Posted October 7, 2008 by Chris

“This is a very affordable and simple to build speed trap based on the PIC 16C84 microcontroller. The goal was to use as few parts as possible while adding as many useful features as possible.” The project write-up has the software & hardware schematic available for download.

Posted October 5, 2008 by Chris

This project shows you how to easily (and cheaply) create a chat-cord. The chat-cord is something that has become increasingly popular in the world of VOIP. If you are a Skype master with some basic solder skills this should be a very easy project for you. Schematic details & parts lists is available in the project write-up.

Posted October 3, 2008 by Chris

This robot is perhaps the most off-the shelf I’ve ever seen. It even has a wifi-router on top that is uses to receive commands. A lot of love was put into this one and the project write-up reflects that quite well. Take a look at this one, software/hardware info is all there.

Posted October 1, 2008 by Chris

This project is the effort of a single DIYer who wanted to make his own transmitter/receiver pair to open a gate. This made it a lot easier for him to pull into his driveway. The project itself uses a lot of off-the-shelf components so it’d be easy to duplicate. The write-up is very straight forward and cuts to the chase.

Posted September 29, 2008 by Chris

Today’s project write-up is a very in depth one. It covers the creation of a combat robot for a tournament. It goes from start to finish with several pictures. Since it’s remote control, the electronics and most all parts are just off the shelf components. Take a look if you want to make something dangerous!

Posted September 27, 2008 by Chris

This project write-up has a nice overview of what is necessary to both physically build a robotic arm and to control it with electronics. This is a complicated process but the author breaks it up into pieces so you can understand how to build it on your own!

Posted September 25, 2008 by Chris

For you music gurus out there, here’s a MIDI turntable using a mouse. MIDI is a music standard that has been around for a while and is very popular for input into computers. The circuit for building this device is rather simple and won’t take long to build. The code is also available for download.

Posted September 23, 2008 by Chris

This little digital camera mod allows for remote triggering of the camera. Whether by sound, time-delay or even whispers; sensitivity can be calibrated. This seems like a neat tool for time-lapse pictures or surveillance use. Schematics and software are available for download in the project write-up.

Posted September 21, 2008 by Chris

Most microcontroller programmers are actually very simple devices that can be made by yourself. Being that programmers range from $50+, so it can be a good investment or backup programmer. The parts are very cheap and this project write-up is clean with step-by-step instructions. Give it a look see!

Posted September 19, 2008 by Chris

NiMH rechargeable batteries have been around for quite some time and have proven their worth. This type of rechargeable battery can be found inside things from electric cars to electric tooth-brushes. Today’s simple project makes use of a microcontroller for controlling the recharging of the battery and turning off when recharging has completed.