Tech and Gadgets
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Electronic Components
To find out what precautions, if any, need to be taken when soldering components please see the page on soldering . This site also has a table of circuit symbols which includes brief information about the function of each component. You can use the simple tester project to check many of the components.
Chapter 10: Computers and Electronics: Homemade computer controlled radio transmitter
Building a computer controlled radio transmitter How would you like to send text messages to your friends without wires, and without an Internet connection, and without paying monthly fees? In this project we will build a very simple radio transmitter that you attach to a serial port on your computer. The computer then runs a free program that converts words you type into radio signals that are decoded by another computer, using a cheap radio receiver, and a sound card. With a little study, you don't even need the second computer, since the radio signals are in Morse code, which anyone can learn to decode in their head with a little practice. It also comes in handy as a secret language, or as a way to send long distance messages with a pocket mirror.
So you are interested in building a GPS guided vehicle? Well this is not for the beginner. This walk through does not hold your hand.
Fundamentals of a GPS guided vehicle | Let's Make Robots!
An Oxford-based research firm has announced the results of a release of genetically modified male mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, the first experiment with GM mosquitoes to take place in the wild. From May to October of this year, Oxitec released male mosquitoes three times a week in a 40-acre area. The mosquitoes had been genetically modified to be sterile, so that when they mated with the indigenous female mosquitoes there would be no offspring, and the population would shrink. Mosquito numbers in the region had dropped 80 percent by August, which the researchers expect would result in fewer dengue cases. Since it’s only females who bite humans and transmit diseases like the untreatable dengue fever this study examined, British biologists suspected that introducing males sterilized by a genetic mutation into the gene pool could dramatically decrease their numbers over time.
For The First Time, Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Are Released Into The Wild | Popular Science
Verbatim's diminutive MediaShare Mini NAS: memory not included -- Engadget
Verbatim , whose business is memory (and whose name means "to reproduce word for word," by the way) has done a Rick Moranis job on its MediaShare NAS, resulting in the MediaShare Mini. One third the size of its predecessor, this guy retains its slight stature by going the Iomega iConnect route of eschewing on-board storage altogether for four USB ports (so it looks like you'll have to factor the four thumb drives into the purchase price). And like the full-size MediaShare NAS server, this bad boy supports remote access via HTTP, support for a number of handhelds (including the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, BlackBerry, Android, and Palm Pre), Facebook integration, DLNA-compliant media streaming, and more. Look for it now for an MSRP of $90.
We've been waiting on this one for quite awhile... and well, we've got awhile longer. Fender has come clean with the price and release date of its Squier-branded Stratocaster for Rock Band 3 will hit the road on March 1st for just a penny shy of $280. The six-stringed warrior -- which also serves as a MIDI controller and a real instrument -- has far and away been our favorite method of playing the rhythm game's new pro guitar mode, and though the button-laden Mustang is available now for just over half the price, it really doesn't compare to the real thing here. Even the January 1st pre-order seems a ways off -- guess we'll be brushing up on our keytar skills in the meantime.
Squier Stratocaster for Rock Band 3 set to tour March 1st for $280 -- Engadget
Tech Blogs
Intel uses origami to show how a PC can help you create, enjoy and explore amazing new things. The only thing more amazing than Intel® technology is what you’ll do with it.
A New Vision of Television: Smart TV Powered by the Intel® Atom™ Processor
Seems like only yesterday that we were begging a big named consumer electronics company to get into home automation. Now Samsung, the world's biggest consumer electronics company, complies with a demonstration of the connected home of the future using its own Galaxy Tab. The demo depicts live widget-based control over your home's HVAC, TV (including remote viewing), stove, oven, dryer, vacuum robot, and refrigerator with integrated grocery manager that suggests recipes based upon the food you have. Unfortunately, instead of offering details on when (or how) Samsung's vision might become reality, the demo's main intent seems to be showing off Samsung's latest product line from IFA earlier this month.
Samsung Galaxy Tab as Home Watcher remote control (video) -- Engadget
When it comes to keeping unwanted personnel out of your property, whether that be an estate or an alcove, you can't be expected to hang around holding the big guns all day long. That's when you need an automatic-targeting turret, and Rick Prescott's Infrared Seeking Sentinel is a good, non-lethal choice. Built on a Nerf Vulcan EBF-25, he added an infrared tracker, motor, and battery pack to make the thing autonomous, capable of firing in semi- or full-auto modes. He's posted full instructions on how to make your own, and his effort won him the Make Gadget Freak Design Contest. It also won him something else: our admiration. Full explanation and demonstration after the break.
Infrared Nerf autocannon hunts predators, little sisters too (video) -- Engadget