Zerocool60544 in the AutoIT forums writes about a PC control project using a browser or cell phone “I use lego mindstorms’ motors, they don’t a lot of torque but I geared them down to be a little slower but stronger. The water bottles are the counter weights so their is always tension on the line. There are two motors on either side. (one near the closed position and one near the open position).” [via] Link.
Weber decided to start construction of his house by building a homemade solar water heater… “It took a lot of time and sifting, but I was finally able to devise a simple and inexpensive water warmer that I knew “us regular folks” would be able to build. In fact, my design involves only three steps: First, build a glass-covered wood “hot box” to catch the sun’s heat. Second, install a manifold of copper water pipes–inside this collector box–so the gathered warmth will heat water. Third, hook the outlets from the manifold to a storage tank (this container should be set above the heat collector) so the thermosiphon principle will move water from the collector to the tank.” Thanks Star! Link.
Using some plastic and a toaster you can make your own PSP stand, JavaMoose writes “I decided to make a simple little stand for the PSP. Handy when watching videos, and it lets me have it connected to external speakers and the charger – while on the stand. It is very simple to make, and only cost me about 20 minutes and 25 cents worth of plastic.” [via] Link.
Sej writes – “My new digital camera came with more accessories than would fit in the included case. I built my own handy container for the rest of the gear. The body is a hard plastic VHS tape case. I used a “dollar store” dog collar and leash to make a closure strap and shoulder strap.” Link.
Quick and easy how to on Apartment therapy “Stretching a canvas is easy. You take four planks of wood, make a rectangle and pull the canvas over it. (Or pay framing stores a lot of money to do it for you…). Before you get frustrated starting from scratch get ready made heavy duty stretcher bars (best & cheapest:Utrecht Art Supplies). Their ends fit together so precisely that you don´t need glue or nails. Asembly time for the perfect rectangle: 60 seconds.” [via] Link.
Remember that guy who added a generator and a window sill air conditioned to his car? Well, that guy should meet up with guy who has made a hot water heater from an old coffee maker and a soda bottle, nice make! Link. Here’s the Maker’s site!
GThing has some interesting photos on Flickr, the first is a homemade ECG that appears to send signals through a keyboard. Next up, the Posterity Eradicator, a unique device that will ensure years of trouble free non-reproduction. It’s cell phone that directs the harmless/ful radiation directly at your lap or skull, depending on how you wear it. There’s also a cigar box guitar and retro phone headset if you poke around too, neat stuff! Link. You can view more about all the projects here.
