2007

SparkFun BlueSmirf Radio Controlled Tank

Chris sent in his Radio Controlled Tank that is controlled by a SparkFun BlueSmirf module. Anyone interested in the plans to build your own? Update: Chris provided a link with more details. “I made the chassis completely out of a sheet of brushed alu. It uses the Tamiya twin motor gearbox, a PCB of my own design, a BlueSmirf radio from SparkFun and has two servos to pan/tilt a video

Hacking the Nintendo Wii Console

It’s funny how these security experts can pick apart the Nintendo Game Cube and Wii security implementation. Have a close look at the connector in the picture, that’s right it says ‘insert modchip here’… Video after the jump. “Interesting if not long-winded explanation of DVD Security on Nintendo’s Wii Cover’s everything from Nintendo’s original flaws in the Gamecubes copy protection and extensively covers the Wii’s security procedures, well worth a

LCD Monitor Backlight to LED Conversion

Keith Wakeham, an engineering student replaced the backlight of a LCD monitor to operate using LED lighting. “My very wonderful cousin gave me an old 17″ LCD made by the company GEM (I don’t know who they are) which was making a big racket with squealing. I knew it was the backlight so I said I’d take it knowing that to get it repaired by a pro would cost 30-60

Ontario Science Centre Hydraulophone - musical keyboard water fountain

Pipes, pumps and water can be used for many things. The most creative use must be a Funtain Hydraulophone. Videos and additional pictures after the jump. “The hydraulophone or poseidophone combines the simplicity of the piano with the interface of the tin flute or recorder. You play the hydraulophone by stopping the jets of water with your fingers or hands. By blocking multiple jets you can even play chords. Starting

Easy Button Mod

Have a look at the TechDweeb, Univac has made a circuit bending mod to a Staples easy button. There are samples of the effects on his site also. Bent Staples Button (listen to more) [audio:EasySlo.mp3] “This is a terrible Staples Easy button (“That was easy!”) that I added a 1Meg pot to control pitch way way down until it now sounds really quite interesting, in a grainy, annoying, girl-killer-frequency (you

Turn a Scanner into a Printed Circuit Board UV Lamp

If you are wanting to make circuit boards using the UV exposure method you may want to recycle an old scanner into your UV light source. “I opted for 3 tubes (around 8 Euro each), with ballasts and starters (6/7 Euro for each set). The switch, fuse holder and mains socket I scavenged from somewhere. For the bottom plane I used a tin sheet. This acts as a sort of

Accessing serial console on the Fon

If you have a FON router this hack will give you access to the serial console. “Out of the box the foneros wireless router has Telnet and SSH turned off. By accessing the buit in serial console you can turn SSH on and access various settings and reflash the firmware.” Via: Gizmodo