Hacks, Mods & Circuitry How-Tos

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.

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...

How To: Make a DIY vehicle immobilizer to stop car thieves

We all know the G-spot as that sensitive area that drives women crazy, but for auto enthusiasts, it has a whole new meaning. The G-Spot, designed by Daniel Davies, is a vehicle immobilizer, which keeps your vehicles safe from car thieves. And you don't need to pay a huge amount of money to get one, either! You can make on yourself, right at home, provided you have all the right materials.

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.

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 working wire tracer with spare parts

You probably won't be using a wire tracer very often, but if you do need it for some reason - save the money and make your own! This tracer is made solely out of spare parts that you probably already have in your garage or basement. So, follow along and get started.

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.

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.

How To: Make a sneaky, snake spy camera that records video

Snake cams have become the epitome of high-tech gadgets on television and in movies. In 24, Jack Bauer is always using a snake camera to check for terrorists on the other side of the door. The video game Splinter Cell has made the snake cam an integral part to Sam Fisher's arsenal. And almost every spy movie features its use at one point or another.

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: Make a miniature fog machine with dry ice

For great looking fog, you no longer need to go to the local film prop store or Halloween store (which is almost always closed 11 months of the year). You can make your own homemade version of a fog machine.

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).

How To: Circuit bend a plastic toy

In this how-to video, you will learn how to perform basic circuit bending. You will need a screw driver, alligator clips, solder, a soldering iron, wires, a wire stripper, a button or switch, and a drill. Open up the device you want to circuit bend. Once the side of the board with the solder points is exposed, take your alligator clips and find two solder points that make an interesting noise. Be careful of areas where the battery is connected, as you might shock your self or destroy the devi...

How To: Make a small pocket sized light from household items

There are some days when you and your loved ones could be eating dinner and the power suddenly shuts off. The next best thing to do would be to find a flashlight or candle to help make things a bit more clearer in the dark. If you have a flashlight, but need a bit more light, then this video may be for you. This tutorial will show you how to make a small pocket sized light using easy to find household items. Enjoy!

HowTo: Shrink Your Nintendo 64 into Mini Handheld Portable

Modder Bacteria presents his iNto64, a mini portable handheld of the classic Nintendo console. The iNto64 features:

How To: Install trailer lights

This video demonstrates how to install trailer lights on your boat's trailer. In order to determine what size replacement kit you will need, you must figure out the width of the trailier at the widest point. First, remove the old lights. Use a large slotted screwdriver to remove the cover. Don't forget to wear eye protection. Next, use vice grips and a wrench to remove the exposed stud. Using a wire brush, remove the salt and loose corrossion. Then grease the threads of the studs. You are now...

How To: Build and use a tinyCylon kit

In this Electronics video tutorial you will learn how to build and use a tinyCylon kit. The kit contains a battery pack, a PCB, LEDs, resistor, a momentary switch and a screw. The long end of the LEDs will go into the square shaped contacts. Don’t push the LEDs right up to the board. Instead, use some poster putty to hold the LEDs standing upright so that they can be bent later on. Fix all the LEDs in this manner and solder them on the other side. Then solder the leads of the battery pack. ...

How To: Hook up your exercise bike to Google Maps

Tinkernut demonstrates how to hook up your exercise bike to Google Maps. Using a stationary bike can be good for your health but it can also be boring. You can spice up your exercise regiment by using Google Maps. You will need a USB keypad with arrow keys, a magnetic contact alarm with wires, soldering equipment, an exercise bike and a laptop computer. Connect the contact alarm to the up arrow key on the keypad by opening up the keypad and connecting the wires to the up arrow key by solderin...

How To: Circuit bend a Yamaha PSS 140 synthesizer

In this video the man describes of the circuit bending of Yamaha pss 140 synthesizer. This is a good model it's a FM synthesizers. It got many songs , many cool rhythms,nice trumpets and it is working real nice.Here he states that it is important for power supply or else we don't need batteries.First thing we have to do is open the case and we can see the wires related to battery supply but he doesn't need batteries. Keep the case aside so that you can get free space. Remove the screws so tha...

How To: Solder wires when circuit bending

In this video, we learn how to solder bend points on wires. Before you apply the wire, you will want to solder the end point lightly, then take your wire and strip it slightly on the end. Then, add solder to the actual wire, now it will stick easily to your next bend point. When you do this, you can get a lot of wires next to each other without shorting them out. This is the easiest way to do it, just make sure you coat the wire so it sticks on easier. Be careful while doing this and use tool...

How To: Make a 3D scanner with free software

Scanners have been around for a while. They allow us scan photos and documents into digital versions that are a lot less susceptible to damage over time. But what if you want to digitize the memories of something that isn't 2D? With this hacker's how-to, you'll learn a method for making a 3D scanner. To follow along, you'll need a computer, a printer, a web cam, white foam board and a laser pointer.

How To: Properly coil a cable

With cables as with human hair, tangles are a drag. With the proper coiling method, however, they can be avoided. And this free video guide will walk you, step-by-step through the entire process. For more information, and to get started coiling your own cables the right way, watch this useful how-to.

How To: Wire a car amplifier and subwoofer inside your house

This easy to follow silent and accurate video will guide you quickly and easily through what you'll need, (like a Power Supply, a sound system that has a Subwoofer Pre-output and a High Input adapter, which may already come with your amp.) First learn what colored wires should be connected to simulate your PC starting. Then connect the amp to the power supply to simulate the car Head-Unit starting. Once the power issues are handled, the video assists you with connecting your audio input. It i...

How To: Fix a broken XLR cable & make a sub mic from a speaker

If you have an extra speaker cabinet, a broken XLR cable and a little bit of soldering knowledge, you can create a functional kick drum microphone in just a few minutes' time. This audio engineer's guide will walk you through the entire process. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started building your own sub mic for extra low-end, watch this hacker's how-to.

How To: Build a pinhole panoramic camera

Weekend Project: Pinhole Panoramic Camera

How To: Use an XLR mic with a camcorder

How to Make Anything demonstrates how to use a three prong XLR mic with your camcorder. The XLR plug on the mic is not going to fit into the 1/8 inch plug on your camcorder so you will need an adapter. You can find an XLR to 1/8 inch adapter for about 10 dollars. Try to get an adapter with as short of a cord as possible to reduce noise and radio interference. You can also get an XLR box which is an interface which goes between your camera and the microphone. The XLR box will be about 180 doll...

How To: Wire your entire house for VoIP

Vonage is a very cool and inexpensive way to have a home phone, but unfortunately it requires a little box to be near your phone at all times. In this two part tutorial, learn exactly how to hack your Vonage phone and route it to your central telephone box to distribute your VoIP line throughout the entire house. The days of being stuck near the phone box are behind you once you follow these steps to a simple hack.

How To: Make a fake & funny virus

Karn demonstrates how to make a fake and funny harmless virus that will shut down only your computer. First, go to your desktop and right click to access the right click menu. Then, choose new from the menu options and select the shortcut option. A window should open. In it type -s -t. The -t will represent the number of seconds you want the virus to activate. Also type -c. Create a message like, "This is a virus, your system is being shutdown." Name the shortcut anything that you'd like. The...

How To: Make an emergency microphone from a pair of headphones

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a microphone with a pair of headphones. Headphones have properties and construction similarities that are similar to a microphone. Instead of plugging the headphones into the headphone jack, plug it into the microphone jack. Then you just simply hold your headphones up to your mouth and speak into it. The sound quality produced from the headphones is not very good and it should only be used if you don't have a microphone. This video will benef...