Hot Hacks, Mods & Circuitry Posts
How To: Build a Gakken Karakuri somersault doll with MAKE
In this video, John Park takes you through all the steps of building a Gakken Karakuri somersault doll. You can purchase the doll, but the instructions come in Japanese and not English. It's a good think John's here to help you out! You'll have the somersault doll built in no time at all!
How To: Balance a round fan-mounted mirror for spirographs
If you like homemade light shows, this is one hell of a way to do it. AP Digital light shows you how you can hack a small fan into a special mirror used to create a poor man's PIC-based laser show. It's an experimental method of balancing a fan-mounted acrylic mirror for spirograph project.
How To: Pull a noisy car ignition SpongeBob toy prank
If you just happen to have one of those SpongeBob SquarePants chatterbox toys that were distributed at fast food restaurants a while back, then you just might be able to pull of this "Evil SpongeBob Toy Prank" from mastermind Kipkay.
How To: Hack a Bic Message Pen into a personal remember pen
Have you ever been in a situation when you needed to remember something real important, but you didn't have you didn't have your trusty cell phone or other electronic savior with you?
How To: Fix 1600 errors when Jailbreaking 3.1 firmware
In this tutorial we learn how to fix 1600 errors when jailbreaking 3.1 firmware. First, make sure your iTunes is updated to 9.0 and make sure you have 3.0 firmware. Having these installed on your phone will help make sure you don't get the 1600 error. You will have to play around with your device to see what works to remove the error. You can also hold the power and home button for several seconds to place it into DFU mode, which should help you install new programs onto your phone. When fini...
How To: Make a hack pack
This video tutorial belongs to the Electronics category which is going to show you how to make a hack pack. This is basically turning a notebook in to something that you can take literally anywhere. Here you will learn how to create a video streaming hack pack to carry around with you and be able to do live internet shows anywhere. For this you will need a netbook, Sony PSP, mobile Wi-Fi thumbstick, microphone and a webcam with Velcro or adhesive. Plug in the mobile Wi-Fi stick for internet c...
How To: Crimp your own ethernet cables
In this tutorial, we learn how to crimp your own Ethernet cables. First, grab your cable and take the end of the crimper. Place the cable inside of the crimper, then cut off the first few inches of the cable. Next, unwind the different cables and then use your crimper to straighten on the edges. Cut the wires so they are even, then strip it again if you cut the cable too short. If you have never dealt with crimping cables before, you might want to have someone experienced to help you. Make su...
News: Robo-Exoskeleton Puts Paralyzed Back on Their Feet
Meet Rex, the Robotic Exoskeleton—a pair of wearable robotic legs that promise to help the wheelchair-bound get back on their feet. The wealthy ones, at least. The device is expected to retail for around $150,000 stateside.
How To: Turn a lamp into a flexible camera holder with light
In this video tutorial, see how to transform a cheap goose neck lamp into a flexible camera holder. It's very cheap and easy to do... you'll love the results of this flexible camera tripod.
News: Wave-Shaping Pool Puts Poseidon to Shame
Say what you will, this wave-shaping safety pool's got heart. And, thanks to the principle of wave interference, quite a lot of other shapes besides.
How To: Increase your wi-fi signal with a coffee can
In this tutorial, we learn how to increase your Wi-Fi signal with a coffee can. Materials you will need are : a knife, a coffee can, tape, USB Wi-Fi adapter, and marker. First, measure 1 inch from the bottom of the coffee can then trace your USB around that mark. Now, cut a hole in that shape in the can. Next, cover the hole with your tape. Next, hook your USB up to your cable adapter, and then place it in the coffee can. Now, plug your USB into your computer and you should have more signals ...
HowTo: Beat the Heat for Cheap- DIY Air Conditioner
Here in Los Angeles, weather is perfect as usual. But on the other side of America, summer is in its sweltering peak. I've spent plenty of unconditioned summers on the east coast, so I know firsthand just how miserable it can get.
How To: Install an antenna/coax switch on a ham radio
If you're doing a project with a ham radio and want to mess around with the antenna, this video should help.
Friday Fresh: Create an Auto G-Spot and More
Every day of the week, WonderHowTo curators are hard at work, scouring the web for the greatest and most inspiring how-to videos. Every Friday, we'll highlight our favorite finds.
HowTo: Auto-Lace Your Kicks
Kitschy kicks your thing? Try these self-lacing sneakers on for size. Inspired by the iconic Nike Air 2015s worn by Michael J. Fox's character in Back to the Future Part II, these shoes utilize an Arduino-powered force sensor and somewhat bulky pair of rear-mounted servo motors to pull themselves tight when offered a human foot. A switch reverses the process. Feeling ambitious? Head over to Instructables for complete instructions on how to build your own pair.
How To: Build a PIR (passive infrared) motion alarm with MAKE
Want to build your own infrared motion detector? It's easier than you think! So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial from MAKE can present a complete overview of the build in under five minutes! For more information, including a full list of materials and detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started building your own passive infrared motion alarm, take a look.
How To: Use a soldering iron when circuit bending
In a time of ubiquitous electronics, soldering is an essential skill. Fortunately, if you don't already know how it's done, it's an easy skill to pick up and the tools and associated materials can be had for cheap. This video tutorial from MAKE will get you started. For more information, and to get started using a soldering iron yourself, take a look.
How To: Make a shocking, farting booby-trapped briefcase
If you like your privacy, you probably hate snoopy people, and when it comes to your briefcase, you don't want anyone's paws on it besides your own. To keep their hands off your precious belongings, you need to take some drastic measures…
How To: Mod a NERF Reactor into a high-powered cannon gun
The NERF Reactor isn't you're ordinary NERF gun. It launches a powerful blast of balls thanks to the pump and pull rapid fire action. The Reactor launcher blasts out tons of NERF Ballistic Balls everywhere! But sometimes, that's just never enough.
How To: Hack a single-use digital camera for continual usage
In the digital age, camera's have gotten better, more advanced and more expensive. Even those throw-away cameras have taken the leap to digital-ness, which means more money. But you don't have to be confined by the one-time use of these single-use digital cameras anymore. Kipkay teaches you how to hack a one-time-use digital camera so that you can use it over and over again— for only twenty dollars. There is a connector behind a sticker, so you have to peel the sticker off and then you must f...
How To: Make a laser pen from a DVD burner
In this Electronics video tutorial you will learn how to make a laser pen from a DVD burner. Take a DVD burner, remove all the screws from the bottom panel and remove the panel. Then remove the rest of the body cover as shown in the video. After this the laser will be revealed. Now remove all the screws around the wires and lift up the laser assembly. Undo all the screws on the laser assembly and remove the unit containing the laser diode. Now cut around the unit with a hack saw to get the di...
News: It's a Bird, It's a Plane–It's a Self-Folding Origami Robot
Love folk art but could do without the folk? Prepare to have your heart stolen by a self-folding origami automaton.
News: Splish Splash, My Computer's Taking a Bath
Goodbye, point-and-click; hello, point-and-splash! This water-based touch screen by Japanese designer Taichi Inoue is more than just clever and ergonomic, it's downright summery.
How To: Make an iPhone stand, fart gadget & mini BB gun
It's amazing what you can create with a few, everyday household and office supplies. Most of these items are already sitting in your junk drawers, so there's no need to spend money! Kipkay shows you 4 awesome hacks you can make in this "household hack pack" video.
How To: Convert a coaxial jack into a Ethernet jack
This video shows you how to use any coaxial jack in your home to convert into a ethernet connection. It's simpler than you might think. So simple, in fact, that this video guide can present a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the process in just under five minutes' time. For instructions, and to get started converting your own cable jacks, take a look.
News: What Every Man Wants in Bed
Wait for it... Wait for it... (Trust me, you won't be sorry).
News: High Design Gets Trashy
What do these egg-carton lamps by American designer Victor Vetterlein have in common with Frankenstein's monster? More than you'd think! Both are green. Both have bolted necks. And both are assembled from materials most would be happy to let decompose.
News: Fingerpainting for Baby Cyborgs
Did you ever, as a know-nothing kid, push against your closed eyelids for the pleasure of the resultant light show? LCD bending takes the low-tech fun of physical retinal stimulation and updates it for the 21st century. And, as the title suggests, the end result looks very much like a sort of angelic, fractal-based fingerpainting.
How To: Set up your hardware to record on a console w/EasyCap
Are you dying to show off walkthroughs and glitches on your PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii console? This video tutorial will walk you through each step of the way and teach you how to set your hardware so that you can record your plays on your console, no matter what it is.
How To: Use a wire wrap tool instead of soldering
This video offers instructions on how to use a wire wrap (or wirewrap) tool, an excellent and underrated alternative to soldering. It's particularly useful when prototyping as wirewraps can be undone quickly using the short end of the tool (though this particular process isn't demonstrated in the video). See how to connect a 4-legged RGB LED to header pins, a job that is particularly obnoxious to accomplish using solder and an iron, using 30-gauge wire and the tool. For more information, and ...
How To: Make your own voice changer gadget
In this clip, learn how to make a voice changer and mess with your friends for less than 15 bucks! This clip will show you exactly where to get the materials and how to assemble them. You will also get a demonstration of how to use this cool new toy and see how great it works.
How To: Make 9 volt LED flashlights using household items
In this clip, learn how to make super powerful 9 volt LED flashlights using things you most likely already have around the house. You will make these mini-lights out of things like batteries and scrap wires. So, dig around in your garage and see what you can find to get started building these useful, bright lights.
How To: Make a simple constant current source
In this clip, you will learn how to create a simple constant current source so that all of your appliances are always running on the same current. This clip will explain exactly what this means and why you need to use it as well as how to set it up. Using the LM317LZ 100ma adjustible voltage regulator and one resistor, you can make a constant current source. With the LM317 1.5 amp version, you can make one with higher currents.
News: The World's Most Badass Printer (Operated by LEGO Chicks)
Well, not just chicks. A couple LEGO dudes, too. (Oh, and a horse). All I can say is, I'm head over heels in love. With a LEGO People operated, felt tip pen printer. B3ta forum member Squirrelfantasy spent about three weeks building his LEGO printer, which uses a felt-tip pen in place of an ink cartridge.
How To: Fix a HP tx1000 laptop black screen with a penny
If your HP tx1000 tablet PC is stuck on a black screen, you are not alone. The HP tx1000 tablet has a defective NVIDIA chip which sometimes causes the laptop to get stuck at a black screen and not boot over time. This often happens (conveniently) after your 1 year warranty ends. If you are having this problem with your HP, check out this step by step tutorial. In it, you will learn how to open up your computer and easily fix the motherboard to prevent this from happening.
News: Sony Playstation of Pain Administers Prison Tattoos
A British prisoner was recently caught with a tattoo gun rigged from a Sony Playstation. The crafty D.I.Y.er broke down the Playstation and attached the console motor to a finely sharpened ballpoint pen.
How To: Mod an Xbox controller to work on a PC
The Xbox controller really feels good in the hand. Most USC controllers for the PC do not. Bridge the gap yourself after watching this video, which demonstrates how to turn an old Xbox controller into a USC one that you can plug into you PC. Now you can play all of your ROMs with a controller much more like what they are supposed to be played with.
How To: Configure your XBee
The XBee is a wireless radio module that allows you to implement a cheap and easy wirelss interface between two kinds of devices. This video will walk you through each step of configuration for your XBee. Modify it and add it to your next creation, whether it's a robot, machine, or something else from your imagination. The possibilities are endless!
HowTo: Trigger Green Traffic Lights
Scenario: it's late at night, the roads are completely empty and you are stuck at the longest light ever. Solution: don't run a red- change it to green yourself. Avoid a ticket, save yourself some time (and perhaps a little gas).
News: Ouch. Demented Japanese Electrocutes Himself & Others in the Name of Art
Japanese artist and programmer Daito Manabe uses the face as an instrument. He makes the human face involuntarily dance using electric stimulators (which, by the way, look like the same kind used for electroshock therapy). The stimulators are taped to the face, and each musical beat delivers a shock, resulting in disturbing face contortions in time to the music.