Different Types of Circuit Boards
With the launch of our latest Weekend Project, the Luna Mod Looper, it dawned on me that we’ve now worked with every type of through-hole circuit board available.
Maker News
From advancements in technology and materials, to the development of innovative techniques and ideas, there’s always something new on the horizon. As a maker, your success depends on your ability to keep up with all these changes. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy developments that are taking place in making right now!
Gift Guide: For the Person Who Has Everything
Man, oh man, there are a lot of things in the universe (just ask Neil deGrasse Tyson). So if you are looking for a gift for someone who has already acquired most of the stuff in the known universe, then here is a list of things that may have managed to elude their possession…so far. […]
Now at a RadioShack Near You: Maker Shed Merch!
Perhaps you’ve noticed recently when you make a pit stop at your local RadioShack that some of the displays have moved around, and there is cool new DIY merchandise for sale. Among that merch you’ll now find MAKE kits and books. Above is some of what’s for sale at the Novato, Calif., RadioShack. In fact, […]
Mitch Altman’s Hacker Trip to Egypt
I got back from Cairo last Friday. I’m still somewhat exhausted, but definitely glowing from the experience. The main purpose for this trip was to set up a three-day hackerspace at Maker Faire Africa, which was held in Cairo this year. As you can imagine, it was an exciting time to be in Egypt! Lots of high hopes in the wake of the “Freedom Revolution.” Plus, lots of attempts by a still-ruling-military to divide-and-rule.
Homemade Alarm Made From Two Audio Jacks
A homemade alarm system made from two “normally closed” audio jacks is the focus of our most recent Weekend Project, the Alarm Bag. The alarm system, built into an enclosure (above), can be installed into any bag (in our project, a messenger bag is used) or even modified to act as a door or window alarm. The 2-jack design means the alarm will activate whenever the second audio jack (the trigger) is removed.
The Weekend Projects Challenge Continues
For this weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to remind you all that we’re still running a special build challenge for our Weekend Project series. Build a franken-mod of any of our current projects and you could win.
An Intro to Cybernetics via the 555 Timer Ball Whacker
As part of our Weekend Projects series of beginner-friendly electronics projects, the 555 Timer Ball Whacker proves that you don’t always need a microprocessor to perform complex actions. This project uses similar components to some of our other Weekend Projects, and will also introduce you to the field of cybernetics, or “self-governing” principles.
