this post was submitted on 28 Apr 2025
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Showerthoughts
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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. The most popular seem to be lighthearted clever little truths, hidden in daily life.
Here are some examples to inspire your own showerthoughts:
- Both “200” and “160” are 2 minutes in microwave math
- When you’re a kid, you don’t realize you’re also watching your mom and dad grow up.
- More dreams have been destroyed by alarm clocks than anything else
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- If your topic is in a grey area, please phrase it to emphasize the fascinating aspects, not the dramatic aspects. You can do this by avoiding overly politicized terms such as "capitalism" and "communism". If you must make comparisons, you can say something is different without saying something is better/worse.
- A good place for politics is c/politicaldiscussion
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This might actually be a good opportunity for an AI answer:
--
First, understand the basic principle you're working with:
Shopping cart wheel locks respond to a specific RF (radio frequency) signal (typically around 7.8 kHz to 10 kHz for many systems, but it varies by brand).
In normal operation, the boundary wire emits this signal constantly.
The unlocking posts emit a different coded signal to reset the wheel.
So to design a portable device that could lock and unlock wheels manually anywhere, you would need:
You must figure out the exact frequencies and modulation patterns used by the cart system.
Different companies (like Gatekeeper Systems, Carttronics, etc.) use slightly different RF signatures.
Usually lock signal = basic broadcast (constant tone) Unlock signal = special modulated unlock code or sequence.
This might require:
A spectrum analyzer
Or reverse-engineering an existing unlock station.
The portable device needs:
A programmable low-frequency RF transmitter (around 8–10 kHz range, low power)
A microcontroller (Arduino, ESP32, etc.) to generate the right modulation if the signal is coded
An amplifier to make the signal strong enough to reach the cart wheels (they usually detect it within 3–10 feet)
Optionally:
Two modes: a "lock" mode (sending the boundary signal) and an "unlock" mode (sending the unlock code).
Low-frequency oscillator (to generate 7.8–10 kHz wave)
Microcontroller (to handle switching, coding)
Coil antenna (for strong near-field transmission — like a small induction coil)
Amplifier circuit (boost the signal so carts sense it a few meters away)
Battery pack (portable, rechargeable — say 12V lithium-ion)
Mode selector switch (Lock / Unlock)
Simple microcontroller code to:
Emit plain carrier signal = Lock mode
Emit modulated code = Unlock mode
Example (pseudo-Arduino code):
if (mode == LOCK) { generateContinuousTone(8kHz); } else if (mode == UNLOCK) { generateUnlockCode(); }
Matching signal format exactly: If the unlock signal is digitally modulated (like FSK or ASK), you must match the timing perfectly.
Power levels: Too much power could fry circuits or interfere with nearby electronics. Keeping it safe is key.
Legal considerations: Broadcasting radio signals, even low-power ones, can be restricted depending on the country.
Simple Concept Sketch:
[Portable RF Cart Lock/Unlock Device]
Size: About a large walkie-talkie
Two buttons: Lock / Unlock
Coil antenna: About 3–6 inches
Range: 1–3 meters effective
Display: Small LED indicators (Locking / Unlocking / Signal OK)
In short: You're essentially building a portable invisible "fence" generator with two channels: a "keep away" signal (lock) and a "come back" signal (unlock).