Month: November 2005

Advanced electronics kits?

Advanced electronics kits?

Sbrgb-WMichael is looking for more advanced electronics kits…“I love building electronics kits, but I have run into a slight problem: there aren’t many out there past the “solder these 20 things” level. I’d love a complicated kit (too bad Heath Kits no longer exists). I would love an article on complex kits you can buy (maybe highlight a few in each price range). The last kit I bought that I really loved was an RGB LED Blinky from Ramsey Kits. You assemble a little tiny SMT circuit board (that was challenging, quite fun) and the one LED (which is 3 in one) glows all different colors. Very cool to show off.” Link. Any suggestions?

Analog to digital converter guide…

Analog to digital converter guide…

Home-1Handy guide for the home automation Makers…“Home automation systems that are a step beyond your basic “X-10″ light control usually consist of a mechanism for controlling and monitoring digital input and output modules. These systems may include an Ocelot with SECU16(I) and/or RLY8-XA expansion units, Caddx Security Systems, Elk M1 Gold Systems, JDS Stargate and others. Their basic functionality of simple, digital inputs and outputs serves most automation and security purposes.” Link.

Cigar box guitar Maker – Ben Prestage

Cigar box guitar Maker – Ben Prestage

Benpic2004Doug writes “Just was reading the latest issue (of MAKE) and was looking at the guitar article. A guy that plays here in Florida named Ben Prestage plays a home made cigar box also. He makes his using broom sticks for the neck and the pick ups are made out of sewing bobs wound with copper wire, it is then all grounded to bottle caps stuck on to the end on the broom sticks. He is a one man blues band playing all the instruments himself. Here is one of his tracks where he is playing the cigar box Giver.” In volume 04 we show you how to make your own cigar box guitar.

Pretty Dyana – A Gypsy recycling saga

Pretty Dyana – A Gypsy recycling saga

ThumbnailserverHere’s an interesting video on Google video a reader sent in ” An intimate look at Gypsy refugees in Belgrade suburb who make a living by transfoming Citroen’s classic 2cv and Dyana cars into Mad Max-like recycling vehicles, with which they collect cardoard, bottles and scrap metal. These modern horses are much more efficient than the cart-pushing competition, but more important – they also mean freedom, hope and style for their crafty owners. Even the car batteries are used as power generators in order to get some light, watch tv and recharge mobiles! Almost an alchemist’s dream come true!…” Link.

HOW TO – Build a bicycle camera mount

HOW TO – Build a bicycle camera mount

Bicycle Camera Mount FastenerOn a trip to Hawaii this Maker went biking, he’s since made a bicycle camera mount to take pictures and video – “The activity that really stood out for me is the mountain biking, though I can’t wait to participate in the others as well. And for weeks now, I have said to myself that I want to make a bike camera mount so that I can videotape the fast ride down the mountain. I’m sure it will be exhilarating fun!” Here’s how he did it… Link.