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Weekend Projects
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1
6:01
Weekend Projects - Mini Rover Redux
by MAKE 61,483 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/Mini-Rover-Redux/2479/1
Learn the basics of modding a remote controlled (RC) vehicle for the purpose of making your own terrestrial rover. Mount one wireless camera onto your vehicle's chassis, and see how far you can drive it and see what it sees. Then, add a second camera for ultra-wide-angle vision, front and rear viewing, or sterescopic 3D video of the world! -
2
5:50
Weekend Projects - Hot/Cold LEDs
by MAKE 73,627 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/Hot-Cold-LED/2445/1
Combine an Arduino, an ultransonic distance sensor, and some common components to build a classic "hot/cold" project. Once assembled, we'll walk through the software "sketch" loaded onto our Arduino, and experiment with three variations of the "hot/cold" theme, all the while using the same circuit. -
3
7:13
Weekend Projects - MonoBox Powered Speaker
by MAKE 83,878 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/MonoBox+Powered+Speaker/2396/1
Learn the basics of audio amplification with a portable powered speaker that you build yourself. With some light soldering and clear step-by-step instructions, you will first wire up a simple amplifier circuit using a popular IC. Then, outfit an enclosure with the speaker you want, and design the enclosure to suit your style. Lastly, plug in your MP3 player or any 1/8" line-in source and rock out! -
4
5:22
Weekend Projects - Covert Listening Book
by MAKE 46,871 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Covert+Listening+Book/2150/1
Connect an amplified listener with an in-car FM transmitter, and you've got a wireless bug. Place the circuit in a hollowed-out book with the microphone concealed by the dust cover, and you've got a super-sneaky covert listening device! Tune in via a FM radio receiver set to the correct frequency, and you'll be able to hear through walls. -
5
5:16
Weekend Projects - PIR Sensor Arduino Alarm
by MAKE 77,345 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/PIR+Sensor+Arduino+Alarm/72/1
This project is great for those beginning to build with Arduino, and requires no soldering. Using very few components, and some jumper wire, we'll build a simple motion-sensing alarm. This project combines technologies we've used in previous Weekend Projects, including a PIR sensor and piezo buzzer. It's great for practical jokes and doubles as an early warning system for the zombie invasion! -
6
5:20
Weekend Projects - Repeat After Me: A Mintronics Memory Game
by MAKE 50,084 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Repeat-After-Me-A-Mintronics-Memory-Game/1933/1
Combine a MintDuino and Mintronics Survival Pack into a fun memory game reminiscent of Simon and Pocket Repeat from years past. This project will have you build an Arduino clone, program it, and hook it up to a 4-switch game to test your mind's memory and dexterity. Challenge yourself or a friend to see who can Repeat After Me! -
7
5:13
Weekend Projects - Monkey Couch Guardian
by MAKE 61,226 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Monkey-Couch-Guardian/2232/1
Combine an Arduino with a proximity sensor, and make an obnoxious device to discourage cats and other fur-shedding pets from jumping on beds and couches. This project will also introduce you to the SPDT relay, a fundamental component of hobbyist electronics projects. -
8
7:33
Weekend Projects - Little Big Lamp
by MAKE 81,202 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Little-Big-Lamp/2310/1
Combine your shop skills and your soldering skills to fabricate your very own desk lamp! Using hardware store-bought PVC and some electronic components, design and build this classic light fixture. Based on an earlier project, Little Big Lamp has been updated to take advantage of new and improved technology. This build will also introduce you to wiring LEDs in series and the principle of Pulse Width Modulation. -
9
7:10
Weekend Projects - Sun Logger
by MAKE 90,449 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Sun-Logger/2275/1
Our second Arduino project in this series of Weekend Projects, the Sun Logger is a device that gathers data about sunlight. Hack a light-sensitive photoresistor to a homemade "shield" to record data to an SD card, and then examine this data later on your computer to see how light changes in an area over time. -
10
9:06
Weekend Projects - Optical Tremolo Box
by MAKE 1,940,538 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Optical-Tremolo-Box/2276/1
Inspired by Charles Platt's "Stomp Box Basics" article (MAKE Volume 15, page 82), follow along as we build this Optical Tremolo Box, which reads a patterned disk with a light sensor to create a warbling audio effect (tremolo).
For this project, MAKE Technical Editor Sean Ragan used a cadmium sulfide photoresistor to provide us with our light sensor - a component we have used in previous Weekend Projects. Not only does it look cool and sound great, but once you've made the project, you can customize it by making your own effects disks! -
11
5:29
Weekend Projects - A Touchless 3D Tracking Interface
by MAKE 207,855 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/A-Touchless-3D-Tracking-Interface/2233/1
Using a combination of low- and high-tech components, we'll show you how to build a completely touchless 3D tracking interface. This project will introduce you to the principle of capacitive sensing, and the Arduino microcontroller. -
12
7:10
Weekend Projects - Infrared String Bass
by MAKE 80,472 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Infrared-String-Bass/2049/1
You'll convert light to sound in this Weekend Project. Using the LM386 amplifier, and pairs of infrared emitting and detecting diodes, we'll show you how to build a four-string optical bass guitar. Mount your hardware onto a piece of lumber, or build your own classy chassis. Then, get ready to rock! -
13
8:10
Weekend Projects - Bottle Radio
by MAKE 125,124 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Bottle-Radio/2077/1
Crystal radio technology has been around for many years. This "bottle radio" take on a crystal radio requires no power source, operates on the power from radio waves, and receives signal from a long wire antenna. As radio stations slowly move away from the AM band, the "window of opportunity" to experience this remarkable technology is dwindling. The "crystal" in question is contained inside a germanium diode, and is used to rectify the radio signal so that our ears can hear it. -
14
5:52
Weekend Projects - Projects in Motion
by MAKE 78,677 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Projects-in-Motion-Control-Three-Types-of-Motors-with-555-Timers/2036/1
Learn to control three different types of motors - DC, Servo, and Stepper - using a breadboard, resistors, diodes, transistors, and some 555 timers (along with a sprinkling of CMOS logic). These motor drivers are the basis of many robotics and other motor-control applications. -
15
6:20
Weekend Projects - Extreme LED Throwies
by MAKE 63,616 views
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Extreme-LED-Throwies/2154/1
Learn to build these simple glow-dots in seconds! LED Throwies are fun, easy circuits that quickly stick to any ferro-magnetic surface. Toss them onto pipes, poles, or other surfaces you want to glow! Modify this simple circuit into a giant throwie bug, or hack an on/off tab into your circuit. We'll also show you how to build casings for your circuits that are both weather-proof and indestructible! LED Lanterns can be sunk in the ground or dropped in a nearby pond which work, and look great, at night.
Take a look at the project page for more inspiring ideas, including morse code throwies, LED Jellies, and Floaties. -
16
6:05
Weekend Projects - Solar Joule Bracelet
by MAKE 89,209 views
Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Solar-Joule-Bracelet/22/1
The Solar Joule Bracelet combines two separate projects, a solar battery and a "joule thief," to build a wearable circuit that powers an LED. Solar energy flows through the photodiodes, building up a supercapacitor, which essentially acts like a battery. This energy is then delivered to the joule thief, where oscillations eventually exceed the LED's forward voltage, making it light up. Once fully charged, these oscillations will occur so fast that the LED will appear continuously bright, visible even during daytime!
Best of all, this circuit's design allows you to install it where and how you wish! -
17
6:12
Weekend Projects - Talking Booby Trap
by MAKE 63,364 views
Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Talking-Booby-Trap/1944/1
Having trouble with people snatching your top-secret stuff? Need help getting some privacy? Here's a sneaky gizmo you can make to keep those snoops away. It's the Talking Booby Trap: record your personalized message or sound effect, then hide it in a strategic place. When it's disturbed, the intruders will hear your surprise warning message telling them to "Get lost!" -
18
5:53
Weekend Projects - BEAM Solar Chariots
by MAKE 77,075 views
Complete instructions for this Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/BEAM-Solar-Chariots/1939/1
BEAM is a type of robot design that allows you to create little robot/robot-like critters and vehicles mainly using basic analog components (resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs). The challenge is to try and get as much robot-like behavior using these components. BEAM is an acronym for "Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics" and these four elements serve as inspiration in all BEAM design.
For these two projects, we'll use what's known as a "solar engine" (Type 1 "FLED" variety), some store bought and scavenged electronics, and laser-cut and gold-leafed wheels to build some stylin' little Solar Chariots. Let the build begin! -
19
3:43
Weekend Projects - 10-Rail Model Rocket Mega-Launcher
by MAKE 48,925 views
Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/10-Rail-Model-Rocket-Mega-La
uncher/243/1
Nothing is more exciting to model rocket enthusiasts than a multi-rail launcher that can blast several rockets off at the same time. For rocket clubs and events, it's almost essential to keep things moving at an exciting pace with these types of launch systems. This 10-pad mega-launcher was developed for Cub Scout Pack 1346's rocket derby. And now you can build it too.
This system gives kids (of all ages) the fun of pressing their own launch buttons, and for added drama, sounds a klaxon before each launch. For the finale, a "Mega Launch" switch shoots off all 10 rockets at once.
To minimize the chance of an unfired rocket left on the pad, the launcher also has always-on igniter continuity checks, using LEDs to show which igniters are ready. Blocking diodes allow dual-use of the wire harness — for continuity check and launch voltage — thus halving the number of wires to the launch bar.
To show kids and adults that the launcher isn't actually as complicated as you might think, the workings of the system can easily be seen behind clear plastic. -
20
4:28
Weekend Projects - Game Show Buttons
by MAKE 54,591 views
Complete instructions for this Weekend Project can be found at http://makeprojects.com/Project/Game-Show-Buttons/1916.
In this project, taken from Charles Platt's book Make: Electronics, we're going to breadboard a fairly complex circuit using 555 timers and an "OR" logic gate.
Using these and some other, common components, we'll create game show buttons. When one button is pressed, it automatically locks out the other one until the quizmaster flips a reset switch.
An "OR gate" is one of several types of basic logic gates. The logic of ORs are, as the name suggests, if input A or B is true (on), output X is true (on); thus, in this design, if either player presses their button, the circuit will go true (on), locking out the other push button, and can only be reset via the toggle switch. This circuit is ideal for two-person quiz contests!
"I'll take 'Cool Projects' for 100, Alex!"
