Hackaday Links: October 13, 2019
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hackaday-links-october-13-2019/
Trouble in the Golden State this week, as parts of California were subjected to planned blackouts. Intended to prevent a repeat of last year’s deadly wildfires, which were tied in part to defective electrical distribution equipment, the blackouts could plunge millions in the counties surrounding Sacramento into the dark for …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hackaday-links-october-13-2019/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hackaday-links-october-13-2019/
Trouble in the Golden State this week, as parts of California were subjected to planned blackouts. Intended to prevent a repeat of last year’s deadly wildfires, which were tied in part to defective electrical distribution equipment, the blackouts could plunge millions in the counties surrounding Sacramento into the dark for …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hackaday-links-october-13-2019/)
What the Scale? Mouse teardown throws up a few surprises
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/what-the-scale-mouse-teardown-throws-up-a-few-surprises/
[Eric Weinhoffer] and his colleagues did a great comparative tear down of the MX Master 3 and the MX Master 2S mice from Logitech. Tear down’s are great fun and often end up teaching us a lot. Looking at the insides of a product can tell us a great deal …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/what-the-scale-mouse-teardown-throws-up-a-few-surprises/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/what-the-scale-mouse-teardown-throws-up-a-few-surprises/
[Eric Weinhoffer] and his colleagues did a great comparative tear down of the MX Master 3 and the MX Master 2S mice from Logitech. Tear down’s are great fun and often end up teaching us a lot. Looking at the insides of a product can tell us a great deal …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/what-the-scale-mouse-teardown-throws-up-a-few-surprises/)
Hacking Broken Plastic Parts without a 3D Printer
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hacking-broken-plastic-parts-without-a-3d-printer/
We’ve all encountered the odd plastic part that is broken and unobtainable. Sure, 3D printers can print big replacement parts, but sometimes you just need to rebuild a very specific piece. [AkBkukU] shows off a technique for doing just that using a process you could almost call manual 3D printing. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hacking-broken-plastic-parts-without-a-3d-printer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hacking-broken-plastic-parts-without-a-3d-printer/
We’ve all encountered the odd plastic part that is broken and unobtainable. Sure, 3D printers can print big replacement parts, but sometimes you just need to rebuild a very specific piece. [AkBkukU] shows off a technique for doing just that using a process you could almost call manual 3D printing. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/13/hacking-broken-plastic-parts-without-a-3d-printer/)
Get Dirty In Your Quest For Power!
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/get-dirty-in-your-quest-for-power/
A fascinating oddity in the list of potential alternative power sources is the microbial fuel cell, in which the chemical reactions of micro-organisms digesting their food are harnessed to harvest electrons and thus generate electrical current. We’d like to know more, so [Williamolyolson]’s soil microbial fuel cell is a particularly …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/get-dirty-in-your-quest-for-power/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/get-dirty-in-your-quest-for-power/
A fascinating oddity in the list of potential alternative power sources is the microbial fuel cell, in which the chemical reactions of micro-organisms digesting their food are harnessed to harvest electrons and thus generate electrical current. We’d like to know more, so [Williamolyolson]’s soil microbial fuel cell is a particularly …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/get-dirty-in-your-quest-for-power/)
Gutted Hoverboard Becomes Formidable Track-Drive Robot
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/gutted-hoverboard-becomes-formidable-track-drive-robot/
When “hoverboards” first came out, you may have been as disappointed as we were that they did not even remotely fulfill the promises of Back to the Future II. Nothing more than a fancified skateboard, hoverboards are not exactly groundbreaking technology. That doesn’t mean they’re not useful platforms for …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/gutted-hoverboard-becomes-formidable-track-drive-robot/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/gutted-hoverboard-becomes-formidable-track-drive-robot/
When “hoverboards” first came out, you may have been as disappointed as we were that they did not even remotely fulfill the promises of Back to the Future II. Nothing more than a fancified skateboard, hoverboards are not exactly groundbreaking technology. That doesn’t mean they’re not useful platforms for …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/gutted-hoverboard-becomes-formidable-track-drive-robot/)
Military Gliders are Making a Comeback, This Time in Unmanned Form
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/military-gliders-are-making-a-comeback-this-time-in-unmanned-form/
Sun Tzu said, “The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.” This is as true in the modern world as it was 2500 years ago, and logistics have helped win and lose many wars and battles over the centuries. To this end, Logistical Gliders Inc. is developing one-time use, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/military-gliders-are-making-a-comeback-this-time-in-unmanned-form/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/military-gliders-are-making-a-comeback-this-time-in-unmanned-form/
Sun Tzu said, “The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.” This is as true in the modern world as it was 2500 years ago, and logistics have helped win and lose many wars and battles over the centuries. To this end, Logistical Gliders Inc. is developing one-time use, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/military-gliders-are-making-a-comeback-this-time-in-unmanned-form/)
The MorningRod Wants Your Mornings Easier, Not Harder
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/the-morningrod-wants-your-mornings-easier-not-harder/
Curtains are about as simple as household devices get, but they can be remarkably troublesome to automate. Everyone’s window treatments slightly different, which frustrates a standardized solution. [dfrenkel] has a passion for DIY and wanted his mornings flooded with sunlight for more peaceful awakenings, so the MorningRod Smart Curtain Rod …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/the-morningrod-wants-your-mornings-easier-not-harder/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/the-morningrod-wants-your-mornings-easier-not-harder/
Curtains are about as simple as household devices get, but they can be remarkably troublesome to automate. Everyone’s window treatments slightly different, which frustrates a standardized solution. [dfrenkel] has a passion for DIY and wanted his mornings flooded with sunlight for more peaceful awakenings, so the MorningRod Smart Curtain Rod …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/the-morningrod-wants-your-mornings-easier-not-harder/)
Hacking Diabetes Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/hacking-diabetes-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, October 16 at noon Pacific for the Hacking Diabetes Hack Chat with Dana Lewis!
When your child is newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), everyone is quick to point out, “It’s a great time to be a diabetic.” To some degree, that’s true; thanks to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/hacking-diabetes-hack-chat/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/hacking-diabetes-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, October 16 at noon Pacific for the Hacking Diabetes Hack Chat with Dana Lewis!
When your child is newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), everyone is quick to point out, “It’s a great time to be a diabetic.” To some degree, that’s true; thanks to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/hacking-diabetes-hack-chat/)
Linux Fu: Python GUIs for Command Line Programs (Almost) Instantly
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/linux-fu-python-guis-for-command-line-programs-almost-instantly/
Not every programmer likes creating GUI code. Most hacker types don’t mind a command line interface, but very few ordinary users appreciate them. However, if you write command line programs in Python, Gooey can help. By leveraging some Python features and a common Python idiom, you can convert a command …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/linux-fu-python-guis-for-command-line-programs-almost-instantly/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/linux-fu-python-guis-for-command-line-programs-almost-instantly/
Not every programmer likes creating GUI code. Most hacker types don’t mind a command line interface, but very few ordinary users appreciate them. However, if you write command line programs in Python, Gooey can help. By leveraging some Python features and a common Python idiom, you can convert a command …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/linux-fu-python-guis-for-command-line-programs-almost-instantly/)
A (Mostly) 3D Printed Servo/Gear Reduction
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/a-mostly-3d-printed-servo-gear-reduction/
This servo/gear reduction was assembled with almost all 3D-printed parts. Apart from a brushed 36 V DC-motor, a stainless steel shaft, and screws for holding the servo together, the only other non-printed part is the BTS7960B motor driver.
Some interesting stats about the plastic servo – its stall torque is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/a-mostly-3d-printed-servo-gear-reduction/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/a-mostly-3d-printed-servo-gear-reduction/
This servo/gear reduction was assembled with almost all 3D-printed parts. Apart from a brushed 36 V DC-motor, a stainless steel shaft, and screws for holding the servo together, the only other non-printed part is the BTS7960B motor driver.
Some interesting stats about the plastic servo – its stall torque is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/a-mostly-3d-printed-servo-gear-reduction/)
This Dry-Ice Powered Fog Machine Is Perfect For Halloween
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/this-dry-ice-powered-fog-machine-is-perfect-for-halloween/
The leaves are turning brown, and the spookier season is upon us. If you’re currently working up plans for a top-notch Halloween party, you would do well to consider building a fog machine like this unit from [DIY Machines]!
This fog machine is based around dry ice, so you’ll need …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/this-dry-ice-powered-fog-machine-is-perfect-for-halloween/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/this-dry-ice-powered-fog-machine-is-perfect-for-halloween/
The leaves are turning brown, and the spookier season is upon us. If you’re currently working up plans for a top-notch Halloween party, you would do well to consider building a fog machine like this unit from [DIY Machines]!
This fog machine is based around dry ice, so you’ll need …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/this-dry-ice-powered-fog-machine-is-perfect-for-halloween/)
What Better Than A Hexapod?
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/what-better-than-a-hexapod/
What’s more awesome than a normal hexapod robot? What about a MEGA hexapod?
Max the Megapod, a six-legged 3D-printed walking robot, is an open source, Arduino-based, Bluetooth controlled, Scratch programmable creation made possible by [Steven Pendergrast]. The design for Max was based on a previous hexapod project, Vorpal the Hexapod, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/what-better-than-a-hexapod/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/what-better-than-a-hexapod/
What’s more awesome than a normal hexapod robot? What about a MEGA hexapod?
Max the Megapod, a six-legged 3D-printed walking robot, is an open source, Arduino-based, Bluetooth controlled, Scratch programmable creation made possible by [Steven Pendergrast]. The design for Max was based on a previous hexapod project, Vorpal the Hexapod, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/what-better-than-a-hexapod/)
Coffee Makes 3D Printing Better
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/coffee-makes-3d-printing-better/
While we know some 3D printer operators who need coffee, Washington State University is showing an improved PLA material that incorporates used coffee waste. Regular PLA is not known for being especially strong, though It isn’t uncommon for vendors to add things to their PLA to change its characteristics.
The …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/coffee-makes-3d-printing-better/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/coffee-makes-3d-printing-better/
While we know some 3D printer operators who need coffee, Washington State University is showing an improved PLA material that incorporates used coffee waste. Regular PLA is not known for being especially strong, though It isn’t uncommon for vendors to add things to their PLA to change its characteristics.
The …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/coffee-makes-3d-printing-better/)
Repurposing A Toy Computer From The 1990s
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/repurposing-a-toy-computer-from-the-1990s/
Our more youthful readers are fairly likely to have owned some incarnation of a VTech educational computer. From the mid-1980s and right up to the present day, VTech has been producing vaguely laptop shaped gadgets aimed at teaching everything from basic reading skills all the way up to world history. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/repurposing-a-toy-computer-from-the-1990s/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/repurposing-a-toy-computer-from-the-1990s/
Our more youthful readers are fairly likely to have owned some incarnation of a VTech educational computer. From the mid-1980s and right up to the present day, VTech has been producing vaguely laptop shaped gadgets aimed at teaching everything from basic reading skills all the way up to world history. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/14/repurposing-a-toy-computer-from-the-1990s/)
[Ben Krasnow] Looks Inside Film Camera Date Stamping
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/ben-krasnow-looks-inside-film-camera-date-stamping/
Honestly, we never wondered how those old film cameras used to put the date stamp in the lower right-hand corner of the frame. Luckily, [Ben Krasnow] does not suffer from this deplorable lack of curiosity, and his video teardown of a date-stamping film camera back (embedded below) not only answers …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/ben-krasnow-looks-inside-film-camera-date-stamping/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/ben-krasnow-looks-inside-film-camera-date-stamping/
Honestly, we never wondered how those old film cameras used to put the date stamp in the lower right-hand corner of the frame. Luckily, [Ben Krasnow] does not suffer from this deplorable lack of curiosity, and his video teardown of a date-stamping film camera back (embedded below) not only answers …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/ben-krasnow-looks-inside-film-camera-date-stamping/)
Hacking Pixmob Bands And Finding A Toolchain
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hacking-pixmob-bands-and-finding-a-toolchain/
The Pixmob band is an LED wrist strap, of the type often used at big concerts or other public events. Many have tinkered with the device, but as of yet, nobody was running custom code. It wouldn’t be easy, but [Adrian] got down to work.
A teardown of a 2016 …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hacking-pixmob-bands-and-finding-a-toolchain/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hacking-pixmob-bands-and-finding-a-toolchain/
The Pixmob band is an LED wrist strap, of the type often used at big concerts or other public events. Many have tinkered with the device, but as of yet, nobody was running custom code. It wouldn’t be easy, but [Adrian] got down to work.
A teardown of a 2016 …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hacking-pixmob-bands-and-finding-a-toolchain/)
The Final Days of the Fire Lookouts
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/the-final-days-of-the-fire-lookouts/
For more than a century, the United States Forest Service has employed men and women to monitor vast swaths of wilderness from isolated lookout towers. Armed with little more than a pair of binoculars and a map, these lookouts served as an early warning system for combating wildfires. Eventually the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/the-final-days-of-the-fire-lookouts/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/the-final-days-of-the-fire-lookouts/
For more than a century, the United States Forest Service has employed men and women to monitor vast swaths of wilderness from isolated lookout towers. Armed with little more than a pair of binoculars and a map, these lookouts served as an early warning system for combating wildfires. Eventually the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/the-final-days-of-the-fire-lookouts/)
A DIY Bench-Sized Milling Machine
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/a-diy-bench-sized-milling-machine/
Hanging around the machining community online, you’d be more than familiar with clapped out Bridgeport mills, which are practically a meme at this point. But mills come in all shapes and sizes, from the stout old iron from the days of yore, to smaller, compact builds. [Honus] decided to build …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/a-diy-bench-sized-milling-machine/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/a-diy-bench-sized-milling-machine/
Hanging around the machining community online, you’d be more than familiar with clapped out Bridgeport mills, which are practically a meme at this point. But mills come in all shapes and sizes, from the stout old iron from the days of yore, to smaller, compact builds. [Honus] decided to build …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/a-diy-bench-sized-milling-machine/)
How to Build the Strongest Arches
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/how-to-build-the-strongest-arches/
When it comes to architectural features, there are probably not many as quintessentially memorable as arches. From the simplicity of the curved structure to the seemingly impossible task of a supposedly collapsable shape supporting so much weight in mid-air, they’ve naturally fascinated architects for generations.
For civil engineers, learning to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/how-to-build-the-strongest-arches/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/how-to-build-the-strongest-arches/
When it comes to architectural features, there are probably not many as quintessentially memorable as arches. From the simplicity of the curved structure to the seemingly impossible task of a supposedly collapsable shape supporting so much weight in mid-air, they’ve naturally fascinated architects for generations.
For civil engineers, learning to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/how-to-build-the-strongest-arches/)
Hackaday Prize China Finalists Announced
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hackaday-prize-china-finalists-announced/
In the time since the Hackaday Prize was first run it has nurtured an astonishing array of projects from around the world, and brought to the fore some truly exceptional winners that have demonstrated world-changing possibilities. This year it has been extended to a new frontier with the launch of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hackaday-prize-china-finalists-announced/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hackaday-prize-china-finalists-announced/
In the time since the Hackaday Prize was first run it has nurtured an astonishing array of projects from around the world, and brought to the fore some truly exceptional winners that have demonstrated world-changing possibilities. This year it has been extended to a new frontier with the launch of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/hackaday-prize-china-finalists-announced/)
Reverse Engineering Liberates Dash Cam Video
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/reverse-engineering-liberates-dash-cam-video/
If you’ve purchased a piece of consumer electronics in the last few years, there’s an excellent chance that you were forced to use some proprietary application (likely on a mobile device) to unlock its full functionality. It’s a depressing reality of modern technology, and unless you’re willing to roll your …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/reverse-engineering-liberates-dash-cam-video/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/reverse-engineering-liberates-dash-cam-video/
If you’ve purchased a piece of consumer electronics in the last few years, there’s an excellent chance that you were forced to use some proprietary application (likely on a mobile device) to unlock its full functionality. It’s a depressing reality of modern technology, and unless you’re willing to roll your …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/15/reverse-engineering-liberates-dash-cam-video/)