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Make: 70 — We Can’t Quit You!
Make: magazine is back in action and back to our original size! This issue’s cover project is a maker’s take on a Boston Dynamics-style quadrupedal walking robot that you can build yourself. Then, build an adorable unicorn shaped dispenser that spits soap on command. And to celebrate Make:’s return, why not build a custom dancing version of our Makey mascot.
Plus, 28 projects including:
- Teeny-tiny personal motorboat
- Standup paddle board
- Bird-identifying computer-vision birdhouse
- Backyard bicycle pump track
- and more!
On the Cover: Developed by maker Rongzhong Li, NybbleCat is and open source quadruped robot kit that walks, waves, reacts to commands, and looks super cute doing it.
Table of Contents
Columns
Welcome: Shape Our Future Together
Dale Dougherty
It’s good fortune to have others pick you up when you’re down.Page 07
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08
Features
DIY Science
Bronwen Densmore
Public Lab is working to build a healthier and more equitable world through community science, open technology, and environmental justice. Page 16
Economia Circolare
Jennifer Blakeslee
Italians designs for a carbon-free future at Maker Faire Rome. Page 28
Special Section: The Outsiders
The Outsiders
Make: Community
Why lock yourself indoors when there’s so much building to be done outside? Page 32
Mock Yacht
Josh Tulberg
Explore the seven seas in this just-barely-one-person motorboat. Page 34
Smart Bird Feeder
Toni Klopfestein
Use machine learning to identify different bird species and deter squirrels with the Coral Dev Board. Page 46
Longboard CNC SUP
Sonny Lacey
Use a CNC router to build a beautiful, hollow wooden stand-up paddleboard. Page 52
Surf Stand
Alexey Volochenko
Assemble this surfboard rack to keep your quiver clean and clear.Page 62
Pedal to the Medal
Robert van de Walle
Traversing sand dunes and bay waters, the 3-day, human-powered Kinetic Race celebrates 50 years with 50 miles of grueling and hilarious ingenuity.Page 63
#vanlife
Caleb Kraft
Why be constrained to just one campsite? Convert a van, pack up your gear, and the whole world becomes yours to explore.Page 64
Backyard Pump Track
Alex Reveles
Design and build your own mountain bike track for riders of all skill levels. Page 66
Aluminum Whistle
Nathaniel Bell
Impressive and easier than it looks, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures or gift giving. Page 70
Be Prepared
Caleb Kraft
Get the most out of your camping trip with these clever projects. Page 74
Projects
Get Nybbled!
Rongzhong Li
Build a true quadruped, walking robot kitten with the free OpenCat framework running on an inexpensive Arduino.Page 76
Makey Is Real!
Camilo Parra Palacio
Build our biped mascot with all-new articulated arms and head, plus all the dance moves of the popular Otto platform. Page 84
DIY Robocars: So Ready to Rumble
Chris Anderson and Adam Conway
Build an affordable, autonomous racer that can (finally?) beat human drivers. Page 90
Soap Vomiting Unicorn!
Britt Michelsen
Hack a cheap automatic soap dispenser to build your own wash-time buddy.Page 94
DIY Inflatable Car
Alex Borg
How one maker built an amphibious vehicle from hacked power tools. Page 100
Amateur Scientist: In Your Face
Forrest M. Mims III
Measure your face’s exposure to UV rays with a “Sunny Sam” dummy. Page 106
Play That Funky Music
Marcus Dunn
Turn a vintage radio into a lo-fi guitar amp.Page 112
Skill Builder
BIG Printin’
Caleb Kraft
Chop up your designs when you need something bigger than your bed. Page 118
Cut and Paste
Mike Senese
Make a cardboard attachment guide for your classroom to help inspire great builds. Page 122
Toolbox
Toolbox
Gear up with reviews of the latest tools and kits for makers.Page 124
Show & Tell
Show & Tell
Dazzling projects from our inventive readers.Page 128
