The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for digital gadgetry, open code, smart hacks, and more. Processing power to the people!
I am a recently hired intern at MAKE and I work in MAKE Labs. My first build was the “Audiobook,” one of the projects for an upcoming issue of MAKE. It turned out to be fun to build and a good introductory project for me.
Nick Poole of SparkFun describes logic gates using dominos, with a standing domino equalling 0 (false) and a laying down domino being a 1 (true).
This build uses a custom 3D-printed / hand assembled case from RPi hacker Cottonpickers, which comes attached to the back of a 300mA solar panel, and has a bunch of nice features already built-in. Once you’ve got your Pi running on sunlight, David Hayward over at CNET UK will show you how to configure the Pi so you can access an external hard drive attached to one of its USB ports via FTP.
If you’re looking to jumpstart an ambient lighting project and could use a controller with out-of-the-box iOS and Andriod support, you might want to check out the iGloLEDset from MEA Mobile. They’ve currently got a 5V kit that comes with a nice iOS/Android app to mix color gradients on-the-fly from your mobile device. They’re also working on a 12V version that should work with a wider lighting selection.
John Edgar Park’s Picks for Holiday Gifts.
The Leap Motion 3D controller is gearing up for general availability, but some developers have already started creating interesting interactive apps for the device. Check out developer Andy Summers’ AirHarp app that takes advantage of the Leap’s accuracy to produce an expressive music app. [via Synthtopia]
EMSL’s Digi-Comp II binary mechanical computer, as seen at Maker Faire — now in a convenient travel size! Apparently they’ll be offering kits soon, how cool is that?
