DIY Projects

Weekend Projects – Extreme LED Throwies

Weekend Projects – Extreme LED Throwies

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Extreme-LED-Throwies/2154/1

Learn to build these simple glow-dots in seconds! LED Throwies are fun, easy circuits that quickly stick to any ferro-magnetic surface. Toss them onto pipes, poles, or other surfaces you want to glow! Modify this simple circuit into a giant throwie bug, or hack an on/off tab into your circuit. We’ll also show you how to build casings for your circuits that are both weather-proof and indestructible! LED Lanterns can be sunk in the ground or dropped in a nearby pond which work, and look great, at night.

Take a look at the project page for more inspiring ideas, including morse code throwies, LED Jellies, and Floaties.

Continue Reading Makemagazineuser
Weekend Projects – Solar Joule Bracelet

Weekend Projects – Solar Joule Bracelet

Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Solar-Joule-Bracelet/22/1

The Solar Joule Bracelet combines two separate projects, a solar battery and a “joule thief,” to build a wearable circuit that powers an LED. Solar energy flows through the photodiodes, building up a supercapacitor, which essentially acts like a battery. This energy is then delivered to the joule thief, where oscillations eventually exceed the LED’s forward voltage, making it light up. Once fully charged, these oscillations will occur so fast that the LED will appear continuously bright, visible even during daytime!

Best of all, this circuit’s design allows you to install it where and how you wish!

Continue Reading Makemagazineuser
Weekend Projects – Talking Booby Trap

Weekend Projects – Talking Booby Trap

Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Talking-Booby-Trap/1944/1

Having trouble with people snatching your top-secret stuff? Need help getting some privacy? Here’s a sneaky gizmo you can make to keep those snoops away. It’s the Talking Booby Trap: record your personalized message or sound effect, then hide it in a strategic place. When it’s disturbed, the intruders will hear your surprise warning message telling them to “Get lost!”

Continue Reading Makemagazineuser
Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots

Weekend Projects – BEAM Solar Chariots

Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/BEAM-Solar-Chariots/1939/1

BEAM is a type of robot design that allows you to create little robot/robot-like critters and vehicles mainly using basic analog components (resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs). The challenge is to try and get as much robot-like behavior using these components. BEAM is an acronym for “Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics” and these four elements serve as inspiration in all BEAM design.

For these two projects, we’ll use what’s known as a “solar engine” (Type 1 “FLED” variety), some store bought and scavenged electronics, and laser-cut and gold-leafed wheels to build some stylin’ little Solar Chariots. Let the build begin!

Continue Reading Makemagazineuser2
Weekend Projects – 10-Rail Model Rocket Mega-Launcher

Weekend Projects – 10-Rail Model Rocket Mega-Launcher

Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/10-Rail-Model-Rocket-Mega-Launcher/243/1

Nothing is more exciting to model rocket enthusiasts than a multi-rail launcher that can blast several rockets off at the same time. For rocket clubs and events, it’s almost essential to keep things moving at an exciting pace with these types of launch systems. This 10-pad mega-launcher was developed for Cub Scout Pack 1346’s rocket derby. And now you can build it too.

This system gives kids (of all ages) the fun of pressing their own launch buttons, and for added drama, sounds a klaxon before each launch. For the finale, a “Mega Launch” switch shoots off all 10 rockets at once.

To minimize the chance of an unfired rocket left on the pad, the launcher also has always-on igniter continuity checks, using LEDs to show which igniters are ready. Blocking diodes allow dual-use of the wire harness — for continuity check and launch voltage — thus halving the number of wires to the launch bar.

To show kids and adults that the launcher isn’t actually as complicated as you might think, the workings of the system can easily be seen behind clear plastic.

Continue Reading Makemagazineuser
Weekend Projects – Game Show Buttons

Weekend Projects – Game Show Buttons

Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/Game-Show-Buttons/1916.

In this project, taken from Charles Platt’s book Make: Electronics, we’re going to breadboard a fairly complex circuit using 555 timers and an “OR” logic gate.

Using these and some other, common components, we’ll create game show buttons. When one button is pressed, it automatically locks out the other one until the quizmaster flips a reset switch.

An “OR gate” is one of several types of basic logic gates. The logic of ORs are, as the name suggests, if input A or B is true (on), output X is true (on); thus, in this design, if either player presses their button, the circuit will go true (on), locking out the other push button, and can only be reset via the toggle switch. This circuit is ideal for two-person quiz contests!

“I’ll take ‘Cool Projects’ for 100, Alex!”

Continue Reading Makemagazineuser