How to circuit bend a 80's Radio Shack toy synthesizer. Open up any device and play around with the internal audio devices. Circuit bending is done on mostly old cheap toys. This is a circuit bend demonstration on a toy piano. Get out your soldering iron and rip open toys. Thi ...more
Sparky is a wireless, web-based video-chat robot from the Gomi Style crew. You can learn how to make your own Autonomous Telepresence robot using spare computer parts, some old toys and a bit of custom software (that we provide at gomistyle.com). This robot is operated with a ...more
Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to build a powerful pocket amplifier for your headphones out of a Altoids mint case. To make this contraption, you'll need a circuit board, jumpers, soldering tool, two 220 micro fahren caps, and two 10k resistors.
In this video, Bre Pettis, from MAKE magazine, and Joe Grand make a GPS-LCD unit. This project requires an LCD screen, circuit board, a GPS chip, and programming knowledge.
The agents of empire do not always arrive with warning. When you are besieged, surrounded, and infiltrated, imagination is often your best weapon against the oppressors. If all you have at hand is some duct tape and a disposable camera, fear not, you have the makings of a powe ...more
This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, measure resistance and voltage and many more values. Multimeters are like the electrical engineer's Swiss army knife. Multimeters can be of digital or anal ...more
Valentine's Day is almost here, and if you're like me, you're scurrying to do something special for your mate. The standard chocolates and flowers just isn't cutting it anymore, and you can only make so many homemade cards before it becomes banal and meaningless. So, what can ...more
This video shows the correct procedure to dismantle a first generation iPod Nano. The presenter starts by using a putty knife (aka the iPod take apart tool) and separates the casing. Next, the presenter removes the battery from the internal circuit board by using a soldering i ...more
This panhandling robot isn't too proud to beg. In fact, it's custom-built for it. And who could refuse? Get a load of that puppy-dog eye. Creator Chris Eckert explains, "Gimme is a two axis numerically controlled sculpture that pans a room looking for people. Once found, the ...more
In this video, we learn how to understand circuit bending. Circuit bending is noodling around with circuitry to see how it sounds and get different noises out of it. When you go into a motherboard and see the circuits that are inside of it, these can make noise if you re-circu ...more
Now that you've mastered hand control, here's a new challenge for you. Try playing Mario using just your eye movements. The video below describes how the system works, and if you're feeling extra ambitious, scroll down for two HowTo videos, paired with (1, 2, 3, 4) build detai ...more
I already had a mishap shooting my Canon 5d MII tethered....I broke my circuit board because of the stress that a USB cable causes the camera. I wish Canon went with their 1ds route and made a positive locking device, but alas they have not. So the best alternative I could fin ...more
In this how-to video, you will learn now to dismantle an iPod Nano 3rd Generation. First, run a plastic tool on both sides of the device. Once this is done, remove the back cover with your fingers. Next, unscrew the six screws on the circuit board. Store them in a place where ...more
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to create a Pandora battery for the fat PSP. A Pandora battery allows the user the process of using exploits and hacks to execute unsigned code on the PSP. Before beginning, users are advised to completely drain the battery. Begin by t ...more
This is how to solder wires properly and then heat shrink them in order to insulate them. Firstly upkeep of the soldering iron is required to keep it from oxidizing. Portable versions of the iron are also available to make work more convenient. A solder sucker is required to s ...more
Leeann of Hierchiss explains how to turn a TV into an oscilloscope. Turn the TV on and make sure it works. First, unplug the power. Take the back off the television. Cut the four picture wires that attach to the circuit board. Strip the ends of the wires. Tape the remaining wi ...more
To watch TV on your PC you need a TV tuner. You have two choices. There are usb sticks and pci cards. The pci is an internal circuit board that goes inside your computer. The pci card is very easy to install. Literally just open the computer and pop it into an available pci sl ...more
This video by makemagazine demonstrates a weekend project on how to make a LED light brick. The materials required for this project are listed on the link to the make magazine page in the info box or it can be orders as a kit from the make magazine store. Take the PCB (printed ...more
Hacked Gadgets recently featured Csaba Bleuer's LED wave display, a device that projects LED messages midair. Bleuer had also previously created a similar device that spins on a fan motor. "Csaba Bleuer sent in some pictures and a video of his new creation. It is a LED Wave D ...more
Tim Fishlock’s piece entitled What Watt? showcases 1,243 suspended retired light bulbs, the center illuminated by one low-energy fluorescent bulb. Beautiful eco-friendly design. Says Fishlock, "What Watt? is a memorial to the incandescent lightbulb. It’s a spherical chandeli ...more
Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to take apart and put together the iPod Shuffle. First, you'll want to remove the control button. You can do this with a box knife or an exacto knife. Next, you'll want to take out the on and off button. Remove the USB case ...more
We'll base the project around a digital clock radio and a light gun for gaming; huge selections of both of these are available inexpensively second-hand, with many beautiful and well-designed examples. To enable our FPSI (First Person Shooter Interface), we'll outfit the gun w ...more
To take apart a PS3, you will need the following tools: Phillips-head screwdriverPliersTiny Phillips-head screwdriversTiny flat-head screwdrivers On the bottom, there is a sticker that says "if you remove this sticker, you will void the warranty". Take the sticker off.Undernea ...more
What do you get when you take a run-of-the-mill kitchen knife and add a simple synthesizer circuit? Behold, the Syntheslicer! Creator Jonathan M. Guberman writes: The Drawdio is a toy that attaches to a pencil and uses the conductive properties of graphite to make noise from ...more
Cell phone jammers, a DIY endeavor for the darker crowd. I'm pretty sure we've all considered having one at some point: whether the obnoxiously loud woman next to you is announcing private bedroom stories to a crowd on the subway, or your kids are grounded from using the phone ...more
With portable devices being a necessity in modern everyday life, they may be subject to overuse, improper charging, or normal wear and tear. For those people who carry around their smartphone or iPod with them all of the time, how many times have you been out and about just to ...more
It's no secret that water and electronics don't mix well, but somehow, people always manage to combine the two. I've had my fair share of water-damaged electronics, everything from cheap headphones to a desktop computer. My devices are getting dunked in water so much, it's lik ...more
I can't believe it, but I've actually read about dozens of people getting their iTouch, iPhone, or iPad stuck in a bricked recovery loop and then going out to buy a new one. This is overly unnecessary. When it gets stuck in the recovery loop, some people mistake themselves by ...more
If you're lucky, your digital camera has a built-in intervalometer that lets you operate the shutter regularly at set intervals over a period of time. Why would you be lucky? Because you can create some very awesome time-lapse videos, like the horribly beautiful eruption of a ...more
Learn how to solder. Whether you like to tinker with electronics or do your own plumbing repairs, soldering metal is an essential skill. Plus, it's kinda fun. You Will Need * A soldering iron * A soldering tip * Safety glasses * Solder * Flux * Soldering clamps ...more
I love making beeps and bloops with the Arduino pitches library, but sometimes archaic 8-bit tunes just don't cut it. Whether you want your robot to terrify your enemies with a demonic synthetic voice, you just need a pocket boom box on the go, or you want to a miniature guita ...more
Creating any object you want is as simple as point and click if you have a 3D printer at home. If you don't have one handy, there are a few companies that offer printing services online. But to help services realize your design in extruded plastic, you have to make a 3D comput ...more
I love making my own printed circuit boards. It really gives a professional look to a finished project, and having all the design files means I can whip up another batch whenever I need to. However, when I need to make, say, three thousand swarmbots or fill an order for a doze ...more
Dreams are like an internal human holodeck. Inside your mind, anything is possible, from your grandest wishes to your worst nightmares. This is all well and good, but what if you could control your dreams and become the omniscient god of a handpicked reality whenever you go to ...more
Computer viruses are terrifying. They are undetectable, dangerous, and operate constantly right under your nose. For the average computer user, there are only a few repair options. You could buy expensive antivirus software that causes more problems than it fixes, you can wipe ...more
Since the invention of the mechanical clock, enclosure of the commons, and proletarianization of labor, the alarm clock has been the bane of our existence. While not actually evil, it does represent the constant and uncompromising glare of our owners shaking a patronizing fing ...more
Acid reflux can be painful and irritating, and did you know that toddlers can be affected by it too? Acid reflux is actually very common in young children during the first and second years of life, but luckily there are natural ways to treat this and help your baby feel health ...more
Despite the controversy over Scrabble Trickster across the word world, Mattel's modern take on the classic crossword board game is out in stores— but not in the United States. It's only available in and around the UK, but you can snag your copy just in time for Christmas from ...more
If you haven't noticed yet, I've started dishing out some "Scrabble Bingo of the Day" articles that showcase interesting and somewhat unusual seven-letter words (or longer) that could give you an extra 50-point bonus on the board, as long as you empty your rack. So, for this w ...more
A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or ele ...more
My father recently suffered a stroke. Now in Neuro Rehab at Cedars Sinai, he is enduring daily physical therapy, recreational therapy and occupational therapy sessions to help improve his balance, mobility and fine motor skills. I was initially worried about how I could incorp ...more
In this five-part video tutorial series, you'll learn the fundamentals of working with electronics. To follow along, you'll need a 28-280 Electronics kit from RadioShack. You can skip to lesson 1 if you (a) have experience with a bread board and caring for electronic chips, ( ...more
WonderHowTo is made up niche communities called Worlds. If you've yet to join one (or create your own), get a taste below of what's going on in the community. Check in every Wednesday for a roundup of new activities and projects. This week: mathematical sculptures, burning Xb ...more
You might want to take apart your Xbox for a variety of reasons. This video will walk you through the process of opening up your controller from unscrewing to the trick of lifting of the cover. You can see the different part where you might need to replace or upgrade things. S ...more
Need a quick repair job for your HP iPAQ Classic Handheld Pocket PC 110, 111, 112, 114, or 116? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to disassemble the phone after it's been damaged. You'll see exactly how to take it apart, then simply reverse the instructions to put th ...more
Need a quick repair job for your HP iPAQ Pocket PC RX3100, 3115, 3400, 3415, 3417, 3700, or 3715? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to disassemble the phone after it's been damaged. You'll see exactly how to take it apart, then simply reverse the instructions to put ...more
Need a quick repair job for your HP iPAQ Pocket PC H4150 or H4155? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to disassemble the phone after it's been damaged. You'll see exactly how to take it apart, then simply reverse the instructions to put the HP iPAQ H4150 or H4155 back ...more
Whether you're job searching, networking, or just giving your information out to someone you just met at a bar, this circuit board business card made by Brian Carrigan will make sure no one ever forgets meeting you! Sure, you could buy a customized USB business card on some on ...more
Inductive charging has been around since the days of Nikola Tesla, but it has yet to be integrated into a lot of popular devices. This is partially because it's slower and more expensive than methods that involve direct contact. These criticisms may be valid, but DragonDevs m ...more
For those of you who are as unlucky as me with your Pineapple and need to re-seat or replace the aerial connector this will show you how. Step 1: Open the Case To open the case we need to remove the two feet on the base of the unit, they will likely be located underneath. In ...more
These instructions are applicable to both bObsweep models. Follow the video or text descriptions to replace the disinfecting UV lamp on your automatic vacuum. This walk through includes: opening bObsweep, removing the main board, replacing the UV lamp, and putting Bob back to ...more
In the technology space, there are certain brands you grow to depend on. Whether it's due to a long, multi-decade track record of success, or new innovations that blow you away, some tech names accrue a rare kind of brand equity with users that's difficult to earn. That's why ...more
bObi has four floor detection sensors on her underside that warn her not to drive over ledges and stop her from falling down stairs. For this replacement, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver and a new set of ground sensors for bObi. Video: . This repair may help if bObi ...more
[community/members/babblin5/ Babblin5] is a tenacious tinkerer. Here he shows us HowTo get a dead battery running again. How? Well, it becomes a bit involved as he splices together a cordless drill, voltage regulator, alligator clips, a circuit board and a hand crank. What w ...more
A faulty or broken thermostat can be one of the most annoying things to ever happen to your house. It's always too hot or too cold, and you can end up wasting money on your electricity bill. That's where Android Thermostat comes in. It's an open-source project that lets you ...more
Still have an old tape deck installed in your car? This nifty hack lets you upgrade to the digital age without sacrificing your love for cassettes. There's nothing wrong with some low-fidelity tunes in your car every now and then, but if you want to listen to the tunes on your ...more
A couple of months ago at the Black Hat security conference, hacker Cody Brocious gave the hotel industry a nasty surprise when he figured out how to hack the locks made by Onity that are used in millions of hotels worldwide. The reason his hack is so impressive is because it ...more
With just a Phillips head screwdriver and this walk-through, you can open and close any bObi robot vacuum. So long as you have a replacement wheel, follow these steps to install it yourself. Video: . Step 1: Unscrew the Appropriate Wheel The left and right wheels are held on ...more
The cell phone has come a long way. The very first "mobile devices" were made and used by the military in the late 1930s, with the first commercial mobile telephone service introduced by Bell in 1946. These devices were hardly what we'd call mobile today—some took up the whole ...more
Cassette tapes, much like the boombox, Walkman, and record player, aren't used much anymore. With the ability to put music on our smartphones, most of us don't carry tapes or CDs around because it now seems inconvenient. Looking for something to do with your old tapes? Instru ...more