Hot Hacks, Mods & Circuitry How-Tos

How To: Make infrared goggles

Kip Kay of Make Magazine will teach you how to turn welding goggles into infrared goggles with the hack he outlines in this how-to video. The entire project only costs $10. To replicate this hack at home and build your own pair of steampunk infrared goggles, follow along with the steps in this video tutorial. Just don't look at the sun!

How To: Build an infrared night vision device

Check out this instructional video and learn how to build an infrared night vision device from a modified digital camera. You'll be able to see and record in night vision. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on replicating this hack at home, take a look at this how-to video. Build your own infrared camera with this simple hack.

How To: Build a solar powered USB charger

Want to stop wasting energy charging your USB devices? Transform some cheap solar-powered garden lights into your very own solar USB charger. For step-by-step instructions on replicating this hack yourself, watch this video tutorial. Just watch to see how to build your own solar-powered USB charger with a few solar panels from those garden lights and some floppy disk wiring.

How To: Spin cotton candy in a bottle cap

This confectionery hacking how-to video demonstrates that, with an electric motor, juice lids, battery and sugar, you can make your own cotton candy machine. Don't wait for a carnival or fair to get your next taste of sweet, sweet cotton candy. Watch this video tutorial to see this hack in action and to learn how to build your own bottle-cap candy floss machine.

How To: Trigger traffic lights to change from red to green

This instructional video shows how change traffic lights from red to green, using science, and without actually having to know anything about magnetic fields or properties! Save gas, time, and frustration in your car and during your commute! Works great! See the test results! Yay for Kipkay! The trick in this video hacking tutorial will teach you how to get green lights on your bike or motorcycle that is too small or light to trigger the traffic light.

How To: Make a Wi-Fi extender from Asian parabolic cookware

Want to boost your WiFi reception? Have an extra wok or parabolic collander? This video tutorial demonstrates a simple hack that will allow you to build an effective radio antenna that will significantly increase the gain of your WiFi signal. To replicate this hack at home, you'll need the following items: (a) a piece of parabolic cookware, (b) heavy tape, (c) a USB WiFi stick, (d) tin snips, and (5) a USB extension cable. For detailed instructions on building your own wireless signal extende...

How To: Use an oscilloscope

Oscilloscopes visualize electronic signals. This information can be useful for tests, debugging, and reverse engineering. If you work with electronic circuitry, being able to use an oscilloscope is a must have skill. Here Bre Pettis and Make Magazine hook you up with great tips.