Restoring a Rusty Rebar Cutter
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/restoring-a-rusty-rebar-cutter/
We’ve all probably come across hunks of junk that used to be tools, long-neglected and chemically welded into a useless mass of solid rust. Such items are available for a pittance at the local flea market, or more likely found in an old barn or rotting on a junk pile. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/restoring-a-rusty-rebar-cutter/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/restoring-a-rusty-rebar-cutter/
We’ve all probably come across hunks of junk that used to be tools, long-neglected and chemically welded into a useless mass of solid rust. Such items are available for a pittance at the local flea market, or more likely found in an old barn or rotting on a junk pile. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/restoring-a-rusty-rebar-cutter/)
Reverse Engineering A Two-Wire Intercom
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/reverse-engineering-a-two-wire-intercom/
There was a time when an intercom was simply a pair of boxes with speakers joined by a couple of wires, with an audio amplifier somewhere in the mix. But intercoms have like everything else joined the digital age, so those two wires now carry a load of other functionality …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/reverse-engineering-a-two-wire-intercom/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/reverse-engineering-a-two-wire-intercom/
There was a time when an intercom was simply a pair of boxes with speakers joined by a couple of wires, with an audio amplifier somewhere in the mix. But intercoms have like everything else joined the digital age, so those two wires now carry a load of other functionality …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/reverse-engineering-a-two-wire-intercom/)
A Dancing Cowboy Nixie Tube
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/a-dancing-cowboy-nixie-tube/
If there were four words you never expected to hear in sequence, they would probably be “Dancing cowboy Nixie tube”. But that’s just what [Glasslinger] has made, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – an encapsulated cowboy that dances.
We’ve placed the resulting video below the break, and in …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/a-dancing-cowboy-nixie-tube/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/a-dancing-cowboy-nixie-tube/
If there were four words you never expected to hear in sequence, they would probably be “Dancing cowboy Nixie tube”. But that’s just what [Glasslinger] has made, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – an encapsulated cowboy that dances.
We’ve placed the resulting video below the break, and in …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/a-dancing-cowboy-nixie-tube/)
Drop in Motor Converts Car to EV
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/drop-in-motor-converts-car-to-ev/
With the latest craze of electric vehicles, it might be tempting to take an old project car and convert it from gas to electric. On the surface, it sounds simple, but the reality is there are a number of pitfalls. It would be nice if you could find a drop …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/drop-in-motor-converts-car-to-ev/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/drop-in-motor-converts-car-to-ev/
With the latest craze of electric vehicles, it might be tempting to take an old project car and convert it from gas to electric. On the surface, it sounds simple, but the reality is there are a number of pitfalls. It would be nice if you could find a drop …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/drop-in-motor-converts-car-to-ev/)
Hackaday Links: October 27, 2019
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/hackaday-links-october-27-2019/
A year ago, we wrote about the discovery of treasure trove of original documentation from the development of the MOS 6502 by Jennifer Holdt-Winograd, daughter of the late Terry Holdt, the original program manager on the project. Now, Ms. Winograd has created a website to celebrate the 6502 and the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/hackaday-links-october-27-2019/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/hackaday-links-october-27-2019/
A year ago, we wrote about the discovery of treasure trove of original documentation from the development of the MOS 6502 by Jennifer Holdt-Winograd, daughter of the late Terry Holdt, the original program manager on the project. Now, Ms. Winograd has created a website to celebrate the 6502 and the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/hackaday-links-october-27-2019/)
Pulling Display Data off of a Fitness Tracker
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/pulling-display-data-off-of-a-fitness-tracker/
[Aaron Christophel] writes in with yet another clever hack for his D6 Fitness Tracker. Using OpenOCD and Pygame, he shows how you can pull data right off the tracker’s screen and sent it to the computer.
This one appealed to us for its brevity. First [Aaron] launches the OpenOCD server …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/pulling-display-data-off-of-a-fitness-tracker/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/pulling-display-data-off-of-a-fitness-tracker/
[Aaron Christophel] writes in with yet another clever hack for his D6 Fitness Tracker. Using OpenOCD and Pygame, he shows how you can pull data right off the tracker’s screen and sent it to the computer.
This one appealed to us for its brevity. First [Aaron] launches the OpenOCD server …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/pulling-display-data-off-of-a-fitness-tracker/)
Making A Bronze Cannon From Scratch
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/making-a-bronze-cannon-from-scratch/
Casting metal at home is somewhat tricky, but there’s no denying the results can be quite rewarding. [FarmCraft101] put his incredible craftsmanship on display, and learned a few new things in the process, by scratch building a scale replica bronze cannon and carriage.
Starting with a sufficient quantity of scrap …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/making-a-bronze-cannon-from-scratch/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/making-a-bronze-cannon-from-scratch/
Casting metal at home is somewhat tricky, but there’s no denying the results can be quite rewarding. [FarmCraft101] put his incredible craftsmanship on display, and learned a few new things in the process, by scratch building a scale replica bronze cannon and carriage.
Starting with a sufficient quantity of scrap …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/27/making-a-bronze-cannon-from-scratch/)
World’s Smallest MIDI Synth, Now Even Better
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/worlds-smallest-midi-synth-now-even-better/
We’re pretty sure there’s no internationally recognized arbiter of records like “World’s smallest full-featured polyphonic stereo MIDI synthesizer that fits in a DIN shell”. If there isn’t, there sure should be, and we’re pretty sure [mitxela]’s Flash-Synth would hold that particular record.
This is one of those lessons that some …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/worlds-smallest-midi-synth-now-even-better/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/worlds-smallest-midi-synth-now-even-better/
We’re pretty sure there’s no internationally recognized arbiter of records like “World’s smallest full-featured polyphonic stereo MIDI synthesizer that fits in a DIN shell”. If there isn’t, there sure should be, and we’re pretty sure [mitxela]’s Flash-Synth would hold that particular record.
This is one of those lessons that some …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/worlds-smallest-midi-synth-now-even-better/)
Electricity Makes Soft Robotics More Like Us Meatbags
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/electricity-makes-soft-robotics-more-like-us-meatbags/
Building a future where robots work alongside humans relies heavily on soft robotics. Typically this means there will be an air compressor or a hydraulic system nearby, taking up precious space. But it doesn’t have to.
Engineers at the UC-San Diego Jacobs School have created a soft robotics system that …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/electricity-makes-soft-robotics-more-like-us-meatbags/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/electricity-makes-soft-robotics-more-like-us-meatbags/
Building a future where robots work alongside humans relies heavily on soft robotics. Typically this means there will be an air compressor or a hydraulic system nearby, taking up precious space. But it doesn’t have to.
Engineers at the UC-San Diego Jacobs School have created a soft robotics system that …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/electricity-makes-soft-robotics-more-like-us-meatbags/)
Hacking Mars: InSight Mole Is on the Move Again
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/hacking-mars-insight-mole-is-on-the-move-again/
Your job might be tough, but spare a thought for any of the engineers involved in the Mars InSight lander mission when they learned that one of the flagship instruments aboard the lander, indeed the very instrument for which the entire mission was named, appeared to be a dud. That’s …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/hacking-mars-insight-mole-is-on-the-move-again/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/hacking-mars-insight-mole-is-on-the-move-again/
Your job might be tough, but spare a thought for any of the engineers involved in the Mars InSight lander mission when they learned that one of the flagship instruments aboard the lander, indeed the very instrument for which the entire mission was named, appeared to be a dud. That’s …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/hacking-mars-insight-mole-is-on-the-move-again/)
Solenoid Engine Adds Three “Pistons”
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/solenoid-engine-adds-three-pistons/
The earliest piston engines typically had only one cylinder, and at best, produced horsepower measured in single digits. But once you have a working engine, it’s a relatively short step to adding cylinders and increasing the power output. [Emiel] made a similar upgrade to one of his engines recently, upgrading …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/solenoid-engine-adds-three-pistons/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/solenoid-engine-adds-three-pistons/
The earliest piston engines typically had only one cylinder, and at best, produced horsepower measured in single digits. But once you have a working engine, it’s a relatively short step to adding cylinders and increasing the power output. [Emiel] made a similar upgrade to one of his engines recently, upgrading …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/solenoid-engine-adds-three-pistons/)
SatNOGS Update Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/satnogs-update-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, October 30 at noon Pacific for the SatNOGS Update Hack Chat with Pierros Papadeas and the SatNOGS team!
Ever since the early days of the Space Race, people have been fascinated with satellites. And rightly so; the artificial moons we’ve sent into orbit are engineering marvels, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/satnogs-update-hack-chat/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/satnogs-update-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, October 30 at noon Pacific for the SatNOGS Update Hack Chat with Pierros Papadeas and the SatNOGS team!
Ever since the early days of the Space Race, people have been fascinated with satellites. And rightly so; the artificial moons we’ve sent into orbit are engineering marvels, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/satnogs-update-hack-chat/)
The Young Engineers Guide To Career Planning
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/the-young-engineers-guide-to-career-planning/
It’s often said that engineers aren’t born, they’re made. Or more accurately, taught, tested, and accredited by universities. If you’re in high school, you’re probably starting to think about potential career paths and may be considering an engineering degree. A lot of work goes into a good college application, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/the-young-engineers-guide-to-career-planning/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/the-young-engineers-guide-to-career-planning/
It’s often said that engineers aren’t born, they’re made. Or more accurately, taught, tested, and accredited by universities. If you’re in high school, you’re probably starting to think about potential career paths and may be considering an engineering degree. A lot of work goes into a good college application, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/the-young-engineers-guide-to-career-planning/)
Sixi 2, An Open Source 3D Printable 6 Axis Robot Arm
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/sixi-2-an-open-source-3d-printable-6-axis-robot-arm/
[Dan Royer] is taking some inspiration from Prusa’s business and is trying to build the same sort of enterprise around open source 3D printable robot arms. His 6 axis robot arm is certainly a strong first step on that road.
As many people have learned, DIY robot arms are pretty …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/sixi-2-an-open-source-3d-printable-6-axis-robot-arm/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/sixi-2-an-open-source-3d-printable-6-axis-robot-arm/
[Dan Royer] is taking some inspiration from Prusa’s business and is trying to build the same sort of enterprise around open source 3D printable robot arms. His 6 axis robot arm is certainly a strong first step on that road.
As many people have learned, DIY robot arms are pretty …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/sixi-2-an-open-source-3d-printable-6-axis-robot-arm/)
Check Your Halloween Candy For Malicious Payloads
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/check-your-halloween-candy-for-malicious-payloads/
There’s long been much handwringing around Halloween around the prospect of pins, needles and razor blades being hidden in candy and passed out to children. On the very rare occasion this does happen, the outcome is normally little more than some superficial cuts. However, for 2019, [MG] has developed an …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/check-your-halloween-candy-for-malicious-payloads/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/check-your-halloween-candy-for-malicious-payloads/
There’s long been much handwringing around Halloween around the prospect of pins, needles and razor blades being hidden in candy and passed out to children. On the very rare occasion this does happen, the outcome is normally little more than some superficial cuts. However, for 2019, [MG] has developed an …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/check-your-halloween-candy-for-malicious-payloads/)
3D Printing New Cases For The TS100 Soldering Iron
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/3d-printing-new-cases-for-the-ts100-soldering-iron/
About a year back, [BogdanTheGeek] found himself in need of a new case for this TS100 soldering iron. Unfortunately, while the product is often billed as being open source friendly (at least in the firmware sense), he was surprised to discover that he couldn’t find the detailed dimensions required to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/3d-printing-new-cases-for-the-ts100-soldering-iron/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/3d-printing-new-cases-for-the-ts100-soldering-iron/
About a year back, [BogdanTheGeek] found himself in need of a new case for this TS100 soldering iron. Unfortunately, while the product is often billed as being open source friendly (at least in the firmware sense), he was surprised to discover that he couldn’t find the detailed dimensions required to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/3d-printing-new-cases-for-the-ts100-soldering-iron/)
Chisel Away At FPGA Development
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/chisel-away-at-fpga-development/
Most of the time if you were to want to develop for an FPGA, you might turn to Verilog or VHDL. Both of these are quite capable, but they are also firmly rooted in languages that are old-fashioned by today’s standards. There have been quite a few attempts to treat …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/chisel-away-at-fpga-development/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/chisel-away-at-fpga-development/
Most of the time if you were to want to develop for an FPGA, you might turn to Verilog or VHDL. Both of these are quite capable, but they are also firmly rooted in languages that are old-fashioned by today’s standards. There have been quite a few attempts to treat …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/chisel-away-at-fpga-development/)
Simple Seismic Sensor Makes Earthquake Detection Personal
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/simple-seismic-sensor-makes-earthquake-detection-personal/
When an earthquake strikes, it’s usually hard to miss. At least that’s the case with the big ones; the dozens or hundreds of little quakes that go largely unnoticed every day are interesting too, and make sense to track. That’s usually left to the professionals, with racks of sensitive equipment …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/simple-seismic-sensor-makes-earthquake-detection-personal/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/simple-seismic-sensor-makes-earthquake-detection-personal/
When an earthquake strikes, it’s usually hard to miss. At least that’s the case with the big ones; the dozens or hundreds of little quakes that go largely unnoticed every day are interesting too, and make sense to track. That’s usually left to the professionals, with racks of sensitive equipment …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/28/simple-seismic-sensor-makes-earthquake-detection-personal/)
Unix Tell All Book From Kernighan Hits the Shelves
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/unix-tell-all-book-from-kernighan-hits-the-shelves/
When you think of the Unix and C revolution that grew out of Bell Labs, there are a few famous names. Dennis Ritchie, Ken Thompson, and Brian Kernighan come to mind. After all, the K in both K&R C and in AWK stand for Kernighan. While Kernighan is no stranger …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/unix-tell-all-book-from-kernighan-hits-the-shelves/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/unix-tell-all-book-from-kernighan-hits-the-shelves/
When you think of the Unix and C revolution that grew out of Bell Labs, there are a few famous names. Dennis Ritchie, Ken Thompson, and Brian Kernighan come to mind. After all, the K in both K&R C and in AWK stand for Kernighan. While Kernighan is no stranger …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/unix-tell-all-book-from-kernighan-hits-the-shelves/)
Planting 20 Million Trees, Using Drones, Cannons, and More Unconventional Ways
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/planting-20-million-trees-using-drones-cannons-and-more-unconventional-ways/
When YouTuber MrBeast hit 20 million subscribers, it kicked off the promise to plant 20 million new trees by 2020. While seeming rather mad for a single person to attempt such a feat, the channel has begun an organized effort under the banner of ‘Team Trees‘. With many famous and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/planting-20-million-trees-using-drones-cannons-and-more-unconventional-ways/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/planting-20-million-trees-using-drones-cannons-and-more-unconventional-ways/
When YouTuber MrBeast hit 20 million subscribers, it kicked off the promise to plant 20 million new trees by 2020. While seeming rather mad for a single person to attempt such a feat, the channel has begun an organized effort under the banner of ‘Team Trees‘. With many famous and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/planting-20-million-trees-using-drones-cannons-and-more-unconventional-ways/)
The Basics of Persistence of Vision Projects
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/the-basics-of-persistence-of-vision-projects/
Persistence of Vision (POV) is a curious part of the human visual system. It’s the effect by which the perception of an image lingers after light has stopped entering the eye. It’s why a spinning propeller appears as a disc, and why a burning sparkler appears to leave a trail …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/the-basics-of-persistence-of-vision-projects/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/the-basics-of-persistence-of-vision-projects/
Persistence of Vision (POV) is a curious part of the human visual system. It’s the effect by which the perception of an image lingers after light has stopped entering the eye. It’s why a spinning propeller appears as a disc, and why a burning sparkler appears to leave a trail …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/29/the-basics-of-persistence-of-vision-projects/)