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A Linux-powered microwave oven

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Re: A Linux-powered microwave oven

#61

Post by hackuser »

Grishnakh wrote: post #50
skykooler wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Microwave ovens use magnetrons to produce the microwave radiation. Magnetrons cannot be run at anything less than full power. Some microwaves have additional coils in the magnetron that can be connected to increase the power level, but it's limited to the power levels you can get from the various combinations of coils. For the same reason, running a normal microwave at "50% power" actually means it runs at full power…

This isn't true, if you get one of the Panasonic microwaves with their "Inverter" feature. It really does run the magnetron at different power levels. It works quite nicely.

> Panasonic microwaves with their "Inverter" feature

Some GEs claim to use inverters but only for defrosting. I've been wondering why they wouldn't use it for other functions.

Re: A Linux-powered microwave oven

#62

Post by SilasX »

Sanddancer wrote: post #4

Linux on a microwave feels a lot like the NetBSD toaster from all those years ago. Additionally, it doesn't make sense from a technical perspective. People have converted toaster ovens to do smd reflow with an arduino [1], and that requires a lot more delicate control of temperature and timing; hell, Linux is worse for the job because its realtime capabilities are so poor. Also, if you're going to go through the trou…

It may not make sense, but in my experience, microwave manufacturers seem to be very bad at making their own device-specific software.

Somehow, the software on microwaves has gotten worse over time (even without becoming "smartmicrowaves"), which I didn't think was possible. Limited sample, but I've seen three new microwaves, in '99, '10, and '14.

The first one was really easy to use: buttons 1-6 were a quick-start for 1 to 6 minutes. e.g. hit 3 and it immediately starts with a 3-minute timer. If you hit start, it would immediately start with 30 seconds (or add 30 if it was already started).

Second one ('10) was basically the same model, but with worse software: if you used the number quickstart, it somehow couldn't accept I/O for the next half second. So if you wanted to do 90 seconds (common operation), you would have to pause after hitting 1, then hit +30. A really annoying inconvenience, and completely unnecessary.

The third microwave ('14) was admittedly a different model, but doesn't seem to have learned from previous microwave innovation. The start/+30 button doesn't work for a quick start, only for adding to an active, ticking timer. And cancel no longer deletes previous input, but emits an error sound.

How hard is it not to make microwave UI software worse?

Re: A Linux-powered microwave oven

#63

Post by blacksmith_tb »

SilasX wrote: post #62
Sanddancer wrote: post #4

Linux on a microwave feels a lot like the NetBSD toaster from all those years ago. Additionally, it doesn't make sense from a technical perspective. People have converted toaster ovens to do smd reflow with an arduino [1], and that requires a lot more delicate control of temperature and timing; hell, Linux is worse for the job because its realtime capabilities are so poor. Also, if you're going to go through the trou…

It may not make sense, but in my experience, microwave manufacturers seem to be very bad at making their own device-specific software. Somehow, the software on microwaves has gotten worse over time (even without becoming "smartmicrowaves"), which I didn't think was possible. Limited sample, but I've seen three new microwaves, in '99, '10, and '14. The first one was really easy to use: buttons 1-6 were a quick-start f…

I don't think they have gotten worse, I have always been struck by the inconsistent behavior of microwave keypads. I've used plenty, and each time I have to experiment to see if, like you say, hitting the 'add minute' or '+30 seconds' will cause it to start, or require hitting start afterwards. Changing power levels is also a guessing game, do you set time then power, or the other way around? And on and on. I doubt Linux-enabling one could make this worse...

Re: A Linux-powered microwave oven

#64

Post by ccoggins »

Grishnakh wrote: post #51
toomanybeersies wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can do plenty of damage with a normal microwave oven in the wrong hands, I remember reading a book from the library a few years back that detailed making an EMP from one. Thinking of that book, I don't think it's likely that libraries would carry that kind of book any more, sadly.

Which book was that? A portable EMP could be really useful....

If I remember correctly, I think it was this one

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Laser-Phaser-Working-Projects/dp...

Re: A Linux-powered microwave oven

#65

Post by MaddoScientisto »

na85 wrote: post #30
MaddoScientisto wrote: post #22

Can I link my phone to it? Can I use it to generate micro black holes and send messages to the past? This is important

Please no novelty accounts. This isn't Reddit.

oh come on this is my regular nickname, I just made a funny post, that's all
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