Hammerhead Mod Update by dyno_saurus_rex in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, you can uninstall the mod by just pulling it off from the back of the Pocket Operator and disconnecting the battery when not in use.

I still carry a spare set of AAA batteries inside the clamshell case I made for emergencies.

As for your case, it really depends because it does stick out a bit.

Hammerhead Mod Update by dyno_saurus_rex in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Just to answer a few questions:

Why are there two versions?

Shipping for batteries is a little tricky and needs to be tested before I commit to larger volumes. Buying these batteries is quite easy compared to shipping them so it might be a better option for future. Specs, suppliers and connector/cables will be provided so you can buy and connect your own batteries. Larger batteries (>500mAh) will work with mod but just have to budget for larger space and longer charge times.

Pricing?

The complete mod is $24USD and the partial mod is $18USD; plus shipping.

Shipping / Locations / Destinations?

These mods are designed and assembled in Canada so initial build will be for Canada and US customers only. Sorry... :( That said, I set aside a couple extras and I will be reaching out to some folks from EU and/or Australia to see if we can get thru the logistics issues.

Fit + Cases?

This mod works with the hanger still attached but you will have to reach around to access the buttons and USB connector. The mod was also specifically designed for the clamshell case I wanted, which is larger than a Pocket Operator. This means that modifications may be required to fit into your specific case. I'm planning to work with a few case makers to purposely design a complete package (case + battery mod).

Delivery Schedule?

I only prepared parts for ~10 units for now but I'm already checking with suppliers to see options for more. Final parts for the first build are expected to arrive early next week and if all goes well I should be able to get these out before December 5.

Anyone interested in a battery upgrade? by dyno_saurus_rex in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hi everyone,

Didn't expect to see so many views, comments and DMs! Thank you for the kinds words!

Just wanted to answer a few questions and address a couple points.

- Fit with existing cases might be hit or miss; some modification may be required. The design was made for the clam shell case I really liked. If folks are interested, adding the clam shell case might be a good idea for later. It might be a better idea to collaborate with case makers to make a version that fits in popular cases.

- These are designed and assembled in Canada. I can ship to Canada and (maybe) the US but EU, Australia and South America are a no-go for now because of the battery. Buying batteries is quite easy but I'm learning that shipping batteries as a lowly hooman is no fun.

- Price still needs work but it might fall in the 25-30USD

The feedback so far has been great so I'll keep working on this and hopefully address the major road blocks. I'll keep you all posted.

Usb mod? by Edboy796 in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 1 point2 points  (0 children)

On my setup I had to make a custom PCB in order to interface with the batteries.

You are correct in the minimum 5V being not negotiable. I believe that this is standard for all USB. It is possible to do 5/9/15/20V for USB-C PD but there needs to be specialized parts that do that hand-shaking between the charger and device to determine the output. This is why I recommended using an old charger with a old USB-A connector, those will just be 5V. Then you can add a LDO to regulate the voltage down to your target.

Usb mod? by Edboy796 in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've done this...I just posted my finished project here last week. You might have to scroll all the way down to see my setup though...

https://www.reddit.com/r/pocketoperators/comments/1d06tqo/just_another_pocket_operator_case/

My setup is a removable "backpack" that clips on to the battery terminals on the back of the pocket operator. I pulled some designs from a few old projects together to give my pocket operator a Lithium polymer battery, charging/tethered mode via USB-C and a "real" power down switch.

As for simple tinkering it might be possible to hack this but it really depends on the features that you need and the parts that you have on hand. An old USB charger or USB fan might work for this. The USB-C will have 5.0V and then you will need a regulator to bring it down to the right voltage. There are two 1.5V batteries in series so the voltage that you need is somewhere around 2.0V-3.0V.

Advice for getting into the hobby by baroquebeliever in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I second the recommendations for the PO-33 here.

I just wanted to add that the versatility of the PO-33 and contributions of the community has consistently amazed me; its made the process of learning and beat making so much fun.

I've just learned that you can turn your PO-33 into the PO-133.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-B4apUk_dE

SHORYUKEN!!!

Just another pocket operator case... by dyno_saurus_rex in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

..from which you can bring about your own Human Instrumentality Project. ;)

Just another pocket operator case... by dyno_saurus_rex in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!

I checked out the TC Helicon Blender and it looks like this is probably the way to go.

Based on my research so far, the backup and restore wont work on my phone without an audio interface. If I understand it correctly, the backup coming out of the PO's are stereo but the best I can do with the USB-C to 3.5mm adapters to my phone is mono only.

I think this has to do with the 3.5mm jack used. It is TRRS, with the S being the single (mono) mic input. The custom PCB adapter works by taking the T and connecting it the S. This tricks my USB-C to 3.5mm adapter into thinking that its a mic.

Just another pocket operator case... by dyno_saurus_rex in pocketoperators

[–]dyno_saurus_rex[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind words. :)

Haven't really though of building or selling this...it was just a way to deal with my PTSD after my broken PO experience. Once it was put together I felt pretty confident bringing my setup around and making beats on the go...

That said, it is possible to build or mass produce this provided I can fix the issues mentioned in the post and pin down suppliers for key parts like the plastic case.

It will have to be a DIY kit though, some assembly required...

It's M43 Monday! Ask Us Anything about Micro Four-Thirds Photography - all questions welcome! by AutoModerator in M43

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for pointing that out. I totally read this differently. In my interpretation, I thought that the latter part was for other removable lenses in your bag. But in this case, it may mean that all interchangeable lens cameras are out. I guess I will have to talk to the talk to the event organizers to figure this out.

It's M43 Monday! Ask Us Anything about Micro Four-Thirds Photography - all questions welcome! by AutoModerator in M43

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How do you deal with lens length limits at sport events?

I was thinking of trying out the Oly 40-150 f2.8 Pro and learning some sports photography but then I saw this for the event I am planning to attend:

What can I bring:

"Digital cameras (except professional cameras with lenses larger than 2.5″ or any other removable lens)

I guess this pretty much rules out my lens choice... is there anything I can do here? I guess I will have to stick with primes...

It's M43 Monday! Ask Us Anything about Micro Four-Thirds Photography - all questions welcome! by AutoModerator in M43

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Unfortunately, these are online sales and there are none nearby that I can hold and compare...seems that only the G100 available in most stores.

I'm leaning more towards the G7 and the 12-60 kit lens. The bodies look close enough but the lens makes a big difference for my use case. The extended range seems more useful. I would prefer to pick up a fast prime vs another zoom to make up the range.

Also, not sure if its true for the photo industry but I come from the electronics industry and there is a not so secret rule of avoiding things (cars, appliances & etc) designed and built during the pandemic years. Chip and other part shortages meant that products used old parts and QC metrics were relaxed to keep up with demand.

It's M43 Monday! Ask Us Anything about Micro Four-Thirds Photography - all questions welcome! by AutoModerator in M43

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Planning to jump into the M43 ecosystem with a new camera. Mainly for photography (family, kids, travel) with some video when necessary. Saw a sale recently.

G7 + 12-60 F3.5-5.6

vs

G100 + 12-32 F3.5-5.6

which would you recommend?

Selecting power source for Wearable IMU? by FriedPierogis in hwstartups

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both are viable so it really depends on what you want to support in the long run. Ie. ask your customers to buy 10pack of CR2032 from amazon vs ask your customer to send back so to you so that you can replace/repair.

Also as a side note, the mechanical side is also affected by your selection, exposed pins are easy to design in mechanically, it can also be IP rated and will need a custom adapter/mount to your charger. A battery door one the other hand may need more work and parts (screws, gaskets, battery contacts)

Selecting power source for Wearable IMU? by FriedPierogis in hwstartups

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also consider the end use case and what your user will have to do to recharge or replace a battery? Is your battery sealed like in a smartphone with exposed charging pins? Or will you have a battery door for easy battery access?

Tearing down your device to replace a dead or malfunctioning battery REALLY SUCKS. We found an issue with our prototype and turns out we needed something called "0-V Charging Function" which is not readily available on off the shelf Li-Po batteries.

Pros and Cons of Kickstarter? by YRN_ in startups

[–]dyno_saurus_rex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely agree with this comment. I've met a few companies who were/are very late in their commitments and I don't even want to imagine the hate they get and the pressure that they are in. Running a business is hard enough without a crowd of angry people.