't do that with touch games. 

Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Pink - Verizon (Renewed)

I don't like putting or using widgets on my phone's screen. Preferably, my main page is clean with only a few apps. For my iPhone though, I let it slide. I check out some widgets and don't see the point as my app icons are already easily accessible.

When you slide to the left, you can put all the widgets that you want for a quick glance. I seldom check them out and again, what's the point? Others might like it though. I discovered that I can play with the Alpine Linux terminal with the ISH and Python3IDE app on my iPhone 13! 

What do you guys think?

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Happy iPhone-ing!

#Apple #iPhone #iPhone13 #xboxones #xboxcontroller #bluetooth #mobilegaming #mobilegames



Saturday, June 05, 2021

Nintendo Switch lite - SmileBASIC4 - Coding Console Calculator


Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue

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Check it out!

One of the things I like about my Nintendo Switch lite is that I'm not just using it for gaming. I like watching videos on Youtube and also listening to music. No Netflix? No Spotify? Well, you just need youtube. Once awhile, I'll post pics and short clips videos on Facebook or Twitter.

Another thing I like is the software SmileBASIC4 and FUZE4. Although, I mostly spend my time with SmileBASIC more. You can learn to code games and play them on your own Switch. What I really like about SmileBASIC is that it's not just for games. The language is pretty much similar to BASIC and Python.



Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue

I'm more into Python because of Raspberry pi. I had always wanted to learn to code but didn't get the chance when I was in school. I only saw that you can create your own smart car robot with Raspberry Pi and Arduino that I was interested in. That's where I started to learn to code with Python.

The kids nowadays got the chance to learn about programming with Microbit. I actually got it for myself too. Playing with them is really fun. And, of course, it's more fun learning to program with 'toys' like this. Where you can literally see things work.



Adeept BBC Micro:bit Sensor Starter Kit | Microbit Programmable Starter Kit for Micro:bit with 35 Projects PDF Tutorial Book | Micro:bit and Expansion Board Included

Anyway, I played with Microsoft Visual studio and followed a tutorial to create a console calculator with C++. There's also a tutorial for C#. Instead of following the tutorial, I was wondering if I could take some of the code and create a console calculator on my Switch lite with SmileBASIC4.

I thought the core of the code in C# which is the calculation is pretty simple enough to redo with SmileBASIC. This is the part where knowing Python actually helps me. The fact that SmileBASIC is similar(almost) to BASIC and Python makes it much easier.



Learn C++ Quickly: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning C++, Even If You’re New to Programming (Crash Course With Hands-On Project)

I was actually stuck with the INPUT problem in SmileBASIC 4. In python, I could easily let a user input to choose an option and then Print whatever I want. It keeps coming out with all the answers for plus, minus, multiplication, and divide.

I thought to just let it be. I don't think there's any calculator in the world that gives out an answer all at once. Lol. In the end, I decided to ask @notohoho, the CEO of Smileboom on Twitter. He was kind enough to answer my question the last time. Thankfully, he was also keen to help me this time around too.


I was stuck trying to print the option of the user with the INPUT command.


Probably, one of the @notohoho students or SmileBASIC users gave me a solution of using the command OPTION aka opt$.


While @notohoho gave me this solution of using the command INSTR(OPT$,"").

I tried both of the solutions and it didn't work at first. It was only when I realized that I had put the endif at the wrong place. You can see the pics of my earlier code where I've placed all the endif at the bottom, instead of after every if. That's basically how I learn, from trial and error.


I decided to add an option "x" where the user can get all the calculation answers at once. Kinda cool!

       

The second part of the final code. Of course, you can copy these. Add anything you want to it. I was even thinking of adding background music. I can even upload it to the SmileBASIC server but I'm lazy. There are others that already upload better calculator apps.

You can watch the video and see how it works here



Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con - HAC-001(-01)

If you had gone to visit the C# tutorial page, you'll see that the console calculator looks similar to the one I created using SmileBASIC 4. There's actually more to the C# tutorial and personally, the code is more 'cumbersome' to me. While with SmileBASIC4, it looks much simpler.

That's part of another reason why I like SmileBASIC. It's simplicity. I guess it's meant to be easy. For learning purposes. For a newbie like me? Also, with the Nintendo Switch, its portability meant, you can bring it and code anywhere. I actually code this calculator while in bed using the on-screen keyboard.

I'm self-learning coding just for fun and basic knowledge. Like I've said, I've been wanting to learn to code since I was a child. The kids nowadays are so fortunate that there are many programs suited for their age to learn. The good thing is that because of the Internet, it's much easier to research and learn online.

If you're interested, come join the fun!

What you guys think?

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Happy coding!


P.S. Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue




Saturday, May 29, 2021

Nintendo Switch lite - How similar is SmileBASIC4 to Python?


Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue

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I like dabbling with Python since the day, I bought myself a Raspberry pi 3. I was interested in building my own smart car robot and they use python to control it. The good thing is that there are many tutorials online that you can easily follow.

Frankly, I had always wanted to learn to code but didn't get the chance to. When I first heard of the Raspberry pi, I didn't really think much about it. But when I saw that you can create your own smart robot, I decided to get one. That's how I discovered Python and found out how easy it is to learn.



Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue

One of the problems for me is that I don't have the discipline to keep learning. It's not as if I have to take a test for it. But, I like to try out new things and see if I can make them work. It's that eureka feeling that got me excited.

My favorite portable gaming console is the Nintendo Switch lite. When I discovered that I can learn to code and create my own games with SmileBASIC4 and FUZE4, I was really excited and bought both of them. I got more excited when I discovered that smilebasic and python are so much alike.



Oussirro HDMI USB C Hub Adapter for Nintendo Switch, 1080P Type C to HDMI Converter Dock Cable for Nintendo Switch



Gaming Keyboard and Mouse and Mouse pad and Gaming Headset, Wired LED RGB Backlight Bundle for PC Gamers and Xbox and PS4 Users - 4 in 1 Edition Hornet RX-250

If you have the Nintendo Switch, you can link to your TV for a bigger screen. It'll be much better for a full coding setup. You can't do that with the Switch lite. So, most of the time, I just try out code on my bed before going to sleep. But, I can still use a mouse and keyboard if I want to.

You can actually game with a mouse and keyboard on the Nintendo Switch but you need a console adapter. With that adapter, you can connect a mouse and keyboard and play like on a computer. This is the same kind of adapter that's also compatible with your Xbox and PS4.



Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit -Luigi Set - Nintendo Switch Luigi Set Edition

I wonder if someone in Nintendo had actually read my blog. Because I have talked about using my Nintendo Switch to control my raspberry pi 3 smart car before. And, now, they've come out with this? I'm also hoping that there will be a Mario Drone or something like that. You hear it here first!

Now, that will be really cool. Playing Mario or Luigi or Princess drone racing. Would be fun to be able to take videos while you're flying. Of course, you need a good camera, which the Switch doesn't have. I don't know why there is a camera on the 3DS but no camera on the switch?



Coding Games in Python (Computer Coding for Kids)

I actually didn't know or did I? That smilebasic for the 3DS was already available back then. I was wondering if the software is available so that I can use it on my phone with an emulator. Lo and behold! Now, I can use smilebasic 3ds on my phone. Check out my video demo here.

What I like about python is that you can use it practically anywhere. I have a version of it on my phone so that, I can try code whenever I've got an idea. Or if I've learned something new and want to try it out. That's what so great about the smartphone today. It's a powerful mini-computer inside your pocket!



Samsung Electronics Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G | Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone | 256GB Storage | US Version Smartphone Tablet | 2-in-1 Refined Design, Flex Mode | Mystic Black (SM-F916UZKAXAA)

That's why, if I have the money and it's becoming cheaper, I want to get the Samsung Z Fold 2 or future Z Fold 3? I want to open it up halfway and use it as a laptop. Open it up fully and you can use it as a tablet. This is pretty much the future of mobile phone laptops.

What more do you need when you can practically do everything with a mobile phone? You can play games, check emails, social media, take pictures or videos, edit them and upload them on youtube to share with the world or just with your colleagues.

I want Samsung or Microsoft to expand on this idea and create the perfect blend of mobile phone laptops. They need to improve and think of new innovations for a mobile phone that can be close and use as a phone or open up and use as a laptop or tablet.

Once they have that, it'll be way cool to use Visual Studio, the Android version.

What you guys think?

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Happy coding!


P.S. Coding Games in Python (Computer Coding for Kids)




Monday, May 10, 2021

Fun Dabbling with Windows 10 Powershell & Powershell ISE!


10.1-inch Tablet Intel Celeron N3450 Windows 10 in S Mode 2 in 1 Laptop Computer, Detachable Keyboard 8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage 5MP Rear Camera, HD Touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth AiBook 10

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So, if you have been reading my last few posts, I've been talking about my new 2 in 1 Windows 10 tablet pc. I bought it on the cheap as it got a low-end Atom processor and 2GB of ram. Normally, I won't even look at such tablets.

I decided to get this because I thought of installing Linux Ubuntu distro over it. Turn out, my external DVD writer USB 2.0 connection won't work. Well, I thought, maybe I'll just install WSL aka Windows Subsystem for Linux. Again, I couldn't do that because the tablet only has x86. Wtf!?



10.1-inch Tablet Intel Celeron N3450 Windows 10 in S Mode 2 in 1 Laptop Computer, Detachable Keyboard 8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage 5MP Rear Camera, HD Touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth AiBook 10

At least, I can install Thonny Python IDE. Simple and light software for me to use. I then became itchy to try out Visual Studio 2019 and it took almost 8GB of my meager 57GB of storage left from 64GB. I've already tried out Visual Studio Code. So, VS 2019 is something new for me to play with.

I can actually play with the Termux terminal available on my phone. Which, I already install Ubuntu 20. I can link my phone to my tablet pc and use it as if it's installed there. Since I'm using Samsung Note 10+, I can also connect via cable or wireless to Samsung Dex.



Samsung Electronics Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G | Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone | 256GB Storage | US Version Smartphone Tablet | 2-in-1 Refined Design, Flex Mode | Mystic Black (SM-F916UZKAXAA)

Hopefully, I'll have the money to get myself the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It's really a 2 in 1 powerful phablet that I can use as a Youtuber and Blogger on the go. Great camera for taking pictures and videos. Easy to edit with a bigger screen when you open it up.

I can also play with Linux and python on it without any problem. One can only dream. Anyway, back to my low-end tablet pc. It's not that bad. I'm actually surprised how smooth it runs. It does load things a little slow but it'll run without hiccups after that.



Microsoft Surface Pro 7 2 in 1 Touchscreen PC Tablet 12.3" 2736x1824, 10th Gen i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 4 Core up to 3.70 GHz, USB-C, Backlit, Webcam, Win 10 w/Black Type Cover and Surface Pen

I purposely bought a cheap tablet pc because I wanted to install ubuntu over it. I didn't want to buy an expensive laptop or tablet just to test install ubuntu. In fact, seeing how smooth the Windows 10 run on my tablet, makes me have second thoughts.

I used it like I'm using my gaming PC and latest AMD Ryzen 7 laptop, opening up many browser tabs and playing games. Okay, it does start to overload. I check the task manager and the CPU was 100%. With only an Atom processor and 2GB of ram, it starts to groan like an old fart.



AVITA Magus II 10.1" HD Tablet with Detachable Keyboard, Windows 10, Intel Processor, 4GB Ram & 64GB Storage (Green)

In any case, since, I couldn't install and play with WSL, I thought maybe I'll see what I can do with Windows 10 Powershell. I found out there's actually a Powershell ISE aka Integrated Scripting Environment app. It already comes with Windows. It's like Thonny, Python IDE.

Some of the things available on Powershell like the command are the same. Like 'ls' for the directory, 'cat' to look at files, etc. It doesn't have 'nano' or it does as I haven't check it out yet. You can actually install it. I discovered SCOOP(website) that will help you install apps like Cowsay or Figlet.



10" Windows 10 Fusion5 FWIN232 Plus S1 Ultra Slim Tablet Computer - (4GB RAM, USB 3.0, Intel, 5MP and 2MP Cameras, Windows 10 S Tablet PC)

I learn a couple of new things like a different language to code using the ISE. There are communities out there already using Powershell and of course tutorials by Microsoft too. It's funny because, if I was able to install WSL, I won't have the interest to delve into the world of Microsoft Powershell.

I've been trying to make the Powershell be as homey as the Linux terminal. Having a fun app like cowsay does help. It helps that the Powershell been out for a while, and I've been searching for some interesting thing to do with my newfound interest in my new tablet pc.

I hope they make the Powershell as good as the Linux terminal. Being able to install apps, games, and most importantly play within the terminal itself. If not, what's the point? Being inside or using Powershell (Linux) is like being in a different world.

Follow that white(blue) rabbit!

What you guys think?

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Happy Powershell-ing!


P.S. 10" Windows 10 Fusion5 FWIN232 Plus S1 Ultra Slim Tablet Computer - (4GB RAM, USB 3.0, Intel, 5MP and 2MP Cameras, Windows 10 S Tablet PC)




Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Controlling my STS-PI RASPBERRY PI ROBOT WITH POWKIDDY X18! #powkiddyx18 #raspberrypirobotcar


GPD XD Plus [Official distributor, Latest HW & Most Stable Update] Foldable Handheld Game Consoles 5" Touchscreen, Android 7.0 Fast Mediatek MT8176 Hexa-core 2.1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM/32GB ROM

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Hey guys,

Check it out!

A couple of blog posts ago, I wanted to try if I could control my STS-Pi, a Raspberry Pi robot with the Powkiddy X18 integrated controller. I decided to dust off my R3 and make it happen. I have to research some of the things that I've forgotten.

My 16GB MicroSD cards with Recallbox and Raspbian OS wouldn't work. I haven't played with them for a while and I'm not sure why they won't work anymore. I had to re-format one of the cards that has a Kano OS.

GPD XD Plus [Official distributor, Latest HW & Most Stable Update] Foldable Handheld Game Consoles 5" Touchscreen, Android 7.0 Fast Mediatek MT8176 Hexa-core 2.1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM/32GB ROM

I love Kano OS. It's actually for kids to learn about computers and coding. I decided to re-download and install the old version of Raspbian-stretch because I need to use the Raspi-config to turn on my Raspberry Pi camera.

I'm using the same Raspberry Pi 3 that used to learn to make everything work. I didn't want the hassle of having to learn anything new now. If I can get the things that used to work and just try to use the Powkiddy X18 remap buttons, I'll then be able to control my sts-pi robot with the integrated controller.

Freenove 4WD Smart Car Kit for Raspberry Pi 4 B 3 B+ B A+, Face Tracking, Line Tracking, Light Tracing, Obstacle Avoidance, Colorful Light, Ultrasonic Camera Servo Wireless RC

I installed the Pimoroni software via the terminal. The web control didn't work when I tried to show it on my video, it suddenly stopped working. So, I just went straight to using SCRATCH. Using scratch to control my sts-pi motor is much easier.

Visit this site for more info on the STS-PI robot if you also have the Explorer Hat. For control using SCRATCH, go to this blog. Download the link for the scratch template and add the scratch code to the template. This way, you can control the motor and also take pictures at the same time. Pretty nifty.

PIM082 - Explorer HAT Pro for 40-Pin Raspberry Pi

Powkiddy X18 remap buttons work by just putting it to the scratch code. I also tried using the on-screen keyboard but, if you open the remap button, the keyboard will go away. I discovered that I can just use the remap button when I select the on-screen mouse available with the Raspbian OS. 

When you use the on-screen mouse, the arrow keys and several other useful keyboard keys are at the bottom of the screen. I tried putting the remap buttons on those keys and it finally works. So, now, I can control the motors with the integrated controller. Voila!


The Powkiddy X18 is really becoming my jack-of-all-trades device. I really like it. If I had known, it was not just for Android or retro gaming, I might have bought it much earlier. Maybe I wasn't ready for it.

When you're my age, you suddenly realize things seem to be happening for a reason and at the right time. I noticed it when my father died a couple of months before the virus was reported. He has diabetes and it would be pretty hard to see him during or if he dies during the pandemic.

I got fired from my job before the pandemic. No problem staying at home throughout the earlier days. I took the opportunity to blog and do YouTube videos. I want to thank those who bought stuff via my Amazon links as it helps.

I love tech and games!

What do you guys think?

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Find something you love to do and you don't have to work for the rest of your life!

Happy portable computing!

#raspberrypi #powkiddyx18 #raspberrypirobot #python #coding #pimoroni #scratch

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Play Command Line linux games with Powkiddy X18 controller


GPD XD Plus [Official distributor, Latest HW & Most Stable Update] Foldable Handheld Game Consoles 5" Touchscreen, Android 7.0 Fast Mediatek MT8176 Hexa-core 2.1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM/32GB ROM

Hey guys,

Check it out!

Like I've said before, one of the reasons I like the Powdiddy X18 or GPD XD Plus is because you can install the Termux app on it. Termux is a Linux terminal app for Android devices. It's not a full Linux O.S. but in spite of that, you can do quite a lot with it.

I'm no Linux expert but if you have used Linux distros, you basically know what it's all about. Now, you can already use WSL aka Windows Subsystem for Linux on a Microsoft Windows 10 pc. Termux is like the WSL of Android devices. In fact, with Andronix, I can even install Ubuntu 20 on my Powkiddy X18. Cool!



GPD XD Plus [Official distributor, Latest HW & Most Stable Update] Foldable Handheld Game Consoles 5" Touchscreen, Android 7.0 Fast Mediatek MT8176 Hexa-core 2.1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM/32GB ROM

As with any Linux terminal, you can install stuff. Of course, I'm interested in games. So, I like to check out games that can be played on the terminal. One of the few games I like is ninvaders and nsnake. Which you can install by typing sudo apt install ninvaders or nsnake.

Once, installed, you can play by typing the name of the game on the terminal. Pretty nifty. The games are pretty basic and there's no music or sound effect. But, it's still fun to play. Especially, now that I found out, I can play with the integrated controller of the Powkiddy X18.



Powkiddy X18 Handheld Games Console 2-Player Video Game Machine 5.5-Inch WiFi

I prefer to install Ubuntu 20 and use it instead of Termux because I wanted the latest python 3. Which is also included. So, how cool is that to be able to code and mess around with Python on a portable gaming device such as the X18 and XD Plus?

In any case, I'm actually surprised that I can play this old command-line Linux game with a controller. The stupid thing is that not all Android games can be played with a controller. That's why I like playing retro games. They come with controller support and best of all you can play them offline without ads.



GPD Win 2 [256GB M.2 SSD Storage] Mini Handheld Windows 10 Video Game Console Gameplayer 6" Laptop Notebook Tablet PC CPU M3-8100Y intel HD Graphics 615 8GB/256GB

I really like the portability of these devices that also allows me to use them like a computer any time and anywhere. Yes, there are laptops but to me, the smaller they are, the better. Of course, best of all for gamers is that they also come with an integrated keyboard or controller.

For small devices like this, I think an Android O.S. is good enough. They don't need lots of power like Microsoft Windows. Of course, the more powerful the CPU and GPU the better. Right now, you'll have a problem playing PUBG or COD mobile on the powkiddy X18.



[256GB M.2 SSD Version] GPD MicroPC Micro PC 6-inch Handheld Industry Laptop Mini PC Computer Windows 10 Pro or Ubuntu MATE,Supports RS-232,RJ45,Type C,USB 3.0,HDMI,MicroSDXC,Battery 2×3100mAh,8GB RAM

For average users, Android is already good enough. You can surf the net, watch youtube, check emails, listen to music, and much more. And, you can even use it for school or work. Why do you need an expensive high-end Windows 10 laptop for all that?

For the budget-conscious, Android devices fit theirs needs. Unless, of course, if you want to play the latest triple-A games. You can't compare simple command-line Linux games to games like Cyberpunk 2077. But, I'll still love, if I can play that game on the go on a portable game device.

Maybe, I can play PC games by streaming them to my Powkiddy X18 or the GPD XD Plus. But, I prefer if I can install it directly to the portable game console, like the Nintendo Switch. Well, I can already play Crysis on it. Although, I still can't use it as a normal PC, yet.

One thing for sure, I'm going to look out for more fun Linux stuff to do on my Powkiddy X18 after this post. 

What you guys think?

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P.S. GPD XD Plus [Official distributor, Latest HW & Most Stable Update] Foldable Handheld Game Consoles 5" Touchscreen, Android 7.0 Fast Mediatek MT8176 Hexa-core 2.1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM/32GB ROM




Saturday, October 17, 2020

Mario Kart Live vs Raspberry pi Smart Robot


Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit -Mario Set - Nintendo Switch Mario Set Edition

Hey guys,

Check it out!

So, the Nintendo Mario Kart live is available now. You can get it here (Amazon). Like, I've said in several posts ago, I've wanted this type of thing from Nintendo. It already has a screen and controllers. Would be fun to be able to connect toys to it.

Although, I was wishing being able to pair it with my Raspberry pi smart robot. I'm not sure if you can actually already do that after hacking your Switch. You can install Linux distro like Debian and use python to control your raspberry pi.



Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit -Mario Set - Nintendo Switch Mario Set Edition

I've always thought, the Nintendo Switch can be more than just a portable gaming console. It's great for education and being able to connect to a Raspberry pi smart robot will be way cool. Of course, Nintendo prefers making their own toys for people to buy.

I won't be surprised if Mario Drone is out next. Would be another added bonus to fly around your drone and being able to record views or like Mario Kart, racing with your friends. They can even do race events for both of them.



Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise

The difference between a Mario Kart live and Raspberry pi is that you can also use the Pi as a computer. You can buy parts for your smart robot or drone and learn to code with python. You can also learn coding with SmileBASIC 4 and FUZE 4 on your Nintendo Switch too.

Someone out there already able to transfer files using smilebasic 4 and creating an emulator. I was already wondering if you can use smilebasic 4 to somehow connect to your raspberry pi or Arduino. That would be way cool!



Freenove Robot Dog Kit for Raspberry Pi 4 B 3 B+ B A+, Walking, Self Balancing, Ball Tracing, Face Recognition, Live Video, Ultrasonic Ranging, Camera Servo Wireless RC

I was also hoping the 'makers' would come out with something that can be connected and use together with the Nintendo Switch. The Mario Kart live already proves that the Nintendo Switch can be used more than just a gaming console.

I'm surprised that they (the makers) didn't think of this. Or probably did. I wouldn't know what's going on behind closed doors. I'm just saying, or keep saying, how great the Switch is. I can imagine, someone hacking (a driverless car) using their Nintendo Switch and control it with the controllers. I'm not saying people should do it though.



Nintendo Switch with Gray Joy‑Con - HAC-001(-01)

I think what's so great about the Nintendo Switch is the design. Make for portability. Even then, to me, the Switch lite is more portable and flexible because it's around an inch smaller. Everyone has their own preferences of which one is better of course.

If you want to make a Windows 10, portable gaming console, follow this same design. You can even make a raspberry pi with a Linux distro portable computer. There are already many mobile phone Bluetooth controller that you can just fix on it.



One Netbook OneGx1 Handheld Windows 10 Video Game Console Portable Gameplayer 7 Inch 1920 × 1200 Mini Pocket Laptop Intel 10th CPU CoRE I5-10210Y Ultrabook UMPC Tablet PC + Controller (8GB/256GB+WiFi)

You might want to check out the windows 10, portable gaming console above. Which also comes with a controller. A little pricey. But, I hope, it'll become more powerful in the future. Maybe, using AMD Ryzen CPU & GPU.

The design isn't that bad, but the controller a little weird. I also don't like the mini laptop butt coming out at the back but that's for the cooling system. I like how the ram and storage can be much bigger. With STEAM installed, you can game and use it like any other normal computer.

In the future, portability is King!

Ok, maybe, when the computer is in-plant in you, portability will become another matter.

What you guys think?

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P.S. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit -Mario Set - Nintendo Switch Mario Set Edition