Resource, links and kits for building your own thing to launch other things. Here is a collection of what plans we’ve been able to collect from around the web. These are compiled from several sources by many people. Some are suitable for physics projects, and some are for more serious hobbyists. You’ll have to figure out which ones are right for you. Link.
DIYParts.org is a grassroots effort that enables and ecourages the sharing and trading of computer parts that are still useful, but would otherwise mostl likely end up discarded…one of the goals of the project is to get unused older personal computer systems to parts of the developing world and to people who have thus far been sidelined in the “digital revolution”. The old hardware can be made useful by loading it with open source operating systems like GNU/Linux. [via] Link.
A neat How-to on building your own office irrigation system. There are retail systems for over $60, but this DIY version can come in around $30 or so. Pump, tubing, connectors, dripper, timer, a few other things- and you’ll have the greenest cube. Link.
Neighborhood Satellites are handheld sensing devices that monitor people’s local environment. In its current prototype form, the satellite is able to sense air quality, light, and the presence of cell phone signals. The satellite also communicates through tangible behaviour. For example, when approaching air pollutants onscreen, the satellite inside the game will suck in air to capture specimen. Link.
Neat DIY Camera Bag with hard internal fiberglass shell- I feel like such a tourist (waiting to get mugged) with a camera bag, so I bought a messenger bag and hopefully I won’t stand out anymore. I also wanted it to fit in my backpack without getting crushed when I cinch my packs compression straps, so I made a hard shell insert. It’s faily common for backpacks to be cut and contents emptied without the person wearing the bag knowing. Link.
New book to get kids excited about space exploration– “Buzz Aldrin: Reaching for the Moon” (HarperCollins). The goal of the book, intended for 6- to 9-year-old readers that Aldrin calls “the third generation of space explorers,” is to re-ignite interest and excitement in the space program. Aldrin, 75, says he’s always considered it his mission to serve his country and the best way he can do that now is “by offering a vision into the future”. [via] Link.
Make reader Ron sent this in- looks interesting, anyone try it? Might be good for some prototyping. ShapeLock is a super strong plastic similar to Nylon or Polypropylene in toughness. However, unlike the two former plastics it does not need high temperatures or high pressures to form into useful shapes. ShapeLock is easily hand-formed into shape at just 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Link.
