RSSArchives: January 2008
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January 20, 2008
Eye-Fi - Wireless SD card, might be good for Makers who use Flickr, do projects in their shops and more...
I picked up an Eye-Fi wireless SD card, it's a card with 2GB of storage and it can automatically upload your photos as you take them to your computer and/or services like Flickr. I take a lot of photos in the workshop here of electronics, projects and things for site so I figured this might be worth the $100 price. It usually takes me 10 minutes or so to take an SD card out, transfer photos and then up to 15 minutes or so to upload most of them to Flickr or just keep them on my machine. The packaging is fun, you pul a tab and box slides open, the Wi-Fi SD card has the installation software on it and in less than 5 minutes it was set up and uploading to Flickr and my computer. The software (on my Mac) talks to the card and their web site for configuring it all. I'd like to see more advanced controls for Flickr like titles, tags and disabling privacy settings - but that's all software and web updates so maybe this review will move that along. I'd like to give it an email address so I could send to people, or to blog services like Tumblr.
One of the reasons the Eye-Fi is appealing to is that in the past I've used Kodak's Wi-Fi camera as well as Nikon's but I felt trapped by the way they force you to use their services. Things have changed a bit lately but one of the things I didn't like at the time was that camera manufacturers like to force you to use their weird photo service. The Kodak Wi-Fi camera was fun but it didn't send the photos to Flickr, I needed to do a silly workaround-hack. I think with something like the Eye-Fi you'll always have more choices and as you retire out a camera the Wi-Fi ability is card based, not camera based.
This is a quick 1 hour review, I'll post more as I play around with it. Oh, at Macworld Eye-Fi announced that later this month there will be an update so it works directly with iPhoto. I don't use iPhoto but lots of people do so I'm curious how much better it will be. There are already 40,000+ photos tagged with "Eye-Fi" on Flickr now, they're mostly babies but I suppose worth checking out - Link.
More:
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 20, 2008 12:08 AM
Gadgets, Reviews |
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REMINDER: MakePhilly - Sunday, January 20th
Reminder! MakePhilly is today! -
The next meeting of MakePhilly (http://www.makephilly.com) will feature guest speaker Don Miller (also known as NO CARRIER) who creates fast paced, colorful visuals for live music events and interactive art installations by hacking 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) consoles with custom programmed cartridges.MakePhilly.com - Link.Don will share his DIY approach to programming the PPU (Picture Processing Unit) of NES consoles. He will demonstrate that you that you don't need to know much math or have prior programming experience to explore the graphics of old NES games, hack and edit NES ROM images, and even create simple graphics programs.
Don is an educator, programmer, and live visualist living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He recently performed at Blip Festival 2007, an international gathering of forty musicians and visualists from around the world. In 2007 he designed and programmed the first NES album ever to be released on cartridges, for chiptune musicians Alex Mauer and Phlogiston. In 2008 his work will be displayed at Colgate University for their Creative Solutions for Sustainable Futures exhibition that explores environmental issues and sustainability across natural, built, and digital environments.
Don will be supported by Dino Lionetti (aka Cheap Dinosaurs) who is a synthesist living in Philadelphia with an affinity for portable sound gadgets. He will talk about the process of tracking, the hardware he uses, and the chiptune scene. Dino composes music using a Nintendo Gameboy and will join Don for a brief performance after the challenge.
Meeting Specs
Date: Sunday, January 20th
Time: ** 3PM SHARP **
Location: University of the Arts, 333 S. Broad Street, Anderson Hall, 4th Floor
Cost: $5 donation suggested
RSVP: Required for this meeting (email first & last name to makephilly@gmail)
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 20, 2008 12:00 AM
Announcements, Events |
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January 19, 2008
LED Cube from Make: DC/Dorkbot DC workshop
We didn't get a chance to finish our LED Cubes at the Make: DC/Dorkbot DC workshop in the two short hours we had, so folks have been finishing them at home. Here's a couple of vids of Mark Boszko's test out his cube. He also includes the Arduino code with his animation sequences.
Make:DC LED Cube Workshop - Link
Related:
- Dorkbot DC/Make: DC event wrap-up - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jan 19, 2008 09:16 PM
Events |
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Brian and Joel geek out with XO
MAKE editor and Hackziner Brian Jepson recently met up with Joel Evans of Geek.com. Like any geeks worth their root access, Brian and Joel proceeded to do whatever they could to brick their respective XO laptops. Joel writes:
After we were done chatting, Brian wanted to show me some other hacking he's done. In this case he built a pressure sensor out of a collection of electronics parts. Here's how he did it: he took a force sensing resistor (you can get one from Trossen Robotics, Parallax, or Solarbotics), set it up with a 10k resistor and an LED for output, using the 5 volt USB port as a voltage source. Then, to protect the sound card from the voltage, he plugged a photo resistor into the microphone jack and pointed the LED at it, and ran the Measure activity that comes with the XO laptop. Each time you press down on the force sensing resistor, it makes the on-screen waveform jump around. Not bad for a $200 laptop.
One of my favorite moments was when Brian almost killed the OS install on both of our laptops. Notice how calm he is?
That's our Brian!
Hacking the XO laptop - [via] Link
Related:
- OLPC XO dissection and massive electronics teardown roundup - Link
- HOW TO - Make your own XO laptop bag - Link
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HOW TO - Upgrade the XO laptop's operating system - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jan 19, 2008 05:44 PM
Computers |
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Fantastic Japanscapes
Amazing HDR photos (high dynamic range) from the HDR Japan pool - [via] Link & The Japan HDR photo pool.
Related:
HOW TO - HDR photography in Gimp or Photoshop - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 19, 2008 01:00 PM
Imaging |
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Make:NYC Meeting 3 - Thursday, January 31st, 6:00PM
The next Make:NYC Meeting 3 is Thursday, January 31st, 6:00PM -
Back from holiday shenanigans and even feistier than before! Make:NYC is gonna turn up the heat this winter. The fourth Make:NYC Meeting includes:Make:NYC Meeting 3 - Thursday, January 31st, 6:00PM - Link.Seminar: Mastering Pipe Mechanics and Assembly (6PM)
This seminar covers using home improvement store variety pipe and fittings to incorporate into your own DIY projects. Covering mostly PVC pipe construction and use, with dabbles in ABS, galvanized and copper pipe use. You'll see live demonstration of technique and instruction on selecting the right materials for the job. Learn how to utilize these versatile and easy to use parts to enhance your building repertoire. Free for all who attend.Lab: Build A Potato Shooter (7PM)
Ten dollars buys you parts, tools and instruction for building your own mini potato shooter. Safe and fun!You must RSVP to attend the lab. You can RSVP here.
Contest Judging: Holiday Recycling
We hope you've been hard at work! We'll be judging our Holiday Recycling contest and we're excited to see what New York City Makers have come up with! Bring your project and be prepared to show it off. Remember, top prize is $100 in CASH!Show and Tell
Meet your fellow NYC Makers and show off your creations! Bring your gadgets, gizmos, sketches, ideas... anything you'd like to put in the spotlight. We encourage NYC Makers to collaborate on and discuss DIY projects. If you're planning to bring a project, drop us a note at meetings@makenyc.org.If you'd like to attend we have plenty of space for everyone, but please RSVP!
Location:
Make Offices, 2nd Floor (Google Map)
325 Gold St. at Flatbush Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11201Bikes can be parked in the building.
A/C/F to Jay St-Borough Hall
B/Q to Dekalb Avenue
M/R to Lawrence Street
2/3 to Hoyt StreetMeeting time is 6:00PM. Lab time is 7:00PM.
See you there!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 19, 2008 11:00 AM
Events |
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Bluebook adds tangible computing to traditional paper books
"Bluebook" attempts to merge the physical and digital divide through touch sensitive pages. Covered in conductive ink, when certain phrases are pressed on the book's pages, the resulting input communicates over Bluetooth with a nearby PC, triggering different actions. Although most of this can be done with "e-books" using touchscreens, the "BlueBook" attempts to bridge the gap between those familiar with new technology and others stuck in the stone ages of paper and print.
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Jan 19, 2008 10:09 AM
Made On Earth |
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Leather measuring bracelet
Here's a nice "doubled centimitre bracelet" good (re)mkae potential - [via] Link.
Related:
Gun shaped ruler - Link.
Magnifying ruler - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 19, 2008 08:30 AM
Arts, Remake |
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BioPong
This is a nice, a "bio-pong" game using a modified pong kit. Flexing your arms moves the on the screen paddles, flex both to start the game/shoot the ball - [via] - Link.
Related:
Pong kit - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 19, 2008 06:00 AM
Electronics, Kits |
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January 18, 2008
"Korg" lunchbox synth
lunchbox synth - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jan 18, 2008 06:00 PM
Electronics, Music |
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uDuino: A very low cost Arduino compatible development board
Tymm writes -
Arduino boards are great for prototyping. However they get rather expensive when you have multiple concurrent projects or need lots of controller boards for a larger project. There are some great, cheaper alternatives (Boarduino, Freeduino) but the costs still add up when you need many of them.uDuino: A very low cost Arduino compatible development board - Link.This is a way, after about $25-$30 initial investment, to build sub-$10 Arduino-compatible boards with very little extra time investment on each.
Note that the basic idea here (Arduino on a breadboard) has been done for quite some time (e.g ITP Arduino Breadboard instructions); however the cable adapter build & usage instructions here help absolutely minimize the parts count for each core.
This project requires knowledge of soldering and basic electronics, and you should have at least some experience already with Arduino development. I don't suggest this as a first electronics project.
note: I pronounce uDuino "moo DWEE noh"
This Instructable is still a little under development; if you notice anything missing or have suggestions for things that should be added please let me know. I've left off some notes about potential uses/tweaks to keep the build relatively simple (I might put together another Instructable at some point based on some of the programming & testing tools I've been working on with this setup).
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 18, 2008 04:20 PM
Arduino, DIY Projects, Electronics, Instructables, Open source hardware |
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DIY IR glasses
MAKE FLickr photo pool member Collin writes -
After viewing Johnny Lee's head tracking demonstration using the Wii hardware I had to experience it for myself. I had a pair of LED safety googles lying around and decided it was time to put them to better use.DIY IR glasses - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 18, 2008 04:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Gaming |
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Bug Labs - "Hiro P" BUGbase
Mehrshad sent in an update about the first round of BUGBase units, he writes -
We've just uploaded a few photos of the "Hiro P" BUGbase to the web. We had originally planned to issue an announcement on Monday morning before we opened the Bug Labs store (which opens at noon EST on Monday), but we've decided to announce early. The photos in question can be found here.Bug Labs - "Hiro P" BUGbase - Link.This is the BUGbase "Hiro P" model. It's what the first batch of BUGbase units will look like, and is much like the BUGbase we've been promoting, only with a minor aesthetic change to the front panel and no onboard 802.11 wi-fi.
Why no wi-fi? The issue extends from developing a set of open source wi-fi drivers, and we had to make a decision on our first production run - either ship early with no wi-fi, or delay the ship date until the driver issue was resolved.
However, to compensate the Hiro P customers, we will be offering them a BUGwifi module *at cost*, and we will also be giving them a *free* BUGvonhippel module. Additionally, we will be extending the early adopter program to the new batch of wireless-enabled BUGbases.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 18, 2008 03:09 PM
Electronics, Open source hardware |
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DIY Binary clock project & binary clock roundup!
Dave sent in his binary clock he turned in to an old hard drive, he writes -
In about April of 2004 I started this binary clock project which was inspired by the Think Geek binary clock. I put the project on hold a number of times and finally finished it around October of 2003. When I started the project the TG clock was only available with red LEDs, and while it was definitely pretty cool, there were a number of things about it that bothered me. Obviously it needed blue LEDs, which are all the rage for the modern appliances. It also displays the time in 6 binary registers, one each for the 6 decimal digits of a digital clock. While this arrangement generates some pretty gnarly patterns, and is probably why it was chosen, it seemed very un-geekish to me. Lastly, and most importantly, since one of the guys I work with already had a red TG binary clock on his desk, if I was to have one, it couldn't be the same design, and it would have to somehow out-geek that other clock.DIY Binary clock project - Link.Clearly I would have to create my own binary clock from scratch to meet my requirements. As the only 'crossover geek' in the office (programming and hobby-level digital electronics), I could meet the primary goal of out-geeking the existing clock with my own AVR microcontroller based design.
01010010 01100101 01101100 01100001 01110100 01100101 01100100 00111010:
Binary Clock - Link.
DIY Binary clock - Link.
HOW TO - Make an analog binary clock - Link.
HOW TO - Build a binary clock - Link.
HOW TO - Build a Binary LED Clock - Link.
Binary LED clock - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 18, 2008 03:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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Card-playing hamster
From v*i*d*a lab:
This project proposes to incorporate more meaningfully the life of hamsters, a pet usually kept marginalized in a cage, with the life of the family by making it play a significant role during a card game. Every time the hamster gives a spin in her wheel a random number is generated. This number is then used as a triggering event in the card game. According to certain rules defined in the game the hamster can also win a hand, in this case every participant must give her a peanut. The project leaves open the question either the hamster will learn by conditioning and will eventually alter the dynamic of the game. More information about the game and the whole process followed in this project can be seen in Maria Helena's blog. Programmed using the Arduino microcontroller.
Related:
- Hamster hacks on Make: Blog - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jan 18, 2008 02:00 PM
Arts, Gaming |
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HOW TO - Make a 99000 RPM digital contact-less tachometer
Ibrahim writes -
how to build a contact -less tachometer (device used to count the revolutions per minute of a rotating shaft) using a 8051 micro controller and a proximity sensor.HOW TO - Make a 99000 RPM digital contact-less tachometer - Link.As the name implies, what makes this device special, is that it can very accurately measure the rotational speed of a shaft without even touching it. This is very interesting when making direct contact with the rotating shaft is not an option or will reduce the velocity of the shaft, giving faulty readings.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 18, 2008 01:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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Plastic Bag Crochet - CRAFT Video Podcast
MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes
While at Maker Faire in Austin, I met Cristen Andrews of cristencrochet.blogspot.com who crocheted the most lovely backpacks, hats, cozies, bowls and more -- all from plastic bags. Here in this video she shows us some of the cool things she makes and how to get started crocheting with plastic bags.
For more detail, check out the step-by-step photos on her blog on how to prepare plastic bags for crocheting here. - Link.
Related:
CRAFT: Plastic Bag Crafts - Link.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jan 18, 2008 01:00 PM
Crafts, Green, MAKE Podcast |
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Dorkbot DC/Make: DC event wrap-up
The first Dorkbot DC/Make: DC project event was held on Wednesday at the Marian Koshland Science Museum in Northwest DC. This was the inaugural meeting of Make: DC, a projects building group inspired by MAKE magazine. We'll be doing a series of joint Dorkbot/Make: DC events in the future. For this first event, we made LED cubes, inspired by Bre's Pocket LED Cube Weekend Podcast. I have more pictures and info on Street Tech:
One bit of added excitement to our evening was the ever-present fear that we might set off the fire alarm system which would have killed power to the *entire* building. We were told about the room's overly-sensitive alarm system -- blinking its status-light taunts right above our heads and over one of our work tables -- just as dozens of adorable Dorks were pouring into the place, 600-degree firesticks in hand. We nervously moved some tables and scrounged up a bladed fan to push the fumes around. As probably 20 irons fired up and that heady, fluxy aroma of solder filled the air, we held our collective breath. I (only half-jokingly) told folks with cameras to have them at the ready so that, when the power went out, as the building filed out into the cold, dark streets, we could at least blog the whole sordid business ("DC Dorks Darken City Block"). Miraculously, no buildings were harmed in the making of our little LED cubes and a great time was had by all (at least as far as I could smell... er tell).
This event was co-sponsored by The Maker Store. A million thanks to Dan, Rob, Sherry and everyone at Maker Media for their help and support.
First Dorkbot DC/Make: DC Joint Project Event - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jan 18, 2008 12:58 PM
Events, Weekend Projects |
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Aquaduct mobile filtration vehicle
This winner of the Innovate or Die competition filters water through pedal power:
A peristaltic pump attached to the pedal crank draws water from a large tank, through a carbon filter, to a smaller clean tank. The clean tank is removable and closed for contamination-free home storage and use. A clutch engages and disengages the drive belt from the pedal crank, enabling the rider to filter the water while traveling or while stationary.
Aquaduct pedal-powered water transport and filtration - [via] Link.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jan 18, 2008 12:00 PM
Green, Transportation |
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| Comments (4)
HOW TO - Cheap image stabilizer
$1 Image Stabilizer For Any Camera - Lose The Tripod - Funny blooper videos are here
Abby writes in about this $1 image stabilizer tutorial video. Just take a washer, a bolt, and some string, and use tension to stabilize your camera without a tripod. - Link.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Jan 18, 2008 11:00 AM
DIY Projects, Imaging |
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Page 13 of 26 << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 >>
Features and more @ MAKE!
MAKE @ The NYC Toy Fair 2008 - Covering DIY!HOW TO - Build the arms of assistance.
MADE in Japan - Part I.
MADE in Japan - Part II.
MADE in Japan - Part III.
Make store - Blinky bug kit - Blink!
Make store - Loud Objects Noise Toy Kit
Makers - MAKE Flickr pool contest. Win cool stuff!
Makers - Join the MAKE Facebook page - Meet other makers.
MAKE on Twitter - Tweet! Tweet!
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Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311
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Robot Maker
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Researcher
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CRAFT
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Culture jammer
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Sound Maker
Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker
Current Podcast
AHAB High Altitude Ballooning - Best of Weekend Projects
mp4|mov|hd|3gp|3g2|itunes This week on Best of Weekend Projects, we look back at part two of the AHAB (High Altitude Balloon Adventure). In this epic Bre & Co. travel to Eastern Washington to launch a GPS and camera enabled balloon...
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