Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

2.4GHz Wi-Fi Detector Ring Project

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the check-out-my-bling dept.

mohrt writes "The Wi-Fi detection ring was developed to give mobile computer users the ability to detect 802.11b/g signals, while providing a unique, fashionable and ultra-portable product package. The prototype circuit collects and rectifies an RF signal in the 2.4GHz range, whereafter an Atmel Tiny microprocessor, detecting the presence of a DC voltage, thusly engages a flashing LED. For those of you who have no excuse to wear a ring, well here it is."

10 of 248 comments (clear)

  1. Cute but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Its not going to tell you if there's an available hotspot. Just because there's a signal doesn't mean it isn't WEP or 802.1x secured (yes WEP and Secure is an oxymoron, but still...). If its not then it's probably not free or is not one from a provider you may be subscribed to.

    Use a hotspot search engine instead like Dowza or WiFi 411. You'll have much better luck finding a usable hotspot with those kinds of things... Yeah I'm missing the point about geek factor...

  2. Cordless Phones by ThurstonMoore · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Wouldn't cordless phones set this thing off constantly?

  3. RTFA by SlayerofGods · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Due to the simplicity of the circuit design, the prototype unit does not discriminate between other sources of 2.4GHz RF, eg. "leaky" microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc.

    --

    Technology, the cause of and solution to all of life's problems.
  4. Atmel's AVR Tiny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Atmel's AVR Tiny is a microcontroller, not (just) a microprocessor. Small but important difference!

  5. Silliness. Using a processor is massive overkill! by b0s0z0ku · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Why use a microprocessor when you can have the DC voltage from the rectified 2.4Ghz signal turn on a transistor which activates a flashing LED (or an analog flasher circuit). Surely that kind of arrangement would use much less power than running a processor (even a "tiny" one) all of the time.

    -b.

  6. Re:Perfect gift.. by Enrico+Pulatzo · · Score: 2, Insightful

    And if she doesn't dump you, THEN propose for real! It can't fail.

  7. Re:The One Ring! by The+Tyro · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Too funny... though I think you're aiming too low. Desperation is rarely attractive to a woman, and trolling for drunks and barflies is likely to be unfulfilling.

    I'd suggest holding out for some quality women instead of going for the low-hanging fruit... the fruit can be sweet, but the aftertaste can be permanent. Despite the commercials you see on TV, herpes still isn't curable, and taking valtrex every day for suppressive therapy is a drag, and expensive (not to mention what happens when your next hot date goes snooping in your medicine cabinet)

    --
    Even if a man chops off your hand with a sword, you still have two nice, sharp bones to stick in his eyes.
  8. Re:Silliness. Using a processor is massive overkil by shawb · · Score: 2, Insightful

    To be able to add the future ability to differentiate between a hotspot and a microwave?

    --
    I'll never make that mistake again, reading the experts' opinions. - Feynman
  9. and another... by amyhughes · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Another moderator that doesn't get it. Let me explain it to you humorless wankers...

    A watch that detects wifi is curious, maybe even useful to some dorks, but it's not cool. A keychain that detects wifi is curious but not cool. A PDA that detects wireless isn't even curious.

    This ring is cool because it's a ring. Ever hear of a secret decoder ring? Why do you think it keeps coming up here? Were you never a kid? Are you not even a nerd?

    :-)

    Amy

  10. Re:The One Ring! by DavidBAlford · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I interested in how you built one of the rings. Can you point me in the direction of where I could find the details to build one?