Nuts and Volts - February 2011

■ HARDWARE ■

Continued from page 29

TOOLS ■

GADGETS

VISUAL TFT SOFTWARE

Visual TFT from MikroElektronika is a stand-alone application used for rapid development of graphical user interfaces (GUI) for TFT displays. Software generates code compatible with mikroElektronika compilers (mikroC, mikroBasic, and mikroPascal) for all supported MCU

applications easily and quickly.

Thanks to the power of TFT and TFT Touch Panel libraries, Visual TFT can create complex GUI codes automatically, allowing users to focus on the design of TFT applications.

architectures: PIC, dsPIC30/33, PIC24, PIC32, and AVR. Software implements an intuitive environment and many drag-and-drop components which can be used for building

For more information, contact: MIKROELEKTRONIKA Web: www.visualtft.com

GRIPPER AND PILLOW BLOCKS

Lynxmotion has been expanding their robotic offerings with a vacuum-powered arm gripper ( VAC-KT). This arm attachment utilizes an inexpensive syringe and servo as the vacuum source. The vacuum generated is sufficient to hold a four ounce object for as long as 30 minutes. This assembly is a drop-in replacement for a normal gripper on any of their robotic arms, and can be assembled and installed with common hand tools. Made from high quality laser cut plastic and custom injection molded parts, this unique yet simple device will provide long lasting performance. For use in the classroom, science fair, mad scientist lab, or just for fun, the VAC-KT will make it possible to lift and manipulate small smooth objects with ease. It’s priced at $44.95 and comes with everything needed to upgrade an existing arm.