A different kind of “third hand”
A pic from a 1948 issue of Popular Mechanics of a “spring-arm” hands-free calling device. Flexible steel arm for hands-free calling, 1948 – [via] Link
Retro
Make Your Own Vacuum Tubes?
Check out this absolutely mesmerizing (17 minute!) video of a French amateur radio operator who rolls his own vacuum tube triodes! I love the ease with which he performs these rather high-end skills (like glass forming), the gestural flourishes (like it’s hand magic), and the Zelig-esque soundtrack. Les lampes radio – [Thanks, Bruce!] Link
Portable neon sign
Protesters! This is what you need to get your message across! A portable neon sign – Might need a 6V lantern cell or 2 (or just EL wire) – Link.
Home-built wood-gas rig
Nifty video of a home-built “stratified downdraft gasifier,” a.k.a. a wood-gas generator. Wood gasification was an important 19th century fuel technology, but was finally displaced by petroleum-based gas. Wood gas made something of a comeback during WWII, borne of necessity. It may come back again, after the apocalypse, when we need to try and outrun […]
Tube amp rebuild
I love old tube guitar amps. I wish I’d never gotten ride of mine. Here’s a rebuild and mod of 1961 Kay 503A instrument amp. Tube Amp Rebuild (and Mod) – Link
Homemade Ms Pacman cocktail cabinet
Christian sent in his homemade Ms Pacman cocktail cabinet, check out the 10 pages of build photos! – Link.
Soviet TV PC mod
Bidding is over, but check out this PC mod – it’s a TV receiver REKORD (Alexander Radio Factory 1961 – “a victory for soviet union – 12 channels, 16 lamps unseen image quality for the working class folks”) – Link.
