More soap box derby action – “A lot has changed since the first Soap Box Derby in 1934. More girls are racing, wind-tunnel technology and computer modeling are the norm, and the cars are made mainly of plastic from easy-to-build kits…Over the last decade, Soap Box Derby racing has come barreling back thanks to a blend of tenacity, adaptation, renewed interest from national sponsors – including Nascar – and a yearning for nostalgia.” [via] Link.
Aaron made a great little kit for anyone who’d like to make their own 9V USB charger that will charge just about any gadget that uses USB, all inside, you guessed it, an Altoids tin. It’s pretty simple to construct one of these, but Aaron put everything together in kit form if you’re not a hardcore Maker yet. For $8.50 it’s a good deal, and it’s always good to support a Maker who’s turning their ideas in to little businesses. Link.
Michael is looking for more advanced electronics kits…“I love building electronics kits, but I have run into a slight problem: there aren’t many out there past the “solder these 20 things” level. I’d love a complicated kit (too bad Heath Kits no longer exists). I would love an article on complex kits you can buy (maybe highlight a few in each price range). The last kit I bought that I really loved was an RGB LED Blinky from Ramsey Kits. You assemble a little tiny SMT circuit board (that was challenging, quite fun) and the one LED (which is 3 in one) glows all different colors. Very cool to show off.” Link. Any suggestions?
Good tool for winter Make projects – The Icebox tool lets you build an igloo out of any type snow. I made 4 igloos last winter – all with different types of snow: one with heavy, wet, “packing” snow, two with new powder, and one with “sugar snow” – ice crystals that pour like white sugar. [via] Link.
We posted about “Learning to use LEDs and Transistors” from Iguana labs awhile back, but it’s worth noting that their main tutorial section has a ton of HOW TOs to check out. From basic concepts, to a complete temperature sensor project. All around good resource to bookmark if you’re getting started in electronics. Link.
Wonderful way to learn about computing – these ought to be on the back of cereal boxes. CARDIAC (cardboard illustrative aid to computation) illustrates the operation of a computer without actually being a computer. It is a very practical aid to understanding computers and computer programming. [via] Link. We have a ton of great Maker-like kits on Make 04 too.
Excellent resource – A small collection of electronic circuits for the hobbyist or student. Site includes over 100 circuit diagrams, links to related sites, commercial kits and projects, newsgroups and educational areas. Most of the circuits can be built with common components available from Radio Shack or salvaged from scrap electronic equipment. Most all of the circuits have been built and tested and believed to perform as described, however possible mistakes may be found. Link.
