Hacks, Mods & Circuitry Features
How To: Solder an SOT23 component with a point-to-point method
In this soldering tip video brought to you by BEST, Inc. Norman Mier demonstrates the installation and soldering of an SOT23 component using a point-to-point lead-free soldering technique.
How To: Make a retro wireless headset
In order to make a retro wireless handset, you will need the following: vintage handset, a momentary switch, a resister, a Blue tooth headset, wires, a drill, and a blue LED and mount.
How To: This DIY Xbox LIVE Traffic Light Tells You When Your Friends Are Gaming
Games are always more fun when you have someone to play them with, but if you're not always logged in to your Xbox LIVE account, how do you know when your friends are online? You can always log in and check, but where's the fun in that when you can hack together a traffic light to do it for you? Andrew F hooked up an Arduino with an Ethernet shield to check every five minutes to see how many of his Xbox LIVE friends are online. For each friend, it records either a zero or a one, depending on ...
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...
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: 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: Make a pair of noise-canceling headphones for twenty bucks
In this video tutorial, we learn how to build a high-quality pair of isolation headphones for just twenty dollars. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started making your own noise-canceling headphones, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
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...
News: Japan's Thomas Edison Sets Patent Guinness Record (Including Super Viagra)
Talk about yankee ingenuity... zany Japanese inventor, Dr. Nakamats, has lead a life propelled by curiosity and inventiveness. Nakamats boasts that he has Thomas Edison beat by a mile (compare Edison's measly 1,093 patents to Nakamats' 3,357).
How To: Prepare to solder gold cups using lead-free solder
In this soldering tip video brought to you by BEST, Inc. Norman Mier demonstrates the preparation of lead-free gold cup soldering.
How To: Make lily pad pool warmers that run on solar power
Start with just a few hula hoops, and then get some polyethylene film and a small soldering iron. Fit the film to your hoops, then gently mod your soldering iron and make a few spot welds. Be careful not to melt anything! Make a few vent bubbles, and you now have a pool warmer!
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: Repair Busted Headphones
In this video I show you how to repair the cable of your badly damaged headphones and basically give them another chance.
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: Construct a "rumble mouse"
This video demonstrates a project taken from "Make" magazine. Viewers will learn how to modify an ordinary computer mouse with a vibration unit for use with PC games, similar to the rumble controllers sold for video-game consoles, to make gaming more fun.
How To: Wire an electrical outlet
In this series of how-to videos, home improvement expert Amelia Tallman shows you step-by-step instructions on how to install a new power outlet in a wall of your home. She demonstrates how to strip the existing wires, drill holes and properly install a new box for a new outlet. She also shares tips for improving your home by installing insulation using a blower, which should help you save money on energy costs by maintain temperature. By following the advice and techniques shown in these fre...
How To: Make an LED blink with an AVR microcontroller
Systm is the Do-It-Yourself show designed for the common geek who wants to quickly and easily learn how to dive into the latest and hottest tech projects. They will help you avoid pitfalls and get your project up and running fast. In this DIY episode, see how to make an LED blink with an AVR microcontroller.
How To: Make manual pick and place tools for SMD chips
Details steps on how to make your own manual SMD pick and place tools.
How To: Make a silicone rubber layer for a multitouch display
This is the edited version of the video that I shoot while preparing the silicone rubber layer for my homemade multitouch display. The original video is nearly two hours long so I speed up it and edited with some useful informations as titles. I hope it may help anyone who's going to prepare a similar compliant surface.
How To: Make and launch your own amateur rockets
Want to get started in rocketry? You can buy launch kits from a hobby store, as well as a few rocket engines and an igniter. Once you have acquired these items, this tutorial will show you how to make a rocket body and launch your creation into the sky.
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?
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...
Live-Action Minecraft: Working Telegraph Built Using Foraged Materials
Would it have been possible to build a rudimentary telegraph network in the stone age? Not too long ago, Jamie O'Sheathe of the Office for the Development of Substitute Materials set out to discover just that, venturing into the wilderness to determine whether a working telegraph might be built without the use of modern tools. Inspiring? Certainly. Green? Don't be fooled:
How To: Make a birdcam
Have your ever wanted to build a bird feeder? Do you want to know what types of birds live in your neighborhood? If the answer to one of these questions is yes, then this video is for you. Bre Pettis will teach you how to make two different types of bird feeders and then how to attach a webcam to the feeders so you can watch the birds.
How To: Buid a Mic Stand Camera Mount/Steadycam/Crane Shot Camera Boom
I took a telescope mount from a tripod and converted it so it could be mounted on a microphone stand. For a step-by-step guide please visit my project at Make: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Mic+Stand+Camera+Mount+-+Steadycam+-+Camera+Boom/2770/1
How To: Make a cola and pennies battery
Learn how to make a functioning battery from a can of soda. I made a battery out of cola and pennies. Awww, snap! Who's got iPhone power at burning man?! Me!
How To: Make a spaceship out of a floppy disc
Kipkay demonstrates how to make a spaceship out of a floppy disc and first snap apart the floppy disc. Save the metal door and the inside hub, but also snip an area at the very back of the ship.
How To: Make the x-axis motor mount 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: Program GlovePie to calculate distance using a Wiimote
You can connect your Nintendo Wii Wiimote to your PC using GlovePie input emulation software and a bluetooth connection. Learn how to program your PC to calculate distance using the Wiimote's infra-red (IR) sensor.
How To: Build a 19th century arc light
While it is common knowledge that Thomas Edison created the first light bulb, he was not the first to create a means of creating artificial light. That distinction goes to a man by the name of Humphrey Davy who created a means to light up a room called an arc light. The following video will give you a detailed step by step procedure for creating your own 19th century arc light using materials that can often be found right around the home.
HowTo: Make Your Own Pong Clock
Feeling ambitious in the hack department? Try taking on the DIY Pong Clock. Via Core77,
How To: Make EXTREME LED Throwies
LED throwies are cheery glow-dots you can make in seconds from simple components and stick to any ferro-magnetic surface. But that's just the beginning — here's how to hack and modify them.
How To: Make an electric motor with junk from your drawer
Creating an electric, homopolar motor with junk from your drawer. Make an electric motor with junk from your drawer.
How To: Make a pocket LED cube
This week, Bre Pettis teams up with Mitch Altman and George Shammas to make a little 3x3x3 cube made of little LED lights that you can program with any kind of animation that you like.
How To: Build a cereal box spectrometer
The Five Minute Project crew is back, and bringing you six fresh projects sponsored by Craftsman. Break out the tools and protective eyewear and brace yourself for the best how-to videos a DIY-er could ask for. Learn to make Geek-Chic Cuff Links, a Cereal Box Spectrometer and more, all in Five Minutes Time!
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: Make a light-up frisbee with components from a yo-yo
Want to light the skies with your own flying saucer? Here's a quick way to add lights to an ordinary fribee using a cheap light-up yo-yo. It's so easy, anyone can do it.
How To: Power a one-watt high power LED
This video tutorial from OzLabs will show you how power the one-watt high powered LED using 120 volt source using a 12 volt adapter.
How To: Build an Oil-Cooled Aquarium PC
Systm is the Do It Yourself show designed for the common geek who wants to quickly and easily learn how to dive into the latest and hottest tech projects. We will help you avoid pitfalls and get your project up and running fast.
How To: Make noise canceling headphones and an LED light
Let Forbes help you make a few do-it-yourself projects in record breaking time. This video tutorial contains information on how to make three various projects. Learn how to make your very own noise canceling earphones out of junk old headphones, make an LED light, and make a simple marshmallow shooter. This projects are not only easy and quick to make, but fun. Make noise canceling headphones and an LED light.