Tag Archives: DIY

Polaroid-inspired DIY camera uses AI to print poems instead of photos

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AI today powers many devices and services with mixed results. Some produce truly mind-blowing images, captivating narratives, and critical information that help drive cars, vacuum cleaners, and robots. Sometimes, those very same AIs are abused for selfish gains or nefarious purposes. In both cases, it proves that AI, impressive as it may be, is just a tool that can be used for good or for ill, depending on who’s wielding it. Or it could also be used for fun, whimsical projects that, while not exactly advancing the field, turn those rather mundane AI applications into delightful experiences. This DIY Polaroid-inspired camera, for example, does take pictures, but what it prints out isn’t a flat facsimile of the three-dimensional but instead spits out an interpretation expressed in words filtered through the minds of digital poets.

Designer: Sam Garfiedl (sam1am)

Two of the most controversial uses of AI today revolve around images and words, both of which tread gray legal areas. Image generators are infamous for taking well-worded prompts and turning them into images that truly look professional, though sometimes end up looking like an artist’s copyrighted work. On the opposite side of the spectrum are AIs that churn out essays and articles that also border on plagiarism.

The Poetroid, thankfully, won’t be treading those same waters. It does turn images into words, but nothing that can really be attributed to copyrighted material. In a nutshell, this rather crude-looking DIY camera sees the world through a webcam and then produces sheer poetry, literally, based on the object it sees. After all, there is perhaps no better way to truly capture the spirit of a flower, a fruit, or a pizza than with a mosaic of metaphors mixed together in a “mellifluous meter.”

What is rather impressive about this little project is that it can be assembled from off-the-shelf components like a webcam, a single-board computer, and a lunchbox, among other things. The tin lunchbox is probably a bit uninspired, but it was large enough to cram everything necessary inside, with a little modification for the screen and buttons. If the name wasn’t a giveaway, the idea was heavily inspired by the Polaroid instant camera that revolutionized photography during its time. Instead of getting a small photo, however, you get a poem printed out on thermal paper, almost like a receipt and probably just as incomprehensible as one.

The best part is that the AI and large language models needed to pull this off can run locally on the device itself, preventing any private data from leaking and saving you from potential embarrassment over accidental photos and hideous poetry. There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement in the design of the Poetroid, and having all the necessary pieces known and available can go a long way in helping design one that will look just as majestic as the words it ejects from its proverbial mouth.

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GRiD Compass 80s computer is reborn in a retro-futuristic DIY laptop

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Computing history is filled not only with monumental machines that celebrate the achievement of human ingenuity but also with designs that look both alien and intriguing to our modern eyes. Of course, the computers of the past were designed to work within the limits of technology at that time, resulting in appearances that are simply out of this world yet oddly very desirable, at least as decorative pieces. The recent retro trend, however, is making these vintage designs actually useful by shoving modern-day components inside old shells, or at least a close facsimile of those old shells. Take for example one of the world’s first-ever laptops, recreated as an actual modern laptop that you can use, presuming you have the pieces and the patience to build it yourself.

Designer: Penk Chen

Launched in 1982, the Grid Compass (stylized by its creators as GRiD) is arguably one of the earliest predecessors of today’s laptops or at least the first to feature a clamshell design. The computer’s claim to fame was its use by NASA, particularly in the Space Shuttle program, as well as the US military. Its distinctive appearance, which is a large black box whose lid is only half the length of the box, became the template for many laptops that followed shortly.

The rasti.computer rides on the ongoing retro wave and brings back that historic laptop with a modern twist: you can actually use it for your everyday work, presuming you’re up to the challenge of building one yourself. The mainboard for this DIY project was gutted from a modular Framework 13 laptop, though you can also buy a fresh new one from the manufacturer. You’re also mostly assembling the laptop from scratch, including the specially-designed keyboard. Fortunately, all of this information is freely available, so you can collect all the needed pieces while waiting for the guide to drop.

Of course, the process will be quite involved, like many DIY projects tend to be. There will be plenty of 3D printed parts required, not to mention soldering electronics while you’re at it. And just like many DIY projects like this, the satisfaction of the final design is the reward itself.

It doesn’t hurt that you get an actually functional modern computer, thanks to the use of modern computer hardware. It’s going to be a weird experience, nonetheless, with a wide and short 10.4-inch 1600×720 LCD screen and a rather bulky rear. It will definitely make you the center of attraction wherever you go, presuming you’d want to take this outside at all. It might even become a homing beacon to other computing history and tech enthusiasts who are interested in seeing what our ancestors would have experienced in using such a laptop design.

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The Future Is Here! Introducing Flying Umbrellas To Take Convenience To The Next Level

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In the fast-paced world of technological innovation, where convenience is key, I Build Stuff, a content creator, has taken the concept of hands-free technology to new heights—literally. In a recent creation that has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts and casual observers alike, I Build Stuff has designed a flying umbrella drone that hovers above users, shielding them from the rain in a futuristic and whimsical fashion.

Designer: I Build Stuff

In an era dominated by smart devices and voice-controlled assistants, the integration of hands-free technology into everyday objects is a natural progression. The flying umbrella drone is a prime example of this trend, offering a unique solution to the age-old predicament of holding an umbrella while navigating through rain showers.

The concept behind the flying umbrella may seem straightforward—attach propellers, install a drone, and affix an umbrella. However, the designer encountered numerous technical challenges during the development process, leading to a journey of trial and error. The result is a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and creativity.

The core structure of the flying umbrella is a cross-shaped frame made of 3D-printed parts, extending from the edges of a traditional umbrella. At each end of the frame, small propellers resembling a hurricane’s rotation lift the umbrella into the air. To ensure lightweight yet robust construction, carbon fiber tubes form the skeleton of this innovative device, enabling it to gracefully soar above its user.

Crucial to the functionality of the flying umbrella is the incorporation of a flight controller and an electric stability control circuit. The designer meticulously soldered wires to the circuit, regulating the motor’s speed to prevent the device from flying off uncontrollably. The flight controller, programmed to maintain stability, keeps the flying umbrella gracefully following its user.

Despite initial success during the pilot flight, the inventor faced challenges during subsequent tests. The flying umbrella exhibited erratic behavior, shaking violently during one instance. The inventor took a pause, addressing the issues and stabilizing the system, even going so far as to encase the electronics in plastic wrap to protect them from moisture.

While concerns about the device’s stability persist, the I Build Stuff creator has showcased its effectiveness in protecting against drizzles. Anticipating future improvements, the inventor envisions adding a camera and programming the flying umbrella to autonomously follow users, eliminating the need for manual control.

The current controller-operated system opens the door to exciting possibilities. However, the prospect of a fully autonomous flying umbrella holds promise, making this invention accessible to a broader audience. The potential for hands-free technology to benefit not only tech-savvy individuals but also the elderly or those less proficient with remote controllers is an exciting prospect on the horizon.

In a world where innovation knows no bounds, the flying umbrella drone stands out as a quirky yet functional creation, redefining the way we navigate rainy days. As technology continues to evolve, the prospect of a completely hands-free experience with a flying umbrella is both intriguing and eagerly awaited by enthusiasts around the globe.

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Motorcycle riding on monster wheels is a Batcycle on steroid ready to steamroll anything that lies ahead

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If ever the Gotham City vigilante desired for an upgrade to the Batcycle (or Batpod if I may) this would be it. The crazy DIY project by a bunch of friends from North Idaho, who’ve built unique automotive projects in the past, is something that’ll spark your instinct for dominance.

Starting their journey with hobby builds on YouTube, the dudes have now amassed millions of views courtesy of their out-of-the-box creations. Their previous builds include the world’s fastest snow bike, 100 HP jet boat, off-road Tesla Model 3 and a crazy fast shopping trolley.

Designer: Grind Hard Plumbing

Their latest exploration is a monstrous bike that looks like the love child of a monster bike and a powerful motorcycle. The power on this one comes from a KTM 1190 Adventure V-twin motor, riding on 46-inch monster truck wheels fitted with mud tires and actuated by a hydraulic steering wheel. Everything on this naked machine is kept together with a stellar trellis frame and those gigantic tires turn as intended (with some effort in standing position) with the pair of single-sided swingarms suspended from the wheels.

Label it as a Batcycle or maybe a Mad Max-style apocalyptic two-wheeler, the machine is built purely for entertainment purposes by the crazy pals. For that, the lay-back position of the chopper makes sure you don’t flex any muscles unwantedly to land in trouble with painful cramps. Turning this monster is not going to be something usual due to the huge size of the front wheel, so the team fitted it with a hydraulic steering system and a drive piston controlled by the handlebar to provide the needed leverage. Even with this assist, the bike seems like a handful while turning!

If you notice closely there is a certain lag from the time when the steering is turned and the wheels actually turn. A gamer would instantly refer to that as latency in the real world. From what we see, the machine is darn hard to control and maybe with some more subtle additions and tweaking it’ll get close to a normal motorcycle. Of course, the project is ongoing and we’re eager to see the monster chopper in action someday with silky smooth steering input and control mechanism.

 

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DIY PlayStation 5 Tablet almost makes the PlayStation Portal moot

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Although the handheld gaming trend has been going strong recently, especially with the likes of the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck leading the market, major console makers haven’t taken the plunge completely yet. Granted, Xbox isn’t too concerned because every Windows gaming handheld PC can theoretically run some of its titles, but Sony introduced a rather odd and quite unsatisfying version of this idea. The PlayStation Portal isn’t being “portable” for a reason, since it basically just streams games from the PS5 sitting somewhere in your house. Take it to more enterprising creators to bring the PlayStation 5 Portable dream to life, like this rather impressive gigantic PlayStation 5 “Tablet Edition” that is very much worth all the hard work involved.

Designer: Matthew Perks

The PlayStation 5 diverges from generations of console design with a sleek, futuristic, yet also alien aesthetic that some have compared to a trophy. But it’s especially thanks to that new design, especially the improvement Sony quietly made after launching the console, that makes this creative endeavor even possible. In a nutshell, Sony trimmed the PS5 motherboard down to a smaller size that could be made to fit inside a thick and hefty 14-inch tablet. That, however, was the least of the project’s problems, considering the things inside that actually make the bulk of the PS5’s, well, bulk.

The PlayStation 5 generates around 200W of heat at full power, so the majority of the console’s internals are actually devoted to thermal management. These include bulky fans and a strange-looking heatsink that would never fit any portable design. That’s why the majority of the effort around this PS5 tablet was spent on figuring out an equally efficient thermal management system that didn’t take up too much vertical space. Thanks to some creative thinking and a lot of research, that problem was eventually solved to much satisfaction.

With the biggest engineering hurdle out of the way, putting the rest of the giant tablet was relatively easier. A 3D-printed shell had to be made that matched the black-and-white aesthetic of the PS5. The screen of choice for this project was a 14-inch OLED salvaged from a broken laptop, allowing game graphics to really shine. Finally, an external power source had to be designed since the original PS5 power supply was just too large and too weird to use as is.

After much work, the PS5 Tablet Edition, a.k.a. PS GO, was ready to be put to the test, and the end result is truly impressive, both from the thermal aspect and especially in performance and visual quality. It’s a truly portable system that can fit inside a backpack, though you’ll have to plug it somewhere to actually use it. Then again, the idea was to create a more social console that you can take to your friend’s or relative’s house so that you can enjoy the experience together, rather than sitting in a corner, alone in the dark, mashing the buttons on your handheld PC.

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Move over IKEA, Lifecare’s SYSTM furniture can be disassembled, reupholstered, and maintained

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In a world where cleanliness and adaptability are paramount, Lifecare Furniture Company has introduced a game-changing solution to the age-old problem of maintaining impeccably clean furniture, especially in healthcare facilities. The SYSTM line, a series of smart furniture designs, is crafted with the unique ability to be swiftly disassembled for thorough cleaning and reupholstering, setting a new standard for hygiene and versatility in the furniture industry.

Designer: Lifecare Furniture (SYSTM)

For most of us, a bit of lint or pet hair on our furniture may be tolerable, but for healthcare facilities mandated to uphold stringent cleanliness standards, furniture with intricate crevices poses a significant challenge. The accumulation of dust and microbes in these hidden spaces can compromise the overall hygiene of the environment. Lifecare Furniture Company recognized this issue and developed the SYSTM line with a focus on addressing the specific needs of healthcare settings.

The hallmark feature of this furniture line is its ability to be quickly and easily disassembled for thorough cleaning. The furniture pieces can be taken apart using a specially designed red-handled Allen key, conveniently stored beneath the seat. This innovative approach not only simplifies the cleaning process but also ensures that every nook and cranny can be accessed, leaving no space for dirt or contaminants to hide.

Beyond its cleaning capabilities, the line offers a unique advantage in reupholstering. The pieces can be disassembled so efficiently that changing upholstery becomes a breeze. Whether dealing with unsightly stains or seeking a fresh look for aesthetic reasons, the ease of reupholstering makes the furniture line an ideal choice for healthcare facilities and high-traffic commercial settings.

Lifecare Furniture Company understands that functionality should not compromise style. The SYSTM line comes in a variety of designs for both chairs and sofas, allowing for customization based on the specific needs and aesthetics of different spaces. This ensures that the furniture not only serves its practical purpose but also enhances the overall visual appeal of its surroundings.

While this line was initially designed with healthcare in mind, its benefits extend far beyond institutional settings. Imagine if all residential furniture were crafted with the same principles – quick disassembly for cleaning and reupholstering. This approach would revolutionize the way we think about furniture maintenance, making it significantly easier to refresh and update our living spaces without the need for constant replacements.

Interior designers often fall in love with furniture for its design qualities. Lifecare’s SYSTM line acknowledges this by allowing for easy upholstery changes. This means that even if a particular piece is adored for its design, it can be effortlessly updated to suit evolving tastes or trends.

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The World’s Smallest Car comes as a DIY kit that you can build yourself for just $15,000

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Imagine a car so tiny it can fit in an elevator, yet it’s yours to build and drive. Enter the Peel P50, the world’s smallest production car from the 1960s, now available as a DIY kit. This miniature marvel, originally produced with just enough room for “one adult and one shopping bag,” is smaller than a Vespa scooter and lacks a reverse gear, relying instead on a handle at the back for manual maneuvering.

Touted as quite literally the world’s smallest car, the P50 sports a fiberglass shell, has a 49cc engine on the inside, weighs a paltry 300 pounds, and is like an adult equivalent of the iconic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. For the eco-conscious or the simply curious, the electric model, powered by a 4 kW motor, tops out at a modest 28 mph. The car is available as a DIY kit that ships complete with wheels, body, seat, steering wheel, drivetrain, and more, demanding around 50 hours of assembly time. For those less inclined to build their own, fully-assembled versions are available too!

Designer: P.50 Cars

Despite its diminutive size, the P50 replica doesn’t skimp on essentials: suspension, lighting, horn, brakes, mirrors, and the iconic single suicide door on the left side. It’s street legal in most places, classified as a kit car, moped, or motorcycle. As P50 Cars puts it, the P50 and Trident are ideal for novice car builders due to their mechanical simplicity, light weight, and small size. All you need is a few tools, a little garage space, and patience. Registering your completed kit car is typically straightforward, given its classification.

This unique piece of automotive history may be scooter-sized, although it’s priced slightly higher than your average two-wheeler. The self-assembly kit starts at approximately £12,100 ($15,435), while a fully-assembled model will set you back around £15,200 ($19,389). But for the chance to own and drive the world’s smallest car, that might just be a price worth paying.

The modern P50 has been updated with more contemporary stylings and paint options. Its classification as a light moped or scooter makes it street legal, adding a unique, space-efficient touch to your garage. Measuring only four and a half feet long and three and a quarter feet wide, the car is akin to a playful piece of nostalgia or a statement in eco-conscious driving.

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Harley Benton Introduces DIY Kits To Personalize Your Guitars

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In the realm of musical craftsmanship, Harley Benton has raised the bar with its recent unveiling of a captivating range of do-it-yourself guitar kits. This innovative lineup not only offers musicians the opportunity to assemble their own instruments but also encourages a unique and personalized approach to guitar building. The collection includes four distinct models, each designed to cater to the diverse preferences and styles of guitarists. Among them, the standout is the unconventional square guitar, accompanied by a thin-line T-style model and left-handed S- and T-style models.

Designer: Harley Benton

Guitars are not just instruments; they are extensions of a musician’s identity and style. Recognizing this, Harley Benton’s DIY guitar kits acknowledge the personal connection individuals have with their instruments. These kits provide a canvas for musicians to express themselves not just through their playing but also through the process of building a guitar tailored to their preferences.

Each DIY kit is meticulously curated to include all the essential components required to build a complete instrument. From strings to pickups, body, and more, these kits are designed to offer a seamless and satisfying building experience. The standard Rengas body, with variations in wood color, is accompanied by maple necks, providing a sturdy foundation for creativity. Musicians can choose to paint the body or leave it in its natural state, with the added convenience of pre-prepared routing for pickups, tuners, bridge, and electronics.

Harley Benton recognizes that true creativity lies in customization. The kits come with bodies and necks finished with a wood sealer, facilitating easy application of lacquer for those who wish to add a personal touch to the aesthetics. The square model, for instance, comes with 22 frets, one volume and one tone control, a three-way switch, a Tune-O-Matic bridge, and two humbuckers, offering versatility and the potential for musicians to craft their unique sound.

There’s a special connection that comes with creating something with your own hands. Building a guitar from scratch provides not only a sense of accomplishment but also a deeper understanding and appreciation for the instrument. When musicians invest time and effort into crafting their guitars, they naturally develop a stronger bond with their creations. This hands-on experience allows them to see every inch of their instrument, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

As someone who has owned a guitar since the age of 15, I understand the evolving relationship one has with their instrument. The idea of having a DIY guitar resonates deeply with me. I believe that if I had embarked on the journey of building my own guitar, I would have treasured it even more. The process of creating something from scratch adds a layer of intimacy that goes beyond the joy of playing; it becomes a testament to one’s creativity and craftsmanship. However, it may also leave room for some errors.

While the kits provide a solid foundation, it is the individual touch and craftsmanship that will make each guitar truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s the choice of color, the style of finish, or the selection of pickups, the creative journey of building a DIY guitar allows players to develop a deeper connection with their instrument. Each scratch, mark, and detail tells a story, making the guitar a unique reflection of the musician behind it.

Harley Benton’s DIY guitar kits are more than just a collection of components; they are a gateway to a world of musical creativity and self-expression. By providing musicians with the tools and guidance to build their own instruments, Harley Benton encourages a hands-on approach to music that goes beyond playing notes on a fretboard. These kits represent a bridge between the technical and artistic aspects of music, allowing musicians to shape not only their sound but also the physical embodiment of their musical journey.

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Man builds 13-foot mammoth bumper car which by surprise is street legal

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Retirement is often associated with relaxation and leisure. But for Dan Hryhorcoff from Pennsylvania, retirement meant diving into an entirely different realm of creativity: one that involved building extraordinary vehicles that defy traditional expectations.

After years of working on a submarine and various other innovative projects, Dan embarked on an intriguing automotive endeavor during the pandemic and came up with a Bumper car, twice the normal size, but rendered street-legal. Dan’s automotive journey first began with a replica of a vintage Murray General pedal car that he sought to magnify into a larger-than-life fiberglass creation (Dan honed the knack for working with fiberglass through his prior project—a fully functional submarine).

Desginer: Dan Hryhorcoff

However, Dan’s real automotive masterpiece emerges in the form of this gigantic street-legal bumper car. This striking creation measures an astounding 13 feet in length, 7 feet in width, and 5.5 feet in height, doubling the dimensions of a regular bumper car. The inspiration for this colossal bumper car came from a 1953 model bumper car at the Knoebels amusement park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.

Dan was captivated by its design, reminiscent of a Chevrolet pickup truck from the post-World War II era. Spending meticulous hours at the amusement park, he gathered information and captured every detail necessary to replicate and magnify the charm of the vintage bumper car. Dan’s attention to detail and creativity shone through as he fused elements of a Chevrolet Aveo and a motorcycle wheel into his design, reshaping the traditional bumper car into a unique, functioning vehicle.

With the front of a Aveo integrated into the rear and a motorcycle wheel at the front, his bumper car boasts incredible maneuverability with sharp turning capabilities. The choice of materials was always critical in the construction of this larger-than-life automobile. The exterior, crafted from fiberglass, not only ensures durability but also adds a touch of nostalgia by paying homage to the original bumper car’s design. What truly sets Dan’s creation apart is its ability to be street-legal, a rarity for such unconventional vehicles.

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Inventive DIYer creates Star Wars Speeder bike from hoverboard parts

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James Bruton, who’s a former toy designer turned into a DIYer of robotics and gadgets, stops at nothing once his imagination is let loose. Using modern technologies and his profound skills, the successful YouTube’er has created unique contraptions that’ll get you going anytime.

For his latest creation Star Wars is the inspiration for James, as he goes on to turn hoverboard parts into a side-riding Star Wars speeder. The build tests the builder’s aptitude, as the final creation is in fact a result of an improvised DIY of his previous make, the omni-wheel bike.

Designer: James Bruton

Getting started off, the omni-wheel bike made out of hoverboard parts intended to be a sideways mover – 90 degrees relative to the rider. The balancing act is done by the hoverboard’s sensors, but the problem lies in the sideways movement at such a large scale. Controlling the bike was a nightmare, so James took a new approach and turned it into a completely different DIY.

That’s where the idea of creating a Star Wars Speeder came to be, as the bike upgraded with jet thrusters was born. The initial idea of using the hoverboard’s sensors and motors to actuate the movement didn’t work out well, so the next best solution came in the form of a conventional handlebar. This enables the speeder not only to effortlessly go left and right, but also tilt sideways.

The handlebar also comes with a throttle to control the jet thruster speed, since they spin at a very fast rate. Once the movement was streamlined using the Arduino controller, it was time to drape the inventive ride in Star Wars theme. The only thing missing – or should I say, untweaked – is the inability to get the powerful thrusters to propel the bike from a standstill. It actually needs the good old push!

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