Electronic compass on an Arduino
I like the looks of this electronic compass sensor paired with an Arduino protoshield. It would be fun to drive a servomotor with this data, to create a digital/analog compass.
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!
One-chip Arduino
Another homespun variant of the open source board – this time the design is driven by size with all components mounted on the microprocessor’s back. An impressive feat made a little bit easier by using the Lilypad Arduino variation which lacks acrystal – still way cool. [Thanks, Mook!]
Twitchie Scorpion
I made this scorpion toy with a Twitchie Robot Kit. I’m really afraid of scorpions where I live in Arizona, so I thought a friendly toy would help me get used to them. I made his plush body from some fabric I had around, aiming to make him look like an Arizona bark scorpion, which are tan/yellowish/translucent. Twitchie is Arduino powered and comes pre-programmed, so it’s an excellent kit for beginners in robotics, because no programming is required! You can download and modify the code if you want, and it’s pretty light on the soldering, too. I’d recommend Twitchie for young makers (boys & girls, too!) interested in robotics or moving plush toys. You can buy the Twitchie Robot Kit in the Maker Shed:
http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKTET2
Music is “At the Crack of Noon” by Shuutobi, http://shuutobi.com
How to Tuesday: Scariest pumpkin ever
It’s Tuesday again, time for another build. This time I made a pumpkin that blasts a truck horn. Check out http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/10/howto_tuesday_scariest_pu.html for more information and a complete build process.
How-to Tuesday: Hacking a MAKE gift subscription card
This week I am going to show you how to hack a MAKE gift subscription card. Actually, it’s showing you how to interface a 7-segment display with an Arduino. I just happened to make it into a gift card subscription.
My idea was to give a MAKE subscription to a friend. Actually, I am giving them an Arduino along with the subscription. What a great combination! As a final part of the gift, I am making a post on how to program the 7-segment display to help them get started.
Choreographing an Army of Elmo Robots
Adrianne Wortzel first saw Tickle-Me-Elmo-TMX during her residency in the Artificial Intelligence Lab in Zurich, Switzerland, and noticed something interesting about the robotic toy. It wasn’t long before she amassed an army of them. And what army is complete without synchronized maneuvers…
The full piece (just robots):
http://www.vimeo.com/31393684
More of Adrianne’s Work:
http://www.adriannewortzel.com
Light up your Eyes with Rainbow EL-Wire Glasses
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Qiaodan (Jordan) shows off her rainbow shutter-shades at the World Maker Faire in New York. An electrical engineer with a eye for fashion, Qiaodan has created a truly one of a kind piece.