Ever since we started selling the Dreamcheeky USB Missile Launcher and USB Circus Cannon, the questions have been pouring in. Do you have to use Windows? Can I modify it? Can I use it to blow up my mother-in-law? We're not kidding about that last one, either.
Since it happens so often, we've decided to create a brief list of the resources that we've come across. While we can't guarantee that everything on this list works, it's a good place to get started. As far as we can tell, the Cannon and the Missile Launcher are both compatible with all of the following softwares.
SharpLauncher - This one's an open-source Windows program that offers a number of super-cool features for both the Cannon and the Missile Launcher. The following is just a brief summary:
- Adds the ability to fire while moving.
- Slow motion launcher movement
- Ability to control multiple launchers
- Webcam integration, including the ability to take candid shots immediately after firing
USB Missile Launcher NZ - If you're a Mac user hoping to use one of the launchers, this site has the download you'll need. What's more, it even includes a lot of the webcam and firing options mentioned above in the Windows software. The site's a little harder to browse, but the files are located on the left sidebar under the "Download" heading.
The Launcher Library - If you're a Linux user, the outlook isn't quite as bright. The Launcher Library has gathered information to get someone started in the right direction, but there's not quick and easy download (that we're aware of).
Control the Launcher with a Joystick - If you're a little more technically-inclined, you could also check out this brief tutorial on how to control your launcher's movement with a joystick.
That sounds awesome - thanks for the tip!
I use RoboRealm to control my missile launcher at work. It has control capabilities as well as video camera integration and a simple web interface that allows me to control the launcher and watch the video from the cheap webcam (an old stylecam blink) that I taped to the top of it from a web browser anywhere on the network. Basically its now an inexpensive, web-based Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera with the added feature that it can fire missiles at my cube-mates.