New in the Maker Shed are two new, low cost, wireless products from the good folks at Wicked Device. The MintyMote is an Arduino remote control that fits in an Altoids Smalls gum tin (not included.) The Wireless Sensor Node / Receiver Shield Bundle includes everything you need to create a simple, low cost sensor network with a range of about 150ft (but has tested farther.)
Although it should not difficult to get sketches written for previous Arduino versions working with Arduino 1.0, that release has important changes you need to be aware of. The first thing you will notice when launching the software is the look of the IDE. Some icons are different from previous versions of the software and there are changes and additions in the menus. The error messages when dealing with selecting boards have been improved and the new ADK and Ethernet boards have been added.
More significant are changes in the underlying core software and libraries. The stated purpose of 1.0 is to introduce disruptive changes that will smooth the way for future enhancements but break some code written for older software. New header files mean that older contributed libraries will need updating. Methods in Ethernet and Wire have been changed and there are subtle differences in the print functionality.
This sturdy, translucent project enclosure, from the Maker Shed, is specially made for your Arduino projects. It perfectly fits an Arduino with an attached shield (most fit), a 16 x 2 LCD, and 4 AAA batteries. Use it for home automation, a sous vide control enclosure, or for containing nearly any mad project. The enclosure can be easily drilled for wires, antennas, or anything else you need. Since the enclosure is clear it’s instantly good looking (but could easily be painted if you’re into that kind of thing.)
The Maker Shed has put together a Thanksgiving Weekend Special just for you. From Thanksgiving day (11/24) until Monday (11/28,) if you buy any Arduino Shield you can get an Arduino Uno for just $25! Simply put any Arduino Shield into your cart, add an Arduino Uno, and use the coupon code TURDUCKEN upon checkout to get the deal. It’s that simple!
These two new kits from the Maker Shed were designed by Bleep Labs for Handmade Music Austin. Both are featured in our upcoming Ultimate Kit Guide and kits website. The Pico Paso (above) is a perfect beginner soldering / electronic music project based on the Atari punk console. The Nebulophone (above) is an Arduino based synthesizer with a stylus keyboard that can be played through 6 octaves using the shift button. The programmable sequencer function lets you record, play back, and manipulate custom arpeggios for musical awesomeness.
This big, gorgeous 2.8″ TFT touchscreen display from the Maker Shed is sure to add some flare to your next Arduino project. It’s capable of displaying 262,000 different colors with 240 x 320 pixels so pictures will be nice and sharp. The built in resistive touchscreen is capable of tracking your finger anywhere on the screen so you can use the display as an input device. An on-board microSD slot lets you load pictures and graphics with ease.
The Defusable Clock kit is an electronics kit that lets you build a scary looking clock that you can actually “defuse”. Only the electronics are included — you use your imagination to build the device you want!
