Technology

Collin’s Lab: DIY Contact Mic

Collin’s Lab: DIY Contact Mic

It’s amazing what a little disk can do … when it’s layered with piezoelectric crystals. Piezo disks are impressively sensitive to vibration and can easily be adapted to work as a contact microphones. The trick is the preamp – a basic circuit used to match the piezo’s signal to levels compatible with modern audio gear inputs. The resulting piezo/preamp combo can be used for electrifying an acoustic guitar or simply exploring the lesser-heard world of small sound around us.

DIY Contact Mic – Collin’s Lab

DIY Contact Mic – Collin’s Lab

It’s amazing what a little disk can do … when it’s layered with piezoelectric crystals. Piezo disks are impressively sensitive to vibration and can easily be adapted to work as a contact microphones. The trick is the preamp – a basic circuit used to match the piezo’s signal to levels compatible with modern audio gear inputs. The resulting piezo/preamp combo can be used for electrifying an acoustic guitar or simply exploring the lesser-heard world of small sound around us.

Collapsable iPhone Camera Handle

Collapsable iPhone Camera Handle

Almost every time I attempt to shoot video with a handset I end up inadvertently covering up the microphone or lens, which can be a real drag when I go to view it later on. This has led me to develop a rather cumbersome grip that I use when I film something with my phone. This collapsable iPhone Camera Handle from Chris over at TheNewHobbiest seems like the perfect remedy for this situation

Supercap Racer

Supercap Racer

Learn to build the Supercap Racer Kit from the Maker Shed. http://makeprojects.com/Project/Supercap-Racer-Kit/1659/1
http://www.makershed.com/Supercap_Racer_Kit_p/mstin4.htm&Click=37845

Assemble the Supercap Racer kit and make a new toy that’s fast, unpredictable, and fun to build. Designed by George Albercook (founder of Rocks and Robots) and manufactured by MAKE, the Supercap Racer is a great way to hone your soldering skills, and have some fun.