Month: December 2013

Data Dial Dashboard joins our beginner-friendly electronics series, Weekend Projects, as a moderately difficult build. The case design and layout is fun and simple, made from balsa wood and uses ink or laserjet printouts for all the displays (or a laser cutter for those with access to one). Even the required soldering is nominal and pretty straightforward. The challenge then arises from what information to display, and how.

This colorful “wired dollhouse building kit” inspires creative construction.

While at RobotsConf, a new conference designed to transform 150 coders into makers in just 48 hours, I helped staff the 3D printing table, making parts for attendees’ robots. Late in the first build day, Catherine Hess approached the 3D printing area – she wanted to know if we could 3D print a catapult for her robot. We quickly agreed, started printing the catapult, and then got to know Catherine, her husband Sean, and their little SumoBot, “Rudolph.”

John Schimmel and Holly Cohen talk about New York City organization DIYability, which offers maker workshops focusing on tool use, collaboration, and assistive technology for disabled kids.