While we wait patiently for camera manufacturers to realize that geotagging is a much more compelling feature than yet another megapixel, we’ll be building this DIY GPS attachment for the Nikon D200 instead. Just like the $400 GeoPic II, the box is based on a SiRF Star III chip, but since you’re building it yourself, you’ll wind up shelling out less than $100. While you’ll need a steady hand and a bit of soldering skill, it doesn’t look too hard to put together — so what are you waiting for? Instructions at the read link.

[Via Make and hack a day]
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from engadget

It’s not the first method we’ve seen for blinding security cameras, but this new DIY / art project from the folks at Oberwelt e.V. looks to be one of the simplest, and one of the few that could conceivably be used on an everyday basis. Dubbed the I-R.A.S.C. (for “infra-redlight against surveillance camera”), the device apparently consists simply of a series of infrared lights connected to a battery, which combine to blot out your face with a slightly unnerving glow. Needless to say, while it appears to hide your identity quite effectively, it doesn’t exactly scream subtlety, so you’d best think of some excuses to explain yourself if you actually plan on trying this thing out in public.

[Via Coolest Gadgets]
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from engadget

If you’ve been hankering for a way to void your UMPC warranty, or just want to add a touch more utility while getting down and dirty with a soldering iron, this here hack may be the one that fits the bill. Facing the daunting task of shoving an internal USB hub into the already cramped confines of a TabletKiosk eo, thoughtfix managed to not only burn his fingers, add a few ventilation holes, and sharpen those wiring skills, but he also stuffed a three-port USB hub within his UMPC. Apparently, the internal WiFi / Bluetooth module’s USB interface can be tapped into to provide a way for a hub to be installed, and while two of the three ports remain open, a 2GB Sony Micro Vault Tiny was plugged into one connector for ReadyBoost usage. ‘Course, the actual process of rigging this up is far too complicated for this space, but if you’re feelin’ froggy, jump on down and give the read link a bit of your time.

[Via Hack-A-Day]
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from engadget

[Via Slashdot]
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from engadget

Hey, we can’t all live in the pimped out mansions or nicely appointed lodges, but an NYU graduate student is making it her personal mission to do something substantial about it. The living portable project has yielded a cardboard-based Shell House contraption that requires just $35 worth of material, a bit of time, and a hearty dose of generosity. The DIY project allows interested citizens to build collapsible houses for homeless individuals, and moreover, gives them an opportunity to experience ubiquitous computing by way of an integrated radio network. Moreover, you can couple this with a homegrown solar heater, and you’ve got yourself a date with nature.

[Via Core77]
Read – Instructions on building a Shell House
Read – Shell House homepage

From engadget

This shows why everyone should use stronger Windows passwords for security reasons. You know what they say: “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Click Video link for more info. Short disclaimer from the video’s creator:

Why should you use strong passwords? This video shows how to crack windows passwords. It is only intended for educational purposes, to show you why it is important to use stronger passwords. Don’t use this information illegally

Video here
From techeblog

If you’ve got a broken DVD-burner laying around, then why not use it to make your own “high-powered laser”? Full instructions here.

The laser pictured above has a peak output measured at 225 mW (average output 200 mW). It’s a visible red at about 650nm. It can light matches, pop balloons, cut electrical tape, and so forth. It can do pretty much anything a Pulsar 150 from Wicked Lasers can do, because it’s basically the same thing. The only differences? This laser was home-made, and cost about 1/3 the price

[via HackedGadgets - Make]
from techeblog

This custom-built golf club puts a new twist on POV (Persistance of Vision) systems. If you want to build your own, you’ll need a CUBLOC CB220, CUBLOC CB220 proto-board, 8 high-output blue LEDs, 1 empty semiconductor sleeve, 8 100 Ohm resistors, 9V battery, golf club, and a couple wires.” Full instructions here. Video after the jump.

As you can see, the letters will go backwards on the backswing and forwards on the forwardswing. Ben Hogan’s “Five Lessons” has a good picture of correct swing arc for a golf swing

[via HackedGadgets - zedomax]
from techeblog

So you’ve seen what spud guns are capable of, now find out how to make your own with this tutorial. Parts needed include, a cannon barrel, reducer coupling, end cap, female adapter, two clamps, hardware (nuts, connectors, etc.), stun gun, and wiring.

You can use the Night Lighter both day and night, but when it’s dark, the clear PVC provides an excellent view of the interior ballistics. Also, the stun gun gives better performance than weaker sparks from piezoelectric or flint/steel igniters. It’s fun both to fire and simply to watch in action

[via Make]
from techeblog

If you haven’t throw down for one of the bazillion iPod docks out there, you may have considered just making your own. But for those out there without the technical know-how — or more importantly, adequate funding — you’re probably stuck syncing your ‘Pod flat on the desk with that plain ole cable Apple tossed in. A dissatisfied (and apparently broke) Mac user finally felt that enough was enough, and resorted to creating an iPod dock from what appears to be an old Apple accessory box, a generous helping of tape, scissors, and a black marker. While we assume any smallish cardboard box would fit the bill, using the prior home of an AirPort Express card just adds that critical dash of Apple flair to the whole creation. If you’re a bit short on cash, or just admire your own handiwork, be sure to keep reading for an internal view, and then hit up the more info link to peep a full gallery of construction photos so you don’t screw yours up.

[Via digg]
from engadget
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Heck yes. We’ve been trying to utilize our Lego collection for the production of projectile apparatuses ever since the Pirate sets stopped coming with those flickable cannons. Now it seems our sad attempts have been eternally showed up by Sebastian’s ULTIMATE Lego Chaingun, which has 8 barrels, a 64 shot capacity, and an eleven rounds per second firing rate. The rubberband chaingun took over a month to build, and is powered by an honest-to-goodness Lego motor. Sebastian has all sorts of ideas how to mod up his gun even more, including an ammo counter or even faster firing rate, but whatever he manages to do it’s clear all we’re going to be bringing to our next rubberband fight is a white flag.

[Via digg]
more info
from engadget

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from engadget

This person decided playing flight simulators on his computer just wasn’t realistic enough, so he built a full-sized 747-400 cockpit, complete with switches, sensors, and motion base. More pictures here.

The approximate size of the simulator is 13ft wide x 11ft long and 9ft high. It will include every switch and panel in the 747-400. The Simulator has been built to accept full motion and visuals at a later date

[via Hackedgadgets - Make]
from techeblog