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Archive: Electronics
August 8, 2008
Slide rule clock prototype
Mitch writes in about Greg Blonder, who made this prototype slide rule clock with LEGO Mindstorms. The positioning of the two rules makes up the hours and minutes. I like the idea of sketching in a platform like Mindstorms; it sure beats building an entire custom circuit just for a proof-of-concept prototype.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 8, 2008 11:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, LEGO |
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Wooden MP3 player won't give you splinters
This giant wooden Zen stone sports 4GBs of MP3 storage and a nice interface homage to the ipod. Of course this would need to be sanded very well otherwise you would most likely get MP3 splinters when trying to advance tracks.
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Aug 8, 2008 04:00 AM
Electronics, Green, Music |
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August 7, 2008
Breathalyzer microphone
My friend Randy at the fffffatlab made this breathalyzer microphone:
The breathalyzer microphone is a system for the inconscpicuous collection of blood-alcohol content level data sets. In other words, you can measure a person’s sobriety with a device, that for all intents and purposes, looks no different than a standard microphone.
He has also created full step-by-step instructions for the project. I can see it applied in addition to the regular microphone to weight your karaoke score based on how much you've had to drink.
More:
Arduino breathalyzer controls video game
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 7, 2008 07:00 PM
Arduino, Culture jamming, DIY Projects, Electronics, Instructables |
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Vital threads biofeedback apparel
The above video interview with Sean Montgomery was recorded at the recent Last HOPE conference where Mr. Montgomery exhibited his line of 'Vital Threads' projects.
These wearable devices display realtime biological sensor data as visible (and boldly fashionable) adornment. Included in the collection - the Heart-on Shirt which pulses light in sync with Electrocardiogram readings, the Truth Wristband - displaying galvanic skin response as light/color (literally illuminating the "Truth"), and the Thinking Cap which conveys the wearer's brainwave spectrum via an RGB LED brain shaped dome-hat.
There is likely no more direct way to express the 'inner self' via clothing - Vital Threads
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Aug 7, 2008 10:59 AM
Arts, Electronics, Wearables |
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Build a blind spot detection system for your car
When you are driving, you've probably had a few mishaps with the "blindspot" where you barely avoid hitting someone when changing lanes. This maker decided that this was an easy problem to fix so they created a custom BlindSpot Detection System using an ATmega169 and a high intensity infrared light to detect approaching cars. Does it work? Well he says you probably shouldn't rely on it over your instincts, but at least it's a step in the right direction.
In-Vehicle Blind Spot Detection System
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Aug 7, 2008 06:00 AM
Electronics, Transportation |
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August 6, 2008
Felt knobs
Custom audio interfaces and handmade amps are great, but I've always found regular knobs to be quite boring and impersonal, so I made these felt knobs to enhance the fuzziness factor a bit, and embellished them with embroidery floss indicator lines. They're just wool around regular knobs, so there's no sacrifice in performance, just festive colors and a soft touch.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 6, 2008 07:00 PM
Arts, Crafts, Electronics |
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RGB "brain machinuino"
At ladyada's tea party, user mtbf0 has posted details of his RGB brain machine powered by a Boarduino.
...it generates a base frequency at 200Hz. Offset frequencies of 201Hz-217Hz in 1Hz increments can be selected giving binaural beats in the range of 1Hz-17Hz. The LEDs are controlled by comparing the phases of the base and offset waveforms, so although the code's a little hairier than Mitch's, adding new frequencies is easy.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Aug 6, 2008 04:00 PM
Arduino, Electronics, Kits |
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Review - The VCO Chip Cookbook
If you're interested in building an analog synthesizer then the VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) circuit is the best place to start. Oscillators form the core of the instrument, generating basic waveforms which are then shaped and shifted by accompanying components like LFOs, VCAs, and filters and then delivered to our ears as tasty electronic audio candy.
I recently picked up a copy of synth-designer Thomas Henry's VCO Chip cookbook from SMS Electronics. The 100+ page book covers three chips - the 566, 8038, and XR-2206 function generator. The cookbook covers several recipes for attaining sine, triangle, and square waves from each chip with difficulties ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced-worthy. As a bonus, instructions for some unusual wave-shapers (rampoid, anyone?) and basic test devices are drawn out as well. Most of the plans included are intended for use with a +/-15V power supply. It's also worth mentioning that the 566 and 8038 IC's are no longer manufactured but can be purchased via ebay, and several rare/surplus electronics dealers.
I sat down and assembled one of the XR circuits on a breadboard in about an hour. Once I had things powered up and oscillating, I removed the pitch control potentiometer and replaced it with a couple force-sensing resistors which I'd been waiting to put to good use. You can see the scratchtastic results below -
It's refreshing to have a nice spiral bound manual at the workbench instead of referring to the multitude of webpages and printouts I'd begrudgingly grown used to. I found Henry's explanations and schematics easy to follow and I plan on using that XR-2206 circuit for a few upcoming projects.
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Aug 6, 2008 01:00 PM
Electronics, Music, Reviews |
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Mintyboost v2.0 is out
The incomparable ladyada tells us:
The next version of the Mintyboost is done and documented. This time it's based on the LT1302 chip instead of the MAX756, which can provide up to 600mA (although I've found that with 2xAA's it doesn't really go past 450mA). The layout was also improved for better efficiency. The upgrade was necessary as the latest Apple products really need a lot of current to charge and hopefully they will work better now!
Kit Upgrade! Mintyboost v2.0 is 2x better
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Aug 6, 2008 12:00 PM
Electronics, iPod, Kits |
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Fun with POV and Lissajous figures
This week, EMS Labs has a nifty piece on Lissajous figures which Windell was able to generate using an LED display on one of the EMS Labs' breakout board business cards suspended from an oscillation rig built from a file folder frame, wooden dowels, and BBQ skewers.
Lissajous figures are interesting curves that occur in systems where oscillation happens in more than one direction, for example when a pendulum hanging from a string moves in its plane. The "standard" way to play with Lissajous figures is on an oscilloscope, and the easy way is of course in a web app, but there is also something to be said for a demo that you can hold in your hands. In what follows, we build a simple apparatus that takes a persistence of vision approach to displaying Lissajous figures.
A simple persistence of vision approach to Lissajous figures
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Aug 6, 2008 11:00 AM
Electronics, Imaging, Science |
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Build: An Electrified Zoetrope from recycled parts
This time we are going to be making a Zoetrope from a bunch of junk. What is a Zoetrope? Here is what I found on Wikipedia:
The earliest elementary zoetrope was created in China around 180 AD by the prolific inventor Ting Huan.
It consists of a cylinder with slits cut vertically in the sides. Beneath the slits on the inner surface of the cylinder is a band which has either individual frames from a video/film or images from a set of sequenced drawings or photographs. As the cylinder spins the user looks through the slits at the pictures on the opposite side of the cylinders' interior.
You should be able to make the Zoetrope from found or recycled parts. If you can't salvage parts like a motor or potentiometer, you local electronics shop should have them in stock.
Finding parts:
Remember all those toys the kids have outgrown, or the VCR your neighbor threw out. They all contain switches, motors and wires. It can be a lot of fun scavenging for parts. Just be careful, things like TV's and computers can have high voltages even when they are unplugged. Only scavenge for parts if you know what you are doing. In general, kids toys that are battery operated are fairly safe to rip apart.
This build is a general guide to making a Zoetrope. Make adjustments depending on what parts you find, or purchase. If you make your own Zoetrope, post it in the MAKE Flickr photo pool and send me an email. Thanks!
Supplies you need:
- (1) Old CD - Think AOL, or any demo disk
- (1) CD spindle case
- Paper - Black & white [you can paint the paper black too!]
- Small Eraser
- (1) Motor - Scavenged from a kids toy
- (1) Switch - Again, scavenged
- Some wire
Tools you need:
- Scissors
- X-Acto knife - Be careful!
- Soldering Iron
- Rosin core solder
Part 1: Finding the parts
The first thing you do is acquire some old or broken electronics to scavenge for parts. You can find a motor in many kids toys. If you don't have kids, or know any kids, then just go to the dollar store and buy something with a small electric motor. Hopefully it will have a few switches and batteries too. I bough a small orange fan for $1, and it didn't work at all. Technically the fan would spin, but there wasn't any air movement. It's a perfect candidate for ripping apart.
Disassemble the fan, or what ever recycled toy you have. A lot of times the screws are hidden under stickers so check there if it doesn't open easily.
When I was done I was able to salvage (2) AA batteries, (1) small light bulb, a nice motor, some wire and a lanyard. I'll keep whatever I don't use for another project.
In my bin-parts I had a battery holder, which was scavenged a long time ago. It holds (4) AA batteries. I thought this would be perfect, but I had to cut it in 1/2 so it held (2) AA batteries.
A quick score with a razor blade, and I could snap it in half.
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Aug 6, 2008 01:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics, Green, Imaging, Something I want to learn to do..., Toys and Games, Virtual Worlds |
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August 5, 2008
Fabric gesture controller
I recognize the conductive stretch fabric used in this project from the Less EMF sample pack; it's luxurious and lovely to touch. Adrian Freed at the Center for New Music & Audio Technologies at UC Berkeley made this multitouch gesture controller:
The fabric is stretched in an embroidery hoop and draped over an inverted circular bowl. A piece of conductive plastic cut in a special shape forms a corolla on the surface of the bowl. The tips of each petal are folded inside the bowl and taped with conducting adhesive copper tape. The microcontroller board measures the electrical resistances of these petals from their tip to a common center established with a conductor at the flat of the bowl. As the conductive stretchable fabric (the “calyx” to complete the flower analogy) is displaced towards the bowl it shorts out different lengths of each conductive plastic petal. The result is a circular array of nearly mass-less displacement sensors. The gesture-to-displacement relationship changes according to distance from the center of the bowl (variable “gearing)”. This allows for several different playing styles.
I can't wait to see learn more about this, particularly a video of it in action. Via Hackaday.
More:
Posted by Becky Stern |
Aug 5, 2008 07:00 PM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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Battery is a stand...
Simple idea, but I like it -- the LCD CLOCK ZER00:00 BUTTERFLY uses the battery as its stand, plugs right in to the PCB via Book of Joe.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Aug 5, 2008 12:02 PM
Electronics, Gadgets |
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OLED watch looks just like the original
Here's a nice how-to on building a basic OLED wrist watch modeled after the real (analog) version. Lots of nice details here including the PCB designs and info about the ARM7 processor driven circuit. Check out the details at the link below along with some bonus info about a Guitar hero whammy bar mod this maker built.
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Aug 5, 2008 05:00 AM
Computers, DIY Projects, Electronics, Wearables |
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Hacker's soldering station
Adam from Hack a Day posted a very helpful write-up describing how to setup a well-equpped soldering station for cheap. Great ideas for inexpensive tip-cleaning and a very affordable fume hood among others -
A good soldering station and fume extractor is a must for anyone interested in hacking and modding, but not everyone can afford the expensive professional models on the market. This How-To and the tips within it will guide you through the process of building an inexpensive homebrew fume hood complete with built-in time and temperature controlled soldering station and all the soldering tools you need.- How-To: The Hacker's Soldering Station
More:
How to: candy tin fume extractor
MAKE:it - Electronic Makers Toolkit
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Aug 5, 2008 05:00 AM
Electronics, Toolbox |
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Modify a webcam into a space telescope
Here's a pretty cool tutorial on how to mod a Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 to use as a mini telescope to monitor the stars and take pictures (aka "astro imaging") of the view. Check out the step by step instructions at the link below.
Instructions for Converting Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 for Telescope Use
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Aug 5, 2008 04:00 AM
Computers, Electronics, Imaging |
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Hot PCB lasering action
From the MAKE Flickr photo pool
Macetech shares some fast action footage from his PCB fabbing process -
This is a video running at 4X speed, illustrating the etching process I'm using. The paint is removed from the copper-clad PCB in an Epilog laser cutter. After a wipedown with alcohol to remove any paint dust, the PCB is etched in ferric chloride solution.- Laser Etching PCB
More:
HOW TO - Use a laser to etch PCBs (printed circuit boards)
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Aug 5, 2008 04:00 AM
Electronics, Something I want to learn to do... |
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SuperSoaker Car Organ
This really does give a whole new meaning to "drive-by shooting". If only all drive-by's involved SuperSoakers and Arduino's. This is a collaborative piece between our own Jonah Brucker-Cohen, Katherine Moriwaki, and Basurama. You can check out the SuperSoaker Car Organ August 8, 2008 at RUS (Urban Solid Waste) exhibition, Miami, Florida, USA.
The "SuperSoaker Car Organ" was built with the entire right side paneling of a Toyota 4Runner SUV that was mounted on wooden beams from the back that supported its weight. The outside panel was created with red duct tape and conductive aluminum foil tape to serve as a large-scale circuit board attached to the switches controlling the instruments and the inputs to turn on the lights. An Arduino controlled the lighting sequences when it sensed input from the closed switches and triggered a blinking pattern that went off in timed intervals.
Read more about the SuperSoaker Car Organ
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Aug 5, 2008 03:00 AM
Arduino, Arts, Electronics |
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DIY: LED Matrix "Fancy LED's"
This would be a great project for anyone interesting in learning about PIC programming. I really like the graphical interface for designing your own patterns. You can download the schematics and source code form the website.
The idea of this project came from my youngest son. He was dreaming of a small tool able to write symbols or pictures on a screen. As a graphic LCD (even bought at Crownhill :) ) was too expensive (or too easy??), the solution adopted was to pilot a matrix of Leds. This way, with only some cheap transistors, common red Leds, and a 16F628 , the dream could become reality.
Read more about the Fancy LED's [About Microcontroller]
Update:
Read anachrocomputer's comments below if you plan on making this project! [Thanks anachrocomputer]
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Aug 5, 2008 02:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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August 4, 2008
DIY: Garage Door Monitor
We have had a few posts about monitoring your garage door, but this one is a little bit different. The build cost $.05 and only took an afternoon to complete. Of course that all depends on whether or not you have a server, a fair amount of coding skills, and a few spare parts lying around.
The door is opened by remote control and, as we've found on numerous occasions already, it's all too easy to inadvertently hit the remote and open the door without realizing or just forget to close it. More than once we've woken up and found that the door has been wide open all night long; the fact that we haven't lost any tools or equipment because of this astounds me.
Read more about making your own Garage Door Monitor
More
HOW TO - Make a garage monitor
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Aug 4, 2008 03:00 AM
DIY Projects, Electronics |
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