zedomax.com

Looking for a great Christmas gift for your whiz kid? Here’s a great DIY that shows you how to make a solar powered ball robot. Of course, there exactly isn’t a kit for this but all the parts are easily findable so it might actually work better than any other gift you can buy off the shelf.

This technology of using minimal electronics and simple mechanical design is call BEAM robotics.

The Miniball itself was originally invented by Richard Weait of North York, Toronto.The Miniball is a amazing robot – it uses a simple circuit and the robot itself proves to be very capable, rarely getting stuck. The Miniball is mechanically complex and electronically simple. (But don’t worry – the mechanical part is still pretty easy)

In this case, we aren’t going to build the original Miniball, but a smaller, more basic wannabe version. This robot is extremely simple and can take a beginner less than 2 hours to build.

Robot DIY – How to Make a Solar Powered Ball Robot!

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Craft DIY – How to Make Hand-Warming Heat Gloves!

max — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:10:45 +0000

For those of you trying to beat cold in snow, here’s how to make re-usable hand-warming heat gloves using rice as inserts that can be heated via microwave. I can tell you from growing up in the snow in Korea during winters that hand-warming heat gloves can come in super handy on those short trips outside the house.

Place the gloves in your microwave and heat for a few seconds. Microwaves vary, so experiment with yours to see what amount of time and what power level work best. The gloves should feel warm but not hot to the touch. When you have your hands in them, the heat will be trapped against your palms and feel quite a bit warmer, so heat your gloves a little less than you think you need to.

via craftstylish

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Craft DIY – How to Make Hand-Warming Heat Gloves!

Water Leak Spotter/Detector!

max — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:26:05 +0000

Can you think of how much water the world can save if every energy company such as PG&E here in the U.S. used these water leak spotters powered by a single 3V lithium battery? Probably gigatons! – via keetsa

Here is something that should be useful for bathrooms in our homes. The toilet is known to be one of the causes for wasted water and the one which escalates our water bill. This could be due to leaks or some defect. But now, all you have to do is attach this device called the H2Orb from AquaOne Technologies.

Simply attach it directly to the water valve behind the toilet and when it spots a leak, it shuts off the water and alerts the user of the leak with an alarm and icon via the featured LCD screen. The whole system operates on a single 3V lithium coin cell battery.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Water Leak Spotter/Detector!

Table DIY – How to Make a Table Out of Recycled Wood!

max — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:20:44 +0000

Here’s a great way to make a table using recycled wood. When I get a big house, I will certainly make one myself. (and upload me doing so on YouTube)

The results on this table are rather magnificent, I didn’t know you could do that with old wood.

There’s a lot of wood out in the world free for the taking — in dumpsters, back alleys, vacant lots, abandoned buildings, recycling yards, and architectural salvage centers. Most wood, if free from rot, is just as strong, durable, and good to use as new wood, once you sand off the weathering. This table was made from all salvaged wood — both dimensional lumber and plywood, mostly taken from decaying buildings in and around Hale County, Alabama

via bedzine

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Table DIY – How to Make a Table Out of Recycled Wood!

USB DIY – How to Make Your Own DIY USB Motion Controller!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:56:00 +0000

USB DIY – How to Make Your Own DIY USB Motion Controller!

There’s a slew of great USB motion controllers now on the market you can buy but for those of you hackers and DIYers who enjoy the challenge of making one, go ahead and refer to this site on how to make your own DIY USB motion controller. (Of course, don’t forget we made one couple years back before the days of Wii)

This is the schematics for a PIC USB gamepad that I have built in a steering wheel shell. The code for the firmware was written in PicBasic Pro and it implements a HID USB device with 2 axes and 4 buttons (only 2 buttons connected in the prototype). The device is detected by Windows XP/Vista as a standard USB gamepad and can be used with many games and applications.

via make

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Natto Fermented Soy Beans are Great for You!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:34:37 +0000

Back in the 70s, my dad was an exchange student in Japan for couple years where he had developed a taste for natto, fermented soy beans in Japan. One of his favorite sushi is also Natto Maki, which is a sushi made with natto of course.

Well, these natto fermented soy beans have proven to be great for beating cancer and all types of diseases and plus, I find myself eating these nattos and liking them more and more. Of course, the first time you taste it, it will taste like horse shit but as you keep eating them, they will taste more like eggs or something close to that.

Anyways, nattos are favorite part of my diet now. I can definitely tell you that if I have sour stomach or indigestion, these nattos will surely help and you will get solid and smooth poop afterwards. (That must be good for your health if you poop good.)

If you have a tendency to get colds often or eating habits are poor, you might want to consider start eating these natural foods to get yourself protected against cancer and other types of diseases.

While Okinawans take in over 80 percent of their soy in a relatively unprocessed form as tofu, edamame, soy flour, soy milk, or miso, people in the United States eat a similiar percentage of their soy in a processed form. Our soy foods are heated, mashed, and denatured to create a vast array of substances ranging from Tofurky to fillers for tuna fish to ice-cream sandwiches… while whole foods offer valuable protection, concentrated or denatured derivatives of these foods are having the opposite effect.

via boingboing

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Natto Fermented Soy Beans are Great for You!

HDTV Hack – How to Connect your Computer to HDTV Wirelessly

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:33:38 +0000

For those of you looking to ways to hook up your desktop to your HDTV wirelessly using either HDMI digital connection or standard analog VGA, there IS a way, you can use Atlona’s AT-HDAir product which is a USB HDMI/VGA wireless converter. The unit also supports audio for HDMI connections as of recently (see press release), which means you will no longer need cables nor have your desktop close to your HDTV in order to watch crisp, clear 720P YouTube videos.

As for me, I have been looking for a solution like this one as I have most of my desktops just far enough away where cables will not be an option. I do have a netbook that I thought about hooking up to my HDTV but the CPUs on netbooks are still lacking and I can’t truly stream 720P videos from the internet with an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor.

Press Release

For Release 9 a.m. PST

November 17, 2009

Atlona Technologies officially releases the new wireless USB to HDMI or VGA adapter, now with Audio.

Atlona Technologies officially releases the new wireless USB to HDMI or VGA adapter, the AT-HDAIR, now with Audio.

Atlona Technologies has been known for their innovative product lines as well as constantly paving the way for new and updated technology in the AV world. With the introduction of the HDAiR, a wireless USB to HDMI or VGA converter, earlier this year, Atlona has caused quite a stir among computer users looking to integrate their computers into their HD audio video systems. After its release, users from around the world responded to Atlona’s customer survey asking what additional features could make the HDAiR even better. The overall consensus was to add audio support. Atlona has responded by releasing the all new HDAiR with the ability to output audio in both 3.5mm analog, as well as embedded on the HDMI output.

Compatible with both XP, Vista, and Windows 7, this one of a kind device will allow users to connect any USB enabled computer or laptop wirelessly, to any HDTV or projector via VGA or HDMI. This unit wirelessly transmits high resolution signal from a small USB adaptor connected to a computer, to a receiver unit placed next to the display, making it perfect for taking the traditionally personal computing experience and making it a communal experience.
Like the older model AT-HDAiR, this newer model with audio still uses chipsets developed by Wisair to transmit USB protocol over Ultra wide band (UWB) frequencies.

The new AT-HDAiR, is capable of extending any computer wirelessly from the display at lengths up to 30ft with HDTV resolutions up to 720p or PC and VESA resolutions at 1440×1050. Both HDMI and VGA output connections are active at the same time, therefore HDAiR receiver could be used to power up 2 displays at the same time with identical content. The latest addition to this wireless adapter is that is now able to output digital audio through the HDMI as well as a 3.5mm stereo jack. With the addition of audio to this new version, the HDAiR is perfect for viewing continuously popular streaming media from HULU or Youtube, as well as computer based leaning programs such as Rosetta Stone or Lynda online training.

With quick and easy installation, the all new HDAiR with Audio opens up a word of possibilities. For home, business, and educational users providing a cost effective and convenient solution to integrate PC’s and laptops into HD audio video systems.

Atlona’s all new AT-HDAiR with audio is officially available just in time for the holidays with an MSRP of $219.00.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

HDTV Hack – How to Connect your Computer to HDTV Wirelessly

iPhone DIY – How to Make a Magnifying Camera Lens and LED Flash!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:16:52 +0000

Honestly, you might do better using a real camera (such as a DSLR) for taking photos rather than a smartphone like iPhone but if you must, you can make yourself one of these cool magnifying camera lens along with an LED flash that will let you take close-up, macro shots with ease. Also, don’t forget to adjust your iPhone Lens to focus for macro by hacking it if you are going to use this gizmo.

At first, I just had small metal bezels that I used to hold the lenses up to the camera lens. This was clumsy and upon getting the camera close enough to focus, all of the light was crowded out. These are the problems I intended to solve with this device. This is what I came up with.

iPhone DIY – How to Make a Magnifying Camera Lens and LED Flash!

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It is that time of year again

David Allen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:41 +0000

The festive season normally means presents and wrapping paper, but buying wrapping paper is just too hard especially for geeky types.

However, why not check this wrapping paper out; it has been specifically designed for the geek in your life, so why not bring a smile their faces.

Features:

•Equations – Scientific equations hand-written on blue and white graph paper.

•Binary – Black paper with a terminal green font and ‘Wrapping Paper’ in binary written all across it.

•Birthday (not pictured) – ‘Happy Birthday’ written in elvish, klingon, binary, h4×0r and hex. Little PDAs, USB cables and cell phones simulate confetti. Dark blue background.

•Zombies – Black paper with zombies in various states of gift-giving/receiving, including a brain wrapped up with a pretty red bow.

•Can Has – “Can Has” in LOLcat font (aka Impact) printed over and over on a wasabi green background.

•Christmas Bots – Light blue paper with the cutest little holiday robots you’ll ever imagine. And by cute we mean hella-nifty.

•Nondenominational – Dark blue paper in a traditional style emblazoned with “Have a Satisfactory, Non-denominational Capitalist, Wintertime Gift-giving Season!”

Each pack of wrapping paper contains 4 sheets. Each sheet is 20″ x 30″. Many trees *were* harmed to bring you these unique creations, but it was all in good fun so what can we do?

Priced at $5.99

Source [Think Geek]

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It is that time of year again

Pac Man is back

David Allen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:46 +0000

It is the retro game of the yesteryear, most of us have played on it at some time and this is a chance to remember just how cool the game actually was and in fact still is.

The game is printed onto a mug and when heated up the pattern changes just like the real game.

Features – When hot water is introduced to the The Pac Boy Mug the monsters simply disappear, but watch out, they might come back sooner than you think. Features: Changes with hot water and Do not microwave or use in dishwasher. Priced at $5.99.

Source [Lazy Bone UK]

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Pac Man is back

In the cat house

David Allen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:28 +0000

Cats are poor old things they get kicked out at night and in the daytime have to put up with all of the noise around the home and yet they still come home to have their dinner, what a life that must be!

Why treat them to something special with one of the build your own cat house, they are funny and cool.

Priced at $23

Source [Suck UK]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

In the cat house

The three long Scalextric

David Allen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:09 +0000

As child, I always wanted a Scalextric and of course, it was never to be, naturally, my little brother did get one and you know what I was glad that I did not.

It was a tiny figure of eight track and the cars kept flying off the track on the bends.

However, James May from the BBC’s Top Gear show has built a serious Scalextric track in fact his attempt could actually break the world record.

Check out the video to see if he does.

Source [Cast TV]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The three long Scalextric

Infrared flashlight and video recorder

David Allen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:59:44 +0000

Looking like the flashlight carried by the police and security personnel, this version has a little extra installed to make taking a video easy no matter what sort of light is available.

Features – Video and snapshots are captured at 30 fps with 640 x 480 resolution by the colour CMOS sensor (night vision footage will be black and white) with a 66° field of view. Up to 15 seconds of video and 500 snapshots can be stored on the built-in 128MB memory; supports up to a 2GB mini-SD memory card. A USB port connects the flashlight to a computer to download videos. Built-in microphone records sound clearly. An LCD indicates battery life remaining, recording format, time, date, and storage capacity. Requires three C batteries that provide up to three hours of operation (as light; one hour for video). Durable aluminium construction. 13″ L x 3″ Diam. (1 lb.) Was $399.95 NOW $199.95.

Source [Hammacher Schlemmer]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Infrared flashlight and video recorder

iPod Nano Hack – How to Make an iPod Nano Projector!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:25:45 +0000

Well, I guess there’s many uses for old projectors that can be used to make a bunch of things including a macro DSLR lens plus this iPod Nano projector.

This could be a great way to project your iPod Nano photos/videos onto a white wall for all your family to enjoy, an iPod Nano Projector made with an old slide projector!

Imagine if you took that digital camera that you dropped and broke the lens but it still reads memory cards and does photo slide shows on its little screen. If you take the backlight off the LCD you can project light through it so if you could fit it inside a cheap slide projector, you’d have a wall-sized digital photo frame.

iPod Nano Hack – How to Make an iPod Nano Projector!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Chrome OS DIY – How to Install Google Chrome OS!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:09:42 +0000

For those of you who can’t wait until Google comes out with automated installation ISO, you might want to try building one yourself by following these instructions here.

You will need a linux-based computer to generate the images though. (or the compiler equivalent in Windows or Mac)

I will try installing Google Chrome OS on my netbook later this week, perhaps have a DIY post on that soon so…

For now, there’s instructions for burning the Chrome OS images to a USB Flash Drive, harddisk, or a VMware virtual machine. I will have to try the USB flash drive, that might be the most portable way to go.

Although I have been excited with Windows 7 lately, having Google Chrome OS run on my netbook might even be more exciting as I’ve had some speed issues with my Eee PC.

Well, I just wish I could make my netbook run a bit faster without changing in hardware but Google Chrome OS certainly could achieve that and more.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Chrome OS DIY – How to Install Google Chrome OS!

Google Chrome Open Source Operating System!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:01:36 +0000

Google Chrome Open Source Operating System!

Google has shed some new light on their Google Chrome operating system, which we have been hearing about for months now. Currently the Chrome OS supports netbooks, especifically an EEE PC. (you can download the source here)

According to TechCrunch:

We’re not going to go into too much detail about going to market today. We’re working on the software right now, but we are also working with manufacturers on the hardware level. For example, we only support solid-state drives and certain types of WiFi cards.

Well, there should be someone hacking it real soon and hopefully we can get hands on a how-to install article soon.

via zedomax.net

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DSLR DIY – How to Make an Intervalometer for Canon or Nikon!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:30:54 +0000

Intervalometer can be used in DSLR photography to take time-lapse shots. You can buy one of these Intervalometers off the shelf for anywhere between $60 to $200+ but if you got some programming and soldering skills, you might be interested in learning to make one yourself.

Circuit schematics, code, and whole bunch of images are included in this DIY to help you make the intervalometer for your Canon or Nikon DSLR camera.

This instructable is teaches you how to make an intervalometer that can be used with virtually any camera. It has been tested with Canon and Nikon cameras, but making adapter cables for other cameras is just a matter of figuring out the camera pinout.
It’s also available as a kit so you might want to go that route if you are not familiar with programming an AVR.

This intervalometer has the following features:

Intervalometer mode with options to change delay time and exposure time

Sensor mode with built in light sensor and connector for external sensor input

Manual mode allows intervalometer to act like a simple remote cable

Integrated 2×12 LCD display

Fully optically isolated interface to camera

Total package is roughly 1″ x 2.5″ x 3″ finished

Electronics small enough to fit in a mint box

Source code is available for download so that you can change programming as desired

Available as a kit from www.ottercreekdesign.com

DSLR DIY – How to Make an Intervalometer for Canon or Nikon!

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DIY Accelerometer Controlled Marble Maze!

max — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:20:46 +0000

DIY Accelerometer Controlled Marble Maze!

Here’s a rather very interesting DIY project that involves a marble maze controlled by a wireless accelerometer housed in a Wii Steering Wheel unit. Brilliant!

I purchased the Wii steering wheel unaware that an additional button is mounted to the back for the “B” controller input. At first I considered removing this button to prevent users from getting confused but decided to utilize it instead. During testing I found it awkward and difficult to hand off the controller or put it down without the maze going crazy as it continued to follow the accelerometer’s measurements. I decided that a “dead-mans” switch would be a useful addition so that the maze would only accept input when the button is held down. This allowed the controller to be handled without causing the maze to move unless desired.

via hackedgadgets

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Pink Strawberry USB Massager Hand Warmer

tdomf_85257 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:20:12 +0000

Max’s Note – Have cold hands and snowing? Try one of these USB hand warmers that will warm you up in the cold mornings.

This cute Strawberry USB Massager Hand Warmer is exactly what you need to keep yourself warm and cozy during winter time. Powered by USB, you can get 2 most relaxing combo, from massaging your tired body parts to warming your hand! Is that sweet or what?

via Source

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Pink Strawberry USB Massager Hand Warmer

Recycle DIY – How to Recycle Tin Cans as Pencil Holders using Grout and Creativity!

max — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:53:57 +0000

I really love it when people make things like this out of stuff that would go into your recycling bin, a pencil holder made using old tin cans and grout! Brilliant! Keep up the great work and reduce our carbon footprint!

We all use some canned foods from time to time. And we all probably use empty cans for one purpose or another. This instructable shows how to decorate cans to be used as organizers for pencils, pens, paint brushes, etc. It’s a simple thing to do, and children would especially have fun making their creations.

Recycle DIY – How to Recycle Tin Cans as Pencil Holders using Grout and Creativity!

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Meat DIY – How to Make a Chicken Plucker!

max — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:03:58 +0000

Personally, I like eating chicken but refuse to really have anything to do with making chicken meat itself. I know it’s going to be harder to eat chicken if you watch this video so…

Meat DIY – How to Make a Chicken Plucker!

But for those of you who are used to stuff like this, you can make your own chicken plucker by reading this great book on how to do that.

via kottke

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Understanding baby language

David Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:51 +0000

If there is anyone who has seen the Look Who’s Talking movies, they would know that babies do actually have their own language and if parents could understand it then that would make like so much easier wouldn’t it?

This is the Why Cry Baby Analyser and yes it actually does what it says on the box or so we think! You cannot take anything for granted these days.

Product Information

•Used by adults for all ages 0+

•Takes 4 AA batteries that are included

•This crying analyzer detects why your child is crying (i.e. Stressed, Sleepy, Annoyed, Bored or Hungry)

•Displays the temperature and humidity in the room

•Distance between the Why Cry and the baby should be 1 to 6 feet to detect properly

•Other noises in the room may cause a false reading

•Dimensions: 2 x 6.3 x 2 inches

•Weight: Approx. 0.5 pounds

Priced at $89.99

Source [Think Geek]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Understanding baby language

Like tattoos but not the pain

David Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:01 +0000

If you are one these people who see celebrities that have those massive tattoos all over their arms, but are too scared to go and get one done. Then this is the sort of thing that you have been waiting for all of your life.

These are slip on tattoo sleeves, which from a short distance look just like the real thing. You can now go around with your sleeves rolled up!

Features – Fake Tattoo sleeves are like the coolest gift/prank/look around for anyone who does not have the time – or commitment – to get that permanently cool look. They come in eight different styles, so make sure you click through all the pictures before picking out the style that is right for you. Priced at $11.89.

Source [Stupid]

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Like tattoos but not the pain

Like Pong, love this

David Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:29 +0000

The game of pong was one of the first commercial video games to grace those old style TV’s, so anyone out there looking to relive their past we are talking about the 1970’s here!

Naturally, this is just a representation of the old style game and not a giant game that you can actually play one. However, I suppose you guessed that already.

Specs – The composition shown in the image is approx. 3 x 2.5m. This pack contains: all the elements shown in the picture, “net” can be up to 2.6m long (102 inches), score numbers are 35×20cm and “how to apply” instructions. Please note: you can cut the “net” line to obtain the desired length. Available in any colour from the palette: please note your colour choice in message to seller upon checkout. If no colour is chosen, black will be sent by default. Please read our Policies section for more information about the product. Priced at $55

Source [Techna Bob]

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Like Pong, love this

Pillow fights with Pop Pillows

David Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:10 +0000

If you are going to have a pillow fight, then you may as well make sure that you are doing it right. With this idea from spinninghat.com the pop pillows make sure that, everything is equal and that both sides are fighting fair.

They could be used as regular pillow cases, or they can be put away and brought out when the urge is just too much.

Features

•Two 100% cotton reversible pillows with different designs.

•One side features front of boxing glove, the other the back of glove.

Priced at $21

Source [Spinning Hat]

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Pillow fights with Pop Pillows

The Undercover cat teaser

David Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:38:36 +0000

Yet another cat toy that will keep your feline friend fit, healthy and with any luck worn out, then the cat will not be pulling up the carpet or scratching at the walls etc.

The idea is simple a little thing spins around inside the fabric, the cat thinks that it is a mouse or something and chases it around.

Features – The unit silently spins a wand under the rip stop nylon canopy, changing its direction unpredictably to imitate the movements of a real rodent. The mouse’s tail peeks out tantalizingly, making it irresistible to even sceptical toms or tabbies. The unit’s gearless friction drive prevents damage once the prey is caught and its speed adjusts to one of four settings with a push of a button. The toy’s low centre of gravity and fold out stabilizers prevent it from tipping during exuberant feline pursuit. Requires three AA batteries. 4 3/4″ H x 23″ diam. (1 lb.) Priced at $29.95

Source [Hammacher Schlemmer]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The Undercover cat teaser

TV Remote Powered with Kinetic Energy!

max — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:13:22 +0000

NEC, the Japanese consumer electronics company, is having a blast developing TV remotes that work off kinetic energy, meaning it needs no batteries at all. The kinetic energy derived from the user picking up the remote itself and pushing buttons are apparently enough to power the remote itself. Well, why didn’t they make this earlier, think of how much energy could have been save in the last 20 years. I am sure the cost of making one of these remotes is still very high but good innovation, I can see the rest of the world following NEC’s steps now.

Sound power generation and NEC Electronics Corporation (President: Kohei Hayamizu, Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, following the sound power generation) today announced that power generation in vibration that occurs when you press the button on the remote control with your fingers, “Vibration power generation, “The combination of power control techniques and proprietary technology, a prototype remote control without batteries for consumer electronics, November 18 this year will be held at Pacifico Yokohama from” Embedded Technology 2009 “will be on display at.

via make

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

TV Remote Powered with Kinetic Energy!

Earthquake DIY – How to Make a Seismic Earthquake Detector/Reflector!

max — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:23:18 +0000

Here’s a rather cool device you can make to let you know when there’s an earthquake anywhere around the world using Arduino and RSS feeds from USGS.gov.

Basically, the device will simulate the intensity of earthquake’s magnitude through vibrations. For seismic scientists and reporters who specialize in earthquakes, this could be pivotal in launching an emergency campaign.

As a Californian who witnessed one of the biggest SF Bay Area earthquakes in 1989 (and lived through it), I can see the value of this gadget. Plus, most big earthquakes hit after a series of small/medium ones, meaning this could potentially alarm people of upcoming earthquake too. I still remember the day when my parent’s house rocked back and forth about 1-2 feet like if I were on a boat or something for full 20 seconds. I didn’t know it was an earthquake at the time until afterwards, that was not a lot of fun as I immigrated to the US like 3 months before it.

Even today, I know there’s another big earthquake coming to San Francisco Bay Area, my prediction is around 2070 though, I think they hit this area every 90 or so years.

This project has two strands, a software and a hardware component. The aim is to build a device which responds to earthquakes being reported in near-real time via the USGS RSS feeds. The device responds by illustrating the magnitude of the reported earthquake via two fairly chunky vibration motors of the kind used in video game controllers. The device is connected to a PC via a virtual com port over USB (thanks to an on board Arduino). On the PC, an application sits there checking the RSS feed periodically and when a new event it posted to the RSS feed, the desktop app parses the data out of it and presents the magnitude of the quake to the Arduino which interpreters this as rate at which to activate the vibration motors.

Earthquake DIY – How to Make a Seismic Earthquake Detector/Reflector!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

WiFi Digital Photo Frames w/ Internet Radio Review!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:37:09 +0000

(HP DreamScreen)

(Intouch IT7150)

It’s the holidays season coming up soon, specifically Thanksgivings where most of you will get 5 or more days off work and visit your parents/family. Well, for that, there’s a perfect gift, a digital photo frame.

Not all digital photo frames are made the same though. Especially for your elders who have less knowledge of computers, you might want to consider getting them a wireless digital photo frame.

Why?

Because the with WiFi digital photo frames you can easily stream them your latest photos via services like Flickr or Picasa. This also is great since they can see your latest photos without fiddling with memory cards, USB connections, and whatnot.

I also tend to like to listen to a lot of free internet radio, so I added internet radio as a requirement here also.

The HP DreamScreen and Intouch UT7150 digital photo frames are probably the best on the market right now that can do both WiFi and internet radio.

Plus, a digital photo frame is even better when you can easily scan through the photos and videos. These two digital frames both come with either touch-controls on the front (for HP) and touchscreen controls.

I find that having touch/touchscreen controls very important for browsing through the photos. Plus, these digital frames allow you to do some more stuff like connect to Facebook or check the news from your favorite blogs without a real computer/laptop on your hand.

Of course, you will need a live internet connection to make these digital frames perform to its fullest so make sure your parents/family have one.

And don’t forget to set it up all the WiFi connections and photo streaming for your parents. You should be able to set it and forget it.

Both HP DreamScreen and the Intouch UT7150 are in the similar price range, I prefer the Intouch one since it’s a full touchscreen while the HP has much bigger screen.

HP Dreamscreen 10.2″ – $198.21 on Amazon

Intouch IT7150 7″ – $200.11 on Amazon

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

WiFi Digital Photo Frames w/ Internet Radio Review!

LCD DIY – How to Use an LCD Monitor as a HDTV!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:57:15 +0000

It’s very easy to use a computer LCD monitor (with DVI inputs) as TV by simply plugging in an HDMI to DVI cable. Of course, you will need a separate sound system/speakers unless your LCD comes with speakers too.

Of course, it’s also easy to do the reverse, using your HDTV as computer screen, you will just need an HDMI cable from your graphic card to the HDTV. (all HDTVs have HDMI inputs)

LCD TVs have come down in price, but not enough. If you have a cable box, than your tv tuner is in the that box, not in the tv, so then why buy a tv with a tuner you will never use? Believe it or not you can save almost $200 when you buy a computer monitor instead of a tv.

Also see what is HDMI here.

LCD DIY – How to Use an LCD Monitor as a HDTV!

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“Your credit balance is over the limit” – Vodafone & Verizon E-Mail Virus/Spyware!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:26:27 +0000

Here’s a quick alert for those of you on Vodafone or Verizon getting e-mails such as “Your credit balance is over the limit”. I guess it’s an e-mail scam to download some malware to your computer so just mark it SPAM!

Anyone who does happen to download the so called Balance Checker will open up a backdoor in their computer where other malicious software can be downloaded from the Zbot botnet.

“There is a danger that unsuspecting mobile phone owners might fall for the trap, perhaps convinced by the use of Vodafone’s logo which is embedded in the email, and launch the file attachment, thus infecting their computers” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos,

The version of this Trojan is detected by Sophos’ products as Mal/Zbot-P.

The Zbot botnet is infamous for capturing online banking details and emptying bank accounts, which can be highly lucrative for the spammers.

via geekwithlaptop

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“Your credit balance is over the limit” – Vodafone & Verizon E-Mail Virus/Spyware!

DESIGN – DIY Polaroid Flower Vase!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:24:36 +0000

Check out this awesome design, a DIY Polaroid Flower Vase for small plants and alike. (via greenmuze)

Designer’s Website

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DESIGN – DIY Polaroid Flower Vase!

A weird xmas tree decorations

David Allen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:30 +0000

Xmas is not just for kids and it would seem that it is not just for adults too.

These decorations will add another dimension to your tree and will probably be the beginning of a lot of long conversations on what is right and wrong about having these dudes on the tree or anywhere that you would like.

Features

•Handmade felted Christmas ornaments by Nifer Fahrion

•Large tree topper

◦Tentacle span of 2 feet!

◦Head 6 inches long!

•Smaller hanging ornament

◦9 inches long

◦Hangs by silvery cord

•Perfect for Yule, Solstice, and Saturnalia, too!

Priced from $39.99 to $139.99

Source [Think Geek]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

A weird xmas tree decorations

Rate the babes in your office

David Allen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:31 +0000

Sometimes during those quiet periods in the office, it is hard to think of something constructive to do. So what about rating the ladies that work in the office, seems like a reasonable thing to be doing doesn’t it?

Obviously, this is going to get some of you into trouble, but what the hell! This is something that the women who work in offices have been doing for years; they just did not have the flash cards to mark the talent up with.

Priced at $9

Source [Spinning Hat]

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Rate the babes in your office

One day all signs will like this

David Allen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:21 +0000

Naturally this is a concept design that could really make a difference to the visitors of any city, it is a man hole cover that direct the person to the nearest public transport and how far it is.

It is a simple enough idea, but they are usually the best ones anyway as the simpler the idea more chance it has of getting off the ground.

This man hole cover uses rain water for power, so there is no need for it to be wired up to the mains power supply either.

The rainwater flows through the gaps onto a fan which rotates, this in turn will charge the battery pack, simple and yet very effective.

Source [Gajitz]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

One day all signs will like this

Secret Codes That You Hear

David Allen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:44 +0000

There are secret codes all around us, we hear them all of the time and in some cases see them too, but we do not take any notice of them because they are secret codes used by the authorities.

Below are just a few of those being used, probably in a building near you right now.

Names:

Code delta: can mean that there is a biological hazard – though who knows what that might be on a passenger ship.

Code Alpha: often means “medical emergency”.

Computer:

PEBKAC: Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair

PICNIC: Problem in chair – not in computer

ID 10 T Error: ID 10 T is, of course, IDIOT

DR:

Doctor Brown: is a code word often used in hospitals to alert security staff to a threat to personnel. If a nurse or doctor is in danger from a violent patient or non-staff member, they can page Doctor Brown to their location and the security staff will rush to their aid. In some hospitals

Dr. Allcome: Serious emergency. “Doctor Allcome to Ward 5.” would indicate that all medical staff not presently occupied are needed. (The Med, Memphis Tennessee)

Colours:

Code Gray/Grey

- A combative person with no weapon under HASC suggestions.

- Severe Weather (Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX)

Code Pink

- Biohazardous contamination of a patient or staff. (Heartland Regional Medical Center)

- Patient is under influence of illegal substances (UK First Aid organisations)

Source [Up Haa]

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Secret Codes That You Hear

The power skateboard

David Allen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:17:05 +0000

Check out this skateboard, they say that it is powered by electric by this is capable of touching speeds of 19 mph, now that is going to be so cool around the mall!

This skateboard will even take the hard work out of going up hill, the 600 watt motor will see to that.

The rechargeable battery has enough juice for ten miles, just make sure that you take the charger with you!

Features – At a hefty 40 lbs, it is built as a classic long board with a kick tail with 4″ diameter solid urethane wheels and flexible trucks allow you to carve 8′ turns. A patented handheld wireless trigger remote provides digital proportional control over your speed; pulling the trigger accelerates and moving it forward brakes. The 10 1/2″ wide, resin and maple veneer deck is textured with a non-skid surface that provides reliable footing. The rechargeable battery can be removed and provides a range of 10 miles from a four-hour charge using the included adapter. 41 1/2″ L x 10 1/2″ W x 6 1/2″ H. (40 lbs.) Priced at $599.95

Source [Hammacher Schlemmer]

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The power skateboard

iMac G4 Hack – DIY iMac G4 Touch Screen!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:21:47 +0000

iMac G4 Hack – DIY iMac G4 Touch Screen!

Looking for a cool way to hack your iMac G4 into a touchscreen computer? Look no more, here’s a DIY iMac G4 touchscreen! The author even hacked a Windows 7 into a PowerPC machine, I don’t know how he did that. (I guess you can install Win 7 on PowerPC CPUs??? Will have a post on that soon too then!)

Way cool!

I added the original speakers connected to a Griffin Power Wave Adapter and now I finally have an updated iMac G4 on my desk. It’s connected to a dual booting Windows 7 / Mac OSX Dual Core machine.

via hackedgadgets

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Windows 7 Hack – Windows 7 Activation Hacked!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:43:21 +0000

This is sorta old news already but I guess Windows 7 activation was hacked within days of Windows 7 official release:

According to Windows enthusiast site Neowin, one of the first to report the crack, a Lenovo disk image of Windows 7 leaked to a Chinese Web site, then moved to English-language domains. Pirates proceeded to retrieve the master OEM key and the OEM activation certificate from the .iso file. Microsoft lets major computer makers like Lenovo, Dell and Hewlett-Packard pre-activate new PCs at the factory to save customers the hassle, and provides OEM master keys for that purpose.

Windows 7 uses an updated activation scheme, dubbed OEM Activation 2.1, which is an updated version of the activation software that first appeared in Windows Vista. The technology, ironically, has been the focus of a Microsoft lawsuit filed last January against a former employee charged with stealing company documents related to the anti-piracy software that computer makers use to lock Windows to their PCs.

My advice? You probably will want to get the official version because a lot of those hacked Windows 7 versions might potentially come with a Trojan horse.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Windows 7 Hack – Windows 7 Activation Hacked!

Plumbing DIY – How to Unclog Bathroom Sink!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:41:17 +0000

I guess using liquid draino isn’t the safest nor environmentally sound choice and for bathroom sinks, you might just be able to unclog your drains/pipes simply by cleaning the U-pipe attachment. Not a bad solution plus it will save you some money buying that toxic, chemical stuff or calling your local plumber.

The steps of this instructable show you how to remove biological mysteries from your sink’s drainage without using caustic chemicals that cost money, are bad to breathe, less fun and whose success as an unclogging strategy has a lot of uncertainty.

My bathroom sink is simple enough that the pipes and pop-up assembly do not require any special tools to take apart and put together. The only tool I employed besides my hands was an old tooth brush.

Btw, my friend is a plumber in SF bay area, call him and refer Max from Zedomax.com referred you for deep discounts!

Plumbing DIY – How to Unclog Bathroom Sink!

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DSLR Hack – How to Make a Macro Tilt Lens for your DSLR using Lens from a Slide Projector!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:35:12 +0000

Need a cheap macro lens for your DSLR? You might want to consider hacking one up yourself from an old slide projector and make this cool, cheap macro tilt lens. It won’t make you look more professional but heck, if you can take better photos, who cares right? See more DSLR hacks here.

I just came back from the Christchurch SuperShed (our city council recycling centre) where I bought a discarded slide projector for $6. In less than an hour, I turned the projector lens into a tilt macro lens for my dSLR. I know there have been lots of these sorts of projects but I tried to do this one without hot glue or gaffer tape so hopefully my process will help you to turn your odd lenses into useable ones.

DSLR Hack – How to Make a Macro Tilt Lens for your DSLR using Lens from a Slide Projector!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

RFID Hack – How to Make an RFID Music Selector!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:00:59 +0000

For RFID modders, here’s a great DIY to refer to, an RFID application that involves selecting your favorite music using RFID modules! I know some of you are working on RFID projects, this one should be very helpful indeed.

The RFiDJ project is my first attempt at an application in Imperceptible Computing. After work I like to listen to music/radio for a bit to unwind. This usually involves logging into my HTPC and selecting a playlist. For this project I attempted to change how I interact with my music and HTPC. Using RFID tags and photo frame coasters I am attempting to simplify the interface to my music.

via hackedgadgets

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RFID Hack – How to Make an RFID Music Selector!

Re-use DIY – How to Make Recycled Wallpaper!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:56:52 +0000

I remember when I lived in South Korea for a year couple years back, there used to be a bunch of bars where the walls were pasted with DIY newspaper wallpapers. Of course, they looks sorta nicer, it wasn’t just pasted randomly but looks “clean”.

I think this is a great way to make any room in your home “vintage”. Even better, you might be able to make a wallpaper out of all your old photos somehow, that would be more awesome than your digital frame that’s pushing out only 1 image per second.

you can make wallpaper out of anything from newspapers and magazines to color copies by applying them to the wall with polyurethane (one coat underneath and one on top to seal the paper).

via apartmenttherapy

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Re-use DIY – How to Make Recycled Wallpaper!

Sonar DIY – How to Make Sonar-Like Radar Visualizer for an Ultrasonic Scanner!

max — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:52:13 +0000

Good morning! Here’s a rather interesting DIY that shows you how to make a sonar-like radar visualizer for an ultrasonic scanner. Now, I think this could easily be applied to other types of scanners including infrared, radio, etc…etc… Great!

First things first, we need to build our circuit. This is the easy bit! We’ll be using the Arduino to control a servo that will rotate our sensor around 180 degrees. The Arduino will then send the value from the sensor along with the current angle of the servo to the serial port.

via make

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Sonar DIY – How to Make Sonar-Like Radar Visualizer for an Ultrasonic Scanner!

Book Review – How to Become an Accidental Millionaire!

max — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:13 +0000

Recently I’ve read Accidental Millionaire by Gary Fong, a renowned wedding photographer who has made millions through photography. A great book filled with insights for life and business, highly recommended over all those marketing books by marketers. Really, it inspires me more if someone who’s successful writes a book than someone who writes about how to be successful and is successful by telling others how to be successful. (do you get it what I am saying here?)

And oh yeah, Gary has a blog here, check that out too.

Anyways, this is one of the best books I have read on business and life. The renowned photographer/inventor/entrepreur Gary Fong, the author of the book, goes into details of his life and how he came to be a millionaire through “accidents” in his life.

I can really relate to him in that sense that most of things I’ve achieve in life are by “accident” also.

In the book, Gary goes into depth of how he grew up with his Korean mother and Chinese father in Southern California. (and also goes into depth about his mother’s wig business in the ghetto of Compton where they witness killings of their neighbors by thugs)

Read my full book review I posted on my Zedomax.Biz blog here.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Book Review – How to Become an Accidental Millionaire!

LED Hack – How to Make a Remote-Controlled RGB LED Mood Light!

max — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:34:41 +0000

Like LED hacking? Here’s another rather interesting LED hack involving a remote-controlled RGB LED mood light. Awesome!

With this thing I can control the colour of a bright light into many different colours using the three fundamentals colours : red green and blue. Adding them toghether with different intensity can yeld very great a range of colours from the visible spectrum.

Also check out our Top 30 LED DIY projects here.