My dad and I go camping sometimes and I was wondering if there are appliances that are USB that will run under Linux. I always bring my laptops along on the trips because the kids like playing Starcraft at night when they are bored and confined to the tent.

So how about it... can Linux power usb devices for the kitchen?

what? is this a joke refrence to linux running on a toaster?

Certainly it's possible.

Loading a can into the opener closes a safety switch, completing the circuit (I'd use a separate circuit to check for only this, but it could be built into the motor control or dc power circuit).
User input sends signal to a relay which starts the motor.
Using input from a clutch type sensor, when the can lid has been fully cut, the physical resistance will be much lower, this could be used to stop the motor.
The biggest issue would be writing the program for the micro-controller inside the opener. IMO you'd be better served by using RS232 communications and an independent power source for the opener motor, like batteries. Then you could trigger all the circuitry without the use of an expensive on board controller.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Speculative discussions belong in General, not Hardware. -- J.W.

Is this an attempt to cleverly disguise the fact , you don't have your wife in control?

Hmmm, I think in the begining part of "Back to the Future", Doc used a remote control can opener to feed Einstein, I think that was Powered by Linux. I think even the Flux Capacitor was linux powered too...

I say if it can move, it can be controlled by Linux.

KC

Heh, everything doable shouldn't be done. I mean, why go camping if you can't even get a can open without an electrical appliance? Camping is getting in touch with mother nature and living in the woods. You don't have to eat just roots and ants and generally do it the hard way, but still I feel that some things are meant to be done simply basically because it's enjoyable. Of course not everyone enjoy the same things that I do, but they are wrong

It is very easy to make. In winodows it is possible in User mode (but COM or LPT, hot sure about USB). I guess, in Linux too.

You need:
1. usual Can opener
2. electro engine
3. control device (something like swither of the engine, dependendent of signal)
4. cable
5. connectors
6. driver and user mode application.

Then connect this and there'll be can opener. BTW, it us better to use LPT or COM, because, AFAIK USB is hard for programming

If you close enough geeks in a small room without an air supply, everything's possible.

Well this guy powered a beer cooler from his PC. Unfortunately he seems to have done it directly from the power supply. Maybe you could modify the design to run off of USB.

According to the USB specification, a powered USB port should be able to give 5V at 500mA, so 2.5W.
I have serious doubts that you could run a can opener on that sort of power.

Firewire can apparently supply 45W through a 6 pin powered cable, but you'll be lucky to find an implementation which can actually do this.

You'd be better off programming a USB bluetooth dongle to send a message to the (apparently otherwise idle) kids' mobile phones, to tell them to come and open a can for you by hand.

Dave

AHAHAHAHA ROFL!!!

Thanks J.W.!!!!

Check out this guy that used a JET ENGINE to make his beer cooler! http://www.asciimation.co.nz/beer/

You will be amazed at who uses linux

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/Div/Winches...mputer/god.jpg

floppy

I remember years ago there were Coke machines that were connected to the Internet so you could email friends at other colleges. I wonder if I can make a firewire powered coke cooler or maybe a usb powered hat fan.

The beer links are hysterical!

I like the usb powered light like what I used to use when I worked in a post production studio that had a recording booth. The wand lights attached to the racks about the da-88's.

Maybe I can make a Linux usb-firewire coffee grinder hybrid....