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April 30, 2008

DIY analog tape delay machine

From the Make: Flickr Pool:

V2 of my Tape Delay Machine uses two walkman type tape players. One is a Realistic Stereo Mate and the other is a Memorex XB.

Both players have a similar footprint, so I arranged them side by side and connected them together.

A single tape loop runs through two modified cassettes (each which have had one of their left or right sides removed).

The players themselves have had there walls (the two in the center, respectively) filed down, so the tape runs fluently.

The Realistic Stereo Mate has recording capability, where as the memorex does not.

This is purposeful, because the tape (which moves counter-clockwise) travels through the left player (Realistic) where it's internal microphone records sound, and then travels to the Memorex which plays back the sound about 3 seconds later.

Walkman Analog Delay

Yuri at homebrewtalk made this elaborate setup for brewing his own beer using an arduino board and some custom java software, which he uses for temperature control heating of his mash with steam. Lots of videos of the mash prep and setup, and not too much arduino code, via Hack-a-day.

Remember before you forget, but no sooner.

There's a fascinating article by Gary Wolf in this month's Wired titled "Want to Remember Everything You'll Ever Learn? Surrender to This Algorithm" about using software to help optimize an individuals memorization process.

We're all familiar with the notion that memorizing facts takes persistence, time and repetition. What isn't so obvious is that there's an optimum time to practice the recollection of facts you are trying to learn, and that time is precisely before you are about to forget that fact:

Practice too soon and you waste your time. Practice too late and you've forgotten the material and have to relearn it. The right time to practice is just at the moment you're about to forget. Unfortunately, this moment is different for every person and each bit of information.
...

Fortunately, human forgetting follows a pattern. We forget exponentially.

Wolf's article primarily discusses Piotr Wozniak's SuperMemo software, an application which is designed to take advantage of this insight. You fill it with a database of things you'd like to remember, and it attempts to model your retention curve for each of the facts while you use it, prompting you to recall information at just the right time to optimally burn it into memory.

Unfortunately, I couldn't track down an open source tool that does anything similar. Some of the legacy versions of SuperMemo appear to be freeware, and the full application itself isn't expensive, but I can't help but think this would make for a really cool open source package.

Software aside, I wonder how effective a person could become at general studying and fact retention by taking this insight into consideration. Are any readers actively using this tool or something similar? I'd love to hear your comments.

Soft Circuit Embroidery demo at Maker Faire

I'll be doing a demo at 11am on Saturday at Maker Faire on embroidering a circuit with conductive thread, LEDs, and a watch battery. Don't worry if you've never picked up a needle and thread before; this beginner's level demo will show you the basics of embroidery and circuits. I'm very excited to see you all there!

Home Chemistry at Maker Faire

We're very excited about the release of the second in our line of DIY Science books, Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments, by Robert Bruce Thompson. Bob also authored the first title in the series Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders. At Maker Faire, he will be doing demos of lab experiments from the book on Saturday (1pm - 1:45pm) and Sunday (3pm - 3:45pm) at the MAKE Demo stage in the Maker Shed.

From the Maker Store:
Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments
Our Price: $34.99

For students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real chemistry sets, this one-of-a-kind guide explains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry. Learn how to smelt copper, purify alcohol, synthesize rayon, test for drugs and poisons, and much more. The book includes lessons on how to equip your home chemistry lab, master laboratory skills, and work safely in your lab, along with 17 hands-on chapters that include multiple laboratory sessions.

Images Makerfaire Logos Makerfaire

Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It's for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.

If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!

G4 - Attack of the Show - The Loop: Maker Faire

Make Pt0639
MAKE will be on G4 - Attack of the Show - The Loop: Maker Faire segment today LIVE! Tune in to see and hear a preview of all things Maker Faire before this weekend!

James Taylor's drumming machine

Monk, a commenter on a previous post, pointed out this clip of James Taylor performing with 'Slap Leather' with his drumming machine, Big Foot. Not the most elegant device, but effective - and perhaps not what you'd expect to accompany Mr. Taylor on stage.

Related:
Drum machine, unplugged

5-minute multitouch

Lo-tek multitouch using a Web cam, a cardboard box, and a sheet of glass.

5 Minute, Dirt Cheap Multitouch Pad

Related:

Steampunk Magazine at Maker Faire

At this year's Bay Area Faire, we're pleased to be joined by two of the editors of Steampunk Magazine, Magpie Killjoy and Libby Bulloff. Steampunk Magazine has become something of a house organ for those interested in the whole steampunk scene and related memes. It's one of my favorite zines, one you can still get in the old school format of print, no less! (as well as a PDF download for free/donation).

When not publishing Steampunk Magazinej, Magpie Killjoy is a professional vagabond and busker who's been drifting across two continents for years before recently settling in Cascadia to pursue publishing and radical environmentalism. Magpie is also a musician who occasionally plays drums in the dark electronica band Ego Likeness, keytar for synth-metal band The Illawen, and programs for a near-solo industrial project called Attack Attack Attack.

Libby Bulloff, from Seattle, WA, describes herself as a "creative conceptualist." She does steampunk-themed jewelry and other wearable art, photography, graphic design, and has worked as a club/event promoter. Her projects have been featured on Boing Boing, WarrenEllis.com, Diesel Sweeties, Craft: Bog, Make: Blog, Street Tech, and Etsy's The Storque, as well as in Weird Tales and BusinessWeek.

The Contraptors' Lounge is an outdoor Victorian sitting room and cabinet of curiosities being set up at Maker Faire. Such steampunk/retro-tech icons as Jake von Slatt, Datamancer and Abney Park will play host. As one of the on-site activities, Datamancer and Jake von Slatt will be double-teaming the build of a special Maker Faire edition retro/steampunk keyboard in the Lounge. It may be raffled off or auctioned for charity at the end of the Faire. The two will also be giving a talk, on the main stage, about their work.

Related Contraptors' Lounge posts:

Images Makerfaire Logos Makerfaire

If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!

Maker Faire Map & Schedule

Maker Faire is just days away! Now is the time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the San Mateo Fairgrounds. You may also want check out the schedule of events so you don't miss anything. Then again, you might be the type to just wander around and see what happens. Either way, it's going to be a great!

Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It's for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things.

Tickets Available Now
Buy tickets online now!

Tickets are also available at discounted prices ($5 off per ticket) through May 2nd, 2008 at:
Cartoon Art Museum
655 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA
http://cartoonart.org/

Learn more about Maker Faire 2008

POV Jumprope concept

Pov Jumprope1
Pov Jumprope2

Here's an idea for a persistence of vision jumprope which displays cycles, time, or calories burned.

It's only a design concept at this point, but I'm sure some knowledgeable maker out there can beat it to the punch. Hmm, I wonder if the (somewhat) variable curvature of the rope would present a legibility problem - perhaps necessitating a wider display area? - POV jumprope [Thanks, goodEvans!]

Related:
Diy Binarypovwristwatch Crop
Binary POV wristwatch

In the Maker store:
Makezinepov Crop
MiniPOV kit

Computerized Etch A Sketch @ Maker Faire

Computerized Etchasketch

Never been able to realize your artistic vision on the old grey screen? Neil's project may be of help -

Anyone who has tried to use an Etch A Sketch knows that a good deal of co-ordination is needed in order to draw anything but horizontal and vertical lines. It quickly becomes obvious that a computer would be far better at controlling the horizontal and vertical knobs than a human.

Accordingly, I pulled the knobs off of an Etch A Sketch and attached it to two stepper motors which in turn are attached to the parallel port of a computer. This gives one the ability to control the plotter's movements with a standard mouse or analog joystick (more intuitive interfaces than the knobs). Having a computer in the loop also allows one to record what movements are done, so one can edit them and play them back.

Come see the automated art at Bay Area Maker Faire - Computerized Etch A Sketch

Images Makerfaire Logos Makerfaire
Makerfaire Poems

Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.

If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!

DIY: Simple servo controller

It doesn't get easier than this when you want to control a servo via a serial port. The whole circuit only requires 4 parts, and that is including the servo. Now that's a simple circuit!

A dedicated servo motor control IC has several obvious advantages, and is considerably less expensive than purchasing a large motor control board. This is especially true if you only need a single servo controller. Why buy a board with 8 or more motor capacity if you only need to control a single servo..?

Via Hack A Day - DIY: Simple Servo Controller

Related:
Media 16 Servo Controller Read more about a 16 servo controller

DIY Micro Dolly

This is an easy dolly to make for you next video project. The final results are really good, especially for just using some model railroad tracks. Make sure to check out the sample videos on the website.

I made my first attempt at a micro dolly today. I want to use it to shoot miniatures for the "Combat" video. I started with HO scale which ended up being way to small and unstable. The camera wanted to fly off the track. I took it all back to the hobby store and supersized it up to O scale. It ended up looking like this:

Read more about making your own Micro Dolly

Shape-Shifting Robots

The University of Pennsylvania created these modular robots that are able to recognize each other and assemble themselves into 1 larger robot. Once assembled, the larger robot is able to walk...theoretically. I just like the part where the guy kicks it!

Via - Engadget - Shape Shifting Robots

April 29, 2008

Maker Faire takes shape

The 21st century carnival comes to town. The tents are getting pitched, the tools are being set out, the batteries are charging. Excitement builds as the first outlines of the 2008 Maker Faire Bay Area take shape. Above, Bay Area metal sculptor Dan Das Mann's 39' "Crude Awakening" sculpture prays for sunny skies and a world of enthused participants. We hope you'll be among them. If you can't join us in person, there will be plenty of Faire coverage here on Make: Blog.

Images Makerfaire Logos Makerfaire

If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!

Keyboard Guitar

Students at Georgia Tech's music technology and digital media groups have some new music performance work, including wireless computer keyboards worn as guitars for use with custom software for rockin' out. Scott Driscoll writes:

There was a multi-touch table with a variety of games and interactive movies, two Indian songs involving computers writing their own accompaniment based on real-time analysis, a virtual world where your movements create music, and a bit of wii art. And I almost forgot the computer-keyboard band...

Stop XSS attacks with SafeHTML

If you allow user-contributed content in your site, you run into the problem of dealing with user supplied HTML in a safe manner. The most secure way of dealing with things, of course, is to strip or escape all HTML from user input fields. Unfortunately, there are many situations where it would be nice to allow a large subset of HTML input, but block out anything potentially dangerous.

SafeHTML is a lightweight PHP user input sanitizer that does just that. Just run any input field through the SafeHTML filter and any javascript, object tags, or layout breaking tags will be stripped from the supplied text. It also does a reasonable job of correcting any gnarly, malformed code, which is also a common problem with user-contributed data.

Using it is easy. Just instantiate the SafeHTML object and call its parse method:

require_once('classes/safehtml.php'); $safehtml =& new SafeHTML();
if ( isset( $_POST["inputfield"] ) ) { $inputfield=$_POST["inputfield"]; $cleaninput = $safehtml->parse($inputfield); }

This will take the posted "inputfield" parameter, strip any baddies, XHTMLify what's left, and the result will be stored in the $cleaninput variable. It's a simple addition to your code, and a lot more straightforward than trying to roll your own.

My only beef with the package is that it's written with a default allow policy, stripping out tags that are in its deleteTags array, but essentially allowing anything else through. If you'd rather only let through tags that you specifically want to allow, I'd recommend adding an allowTags array and adjusting the _openHandler method, adding the following after the deleteTags check:

if ( ! in_array($name, $this->allowTags)) { return true; }

You'll need to fill allowTags with everything you know to be safe and welcome, and you may miss a few that people will end up wanting to legitimately use, but this is easily corrected and the default deny policy is much safer in the long run.

SafeHTML - an anti-XSS HTML parser, written in PHP

Mesmerizing floating robo-critter: AirJelly

This "AirJelly" floating mechanical creature is a joy to watch:

AirJelly houses two lithium-ion polymer accumulator batteries rated at 8 V and 400 mA, which can be completely charged in half an hour and are AirJelly's sole source of power. A connected central electric drive unit transmits the force to a bevel gear wheel and then to eight spur gears in sequence. These gears power eight shafts, each of which activates a crank; these in turn move the jellyfish's eight tentacles. Each tentacle is designed as a structure with Fin Ray Effect®- a construction derived from the functional anatomy of a fish's fin. The actual structure consists of two alternating tension and pressure flanks movably connected by ribs. If a flank is subjected to pressure, the geometrical structure automatically bendsin the direction of the applied force. Together, the tentacles produce a peristaltic forward motion similar to that of their biological model.

AirJelly [French] [via]

HOW TO - Cross the Tebo River

Tim Mowrer made this video documenting the technique used to cross Batang Tebo in central Sumatra, Indonesia. One tethered man swims across and ties a rope, then gear and people cross while attached to that rope. Tim and his team have been researching various ways to improvise rope bridges across this dangerous river which floods to twice its normal size during the rainy season. They were influenced by this site about rope bridges. (Thanks, Alex!)

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