Reverse-Engineering Xiaomi IoT Firmware
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/reverse-engineering-xiaomi-iot-firmware/
IoT devices rarely ever just do what they’re advertised. They’ll almost always take up more space than they need to – on top of that, their processor and memory alone should be enough to run a multitude of other tasks while not necessarily compromising the task they were built to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/reverse-engineering-xiaomi-iot-firmware/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/reverse-engineering-xiaomi-iot-firmware/
IoT devices rarely ever just do what they’re advertised. They’ll almost always take up more space than they need to – on top of that, their processor and memory alone should be enough to run a multitude of other tasks while not necessarily compromising the task they were built to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/reverse-engineering-xiaomi-iot-firmware/)
Faux Cow Munches Faux Grass On A Faux Roomba
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/faux-cow-munches-faux-grass-on-a-faux-roomba/
Out in the countryside, having a cow or to wouldn’t be a big deal. You can have a cattle shed full of them, and no one will bat an eyelid. But what if you’re living in the big city and have no need of pet dogs or cats, but a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/faux-cow-munches-faux-grass-on-a-faux-roomba/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/faux-cow-munches-faux-grass-on-a-faux-roomba/
Out in the countryside, having a cow or to wouldn’t be a big deal. You can have a cattle shed full of them, and no one will bat an eyelid. But what if you’re living in the big city and have no need of pet dogs or cats, but a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/24/faux-cow-munches-faux-grass-on-a-faux-roomba/)
A Visual Infrared Thermometer That Runs Off Your Laptop
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/a-visual-infrared-thermometer-that-runs-off-your-laptop/
A common measurement for circuits is heat dissipation inspection. While single point thermometers do the trick, they can be quite annoying to use. Meanwhile, a thermal imaging camera is often out of the budget for hobbyists. How about building your own visual thermometer for cheap? That’s what [Thomas Fischl] decided …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/a-visual-infrared-thermometer-that-runs-off-your-laptop/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/a-visual-infrared-thermometer-that-runs-off-your-laptop/
A common measurement for circuits is heat dissipation inspection. While single point thermometers do the trick, they can be quite annoying to use. Meanwhile, a thermal imaging camera is often out of the budget for hobbyists. How about building your own visual thermometer for cheap? That’s what [Thomas Fischl] decided …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/a-visual-infrared-thermometer-that-runs-off-your-laptop/)
TI-99/4A KSP Controller Has a Handle on Vintage NASA Styling
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/ti-99-4a-ksp-controller-has-a-handle-on-vintage-nasa-styling/
[MelkorsGreatestHits] had an extra USB MAME board burning a hole in his parts bin, so he turned it into fuel for this far-out Kerbal Space Program controller. Cool your jets — no fully-functioning TI-99/4As were harmed in the making of this baby. Besides, this is a KAL 9000 from Kexas …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/ti-99-4a-ksp-controller-has-a-handle-on-vintage-nasa-styling/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/ti-99-4a-ksp-controller-has-a-handle-on-vintage-nasa-styling/
[MelkorsGreatestHits] had an extra USB MAME board burning a hole in his parts bin, so he turned it into fuel for this far-out Kerbal Space Program controller. Cool your jets — no fully-functioning TI-99/4As were harmed in the making of this baby. Besides, this is a KAL 9000 from Kexas …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/ti-99-4a-ksp-controller-has-a-handle-on-vintage-nasa-styling/)
This Week in Security: The Robots are Watching, Insecure VPNs, Graboids, and Biometric Fails
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/this-week-in-security-the-robots-are-watching-insecure-vpns-graboids-and-biometric-fails/
A Japanese hotel chain uses robots for nearly everything. Check in, room access, and most importantly, bedside service. What could possibly go wrong with putting embedded Android devices, complete with mics and cameras, right in every hotel room? While I could imagine bedside robots ending badly in many ways, today …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/this-week-in-security-the-robots-are-watching-insecure-vpns-graboids-and-biometric-fails/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/this-week-in-security-the-robots-are-watching-insecure-vpns-graboids-and-biometric-fails/
A Japanese hotel chain uses robots for nearly everything. Check in, room access, and most importantly, bedside service. What could possibly go wrong with putting embedded Android devices, complete with mics and cameras, right in every hotel room? While I could imagine bedside robots ending badly in many ways, today …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/this-week-in-security-the-robots-are-watching-insecure-vpns-graboids-and-biometric-fails/)
Tiny Cube Hosts a Hearty Tube
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/tiny-cube-hosts-a-hearty-tube/
Tiny PCBAs and glowy VFD tubes are like catnip to a Hackaday writer, so when we saw [hamster]’s TubeCube tube segment driver we had to dig in to learn more. We won’t bury the lede here; let’s enjoy a video of glowing tubes before we go further:
The TubeCube is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/tiny-cube-hosts-a-hearty-tube/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/tiny-cube-hosts-a-hearty-tube/
Tiny PCBAs and glowy VFD tubes are like catnip to a Hackaday writer, so when we saw [hamster]’s TubeCube tube segment driver we had to dig in to learn more. We won’t bury the lede here; let’s enjoy a video of glowing tubes before we go further:
The TubeCube is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/tiny-cube-hosts-a-hearty-tube/)
Hackaday Podcast 041: The “How Not To” Episode of Rebreathers, Chain Sprockets, Hovercraft, and Data Logging
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/hackaday-podcast-041-the-how-not-to-episode-of-rebreathers-chain-sprockets-hovercraft-and-data-logging/
Hackaday Editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams shed some light on a true week of hacks. It seems as though all kinds of projects are doing this the “wrong” way this week and its delightful to see what they learn along the way. Hovercraft can work using the Coandă effect …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/hackaday-podcast-041-the-how-not-to-episode-of-rebreathers-chain-sprockets-hovercraft-and-data-logging/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/hackaday-podcast-041-the-how-not-to-episode-of-rebreathers-chain-sprockets-hovercraft-and-data-logging/
Hackaday Editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams shed some light on a true week of hacks. It seems as though all kinds of projects are doing this the “wrong” way this week and its delightful to see what they learn along the way. Hovercraft can work using the Coandă effect …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/hackaday-podcast-041-the-how-not-to-episode-of-rebreathers-chain-sprockets-hovercraft-and-data-logging/)
Giant LEDs, Ruby Lasers, Hologram Displays, and Other Cool Stuff Seen at Maker Faire Rome
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/giant-leds-ruby-lasers-hologram-displays-and-other-cool-stuff-seen-at-maker-faire-rome/
Hackers from all over Europe descended upon Rome last weekend for the Maker Faire that calls itself the “European Edition”. This three-day event is one of the largest Maker Faires in the world — they had 27,000 school students from all over Italy and Europe attend on Friday alone.
This …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/giant-leds-ruby-lasers-hologram-displays-and-other-cool-stuff-seen-at-maker-faire-rome/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/giant-leds-ruby-lasers-hologram-displays-and-other-cool-stuff-seen-at-maker-faire-rome/
Hackers from all over Europe descended upon Rome last weekend for the Maker Faire that calls itself the “European Edition”. This three-day event is one of the largest Maker Faires in the world — they had 27,000 school students from all over Italy and Europe attend on Friday alone.
This …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/giant-leds-ruby-lasers-hologram-displays-and-other-cool-stuff-seen-at-maker-faire-rome/)
Build Your Own Plasma Ball
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/build-your-own-plasma-ball/
The simple plasma ball – it graces science museums and classrooms all around the world. It shares a place with the Van de Graaf generator, with the convenient addition of spectacular plasma rays that grace it spherical surface. High voltage, aesthetically pleasing, mad science tropes – what would make a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/build-your-own-plasma-ball/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/build-your-own-plasma-ball/
The simple plasma ball – it graces science museums and classrooms all around the world. It shares a place with the Van de Graaf generator, with the convenient addition of spectacular plasma rays that grace it spherical surface. High voltage, aesthetically pleasing, mad science tropes – what would make a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/build-your-own-plasma-ball/)
24 Hours of Temperature Data at a Glance
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/24-hours-of-temperature-data-at-a-glance/
In an era where we can see the current temperature with just a glance at our smartphones, the classic “Time and Temp” gadget sitting on the desk doesn’t have quite the same appeal. The modern weather fanatic demands more data, which is where this gorgeous full-day temperature display from [Richard] …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/24-hours-of-temperature-data-at-a-glance/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/24-hours-of-temperature-data-at-a-glance/
In an era where we can see the current temperature with just a glance at our smartphones, the classic “Time and Temp” gadget sitting on the desk doesn’t have quite the same appeal. The modern weather fanatic demands more data, which is where this gorgeous full-day temperature display from [Richard] …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/24-hours-of-temperature-data-at-a-glance/)
Beat The Streets With This Text Spraying Robot
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/beat-the-streets-with-this-text-spraying-robot/
In the midst of striking for climate change awareness, you may need some extra hands. That’s what [Anred Zynch] thought when they built Strettexter, the text-spraying writing robot that sprays onto streets.
The machine is loaded with 8 spray cans placed into a wooden box (a stop line with a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/beat-the-streets-with-this-text-spraying-robot/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/beat-the-streets-with-this-text-spraying-robot/
In the midst of striking for climate change awareness, you may need some extra hands. That’s what [Anred Zynch] thought when they built Strettexter, the text-spraying writing robot that sprays onto streets.
The machine is loaded with 8 spray cans placed into a wooden box (a stop line with a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/beat-the-streets-with-this-text-spraying-robot/)
Haptic Glove Controls Robot Hand Wirelessly
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/haptic-glove-controls-robot-hand-wirelessly/
[Miller] wanted to practice a bit with some wireless modules and wound up creating a robotic hand he could teleoperate with the help of a haptic glove. It lookes highly reproducible, as you can see the video, below the break.
The glove uses an Arduino’s analog to digital converter to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/haptic-glove-controls-robot-hand-wirelessly/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/haptic-glove-controls-robot-hand-wirelessly/
[Miller] wanted to practice a bit with some wireless modules and wound up creating a robotic hand he could teleoperate with the help of a haptic glove. It lookes highly reproducible, as you can see the video, below the break.
The glove uses an Arduino’s analog to digital converter to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/haptic-glove-controls-robot-hand-wirelessly/)
Pelican Case Becomes Thumping Bluetooth Speaker
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/pelican-case-becomes-thumping-bluetooth-speaker/
Pelican cases are great if you need a rugged enclosure to protect some sensitive gear. They’re also highly moddable, and can make a great base for a Bluetooth speaker build.
Like many modern builds, this is very much a case of wiring together a series of off-the-shelf modules into a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/pelican-case-becomes-thumping-bluetooth-speaker/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/pelican-case-becomes-thumping-bluetooth-speaker/
Pelican cases are great if you need a rugged enclosure to protect some sensitive gear. They’re also highly moddable, and can make a great base for a Bluetooth speaker build.
Like many modern builds, this is very much a case of wiring together a series of off-the-shelf modules into a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/25/pelican-case-becomes-thumping-bluetooth-speaker/)
Building the world’s best DML speakers for under $115
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/building-the-worlds-best-dml-speakers-for-under-115/
Flat panel speakers are heavily reliant on the material they’re mounted on for the best acoustic quality. In particular, for DML (distributed mode loudspeaker) speakers, sound is produced through the distribution of vibration modes in the panel. You can easily spend far too much on special exciter foam or optimized …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/building-the-worlds-best-dml-speakers-for-under-115/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/building-the-worlds-best-dml-speakers-for-under-115/
Flat panel speakers are heavily reliant on the material they’re mounted on for the best acoustic quality. In particular, for DML (distributed mode loudspeaker) speakers, sound is produced through the distribution of vibration modes in the panel. You can easily spend far too much on special exciter foam or optimized …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/building-the-worlds-best-dml-speakers-for-under-115/)
Hand-Made Drum Carder Gets Wool Ready for Spinning
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/hand-made-drum-carder-gets-wool-ready-for-spinning/
Making a natural fiber like wool into something useful like a sweater involves a lot of steps. We might be familiar with shearing the sheep, spinning the wool into yarn, or knitting and weaving, but between shearing and spinning there’s another unfamiliar process you’ll have to go through. Known as …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/hand-made-drum-carder-gets-wool-ready-for-spinning/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/hand-made-drum-carder-gets-wool-ready-for-spinning/
Making a natural fiber like wool into something useful like a sweater involves a lot of steps. We might be familiar with shearing the sheep, spinning the wool into yarn, or knitting and weaving, but between shearing and spinning there’s another unfamiliar process you’ll have to go through. Known as …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/hand-made-drum-carder-gets-wool-ready-for-spinning/)
Laser Toy Keeps Cats Entertained
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/laser-toy-keeps-cats-entertained/
Cats are among the most popular domesticated creatures, and their penchant for chasing laser pointers is well known. With a pair of felines of his own to look after, [Tobi] set about making a device to help keep them entertained.
The aim of the device is to automate the motion …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/laser-toy-keeps-cats-entertained/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/laser-toy-keeps-cats-entertained/
Cats are among the most popular domesticated creatures, and their penchant for chasing laser pointers is well known. With a pair of felines of his own to look after, [Tobi] set about making a device to help keep them entertained.
The aim of the device is to automate the motion …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/laser-toy-keeps-cats-entertained/)
Collapse OS, An OS For When The Unthinkable Happens
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/collapse-os-an-os-for-when-the-unthinkable-happens/
Decades of post-apocalyptic Hollywood movies have taught us that once all the trappings of our civilisation have been stripped away, it’s going to be kinda cool. We’re all going to wear slightly dusty looking 1980s motorcycling gear, and we’re going to drive really cool cars. Except of course Mad Max …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/collapse-os-an-os-for-when-the-unthinkable-happens/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/collapse-os-an-os-for-when-the-unthinkable-happens/
Decades of post-apocalyptic Hollywood movies have taught us that once all the trappings of our civilisation have been stripped away, it’s going to be kinda cool. We’re all going to wear slightly dusty looking 1980s motorcycling gear, and we’re going to drive really cool cars. Except of course Mad Max …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/collapse-os-an-os-for-when-the-unthinkable-happens/)
Proprietary Fan Blows, Gets PWM Upgrade
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/proprietary-fan-blows-gets-pwm-upgrade/
Proprietary components are the bane of anyone who dares to try and repair their own hardware. Nonstandard sizes, lack of labeling or documentation, and unavailable spare parts are all par for the course. [Jason] was unlucky enough to have an older Dell computer with a broken, and proprietary, cooling fan …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/proprietary-fan-blows-gets-pwm-upgrade/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/proprietary-fan-blows-gets-pwm-upgrade/
Proprietary components are the bane of anyone who dares to try and repair their own hardware. Nonstandard sizes, lack of labeling or documentation, and unavailable spare parts are all par for the course. [Jason] was unlucky enough to have an older Dell computer with a broken, and proprietary, cooling fan …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/proprietary-fan-blows-gets-pwm-upgrade/)
LEGO and Minecraft Team Up for Custom Gaming PC Case
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/lego-and-minecraft-team-up-for-custom-gaming-pc-case/
There are probably few parents who haven’t watched their kids sitting on the floor, afloat on a sea of LEGO pieces and busily creating, and thought, “If only they could make a living at that.” But time goes on and kids grow up, and parents soon sing the same refrain …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/lego-and-minecraft-team-up-for-custom-gaming-pc-case/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/lego-and-minecraft-team-up-for-custom-gaming-pc-case/
There are probably few parents who haven’t watched their kids sitting on the floor, afloat on a sea of LEGO pieces and busily creating, and thought, “If only they could make a living at that.” But time goes on and kids grow up, and parents soon sing the same refrain …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/lego-and-minecraft-team-up-for-custom-gaming-pc-case/)
It’s A TV-Scope-Guitar Amplifier!
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/its-a-tv-scope-guitar-amplifier/
Guitar amplifiers are a frequent project, and despite being little more than a simple audio amplifier on paper, they conceal a surprising quantity of variables in search of a particular sound. We’ve seen a lot of them, but never one quite like [Nate Croson]’s CRT TV guitar amplifier. The LM386 …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/its-a-tv-scope-guitar-amplifier/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/its-a-tv-scope-guitar-amplifier/
Guitar amplifiers are a frequent project, and despite being little more than a simple audio amplifier on paper, they conceal a surprising quantity of variables in search of a particular sound. We’ve seen a lot of them, but never one quite like [Nate Croson]’s CRT TV guitar amplifier. The LM386 …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/10/26/its-a-tv-scope-guitar-amplifier/)