Just like the garage computer explosion of the 70’s through the 80’s, which brought us such things as Apple, pong, Bill Gate’s hair, and the proliferation of personal computers, the maker movement is the new garage hardware explosion. Today, 135 million adults in the United States alone are involved in the maker movement.
Enthusiasts who want to build the products they want, from shortwave radios to personal computers, and to tweak products they’ve bought to make them even better, have long been a part of the electronics industry. By all measures, garage-style innovation remains alive and well today, as “makers” as they are called continue to turn out contemporary gadgets, including 3D printers, drones, and embedded electronics devices.
Making is about individual Do-It-Yourselfers being able to design and create with tools that were, as of a decade or two ago, only available to large, cash-rich corporations: CAD tools, CNC mills, 3D printers, low-quantity PCB manufacturing, open hardware such as Arduinos and similar inexpensive development boards – all items that have made it easier and relatively cheap to make whatever we imagine. For individuals, maker tools can change how someone views their home or their hobbies. The world is ours to make. Humans are genetically wired to be makers. The maker movement is simply the result of making powerful building and communication tools accessible to the masses. There are plenty of projects from makers that show good engineering: Take this Arduino board with tremendous potential, developed by a young maker, as example.
The maker movement is a catalyst to democratize entrepreneurship as these do-it-yourself electronics are proving to be hot sellers: In the past year, unit sales for 3D printing related products; Arduino units, parts and supplies; Raspberry Pi boards; drones and quadcopters; and robotics goods are all on a growth curve in terms of eBay sales. There are many Kickstarter maker projects going on. The Pebble E-Paper Watch raises $10 million. The LIFX smartphone-controlled LED bulb raises $1.3 million. What do these products have in common? They both secured funding through Kickstarter, a crowd-funding website that is changing the game for entrepreneurs. Both products were created by makers who seek to commercialize their inventions. These “startup makers” iterate on prototypes with high-end tools at professional makerspaces.
For companies to remain competitive, they need to embrace the maker movement or leave themselves open for disruption. Researchers found that 96 percent of business leaders believe new technologies have forever changed the rules of business by democratizing information and rewiring customer expectations. - You’ve got to figure out agile innovation. Maybe history is repeating itself as the types of products being sold reminded us of the computer tinkering that used to be happening in the 1970s to 1990s – similar in terms of demographics, tending to be young people, and low budget. Now the do-it-yourself category is deeply intertwined with the electronics industry. Open hardware is in the center in maker movement – we need open hardware designs! How can you publish your designs and still do business with it? Open source ecosystem markets behave differently and therefore require a very different playbook than traditional tech company: the differentiation is not in the technology you build; it is in the process and expertise that you slowly amass over an extended period of time.
By democratizing the product development process, helping these developments get to market, and transforming the way we educate the next generation of innovators, we will usher in the next industrial revolution. The world is ours to make. Earlier the PC created a new generation of software developers who could innovate in the digital world without the limitations of the physical world (virtually no marginal cost, software has become the great equalizer for innovation. Now advances in 3D printing and low-cost microcontrollers as well as the ubiquity of advanced sensors are enabling makers to bridge software with the physical world. Furthermore, the proliferation of wireless connectivity and cloud computing is helping makers contribute to the Internet of Things (IoT). We’re even beginning to see maker designs and devices entering those markets once thought to be off-limits, like medical.
Image source: The world is ours to make: The impact of the maker movement – EDN Magazine
In fact, many parents have engaged in the maker movement with their kids because they know that the education system is not adequately preparing their children for the 21st century. There is a strong movement to spread this DIY idea widely. The Maker Faire, which launched in the Bay Area in California in 2006, underlined the popularity of the movement by drawing a record 215,000 people combined in the Bay Area and New York events in 2014. There’s Maker Media, MakerCon, MakerShed, Make: magazine and 131 Maker Faire events that take place throughout the world. Now the founders of all these Makers want a way to connect what they refer to as the “maker movement” online. So Maker Media created a social network called MakerSpace, a Facebook-like social network that connects participants of Maker Faire in one online community. The new site will allow participants of the event to display their work online. There are many other similar sites that allow yout to present yout work fron Hackaday to your own blog. Today, 135 million adults in the United States alone are involved in the maker movement—although makers can be found everywhere in the world.
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Tomi Engdahl says:
Better Air Quality Sensing With CO2
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/21/better-air-quality-sensing-with-co2/
Measuring air quality, as anyone who has tried to tackle this problem can attest, is not as straightforward as it might seem. Even once the nebulous term “quality” is defined, most sensors use something as a proxy for overall air health. One common method is to use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as this proxy but as [Larry Bank] found out, using these inside a home with a functional kitchen leads to a lot of inaccurate readings. In the search for a more reliable sensor, he built this project which uses CO2 to help gauge air quality.
https://bitbanksoftware.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-co2-project.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Reverse Engineering “The Seven Words (and More) You Can’t Say On TV”
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/21/reverse-engineering-the-seven-words-and-more-you-cant-say-on-tv/
For as visionary as he was, [George Carlin] vastly underestimated the situation with his classic “Seven Words You Can’t Say on TV” bit. At least judging by [Ben Eater]’s reverse engineering of the “TVGuardian Foul Language Filter” device, it seems like the actual number is at least 20 times that.
Hacking a weird TV censoring device
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6EWIh2D1NQ
Tomi Engdahl says:
Making A Do-It-Yourself Sand Battery
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/21/making-a-do-it-yourself-sand-battery/
Storing energy can be done in many ways, with the chemical storage method of a battery being one of the most common. Another option is a thermal battery, which basically means making something hot, and later extracting that heat again. In this video by [Robert Murray-Smith] the basic concept of a thermal battery that uses sand is demonstrated.
By running a current through a resistive wire that’s been buried inside a container with sand, the sand is heated up to about 200 °C. As [Robert] points out, the maximum temperature of the sand can be a 1000 °C or more. Because sand doesn’t boil like water, the total amount of energy stored in sand is correspondingly higher.
1752 A DIY Sand Battery – The Theory, Practice And Use
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icai6OOIh2M
Tomi Engdahl says:
Move Aside Planar, I’m Slicing My Cone Way
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/21/move-aside-planar-im-slicing-my-cone-way/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.edn.com/automated-stair-lighting-project/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Compact Joey Robots, with 3D-Printed “Wheel-Legs,” Navigate Tight Pipes for Mapping and Maintenance
Built around an STM32 and with an optional ESP32-CAM module for vision, Joey is a self-reliant pipe-crawler with style.
https://www.hackster.io/news/compact-joey-robots-with-3d-printed-wheel-legs-navigate-tight-pipes-for-mapping-and-maintenance-bc2742301410
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.hackster.io/news/rc-car-racing-over-the-internet-dba2d42c63e2
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://craft.centric.eu/blog/net/lets-get-on-board-how-to-make-a-one-button-usb-keyboard/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Trash Can Robot Clacks Around the House
Clack embraces inconsistency and imperfection to create seemingly random movements.
https://www.hackster.io/news/trash-can-robot-clacks-around-the-house-ed89b288516a
Tomi Engdahl says:
Löytyykö sinun omakotitalostasi tämä mittari? Voisi auttaa välttämään sähkökatkoja – sähkölaskukin pienenisi automaattisesti https://www.is.fi/taloussanomat/art-2000009212200.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/22/local-iot-cat-treat-dispenser/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/23/hardware-store-chemicals-transform-sheets-into-waterproof-tarps/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_R0gEDZhAI
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/23/how-to-build-your-own-analog-phone-network/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/23/tidy-pov-display-using-the-esp32/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/24/racing-cars-on-a-pcb/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/24/electroplated-3d-printed-sword-shiny/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/24/homebrew-led-bulbs-keep-your-circadian-rhythms-steady/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/25/unlocking-a-locked-down-inverter/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/25/are-slabtops-the-future-of-computing/
The most popular computer ever was the Commodore 64 with its computer-in-a-keyboard form factor. If you have a longing for a keyboard computer with more modern internals, one of the easiest solutions today is to pull the screen off a laptop.
https://www.theverge.com/22965732/macbook-decapitation-slabtop-mod-mac-studio-event-rumor-keyboard-computer-diy
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/26/leds-put-new-spin-on-a-sonic-the-hedgehog-costume/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/26/tesla-coil-makes-sodium-plasma/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/26/turn-your-furniture-into-a-light-show-with-hyelicht/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/26/blackout-logger-keeps-track-of-power-outages/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/27/a-practical-discrete-386/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/27/i-need-a-hackation/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/27/come-learn-about-new-attiny-generations/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/28/i-see-by-your-tattoo-that-you-are-a-hacker/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/28/carving-terrain-maps-into-plywood-with-software-help/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Desktop-Sized Fully Automatic Loom Is An Electromechanical Marvel
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/28/desktop-sized-fully-automatic-loom-is-an-electromechanical-marvel/
Weaving is one of the oldest crafts in the world, and was also among the first to be automated: the Industrial Revolution was in large part driven by developments in loom technology. [Roger de Meester] decided to recreate that part of the industry’s history, in a way, by building his own desktop-sized, fully automatic loom. After a long career in the textiles industry he’s quite the expert when it comes to weaving, and as you’ll see he’s also an expert machine builder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBUR466rVQs
Tomi Engdahl says:
When Pi Supply Falls Short, Thin Clients Stand Tall For Home Automation And Low Power Computing
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/25/when-pi-supply-falls-short-thin-clients-stand-tall-for-home-automation-and-low-power-computing/
Do you need a cheap, small computer for a low power computing project? Historically, many of us would reach straight for a Raspberry Pi, even if we didn’t absolutely need the GPIO. But with prices elevated and supplies in the dumps, [Andreas Spiess] decided that it was time to look for alternatives to now-expensive Pi’s which you can see in the video below the break.
Many simply use the Pi for its software ecosystem, its lower power requirements, and diminutive size. [Andreas] has searched eBay, looking for thin PC clients that can be had for as little as $10-15. A few slightly more expensive units were also chosen, and in the video some comparisons are made. How do these thin clients compare to a Pi for power consumption, computing power, and cost? The results may surprise you!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Pie Stop For Emergency DNS Needs
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/24/pie-stop-for-emergency-dns-needs/
Tomi Engdahl says:
I’ve Got Two Turntables And A Laser Engraver
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/27/ive-got-two-turntables-and-a-laser-engraver/
Digital media provides us with a lot of advantages. For something like recording and playing back music, digital copies don’t degrade, they can have arbitrarily high quality, and they can be played in a number of different ways including through digital streaming services. That being said, a number of people don’t feel like the digital experience is as faithful to the original sound as it could be and opt for analog methods instead. Creating analog copies of music is a much tougher matter though, as [Marco] demonstrates by using a laser engraver to produce vinyl records.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nazpxrtvpoM
Tomi Engdahl says:
REFILLING OF PILOT V-SIGN PEN UNDER ONE MINUTE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypuCaXu_25w
Fastest way to refill a Pilot V-sign pen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XojB-G-zkgE
Tomi Engdahl says:
Horizontal Directional Drilling / Boring (HDD): How the Drill Bit is Steered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl8BBoCV7gU
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/30/making-3d-print-time-lapses-with-old-earphones-and-a-few-spare-parts/
To create the DIY remote shutter button, [NirL] used a spare limit switch, resistor, and cannibalized an old set of earbuds for the cable and 4-conductor 3.5 mm audio plug. Most phones and camera apps trigger the shutter when they receive a Vol+ signal through the audio plug, which is done by connecting MIC and GND through a 240 Ohm resistor.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Acrylic Light Puzzle Has A Point
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/30/acrylic-light-puzzle-has-a-point/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/29/tiny-3d-printed-ho-scale-escalator-that-works/
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIY Self-Assembling 4D Printing
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/29/diy-self-assembling-4d-printing/
A 4D printed object is like a 3D printed object, but it changes shape or self-assembles when its environment changes. [Teaching Tech] has been reading about this technology and decided to try to replicate it using his conventional 3D printer.
4D Printing at home – Self assembling magic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNZ2mqYNLYI
Tomi Engdahl says:
Weird Energy Storage Solutions Could Help The Grid Go Renewable
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/29/weird-energy-storage-solutions-could-help-the-grid-go-renewable/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/29/this-electric-outboard-conversion-makes-for-a-quiet-day-on-the-water/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Interfacing An Old Engine Cowl Flaps Indicator To USB
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/29/interfacing-an-old-engine-cowl-flaps-indicator-to-usb/
[Glen Akins] had a WW2-era aircraft engine cowl flap indicator lying around (as you do) and thought it would make a jolly fine USB-attached indicator. The model in question is a General Electric model 8DJ4PBV DC Selsyn, which was intended for four-engined aircraft. For those not familiar with the purpose [Glen] explains in his detailed writeup, that piston-engine aircraft of that era were air-cooled, and during conditions of maximum engine power — such as during take-off — flaps on the side of the engine cowling could be opened to admit additional cooling airflow. These indicator dials were connected to a sender unit on each of the flap actuators, providing the pilots an indication of the flaps’ positions.
https://bikerglen.com/blog/ww2-engine-cowl-flaps-indicator/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/30/cardboard-game-tokens-become-shiny-click-clacks-with-diy-treatment/
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2974746/deluxifying-your-cardboard-tokens-covering-them-re
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/11/30/building-your-own-consensus/
Tomi Engdahl says:
In-Car Social Media Detox (Blocker)
https://hackaday.io/project/188262-in-car-social-media-detox-blocker
Block access to social media when you start your car, with social media restored once your journey has ended.
Tomi Engdahl says:
IBM PCjr + GPT-3
https://hackaday.io/project/188388-ibm-pcjr-gpt-3
Ask the world’s smartest IBM PCjr anything and it will answer using the GPT-3 deep learning language model.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/12/01/simple-atx-bench-power-supply-adds-variable-output/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Using I²C Sensors With Any Linux Via USB And IIO
https://hackaday.com/2022/12/01/using-i%c2%b2c-sensors-with-any-linux-via-usb-and-iio/
Hooking up I2C sensors is something which is generally associated with microcontrollers and SBCs, yet it’s very easy to use such I2C sensors from basically any system that runs Linux. After all, I2C (that is, SMBus) is one of the interfaces that is highly likely to be used on your PC’s mainboard as well as peripherals. This means that running our own devices like the well-known BME280 temperature, pressure and humidity sensor, or Si1145 light sensor should be a piece of cake.
In a blog post from a few years ago, [Peter Molnar] explains in detail how to wire up a physical adapter to add a USB-connected I2C interface to a system. At its core is the ATtiny85 AVR-based MCU, which provides a built-in USB interface, running the I2C-Tiny-USB firmware.
Using I²C sensors on a linux via a USB and IIO
A short story of getting a tiny, cheap USB I²C adapter for a home server, learning about the Industrial I/O linux subsystem, and connecting it to collectd.
https://petermolnar.net/article/linux-i2c-iio-collectd/
https://github.com/harbaum/I2C-Tiny-USB/tree/master/digispark
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2022/12/01/ply-your-craft-with-tubular-origami/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://blog.arduino.cc/2022/11/25/why-using-3d-printing-in-your-smart-home-is-so-useful/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Chris Hill’s “Third Ear” Wearable Lets Your Hear — or See — in Ultrasonic Frequencies
Based on a “bat detector” kit, this unusual wearable gives you super-powered hearing — using a 3D-printed literal third ear.
https://www.hackster.io/news/chris-hill-s-third-ear-wearable-lets-your-hear-or-see-in-ultrasonic-frequencies-ad41ce9ca53e