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How to Use LEDs to Detect Light
Since an electromagnetic telephone receiver can double as a microphone, can a semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) double as a light detector?

CNC Air Raid Siren
It’s loud, annoying, and fun — cut out the parts on a CNC router, then motorize them with a cheapo bench grinder (we found the perfect one at Harbor Freight). A great CNC project from MAKE fabricator Dan Spangler, designed with a traditional 5/6 two-tone sound ratio like the classic World War II sirens. WEEEEEEEEEEEOOOH!

Amateur Scientist: Tracking Heat Islands
Use data loggers and DIY sensors to map temperatures where you live. Towns are hotter than countryside, parking lots are scorching compared to green fields — what else can you discover? Another great amateur science project from Forrest M. Mims III, who shows you how to build and mount simple sensors and then deploy them on cars to take mobile transects, then use the data to create temperature maps.

Self-Filling Pet Water Bowl
Keep your pet happy and hydrated with this simple build.

Jumbo Hand-Launcher for Folding Wing Glider
With this portable and inexpensive launcher, even the youngest kids can achieve impressive flights with the Rocket Glider from MAKE Volume 31.

Howtoons: Ripcord Rotor Chopper
Make a fun propeller toy, complete with a ripcord launcher. Grip it, and rip it!

Toy Inventor’s Notebook: Ant-Free Feeder
Stop ants from getting into your hummingbird feeder with a DIY moat.

Getting Started in Aerial Video
How to make killer videos from your multicopter or drone.

DIY TV & Media Center
Make a DIY television with the ability to display broadcast TV programs. It will also play movies with the help of a Raspberry Pi microcontroller serving as media center!

Sir George Cayley and the Glider
Build the simple plane that defined modern aircraft — 100 years before the Wright brothers. Another fun and fascinating project from William Gurstelle's "Remaking History" column in MAKE.

Use a Drill Press as a Lathe
Whenever I need a small turned item, I resort to tricking my drill press into thinking it’s a lathe.

Zombie Flashlight
Build a powerful pocket flashlight with reclaimed parts and an “undead” battery! The clever "joule thief" circuit powers a 3V LED with a single 1.5V battery and it can even run on dead batteries — and it all fits into an empty lip balm tube. Make a bunch and give them to your friends.