If you're from the woods in the Northeast USA, you know that summer is all about forts, cabins, treehouses, and other alternative shelters. If you haven't known the pleasure of these delightful creations, let Derek "Deek" Diedricksen introduce you his world of microcabins in this episode of Tiny Yellow House, a MAKEcation Special Edition! Join Deek in the Massachusetts woods for a tour of his "Boxy Lady" vending cart microcabin complete with build notes inspired by his book, Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, Cozy Cottages, Ramshackle Retreats, Funky Forts, and Whatever Else We Could Squeeze in Here.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube.
Gareth reviewed Deek's book not to long ago on the site:
The book is a hoot and an inspiration, crammed with Deek's designs -- from practical to pie in the sky -- for "micro-houses," small backyard retreats, kid forts, treehouses, and other no-cost/low-cost outbuildings. The emphasis here is on fun and clever use of recycled materials. Deek did all the hand-lettering and the book is obsessively illustrated with wonderfully wacky cartoons and design drawings. As he himself describes it in the video: "A carpal tunnel-inducing barrage of dime store pen sketches."More:
- Humble Homes, Simple Shacks... preview and giveaway
- Another Tiny Yellow House
- Introducing: the Hickshaw
Make audio circuits sing higher and lower.
Thanks go to Peter Edwards for the original article in MAKE, Volume 23.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.
Replace the broken glass of an iPhone 3G.
Thanks go to Morten Skogly for the original article in MAKE, Volume 22.
To download The iPhone Screen Repair video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete iPhone Screen Repair article in MAKE Volume 22 or you can see it in our Digital Edition.
We're excited to bring to you our special summer kids video miniseries, Sylvia's Super Awesome Mini Maker Show!
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube, Blip.tv, and Vimeo.
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By James (TechNinja) and Sylvia
Bored on a hot summer day? In the mood to let out your inner van Gogh and make something cool? Then lets make some sidewalk chalk!
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Young maker Sasha shows us how to assemble the solar frightened grasshopper kit from the Maker Shed in this, another kid-made video on the MAKE 'tubes.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube and Vimeo.
Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Kids | Digg this!The snap-together Solar Grasshopper kit uses solar energy to generate electricity and propel itself around. It's an easy to assemble electronics project that's great for first-time experimenters with little or no experience.
Meet just a few of the makers & crafters who made Maker Faire Bay Area 2010 such a great event - a big thanks to everyone helped make it happen.
Be sure to check out Maker Faire Detroit and the upcoming World Maker Faire in NYC!
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube and Vimeo.
Make your own Cornhole boards and bags. Cornhole is a fun summertime lawn game where players take turns throwing corn filled bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. More information on Cornhole is available at The American Cornhole Association
To download The Cornhole video click here and subscribe in iTunes.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube and Vimeo.
Competitors in this year's Gowanus Studio Space Jell-O Mold Competition brought their best and really wowed the judges (including me!) on a hot night in Brooklyn last month.
The grand prize winner was Shelly Sable for her entry: Aspic Ascension-- Tastes Like Heaven. She cast several Marys in tomato aspic and the pun was complete: bloody mary indeed! Her beautiful presentation with fresh veggies had me coming back for seconds. Don't miss the video recap above, and hit the jump for tons more photos of the runners up, all by Emilie Baltz.
Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in MAKE Video | Digg this!Well, I finally get to let the cat out of the bag. We've got Pixel Qi screens available in the Maker Shed as of today. If you're unfamiliar with Pixel Qi (pronounced "chee") and their amazing 3Qi transflective display technology, here's a bit about them from the announcement:
These screens look like standard LCD screens in ordinary room light, but take them outside in the sunlight, and see the difference! The Pixel Qi screens are bright and easy to see, even in direct sunlight. Like standard LCD displays, Pixel Qi displays show quality full-color images, full-motion video, and high screen brightness. Each pixel in the Pixel Qi screen is mainly reflective, but still has about the same efficiency as a standard LCD when backlit, enabling the user to experience a crisp image with excellent contrast and *brightness* in any light. The Pixel Qi screens consume 80% less power in the reflective mode making them a great choice for "green" applications.
Indeed, this is exciting news for anyone interested in modding their netbook or building a DIY tablet computer. Regarding the announcement, Mary Lou Jepsen, Pixel Qi's Founder and CEO said "We hope that by working with MAKE and the DIY community, we collectively will spur innovation in ways we can't ourselves imagine yet."
About carrying the Pixel Qi screen in the Maker Shed, Dan Woods (GM of MAKE Ecommerce) said "We're seeing a lot of interest in making and modding tablets, netbooks, and e-readers within the maker community, and we're always looking for new ways to help inspire and support DIY enthusiasts to take on new challenges. Getting a brand new technology like Pixel Qi's screen into the hands of developers and makers who will do something unusual, compelling, and unexpected which is really exciting to us. MAKE is not only uniquely positioned to inspire widespread experimentation within the global maker community, from educators to artists, software developers to hardware hackers, but also to organize conversations around resulting projects."
I shot a quick installation video of a Pixel Qi display going into one of my netbooks. It's an Acer Aspire One, which is physically compatible with the screen, but isn't an officially recommended netbook.
Changing the screen is easy, the process takes about 5-10 minutes using a small screwdriver. 2-4 screws have to be removed to allow unsnapping of the front plastic bezel. Once that step is done, removal of another few screws allows the screen to be unlatched and its cable disconnected. Next, the Pixel Qi screen is plugged in, screwed in, and the bezel snapped back in place. That's it.
Head on over to the Maker Shed for more information or to order yours today.
Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Computers | Digg this!
Spin activated lights for your butterfly yo-yo. Thanks go to Eric Chu for the original article in MAKE, Volume 22.
To download The LED Yo-Yo video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete LED Yo-Yo article in MAKE Volume 22 and you can see it in our Digital Edition.
It was definitely hard to overlook Cris Benton at this year's Bay Area Maker Faire (he was the guy walking around with 29-foot fishing pole). Cris' carbon fiber fishing-pole-turned-monopod netted some amazing photos of the event and attending crowds - be sure to check them out in his Flickr photoset.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube, Vimeo, and Blip.
Of course, this isn't his only method for capturing bird's eye views - those of you keeping track will recall Cris' Kite Aerial Photography project featured in MAKE Volume 1 as well as a segment from Make: Television all about his project.
More:
- MAKE: television Episode 2: Aerial Kite Photography & Burrito Blaster
- Weekend Project: Pole's Eye View
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I like to think of ham radio operators as some of the original makers and hackers. They called hacking "kinking," said "hi hi" instead of "LOL," and assembled Heathkits long before Makershed, Adafruit, and Sparkfun were around. I had a lot of fun checking out some of the vintage radios at Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio a few weeks ago.
I really like the designs of Heathkit, which was one of the first companies to make electronic kits right after WWII. They started with oscilloscopes, and later made many kits, including radios. Since Heathkits were, in fact, kits, they eliminated the cost of assembly and were able to sell electronics much cheaper, making them accessible to more people. The book Heathkit A Guide to Amateur Radio Products is a great resource if you want to learn more.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube and Vimeo.
More:
- Heathkit Virtual Museum
- Dayton Hamvention 2009
- Dayton Hamvention, May 14-16
- ARRL Field Day 2009
- Make: Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Hobby Radio
It's difficult to grasp how awesome the Raygun Gothic Rocketship is until you actually see it in person and tour its interior. Becky Stern and I did just that at Maker Faire Bay Area, capturing the above seen video along the way. Here's hoping it helps convey what loving craftmanship when into the rocket's construction and many interactive details - amazing work!
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube and Vimeo.
Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Made On Earth | Digg this!Austin band ArcAttack! performs with musical tesla coils (in a chain maille "Faraday suit") and a robotic drummer. From their Maker Faire profile:
More:ArcAttack! employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers.
ArcAttack! is an Austin born, high tech performance group. They've been working together since 2005. The group members are Joe DiPrima, Oliver Greaves, Tony Smith, John DiPrima, Patrick Brown and Craig Newswanger.
Subscribe to the MAKE podcast in iTunes, watch it on YouTube, Vimeo, or download the m4v video.
- MythBuster Grant Imahara gets ArcAttacked
- ArcAttack plays the Star Spangled Banner
- Happy Birthday Tesla - from ArcAttack (and MAKE too!)
This recliner is very comfortable, easy and inexpensive to build, and can be assembled or disassembled in a few minutes. Thanks go to Larry Cotton for the original article in MAKE Volume 19.
To download The Rok-Bak Chair video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete Rok-Bak Chair article in MAKE Volume 19 and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
This recliner is very comfortable, easy and inexpensive to build, and can be assembled or disassembled in a few minutes. Thanks go to Larry Cotton for the original article in MAKE Volume 19.
To download The Rok-Bak Chair video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete Rok-Bak Chair article in MAKE Volume 19 and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
This recliner is very comfortable, easy and inexpensive to build, and can be assembled or
disassembled in a few minutes. Thanks go to Larry Cotton for the original article in MAKE, Volume 19.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.
This recliner is very comfortable, easy and inexpensive to build, and can be assembled or
disassembled in a few minutes. Thanks go to Larry Cotton for the original article in MAKE, Volume 19.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend.
Fingertip input is great for most touchscreen usage like typing, web-browsing - all sorts of virtual button-pushing tasks. But for many people, drawing remains an activity best approached with a pen, pencil, brush, etc.
With a bit of conductive foam and wire, it's surprisingly easy to make your own conductive stylus, suitable for use with iPhone, iPad and similar capacitive touchscreen devices - and you'll likely find it a lot more precise compared to regular fingertip input.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube.
This one's a bit different from the topics I usually cover in video form - it's quick, super-simple, and requires no soldering, chemicals, or schematics (no worries - more of the good stuff's a comin'). The results made drawing/digital-painting on the iPad much more enjoyable for me, and I hope it can do the same for others. Of course this basic conductive stylus should work well for most capacitive and resistive touchscreens - and I'm positive it could be made with far greater care for aesthetics ;)
Also worth mentioning: If a metal pen barrel is used instead of plastic, then the wire can be omitted entirely - as long as the foam is connected to a relatively sizable conductive object (i.e. - a human being), it should register as input.
Oh - and if anyone's looking for a stylized depiction of the Gakken SX-150, I've got you covered -
<a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/05/collins_lab_diy_ipad_stylus.html" />Read more</a> | <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/05/collins_lab_diy_ipad_stylus.html" /> Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/05/collins_lab_diy_ipad_stylus.html#comments" />Comments</a> | <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/diy_projects/" />Read more articles in DIY Projects</a> | <a href="http://digg.com/submit?url=blog.makezine.com%2Farchive%2F2010%2F05%2Fcollins_lab_diy_ipad_stylus.html&title=Collin%26apos%3Bs%20Lab%3A%20DIY%20iPad%20Stylus&bodytext=%20Fingertip%20input%20is%20great%20for%20most%20touchscreen%20usage%20like%20typing%2C%20web-browsing%20-%20all%20sorts%20of%20virtual%20button-pushing%20tasks.%20But%20for%20many%20people%2C%20drawing%20remains%20an%20activity%20best%20approached%20with%20a%20pen%2C%20pencil%2C%20brush%2C%20etc.%20With%20a%20bit%20of%20conductive...&topic=tech_news" />Digg this!</a>
Fingertip input is great for most touchscreen usage like typing, web-browsing - all sorts of virtual button-pushing tasks. But for many people, drawing remains an activity best approached with a pen, pencil, brush, etc.
With a bit of conductive foam and wire, it's surprisingly easy to make your own conductive stylus, suitable for use with iPhone, iPad and similar capacitive touchscreen devices - and you'll likely find it a lot more precise compared to regular fingertip input.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube.
This one's a bit different from the topics I usually cover in video form - it's quick, super-simple, and requires no soldering, chemicals, or schematics (no worries - more of the good stuff's a comin'). The results made drawing/digital-painting on the iPad much more enjoyable for me, and I hope it can do the same for others. Of course this basic conductive stylus should work well for most capacitive and resistive touchscreens - and I'm positive it could be made with far greater care for aesthetics ;)
Also worth mentioning: If a metal pen barrel is used instead of plastic, then the wire can be omitted entirely - as long as the foam is connected to a relatively sizable conductive object (i.e. - a human being), it should register as input.
Oh - and if anyone's looking for a stylized depiction of the Gakken SX-150, I've got you covered -
Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in DIY Projects | Digg this!
Do some blacksmithing and make your own nails and other small iron parts. Thanks go to Len Cullum for the original article in MAKE, Volume 18.
To download The $30 Micro Forge video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete $30 Micro Forge article in MAKE Volume 18 and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
Do some blacksmithing and make your own nails and other small iron parts. Thanks go to Len Cullum for the original article in MAKE, Volume 18.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend. Get the firebrick here.
Do some blacksmithing and make your own nails and other small iron parts. Thanks go to Len Cullum for the original article in MAKE, Volume 18.
View the PDF of this project. and then subscribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects
you can do over the weekend. Get the firebrick here.
Every useful circuit board deserves a good enclosure. Providing a proper case for your circuit can protect it from accidental spills & falls - plus give it a cool look you can proudly show off even to those unfamiliar with soldering and such.
Subscribe to the MAKE Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube.
Personally, I'm a big fan of designing & casing up my electronics projects. The sturdy & functional results always leave me feeling a little impressed with myself, and I'm often surprised at how useful the completed device can be. In the above vid, I set out to build a basic waveform generator for testing and experimenting - but I ended up with something I'm more likely to use for noise-jamming, synthing and well ... just plain fun.
If you'd like to build your own waveform generator, check out the Function Generator Bundle over @ Jameco. It includes all the pots, switches, enclosure, kit, etc - just add wire & a 1k resistor (for the LED). If you do build one, be sure to let us know by leaving a comment or posting pics to the MAKE Flickr pool.
Oh - and in case it helps anyone, here's the wiring diagram I followed in the video:
Blow your friends away as you send this 25-cent rocket hundreds of feet in the air. Thanks go to Rock Schertle for the original article in MAKE, Volume 15. To download The Compressed Air Rocket video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete Compressed Air Rocket article in MAKE Volume 15 and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
Blow your friends away as you send this 25-cent rocket hundreds of feet in the air. Thanks go to Rick Schertle for the original article in MAKE Volume 15. Download the PDF of this project, and then subsribe to MAKE Magazine for other great projects you can do over the weekend. Don't forget to download the rocket template!
In the Maker Shed:
Compressed Air Rocket Kit available in the Maker Shed!
MAKE Volume 22 is on newsstands now! Automate your world with remote control. From pet care to power outlets, from toys to telepresence, we'll show you how to add a joystick, push-button, twist-knob, or timer to just about anything.
Remote control projects in MAKE Volume 22 include:
- The Lawnbot400 R/C lawn mower--sit back and enjoy the mow!
- Kitty Twitty cat toy that tweets (on Twitter) when your cat attacks
- Automated chicken coop controlled by iPhone
- Motion-detecting Nikon camera remote
- Stealthy TV-B-Gone hoodie sweatshirt that turns off TV sets
- Remote control pet feeder using web chat
- Solar tracking platform that automatically follows the sun
- How to hack R/C power outlets--control your whole house from one computer
- Robots you can control with your mind! (Okay, this one involves a trick, but it's still cool)
In addition, you'll learn how to:
- Replace your broken iPhone screen
- Make the Double Pendulum--a simple project that creates absolute chaos
- Make fresh cheese from goat's milk
- Make a monster USB MIDI controller with 8 microphones
- Extract your own perfumes and essential oils
- Wind your own electric guitar pickups, and make a Diddley Bow (the primal electric guitar made famous by Jack White of The White Stripes)
Plus, filmmaker and YouTube sensation PES shows how he creates his amazing stop-motion animation; and 8 top hobbyists and industry leaders tell what's hot in Remote Control. What on earth are foamies, Frankensteining, and aqua modeling? Get MAKE Volume 22 and find out.
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Don't forget - subscribers can always read the digital edition here.
Subscribe to the MAKE podcast in iTunes, or download the m4v video.
<a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/04/make_volume_22_remote_control.html" />Read more</a> | <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/04/make_volume_22_remote_control.html" /> Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/04/make_volume_22_remote_control.html#comments" />Comments</a> | <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/announcements/" />Read more articles in Announcements</a> | <a href="http://digg.com/submit?url=blog.makezine.com%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2Fmake_volume_22_remote_control.html&title=MAKE%20Volume%2022%3A%20Remote%20Control&bodytext=%20MAKE%20Volume%2022%20is%20on%20newsstands%20now%21%20Automate%20your%20world%20with%20remote%20control.%20From%20pet%20care%20to%20power%20outlets%2C%20from%20toys%20to%20telepresence%2C%20we%26apos%3Bll%20show%20you%20how%20to%20add%20a%20joystick%2C%20push-button%2C%20twist-knob%2C%20or%20timer%20to%20just%20about%20anything....&topic=tech_news" />Digg this!</a>
Walkie-talkie actuator lets everyone pose without rushing for a timer. Thanks go to Tom Rodgers for the original article in MAKE, Volume 15
To download The 2-Mile Camera Remote video click here and subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete 2-Mile Camera Remote article in MAKE Volume 15 and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
