LEGO robotics gumball sorter
Here’s a nifty MINDSTORMS NXT-based bot that can sort gumballs by their color, using the HiTechnic NXT Color Sensor. LEGO Mindstorms Gumball Sorter [via] Link
Fun & Games
The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for bikes, rockets, R/C vehicles, toys and other diversions.
Robot catapult
An industrial robot turned into a bowling ball-heaving catapult. RoboPult – [via] Link
Yo-Yo Core – Wii + Yo-Yo = musical instrument
Doctor Popular writes in – In this episode of PopCast, I talk to my old friend Kyle Machulis about his newest project at Nonpolynomial Labs. Inspired by Johnny Lee’s fantastic Wii-hacks, Kyle has created a yo-yo controlled musical interface using Max/MSP and a modified Torch circuit board. In the video, Kyle talks about the project […]
Homebrew toy blaster
Steve writes – I am learning about electronics by building a toy laser gun. This is the sound and light effects circuitry in development. The top board has a 555 monostable timer, which turns on a bright red LED, a laser, and the sound effect. It also triggers a second board, which has 555 oscillator […]
Rubber band super gun
Sayeth the builder: Forget the rubber band Gatling gun. The DISINTEGRATOR is the most incredible rubber band gun ever built, capable of firing more than 40 rounds per second (2400 rounds per minute) from its 24 revolving barrels. This is the twin Vulcan cannon of the rubber band gun world! Disintegrator – [via] Link
Rock Band drum dampening tutorial
Thomas made this simple tutorial on how to dampen the loud sounds of your Rock Band drum pad controller using some self-adhesive foam and felt. I think the color coding would help me play the game better, too! Thomas shows a video with altered and unaltered pads so you can hear the difference. (Thanks, Matt!) […]
Exporting 3D objects into the real world
“Export to World” by Linda Kostowski and Sascha Pohflepp is a workshop/project that aims to create real-world copies of virtual objects found in the multi-player world of “Second Life”. The site features some how-tos on exporting objects, importing into 3D applications and “unfolding” the objects into 2D cutouts you can print out and assemble at […]