Michael Alves Male Plano, TX United States: Share; Share on Twitter; Share on Facebook

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Discrepancy in Instructions
3 Replies

Guys, In trying to install the software, I noticed a discrepancy. On the Software page it says "Download the Sparky Jr. Joystick installer. Put this on the computer that you use as the "control boo…

Started this discussion. Last reply by Marque Cornblatt Oct. 4, 2009.

System Requirements for SparkyJoystick and SkypeSparkySever?
3 Replies

Hey guys, I am a little bummed because when I tried to run both of these on my G4 Mac Mini, I got the "not supported on this architecture" message. This probably means that it won't run on PPC platf…

Started this discussion. Last reply by Michael Alves Nov. 4, 2009.

Can you used a hacked Roomba?
10 Replies

There are various ways of hacking a Roomba. Someone is giving me one that I want to use instead of shelling out the money for the iCreate Roomba. Is this possible? BTW--I know nothing about Roomba ha…

Tagged: hacking, Roomba

Started this discussion. Last reply by Benjamin H Oct. 20, 2009.

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Michael Alves's Page

I have a PPC Mac Mini and someone is giving me a Roomba. Can I use those? Sep. 27, 2009

Latest Activity

Michael Alves replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'System Requirements for SparkyJoystick and SkypeSparkySever?'

Hey Johnny, have you had a chance to tinker with the PPC version yet?

November 3, 2009

Benjamin H replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

Yes you can. Depending on how you drill it might break the vacuum. The Create is a lot better especially for larger (heavier) loads. Plus the mount points keep it on! Please can you make one where you can send custom commands like {136} 9 Thanks!

October 20, 2009

Brian replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

Hey Michael- Were you able to mount the 4th wheel to the roomba 400? Thanks. Brian

October 17, 2009

Benjamin H replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

Buy the roostick. Google it. It works better with the roombas.

October 15, 2009

Michael Alves replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'System Requirements for SparkyJoystick and SkypeSparkySever?'

My mini has Leopard 10.5.8 1GB RAM, 1.25mhz G4, so it is definitely on the low end. But, I will proceed if you post the code even with the lag. Thank you so much for doing it, and don't worry about the time frame. It will take about a week before I…

October 5, 2009

Johnny Celenz replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'System Requirements for SparkyJoystick and SkypeSparkySever?'

My worry about building the G4 version is that the processor in the G4 is too slow for Skype. What OS are you running (Leopard or Tiger?) I can build the programs and post them if you'd like. It might take me a week or so depending on what version…

October 5, 2009

Marque Cornblatt replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Discrepancy in Instructions'

No worries! I want this site to be community-driven as much as possible, so the more folks who chip in like you, the better. Ultimately it creates a better 'bot for everybody. Cheers!

October 4, 2009

Michael Alves replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Discrepancy in Instructions'

You are welcome. I am enjoying this site immensely. Perhaps I should have said that before going all 9th grade English teacher on you!

October 4, 2009

Marque Cornblatt replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Discrepancy in Instructions'

Thanks for pointing this out. It was so confusing writing the guide, the website, the video script and the Instructable all at once that I could have used an editor. It's not surprising that some of it was confusing. I think it's been fixed everywhe…

October 4, 2009

Michael Alves added 2 discussions

October 3, 2009

Michael Alves replied to Brian's discussion 'Can I use an older Mac Mini - PowerPC G4?'

Johnny, I started to set up the software using my g4 mac mini, but ran into some problems. When I try to run SparkyJoystick and SkypeSparkySever--I got the "not supported on this architecture" message. This probably means that it won't run on PPC p…

October 3, 2009

Michael Alves replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

Brian, I did think about the 4th wheel adding stability. I ordered this: http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2586257&cp=2804606.3335976&ab=CMS_AccSuper_080309&parentPage=family I think I can mount it on the Roomba's dust container…

October 2, 2009

Brian replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

Michael- Can you add the 4th wheel to the Roomba 400? The iCreate comes with a 4th wheel for added stability and I was wondering if you have thought about this. Brian

October 2, 2009

Michael Alves replied to Brian's discussion 'Can I use an older Mac Mini - PowerPC G4?'

No ideas as of yet. Though, I am going through with using the PowerPC G4 Mac Mini. We will see what results we get.

October 1, 2009

Michael Alves replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

OK, now I understand. Thank you for your advice!

October 1, 2009

Marque Cornblatt replied to Michael Alves's discussion 'Can you used a hacked Roomba?'

That part looks good. The reason I suggest the Keyspan is to convert the cable included with the Create from from serial to USB (and I already had one onhand). If you're hacking a Roomba instead of a Create, your part makes more sense.

September 30, 2009