GSM Phone on a Conference Badge - Computerphile

TL;DR

The Tilde Mark Delta badge is a GSM phone that can make calls between badges, with a built-in GSM network deployed at EMF 2018.

Transcript

so we're in the badger operations center at emf 2018 and today we're handing out the tilde mark delta badges this year's badge is a gsm phone we've built an entire phone on our badge this year we've deployed a our own gsm network across the site um so you've got a badge running micro python with wi-fi gsm phone and bluetooth headset compatibility s... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦡 The Tilde Mark Delta badge is the evolution of previous Tilde Mark badges, with added GSM capabilities and improved hardware components.
• 💝 Development of the badge involved a collaborative effort, including porting MicroPython to TI's latest MCU and partnering with PCB sponsor Seed Studio.
• 🙂 The badge incorporates various sensors for temperature, humidity, light levels, and more, allowing developers to create unique applications.
• 🦡 The Tilde Mark Delta badge underwent a rigorous inspection process, with visual inspections performed on each badge to ensure proper component placement.
• 🦡 Attendees have the opportunity to assemble their own badge, giving them a sense of ownership and involvement in the process.
• 👻 The badge's design includes grove connectors, allowing for the integration of Seed Studio's Grove sensor modules for additional functionality.
• 📛 The Tilde Mark Delta badge uses mathematical constants for its version names, with this year's version being related to bifurcation population studies and chaos theory.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was the Tilde Mark Delta badge developed?

The badge was developed over the course of six months two years, with late nights spent soldering components, flashing firmware, and writing code. The team made use of a CPU, Wi-Fi chip, and phone module, adding buttons, screens, sensors, and more.

Q: Can you make phone calls between badges?

Yes, the Tilde Mark Delta badge allows users to make phone calls between badges using the built-in GSM network. It can also make outside calls and receive incoming calls.

Q: What are the main components of the Tilde Mark Delta badge?

The badge includes a TI MSP432E processor, 8MB of external RAM, a 1MB serial flash chip for app storage, a Wi-Fi chip, a GSM module, a speaker, a microphone, and a Bluetooth headset antenna.

Q: How can developers customize the badge?

Developers can write their own apps for the Tilde Mark Delta badge using MicroPython. The badge offers various connectivity options, including USB, serial ports, I2C, and conductive threads for wearable projects.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Tilde Mark Delta badge is a conference badge that doubles as a GSM phone, running MicroPython with Wi-Fi, GSM, and Bluetooth capabilities.

• The badge was developed over the past six months two years, with final touches and coding completed at the festival.

• The badge includes various features such as buttons, screens, sensors, a processor, Wi-Fi and GSM modules, and expandable memory.