The only thing I like better than creating my own tools is helping someone else do the same. These four recent Kickstarter projects interested me because to a great degree they’re tools–helping you do things better. Let’s take a look at what I found, and you should definitely consider supporting these worthy projects.
Kickrig Slider Beam
The Kickrig Slider Beam is a sliding camera mount great for cool video shots. Simply mount your camera to the Acra Swiss compatible mounting plate and give it a shove. Kickrig is very light and solid, and comes with some very solid-seeming mounting plates.
I’ve seen some DIY camera dollies mounted on skate wheels, and those always had a little bump to them. The Kickrig is very smooth. It’s also very light, made of an extruded aluminum girder that can be shoved into a backpack without difficulty. The goal of Kickrig creators Steve and Chris Burrows is to make the slider as commonplace as the tripod, and it sounds like they’ve got a good start.
Guitar Wing Control Surface
Another project that caught my eye was Guitar Wing, a wireless controller that basically replaces live music effects pedals. Instead, the control surface is mounted on a guitar or bass so you can hit the buttons while playing the instrument.
MakeVR 3D Modeling System
Another tool that looked intriguing was this 3D modeling system that lets you manipulate models in a virtual 3D space, using hand-held controllers rather than a mouse and keyboard.
Smart Nixie Tube
These nixie tube modules are certainly pretty. They sound smart as well, and can be daisy chained to create multi-digit displays. Each module (controlling 1 nixie and its RGB lighting) contains an Arduino-compatible ATmega chip, making it act just like an UNO.
Multi-Sensor Electronic Learning Board
Finally, the Multi-Sensor Electronic Learning Board is an Arduino/RasPi shield packing 5 sensors, a 555 timer, 2 amplifiers, and 2 comparators. It’s meant as an educational to help hobbyists and students play with sensors and other electronic tools without the need for wires and breadboards.
Have you heard of a cool crowdfunding campaign? Leave a comment!
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