Light Graffiti with Servos and Python

servo-laser-light-graffiti

Light Graffiti is can be lots of fun if you have a decent amount of artistic ability, and a keen sense of timing. If you don't have the necessary skills, you can always compensate by using Python-controlled servos to move everything automatically. The Python code can be found here, and makes use of the Python Image Library to process the images into a "drawable" form. A [pyMCU] with firmware … [Read more...]

Homebuilt Laser Cutter Ideas

Laser-Cutter

[Wuzabear] wrote in to tell us about this "DIY Laser Cutter for PCB Stencils." While a full BOM and step-by-step build instructions aren't provided for the frame, pictures of the build are available, and some different options for construction are discussed. One other option that was especially interesting would be to use a ready-built RepRap or other 3D printer to act as the laser motion … [Read more...]

Automatic Closet Lightswitch

closet-door-switch-box

[Dillon] wrote in to tell us about his latest project, an automatic light switch for a the hallway closet in his house. Although this project could probably be done very simply, [Dillon] accomplished everything in a way that actually looks professionally done and has some neat features. Check out his site for more pictures of the build. Not that we at [HAD] mind a bit of messy wiring, but if … [Read more...]

Make Your Own Steadycam Mount

gopro-steadycam

[Ryan] wrote in to tell us about his partially 3D-printed steadycam mount on Instructables. In the video after the break, the camera does stay quite steady through some basic tests. The base is a paint roller handle, and the device works by using a long arm on the bottom with some weights to keep the camera upright. This handle is attached to the weights and camera through a 3-axis Gimbal system … [Read more...]

Designing and Building a Wooden Mechanical Clock

wooden-clock-prototype

Electronics are undoubtedly the basis for our modern society. Leaving out transistor-based devices, and a mechanical clock would be one of the most intricate devices man has come up with. As a Mechanical Engineer, I thought it would be a fun challenge to design and build my own gear-driven clock. Because clocks have obviously been invented, I wouldn't be starting from scratch, and I don't think … [Read more...]

Making a Propane Tank Hank Drum

all-hank-drum-notes-laid-out

A [Hank Drum], as explained here, is a steel drum-type instrument made out of a propane tank. The name comes from the [Hang] or [Hang Drum] which is significantly more expensive than that $40 or so an empty propane tank costs. Of course, you'll have to do some work to get it to play beautiful music, which can be seen in a time-lapse construction video after the break. The details of how this … [Read more...]

DIY Lighting Solutions

pvc-lights

With daylight savings time starting up, you might not have quite as much need for lighting, but this pair of hacks should keep everything well lit whether outside or indoors.  Check out the videos of both in action after the break. The first lighting solution comes to us from [Ben]'s Youtube channel. It's a simple solution, press-fitting a clamp light into a 1 inch PVC Tee to attach the light to … [Read more...]