Technology
John Wiseman rounds up all the details from the Darpa 2005 Grand Challenge and then some. If you’re curious on how the computer driven cars were able to finish the course, along with the comparisons from last year, videos and the course data file – check it out. [
Segway Smart Motion comes to robots…
Looks like the Robosapien folks will be adding the Segway balancing technology to their product offerings. Press snippet – WowWee Ltd, parent company of WowWee Robotics, the #1 consumer entertainment robotics company, and Segway Inc., maker of the Segway Human Transporter (HT), today announced they will co-develop a range of WowWee products that will incorporate Segway Smart Motion technology. The best part of this will be picking up a fairly low-cost toy robot that uses Segway Smart Motion, and making something with else with it. Link.
The HiFiMac
Rob has a great Mac mod – He turned an old hifi system he got from a prop clearance from the local actor’s workshop for $10 bucks in to a rocking Mac stereo system complete with the Sonic Impact Portable T-Amp. If you like this project, in MAKE 04 we also have Mr. Jalopy’s LP-to-MP3 convertor cabinet. Link.
Adam writes “I cut out a tackle box, attached two breadboards to the lid, and spaced them .6 inches apart, allowing proper spacing for a DIP40. I attached some binding posts, and now I have a great way to transport projects to and from the lab.” [
The Craft Technology Group
The project section has a lot of great things to check out…Craft technology refers to the interweaving of computation with craft materials both new and old. This blending can take many forms, including the application of specialized software to aid in the design and construction of crafts (such as mechanical toys and paper sculpture) and in the creation of craft objects with embedded intelligence. Thanks Paul! Link.
Bowden’s Hobby Circuits
Excellent resource – A small collection of electronic circuits for the hobbyist or student. Site includes over 100 circuit diagrams, links to related sites, commercial kits and projects, newsgroups and educational areas. Most of the circuits can be built with common components available from Radio Shack or salvaged from scrap electronic equipment. Most all of the circuits have been built and tested and believed to perform as described, however possible mistakes may be found. Link.
