Announcements

Search Yahoo and MSN with instant message – MAKEbot

Search Yahoo and MSN with instant message – MAKEbot

Makebotguy-2We’re testing out an experiment on the MAKEbot (the instant message interface to MAKE Magazine) you can now search MSN and/or Yahoo over instant message with MAKEbot. So, try it out- add the MAKEbot to your buddy list (click here) and type ysearch and what you’re looking for (example: ysearch how to weld) or do the same for msearch (msearch msearch ipod hacking). And as always you can type search and what you’re looking for on MAKE and the magazine at all times using Google (search search cigar box guitar). Handy for phones that have AIM. Also try – photos, bookmarks, instructables, podcast and latest or help. Here are some screenshots of some bot action. Link.

HOW TO – Using IR modules from VCRs

HOW TO – Using IR modules from VCRs

Panel ThProcure IR modules from an old VCR, Raphael writes “Some time ago, I came across the Lirc (Linux Infrared Remote Control) website and decided to build a serial port IR receiver. They had a list of suggested IR receiver modules, but I was unable to buy one, so I had to think of using something else. A IR Receiver module is usually a photodiode and a 38khz detector. Most of them have 3 pins. VCC, GND, an output pin. If a 38khz carrier is detected, the output pin will become active. Some modules are active low, and others are active high. It is sometimes required to use an inverter(eg: 7404) to get the correct signal.” Link.

The Great Downwinder…

ImagesMake is a sponsor of the Great Downwinder…“The Great Downwinder is an epic kitesurfing roadtrip which will take place every year. The aim is to celebrate the diverse range of people who are drawn together by their common passion for kitesurfing and desire for adventure. It will involve a number of riders, from all over the world, undertaking a long downwind adventure.” Link. MAKE pals Saul and Corwin and Tim Anderson are all riding and will have some Make-friendly videos (fixing kites, etc) soon. Thanks Arwen!

Search all of MAKE with Instant Message, with the MAKEbot

Makebotguy-1Reminder, the MAKEbot delivers the best of MAKEZine.com, Flickr, Instructables and del.icio.us all via your buddy list on AIM. And now you can search ALL of MAKE, the blog and the magazine, all with instant message! After you add the MAKEbot, just type search, then what you’re looking for or just type what you want with a ? at the end, like this – MAKEbot search for iPod! Click here to add the MAKEbot to your buddy list, then type help for a list of commands or just click here to subscribe. Over the last week hundreds of people have messaged the MAKEbot and we’ve given away hundreds of free copies of MAKE to many lucky people too! Want a free digital edition? Just add the bot, type comment and your email address!