Space Age Bitcoin Mining on an Apollo AGC
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/space-age-bitcoin-mining-on-an-apollo-agc/
Imagine you’ve got an Apollo Guidance Computer, the machine that took men to the Moon 50 years ago. You’ve spent ages restoring it, and now it’s the only working AGC on the planet. It’s not as though you’re going to fly to the Moon with it, so what do you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/space-age-bitcoin-mining-on-an-apollo-agc/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/space-age-bitcoin-mining-on-an-apollo-agc/
Imagine you’ve got an Apollo Guidance Computer, the machine that took men to the Moon 50 years ago. You’ve spent ages restoring it, and now it’s the only working AGC on the planet. It’s not as though you’re going to fly to the Moon with it, so what do you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/space-age-bitcoin-mining-on-an-apollo-agc/)
The Theremin Gets A Voice
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/the-theremin-gets-a-voice/
Every once in a while, we come across a project that adds a ridiculously good twist on an existing design. This is exactly what [Xiao Xiao] and the team at LAM research group at the Institut d’Alembert in Paris have done. Their project T-VOKS is a singing and Speaking Theremin …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/the-theremin-gets-a-voice/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/the-theremin-gets-a-voice/
Every once in a while, we come across a project that adds a ridiculously good twist on an existing design. This is exactly what [Xiao Xiao] and the team at LAM research group at the Institut d’Alembert in Paris have done. Their project T-VOKS is a singing and Speaking Theremin …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/the-theremin-gets-a-voice/)
Robot Harvesting Machine Is Tip Of The Agri-Tech Iceberg
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/robot-harvesting-machine-is-tip-of-the-agri-tech-iceberg/
Harvesting delicate fruit and vegetables with robots is hard, and increasingly us humans no longer want to do these jobs. The pressure to find engineering solutions is intense and more and more machines of different shapes and sizes have recently been emerging in an attempt to alleviate the problem. Additionally, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/robot-harvesting-machine-is-tip-of-the-agri-tech-iceberg/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/robot-harvesting-machine-is-tip-of-the-agri-tech-iceberg/
Harvesting delicate fruit and vegetables with robots is hard, and increasingly us humans no longer want to do these jobs. The pressure to find engineering solutions is intense and more and more machines of different shapes and sizes have recently been emerging in an attempt to alleviate the problem. Additionally, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/09/robot-harvesting-machine-is-tip-of-the-agri-tech-iceberg/)
Using Super-Efficient Solar Cells To Keep Your Electric Car’s Battery Topped Up
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/using-super-efficient-solar-cells-to-keep-your-electric-cars-battery-topped-up/
Who hasn’t thought of sticking a couple of solar panels onto an electric car’s roof to keep its battery at 100% charge while it’s parked out in the sun? While usually deemed impossible due to the large number and weight of PV solar cells required to get the necessary amount …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/using-super-efficient-solar-cells-to-keep-your-electric-cars-battery-topped-up/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/using-super-efficient-solar-cells-to-keep-your-electric-cars-battery-topped-up/
Who hasn’t thought of sticking a couple of solar panels onto an electric car’s roof to keep its battery at 100% charge while it’s parked out in the sun? While usually deemed impossible due to the large number and weight of PV solar cells required to get the necessary amount …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/using-super-efficient-solar-cells-to-keep-your-electric-cars-battery-topped-up/)
New Part Day: Two Millimeter Addressable LEDs
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/new-part-day-two-millimeter-addressable-leds/
The WS2812, or “Neopixels”, or whatever you want to call them, are the standard when it comes to adding blinky to anything. These chips are individually addressable RGB LEDs, which you’ve seen in many LED strips and a thousand other products. These LEDs are rather big compared to normal, dumb …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/new-part-day-two-millimeter-addressable-leds/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/new-part-day-two-millimeter-addressable-leds/
The WS2812, or “Neopixels”, or whatever you want to call them, are the standard when it comes to adding blinky to anything. These chips are individually addressable RGB LEDs, which you’ve seen in many LED strips and a thousand other products. These LEDs are rather big compared to normal, dumb …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/new-part-day-two-millimeter-addressable-leds/)
Raspberry Pi 4 Benchmarks: Processor and Network Performance Makes It a Real Desktop Contender
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/raspberry-pi-4-benchmarks-processor-and-network-performance-makes-it-a-real-desktop-contender/
The new Raspberry Pi 4 is out, and slowly they’re working their way from Microcenters and Amazon distribution sites to desktops and workbenches around the world. Before you whip out a fancy new USB C cable and plug those Pis in, it’s worthwhile to know what you’re getting into. The …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/raspberry-pi-4-benchmarks-processor-and-network-performance-makes-it-a-real-desktop-contender/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/raspberry-pi-4-benchmarks-processor-and-network-performance-makes-it-a-real-desktop-contender/
The new Raspberry Pi 4 is out, and slowly they’re working their way from Microcenters and Amazon distribution sites to desktops and workbenches around the world. Before you whip out a fancy new USB C cable and plug those Pis in, it’s worthwhile to know what you’re getting into. The …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/raspberry-pi-4-benchmarks-processor-and-network-performance-makes-it-a-real-desktop-contender/)
Unique Clock Keeps Time the Fibonacci Way
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/unique-clock-keeps-time-the-fibonacci-way/
You say your binary clock no longer has the obfuscation level needed to earn the proper nerd street cred? Feel like you need something a little more mathematically challenging to make sure only the cool kids can tell the time? Then this Fibonacci clock might be just the thing to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/unique-clock-keeps-time-the-fibonacci-way/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/unique-clock-keeps-time-the-fibonacci-way/
You say your binary clock no longer has the obfuscation level needed to earn the proper nerd street cred? Feel like you need something a little more mathematically challenging to make sure only the cool kids can tell the time? Then this Fibonacci clock might be just the thing to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/unique-clock-keeps-time-the-fibonacci-way/)
Ask Hackaday: What Are Your Apollo Memories?
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/ask-hackaday-what-are-your-apollo-memories/
This month will mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission that brought to a successful conclusion the challenge laid down by President Kennedy only eight years earlier. Three men went to the Moon, two walked on it, and they all came back safely, in a dramatic eight-day display …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/ask-hackaday-what-are-your-apollo-memories/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/ask-hackaday-what-are-your-apollo-memories/
This month will mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission that brought to a successful conclusion the challenge laid down by President Kennedy only eight years earlier. Three men went to the Moon, two walked on it, and they all came back safely, in a dramatic eight-day display …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/ask-hackaday-what-are-your-apollo-memories/)
Four Chips To Retro Perfection
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/four-chips-to-retro-perfection/
Over the years, we’ve seen many people build a computer from the ground up. It’s always great, but this one takes the cake. I’m not just saying that because there’s a cute little ‘Z80 Inside’ logo on the silk screen, either. It’s a four IC Z80 computer, a tiny board, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/four-chips-to-retro-perfection/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/four-chips-to-retro-perfection/
Over the years, we’ve seen many people build a computer from the ground up. It’s always great, but this one takes the cake. I’m not just saying that because there’s a cute little ‘Z80 Inside’ logo on the silk screen, either. It’s a four IC Z80 computer, a tiny board, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/four-chips-to-retro-perfection/)
Giving the Pi 4 PCI Express
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/giving-the-pi-4-pci-express/
The release of the Raspberry Pi 4 brought us a new SoC, up to 4 Gigs of memory, and most importantly, got away from that janky USB to USB and Ethernet solution. The Raspberry Pi 4 has a PCI Express interface buried under some chips, and if you’re very good …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/giving-the-pi-4-pci-express/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/giving-the-pi-4-pci-express/
The release of the Raspberry Pi 4 brought us a new SoC, up to 4 Gigs of memory, and most importantly, got away from that janky USB to USB and Ethernet solution. The Raspberry Pi 4 has a PCI Express interface buried under some chips, and if you’re very good …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/giving-the-pi-4-pci-express/)
Maker Media Reboots Itself As Make Community
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/maker-media-reboots-itself-as-make-community/
At a community meeting this week, Dale Dougherty, former CEO of Maker Media announced the relaunch of the Make brand. Maker Media is dead, but the brand may live on as Make Community, LLC. Dougherty will remain the CEO of Make Community, and Todd Sotkicwicz, former CFO of Maker Media, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/maker-media-reboots-itself-as-make-community/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/maker-media-reboots-itself-as-make-community/
At a community meeting this week, Dale Dougherty, former CEO of Maker Media announced the relaunch of the Make brand. Maker Media is dead, but the brand may live on as Make Community, LLC. Dougherty will remain the CEO of Make Community, and Todd Sotkicwicz, former CFO of Maker Media, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/maker-media-reboots-itself-as-make-community/)
Old CDs Create A Haunting Rainbow Vortex
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/old-cds-create-a-haunting-rainbow-vortex/
The 1960s were, in Western culture, a time of great social and political upheaval, and the dawning of the psychedelia subculture. This resulted in an art style consisting of bright colours in wild, shifting designs. [Afraser-kruck] has built a device capable of generating beautiful rainbow light patterns, which he calls …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/old-cds-create-a-haunting-rainbow-vortex/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/old-cds-create-a-haunting-rainbow-vortex/
The 1960s were, in Western culture, a time of great social and political upheaval, and the dawning of the psychedelia subculture. This resulted in an art style consisting of bright colours in wild, shifting designs. [Afraser-kruck] has built a device capable of generating beautiful rainbow light patterns, which he calls …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/old-cds-create-a-haunting-rainbow-vortex/)
Measure Your YouTube Importance
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/measure-your-youtube-importance/
How do you hack your motivation? Do you put red marker Xs on a paper calendar every day you exercise? Do you use an egg timer to sprint through dozens of emails? Do you lock all the doors and shut off your data to write some bulletproof code? If you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/measure-your-youtube-importance/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/measure-your-youtube-importance/
How do you hack your motivation? Do you put red marker Xs on a paper calendar every day you exercise? Do you use an egg timer to sprint through dozens of emails? Do you lock all the doors and shut off your data to write some bulletproof code? If you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/10/measure-your-youtube-importance/)
A Drop-In Controller Replacement For Commercial Reflow Ovens
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/a-drop-in-controller-replacement-for-commercial-reflow-ovens/
If you need a reflow oven, you can very easily head down to Walmart or Target and pick up a toaster oven for fifteen bucks or so. Even without any control electronics, a bone-stock toaster oven works well enough for reflow soldering, but if you want to do it right …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/a-drop-in-controller-replacement-for-commercial-reflow-ovens/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/a-drop-in-controller-replacement-for-commercial-reflow-ovens/
If you need a reflow oven, you can very easily head down to Walmart or Target and pick up a toaster oven for fifteen bucks or so. Even without any control electronics, a bone-stock toaster oven works well enough for reflow soldering, but if you want to do it right …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/a-drop-in-controller-replacement-for-commercial-reflow-ovens/)
Make A Compatible Raspberry Pi Clone – But Your Pi Must Die
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/make-a-compatible-raspberry-pi-clone-but-your-pi-must-die/
The world is awash with Raspberry Pi clones that boast fruity names, but those looking for a piece of the real thing will find their compatibility only goes so far. Shaky Linux distros abound and, with a few honourable exceptions, they are not for the faint-hearted. The reason that a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/make-a-compatible-raspberry-pi-clone-but-your-pi-must-die/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/make-a-compatible-raspberry-pi-clone-but-your-pi-must-die/
The world is awash with Raspberry Pi clones that boast fruity names, but those looking for a piece of the real thing will find their compatibility only goes so far. Shaky Linux distros abound and, with a few honourable exceptions, they are not for the faint-hearted. The reason that a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/make-a-compatible-raspberry-pi-clone-but-your-pi-must-die/)
Robotic Dishwashers and Dishwashing as a Service
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/robotic-dishwashers-and-dishwashing-as-a-service/
There’s a story that goes back to the 1980s or so about an engineering professor who laid down a challenge to the students of his automation class: design a robot to perform the most mundane of household tasks — washing the dishes. The students divided up into groups, batted ideas …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/robotic-dishwashers-and-dishwashing-as-a-service/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/robotic-dishwashers-and-dishwashing-as-a-service/
There’s a story that goes back to the 1980s or so about an engineering professor who laid down a challenge to the students of his automation class: design a robot to perform the most mundane of household tasks — washing the dishes. The students divided up into groups, batted ideas …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/robotic-dishwashers-and-dishwashing-as-a-service/)
Minimalist Word Clock Does Things Neatly
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/minimalist-word-clock-does-things-neatly/
Word clocks are a cool way to tell the time. While they could have probably been built back in the 1960s with a bunch of relays and bulbs, they really only came into their own in the LED-everything era. [Vatsal Agarwal] built one of his own, showcasing his maker credentials. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/minimalist-word-clock-does-things-neatly/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/minimalist-word-clock-does-things-neatly/
Word clocks are a cool way to tell the time. While they could have probably been built back in the 1960s with a bunch of relays and bulbs, they really only came into their own in the LED-everything era. [Vatsal Agarwal] built one of his own, showcasing his maker credentials. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/minimalist-word-clock-does-things-neatly/)
Learning About Wearable Engineering While Trying to Un-Taboo a Topic
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/learning-about-wearable-engineering-while-trying-to-un-taboo-a-topic/
When you build a machine you can usually count on having precise dimensions for an organized and orderly set of parts, one fitting into the next exactly as you have designed them. You can count on cause and effect — when the user pushes a button or flips a switch …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/learning-about-wearable-engineering-while-trying-to-un-taboo-a-topic/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/learning-about-wearable-engineering-while-trying-to-un-taboo-a-topic/
When you build a machine you can usually count on having precise dimensions for an organized and orderly set of parts, one fitting into the next exactly as you have designed them. You can count on cause and effect — when the user pushes a button or flips a switch …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/learning-about-wearable-engineering-while-trying-to-un-taboo-a-topic/)
Adding LoRa Long Range Radio To Smartphones And Connected Devices
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/adding-lora-long-range-radio-to-smartphones-and-connected-devices/
Would you add another radio to your smartphone? No, not another WiFi or cellular radio; a smartphone already has that. I’m talking about something that provides connectivity through ISM bands, either 433 or 915 MHz. This can be used where you don’t have cell phone coverage, and it has a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/adding-lora-long-range-radio-to-smartphones-and-connected-devices/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/adding-lora-long-range-radio-to-smartphones-and-connected-devices/
Would you add another radio to your smartphone? No, not another WiFi or cellular radio; a smartphone already has that. I’m talking about something that provides connectivity through ISM bands, either 433 or 915 MHz. This can be used where you don’t have cell phone coverage, and it has a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/adding-lora-long-range-radio-to-smartphones-and-connected-devices/)
This Nerf Gun Is Terrifyingly Huge
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/nerf-gatling-gun-is-terrifyingly-huge/
Gatling guns were an early attempt at creating a rapid-firing weapon, and were popular amongst armies in the 19th century. Today, the basic design remains in use as a heavy weapon for putting many rounds downrange very quickly. [Ivan Miranda] decided that the Nerf world was missing a piece of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/nerf-gatling-gun-is-terrifyingly-huge/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/nerf-gatling-gun-is-terrifyingly-huge/
Gatling guns were an early attempt at creating a rapid-firing weapon, and were popular amongst armies in the 19th century. Today, the basic design remains in use as a heavy weapon for putting many rounds downrange very quickly. [Ivan Miranda] decided that the Nerf world was missing a piece of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/nerf-gatling-gun-is-terrifyingly-huge/)
Motorized Lens Controller Techs Up Your Webcam
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/motorized-lens-controller-techs-up-your-webcam/
If you’re familiar with the DSLR camera market, you’d know that modern lenses are works of technological art. Crammed full of motors and delicate electronic assemblies, they’re bursting with features such as autofocus, optical stabilization and zoom. [Saulius Lukse] has been experimenting with motorized lenses for webcam applications, and has …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/motorized-lens-controller-techs-up-your-webcam/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/motorized-lens-controller-techs-up-your-webcam/
If you’re familiar with the DSLR camera market, you’d know that modern lenses are works of technological art. Crammed full of motors and delicate electronic assemblies, they’re bursting with features such as autofocus, optical stabilization and zoom. [Saulius Lukse] has been experimenting with motorized lenses for webcam applications, and has …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/11/motorized-lens-controller-techs-up-your-webcam/)