Welcome
Dale Dougherty
What happens when your devices break up with you?Page 06
Make: Volume 77 — Machine Learning
From an exciting array of low-cost hardware to more plug-and-play training modules, it’s easier than ever for makers to incorporate machine learning into personal projects. In Make: Volume 77, we take a look at new tools you can use to train AI modules right now like Tensor Flow, Edge Impulse, and Lobe, and show how to use frameworks like Tensor Flow Lite to squeeze trained AI onto a Raspberry Pi or Arduino.
Our cover story details how to make an AI-empowered artificial nose that can sort coffee from tea, or identify whatever else you train it to smell. Next in this section we show: how to build a teddy bear that listens and Tweet-shames you when it hears a swear word, how to make a trash-sorting camera using Lobe and Raspberry Pi, and how to monitor your 3D printer for failed prints with an AI watchdog.
Plus, get the inside scoop on Tesla coil-powered band ArcAttack’s new mini musical coil kit.
Also find 23 projects inside, including:
- Track meteors entering the atmosphere with a Raspberry Pi
- Modify a vintage iPod to stream music from Spotify
- Make an animated light-up skirt with 120 hidden full-color LEDs that respond to your movements
- Add some arctic ambience to your home with a quick Arduino-powered Aurora Borealis light setup
- And much more!
On the Cover: Benjamin Cabé’s electronic nose uses artificial intelligence for aroma identification.
Table of Contents
Columns
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08
Feature
Struck Twice
Joe DiPrima
When Covid killed ArcAttack’s live performances, they pivoted to create a DIY musical Tesla coil kit. Then the pandemic struck again. Page 12
Shop Tour: Nemo Gould
Nemo Gould
Take a peek inside the Oakland, California-based artist’s workshop and his impressive collection of tools and treasures.Page 20
Machine Learning
Deeper Learning
Shawn Hymel
Level up your AI skillset and dive into the deep end of TinyML — machine learning on microcontrollers. Page 22
Second Sense
Benjamin Cabé
Make a smart sniffer that can sort coffee from tea, choose your favorite booze, or whatever else you train it to smell!Page 32
The Swear Bear
Dane Hermse and Nicole Horward
Cute but evil, it listens for curse words — then internet-shames you and your foul mouth. Page 38
Clean Up Your Act
Jen Fox
Use Lobe and Raspberry Pi to build a machine-learning rig that directs items to the right waste bin. Page 44
The Spaghetti Detective
RabbitAmbulance
Let AI watch your 3D printer’s every move and alert you when it fails! Page 48
Projects
Motion Animated NeoPixel Skirt
Martin Oehler
Make a light-up skirt with 120 hidden full-color LEDs that respond to your movements. Page 52
Smart³
Takashi Kaburagi
Takashi Kaburagi made a Rubik’s Cube that can solve itself. (Oh yeah, and it levitates.) Page 60
Digital String Art Portraits
Raphael Schaaf
Make an old craft new with algorithmic designs that produce amazing artworks from thread. Page 68
sPot: The Spotify iPod
Guy Dupont
Hack a 17-year-old iPod to stream Spotify with the most satisfying user interface — the click wheel. Page 74
Raspberry Pi Meteor Camera
Mike Mazur and Denis Vida
Build your own fireball tracker and become a citizen scientist in the Global Meteor Network. Page 82
Exploring the Microverse: DIY Conservation Tech
Helen Leigh
Protect wildlife — or just learn your neighborhood creatures — using mighty microcontrollers. Page 88
Remaking History: Galileo’s Sector
William Gurstelle
Make and use the simple but powerful mathematical tool behind Renaissance art, architecture, and artillery. Page 94
Next-Level Air Rockets
Rick Schertle and Keith Violette
Chutes? Electronics? You can help design the next upgrades to this popular rocket kit.Page 100
New From Make: Projects
Dan Schneiderman
See some of our favorite builds from here — and share your own!Page 102
Toy Inventor’s Notebook: Fun With Pop-Up Stamps
Bob Knetzger
Re-create this trick postage stamp to make pop-up toys and cards.Page 104
1+2+3 Arduino Borealis
Mike Senese
Add some arctic ambience to your home with these northern-esque lights. Page 106
1+2+3 Home Phone Fun
Stephen Cooke
Assemble a simple intercom system using your existing landline wiring. Page 107
Skill Builder
Pixel Knitting
Adrienne Hunter
Hack a classic 1980s knitting machine to knit your own patterns and photos, from simple image files.Page 108
Talk to the World
Tim Deagan
Amateur digital voice puts ham radio over the internet to let you communicate clearly around the globe.Page 118
Toolbox
Toolbox
Gear up with the latest tools and kits for makers.Page 122
Over the Top
Geeky Beach Gadgets
Even a relaxing day at the beach is a perfect opportunity to deploy new builds and technology.Page 128
