Supercap Drink Coasters are the Life of the Party
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/supercap-drink-coasters-are-the-life-of-the-party/
You’ve probably seen multicolored flashing LEDs embedded into clear plastic cups or coasters before, they’re quite commonly used in fancy restaurants that also feature animatronic characters and a gift shop on the way out. But have you ever wondered about the logistics of maintaining such devices? When the anthropomorphic rodent …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/supercap-drink-coasters-are-the-life-of-the-party/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/supercap-drink-coasters-are-the-life-of-the-party/
You’ve probably seen multicolored flashing LEDs embedded into clear plastic cups or coasters before, they’re quite commonly used in fancy restaurants that also feature animatronic characters and a gift shop on the way out. But have you ever wondered about the logistics of maintaining such devices? When the anthropomorphic rodent …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/supercap-drink-coasters-are-the-life-of-the-party/)
Kickstarter Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/kickstarter-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, August 7th at noon Pacific for the Kickstarter Hack Chat with Beau Ambur and Clarissa Redwine!
For many of us, magic things happen on our benches. We mix a little of this, one of those, and a couple of the other things, and suddenly the world …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/kickstarter-hack-chat/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/kickstarter-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, August 7th at noon Pacific for the Kickstarter Hack Chat with Beau Ambur and Clarissa Redwine!
For many of us, magic things happen on our benches. We mix a little of this, one of those, and a couple of the other things, and suddenly the world …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/kickstarter-hack-chat/)
Cat Feeder Adds Metrics To Meow Mix
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cat-feeder-adds-metrics-to-meow-mix/
If there’s one thing any cat will work for, it’s food. Usually, this just consists of meowing and/or standing on your chest until you give up the goods. [DynamicallyInvokable] has a beautiful cat, Emma, who meows loudly for food at obscene hours of the morning. As she ages, it’s getting …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cat-feeder-adds-metrics-to-meow-mix/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cat-feeder-adds-metrics-to-meow-mix/
If there’s one thing any cat will work for, it’s food. Usually, this just consists of meowing and/or standing on your chest until you give up the goods. [DynamicallyInvokable] has a beautiful cat, Emma, who meows loudly for food at obscene hours of the morning. As she ages, it’s getting …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cat-feeder-adds-metrics-to-meow-mix/)
A SuperCap UPS
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/a-supercap-ups/
If you treat your Pi as a wearable or a tablet, you will already have a battery. If you treat your Pi as a desktop you will already have a plug-in power supply, but how about if you live where mains power is unreliable? Like [jwhart1], you may consider building …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/a-supercap-ups/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/a-supercap-ups/
If you treat your Pi as a wearable or a tablet, you will already have a battery. If you treat your Pi as a desktop you will already have a plug-in power supply, but how about if you live where mains power is unreliable? Like [jwhart1], you may consider building …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/a-supercap-ups/)
CB Radio + Arduino = 6 Meter Ham Band
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cb-radio-arduino-6-meter-ham-band/
Somehow [hvde] wound up with a CB radio that does AM and SSB on the 11 meter band. The problem was that the radio isn’t legal where he lives. So he decided to change the radio over to work on the 6 meter band, instead.
We were a little surprised …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cb-radio-arduino-6-meter-ham-band/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cb-radio-arduino-6-meter-ham-band/
Somehow [hvde] wound up with a CB radio that does AM and SSB on the 11 meter band. The problem was that the radio isn’t legal where he lives. So he decided to change the radio over to work on the 6 meter band, instead.
We were a little surprised …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/cb-radio-arduino-6-meter-ham-band/)
Clicky Signspinner Works Just Like A Retractable Pen
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/clicky-signspinner-works-just-like-a-retractable-pen/
[u407]’s 3D printed Signspinner was created as a clean/dirty indicator for a dishwasher, and at its heart is a mechanism that works a lot like that of a retractable ballpoint pen. Every click of the plunger spins the circular label inside by one-quarter of a rotation. In [u407]’s case it …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/clicky-signspinner-works-just-like-a-retractable-pen/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/clicky-signspinner-works-just-like-a-retractable-pen/
[u407]’s 3D printed Signspinner was created as a clean/dirty indicator for a dishwasher, and at its heart is a mechanism that works a lot like that of a retractable ballpoint pen. Every click of the plunger spins the circular label inside by one-quarter of a rotation. In [u407]’s case it …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/05/clicky-signspinner-works-just-like-a-retractable-pen/)
Hold 3500 Volts Up To Your Eye
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/hold-3500-volts-up-to-your-eye/
Old military equipment can sometimes be found in places like flea markets and eBay for pennies, often because people don’t always know what they have. While [tsbrownie] knew exactly what he was getting when he ordered this mystery device, we’re not sure we could say the same thing if we …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/hold-3500-volts-up-to-your-eye/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/hold-3500-volts-up-to-your-eye/
Old military equipment can sometimes be found in places like flea markets and eBay for pennies, often because people don’t always know what they have. While [tsbrownie] knew exactly what he was getting when he ordered this mystery device, we’re not sure we could say the same thing if we …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/hold-3500-volts-up-to-your-eye/)
Sniffed Transformer Puts Wired Doorbell Online
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/sniffed-transformer-puts-wired-doorbell-online/
There’s certainly no shortage of “smart” gadgets out there that will provide you with a notification, or even a live audiovisual stream, whenever somebody is at your door. But as we’ve seen countless times before, not everyone is thrilled with the terms that most of these products operate under. Getting …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/sniffed-transformer-puts-wired-doorbell-online/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/sniffed-transformer-puts-wired-doorbell-online/
There’s certainly no shortage of “smart” gadgets out there that will provide you with a notification, or even a live audiovisual stream, whenever somebody is at your door. But as we’ve seen countless times before, not everyone is thrilled with the terms that most of these products operate under. Getting …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/sniffed-transformer-puts-wired-doorbell-online/)
Why Spacecraft of the Future will be Extruded
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/why-spacecraft-of-the-future-will-be-extruded/
It’s been fifty years since man first landed on the Moon, but despite all the incredible advancements in technology since Armstrong made that iconic first small step, we’ve yet to reach any farther into deep space than we did during the Apollo program. The giant leap that many assumed would …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/why-spacecraft-of-the-future-will-be-extruded/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/why-spacecraft-of-the-future-will-be-extruded/
It’s been fifty years since man first landed on the Moon, but despite all the incredible advancements in technology since Armstrong made that iconic first small step, we’ve yet to reach any farther into deep space than we did during the Apollo program. The giant leap that many assumed would …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/why-spacecraft-of-the-future-will-be-extruded/)
Disappearing Writing With UV Laser Reveals Whitening Agents in Myriad Products
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/disappearing-writing-with-a-uv-laser/
Many a budding maker has experimented with invisible inks, with a wide variety of solutions having a viable set of properties for this purpose. However, [Ben Krasnow] stumbled upon a different method entirely when tinkering with a UV laser.
The laser in question was a MNL100 UV laser, configured to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/disappearing-writing-with-a-uv-laser/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/disappearing-writing-with-a-uv-laser/
Many a budding maker has experimented with invisible inks, with a wide variety of solutions having a viable set of properties for this purpose. However, [Ben Krasnow] stumbled upon a different method entirely when tinkering with a UV laser.
The laser in question was a MNL100 UV laser, configured to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/disappearing-writing-with-a-uv-laser/)
Espionage on Display as GCHQ Hosts a Temporary Exhibit
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/espionage-on-display-as-gchq-hosts-a-temporary-exhibit/
At the top of the British electronic intelligence agency is the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), a very public entity whose circular building can easily be found by any inquisitive soul prepared to drive just off the A40 in Cheltenham which is about two hours west of London. But due to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/espionage-on-display-as-gchq-hosts-a-temporary-exhibit/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/espionage-on-display-as-gchq-hosts-a-temporary-exhibit/
At the top of the British electronic intelligence agency is the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), a very public entity whose circular building can easily be found by any inquisitive soul prepared to drive just off the A40 in Cheltenham which is about two hours west of London. But due to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/espionage-on-display-as-gchq-hosts-a-temporary-exhibit/)
Color Your World with this CNC Painting Robot
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/color-your-world-with-this-cnc-painting-robot/
Let’s say you’ve watched a few episodes of “The Joy of Painting” and you want your inner [Bob Ross] to break free. You get the requisite supplies for oil painting – don’t forget the alizarin crimson! – and start to apply paint to canvas, only to find your happy little …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/color-your-world-with-this-cnc-painting-robot/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/color-your-world-with-this-cnc-painting-robot/
Let’s say you’ve watched a few episodes of “The Joy of Painting” and you want your inner [Bob Ross] to break free. You get the requisite supplies for oil painting – don’t forget the alizarin crimson! – and start to apply paint to canvas, only to find your happy little …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/color-your-world-with-this-cnc-painting-robot/)
Forming Fipples And Accompanying Accoutrements
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/forming-fipples-and-accompanying-accoutrements/
[Dr. Suess] created memorable books with minimal words and bright artwork. He inspired children and adults alike, and one of them, [Len], grew up to create wind instruments for the Bellowphone channel on YouTube. Behind the whimsy of his creations is significant engineering, and this time, we get to see …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/forming-fipples-and-accompanying-accoutrements/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/forming-fipples-and-accompanying-accoutrements/
[Dr. Suess] created memorable books with minimal words and bright artwork. He inspired children and adults alike, and one of them, [Len], grew up to create wind instruments for the Bellowphone channel on YouTube. Behind the whimsy of his creations is significant engineering, and this time, we get to see …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/forming-fipples-and-accompanying-accoutrements/)
Expensive Sony Lens Repair Reveals Shims & Shifts
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/expensive-sony-lens-repair-reveals-shims-shifts/
The photographic hire company Lensrentals had a $2k Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM camera lens returned with a problem: it was having issues focusing. So, they decided to do the obvious thing and take it apart. It’s a fascinating insight into some of the engineering that goes into a high-end …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/expensive-sony-lens-repair-reveals-shims-shifts/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/expensive-sony-lens-repair-reveals-shims-shifts/
The photographic hire company Lensrentals had a $2k Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM camera lens returned with a problem: it was having issues focusing. So, they decided to do the obvious thing and take it apart. It’s a fascinating insight into some of the engineering that goes into a high-end …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/expensive-sony-lens-repair-reveals-shims-shifts/)
Preserved Lemons On A Hacker’s Budget
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/preserved-lemons-on-a-hackers-budget/
“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” [Carl Sagan]. If you wish to make preserved lemons the same way as [Uri Tuchman], you have to start with that mentality. Video also below. The recipe for [Uri]’s preserved lemons involves two ingredients …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/preserved-lemons-on-a-hackers-budget/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/preserved-lemons-on-a-hackers-budget/
“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” [Carl Sagan]. If you wish to make preserved lemons the same way as [Uri Tuchman], you have to start with that mentality. Video also below. The recipe for [Uri]’s preserved lemons involves two ingredients …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/preserved-lemons-on-a-hackers-budget/)
Recreating Space Cameras
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/recreating-space-cameras/
[Cole Price] describes himself as a photographer and a space nerd. We’ll give that to him since his web site clearly shows a love of cameras and a love of the NASA programs from the 1960s. [Cole] has painstakingly made replicas of cameras used in the space program including a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/recreating-space-cameras/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/recreating-space-cameras/
[Cole Price] describes himself as a photographer and a space nerd. We’ll give that to him since his web site clearly shows a love of cameras and a love of the NASA programs from the 1960s. [Cole] has painstakingly made replicas of cameras used in the space program including a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/06/recreating-space-cameras/)
Fail of the Week: Spinning the Pripyat Ferris Wheel
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/fail-of-the-week-spinning-the-pripyat-ferris-wheel/
This multifaceted fail comes to us straight from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, where a group of friends apparently decided that a fun weekend project would be trying to turn over the iconic ferris wheel in the Pripyat Amusement Park. The [Kreosan] crew documented their admittedly very creative attempt at suicide …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/fail-of-the-week-spinning-the-pripyat-ferris-wheel/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/fail-of-the-week-spinning-the-pripyat-ferris-wheel/
This multifaceted fail comes to us straight from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, where a group of friends apparently decided that a fun weekend project would be trying to turn over the iconic ferris wheel in the Pripyat Amusement Park. The [Kreosan] crew documented their admittedly very creative attempt at suicide …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/fail-of-the-week-spinning-the-pripyat-ferris-wheel/)
Xpedit is a Mood Ring for Mother Nature
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/xpedit-is-a-mood-ring-for-mother-nature/
Whether you’re in the woods or way up a mountain, basic knowledge of your environment can yield a lot of power. The more you know about the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and your altitude, the easier it is to predict future weather and stick to your height limits. Sure, you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/xpedit-is-a-mood-ring-for-mother-nature/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/xpedit-is-a-mood-ring-for-mother-nature/
Whether you’re in the woods or way up a mountain, basic knowledge of your environment can yield a lot of power. The more you know about the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and your altitude, the easier it is to predict future weather and stick to your height limits. Sure, you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/xpedit-is-a-mood-ring-for-mother-nature/)
New Teensy 4.0 Blows Away Benchmarks, Implements Self-Recovery, Returns to Smaller Form
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/new-teensy-4-0-blows-away-benchmarks-implements-self-recovery-returns-to-smaller-form/
Paul Stoffregen did it again: the Teensy 4.0 has been released. The latest in the Teensy microcontroller development board line, the 4.0 returns to the smaller form-factor last seen with the 3.2, as opposed to the larger 3.5 and 3.6 boards.
Don’t let the smaller size fool you; the 4.0 …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/new-teensy-4-0-blows-away-benchmarks-implements-self-recovery-returns-to-smaller-form/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/new-teensy-4-0-blows-away-benchmarks-implements-self-recovery-returns-to-smaller-form/
Paul Stoffregen did it again: the Teensy 4.0 has been released. The latest in the Teensy microcontroller development board line, the 4.0 returns to the smaller form-factor last seen with the 3.2, as opposed to the larger 3.5 and 3.6 boards.
Don’t let the smaller size fool you; the 4.0 …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/new-teensy-4-0-blows-away-benchmarks-implements-self-recovery-returns-to-smaller-form/)
Punch Those Hole-Drilling Blues Away with a Homebrew Punching Tool
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/punch-those-hole-drilling-blues-away-with-a-homebrew-punching-tool/
Four times the holes, four times the trouble. With the fate of repetitive motion injury looming due to the need to drill 1,200 holes, [bitluni] took matters into his own hands and built this nifty DIY hole punch for light-gauge sheet metal.
A little backstory will probably help understand why …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/punch-those-hole-drilling-blues-away-with-a-homebrew-punching-tool/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/punch-those-hole-drilling-blues-away-with-a-homebrew-punching-tool/
Four times the holes, four times the trouble. With the fate of repetitive motion injury looming due to the need to drill 1,200 holes, [bitluni] took matters into his own hands and built this nifty DIY hole punch for light-gauge sheet metal.
A little backstory will probably help understand why …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/07/punch-those-hole-drilling-blues-away-with-a-homebrew-punching-tool/)