Exploring the Science Behind Dirty Air Filters
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/exploring-the-science-behind-dirty-air-filters/
Obviously, if the air filters in your home HVAC system are dirty, you should change them. But exactly how dirty is dirty? [Tim Rightnour] had heard it said that if you didn’t change your filter every month or so, it could have a detrimental effect on the system’s energy …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/exploring-the-science-behind-dirty-air-filters/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/exploring-the-science-behind-dirty-air-filters/
Obviously, if the air filters in your home HVAC system are dirty, you should change them. But exactly how dirty is dirty? [Tim Rightnour] had heard it said that if you didn’t change your filter every month or so, it could have a detrimental effect on the system’s energy …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/exploring-the-science-behind-dirty-air-filters/)
MIDI Controller in a Concertina Looks Sea Shanty-Ready
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/midi-controller-in-a-concertina-looks-sea-shanty-ready/
Did you know that the English concertina, that hand-pumped bellows instrument favored by sailors both legitimate and piratical in the Age of Sail, was invented by none other than [Sir Charles Wheatstone]? We didn’t, but [Dave Ehnebuske] knew that the venerable English gentleman was tickling the keys of his instrument …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/midi-controller-in-a-concertina-looks-sea-shanty-ready/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/midi-controller-in-a-concertina-looks-sea-shanty-ready/
Did you know that the English concertina, that hand-pumped bellows instrument favored by sailors both legitimate and piratical in the Age of Sail, was invented by none other than [Sir Charles Wheatstone]? We didn’t, but [Dave Ehnebuske] knew that the venerable English gentleman was tickling the keys of his instrument …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/18/midi-controller-in-a-concertina-looks-sea-shanty-ready/)
The Thermochromic Display You Didn’t Know You Needed
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/the-thermochromic-display-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
We love unique ways of displaying data here at Hackaday, and this ingenious thermochromic display created by [Moritz v. Sivers] more than fits the bill. Using sheets of color changing liquid crystals and careful temperature control of the plates they’re mounted on, he’s built a giant seven-segment display that can …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/the-thermochromic-display-you-didnt-know-you-needed/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/the-thermochromic-display-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
We love unique ways of displaying data here at Hackaday, and this ingenious thermochromic display created by [Moritz v. Sivers] more than fits the bill. Using sheets of color changing liquid crystals and careful temperature control of the plates they’re mounted on, he’s built a giant seven-segment display that can …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/the-thermochromic-display-you-didnt-know-you-needed/)
Warshipping: A Free Raspberry Pi In The Mail Is Not Always A Welcome Gift
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/warshipping-a-free-raspberry-pi-in-the-mail-is-not-always-a-welcome-gift/
Leading edge computer security is veiled in secrecy — a world where novel attacks are sprung on those who do not yet know what they need to protect against. Once certain tactics have played out within cool kids’ circles, they are introduced to the rest of the world. An IBM …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/warshipping-a-free-raspberry-pi-in-the-mail-is-not-always-a-welcome-gift/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/warshipping-a-free-raspberry-pi-in-the-mail-is-not-always-a-welcome-gift/
Leading edge computer security is veiled in secrecy — a world where novel attacks are sprung on those who do not yet know what they need to protect against. Once certain tactics have played out within cool kids’ circles, they are introduced to the rest of the world. An IBM …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/warshipping-a-free-raspberry-pi-in-the-mail-is-not-always-a-welcome-gift/)
Apollo’s PLSS And The Science Of Keeping Humans Alive In Space
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/apollos-plss-and-the-science-of-keeping-humans-alive-in-space/
Ever since humans came up with the bright idea to explore parts of the Earth which were significantly less hospitable to human life than the plains of Africa where humankind evolved, there’s been a constant pressure to better protect ourselves against the elements to keep our bodies comfortable. Those first …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/apollos-plss-and-the-science-of-keeping-humans-alive-in-space/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/apollos-plss-and-the-science-of-keeping-humans-alive-in-space/
Ever since humans came up with the bright idea to explore parts of the Earth which were significantly less hospitable to human life than the plains of Africa where humankind evolved, there’s been a constant pressure to better protect ourselves against the elements to keep our bodies comfortable. Those first …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/apollos-plss-and-the-science-of-keeping-humans-alive-in-space/)
DIY Gimbal For the Raspberry Pi Camera
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-gimbal-for-the-raspberry-pi-camera/
If one wants a stabilized video feed from a drone, a gimbal setup is the way to go. However, the cheaper offerings are all rather similar, suited to a certain size and type of drone. [Jean] was building a smaller craft, so set out to create his own design specifically …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-gimbal-for-the-raspberry-pi-camera/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-gimbal-for-the-raspberry-pi-camera/
If one wants a stabilized video feed from a drone, a gimbal setup is the way to go. However, the cheaper offerings are all rather similar, suited to a certain size and type of drone. [Jean] was building a smaller craft, so set out to create his own design specifically …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-gimbal-for-the-raspberry-pi-camera/)
Life at JPL Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/life-at-jpl-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, August 21st at noon Pacific for the Life at JPL Hack Chat with Arko!
There’s a reason why people use “rocket science” as a metaphor for things that are hard to do. Getting stuff from here to there when there is a billion miles away and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/life-at-jpl-hack-chat/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/life-at-jpl-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, August 21st at noon Pacific for the Life at JPL Hack Chat with Arko!
There’s a reason why people use “rocket science” as a metaphor for things that are hard to do. Getting stuff from here to there when there is a billion miles away and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/life-at-jpl-hack-chat/)
Milspec Teardown: ID-2124 Howitzer Data Display
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/milspec-teardown-id-2124-howitzer-data-display/
It’s time once again for another installment in “Milspec Teardown”, where we get to see what Uncle Sam spends all those defense dollars on. Battle hardened pieces of kit are always a fascinating look at what can be accomplished if money is truly no object. When engineers are given a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/milspec-teardown-id-2124-howitzer-data-display/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/milspec-teardown-id-2124-howitzer-data-display/
It’s time once again for another installment in “Milspec Teardown”, where we get to see what Uncle Sam spends all those defense dollars on. Battle hardened pieces of kit are always a fascinating look at what can be accomplished if money is truly no object. When engineers are given a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/milspec-teardown-id-2124-howitzer-data-display/)
Tiny Two-Legged PCB Robot
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/tiny-two-legged-pcb-robot/
YouTuber and electronics engineer [Carl Bugeja] has a knack for finding creative uses for flexible PCBs. For the past year, he has been experimenting with PCB motors, using them on drones, robot fish, and most recently swarm robots. This is his final video in the vibro-bot series, and he’s got …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/tiny-two-legged-pcb-robot/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/tiny-two-legged-pcb-robot/
YouTuber and electronics engineer [Carl Bugeja] has a knack for finding creative uses for flexible PCBs. For the past year, he has been experimenting with PCB motors, using them on drones, robot fish, and most recently swarm robots. This is his final video in the vibro-bot series, and he’s got …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/tiny-two-legged-pcb-robot/)
Old Chainsaw Repurposed For Kitchen Use
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/old-chainsaw-repurposed-for-kitchen-use/
There are many ways to keep critical appliances running during a power outage. Maybe a UPS for a computer, a set of solar panels to charge your phone, or even a generator to keep your refrigerator or air conditioning working. This modification to a standard blender will also let you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/old-chainsaw-repurposed-for-kitchen-use/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/old-chainsaw-repurposed-for-kitchen-use/
There are many ways to keep critical appliances running during a power outage. Maybe a UPS for a computer, a set of solar panels to charge your phone, or even a generator to keep your refrigerator or air conditioning working. This modification to a standard blender will also let you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/old-chainsaw-repurposed-for-kitchen-use/)
DIY Geiger Counter is Sure to Generate Clicks
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-geiger-counter-is-sure-to-generate-clicks/
On the outside, a Geiger counter seems like a complicated thing. And you might think a device that detects a dangerous, mostly invisible threat like radiation should be complicated. But they’re actually pretty simple. The Geiger-Muller tube does most of the work, which boils down to detecting brief moments of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-geiger-counter-is-sure-to-generate-clicks/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-geiger-counter-is-sure-to-generate-clicks/
On the outside, a Geiger counter seems like a complicated thing. And you might think a device that detects a dangerous, mostly invisible threat like radiation should be complicated. But they’re actually pretty simple. The Geiger-Muller tube does most of the work, which boils down to detecting brief moments of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/diy-geiger-counter-is-sure-to-generate-clicks/)
A Friendly Reminder That You Might Be In Danger
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/a-friendly-reminder-that-you-might-be-in-danger/
Product recalls are one of those things that most people don’t pay attention to until things get really bad. If it’s serious enough for somebody to get hurt or even die, then the media will pick it up, but most of the time they simply pass by in silence. In …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/a-friendly-reminder-that-you-might-be-in-danger/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/a-friendly-reminder-that-you-might-be-in-danger/
Product recalls are one of those things that most people don’t pay attention to until things get really bad. If it’s serious enough for somebody to get hurt or even die, then the media will pick it up, but most of the time they simply pass by in silence. In …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/a-friendly-reminder-that-you-might-be-in-danger/)
Fail Of The Week: How Not To Light Pipe
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/fail-of-the-week-how-not-to-light-pipe/
You’d think that something made out of glass and epoxy would transmit a decent amount of light. Unfortunately for [Jeremy Ruhland], it turns out that FR4 is not great light pipe material, at least in one dimension.
The backstory on this has to do with #badgelife, where it has become …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/fail-of-the-week-how-not-to-light-pipe/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/fail-of-the-week-how-not-to-light-pipe/
You’d think that something made out of glass and epoxy would transmit a decent amount of light. Unfortunately for [Jeremy Ruhland], it turns out that FR4 is not great light pipe material, at least in one dimension.
The backstory on this has to do with #badgelife, where it has become …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/19/fail-of-the-week-how-not-to-light-pipe/)
Game On with these Open Source Arduino Buzzers
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/game-on-with-these-open-source-arduino-buzzers/
Planning a game of Hacker Jeopardy at your next meetup? You’re going to want some proper buzzers to complete the experience, but why buy when you can build? [Flute Systems] has released an open source DIY game buzzer system based on the Arduino that will help instantly elevate your game. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/game-on-with-these-open-source-arduino-buzzers/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/game-on-with-these-open-source-arduino-buzzers/
Planning a game of Hacker Jeopardy at your next meetup? You’re going to want some proper buzzers to complete the experience, but why buy when you can build? [Flute Systems] has released an open source DIY game buzzer system based on the Arduino that will help instantly elevate your game. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/game-on-with-these-open-source-arduino-buzzers/)
Putting The Coanda Effect To Work On A Quadcopter
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/putting-the-coanda-effect-to-work-on-a-quadcopter/
The Coanda effect is an aerodynamic principle regarding the way fluids tend to flow along curved surfaces. This can be used to direct a flow, and [Tom Stanton] wanted to try out its application on a quadcopter. (Video embedded below.)
The project began by firing up the 3D printer, which …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/putting-the-coanda-effect-to-work-on-a-quadcopter/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/putting-the-coanda-effect-to-work-on-a-quadcopter/
The Coanda effect is an aerodynamic principle regarding the way fluids tend to flow along curved surfaces. This can be used to direct a flow, and [Tom Stanton] wanted to try out its application on a quadcopter. (Video embedded below.)
The project began by firing up the 3D printer, which …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/putting-the-coanda-effect-to-work-on-a-quadcopter/)
Echos of the Cold War: Nuclear-Powered Missiles Have Been Tried Before
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/echos-of-the-cold-war-nuclear-powered-missiles-have-been-tried-before/
On August 8th, an experimental nuclear device exploded at a military test facility in Nyonoksa, Russia. Thirty kilometers away, radiation levels in the city of Severodvinsk reportedly peaked at twenty times normal levels for the span of a few hours. Rumors began circulating about the severity of the event, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/echos-of-the-cold-war-nuclear-powered-missiles-have-been-tried-before/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/echos-of-the-cold-war-nuclear-powered-missiles-have-been-tried-before/
On August 8th, an experimental nuclear device exploded at a military test facility in Nyonoksa, Russia. Thirty kilometers away, radiation levels in the city of Severodvinsk reportedly peaked at twenty times normal levels for the span of a few hours. Rumors began circulating about the severity of the event, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/echos-of-the-cold-war-nuclear-powered-missiles-have-been-tried-before/)
Behold the Crimson Axlef*cker (Do Not Insert Finger)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/behold-the-crimson-axlefcker-do-not-insert-finger/
Are your aluminum extrusions too straight? The Crimson Axlef*cker can help you out. It’s a remarkable 3D printed, 4-stage, 125:1 reduction gearbox driven by a brushless motor. Designer [jlittle988] decided to test an early prototype to destruction and while he was expecting something to break, he didn’t expect it to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/behold-the-crimson-axlefcker-do-not-insert-finger/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/behold-the-crimson-axlefcker-do-not-insert-finger/
Are your aluminum extrusions too straight? The Crimson Axlef*cker can help you out. It’s a remarkable 3D printed, 4-stage, 125:1 reduction gearbox driven by a brushless motor. Designer [jlittle988] decided to test an early prototype to destruction and while he was expecting something to break, he didn’t expect it to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/behold-the-crimson-axlefcker-do-not-insert-finger/)
Circuit VR: Advanced Falstad Logic with Geniac
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/circuit-vr-advanced-falstad-logic-with-geniac/
I find that if I’m trying to make a point with a student or a colleague about a circuit, sometimes the Falstad online simulator is worth a few thousand words. You can draw the circuit, play with the values, and even see the current flow in an intuitive way as …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/circuit-vr-advanced-falstad-logic-with-geniac/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/circuit-vr-advanced-falstad-logic-with-geniac/
I find that if I’m trying to make a point with a student or a colleague about a circuit, sometimes the Falstad online simulator is worth a few thousand words. You can draw the circuit, play with the values, and even see the current flow in an intuitive way as …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/circuit-vr-advanced-falstad-logic-with-geniac/)
Lithophanes Ditch the Monochrome with a Color Layer
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/lithophanes-ditch-the-monochrome-with-a-color-layer/
3D printed lithophanes are great, if a bit monochromatic. [Thomas Brooks] (with help from [Jason Prius]) changed all that with a tool for creating color lithophanes but there’s a catch: you’ll need a printer capable of creating multi-color prints to do it.
A video (embedded below) begins with an intro …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/lithophanes-ditch-the-monochrome-with-a-color-layer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/lithophanes-ditch-the-monochrome-with-a-color-layer/
3D printed lithophanes are great, if a bit monochromatic. [Thomas Brooks] (with help from [Jason Prius]) changed all that with a tool for creating color lithophanes but there’s a catch: you’ll need a printer capable of creating multi-color prints to do it.
A video (embedded below) begins with an intro …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/lithophanes-ditch-the-monochrome-with-a-color-layer/)
A Range-Extended Electric Van
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/a-range-extended-electric-van/
The only thing limiting the range on any electric vehicle isn’t really battery technology, but cost. Customers don’t want to pay more money for an electric car or van that does essentially the same thing as one with an internal combustion engine. This in turn limits the amount of batteries …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/a-range-extended-electric-van/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/a-range-extended-electric-van/
The only thing limiting the range on any electric vehicle isn’t really battery technology, but cost. Customers don’t want to pay more money for an electric car or van that does essentially the same thing as one with an internal combustion engine. This in turn limits the amount of batteries …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/20/a-range-extended-electric-van/)