Category Archives: DIY

The Amazing Pen Plotter

Posted on November 23, 2009 | 1 Comment

Some people love to involve themselves in art. If you’re one of them, then this Motori plotter might be the excellent choice for you!

By the way, for those who didn’t know what plotter is, it actually a vector graphics printing device that being used to print graphical plots and connect to a computer.

Basically, there are two main types of main plotters, which as:

  1. The pen plotters, and

  2. Electrostatic plotters.

Technically, pen plotters print by moving a pen across the surface of a piece of paper. All the plotters are restricted to line art, rather than raster graphics. Normally, pen plotters can draw complex line art, but it’s very slow due to the mechanical movement of the pens.

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Believe it or not, a pen holder is able to hold a knife and turns into a cutting plotter to cut out signs and labels. Plus, it could also become a laser plotter and engrave pictures or patterns on things without any hassle.

The Motori Plotter uses motors salvaged from unused equipment and those are bipolar steppers with very large step angles.

Hopefully, you’ll try this Motori Plotter and do some magnificent artworks with it.

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The Tiny Pocket Drunken Robot

Posted on August 25, 2009 | Leave a comment

When you’re watching the robots walking and moving in the robot exhibition, what’s your reaction on it? Isn’t you feels like it’s simply amazing and you’re wished to build one as well?

Your wish is granted, as we’ll develop the Pocket Drunken Robot today! Ok, for the very first sight, it looks like a little bit malfunctions, but it’s only your thoughts on it!

Pocket Drunken Robot

For your information, the Pocket Drunken Robot has three parts and it’s very easy to develop. All you need to do is by bending some metal. Honestly, he loves to wander around in circles and falls over most of the time. Continue reading →

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Spot Welder – The Finest Combination of Woodworking and Welding!

Posted on July 18, 2009 | 1 Comment

There are over thousands of occupation in this world, some of them are extremely boring, while the others are interesting yet dangerous. If you’re looking for some serious fun while you’re working, maybe this building this spot welder will make your dream come true!

Before that, you should know some basic facts about spot welding. Theoretically, it’s a process, which is contacting metal surfaces are joined by the heat obtained from resistance to electric current flow. Mostly, the work-pieces are held together under pressure exerted by electrodes.

Spot welder

Normally, the sheets are in the 0.5-3.0 mm thickness ranger, where the process uses two shaped copper alloy electrodes to concentrate welding current into small “spot”, and clamp the sheets together simultaneously.

The spot welders are frequently being used in the fabrication of automobiles, pc cases, power supplies, microwave ovens and much more electronics. The materials are welded without need excessive heating, so the working pieces can be handled easily.

The spot welder’s electrodes have three useful functions. Firstly, they can transfer electrical energy to the material; secondly, they control resistance and conduct heat away from the material helping to cool the weld down instantly! [hackaday]

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The High Tech Laser Sugar Sculpture

Posted on July 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

It is very fun to do something different in our daily life, as it makes our boring life becoming even more interesting, isn’t it? In this case, you might discover that this laser sugar sculpture is an incredibly awesome project!

Well, it isn’t too hard to build this laser sugar sculpture, as long as you have the urge to make it!

Basically, this project is a 3D rapid prototype, which is able to melt sugar with a laser. It’s very easy to use, as by simply firing up the laser on standard granulated sugar at 60% power (of a 40w co2 laser) and 5cm a second speed, it sculpts a word in the middle of the granulated sugar, just been shown in the below figure.

Sugar in Text Form

Although the sugar might be sagged a little bit, but the word is very clear. Each of the sugar text is about 3mm thick front to back.

Honestly, with the help of this amazing laser sugar sculpture, you can use it to sculpt the sugar treats for the house party, or you might be able to produce the sugar candies, pack it all and selling them to the nearby neighborhood! [4volt]

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The Elegant and Futuristic Aero Garden

Posted on July 8, 2009 | 2 Comments

Green plants are always good for our health, as it provides fresh oxygen and purifying the air! That is why, many people love to plant green plants, vegetables or fruits at their garden.

Thanks to the advent technology, now it’s possible to plant the herbs or vegetables in your own kitchen. The gadgets is called, “Aero Garden”.

Different from the hydroponics, the Aero Garden is using the ‘Aeroponics’ concept, which is growing plants in air. It doesn’t need any soil and apparently this makes plants grow faster than hydroponics did!

Aero Garden

Honestly, it’s very costly, when you’re spending over US$200 buying a ready-to-use Aero Garden gadgets! If you cannot afford the pricey Aero Garden, it’s better to build your very own Aero Garden.

Those components that needed for building the Aero Garden are:

  • Base container for the water (Plastics type would be better, so you can put holes in it),

  • A water pump,

  • Tubing and spray nozzles,

  • Plant holder,

  • A light fixture and a light, which plants will grow under it.

Combine all the components together and you will have the elegant yet futuristic Aero Garden! [kellbot]

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Drawdio – Turn Your Pencil into a Magnificent Drawer!

Posted on July 7, 2009 | Leave a comment

Pencil is very common stationery. Honestly, most people think that pencil is only good for writing. However, they didn’t know, with only a simple pencil, we can do many interesting and amazing stuffs!

Have you ever imagined that you’re able to draw musical instrument on normal paper with only an ordinary pencil and plays it with your finger? Does it sound impossible to do it? Well, think again!

This Drawdio circuit-craft allows you to draw any objects into musical instruments, such as paintbrushes, trees, kitchen sink and even your grandparents!

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Frankly, with this fantastic Drawdio, it brings so much of joyful moment into your life. As the user, you’re able to use your sense of touch and lets you hear the invisible electrical connections.

The Drawdio circuit has two attachments. Did you know that most of the things are usually conduct some electricity? In this case, you can add water or oil to a T-shirt. Use your imagination and create a unique draw on the T-shirt. It can be a very special gift to your loved ones or friends too!

It’s even more fun, if you can spend some times, drawing pictures with your family with this Drawdio. Trust me; your family will love it!

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The Easiest Way on How to Trigger Green Traffic Lights!

Posted on June 10, 2009 | 1 Comment

Sometime, it’s a fun experience riding the motorcycle or a scooter and hovering through the neighborhood or downtown! You’re not only can feel the fresh air, but it can also help you to save much money too, as you can slip through the road easily, while the other vehicle drivers have to waste they time stuck in the middle of traffic jam!

inductive-loopHowever, there’s still a downside for the motorcycle/scooter drivers! Every time, when you’re arriving at a traffic light, you might get stuck in front of it. You’re wondering, “Is there any trick to overcome this problem?” Yep, it did. For your information, this method can help you save time, gas and frustration.

Have a closer look on the above figure. This is called “Inductive loop” and it’s a traffic detector. In order to make the red light turns into green light faster, you have to ensure that your motorcycle/scooter is in the rectangle box. The only problem is your motorcycle/scooter size is not big enough and it cannot trigger the traffic light to turn into green immediately!

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Well , here’s the small trick. All you need to do here is to attach a neodymium magnet to the bottom of your motorcycle/scooter with epoxy paste or screw (I personally recommended you to use the screws).

Yep, you’re done with it! Go and have a ride with your motorcycle/scooter. This time, you won’t have to encounter with any red traffic light anymore. By the way, would you mind to give me a ride? Lol [source]

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Extremely Cool and Cold Liquid Nitrogen in Your Kitchen

Posted on May 9, 2009 | Leave a comment

You’re always want to figure out the way to create an extremely cool and cold liquid nitrogen, instead of buying it at the market? Well, if you have the urge to do it, then this well-designed liquid nitrogen might be the perfect choice for you!

By the way, here’s something that you must know about the liquid nitrogen. It’s a liquefied atmospheric gas and produced industrially in large quantities. It exists in a liquid state at a very low temperature. Liquid nitrogen is a colorless liquid with density at its boiling point of 0.807 g/mL and dielectric constant of 1.4. Furthermore, liquid nitrogen only freezes at 63K or -210°C.

By the way, those components that needed for this project are:

  1. Several pounds of dry ice (It’s better to keep it below -78.5 degree Celsius).
  2. 16 oz Isopropyl rubbing alcohol (99% grade)
  3. A pair of scissors
  4. Large plastic cola bottle, and
  5. Small plastic cola bottle.

Ok, let’s kickstart the making process right now! Firstly, you must use scissors to remove the top of both plastic bottles. Remember to poke some holes in the bottom and sides of the small bottle. Place the smaller bottle into the larger bottle.


Make Some “Liquid Nitrogen” – Watch more funny videos here

Secondly, insert the dry ice into the bottles. Hold the middle bottle in the center of the larger bottle.

Thirdly, pour the 99% alcohol into the gap between bottles. You’ll see a lot of fog will form here! Then, pour enough alcohol to make an inches-deep pool in the center bottle. By the way, please keep your hand away from it, as the chilled alcohol has the ability to freeze skin instantly.

Once the alcohol reaches its lowest temperature after the fog has cleared, the liquid nitrogen will be formed!

Caution: This project is only recommended for expert home hobbyists. Remember not to let the children to get involved in this project, as the liquid nitrogen is a very hazardous stuff! [amasci]

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The Cheapest Automatic Pool Water Filler!

Posted on March 29, 2009 | Leave a comment

You don’t want to waste over hundreds of dollars buying the pool water filler, but you’re now desperately need one to maintain your swimming pool water level?

Well, your wish is granted, as today you’ll have the chance of your lifetime to build an automatic pool water filler originally designed by Jon Rutlen. The point is this pool water filler is extremely cheap, where it only cost you less than $15! Yep, it might sounds like unbelievable, but it’s a truth here.

This device is simply incredible, where is automatically add water to your pool when it gets below a specified level.

automatic-pool-water-filler

Here are step-by-step how to perform this task:

  1. First of all, you have to cut the vertical piece of pipe, which is use to hold the entire assembly low over the side of your pool.
  2. After that, add two of the 90 degree elbows to the vertical piece.
  3. Then, epoxy toilet valve into 90 degree elbow.
  4. Remember to cut two shorter lengths of PVC pipe and insert one into each of the 90 degree elbows on the vertical piece.
  5. Assemble the coupler, attach hose coupler and toilet valve to vertical assembly.

In the end, you have to connect it to the hose and turn the water on. Test it out and adjust the height of the valve according to your need! By using this automatic pool water filler, it can avoid you from wasting water by overfilling.

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The Computerized DVD Dispenser

Posted on March 8, 2009 | Leave a comment

You got an unused DVD player lying on the storeroom, but you’ve no idea what should do with it? Well, it’s time to show off your creativity and innovation, by simply modifying the DVD player into a computerized DVD Dispenser!

automated-dvd-dispenser

This project isn’t too hard, as you only need to prepare the following components:

  1. A servo,
  2. A stepper motor, and
  3. A graphical LCD.

Let’s get started. First of all, you’re require to use a fairly old ATMega8515 at 8Mhz internal. It can be used to control a servo via PWM and a 12V unipolar 4phase stepper through a simple MOSFET interface. Beside that, it equipped with the User Interface of a 64×128 GDM12864H LCD with four pushbuttons. In this case, you have to solder up a clean proto board for the circuit. Continue reading →

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