Engineering On The Edge

One of the most easily recognizable sounds for any geek is the noise made by Star Trek’s Tricorder (there’s even an app for that). The notion of a handheld sensor with multiple modes was a hit with the sci-fi crowd. While not precisely the same, Variable Technologies has made an iOS sensor that turns your cell into what might be called a Tricorder lite.

The Node modular scanner. Courtesy of Variable Technologies.

Funded by Kickstarter, the Variable Technologies Node is a modular device that allows users to track everything from weather to motion. It also has a flashlight function that can be synced to act like a flash. The Node connects via Bluetooth to your iPhone, using a free app to display data.

Node is powered by a lithium ion battery that can be charged via micro USB port, and it’s about the size of a roll of quarters. Inside the device you’ll find an accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope. The combination allows a user to measure 3D data from motion.

Other sensors snap onto the modular design and include a barometer, thermometer, lightmeter and heatmapping. George Yu, creator of the Node and founder of Variable Technologies claims that all these nifty gizmos are just the beginning. If he keeps working at it, maybe he’ll be able to lay claim to Qualcomm’s Tricorder Xprize contest.

Below you’ll find a look inside the Node.

Sources: Variable Technologies, engadget