DIY Projects

Speed controller circuit for radio controlled boats…

Speed controller circuit for radio controlled boats…

Modelboat“This application note describes a circuit designed to control the speed of a dc motor used in radio-controlled boats. The electronic speed controller (ESC) is a “no-brake, forward-only” controller. I wanted to keep the part count low and the circuit simple so a couple features were sacrificed. The circuit does not have: over-current protection, over-temp protection, polarity protection, or over/under voltage protection. All the parts can be obtained from digikey distributors. The circuit was designed with a popular 12-cell model boat motor in mind (graupner speed 700). This project was my first attempt at using Bascom-avr and Atmel microcontrollers. ” Thanks JasonR! Link.

DIY Traffic calming…

DIY Traffic calming…

RoadwitchesInteresting tactic, people were driving too fast in a neighborhood, so the neighborhood built “roadwitches” – “These type of “DIY traffic-calming happenings” are described by their creator as “roadwitches” and have included an 11-feet high rabbit, a big bed (for a sleeping policeman), a Casualty-style fake crash scene for Halloween and the setting up of a living room in the middle of the road.” Link.

DIY Jerry Can Shoulder Bags

DIY Jerry Can Shoulder Bags

77859880 A017Fd270F ORick writes “After reading a post in MakeZine about Kanita shoulder bags, I was inspired to make three shoulder bags from 4.7 liter jerry cans for Christmas presents this year. The Kanita bags sell for a whopping $128.89, which works out to CDN$123 or US$105!! Granted if I took my labour into account, I would have to charge about that much too. But, as a DIY project, it works out to less than CDN$10 to make each of these.” Link.

Use PNGs to make real 3D parts out of metal and plastic…

Use PNGs to make real 3D parts out of metal and plastic…

Bluesaw-MedWow, now you can upload a PNG image and have a part cut and sent to you, made from metal or plastic, no need to use CAD software. Simon writes“I’ve just added support for PNG images. I’m really proud of this new feature, as it will allow even people who don’t know how to use CAD software to start creating with Big Blue Saw. There are still a couple of quirks to work out over the next few weeks, and the help files will need to be updated, but this feature was much needed.” Link.