April 2024 Maker News Roundup
Well, that was April - I don't know about you, but time seems to be flying, it feels like I've only just finished editing the March round up.
Welcome to the April Round Up!
As April showers bring May flowers, the maker community has been blossoming with incredible projects and innovations!
From DIY AI art generators to giant microprocessor builds, this month's roundup has something to spark the imagination of every maker.
Whether you're fascinated by the concept of smart fart glasses (yes, you read that correctly) or intrigued by the resurrection of a 1993 electric car, we've got the stories that will fuel your creativity and maybe even add a few projects to your never-ending list.
Fire up your soldering irons, adjust your multimeters, and dive into another month of making, tinkering, and innovating.
Things To Watch
Your Own AI Art Generator
There are plenty of online services for AI Image Generation - but we’re geeks, we want to own the means of production. Clem over at element14presents shows us how.
Smart Fart Glasses
Fed up with nasty whiffs assailing your nostrils? Mellow Labs has you covered with their latest invention - Smart Fart Glasses!
Who Needs a Tesla?
Bleep Track certainly doesn’t. She’s got an electric car that was made back in 1993 - all it needs is a bit of TLC to bring it back to life.
1,200 LED Speed Build!
The amazing Becky Stern had just one week to pull this off - Build 1,200 LED light display that would be robust enough to float on a raft containing fireworks!
Look at My Balls!
That’s right, atomic14 has been playing with his balls - and he invites you to take closer look at them…
Creative LEDs: The Series!
Want to get cracking on a project involving LEDs, but don’t know where to start or need a refresher? TechnoChic has a new series starting that is right up your street.
Custom Cables
Multiple modules, multiple motors, cameras, sensors? You’re going to have to design a cable harness to plug it all together. Stephen Hawes shows us how it’s done and demonstrates the WireViz tool.
Things To Read
Giant 6502 Project
Meet the MOnSter 6502, a grand-scale, working replica of the iconic MOS 6502 microprocessor, familiar to many from the Apple II, Commodore PET, and more.
OptiGap Sensor System
In very general terms, this sensor is basically a rope that if bent can tell you where along its length you bent it. The fancy term for that is “bend localization.”
Global Plug Parade
Take a tour through the electrifying world of plug sockets and switches with the Electrical Items Collection.
GPS Receiver From Scratch
This is a four part series on receiving GPS signals using Software Defined Radio - fascinating stuff!
Mini Wii
I thought that the Wii was already pretty small - but this is amazing - no larger than a deck of playing cards!
Closing Thoughts
Whether it's through breathing new life into vintage technology, pushing the boundaries of modern engineering, or simply crafting something silly yet surprisingly functional, each project tells a story of passion, perseverance, and creativity.
Remember, the maker journey is one of endless learning and discovery. Every resistor soldered, every line of code written, and even every "oops" moment that sends you back to the drawing board, is a step towards becoming a more skilled and inspired creator.
Who knows what incredible projects we'll get to feature in next month's edition? Until then, keep making magic happen. And if you stumble upon a project or idea that lights up your circuit board, don't keep it to yourself — share it with us for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter.
Here's to a fantastic month ahead, full of innovation, inspiration, and, most importantly, fun.