New in the Maker Shed: PowerSwitch Tail
The PowerSwitch Tail allows you to safely control a standard wall outlet (120VAC) device with almost any micro controller. Simply connect 2 wires and your ready to go! It’s perfect for use with an Arduino.
Arduino
As the preeminent tool for makers, Arduino is a versatile platform that covers almost every type of creative making. With its simple-to-use coding language and fun programming concepts, Arduino enables users to create modern electronics with ease. From beginner level projects like flashing LED lights to more advanced builds such as interactive robots, there are an endless number of possibilities when it comes to building projects with Arduino. Whether you are new or an experienced builder in search of fresh ideas, these posts will provide interesting Arduino tutorials and unique ideas that may spark your creativity and motivate you take on any type of maker project!
New in the Maker Shed: Bulbdial Clock kit
The Bulbdial Clock kit works like an indoor sundial, but with three shadows of different length. You tell the time just like you do on a normal clock, by reading the positions of the hour, minute, and second hands.
Controlling a Lego robot with an Arduino
MAKE subscriber Clinton Blackmore of Alberta wrote in to share a project he’s working on: NXT I2C Devices for Arduino, which aims to let you control Lego actuators and sensors using a Mindsensors motor multiplexer (NXTMMX) controlled by an Arduino — no NXT brick required. Oh man. I love the NXT, but I really like […]
Panobotor, a DIY panoramic and orbital panorama machine
Mhepekka created this excellent looking Panobotor robot, to take panoramic and orbital and photos using a DSLR camera.
Arduino-enhanced pinewood derby car
So, it was pinewood derby time for the Cub Scouts again. My son’s pack has a race for the adult kids too. I had been plotting my car since last year’s races. I wanted to really light the thing up. Last year I had working head and tail lights, but this time I wanted bigger […]
Reprogrammable reverse geocache puzzle with camera
One of the many very cool things about my job is getting to watch ideas evolve in the community over time. Since I first saw Mikal Hart present the original reverse geocache puzzle at Dorkbot Austin more than a year ago, we’ve seen a number of cool variations and improvements on the theme (see the “More” block, below). This latest twist, from Donald Papp, adds a couple of cool features including reprogrammable “solution” locations, allowing the box to be used over and over again, specifically with the intent that, in an analogy to regular geocaching, it will have multiple users over its lifetime. The idea is that you can solve it, reprogram it, and then pass it on to somebody else. Donald has also added a camera to the box that records a photo every time it is activated for a “hint,” making the journey of the box and its user(s) self-logging. [Thanks, Donald!]
Why is Arduino a hit?
This fascinating Gadget Lab post examines the Arduino phenomenon and compares it with more robust (but far less ubiquitous) alternative BeagleBoard, with commentary by Make: Online senior editor Phil Torrone. Be sure to read the comments. Readers: Do you use an Arduino or some other other form of microcontroller — or even a mini PC […]