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Weekend Projects – Optical Tremolo Box

Weekend Projects – Optical Tremolo Box

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Optical-Tremolo-Box/2276/1

Inspired by Charles Platt’s “Stomp Box Basics” article (MAKE Volume 15, page 82), follow along as we build this Optical Tremolo Box, which reads a patterned disk with a light sensor to create a warbling audio effect (tremolo).

For this project, MAKE Technical Editor Sean Ragan used a cadmium sulfide photoresistor to provide us with our light sensor – a component we have used in previous Weekend Projects. Not only does it look cool and sound great, but once you’ve made the project, you can customize it by making your own effects disks!

Weekend Projects – A Touchless 3D Tracking Interface

Weekend Projects – A Touchless 3D Tracking Interface

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/A-Touchless-3D-Tracking-Interface/2233/1

Using a combination of low- and high-tech components, we’ll show you how to build a completely touchless 3D tracking interface. This project will introduce you to the principle of capacitive sensing, and the Arduino microcontroller.

Weekend Projects – Infrared String Bass

Weekend Projects – Infrared String Bass

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Infrared-String-Bass/2049/1

You’ll convert light to sound in this Weekend Project. Using the LM386 amplifier, and pairs of infrared emitting and detecting diodes, we’ll show you how to build a four-string optical bass guitar. Mount your hardware onto a piece of lumber, or build your own classy chassis. Then, get ready to rock!

Weekend Projects – Bottle Radio

Weekend Projects – Bottle Radio

Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Bottle-Radio/2077/1

Crystal radio technology has been around for many years. This “bottle radio” take on a crystal radio requires no power source, operates on the power from radio waves, and receives signal from a long wire antenna. As radio stations slowly move away from the AM band, the “window of opportunity” to experience this remarkable technology is dwindling. The “crystal” in question is contained inside a germanium diode, and is used to rectify the radio signal so that our ears can hear it.

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.

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.