ArrBot is a Fast Way To Get Out Standing in a New Field of Robotics
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/arrbot-is-a-fast-way-to-get-out-standing-in-a-new-field-of-robotics/
[Junglist] correctly points out that agricultural robotics is fast on its way to being the next big thing (TM) and presents his easy to build ArrBot platform so others can get hacking fast.
The frame is built out of the same brackets and aluminum tubing used to add handrails to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/arrbot-is-a-fast-way-to-get-out-standing-in-a-new-field-of-robotics/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/arrbot-is-a-fast-way-to-get-out-standing-in-a-new-field-of-robotics/
[Junglist] correctly points out that agricultural robotics is fast on its way to being the next big thing (TM) and presents his easy to build ArrBot platform so others can get hacking fast.
The frame is built out of the same brackets and aluminum tubing used to add handrails to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/arrbot-is-a-fast-way-to-get-out-standing-in-a-new-field-of-robotics/)
Say What You Will, A Fursuit is a lot of Work.
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/say-what-you-will-a-fursuit-is-a-lot-of-work/
One thing [Dr. Cockroach]’s build log shows is that a fursuit isn’t an easy thing to make.
Furries came out of early American comics and grew into the subculture the internet just can’t leave alone today. Many people take on an avatar of their furry self when participating in this …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/say-what-you-will-a-fursuit-is-a-lot-of-work/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/say-what-you-will-a-fursuit-is-a-lot-of-work/
One thing [Dr. Cockroach]’s build log shows is that a fursuit isn’t an easy thing to make.
Furries came out of early American comics and grew into the subculture the internet just can’t leave alone today. Many people take on an avatar of their furry self when participating in this …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/say-what-you-will-a-fursuit-is-a-lot-of-work/)
Bottle Organ Breakdown
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/bottle-organ-breakdown/
A keen-eyed commenter pointed us to a homemade bottle organ that plays like a piano. The complexity gets turned up with foot-powered bellows and custom keys, but the magic of [Mike] and [Simon Haisell]’s garage-built instrument is not lost in the slightest. We also have the video below the break …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/bottle-organ-breakdown/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/bottle-organ-breakdown/
A keen-eyed commenter pointed us to a homemade bottle organ that plays like a piano. The complexity gets turned up with foot-powered bellows and custom keys, but the magic of [Mike] and [Simon Haisell]’s garage-built instrument is not lost in the slightest. We also have the video below the break …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/bottle-organ-breakdown/)
What Does An Electronics Tinkerer’s Workbench Need?
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/what-does-an-electronics-tinkerers-workbench-need/
Ever been in a situation where you’re not sure where to begin building your own electronics workbench or improve your existing one? [Jeff Glass] writes in with a blog post as detailed as it is beautifully long, chronicling each and every part of his own home lab in order to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/what-does-an-electronics-tinkerers-workbench-need/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/what-does-an-electronics-tinkerers-workbench-need/
Ever been in a situation where you’re not sure where to begin building your own electronics workbench or improve your existing one? [Jeff Glass] writes in with a blog post as detailed as it is beautifully long, chronicling each and every part of his own home lab in order to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/what-does-an-electronics-tinkerers-workbench-need/)
3D Print Your Way to a Glass Cockpit Simulator
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/3d-print-your-way-to-a-glass-cockpit-simulator/
Today’s commercial aircraft are packed to the elevators with sensors, computers, and miles and miles of wiring. Inside the cockpit you’re more than likely to see banks of LCDs and push buttons than analog gauges. So what’s that mean for the intrepid home simulator builder? Modern problems require modern solutions, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/3d-print-your-way-to-a-glass-cockpit-simulator/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/3d-print-your-way-to-a-glass-cockpit-simulator/
Today’s commercial aircraft are packed to the elevators with sensors, computers, and miles and miles of wiring. Inside the cockpit you’re more than likely to see banks of LCDs and push buttons than analog gauges. So what’s that mean for the intrepid home simulator builder? Modern problems require modern solutions, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/14/3d-print-your-way-to-a-glass-cockpit-simulator/)
.NET to FPGA with Hastlayer
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/net-to-fpga-with-hastlayer/
tHERE are lots of ways to use FPGAs. One way is to convert compute-bound software into hardware. This can increase speed and — in some cases — reduce power consumption. Typically, you’ll do this by writing in a subset of C, but Hastlayer can convert .NET assemblies into FPGA configurations …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/net-to-fpga-with-hastlayer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/net-to-fpga-with-hastlayer/
tHERE are lots of ways to use FPGAs. One way is to convert compute-bound software into hardware. This can increase speed and — in some cases — reduce power consumption. Typically, you’ll do this by writing in a subset of C, but Hastlayer can convert .NET assemblies into FPGA configurations …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/net-to-fpga-with-hastlayer/)
The Home-Made Drill Press Of Your Dreams
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-home-made-drill-press-of-your-dreams/
We are lucky to live in an age when tools have almost never been so affordable, when if we’d like a drill press on our benches we can pick one up for not a lot from our nearest discount store. If the cheapest tools aren’t very good quality then even …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-home-made-drill-press-of-your-dreams/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-home-made-drill-press-of-your-dreams/
We are lucky to live in an age when tools have almost never been so affordable, when if we’d like a drill press on our benches we can pick one up for not a lot from our nearest discount store. If the cheapest tools aren’t very good quality then even …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-home-made-drill-press-of-your-dreams/)
See How Wildly Different Air Conditioners Can Be (On The Inside)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/see-how-wildly-different-air-conditioners-can-be-on-the-inside/
Air conditioners are easy to take for granted. From refrigerators to climate control, most of us would miss them dearly if they disappeared. That’s part of what draws [Josh Levine]’s interest in air conditioners, and he has provided an interesting tour of several different units and how different they can …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/see-how-wildly-different-air-conditioners-can-be-on-the-inside/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/see-how-wildly-different-air-conditioners-can-be-on-the-inside/
Air conditioners are easy to take for granted. From refrigerators to climate control, most of us would miss them dearly if they disappeared. That’s part of what draws [Josh Levine]’s interest in air conditioners, and he has provided an interesting tour of several different units and how different they can …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/see-how-wildly-different-air-conditioners-can-be-on-the-inside/)
The Boxy All-In-One Nintendo 64 Your 1990s Self Always Wanted
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-boxy-all-in-one-nintendo-64-your-1990s-self-always-wanted/
In 1997, chances are that if you didn’t have a Nintendo 64 already, you wanted one. (Never mind that the games cost the GDP of a small country.) It gave you both the supreme game designing talent of Shigeru Miyamoto and graphics that left the Sony behind. The trouble, though, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-boxy-all-in-one-nintendo-64-your-1990s-self-always-wanted/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-boxy-all-in-one-nintendo-64-your-1990s-self-always-wanted/
In 1997, chances are that if you didn’t have a Nintendo 64 already, you wanted one. (Never mind that the games cost the GDP of a small country.) It gave you both the supreme game designing talent of Shigeru Miyamoto and graphics that left the Sony behind. The trouble, though, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/the-boxy-all-in-one-nintendo-64-your-1990s-self-always-wanted/)
A LED Cube Designed for Easy Assembly
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-led-cube-designed-for-easy-assembly/
LED cubes are mesmerizing and fun, but they’re usually a pain to build. Not so with [burkethos]’s cleanly designed cube.
Many cubes are put together in an elaborate sculptural style. Traditionally the leads of the LEDs are artistically bent and then hours are spent laboring over the future rainbow Borg …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-led-cube-designed-for-easy-assembly/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-led-cube-designed-for-easy-assembly/
LED cubes are mesmerizing and fun, but they’re usually a pain to build. Not so with [burkethos]’s cleanly designed cube.
Many cubes are put together in an elaborate sculptural style. Traditionally the leads of the LEDs are artistically bent and then hours are spent laboring over the future rainbow Borg …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-led-cube-designed-for-easy-assembly/)
Hackaday Links: December 15, 2019
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/hackaday-links-december-15-2019/
When you’re right, you’re right. Back in January, we predicted that exoskeletons were about to break out as a mainstream product, and gave several examples of prototypes poised to become products. So it was with interest that we read about Sarcos Robotics and their new Guardian XO, a cyber suit …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/hackaday-links-december-15-2019/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/hackaday-links-december-15-2019/
When you’re right, you’re right. Back in January, we predicted that exoskeletons were about to break out as a mainstream product, and gave several examples of prototypes poised to become products. So it was with interest that we read about Sarcos Robotics and their new Guardian XO, a cyber suit …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/hackaday-links-december-15-2019/)
A Modern Take On A Piece Of Old Test Equipment
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-modern-take-on-a-piece-of-old-test-equipment/
The HP 11947A is something of a footnote in the back catalogue of Hewlett Packard test equipment. An attenuator and limiter with a bandwidth in the megahertz rather than the gigahertz. It’s possible that few laboratories have much use for one in 2019, but it does have one useful property: …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-modern-take-on-a-piece-of-old-test-equipment/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-modern-take-on-a-piece-of-old-test-equipment/
The HP 11947A is something of a footnote in the back catalogue of Hewlett Packard test equipment. An attenuator and limiter with a bandwidth in the megahertz rather than the gigahertz. It’s possible that few laboratories have much use for one in 2019, but it does have one useful property: …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/a-modern-take-on-a-piece-of-old-test-equipment/)
Old Christmas Tree Gets a New Spin
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/old-christmas-tree-gets-a-new-spin/
A couple of Christmases ago, [Nick] got tired of trying to evenly decorate his giant fake tree and built an MDF lazy Susan to make it easy as eggnog. But what’s the point of balanced decorations if one side of the tree will always face the wall? This year, [Nick] …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/old-christmas-tree-gets-a-new-spin/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/old-christmas-tree-gets-a-new-spin/
A couple of Christmases ago, [Nick] got tired of trying to evenly decorate his giant fake tree and built an MDF lazy Susan to make it easy as eggnog. But what’s the point of balanced decorations if one side of the tree will always face the wall? This year, [Nick] …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/15/old-christmas-tree-gets-a-new-spin/)
Nintendo Switch Doubles as Network Switch
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/nintendo-switch-doubles-as-network-switch/
Coming straight to you from the “Department of Redundant Redundancies” comes this clever hack that turns a Switch into a switch. More specifically, a network switch. Not even a half bad one either, judging by the speed tests [Cynthia Revström] performed after setting it all up. We wouldn’t advise you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/nintendo-switch-doubles-as-network-switch/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/nintendo-switch-doubles-as-network-switch/
Coming straight to you from the “Department of Redundant Redundancies” comes this clever hack that turns a Switch into a switch. More specifically, a network switch. Not even a half bad one either, judging by the speed tests [Cynthia Revström] performed after setting it all up. We wouldn’t advise you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/nintendo-switch-doubles-as-network-switch/)
Dashboard Dongle Teardown Reveals Hardware Needed to Bust Miles
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/dashboard-dongle-teardown-reveals-hardware-needed-to-bust-miles/
Progress and the proliferation of computers in automotive applications have almost made the shade tree mechanic a relic of the past. Few people brave the engine compartment of any car made after 1999 or so, and fewer still dive into the space behind the dashboard. More’s the pity, because someone …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/dashboard-dongle-teardown-reveals-hardware-needed-to-bust-miles/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/dashboard-dongle-teardown-reveals-hardware-needed-to-bust-miles/
Progress and the proliferation of computers in automotive applications have almost made the shade tree mechanic a relic of the past. Few people brave the engine compartment of any car made after 1999 or so, and fewer still dive into the space behind the dashboard. More’s the pity, because someone …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/dashboard-dongle-teardown-reveals-hardware-needed-to-bust-miles/)
The Hornsdale Power Reserve And What It Means For Grid Battery Storage
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/the-hornsdale-power-reserve-and-what-it-means-for-grid-battery-storage/
Renewable energy has long been touted as a major requirement in the fight to stave off the world’s growing climate emergency. Governments have been slow to act, but prices continue to come down and the case for renewables grows stronger by the day.
However, renewables have always struggled around the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/the-hornsdale-power-reserve-and-what-it-means-for-grid-battery-storage/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/the-hornsdale-power-reserve-and-what-it-means-for-grid-battery-storage/
Renewable energy has long been touted as a major requirement in the fight to stave off the world’s growing climate emergency. Governments have been slow to act, but prices continue to come down and the case for renewables grows stronger by the day.
However, renewables have always struggled around the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/the-hornsdale-power-reserve-and-what-it-means-for-grid-battery-storage/)
Sleek, Sophisticated Skittle Sorter
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/sleek-sophisticated-skittle-sorter/
Sorting candy by color is a classic problem that has its roots in the contract riders of rock stars who were just trying to make sure that more important contractual obligations were not being overlooked by concert venues. Through the years, candy sorting has become a classic problem for hobbyists …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/sleek-sophisticated-skittle-sorter/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/sleek-sophisticated-skittle-sorter/
Sorting candy by color is a classic problem that has its roots in the contract riders of rock stars who were just trying to make sure that more important contractual obligations were not being overlooked by concert venues. Through the years, candy sorting has become a classic problem for hobbyists …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/sleek-sophisticated-skittle-sorter/)
Weird World of Microwaves Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/weird-world-of-microwaves-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, December 18 at noon Pacific for the Weird World of Microwaves Hack Chat with Shahriar Shahramian! We’ve been following him on The Signal Path for years and are excited to pick his brain on what is often considered one of the dark arts of electronics.
No …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/weird-world-of-microwaves-hack-chat/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/weird-world-of-microwaves-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, December 18 at noon Pacific for the Weird World of Microwaves Hack Chat with Shahriar Shahramian! We’ve been following him on The Signal Path for years and are excited to pick his brain on what is often considered one of the dark arts of electronics.
No …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/weird-world-of-microwaves-hack-chat/)
Prusa Dares You to Break Their Latest Printer
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/prusa-dares-you-to-break-their-latest-printer/
Two months after its surprise reveal at the 2019 East Coast RepRap Festival, the Prusa Mini has started shipping out to the first wave of early adopters. True to form, with the hardware now officially released to the public, the company has begun the process of releasing the design as …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/prusa-dares-you-to-break-their-latest-printer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/prusa-dares-you-to-break-their-latest-printer/
Two months after its surprise reveal at the 2019 East Coast RepRap Festival, the Prusa Mini has started shipping out to the first wave of early adopters. True to form, with the hardware now officially released to the public, the company has begun the process of releasing the design as …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/prusa-dares-you-to-break-their-latest-printer/)
Kelly Heaton’s Artwork Blurs the Line Between Traditional and Electronic
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/kelly-heatons-artwork-blurs-the-line-between-traditional-and-electronic/
Digital electronics are all well and good, but it’s hard to ignore the organic, living qualities of the analog realm. It’s these circuits that Kelly Heaton spends her time with, building artistic creations that meld the fine arts with classic analog hardware to speak to the relationship between electronics and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/kelly-heatons-artwork-blurs-the-line-between-traditional-and-electronic/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/kelly-heatons-artwork-blurs-the-line-between-traditional-and-electronic/
Digital electronics are all well and good, but it’s hard to ignore the organic, living qualities of the analog realm. It’s these circuits that Kelly Heaton spends her time with, building artistic creations that meld the fine arts with classic analog hardware to speak to the relationship between electronics and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/12/16/kelly-heatons-artwork-blurs-the-line-between-traditional-and-electronic/)