Homebrew—My First Computer
Remembering how my dad built an Apple II from scratch.
Technology
Basic Stamp
Basic Stamp is a hobbyists microcontoller that uses the BASIC programming language. Here’s a primer on how to use it. After meeting Joe Grand, I became really interested in the Basic Stamp , made by Parallax. It’s a microcontroller that you can program using BASIC. The robotics applications for it look fantastic (check out this Toddler Robot.) I’d love to hear from anyone who has been using Basic Stamp and would like to write a story about it for MAKE.
300 in 1 kit…
On page 184 of issue 01 in our toolbox section contributer Mister Jalopy has one of my favorite electronic kits featured. The Elenco 300 in 1 Electronic Project Lab. Usually, about 3 or 4 times a week I receive an email or IM from someone who wants to get started in electronics and I always point them towards this kit. Solderless breadboard, all the wires resistors and capacitors you’ll need to get started along with some fun projects. I found one here for $59.99 and they’re also at many Target stores. Here’s mine, I think there are some “extra” projects you can do with these too…
Mark on G4TechTV
Editor-in-chief Mark Frauenfelder will be on G4TechTV’s The ScreenSavers 4pm PST 2/8/05. It usually repeats a few times for the next day and the shows are always on those torrent places. Update: Here’s an interview with Mark by Coury Turczyn for the Screen Saver’s website.
iPod eBook makers?
Anyone out there make iPod eBooks on a regular basis? For issue 02 I’m writing up the ways I’ve made them in the past using this site, this tool on my Mac, this one on my PC and this one on both. Any other free ones out there I should try out?
Hacking the Dog
Who says you have to spend thousands of dollars to get a cool robot? The world’s toy stores brim with cheap-ass, rough-and-ready robotic platforms just begging to be modded.
Made On Earth — Difference Engine Built From Meccano Parts
Some prefer a nuts-and-bolts approach to computing — like Tim Robinson, who built a version of Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine No. 1 entirely out of Meccano parts.