MAKE Magazine: MAKE Podcast

Weekend Project: Fire Piston

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Make your own fire starter that uses compressed air and burns at 500 degrees!
Thanks to Bill Gurstelle for showing us this at Maker Faire.
To download The Fire Piston MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.
Pick up your own Fire Piston Kit in the Maker Shed.

Weekend Project: Potato Gatling Gun

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Here is a brand new version of the popular potato cannon built by the DeRose family
and shown at this years Maker Faire. Check out their website for more details.
To download The Potato Gatling Gun MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.

Weekend Project: Arduino Rumble Robots

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Learn how to modify the classic Rumble Robot toy with an Arduino. Thanks go to
Dino Segovis for this Weekend Project from Maker Faire.
To download The Arduino Rumble Robots MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.

Weekend Project: Frankenstein Prototypes

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Designing and offering a new invention usually requires making a model
of what you have created. Perry Kaye explains the art of Frankenstein Prototyping
and shows us a new invention and how he built it in this Weekend Project from Maker Faire.

MAKE Volume 18 - ReMake America (video)

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:00:04 -0800

Take a peek inside MAKE, Volume 18 in the preview video highlighting some of our favorite projects. It's all about remaking America with DIY energy, home and garden, and electronics projects. We're thrilled to bring you this collection of great projects, perfect for your summer MAKEcation.

You can start reading MAKE right now if you're a subscriber in our digital edition, or sign up and get going right away! Use code CMAKE to get $5 off!

Subscribe to MAKE in iTunes, or download the m4v or mov video.

Maker Faire Bay Area 2009 video montage featuring Shovelman

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:10:00 -0800

I'm really happy that I caught a performance by Isaac "Shovelman" Frankle at Maker Faire. It's amazing what you can do with a shovel, a few pedals, and a lot of talent. Check out Shovelman on MySpace. Hopefully he will have a CD soon! See you at the next Maker Faire!

Subscribe to the MAKE podcast | Download for iTunes

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Make: Projects - Thermochromic Maker's Notebook

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Here's an easy hack for your Maker's Notebook that's sure to get noticed: Buy some thermochromic liquid crystal (LC) film and attach it to the cover! Originally I bought LC film from US suppliers and tried gluing it on. I tested three different adhesives (3M Super77, DAP Weldwood Contact Cement, and Elmer's Craft Glue) and ruined one notebook and several pieces of film before discovering this self-adhesive LC film available from MUTR in the United Kingdom. (The 30x45cm size is necessary.) It works great! I cut two rectangles [5 3/8" (13.65 cm) x 6 7/8" (17.46 cm)] using a swing arm paper cutter, peeled off the protective backing, and carefully smoothed the film in place on both front and back covers, first with my fingers, and then using a rolling pin. See the video for some cool thermochromic effects.

Subscribe to the MAKE podcast in iTunes, or download the m4v file.

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This is Maker Faire - The world's largest DIY festival

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0800

A fast moving look at the best of Maker Faire 2009. If you love to MAKE, create, learn, invent, CRAFT, recycle, act up, think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, then start making plans for the next Maker Faire.

Next week: A new series of Weekend Projects from Maker Faire begins!

Not so lazy Sunday... $14 Video Camera Stabilizer

Sun, 31 May 2009 12:00:01 -0800

There's still time to start making or just watch this week's Weekend Project: $14 Video Camera Stabilizer. You can view the video here, or subscribe in iTunes to get all our Weekend Projects and PDFs delivered each week.

Weekend Project: $14 Video Camera Stabilizer

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:01:00 -0800

Make this low-cost camera stabilizer for smooth, professional looking video.
Thanks go to Johnny Lee for the original article in MAKE, Volume 01.
To download The $14 Video Camera Stabilizer MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.
Check out the complete $14 Video Camera Stabilizer article in MAKE, Volume 01.
and you can see that in our Digital Edition.

Weekend Project: $14 Video Camera Stabilizer (PDF)

Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Make this low-cost camera stabilizer for smooth, professional looking video.
Thanks go to Johnny Lee for the original article in MAKE, Volume 01.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.

Weekend Project: Super TV-B-Gone

Fri, 22 May 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Are you sick of blaring TV's? Wish you could do something about it?
Well you can with the this devious ultra-high-power version of the popular TV-B-Gone.
Watch the video to see it in action and pick up your own at the Maker Shed.
In the Maker Shed:

In the Maker Shed: Super TV-B-Gone kit
To download The Super TV-B-Gone MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.
Thanks to Mitch Altman for inventing this amazing gadget.

Making the Arduino EMF detector

Mon, 18 May 2009 06:00:40 -0800

Aaron ALAI's EMF detector project looked so simple and fun I had to give it a try. After putting it together, I liked it so much that I went and built a more 'meter-like' version using an LED bargraph -

Arduino code is available here.

As I mention in the vid, I was a bit concerned the wire probe might be affected by the LEDs I mounted nearby -- but from what I can tell, it still seems (relatively) accurate. A short walk around my workspace even revealed a few items I'd forgotten were plugged in - helpful! I'm sure there are many ways in which this project could be used/repurposed/modded - I plan on converting the readings to sound when I get the chance. If you make one be sure to submit a pic to the Flickr pool and/or send us a link.

Not so lazy Sunday...Mooftronic Mini Synth

Sun, 17 May 2009 12:00:01 -0800

There's still time to start making or just watch this week's Weekend Project: Mooftronic Mini Synth. You can view the video here, or subscribe in iTunes to get all our Weekend Projects and PDFs delivered each week.

Make: television Episode 10

Sat, 16 May 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Here's another chance to see Make: television - Episode 10

Visit SparkLab founder and designer Syuzi Pakhchyan, a maker who explores the new frontier of high tech and fashion with her space age handiwork. In the Workshop, John Park shows us how to build a guitar out of a piece of wood, some string, nails and a cigar box. Then he "makes it rock" by wiring it to a buck-fifty cassette-player amp. In a Hidden Treasures segment, Mister Jalopy opens up his Chevy Camaro's cassette player to show us the beauty and value of clear schematics for makers like him. The Maker Channel features a sunlight-triggered poem, a pedal-powered blender, a time lapse photography rig, and a handmade theremin.

Get the m4v, subscribe in iTunes, or watch in HD on Blip.

Weekend Project: Mooftronic Mini Synth

Fri, 15 May 2009 05:01:00 -0800

Make some crazy sounds from a teensy-tiny musical instrument.
Thanks go to Brian McNamara for the original article in MAKE, Volume 15.
To download The Mooftronic Mini Synth MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.

Check out the complete Mooftronic Mini Synth article in MAKE, Volume 15.
and you can see that in our Digital Edition.

Weekend Project: Mooftronic Mini Synth (PDF)

Fri, 15 May 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Make some crazy sounds from a teensy-tiny musical instrument.
Thanks go to Brian McNamara for the original article in MAKE, Volume 15.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.

Make: television on CreateTV

Wed, 13 May 2009 13:57:00 -0800

Create TV is a cable and satellite channel featuring cooking, arts & crafts, gardening, home improvement, and travel. We're proud that Make: is now among a long list of popular shows like America's Test Kitchen, Ask This Old House, and Globe Trekker.

For those of you don't have access to Make: through your public television stations, or who just want to see Make: in full HD glory, be sure to look up Create TV on your cable or satellite directory and watch.

Episode 10 - Wearable Technology
Saturday, May 16
11am, 5pm and 11pm ET

AND

Father's Day Make: Marathon
Saturday, June 20
All Day

Of course, you can always watch any episode, anytime at www.makezine.tv/episodes

ITP Spring Show 2009 video compilation

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:30:00 -0800

MAKE was at the ITP Spring Show 2009 earlier this week. This is a compilation video of just some of the cool projects that were on display. Later in the week I will be writing about some of my favorite projects in more detail.

Subscribe to the MAKE podcast | Download for iTunes

More about the ITP Spring Show 2009

In the Maker Shed:

Make: Arduino

Not so lazy Sunday... $10 Pseudoscope

Sun, 10 May 2009 12:00:01 -0800

There's still time to start making or just watch this week's Weekend Project: $10 Pseudoscope . You can view the video here, or subscribe in iTunes to get all our Weekend Projects and PDFs delivered each week.

Make: television Episode 9

Sat, 09 May 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Meet CCRMA, a group of musical makers who stretch the sonic boundaries by turning personal computers into an electronic symphony. In the Workshop, John Park hacks a Wii controller and turns it into a personal flight recorder that can measure the G forces of roller coasters and other high-speed activities. In the Toolbox segment, William Gurstelle demonstrates the slick, back-cutting action of a super-sharp Japanese saw. The Maker Channel features a tesla coil-powered guitar amp, an RFID reader implanted in a human hand, and LED fan sign to bring to baseball games, and a solar powered bicycle gondola.

Get the m4v, subscribe in iTunes, or what in HD on Blip.

Weekend Project: $10 Pseudoscope

Fri, 08 May 2009 05:01:00 -0800

Build an amazing optical toy that plays tricks on your brain.
Thanks go to Rob Hartmann for the original article in MAKE, Volume 05.
To download The $10 Pseudoscope MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.

Check out the complete $10 Pseudoscope article in MAKE, Volume 05 "$10 Pseudoscope"
and you can see that in our Digital Edition.

Weekend Project: $10 Pseudoscope (PDF)

Fri, 08 May 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Build an amazing optical toy that plays tricks on your brain.
Thanks go to Rob Hartmann for the original article in MAKE, Volume 05.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.

Getting to know the Gakken Theremin Premium

Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:57 -0800

I spent some time getting acquainted with the Gakken Premium Theremin and was pretty impressed with it, especially considering the relatively low price tag. Unlike most theremins this one runs off battery power, so an armband contact is used in place of an earth-ground reference.

The unit sports fine/coarse pitch & volume pots, 1/8" audio out jack, mounting thread for an instrument stand, built in speaker, and a master volume control. It's also worth noting that the antennae jacks are compatible with standard banana style plugs - which will likely come in handy for future experiments. The instrument is quite fun to use as is though I'm sure I'll open it up at some point for modding. If you've bent/modded/hacked a Theremin Premium, be sure to let us know in the comments or add a pic & info to the Flickr pool.

In the Maker Shed:

Gakken Theremin Premium

Not so lazy Sunday... Animal Detector

Sun, 03 May 2009 12:00:01 -0800

There's still time to start making or just watch this week's Weekend Project: Animal Detector . You can view the video here, or subscribe in iTunes to get all our Weekend Projects and PDFs delivered each week.

Weekend Project: Animal Detector

Sat, 02 May 2009 05:00:01 -0800

Make a varmint detecting webcam that captures rascally rabbits in your backyard.
Thanks go to Bob Goldstein for the original article in MAKE, Volume 17.
To download The Animal Detector MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.

Check out the complete Animal Detector article in MAKE, Volume 17 "Animal Detector"
and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
Check out animals caught on video at Bob Goldstein's blog.

Weekend Project: Animal Detector (PDF)

Sat, 02 May 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Make a varmint detecting webcam that captures rascally rabbits in your backyard.
Thanks go to Bob Goldstein for the original article in MAKE, Volume 17.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.

Make: television Episode 8

Sat, 02 May 2009 05:00:00 -0800

We journey upstream with environmentalist Dan McCormick, a maker who crafts intricate watershed sculptures out of woven willow. In the Workshop, John Park shows how to build lively and inexpensive miniature robots. Mister Jalopy reveals the hidden treasures of his "Compact Childhood Museum." The Maker Channel segment features French fries shot from a spud gun, freeline skates that ride like a skateboard, an Asteroids game wrist watch, and a motorized wheel chair that shoots flames.

Get the m4v, subscribe in iTunes, watch in HD on Blip

MAKE presents: The Diode

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:00:11 -0800

It's the simplest semiconductor device made. It's technology ushered in the age of radio. Say hello to the electronic valve that rectifies and regulates - the diode!

Download the m4v file or subscribe in iTunes

As per usual, making this installment of the series taught me quite a few things. Prior to reading up on the diode, I wasn't aware how closely its development was tied to the birth of radio - and just how finicky crystal detectors can be. I had a crystal demo in mind for this one, but it seems temperature and humidity hampered efforts to use my newly acquired galena samples. Oh well, more to come ... Fortunately there is a good example of a DIY razorblade diode in Bre's Foxhole Radio vid - good stuff.

And just in case you've missed any past installments of the MAKE presents vids, here they are in a big ol' stack format -

MAKE presents: The Transistor

MAKE presents: The Capacitor

MAKE presents: The Resistor

MAKE presents: The LED

Not so lazy Sunday... Weekend Project - Strung Out

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:00:01 -0800

There's still time to start making or just watch this week's Weekend Project: Strung Out . You can view the video here, or subscribe in iTunes to get all our Weekend Projects and PDFs delivered each week.