Reader [Krome] wanted a reliable, modular, weather proof WiFi bridge. The outer weather box was purchased for $50. The main radio is a proprietary Wi-Lan HP45-24. A lightning arrestor is included because this proprietary box was purchased before the WiFi band was official allocated and would be hard to replace. A Linksys WRT54G is used as the local access point and is connected to a Hyperlink 500mW amplifier. The Wi-Lan box and the amplifier have their antennas connected to panel connectors on the outside of the box. The WRT and Wi-Lan box are both powered by an ATX power supply while the amp is connected to the pass-through. Looks like a really solid setup and it should be easy to replace individual components if they fail.

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Wondering how to get the best performance out of your homebrew WiFi antennae? This homebuilt SWR meter will help you measure and match the impedance of your antennae with your source. A good match will ensure maximum power transfer. Use the full schematics or you can just buy the meter from the site.

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RC helicopters have become so cheap that they’re now a really attractive robotics platform. This guide gives a jumping off point for starting your own project. It covers how to integrate a Gumstix embedded linux system into the helicopter. Code is provided so that you can hook up a usb controller to your laptop and control the helicopter over Bluetooth. All you need to do after that is build some cool controls, hook up a speaker and start streaming Ride of the Valkyries.

[thanks Neurolizer]

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Okay, if yesterday’s hack didn’t turn your stomach, this one will. It was inspired by this previous feature hack. After splitting open the PDA and a secure digital wifi card you solder the two together. When you are done you should have a PDA with built in wifi and an open SD card slot. I guess it works, but how is it that simple?

[thanks Dave]

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Defcon isn’t the only hacker gathering starting up right now. If you are at What The Hack in the Netherlands you might catch a glimpse of this project. It’s a wardriving box based on the WRAP. The platform is similar to the Soekris boards and the site actually describes both. It isn’t a complete how to, but you’ll have a good idea of what’s in store for you if you want to attempt this.

[thanks ian]

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I was pretty sure this could be done, but hadn’t seen anyone pull it off till now. Bird603568 managed to stumble upon this write up

Okay, now I think we’ve covered all of the bases when it comes to modifying devices to use them as Skype peripherals. Reader Mad Matt chopped up a pair of toy walkie talkies so that he could build a wireless headset to use with his computer. Although he doesn’t mention VOIP, there are only a few other things this could be used for. Of note is that he used a usb connector between the headset and the receiver/transmitter so that he could have a quick disconnect if needed. If we kill Matt’s free hosting you can try the Coral Cache.

Continue reading “Computer Headset From Walkie Talkies” →