Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Infrared-String-Bass/2049/1
You’ll convert light to sound in this Weekend Project. Using the LM386 amplifier, and pairs of infrared emitting and detecting diodes, we’ll show you how to build a four-string optical bass guitar. Mount your hardware onto a piece of lumber, or build your own classy chassis. Then, get ready to rock!
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Bottle-Radio/2077/1
Crystal radio technology has been around for many years. This “bottle radio” take on a crystal radio requires no power source, operates on the power from radio waves, and receives signal from a long wire antenna. As radio stations slowly move away from the AM band, the “window of opportunity” to experience this remarkable technology is dwindling. The “crystal” in question is contained inside a germanium diode, and is used to rectify the radio signal so that our ears can hear it.
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Extreme-LED-Throwies/2154/1
Learn to build these simple glow-dots in seconds! LED Throwies are fun, easy circuits that quickly stick to any ferro-magnetic surface. Toss them onto pipes, poles, or other surfaces you want to glow! Modify this simple circuit into a giant throwie bug, or hack an on/off tab into your circuit. We’ll also show you how to build casings for your circuits that are both weather-proof and indestructible! LED Lanterns can be sunk in the ground or dropped in a nearby pond which work, and look great, at night.
Take a look at the project page for more inspiring ideas, including morse code throwies, LED Jellies, and Floaties.
Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Talking-Booby-Trap/1944/1
Having trouble with people snatching your top-secret stuff? Need help getting some privacy? Here’s a sneaky gizmo you can make to keep those snoops away. It’s the Talking Booby Trap: record your personalized message or sound effect, then hide it in a strategic place. When it’s disturbed, the intruders will hear your surprise warning message telling them to “Get lost!”
Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/10-Rail-Model-Rocket-Mega-Launcher/243/1
Nothing is more exciting to model rocket enthusiasts than a multi-rail launcher that can blast several rockets off at the same time. For rocket clubs and events, it’s almost essential to keep things moving at an exciting pace with these types of launch systems. This 10-pad mega-launcher was developed for Cub Scout Pack 1346’s rocket derby. And now you can build it too.
This system gives kids (of all ages) the fun of pressing their own launch buttons, and for added drama, sounds a klaxon before each launch. For the finale, a “Mega Launch” switch shoots off all 10 rockets at once.
To minimize the chance of an unfired rocket left on the pad, the launcher also has always-on igniter continuity checks, using LEDs to show which igniters are ready. Blocking diodes allow dual-use of the wire harness — for continuity check and launch voltage — thus halving the number of wires to the launch bar.
To show kids and adults that the launcher isn’t actually as complicated as you might think, the workings of the system can easily be seen behind clear plastic.
Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/Game-Show-Buttons/1916.
In this project, taken from Charles Platt’s book Make: Electronics, we’re going to breadboard a fairly complex circuit using 555 timers and an “OR” logic gate.
Using these and some other, common components, we’ll create game show buttons. When one button is pressed, it automatically locks out the other one until the quizmaster flips a reset switch.
An “OR gate” is one of several types of basic logic gates. The logic of ORs are, as the name suggests, if input A or B is true (on), output X is true (on); thus, in this design, if either player presses their button, the circuit will go true (on), locking out the other push button, and can only be reset via the toggle switch. This circuit is ideal for two-person quiz contests!
“I’ll take ‘Cool Projects’ for 100, Alex!”
I love this project by Milwaukee artist Bryan Cera. Called Glove One, it’s a mobile phone in glove form. The project page is fairly sparse, but Bryan says a DIY tutorial is forthcoming. [via Ponoko, which has a great interview.]
