Improv Everywhere brought desktop computers into Starbucks, complete with CRT monitors, and went about their compubusiness. It's called Mission: Mobile Desktop. Try it at home! - [via] Link.
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MAKE Magazine
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Mobile desktop computers in Starbucks
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 11:00pm CST
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Phoenix DIY 5 - this Thursday!
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 9:00pm CST
Hey DIYers in Phoenix! We're having our fifth meeting this Thursday at 7pm at Conspire Gallery in downtown Phoenix. Presentations will be given on DIY earthenware stoves and Google Sketchup! More info - Link.
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Follow up - DIY metal detector
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 6:00pm CST
Thanks to all of you who posted great explanations in the comments of yesterday's post about a dubious way to make a metal detector from an AM radio and a calculator. Mahto submitted his trial video first (shown above), and he gets a Make pocket ref! Some notable comments:
Nick Clark writes:
AM radio operates from a frequency band of 520kHz to 1610kHz. That video suggests that we set our radios to the top of the spectrum, so we'll say 1500kHz or so. Speaking as an electrical engineer, any radio waves generated by an digital device like a calculator would have to be some multiple of the device's internal clock. (e.g., a 200kHz clock would broadcast EMI at 200kHz, 400kHz, 800kHz, etc). Most of the noise would be at the clock's fundamental frequency, with most of the rest of it at twice the fundamental frequency. Thus, in order to be picked up by an AM radio near the upper band a circuit would have to be running a huge IC at 750kHz or so, or a smaller IC at 1500kHz. A metal detector like this _might_ be theoretically possible for a really power-hungry device running at 500kHz or for a not-so-hungry (but still _much_ more hungry than a solar-powered calc) 1MHz device.
CaladanJan writes:
Picking up the internal oscillators of the calculator is not at all surprising. The AM radio will pick up fundamentals or AM tones on any carrier if the signal is strong enough (and inverse squares makes that also read "close enough"). AM radios will also pick up lightning in a storm, especially if you are not on a station.
The real question is if there is any oscillator in the calculator that would be sensitive to the proximity of metallic objects. A self-tuned rod inductor oscillator will be rather sensitive to changes in the magnetic flux path, and this is actually half of how commercial metal detectors actually work. Does a calculator have such a circuit? That would depend on the calculator. A lot of LCD bias voltage generating circuits are built that way, so it's certainly possible.
I'm consistently impressed with the high level of intellect and technical competency of our readers. I learn something new every day. Way to go, guys!
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Evil Mad Scientist on BBtv
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 6:00pm CST
MAKE editor-in-chief Mark Frauenfelder has a short interview with Windell Oskay of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories on today's BBtv Vlog. Windell is showing off EMS Labs' awesome Peggy, an LED plug-in lightboard kit.Vlog (Mark) - RESIST light pegboards by Evil Mad Science - Link
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Unzap - USB TV-B-Gone with learning function
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 5:00pm CST
Mike writes -
i would like to suggest this site, which presents an advanced infrared hacking tool, using a simple AVR, has a learning function and 2mb of flash for learned tv remote codes. It even has an usb port, all in software on the AVR (no special usb chip required)!
An uber TV-B-Gone with learning function/IR receivers - awesome! See the Unzap project page for schematic and software. - Link
Related:
TV-B-Gone Clone - LinkFrom the pages of MAKE:
TV-B-Gone Hat from MAKE:13 p.169 - Link
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In The Maker Store:
TV-B-Gone Kit -Link -
Cocktail Amp
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 4:00pm CST
From the MAKE Flickr poolMember Pekar poses the question - 'Fancy a drink with that solo?'
This is a crackerbox type guitar amplifier I built into a vintage cocktail case. It runs on a 12 volt battery and uses a JRC386D to drive the 7" driver.
Hope that strapping keeps the bar kit from rattling too much. Dig that open/closed-back option - suave! - Link
The amps sound and output can be influenced by opening the case.
Related:
Coconut amp - Link
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From the pages of MAKE:
Project: The $5 Cracker Box Amplifier. Small box, big sound. Read this article in MAKE: 09: Fringe, Page 104. To get MAKE, subscribe or purchase single volumes. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition! -
Steampunk Magazine #4
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 4:00pm CST
The latest issue of Steampunk Magazine, issue 4, is available now for download (free w/donation encouraged) or for purchase in a print edition for a paltry $3.This latest issue includes a how-to on building a Jacob's Ladder:
Once the arc starts, the air conducting the arc is both ionized and heated by the current. Ionized air is more conductive than non-ionized air, and heated air tends to rise, so the arc will rise with it. The electrodes slope away from each other, so eventually the gap is too wide to support the arc. It re-forms at the bottom again, where the going is easier, and the cycle repeats. It is truly a wonder to behold, like watching the Devil's own yo-yo!
Although a Ladder serves no direct scientific purpose, having one is a requirement for recognition as a "mad scientist" (the preferred term is "ethically-undaunted science worker") and it is the internationally recognized symbol of "forbidden science in progress." Having one in operation greatly facilitates engaging the services of reliable resurrectionists, infernal device contractors, and members of the International Congress of Hunchbacked Henchmen.
Steampunk Magazine - Link
Related:
- Steampunk apocalypse - Link
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HOW TO - build a water mortar
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 3:00pm CST
Carl wrote an instructable explaining how to build a water mortar (previously seen in our Flickr pool) -
This water mortar is made from PVC using a variation on the "drill press lathe" technique from the book "Eccentric Cubicle." The finished product launches over a quart of water per shot!
Thanks, Carl! - LinkRelated:
Water Mortar - LinkFrom the Maker store:
Eccentric Cubicle - LinkFrom the pages of MAKE:
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Head-Mounted Water Cannon. Use steel fire-extinguisher power to pummel plastic squirt toys. MAKE 07 - page 112. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition or get MAKE 07 @ the Maker store. -
Jake's steamcar project, dashboard redo
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 2:00pm CST
Herr von Slatt has posted a new piece detailing his dashboard revamp, rewiring, and new lighting for his ongoing steam-powered car project.In other Jake news, there's a wonderful interview with him on Bostodelphia.
Steampunk Car Project - Progress Report - Link
Related:
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Build your own water quality tester
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 1:00pm CST
In response to our item about the commercial TDS (total dissolved solids) water testing tool, somebody sent us a link to this homemade meter, which tests for TDS, EC (electrical conductivity), PPM (parts per million).EC/TDS/PPM Meter On Limited Budget - Link
Related:
- Testing your own drinking water - Link
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MAKE @ Yahoo! Buzz
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 12:15pm CST
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We're trying out the new Yahoo! Buzz service, if you like a story on MAKE "Buzz it up" and check the Sci/Tech stories to see what else is going on too - Link. -
Made in Japan Vol. 3
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 10:00am CST
MADE in Japan - Volume 3
This week: "Life Sensing" Hot Water Pots, Circuitbent Pachinko Machines, Otona no Kagaku: a "Science for Adults" magazine that comes with a toy, Maywa Denki, Make Your Own Soba, that Famicom Guitar, Funny Wall-mount PC, and an iPod/Boombox Mashup.
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Super Breakout version allows for competitive or collaborative gaming
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 10:00am CST
This version of the classic game "Breakout" allows two people to play at once. The players can compete against each other or work collaboratively to eliminate all the bricks. Accelerometers in the controllers move the paddles horizontally across the screen. Check out the circuit diagrams and more on the link below.
Super Breakout - Link
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How DIYers just might revive American innovation
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 9:00am CST
Wired's Clive Thompson has a piece about how makers might revive American innovation (with a MAKE mention) he writes -What a mess. I'm sitting on the floor of my apartment, surrounded by electronic parts, a cigar box, a soldering gun, and stray bits of wire. I'm trying to build my own steampunk-style clock -- hacking a couple of volt meter dials to display hours and minutes. It'll look awesome when it's done.
How DIYers just might revive American innovation Link.If it ever gets done -- I keep botching the soldering. A well-soldered joint is supposed to look like a small, shiny volcano. My attempts look like mashed insects, and they crack when I try to assemble the device.
Why am I so inept? I used to do projects like this all the time when I was a kid. But in high school, I was carefully diverted from shop class when the administration decided I was college-bound. I stopped working with my hands and have barely touched a tool since.
As it turns out, this isn't a problem just for me -- it's a problem for America. We've lost our Everyman ability to build, maintain, and repair the devices we rely on every day. And that's making it harder to solve the country's nastiest problems, like oil dependence, climate change, and global competitiveness.
What do you think makers?
Oh, pictured here David Cole's work - the exhibit who appeared in CRAFT volume 01 he knitted a huge American flag with 20 foot knitting needles. More in Handmade from CRAFT 01 - Link.
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Light-Field camera makes blurry images a thing of the past
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 9:00am CST
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Make a pizza box solar oven
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 9:00am CST
This homemade oven is built from a recycled pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic, glue, and construction paper. It can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees F. which makes it a pretty effective homebrew oven, although it might take you twice as long to cook something than a conventional oven would. Still it's a nicely done project with instructions.
Make a Pizza Box Solar Oven - Link
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DIY Security system calls your phone
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 8:00am CST
Design news latest "Gadget Freak" has a DIY security system that will call you when something is up... -
Gadget Freak Bill Bowden has created a security system that calls you when an alarm is triggered. You can set it up to indicate intrusion into a door, window, office or pool. It can also connect to a panic button. The circuit includes a small PIC microcontroller, an assembly program and a handful of other parts that can be designed to detect the interruption of a switch closure or the connection of a panic button. When the circuit is tripped, the gadget dials your number and indicates what device has been triggered.
DIY Security system calls your phone - Link.The construction cost for the security circuit is less than $30. As well as circuit parts, you will also need a PIC programmer to load the program into the microcontroller.
Related:
- MIDAS: Homemade Dorm Room Home Automation System - Link.
- Make - Connecting a hacked wireless doorbell receiver - Link.
- MAKE: Blog: Monitor Hack: High voltage security system - Link.
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Homemade central air
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 7:00am CST
From the MAKE Flickr poolMarkayak took the matter of cenral air into his own hands -
DIY Central Air: Cold air output of the 2-ton wall unit is piped via duct tape and poly dropcloth to the nearest heat register. Furnace filter was replaced with a plywood panel (not pictured) to prevent backflow. Heating ductwork was used to distribute cool air to the bedrooms.
Aah comfort - the great motivator! - Link
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Related:
Homemade air conditioner - Link -
DIY LED matrices
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 6:00am CST
From the MAKE Flickr poolMember Spikenzie etched his own 8x8 LED matrix PCB. He's also posted helpful instructions and artwork used in his process -
The 8x8 LED matrix is a building block. There is no processor or circuitry other then then LEDs and the copper traces. It is simply an eight by eight 64-LED matrix on a PCB. The 8x8 has 16 pins on one edge, 8 connect to the rows and the other 8 to the columns. This allows the maker to use their preference of controlling circuitry.
The way a matrix works can be a bit mysterious at first. Of course building one yourself is the best way to learn - Link
From the MAKE Flickr poolAuraelius documents his technique for mounting 10mm LEDs on a Modern Devices 8x8 matrix board - Link
Related:
HOW TO - LED Matrix - Link
Spark Fun's Tri Color LED Matrix - Link
HOW TO - Watch futurama on an 8x8 pixel screen - LinkFrom the Maker store:
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LED clock kit - Link -
The Polarized Polaroid Camera
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 5:00am CST
Alejandro sent in this very cool device for making physical screen captures of a computer display. The web site has a nice video of the device in action. Just don't forget to stockpile your Polaroid film since it's not going to be around after this year!The Polaroid sheet camera uses the basic principle of light polarization to mimic the behavior of a camera diaphragm and shutter. LCD screens emit polarized light, which allows a Polaroid sheet in the camera to take on the diaphragm behavior.
A stepper motor controls the rotation of the camera body, from the light blocking position to the fully open position (90 degrees), in which the instant film is exposed for a predetermined amount of time before the whole camera body is rotated back to the blocking position.
The Polarized Polaroid Camera - Link
Related:
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No more Polaroid... instant film - and MAKE's look at Polaroid projects - Link -
LEGO NXT Gramophone
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 4:00am CST
The video starts out a little slow , but the end result using the coffee cup works well. I can't suggest using your prized vinyl records for this experiment, but I am sure you have a few you wouldn't mind trashing. - LinkRelated:
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Homemade way of cutting / recording records using a turntable and a needle attached to a speaker - Link -
Electric Motorcycle
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 3:00am CST
Todd Stiers has made one awesome looking, and sounding, electric motorcycle. Let's hope this becomes more of a "normal" thing to see riding around the streets. Now, let the debate about the batteries and the source of power begin. - LinkRelated:
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Make Podcast: Todd Kollin's Electric Motorcycle - Link
Marque Cornblatt - DIY Electric Motorcycle Conversion - Link. -
Wire alien
Posted: February 26th, 2008, 2:00am CST
