Hacks, Mods & Circuitry: Page 16

A "voice changer" can be rewired so that you can play a pre-amped instrument through it like an effects pedal. It makes some relatively freakish sounds and is much more interesting this way. You can still use a microphone to talk through it but now you can rock out through it as well. Watch this video circuitry tutorial and learn how to modify a voice transformer into an effects pedal for musical instruments.

This instructional video shows how to make a cheap contact microphone. These mikes pick up subtle sounds, and are so cheap that if they get smashed in a musical melee, it's no big deal. This video demonstrates the amplification of a dryer, a teapot, and a stockpot with water in it. You will need a buzzer, a jack, an amplifier, and tape. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to build a mike that will electrify and amplify anything. Drone on!

Learn how to solder up some great, rugged instrument cables in just a few minutes! Patch cables and instrument cables don't need to cost a fortune. Make you own with cable and whatever plug-in head you want. Watch this video circuitry tutorial and learn how to solder instrument cables.

Here's an instructional DIY video on how to extend your I/Os using 74HC595 chip and CUBLOC CB280. The input/output of a computer's memory can be enhanced with a modification using a microprocessing board and a mini-board. Watch this video computer-circuitry tutorial and learn how to extend I/O on a computer using a 74HC595 mini-board and a CUBLOC CB280.

This video tutorial will show you how to take an old computer keyboard and use its circuitry as a physical computing input device. Once you have this device, you can then use it to interface with programs that you write using software such as pure data processing, MAX/MSP, and Ableton Live to name a few. What you are doing is replacing the switches within your keyboards with others for input devices. Make sure the interface is plugged in when you are testing but it's probably a good idea to...

Convert a Zoom h2 into a 4 track field recorder which cane record from 4 channels on a computer audio interface. You will need four 10 Kohm resistors, four 100 ohm resistors, two double pole switches, four RCA chassis parts, some wire, small screwdrivers, a wire cutter, a soldering iron, gaffa tape, and a drilling machine with a 6mm metal drill. Watch this video circuitry tutorial and learn how to modify a Zoom H2 into a 4 track field recorder.

Combine your iPod and a laser to send your music on the beam. Easy project that anyone can do, with the help of a little soldering. You will need your iPod, a solar cell, a laser, and a soldering tool. Watch this video circuitry tutorial and learn how to hook up an iPod to a laser for a laser-wired music experience.

A laser light show is possible to replicate with the diffraction grating effect. Different laser effects can be created using a variety of materials: small motors and diffraction grating pieces, and mirrors. It's possible to create searchlights, crystal balls, spring patterns, a Galvanometer effect, and a spider web. Watch this video circuitry tutorial series and learn how to replicate professional laser show techniques for recreational use at home, or as an accompaniment to music or any...

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to turn your laptop hard drive into an external USB drive. This hack is fairly easy to perform, all it requires for you to know is where to locate the laptop's hard drive for extraction. You'll also have to purchase a USB housing which ranges around fifteen dollars.

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to run a USB cable through existing phone cords. You'll need two phone jacks, a USB extender, and a phone cord. Although dual jacks are featured in this video tutorial, single jacks are preferred. The process is fairly simple, what you need to do is open up the jack and cut the USB extender in half. Strip to the multicolored wires and match up the the wires with the opened phone jack's, all except for the white wire which will go to the...

Change a normal 9v battery into a life saver. If you have ever run out of juice on your phone and could really use a quick charge, then you need a USB battery. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to create a pocket USB battery. Materials you will need for this process are one 5.1v zener diode, one 330-ohm resistor, a 9v battery connector, a 9v battery, a solder, and soldering iron.

Like looking for lost treasure? There's no need to break the bank for a high-end metal detector — just dig through your junk drawer! In this video tutorial, KipKay shows you how to make a metal detector from a calculator, an AM or FM radio, a standard CD case, and some velcro. That's it. Your very own metal detector.

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to make a light a toothpick on fire with just a few household items. The materials you will need for this process are a roll of tape, two AA batteries, any kind of headphone jack, and any type of aerosol spray. To start this process, you'll want to ducttape the headphone jack and tape it to a batter from the negative end. Take the other battery and tape the positive end to the headphone jack. Afterwards, take you toothpick and spray the end...

By circuit bending low voltage electronic devices, you can transform your old unused toys into musical devices or to create visual manipulations. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to bend an old classic Nintendo. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to circuit bend the NES in such a way that you'll be able to produce cool distortions while in gameplay. Remember to exercise caution when circuit bending.

Controllerism is a lot like turn table-ism, except through its exclusive use of controllers and music software. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to turn a simple and inexpensive MIDI keyboard into a custom audio controller. First, you'll want to rearrange the keys to line up with the knobs. Then, cut up an old DVD case and a bicycle tube to glue the rubber onto the keys to make it more tactile. Lastly, you'll need to set up the software to assign the keys with controls on...

Learn about circuit bending in this video series that will help you understand how and when to utilize this unique way of making music.

Learn how to bend circuits, disassemble toy cases, unscrew circuit boards and test a circuit bend in this free video series that will help you understand how and when to utilize this unique way of making music.

To etch copper, an acidic solution of copper chloride and hydrochloric acid may be used. Gather copper etching materials with tips in this free electronics video.

Sit back and ride as G Word correspondent David Newsom finds out the benefits of an electric bicycle. Watch and see how to convert a conventional bike to a battery-powered riding machine.

Shoot streams of toilet paper in midair with this ultimate TP machine, the Streamerator. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to make a toilet paper launcher with a generic, electric yard blower. This gadget is extremely easy to make. First, you need a steel rod about the same length as the blower, the rod has to be bent at 90 degrees. Two ground clamps are used to mount the steel rod which will serve as a roll holder. A flat punched piece of metal is measured and screwed into...

With the cynthcart cartridge, it's possible to turn the classic Commodore 64 8 bit home computer into an analog synthesizer. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to create paddles for the C64 and get real time control over filter. You can assign whatever you want to the second paddle.

Find out how to use a six volt lantern battery to really save you money. This is no con, or prank, or joke that involves 32 AA batteries; this is the real deal. Just watch this money saving video tutorial to see how to hack a six volt battery. You can easily replace a few of this cells, which are equal to 3 D batteries, which can be used inside of your Maglite flashlight. Don't let that 6 volt battery go to waste after buying it for the other false hack, use them in any way you can, like...

Need to make a PCB quick? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to create a PCB with the toner transfer method using photo laser paper.

Ever wanted to cook things on the go? Well, with this homemade USB frying pan, you can easily cook eggs for breakfast right next to your laptop, powered by your laptop.

Need to keep people out of your precious room? Tired of all of those "do not disturb" signs not working? Locks just aren't cutting it these days? Safeguard your privacy with your very own electric fence. Remember Jurassic Park, when the kid got zapped by the electric fence? Think that, but in the doorway of your room.

F for FAKE. This video has been labeled a "Faux-To". Commonly contested as bogus science, we believe this video to be a hoax. What's your opinion? Comment below.

This tutorial video will teach you how to make your very own home made electric motor. This electric motor can power a variety of accessories, and is useful for science projects.

This magical electronics tutorial video will teach you how to make a decent sounding speaker from a disposable Styrofoam plate. A Styrofoam plate is, of course, not someone's first thought when they consider speaker materials, but give this one a try. This is an easy and cheap project with surprising results!

Have you ever been the victim of theft? It sucks. Why would these lazy scumbags rather steal from us than work hard like everybody else?

Check this PopSci 5-Minute Project out to see how you can make your very own gadget charging station.

Detect metal with a metal detector!

Check out this video tutorial to see how to construct an alarm system, that's based on the principle of motion detectors, which work by touch. It's very useful to catch unpleasant visitors red-handed. So make sure your chocolate bar never gets snagged again, catch the bandits with a motion detector alarm! Or just keep you kids away from the birthday present closet where peeping is not allowed.

Create a nighttime chorus of insect sounds by modifying a solar yard light! You'll need some components, and the circuit board is not for the timid. It's pretty complicated with resistors, capacitors, thermistors, amplifiers, and some transformers. If you can manage all of this soldering work, then you will have one hell of a cricket show!

So 2000 was a wash for an election year; we put up with W for four years, then what happened? 2004! Lost again!!! Diebold you just can't seem to fade.

Michael-David BenDor demonstrates how an optical scanner voting machine can be hacked in under five minutes using everyday tools. So, if you want to rig the next election in Michigan, this is the video tutorial for you. Don't agree with the next popular president or governor? Then see how to hack and get around the presidential seal in the voting machine.

Got a mystery to solve? Somebody's been making off with your stuff, and you don't have a clue who it is, do you? Here's your chance to catch them in the act. In this how to video you will learn to make a DIY laser security system.

Transform your old analog clock to an crazy clock. This makes the clocks arms spin freely and you can freak out your friends. This is a very cool hack for a clock.

Make a solar cell from a condom with this video tutorial. Solar energy is plentiful and better for the environment, so why not take an easily accessible commodity (like a condom), and use it to harvest the power of the sun. To replicate this hack at home, you'll need the following materials: 12 iron hairpins, 2 pennies (pressed before 1982), 2 electrical wires, 1 sheet of aluminum, 2 strong magnets, a condom, and mineral water. For more on making your own condom-based solar cell, watch this...

Alison and Lloyd, the hosts of My Home 2.0, have created a Twittering Teddy Bear by performing surgery on an animatronic toy bear, adding a text-to-speech implant allowing the bear to speak real-time Twitter updates.

Do it yourself: extend your WIFI signal. This is a quick and easy way to get more range for pennies.