Reader Input
Notes from readers like you. Page 05
Make: Volume 62 — 21st Century Cyberpunk
The link between cyberpunk and making has always been strong, sharing the “If you can’t hack it, you don’t own it” ethos. In this issue of Make:, we show you the newest emerging technologies, how to get into things you shouldn’t with our spy tech roundup, and how to repurpose useful parts from discarded electronics. We also help you answer the crucial question: are you still a cyberpunk?
Inside you’ll find 33 projects, including how to:
- Build a wheelchair for your furry friend out of hardware store parts
- Text your bestie with a casual raise of the eyebrow and a muscle sensor
- Craft a cheap, easy-to-assemble rubber-band helicopter out of household supplies and a 2-liter soda bottle
- Make super cute papercraft succulents to decorate your space
And more!
ON THE COVER: Melissa Lamoreaux is a maker who still lives the cyberpunk aesthetic daily. Originally from Los Angeles, she now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay Area where she teaches programming and robotics to children. In her free time she creates technology to care for plants and helps her friends solve technical challenges. She has previously modeled Anouk Wipprecht’s 3D printed dresses.
Table of Contents
Columns
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 06
Features
Mechanical Masterminds
Hep Svadja
The awe-inspiring Les Machines de l’Ile are planning incredible surprises.Page 12
Rural Radio
Tshepo Tshabalala
Open source toolkit RootIO is helping communities create their own micro radio stations.Page 18
Tech Trends
Make: Editors
Keep an eye on these emerging developments.Page 20
DIY Spy
Spies Like Us
Hep Svadja
The hackers, phreaks, and cyberpunks from the dawn of the internet can give us a glimpse into the future.Page 23
R.U. Still a Cyberpunk?
Chris Hudak
Here’s our modern update on the classic Mondo 2000 poster.Page 24
Jeepers Creepers
Mike Senese
Hidden cameras abound! Be aware of what might be peeping on you.Page 26
Hide and Seek
Make: Editors
Make these clever devices and get your covert career underway.Page 28
Invisible Touch
Jean Perardel
Build a magic frame that turns any surface into a giant touch interface.Page 30
Urban Ore
Caleb Kraft
Fill your parts bin with valuable scraps, freely available to those in the know.Page 34
Light Security
Peter Bullen
Perfect your evasion skills with this laser-armed maze.Page 36
Projects
Craft a Creeper
John Baichtal
Build a motorized “mob” robot and attached controller.Page 38
Go, Dog. Go!
Erica Charbonneau
3D print a custom wheelchair for a pet in need.Page 44
Toy Inventor’s Notebook: Vari-Tone Mini Cajon
Bob Knetzger
Make this bass box drum with a wah-wah effect.Page 47
Corgi Keyboard
Ashley Qian
How I designed and sewed my first musical plushie.Page 48
Dragonfly Helicopter
Slate Harrison and Rick Schertle
Scratch-build a wind-up flyer that darts into the sky.Page 52
Curing Cuteness
Rachel "Konichiwakitty" Wong
Embed and embellish electronics in molded resin to craft adorable accessories.Page 56
’Sup Brows
Becky Stern and Kate Hartman
Ping your bud with the lift of your eyebrows.Page 58
Novel Nails
Kitty Yeung
Modernize your manicure with twinkling LEDs.Page 60
A Good Sign
Jarrod Hicks
Create inexpensive, suspended LED signage for your makerspace.Page 62
Power Ranger
Mari DeGrazia
Get notified by SMS when the electricity goes out.Page 64
Remaking History: Gimme Shelter
Willian Gurstelle
Build a model Mayan-style structure to learn how lime was used to construct buildings in ancient times.Page 66
1+2+3: Simple Succulents
Jennifer Refat
Brighten your home with these easy to make, zero-maintenance paper plants. Page 69
Skill Builder
Brace Yourself
Yim Deagan
Learn about melding electronics and leather with this light-up project.Page 70
Meddling with Metal
Hep Svadja
Customize your work with a variety of finishing techniques.Page 74
Fab Fillets
Anne Filson, Gary Rohrbacker, and Anna Kaziunas France.
Get up to speed on designing the most common joints for CNC construction.Page 76
ToolBox
ToolBox
Gear up with reviews of the latest tools and kits for makers.Page 78
Show & Tell
Show & Tell
Dazzling projects from inventive makers like you.Page 80
