Sparkle Labs’ Discover Electronics Kit is back in the Maker Shed and better than ever. New components, documentation, and an accompanying online video course will have you building projects and reading schematics in no time. Everything you need to make a light detector, led flasher, noise maker and more is right in the box.
The XBee XB24-Z7WIT-004 Series 2, from the Maker Shed, improves on the power output and data protocol over the Series 1. It takes some time to set up the ZB family of modules but when you do they allow reliable point to point, mesh, and compatibility with other ZigBee compatible networks.
ShapeLock is an amazingly useful polycaprolactone plastic that starts to melt and become moldable at 160ºF. When it cools to room temperature it becomes rigid and tough with qualities similar to nylon. By heating it in water with a microwave or using a heat gun, you can easily hand form it into almost anything.
The LinkM, from the Maker Shed, is a USB adapter for BlinkM Smart LEDs that addresses two of the most frequently-requested features: It enables you to program your BlinkM (or MaxM or MiniM) without setting up a separate I/O board, such as an Arduino, and it lets you program or control multiple BlinkMs simultaneously.
It was a pleasure to present the Makey awards on the special Make: Live show at World Maker Faire NY 2011. There I met Tom Simpkins, accepting the award for PanaVise, a Reno, NV company that developed a maker’s improvised vise improvement into an accessory for the product – the speed control handle. As Tom handed me the injection molded plastic part I noticed the paper packaging– featuring its “Makey nominated” status.
Learn how to make a drifting robot car with a few cheap components and some simple code in this tutorial episode of The Latest in Hobby Robotics.
The car used in the video is a “Fast Lane RC Monster Drift 1:24″ by Maisto Tech. It’s sold in many webshops and on eBay.
The code shown in the video can be downloaded here: http://letsmakerobots.com/node/28787
Microcontroller used:
PICAXE 08M on AXE230 by Revolution Education (picaxe.com)
Ultra-Sonic Ranger used:
SRF05 by Devantech Ltd (robot-electronics.co.uk)
Tools used:
DSO nano – Pocket size oscilloscope by Seeed Studio (http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKSEEED11&Click=37845)
Simple Servo Tester by Gadget Gangster (gadgetgangster.com)
How to make your very first robot:
http://letsmakerobots.com/start
Letsmakerobots.com on twitter:
http://twitter.com/letsmakerobots
Can’t make it to a Maker Faire? The Maker Shed has you covered with the Maker Faire Underground Sale. We have updated the SALE category with great products at special pricing just for you and we are offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $75 with coupon code MFNY11. Be sure to check the SALE category throughout for special daily deals. Hurry, these specials end on September 21st at Midnight and some products will go out of stock!
