In this project, we’ll make battery packs essentially for free. If you need a lot, make a lot. If you need more voltage, add on more cells with couplers. If participants and students in your workshop or class all make their own, they can do it together, maybe even doing a manufacturing project to create many for future use.
This ingenious folding power plug design efficiently shaves off the extra bulk of a standard UK 3-prong plug, while increasing safety and easy of use. It has recently been entered to compete for the 2009 James Dyson Award and has been determined a shortlisted entry.
In this brief video, MAKE contributing editor Bill Gurstelle demonstrates a simple arc light (a precursor to the incandescent bulb) using a length of carbon rod, a knife switch, some ceramic insulators, Nichrome wire, and an 18-volt power tool battery. How to Make an Arc Light
Got an extra mower handy? You can build a generator from it using an automotive alternator. There are designs for horizontal axis and vertical axis motors.
Recently Hackerbot Labs was invited by Intellectual Ventures to demonstrate their Maker Faire Editor’s Choice Award winning high voltage coin shrinker in front of a Vision Research Phantom 100kfps high-speed camera.
In the mail today arrived the 36 page schedule/flyer for this year’s SolarFest. Based on the three I’ve been to in the past, this should be an excellent time as well. There are plenty of workshops, live music, and great vendors who have either made their own wares or are willing to share lots of […]
[Photo from Connors934 on Flickr] A few weeks ago I was at Mass Maritime Academy and was impressed by their efforts to use and prove out solar powered lighting for their walkways. The lights illuminate the northwest campus areas around the dormitories and dining hall. The lights, provided by SolarOne® and Hadco, are powered by […]
