Everything Else
How To: Create a printed circuit board (PCB) with a printer, photo paper and iron
If you haven't made your own PCB (printed circuit board) yet, perhaps you we're just missing the proper instructions. But now, watch and learn from AP Digital light! They show you a fast and easy prototyping technique using a laster printer, photo paper, and a regular household iron. It's the heat toner transfer method of making PCBs.
HowTo: Get All the Ladies with a Motorized Couch
Or at least that's what Nick Homer and Stewart Clyde, students at Brigham Young University, claim. Nick and Stewart say: "Of course we get all the ladies..."
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: 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...
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.
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.
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 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: 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.