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.
Google video of the self-replicating robots at Cornell – “One of the dreams of both science fiction writers and practical robot builders has been realized, at least on a simple level: Cornell University researchers have created a machine that can build copies of itself. Admittedly the machine is just a proof of concept — it performs no useful function except to self-replicate — but the basic principle could be extended to create robots that could replicate or at least repair themselves while working in space or in hazardous environments” Link.
Surj writes “Today I presented the Tux-Phone idea at the O’Reilly Emerging Telephony Conference in SFO. An open cell phone platform named tux-phone. Three important disclaimers: It is not a novel idea. People have thought and written about similar equipment. We just started building it. The engineering process is fairly straightforward except for finding the right parts and putting them together while keeping it small.” Link. See previous.
Via Digg – Paul Allen has donated his collection of ancient DEC computers to this site. Program like its 1972! “PDPplanet.com offers users something unique–the ability to telnet to a DECsystem-10 or an XKL Toad-1, log in to a personal account, create or upload programs, and run them. We encourage enthusiasts at all levels of experience, beginners and old hands alike, to apply for accounts on the 2065 (running Tops-10 v7.04) and the Toad-1 (running Tops-20 v7.1) and to visit the PDP Planet Forums to share ideas and ask questions.” Link.
I’m using lots of macros with my DIY VR set up, I’m going to try this tool out “MacroMaker allows you to create macros or recordings to automate most anything that you already do by hand. MacroMaker was written more for the use of people who regularly use computers and programmers rather than the casual PC user. Most anything you know how to do by hand can be translated into a macro or recording in MacroMaker. If you are having to perform repetitive tasks, this program will help you out tremendiously.” [via] Link.
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.
MAKE pal Roger Ibars has a great blog with all of his student’s work..I really like the serial zapper – “This is a defensive weapon against the threat of TV-set…Put «serial zapper» in front of your ennemy, Take the gun from the case, Walk backwards 20 feet (depends from the distance of your sofa) and shoot the right target to change channel, volume or to turn the TV off.” Link.
