The Whiskey Pirates 2016 Badge collection

Skeleton Key

A USB/UART skeleton key with various features.

• It looks neat
• Powered by CR123 battery
• Has a binary clock
• Has switchable USB or UART over the USB-A connector (though UART likely wasn't implemented)
• Plug into a computer, open a terminal, and configure the clock and alarms

Part of our third badge design series, this badge was intended to connect to our treasure chest badge via USB port. Clock, name, and other data sync would happen with this method. The treasure chest was never completed, so these features were not implemented.

Design Defect

An unknown trigger exists which seems to cause the switching voltage regulator to latch up, dumping power into the switching inductor. This will overheat the inductor, which can result in burns or a fire.

When storing this badge, REMOVE THE BATTERY to prevent burns or fires.

IF a burn or fire has happened, it isn't our fault.

Build Stats

Units built: Unknown; possibly 50-80

Build time: - Development: A month or two - Assembly: at most, two weeks. lots of logistics problems.

Units stolen: Unknown; several