In typical applications, the optimal mirror is as flat as possible. The flatter the mirror, the less optical distortion it imparts onto the reflected “image.” Distortion isn’t often desirable, so precision mirror manufacturers take great pains to manufacture ultra-flat mirrors. But distortion is sometimes a good thing, such as when you want to focus reflected […]
In the world of computing, many interfaces utilize a primary/secondary model of asymmetric communication, in which a primary host device controls one or more secondary client devices. This model is, for example, common among PATA and SATA hard drive arrangements. It is also common in clock networks, with a central time server updating several client […]
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit a country in the Middle East or around the Mediterranean Sea, then you’ve probably seen street food vendors cutting slices off of a big ol’ hunk of slowly rotating meat. This delicious delicacy is called shawarma and is a form of vertical rotisserie. The meat can be […]
The Commodore 64 is one of the most iconic computers of all time and it is Commodore’s best known model. But Commodore made many other well-loved models, including the VIC-20, the Amiga, and the PET. The Commodore PET 64, which Commodore released late in the model range’s life for educational use, was Dave Luna’s first […]
Consumer IoT (Internet of Things) devices provide convenience and the consequences of a failure are minimal. But industrial IoT (IIoT) devices monitor complex and expensive machinery. When that machinery fails, it can cost serious money. For that reason, it is important that technicians get alerts as soon as an abnormality in operation occurs. That’s why […]
An omni wheel, sometimes referred to by the more specific trade name “Mecanum” wheel, is a unique type of wheel with “tread” made up of several rollers oriented at an angle relative to the wheel’s spin direction. They allow for forward driving like any other wheel, but also sideways and rotational locomotion depending on the […]
You’ve probably heard that caffeine is a drug. That is true and it is possible to overdose on caffeine and die. Heathline reports that a lethal dose of caffeine is around 10 grams. But a typical cup of coffee only contains around 100-200 milligrams of caffeine, so you’d have to drink at least 50 cups […]
In 2020, for the first time since the ’80s, vinyl records outsold CDs. Digital music — particularly streaming — outpaced both by a wide margin, but the popularity of vinyl records increased while the popularity of CDs decreased. That’s because the analog sound of vinyl adds a dimension that many find pleasing and because there […]
CNC machines (both CNC mills and CNC routers) are very useful to makers. With them, you can fabricate custom wood, plastic, or metal parts to the exact dimensions that you define in a CAD (computer-aided design) model. But CNC routers are expensive and CNC mills capable of cutting metal are even pricier—to the point where […]
Measurement tools, like calipers and micrometers, are just as important as your soldering iron and side cutters. But if you’re still using a measuring tape for long parts, you are subjecting yourself to unnecessary frustration. Digital measuring wheels let you easily measure almost infinite lengths by rolling the device along. There are wheels like these […]
Learn how to submit your project made with Arduino boards, it may get featured on the Arduino social channels!
Submit your Project
