August 2024 update
Despite the holidays, the making continues! It's another bumper edition.
Welcome to the August 2024 update
The maker community shows no signs of slowing down. August has been an amazing month, filled with projects that span from the whimsical and weird to the highly technical.
Whether you're into electronics, DIY computing, or just love to marvel at the fusion of art and science, this edition has something for you..
Things to watch
Makercast Episode 59
It’s another exciting episode of Makercast! Tune in to watch your favourite makers in action.
The Weirdest DIY SBC
What’s the weirdest DIY Single Board Computer? Clem over at element14 presents builds a Frankenstein ESP32 mashup with a Raspberry Pi Pico.
Electronics and Taxidermy
Electronics and Taxidermy - not a combination I had on my list! Becky Stern and Emily Graslie fuse art and science in an epic collaboration!
ESP32 Touch Spectrum!
It’s getting closer! atomic14 is doing a bit more testing of this ESP32 Touch ZX Spectrum. In this video, he tests battery charging and expansion ports. There’s even a teaser of HDMI output!
Brightening Up the Workbench
Are you tired of working in the dark? Enwi certainly was, but like any good maker he can solve his problems. In this case it’s a bunch of 60x60 cm LED panels.
Things to read
59-pound printer onboard the Space Shuttle
This printer is known as the Space Shuttle Interim Teleprinter System. As the "Interim" suggests, this printer was intended as a stop-gap measure, operating for a few flights until a better printer was operational. It lasted 50 flights!
JET Rocket Flight Simulator
No computer, no screen - just how did this ‘70s arcade game even work?
Usb Sniffer Lite for RP2040
Ever wondered what USB signals exchanged between your devices? With the USB Sniffer Lite project, you can turn a Raspberry Pi RP2040 into a simple yet powerful USB sniffer.
The Self-Typing Typewriter
Tired of typing? I certainly am. What if you had a typewriter that can do the typing for you?
Air Con: $1697 for an on/off switch
"When my air conditioning system's controller—a simple Android tablet—failed, I was shocked to find that replacing it would cost nearly $1700!”
Closing thoughts
As always, thanks for taking the time to read the newsletter - why not share the joy with your friends and colleagues?
And if you’ve got an interesting project or you stumble across something that you think other people would enjoy, drop us a line - you could be in the next newsletter!