New in the Maker Shed: Mintronics – MintDuino
The MintDuino is perfect for anyone interested in learning (or teaching) the fundamentals of how micro controllers work.
Kits
Egg With FDA Nutrition Label Courtesy Eggbot
Instructables user dnewman used his EMSL Eggbot rotary plotter to print an accurate nutrition label on the side of a raw egg. A delightful and otherwise fairly useless thing to do. I heartily approve. [via adafruit]
In the Maker Shed: Chumby Guts Kit
Chumby guts go together easily, but the b&w instructions included left me scratching my head the first time around. Here’s my second build, after I got all the parts right. http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKCH1
Collin’s Lab: High Power LEDs + Digital Color Organ
5mm or 10mm LEDs will work just fine for most projects, but if you really want to light up a room, consider using some of the high-power variety. With forward currents up to a full amp, you’ll need a way to dissipate heat – but the results are very much worth the extra effort.
Circuit Skills: Electronics Enclosures
Every useful electronics project deserves a good enclosure. Providing a proper case for your circuit can protect it from accidental spills & falls – plus give it a cool look you can proudly show off to those unfamiliar with soldering and such.
Follow along with Collin as he turns a barebones function generator kit into a sturdy and versatile tone-box fit for noise-jamming & testing purposes. Get more info and a parts bundle: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/04/circuit_skills_electronics_enlosure.html
Circuit Skills: Perfboard Prototyping
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/06/circuit_skills_perfboard_prototypin.html
When you think – “DIY electronics”, one of the first images that likely comes to mind is a bunch of parts and wire soldered to a standard piece of perforated circuit board – and that makes sense. Perfboard is super-versatile – essentially it’s just a grid of potential solder-point connections. You can trim it down to just the size you need – or leave extra space for future enhancements … or revisions, if need be.
Circuit Skills: LED Matrix
Learn the basics of controlling a grid of LEDs, then use one as a miniature game machine and more, as Collin Cunningham takes a look inside the LED Matrix.
