People always ask me, “What’s a Netduino and how do I use one?” The Netduino is an open source microcontroller similar to an Arduino, except it is programmed using the common Visual C# .NET programming language developed by Microsoft. Learning to use one is simple with our latest Getting Started with Netduino kit!
Check out this lovely Solar Stella cigar box amp built by John Wilson of Minneapolis, MN. My original plan for this amp was to make a rather rugged poly-coated wood enclosure that could stand up to being left outside in a light rain. On the other hand, I also wanted to finish my amp by […]
A robotic espresso machine that lets you place an order via text message.
This week in the MAKE Flickr pool we saw…
Our friend Daniel Gentleman went to the Parallax Robotics and Microcontrollers Expo in April, and he wrote the following trip report for us.
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.
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!
