Here’s a cool idea to make a windchime out of silverware to get rid of pesky birds around your garden. Shauna says “A creative and fun alternative to store bought chimes is a homemade creation that will become a conversation piece. Using old silverware and some string, you can make a set of loud wind chimes that are whimsical and practical. And what better location for silverware wind chimes than in the garden, where your food originates?”
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Great step-by-step guide on hacking the Atari Flashback 2 Console, adding a cartridge port to play old 2600 games – “So, you’ve decided to take your Atari Flashback 2 console to the next level? Well then, here are the basic details to help assist you in hacking/modding your console into a full fledged Atari 2600 system that can use your original cartridges.” Link.
MAKE reader Matthew writes “I woud like to suggest a make project to design and build a hard drive/electronics shredder, not one to shred software but something to shred actual metal hard drives, they have commercial versions. The end product can be recylced.” Awhile back there was a round up on G4’s Destroy All Data and I’ve also seen this company and their crazy couch shredding, computer devouring videos, as far as DIY solutions – how about a hard drive clock? Post suggestions in the comments!
Scott writes “Alexander Van de Rostyne has been designing and fabricating ever-smaller micro-helicopters out of advanced materials, batteries and remote control systems for the last six years or so. The latest has 4 channel control and weighs in at 6.9 grams ( 1/4 ounce ) with battery.” Link. The site has tons of photos, details on the miniaturization efforts and hamster comparisons.
Scott writes “Vonage just released a VoIP WiFi phone… you can use your Vonage VoIP account on any public WiFi access point (but not at places that charge, such as the airport, Starbucks, etc). I’d love to see this phone modded/hacked to be used with other providers (I use Voicepulse).” Link. If you use EVDO, you could at least make a mobile hotspot (see how to) but I’m not sure what settings you can change in the phone for providers (if any).
The new ASIMO is closer to the robots that eventually revolt in all the science fiction movies “Honda Motor debuted a new ASIMO humanoid robot which features the ability to pursue key tasks in a real-life environment such as an office and an advanced level of physical capabilities. Compared to the previous model, the new ASIMO achieves the enhanced ability to act in sync with people – for example, walking with a person while holding hands. A new function to carry objects using a cart was also added.” Pictures and videos on the site. Thanks Justin! Link.
Steve writes “Here’s how to make a soda-can Van de Graaf generator. This site contains detailed directions for making a simple Van de Graaf generator with a soda can, some PVC pipe and a few simple everyday components. The site even features a picture of the finished product in action.” Link.
