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Build a Basic IR Motion-Sensing Camera with Weekend Projects

Build a Basic IR Motion-Sensing Camera with Weekend Projects

Combine some common components and several pieces of software into one, and assemble this microcontroller-driven motion-sensing camera that records VGA resolution pictures to SD card.

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Weekend Projects HOA – TV-Go-Sleep Universal TV Timer LIVE NOW

Weekend Projects HOA – TV-Go-Sleep Universal TV Timer LIVE NOW

Join us today at 3:30pm PT/6:30pm ET for a quick 20-minute Hangout On Air with Tom Rodgers, maker of the TV-Go-Sleep Universal TV Timer, an Arduino-powered sleep-timer that will turn off any TV in range after a countdown.

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Use an Oscilloscope to See Your Pulse

Use an Oscilloscope to See Your Pulse

MAKE reader Scott recently built a modified version of the IR Pulse Sensor by Sean Ragan by combining it with elements from the original circuit, as designed by Let’s Make Robots user MarkusB.

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Automate Your Window Shades with the Mini Blind Minder & Weekend Projects

Automate Your Window Shades with the Mini Blind Minder & Weekend Projects

The Mini Blind Minder combines a homemade “shield” with the Arduino Uno to automatically open and close your window shades to a desired interior temperature. Watch the video to see this project in action along with some suggested changes or modifications for this beginner-friendly Weekend Project.

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Drawdio Proves to be a Great Project to Inspire Making

Drawdio Proves to be a Great Project to Inspire Making

The “Drawdio” Musical Pencil is a classic project that continues to inspire people to make. It’s fun and easy, and can be assembled in just a few hours once you’ve gathered all the parts needed. See various builds by four makers, including one person’s first electronics build ever.

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Visualize Your Heartbeat With This Homemade Pulse Sensor

Visualize Your Heartbeat With This Homemade Pulse Sensor

Infrared Pulse Sensor is the latest addition to our beginner-friendly series of Weekend Projects. Inspired by a photoresistor pulse sensor, MAKE’s Technical Editor Sean Michael Ragan built this IR-based pulse sensor using emitter and detector diodes, combined with an LM384 op-amp IC and an Arduino.

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Solar Panels + Arduino + Piezo = Solar-Powered After-Sunset Cricket

Solar Panels + Arduino + Piezo = Solar-Powered After-Sunset Cricket

A discreet enclosure box sits in the sun, seeming to innocently soak up the rays abound. Two solar panels sit on top, recharging a Nickel–metal hydride battery contained within. You’ve seen this before in garden lights, motion lights, and similar outdoor appliances. But this black box has an ulterior motive!

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