Make: Volume 52 – Virtually Real

A wave of new technology has rekindled the dream of virtual reality. But what can you really do with it? We take a look at how Makers are embracing VR to build digital worlds and real-life interfaces with them, and show you how too. Meet the engineers at NASA that are making rovers and rockets in mixed-reality. Discover some of the gear you’ll need to get started with VR. Visit the Makers at Valve who brought the HTC Vive headset to life and see how it went from prototype to product. Then, build a tactile rig for your VR pinball arcade, create holograms with your cellphone, and learn how to take 360 degree photos and videos to view in VR.

  • Plus, more than 20 projects including:
  • Build a Raspberry Pi-powered Photo Booth that sends photos to your friends and to the cloud.
  • Make a DIY monster detector for kids to scout out scary closets and attics.
  • Learn the basics for creating propane-powered fire art with an excerpt from our new book, Make: Fire.
  • And much more.

ON THE COVER: NASAʼs JPL is using VR tech to create the next Mars rover.

Table of Contents

COLUMNS

Reader Input

Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 06

Welcome: Fairely Innovative

Maker Faire sheds a light on emerging tech.Page 07

Made on Earth

Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08

Show & Tell

The latest dazzling projects from inventive makers like you.Page 14

FEATURES

Laser Focus

As prices tumble, lidar is becoming the go-to tool for autonomous robotic vision.Page 16

SPECIAL EDITION

Virtual Reality

Page 24

An Open Valve

How a software company and modding community shaped the future of virtual reality with the HTC Vive.Page 26

Shake, Rattle, and Tilt

Build the PinSim cabinet controller and play VR pinball with real tactile controls and an accelerometer-based nudge system!Page 32

1+2+3: CD Case Hologram

Build a tiny “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion to play holograms on your smartphone! Page 41

Virtual Creation

Design, assemble, and build with these VR software tools.Page 42

Gateway Gear

You need physical hardware to enter the virtual world.Page 44

Full Immersion

Capture the world in 360º with these new cameras, then explore them with your VR gear.Page 46

Letʼs Get Real

These augmented experiences take some of the “virtual” out of virtual reality setups.Page 47

SKILL BUILDER

Form with Foam

How to cut, glue, and finish styrofoam for custom creations.Page 54

PROJECTS

Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi Party Photo Booth

Make a Pi 3-powered touchscreen photo booth that uploads to Google Photos!Page 56

Monster Detector

Build a kid-friendly (pretend) bedtime scanner to repel creepy critters.Page 62

CNC an Inductive Phone Charger

Mill an elegant charger for your Qi-compatible device.Page 66

Shiny Globes of Mud

Shape the mysterious hikaru dorodango that has Japanese schoolchildren crazy for dirt.Page 68

Kid-Sized Kayak

Build a tough, lightweight boat from a single sheet of plywood.Page 70

Flippinʼ Sweet

Use a servo to flick a light switch mechanically, without ever touching 110V power, with this Wi-Fi “Turner Onner.”Page 72

PiKon: Raspberry Pi Telescope

Assemble a 120X astro-cam using 3D-printed bits and the Pi Camera Module.Page 76

Crushinʼ It

Use an Arduino and an H-bridge motor circuit to build an automatic can crusher.Page 78

Electronics Fun & Fundamentals: Get a Grip

Build a carnival midway strength tester game using strain gauges and a comparator chip.Page 80

Howtoons: Platonic Solids

Find out why Platonic solids are so special, and make some cool dice to boot! Page 83

Rumblebots Raceway

Here’s a hand-cranked classroom science project that’s also a lot of fun. Page 84

1+2+3: Edible Paper

Paper is made from plants — so why not food plants?Page 86

Toy Inventorʼs Notebook: Friendly Fake-Outs

Use moldable plastic to create great new practical jokes!Page 87

TOOLBOX

Tool Reviews

Craftsman 10" Benchtop Band Saw, Raspberry Pi 3, Flir One Thermal Imager, JackClamp System, and more useful gear.Page 88

3D Printer Review: Mannequin

A quirky, quick-to-assemble kit.Page 92

OVER THE TOP

From Her Majestyʼs Secret Service

If homemade rocket bikes, grappling hooks, and stealthy weapons don’t impress, then we don’t know what will.Page 96