The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for digital gadgetry, open code, smart hacks, and more. Processing power to the people!
A lot can be learned about 3D modeling in Google SketchUp from these video tutorials. They are extremely well presented, and cover a lot of advanced techniques. Check out the web site for a really nice library of building timbers, more videos, and information about designing in SketchUp. More about Timber Frame Design using Google […]
Simon Kirby sends word of a hot new group destined for stardom and driven by solenoids. Ladies & gents, put your hands together for – Cybraphon! […] a robotic orchestra in a large display cabinet, inspired by 19th century automata. The unusual feature of Cybraphon is that it is emotional. It’s mood is shaped by […]
I got a nice response, both here and on Twitter, to my Lost Knowledge column on wire-wrapping. Folks had memories, both fond and otherwise, of wrapping circuits. In the comments, Tai Oliphant posted a link to his Z80 computer project, which was wire-wrapped (with over 350′ of 30-gauge wire!). Z80 Microcomputer Project More: Lost Knowledge: […]
We’ve missed our buddy I-Wei Huang, aka Crabfu, who’s been busy getting the hang of raising ShrimpFu (aka his adorable baby son). While he hasn’t been building any bots (at least that he’s showing us), he’s been keeping busy between diaper changes with painting on his iPhone. I love that you can see the painting […]
In this BBC piece, an IBM engineer on the Isle of Wight, shows off the 16th century thatched cottage that he’s wired with sensors and connected to Twitter. In the article that accompanies the video, he uses a term he’s apparently coined for objects that tweet: “tweetjects.” I’m here to try and stage a lexicographical […]
Besides being darn cute, ogutti’s iPhone-headed Robochan features the following abilities – change its face dance with playing music wake up alarm with body motion interaction with its body teach and playback – and let’s not forget the above-seen leek shaking prowess! (ok, I guess that counts as dancing) [via Pink Tentacle]
From AfriGadget: Pascal Katana, a Fourth Year student at the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, developed an electronic device that ‘automates’ fishing. The trap employs amplification of the sound made by fish while feeding. The acoustic signals are radiated and attract other fish who head toward the direction […]
