MAKE’s special projects editor David Pescovitz wrote a great article for Salon about “Big Ideas” in tech, including a section on the Maker mindset. “Robugs, biologically based software, the GeoWeb, transgenic art and other hot frontiers in technological innovation.” I really enjoyed it. Oh, when you click the link, you have to “click here and watch a brief ad” to get to the article unless you have a Salon account….Link.
“What you see before you is an OPEN DSP system. People are currently using it to create some of the most ORIGINAL-SOUNDING EFFECTS and INSTRUMENTS in the world, since its architecture is open. Its users tweak, modify, CUSTOMIZE, improve and develop the software it comes with. It’s inexpensive and can be quite portable. It runs MIDI or connects to your Palm Pilot. Some programs don’t require either to make fun and useful effects.” [via] Link.
Bill writes “When I saw the retro-phone handset on thinkgeek I knew I wanted one. Then I realized they wanted $30+ for it, and I thought to myself — I can build that. So after some cutting, testing, and building I have finished my Retro-Cell phone handset, and I will show you how you can build your own for under $10.00″ Link.
Here’s another version of the DIY iSight tripod we posted earlier – Tguignar writes “I had a small metal adaptor made for me Friday afternoon at the shop we have at work – basically a small rectangle of some kind of iron magnets attach to with two holes in them, one of them threaded to fit the standard camera tripod screw. Sure enough, it works like a charm.” Link.
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.
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.
“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.”