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Archive: Electronics
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November 3, 2006
Weekend physical computing DIY: Strip an inkjet printer for parts
Peter writes - "Since receiving my Arduino I've found myself looking at technology a little differently. As your post-production skills increase you tend to watch videos thinking: "I could do that", or "I could do that if someone gave me lots of money and got out of my way". In my post-Arduino life I now look at technology and think either, "I wonder how I could interface my arduino with that," or "I wonder if anyone will mind if I pull that apart."
My partner in crime from Australia, James Loveday, disassembled an old inkjet for parts. It always seemed like a good idea to me and is well-known as a source of stepper motors, but lay out all the parts, and you'll see there are lots of usable bits, the couple of motors being only the beginning!" - Link.
Old: When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
New: When you have a micro-controller, everything looks like parts.
Related:
- Procuring Electronic Components - Link.
- Procuring lowtech sensors and actuators - Link.
- Inexpensive and abundant LEDs - Link.
- Dumpster World - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Link.
Arduino @ MAKE:
From the pages of MAKE:
- Arduino Fever - The tale of a cute, blue microcontroller that fits nicely in the palm of your hand, and the expanding community of developers who love and support it. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 3, 2006 06:43 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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Arduino stamp & evaluation board for MSP430F417
SparkFun just dropped a few new items, here are a couple I thought looked good...
Arduino Stamp: Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple i/o board and a development environment that implements the Processing/Wiring language. Arduino can be used to develop stand-alone interactive objects or can be connected to software on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP). The open-source IDE can be downloaded for free (currently for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux).
This is the new, smaller, Arduino Stamp with ATmega168 (double memory size of the standard Arduino ATmega8). This device is quite a bit smaller and requires an external serial connection for programming. Because this is a new device, the price is higher than the larger NG board. Board comes fully assembled and tested with ATMega168 pre-loaded with bootloader. - Link.
Evaluation Board for MSP430F417: This is the second generation development/prototype board for the MSP430F417 processor. Comes with battery power supply circuit, buzzer, new specialized LCD display, crystal oscillator circuit, JTAG port, LEDs, 2 larger Buttons, RS232 interface, and extension ports - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 3, 2006 05:08 PM
Electronics |
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HOW TO - Add a laptop keyboard LED
Sprite_tm has a great how-to on adding a LED to his laptop, it's activated by tapping the caps lock key, nicely done! [via] - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 3, 2006 02:51 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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BITSCOPE - DIY PC Oscilloscopes and analyzers
Here's another DIY PC oscilloscopes one of our MAKE readers sent in, the BITSCOPE -
"The original award winning BitScope design was published in Circuit Cellar in 1998. This classic BitScope is published here so you can learn how it works. BitScope has evolved a long way since 1998 but all BitScopes are still based on the same Analog + Digital concept of the original design.
Released as kits, BitScope BS220 and BS300 became very popular with electronics enthusiasts the world over. We have since been forced to discontinue the kits as some through-hole parts used are obsolete.
The current models BS310, BS50 and BS442 are now all SMT designs and have become very popular with professional engineers in design and development, manufacture, testing and service fields.
Now all models are available as manufactured products but the core design at the heart of all these BitScopes remains the same and is published at this website.
Likewise the BitScope Virtual Machine programming API is explained and its specifications published so anyone can write software for BitScope or build their own add-on modules." Thanks Anomalous! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 3, 2006 01:46 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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ArtBots robots - art bots made from computer mice
Chris writes - "This is my version of cCarlito's "La Coccinelle" robot that works great and is so simple to build, I solder all the wires to the various components and my students (7 year olds) simple attach together the like colored wires with twist nuts or tape then fill with hot glue to hold it all inside the mouse body." - Link.
Related:
From the pages of MAKE:
- Mousey the Junkbot - With a few spare parts, you can turn an old computer mouse into an amusing robot. MAKE 02 - Page 96. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 3, 2006 06:43 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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Getting started in electronics - Forrest M. Mims
Here's a good series of books that our Makers send in from time to time for learning electronics (got others you enjoy? post in the comments) -
Begin With the Basics - Learn about static electricity and how to make magnets and solenoids. Find out about direct current and alternating current. Then learn about electrical circuits that use batteries and lamps.
Basic Electronic Components - Find out how switches, relays, meters, resistor, capacitors, transformers are used.
Diodes and Transistors - These components are they key ingredients to modern electronic circuits. Find out what they do and how they work.
Integrated Circuits - From dozens to many thousands of electronic components can be formed on tiny chips of silicon.
Digital Integrated Circuits - Learn the basics about digital logic gates using switches and transformers.
Linear Integrated Circuits - Linear circuits respond to only the presence or absences of voltage. Linear circuits respond to a wide range of voltages giving them many applications.
Circuit Assembly Tips - Learn how to use electronic components to make temporary circuits and permanent circuits using wire and solder.
100 Electronic Circuits - Now you're ready to build any or even all of the 100 tested and working circuits included in the book. The categories of circuits include basic, photonic, digital, and linear.
Getting started in electronics - Link.
Related:
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 3, 2006 12:12 AM
Electronics, MAKE Playlist |
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November 2, 2006
ScopeOnPC - Turn your PC into a an oscilloscope
If you have a paralelle port and make this ADC converter, you can have an oscilloscope - " ScopeOnPC is a software that uses the PC parallel port and an ADC (Analog To Digital converter) circuit to turn your PC into a full featured oscilloscope"
- Sampling Rate 100K Samples per second
- -5 V To +5V Input Range
- -50V To +50V Olerload Protection
- 8 Bit Resolution
- Scope Timebases:100uS/Div To 100mS/Div
- Scope Volts/Div: 100mV/Div To 5V/Div
- Works with ANY parallel port
Related:
- PIC Based Oscilloscope with LCD - Link.
- Low cost oscilloscope - Link.
- Using an Oscilloscope - Link.
- HOW TO - Using an oscilloscope - Link.
- Oscilloscope alarm clock project... - Link.
- HOW TO - Making a hard drive laser oscilloscope - Link.
- Single-digit Nixie, Oscilloscope CRT a Weston ... - Link.
From the pages of MAKE:
- Welcome to the Fab Lab - Neil Gershenfeld shows us that personal fabrication can be fabulous. The teacher of MIT's course "How to Make (Almost) Anything" gives us a tour of the Boston fab lab, one of a growing network of field labs all over the world. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
- The Maker's Ultimate Tools - The tools we use -- or wish we could get our hands on. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 2, 2006 10:22 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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"iTunes" jukebox - a physical playlist device
I really like this DIY jukebox from student @ the Physical Computing class at the Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) / NYU - "Welcome to the iTunes Jukebox, a cartridge-based physical interface to iTunes. Using the iTunes Jukebox, during a party you can play your mp3s remotely instead of being chained to your computer. The jukebox is a small tower that houses several jewel cases. As the jewel cases are interchanged, the jukebox communicates with iTunes, changing the songs on demand. In essence, the jukebox allows users to create a physical playlist of their mp3s.
How you use it
Take one of the "cartridges" (an electronically enhanced jewel case), and insert it in an empty slot in the iTunes Jukebox (an electronically enhanced CD tower). The tower is connected to the iTunes software on your computer, and as soon as you insert a jewel case, the song or set of songs associated with that case begins to play." Schematics and code included - [via] - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 2, 2006 09:22 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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RFID Workshop -Mediamatic
Mediamatic has a RFID workshop running from 14-16th November in Amsterdam. -
"RFID & The Internet of Things is a workshop for a maximum of 16 designers and artists who want to learn more about RFID and its possible (cultural) effects and uses. In this workshop you'll make your own prototype where the virtual and the real world come together by using rfid tools. You can try out the rfid technology and develop first layouts of possible applications, alternative uses and hacks. During the workshop participants can mould their ideas into working prototypes, allowing them to partake in the whole process; from 'idea' to (potential) 'product'. Workshop projects may range from new ways to personalise objects, to funny new locative applications or world-wide new sustainability scenario's. Mediamatics' RFID powered Symbolic Table as well as the Nokia 3220 RFID phone will be amongst the available tools for participants to use, test and play their ideas on." - [via] - Link.
Related RFID on the MAKE:
- DEFCON RFID World record attempt... - Link.
- Interview with RFID implanter - Link.
- Fun with RFID aka Researchers see privacy pitfalls in ... - Link.
- HOW TO - Homemade RFID reader - Link.
- RFID door - Link.
- DIY RFID-Zapper... - Link.
- RFID enabled flame shooting trampoline - Link.
- MAKE VIDEO PODCAST - Getting "Chipped" - Interviews ... - Link.
- Build Your Own RFID Reader - Link.
- Build a RFID reader/capturer/cloner - Link.
- RFID Keyboard, safe - RFIDToys... - Link.
- Logging into Windows XP using RFID - Link.
From the pages of MAKE:
- RFID for Makers - 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 |
Nov 2, 2006 07:13 PM
Electronics, Events |
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HOW TO - Furby Hijack
MAKE group member Leevonk has a great Instructable on franken-modding a Furby... he writes -
"I took control of a furby's body using a PIC16F877 microcomputer. Videos on last step.
The furby's in-built sensors and actuators:
light sensor,
IR sensor,
IR transmitter,
tongue touch sensor,
belly touch sensor,
microphone,
speaker.
The furby's main (and only) motor was dead, so I added other motors." - Link.
Related:
- Circuit bent Furby - Link.
- Furby goes Godzilla - video... - Link.
- New Furby Hacking : Part 1 : Skinning... - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 2, 2006 03:12 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Instructables |
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12 Pikachu circuit bent orchestra
There isn't a sound sample -yet- but check out these photos of a 12 modded Pikachu circuit bent orchestra! [via] - Link.
Related:
From the pages of MAKE:
- Circuit Bending - Modify a Casio keyboard (or other electronic audio stuff) and start playing some of the strangest sounds you've ever heard. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 2, 2006 12:32 PM
Electronics, Made On Earth, Music |
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Carlito's Contraptions: La Cucaracha - BEAM robot
Carlito writes - "This is a small and very simple robot that requires no electronics. It is inspired on La Coccinelle. They both work according to the same principle, but their bodies and wheels are different. Also mine uses rechargeable batteries so I don't need to buy new ones after just a few hours of usage." [via] - Link.
Related:
Solarbotics - Link.
BEAM robot - flashing eyes - Link.
Robotics @ MAKE - Link.
From the pages of MAKE:
- A Beginner's Guide to BEAM - The BEAM design approach creates nimble robots from simple components, with no programming required. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 2, 2006 01:23 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Robotics |
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| Comments (2)
November 1, 2006
Alphatronics Electronic Supply
Last Saturday, when I needed to buy a bunch of electronic parts for a project that I had to have for Monday, I went to Alphatronics in Tukwila. The electronics supply store is a stone's throw from Seattle and they had everything I needed. Chuck, my helpful salesperson dragged me around the store showing me where things are. I was tempted by kits and random parts and the case of used equipment. When I mentioned that I was going to be upgrading my soldering iron, Chuck pulled a couple of his own older soldering irons out of the back room and sold me one right on the spot at a very reasonable price.
Now, if you need things cheap and can be patient, you're better off getting the mouser or digikey catalogs, but sometimes I just need to browse parts and chat with someone who can explain linear potentiometers and that's the beauty of alphatronics.
If anyone can find a website, let me know and I'll gladly link to it. Otherwise you'll just have to go to 1073 Andover Park in Tukwila and check them out for yourself. If you the lowdown on any other cool places to get materials in Seattle, send me an email at bre@makezine.com or drop me a note in the comments. Where do you get your materials?
Posted by Bre Pettis |
Nov 1, 2006 03:49 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (11)
Jack-O-Laser of Doom
Vatosupreme writes - "Ok, I thought the Laser Vortex was the coolest Halloween project yet. So this project pays homage to it. For my project, however I needed to make it small and portable to fit into a pumpkin. I also needed to make the laser and spinning mirror all 1 unit. So with a couple of mods, the Jack-o-Laser of Doom was born. I got one of those smoke machines at Target for 20 bucks and it is not the greatest but I think the effect is cool.. This would work better inside because the smoke dissapates outside due to the wind. My wife wasn't as excited about putting this in the house as i was so.... Its on the porch." - Link & entered in the MAKE/CRAFT contest!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Nov 1, 2006 04:24 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Halloween, Holiday projects, Instructables |
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October 31, 2006
HOW TO - Make a remote power control for battery powered devices
Pronteon shows how to make a remote power control for battery powered devices... - "Thin conductors on both sides of a thin insulator are connected by wires to a remote switch. Slide it between the batteries. It breaks the connection until the switch is turned on. In this case, the battery powered loud and obnoxious talking halloween skull was the face of Leaf Boy, a leaf stuffed guy. Too much trouble to get to the power switch, so he needed a power switch on a wire. Also it would make him shut the heck up until someone was in the right spot for him to yell at them." - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Oct 31, 2006 03:54 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Halloween, Holiday projects, Instructables |
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October 30, 2006
Spooky Arduino Projects #4, and Musical Arduino
Todbot writes - "The notes for the fourth and final class are up on the Spooky Arduino class page... a quick project using techniques from this week's class that turns an Arduino board and a few buttons and piezos into a MIDI drum kit or scary sound trigger. Hide piezo sensors around the house during your Halloween party to trigger scary sounds when people walk around! At the end of the class, Mark of Machine Project bestowed upon each of the students a merit badge. It was great. Click above for a larger view of the badge." - Link.
This looks like it was an incredible series of classes - outstanding work Todbot! and congrats to all the students!
Related:
- Spooky arduino projects (photo set) - Link.
- Spooky Arduinon Projects #3 - DIY Ambient orb-like project... - Link.
- Spooky Arduino projects #2 - Link.
- Spooky Projects - Introduction to microcontrollers ... - Link.
More:
- Arduino, the Basic Stamp killer? - Link.
- Arduino Fever - The tale of a cute, blue microcontroller that fits nicely in the palm of your hand, and the expanding community of developers who love and support it. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Oct 30, 2006 03:27 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (0)
October 29, 2006
Li'l Sparky - Miniature electric chair Halloween gadget
MAKE Flickr photo pool member Rob Cruickshank made an awesome miniature electric chair, the video is hilarious! He writes - "Putting the "cute" in "electrocute"! Powered by a 9v battery, it delivers just a little jolt. Endless possibilities for fun- imagine if the one who loses at Scrabble, or doesn't do the dishes has to go to "the chair"! Also good for trick-or-treaters who show up without a costume. " - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Oct 29, 2006 08:34 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Halloween, Holiday projects |
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| Comments (6)
October 26, 2006
ThinkSafe: A Magnetic Power Connector for Thinkpads (DIY Apple power connector!)
Outstanding, here's a DIY version of those fancy magnetic Apple power connectors, Breath writes - "My Thinkpad's power connection started getting flaky, so I made a magnetic connector that works just like Apple's MagSafe connectors. It's effective, cool-looking, and breaks away cleanly when kicked. I used common materials that I had around or could find at my local hardware store, so you should be able to duplicate my efforts.
These directions should work for any power connector that has the same basic design, if you make adaptations for differing sizes. See the second and third pictures in this step for a "before" portrait and a little bit of terminology.
This modification isn't destructive in any way, so it should be possible to restore your laptop to its original condition just by removing the pieces you've glued on. You can't use an unmodified power adapter once you've modded your laptop, but fortunately it's pretty easy to make the plug part, so you can make two or more spares." - Link.
Related:
- Join the MAKE Instructable group and post your projects! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Oct 26, 2006 04:22 PM
Computers, DIY Projects, Electronics, Instructables |
Permalink
| Comments (5)
AVR Robots (photos)
MAKE Flickr photo pool member Rbotguy uploaded a ton of really interesting homemade AVR based bots [via] - Link.
Related:
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Oct 26, 2006 09:34 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Robotics |
Permalink
| Comments (1)
HOW TO - Turn your EAGLE schematic into a PCB (Printed circuit boards)
Westfw writes - "In a previous Instructable, I provided an intro to schematic entry using CadSoft's EAGLE editor.
In this instructable, we'll make a printed circuit board from that schematic. I guess I should say that we'll make a PCB DESIGN; making the physical board is a different task, and there are a lot of tutorials on the net (and even some instructables) on making the board after you have the design." - Link.
Related PCB'ing:
- Make hobbyist PCBs with professional CAD tools by modifying "Design Rules" - Link.
- Draw Electronic Schematics with CadSoft EAGLE - Link.
- HOW TO - Make a custom library part in Eagle's CAD tool - Link.
- PCB making - Link.
- HOW TO - Direct to PCB ink jet resist printing.. - Link.
- HOW TO - Build a PCB router - Link.
- PCB Creation - Printed Circuit Boards for the Masses - Link.
- PCB etching - Link.
- PCB creation process - Link.
- Open source PCB design tools - Link.
- HOW TO - Make fantastic PCB's everytime - Link.
From the pages of MAKE:
- Printed Circuit Boards - Step-by-step instructions for making your own PCBs at home. MAKE 02 - Page 166. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Oct 26, 2006 08:25 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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| Comments (1)
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