Blog
“Godfather of DIY synths” John Simonton died today, a pioneer in synthesizer kits and founder of PAiA. His work continues to have a following today, including many wild instrumental creations. He’ll be sorely missed in the music/Maker community.” 
Make your own Canon Digital Rebel remote
Here’s how to make your own Canon Digital Rebel XT remote. “Instead of paying $20+ for a fragile remote on a short cable that has less features, I picked up about $10 in parts from Fry’s.” The article has a link to a how-to PDF and example photos. Link.
DIY $22 Stereo Digital Camera
John writes “When I first saw the Dakota disposable cameras at a locals camera store I knew I’d be buying a few so I could make a camera that only exists in my dreams, a digital stereo camera. After seeing the Use the (PureDigital) Dakota Digital Camera with your PC, I ran out and bought a few of these $11 dollar gems and set to work hacking them up. I figured I’d write up how I did it in case anyone else wants to try it themselves. It’s a pretty easy hack all things told, but still darn cool.” Link.
Meet the Blinkybugs
Obeyken writes “Electronic / kinetic bug art. I build these small, insect-like sculptures with simple motion-detecting “antennae” that respond to various stimulus such as movement, vibration, or air currents. When picked up, handled, or otherwise stimulated, the bug comes to life as its LED eyes blink rhythmically. I have one sitting on my monitor right now that blinks as I type. They’re constructed from LEDs, bits of wire, guitar strings, and coin-cell batteries (the PCB battery holder is the bug’s “body”). My original plan was to deploy them throughout San Francisco as a sort of “electronic graffiti” but thus far they haven’t survived too long in the wild…” Link. You could also make your own, the design is the how-to.
TuneBuds – Shuffle – USB audio
Griffin has a nice new product hack, they tapped the USB on the iPod Shuffle and it’s now both the lanyard and headphones in one – nice work “TuneBuds keep both the earbuds and shuffle handy around the wearer’s neck. Just snap TuneBuds onto the shuffle’s USB connector, and you’re up and running (or dancing). TuneBuds’ audio cable, integrated into the lanyard, keeps you free of excess cords and tangled lines.” Link.
More wall art made from book text…
McWhizzleteeth has a follow up how-to on making two-tone text for wall posters made from the text of books – “The “Origin of the Species – wall hanging” project makes a nice use of opacity masks in Illustrator, embedding an image in a field of text by changing the opacity throughout. But pulling this off can be difficult to figure out. This guide will run you through the steps to embed an image in a field of text merely by changing the opacity of the text itself.” Link.
The Rocketeer’s Toolbox
Ever wanted to know what’s in a Rocket Maker’s toolbox? Stefan shows you! “Estes Industries, the 44 year old model rocket company, is now publishing its newsletter, “Model Rocket News,” as a webzine. The current issue includes a piece I wrote called “The Rocketeer’s Toolbox.” It features numerous photos of well-used items from my own toolbox.” Link.