Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve featured some mechanical versions of arcade games in the past, but I think this is my new favorite. That’s because this real-world version of Donkey Kong is actually controlled by an NES gamepad. That just makes it that much more awesome.

Builder Martin Raynsford built this Arduino-controlled analog version of the arcade classic using a bunch of laser-cut wood parts, and a mechanism that fires a barrage of ball bearings down the ramps in lieu of tiny flaming barrels. And since the balls are magnetic, they stop Jumpman in his tracks if he fails to jump over them.

As you can see in the video clip below, the game is still a work-in-progress, as Jumpman is just hanging out in the middle of the game field and can’t really move around yet. But Raynford’s goal is to make the game fully-functional with time, and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product, which he plans on showing off at next year’s UK Maker Faire. I’m curious to know how he’ll pull off the barrel-smashing sledgehammer.

You can check out more details of the build and mechanism over on Martin’s blog.

[via Kotaku via Engadget]

Over the years, we’ve come across some unusually geeky stained glass items, and the latest to pop up over on Etsy is this handmade glass Starship Enterprise.

It was made by artist Patricia Meehand, using fused and stained glass pieces, and is a pretty solid replica of Captain Kirk’s ship. Though I have to say the “NOC-1701″ is bugging me. Isn’t that supposed to read “NCC-1701?” It’s still a cool piece if you’re not a stickler for accuracy. And we all know that Trekkies can let something like this slide. Or maybe not.

The glasswork is set into an 18-1/2″ x 23″ black picture frame, and would look great hanging in a window or with lights behind it. If you want it, have Scotty beam you over to Etsy, where you can grab it for $200 (USD).

Cake artist Claudia of Cakerific freely admits that she’s come a long way since her first Optimus Prime cake, and I have to agree. It’s amazing what a couple of years of regular baking practice will do for you.

This awesome Optimus Prime cake was made as a very special groom’s cake for a guy who had his wedding and his birthday on the same day. While it looks like Bob’s future birthdays will now be superseded by anniversary celebrations, at least he’ll never forget the date. Claudia doesn’t say what the cake is filled with, but I’ve heard that Energon is pretty tasty stuff.

Now I’m waiting for somebody to make a cake that can actually transform between an 18-wheeler and a giant robot.

[via Retroist]

I’m sorry guys, but that Dinosaurs on a Spaceship episode of Doctor Who… not so great IMHO. But if there is one good thing that came from that episode, it is this awesome mini episode called Dinosaurs on a Wedding Cake.

They didn’t waste any time getting this cake made so soon after the episode. It looks like the entire thing is edible, even the rocks and sand. It was made by the Butter End Cakery. Obviously that isn’t the Doctor and Amy popping their heads out of the TARDIS. I assume that it’s the bride and groom.

Seriously guys, this cake is much better than the episode it’s based on. It’s twice as intelligent and twice as filling.

[via BTP via That’s Nerdalicious]

I always loved playing with my Spirograph when I was a little kid. Of course, now with tablet and computer painting apps, it’s hard to imagine going back to such a simple creative plaything. But sometimes, simplicity is fun too. One graffiti artist still loves his Spirograph, and it inspired him to make a giant one.

Using the basic principles behind the original Spirograph, street artist Narcélio Grud bent a large metal rod into a circle, and then attached a rig which allows a set of smaller wheels (made from bicycles) to spin around on the inside and holds the spray can button down. As he turns the wheel, a rotating geometric pattern appears, just like with the original Spirograph toy. Adjusting a couple of bolts that hold the spray can let him create a virtually infinite number of patterns. Here, check it out in action:

While the effect isn’t as precise as using a pen and paper, it’s still a cool idea, and I’d love to see someone make a motorized version of this thing sometime.

[via Rebelart via Nerdcore (DE)]