RC18 Badge Walkthrough by AND!XOR

Summary

The speaker discusses the interactive badges created for Rootcon, emphasizing their ability to connect with each other and leave a digital footprint. Participants can use audio cables to link badges, enabling them to share patterns and play together, while also earning points. The badges run on CircuitPython, allowing users to customize messages and display modes through a terminal. Additionally, the speaker mentions the availability of 3D printable faceplates and encourages attendees to hack and explore the badge's features, fostering creativity and community engagement. Overall, the session highlights innovation and collaboration in a fun and tech-savvy environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The event continues to build on the previous year's theme, emphasizing connections between people and digital footprints.
• 🎛️ The badges this year incorporate Circuit Python, enabling interactive features.
• 🔌 Participants received a mono audio cable for connecting badges, though a stereo audio cable is required for full functionality.
• 🔗 Connecting badges allows users to send and repeat audio patterns between devices, creating a collaborative experience.
• 🏆 A scoreboard tracks points earned by connecting badges and playing patterns together.
• 💬 Users can customize their badges by connecting them to a laptop and sending custom messages or changing display modes.
• 📱 The badges support a limited selection of emojis and ASCII text, which can be added via terminal commands.
• 🐍 The entire badge operates on Python, with firmware released for participants to hack and create their own features.
• 🖨️ STL files for faceplates were made available for 3D printing, encouraging attendees to personalize their badges.
• 🌏 The presenters express their enjoyment of being back in the Philippines and their hope to return in the future.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the badge discussed in the presentation?

The main theme is about building connections between people and leaving a digital footprint.

What issue is mentioned regarding the audio cables provided to attendees?

There is a hardware defect with the mono audio cables, which means they will not work as intended.

How can participants connect their badges together?

Participants can connect their badges using a stereo audio cable, allowing them to send and repeat patterns between badges.

What additional features can participants access by connecting their badges to a laptop?

By connecting to a laptop, participants can change messages, customize light patterns, and store these settings for future use.

What programming language runs on the badge?

The badge runs on CircuitPython, allowing users to hack and customize it.

What types of characters can users display on their badges?

Users can display printable ASCII text, some additional characters, and a few specific emojis.

What is provided to attendees for customizing their badge's appearance?

STL files for custom faceplates will be made available for attendees to 3D print and personalize their badges.

What was the speaker's previous involvement with the event?

The speaker participated in the event last year and mentioned that they previously introduced a badge that featured UFO themes.

What encourages attendees to explore the badge's functionality?

The speaker expresses a desire to see attendees create something new and interesting with the badge, encouraging them to experiment with it.

What sentiment does the speaker express about their experience at the event?

The speaker expresses gratitude for being part of the event and a hope to return in the future.