What's a Useless Pickle?
...that would be me
Useless Pickles is a web developer, and this website is a playground for his creations. Notice that I said developer. Useless Pickles is not a designer (but I'm sure you've figured that out already from the looks of the site).
Useless Pickles can be contacted via email: webmaster at uselesspickles dot com
Useful Creations
Useless Pickles' contributions to the world
Michigan Mountain Biking Trail Guide I was struggling to find new trails to ride, and I was wishing that there was a map of all the mountain biking trails in Michigan. Then it dawned on me one day: I'm a web developer! I can do that! I played around with the Google Maps API, teamed up with the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, and created their new official trail guide!
The $class Library Object-oriented JavaScript made easy. Extend classes, implement interfaces, define abstract methods and more. Confidence-inspiring and time-saving error detection when you need it during development, then minimal overhead when it's time to deploy.
Web Development Demos
Interesting tricks and pointless fun
Triangles with CSS/JS A demonstration of rendering arbitrary triangles using borders of DIVs. What better way to demonstrate this than a 3D object rendered in real time?
Ball Physics Simulation Throw balls around and experiment with the effects of gravitational force between objects, elasticity, rolling friction and viscosity. Implemented with HTML/JS/CSS only, of course.
Controlling the World
Programming projects that involve physical interaction
Proportional Throttle on a Power Wheels Power Wheels have on/off switches for throttle control. My kids deserve better. I physically modified the throttle to move a slide potentiometer, then programmed a microcontroller to convert the analog signal to a PWM signal suitible for a speed controller for R/C cars. Includes throttle position damping for smooth control, protection aginst switching between forward/reverse while on throttle, and even an R/C receiver override so I can hit the brakes remotely if needed. Project documented (with pictures) on the Modified Power Wheels forum.
Motorcycle Performance and Efficiency I programmed a microcontroller to detect when I am cruising fairly steadily on my motorcycle and automatically trigger an after-market fuel tuning system to switch between two fuel maps: one for smooth power, the other for better fuel economy. Monitors both the throttle position (analog voltage) and engine speed (via pulses from the camshaft position sensor). Instantly switches to 'power' map when a substantial change occurs, but has a 'cool-down' period to avoid too quickly switching back to the 'efficiency' map when a brief period of steady state is encountered during 'spirited' riding. Project documented (with pictures) on the FJR Forum.