The guys from fpga4fun have this interesting recipe for a simple digital oscilloscope which is made with the following parts:
- 1 x Pluto FPGA board, with TXDI and cable (item#1121, $39.95)
- 1 x Flash acquisition board (item#1200, $29.95)
- 1 x BNC (item#1250, $4.95)
- 1 x Nylon standoffs (item#1270, $0.95)
- 1 x Male/female connectors 2×8 (item#1275, $2.95)
That’s about $78.75 so you can also call it a cheap oscilloscope because all commercial oscilloscopes are priced higher than $70.
FPGA Digital Oscilloscope: [Link]
FPGAs make great video controllers and can easily control graphic LCD panels. Graphic LCD panels are more advanced than text lcd panels and can display interesting stuff. The graphic LCD panels have a digital interface and can be interfaced in two ways:
- With a Video-like interface
- With a CPU-peripheral-like interface
Graphic LCD Pannel Interfaced With FPGA: [Link]
Text LCD modules are cheap and easy to interface using a microcontroller or FPGA. To control an LCD module, you need 11 IO pins to drive an 8-bits data bus and 3 control signals. Most of the LCD modules are based on the HD44780 chip or compatible and the internet is full of resources on how to interface those.
FPGA Chip Interfaced With LCD Module: [Link]
The project starts with a commercial remote controlled car that has to be modified so that it can be interfaced with the Phidget controller. The easiest way to accomplish this is to modify the hand-held controlling unit to receive input from the Phidget controller instead of a human driver.
The end result is a .NET-controlled RC car with wireless camera for stealthy operations.
.NET controlled RC car with wireless camera: [Link]
The Gas Guzzler Meter is an attempt at putting an immediate dollar value on your current driving techniques: a digital meter that displays exactly what you’re spending as you motor along. Stomp on the pedal and see the bucks zoom out your tailpipe faster than a NASCAR driver competing for the Nextel Cup. This device will help you impress your friends, drive responsibly, and keep those dollars in your pocket.
Gas Guzzler Meter: [Link]
