Technology

New in the Maker Shed: ProtoSnap Pro Mini

New in the Maker Shed: ProtoSnap Pro Mini

The ProtoSnap, from the Maker Shed, is an Arduino compatible development platform for teaching the basics of Arduino programming efficiently. It requires no assembly, wiring, or soldering, so you can jump right into programming. Control LEDs, buzzers, light sensors, and more. There’s even a small prototyping space so you can add your own circuits. Once you have a firm grasp of the programming, you can snap off the individual components of the ProtoSnap for use in future projects.

CNC Drawing Machine

CNC Drawing Machine

Aaron Panone of Cambridge, MA, created a CNC art machine equipped with a cool Sharpie-holding jig that keeps the pen in contact with the paper. The process of creating a “drawing” using a numerically controlled Sharpie is documented in a short video. Vector graphics are converted into a tool path and then a machine language […]

GRBLShield CNC Mill Conversion

GRBLShield CNC Mill Conversion

Bay Area maker John Knoll (of ILM and PhotoShop fame) just finished converting his old manual milling machine to CNC with a GRBLshield and took the time to thoroughly document the process. If you’ve ever thought about attempting this conversion, you won’t want to miss this informative overview. In it John runs through the entire process from start to finish, beginning with converting a model using a Python script, sending G-code to the board using a Processing sketch, and ending with cutting the part.

LED Party Scroller

LED Party Scroller

Brian, aka Plasma2002 of San Francisco build this LED scroller that displays messages SMSed to a Google Voice number. I’ve always loved the idea of sending messages to the big screens you usually find at concerts and other large events. I figured it could be scaled down, while still being just as entertaining. It may […]