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Archive: Altoids and tin cases
July 24, 2008
Pocket Synths by James Watt
James Watt, maker of the Solar Thereamin I build a while back, has another really cool project. This time he created 2 pocket synthesizers inspired by the Atari Punk Console and a post on the Voices of Saturn Synth kit. I really hope he turns this into a kit like the solar theremin. [Thanks Jim]
Since I appear to have a lot of altoids tins kicking around I wondered what other musical toys could be housed in 'em. The mention of The Voice Of Saturn on the Make blog a few weeks back got me onto the 'atari punk console' so I put one of 'em + power and a clock into one tin and a simple analogue sequencer in another tin and I've got the heart of a modular synth set-up up and running :) My sequencer was inspired also by the voice of Saturn sequencer but I simplified and modified it so it can run in series or parallel so you can have as many sequential steps as you like. Going to add an LFO next and maybe a solar power supply + whatever other nonsense I can think of.
A little more about Pocket Synths by James Watt
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Jul 24, 2008 03:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, Music |
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July 10, 2008
Lunch box guitar
A link to this was posted in the comments to yesterday's cigar box guitar post, but I thought it was cool enough to get its own item. Be sure to check out the builder's Flickr sets for his cookie tin banjo and his cigar box guitar.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jul 10, 2008 12:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Crafts, Music, Remake, Retro |
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June 30, 2008
Cigarette tin "boom" box
Tiny "boom" box, built from a Lucky Strikes tin, an old MP3 player, an LM1877n-9 amp chip, and some garage sale speaks. It's dubbed the "Mobile Oppression Unit." Can it really be THAT loud? Or maybe it's the likely lo-fidelity when cranked that makes it oppressive.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jun 30, 2008 04:30 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Electronics, Music |
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June 16, 2008
Solar Theremin in an Altoids tin
James made another cool project. This time it's a solar powered Theremin powered by the 1381 solar engine. You can buy a kit on his website, but he even included the schematics (at the bottom of the site) if you want to go ahead and make one from scratch. Thanks James!
Read more about a Solar Theremin in an Altoids tin
Related:
An amazing Solar dragonfly
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Jun 16, 2008 02:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics |
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June 3, 2008
YBox2 Kit - DIY Set-top box
I had a chance to tinker around with the new kit available from Adafruit Industries the YBox2 Kit - DIY Set-top box - very fun, you can make your own stand alone Twitter viewer, weather widgets and more - and of course, fits inside an Altoids tin.
The YBox2 is a DIY networked set-top box. Connect it to your TV and you can design customized content to be delivered direct from the Internet.This project is great for people who want a new platform to experiment with. The video and Internet cores are ready to go and easy to work with. We have some example widgets that demonstrate the YBox2's capability, and the whole project is open source so you can start hacking your own. If you've ever been curious about the Parallax Propeller chip, the YBox2 is a perky little platform with tons of accessories.
The YBox was first invented by Uncommon Projects, as part of Yahoo Hack day. Robert Quattlebaum is the main designer behind the YBox2.
- Built using the new Parallax Propeller chip - 8 cores, 32KB of RAM running at 80MHz!
- Works with any NTSC or PAL TV that has composite (RCA) input
- Works with any network router that supports DHCP, just plug in an Ethernet cable and you're ready to go
- Kit comes with an Internet-enabled bootloader, so you can upload new programs directly from your computer, without a special cable or prop-plug (Propeller chip programmer)
- IR receiver for using a TV remote control
- Full color status LED
- Piezo Buzzer for generating beeps, alarms, and tones
- Pushbutton for input
- Lots of examples programs to try out
- Fits in an altoids tin!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jun 3, 2008 09:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Kits |
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April 17, 2008
Arduino in an Altoids tin
TriggerDog has been doing the projects in Making Things Talk, and came up with a great way to take the Arduino on the go:
Small easy, and awfully unorigional. But, useful and free. Now I can bring my arduino with me in my laptop bag and goof around with it at lunch time at work or wherever. I am thinking I would put a breadboard in another tin of some sort and put a battery pack inside to run any projects I might feel inclined to proto.
Related:
- Arduino guide @ MAKE
- Arduino archives @ MAKE
- "Making Things Talk" the best book on Arduino!
- Arduino in the Maker store
Posted by Brian Jepson |
Apr 17, 2008 12:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Arduino |
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April 2, 2008
How to: Candy tin fume extractor
A fume extractor uses an activated carbon filter and fan to remove the smoke, and noxious fumes, created from soldering. The average price of a small hobby version is about $100, this one will run you about $10. This fume extractor will not be as effective as a larger one, but it is better than nothing, and extremely portable. Remember, always work in a well-ventilated area.
Parts you need:
(1) 7812 - Voltage regulator
(1) Candy tin
(1) Switch
(1) 40 mm case fan
(2) 9-Volt batteries
(2) "Cheap" 9V battery connectors (see step 2 & 3)
(2) Pieces of screen
(1) Piece of activated carbon filter
Some heat shrink tubing
A few inches of Wire
Rosin core solder
Miscellaneous screws and washers
Paint (optional)
Tools you need:
Soldering iron
Dremel with cutoff wheel
Drill & small drill-bits
Fine tip marker
Various Screwdrivers
Wire cutters
Safety glasses
Step 1 : Build the circuit
I decided that that a quick mock-up might be a good idea. I am glad I did. At first, I thought that running the case fan off of just (1) 9-Volt would provide adequate power. In the end I decided that 12 volts "sucked" better, and in this case it's a good thing.
The final circuit uses a simple switch, (2) 9 volt batteries, a 40mm case fan, and a 7812 voltage regulator. The 7812 takes voltage from the (2) 9-Volts that are wired in series and steps the voltage down from 18-Volts to 12-Volts, which is what the fan requires.
Step 2 : Solder components
Notice the battery connectors; they are the flexible vinyl version, not the hard plastic type. This allows them to easily fit in the case.
This is a very simple circuit. Solder it according to the diagram, making sure to attach the component leads to the 7812 properly. Don't forget to use heat shrink tubing on the connections, this is in a metal box.....metal conducts electricity!
Step 3 : Make sure it all fits
Everything can be stuffed into the tin, but make sure you use the cheap kind of 9 volt connectors. The cheap ones are the kind made of vinyl, not rigid plastic. The difference in thickness is minimal, but it is enough to stop you from putting both 9 volts in the case.
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 2, 2008 03:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Something I want to learn to do..., Toolbox |
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March 26, 2008
Making the RuntyBoost
The MintyBoost has been a very popular project here at MAKE, most likely because it is a perfect kit for anyone interested in learning to solder or electronics. It also happens to be very useful for anyone who owns an iPod or any type of MP3 player that is charged via USB. This is my little how-to, with a few extra twists.
The things you need:
- MintyBoost kit - available at the MAKE store
- Soldering Iron
- Rosin core solder
- Altoids tin or any other small tin - available in the MAKE store
The things you don't need, but are great to have:
- Arms of Assistance - Make you own
- Helping hands for holding your parts
- Fume extractor
This is not a detailed step-by-step build of the MintyBoost, but rather it's a how-I-made-one, and what I learned. If you buy the MintyBoost kit, make sure to check out the LadyAda website for the complete, and very detailed, step-by-step build instructions.
Step 1 : Take inventory
Spread out all the parts and make sure everything is there, and familiarize yourself with the parts. You can compare them to the parts list on the LadyAda website.
Step 2 : Parts placement
I chose to place, and solder, a lot of the components all at once. If you are new to soldering, or a bit rusty, you may want to only tackle a few parts at a time. I put everything, except the resistors and the IC holder, in and bent the wires so they would stay in place while soldering. Make sure you follow the polarity of the electrolytic capacitors (C2) and (C3) and the diode (D1).
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Mar 26, 2008 03:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Kits, Something I want to learn to do... |
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March 25, 2008
HOW TO - Altoids Tin Watercolors
Jean-Pierre Martineau made an instructable for making a pocket-sized watercolor set from an Altoids tin and some Fimo clay. Portable and practical!
Posted by Becky Stern |
Mar 25, 2008 04:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Arts, Crafts, DIY Projects, Instructables, Toolbox |
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March 24, 2008
Altoids tin guitar
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Mar 24, 2008 04:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Instructables, Music |
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March 10, 2008
The Minthesizer
The Minthesizer is a low voltage, low power, analog synthesizer. The board is almost entirely made from surface-mount components, so you better have a steady soldering hand if you try and make one for yourself. Check out the link for more information about the build, including the schematics. - Link
Related:
Matchbox Synthesizer - Link
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Music |
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February 25, 2008
Touchkeyer on Altoids-based HF radio
Check out this nifty touchkeyer (for CW or "continuous wave" Morse code) ham operator Jonathan Haynes ( KC7FYS) built into his Altoids-housed ATS-3b high-frequency CW radio transceiver:
I put whiteboard marker on my fingers and pressed them on a piece of paper to get this footprint. The idea of sculpting them from PCB material came to me when I was trying to sleep. Ha ha. Next time I'll use thicker copper with a thicker substrate.
Nice work on the whole project. The labels and green metalflake are swanky.
Touchkeyer Ergometrics - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Feb 25, 2008 06:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Electronics, Portable Audio and Video |
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January 27, 2008
Ybox 2 - Networked set-top box in an Altoids tin
Tarikh and Josh from Uncommon Projects write in about the new Ybox 2 (The ybox2 is the second-generation networked set-top box in an Altoids tin)
Hello friends and YBox enthusiasts! We have some exciting news to share. There is a new YBox on the block--the YBox 2!Ybox 2 - Networked set-top box in an Altoids tin - Link.The YBox made its debut as a quick and dirty prototype for Yahoo's first public Hackday. Then it reappeared as a kit, a series of workshops and a giveaway at last year's SF Maker's Faire. We had a great time sharing the project with folks, and so it's with real glee that we announce the YBox 2.
It was developed by Robert Quattlebaum a developer and classmate from the SF sessions. He's made a number of smart refinements to the project, including getting the cost down by replacing the Xport. Our secret (and admittedly improbable) goal was always to get this thing down to $10, and he managed to shave $50 off the cost with version 2! But there's more than just cost, including a speaker, a status light and countless tweaks. All in all a really exciting evolution. Congrats Robert.
Some of you have written to ask about new kits or to wonder why the wiki has been terrorized with spam. The kits are gone and we don't have time to make more. The good news is that the project continues and you can contact Robert if you'd like to purchase a new board or to download the board files and create your own Ybox 2. We'll work on getting the wiki cleaned up and we send a special thanks to all the folks who have put in countless hours scouring it.
OK that's it for now, happy hacking!
Related:
![Ybox[1]](http://blog.makezine.com/_ybox%5B1%5D.jpg)
YBox in 60 Seconds - Link.
YBOX - turns a TV into a simple, web configurable ... - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 27, 2008 01:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Gadgets, Open source hardware |
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December 29, 2007
DIY Picaxe toothbrush timer
Chipwich writes -
We built a beeping flashing toothbrush timer like the one on the Philips SoniCare toothbrush for just a few dollars and plenty of experience and fun.DIY Picaxe toothbrush timer - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Dec 29, 2007 03:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics |
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November 6, 2007
MintyPOV
How to make an Altoids tin version of the MiniPOV! -
It seems that everyone and their mother is cramming various projects into mint tins these days. Well, that's a bandwagon that I just couldn't resist jumping onto. The only question was what project to build?MintyPOV - Link.I ordered a MiniPOV3 kit from the Makezine Store, a while back. After building it and playing with it, and letting my kids play with it, and repairing it a couple times after the kids played with it, I decided it needed a case to live in. Realization struck. The first thing I did was check Google to find out if it had been done before. As far as I could tell, it hadn't, so I started gathering parts.
Rather than mess up my original kit, I decided to scratch build the circuit on perfboard. I used LEDs that I had harvested from a string of LED christmas lights, resistors and other bits from various sources, and the requisite mint (Wintergreen flavor) tin.
Related:
MiniPOV- An Inexpensive Persistence of Vision - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 6, 2007 08:00 AM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics |
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October 29, 2007
Bill Gurstelle in the News
MAKE contributing editor and technical advisory board member Bill Gurstelle is profiled in a piece for the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. Bill talks about the current "Maker movement" and his upcoming Barrage Garage series of pyrotech tutorial DVDs.
The joy of making stuff - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Oct 29, 2007 02:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Makers, Science |
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October 6, 2007
Minty pre-amp freshens your ears
Yet another Altoids tin inspired project. This time the "MintyMic" case includes a powered microphone and preamp with line-level outputs and adjustable gain control. Best of all the whole project comes as a kit, or you can get your own parts and follow the instructions on the site, or it can even be shipped pre-assembled for the lazy maker.
Subatomicglue - mintymic work log - Link
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Oct 6, 2007 07:24 AM
Altoids and tin cases |
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August 14, 2007
Simple robot how-to
David writes -
This tutorial will show you how to make a very simple robot that will avoid obstacles on the ground. It uses no microcontrollers, no servos, and there is no need to program. The simple design make its an ideal project for those wanting to tryout robotics and also makes a great weekend project. After building one you can probably make a second one in less than 10 minutes.Simple Robot How-To - [via] Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Aug 14, 2007 07:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, Crafts, Electronics, Robotics |
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QRPme - Tuna can kits
Jason writes -
This amateur radio club provides kits uniquely packaged in tuna tins. When you build the kit, the tuna tin also serves as a chassis for your new project, complete with a nice label for the tin. Although most of the kits are geared towards QRP (low power ham radio) operators, Make readers might enjoy the "AXEme Picaxe Construction Kit". This is a Picaxe development board built into one of the famous tuna tins. It's a very unique and eye-catching way to work with microcontrollers.QRPme - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Aug 14, 2007 05:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Kits |
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August 1, 2007
Dungeons of Doom by Greg Sanders
Julian writes -
Coolest Altoids/Tin mod I've seen. This guy (Greg Sanders) made a portable game box that plays a rogue like game. He uses a Genesis controller to control the actual game, but I'd bet with a little work the entire unit could be entirely self-contained (by using a tipping-disk for directional control and one button for action). See here too (a pretty cool site itself) for useful controller schematics.Dungeons of Doom by Greg Sanders - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Aug 1, 2007 02:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Gaming |
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