BROKEN GADGET

the youtube that got me started

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Christmas clip

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:44:00 +0000

moving some junk

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:08:00 +0000

I recorded a couple motorized gadgets I put together with junk, tape, and rubberbands. They move very slow because of the weight of batteries. They are propelled by vibrations which is an easy way to build it (no gears) but not very effective.

relax

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:58:00 +0000

LED lights

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Easy inexpensive LED lights to wear - More DIY How To Projects

I wrote an "instructable" on making inexpensive wearable lights.

Robot revolt

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:32:00 +0000

The International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show just finished and it was covered in the Chicago Tribune.

Toyota Trumpet Player Headlines Emerging Robotics Pavilion

This amazing robot is one of Toyota's partner robots. I knew Honda had a human-like robot named ASIMO but I didn't know Toyota was involved in this type of robot. Of course any manufacturer today needs to be current on robotic assembly tools but this is a different type of robot.

The story in the Chicago Tribune was very good and brought up the idea of a robot revolt. It also points out the different view of robots between Americans and Japanese (who I believe lead in robotics).

How long before the all robot rock band?

another use for the roomba

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Looks like it would entertain the dog all day.

face off with clown face

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Just a little action on the coffee table.

Of course how much action do you expect from tiny watch batteries. If you have seen the other video clips, you'll recognize the clown face. He gets around.

modified toys hex bugs new level

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:14:00 +0000

When I stop and think about it, I've modified toys since I was young. The better word for it is customized. The custom cars were the ultimate but being too young and too broke I had fun with model cars and slot cars (note to self - post something about slot cars).

I have posted about the hex bug before. Most recently I found a new use for an old cellphone battery. Just crude modifications with a battery and LED. Here's that post.

I just found a site that takes hacking the hex bug to another whole level - say hexadecimal.

Now this looks more professional - but I still like my clown head.

Applied Inspirations offers the details of an extensive hex bug hack. So if you want more from your $10 hexbug take a look.

Now here's an idea - thinking of my last post about GPS - add GPS to the hex bug and map something. Of course the hexbug doesn't travel over uneven or soft surfaces.

too big of project for me

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:05:00 +0000

Know anything about Tesla coils?

They are named after Nicola Tesla who was a leader in promoting AC power. He had the idea of capturing power from Niagara Falls.

Well anyway, I came across this guy from downunder (aussie, OZ) who has an interesting hobby. Here's some pictures (many many more there) from his site. Oh he is sitting IN HIS CAR.

How about this to replace that stupid car alarm??

Beside making Tesla coils from old microwave parts, he also collects pens. I think he would have fit right-in with the Airfone lab crew.

If that pen collection doesn't make you relate to him, how about this power supply??

big eyed version of bristle bot

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:27:00 +0000

I wonder if I should do a better job with the masking tape? It looks a little sloppy.

Well as you can see I'm slow at getting stuff up on this blog. BTW, that's the same small bristle bot (toothbrush and small motor) as I used in the previous video with clown face.

Clown head keeps spinning

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:29:00 +0000

Been here before? Maybe you remember my first post on a modified toy.

After that, my wife happened to find this old toy with a clown head. That lead to the next modification (2.0 ??) check this if you like

Well putting it up on youtube and looking around the net, I discovered bristle bots. Do some searching you'll find many variations - here's a fairly large one. (quad bristle?)

Basically it's a fun way to reuse your toothbrush vs. cleaning toilets or whatever.

My first bristle bot attempt was not too stable. It moved a few inches and fell on its side. Then the idea of using a paper clip and a couple of brushes to form the TRI-BRISTLE. (like the outrigger idea for canoes)

So now I have combined the clown head and the bristle bot.

take apart recreate

noreply@blogger.com (bill lisleman) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:59:00 +0000