Pocket spectrum analyzer from $16 toy
Check out this repurposed IM-Me instant messaging toy turned pocket spectrum analyzer from embedded hacker Michael Ossmann. What’s more, he’s included source.
Computers & Mobile
The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for digital gadgetry, open code, smart hacks, and more. Processing power to the people!
Stainless steel sharpie iPad stylus
Folks looking for a good looking stylus for their tablet/smartphone will love this variation on the standard capacitive touch stylus. Designer and mobile UX pro Craig Villamor whipped together this handsome stainless steel sharpie mod by gutting the refill housing with a drill bit and cramming a Pogo Sketch stylus in the remaining cavity. Conceivably one could forego the additional stylus and just use some conductive foam.
Entire James Burke Connections series streaming free
If I were going to be a super hero, it would be hard to choose between Carl Sagan Man and James Burke Man. I love this show, and now I can watch it to my heart’s content, for free. All three Connections series are available, as well as The Day The Universe Changed. [via adafruit]
Total system failure completely annihilates power substation
A reader saw yesterday’s 500 kV interrupter arc video and pointed us to this amazing 1993 video footage of Miami’s Ives Dairy power substation failing in absolutely spectacular fashion. Unlike a lot of YouTube “disaster” footage, this clip from user gobo760 is extremely well annotated:
New in the Maker Shed: DSO Nano V2.0
The new DSO Nano v2.0 from the Maker Shed is a digital storage oscilloscope designed for basic electronic engineering tasks. The Nano features an ARM Cortexâ„¢ M3 32 bit platform, which provides basic waveform monitoring. It has a 320*240 color LCD, micro SD card storage, portable probes, LiPo Battery, USB connection, and signal generator. Perfect […]
Physical email with Tableau
John Kestner made Tableau, a piece currently on display at the Saint Étienne International Design Biennale: Remember when we made a connection by handing someone a photo? As our social circle spreads across a wider geographic area, we look for ways to share experiences. Technology has reconnected us to some extent, but we fiddle with […]
Cell phone wide angle and fish eye lenses
Get your wide angle on with these lenses from Photojojo designed to be held up to your cell phone’s camera. [via Core77]
