Archive: Electronics
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March 2, 2007
SNES/NES controller to gamecube/Wii conversion project

Raphael writes -
Being able to play NES and SNES games on the Wii's Virtual Console is great (Thanks Nintendo!), but it's much more fun to do it with the original controllers. (And some games are much more playable like this). That's why I decided to design this Nes/Snes controller to USB conversion circuit.
Snes/Nes controller to gamecube/Wii conversion project - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Mar 2, 2007 04:37 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Gaming |
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| Comments (0)
March 1, 2007
SMD soldering video
Quick like lightning, Andy from Spark Fun demonstrates a neat solder wicking/soldering technique on this SOIC packaged MAX232 chip -
We tried to take some video demonstrating how to use solder wick when SMD soldering. While our video production skills could use some work, we hope we get the point across. Unfortunately the MOV files where so large (50-90MB) we had to down-sample and host on YouTube. They're still pretty good...
YouTube - Soldering a SOIC MAX232 IC - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Mar 1, 2007 04:03 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (1)
RFID experimentation kit

They're sold out, but this a good bundle to get started with RFID --
Dare You Experiment with the RFID Devil? Depending on who you ask, RFID technology is either the "Mark of the Beast", or a global panacea destined to rescue the grocery stores and Walmarts of the world from shoplifting. But any good geek knows that RFID is nothing more than tiny microchips powered by RF induction that store and broadcast a small bit of data. Want to learn more? Rather than rip apart your passport you can pick up this nifty RFID Experimentation Kit with over a dozen types of RFID tags, a USB based RFID reader and instructions for tons of insidious RFID projects. You even get a cool bio-implantable type of RFID Tag which you should never ever load into a blowgun and implant in any of your coworkers because it's not surgically sterilized.ThinkGeek :: RFID Experimentation Kit - [via] Link.
Related:
- Interview with RFID implanter - Link.
- DEFCON RFID World record attempt... - Link.
- HOW TO - Homemade RFID reader - Link.
- RFID enabled flame shooting trampoline - Link.
- MAKE VIDEO PODCAST - Getting "Chipped" - Interviews ... - Link.
- HOW TO - Make a RFID zapper - Link.
- HOW TO - RFID enable your door - Link.
- Build a RFID reader/capturer/cloner - Link.

From the pages of MAKE:
RFID for Makers. Build this kit to read radio frequency ID tags. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Mar 1, 2007 12:01 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Kits |
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| Comments (3)
February 28, 2007
Multitouch table experiment

The tinker.it blog (and site) has tons of great projects for designers and artists, like this one a Multitouch table -
This is an experiment based on "frustrated total internal reflection" aka FTIR. This is a very basic demo and we did it just to see how it work and it took us just 4 days!
tinker.it » Blog Archive » multitouch table experiment - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 28, 2007 11:55 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (5)
Modded handcrank flashlight powers phone
This is pretty straight forward, this maker took apart one of those hand cranked flashlights and soldered in a plug for his phone - this video shows you how -
Use A Flashlight To Power Your... Video - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 28, 2007 08:32 AM
Cellphones, DIY Projects, Electronics |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
PID controlled bio-dome heating pad

Seth writes -
After a month of messing around, I finally got my act together and started working on my PID heating pad controller. Well, actually it is only a P heating pad controller right now, but I will go into that later.The Goal: Create a PID controlled heating pad to regulate the temperature of a Bio-Dome.
I got two Arduinos for Christmas, so I had most of the hardware to control the heating pad. I was hoping that I would just be able to modify the pad's circuits, but it is not just an on and off switch and the only IC on it was made in China by some unknown company so I could not find any info on it.
Jerd King - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 28, 2007 06:37 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Science |
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| Comments (0)
February 27, 2007
HOW TO - Turn your iPod mini into a flash based iPod

Mark writes -
In this little proof-of-concept I was eager to try out if I could swap the Microdrive inside an iPod mini for a Compact Flash-card. These cards are getting bigger and cheaper by the day so my idea was, if this works out, we have a great way of extending the life of this little MP3-player.
geektechnique.org: turn your iPod mini into a flash based iPod - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 27, 2007 01:07 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, iPod |
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| Comments (3)
February 26, 2007
USB to serial Nike+iPod adapter, Arduino Bluetooth board, humidity and temperature sensors and more...
Spark Fun Electronics just dropped a whole load of goodness -

This is the USB to serial Nike+iPod adapter. This device allows you to connect a iPod receiver to your computer over USB. The user can then 'listen' for foot pod data and IDs. Very handy for creating an access controlled cat door - Link.

It's new. It's pricey. But oh is it cool. The new Arduino Bluetooth board allows you to wirelessly communicate with your Arduino project. You can even bootload over the air! - Link.

The breakout board for the SHT15 is complete! Simple and small, you can now have accurate humidity and temperature on your next weather station - Link.

A very simple breakout board for the LM4970. This I2C device pulses LEDs in time with an analog source like music. Perfect for case mods and fun visual displays - Link.

This is a nice compact product from Olimex. MSP-Solar has a solar panel that outputs a moderate 80mA, but has a AA battery holder and step-up circuitry to 3.3V. What do you get? A simple renewable power supply - Link.
Spark Fun Electronics - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 03:21 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (1)
DIY auto vacuum system

This is clever, Bob's vacuum system turns on whenever he uses his wood working machines...
Woodworker Bob Neidorff bought a vacuum to collect the chips and sawdust from his shop equipment, and plumbed it to the vacuum ports on his power tools and to his homemade vacuum hose ports. But then, he had to turn it on and off every time he used a machine. That is, until he built this gadget. A torroidal power transformer and a handful of electronics detects the load current of the machines involved and controls the vacuum automatically. Now whenever the chips are flying, they're heading for the vac.
Case #98: Bob Solved His Chip Problem - 2/26/2007 - Design News - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 01:12 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (2)
Gennette Bruce's countdown timer

Great PIC project, source and schematic included --
When the unit is turned on the last used starting count, minutes 0-99, seconds 0-59, is showing on the display. The start count is held in data EEPROM of the PIC16F84. Countdown starts when the start button is pressed. An alarm is sounded when the count reaches zero. The alarm continues until start is pressed again. This press also returns the starting count to the display. Pressing start before reaching zero also returns to starting conditions.The start count can be changed if the set button is pressed before countdown. Each digit is lit in turn, incrementing from zero until the set button is pressed again. The new start count is saved in EEPROM after the final press of the set button.
There are 15 settable start counts. You cycle through them using the select pushbutton. The set button changes only the starting count presently displayed.
Gennette Bruce's countdown timer - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 08:49 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (1)
HOW TO - Custom function key box


David sent in how to convert an old PC Keyboard into a custom function key box
uC Hobby » Blog Archive » Custom Function Key Box - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 07:44 AM
Computers, DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (0)
Two sided PCB using toner method

Jmengel shows another way to make two-sided PCBs at home --
This instructable assumes that you know how to generate a layout file using Eagle PCB or similar layout program. I use the toner transfer method of making PCB's (printed circuit boards) much like many others. The basic idea is to use a glossy paper, print the PCB design on the paper using a laser printer, and to use a hot iron to transfer the toner to the copper. I use the glossy paper that they have behind the counter at Kinko's. Go to Kinko's and ask for some sheets of their glossy laser paper, which is really cheap (about 5 cents a sheet). Some people advocate using glossy inkjet photo paper, but I think this is a waste and the cheap glossy laser paper comes off easier.Anyway, once you have your design and paper, you will need to print the design. The key here is to mirror the top layer so that it will come out correct once transferred to the copper board. It can also help to include alignment marks (the T shaped things in the pic) beyond the edge of your PCB to help you align the two layers.
Two sided PCB using toner method - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 04:59 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (0)
Be a Scientist: Bottle electricity

Kiteman shows you how to make a Leyden Jar -an early form of capacitor from at 35mm film cannister.
Be a Scientist: Bottle Electricity - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 12:34 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Science |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
DIY Bluetooth accelerometer

College Of Computing @ Georgia Tech have a great DIY Bluetooth accelerometer, source and schematic included --
This is a small wireless sensor platform providing a bluetooth SPP link to three axes of accelerometer data. The accelerometers are sampled by a PIC microcontroller (onboard ADC) at roughly 100Hz (rate can be changed via firmware). Data from the ADC conversion is sent to a remote computer using the PIC's UART in conjunction with a drop-in bluetooth serial part. Even with two dual-axis accelerometers onboard there are up to 17 free I/O lines and two additional ADC channels depending on the device configuration. Three sockets provide access to all PIC signals. Over-the-air programming allows for easy firmware updates and rapid prototyping without the need to have a PIC programmer or special cable. Schematics, parts lists, and firmware sources are available online.
Contextual Computing Group: Bluetooth Accelerometer - [via] Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 26, 2007 12:01 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Wireless |
Permalink
| Comments (0)
February 25, 2007
Slime-o-tron


Eric, Kell and Roberto made a really fun musical instrument - it's homemade conductive slime (graphite) hooked up to a MIDItron @ tranzducer.
Slime-o-tron Link.
Related:
MIDItron - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 25, 2007 01:59 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (0)
February 23, 2007
MAKE Daisy open source MP3 player reviewed

Jonny over at NippyChips reviewed our MAKE Daisy open source MP3 player -
This is a great little MP3 player and was a blast to put together, and fit into the neat case that I found. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in electronics. The kit makes the whole process simple, and a great weekend project. The Daisy also is open source, so if you are an avid programmer, and have a PIC re-programmer the source is available. What makes this kit so neat is that you have a fully functioning MP3 player when you are done soldering. All you need is to format an SD card, add on some music, and plug the little Daisy into a power source. It will automatically start playing, and you can add buttons for all the functions you need. I can't count the amount of people that question why I'm carrying a Tyco RC remote controller, and why headphones are plugged into it? When I tell them that I built an MP3 player inside, I get looks of disbelief. They think that I just took an Ipod or something and shoved it inside. Then I take off the back cover of the controller, and show them what's inside. To see my experience of assembly and case modification read on...NippyChips › Content › Daisy MP3 Player - Link.
Related:

Daisy MP3 Player - Build your own. Daisy is an easy-to-build, pocket-sized open source MP3 player. - Link & get it at the Maker store.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 23, 2007 05:20 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Kits, Music |
Permalink
| Comments (2)
MintyBoost, Ziemaginations style

One of benefits of stocking open source hardware kits @ the Maker store is you can always improve upon the design or just do something slightly different - so here's a modification to the MintyBoost kit using a new boost converter chip to squeeze out even more juice. Ziemaginations writes -
...the most apparent change is instead of using the MAX756 boost converter chip, mine uses the newer MAX1675 boost converter. The biggest difference is in size, with the MAX1675 being many many times smaller. Also, this new chip does not require the use of an external diode to protect against reverse current (or whatever it did on the original Mintyboost, I did not look into it very much), increasing efficency by eliminating a major source of a voltage drop. All this adds up to a theoretical increase in efficency of up to 10%. The Mintyboost was rated at about 82%-84%, depending on the parts used. This chip is capable of up to 94%, but I lack the materials to verify that for myself. Also, my board design is single sided, allowing for easier fabrication at home. The single sided design, while easier, also removes the ability to add low battery LEDs...MintyBoost, Ziemaginations style - [via] Link.
Related:

Minty Boost Kit
Everything you need to make your own small & simple, but very powerful USB charger for your mp3 player, camera, cell phone, and any other gadget you can plug into a USB port to charge! Uses 2 AA batteries (not included), more than doubles your iPod 4G/5G battery life! - Link & get it at the Maker store.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 23, 2007 03:10 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
Permalink
| Comments (5)
Color codes...

If you spend a lot of your time with resistors, this is funny.
xkcd - A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language - By Randall Munroe - Thanks Brian! Link.
Related:
- What are the most important charts, formulas... - Link.
- Read color coded resistors - Link.
- HOW TO - How to read a resistor (PDF) - Link.
- Resistor Color Bands - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 23, 2007 11:41 AM
Electronics |
Permalink
| Comments (5)
RS-232 to USB conversion

Yazz writes -
Here's a RS-232 to USB Conversion Module. I just was studying for the General Class Amateur Radio exam using a the Gordon West book (GWGM-04) and its full of URL's to Amateur related gear and sites. This one item caught my eye and I though some Maker's could find some uses for it.
U-232 - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 23, 2007 08:57 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
Permalink
| Comments (5)
FlukeBLS - The adventures of Uber-Tech, Ultra-Super Guy

This will be interesting for the electronics makers out there - everyone knows that Fluke makes some of the best ($$$$) multimeters, but what everyone doesn't know is they have videos called "The adventures of Uber-Tech, Ultra-Super Guy".
It's sorta campy, but I thought it was funny to see such a high quality video all about a multimeter.
FlukeBLS - The blue lip special - [via] Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 23, 2007 12:02 AM
Electronics |
Permalink
| Comments (3)
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