Arduino arrived and other stuff
Feb 20, 2010 Articles, Computer, DIY, Hobby, Learning, Make, Reviews, Science, Software, Tips
As I wrote earlier, I ordered and Arduino Duemanilove and a Protoshield from eBay. Early this week it arrived and I was thrilled to get my hands on it. I haven’t had much chance to play with it yet, as we’ve had an immense snowstorm here. It’s been snowing for at least 4 days straight now, and that ammounts to over 4 feet of snow during those days alone. My back’s out and more snow is coming down. I don’t have much components lying around, as I forgot to order them and there’s no way I can drive to get some. I have some stuff I want to try but for now they’ll have to wait.
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Not really an idea but…
Feb 2, 2010 Articles, DIY, Digital Photography, Hobby, Learning, Personal, Photography, Science
This isn’t really an idea as I’ve already built one of these, and the other one is not mine.
First: I’ve been into model rocketry almost as long as I’ve been tinkering. Started out with some simple store bought rocket and moved into (of course) making these things myself. Rocket motors are dangerous and when firing you should be a safe distance away. A 9V battery is sufficient to fire the starter but that’s not a decent solution for a maker. I did some searching and thinking and came up with the VERY high voltage circuit from a disposable camera. This thing cranks out about 400V and is VERY DANGEROUS! You should only attempt to
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End of another week
Jan 31, 2010 DIY, General, Hobby, Learning, Make, Resources, Science, Tips
This has been a curious week. I was anxiously waiting for the next episode of The big bang theory, but that was before I had checked to see the next airing 
No new episode this week, had to wait. As I couldn’t watch that, I remembered Legend of the seeker. I watched that show like a hawk during season one, but somehow lost track. Got caught up again now and the show delivers even more than the first season.
It didn’t take all week to catch up in episodes, but I’ve been
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Making and modifying, made fun!
Jan 24, 2010 Articles, Computer, DIY, General, Hobby, Learning, Resources, Science
I came across the YouTube user makemagazine a while back, but forgot about it until I found it again yesterday. There is also a website MakeZine where the videos and content is available.
If you, like me, enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together (might not be in the original shape/way/form), this site is a must-read for ideas.
Finally!!!!!!!!!
Jan 16, 2009 General, Learning, Pyrotechnics, Science
Today I got my first successful launch 
On a downside, I didn’t bother to film it as I didn’t think it would work.
I built a very small shell, maybe a 1″ canister. I didn’t weigh it to measure the liftcharge, so it didn’t go quite as high as I wanted. The spolette I made was waaay to long and the shell actually fell back down before lighting… Booboo. Still was fun though, but I need some real timefuse!!!!!
I’ve never been more chuffed than when the mortar went of, and I saw it lift. The trail from the spolette was just cool. This was something I made myself. Learning… Here I come!
Not working until evening/night tomorrow, so I’ve got a couple hours left of today . Off to make some “pipes” for some slightly bigger canisters.
WOW!
Jan 13, 2009 General, Learning, Pyrotechnics, Science
Success!! Read the rest of this entry »
NC lacquer alone didn’t do the trick, but mixing in some good starmix meal with the NC was successful. Homemade fuse, dipped in the NC/Starmix solution and let dry a few minutes = USABLE!
Oh Yeah!!
Jan 12, 2009 Personal, Pyrotechnics, Science
Finally! Some BP I can actually use Read the rest of this entry »
