The archenemies of cell phones— puddles, toilets, swimming pools— can cause serious damage to your gadgets. And if your mobile phone has taken the dive, don't panic— there's hope for recovery.
This video is a quick overview of the construction of a Blubberbot, an artificial "life form" that uses electronic sensors to seek out lights, sound, or cell phone signals.
This video shows you how to make a prank toy called "The Evasive Beeping Thing." You will need: a 555 timer, a couple of 3904 transistors, a couple of capacitors, some resistors, a 9-volt battery clip, a small speaker, and a small piece of circuit board to settle everything. Follow these simple steps:
Get started with the LilyPad Arduino! It's a sewable microcontroller that lets you embed lights, sounds, sensors, and much more into your wearables, perfect for clothing and accessories. In this Make Magazine intermediate, soft circuit, video tutorial, you'll see how to sew up this little colorful brooch using a LilyPad tri-color LED and three small potentiometers for a customizable color wardrobe embellishment. Get the details.
Get started with the LilyPad Arduino! It's a sewable microcontroller that lets you embed lights, sounds, sensors, and much more into your wearables, perfect for clothing and accessories. In this Make Magazine intermediate, soft circuit, video tutorial, you'll see how to make a light-up patch that can be used on your backpack for fun and bike safety. Get the details.
Simple yet effective, capacitors come in a dizzying array of forms and materials, vital to so many circuits for storage, timing, and filtration - the mighty capacitor!
The first video introduces the basic electrical quantities of charge, current, voltage, and resistance. The concept of quantities and units is explained. The units of Coulombs, Volts, Amperes, and Ohms are described. The three basic formulas of Ohm's Law (E=IR, I=E/R and R=E/I) are also introduced.
This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, measure resistance and voltage and many more values. Multimeters are like the electrical engineer's Swiss army knife. Multimeters can be of digital or analog types. Before using the multimeter, make sure there is continuity between the two probes. When you connect the two probes with each other, it will beep indicating that there is continuity and then you can go ahead. To...
In this how-to video, you will learn now to dismantle an iPod Nano 3rd Generation. First, run a plastic tool on both sides of the device. Once this is done, remove the back cover with your fingers. Next, unscrew the six screws on the circuit board. Store them in a place where they will not be lost. Next, remove the click wheel ribbon cable from the jaw connector. Lift the jaw connector with the tool and use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the cable from the jaw. Next, remove the small met...
Ultimate Handyman demonstrates how to check a washing machine pump for blockages. First, disconnect the washing machine from the electricity source and remove the pump. The water sucks through the inlet and is pumped out of the outlet. Check to make sure that the pump doesn't have any open circuits by attaching the leads to the multimeter. Remove the screws to look inside the pump. Remove any debris that may be clogging the propellor. Make sure the O-ring around the edge creates the seal and ...
This is how to solder wires properly and then heat shrink them in order to insulate them. Firstly upkeep of the soldering iron is required to keep it from oxidizing. Portable versions of the iron are also available to make work more convenient. A solder sucker is required to suck up and solder left behind by the iron. Alternatively you could use a solder wick which when used with the solder iron can absorb all the solder over the circuit board. Onto the actual process, strip off some of the w...
This video shows how to install track lighting where you want to add or direct light. The first thing to do is to turn off the power to the circuit. If you don't have an electrical box where you want the lighting, you can purchase one at any home improvement store. If you have one, you will also need a track lighting adapter. Use masking tape for the pattern that you want, start around 18 to 24 inches from the wall. Remove the tape and replace it with chalk lines. Cut the tracks to size and a...
Isolate shoulder muscles with specific weightlifting exercises. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video. Take action: targeting anterior & lateral deltoids, bring dumbbells to side with feet shoulder-width apart. Lance is certified personal trainer through American Fitness Association of America. He graduated from UNC with a biology degree and currently works for a gym. He specializes in weight training, circuit training, endu...
Work out several muscle groups with compound exercises. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video. Take action: involve many muscles, work shoulders and triceps, have a spotter, and lift straight above head. Lance is certified personal trainer through American Fitness Association of America. He graduated from UNC with a biology degree and currently works for a gym. He specializes in weight training, circuit training, endurance t...
Use cable weight machines for shoulder exercises. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video. Take action: work anterior and lateral deltoids by pulling handle straight up to side, but don't lock elbows, raise arms straight out to the front. Lance is certified personal trainer through American Fitness Association of America. He graduated from UNC with a biology degree and currently works for a gym. He specializes in weight traini...
Isolate muscles in the back with some simple exercise methods. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video. Take action: isolate back muscles with feet wider than shoulder-width, and bring weight down to hips but don't lock elbows. Lance, the instructor in this how-to video, is certified personal trainer through American Fitness Association of America. He graduated from UNC with a biology degree and currently works for a gym. He s...
Work out multiple back muscles with compound exercises. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this free weightlifting video. Take action: grip handles on the outsides, cross legs, bring chin to top of the bar, and return slowly, but don't swing legs. Lance, the instructor in this how-to video, is certified personal trainer through American Fitness Association of America. He graduated from UNC with a biology degree and currently works for a gym. He s...
Have you tried working out with an isolated lateral bench press? Iso-lat bench presses are an essential part of lifting weights and strength training. This fitness how-to video tutorial demonstrates how to do an isolated bench press to strengthen the upper body. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video.
Have you tried a chest fly on a weight machine? Both a weight machines and a chest fly are an essential part of lifting weights and strength training. This fitness how-to video tutorial demonstrates strengthening the chest with flies on a machine. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video.
How many handymen does it take to install a dimmer switch? None, you can do it yourself in a snap. A dimmer switch can make a room more comfortable, by allowing you to adjust the light to just the right brightness at the moment. You will need a screwdriver, a circuit tester, a wire cutter, a wire stripper, and 3 twist-on wire connectors. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to install a dimmer switch.
Plug this baby into your FiOS-powered computer and simulate the real-time climate of any location in the country -- rain, lightning, fog, sunshine.
Create teenie tiny solar robots with Bre Pettis of Make Magazine. Learn to make little teeny tiny robots called beambots that are powered by the sun! One of the great things about these little solar powered bots is that you can make them from scavenged materials. Use parts from broken electronics and bring them back to life as little robots! If you are not an expert in circuits, you will need books and pdf's to supplement this video.
Need an electric outlet and don't have one? No batteries on hand, either? Well, then you should use the next best thing - potatoes! In this tutorial, learn how to make that old science fair staple - the potato powered calculator! Check it out, it really works!
Obviously, millionaires like me don't really have to worry about an empty wallet, but for the rest of you out there, having no cash when it comes time to paying a bill can be excruciatingly embarrassing.
For those of you who are as unlucky as me with your Pineapple and need to re-seat or replace the aerial connector this will show you how.
There are some pretty incredible camera techniques out there, but the biggest problem that amateur photographers run into is that they don't have the equipment to try them. You can still get some great shots, but there are some things that are really hard to do if you don't have the money to drop on expensive lenses and accessories.
Inductive charging has been around since the days of Nikola Tesla, but it has yet to be integrated into a lot of popular devices. This is partially because it's slower and more expensive than methods that involve direct contact.
A couple of months ago at the Black Hat security conference, hacker Cody Brocious gave the hotel industry a nasty surprise when he figured out how to hack the locks made by Onity that are used in millions of hotels worldwide.
How do you make a 1950 Studebaker even cooler? By installing an iPod Nano in the dashboard, of course! The folks over at MAYA Design hacked their way to a touch-controlled sound system with this project they've dubbed the "Nano-Baker" (or "Stude-iPod") using a pair of Apple ear buds, a USB cable, a voltage regulator and a set of speakers. Here's how they pulled it off.
Any electronic equipment is bound to accumulate dust, slight moisture, dirt or any combination of the above on its sensitive parts over time. The delicate nature of items also means further care is required.
In this tutorial, we learn how to bleed the front breaks of a scooter. First, operate the vac and bleed the nipple from the brake. Then, unscrew the bleed nipple to let out any air trapped in the circuit. Brake fluid level should never drop below the minimum level during the procedure. Close the bleed nipple and then re-fit the cap to the vac. This procedure will only take you a few minutes and it will ensure that your scooter keeps running smoothly. Just make sure you take your time and watc...
This video tutorial is in the Education category which will show you how to make sodium bromate and potassium meta-periodate. This experiment uses toxic chemicals and releases harmful gases. First you have to make a saturated sodium bromide. To this solution then add a small amount of potassium dichromate. The solution now becomes concentrated. Then make the circuit as shown in the video. You need a 3 - 5 ohm resistor in order to reduce the current. Then let the cell run for around 6 hours. S...
In this tutorial by Lowe's, we learn how to install exterior motion-sensor lights with Lowe's. First, you will need to pick out what kind of motion sensor light you want. Most of the kits you purchase will come equipped with all the things you need, you will just need to supply the hardware. You will need: a screwdriver, circuit tester, electrical tape, silicone caulk, work gloves, and safety glasses. Open up the package and find the directions inside of it. After this, turn off the electrici...
In this tutorial, we learn how to repair an iPod Nano 4th Generation. First, remove the top and the bottom bezel from the device using a small and flat tool. When these are removed, switches will fall out, make sure to set these aside in a safe area. Now, remove the Philips screws that are in the top and the bottom of the device and set them aside. You will be able to take apart the top from the bottom now. The dock connector will be inside where the motherboard and circuits are at. Repair th...
In order to do a big back giant weight sets, you will need free weights, a bench, and a hanging bar. You can use towels or and powder, if it helps you.
These close grip pull downs can be done as part of a strength training circuit to help you tone your entire back and especially your lateral muscles. The close grip pull down also employs your midsection (this is where most of your power will come from), so you'll also get a nice little surprise when you look in the mirror at your ab region in a few weeks.
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the feature keys for your Cricut machine. There are six feature keys on every cartridge. The first is the shadow feature key that create a matte to highlight your letter. The shadow blackout key creates a solid matte that doesn't cut out the holes in between the letters. The charm feature key puts a charm top on the top of letters. The sign feature key puts letters inside of a small sign post, making it one inch from top to bottom. The slotted feature key...
In this tutorial, we learn how to solder with a soldering iron. You will need: tinning pads, desoldering braid, and an adding component. Start off by heating the copper, before you add the wire. You need for the acid to flow from the core onto the copper to create a surface that will accept the solder. A cold solder will break or cause burn. If you use too much solder, use the braid to remove it. Next, place the wires onto the holes and heat them onto the circuits where you want them to be pl...
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to etch glass in 5 minutes. The materials needed for his procedure are: contact paper, Armour Etch and a paintbrush, glass and a sink. Begin by cutting the contact paper face up on a circuit mat. Cut it on medium speed and pressure. Then put the contact paper on glass. Work carefully to prevent any wrinkles and bubbles in the design. Now put the etching cream on in a dabbing motion. The etching cream will not run into areas that are not stuck down. Fi...
Unilateral exercises are easier than bilateral exercises, so it's safer to start with these types of weight lifting workouts if you're an exercise beginner.
