Technology
CNET has a video of the Disassembly / modification of Kraft GamePad
Some folks have received their Kraft game pad and started taking it apart – check out what some of our Makers are up to…“I’ve received my Kraft GamePad and despite not being “officially supported”, it works fine under OS X. Unfortunately, the Up-Down-Left-Right buttons map to a hatswitch, which means pressing [Left][Right] simultaneously doesn’t register properly. Is it this way under Windows, too? Anyway, the joystick reports having four unused buttons (6-10) and I’m already receiving requests from my family to “fix it or something.” Anyone taken a square-tip driver to the hard plastic box at the top of the unit and see what’s underneath? I’m looking for any tips before popping the case.” Link.
Stereo Encoder / Multiplexer
Spotted this on DIYlive…“This stereo encoder is the perfect solution for those looking for a high quality stereo sound transmission at a low cost. This stereo encoder produces an excellent crystal clear stereo sound and very good channel separation that can match with many more expensive stereo encoders that are available on the market. It is all possible thanks to a 38KHz quartz crystal that controls the 19kHz pilot tone, so you will never have to calibrate or re-adjust the circuit.” [via] Link.
Pixelcam Mod for Baseband Video Output
Shawn writes “Here’s how to modify Fisher-Price Pixelcam (Pixelvision) camera to output audio/video via RCA cables for direct hook-up to TV/VCR/DV camera, rather than have to use crappy tape-drive in camera with RF output. Good instructions. Only thing missing is a pict of where to connect power cables.” Image – Link.
Air Cooled Mouse Pad
Tom sent in this fun how to from Jared and Dan “The idea for this project evolved out of necessity. Dan and I are both avid gamers. After a few hours of gaming with our normal high-end mouse pads you get a build up of sweat. The mouse and mouse pad becomes slippery and you start to loose your competitive advantage due to the loss of precision. While there are a couple mice on the market that have small fans in them to dry out your palm, they all have major failings in precision and accuracy. So after some thought and discussion we chose to build out our own custom mouse pad with a blower in it to suck the air down through the pad and away from the gamer’s hand. The result is astonishing!” Link.
Courier Bag LED Light
It’s LED day today it seems – “Want to make a neat courier bag light? This light goes through the straps on a timbuk 2 bag and blinks in really cool patterns using a BS2. You’ll need: 16 x 470 ohm Resistors, 16 x LEDs 24 Pin IC Socket on/off switch, 9v Battery 9v Battery connector, 9 x Molex KK Connectors, 18″ 3/4″ Flat webbing, Breadboard, Wire… oh you’ll need some wire.” Link.
DIY Ring Light from Christmas LEDs
John writes “Did you run out and buy a big old string of white LED Christmas lights because you just knew that they were of the sweetest hackability? I know I did, and I’m going to build one of these right lights and keep it with my camera gear. You never know when your going to need a bit of fill light when doing a closeup, shooting a macro image, or just need somthing to make retroreflective things come alive.” Link.
