Randy Sarafan started Simple Bots on a bet. A coworker wanted a simple introduction to robotics, so Randy set out to prove that he could build a functioning robot in ten minutes. This was the impetus for a family of bots shown at Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 that can be easily made from a variety of parts that are on hand for the average DIY enthusiast.
David Simpson was contacted by MAKE to create a spying device for MAKE Volume 16, so he came up with the Bug-In-A-Book project, a hacked together wireless listening device embedded in a hollowed out book. As Simpson explains at Maker Faire Bay Area 2011, a project using scavenged technology has flowered into a product with a kit that DIY folks can build and experience for themselves.
Dawei Lin studies DNA at UC, but also started building Lego models of DNA as a teaching tool for his young daughter. At Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 he displays the various DNA models he’s made, while explaining that the act of construction can often be the most valuable learning tool for many different topics.
Jake Ketchum‘s Automatic Media Deactivation System attaches to a standard power strip and shuts off all power to a room’s electronics when its smart sensor detects that a person is no longer in the room. When someone re-enters, the system is switched back on. He demonstrated his invention at Maker Faire Bay Area 2011.
At Maker Faire Bay Area 2011, Ben demonstrates PhoneSat, a project in conjunction with NASA done to prove that a cellphone can serve as a viable CPU in an orbital satellite. The Nexus One on board uses the Android OS and is monitored by an Arduino that also serves as a rebooting device.
A run through of basic and indispensable electronics tools to get newcomers properly geared up
John Guy’s Rocking Horse Bike has a single horn and is inspired by Charlie the Unicorn. A galloping motion is created by the assymetrical mounting of the wheels, which John demonstrated at Maker Faire Bay Area 2011.
