For those who want to build a “real” mousey bot. Robotic scientists in China have succeeded in ‘controlling’ live mice. Experts at the robot research centre in Shandong Technology University controlled white mice by stimulating micro-electrodes on their heads. The mice obeyed computer-generated commands to, in succession, “turn left”, “turn right” and “move forward”. Link.

Here’s a great how-to on making your own comics. The process with a view in to script writing, materials, tracing, making mini comics and more. They also cover labor saving devices, basic rules and/or conventions of comics-drawing. Link.

I really like this homemade iPod dock made from wood. The maker says it works very well, and accurately represents the standard Apple dock. The site has all the details on cutting, veneering and staining if you’re interested in creating your own. Link.

There are lots of LCD picture frame how-tos out there, this is another one that’s pretty good. A step by step guide on converting a laptop into a WallTop to hang next to your other pictures. Making use of wireless takes away the cable problem, and with no hard drive it’s completely quiet. Link.

The process starts with the use of a ‘Magic Ingredient’, a water-soluble solder paste. This ‘Magic Ingredient’ is available though DigiKey and is made by Kester Solders. Buying of the product in itself is interesting as it must be kept refrigerated and will only be delivered if ordered for overnight delivery. Since the material is water based it must be stored in a cold place (refrigerator) and only ‘keeps’ for a few months. Starting with a clean board, the solder paste is applied from the syringe. The paste comes pre-loaded into a syringe however, the reader must order the plunger for the syringe and the applicator tips separately. Link.

Here’s a Hybrid remote control lawn mower, it’s a little pricey, but it looks amazing and they seem to offer a kit. 22″ mulch blade, Gas engine, Alternator, Two independent rear motors with speed control, Zero Turning Radius, Rear wheel tree guard shield, Wireless electric starter and a FM radio control. You can also get an optional gyro. Link.

MAKE: Amends for issue 02: Page 116, 3b should read: “Reconnect the capacitor, switch the meter to DC voltage, turn off the input signal, and measure across the capacitor. Ours read 74 volts (V). The voltage rating on the capacitor is 75 volts, so there is not much margin in this old amp.” The title for the “Testing current/amperage” figure should be “Testing BFC current”. The title for “Testing Voltage” should be “Testing Output Current”. Link.