WorkBench Evolution 2014

 Just like our Pokemon, our workbenches grow and evolve over time. Since the last time I updated with pics of my bench I had no shelves and much fewer tools. I have a new Weller soldering iron. I bought two used analogue Oscilloscopes, a function generator and parts bins full of components. Along with my new tools and parts, I added two shelves, a trash can, work light and an AC power strip. I'm sure I have missed some other additions so hit the Jump for more shots of my bench.

Spiral Bound Forrest Mims Books

For so long I have enjoyed the notebooks released by Forrest M. Mims III. The wealth of knowledge the books have offered for so long have been an invaluable asset to so many. Including me. These books are filled with tables, charts, and small circuits that can be tested, learned, and implemented into larger designs. Often, when I am building a project or watching TV, I have a reference book open. However there is a problem with most printed reference material. They are soft bound and will not stay open by them selves. Which is why I jumped with joy upon finding out that for less then $10 each I could have them spiral bound at Fedex or Office Max. (My girlfriend says not to trust Staples)
Hit the jump for some before and after pics.

Simon Frankenstein, or "The Project From Past Failures"

So awhile ago I started a Simon project. You know the one. Repeat the sequence of colors/sounds until you inevitably screw it up. I had a working version of this game on my bread board at one point but took it all apart and saved the code for later. I never got back to finishing this project until today. Like many of my projects this one also went to the top shelf of projects "I'll get to later." Well, unfortunately most of these projects never get finished after moving up there to collect dust. So I decided to take it down and build it with whatever I had laying about.  left over parts and parts from the other shelved projects were sacrificed to complete this abomination of a toy. I gave myself a 3 hour time limit on this project. Video after the jump of me showing off my incredible inability to remember the simplest of sequences.

The PirateCade

Well, I honestly don't know where to begin on this one. This project took way too long and caused me much headache. But in the end I now have myself a beautiful cabinet that may last my lifetime. I started this project In March 2014, 6 months ago, and just finished today. This project was originally my first Raspberry-Pi project. I used the RetroPie Project with the frontend Emulation Station and a Xin-Mo keyboard encoder. However, after all the issues I ran into along the way I ended up using a PC, AtomicFE frontend, and an Ultimarc Ipac. Just last night I scrapped the whole raspberry-pi aspect after one final SD card corruption killed the idea for me. Anyway, Hit the jump to see more pics and details of the project.

My DSTwo FlashCart Arived

A while back I got a DS Lite from a friend and as soon as I got back home I googled ways to hack it. After not finding anything I was really looking for I came across this lovely little product. A flashcart or flash cartridge. These are reprogrammable cartridges that you stick into devices and run your own games, programs, or ROMS. When I was a kid I wanted one for my gameboy but never got it. And now, here I have one for my DS.

Video of it working after the jump.

The Taunt Button

Here is my "Taunt Button" or what my brother-in-law called it, "Shit Talking Button". Basically every time I press the button in game it sends an insult to the other players through the in game chat. So far I've learned that half the people find it funny and the other half just want to kill me that much more. So I guess its doing it's job. I built it using an arcade style push button and an arduino Leonardo.

It's Just a little something I have been working on just while waiting for the arcade parts to arrive. I ordered the buttons, Joy sticks, got a raspberry pi computer from a friend and I'm just waiting for the joy sticks to get here before i start building.

Any Who, click the jump to see it in action.

Other Christmas Presents

This Christmas I had very little money to give gifts to my family. I made this wooden basket for my Mom. I used a 2x10 I got from the "call cart" at home depot. Everything in the cart has something wrong with it, So things were cheaper. The 2x10 I bought was only $2.00. I planed down the wood, sanded it, and cut out the weave design with the scroll saw. After shaping and sanding I glued the 5 layers of the basket together. while it was gluing I made the handle on the scroll saw as well and shaped it with a drum sander. I wrapped it up as is so my mom could decide what color she wanted it painted or stained. I also made her a Christmas ornament out of scrabble pieces that spelled out JOY.

Click the jump for the rest of the gifts I made.