Use PNGs to make real 3D parts out of metal and plastic…
Wow, now you can upload a PNG image and have a part cut and sent to you, made from metal or plastic, no need to use CAD software. Simon writes – “I’ve just added support for PNG images. I’m really proud of this new feature, as it will allow even people who don’t know how to use CAD software to start creating with Big Blue Saw. There are still a couple of quirks to work out over the next few weeks, and the help files will need to be updated, but this feature was much needed.” Link.
Chris writes “Adding internal Bluetooth to a laptop has been done before, but Tom shows us how to do this without using a internal USB hub. An easy project to hide yourself away with during those upcoming stressed family reunions.”
Timo Arnall’s excellent experiment with RFID and physical spaces, like his desk…“For the last couple of weeks I have been experimenting with tagging personal space with the NFC. This started by embedding RFID tags in my desk, to use it as an information surface for contacts, SMSes and links. Underneath the desk I have stuck a grid of RFID tags, and on the top surface, the same grid of post-it notes. With the standard Nokia Service Discovery application it is possible to call people, send pre-defined SMSes or load URLs by touching the phone to each post-it on the desk.”
Nice project to go along with a new Xbox 360…Chuck and Sean write “How to inexpensively build your own arcade-style racing game chair. The site describes building a low-budget chair for your living room with parts from the junkyard as well as building a full-size version utilizing a 32″ TV. Lots of pictures and advice.”
Justin Frankel (Winamp & Ninjam creator) has a new multitrack recording software called REAPER. This is a pretty good PC program to try out, small, fast, looks like it can tap in to your system sound for recording Skype or other VoIPs too, that could be useful for podcasts, etc. Don’t fear the Reaper, it’s free, for now. [
Hans writes “Laser Chess was created by Mike Duppong back in the late 80s, and you can find lots of software versions of the it on the web. However, a Brazilian student named Alexandre Van de Sande actually made a actual working laser version of the game!”
Excellent reason to roll back any PSP, a Commodore 64 emulator! – “64psp began life as an experiment to learn how to program the PSP. No PSP C64 emulators existed at the time and the Frodo source code appeared to have a gentler learning curve. A PSP port of VICE is also in progress. Both emulators have their plus and minus points, so why not try both?” [