Steampunk Bandwidth Meter: TorrentMeter – A Unique Way to Measure Your Internet Speed

Key Takeaways

• TorrentMeter is a steampunk-inspired bandwidth meter that blends aesthetics with functionality, displaying internet connection speed through a physical gauge.
• The meter utilizes a Linux router and a Perl script to extract and transmit bandwidth data, allowing it to display other information like unread emails or tweets.
• The project’s GitHub page provides customizable scales, enabling users to personalize the appearance of their meter, reflecting their style and preferences.

In the realm of technology, where innovation often outpaces imagination, a steampunk bandwidth meter called TorrentMeter stands out as a testament to creativity and nostalgia. Inspired by an article in Make 11, [skytee](https://github.com/skytee) embarked on a journey to craft a device that would not only display internet connection speed but also capture the essence of the steampunk era.

TorrentMeter: A Nostalgic Display of Internet Speed

The TorrentMeter is a marvel of engineering that blends the aesthetics of the past with the functionality of the present. At its heart lies a big brass gauge, reminiscent of those found in vintage steam engines. This gauge serves as the primary display, providing a physical representation of the user’s internet connection speed. As data flows through the network, the needle on the gauge moves accordingly, offering a tangible sense of the connection’s performance.

Behind the Scenes: Extracting and Transmitting Data

To obtain the bandwidth data, the TorrentMeter relies on a Linux router. A Perl script, acting as the data intermediary, extracts the relevant information using the ‘grep’ command. This filtered data is then transmitted over a serial connection to the meter itself. The meter, patiently awaiting the incoming serial data, interprets it and translates it into the movement of the needle on the gauge.

Adaptability: Beyond Bandwidth Monitoring

The TorrentMeter’s functionality extends beyond displaying bandwidth data. Its adaptability allows it to display a variety of other data, such as unread emails, tweets, or any other information that can be retrieved through code. This versatility makes the TorrentMeter a versatile tool for monitoring various aspects of one’s digital life.

Customizing the TorrentMeter: A Personal Touch

To cater to the diverse tastes of users, the TorrentMeter project page on Skytee GitHub includes Inkscape files for the scales. This enables users to customize the appearance of their meter, adding a personal touch that reflects their style and preferences. The ability to modify the scales opens up endless possibilities for creating unique and visually appealing meters.

Bonus: A Steampunk Journey: The creation of the TorrentMeter is a testament to the enduring fascination with the steampunk genre. It showcases the ability of technology to blend seamlessly with aesthetics, resulting in captivating and functional devices. The TorrentMeter serves as an inspiration for those seeking to fuse the past and the present, creating gadgets that are both nostalgic and practical.

In conclusion, the TorrentMeter is a remarkable fusion of art and technology. It not only provides a physical representation of internet connection speed but also embodies the spirit of steampunk. Its adaptability and customizability make it a versatile tool that can cater to various monitoring needs. The TorrentMeter stands as a reminder that technology and creativity can coexist harmoniously, producing devices that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally valuable.