Technology

Weekend Projects – Projects in Motion

Weekend Projects – Projects in Motion

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Projects-in-Motion-Control-Three-Types-of-Motors-with-555-Timers/2036/1

Learn to control three different types of motors – DC, Servo, and Stepper – using a breadboard, resistors, diodes, transistors, and some 555 timers (along with a sprinkling of CMOS logic). These motor drivers are the basis of many robotics and other motor-control applications.

Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots

Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots

Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/BEAM-Solar-Chariots/1939/1

BEAM is a type of robot design that allows you to create little robot/robot-like critters and vehicles mainly using basic analog components (resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs). The challenge is to try and get as much robot-like behavior using these components. BEAM is an acronym for “Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics” and these four elements serve as inspiration in all BEAM design.

For these two projects, we’ll use what’s known as a “solar engine” (Type 1 “FLED” variety), some store bought and scavenged electronics, and laser-cut and gold-leafed wheels to build some stylin’ little Solar Chariots. Let the build begin!

Weekend Projects – Sun Logger

Weekend Projects – Sun Logger

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Sun-Logger/2275/1

Our second Arduino project in this series of Weekend Projects, the Sun Logger is a device that gathers data about sunlight. Hack a light-sensitive photoresistor to a homemade “shield” to record data to an SD card, and then examine this data later on your computer to see how light changes in an area over time.

Weekend Projects – A Touchless 3D Tracking Interface

Weekend Projects – A Touchless 3D Tracking Interface

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/A-Touchless-3D-Tracking-Interface/2233/1

Using a combination of low- and high-tech components, we’ll show you how to build a completely touchless 3D tracking interface. This project will introduce you to the principle of capacitive sensing, and the Arduino microcontroller.

Weekend Projects – Solar Joule Bracelet

Weekend Projects – Solar Joule Bracelet

Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Solar-Joule-Bracelet/22/1

The Solar Joule Bracelet combines two separate projects, a solar battery and a “joule thief,” to build a wearable circuit that powers an LED. Solar energy flows through the photodiodes, building up a supercapacitor, which essentially acts like a battery. This energy is then delivered to the joule thief, where oscillations eventually exceed the LED’s forward voltage, making it light up. Once fully charged, these oscillations will occur so fast that the LED will appear continuously bright, visible even during daytime!

Best of all, this circuit’s design allows you to install it where and how you wish!

Weekend Projects – Little Big Lamp

Weekend Projects – Little Big Lamp

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Little-Big-Lamp/2310/1

Combine your shop skills and your soldering skills to fabricate your very own desk lamp! Using hardware store-bought PVC and some electronic components, design and build this classic light fixture. Based on an earlier project, Little Big Lamp has been updated to take advantage of new and improved technology. This build will also introduce you to wiring LEDs in series and the principle of Pulse Width Modulation.