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Retro tech meets modern AI: Inside an Amazon developer's garage turned working computer museum – GeekWire

https://www.geekwire.com/2026/retro-tech-meets-modern-ai-inside-an-amazon-developers-garage-turned-working-computer-museum/
“I started getting stuff, and then … it just kind of snowballed to a point I actually had to slow down because I legitimately don’t have space for it anymore,” Mesaros told GeekWire during a recent tour of his retro hardware labyrinth.
#hardware #nifty #retro
archive.org #38815

Controlling your home with tiny, cheap touchscreens

https://a.wholelottanothing.org/controlling-your-home-with-tiny-cheap-touchscreens/?ref=a-whole-lotta-nothing-newsletter
This turned out really well and was a cheap solution to my problems (it cost me about$16 but it currently shows me $21 for a screen). In the weeks since I set it up, it's been so useful for everyone else in the house that I'm considering buying one for the kitchen to control all the living room lights without anyone having to take their phones out, and another one in my barn to turn all the lights on whenever I walk in (currently I always fire up the Apple Home app and run a shortcut to turn on the 6 different light switches).
#diy #esp32 #hardware #homeassistant #iot
archive.org #38800

MCU-less teletype terminal using Alphacom printer | Hackaday.io

https://hackaday.io/project/206469-mcu-less-teletype-terminal-using-alphacom-printer
Period-correct technology would probably be a VDU terminal or its predecessor, a teletype terminal, which is an electric typewriter that sends serial output from its keyboard and prints serial input onto paper. Here's where the Alphacom printer comes in. It was compatible and contemporary with the ZX81 and was a better option in many ways than Sinclair's ZX Printer. (The ZX computers had built-in line-printer capabilities.) Importantly there are plenty of the Alphacoms around today, working fine.
#hardware #rc2014 #retro #z80
archive.org #38761

A Computer Terminal The Old Way | Hackaday

https://hackaday.com/2026/09/21/a-computer-terminal-the-old-way/
Here in 2026 if we need a terminal the chances are we fire one up on our computer and continue on our way without a thought. What we are doing of course is emulating the experience of earlier hardware terminals, ones with a serial port on the back, a keyboard, a screen, or if they are a bit older, a teletype printer. [Sheila Dixon] is recreating that experience for the RC2014 retrocomputer, and she’s using some period-appropriate hardware and techniques.
#hardware #rc2014 #retro
archive.org #38760

USBSID-Pico: Bridging Real Commodore 64 Sound to Modern USB - SmallRun

https://smallrun.net/blog/loud/usbsid-pico-sids-on-usb
I am LouD (short for loudness) and I created USBSID-Pico to bridge real SID silicon directly to modern workstations, phones, and media players over USB (CDC/WebUSB/WebSerial), MIDI, ASID and in the future possibly WiFi and Bluetooth. Powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller series (rp2040 and rp2350), the board acts as a flexible controller for up to two (and soon four) physical SID chips or modern hardware replacements.
#c64 #commodore #hardware #raspi #retro #sid
archive.org #38728

OpenTools / OpenPrinter

https://www.opentools.studio/
a repairable, compact, and robust printer designed to last. Fully repairable and equipped with a refillable ink system, it adapts to your needs while reducing your printing costs. Easy to maintain, it offers a sustainable, economical, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional printers.
#diy #hardware #open #printers
archive.org #38616

Banned Book Library | Rick's Blog

https://www.richardosgood.com/posts/banned-book-library/
A long while back I had an idea to hack a WiFi smart light bulb to do something more useful to me. Actually, I had a few different ideas of things to do with them. One of these ideas was to modify the device to have an open WiFi access point and a web server hosting banned books. The idea was that if you lived somewhere that banned books you thought were important, you could theoretically stick a digital copy of the book on one of these light bulbs. Then you could go install it somewhere in your community. As long as the light bulb is switched on, then anyone in the vicinity can still access the banned material assuming they have an electronic device with WiFi. Since the device is a light bulb, it would be difficult to detect and likely to go unnoticed. A cyberpunk digital dead drop. These devices are also fairly inexpensive, so leaving them around town as is hopefully not very cost prohibitive.
#books #cyberpunk #diy #esp32 #hacks #hardware #iot
archive.org #38581

ESP32 Life

https://benbrown.com/txt/read/2026-05-11
As I continue to try to unbundle my hobbies from the iphone, these ESP32 devices have played a really big role. An open product like this promises a tinkerer like me much more than a useful gadget - it can become MY gadget, something modified and tuned to my specific needs and aesthetic quirks. There is no corpo telemetry tracker sneaking onto my gadget, only the stupid shit I put there!! And when I get tired of that thing, I can always flash it with something else. I can't say that about my phone.
#diy #esp32 #hacking #hardware
archive.org #38542

How to turn anything into a router

https://nbailey.ca/post/router/
Fortunately, you can make a router out of basically anything resembling a computer. I’ve used a linux powered mini-pc as my own router for many years, and have posted a few times before about how to make linux routers and firewalls in that time. It’s been rock solid stable, and the only issue I’ve had over the years was wearing out a $20 mSATA drive. While I use Debian typically, Alpine linux probably works just as well, perhaps better if you’re familiar with it. As long as the device runs Linux well and has a couple USB ports, you’re good to go. Mini-PCs, desktop PCs, SBCs, rackmount servers, old laptops, or purpose built devices will all work.
#diy #hardware #linux #networking #routers
archive.org #38434

Making The Zelda G&W Into A MODERN Emulation Powerhouse Because Nintendon’t | Zelda 40th Anniversary - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YIHjUM8Qms&t=849s
Zelda turns 40 years old, so for its big anniversary we turned the tiny Zelda Game & Watch into a pocket-sized emulation powerhouse. In this video, I upgrade the Zelda Game & Watch with expanded memory, custom firmware, and a microSD card slot for unlimited storage, unlocking support for tons of classic retro consoles, save states, and a fully customizable UI. All on real Nintendo hardware! It’s open-source, community-driven and absolutely insane.
#diy #emulation #hacks #hardware #nes #nifty #nintendo #zelda
archive.org #38324

マリウス . Hold on to Your Hardware

https://xn--gckvb8fzb.com/hold-on-to-your-hardware/
There is a darker, conspiratorial interpretation of today’s hardware trends that reads less like market economics and more like a rehearsal for a managed future. Businesses, having discovered that ownership is inefficient and obedience is profitable, are quietly steering society toward a world where no one owns compute at all, where hardware exists only as an abstraction rented back to the public through virtual servers, SaaS subscriptions, and metered experiences, and where digital sovereignty, that anyone with a PC tower under their desk once had, becomes an outdated, eccentric, and even suspicious concept.
#diy #future #hardware #selfhosting
archive.org #38322

wavephoenix/hardware/mini-receiver at main · loopj/wavephoenix

https://github.com/loopj/wavephoenix/tree/main/hardware/mini-receiver
The WavePhoenix Mini Receiver is a small, low-cost WaveBird receiver replacement. It has been designed to be as cheap as possible (~$4 in parts) and simple to build. The receiver uses a cheap, off-the-shelf wireless module (the RF-BM-BG22C3), which can either be hand-wired, or assembled onto a custom PCB.
#diy #gaming #hardware #n64 #retro #wavebird
archive.org #38092

Emulate ROMs At 12MHz With Pico2 PIO | Hackaday

https://hackaday.com/2025/12/06/emulate-roms-at-12mhz-with-pico2-pio/
Nothing lasts forever, and that includes the ROMs required to make a retrocomputer run. Even worse, what if you’re rolling your own firmware? Period-appropriate EPROMs and their programmers aren’t always cheap or easy to get a hold of these days. [Kyo-ta04] had that problem, and thanks to them, we now all have a solution: Pico2ROMEmu, a ROM emulator based on, you guessed it, the Raspberry Pi Pico2.
#emulation #hardware #retro #rom
archive.org #38079

Ribbons - Kinotone

https://kinotoneaudio.com/products/ribbons/
Customize a massive range of sounds from pristine hi-fi clarity to haunting lo-fi textures — all in stereo. You can emulate magnetic tape, vinyl, an old radio, or a vintage telephone. Even skipping CDs, and spectral mishaps of MP3s and early digital media.
#audio #hardware #music #retro
archive.org #38048

LouDnl/USBSID-Pico: USBSID-Pico is a RPi Pico (RP2040/W RP2350/W) based board for interfacing one or two MOS SID chips and/or hardware SID emulators over (WEB)USB with your computer, phone, ASID supporting player or USB midi controller

https://github.com/LouDnl/USBSID-Pico
USBSID-Pico is a RaspberryPi Pico/PicoW (RP2040) & Pico2/Pico2W (RP2350) based board for interfacing one or two MOS SID chips and/or hardware SID emulators over (WEB)USB with your computer, phone, ASID supporting player or USB midi controller.
#audio #commodore #hardware #music #retro #sid
archive.org #38030

Connector-Free Zone: PCB Edge As USB-C Interfaces | Hackaday

https://hackaday.com/2025/10/27/connector-free-zone-pcb-edge-as-usb-c-interfaces/
Sometimes when you’re making a PCB that you plan on programming over USB, but you only plan on plugging in a couple of times, it would be nice to make that connection without another BOM item. Over on GitHub [AnasMalas] has released a PCB edge USB-C connection symbol/footprint to do just that!
#hacks #hardware #pcb #usbc
archive.org #37882

The Wrew: Core Dump

https://wrewtopia.com/read/2025-10-04
The thing is… it is made to run on an ESP12, which is very capable and very power efficient, but tends not to allow for external antennas and doesn’t have great WiFi range. I wanted more range. I want an external antenna. And I have a few spare ESP32’s sitting around that allow for external antennas and have better WiFi performance. So, I decided to try to port the firmware from the ESP12 to the ESP32.
#diy #esp32 #gadgets #hardware
archive.org #37828

8-input Video Switch

https://www.vwlowen.co.uk/radio/videoswitch2/index.htm
Instead of switching just four inputs, the new unit can switch 8 AV (composite) cameras and uses readily available transistors to do the switching in place of the potentially unreliable electro-mechanical relays. As a bonus, it is, of course, totally silent in use.
#diy #electronics #hacks #hardware #video
archive.org #37803

Meshtastic 64 Radio Demo on Commodore 64 - The Oasis BBS

https://theoasisbbs.com/meshtastic-64-radio-demo-on-commodore-64/?feed_id=5678&_unique_id=68dfcf2d76f81
The Meshtastic 64 Radio connects through the user port and sits inside a cartridge shell with a built-in battery. Once installed, the device powers up and runs with a custom BASIC program loaded from floppy disk. This software lets the Commodore 64 send and receive text messages across the Meshtastic network, linking retro hardware with modern mesh communication.
#c64 #commodore #diy #hardware #meshtastic #radio #retro
archive.org #37777

The VMU Pro turns the Dreamcast’s memory card into a handheld emulator | The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/news/665012/8bitmods-sega-dreamcast-virtual-memory-unit-vmu-pro-emulator-nes-sega
8BitMod’s upcoming VMU Pro offers the same functionality as Sega’s original, but it’s rebuilt from the ground up with upgrades that include a full-color screen and enough processing power to use it as a handheld emulator for retro games.
#dreamcast #gaming #hardware #retro #sega #vmu
archive.org #29518

Coin Cell Be Gone

https://www.alpenglowindustries.com/products/coin-cell-be-gone-5-pack
Got soldering kits that take side-insert CR2032 holders? Want to get rid of that coin cell holder and convert it to USB? The Coin Cell Be Gone does exactly this! Solder it directly to either a through-hole or surface mount side-insert footprint at the 3 castellations
#diy #electronics #hacks #hardware
archive.org #29563

It Goes Both Ways! Lithium Battery Charge-Boost Kit

https://www.alpenglowindustries.com/products/it-goes-both-ways-lipo-charge-boost-kit
Make your own power bank out of any (1000 mAh or over) lithium battery! Are you a fan of bi-directional USB-C? Hey, so are we! This awesome little board goes both ways - the USB-C connector is both an input to charge a lithium battery at 1.0-1.2A and an output that provides a boosted 5V from the battery at 1.2A!
#batteries #diy #electronics #hardware #usb #usbc
archive.org #29566

The Sorbus Computer

https://xayax.net/sorbus/
The Sorbus Computer started with the idea on building a very simple and cheap 65C02 based computer. It was intended to show the operation of the CPU for a talk about historic computers during a talk and workshop (slides blow).
#6502 #diy #hacks #hardware #retro
archive.org #29571

Michael Kohn - modern 6502

https://www.mikekohn.net/micro/modern_6502.php
while doing my daily hackaday.com reading, I discovered the W65C265SXB board, a modern microcontroller with a 6502 (actually 65C816) at its core. I did a really good job resisting buying one for a while, but eventually gave in. To put this board to use I decided to put up this page with 3 small projects (added a 4th more recently) to show off some things that can be done with this newer 6502 chip
#6502 #diy #hardware #retro
archive.org #29581

A USB interface to the "Mother of All Demos" keyset

https://www.righto.com/2025/03/mother-of-all-demos-usb-keyset-interface.html
Engelbart's demo also featured an input device known as the keyset, but unlike his other innovations, the keyset failed to catch on. The 5-finger keyset lets you type without moving your hand, entering characters by pressing multiple keys simultaneously as a chord. Christina Englebart, his daughter, loaned one of Engelbart's keysets to me. I constructed an interface to connect the keyset to USB, so that it can be used with a modern computer. The video below shows me typing with the keyset, using the mouse buttons to select upper case and special characters.
#chording #engelbart #hacks #hardware #usb
archive.org #29607

Giant USB Button – RasterWeb!

https://rasterweb.net/raster/2025/01/29/giant-usb-button/
Look, I’m just going to come out and say it… this Giant USB Button is probably too big! It’s 228.6mm x 228.6mm x 120mm (which is 9″x9″ x 4.725″). The thing is, when someone asks me to build something for them, and it seems interesting, I can’t really say no. And I did say “no” this time, but mainly due to the tight deadline. I said I would need about twice as much time as requested and luckily the client came back with “We can do that!” So I got to work…
#diy #electronics #hardware #usb
archive.org #29686

No Frills PCB Brings USB-C Power To The Breadboard | Hackaday

https://hackaday.com/2025/01/06/no-frills-pcb-brings-usb-c-power-to-the-breadboard/
[Axiometa] has recently unveiled a simple PCB that will plug into a standard solderless breadboard to provide 3.3 and 5 VDC when connected to a USB-C power supply. The device is going to start a crowdfunding campaign soon if you want to buy a completed one — but with the design files and Bill of Materials already up on GitHub, nothing stops you from spinning up your own version today.
#diy #electronics #hardware #usbc
archive.org #29718

The NES Expansion Port Is Finally Emerging From The Darkness. Why Now?

https://tedium.co/2024/12/02/nintendo-expansion-port-history/
After 39 years, console modders have begun to develop ways to use the Nintendo Entertainment System’s infamous expansion slot, a key example of vestigial manufacturing. In honor of this amazing feat, which is being used to add Bluetooth and Famicom Disk System support to the console, I thought it might be good to take a look back at this fascinating wrinkle of history. Today’s Tedium ponders the legacy of the NES Expansion Port, and where it’s going next.
#hacks #hardware #nes #nintendo #retro
archive.org #29772

E-Ink Screen Combined With Analog Dial Is Epic Win | Hackaday

https://hackaday.com/2024/11/25/e-ink-screen-combined-with-analog-dial-is-epic-win/
The concept is simple—get an e-ink display, and draw a dial on it using whatever graphics and scale you choose. Then, put it behind a traditional coil-driven analog dial in place of the more traditional paper scale. Now, you have an analog dial that can display any quantity you desire. Just update the screen to display a different scale as needed. Meanwhile, if you don’t need to change the display, the e-ink display will draw zero power and still display the same thing.
#diy #electronics #gadgets #hardware
archive.org #29823

JawnCon0x1: The Modem Badge

https://jawncon.org/0x1-modem.html
Having decided the retro late-80s early-90s theme for JawnCon 0x1, the inspiration for the badge seemed almost immediately obvious: the iconic, venerable Hayes SmartModem oozes industrial design of the era and is instantly recognizable to any of us who grew up when computers had the decency to shriek like digital banshees to let us know when they were plotting against us.
#cons #diy #gadgets #hardware #jawncon #modems #retro #wifi
archive.org #29856

frntc/SIDKick: SIDKick -- the first complete SID 6581/8580-drop-in-replacement that you can build yourself

https://github.com/frntc/SIDKick
SIDKick is a versatile sound device for C64s and C128s: it serves as a drop-in replacement for the SID 6581/8580 sound chips, and at the same time provides Sound Expander-emulation (Yamaha OPL-based FM sound), a MIDI interface and can control LED stripes. It is based on a Teensy 4.1 and makes no compromises with regard to quality: the emulation is based on reSID and fmOPL. It also comes with a few extras.
#c64 #commodore #diy #hardware #music #retro #sid
archive.org #29887

Gadgetbridge

https://gadgetbridge.org/?utm_source=FuckOff&utm_campaign=FuckOff&utm_medium=FuckOff
Gadgetbridge is a free and open source Android application that allows you to pair and manage various gadgets such as smart watches, bands, headphones, and more without the need for the vendor application. So in short, you can use Gadgetbridge instead of relying on your gadget's own proprietary app.
#android #diy #gadgets #hardware #iot
archive.org #29900

USB Insight Hub | Crowd Supply

https://www.crowdsupply.com/aerio-solutions/usb-insight-hub
USB Insight Hub plugs into your computer through a USB Type-C connector and exposes three USB 3.0 downstream ports, each with a 1.3-inch screen that displays relevant information about the attached device. That information includes operating system enumeration name (COMx, TTYx, or drive letter), voltage, and current. USB Insight Hub also allows you to control the individual activation and deactivation of the D+/D- USB 2 data lines to force enumeration and control the power of each downstream device. A small application running on the host computer extracts USB information from the operating system and sends it to the Hub over USB.
#diy #electronics #hardware #usb
archive.org #29921

RC2024 – Part 15 – Building A Music Player That Uses The Rotary Encoder Module - Robert Price

https://www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/rc2024-part-15-building-a-music-player-that-uses-the-rotary-encoder-module/
I wanted to put together all my learning and build a music player for the RC2014. This will run using my RC2014 Classic 2 computer. It uses the LCD Driver Module, and the YM2149 Sound Card Module from Z80Kits. In addition, it also uses my ROM board, and of course the Rotary Encoder Module.
#diy #electronics #hardware #rc2014 #retro
archive.org #29934

Educational LCD Oscilloscope Kit EDU08 Velleman | Jameco

https://www.jameco.com/z/WSEDU08-Velleman-Velleman-Educational-LCD-Oscilloscope-Kit-by-Whadda_2261959.html?trk_msg=4P14JF8AODRKB0OJBNA6UIJB1G&trk_contact=0BK3H3I8ID11QJT0HBNJJVJBV0&trk_sid=91VNO9GBV7OR98IEVRIR9Q0KV0&trk_link=S6SL6TGC5GU4PA79DEKMDI4A64&utm_source=FuckOff&utm_medium=FuckOff&utm_term=FuckOff&utm_campaign=FuckOff&utm_content=FuckOff
Build your own oscilloscope and learn how to visualize signals. See the signals you learn about in real life! Despite the low cost, this oscilloscope has many features only found on expensive units like signal markers, frequency, dB, true RMS readouts, etc. This powerful auto-setup function will get you going in a snap!
#diy #electronics #hardware #projects
archive.org #30464

Introducing Jelly-Load! – TFW8b.com

https://www.tfw8b.com/introducing-jelly-load/
Why load your 8bit things via the convenience of Cassette, Disk or Cartridge when you can load things via YouTube video? Because it’s horribly slow that’s why! But it is rather cool! And if like me you’ve got a million electronic bits and bobs lying around the house, you may have enough electronic purchase left-overs to start making your own Jelly-Load interface right now! 😀
#c64 #hacks #hardware #retro
archive.org #30480

The buttons on Zenith’s original ‘clicker’ TV remote were a mechanical marvel - The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/23810061/zenith-space-command-remote-control-button-of-the-month
The Zenith Space Command, one of the first wireless television remotes ever to exist, is a monument to a time before we took the remote for granted. It also just so happened to contain one of the most influential and intriguing buttons in history.
#engineering #hardware #imported:pinboard #technology #tv #zenith
archive.org #47

Pi Zero Serial Terminal « RC2014

https://rc2014.co.uk/modules/pi-zero-serial-terminal
The Pi Zero Serial Terminal module allows you to plug the RC2014 in to an HDMI monitor or TV and a USB keyboard, thus use it without the reliance on another computer. [Ok, yes, you are still relying on another computer – the Pi Zero – but it’s small and neat within the RC2014 footprint]
#hardware #rc2014 #retro #z80
archive.org #28919

Setting up an LCD screen on the Raspberry Pi, 2019 edition | by Avik Das | Medium

https://medium.com/@avik.das/setting-up-an-lcd-screen-on-the-raspberry-pi-2018-edition-d0b2792783cd
The installation of the hardware was straightforward, but setting up the Pi to display onto the new LCD didn’t go so well. It turns out this LCD, and many similar ones, ask you to enable the LCD via scripts in the LCD-show project. On my first attempt, I simply ran the relevant script (LCD35-show) as requested, but I ended up not being able to connect to my WiFi anymore!
#hardware #imported:pinboard #lcd #rpi #screen
archive.org #28841

Raspberry PiBoy – Building a Handheld Gaming System from Walnut and Carbon Fiber – MICHAEL K CASTOR

http://www.mkcastor.com/raspberry-piboy-handheld-gaming-system-in-walnut-and-carbon-fiber/
Portable Raspberry Pi enabled gaming system projects seem to be everywhere. The concept is relatively simple; get an old GameBoy (or other old portable) shell, stuff in a Raspberry Pi Zero as well as some switches, LiPo battery and charger, an LCD screen, and maybe an audio amplifier and you’re set (except for the giant mess of wires.)
#diy #gaming #hardware #imported:pinboard #raspi #retro
archive.org #31318

Raspberry PiBoy – Building a Handheld Gaming System from Walnut and Carbon Fiber – MICHAEL K CASTOR

http://www.mkcastor.com/raspberry-piboy-handheld-gaming-system-in-walnut-and-carbon-fiber
Portable Raspberry Pi enabled gaming system projects seem to be everywhere. The concept is relatively simple; get an old GameBoy (or other old portable) shell, stuff in a Raspberry Pi Zero as well as some switches, LiPo battery and charger, an LCD screen, and maybe an audio amplifier and you’re set (except for the giant mess of wires.)
#diy #gaming #hardware #raspi #retro
archive.org #27507

The underground story of Cobra, the 1980s’ illicit handmade computer | Ars Technica

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/11/the-underground-story-of-cobra-the-1980s-illicit-handmade-computer/
Among the clones manufactured by the Communists was the Cobra or CoBra. The name stands for COmputere BRAsov, with Brasov being the town in central Romania where these machines were assembled to be used by enterprises. Of course, ordinary people couldn’t buy them—which is what first led several students at the Politehnica University of Bucharest deciding to build them themselves.
#diy #hardware #history #imported:pinboard #retro #tech
archive.org #31330

The underground story of Cobra, the 1980s’ illicit handmade computer | Ars Technica

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/11/the-underground-story-of-cobra-the-1980s-illicit-handmade-computer
Among the clones manufactured by the Communists was the Cobra or CoBra. The name stands for COmputere BRAsov, with Brasov being the town in central Romania where these machines were assembled to be used by enterprises. Of course, ordinary people couldn’t buy them—which is what first led several students at the Politehnica University of Bucharest deciding to build them themselves.
#diy #hardware #history #retro #tech
archive.org #27477

ElectroHarmonograph - i3Detroit

https://www.i3detroit.org/wiki/ElectroHarmonograph
A Harmonograph is 19th-century mechanical device which draws geometric patterns based on the motion of pendulums. (For a real example, see Marie-therese's Maker Faire project - A 3-pendulum Harmonograph. Also, search youtube for videos like this one) By adjusting the physical parameters of the device, and initial conditions of the pendulums, you can vary the patterns it can make.
#arcade #hardware #i3detroit #imported:pinboard #projects
archive.org #27075

PockulusC.H.I.P. or: How an April Fool’s Joke Turned PocketC.H.I.P. into the Most Affordable VR Headset in the World! — Blog. by Next Thing

http://blog.nextthing.co/pockulusc-h-i-p-or-how-an-april-fools-joke-turned-pocketc-h-i-p-into-the-most-affordable-vr-headset-in-the-world/
PockulusC.H.I.P. started as a joke. But then we actually got it working. That’s right, the most affordable standalone virtual reality headset in the world started as a joke and it works!
#3dprinting #diy #hardware #imported:pinboard #pocketchip
archive.org #31423

PockulusC.H.I.P. or: How an April Fool’s Joke Turned PocketC.H.I.P. into the Most Affordable VR Headset in the World! — Blog. by Next Thing

http://blog.nextthing.co/pockulusc-h-i-p-or-how-an-april-fools-joke-turned-pocketc-h-i-p-into-the-most-affordable-vr-headset-in-the-world
PockulusC.H.I.P. started as a joke. But then we actually got it working. That’s right, the most affordable standalone virtual reality headset in the world started as a joke and it works!
#3dprinting #diy #hardware #pocketchip
archive.org #26655

Cheap, overkill Amiga network adapter - blog.jmp.no

http://jmp.no/blog/cheap-overkill-amiga-network-adapter
Since the Raspberry Pi was just sitting there, and the Amiga lacked (*) a network adapter - why not just connect the dots and get something up and running? I did, and it worked. Here's a quick writeup on what I did - if anyone's interested I can write a more detailed post with all the information I have.
#amiga #diy #hacks #hardware #imported:pinboard #networking #raspberrypi
archive.org #24814

Should JavaScript devs build real things? | Technology Treason

http://ajfisher.me/2013/08/21/should-javascript-devs-build-real-things/
If you’re a web developer and you’re looking at playing with hardware, don’t shy away from the electronics. There are no magic bits of hardware that will give you full control of the physical world in a box – though there are plenty of attempts at this. Develop your knowledge the same way you do with the web – by reading, tinkering, playing with code and breaking stuff. Go join a hackerspace, get some learning materials, visit electronics shops, pull things apart and learn how they work.
#drones #hardware #imported:pinboard #javascript #tessel
archive.org #32168

Should JavaScript devs build real things? | Technology Treason

http://ajfisher.me/2013/08/21/should-javascript-devs-build-real-things
If you’re a web developer and you’re looking at playing with hardware, don’t shy away from the electronics. There are no magic bits of hardware that will give you full control of the physical world in a box – though there are plenty of attempts at this. Develop your knowledge the same way you do with the web – by reading, tinkering, playing with code and breaking stuff. Go join a hackerspace, get some learning materials, visit electronics shops, pull things apart and learn how they work.
#drones #hardware #javascript #tessel
archive.org #24115

Loper OS » MicroWriter Redux.

http://www.loper-os.org/?p=1066
I have decided to publish some of my “archaeological” work from last year on Cy Endfield’s MicroWriter. The original objective was to produce a cycle-accurate emulator. I do not currently have the free time to complete this project, so I will post my results here for anyone who might care to pick up the torch. Click on some of the images to see the full-resolution version.
#hacks #hardware #imported:pinboard #keyboards #microwriter
archive.org #24053

MAKE | Arduino Uno vs BeagleBone vs Raspberry Pi

http://blog.makezine.com/2013/04/15/arduino-uno-vs-beaglebone-vs-raspberry-pi/
The three models (all of which we use here at Digital Diner) are the Arduino, Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone. We chose these three because they are all readily available, affordable, about the same size (just larger than 2″ x 3″) and can all be used for creating wonderful digital gadgets. Before we get to the comparison, here is a brief introduction to each one.
#arduino #diy #hacks #hardware #imported:pinboard #raspberrypi
archive.org #32371

MAKE | Arduino Uno vs BeagleBone vs Raspberry Pi

http://blog.makezine.com/2013/04/15/arduino-uno-vs-beaglebone-vs-raspberry-pi
The three models (all of which we use here at Digital Diner) are the Arduino, Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone. We chose these three because they are all readily available, affordable, about the same size (just larger than 2″ x 3″) and can all be used for creating wonderful digital gadgets. Before we get to the comparison, here is a brief introduction to each one.
#arduino #diy #hacks #hardware #raspberrypi
archive.org #23567

The $12 Gongkai Phone « bunnie's blog

http://www.bunniestudios.com/blog/?p=3040
Recently, I paid $12 at Mingtong Digital Mall for a complete phone, featuring quad-band GSM, Bluetooth, MP3 playback, and an OLED display plus keypad for the UI. Simple, but functional; nothing compared to a smartphone, but useful if you’re going out and worried about getting your primary phone wet or stolen.
#china #electronics #gadgets #hardware #imported:pinboard #mobile #phones #to:fb
archive.org #32374

Surface Pro versus MacBook Air: Who's being dishonest with storage space? | ZDNet

http://www.zdnet.com/surface-pro-versus-macbook-air-whos-being-dishonest-with-storage-space-7000011009/
Here’s the tl;dr version. The MacBook Air 128 gives you 77.3 percent of the advertised storage space for user data. The Surface Pro 128 gives you 75.2 percent of its advertised capacity for storing data. And with one minor tweak that doesn’t affect the system’s capabilities in any way, you can increase the amount of data storage space on the Surface Pro to 81.8% of the advertised capacity.
#apple #hardware #imported:pinboard #microsoft #surface
archive.org #32501

Surface Pro versus MacBook Air: Who's being dishonest with storage space? | ZDNet

http://www.zdnet.com/surface-pro-versus-macbook-air-whos-being-dishonest-with-storage-space-7000011009
Here’s the tl;dr version. The MacBook Air 128 gives you 77.3 percent of the advertised storage space for user data. The Surface Pro 128 gives you 75.2 percent of its advertised capacity for storing data. And with one minor tweak that doesn’t affect the system’s capabilities in any way, you can increase the amount of data storage space on the Surface Pro to 81.8% of the advertised capacity.
#apple #hardware #microsoft #surface
archive.org #23222

Pulse-Eight. Control your TV from XBMC, or vice versa! USB - CEC Adapter

http://www.pulse-eight.com/store/products/104-usb-hdmi-cec-adapter.aspx
All modern TVs support HDMI-CEC a technology that allows devices to talk with each other over the HDMI cable, using this feature this adapter will send and receive remote key presses to XBMC or MythTV or Windows Media Centre or any other app that supports libCEC on your PC
#hardware #hdmi #hdtv #imported:pinboard #remotes #tv #usb #xbmc
archive.org #22766

Power Pwn: This DARPA-funded power strip will hack your network | ZDNet

http://www.zdnet.com/power-pwn-this-darpa-funded-power-strip-will-hack-your-network-7000001331/
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s Cyber Fast Track program helped funded the development of the Power Pwn. Pwnie Express, which developed the $1,295 gizmo, says it's "a fully-integrated enterprise-class penetration testing platform." That's great, but the company also notes its "ingenious form-factor" (again, look at the above picture) and "highly-integrated/modular hardware design," which to me translates to: it's the perfect tool for hacking a corporate network.
#hardware #imported:pinboard #nifty #plugcomputers #pwnie #to:fb
archive.org #32716

Power Pwn: This DARPA-funded power strip will hack your network | ZDNet

http://www.zdnet.com/power-pwn-this-darpa-funded-power-strip-will-hack-your-network-7000001331
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s Cyber Fast Track program helped funded the development of the Power Pwn. Pwnie Express, which developed the $1,295 gizmo, says it's "a fully-integrated enterprise-class penetration testing platform." That's great, but the company also notes its "ingenious form-factor" (again, look at the above picture) and "highly-integrated/modular hardware design," which to me translates to: it's the perfect tool for hacking a corporate network.
#hardware #nifty #plugcomputers #pwnie #to:fb
archive.org #22367

Why the iPad Has to be Made in China | iFixit

http://ifixit.org/1856/why-the-ipad-has-to-be-made-in-china/
Today, an American electronics company can only be exempt from China’s rare earth export quotas by manufacturing within China. So that’s what most companies, including Apple, are doing. The only other solution is for us to stop consuming so much—an option that people rarely find appealing. Not as appealing as a retina display, at least.
#apple #china #environment #gadgets #hardware #imported:pinboard #rareearths #tech #to:fb
archive.org #32945

Why the iPad Has to be Made in China | iFixit

http://ifixit.org/1856/why-the-ipad-has-to-be-made-in-china
Today, an American electronics company can only be exempt from China’s rare earth export quotas by manufacturing within China. So that’s what most companies, including Apple, are doing. The only other solution is for us to stop consuming so much—an option that people rarely find appealing. Not as appealing as a retina display, at least.
#apple #china #environment #gadgets #hardware #rareearths #tech #to:fb
archive.org #21507

Practical Arduino: Virtual USB Keyboard

http://www.practicalarduino.com/projects/virtual-usb-keyboard
Communicating with a host computer can allow a simple Arduino-based system to gain access to a wide variety of devices and information. Most people link an Arduino to a host using serial communications across a USB connection with custom code running on the host to send information to the Arduino or receive it in return, but giving your Arduino the ability to pretend to be a keyboard or mouse opens up a whole world of possibilities because it means your Arduino can interact with software that was never intended for external control. That could be desktop software such as a game or a web browser: your Arduino could "type" into a web form and submit it on your behalf, or act as a custom controller for a game!
#arduino #diy #hacks #hardware #howto #usb
archive.org #20664

pib/gkos - GitHub

https://github.com/pib/gkos
The basic idea of GKOS is that you've got six buttons on the back of a device (either a dedicated input device, or on the back of a handheld computing device, phone, etc), one for the index through ring fingers of each hand (or two for each finger if you have a device made for one-handed use). You press the keys in various chords to type, switch between modes, and operate a pointer (when in pointer mode).
#gkos #hardware #keyboards
archive.org #20660

Evercube

http://evercu.be
The kit contains everything — except harddisks — that is needed to build the Evercube: enclosure, motherboard (with onboard CPU and memory), 5-port SATA multiplexer backplane, internal disk scaffold, ultra-silent fan, power supply, wires, clamps, wedges, screws, nuts, washers ... everything.
#diy #hardware #server #tech
archive.org #19512

The basics of reading data from resistive touchscreens - Hack a Day

http://hackaday.com/2011/10/28/the-basics-of-reading-data-from-resistive-touchscreens
[Chris] just posted his latest tutorial which shows you how to read position data from a resistive touchscreen. These devices are fairly simple, and since they’re used in a lot of consumer electronics you can pick one up for a few bucks. This looks like it is overstock for an old Palm device.
#arduino #hacks #hardware
archive.org #19251

Garduino Geek Gardening — DIY How-to from Make: Projects

http://makeprojects.com/Project/Garduino-Geek-Gardening/62/1
I wanted to start gardening, but I knew I wouldn’t keep up the regular schedule of watering the plants and making sure they got enough light. So I recruited a microprocessor and a suite of sensors to help with these tasks. An Arduino microcontroller runs my indoor garden, watering the plants only when they’re thirsty, turning on supplemental lights based on how much natural sunlight is received, and alerting me if the temperature drops below a plant-healthy level. For sensors, the Garduino uses an inexpensive photocell (light), thermistor (temperature), and a pair of galvanized nails (moisture).
#arduino #gardening #hardware
archive.org #17979

Audio Shield for Arduino

http://www.ladyada.net/make/waveshield
Adding quality audio to an electronic project is surprisingly difficult. People tend to end up either using low-quality ISD chips (you might get 8Khz sampling rate for 30seconds out of these, if you're lucky!) or mucking around with trying to control a CD or MP3 player. Although it's possible to generate audio direct from a microcontroller using a PWM output, the quality is often low and its hard to fit a lot of music in an EEPROM chip. You can buy an embedded MP3 player board, but they're either expensive or difficult to use!
#arduino #audio #diy #electronics #hardware
archive.org #16502

Kegbot Kegerator Project - Monitor keg volume & control access.

http://kegbot.org
"Welcome to Kegbot! Kegerator monitor and access control. Kegbot is a free, open-source project to turn your beer kegerator into a computerized drink tracker. With Kegbot and our Arduino firmware, you can: Monitor exactly how much beer is left in your kegs and track the temperature; Record the volume of each and every pour; Set up user accounts to track who is drinking, how much, and all sorts of other nutty statistics; Use special keys (tokens, RFID tags, barcodes) to authenticate your kegerator users; Control access to your taps (with special valve hardware) to prevent unauthorized pours; ... and many other crazy things! "
#arduino #hardware #homebrewing #kegbot
archive.org #14168

The C64 Floppy-Speeder Professional-DOS from Mikrotronic

http://d81.de/ProfessionalDOS
"The Professional-DOS Floppy-Speeder from Mikrotronic for the Commodore home computers C64, C128 and C128D and it's peripherals C1541, C1541-C and C1571 was one of the Super-Floppy-Speeders. This class of speeder systems were mostly equipped with hardware modification boards and a parallel cable of course. Well known products are Dolphin-DOS from Dolphin-Software, Prologic-DOS (Classic) from Jann Datentechnik, Turbo-Trans from Roßmöller and Professional-DOS from Mikrotronic."
#c64 #hardware #oldschool #prodos #retro
archive.org #13136

OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire 800/400, eSATA + USB2 external Solutions up to 2.0TB - Plug & Play Quad Interface

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/1394/USB/EliteAL/eSATA_FW800_FW400_USB
"All Mercury Elite-AL Pro models are ideally configured for Audio, Video, Digital Photography, Professional Music, Graphics, General Data and Back-Up applications, and are Prosoft Engineering Data Backup Certified for Mac or NovaStor NovaBACKUP® for Windows. "
#harddrives #hardware #storage #wishlist
archive.org #13022

OWC Mercury On-The-Go Bus Powered FireWire, Bus Powered USB 2.0, and eSATA Portable Hard Drive Solutions

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go
"High-Performance 2.5" 5400RPM, 7200RPM, and SSD solutions with up to 64MB data buffers gives you maximum storage in an ultra-portable, totally bus powered design. Stylishly engineered in a sleek, impact-resistant acrylic enclosure, the Mercury On-The-Go Pro incorporates shock-isolation technology to give maximum protection for your precious data inside. The Mercury On-The-Go Pro is a true must-have for users like you who are seeking High-Performance and Highly Reliable storage weighing less than 11 ounces and that is small enough to fit in your shirt pocket."
#harddrives #hardware #storage #wishlist
archive.org #13021

:: Commodore C64 Modifications ::

http://www.bigmech.com/misc/c64mods/index.html
"In early June, 2006 Prophet64 made the bold move of releasing its SID music software on C64 cartridges. This completed the transition of the C64 from a computer system dependant on floppy and/or tape drives, to an independent piece of pro audio studio equipment. Could the union of Prophet64 with the C64 as a musical instrument be further improved upon? I thought so. The following pages explain what I have done."
#c64 #circuitbending #commodore64 #hacks #hardware #mods #music #retro #sid
archive.org #12945

Lallafa’s Blog » OpenCBM on Mac

http://lallafa.de/blog/opencbm-on-mac
"OpenCBM is a library and a set of command line tools that allow to control old Commodore IEC devices like the famous 1541 floppy disk drive. You can transfer disk image to and from old discs. As modern computers do not provide a IEC connector, OpenCBM allows to control adapters that attach to your PC. Older PCs use parallel port cables (like the XA1541 or XS1541) and newer ones use a USB adapter (XU1541 or XUM1541). This pages shows you how to use OpenCBM on your Mac. As modern Macs only support USB connectors and no parallel ones, we focus on setting up the XU1541 or XUM1541 devices."
#64 #commodore #hardware #mac #oldschool #opencbm #osx #retro #xum1541
archive.org #12931

Retrode - Home of the world's first USB reader for classic console games.

http://www.retrode.org/wordpress
"This web site is dedicated to my USB reader for 16-bit games, the Retrode (was: snega2usb). Feed your SNES or Mega Drive / Genesis emulator with games from your original cartridges! The project started as a little proof of concept for myself, but eventually turned out way larger (and cooler!) than that."
#gaming #hacks #hardware #nintendo #retro #roms #sega #usb
archive.org #12928

Dave Farquhar's Silicon Underground - How to connect a Commodore 64 to a television

http://dfarq.homeip.net/article/20050104084808610
"What if you can't find a Commodore video cable? If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can make your own cable with parts from Radio Shack. You'll need a 5-pin DIN plug, two male RCA plugs, and two lengths of speaker wire. Shielded cable like RGU-58 would be better, but isn't totally necessary. "
#c64 #cables #commodore #hardware #retro #video
archive.org #12902

C64 Standard Tape Interface

http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/documents/projects/interfaces/soundcard2tape.html
"This is an interface which lets you connect your C64 to ANY standard Tape Player instead of the custom made C1531 device, which can be hard to get today. Also it means you can connect your C64 to any PC with a sound card and let the PC act as a Tape Player with a perfectly clear sound - so there are no Load errors possible."
#audio #c64 #commodore #datasette #hardware #retro
archive.org #12900

FC5025 USB 5.25" Floppy Controller - Device Side Data

http://www.deviceside.com/fc5025.html
"Device Side Data's FC5025 USB 5.25" floppy controller plugs into any computer's USB port and enables you to attach a 5.25" floppy drive. Even if your computer has no built-in floppy controller, the FC5025 lets you read those old disks. And it's not just for IBM PC disks – it also understands formats used by Apple, Atari, Commodore and TI, among others."
#archival #backup #floppies #hardware #oldschool #preservation #retro #storage #wishlist
archive.org #12877

OpenOfficeMouse: The Multi-Button Application Mouse for OpenOffice.org

http://openofficemouse.com/pr110609.html
What? "The OpenOfficeMouse is one of the first computer mice to incorporate an analog joystick and the first to permit the use of the joystick as a keyboard. In the three joystick-as-keyboard modes, the user can assign up to sixteen different keys or macros to the joystick, which provides for easy movement regardless of whether the user is flying through the cells of a large spreadsheet in Calc or on the back of an epic flying mount in World of Warcraft. It is also the first hardware to be permitted to make use of the OpenOffice.org brand in the nine-year history of the OpenOffice.org Community."
#hardware #mice #openoffice #usability #what
archive.org #12627

Hard Drive weight increasing?

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistahardware/thread/720108ee-0a9c-4090-b62d-bbd5cb1a7605
"I've noticed that as I copy data/install programs on my Laptop, the weight of the Laptop increases. I have a bad back and am medically limited on the amount of weight I can carry so I need to be very carefull not to inflict injury upon myself."
#funny #harddrives #hardware #mass #microsoft #stupid #system:host=social.answers.microsoft.com #technology #weight
archive.org #12478

Hallvord R. M. Steen - Most expensive javascript ever?

http://my.opera.com/hallvors/blog/2009/07/20/most-expensive-javascript-ever
"However, one of the world's biggest hardware vendors - whose name every single reader will be familiar with, and whose hardware a good share of you will be using right now - apparently didn't do their homework. When Opera's sysadmin booted up the server to test its web-based administration interface, they came across a single JavaScript statement that managed to piss off everyone up to and including the CTO."
#business #fail #funny #hardware #javascript #opera #web #webdev
archive.org #12438

Big Mess o’ Wires » Wire-Wrap Photos

http://www.stevechamberlin.com/cpu/2009/02/02/wire-wrap-photos
"I finished wiring the audio circuitry for BMOW yesterday, which marks the end of wiring for BMOW… for version 1 at least! I took the opportunity to reflect on my wire-wrapping odyssey, and took a bazillion photos of the namesake Big Mess o’ Wires before it disappears forever into an opaque case. It’s really quite a sight. There are 1253 wires with 2506 individually-wrapped connections, and I’ve got every one logged in a spreadsheet."
#bmow #computers #diy #electronics #hardware #homebrew #wirewrapping
archive.org #12277

Dice-O-Matic hopper and elevator - GamesByEmail

http://gamesbyemail.com/News/DiceOMatic
"Introducing the Dice-O-Matic mark II, now generating the dice rolls on GamesByEmail.com. It is a 7 foot tall, 104 pound, dice-eating monster, capable of generating 1.3 million rolls a day.The Dice-O-Matic is 7 feet tall, 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. It has an aluminum frame covered with Plexiglas panels. A 6x4 inch square Plexiglas tube runs vertically up the middle almost the entire height. Inside this tube a bucket elevator carries dice from a hopper at the bottom, past a camera, and tosses them onto a ramp at the top. The ramp spirals down between the tube and the outer walls. The camera and synchronizing disk are near the top, the computer, relay board, elevator motor and power supplies are at the bottom. "
#awesome #dice #diceomatic #gaming #hack #hardware #random #randomnumbers #rubegoldberg
archive.org #12265

grinding.be » Blog Archive » two ways the gadgets of the future will be powered by your blood

http://grinding.be/2009/04/23/two-ways-the-gadgets-of-the-future-will-be-powered-by-your-blood
"The yeast-based fuel cell produces around 40 nanowatts of power, compared to the microwatt a typical wristwatch battery might produce ... zinc oxide piezoelectric nanowires that generate an electric current when subjected to mechanical stress. ... harvesting energy from low-frequency vibrations such as the wind or the flow of currents ... powered by simple movements such as walking, or the beating of a heart."
#bionics #cyborg #gadgets #hardware #wearables
archive.org #12169

Novetel’s MiFi Isn’t Just a Skinny Looker. It’s Smart Too.

http://jkontherun.com/2009/04/02/novetels-mifi-isnt-just-a-skinny-looker-its-smart-too
"The device includes both a 3G and a WiFi radio: you simply turn it on, it connects to a 3G network and then broadcasts that signal over WiFi for up to five devices. Aside from the initial configuration, the most difficult interaction you’ll have with the MiFi is pressing the power button. There’s nothing else to do, but use it.But the MiFi isn’t a “dumb”, single purpose device; it has some smarts too. Novatel says that the device can actually run applications on the embedded Linux platform inside. That brings a vast number of possible ways to extend the MiFi beyond a simple 3G hotspot."
#3g #gadgets #hardware #nifty #novatelwireless #wifi
archive.org #12105

Google uncloaks once-secret server | Business Tech - CNET News

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10209580-92.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
"Google's big surprise: each server has its own 12-volt battery to supply power if there's a problem with the main source of electricity. The company also revealed for the first time that since 2005, its data centers have been composed of standard shipping containers--each with 1,160 servers and a power consumption that can reach 250 kilowatts"
#datacenters #google #hardware
archive.org #12101

L-Trac high performance laser optical trackball

http://clearlysuperiortech.com/highperformance.html
"The original PC-Trac is re-born again as the L-Trac high performance laser optical trackball. Utilizing the latest in laser navigation technology, the L-Trac has selectable resolutions of up to 1600CPI, which are "button selectable", allowing rapid changes of sensitivity. The high performance laser navigation system is capable of tracking at greater than 30 inches per second, even at a 20G acceleration rate. This means the user can "fly" around the screen with a flick of the finger or snap from one side the the screen to the other with a healthy flick of the arm. Either way, this precision, high performance pointing device produces predictable, quick and precise motion that becomes intuitive in a few minutes of use. The optional scroll wheel is smooth and readily accessible, located above the center button. Also an option, the L-Trac can be fitted with two external switch jacks allowing the use of 5 buttons for added flexibility. "
#hardware #mice #peripherals #trackballs #wishlist
archive.org #12052

Product Review: Unicomp Customizer keyboard « The Story’s Story

http://jseliger.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/product-review-unicomp-customizer-keyboard
"A rash of e-mails regarding and hits to my negative review of the Matias Tactile Pro 2 leads me to write this positive review the Unicomp Customizer, a modern version of the Model M that IBM used to produce. Dan’s Data explains why these “buckling spring” keyboards are so nice"
#hardware #ibm #keyboards #modelm
archive.org #11962

Endurapro

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/en104wh.html
"The Endurapro 104 has become one of the most popular members of Unicomp's growing family of keyboard products. The Endurapro features an integrated mouse, buckling spring technology and Microsoft Windows keys. The integrated mouse saves desk top space as does the sleek new footprint which is 20% smaller than our conventional keyboards."
#hardware #ibm #keyboards #modelm #want #wishlist
archive.org #11961

An Ode To Clicky Keys : NPR

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99950176
"My All Things Considered story about the Model M keyboard is, of course, shot through with journalistic bias. I am unabashed in my preference for the metallic ring of an old keyboard's spring-loaded keys. I won't apologize for this partiality, but I will try to explain it."
#hardware #ibm #keyboards #modelm #npr
archive.org #11959

Atari’s 1984 Touch Tablet: A Retro-Unboxing | Technologizer

http://technologizer.com/2009/01/19/ataris-1984-touch-tablet-a-retro-unboxing
"The next time you use your shiny new Wacom tablet and Adobe Photoshop CS4, think back to a time before time–a time before blends, morphs, heal brushes, and 10-megapixel images. A time like 1984, which, for computer graphics, was darker than the Dark Ages. It was a time when you could buy an $89.95 Atari CX77 Touch Tablet for your Atari 8-bit home computer. Luckily, I bought mine for considerably less last year, although it was still in new, unopened condition. Safely sequestered in the official Vintage Computing and Gaming computer lab, I recently began the task of unpacking the antique peripheral and documenting the process. Here’s an account of the experience."
#atari #hardware #oldschool #retro #tablets
archive.org #11911

Acekard 2 Review - GBAtemp.net

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=79368
"the acekard 2 is an acekard RPG - without the built-in memory or open-source firmware. The interface is by far the best of any cart available. Fast, responsive, 25 image skinning, many settings tweak able through "glabalsettings.ini", after using it for a couple minutes you'd think it was the winner of this flashcart race hands down. Thats not necessarily the case. Its still lacking quite a few features touted by its competition, such as real-time save, in-game guide, slow-motion, and integrated expansion cart support. However, if those features aren't a requisite in your purchase, the acekard 2 is definitely a winner."
#acekard #ds #gaming #hardware #homebrew #ninendo #reviews #wishlist
archive.org #11703

ASCII by Jason Scott: When the BBS Broke Free

http://ascii.textfiles.com/archives/000744.html
"Consider for a moment, if you will, how much computer you're seeing in this shot. Each of those machines is a fully set up PC compatible, with the attendant costs of memory, hard drive, and internal cards. They are all connected to modems (some of which you can see stacked on top) and all of this collection of hardware are plugged into the masses of power strips along the back. The room was obviously never designed for these computers - it has a regular carpet and those power strips are ad hoc. Consider how much effort was expended to make this system even work, to keep it all running, to make it function, to administer the software. This was a hell of a way to make a buck."
#bbs #communication #hardware #modems #social
archive.org #11642

ATARI SDrive

http://raster.infos.cz/atari/hw/sdrive/sdriveen.htm
"The SDrive is a device that connects to Atari XL/XE's serial (SIO) port and simulates an Atari floppy disk drive with full read/write access to programs and data stored on a SecureDigital flash card (SD)."
#atari #flash #hardware #oldschool #retro #sd
archive.org #11625

Hidden USB Storage

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hidden_USB_Storage
"If you're like me, you may or may not have secret files plotting world domination and other devious deeds. These files obviously need to be hidden from the prying eyes of sisters, FBI agents, grandparents, etc. We are going to convert a phone jack in the wall into a secret USB memory device."
#electronics #hacks #hardware #nifty #usb
archive.org #11495

pagetable.com » Blog Archive » How MOS 6502 Illegal Opcodes really work

http://www.pagetable.com/?p=39
"The original NMOS version of the MOS 6502, used in computers like the Commodore 64, the Apple II and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is well-known for its illegal opcodes: Out of 256 possible opcodes, 151 are defined by the architecture, but many of the remaining 105 undefined opcodes do useful things."
#6502 #c64 #hacks #hardware #oldschool #opcodes #programming
archive.org #11145

Sound Chaser

http://www.yurisuzuki.com/soundchaser.html
"A train-style record player. Users connect the chipped pieces of records together to make new tracks. The records pieces are from cheap records bought at jumble sales or used record shops. This record player revives forgotten, old records."
#gadgets #hacks #hardware #music #sound #trains
archive.org #11016

Ben Heck outdoes himself (again) with the Apple IIGS laptop - Engadget

http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/14/ben-heck-outdoes-himself-again-with-the-iigs-laptop
"Based off an original IIGS motherboard, the one-of-a-kind laptop features a 15-inch color screen, custom acrylic keyboard, a CompactFlash-based hard drive, and -- most importantly -- a glowing blue IIGS logo that flashes yellow during disk access."
#apple #appleiigs #benheck #for:stlhood #gadgets #gs #hacks #hardware #laptops
archive.org #10649

Waterhobo

http://www.waterhobo.com
"for the sake of this discussion we are talking about rabbits, however I must make a disclaimer that in motion detection and autofire if an unwitting person is tresspassing on my property and happens to walk into the field of fire... well we will refer to
#funny #hacks #hardware #robots #water
archive.org #9803

YBOX

http://www.uncommonprojects.com/ybox/index.html?more=
"YBox is a prototype/proof-of-concept for an ultra-cheap, always on, internet appliance that attaches to a standard TV set. The YBox is like Konfabulator for TV, turning TV into a platform for helpful, easy-to-read, live internet "channels"."
#gadgets #hacks #hardware #ybox
archive.org #9073

Amazon.com: USB Trackball Numeric Keypad/Desktop Calculator, 12-Digit Display (CNM0009B001): Electronics

http://www.amazon.com/Trackball-Numeric-Calculator-12-Digit-CNM0009B001/dp/B000KIECDS/sr=1-153/qid=1166852731/ref=sr_1_153/103-4714946-7791025?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
Is it just me, or is this one of the most random desk gadgets? A calculator, which doubles as a numeric keypad with a built-in USB trackball, and flash storage.
#gadgets #hardware #peripherals #usb #weird
archive.org #8287

instructables : Tv-B-Gone Hat

http://www.instructables.com/id/EPPWR0XGYFEP287YQW
"This is a hat with integrated Tv-B-Gone and a couple added features such as rapid fire mode which will turn off (and on) the most common tvs more frequently and constant on mode which will repeat the off codes for all tvs indefinately. "
#clothing #hacks #hardware #nifty
archive.org #8040

ExpressCard: Superfast I/O

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1472734,00.asp
"The standard PC Card slot that has been found on the sides of notebooks since 1991 is wearing out its welcome. ... Enter ExpressCard, a smaller, faster, cheaper solution."
#gadgets #hardware
archive.org #6043

The $159 PC--ExtremeTech Review

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1880745,00.asp
"If you're willing to spend just a bit more for some more memory, you end up with a highly capable light duty office system for less than buying Microsoft Windows and Office."
#hardware #pc
archive.org #5747

Eastgate: Cable YoYo

http://www.eastgate.com/catalog/CableYoYo.html
"The Cable YoYo is a simple but incredibly effective tool for cleaning your clutter. Instead of having extra cable snaking all over the place, entangling other cables and getting in the way, just wrap the excess cable around the cable yoyo!"
#cables #gadget #hardware #nifty #wishlist
archive.org #5477

Roku

http://www.rokulabs.com/products/soundbridge/SoundbridgeRadio
"SoundBridge Radio is a complete Wi-Fi Music System that brings the world of Internet radio to every room of the house in rich, clear, stereo sound. "
#gadgets #hardware #music #wishlist
archive.org #5463

Vista hardware requirements clarified

http://www.daniweb.com/blogs/entry360.html
"Realistically, then, to make the most of Vista we're looking at needing a dual-core processor system, with 2Gb or more of fast RAM, a 256Mb or better display card, a hard drive better than whats currently available and, if we want to watch the upcoming h
#MSFT #hardware #suckers
archive.org #5385

Under construction - CPU fan PC case

http://www.peteredge.orcon.net.nz/casepics.htm
"What you are looking at is a case made of case fans, Dexian (there's probably a trademark in there somewhere) shelving, nylon cable ties, terminal blocks, nylon motherboard mounts, backplane blanks, screws and wire. Oh, and PC hardware."
#hardware #nifty #pc
archive.org #4807

VoIP over Phone Wiring

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20050206_voip_over_phone_wiring.html
"The phone wiring in the house could be terminated at my Linksys Phone Adapter the same way the phone company brings their lines to the house and ties in to all the internal wiring of the house."
#hacks #hardware #voip
archive.org #4123

Head Crash!

http://www.astro.ufl.edu/~ken/crash/index.html
"That's odd, I've never seen see through platters before." Wow. Head crash so bad it wiped he magnetic substrate right off all the platters.
#hardware #odd
archive.org #3575

Socket Communications: Cordless Serial Adapter

http://www.socketcom.com/product/CS0400-479.asp
"Socket's Cordless Serial Adapter with Bluetooth Wireless Technology eliminates your conventional RS-232 serial cable, providing an easy-to-use, invisible connection." Okay, this rocks. I wonder how many legacy serial port things I have laying around th
#gadgets #hardware
archive.org #2040