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DIY project merges VR goggles with RC airplane
Those crafty Canadians, they've invented everything from the beloved BlackBerry to medicalbots. Well, let's add another really sweet creation (DIY-style, this time) to the mix: a radio-controlled airplane with an on-board wireless pan-tilt camera that's linked up to a pair of VR goggles to show what the cam sees. When the terrestrial-bound viewer wears said goggles and moves his or her head, the plane-based cam will adjust accordingly -- if the viewer looks up, the cam looks up, and if the viewer looks to the left, the cam looks to the left, et cetera. Just check out the video linked below, for an amazing aerial tour of the "Club de golf Royal" in Bromont, Québec (near Montreal).[Via digg]
The old-iPod iPod dock
Remember how yesterday when we posted about the iPod nano dock fashioned from its own hollow husk, and we said what we really wanted to see was an iPod dock made from an old iPod? You can imagine our surprise when reader Andrew Monks did just that, and emailed in to give us photographic evidence of him tearing open his existing iPod dock, jamming it through the top end of his 3G iPod (which we really hope wasn't still functional), pushing it through a slot he fashioned in the glass of his defunct screen, and properly securing it to make an iPod dock out of his old freaking iPod. We're still a little dumbfounded, but we think this could be the start of a very wonderful, very cannibalistic trend in consumer electronics.
DIY dock from new iPod nano packaging
Oh it's on now: one-upping the DIY iPod Dock is Flickr user MulletMan13 with a dock for a new 2G iPod nano made out of its own clever packaging. It looks as though MulletMan13 more or less used the same technique, cutting a hole through the plastic package with mere scissors and a pocket knife, then taping the dock adapter in place. The final product certainly earns some style points for the use of Apple's eye-catching packaging, but we still have to tip our hat to Flickr user flickrflick151 for the home-grown use of the AirPort Express card box and the extra touch of a sharpie marker label. Cheers to the both of you inventive dock creators, and thanks in advance for sparking a DIY dock movement. With any luck, your names will be etched in stone to forever highlight your sparks of innovation - or maybe they'll just be written down and sculpted somewhere with a sharpie and some packaging tape.
iPod nano box becomes DIY nano dock
Making a DIY dock out of a cardboard box or even the packaging your iPod came in is all well and good, but making a DIY iPod dock out of the old not-good-enough-for-Steve-anymore iPod you're replacing -- now why can't someone do that?[Thanks, Ken]
DIY iPod Dock
iPod: $79 - $349MacBook to sync said iPod: $1099Making an iPod dock out of a cardboard box and some tape: pricelessSorry, but I couldn't resist, this is just too classic: Flickr user flickrflick151, stating "When you can't afford the real thing, you improvise" on his photoset, decided to create his own iPod dock from an AirPort Express card box (bonus points) and some tape. The oversized "iPod Dock" label (accessory makers - take note) tops off an altogether clever solution to a dockless iPod. Check out the Flickr set for more pics if you're looking to roll your own.[via Engadget]
The iPod dock for value-driven consumers
If you haven't throw down for one of the bazillion iPod docks out there, you may have considered just making your own. But for those out there without the technical know-how -- or more importantly, adequate funding -- you're probably stuck syncing your 'Pod flat on the desk with that plain ole cable Apple tossed in. A dissatisfied (and apparently broke) Mac user finally felt that enough was enough, and resorted to creating an iPod dock from what appears to be an old Apple accessory box, a generous helping of tape, scissors, and a black marker. While we assume any smallish cardboard box would fit the bill, using the prior home of an AirPort Express card just adds that critical dash of Apple flair to the whole creation. If you're a bit short on cash, or just admire your own handiwork, be sure to keep reading for an internal view, and then hit up the read link to peep a full gallery of construction photos so you don't screw yours up.[Via digg]
The ion cooled PC (and smog generator)
You know that ionic "air purifier" grandma shouldn't use due to health risks? If only you could repurpose the ion generator to create a silent PC... just think of the geek cred! Well, the kids over at Inventgeek did just that and created what they are calling the "first ionic cooling system" ever developed for a completely silent, high-end gaming rig. Sure it'll cost you about a grand for the modification gear, but in the end you'll be pushing 325 cubic-feet of air per minute at 0.0dBA without any moving parts or increased power consumption. Hey, that's what they're saying. Oh there's still the risk of living room smog, but that Inconvenient Truth is certainly better than drowning in a vat of vegetable oil now isn't it silencers? Be sure to click the read link for all the DIY gore. [Via Hack A Day]
Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 laptop: best mod ever?
Every so often a mod comes along that's so intricate, so amazing, so over the top, that words simply don't do it justice (but we'll try anyway). Ben Heckendorn's Xbox 360 laptop is one such mod. Having garnered no small amount of fame from previous portable projects like the nPod, PPS2, and N64p, Ben was commissioned by a generous benefactor to somehow make a 360 "good to go" a la the Crunchwrap Supreme -- and since this is the great Mr. Heckendorn we're talking about, slapping a hinged LCD onto an out-of-the-box console simply wouldn't do. Instead, Ben spent three months designing and building the so-called Xbox 360p, machining a custom aluminum laptop enclosure by hand into which he stuffed a keyboard, 1,280 x 720 Westinghouse LCD, and get this -- even a custom-built water cooling system to replace the 360's stock, bulky heat sinks. The end result is a polished, professional looking (albeit heavy -- this machine weighs in at about 14 pounds) laptop complete with WiFi, USB ports, obligatory glowing green ring, and converged power supply so that the monitor and gaming system only require a single cable snaking out the back. Well done, Ben, well done; but as you yourself note, there's no such thing as resting on one's laurels, so we can't wait to see what you have in store for the PS3 and, most especially, the swing-your-arms-like-a-maniac Nintendo Wii. Hit the jump to check out the 360p's guts, and then head over the Ben's site for a ton of photos and one of the more thorough build walkthroughs that we've come across...[Thanks, Jeffler and kade]
Make your own component video switch
Our friends at Engadget have a nice how-to up today about building your own component switch. If you're not sold on going digital just yet, still have many devices where component is your best output available or just picked up a new Pioneer Elite plasma, quit crawling behind the TV already. Sure you can buy off the shelf, but where's the fun in that? We already showed you how to build your own component cables, hook them up to a former KVM switch and custom-made component-to-VGA cables (You're not still using your TV speakers are you? We can only help you if you first help yourself.) and you're well on your way to joining the elites of the HD Beat flickr group.
Solar-powered wheelchair (not as bad as you think)
Australian Bob Triming wasn't satisfied with the power output of his electric wheelchair, so he did what anyone (with mad DIY skillz) would do, and rigged up an elaborate solar-power system to it -- stickin' it to the man while squeezing out an extra 30 minutes of power on sunny days. The rig consists of a pair of 20-watt solar panels that deliver the 24 volts required by the wheelchair, which, when not in use, can be detached or double as a handy umbrella. Of course no DIY project would be complete without LEDs, which Bob's got covered by tricking out the side and rear of the chair with a couple non-power-hungry lights to improve visibility. Thankfully it appears that the enhanced ride will still function just fine as a regular electric wheelchair, so you don't have to be worried about Bob getting stranded when the sun refuses to cooperate.[Via The Raw Feed]
Steerable WiFi cantenna
Despite maybe, possibly being illegal in some parts (but not many), fearless DIY-er Adrian Smith has gone forth and out-MacGyvered all other cantenna makers with his steerable, WiFi-sniffing rig. Using the requisite tin can, along with a PIC microcontroller and a couple of servos, the cantenna is able to be controlled by a custom Visual Basic program that can automagically sniff out the strongest wireless signals and zero in on them (complete with satisfying bzzzzz, whizzzz sound effects, we're sure). Unfortunately, he hasn't provided detailed step-by-step plans for the more engineering-challenged among us, so you'll need some reasonable skills of your own to put one of these to use "sharing" your neighbors' bandwidth.[Via Hack a Day]
DIY cat feeder powered by Ubuntu Linux, CD-ROM tray
It seems, from our very unofficial research, that cat owners tend to be geeks. And to prove our point, we bring you the geekiest cat owner in history. Lee Holmes, of Ontario, Canada, recently combined his Ubuntu Linux server to create a Rube Goldberg machine of a cat feeder. By running a script on his server, the CD-ROM tray pops open, a trap door opens, allowing cat food to flow down a cardboard chute into his cat's bowl. (Bah, just go watch it in action on YouTube, which is linked from his site.) As if that weren't geeky enough, he can use his i-mate JasJar to SSH to the server, allowing him to feed his cat from across the room, or across the world. Now all he needs is to figure out a way for the restocking process to be automated, and he could retire from his day job and sell these things to cat owners worldwide. [Via MAKE:Blog]
DIY nuke detector patrolling San Francisco Bay
While being in the weapons distribution biz may seem a bit dodgy, an enterprising team in San Francisco is looking to prove their device is out to protect and serve (and save a lot of money). The Department of Homeland Security is looking to add safeguards to American ports by installing a series of radiation scanners designed to detect hidden nukes (and, we hope, dirty bombs) on incoming shipments. The problem is the $1.15 billion this project is supposed to cost, not to mention the five years it'll take to get it installed, so we're still pretty much exposed for awhile. Not one to take a (potential) threat lying down, physicist / Sandia Lab weapons subcontractor Stanley Glaros is manning a team which has already built a "boat-mounted radiation detection device from off-the-shelf components." The homebrew rad sniffer gives a visual alarm via a "sodium iodide crystal" that turns blue when danger is near (remember Frodo's sword?), but the mechanics behind the lighthearted signifier is no laughing matter. An Ortec Digibase photo-multiplier picks up signals over the air, which are collected into dynodes, and then run through a multichannel analyzer to identify radiological signatures. Regardless of the means, this nuke detector has been running "successfully" for eight months, and coming in at a cool $12,000 apiece, we're all for getting the job done on the cheap (and showing up the DHS in the process).
30 USB port-powered "BBQ"
Ok, so it's really more of a hotplate than a Barbeque, but for sheer excessiveness and USB-ness this DIY project from Kaizo Aho Ichidai cannot be denied. After not surprisingly failing to get enough juice from a single 500mw USB port to fry an egg, Kaizo went all out and dropped six USB expansion cards into his PC, giving him a ridiculous total of 30 USB ports, all of which got re-wired to a modified USB cup warmer. In no time he had a hot, albeit small meal, and as far as well can tell, a still-working computer. Needless to say, this is one project we don't recommend trying at home, unless you've already managed to build a USB-powered fire extinguisher.[Via Dottocomu]
Ultraviolet bread box preserves bread, freaks out friends
Contrary to appearances, this is not a device for creating giant mutant bread, it's actually a bread box designed to prevent mold from growing on your run of the mill unmodified loaf of carbs. Based on the same groovy kind of UV light used in food and medical sanitization, the breadbox should be relatively easy to build for anyone with minimal DIY skills -- and even if it didn't work exactly as intended, would be a stylish addition to any mad scientist's (or fantasy lad's) kitchen. But according to the folks at InventGeek, it actually does its job, increasing the shelf life of bread by about 50%, and preventing any mold from growing on the exterior of the bread (it may still grow inside, however). They didn't say what the bread tasted like after being baked a second time in UV, but you want to give it a shot yourself, the total cost of parts should only run you about $65.[Via MAKE: Blog]
Learn how to do everything using Videojug
We're always on the lookout for new video content to play on our PSPs. If Google Video and video podcasting just isn't enough for you, you might want to try out Videojug. According to the website:VideoJug is every aspect of life explained and illustrated through an ever-growing number of common sense, informative, helpful and entertaining videos. It's like having an army of top-class experts at your fingertips 24/7 to "show you how" and to help you out.So, if you've ever wanted to know how to make gnocchi, how to reset a circuit fuse... whatever comes to your mind, you can check out the site. Conveniently, all videos are provided in iPod and PSP format, so you can learn on the go. If you were intrigued by DS's Down Home Cooking, this might be a nice, free alternative for you.[Via Download Squad]
Asustek busts out new ASmobile laptop brand
If you weren't quite following along with the whole Asus/Asustek dual-identity thing, this latest news from Asustek might really throw you for a loop, so try and keep up. Asustek is developing a new brand, titled "ASmobile," to denote a new line of "open architecture" laptops. ASmobile computers will be aimed at DIY types and desktop replacers, and will be built to accommodate off-the-shelf parts while featuring supposedly "light and slim design." Asus is planning on bypassing budget buyers with these models, and instead hopes to milk cash from their brand-loyal enthusiast base, with plans to ship 100,000-200,000 of the laptops this year. So, yeah, this whole brand thing might not be so confusing after all, but it's not like we're going to let something silly like being reasonable stand in the way of a bit of Friday morning drama.[Via Laptoping]
Make your own touch-screen barcode scanner
For all you obsessive-compulsive types out there who need to keep track of every single box of paper clips and old Popular Mechanics magazines crammed into your overstuffed desk drawers, Max's App Note Blog has posted an easy way to categorize your useless swag with a do-it-yourself touch-screen barcode scanner. Little more than a standard commercial touch-screen attached to a Metrologic Voyager scanner with a RS232 null-modem cable (instructions for building your own are included), this project has all sorts of practical applications, from making sure the nano you just bought isn't some cheap knockoff to giving your kids a head start on the technology they'll need to master in order to become successful grocery store cashiers. And if for some reason you fall upon hard times and are forced to sell off most of your possessions, the touch-screen barcode scanner will make your fire sale look that much more professional to the folks snatching up your treasured gear at insultingly low prices.[Via Make]
Wow your friends with your very own "Time Fountain"
Alright, this project isn't for the faint of heart, but nobody said stopping time would be easy. Instead of boring you with construction details that we don't really understand, we invite you to sit back and marvel at this crazy creation, inspired by such disparate elements as the artwork of Shigeko Hirakawa and the TV show Smallville. The basic principle of the "Time Fountain" involves fluorescent water for extra leet looks, and UV LED strobe lights that are timed in such a way to make the dripping water look like it's slowing down, stopping or even dripping backwards. It's probably best if we just show you the effect, so click on for the vid in glorious YouTube-vision and be amazed.[Via MAKE]
Music Thing: Boutique effects pedals
Each week Tom Whitwell of Music Thing highlights the best of the new music gear that's coming out, as well as noteworthy vintage equipment: About a year ago, I wrote about boutique synthesizers -- fantastically obscure boxes hand-made by freaks (normally Scandinavian). Compared with synths, effects pedals are relatively simple -- sometimes just a handful of components, a switch and a couple of knobs in a steel box -- so there are loads of people experimenting and making great-looking but expensive pedals for guitarists. Most of the pedals mentioned here are in the $350-$500 range. Sure, that would buy you a dozen Chinese-made Behringer pedals, but would that make you happy? Zvex RingtoneDisappointingly, Zachary Vex's new Ringtone pedal won't make your vintage strat sound like the Crazy Frog. Instead, it's a 8-step sequencer driving a ring modulator -- the early sound effect used to make the voice of the Daleks, and built into the Commodore 64's SID sound effects chip. It's pretty hard to understand what the Ringtone does, or why it's cool, without watching Zachary's wonderful demo video. Like all boutique pedals, the Ringtone is crazy expensive at $349, but that gets you a hand-made, hand-painted pedal. After the break: Kitsch Brazilian pedals, butch American pedals, clever English pedals, and a fuzzbox with a joystick...
