NAMM Oddities 2006
Barry writes “After attending the Winter NAMM show for a number of years I’ve noticed that the exhibitors seem to fall into two categories: the established company showing their new (and sometimes vaporous) products; and the independent start-up company looking to be noticed by distributors, music stores, potential investors and the music press. It seems that every year I spent more of my NAMM cruising time checking out the various small companies that all get stashed off in some side room. Many of the products from these companies are never seen the by the mainstream either because their potential market is too small, or most people simply can’t figure out what the hell to do with it.” Link. Yay, MIDI trumpet!
Yallla writes “For the 22C3 some people from Vienna conducted some CCTV wiretapping experiments; in a sidenote they said that infrared light is disturbing CCTV cameras. I’m now conducting experiments about how you could exploit that feature of CCD-sensors to create some kind of infrared-veil – like a basball cap full of IR transmitting LEDs, spoilng the CCTV footage experience of your airport security staff. Goals of my experiments are if it’s really working, what type of LEDs are suitable and what happens to me in real life when i just say “Shields up!!” 
Ben writes “A few weeks ago I replaced my failed lighter outlet in the ashtray/cupholder region of my 1994 Lexus ES300 with a new DIY plywood one. The new cover has a mount for my Sirius satellite radio and a new lighter outlet. I tried to keep the production quality as high as possible while keeping costs down.” 
Clarke writes “Clam-shell mess kit are a sentimental throwback to the days when World War one soldiers needed to cook and eat in the trenches. We are soldiers no longer. Put them in a glass case or recycling bin and get more practical gear at the dollar store.” 
Simple and handy phone tether – Killbox writes “I was talking to a friend who has a Sidekick about an old pager bungie I had on my TREO (I wont forget it if its clipped to me lanyard!). I mentioned that I wanted to make one out of ao old phone handset cord – So I went home and built it! one 25′ coiley cord made about 5 of these, some terminal connectors i crimped on, keyrings and clips. Total cost under $4.” 
Here’s how to make an wooden lung, from a 1952 Popular Mechanics: “Could a life have been saved in your community if a mechanical respirator had been at hand for immediate use? Often just a matter of minutes means the difference between life or death for a little child stricken with polio, or a victim of drowning or a paralyzing accident. Here’s a chance for every community to be ready at little expense for such emergencies. Members of clubs and civic organizations can do a great service by making one of these respirators and placing it in competent hands. Save a life — maybe your own.” Thanks Charlie! 
MAKE pal