Ask Hackaday: Does Your Car Need an Internet Killswitch?
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/ask-hackaday-does-your-car-need-an-internet-killswitch/
Back in the good old days of carburetors and distributors, the game was all about busting door locks and hotwiring the ignition to boost a car. Technology rose up to combat this, you may remember the immobilizer systems that added a chip to the ignition key without which the vehicle …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/ask-hackaday-does-your-car-need-an-internet-killswitch/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/ask-hackaday-does-your-car-need-an-internet-killswitch/
Back in the good old days of carburetors and distributors, the game was all about busting door locks and hotwiring the ignition to boost a car. Technology rose up to combat this, you may remember the immobilizer systems that added a chip to the ignition key without which the vehicle …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/ask-hackaday-does-your-car-need-an-internet-killswitch/)
A Useless Tomb of Eternal Doom
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-useless-tomb-of-eternal-doom/
It’s officially October, and that means we can start unleashing the Halloween hacks. Take for example this restless skeleton that master automaton maker [Greg Zumwalt] has doomed to spend eternity inside of a useless box. If that wasn’t enough to wake the dead, every time some joker pushes the button, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-useless-tomb-of-eternal-doom/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-useless-tomb-of-eternal-doom/
It’s officially October, and that means we can start unleashing the Halloween hacks. Take for example this restless skeleton that master automaton maker [Greg Zumwalt] has doomed to spend eternity inside of a useless box. If that wasn’t enough to wake the dead, every time some joker pushes the button, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-useless-tomb-of-eternal-doom/)
Fried Desk Lamp Reborn: How to Use ESP8266 to Build Connected Devices
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/fried-desk-lamp-reborn-how-to-use-esp8266-to-build-connected-devices/
Some hacks are born of genius or necessity, and others from our sheer ham-fisted incompetence. This is not a story about the first kind. But it did give me an excuse to show how easy it is to design WiFi-connected devices that work the way you want them to, rather …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/fried-desk-lamp-reborn-how-to-use-esp8266-to-build-connected-devices/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/fried-desk-lamp-reborn-how-to-use-esp8266-to-build-connected-devices/
Some hacks are born of genius or necessity, and others from our sheer ham-fisted incompetence. This is not a story about the first kind. But it did give me an excuse to show how easy it is to design WiFi-connected devices that work the way you want them to, rather …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/fried-desk-lamp-reborn-how-to-use-esp8266-to-build-connected-devices/)
A Retro Gaming Console for the New Generation
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-retro-gaming-console-for-the-new-generation/
Ostensibly the ESPboy is an open-source hackable game engine built as an IoT platform for STEM education and play, but there’s no way [RomanS] could have been inspired by anything other than retro gaming consoles from the near past. For anyone who grew up playing with Tamagotchi pets or Palm …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-retro-gaming-console-for-the-new-generation/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-retro-gaming-console-for-the-new-generation/
Ostensibly the ESPboy is an open-source hackable game engine built as an IoT platform for STEM education and play, but there’s no way [RomanS] could have been inspired by anything other than retro gaming consoles from the near past. For anyone who grew up playing with Tamagotchi pets or Palm …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/a-retro-gaming-console-for-the-new-generation/)
Monochrome CRT and Liquid Crystal Shutter Team Up for Color Video
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/monochrome-crt-and-liquid-crystal-shutter-team-up-for-color-video/
If you were tasked with designing a color video monitor, it’s pretty clear how you’d go about it. But what if you’d been asked to do so 20 years ago? Would it have been a cut and dried from an engineering standpoint? Apparently not, as this hybrid LCD-CRT video monitor …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/monochrome-crt-and-liquid-crystal-shutter-team-up-for-color-video/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/monochrome-crt-and-liquid-crystal-shutter-team-up-for-color-video/
If you were tasked with designing a color video monitor, it’s pretty clear how you’d go about it. But what if you’d been asked to do so 20 years ago? Would it have been a cut and dried from an engineering standpoint? Apparently not, as this hybrid LCD-CRT video monitor …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/monochrome-crt-and-liquid-crystal-shutter-team-up-for-color-video/)
Copper Coil Lamp Built With 3D Printed Tools
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/copper-coil-lamp-built-with-3d-printed-tools/
3D printing is a great way to create complex geometric forms. However, it can be very slow, and parts may lack strength compared to other alternatives. There are other ways to take advantage of this technology however, as shown in the build of this tidy voronoi lamp.
The lamp is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/copper-coil-lamp-built-with-3d-printed-tools/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/copper-coil-lamp-built-with-3d-printed-tools/
3D printing is a great way to create complex geometric forms. However, it can be very slow, and parts may lack strength compared to other alternatives. There are other ways to take advantage of this technology however, as shown in the build of this tidy voronoi lamp.
The lamp is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/copper-coil-lamp-built-with-3d-printed-tools/)
Bouncing Signals Off The Moon
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/bouncing-signals-off-the-moon/
One of the great things about ham radio is that isn’t just one hobby. Some people like to chit chat, some like to work foreign countries, some prepare for emergencies, and there are several space-related activities. There are hundreds of different kinds of activities to choose from. Just one is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/bouncing-signals-off-the-moon/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/bouncing-signals-off-the-moon/
One of the great things about ham radio is that isn’t just one hobby. Some people like to chit chat, some like to work foreign countries, some prepare for emergencies, and there are several space-related activities. There are hundreds of different kinds of activities to choose from. Just one is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/bouncing-signals-off-the-moon/)
How Do Those Component Testers Work?
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/how-do-those-component-testers-work/
Most people have at least seen those cheap component testers you can buy on the Chinese websites for $10 or so. If you haven’t seen them before, they usually have some kind of multi pin socket. You put a component in the socket and it will identify — with a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/how-do-those-component-testers-work/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/how-do-those-component-testers-work/
Most people have at least seen those cheap component testers you can buy on the Chinese websites for $10 or so. If you haven’t seen them before, they usually have some kind of multi pin socket. You put a component in the socket and it will identify — with a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/01/how-do-those-component-testers-work/)
Where Did Pocket Computing Start?
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/where-did-pocket-computing-start/
A smartphone in 2019 is an essential piece of everyday equipment. Many of you are probably reading this page on one, and it will pack a very significant quantity of computing power into your hand. Pocket computing has a long history stretching back decades before the mass adoption of smartphones …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/where-did-pocket-computing-start/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/where-did-pocket-computing-start/
A smartphone in 2019 is an essential piece of everyday equipment. Many of you are probably reading this page on one, and it will pack a very significant quantity of computing power into your hand. Pocket computing has a long history stretching back decades before the mass adoption of smartphones …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/where-did-pocket-computing-start/)
Interactive LED Dome Glows With The Best Of Them
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/interactive-led-dome-glows-with-the-best-of-them/
With the price and availability of components these days, it’s easier than ever to throw a whole pile of LEDs at a build and get them flashing away. The hard part is doing it well. [Amy Goodchild] is an artist, and has a knack for producing rather beautiful LED projects. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/interactive-led-dome-glows-with-the-best-of-them/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/interactive-led-dome-glows-with-the-best-of-them/
With the price and availability of components these days, it’s easier than ever to throw a whole pile of LEDs at a build and get them flashing away. The hard part is doing it well. [Amy Goodchild] is an artist, and has a knack for producing rather beautiful LED projects. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/interactive-led-dome-glows-with-the-best-of-them/)
When Does Moving To Resin 3D Printing Make Sense?
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/when-does-moving-to-resin-3d-printing-make-sense/
Resin-based 3D printers using stereolithography (SLA) and especially digital light processing (DLP) are getting more common and much more affordable. Prosumer-level options like Formlabs and the Prusa SL1 exist, but more economical printers like the Elegoo Mars, Anycubic Photon, and more can be had for a few hundred bucks. Many …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/when-does-moving-to-resin-3d-printing-make-sense/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/when-does-moving-to-resin-3d-printing-make-sense/
Resin-based 3D printers using stereolithography (SLA) and especially digital light processing (DLP) are getting more common and much more affordable. Prosumer-level options like Formlabs and the Prusa SL1 exist, but more economical printers like the Elegoo Mars, Anycubic Photon, and more can be had for a few hundred bucks. Many …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/when-does-moving-to-resin-3d-printing-make-sense/)
Think IN18s Are Cool? Get a Load of This Must-Have Custom Nixie Tube
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/think-in18s-are-cool-get-a-load-of-this-must-have-custom-nixie-tube/
Us: “I’ll take Retro style displays we absolutely have to have for $200, Alex.”
Trebek: “This nixie tube is unlike any conventional tube you’ve seen before, handbuilt and NOT numbers or letters.”
Us: “What is FriendlyWire’s new logo tube?”
Trebek: “Heck yeah.”
Nixie tubes are the vacuum technology that manages …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/think-in18s-are-cool-get-a-load-of-this-must-have-custom-nixie-tube/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/think-in18s-are-cool-get-a-load-of-this-must-have-custom-nixie-tube/
Us: “I’ll take Retro style displays we absolutely have to have for $200, Alex.”
Trebek: “This nixie tube is unlike any conventional tube you’ve seen before, handbuilt and NOT numbers or letters.”
Us: “What is FriendlyWire’s new logo tube?”
Trebek: “Heck yeah.”
Nixie tubes are the vacuum technology that manages …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/think-in18s-are-cool-get-a-load-of-this-must-have-custom-nixie-tube/)
Get Hands-On at Supercon: Workshop Tickets Now Available
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/get-hands-on-at-supercon-workshop-tickets-now-available-2/
Build something cool and pick up new skills from the workshops at the Hackaday Superconference. But decide right now, workshops will sell out and tickets to the conference itself are nearly gone.
You must have a Superconference ticket in order to purchase a workshop ticket; buy one right now if …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/get-hands-on-at-supercon-workshop-tickets-now-available-2/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/get-hands-on-at-supercon-workshop-tickets-now-available-2/
Build something cool and pick up new skills from the workshops at the Hackaday Superconference. But decide right now, workshops will sell out and tickets to the conference itself are nearly gone.
You must have a Superconference ticket in order to purchase a workshop ticket; buy one right now if …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/get-hands-on-at-supercon-workshop-tickets-now-available-2/)
Review: The RC2014 Micro Single-Board Z80 Retrocomputer
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/review-the-rc2014-micro-single-board-z80-retrocomputer/
At the end of August I made the trip to Hebden Bridge to give a talk at OSHCamp 2019, a weekend of interesting stuff in the Yorkshire Dales. Instead of a badge, this event gives each attendee an electronic kit provided by a sponsor, and this year’s one was particularly …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/review-the-rc2014-micro-single-board-z80-retrocomputer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/review-the-rc2014-micro-single-board-z80-retrocomputer/
At the end of August I made the trip to Hebden Bridge to give a talk at OSHCamp 2019, a weekend of interesting stuff in the Yorkshire Dales. Instead of a badge, this event gives each attendee an electronic kit provided by a sponsor, and this year’s one was particularly …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/review-the-rc2014-micro-single-board-z80-retrocomputer/)
X-Printer Fits In A Backpack
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/x-printer-fits-in-a-backpack/
3D printers are great for rapid prototyping, but they’re not usually what you’d call… portable. For [Malte Schrader], that simply wouldn’t do – thus, the X-printer was born!
The X-printer is a fused-deposition printer built around a CoreXY design. Its party piece is its folding concertina-style Z-axis, which allows the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/x-printer-fits-in-a-backpack/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/x-printer-fits-in-a-backpack/
3D printers are great for rapid prototyping, but they’re not usually what you’d call… portable. For [Malte Schrader], that simply wouldn’t do – thus, the X-printer was born!
The X-printer is a fused-deposition printer built around a CoreXY design. Its party piece is its folding concertina-style Z-axis, which allows the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/x-printer-fits-in-a-backpack/)
The Righteous Quest To Crack A Canon i9900
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/the-righteous-quest-to-crack-a-canon-i9900/
[Starhawk] is a man with a problem. More accurately, he’s a man whose mother has a problem, but ultimately that ends up being the same thing. Her wide-format Canon printer recently stopped working after better than a decade of reliable service, and he wants to know why. Rather than spend …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/the-righteous-quest-to-crack-a-canon-i9900/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/the-righteous-quest-to-crack-a-canon-i9900/
[Starhawk] is a man with a problem. More accurately, he’s a man whose mother has a problem, but ultimately that ends up being the same thing. Her wide-format Canon printer recently stopped working after better than a decade of reliable service, and he wants to know why. Rather than spend …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/the-righteous-quest-to-crack-a-canon-i9900/)
Super Nice LED Lamp Is Super Simple
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/super-nice-led-lamp-is-super-simple/
If you’re looking for a fancy LED lamp, the Internet can provide in spades. There are all manner of flashy-this and glowing-that, often with wild and impressive designs made with high-end tools. However, when it came time to decorate the apartment, [thebigpotatoe] wanted to build something simple that anyone could …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/super-nice-led-lamp-is-super-simple/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/super-nice-led-lamp-is-super-simple/
If you’re looking for a fancy LED lamp, the Internet can provide in spades. There are all manner of flashy-this and glowing-that, often with wild and impressive designs made with high-end tools. However, when it came time to decorate the apartment, [thebigpotatoe] wanted to build something simple that anyone could …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/super-nice-led-lamp-is-super-simple/)
Bent Electric Field Explains Antenna Radiation
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/bent-electric-field-explains-antenna-radiation/
We all use antennas for radios, cell phones, and WiFi. Understanding how they work, though, can take a lifetime of study. If you are rusty on the basic physics of why an antenna radiates, have a look at the very nice animations from [Learn Engineering] below.
The video starts with …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/bent-electric-field-explains-antenna-radiation/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/bent-electric-field-explains-antenna-radiation/
We all use antennas for radios, cell phones, and WiFi. Understanding how they work, though, can take a lifetime of study. If you are rusty on the basic physics of why an antenna radiates, have a look at the very nice animations from [Learn Engineering] below.
The video starts with …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/bent-electric-field-explains-antenna-radiation/)
Weather Alert Lamp Keeps An Eye On What’s Brewing
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/weather-alert-lamp-keeps-an-eye-on-whats-brewing/
Whether you’re getting ready for work in the morning, or heading out on a camping trip in the woods, it’s nice to know what to expect when the weather rolls over the horizon. To keep abreast of things, [natethecoder] built a lamp system to stay across weather alerts.
A Raspberry …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/weather-alert-lamp-keeps-an-eye-on-whats-brewing/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/weather-alert-lamp-keeps-an-eye-on-whats-brewing/
Whether you’re getting ready for work in the morning, or heading out on a camping trip in the woods, it’s nice to know what to expect when the weather rolls over the horizon. To keep abreast of things, [natethecoder] built a lamp system to stay across weather alerts.
A Raspberry …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/02/weather-alert-lamp-keeps-an-eye-on-whats-brewing/)
Pistol Safe’s Poor Design Means Biometric Sensor Bypassed in Seconds
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/03/pistol-safes-poor-design-means-biometric-sensor-bypassed-in-seconds/
When it comes to safes, mechanical design and physical layout are just as important as the electronic bits. If care isn’t taken, one element can undermine the other. That appears to be the case with this Amazon Basics branded biometric pistol safe. Because of the mechanical design, the fingerprint sensor …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/03/pistol-safes-poor-design-means-biometric-sensor-bypassed-in-seconds/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/03/pistol-safes-poor-design-means-biometric-sensor-bypassed-in-seconds/
When it comes to safes, mechanical design and physical layout are just as important as the electronic bits. If care isn’t taken, one element can undermine the other. That appears to be the case with this Amazon Basics branded biometric pistol safe. Because of the mechanical design, the fingerprint sensor …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/03/pistol-safes-poor-design-means-biometric-sensor-bypassed-in-seconds/)