Hasta La Gadget!

Looking to get your start in the world of Arduino programming, but having trouble with that whole circuit prototyping thing? Well, the crafty guys and gals at SparkFun have whipped up something they call ProtoSnap — pre-wired boards with an Atmel AVR processor and a small pile of components that are ready for experimenting. When you’ve got your code down, the parts easily snap apart for use in a properly soldered, permanent project. There are three different kits available in the online store now, the Pro Mini ($45), the LilyPad Development Board ($60), and the LilyPad E-sewing kit ($20), the latter being an accessory pack for the LilyPad Board. Check out the gallery of goodies below, as well as the video and PR after the break.

Continue reading SparkFun launches ProtoSnap, pre-wired Arduino kits for beginners (video)

SparkFun launches ProtoSnap, pre-wired Arduino kits for beginners (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

There’s a good reason why My Little Pony wasn’t marketed to boys. Shown off at the 2011 Maker Faire in Detroit, this animatronic, fire-breathing horsie got to spread a little heat thanks to the Louisville, KY-based modding duo, LVL1. The partially Wiimote-controlled mechanical filly is the result of the duo’s Hackerspace efforts, and plans are already underway to loose this steed into the great, fully wireless open. Also on deck for the hot-mouthed stallion: a flame-spewing cabbage patch doll riding companion. How’s that for a DIY-perversion of your precious 80s youth? Peep the full pyromania-tinged project after the break.

Continue reading Maker Faire pony has Wiimote-controlled indigestion, belches fire (video)

Maker Faire pony has Wiimote-controlled indigestion, belches fire (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmodo  |  Maker Faire  | Email this | Comments

It might look like something out of MJ’s Billie Jean, but this colorful LED array won’t be under moonwalking foot — that is, unless the party gets crunk. This colorful grid is actually a table top, brought to you by way of TI’s MSP430 microcontroller, and it knows how to get down. The table is made up of 128 frosted glass cubes, each apparently capable of emitting 16 million colors. Its creators also produced a special beat-detection software, that could very easily have your furniture outshining the bumpers and grinders at your next party. If you’re looking for a little extra something from your coffee table, you can find full build instructions at the source link below.

Continue reading LED coffee table busts a multicolored move (video)

LED coffee table busts a multicolored move (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Texas Instruments  | Email this | Comments

Good news DIYers, XBee now comes in WiFi flavors. The favorite wireless module of Arduino tinkerers everywhere is growing up and adding 802.11n to its normal compliment of RF and ZigBee options. Development kits are available now starting at $149 per board, with add-on modules like embedded or wire antennas and RF connectors clocking in at $49. It might not seem like a big deal to some of you out there, but anyone who’s contemplated building a Tweet-a-Watt or a Yarn Monster will appreciate being able skip adding a ZigBee adapter to their PC. Check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading XBee grows up, delivers WiFi to DIYers and Arduino enthusiasts

XBee grows up, delivers WiFi to DIYers and Arduino enthusiasts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

If you’re the type to stock your walls with Lord of the Rings-style elvish daggers (or, you know, build full-scale Portal gun replicas), then you’ll love this official Mass Effect 3 mockup commissioned by the folks at Bioware. Arduously crafted by self-proclaimed graphic design dork Harrison Krix, the N7 assault rifle replica made its facsimile debut at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. With only a fortnight to work with, the DIY, prop-making hobbyist took the made-for-cosplay gun from a glued wood, styrene and PVC-detailed master concept to paint weathered, final collector’s edition mold. It’s an impressive feat you can view in heavily photographed detail at the source, but there’s still one thing we’re waiting on Krix to bring to life — that space-skipping SSV Normandy.

Mass Effect 3 N7 replica gets real world debut for your Spacer pleasure originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Kotaku  |  Volpin Props  | Email this | Comments