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.
7,114 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
It’s the Badge That Made the Kessel Run in Less Than Twelve Parsecs!
A cool conference badge that pays tribute to the Millennium Falcon.
https://www.hackster.io/news/it-s-the-badge-that-made-the-kessel-run-in-less-than-twelve-parsecs-981df6debd99
Tomi Engdahl says:
Low-Cost Machine Sorts Resistors at a High Speed
This DIY device funnels resistors into an automatic voltage divider setup.
https://www.hackster.io/news/low-cost-machine-sorts-resistors-at-a-high-speed-0f63e695dee6
Tomi Engdahl says:
Compatible with any 40-pin Pi, or other SBC with Pi-style GPIO pinout, the new HAT offers support for third-party mPCIe cellular modems.
Lynx Embedded’s Pi.Lynx.LTE HAT Brings mPCIe Cellular to Any Raspberry Pi or Compatible SBC
https://www.hackster.io/news/lynx-embedded-s-pi-lynx-lte-hat-brings-mpcie-cellular-to-any-raspberry-pi-or-compatible-sbc-c9afea0ef1bb
Compatible with any 40-pin Pi, or other SBC with Pi-style GPIO pinout, the new HAT offers support for third-party mPCIe cellular modems.
Lynx Embedded has released the design files for the Pi.Lynx.LTE on GitHub, with the board itself available to buy on the company’s Tindie store for $49.90 per unit
https://github.com/LynxEmbedded/pi.Lynx.LTE
Tomi Engdahl says:
A modern take on a classic children’s toy, it’s the Wireless Tin Can Telephone!
project video, Building the World’s First Wireless Tin Can Telephone. It’s a very silly, very nerdy, and definitely educational video, so I hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/E-2zu7KqG40
Along with the video, there is also a full written instructions on how to make your very own! Those can be found here:
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Wireless-Tin-Can-Telephone-Arduino-W/
Tomi Engdahl says:
YouTuber Greatscott converted a security camera into his own night vision device with a small screen and custom PCB
DIY Night Vision Goggles by GreatScott!
https://www.hackster.io/news/diy-night-vision-goggles-by-greatscott-2c6202316474
The YouTuber converted a security camera into his own night vision system with a small screen and custom PCB.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Jubilee Is an Open Source Motion Platform That Allows for Multi-Tool Fabrication
The machine features automatic tool-changing and interchangeable bed plates
https://www.hackster.io/news/jubilee-is-an-open-source-motion-platform-that-allows-for-multi-tool-fabrication-213881ee3ce1
Jubilee is a new, open source motion platform that both enables the creation of multi-tool applications and removes the requirement for prior mechanical design experience necessitated by custom modifications by presenting a completed machine design that is easily extended. This allows for many novel applications that would require the repeated, sequential exchange of multiple tools, such as, in biology, the control of multiple syringes for deposition and then a microscope directed to image results.
Jubilee is intended to be assembled, and so is comprised of parts that are laser-cut, 3D-printed, or available for purchase as stock. The primary hardware components are the motion platform, which includes a region for parking tools and a work envelope of 300 x 300 x 200mm.
The Jubilee model produced to demonstrate use cases is readily equipped with 3D printer extrusion tools, liquid handling syringe tools, pen tools, and a microscope tool. All of these were existing tools used to demonstrate the platform’s ability to produce novel results through the automatic, sequential exchange of these tools.
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3313831.3376425
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://circuits-diy.com/infrared-ir-remote-control-relay-module-using-tsop1738-cd4017/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/05/31/digitize-an-analogue-oscilloscope/
Tomi Engdahl says:
A 3D-printed frame packs as many sensors and features as possible, from eye tracking to control games to UV-responsive lenses.
3D-Printed, Customizable “E-Glasses” Can Monitor Your Brain and Eyes While Protecting Your Vision
https://www.hackster.io/news/3d-printed-customizable-e-glasses-can-monitor-your-brain-and-eyes-while-protecting-your-vision-73b67d2520e8
A 3D-printed frame packs as many sensors and features as possible, from eye tracking to control games to UV-responsive lenses.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Touch Light Bulb Circuit
WARNING:
This video is for demonstration and education purpose only.
Each demonstration presents risk and hazards
that must be fully understood before attempting.
https://youtu.be/mSLuJYtl89Y
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Simple Square(?) Wave Electronic Music PCB
Bert Jerred built a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit designed to Eurorack specs.
https://www.hackster.io/news/a-simple-square-wave-electronic-music-pcb-852f50bf0c0b
fnaf says:
The knowledge you share really changes me in my life, I sincerely thank you for what you have done, surely your blog will help more people.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Here are some links on Electromagnetic #Levvvitation: lets have some fun in these times..click on the link below..
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/magnetic-levitation/all?fbclid=IwAR3kMlf_1ipg_7AF8yMEKI9qe225G8cNAcWKkxwqqBaMH8n-ZCXLnLBz0XY#building-the-control-circuit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72WDH7B7_I4
Tomi Engdahl says:
Open Source PnP Project Can Place and Solder with a $450 BOM Cost
Stephen Hawes’ Index machine features support for up to 32 feeders.
https://www.hackster.io/news/open-source-pnp-project-can-place-and-solder-with-a-450-bom-cost-3ce1e0201f19
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dremel Workstation’s New Job: Applying Threaded Inserts With Cheap Soldering Iron
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/10/dremel-workstations-new-job-applying-threaded-inserts-with-cheap-soldering-iron/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Solder To Aluminum
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/11/solder-to-aluminum/
If you’ve ever tried to solder to aluminum, you know it isn’t easy without some kind of special technique. [SimpleTronic] recently showed a method that chemically plates copper onto aluminum and allows you to solder easily. We aren’t chemists, so we aren’t sure if this is the best way or not, but the chemicals include salt, copper sulfate (found in pool stores), ferric chloride as you’d use for etching PCBs, and water.
Once you have bare aluminum, you prepare a solution from the copper sulfate and just a little bit of ferric chloride. Using salt with that solution apparently removes oxidation from the aluminum. Then using the same solution without the salt puts a copper coating on the metal that you can use for soldering.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Solder-Electronic-Components-on-Aluminum/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/11/a-robotic-golf-club-to-possibly-boost-your-game/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/11/dexter-the-companion-bot-wants-to-give-you-five/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/11/retrotechtacular-wire-splicing-the-army-way/
Tomi Engdahl says:
If you have a need for custom toroidal coils, you’ll almost certainly want an automated machine like this.
A DIY Toroidal Coil Winding Machine Built with an Arduino
https://www.hackster.io/news/a-diy-toroidal-coil-winding-machine-built-with-an-arduino-fb63a12306ff
If you have a need for custom toroidal coils, you’ll almost certainly want an automated machine like this.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=46rbpPwqelY&feature=youtu.be
Tomi Engdahl says:
There’s little doubt that Lego played a huge part in the development of many engineers, and many of us never really put them away for good. We still pull them out occasionally, for fun or even for work, especially the Technic parts, which make a great prototyping system. But what if you need a Technic piece that you don’t have, or one that never existed in the first place? Easy — design and print your own custom Technic pieces. Lego Part Designer is a web app that breaks Technic parts down into five possible blocks, and lets you combine them as you see fit. We doubt that most FDM printers can deal with the fine tolerances needed for that satisfying Lego fit, but good enough might be all you need to get a design working.
https://marian42.de/article/partdesigner/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/16/compile-a-hydroponics-system-from-source/
Tomi Engdahl says:
3D-Printed Bipedal Robot Takes Its First Steps
https://www.hackster.io/news/3d-printed-bipedal-robot-takes-its-first-steps-c06ec55d5c72
Get a leg up on your next walking robot design with this six-servo, Arduino-powered platform.
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.wattnotions.com/spooky-alexa-mask-documentation/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Bikelangelo-the-Graffiti-Maker-Bike/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/06/19/plantm-if-you-gotm-and-keepm-alive/
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to make copper transformer? rewinding copper transformer, electronics
https://electronicshelpcare.com/how-to-make-copper-transformer-rewinding-copper-transformer-electronics/
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to repair 12v DC Motor|775 Dc Motor Repairing ||Dc motor not working Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJOR6iBE16k
In this video we Repairing A 12 volt or 24 volt DC 775 Motor.And you will be able to Repair all kind of Motors
Tomi Engdahl says:
Fit a Digital Camera to an Analog Oscilloscope for DSO Functions
Joseph Eoff added some of the functionality of a digital storage oscilloscope to his Telequipment D43 cathode ray oscilloscope.
https://www.hackster.io/news/fit-a-digital-camera-to-an-analog-oscilloscope-for-dso-functions-45bbe71bf342
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/07/pcb-mill-turns-out-stylish-necklace/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/07/simon-says-but-with-servos/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/08/industrial-robot-given-new-life-and-controller/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/08/what-day-is-it/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Greg’s Harp
https://hackaday.io/project/170736-gregs-harp
A three stringed robot with motorised frets
Tomi Engdahl says:
PRBS-driven sound and light sculpture
https://hackaday.io/project/170750-prbs-driven-sound-and-light-sculpture
An attempt at creating random patterns through sound and light using PRBS
Tomi Engdahl says:
Multimeter +
https://hackaday.io/project/9395-multimeter
Dual input 24 bit Multimeter with USB interface, single channel 10 bit USB oscilloscope, PWM out, 2 Ch Data-logger, R, C, Digital sniffer.
Tomi Engdahl says:
From The MacGyver Files: Using A Stepper Motor As An Encoder
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/08/from-the-macgyver-files-using-a-stepper-motor-as-an-encoder/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Plasma Cutter + Sharpie Is Surprisingly Useful
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/10/plasma-cutter-sharpie-is-surprisingly-useful/
What we want is a Star Trek-style replicator. What we have are a bunch of different machines that can spew out various 2D and 3D shapes. For the foreseeable future, you’ll still need to post-process most of what you build in some way. [Stuff Made Here] had a challenge. He often uses his plasma cutter to create complex sheet metal items. But the cutter is two dimensional so the piece doesn’t look right until you bend it at just the right places. If you are doing a simple box, it is easy to figure out, but getting just the right spot on a complex bend can be a challenge. His answer? Attach a marker to the gantry so the machine can draw the lines right on the sheet metal.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/10/3d-printing-fishing-lure-molds/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Accessible Controller Plays Around With Modularity
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/10/accessible-controller-plays-around-with-modularity/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/12/stitching-up-custom-belts/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/17/rgb-kitchen-uses-pots-to-stir-up-color/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/17/model-rocket-launcher-is-so-serious-it-has-a-briefcase/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/24/build-the-baddest-keypad-on-the-block-with-lego/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/29/using-valgrind-to-track-down-known-and-unknown-bugs-in-your-code/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/28/modular-mouse-packs-features/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/04/28/greatest-keycaps-and-where-to-find-them/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/05/06/neat-open-source-pinhole-camera-design-can-be-mostly-3d-printed/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/05/06/inputs-of-interest-im-building-an-ergodox/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/05/05/lego-microscope-does-research/