DIY Hacks

Piezoelectric Lighter Accelerometer
Cool Gadgets

2

This Lighter Accelerometer hack by Bardlund demonstrates piezoelectric properties. “Piezoelectricity is the ability of crystals and certain ceramic materials to generate a voltage in response to applied mechanical stress. Piezoelectricity was discovered by Pierre Curie and the word is derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press. The piezoelectric effect is reversible in that piezoelectric crystals, when subjected to an externally applied voltage, can change shape by

Pinewood Derby Finish Line Detector
Cool Gadgets

3

If you need to judge some Pinwood Derby races this Pinewood Derby Finish Line Detector project will give you some unbiased results. Schematics and details are provided on the site. “A few years ago the finish line detector at my church’s AWANA Grand Prix track bit the dust. AWANA Grand Prix is the same thing as the Pinewood Derby to scouting folks. We did without for a couple years until

ALAVs - Autonomous Light Air Vessels
Complex Hacks

2

Jed Berk created this Autonomous Light Air Vessel, it is just one of the contraptions that were on display this weekend at the Make Faire. “ALAVs 2.0 (Autonomous Light Air Vessels) are networked objects that communicate the concept of connectivity among people, objects, and the environment. Through the use of mobile technologies people can influence the behavior of the ALAVs by starting conversations and building closer relationships with them. ALAVs

Lee Kraznow Puzzle Box
Complex Hacks

16

Lee Kraznow makes Puzzle Boxes, they are simply amazing. At first I thought they were like the toys you see where you have to slide pieces together in a certain sequence. Was I wrong, this barcode box needs dozens of moves to simple remove one section! Video after the jump. “With so many possible ways to notch the pieces (each of which would yield a different puzzle solving experience) Lee

Anti-Tracker - A PIC 16F628 GPS Gadget
Complex Hacks

5

The Anti-Tracker is a PIC 16F628 based GPS project that you may be interested in building. The author provides source code upon request. “The AntiTracker is a new concept in GPS tracking systems. The idea behind the AntiTracker is that many units in the field do not need to have their positions reported back. These field units are however interested in where the units being tracked are. The AntiTracker BASIC

Intercom Keyless Entry
Crazy Hacks

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Here is a crafty hack that converts a normal building intercom into a personal wireless keyless entry system. Video after the jump. “Now don’t tell the co-op board, but I crafted a plan to ditch my Mul-T-Lock key for good. My apartment building, of course, uses an intercom system to remotely unlock the front door for guests, deliveries, etc. This keychain upgrade gets me in the front door… keylessly. The

Gameboy running XP
Complex Hacks

9

Looking for a tiny Windows XP computer? Is a Nintendo Gameboy small enough? “The cool thing is that the little system will actually run Windows XP off of a Compact Flash card. I would assume Linux would work just fine as well. You’ll need to hook it up to a monitor to see what you’re doing though, it looks like they ran out of room to install one into the