• DIY

    The Littlest Arduino

    By Posted on 4.15.2008 4 Comments

    Do you need a microcontroller for a project (maybe, ahem, our Mood Cube project?) but case space is at a premium? Well, fret no more. The Really Bare Bones Board (RBBB) Freeduino PCB is the perfect fit.

    4.24.2009 at 04:51am - Comment by jessica winslet

    Every week I seem to be writing about how someone has used an Arduino to fashion an interesting gadget, and today’s - while not as obviously useful as, say a Pong-playing wristwatch - is still impressive. Using an Arduino, a Hall effect sensor and an electromagnet, the microprocessor board can keep a floating magnet perfectly positioned. http://www.hold-emtournament.com

  • DIY

    How to Make an LED Flashlight

    By Posted on 8.11.2008 27 Comments

    There’s an inherent dilemma in purchasing a flashlight: The really bright and long-lasting LED models are pretty expensive, and the heavy, cheap traditional ones always seem to be dead just when you need them the most. Good thing it’s possible to build your own superbright, reliable and inexpensive hybrid light.

    4.24.2009 at 04:49am - Comment by jessica winslet

    That didn't say anything about making it, just that you did make it. It's a bit complicated to do it right, you should use a current-regulated driver with the SSC P7, and it requires about 1.5A. Plain alkaline batteries aren't able to handle that kind of current. Also, saying that it will throw a beam 3 miles is exaggerated. The reflector is designed for a single small-die LED, unless you change the reflector it will make the beam very floody. I'd like to suggest that if anyone is interested in modding flashlights, check out www.candlepowerforum s.com. I've been a member there for several years (electromage), and it's one of the best resources around for flashlight information. http://www.learnbaccarat.net

  • DIY

    A Rapid AVR Prototype Programmer

    By Dave Prochnow Posted on 8.20.2008 3 Comments

    If you've ever bent the pin on a microcontroller while trying to insert it into a DIP programming socket, you're not alone. Aligning those crazy pins again and again, while intermittently prying them out of the programming socket and then inserting your freshly burned chip into a target circuit, can lead to a long and sleepless night. Luckily, there is a cure for the bent pin nightmare. And this prescription costs less than $35.

    3.26.2009 at 02:30am - Comment by jessica winslet

    I use Nagios a lot, but this seems to be comming very close and somewhere beyond. It would be worth comparing features of Nagios (with which I am very happy for years) and Visualized Jopr (which could solve the problem, Nagios is not available on MS Windows.) http://www.ultimatebjtour.com



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