Author name: Scott

I make robots and exoskeletons work on classic cars, write software and books.

Simple WebSocket & NodeJS Server Example

Programming /

I’ve been searching for a NodeJS server for web sockets, but socket.io, required both the client and server to be run from within node. I wanted to connect to this server via a normal web page using WebSockets from HTML5. Here’s some code, hope you find it useful:

https://github.com/scottpreston/examples

Server Code

var WebSocketServer = require('ws').Server;
var wss = new WebSocketServer({port: 3000});

wss.on('connection', function (ws) {
    ws.on('message', function (message) {
        console.log('received: %s', message);
        ws.send(message + "!!!!");
    });
});

Client Code

    var websocket = new WebSocket('ws://localhost:3000');
    websocket.onopen = function (evt) {
        websocket.send("This Rocks!");
        websocket.close();
     }
    websocket.onmessage = function (evt) {
        console.log('RESPONSE: ' + evt.data);
    };

 

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Home Grown Script Loader

Programming /

I was wondering how RequireJS and AMD worked. So I created this snip. It might not be correct but it worked for me.

load('foo', function (foo){
        var f = new foo();
        f.a = 100;
        f.b = 200;
        alert(f.add());
    });

    function define(name, callback) {
        modules[name] = callback;
    }

    function load(file, callback) {
        var script = document.createElement('script');
        script.type = 'text/javascript';
        script.async = true;
        script.src = file + ".js";
        (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script);
        script.onload = function() {
            callback(modules[file]);
        };
    }

    var modules = [];

// foo.js
define("foo", function() {
    var foo = {
        a: 1,
        b: 2,
        add: function () {
            return this.a + this.b;
        }
    };
    return foo;
});

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Dead APC Back-Ups & Alternative Batteries

General /

I recently had an UPS failure. My UPS and APC 650 ES, has a battery they call for is the RBC17. Which on Amazon.Com is $39.99. However when you peal the sticket off you get Vision UB1290. This battery (which is the same battery) cost around $15.00.

I imaging this happens a lot with companies looking to make a cheap buck. Hopefully this post catches someone search on “Alternative APC Battery” or something similar.

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Chevelle Updates – Part 2

Chevelle /

1) Throttle Cable: So I found that I needed a new throttle cable as the original one was 21.5″ long. For a Holley carb this was about an inch too short. I decided to get a Lokar 24″ universal cable with a new bracket. This should allow me to cut-to-fit the cable and get full throttle on it.

2) Rear Brakes: I wanted to get the car moving and rushed the rear brakes. Turns out the line does not fit as expected and I still need to install the emergency cable. I’ll take it out for a test run or two then put it up on blocks to fix this.

3) Alignment: I need to get this done after the brakes.

4) Pesky Oil/Fluid Leaks: My plan is to redo the engine this year, so I’m hoping to hold off for now on fixing these. The one near the distributer I need to keep a closer eye on. I’m not sure of the other leaks, I’m sure I’ll find out those soon enough.

5) Radio / Electronics: Hoping to get these sometime this summer, but only if I can drive it around more than have it on blocks.

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1971 Chevelle Updates

Chevelle /

To get my car running here’s what I have done to it thus far.

  • New Diff – New Moser 12 bolt, Tru Trac, 3.42 gears.
  • New Rear Suspension – New Hotchkis control arms, stabilizer springs and shocks)
  • Front Suspension – Powder coated stock control arms, new Hotchkis springs and stablizer and new shocks.
  • Brakes – New lines, power booster and master cylinder new drums in rear and new disc and spindles in front.
  • Body Pan – Sanded & Painted with rustoleum and put new sound absorbing padding in with original carpet just cleaned.
  • Starter Wiring – This was rigged up with a pushbutton switch vs. the ignition, had to correctly wire it to get working.
  • Alternator & Regulator & Wiring – This was again rigged up, the regulator failed, so the gen light was on all the time, I ended up replacing the alternator with a PowerMaster 47294, 140AMP. It has an internal regulator and the wiring was redone with 10 gauge and 8 gauge.
  • Wiper Motor – I purchased a switch but this did not work, so I had to rig up something.
  • Seat Belts – Probably the biggest pain, I purchased some RetroBelt, but the mounts don’t work well and the belt is marginal. This will need to get replaced.
  • Throttle Bracket & Cable – The cable was too long and the cable only pulled to about 1/2 throttle. I purchased a new bracket and cable from Amazon.
  • K&N Air Filter & Top – The old ones are black, need some new ones.

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