Technology

USB POV SMD kit

USB POV SMD kit

This is cool, a USB surface mount version of the POV kit we carry here @ MAKE…. ohararp writes – Have you ever seen a kit developed solely for learning how to assemble an electronic circuit of only SMT parts? Did it have BLUE LEDs? I haven’t seen one with either! Expect to see all […]

Google Earth has a flight simulator

Google Earth has a flight simulator

The latest version of Google Earth contains a hidden feature: a full-fledged flight simulator! Press Command+Option+A in OS X or Ctrl+Alt+A on a PC or Linux box and you’ll be greeted with a hidden dialog box that lets you choose an aircraft (F16 or SR22) and an airport. Once you’ve made you selection, you’ll be […]

Solar bike and blog tour of Germany

Solar bike and blog tour of Germany

Steve Paine, a.k.a. Chippy, is a Brit living in Germany. He’s currently on a bike trip, along the Rhein River, which he’s blogging about using a UMPC (Ultra-Mobile PC) and portable solar tech. Those geeks in the house who are as ancient as I am will remember Steve Roberts, the “high-tech nomad,” who took net-connected, […]

Repacking NiCd battery packs

Repacking NiCd battery packs

The amateur astronomy site Astromart has a short, informative piece on testing and repacking dead power tool NiCd battery packs. These packs are filled with “Sub C” cells. Taking apart a “dead” pack, you can test the individual cells and replace only the bad cells. Rebuilding NiCd Rechargable Battery Packs – Link Related: Cordless drills […]