Hacks, Mods & Circuitry How-Tos — Page 17 of 26 « Hacks, Mods & Circuitry

How To: Build the z-axis for a CNC router

A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or electronics, but be warned, these machines are inherently dangerous, so wear the proper protection and use common sense. At the very least, read the instructions and precautions on every tool you use.

How To: Install a cross dowel to adjoin wood for a CNC router

A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or electronics, but be warned, these machines are inherently dangerous, so wear the proper protection and use common sense. At the very least, read the instructions and precautions on every tool you use.

How To: Build a linear slide bearing for a CNC router

A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or electronics, but be warned, these machines are inherently dangerous, so wear the proper protection and use common sense. At the very least, read the instructions and precautions on every tool you use.

How To: Make a mellotron

Rocketboom Field Correspondent Bre Pettis on how to make a mellotron. You might remember this organ-like, polyphonic keyboard from the Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever." With a Walkman tape players, a keyboard, and a speaker, you can create your own musical instrument. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make a modified mellotron musical instrument.

How To: Modify a voice transformer into a music effects pedal

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.

How To: Build a microphone to electrify and amplify anything

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!

How To: Hack a dead laptop battery

Is your laptop not holding a charge anymore? Don't buy a new one, hack the old one! Laptop batteries can cost upwards of a hundred dollars, but with new lithium batteries and some soldering tools, the new one works just as well. Watch this video computer circuitry tutorial and learn how to hack a dead laptop battery.

How To: Solder instrument cables

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.

How To: Extend input/output using a 74HC595 and CUBLOC CB280

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.

How To: Build a simple contact microphone for $2

Looking to go electric on the cheap? In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to make a contact microphone out of a Piezo Transducer, available for $2 from Radioshack (part #273073A). You'll also need some sort of audio connector, which can either be salvaged from old electronics or bought from Radioshack as well. This video also covers how to make shock mount for the mic out of scrap styrofoam. Amplify most anything with this how-to.

How To: Build your own computer interface

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 u...

How To: Convert a Zoom H2 into a 4 track field recorder

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.

How To: Make a cheap, bright police grade flashlight

Make a $100 super bright cop flashlight for less than $10, as shown in the steps of this how-to video. This flashlight is brighter than a Surefire and is so easy to do. You will need a compact flashlight, a Krypton flashlight lamp, a file or drill bit, and 3 volt batteries. Watch this video circuitry tutorial and learn how to modify a cheap plastic flashlight into giving off a stronger, brighter light.

How To: Hook up an iPod to a laser

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.

How To: Build a laser effects light show

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 pseu...

How To: Use an old laptop battery for other things

Batteries are fairly expensive. There are a few tricks you can use, storing seeming depleted batteries in the fridge, etc. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use a battery from an old broken laptop for other things. The batteries in this video are 18650 batteries, the same kind in a tesla.

How To: Turn your laptop hard drive into a USB drive

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.

How To: Run USB through the phone lines

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 ye...

How To: Make a Guitar Hero clone

Everyone and their moms are into Guitar Hero nowadays. If you can't afford this great game, check out this tutorial and learn how to create your own Guitar Hero clone using free software and a controller that you can make using parts that total around $22. The free software used in this instructional video is called Frets on Fire.

How To: Make a pocket USB battery

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.

How To: Make a metal detector from a calculator and radio

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.

How To: Build a CNC machine using two old CD drives

Take a look at this instructional vidkeo and learn how to make your own computer numerical control (CNC) machine out of two old CD drives. CNC machines serve as controllers for a number of devices such as machine tools by reading G Code instructions. With a own CNC machine, you can create your own 3D printer.

How To: Make a fire with batteries and a headphone

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 en...

How To: Glitch or circuit bend a Nintendo gaming console

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.

How To: Glitch a Speak & Spell without circuit bending

Don't know a soldering iron from a curling iron? In this how-to, you'll learn how to get good, glitchy Speak & Spell sounds without having to circuit bend your toy (or even open up the case).

How To: Turn a cheap MIDI keyboard into a custom audio control

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...

How To: Circuit bend audio electronics

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

How To: Build a synthesizer

Learn how to build a simple electronic synthesizer with square wave oscillators in this free instrument-building video series that will show you how to create the perfect synthesizer.

How To: Circuit bend a toy guitar

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.

How To: Etch copper

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. Etch copper - Part 1 of 15.

How To: Control a Roomba with a Nintendo Wii balance board

Interested in some good clean fun? With this hack from Japan, you'll learn to operate a Roomba vacuum cleaner remotely using a Nintendo Wii balance board with a Bluetooth serial adapter. Watch this tutorial and build your own Surfin'ba today!

How To: Build an electric recumbent bicycle

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.

How To: Make a Toilet Paper Launcher

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 int...

How To: Make a steam candle

Have you ever seen a steam candle? It's essentially a simple-as-pie steam engine that revolves on top of a water surface. They are relatively easy to make if you know how to do it. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to "hack" together your own steam candle.

How To: Build C64 paddles for cynthcart

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.

How To: Hack a six volt lantern battery

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 this...