Gigawidget Blog

When it comes to binary code used to hand out instruction sets to other processors or PROM’s, sometimes a special form of obfuscation is implemented to protect the code or technology being dealt with from being reverse engineered.  This type of obfuscation used in code is called Gigawidget modules.  The purpose of these modules is pure.  They’re build to confuse.  Readable program instructions are fed thru a Gigawidget (obfuscation module) and come out the other side broken.  Not broken in the aspect of not working, but broken such that reverse engineering is difficult for a computer to accomplish and likely impossible for a human.

Early design of these Gigawidgets included techniques such as identifier alias formatting, character shifting or even encryption of some kind.    Advanced Gigawidget technology essentially stays several steps ahead of the reverse path and provides multiple “honey pot” trails off each path.  This type of Gigawidget module is most commonly implemented when the investment is large, or the technology is extremely proprietary (usually go hand in hand anyway I guess).

One interesting note on Code Gigawidget Modules with respect to .net.  The platform Microsoft has put together makes tremendous use of meta data inside it’s framework.  Or we humans do I should say.  As this use of Meta Data is essentially required for this framework to be multi-linqual, multi-cultural and multi-billion dollar profit center for Microsoft, they’ve established a large pool of “easy to read” code.  e.g.  weak Gigawidget module.  The result is a fairly easy reverse engineering path to follow.  Well documented with all that meta data.  Perhaps we shouldn’t try to run the DOD on .net after all.

With the progressive cost reduction in manufacturing and efficiencies in production, we have options for controlling things around the house that just were not available 10 years ago.  For instance, did your Dad have a MicroLogix 1500 PLC connected to his BBQ grill?  Did your brother have a SLC 500 Programmable Logic Controller connected to his Reef Tank.  Of course not!  If he did, he was ahead of his time.

What’s even better is that today’s breed of PLC can even be found with Ethernet controllers onboard.  Ohh the options!  With a little bit of ladder logic programming, a couple of relays and whahhllaahh, you have control of your gigawidget using your standard Ethernet network in the house (or remote).

Today, thanks to online auctions, old equipment outlets and the like, you can pick up PLC’s for pennies on the dollar.  I’ve seen some of the MicroLogix controllers going for 75-100$ in the last few weeks.  That’s just cheap enough, that I’m going to order a couple and see what can be done.

For those that would rather buy and use, check out these two fully baked products.

First, for complete control of your Reef Tank, the Neptune Systems controller is a well matured product.  Featuring extendable high voltage (110VAC) controllable outlets, a variety of probe connections and all sorts of if/then type logic, the options are literally endless for systems control.  Price ~ $500 with all accouterments.

Second, for complete control of your Big Green Egg BBQ grill, have a look at the Stoker controller module. This beauty comes network ready and has a variety of functions for remote alert and control of your burning Pig, or Cow.  It won’t work with Squirrels btw.  Price ~ $275 loaded.

While both of these products are nicely bundled, and offer most all the functions you could want/need, they are still well outside of price ranges most folks are interested in paying.  For this reason, I feel there is a real opportunity for development of some basic options developed around the GNU protocol.  Hence, my work has begun.  If you have special interest in being a part of this, drop me a line (or 1000) with your ideas or code and let’s see what we can contribute to the public domain of PLC control sets.

Squirrel

Well, more of the tank saga.  Yesterday I completed my mini refugium.  First, for those that don’t know, let me explain what a refugium is supposed to do.  Basically, it’s a separate tank tied to the main display tank that houses macro algae(if you want) and micro-organisms that help break down nitrates and phosphates.

Not having alot of space, and wanting to ease into the whole refugium thing, I’ve taken a fairly simple approach.  BTW, this approach has also been very cheap.  I’m in for 11 dollars total!

Parts list include;

1 Gallon trash can from Dollar Store 1$

1 Breeder box from LFS 6$

1 Carbon Activated Filter pad pack from LFS 5$

7lbs of crushed coral from a friend who bought a 25lb back and didn’t use all of it Free$

First, I took the can and cut it to be 1″ shorter than the walls of my sump bin.  Next, I cut for slots in the corners of the 1 Gallon garbage can which fit to the “floater” ends of the breeder box.  Test fit these slots a couple of times during the cutting to make sure it will sit all the way down in the can.  Next, I took the filter plate that’s supposed to sit vertically in the breeder box and used it as a template for cutting a piece of the carbon activated foam.  Place this piece in the bottom of the breeder box, and place the filter plate on top of the foam.  This provides a porous bottom to the box which the water will flow thru, to enter the 1 Gallon can.  This part is complete now.

Next, I marked the can at 4″.  This will be the top of my sand bed in the can.  Next, I marked the can at my water line, when the can is sitting in the sump bin.  Then I drilled 4 3/8″ holes around the can at 1″ below the sump water line.  These wholes let water out into the sump, from the overflow box drain.

Next, clean the sand well, and place in the can.  Simple enough huh.

Next, install the breeder box on top of the can, and install the can in the sump.  Place the drain pipe into the breeder box and ensure the drain pipe lays in the breeder box w/ at least 1/2″ clearance from the bottom.  Start up return pump and confirm flow and drain.

That’s it!  An 11$ refugium.  Pretty cheap gigawidget!

I don’t have lights on the refugium, so I won’t be growing any macro algae at this time.  I may add them at a later date if I decide I want to spend the money powering them.  We’ll see.

Well, as I said in an earlier post, I got a new tank.  It’s a 95G Reef tank, and it came with alot of new components.  One of which is an OverFlow Box.  This little guy sits on the back of the tank, half in and half out.  Basically, it drains water out of the main tank, which is then siphoned into the box on the back side of the tank.  This box then drains underneath into the sump.  What I discovered about the overflow box is that if you pull on the drain tube, it will come loose from the overflow box and drain the tank onto your floor!  How’s that for a gigawidget!  If you’re not into reef tanks, you’re probably not getting the humor here…

More to come