In 2017, Hurricane Maria, a category-5 storm, severely impacted Puerto Rico, demolishing homes and communication infrastructure. To address this issue, the ClusterDuck Protocol (CDP) was developed in 2018. It utilizes battery-powered Internet-of-Things devices to reestablish essential communication during emergencies, allowing civilians to request assistance, share their locations, and receive vital information from local governments and responders.
The ClusterDuck Protocol runs on a variety of IoT hardware, including many ESP32 Arduinos.
Here is a list of hardware we use, though there may be many others that work. We recommend the Heltec LoRa ESP32 and the TTGO T-Beam ESP32.
For a simple network you will want to make at least two Ducks. For bigger networks you will need more.
To start developing, you will need PlatformIO on your computer.
Download or git clone the CDP library from GitHub.
Follow the installation instructions here
Please Note: With the Release of the ClusterDuck Protocol Version 4 we have different instructions. If you are looking for older instructions please go here
Connect your board to platform IO
Follow the these updates instructions for loading up a Duck to get one running.
Use the pre-built examples or develop custom Ducks of your own.
Deploy!
Follow these steps to efficiently generate a piping network in SketchUp: 1. Draw the Routing Lines
For professionals looking to bring high-level MEP modeling into SketchUp, the is an essential investment. Its ability to turn simple lines into complex, accurate pipe systems, combined with a robust fittings library and parametric control, sets it apart from basic piping plugins. Whether you are working on industrial facilities or intricate residential plumbing, VBO Piping Pro delivers the speed and precision required for modern 3D design.
Unlike manual modeling, which requires tedious placement of elbows and tees, the plugin automatically detects vertices to place appropriate fittings. Intelligent Branches:
The iteration of VBO Piping Pro provides enhanced stability and workflow options within the SketchUp environment: 1. Advanced "Build Pipe" Engine vbo piping pro v217 sketchup plugin exclusive
: Automatically converts all selected internal edges into pipes. Users can configure the collection type, pipe size, and specific fitting types (ending vs. continue) through a dedicated input box.
Hey SketchUp pros & woodworkers!
Write-up prepared for internal design team evaluation — not an official vendor document. Follow these steps to efficiently generate a piping
Streamlining MEP Workflows: A Deep Dive into VBO Piping Pro for SketchUp
For SketchUp users in the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), industrial design, or architecture sectors, creating intricate piping systems has traditionally been a slow, manual process. The plugin (available on the SketchUp Extension Warehouse ) has long been a favorite, but the continued updates—leading towards advanced versions like v2.17—have solidified its position as an essential tool for rapid 3D modeling.
One of the most praised "exclusive" features of the Pro series is its dual-mode visibility. Designers can instantly toggle between a lightweight 2D representation for schematic layouts and a full-scale 3D model for clash detection and presentation. This is managed through dedicated layers (e.g., 8_mep_piping2D Whether you are working on industrial facilities or
A precision tool for post-creation editing. Users can manually rotate fittings, replace them with different types, add or replace reducing bushes, and redraw specific branches without starting over. 2D/3D Fast Switching:
For the professional considering the purchase, here is the feature checklist for VBO Piping Pro v217: