Month: February 2006
Disassembly / modification of Kraft GamePad
Some folks have received their Kraft game pad and started taking it apart – check out what some of our Makers are up to…“I’ve received my Kraft GamePad and despite not being “officially supported”, it works fine under OS X. Unfortunately, the Up-Down-Left-Right buttons map to a hatswitch, which means pressing [Left][Right] simultaneously doesn’t register properly. Is it this way under Windows, too? Anyway, the joystick reports having four unused buttons (6-10) and I’m already receiving requests from my family to “fix it or something.” Anyone taken a square-tip driver to the hard plastic box at the top of the unit and see what’s underneath? I’m looking for any tips before popping the case.” Link.
Stereo Encoder / Multiplexer
Spotted this on DIYlive…“This stereo encoder is the perfect solution for those looking for a high quality stereo sound transmission at a low cost. This stereo encoder produces an excellent crystal clear stereo sound and very good channel separation that can match with many more expensive stereo encoders that are available on the market. It is all possible thanks to a 38KHz quartz crystal that controls the 19kHz pilot tone, so you will never have to calibrate or re-adjust the circuit.” [via] Link.
Pixelcam Mod for Baseband Video Output
Shawn writes “Here’s how to modify Fisher-Price Pixelcam (Pixelvision) camera to output audio/video via RCA cables for direct hook-up to TV/VCR/DV camera, rather than have to use crappy tape-drive in camera with RF output. Good instructions. Only thing missing is a pict of where to connect power cables.” Image – Link.
HOW TO – Make a Matchbox Pinhole camera
Alspix’s how to on making a matchbox pinhole camera “My first couple of 35mm pinhole cameras attempted to be panoramic, wide angle jobbies but this time I thought it would be nice to get back to the classic square format. Here’s my latest contraption which uses 35mm film to provide square images of 24 x 24mm. Using this size means that you can get up to 50 exposures on a standard roll of 36 exposure film.” [via] Link.
Make a living in the virtual world…
Wired article about earning a living by selling the things you make, in the virtual word – “Jennifer Grinnell, Michigan furniture delivery dispatcher turned fashion designer in cyber space, never imagined that she could make a living in a video game. Grinnell’s shop, Mischief, is in Second Life, a virtual world whose users are responsible for creating all content. Grinnell’s digital clothing and “skins” allow users to change the appearance of their avatars — their online representations — beyond their wildest Barbie dress-up dreams.” Link.
Making Spaceships From Aspirin Bottles and Toilet Items Part 3…
Remember the how to on making spaceships and sci-fi weapons from household items such as aspirin bottles, pvc pipe, toilet bolt covers, some hobby store styrene, and some parts from old models? Well part three is up and it’s great! [via] Link.
CNET has a video of the