Hacks, Mods & Circuitry How-Tos
How To: Build a DIY laser cutter gas containment chamber
If you are the proud owner of a laser cutter, you had better be careful with your expensive new toy. Some materials can damage the optics in your laser or produce poisonous gas when you cut them, so you need to make a gas containment chamber to work in. Watch this video to find out how to do that out of silicon wafer, silicone sealant, and a metal cookie tin lid.
How To: Build an electroluminescent display with printed circuitboards and EL ink
Do you like the analog look of old handheld video games like Mr. Game and Watch or clock with 7 segment displays? It's pretty easy to simulate them nowadays by making an electroluminescent display on printed circuitboards with EL ink. You'll learn how to do just that in this video. It almost looks like Lite Brite.
How To: Create a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) with 74hc4060 and EPROM
For most synth players the goal is to acquire legendary pieces of 1980's gear with great amounts of money or luck. Why bother when you can make your own direct digital synthesizer (DDS) at home? Watch this video to learn how to make a DDS out of common electrical parts that will make a phat Theramin sound.
How To: Make Triboluminescent crystals that glow when you smash them
Triboluminescence is the quality that makes a substance emit light when you crush, smash, hit, or otherwise break it's molecular bonds. If you want some triboluminescent (smash-glow) crystals, watch this video to learn how to make some out of a battery, glowpaint, and fire.
How To: Make a DIY microphone from two razor blades and a pencil
Now this is a DIY microphone. It turns out all you need to make a quasi-functional mic is a pair of razor blades, a pencil, some tupperware, and clips to run the signal from the razor blades to a resistor. Watch this video to learn how to make this awesome DIY mic and never find yourself silenced again.
How To: Use a simplified method to calculate resistor dividers for circuits
Electrical engineering is a math-heavy business, and you're certainly not alone if you're studying it and having trouble with the math. Watch this video for a very cogent explanation of a simplified method for calculating resistor dividers in a circuit.
How To: Make a DIY electrical discharge machining machine with an old doorbell
Electical discharge machining is a techinque in which electricity is used to machine (cut, grind, etc.) metal. It usually invovles sophisticated tools and equipment, but not here! Watch this video for a guide to making a small electrical discharge machining machine with an old electric doorbell.
How To: Increase the range of a USB Bluetooth adapter with a high performance antenna
Watch this amazing USB Bluetooth adapter hack from Kipkay. It's easy and effective, plus it will work with other wireless devices, too. Bluetooth works on a 2.4GHz short wavelength radio frequency, but it's only effective over short distances. Well, Kipkay's going to show you how to increase the range by swapping out the antenna in the bluetooth adapter with a HyperGain 2.4GHz high performance antenna.
How To: Mod an ordinary webcam into a super spy scope
Now that most computers have internal webcams in them, what are you going to do with that external webcam eating up precious desktop space? Kipkay shows you the perfect hack— the "Super SpyScope".
How To: Make your own EL wire at home for Burning Man and other light-up festivities
Did you know that electroluminescent (EL) wire is considered by some to be the currency of Burning Man? If you're thinking of going and want to stock up before (smart) watch this video featuring EL whiz Jeri Ellsworth (smarter) teaching you how to make DIY EL wire.
How To: Build a power supply for electroluminescent (EL) wire and displays
Electroluminescent devices need electricity to light up, clearly, so if you're working on an EL project building a proper power supply is crucial. In this video you'll learn how to make a DIY power supply for your EL projects that is safe, effective, and cheap.
How To: Make electroluminescent (EL) wire by twisting enamel and bare wire
EL wire is known as the Currency of Burning Man, and it's potential to create beautiful light in all sorts of settings is amazing. If you're tired of buying it and want to stock up on some DIY EL wire (which is more in the spirit of Burning Man anyway right?) watch this video to learn how to twist enamel and bare wire together to make your EL wire.
How To: Apply layers of EL wire and circuitry to make flexible EL displays
Electroluminescent substances have become more and more popular lately in all kinds of projects, from toy glasses to EQ t-shirts. They allow you to create incredibly thin circuits that can be silkscreened onto a clear flat substance. Watch this video to learn how to layer circuits and EL wire and ink to make thin, flexible light-up displays like the one inthe video.
How To: Turn an LCD screen into a simple EL (electroluminescent) display
Electroluminescent (EL) materials light up when electricity passes through them, as opposed to more common incandescent lights that respond to heat. EL displays are becoming very popular in advertising and art,but getting them or the materials to make them can be expensive. Watch this video to learn how to turn an LCD into a simple EL display, and also how superglue can be used as a cheap dielectric in this sort of project.
HowTo: Turn a Security Camera into a Lamp
The end of Daylight Saving Time means two things: a little less light and, as a result, a little less security. This CCTV lamp will give you more of both. And in the nick of time! We fall back to Standard Time at 2 AM on Sunday, November 7th. Better get building!
HowTo: Make 3D Video With Two iPod Nanos
The ZURBLog cleverly demonstrates how to make 3D video in 3 easy steps, using two iPod Nanos, some rubber bands and a yardstick.
How To: Watch Flash video on an Apple iPhone with the Skyfire web browser app
Now available for download in the official App Store, Skyfire is a mobile web browser that converts Flash video to iPhone-friendly HTML5 on the fly. Because Apple has heretofore not supported Flash video, that's kind of a big deal! In this iPhone owner's guide, we learn how to use and navigate the various features of functions of the Skyfire smart browser. For all of the details, and to get started watching Flash video clips on your own iPhone 4, 3G or 3GS, iPad, iPod Touch or other iOS devic...
How To: Wire a light with a 3 way switch
In this video, Mark Donovan teaches us how to wire a light with a 3 way switch. Before starting, make sure the power is turned off from the main circuit panel first, and you test to make sure it's off. You will have two switches for the same light fixture. For a 15 amp circuit, you can use 14-2 and 14-3 wire. These wires will have a black, white, and red wire. The 14-2 wire just has a lack and white wire with a copper ground. The power coming into the base should have all the wires that conne...
How To: Solder a 0603 LED
In this tutorial, we learn how to solder a 0603 LED. First you will get a business card or card with a piece of masking tap. Then, place our LED on the masking tape and apply posts to it. From here, you will apply some solder to the LED as well. Make sure you apply enough pressure to the LED so it will not pop up. Use just small touch of solder and put it on the top of the iron. Touch both sides of the contact and you will have enough solder on the LED. This will finished your soldering, just...
How To: Solder for cheap
In this tutorial, we learn how to solder for cheap. Start out by forming the wire to get it ready to solder. The trick here is to create some tension between the two ends, do this by going back and forth hitting the wires. Now, grab a torch and start to flex the wire while holding it in front of the open flame. After this, grab some of the flux you keep in a bottle and apply it to the piece. Continue to apply heat to the wire until it turns cherry red, then apply the solder with the connectio...
How To: Make a DIY XBox 360 Wi-Fi adapter
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a DIY. XBOX 360 Wi-Fi adapter. First, go to your network connection properties on your laptop or netbook. From here, you will disconnect from any connection you have going. Then, select both connections and right click 'bridge connections'. Once finished, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. Now, you can take one end of your cable and connect it to your computer and then your XBox. From here, you should be able to connect to XBox Live and play any game you'd...
How To: Build the ultimate fog chiller this Halloween
Looking to put the finishing touches on that Haunted House? You, my friend, require the Ultimate Fog Chiller. In this clip from the folks at MAKE, you'll learn how to build one you can call your own in about an hour's time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started building your own spooky fog machine, watch this video guide.
HowTo: Magical LED Tin Can Lantern
Instructables member mark-mark creates a beautiful effect with just a tin can lantern and an LED. It's as simple as it sounds: punch a decorative pattern into a tin can and insert your LED rig. Catch the impressive result here.
How To: Make a USB-powered lighted pen holder with CDs and LEDs
Don't waste your money on a normal nightlight when you can build your own multifunctional nightlight that doubles as a pen holder. With a few junk CDs or DVDs, some LED lights, super glue and a dowel rod, you can make a nifty pencil and pen holder that masquerades as a night light, powered by a USB cable plugged directly into your computer.
How To: Scratch-proof the top layer of an audio CD
If your audio discs aren't playing anymore or constantly skip, then your problem might be scratches. Not just the bottom layer matters on an audio CD. The top layer can scratch just as easily and cause just as many problems. That's why it should be protected, and this video shows you a great hack for protecting your music compact discs. You just need to add an extra thin cover to the top of your CD, which comes from a trashed CD or DVD, for which you need to boil to remove the thin plastic la...
How To: Mod a Sony Walkman Cassette Player into a Retro Apple iPod Case
Another media player bites the dust. First, we saw the extinction of the phonograph and gramophone. Then came the fall of eight-track tapes. Even modern record players became more and more obsolete, with DJs switching over to the world of digital music. And today— the end of cassette players! What's next? Compact discs?
HowTo: Insanely Creepy Mini Electric Chair Tortures Chucky
Not for the faint of heart (in terms of both the concept AND difficulty level), Jon Williams has posted full build details for a mini electric chair fully equipped with a gnarly Chucky doll, in celebration of Halloween.
How To: Build a Cheap Waterproof Flashlight for Diving Depths Past 80 Feet
The pressure underwater is undeniably strong. If you were to fill a balloon with water and take it underwater, it would not burst but would stay the same size because liquids are not compressed. The pressure is the same, inside and outside of the balloon. If you were to fill that same balloon with air instead, the lower it dives into water, the more it shrinks, until it eventually can't take the pressure anymore and bursts.
How To: Make a Beetlebot from your parts bin
This video tutorial is in the Electronics category which will show you how to make a Beetlebot from your parts bin. The Beetlebot project can be found in Make Volume 12. You will need a couple of small motors, 2 momentary switches, 2 AA battery holders, a piece of metal, a small bead, 2 paper clips, heat ring tubing and a couple of connectors. Cut off two pieces of the tubing and using a soldering iron melt them over the ends of the motors. Hot glue the 2 momentary switches at an angle with t...
How To: Install a three way dimmer switch
This is a video tutorial in the Electronics category where you are going to learn how to install a three way dimmer switch. Mark Donovan of Home Addition Plus demonstrates how to replace a faulty 3-way dimmer switch in this video. Make sure you buy the right dimmer switch for your configuration and make sure you disconnect the power source before you start the work. Remove the top panel and then remove the screws that hold the whole dimmer switch and pull it out. There are three sets of wires...
How To: DIY a Geek-laden iPhone-to-iPad Connector Clip for Web & Video Multitasking
So, you can't decide— movie on your iPhone or web-surfing on your iPad— why not do both?
HowTo: LED Your Sneakers for Safe Night Jogging
Jogging at night is risky, but with these LED sneakers, the odds of getting hit are drastically reduced. Creator Will Cruz wants you to be safe, so he has generously shared full instructions for making your own light up kicks. Previously, HowTo: Auto-Lace Your Kicks.
How To: Set up your own micro forge to make nails and other small iron parts
Become a blacksmith in your spare time! You don't need a complicated setup to start forging your own iron nails. This video shows you how to make your own microforge using a fire brick, a few pieces of hardware and a fuel sorce. Now all you need is the raw materials!
How To: Build an enclosure box for your electronics projects
If you want user friendly electronics projects, you'll need to build an enclosure case around it. Not only will this help it look cool, you can also protect it from dust, water or other kind of damage. This tutorial shows you how to make a great looking user intereface and enclosure box for your electronics projects.
How To: Make a homemade rocket from a can of compressed air
Rockets can be made from things you can buy at any electronics store - like a can of compressed air. You can even buy your own kit, or assemble your own by following the instructions in this video. Once you've built the chassis, just insert a can of compressed air and let it ride!
How To: Build a remote control with a two mile range for your digital camera
A remote control for a camera? Why not! You won't have to worry about racing the timer function any more! Build a remote control for your digital camera that will take the picture whenever you want. The range is as far as two miles!
How To: Build your own turret board using the press fitting method
Assemble a hammer, a number 43 drill bit, a turret setter, an X-acto knife or hobby knife, the plastic for the board and, of course, your layout! Once you have everything, this tutorial shows you how to build what you need to end up with a functional turret board.
How To: Build a hand cranked charger for your Android phone
Is your Droid always running out of power, and a charger isn't always convenient? Start with a hand cranked flashlight, then wire it up so you can charge your phone by hand! Great for pulling your dying phone out of emergencies.
How To: Repair home appliances with the use of a voltmeter
With a voltmeter, you can safely check the AC and DC voltage levels, measure resistance and even measure amperage or give circuit readings. What this means is that you can use this to diagnose problems that some of your household appliances might be having.
How To: Hack a voice changing toy to make it sound even crazier
Start with a toy bullhorn that alters the sound of your voice when you speak into it. Then mod it using a few potentimeters and a few resistors as demonstrated in this video. Now you have a toy with an even crazier pitch!