Here’s a DIY LED how-to for computer cases. I like step by steps like this, they’re easy enough for anyone to do and build skills for more complicated mods. In this guide, you will learn how combine a spare molex connector and 2 LEDs to create a simple and effective lighting solution. Basic soldering skills are necessary, but apart from that, this mod requires very little experience (and very little money). Link.
AOTS had one of my favorite Makers- Simon Field, author of Gonzo Gizmos: Projects & Devices to Channel Your Inner Geek. Simon makes all sorts of projects from stuff found around the house. Film can cannons, three penny radios, solar marshmallow roasters and more. His website SciToys also has a lot to explore as well as the parts/projects to purchase. Link.
Here’s a quick video I shot late last night of the Skype payphone actually working. It rings and can be used as a Skype phone for any call, SkypeIn/SkypeOut and it’s just really really cool to have a working VOIP Skype payphone in one’s living room. Next up getting it to take quarters so you can make calls and using the keypad as username and password entry.Link (QuickTime 8MB).
Here’s a DIY teleprompter for the folks out there who are using web cams to do videoblogging or recording themselves speaking. It’s pretty simple, a couple CD cases and some HTML and you’re good to go. I think as we start using video conferencing more it might be a neat project to put all sorts of things on there, like instant messages, widgets, slides or maybe a RSS ticker, maybe not. Link.
Jim writes…“I am presently in the process of rebuilding my house. I have been seriously considering a bundled wire of 2 coax, 1 cat5, 1 cat6 and 2 fiber optic. Might as well bring it in to the 21st century while I’m at it. Yet, I am looking for some kind of module, or brain command center that will handle the distribution to all rooms. I was wondering if you know were going to write about a build your own type of distribution system rather than the old splitters. I wanted to bring in one feed and run direct home runs to all rooms. No jumping from room to room. No multiple splitters down the line, etc… Of course, I want to have wireless access, but we all know that there are still signal drops in that configuration”. What are some suggestions for Jim? Post them in the comments!
This guy has built a pro-quality condenser mic from a beer can and some other bits and pieces. Omnidirectional small diaphragm capsule, ruler flat freq. response from 100 Hz to around 15kHz, attached to the power supply by approx. 7 ft. of cable, fits most mic clips, and runs on a 9v battery. He’s built them out of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Schlitz, selling them from $15 to $51 on ebay. Thanks Tom! Link.
