A Cheap And Cheerful Geiger Counter Build
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/21/a-cheap-and-cheerful-geiger-counter-build/
Hackers often have broad interests across the sciences, of which nuclear topics are no exception. The Geiger counter remains a popular build, and could be a handy tool to have in a time of rising tensions between nuclear powers. [Leonora Tindall] had tinkered with basic units, but wanted a better …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/21/a-cheap-and-cheerful-geiger-counter-build/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/21/a-cheap-and-cheerful-geiger-counter-build/
Hackers often have broad interests across the sciences, of which nuclear topics are no exception. The Geiger counter remains a popular build, and could be a handy tool to have in a time of rising tensions between nuclear powers. [Leonora Tindall] had tinkered with basic units, but wanted a better …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/21/a-cheap-and-cheerful-geiger-counter-build/)
Electric Dump Truck Produces More Energy Than it Uses
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/electric-dump-truck-produces-more-energy-than-it-uses/
Electric vehicles are everywhere now. It’s more than just Leafs, Teslas, and a wide variety of electric bikes. It’s also trains, busses, and in this case, gigantic dump trucks. This truck in particular is being put to work at a mine in Switzerland, and as a consequence of having an …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/electric-dump-truck-produces-more-energy-than-it-uses/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/electric-dump-truck-produces-more-energy-than-it-uses/
Electric vehicles are everywhere now. It’s more than just Leafs, Teslas, and a wide variety of electric bikes. It’s also trains, busses, and in this case, gigantic dump trucks. This truck in particular is being put to work at a mine in Switzerland, and as a consequence of having an …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/electric-dump-truck-produces-more-energy-than-it-uses/)
Returning Digital Watches To the Analog Age: Enter The Charliewatch
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/returning-digital-watches-to-the-analog-age-enter-the-charliewatch/
The Charliewatch by [Trammell Hudson] is one of those projects which is beautiful in both design and simplicity. After seeing [Travis Goodspeed]’s GoodWatch21 digital watch project based around a Texas Instruments MSP430-based SoC, [Trammell] decided that it’d be neat if it was more analog. This is accomplished using the CC430F5137IRGZR …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/returning-digital-watches-to-the-analog-age-enter-the-charliewatch/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/returning-digital-watches-to-the-analog-age-enter-the-charliewatch/
The Charliewatch by [Trammell Hudson] is one of those projects which is beautiful in both design and simplicity. After seeing [Travis Goodspeed]’s GoodWatch21 digital watch project based around a Texas Instruments MSP430-based SoC, [Trammell] decided that it’d be neat if it was more analog. This is accomplished using the CC430F5137IRGZR …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/returning-digital-watches-to-the-analog-age-enter-the-charliewatch/)
Rocket Lab Sets Their Sights on Rapid Reusability By Snagging Rockets in Mid-Air with a Helicopter
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/rocket-lab-sets-their-sights-on-rapid-reusability-by-snagging-rockets-in-mid-air-with-a-helicopter/
Not so very long ago, orbital rockets simply didn’t get reused. After their propellants were expended on the journey to orbit, they petered out and fell back down into the ocean where they were obliterated on impact. Rockets were disposable because, as far as anyone could tell, building another one …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/rocket-lab-sets-their-sights-on-rapid-reusability-by-snagging-rockets-in-mid-air-with-a-helicopter/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/rocket-lab-sets-their-sights-on-rapid-reusability-by-snagging-rockets-in-mid-air-with-a-helicopter/
Not so very long ago, orbital rockets simply didn’t get reused. After their propellants were expended on the journey to orbit, they petered out and fell back down into the ocean where they were obliterated on impact. Rockets were disposable because, as far as anyone could tell, building another one …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/rocket-lab-sets-their-sights-on-rapid-reusability-by-snagging-rockets-in-mid-air-with-a-helicopter/)
Looking Around Corners With F-K Migration
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/looking-around-corners-with-f-k-migration/
The concept behind non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging seems fairly easy to grasp: a laser bounces photons off a surface that illuminate objects that are within in sight of that surface, but not of the imaging equipment. The photons that are then reflected or refracted by the hidden object make their way …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/looking-around-corners-with-f-k-migration/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/looking-around-corners-with-f-k-migration/
The concept behind non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging seems fairly easy to grasp: a laser bounces photons off a surface that illuminate objects that are within in sight of that surface, but not of the imaging equipment. The photons that are then reflected or refracted by the hidden object make their way …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/looking-around-corners-with-f-k-migration/)
Build a Fungus Foraging App with Machine Learning
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/build-a-fungus-foraging-app-with-machine-learning/
As the 2019 mushroom foraging season approaches it’s timely to combine my thirst for knowledge about low level machine learning (ML) with a popular pastime that we enjoy here where I live. Just for the record, I’m not an expert on ML, and I’m simply inviting readers to follow me …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/build-a-fungus-foraging-app-with-machine-learning/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/build-a-fungus-foraging-app-with-machine-learning/
As the 2019 mushroom foraging season approaches it’s timely to combine my thirst for knowledge about low level machine learning (ML) with a popular pastime that we enjoy here where I live. Just for the record, I’m not an expert on ML, and I’m simply inviting readers to follow me …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/build-a-fungus-foraging-app-with-machine-learning/)
Circuit Art Brings Out The Lifelike Qualities Of Electricity
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/circuit-art-brings-out-the-lifelike-qualities-of-electricity/
Functional circuit sculptures have been gaining popularity with adventuring electronic artists who dare attempt the finicky art form of balancing structure and wire routing. [Kelly Heaton’s] sculptures however are on a whole other creative level.
Not only does she use the circuits powering her works as part of their physical …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/circuit-art-brings-out-the-lifelike-qualities-of-electricity/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/circuit-art-brings-out-the-lifelike-qualities-of-electricity/
Functional circuit sculptures have been gaining popularity with adventuring electronic artists who dare attempt the finicky art form of balancing structure and wire routing. [Kelly Heaton’s] sculptures however are on a whole other creative level.
Not only does she use the circuits powering her works as part of their physical …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/circuit-art-brings-out-the-lifelike-qualities-of-electricity/)
UbaBOT Mixes Up 50 Cocktails to Quench CCCamp Thirst
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/ubabot-mixes-up-50-cocktails-to-quench-cccamp-thirst/
[Steffen Pfiffner’s] tent during the Chaos Communication Camp is full of happiness delivered by something greater than alcohol alone. He’s brought a robot bartender that serves up a show while mixing up one of about 50 cocktail recipes.
The project is the work of five friends from Lake Constance (Bodensee) …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/ubabot-mixes-up-50-cocktails-to-quench-cccamp-thirst/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/ubabot-mixes-up-50-cocktails-to-quench-cccamp-thirst/
[Steffen Pfiffner’s] tent during the Chaos Communication Camp is full of happiness delivered by something greater than alcohol alone. He’s brought a robot bartender that serves up a show while mixing up one of about 50 cocktail recipes.
The project is the work of five friends from Lake Constance (Bodensee) …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/ubabot-mixes-up-50-cocktails-to-quench-cccamp-thirst/)
Temperature Logging On The Last Frontier
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/temperature-logging-on-the-last-frontier/
In Alaska, the impact of climate change is easy to see. Already the melting permafrost is shifting foundations and rocking roads. Hotter summers are also turning food caches from refrigerators into ovens.
[rabbitcreek]’s friend builds food caches with kids as part of a program to teach them traditional native activities. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/temperature-logging-on-the-last-frontier/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/temperature-logging-on-the-last-frontier/
In Alaska, the impact of climate change is easy to see. Already the melting permafrost is shifting foundations and rocking roads. Hotter summers are also turning food caches from refrigerators into ovens.
[rabbitcreek]’s friend builds food caches with kids as part of a program to teach them traditional native activities. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/temperature-logging-on-the-last-frontier/)
Qt Arrives For Small Computers
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/qt-arrives-for-small-computers/
There was a time when writing embedded systems meant never having to deal with graphical user interfaces, and spending long hours trying to free up a dozen bytes of ROM to add a feature. Nowadays, an embedded system is likely to have a screen and what would have been a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/qt-arrives-for-small-computers/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/qt-arrives-for-small-computers/
There was a time when writing embedded systems meant never having to deal with graphical user interfaces, and spending long hours trying to free up a dozen bytes of ROM to add a feature. Nowadays, an embedded system is likely to have a screen and what would have been a …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/qt-arrives-for-small-computers/)
Easy Direction Finding Thanks To Quad SDRs
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/__trashed-3/
Direction finding has long been a pastime of the ham radio community. Fox hunts and other DF events have entertained many, as they swept their antennas hunting for a transmitter. As with rock and roll and flared pants, time changes all things, and [Corrosive] has been experimenting with a very …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/__trashed-3/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/__trashed-3/
Direction finding has long been a pastime of the ham radio community. Fox hunts and other DF events have entertained many, as they swept their antennas hunting for a transmitter. As with rock and roll and flared pants, time changes all things, and [Corrosive] has been experimenting with a very …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/22/__trashed-3/)
When Toothbrushes, Typewriters, and Credit Card Machines Form A Band
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/when-toothbrushes-typewriters-and-credit-card-machines-form-a-band/
Many everyday objects make some noise as a side effect of their day job, so some of us hack would them into music instruments that can play a song or two. It’s fun, but it’s been done. YouTube channel [Device Orchestra] goes far beyond a device buzzing out a tune …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/when-toothbrushes-typewriters-and-credit-card-machines-form-a-band/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/when-toothbrushes-typewriters-and-credit-card-machines-form-a-band/
Many everyday objects make some noise as a side effect of their day job, so some of us hack would them into music instruments that can play a song or two. It’s fun, but it’s been done. YouTube channel [Device Orchestra] goes far beyond a device buzzing out a tune …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/when-toothbrushes-typewriters-and-credit-card-machines-form-a-band/)
Alarm System Defeated by $2 Wireless Dongle, Nobody Surprised
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/alarm-system-defeated-by-2-wireless-dongle-nobody-surprised/
It seems a bit unfair to pile on a product that has already been roundly criticized for its security vulnerabilities. But when that product is a device that is ostensibly deployed to keep one’s family and belongings safe, it’s plenty fair. And when that device is an alarm system that …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/alarm-system-defeated-by-2-wireless-dongle-nobody-surprised/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/alarm-system-defeated-by-2-wireless-dongle-nobody-surprised/
It seems a bit unfair to pile on a product that has already been roundly criticized for its security vulnerabilities. But when that product is a device that is ostensibly deployed to keep one’s family and belongings safe, it’s plenty fair. And when that device is an alarm system that …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/alarm-system-defeated-by-2-wireless-dongle-nobody-surprised/)
This Week in Security: KNOB, Old Scams Are New Again, 0-days, Backdoors, and More
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/this-week-in-security-knob-old-scams-are-new-again-0-days-backdoors-and-more/
Bluetooth is a great protocol. You can listen to music, transfer files, get on the internet, and more. A side effect of those many uses is that the specification is complicated and intended to cover many use cases. A team of researchers took a look at the Bluetooth specification, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/this-week-in-security-knob-old-scams-are-new-again-0-days-backdoors-and-more/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/this-week-in-security-knob-old-scams-are-new-again-0-days-backdoors-and-more/
Bluetooth is a great protocol. You can listen to music, transfer files, get on the internet, and more. A side effect of those many uses is that the specification is complicated and intended to cover many use cases. A team of researchers took a look at the Bluetooth specification, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/this-week-in-security-knob-old-scams-are-new-again-0-days-backdoors-and-more/)
OTA Flash Tool Makes Fitness Tracker Hacking More Accessible
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/ota-flash-tool-makes-fitness-tracker-hacking-more-accessible/
Over the last several months, [Aaron Christophel] has been working on creating a custom firmware for cheap fitness trackers. His current target is the “D6 Tracker” from a company called MPOW, which can be had for as little as $7 USD. The ultimate goal is to make it so anyone …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/ota-flash-tool-makes-fitness-tracker-hacking-more-accessible/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/ota-flash-tool-makes-fitness-tracker-hacking-more-accessible/
Over the last several months, [Aaron Christophel] has been working on creating a custom firmware for cheap fitness trackers. His current target is the “D6 Tracker” from a company called MPOW, which can be had for as little as $7 USD. The ultimate goal is to make it so anyone …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/ota-flash-tool-makes-fitness-tracker-hacking-more-accessible/)
Hackaday Podcast 032: Meteorite Snow Globes, Radioactive Ramjet Rockets, Autonomous Water Boxes, and Ball Reversers
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/hackaday-podcast-032-meteorite-snow-globes-radioactive-ramjet-rockets-autonomous-water-boxes-and-ball-reversers/
Hackaday Editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams recorded this week’s podcast live from Chaos Communication Camp, discussing the most interesting hacks on offer over the past week. I novel locomotion news, there’s a quadcopter built around the coanda effect and an autonomous boat built into a plastic storage bin. The …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/hackaday-podcast-032-meteorite-snow-globes-radioactive-ramjet-rockets-autonomous-water-boxes-and-ball-reversers/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/hackaday-podcast-032-meteorite-snow-globes-radioactive-ramjet-rockets-autonomous-water-boxes-and-ball-reversers/
Hackaday Editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams recorded this week’s podcast live from Chaos Communication Camp, discussing the most interesting hacks on offer over the past week. I novel locomotion news, there’s a quadcopter built around the coanda effect and an autonomous boat built into a plastic storage bin. The …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/hackaday-podcast-032-meteorite-snow-globes-radioactive-ramjet-rockets-autonomous-water-boxes-and-ball-reversers/)
Airport Runways and Hashtags — How to Become a Social Engineer
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/airport-runways-and-hashtags-how-to-become-a-social-engineer/
Of the $11.7 million companies lose to cyber attacks each year, an estimated 90% begin with a phone call or a chat with support, showing that the human factor is clearly an important facet of security and that security training is seriously lacking in most companies. Between open-source intelligence (OSINT) …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/airport-runways-and-hashtags-how-to-become-a-social-engineer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/airport-runways-and-hashtags-how-to-become-a-social-engineer/
Of the $11.7 million companies lose to cyber attacks each year, an estimated 90% begin with a phone call or a chat with support, showing that the human factor is clearly an important facet of security and that security training is seriously lacking in most companies. Between open-source intelligence (OSINT) …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/airport-runways-and-hashtags-how-to-become-a-social-engineer/)
Be Better Bracelet Breaks Bad Habits, Fosters Favorable Fixations
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/be-better-bracelet-breaks-bad-habits-fosters-favorable-fixations/
Do you want to be a better person? Maybe you want to curse less, drink more water, or post fewer inflammatory comments on the internet. You could go the old school route by wearing a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it every time you slip, or literally pat …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/be-better-bracelet-breaks-bad-habits-fosters-favorable-fixations/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/be-better-bracelet-breaks-bad-habits-fosters-favorable-fixations/
Do you want to be a better person? Maybe you want to curse less, drink more water, or post fewer inflammatory comments on the internet. You could go the old school route by wearing a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it every time you slip, or literally pat …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/be-better-bracelet-breaks-bad-habits-fosters-favorable-fixations/)
Feeding Chickens, With Style
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/feeding-chickens-with-style/
Ah, the joys of domestic animals. Often adorable, occasionally useful, they’re universally unable to care for themselves in the slightest. That’s part of the bargain though; we take over responsibility for their upkeep and they repay us with whatever it is they do best. Unless the animal in question is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/feeding-chickens-with-style/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/feeding-chickens-with-style/
Ah, the joys of domestic animals. Often adorable, occasionally useful, they’re universally unable to care for themselves in the slightest. That’s part of the bargain though; we take over responsibility for their upkeep and they repay us with whatever it is they do best. Unless the animal in question is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/feeding-chickens-with-style/)
DIY ZigBee Therapy Lights Are Hue Compatible
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/diy-zigbee-therapy-lights-are-hue-compatible/
Working on a project into the wee hours is hardly uncommon for us hackers, but if you’re consistently sleeping until the afternoon, it’s possible you’re suffering from a condition known as Delayed Phase Sleep Disorder (DPSD). Put simply, your body’s internal clock is out of alignment with the world around …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/diy-zigbee-therapy-lights-are-hue-compatible/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/diy-zigbee-therapy-lights-are-hue-compatible/
Working on a project into the wee hours is hardly uncommon for us hackers, but if you’re consistently sleeping until the afternoon, it’s possible you’re suffering from a condition known as Delayed Phase Sleep Disorder (DPSD). Put simply, your body’s internal clock is out of alignment with the world around …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/08/23/diy-zigbee-therapy-lights-are-hue-compatible/)