Year: 2012

Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots

Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots

Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/BEAM-Solar-Chariots/1939/1

BEAM is a type of robot design that allows you to create little robot/robot-like critters and vehicles mainly using basic analog components (resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs). The challenge is to try and get as much robot-like behavior using these components. BEAM is an acronym for “Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics” and these four elements serve as inspiration in all BEAM design.

For these two projects, we’ll use what’s known as a “solar engine” (Type 1 “FLED” variety), some store bought and scavenged electronics, and laser-cut and gold-leafed wheels to build some stylin’ little Solar Chariots. Let the build begin!

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Weekend Projects – 10-Rail Model Rocket Mega-Launcher

Weekend Projects – 10-Rail Model Rocket Mega-Launcher

Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/10-Rail-Model-Rocket-Mega-Launcher/243/1

Nothing is more exciting to model rocket enthusiasts than a multi-rail launcher that can blast several rockets off at the same time. For rocket clubs and events, it’s almost essential to keep things moving at an exciting pace with these types of launch systems. This 10-pad mega-launcher was developed for Cub Scout Pack 1346’s rocket derby. And now you can build it too.

This system gives kids (of all ages) the fun of pressing their own launch buttons, and for added drama, sounds a klaxon before each launch. For the finale, a “Mega Launch” switch shoots off all 10 rockets at once.

To minimize the chance of an unfired rocket left on the pad, the launcher also has always-on igniter continuity checks, using LEDs to show which igniters are ready. Blocking diodes allow dual-use of the wire harness — for continuity check and launch voltage — thus halving the number of wires to the launch bar.

To show kids and adults that the launcher isn’t actually as complicated as you might think, the workings of the system can easily be seen behind clear plastic.

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Weekend Projects – Game Show Buttons

Weekend Projects – Game Show Buttons

Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/Game-Show-Buttons/1916.

In this project, taken from Charles Platt’s book Make: Electronics, we’re going to breadboard a fairly complex circuit using 555 timers and an “OR” logic gate.

Using these and some other, common components, we’ll create game show buttons. When one button is pressed, it automatically locks out the other one until the quizmaster flips a reset switch.

An “OR gate” is one of several types of basic logic gates. The logic of ORs are, as the name suggests, if input A or B is true (on), output X is true (on); thus, in this design, if either player presses their button, the circuit will go true (on), locking out the other push button, and can only be reset via the toggle switch. This circuit is ideal for two-person quiz contests!

“I’ll take ‘Cool Projects’ for 100, Alex!”

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Brain-Computer Bypasses Spinal Cord Injuries

Brain-Computer Bypasses Spinal Cord Injuries

Researchers create brain-computer interface that bypasses spinal cord injury paralysis @ ExtremeTech: Scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, have successfully bypassed the spinal cord and restored fine motor control to paralyzed limbs using a brain-computer interface. The researchers have created a neuroprosthesis that combines a brain-computer interface […]

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