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Archive: DIY Projects
Page 56 of 280 << 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 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 >>
July 23, 2007
BEAM bots with complex behaviors
I just realized that Bruce Robinson's impressive analog robots have not been blogged here on MAKE. His articles on "The Application of Human Motor Control Theory to Robotics" and "Learning Robots" blew my mind when I first read them years ago. People are always asking me how far BEAM concepts can be taken. I point them to these articles, Bruce's robot experiments, and to the Wow Wee robot family (designed by BEAM inventor Mark Tilden), which employ many BEAM concepts. "Learning Robots" describes how short and long-term memory can be created using all-analog components. It's a shame he hasn't updated the site in years. He seemed to be interested in really pushing the envelope on analog control.
Robinson's Hider robot (seen here) demonstrates two behaviors (light seeking and "fear" -- running away from loud sounds), using nine sensor elements. In his work with BEAM tech, Robinson even came up with his own First Law of Robotics: "The capability for complex behaviour is limited by the number of sensors."
A Dissident's View of Robotics (a.k.a. Robinson's Robots) - Link
Hider - Link
Related:
- HOW TO - Build BEAM Vibrobots - Link
- Solarbotics - Link.
- A Beginner's Guide to BEAM - Link.
- BEAM robot - flashing eyes - Link.
- Pummer! Part robotic plant life, part techno-sculpture, these desktop toys are easy and fun to make. MAKE 08 - page 84. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jul 23, 2007 06:10 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Robotics |
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| Comments (4)
Make a Samurai Costume
I've really been enjoying the Backyard FX podcast. Every week Erik shows you how to so your own special effects for videos. This week he shows how to make a samurai costume!- Link
Posted by Bre Pettis |
Jul 23, 2007 03:06 PM
DIY Projects |
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Game machine hacking at Vienna Dorkbot
The Vienna chapter of Dorkbot did a video of their last meeting, focused on game machine hacking. The hacks range from refurbishing and computerizing an analog pinball machine, to an electric guitar casemod (the NES Paul), to making music with the Nintendo DS. The meeting takes place at Metalab, an amazing playground for hackers in Vienna.
Dorkbot Vienna #3 - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jul 23, 2007 01:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Gaming, Portable Audio and Video, Retro, Toys and Games |
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| Comments (0)
Ordering PCBs from China
Julian Bleecker has a piece on his blog detailing how he goes about ordering cheap (and amazing for the price) custom PCBs from a company in China. Shown here are ten copies of six PCBs, all for $159. Sweet.
More PCB Stuff - Link
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Jul 23, 2007 11:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (11)
Super Mario subwoofer
Here's a really nice subwoofer painted to look like a brick and coin box from Super Mario - [via] Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 23, 2007 07:00 AM
DIY Projects, Music |
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Power-Saving pedometer also measures speed
AVR based pedometer! -
A pedometer is a device that counts the number of steps taken by a person and calculates the distance traveled by multiplying the number of steps by the length of the step. Here's a design solution for building a pedometer using the AVR MCU. The circuit not only combines all of the features of the traditional pedometer, it saves power (low power consumption is a must for a portable device) as well. The design also includes instantaneous speed measurement.Power-Saving pedometer also measures speed - [via] Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 23, 2007 06:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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July 21, 2007
Hand-Crank Ice Cream for cranks
Seedlingproject writes -
I like hand-cranked ice cream, not the kind that runs electrically (or even worse the kind that comes from the store). I read lots of books about pioneers when I was growing up and I loved the stories about sitting on the front porch in the summer and taking turns cranking the ice cream freezer. I also loved to think about how you store ice by first cutting it out of a local lake, river or pond in big blocks, loading them onto sleighs pulled by oxen or horses, and then packing them in sawdust in a spring house or some kind of shack.Hand-Crank Ice Cream for cranks - Link.
More:
HOW TO - Make Pepto-bismol ice cream - Link.
Liquid Nitrogen ice cream? - Link.
HOW TO - Make Mylanta mint chocolate chip ice cream - Link.
Play & freeze ice cream ball - and a DIY version - Link.
HOW TO - Make "Dry Ice" Cream - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 21, 2007 09:00 AM
DIY Projects, Instructables |
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July 20, 2007
Integrate LCD and GPS Modules Into Your Projects - Awesome Electronics Workshop Video Podcast
This week, Joe Grand brings his expertise to Weekend Projects for the Awesome Electronics Workshop. You'll learn how to use LCD and GPS modules and integrate them into your own projects! Both are simple modules that you can integrate into your own electronics projects!
Download the zip file with all the code you'll need for the projects and check out the pdf to see the schematic!
Weekend Projects is sponsored by Microchip Technology. Check out their seminars and the Microchip Masters Conference
Posted by Bre Pettis |
Jul 20, 2007 10:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, MAKE Podcast, Weekend Projects |
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Integrate LCD and GPS Modules Into Your Projects - Awesome Electronics Workshop PDFcast
To start off, we hook up the LCD module and show you how easy it is to send text to it! Then we hook up a GPS and run a program that reads the NMEA data off of it. Then we combined the two components together and went geocaching!
In the PDF, you can see the schematics and you can download a zip file with all the sample code we used in this podcast to re-create these projects! PDF Link
You can get the video and PDF downloaded automatically in itunes if you subscribe! - Link
Posted by Bre Pettis |
Jul 20, 2007 09:05 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, MAKE PDF, MAKE Podcast, Weekend Projects |
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| Comments (2)
Run Keynote with a Wiimote
Jason has a great how-to on using a Wii remote to control Mac OS X (Keynote) -
A couple people wrote in today in response to my post about WiiRemote, the Windows Wiimote input device driver. More specifically, I've been reminded that I completely left the similarly capable DarwiinRemote for OS X out of the discussion. In all fairness, there was a driver roundup back in March that mentioned it, but what the heck - it's a cool app and deserves a little more attention.References:So this hack goes out to all the Mac diehards who have an older machine sans Apple Remote. You folks don't need to upgrade your trusty system just to control Keynote or iTunes from a distance. Just pick up the cheap (relatively speaking) Wiimote and download DarwiinRemote.
When you start the program up, you'll need to hold down the 1 and 2 buttons on the Wiimote. This will let the device pair with the DarwiinRemote application, and you should start seeing the three lines on the graph go up and down as you move the device.At this point, you're set. You can use the arrow keys on the Wiimote just like the arrow keys on your keyboard. The home button is wired up by default to hit apple-esc, which will launch Front Row. The A button is a left click by default, etc. etc.
You can change all these settings in the preferences menu. Most of them are set up fairly logically, I thought, but one nice feature is to set the 2 button to trigger the F9 key. This will help you quickly navigate between applications with your new airmouse.This brings me to the cool part. Hit the 1 button and you can now control your mouse by tilting the Wiimote forward, back, and side to side. Your buddies with the fancy new macs and Apple Remotes can't do that, now, can they?
You can adjust the sensitivity in the preferences as well. It's a little goofy until you get the hang of it, but it gets easier with a little practice. Just call it payment for looking like a Wiimote wielding rockstar in your next otherwise booring business presentation.
- DarwiinRemote: Wiimote as a Mac input device - Link
- WiinRemote: Wiimote as a Windows input device - Link
- Control Your Applications With a Wiimote - Link
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 20, 2007 09:00 AM
Computers, DIY Projects, Gaming |
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Mugi twinwall polypropylene plane kits
These Mugi twinwall polypropylene plane kits look fun (and pretty inexpensive)... they're made from corrugated plastic (the stuff used for lightweight signs and produce boxes -
This new kit features all pre-cut components to make the Evo and includes the fold-out main wing. With all the hardware, carbon main spar tube, glue and tape included, you have everything to make the Evo airframe. All that's left to do is to add a couple of lightweight servos and decide whether you want to fly it as a glider or with electric power.The kit comes with a comprehensive simple to follow six page instruction booklet and you should be able to get in the air in an evening or two!
The kit is available: in opaque white (pictured) or translucent (for night flying). In both kits there is just enough additonal box space to include sundry accessories. Consider including one of our colouring tapes or coiled metre lengths of our 1.5 and 2mm diameter carbon rod. If you are ordering a translucent Evo then our superb value Evo Lighting Kit will enhance the dark hours flying experience.
Mugi Evo Kit, thanks Paul! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 20, 2007 05:00 AM
DIY Projects, Kits |
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Office chair bike
Woodenbikes writes -
A recumbent bike with a very comfy seat. It's a 35 pount leather executive office chair connected to a 16" (little girl's) Princess bike re-welded into a recumbent (recliner bike) and using a piece of another donor bike frame. I built it in honor of "Bike to Work Day".Office chair bike - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 20, 2007 04:00 AM
Bicycles, DIY Projects, Instructables |
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| Comments (0)
100 GB Creative Zen Vision W
John added a 100 GB hard drive to a Creative Zen Vision W, not bad! Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 20, 2007 01:00 AM
DIY Projects, Music, Portable Audio and Video |
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July 19, 2007
DIY RumblePak for Nintendo DS Lite
Xyzzy writes -
This was an attempt to make a RumblePak for my DS Lite. Sure you can buy them for a few $$$, but where is the fun in that?Instructables DIY RumblePak for Nintendo DS Lite - Link.I wanted the Rumble Pak to fit into the existing blanking plate of the DS Lite that slots into the GBA cartridge slot. This would make it blend in with the NDS and not stick out or have an odd colour. I could have used the PCB that is contained within the blanking plate, but didn't want to ruin it in case I had to send it back. I opted to dismantle an old Pokemon Pinball GBA cartridge and use the edge connector.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 19, 2007 06:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Gaming |
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DIY projects from Russia
A MAKE reader writes in -
Russian makers website with a lot of original DIY science and tech experiments. Now in Russian language only, but photos and videos are cool anyway. All this was done by a few young geeks from Phoenino village near Moscow.Молодежный научно-технический центр - Link & translated pages.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 19, 2007 05:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (0)
The Online Paper airplane museum
The Online Paper Airplane Museum has over 800 designs ready to download, build and fly! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 19, 2007 12:00 PM
DIY Projects, Paper Crafts |
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| Comments (0)
Scrabble ring
This is nice, a homemade Scrabble ring - easy to make too... Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 19, 2007 11:19 AM
Arts, Crafts, DIY Projects |
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July 18, 2007
Switchable audio homebrew solution
Mindtrip writes -
The Problem:Switchable audio homebrew solution - Link.
I recently installed a StarCom system for an upcoming tour of the Oregon/Washington coast. My girlfriend tours with me, and thus far we've used our own iPods with in-ear monitors for entertainment, and hand signals for communication. On this tour a buddy is coming along who wanted bike-to-bike communications; thus the StarCom. My girlfriend wanted to be able to listen to the radio conversations, as well as talk to me, but I realized that if I didn't do something, she was going to wind up running the iPod. We have different musical tastes, and while we both listen to audiobooks we're usually into different books at any given time. This meant I was going to have to listen to her stuff the whole time. Unacceptable!!!The Solution:
We use in-ear monitors, so I got the StarCom headsets that allow the use of your own headphones. I quickly realized this would make it possible to rig up some kind of switch or patch cable system that would allow her to listen to her own iPod if she didn't want to listen to whatever I had running on mine, but switch over to the intercom if I needed to talk to her. I scoured the internet looking for solutions, as well as all my local electronics stores, to no avail. No one makes a switchable audio input for personal headset use. However, I DID find a switch at RadioShack that lets you switch between computer audio input and an auxilliary audio, as well as switching output between computer speakers and headsets (clicky. And for only $2!! I figured if it were small enough, she could stick this in her pocket and switch between the intercom and her iPod at will.
All in an Altoids tin of course!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 18, 2007 05:00 PM
Altoids and tin cases, DIY Projects, Electronics, Music, iPod |
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| Comments (4)
Build a QRSS (extreme slow speed continuous wave) transmission detector
This month's Gadget Freak comes courtesy of investment banker Hans Summers. He built a simple receiver capable of detecting QRSS transmissions on a fixed frequency. The QRSS receiver is powered by a computer's USB port and the audio output feeds into the PC's sound card. Hans used a toroidal transformer as matching and input filter, connected directly to a 30m (10MHz) dipole antenna and a useful oscillator/mixer IC as a crystal oscillator and mixer. Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 18, 2007 12:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (4)
HOW TO - Make DC Bicycle pedal power generators
Here's how to make DC Bicycle pedal power generators from the folks as Science Shareware -
Here you can learn to create your own green power electricity using a pedal power bicycle generator. We setup the 24 bicycle power generators at the 2007 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, 60,000 people a day for 3 days in the desert - Indio California. The bike generators were used for charging cell phones.DC Bicycle pedal power generator - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 18, 2007 11:00 AM
Bicycles, DIY Projects, Electronics, Green |
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| Comments (2)
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Current Podcast
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