A fun weekend DIY project presented by Make magazine – a DIY AM-radio. It can be built from scratch in a couple of hours and, believe it or not, it works:
Posts Tagged ‘project’
Very simple DIY Radio
August 31st, 2010A neat infrared thermometer with PIC microcontroller
August 24th, 2010A DIY infrared (IR) thermometer with a PIC 16F690 microcontroller. The thermometer uses a MLX90614 IR sensor to measure the temperature with high resolution and accuracy and displays the result on a LCD display. Click here to see details.
Interfacing an ISA Ethernet card to a PIC microcontroller
August 24th, 2010
This looks like a promising way to internet-enable your PIC microcontroller projects. ISA Ethernet cards are now obsolete and you can get piles of them from junk electronics stores for next to nothing.
The project implements a simple webserver based on a PIC18F452 microcontroller that plugs to the net through a 3COM 3C509B Ethernet ISA card. Possibilities are endless.
PIC Microcontroller Voltmeter/Amperemeter
August 22nd, 2010
Here is something I’ve been looking for for a while – a simple and versatile PIC-microcontroller-based voltmeter/amperemeter. Of course, there are many similar projects, but this one fits my requirements best. It is simple to build and not picky when it comes to the need of high-precision resistors, because of an easy calibration routine.
The code is a great starting point for building a more complex project.
[ Go to project ]
DIY infrared security camera conversion
August 21st, 2010
DIY Infrared Camera
Here is another project I like – a DIY infrared camera. The part list reads like something you took from the trash bin – I mean this as a compliment. Read for yourself:
- webcam
- camcorder – working or not, you’ll just use the lens assembly
- infrared LEDs, or IR illuminator board kit
- computer power supply case, or any other type project box
- power supply, i used a 12v (from printer) and a 6v (from cell phone charger)
- misc switches
- wire, solder, rubberband
- nuts, bolts, scrap metal (for making/mounting brackets)
- hot glue, blank cds (the clear plastic ones)
- IR filter- make out of 35mm negatives, find the black part at the beginning of the strip
- patience
Check the project here.
PIC-microcontroller based thermometer with recycled Nokia screen
August 16th, 2010
Isn't it cute?
If there is something I love about an electronics project, it is reuse of old parts – be it a modem, or a power supply, or just a clever use of an old device for a project enclosure.
This project hooks a Nokia 3310 LCD to PIC12F629 or PIC12F675 microcontroller and uses a DS18B20 thermal sensor to measure the temperature. The project is completely documented, with list of components, PCB layout, and detailed construction and configuration instructions.
Not only this, but the design is really cute – no enclosure needed, if you ask me. Everything fits behind the LCD. Hey Apple, even the sleekest new iThingy can’t beat that!
[ Go to project ]
Multimeter Clock
August 16th, 2010Here is another one of those projects that are just too-cool to describe – a multimeter clock. I just love the design. And such an idea, I think, can come only from a seriously weird brain. I mean this as a compliment.
Here, see for yourself:
Need more memory for your project: Use a ferrite core!
August 6th, 2010
Now you have one bit more to store your data!
There are things that are cool, there are things that get beyond that. The last time I’ve seen ferrite-core memory was in my childhood. Now you get the chance not only to use it, but to make a memory cell yourself.
Check out this cool project.
T-Shirt Folding Thingy
August 6th, 2010It doesn’t get any simpler than this – the perfect t-shirt folding device nade from cardboard:
I’m making one of these today. Well, as soon as I find a cardboard box that’s the right size.
Emergency Excuse Generator
July 22nd, 2010
This device is a must-have for any respected professional. Any time the need arises, you will have an original, freshly-generated excuse ready in seconds. One press of the button can get you out of a tight spot ensuring smooth sailing toward retirement and guaranteeing that you don’t have to perform any actual work.
You can give it a try before building it – a fully working on-line version is available here.
[ Go to project ]
