301 Moved Permanently

Posted April 21, 2011 by Chris

This PyroElectro tutorial shows you how to use a PIC18F4455 to create a simple USB Device that can input and output to a USB Host (laptop). Make no mistake, USB is a complex protocol, so tread softly and with an inquisitive mind.

Posted April 20, 2011 by Chris

An electrified jacob’s ladder is a cool thing to see in action. Its high voltage nature, like the tesla coil, allows you to see raw electricity at kilo-volts. This article explains and shows you how to make a small scale jacob’s ladder, with some rather unique parts.

Posted April 19, 2011 by Chris

Here’s an interesting approach to robotic learning called “STANNOs”. It’s a type of neural networked training system implemented in this article to help a 6 legged hexapod walk on a slippery surface. It is very much a trial and error process, but the results are pretty concrete.

Posted April 18, 2011 by Chris

This robot has a flamethrower attached so that it can draw any vector graphics on a lawn by torching the grass in its way. Build details are a bit scarce, but the pictures speak for themselves of what this thing can do.

Posted April 17, 2011 by Chris

Here’s a throwback for today: Drawbots. These were introduced in 2001 at a Maker Faire in NYC. Draw bots have 3 crayons or pens as ‘legs’ and a motor in the top to move the bots via vibration. They show how a little electronics know how and some creativity can lead to innovation that even kids can enjoy.

Posted April 16, 2011 by Chris

This robotic hand was designed at Virginia Tech and has enough dexterity and control that it can type at a computer. The design is simplistic enough that it can easily be duplicated but it is also complex enough to perform tasks like typing, piano playing or holding objects.

Posted April 15, 2011 by Chris

Basic robotic hand design has evolved very little through time. Sturdy fingers, some strong wire and a few motors is enough to build a basic one. This project shows you how to use servo motors and an arduino to accomplish this task. The project write-up shares all the details, don’t miss the action video!

Posted April 14, 2011 by Chris

Today’s PyroElectro Project: A Propeller Clock! These things are all over the place on the web and on youtube, but few bother to explain how they are built. This project goes from start to finish explaining how to build a simple POV that can display virtually whatever you want.

Posted April 13, 2011 by Chris

If you’ve always wanted to use your old SNES or NES controll with your Wii, this project is for you. It takes Wii controller technology and stuffs it into the old retro gaming controls with no loss in functionality or game play fun. The project write-up has all the hardware mod details.

Posted April 12, 2011 by Chris

If you’re not familiar with Altera’s DE2 or DE3 development boards, take a minute and google search them, they’re powerful. Today’s project uses a DE2 to make a simple lemmings-like falling sand game. Output is displayed on an LCD and you input using a standard PS/2 keyboard. A complex, yet fun project.