[roteno] recently wrote in to let us know that he has completed work on the RFiDJ Refresh, a follow up to his 2009 project, the RFiDJ.
The concept is pretty simple – he has a set of RFID enabled tiles, which contain references to particular online streaming audio stations. He uses these tiles to tune into audio feeds on his HTPC by placing them on a block containing an RFID reader.
His previous implementation had the RFID reader tethered to his HTPC, which didn’t make it all that convenient to use. The newer version utilizes a 433 MHz transmitter/receiver pair in order to communicate with the PC, so it can be used anywhere through out his house. The reader and transmitter were placed in a shadow box picture frame, along with a rechargeable Li-poly battery that powers the whole setup. He also mentions that he has added a tactile interface that allows him to initiate mobile phone calls from the RFiDJ as well.
It’s a nice update to an already great project. We imagine it’s a bit more fun for [roteno] and his guests to tap a coaster on the transmitter box than fumble with a remote to change radio stations on the HTPC, but that’s just us.
Check out the videos below to see his new setup in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QKfRvmLtYg&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeGls2F_Bgg&w=470]
I really think I might have to build one of these now. It would be a perfect addition to my HTPC! Think of it – hundreds of tiles, for any movie you could ever possibly want to watch. Some people have DVD or BluRay towers…I’d have tiles!
Hmm…just what the amateur radio community needs: yet ANOTHER source of interference on the 70cm band. ;)
Nifty project, though!
If this will interfere with your amateur radio maybe you should take your antenna away from the guys house :)
Range is not the point with these.
That is an interesting interface for sure. I think there is a definite limit to the amount of items that it can handle easily.