9
Mar/10
0

Does Android dream of DIY cushions?


With the estate of Philip K. Dick up in arms over the slightest commercial reference to his published works, we may come to regret the above headline. But it’s worth the risk to bring more attention to this lovely, handcrafted Android pillow. Covered in fleece and filled with fluffy polyester for a texture that creator Craftsquatch describes as “firm yet springy,” the cuddly 12-inch square, made-to-order cushion can be yours for $20 before shipping. If only it came with dessert.

Does Android dream of DIY cushions? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Technabob  |  sourceCraftsquatch (Etsy)  | Email this | Comments


27
Feb/10
0

Twitter-enabled LED table lets you get your Lite-Brite on from afar

Well, here’s a bit of a twist on the ever popular DIY Twitter gadget. Rather than controlling a device via Twitter, or having a device simply display or read tweets aloud, the folks behind this LED-stuffed table have taken a slightly more artistic approach by relying on the tweeting masses to generate patterns of light on the table. That’s done with a combination of a hashtag and a specific format for entering colors and coordinates, which head first for a MacBook Pro before being transmitted to the table via Bluetooth. Not content to leave it there, the table’s creators have even set up a live USTREAM feed to let you see the results of your tweet. Hit up the link below to try it out for yourself.

Twitter-enabled LED table lets you get your Lite-Brite on from afar originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 05:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceMacetech, USTREAM feed  | Email this | Comments


8
Feb/10
0

DIY photog creates laser trigger for remote DSLR snapping

There’s just no two ways about it: the integrated self-timer is easily one of the most amazing technologies to ever be invented. Yeah, we said it. Unfortunately, beeping for ten seconds while a shooter races to get in position isn’t always ideal or fun, and that’s where isharq comes in. His Arduino-based mod is amongst the most flexible out there for DSLRs, enabling it to morph from a basic laser trigger hack to something that senses heat, movement or sound (just to name a few) and then makes your camera react accordingly. As it stands, his setup triggers his DSLR to snap a shot whenever a laser beam is broken, and if you’re eager to see more, be sure to peek the in-action video just past the break. Oh, and the source link holds all the secrets to recreating something like this in your own laboratory.

[Thanks, Simon]

Continue reading DIY photog creates laser trigger for remote DSLR snapping

DIY photog creates laser trigger for remote DSLR snapping originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2
Feb/10
0

Pyxis OS demo video sports high production values despite DIY Arduino hardware

Pyxis OS demo video sports high production values despite DIY Arduino hardware

We’re absolutely loving what all the cool kids are doing with Arduino hardware — the robots, the instruments, the fashion — but when it comes to getting stuff done, well, let’s just say we’re not giving up our smartphones yet. A new project from Skewworks could change that, an Ardiuno-based operating system called Pyxis. It provides a UI for launching applications, easy access to microSD storage, and graphics routines that make creation of apps and games much more simple. If you want to code in anything other than assembly you’ll need to pay up for the professional edition of Pyxis Studio, but we’re thinking you can scrounge up the $10 to make that happen. There’s a quality video demonstration after the break, but we’d recommend turning down those speakers before clicking through — unless you’re really ready to rock out.

Continue reading Pyxis OS demo video sports high production values despite DIY Arduino hardware

Pyxis OS demo video sports high production values despite DIY Arduino hardware originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1
Feb/10
0

Omega GM-1 lets you bring your real drum set to Rock Band

We’ve already seen some mods for using a real drum set with Rock Band or Guitar Hero, but it looks like Omega Music Technology’s new GM-1 system is the first off-the-shelf option, which should no doubt please the less DIY-inclined among us. Available on its own or bundled with a Pearl drum set, the system packs individual sensors that detect each drum hit with “speed and accuracy” and, most importantly for those not playing, support for mesh heads and a dampening system for the cymbals — of course, if you opt for the drum set package, you’ll also get some real drum heads. Omega is even going so far as to promote the system as an ideal way to learn to play the drums and, conversely, says that non-gamer musicians that tried it were able to start playing songs with ease immediately. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look at the complete kit, and look for the basic system to run you $249.

Omega GM-1 lets you bring your real drum set to Rock Band originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25
Jan/10
0

DIY scanner cuts out the hassle, keeps the fun of Super 8 film scanning

Looking to speed up your Super 8 film scanning but not ready to step up to a pricey, professional rig? Then might want to take after Flickr user Photobsen, who rigged up this system that relies on an old floppy drive, a flatbed scanner, some parts from a vintage Super 8 viewer, and a good bit of know-how. Unfortunately, there’s no detailed plans for building your own, but the rig is apparently able to scan Super 8 film at a rate of 80 seconds of film per hour completely unattended — although we wouldn’t blame you if you sat and admired your handiwork for a while after piecing one of these together.

DIY scanner cuts out the hassle, keeps the fun of Super 8 film scanning originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Hack a Day  |  sourceFlickr  | Email this | Comments


22
Jan/10
0

DIY smartphone car dock: 10 minutes, $2, and worthy of a MacGuyver sense of accomplishment

The problem: you need a hands-free option for safely espying your smartphone while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

Your equipment: Ahesive-backed craft foam, heavy duty plastic coated wiring, assorted PVC tubes and pieces. (Total value: approximately $2.) A “goofy vacant space” in the car dash for placement.

Target time is 10 minutes or less. Hit up the Instructables source link for your solution!

DIY smartphone car dock: 10 minutes, $2, and worthy of a MacGuyver sense of accomplishment originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmodo  |  sourceInstructables  | Email this | Comments


20
Jan/10
0

The DIY $10 prepaid cellphone remote car starter

The DIY $10 prepaid cellphone remote car starter

Wish you could start your car via your cell phone, but don’t feel like ponying up the $40k for a Chevrolet Volt or $499 (plus $29 a year) for an aftermarket system from Viper? This hack from a guy named Dave will set you back considerably less, relying on a cheap prepaid cellphone that has had its vibration motor surgically removed, replaced by a couple of leads triggering the car’s starter. Now, whenever the phone receives a call it starts up the car — a somewhat dodgy proposition if a telemarketer ever gets hold of your number, but an interesting solution nonetheless. Dave is also excited about the prospect of setting on timers and alarms on the handset to auto-start the car at regular intervals, while we’re excited about the total cost of the project: $71.03. Why, that’s barely enough to cover the gas our big blue Excursion burns while warming up in the morning.

The DIY $10 prepaid cellphone remote car starter originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Hack A Day  |  sourceDave Hacks  | Email this | Comments


20
Jan/10
0

Arduino and accelerometer harmoniously come together in DIY music controller

Look, Physical Computing can be a drain. Particularly when your Summa Cum Laude status is hinging on you acing the final. We’re guessing that one Ryan Raffa managed to pull off a pretty decent grade, as his final project is nothing short of delectable. In a (presumably successful) attempt to wow onlookers and professors alike, Ryan cooked up an audio controller that utilized an ADXL 335 accelerometer (for motion sensing) and an Arduino board that communicates serially with Max MSP. The controller itself boasts inputs for five tracks and the sixth button applies a delay to all of the tracks; he was even kind enough to host up the Max MSP and Arduino code (it’s there in the source link), and if you’re interested in hearing what all the fuss is about, be sure to hop past the break and mash play.

Continue reading Arduino and accelerometer harmoniously come together in DIY music controller

Arduino and accelerometer harmoniously come together in DIY music controller originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18
Jan/10
0

DIY Lego router the perfect compliment to your Bristle Blocks firewall

Is there anything you can’t do with Lego brand toy building bricks? Probably — but we’re not here to dwell on the negative. In this space, we’ve seen everything from a USB charger to a 3D scanner built with the things, but if you still haven’t had your fix, Luke Anderson (the Lego computer guy) has full on, step-by-step instructions for building an enclosure for your Linksys WRT54GL router. It’s stackable, all the buttons, LEDs, and ports are accounted for, and your young child can break a small piece off and choke on it. In other words, it combines the functionality of a router with the charm of your favorite toy! Ready to dive in? We thought so… hit the source link to get started.

DIY Lego router the perfect compliment to your Bristle Blocks firewall originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Make  |  sourceLuke’s Router  | Email this | Comments


5
Jan/10
0

Twittering Arduino-powered laser tripwire captures trespassers — digitally (video)

Twittering Arduino-powered laser tripwire captures trespassers -- digitally (video)
Spare a thought for the modern thief. They have to face off against phones that can broadcast their location, laptops that lock themselves down, a LoJack service for iPods, and now a laser tripwire that can twitter pictures of unwanted visitors. It’s a decidedly DIY Arduino-based project, but unlike many similarly powered offerings that we hit, this one is described as being very easy — as far as Arduino-based projects go, anyway. Check out the instructions at the read link, or just enjoy the little demo video after the break if you’re feeling lazy.

Continue reading Twittering Arduino-powered laser tripwire captures trespassers — digitally (video)

Twittering Arduino-powered laser tripwire captures trespassers — digitally (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceinstructables  | Email this | Comments


26
Dec/09
16

IPhone controlled Arduino-based Tank via WiFi, xBees & Processing

The Arduino based tank is controlled with the TouchOSC app for the iPhone to send OpenSoundControl signals to Processing which translates the signals to serial and sends it out via usb to an xBee module…which in turn get’s picked up by another xBee module on the Arduino Tank. The Arduino tank is using an Ardumoto motor driver shield and has a LiPoly battery charger connected to a solar panel for easy charging. For more information and all the Source Code, check www.ProjectAllusion.com…

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14
Dec/09
0

Android 2.1 ported to Droid, no one feigns surprise

You had to know this was coming. That Android 2.1 OS that’s been circulating inside the Google’s ultra-exclusive Nexus One has hit the internet, and thanks to some clever hackery, you can now theoretically put the update on your Droid handset. We say theoretically, of course, because it’s not quite a perfect rip. DIY instructions were briefly posted on Sholes.info but have since been replaced with a curt advisory to wait for a ROM that properly preserves file system permissions, else risking some serious breaking. The original image file is still available, but don’t say we didn’t warn you. Separately and perhaps unrelated, a video has surfaced of the Nexus One’s boot animation running on Droid — feel free to enjoy that instead, after the break.

[Thanks, Seth]

Continue reading Android 2.1 ported to Droid, no one feigns surprise

Android 2.1 ported to Droid, no one feigns surprise originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSholes.info  | Email this | Comments


5
Dec/09
0

$10 USB power outlet leaves no plug behind

Don’t freak out or anything. But all that time you spent building a DIY in-wall USB charger may have been for naught. Of course, you’ve gained a useful learning experience and potentially gotten a lesson in the dangers of electricity, but you could have simply ordered this TruPower UCS outlet from FastMac, which packs the same two USB charging ports as the DIY outlet, along with two standard power outlets for your other power-hungry devices. Best of all, it only costs the same ten bucks that the DIY option would have set you back, but it looks like it won’t start shipping until sometime early next year.

$10 USB power outlet leaves no plug behind originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceFastMac  | Email this | Comments


3
Dec/09
0

DIY touchscreen gloves are as simple as a few stitches

Sure you could buy any number of capacitive touchscreen-friendly gloves available these days (like the Dots iPhone gloves we tried on last winter) — but what if you’re looking for something a little warmer or more stylish? Then you might want consider a DIY pair, which turn out to be far easier to make then you might think. As Instructables member Grathio has helpfully laid out, all you need is the pair of gloves of your choice, a needle, and a magical material known as conductive thread (used in all sorts of wearable electronics), which you simply sew into as many fingertips as you like. Ready to get started? All the details you need are at the link below.

DIY touchscreen gloves are as simple as a few stitches originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceInstructables  | Email this | Comments


2
Dec/09
0

The Engadget Show: Kindle etching and DIY adventures with Adafruit Industries

If you’ll recall, some months ago we held a little competition for readers to submit artwork destined for laser-etching on the backsides of Amazon’s Kindle. After everyone voted on the top five out of the mountain of selections, we took the gaggle of readers down to our friends at Adafruit Industries (headed up by the lovely and delightful Limor Fried and Phil Torrone) for some time under the laser. While we were there getting our etch on with their massive laser, we convinced Limor and Phil to show off some of the other crazy kit they’ve got in the labs — and we’ve captured it all on film… er, video. Take a look at our excursion into the world of dynamic DIY’ing — we think you’ll like what you see. Check it out after the break!

Host: Joshua Topolsky
Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm
Edited by: Michael Slavens
Titles by: Julien Nantiec

Subscribe to the Show:

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Download the Show:

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Gallery: Etched Kindles

Continue reading The Engadget Show: Kindle etching and DIY adventures with Adafruit Industries

The Engadget Show: Kindle etching and DIY adventures with Adafruit Industries originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18
Nov/09
0

DIY Robolamps are part lamp, part robot, all awesome

While we’re mostly concerned with covering the latest in gadgets and technology, there’s occasionally some humble creations that spend months building up enough stream to finally break into the public’s consciousness, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t take notice. One such piece of magic is the Robolamp series of, well, robot lamps that Robert Matysiak has been working on for the past two years, and looks to have recently gone all out with in the last few months. As you can see for yourself in the gallery below, those consist of everything from some fairly recognizable lamp-shaped devices to more elaborate “robots” that can apparently be repositioned and accessorized. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Matysiak is quite ready to part with them just yet, but he is looking for a place to exhibit the designs if there happens to be any adventuresome gallery owners out there.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Filed under: ,

DIY Robolamps are part lamp, part robot, all awesome originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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11
Nov/09
25

Driving a Car with an iPhone (Part 1 – Overview) Waterloo Labs Episode 03

For more awesome projects check out www.EngineerAwesome.com In part 1 of this episode we give a overview of how we turned an Oldsmobile Delta ‘88 into a remote control car in just 4 weeks. We built our control systems using a few motors, potentiometers, a Compact RIO embedded controller, and LabVIEW. We then set up wi-fi communication so we can drive the car from an iPhone as well as from a modified Power Wheels truck. For detailed plans, parts lists and code available for download, check …

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2
Nov/09
25

how to make a cockroach robot

an easy robot – made out of the parts that you can find in an RC(remote control)car or in any eletronics´ store if you want it to go slower then just take of the wheels … (works better if you the tape or heat-shrink-tubing on the iron bars or follow the anti speed upgrade video)


16
Oct/09
7

Google Wave Preview, HTC HD2 Crushes iPhone, DIY …

Tekzilla On The Roku, HTC Phones: HTC Sense Makes Windows Mobile 6.5 Wonderful! Build Yourself a Windows Home Server: it’s not just backing up! Automated Driver Tool Recommendation, Maximum PC’s Will Smith is in the house! ODROID vs. Zune HD for 720p video. Feeling ill? Try WebMD Symptom Checker!

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