Taking a motor from an old exercise treadmill and some PVC pipe, John Park constructs a wind-powered generator. The electrical power may not be enough to get your home off the grid, but the great thing about the project is how it explains in simple terms the technology involved in turning wind into free electricity.
Download the PDFs for these projects at www.makezine.tv
In this Toolbox segment, William Gurstelle introduces us to unique load-release devices like the panic snap and the pelican hook which he applies to his giant trebuchet.
MAKE: television Presents:
Balloon Organ – Fran Hollands bagpipe-sounding musical balloon instrument.
Ball-Fetching Robot – Mark Whitneys autonomous dog-like robot that can follow and fetch a ball.
Truth Wristband – Sean Montgomerys wristband that uses technology similar to whats in lie detectors.
Submit a video of your own project at makerchannel.org.
Enter the plugged-in world of Tim Kaiser, a maker who creates experimental musical instruments from scavenged objects. Tim seeks out unique sounds everywhere he goes plucking chimes out of grandfather clocks and jingle mechanisms from childrens toys. And he doesnt stop there his electronic instruments have to look cool, too. So, Tim houses them in wildly inventive containers. Then meet the musical maverick who inspired him, Harry Partch.
Learn more about Tim Kaiser at http://www.timkaiser.org/.
Whats it like to have a five-foot long throwing arm? Just watch as John Park builds a portable trebuchet that can fling water balloons fifty yards. Unlike Medieval trebuchets that were constructed out of giant timbers and stout materials, this human-powered version is made out of cheap, easy-to-assemble ABS plumbing pipe. The perfect weapon for hurling rotten fruit at your enemies.
Check out the PDFs for these projects at www.makezine.tv
In this Toolbox tutorial, Bianca Pettis demystifies the art of soldering as she applies it to circuit bending a keyboard to make bizarre sounds. Bianca is one half of the the circuit bending band Beatrix Jar.
Reuben Margolin, a Bay Area visionary and longtime maker, creates totally singular techno-kinetic wave sculptures. Using everything from wood to cardboard to found and salvaged objects, Reubens artwork is diverse, with sculptures ranging from tiny to looming, motorized to hand-cranked. Focusing on natural elements like a discrete water droplet or a powerful ocean eddy, his work is elegant and hypnotic. Also, learn how ocean waves can power our future. Learn more about Reuben at http://www.reubenmargolin.com/
