Collin’s Lab: The REAL Breadboard
Ever wonder why they call it an electronics “breadboard?” Grab a hammer, some nails, and a slab of wood and let’s find out.
collinslab
Collin’s Lab: Homebrew Piezo
Piezoelectric materials are about as close to magic as you can get. They turn physical pressure into electricity and can even turn electricity into physical pressure – an amazing sort of bidirectional converter for mechanical and electrical energies. Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that you can easily ‘grow’ your own piezoelectric crystals overnight […]
Collin’s Lab: Monotron Hacking
The Monotron mini analog synthesizer is a simple but sweet-sounding synth that sports basic features that give a nod to us hardware hackers.
Collin’s Lab: Digital to Analog Converter
It’s true – I love DACs. There’s something awesome about the role they play, translating information from one paradigm over to another form. Sure, you can pick up a precision DAC chip with serial interface for a little over a buck, but building a barebones version from a handful of resistors is a pretty dang […]
Collin’s Lab: USB Hacking with Arduino
Collin does a little hacking to get his USB-based MIDI keyboard to talk to his Arduino.
Collin’s Lab: High Power LEDs & the Digital Color Organ
5mm or 10mm LEDs will work just fine for most projects, but if you really want to light up a room, consider using some of the “high-power” variety. With forward currents of up to a full amp, you’ll need a way to dissipate heat – but the results are very much worth the extra effort. […]
Collin’s Lab: Custom fit earbuds
I’ve used quite a variety of sound-isolating personal audio gear; around-ear cans, in-ear buds, as well as active noise-canceling models. All of these posed problems for me in one way or another. Most often, it came down to issues with comfort and how well each design could maintain a good seal on my substantial noggin. […]
