# Welcome

This is a living document of my current and past work... a portfolio in wiki form.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bluesky</td><td>I'm finally leaving twitter. I might peek in there from time to time.</td><td><a href="https://clomads.bsky.social">https://clomads.bsky.social</a></td></tr><tr><td>VDBX.io</td><td>My retail brand for open hardware focused on off-grid systems integration.</td><td><a href="https://www.vdbx.io">https://www.vdbx.io</a></td></tr><tr><td>Redbubble</td><td>I design stickers from time to time.</td><td><a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/clomads">https://www.redbubble.com/people/clomads</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Hi Friends,

I'm Chloe Madison-Ryan, a visual artist and open hardware designer in ~~the Bay Area~~ Joshua Tree who lives in a shorty school bus. I do my best to document that work across various corners of the internet, and my current focus is [VDBX.io](https://www.vdbx.io) where certain designs of mine are more formally documented, open-sourced, and made available for purchase.&#x20;

This site is for everything else. I have done so many things in my life, I figured having a living portfolio in wiki form will probably make things easier for me to archive it all. Otherwise it'll just be in a random folder waiting for a data catastrophe to wipe it out... ask me how I know.

Skills I have excelled at throughout my life:

* Concept design for digital & physical interactive creations
* Product design & optimization for web & mobile
* Logo & branding design with product integration
* HTML5 & CSS3 w/ SASS
* Video production with DSLR & Mirrorless
* Live event video production: live switching & system design/integration
* Video editing, 2D compositing, & animation
* Lithium battery systems for solar off-grid applications
  * Automation, data collection, & user presentation

This may also be a place for me to write out concepts and prototype documentation for things that may never exist. It'll also be a repository for actual designs I'd like to share under my name vs being a [VDBX](https://www.vdbx.io/) product.&#x20;

Love,

Chloe Madison-Ryan

@clomads - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/clomads) • [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/clomads) • [Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/@clomads) • [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@clomads) • [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/clomads) • [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/clomads)

## Featured Projects

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Gary Bussy</td><td>The bus I live in that has become a prototyping platform for my off-grid open hardware.</td><td><a href="/pages/03Je3xpMUzYcETOL2F5t">/pages/03Je3xpMUzYcETOL2F5t</a></td><td><a href="/files/gwDXTalFFTV164Q5NfZJ">/files/gwDXTalFFTV164Q5NfZJ</a></td></tr><tr><td>VDBX.io</td><td>The forward facing brand for my open hardware design and retail operations.</td><td><a href="/pages/zawSEOIpmDknBEENHpbx">/pages/zawSEOIpmDknBEENHpbx</a></td><td><a href="/files/8JNSuTWA2UEUJnR2PV59">/files/8JNSuTWA2UEUJnR2PV59</a></td></tr><tr><td>Can of Bliss</td><td>A project I worked on to help create a unique retail experience for cannabis brand Can of Bliss.</td><td><a href="/pages/NXdTcLKX6yiSJNKtQfM3">/pages/NXdTcLKX6yiSJNKtQfM3</a></td><td><a href="/files/mDwr6vaMWFFzDnEbKVBX">/files/mDwr6vaMWFFzDnEbKVBX</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


# Voidbox Industries

My current retail and manufacturing brand for open source hardware

## [VDBX.io](https://vdbx.io) ↗&#x20;

## Summary

Voidbox Industries sprang out of a need to keep my mind busy after losing my last tech job and having trouble finding a new one. I started learning more intricate electronics and mixed that with other maker skills such as woodworking and mold making. I eventually settled on making concrete knicknacks with a brutalist aesthetic by creating custom molds out of my 3D printed designs.

Conceptual designs had the electronics and concrete work meeting in the middle, but then COVID hit and everything changed, forcing me to focus more on the electronics side of things. While we were in the thick of COVID, I ended up trading the tiny van I lived in for a shorty school bus that I wired up with solar and lithium batteries.

Years earlier I had developed an interest in the open-source Home Assistant project, but never had the time or space to really dive in, until the bus, but it brought its own challenges due to most IOT devices assuming you're living in a house with AC wiring. This is where the pivot for VDBX started happening, tho life made it so it was just research for the next couple years.

VDBX relaunched in 2023 with a focus on Home Assistant focused hardware for off-grid installations. Coming into 2025, I have a healthy start to a microcontroller platform and a Crowd Supply coming soon.  I hope that within a year or two I can hire my friends to help with production and turn it into a worker-owned co-op. Within the theme of automation, I hope to also document our local manufacturing / QA / packaging operations for all to benefit from.&#x20;

## Brand

The name Voidbox came from a concrptual design I had in my head for lamps created with Vantablack alternatives so that the viewer would be confused about the source of light. At the time only Stuart Semple's Black 2.0 was available and didn't create the effect I was hoping for. I have yet to try with Black 3.0 and fuck Anish Kapoor.

I eventually broke down Voidbox to VDBX while doing a domain search and found that VDBX.io was available. It wasn't until a little while later that I realized that I & O are the vowels removed from Voidbox to make VDBX.

The cube logo came from an 3D model I made as an enclosure that had one corner cut to allow that to be its primary base. I converted it to a CAD drawing and imported the vectors into Affinity Designer. From there I noticed that playing with the line weight created a unique visual glitch that made the viewer misread the proper orientation of the cube.

All of this was made on a whim in 2018 when I first started and I still feel affinity with the brand, but in 2023+ it may be time for a slight refresh to the assets.&#x20;

## History

I used to make conrete products under the VDBX.io brand but things changed when the pandemic hit. Here's a few items we designed and or sold at that time.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/mXdDl0yOBVMPNzd04XWt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Gary Bussy

A platform for testing DIY off-grid automation hardware. Also my house.

## Summary

Gary Bussy is the converted shorty school bus I live and work out of. I purchased her in July of 2020 and it has been an evolving project over the years and has many years of plans to go. I've used it as a platform to learn more about lithium batteries, solar, and DIY home automation with Home Assistant.&#x20;

I'm working on a whole separate wiki to track and document projects. I will link it here when it's ready. Below is a summary of various aspects of the build.

## Specs

* 1995 Chevy Van G30 Cutaway Chassis
  * 6.5L Detroit Diesel (NA)
  * 4L80E Automatic Transmission
  * 30 Gallon Diesel Tank
  * 10,000lbs GVWR&#x20;
* 1450 W Solar
  * 4.5Kwh Lithium NMC 7s @ 25.2v Nominal
  * 1kw+ AC Shore Charging + 3500w inverter generator
  * 3000w Inverter
    * Induction Cooktop
    * Kettle
    * Microwave / Air-Fryer
    * Window AC that is probably dying (400w/5000btu)
* Home Assistant OS on N5105 mini PC
  * Surveillance Cameras + Frigate + Google Coral
    * Driver's display
    * Remote Access
    * Security Notifications
  * Solar Generation & Usage Monitoring
  * Lighting, Fans, Appliance, etc Control
    * Most loads are on DC side and switchable

## Services

The following are service I use in my bus for various things and I have provided referral links to help me maintain them.&#x20;

### Calyx Institute 4G/5G Internet

Calyx Institute is a non-profit doing security research and implementation for public use. A recurring membership fee includes a hotspot device that includes unlimited 4G or 5G data depending on membership level. As of writing I pay $150 quarterly for 4G service I started in 2020, though I could switch to a $400 yearly membership to reduce my monthly cost from $50 to \~$33.  There are higher memberships which give you 5G service and more capable hotspot devices.

My referral link will give you and I both a free month upon your purchase:

[https://members.calyxinstitute.org/r/gznkq<br>](<https://members.calyxinstitute.org/r/gznkq	&#xA;>)

## Future

I have a lot of plans for my bus but it will take time and money to complete. Many projects may be still in development or are simply dreams.&#x20;

* Push towards 2kw of solar - Far future goal, but existing solar is not enough for about 5 months of the year in Berkeley, CA.&#x20;
* 10Kwh+ of lithium battery storage with a switch from Li-Ion to LiFePo4
* High power alternator installed but needs proper DC to DC charging system from 12v to 24v
* Finalize paint job with same blue as currently on front-end - accent rub bars and ports with black bed liner.&#x20;
* Replace hatch cover with tinted polycarbonate and custom opening mechanism (in development)
* Proper freshwater storage and grey water capture system
  * Upgrade from swappable 6 gallon water jerry cans to undermount tank system with hose and gravity fill. \~10-30 gallons dependent on space.
  * Recirculating shower with tankless water heater.&#x20;
    * Uses a set of filters to purify shower water so it can be recycled over several showers before being discarded and filters cleaned or replaced.
    * Only about 5-10 gallons of water for several showers. Actual count TBD, but existing research says up to 20 showers before replenishing shower water.
    * Leaning towards using propane for tankless water heater, but electric would force me to upgrade aspects of my electrical system (more batteries, solar, generator)
* Every aspect of the bus should be available in Home Assistant, including main drivetrain information and control.&#x20;
  * Custom ECU for mostly mechanical diesel engine and 4 speed transmission - control should be simple enough to be ran on a modern ESP32
  * Custom dashboard and gauges with CarPlay and Home Assistant access for monitoring during long trips.&#x20;
  * A current project of mine focuses on the creation of custom expandable switch panels which would be great for commonly used functions allowing less use of a touch screen whilst driving.
  * Existing items still not available in HA
    * Generator start/stop and information tracking
    * DC chest fridge management
    * Tank statuses and warning automations
* Motorized rear access ramp for motorcycles and other large item loading - WIP but haven't touched in years due to selling my motorcycle.&#x20;
  * Initially I reinforced the wheelchair lift door into a ramp by reinforcing the steel structure and putting the side hinges on the bottom. My bus did not come with the lift. I used a winch and some pulleys to open and close it, but it is a poor solution requiring manual intervention for it to open and close.
  * A future version will swap the original door with a custom aluminum structure wrapped in aluminum diamond plate. A common garage door tension spring with cables will improve the lifting of the ramp, keeping it closed with electronic solenoid latches. It could be fully automated with a heavy duty stepper motor and various sensors.


# Can of Bliss

Creating a unique point of sale experience for cannabis

`2019 - Freelance Design Consulting & Production`

<figure><img src="/files/mDwr6vaMWFFzDnEbKVBX" alt=""><figcaption><p>Pre-production design of the store unit</p></figcaption></figure>

## Summary

In 2019 I was asked to help with design and production of a customer facing interactive experience that cannabis brand Can of Bliss was working on at the time. Each can had a unique QR code that allowed an app to generate an augmented experience so that you can "see" inside each can sold. It was thought that having a dedicated display with an iPad running the app in dispensaries would help customers understand the concept so that they  would download the app and use it themselves.&#x20;

## Design & Manufacturing

A concept design was presented to me on my first meeting with the team and I immediately got to work refining it and making sure it fit within the brand. Luckily I had the help of the in-house designer to help manage brand assets and finalize production files as we moved closer to doing a production run.

This project ended up using all of my manufacturing and design skills from CNC machining the walnut base to lasering the artwork on top and even holding the iPad mini with a custom 3D printed part.

* CNC routed walnut base
  * Laser etched design with gold leaf paint
  * Finished with boiled linseed oil
* Copper water pipe - polished
  * 3D printed cap fits to iPad with VHB tape

Unfortunately, after a short production run, Can of Bliss lost its investment runway.


# Alphastreet

`2015-2017 - UX/UI Designer & Web Developer`

AlphaStreet is possibly the largest project I've been involved in. While it's original form was as a social stock trading site, it currently lives on as a data and analysis provider. Staring from their mockups, I orchestrated all branding and UI design while also implementing HTML/CSS for the website. The app came after a second major revision to the design language that helped better convey the vast amount of data we were working with.

<figure><img src="/files/TDzgHfvPiIS2aqbu2IjX" alt=""><figcaption><p>Collage of iOS app screenshots/prototypes</p></figcaption></figure>

more soon...


# Busey Ipsum

`2012 & 2017 - Web Developement & Design`

Around 2011/2012, it was popular in web design circles to create silly Ipsum generators. This was around the time I started taking web development seriously, so as an exercise I created Busey Ipsum based on the CMS I was working with at the time Concrete5. It creates filler text based on Gary Busey quotes.&#x20;

Unfortunately it was PHP and way too heavy for what it was, so in around 2017 I rewrote the whole thing as a static page with the functionality in Javascript, while taking the time to modernize the design.

&#x20;It still currently resides at [buseyipsum.com](http://www.buseyipsum.com) and is hosted by Github pages.&#x20;

## History

<figure><img src="/files/nIlpXyAlms0K7K2fVViH" alt=""><figcaption><p>First version of buseyipsum.com</p></figcaption></figure>


# Nextwave Media Lab

A ragtag group of weirdos oddly placed into a corporate media space.

`2012-2016 - Video Producer/UI Design/General Graphics/Photography`

## Summary

Nextwave Media Lab was an odd amalgamation of live production venue and accelerator think tank. It was a group of creatives who were offered space to be artists within a corporate building that happened to have a small theater inside of it.&#x20;

In 2012-ish, Nextwave Media Lab brought me on as their video lead to replace the outgoing person. It was a good fit as I knew many of the people who worked there and was able to mesh well with the team.&#x20;

As I was coming in, the sound engineer Steve Caldwell was finalizing major renovations to the audio capabilities of the space and I immediately took the opportunity to modernize the video components as well. The previous toolset was aging quickly or poorly chosen and becoming unreliable for the clientele we wanted to attract.

Over the course of a few years we had all types of events in the space from corporate executive talks, to live music production, to plays, to motivational speakers. NWML wasn't just the venue though, many of us spent our time innovating new ideas and refining our crafts in other ways while not working events. Some of these endeavors were picked up by parent company Nextwave and its sister company Silkroute Global.

## Website

I mocked up several website designs for NWML over the years and was able to put one of them into production. Here is one mockup example from my archive:

<figure><img src="/files/OTicOBzbcTZB8vCAIZFS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Routes  🚀

`2014 - Lead UI Designer / Art Director`

`Client: Nextwave`&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/epK7gag1trOyy2zmrq4R" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## History

The team at Silkroute originally set out to build Routes as a hybrid mobile application on top of the PhoneGap framework. Our team has had vast experience with building interfaces with web technologies, but never before a game that could require higher framerates. After much testing, it was determined that building Routes native would be the way to go.

<figure><img src="/files/n98YNfT0h8NAGNWaUzvO" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Inspired by the golden ages view of the future, I took a flat design approach with a twist in the initial concepts that were originally destined for a hybrid application. The photography is directly from NASA and the typography was researched heavily and licensed from Creative Market. I experimented with various design elements for this version, but felt very comfortable with the stained white color on top of the imagery.


# Silkroute Global

Maintaining client facing assets for retail SaaS provider

`2012 - 2015 - Design Lead \ Web Development \ Video Producer \ Animator`

## Website

<figure><img src="/files/Wvp6eGwSUno0BJujaZfZ" alt="a full screen screenshot of the silkroute homepage est. 2014" width="375"><figcaption><p>Home page of Silkroute Global from 2013 to 2015</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/344cwpvY1Yu1BrjLZQkR" alt=""><figcaption><p>About page with a CMS backed list of team members. Photos have transparency and dynamic popover.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/BBiH06XWmGgPp9dIdsra" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>A concept to refresh the Silkroute website</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/ABl0CxzlgtNnyjk6KgHc" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>The team listing randomly shuffles green-screened portraits - anyone who didn't submit a bio had one written on their behalf</p></figcaption></figure>

## Print Assets

<figure><img src="/files/tyg1YVDtjoEmBoyRTSBD" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>A folder for an event based on our internal design language</p></figcaption></figure>

## Corporate Video / Advertisement

`2013 - Director/Animator/Designer/Editor`

Silkroute had a very large set of visual assets to represent the company's presence amongst myriad markets. Some were created or obtained before I came on board and I filled in the gaps as I refreshed how it all came together.&#x20;

Having such a vast visual library allowed me a great opportunity to animate an engaging introduction video for sharing with potential clients and partners. Motion graphics were processed in After Effects from vector images made in Illustrator.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPwGFJ9EXAw>" %}


# DetroitMusic.TV

A website and community showcasing the best music Detroit has to offer.

`2008-2015 - Partner/Video Producer/Graphics/Photograpy/Web Developer/Designer`

## Summary

DetroitMusic.TV started as a website that gathered and attempted to organize music videos by Detroit artists. The addition of original content via live performances and journalistic style short films created unique opportunities such as having a weekly livestream from a venue featuring Detroit artists and early MTV style music video blocks.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gujz0R2Ut88>" %}

<https://www.youtube.com/@DetroitMusicTV>


# SudoTV

An attempt to make an online media company

`2009-2015 - Concept/Design/Branding/Video Production/Web Developer`

<figure><img src="/files/budfKLoKwYgZgrMLnPMe" alt="" width="357"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Summary

SudoTV or Sudo.TV was a brand with the intention of becoming an internet media company, but instead became a personal brand for my freelance work at the time.&#x20;

## Brand

Sudo is a common command line function in linux and unix based machines meaning to perform a task as the "super-user" or admin/root. It's use in the branding would theoretically attract more technically minded users to similarly intended content.&#x20;

Sudo is often pronounced similar to the word "pseudo" which generally has negative connotations, but in this context, I think the concept of being "like television" but not, would be a positive. *Remember, that in 2009/2010, YouTube was still finding its footing and Vimeo was still relevant.*

The logo is a stylized version of a schematic symbol for a signal or AC power supply.

## Original Content

* **Ego vs. Ego** was a sketch comedy series that ended sooner than expected featuring me (before transition) and my best friend at the time Joe Piemeisel. The episodes featured the two of us in oddball, almost hallucinogenic situations.  Joe and I had falling out and generally didn't work well together so the show ended after about 7 episodes.
* **Doctor Drizzle** was a concept show featuring me as a caricature of myself teaching people about tech. My personal gender transition meant the loss of the Doctor, but I continue to teach people about tech stuff when I can on my YouTube channel. Only a pilot episode was ever made with me explaining the transition to 4G shortly after the iPhone 4 came out.
* **Detroit-It-Yourself** was a concept that never even went into production. It was meant to showcase local makers and business owners in Detroit when that's where I lived. My work on DetroitMusic.TV took priority over this, but I had ideas on how the two could cross-pollinate.


# clomads.com

Variations of my personal site over the years

<figure><img src="/files/xxUVaGgyYw4AxHYii3Cz" alt=""><figcaption><p>Prototype of clomads.com - Active 2015-2017</p></figcaption></figure>


# Demon Core Disco Ball

A campy art meme

`2025 Holiday Season - 3D Modeled Jewelery / Ornament`

<figure><img src="/files/QLt9OySZjM9wBygMaVfn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Concept

In 2025 memes of Anime girls playing with the demon core added to the many nilistic memes of the year alongside Oppenheimer releasing the year befor.  It was one of the things that got me to look into the history of the Manhattan Project experiments, including the deadly Demon Core experiment. Converting the two hemispheres to disco balls adds a diametric visual element that plays with the dicohotomy of doom and joy.

## Build

Mini disco balls are available from many sources online and I was able to get a set of many across 4 sizes from amazon for under $20. The two middle sizes seemed to be a good match to the visual ratio of the originals.

Two 3d prints hold the two halfs together printed in a gray / silver PETG - This could be one print, but I chose to do two so the innner faces have better surface finish.

A third print is done in clear PETG for holding the LED and a CR1220 coin cell (what I had around that fit)

The LED is a common self-cycling RGB that fades between colors

An earring finding can be added to make it jewelery and it is light enough to wear since the core of each hemisphere is styrofoam.

The screwdriver is a part that is commonly included with DIY kits

### Issues

Disco balls seem to be manufactured by spiraling mirrors around the styrofoam core - there seems to be an adhesive strip on the mirrors that is then linearly applied to the core in a spiral.

This is a problem when attempting to cut the balls in half as you'll end up with a stairstep at one point or a need to cut a few mirrors on a clean path.

I chose to remove all mirrors and replace them with 3mm phone screen tape (this is basically clear nano tape that is super thin) — luckily many of the mirrors came off in strips with it's original adhesive, tho that adhesive was no longer useful aside from keeping strips together

### DFM

While the original was meant as a gift for a maker Discord server I'm in, I do want to at some point make improvements for manufacturing.

Finding a source for the disco balls and seeing if they can make halfs with concentric strips of mirror tiles rather than spirals

The bracket print could be done in SLS in one print via a capable print farm

I would also like to improve the LED to include more via a custom flex circuit board - drift between the individual LED color cycling may introduce an interesting effect

## Files

Here is a link to my [OnShape project file](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/05fdd71f078fb37e21de4235/w/7805a55d3271d450f6227a3c/e/ee69cf224e7ea647d4dfc3ec?renderMode=0\&uiState=69727ccd4fc0e0945e22de76)

[Disco Balls on Amazon](https://amzn.to/49RW6SY)

[Mini Screwdrivers on Amazon](https://amzn.to/45mnc35)


# Unifi Wall Mount

A nice way to organize a simple Unifi network

`2016/2017 - Functional Palette Art`

Meant for a small apartment with limited space where a standard OSB wall panel would have probably ended up in a closet. I think industrial design is nice to look at and this simple design elevated the visual and functional aspects in a handful of ways. Some of the status lights are actually useful so keeping them in view help you know if you need to interfere. Rebooting the system is made easy with the switch on the power strip, which feeds power bricks in the back. Held on the wall with a french cleat and two drywall screws.  Made 100% out of palette wood, wood glue, and screws on the balcony in about an hour or two.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/Jz1Zm0fUpinCHUbCVOYy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


# Logos

Logo design is my passion

{% hint style="info" %}
I'm building this page on the fly with assets that I have on hand. There are a few logos in here that are better suited for light backgrounds. I'll update them as I have time, but would prefer putting up what I have as a placeholder until then or I'll never do it.
{% endhint %}

## Client Logos

![](/files/L4sziTy1TtIgDEboHJg2)

![](/files/YFAAJNlkr4CffseJS5Vr)

![](/files/XXLc1hugjUfmQHNDih1i)

![](/files/2hmf8rdzCKWSayom9CE3)

![](/files/2l1cl8iSUzxjIYLOcShA)

![](/files/AeqLHDxbBy7AXZiB80i9)

![](/files/WTDrfEQS59rFaoYJumm0)

![](/files/AOOdrRZ7SF87S7djPzxf)

## Personal Logos

![](/files/4efUj7hg6dSKMnX7AZPv)

Queird was supposed to be a queer marketplace for artists and makers with the goal of obtaining and maintaining a makerspace for them to use to make their wares. The idea was unfortunately put aside indefinitely as I focused on my work with VDBX, but I hope to bring it back as a non-profit incubator and makerspace for queer artists. The focus will be a bit different and cater towards homeless or transient queers who live in vehicles.&#x20;

![](/files/ccopo3PtcEEpEkPxv24x)

An early logo for my personal work showing a stylized set of CMYK swatches invoking registration marks and also video color bars.

![](/files/kKPdohwe3tGuroz7MpS3)

The 1440 Collective was a local underground music venue and music studio in Detroit. It consisted of a group of like minded artists collaborating to make music and all types of art surrounding it.

<img src="/files/oOgrOKOrS4xse1iAaSGI" alt="" data-size="original">&#x20;

I started using this logo when I began designing circuit boards. You can see it on many of my designs and on packaging for VDBX.io products that I design.

<figure><img src="/files/33HTaMXgVYJDiO6hfgbU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

An alternate branding of my full name that can be used in conjunction with the previous "@clomads" logo.

<figure><img src="/files/8WCNVupJemvdJRUV2fke" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Agnostic Lab was a stop-gap branding I chose when transitioning my creative career from video production to UI design.

<figure><img src="/files/cfm1Cj2yCNuYnIa4CEvz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

An early concept branding devised as a holding company for Queird, VDBX.io, and my personal branding.

<figure><img src="/files/f36RSy3FrdkF6Rx0xio5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

OP1N was a parent organization for a few projects built by Chloe Madison and Joe Piemeisel. This site is actually still up and I have the domain op1n.com - I might still do something with it as it still fits with my ethos.

## Deep Cuts

These are extremely old and show my progression as a designer since my early days learning how to use Photoshop.

<figure><img src="/files/3uM5za9811atagwlvQxx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Slickfire Productions was my first brand representing the creative work I did in middle school, high school and even into my early 20s.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/6QpdEy0ymKGldF5vqMJa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Bamboozled was my best friend Paul's high school band and I acted almost as a media consultant, creating this logo and other visual media to help promote them.

<figure><img src="/files/qpU4vGfYjTJRHvVBXnf8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A filmmaker friend of mine in high-school gave me the prompt for this logo but decided on a different name.

<figure><img src="/files/2GhNQKLEuQjYQEBS1TFq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In late middle school / early high school, I  made this logo for this site that is still around to this day. I think it's just a weird forum... idk honestly.

{% file src="/files/ODSmbapMLIA7EaOUvMZb" %}

{% file src="/files/lxb7xzn1pW75rGxY1kBC" %}

{% file src="/files/vVs0ppI5biz2j1v3KTIN" %}

{% file src="/files/g5tiZ3UUE7c2EF4BRbzV" %}


# App Concepts

Not everything gets made, but I'm still proud of this work.

## SkyPulse

SkyPulse was an extension of popular polling app Show of Hands. It was to be a white-label version for companies to get market feedback directly from their consumer base. Considering that it was more useful to use the existing Show of Hands user base and field paid placements, SkyPulse pivoted to being the platform implemented for advertisers. I was hoping some of these design elements would trickle back into the main application, but priorities changed.

\[image coming]


# Single Motor Control For Klipper

RP2040 was over-hyped, but I kinda love how Klipper has implemented it.

## Summary

A simple circuit board consisting of a Raspberry Pi RP2040 and a single replaceable step-stick[^1]. It would have a USB-C connector for firmware and control, plus a DC power connector and standard JST header for the motor itself. It could theoretically be in the shape of the motor itself for mounting.

## History

I've been upgrading my Ender 3v2 ever since I first got it and within a couple months I found the Klipper project and things have never been the same. I recently upgraded to a direct drive toolhead (Revo Hemera XS) leaving me with an extra motor from my old bowden extruder. I'd like it to be used as a second z-axis motor, but I'd rather it be independently controlled, which won't be possible with the Creality 4.2.2 board which is otherwise perfectly fine and I don't see any need to upgrade.

## Additional Thoughts

A while back I mentioned something about injecting PD power into USB-C cables already carrying a USB 2.0 signal, likely sourced from a USB-A port. I wonder what the possibility of this is, because this is basically a USB-C connected tool head.

Everyone is trying to send CAN up the line when we could just be figuring out how to inject proper power into a USB-C cable. TI has a wide range of PD controllers at first look, but I'd need to take a closer look.

The heater for a Revo is 40w\... I think the highest I've seen is 60w for other high flow\... maybe 100w exists.

I just had an absurd thought about a whole printer being wired with USB-C cables to each motor from a raspberry pi.

1. USB-C 'Power Delivery' is the standard created to allow devices to negotiate voltage and current with the charger.

[^1]: A "step-stick" is a colloquial term for small PCBs consisting of a stepper motor controller and some supporting hardware. They have had a consistent form-factor of a 2x8p 2.54mm DIP package for over a decade.


# Origami

{% hint style="info" %}
This was a very early project that got ahead of me, but I'd love to revisit it one day

`Originally written 12/29/2017`
{% endhint %}

### History

nbPi was initially conceived around October of 2017. It is in direct response to projects like Pocket C.H.I.P, Pandora Project, PiGirl/PiBoy and others. It hopes to be an infinitely modular portable computing system based around the Raspberry Pi Zero/W with considerations for other Raspberry Pi boards.

Key Goals:

* Single board backplane design to incorporate all major I/O and connectivity to modules.
* Detachable keyboard and gamepad sections
* stuff and things

## Goals

* Single circuit board implementation containing the following
  * Top Section: 'The Brains'
    * FRONT: 3.5" Touchscreen attached via standard GPIO header
    * BACK: Raspberry Pi Zero/W attached via standard GPIO header
    * Extend and label left over GPIO pins for easy access
    * USB Hub connected to RPI0/W via a custom pin header and pogo pins
    * Power delivery and battery charger for 3.7v LiPo batteries -JST Connector for battery -- Micro/USB/C input
    * Audio output header - common pin alignment for off-board audio amps - rotary volume control?
    * Easy access USB ports connected to build in hub circuitry
  * Middle section: 'The Gamer'
    * Gamepad consisting of the following:
    * 4-Way D-Pad
    * Two Analog Joysticks: (PSP1000 part is being considered)
    * A/B/X/Y Button set
    * Start/Select/Home
    * BACK: L/R Shoulder and Trigger
    * Controller - ATMEGA32u4 --> USB
  * Bottom Section: 'The Typist'
    * Full QWERTY Keyboard based on an existing membrane layout
    * Considering v1 to use T-Mobile/HTC G1/Dream keyboard membrane
    * Design shall allow users to re-orient keyboard layout for other membranes and order themselves
    * Controller - ATMEGA32u4 --> USB
* Entire system should be able to be created and used on a single double-sided circuit-board
  * Top/Middle/Bottom sections are scored between their perimeter for modification purposes
    * Connections between boards will be USB only and contain pads for re-connection after board is broken
  * Use any dead space for custom parts that can be punched out - eg. pin-header to pogo pin board for USB hub connection


# Keyboard

### Updates

* Jan 16, 2017
  * Focus has switched from a membrane based keyboard to a micro-sized mechanical keyboard. Both options will continue to be developed and hopefully the possibility of them merging into a single board design is possible. The mechanical keyboard design will likely also spin off into its own project, with updates making their way back into nbPi.
  * Add open-source keyboard project references

### Mechanical Keyboard

A mini mechanical keyboard with 3D printed key-caps

### Membrane Keyboard

A matrix keyboard with contact pad alignment for use with a keyboard membrane, specifically the one from the T-Mobile G1/HTC Dream

### References

These links below are references and resources used to create the keyboard section of the nbPi.

#### RC2014 - 40 Key

<http://rc2014.co.uk/modules/universal-micro-keyboard/> This is a good base keyboard based on a Pro-Mini(32u4) or bare DIP ATMEGA328

**Matrix Keyboard BOM**

* 1 off RC2014 KEYBOARD PCB
* 1 off 8 pin RA header
* 1 off 5 pin RA header
* 40 off Tactile Switch
* 8 off 1N4148

`[ATMEGA328 Version available]`

**USB Keyboard BOM**

* 1 off RC2014 KEYBOARD PCB
* 1 off 24 pin wide socket to Pro Mini adapter
* 1 off Arduino Pro Mini
* 1 off 10k Resistor
* 1 off 100nf capacitor
* 41 off Tactile Switch
* 8 off 1N4148

#### w4ilun's Pocket Keyboard 14x5 + 5 (70+5)

This is a really good 14x5 matrix with a 4-way directional stick with center click. It's based on a 32u4 and takes cues from the D60 project below.

**BOM**

Components

* Component/Label/Quantity
* Atmega32u4/\~/1
* Micro USB Connector/\~/1
* 22OΩ/R1, R2/2
* 10KΩ/R3/1
* 330Ω/R4/1
* 22pF/C1, C2/2
* 1uF/C3/1
* LED/D0/1
* 1N4148/D1-D70/70
* TL3303 Tactile Switch/SW/70
* 5-way Switch/S1/1

#### GH60 Project by komar007

<http://blog.komar.be/projects/gh60-programmable-keyboard/>


# Measurements

For now we will base the size arbitrarily off of a board dimension that is in-hand. This will likely change, but will be the starting point.

Current dimensions of main board: 115mm x 160mm

\[TODO] Keyboard Space Requirements: Gamepad Space Requirements: Top Section Space Requirements:


# Power

It will be necessary to include power management and battery charging circuitry on the top section of the board.

It would be optimal to have the device powered by USB-C, but Micro-USB will be acceptable. Possibility to choose between the two? User can solder on either?

### Resources

* USB-C Power delivery circuit
  * Can choose between all available USB-C spec power modes
  * <https://github.com/ReclaimerLabs/USB-PD-Breakout>
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/ReclaimerLabs/usb-type-c-power-delivery-phy-breakout-board/?pt=ac_prod_search>
  * <https://www.reclaimerlabs.com/>
  * <https://hackaday.io/project/13476-usb-type-c-power-delivery-breakout>
* RANDO
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/ceech/lipo-charger--boost-converter-5v-33v-outputs/?pt=ac_prod_search>
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/blkbox/3pcs-micro-usb-5v1a-lithium-batter-charger-module-/?pt=ac_prod_search>
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/BlueSparkLabs/voltage-charge-monitor-for-1s-lipo-batteries/?pt=ac_prod_search>
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/bobricius/usb-liion--lipoly-battery-charger-module/?pt=ac_prod_search>
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/openbrite/briteblox-battery-powah-board/?pt=ac_prod_search>
  * <https://www.tindie.com/products/Cytron/lipo-power-shield/?pt=ac_prod_search>


# Design Reference

### Input Sibling Boards

Design references for researching our 32u4-based input boards. Blogs, schematics, datasheets and CAD files

* Julian Hartline's "Designing and Building an Arduino-Compatible PCB" - Accessed Jan. 13, 2018 [Link](http://blog.julianhartline.com/archives/64)
* Adafruit Itsy 32u4 Board Schematic - Accessed Jan 13, 2018 [Link](https://learn.adafruit.com/assets/49818)
* Adafruit ATMega32u4 Breakout Board Tutorial Download Page (includes Eagle PCB files) - Accessed Jan. 13, 2018 [Link](https://learn.adafruit.com/atmega32u4-breakout/design)
* NumberOne's 32u4 uBBB schematic on Hackaday (micro/ultra Bare Bones Board) - Accessed Jan. 13, 2018 [Link](https://cdn.hackaday.io/images/7383101437163354862.png)
* Microchip's complete datasheet for ATMega32u4 - Accessed Jan. 13, 2018 [Link](http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/Atmel-7766-8-bit-AVR-ATmega16U4-32U4_Datasheet.pdf)
* Example of layout and capacitor use for ATMega8u2 on AVRFreaks [Link](http://www.avrfreaks.net/forum/capacitors-32u4)
* Discussion on decoupling capacitors on Vcc pins of ATMega32u4 [Link](http://www.avrfreaks.net/forum/which-decoupling-caps-atmega32u4)


# Display

Our current display is a Waveshare clone display that connects over GPIO to the Raspberry Pi.

Found here: <https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IGBDT02/> We will need to find a wholesale source for these if we want to include them in any kits or fully assembled product

The display and the Pi should sandwich the mainboard of the nbPi with the display on the front and the Raspberry Pi Zero or other on the back. This will allow GPIO to physically pass through the nbPi creating mechanical and electrical connection to all GPIO pins of the Pi and Display. We should consider the heights of the respective header connections to reduce thickness and avoid lever stress on the GPIO headers. It is ok for the display to be soldered to the mainboard but the Raspberry Pi should be able to be removed from its seating in a header. Low profile socket headers are reccomended for the Pi and replacing the display with pin headers so it can be as close to the mainboard as possible is advised.

Layers theorized:

* Display
* solder
* display board
* pin header
* through nbPi mainboard
* solder
* exposed pins
* \=========
* socket header
* raspi
* solder