Suggestion Box - Put Show Project Ideas Here [Archive]

wookie

09-30-2006, 09:56 PM

I've been waiting for a new Systm show for a while and have been dissappointed that they aren't released more often.

Here are few show ideas that I think fit this show's theme:

- Building a Linux powered podcast/vidcast production setup for newbs. Including: a brief rundown of good entry level gear (or how to avoid getting ripped off on crappy gear), a list of the software to use for the various production steps, getting your content out there (e.g. iTunes, Cache-fly, etc).

- So you've built an awesome mythTV rig, now here's a show on building the ultimate home archive for your soon to be impressive digital media collection. Explore various options of getting massive disk storage (e.g. poor-man's hot swappable raid array using firewire/usb and external HDD cases), planning for disk failures, and listing backup options.

- Wireless networking still can't keep up with streaming HD shows from your ultimate archive to your mythTV box, so here's a show on the hardware basics of wired gigabit ethernet networking. How to build ethernet cables using a spool of cat5e/cat6, connectors and a crimper. Designing a network connectivity strategy, including using highspeed switches and (linux) firewall/router to create security zones to support various types of access such as an open access point, closed access points, and wired drops.

- Every home network strategy should include the proper use of firewalls/routers to provide security and bandwidth management. In this show, we take a trip down to the local computer recycler to pick up hardware on the cheap for building linux/openbsd firewall/routers out of. It covers the basics of IP routing/firewalling and provides pointers to more information and tutorials. (Personally, I was able to buy 5 sparc 20's from RePC in Seattle for $25! I bodged the parts together into two, dual processor machines with 128 MB of ram and dual 100baseT ethernet each. I use one as the firewall between my home network and the global intertron, and I use the other between my open access point and my home network.)

- Building and installing a mini-ITX form factor PC for you car. Includes picking the right power supply to shield the PC from the power fluctuations of car power, integrated it with your existing car deck and using LVDS to hook to an LCD screen.

- Installing and configuring software needed to merge your brand spanking new car PC with your home network whenever you park in your garage. Outline how to automatically synch new music you've purchased onto your car's hard disk.

- An episode for mother's day: build your mom a Linux box using Ubuntu and configure it/set it up so that she can read her email, surf the web, download/organize her photos, publish photos to the web, and make slideshows to music to burn to DVD for showing to the family at Christmas time. It's about time we all learned how to build a Linux box that mere mortals like your mother can use and be happy with.

That's it for now, but I'm always coming up with new ideas for this show. I think it has the most potential for going "mainstream" as a true geek's DIY show, not the watered down ones on the DIY channel.

Wookie
(BTW, Wookie on digg.com == Wookie on Rev3 forums)

klitzy

09-30-2006, 10:20 PM

Wow, nice post Wookie....Hopefully they will take a look at this

ngageguy

09-30-2006, 10:49 PM

ditto, nice going wookie!

danhuard

09-30-2006, 11:41 PM

great suggestions! love it! all would have great merit to any systm episode.

scoobydiesel

10-01-2006, 01:28 AM

wow thats an awesome post, i really hope to see them take advantage of this stuff, You should post some more ideas lol

bkdb9

10-01-2006, 01:57 AM

wow thats an awesome post, i really hope to see them take advantage of this stuff, You should post some more ideas lol

Ditto, awesome post man

nation

10-01-2006, 03:06 AM

Yes indeed good call!

casework

10-01-2006, 06:06 AM

Great post, and with any luck, some good forum activity like this will bring about some more episodes.

elfqrin

10-02-2006, 02:10 AM

Id love to know how to install Linux or run it and be able to partition my hard drive to run both OS's

Id also like to see that mothers day episode!

n3wtr0ckn13

10-02-2006, 05:00 AM

solid idea. more specifically though what about "honey pots" and cisco firewalls.

What about a systm all things servers, including a behind the scenes tour on what powers digg (Data Center, Digg HQ, etc.), go over operating systems (Windows, Linux, OpenBSD, Solaris, etc.) that are best to run your server with, go over LAMP or Rails configurations, and what kind of sever you should look for (CPU, Ram, Hardrive, Racks, etc.).

Anyway, that's what I think.

.:!Later!:.

Garrett

wikwam

10-02-2006, 01:39 PM

i agree bout the server edition of systm. It would be awesome. Love the show, please come out with a new one soon!

wookie

10-02-2006, 03:30 PM

I'd like to see all three ideas in this thread: a forensics show, a honey pot and stealth logger show, and a servers show.

ckrieger

10-04-2006, 11:26 AM

I'm behind Wookie 100% on this one. That's some good stuff he posted.

ipscriptor

10-07-2006, 07:23 PM

I would like to see an episode of Systm on builing a (small) and QUIET (linux) Server from an old PC. The importand parts are that this thing will be as quiet as possible.

thegreatmula

10-12-2006, 03:08 PM

How about a show to help we faithful viewers save some money on our phone calls. A show on how to connect Asterisk with Skype.

The Asterisk episode was good but it would have been the shit if the show was about how to use this free software (Asterisk) to interact with another free program (Skype) so I don't... I mean we don't have to pay for a VOIP or LAN service.

splat

10-12-2006, 08:35 PM

@Mula

That would absolutely kick ass! Is that actually possible?

just-dave

10-13-2006, 10:08 AM

How about an episode showing how to get/install Mac OS X onto your x86 PC?

thegreatmula

10-13-2006, 04:33 PM

Concerning: Asterisk + Skype

I am not sure if it is possible. Just an idea that popped into my head. I have seen some articles on google referencing the theory behind it. It wasn't possible to do when they filmed the episode about Asterisk but since then I think there may be a way to do it.

Here is the information on the subject (so I think it can be done):
http://www.macvoip.com/resources/voip_asterisk_skype.php
http://www.voiplowdown.com/2006/10/bridging_asteri.html
http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/skype/sip-to-skype-gateway-breaks-skypes-great-wall-of-voip.asp
http://digital-lifestyles******/display_page.asp?section=cm&id=3705

I am going to try to get this done on my end but I would love to see the guys do an episode!

@Mula

That would absolutely kick ass! Is that actually possible?

splat

10-13-2006, 05:36 PM

just-dave

10-14-2006, 01:21 AM

@Just Dave

I think they did that on an episode of Hak.5. Regardless, I think its a cool idea. I know that Leo Laporte had it done on his show Call for Help, and he mentioned something about Apple locking down the crack so that it couldn't be updated, etc.

Yepp, when I use my computer and check for updates, if you install the OS X update, then you're screwed. I made that mistake a month ago. lol.

film42

10-16-2006, 05:44 AM

How about an episode showing how to get/install Mac OS X onto your x86 PC?

You're thinking of thebroken... lol

thegreatmula

10-18-2006, 04:02 PM

Ok while Skype is still free... here is how to make it work with Asterisk. I thought it was a cool idea, referencing the Asterisk episode, to walk around with your wireless house phones and receiving and placing calls... as the show indicated you could do. It seemed like Kevin was wanting everything to be done without a land line. The problem was that Skype didn't have SIP protocol.

That has been fixed. Set up a Trixbox (formerly asterisk @ home) and use PSGw supports SIP proxies and SIP registrars with authorization. According to my research: The PSGw option allows to "map" SIP destination username to Skype username. For example (having this option enabled) if SIP endpoint calls PSGw (running at IP address 192.168.0.1) like "myskypeintheoffice@192.168.0.1" then PSGw will use "myskypeintheoffice" as Skype destination.

Here is information to get this show going: http://www.rsdevs.com/psgw_linux.shtml

optimus

10-19-2006, 08:52 PM

Why bother posting here? They don't read any of this.

Great ideas falling on deaf ears.

splat

10-19-2006, 09:29 PM

I personally enjoy reading the posts here as it gives me ideas for things I would like to do for myself: either for personal use or an IPTV show.

tokenuser

10-19-2006, 11:24 PM

Why bother posting here? They don't read any of this.

Great ideas falling on deaf ears.I don't think Kevin is a big forum user, but Dan reads a lot and keeps an eye on things (even if he doesn't post).

thegreatmula

10-30-2006, 01:53 PM

Get tired of waiting for that new episode or think the episode that they finally get around to making was put together in a lazy manner or too simplistic then just do what I do and check these guys out: http://www.hackermedia.org/ (these guys are awesome). Plenty of video w/plenty of content regularly updated. Hak5<video>

Under the linux tab they have the 1 hour interview w/ Pat (Slackware).... very interesting http://www.tllts.org/mirror.php?fname=tllts_164-10-25-06.mp3

yashar

11-11-2006, 08:18 AM

How to make your own home theater projector.

metalgear1391

11-12-2006, 07:35 PM

What about a systm all things servers, including a behind the scenes tour on what powers digg (Data Center, Digg HQ, etc.), go over operating systems (Windows, Linux, OpenBSD, Solaris, etc.) that are best to run your server with, go over LAMP or Rails configurations, and what kind of sever you should look for (CPU, Ram, Hardrive, Racks, etc.).

Anyway, that's what I think.

.:!Later!:.

Garrett
ya i saw this is a good idea

ningyouzukai

12-07-2006, 11:09 PM

what about an episode concerning mobile devices and mobile phone networks? unlocking, flashing, programming sim cards etc.. now that unlocking is legal (like it ever mattered..)

originx

12-12-2006, 04:49 AM

Bring back Patrick Norton!!

He rules!!

hadjiquest

12-12-2006, 10:19 AM

There has to be some way I can rig up an MP3 player with a laptop drive and some parts.

I'd like to see that. I'm tired of being forced to pay ridiculous amounts for features I don't even use (picture formats, movie formats, color screens, DRM support, and all that other garbage). I just want a base player that I can swap hard drives in and out of as time goes on.

Ages ago, when the ipod began to first pick up steam, TSS showed a segment about a kit for doing this. Now that quite some time has passed, I would like to see a systm on DIY MP3 Players.

splat

12-13-2006, 10:14 PM

There is a flash based MP3 player that can be built but its $150 without the memory.

alaskalonewolf

03-20-2007, 08:46 AM

ascendeddaniel

04-16-2007, 07:17 AM

It seems that the show is trying to reach a general audience while staying geeky. I feel this is a bad move because Systm will wind up distancing itself from both audiences. It seemed too simplified for me, and too technical for a general audience. The show could become a great video version of MAKE, where hackers go to see a video on how to do interesting hacks. I would recommend not even bothering to try to start from assuming no experience and instead going for an audience similar to that of MAKE magazine.

That said, the show is great. I'm hooked.

modestjesse

04-17-2007, 10:50 PM

Apple TV - upgrading the hard drive and hacking the system. I was disappointed to find it has to work with iTunes. I was hoping to not have to bring certain files into iTunes. Sucks that you have to keep files on your PC or Mac in order to properly sync.

alaskalonewolf

04-19-2007, 06:42 PM

Yeah. I really hate that too. Drives me nuts too. Shouldn't have to hard boot jus' to get da' freakin' disc back to yer' bro when it's ten minutes b4 class.

tssaloic

05-06-2007, 04:37 PM

A 120 Gb HDD for $180 come on MS.

You should do a episode on opening a 360 drive case and changing the hard drive.

floris

05-12-2007, 03:56 AM

Request for episode : connecting the xbox360 hd-dvd player to a pc / mac and get the movies to play.

rekcam18

05-12-2007, 05:56 PM

teach us how to do some cool stuff with our ipods. there are tons of cool hacks for both different skins and adding features, that involve complex systms of cracks that are sometimes different to follow

lead us through some cool ipod hacks!

mariot

05-13-2007, 02:43 PM

You should get someone who knows very little about computers/Tech in general and teach them how to do a more "Complicated" Mod/Hack. That would be cool. Teach them how to solder. Set up a Linux computer. Build there own PC or gaming rig. That would be great to see.

I know there are different places out there that have information like this. But I don't go to those sites. For the most part. Plus there are more episodes that have you doing things just beyond beginner level. It would be nice to have an episode that just showed you some basics. That you could watch then go to the other episodes and watch and do them.

simonl

05-13-2007, 08:27 PM

Systm

Water Cooling
How to get water flowing in your new system.

Optimizing your System
Tips and tricks on making your system run faster (OS and PC). This could also be made into many subSystems?

Building Electronics
Learn how to build misc electronics (like the war driving episode).

subSystem

Soldering
Learn how to solder.

Over Clocking
Get the most out of your machine.

fkremm

05-14-2007, 07:25 PM

Don't know if this is better for a full Systm or SubSystm but the Wii Remote hacking scene is pretty well developed and it would pretty easy to put together an episode that covers GlovePIE and some of the other software options and guide for using a Wii mote with a PC over bluetooth. It would be really great for integration with Media Center/ Frontrow systems.

justintime32

05-16-2007, 03:43 PM

I'd like to see an episode about setting up a proxy server on your home PC to bypass the firewall at work/school (I'm thinking of a web proxy, like PHProxy or CGIProxy). You should either go over installing it on Windows/Linux/OS X, or give instructions on installing a lightweight Linux distro on an old PC and configuring it to act as a standalone server (or, if it's possible, how to use something like DD-WRT or OpenWRT on a router...).

ppellegrini

05-16-2007, 10:52 PM

linuxnewbie

05-17-2007, 01:22 AM

i have an old computer (it had 98) and am thinking about setting up a linux file server on it but am new to linux and have only done regular desktop stuff with it no server stuff do a show about setting up a linux server that would be great

sugarsickness

05-17-2007, 09:53 AM

Does anyone know the website that features a PC built into an Atari? I think a show covering the building of this would be good.

Here is a picture of the item I'm talking about.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/110664137_df200c56e6.jpg

I have two 2600s in my closet, both work fine, but I would love to turn one of them into something even cooler.

ephemeral99

05-18-2007, 12:10 AM

Roomba hacks!!

derekivey

05-19-2007, 06:25 AM

My suggestion would be to have an episode on hacking soda machines, or some other type of vending machine. I think it would be interesting to see how they work and stuff.

kingkilr

05-19-2007, 07:09 AM

My suggestion would be to have an episode on hacking soda machines, or some other type of vending machine. I think it would be interesting to see how they work and stuff.

oh hells yeah, if you guys come out to Ohio I might be able to convince my cousins to lend you a vending machine for an afternoon(they have a vending buiness), if you guys seriuosly want to do that, shoot my a PM

ezxen

05-19-2007, 08:23 AM

how about a intro into C++ or better yet Modding a Guitar effects pedal to make cooler sounds or do more stuff . Or like a show on Circuit bending i always wanted to get into that jest don't know how

angelbunny

05-20-2007, 05:04 AM

What about packet sniffing? Not just how to do it, but a basic reference on how to analyze and understand the data being sniffed.

Explaining exploits and how they work would be something fun as well.

Police scanners and how to use them. I'm not sure if there is anything a bit more shady you can do with them.

Cell phones. I know you showed how to scramble signals for things like move theaters, but what about tapping into the radio waves to do things like locate a persons cell phone or do some sniffing.

Radar detectors and laser jammers. Most of the products advertised in stores are low quality or absolute BS, but there are actually good ones that are not usually advertised in stores that do an amazing job that most people do not know about. Even most cops do not think they work.

Circuit board stuff, like a basic tutorial on how to make different boards to do multiple different things with explanation on what all the different parts and what they can be used for to do.

Hard drive recovery. I've always wondered if the FBI (or whatever agency) had different special ways to get hard drive data that isn't fully known.

Decrypting DRM.
Encoding videos properly by teaching the ins and outs most people do not know.
Decrypting satellite TV and radio and other things like foreign TV shows and picking up whatever else is in the air.
(Speaking of which I heard that if someone turns off their XM radio for a month or a couple of months after unsubscribing then the unsubscribe code will not be sent to the radio, so you get free sat radio for a long time.)

I could go on listing things, but I'm trying to think away from just computers. There are geeky things out there besides computers.

drandolph

05-20-2007, 06:02 AM

Right now i am sorting thru the ideas and checking to make sure if we do them that I would be able to present then in a way that is entertaining and educational. Keep them coming and don't be let down if you don't see them right away. The truth is that i work on as many ideas at once as i can. (Right now, 10 projects are on my white board and the Maker Faire is not helping with so many great projects and people wanting to talk about what they are doing and how) This does not mean that you have to wait 10 episodes either. What ever project I finish first is the next one we shoot.

Ideas that i am really into right now are non-computer software hacks. microprocessors, decoders, robotics, circuit bending, car mods, green technologies. This by no way means that I'm not working on computer stuff, I would say a good portion of the projects are still computer related but I am having the most fun with the other stuff.

We also like talking to people that have great projects out there, so if you know people doing amazing things that you think we should talk to then let us know. (It's gives me a break off camera) :D

lavahot

05-20-2007, 10:18 AM

I want to see a linux powered MAME cabinet. I've been working on getting my MAME cab conversion running and I know SYSTM can do it right!

ezxen

05-20-2007, 10:40 AM

I really like to see Circuit bending

dom

05-20-2007, 12:46 PM

Ok, here's a few ideas:

* Using a Mac Mini as a set top box / IPTV server (something I do, so could help out with if needed)

* More projects using the controller used in the latest episode. I'd also really like to see more of the hardware side (i.e. how everything is physically connected) - software/scripts can always be given in the show notes, but there's no substitute for actually seeing how something is built.

* An episode (or more) concentrating on Make magazine projects (the Make controller & Daisy MP3 player). Maybe get Bre Petis in to co-host.

* A subsystm series "a beginners guide to electronics" - an ongoing series of shorts to help people build up their electronics/soldering skills in bite size chunks.

* More home automation stuff. But concentrating on cool / unusual uses, rather than just switching your lights on and off from the web.

* An in-depth look on how to plan/design/optimise your home network

* Build your own mobile, constantly streaming web cam that can send video back to a central server via whatever network happens to be available (Wi-fi/EVDO/GSM) - justin.tv style

* A look at the network infrastructure of digg/rev3. You guys have *loads* of experience of building stable, resiliant and scalable web services. It'd be nice to share some of that knowledge.

* A series on building your own PC (be it Linux or Windows). Concentrate on how to find hardware that's going to work together and picking the best hardware for your needs. The actual build of a PC is quite simple, but choosing the right hardware is more difficult.

ezxen

05-22-2007, 12:54 AM

My friend and i were talking about Putting OSX on a PC . Could you do that ? I like to see it done

codenamev1per

05-22-2007, 05:39 AM

How bout installing a bigger HDD and linux on a PS3?

dom

05-22-2007, 12:23 PM

My friend and i were talking about Putting OSX on a PC . Could you do that ? I like to see it done

Highly unlikely this will make a Systm episode - although it can be done on modern hardware "in theory".

OSX is only licensed to be run on Apple hardware, and only on one computer at a time. Installing it on a PC would, by definition, be a breach of the license agreement.

kungfujesus

05-22-2007, 02:10 PM

Whatchu talkin about? Hak5 did it forever ago, or it may have been from the shadows.

g_king

05-25-2007, 06:27 AM

I helped a friend pick out a car gps tonight and had her get the Garmin 360. I suggested this because it has bluetooth and would talk to her mac book. It would be a cool show to see all of the cool hacks that you can do with bluetooh. The one I know about is bluetooth snarfing. My other favorite is logging into a friends computer through the bluetooth connection. This might be old hat to us nerds but I think it would be an interesting topic for a Systm episode or even the broken. Keep up the great work guys.

axisds

05-27-2007, 11:19 PM

Show ideas:

I read a LifeHacker article the other day on how to turn a plain Jane Linksys WRT54G into a monster Linux router that can do just about anything. I would love to see something like that.

I also would love to see something on energy conservation and such. How to lower your electric bill but not feel limited by technology wise (does that make since?). I am a major geek with a nice home network and such. I love having and expanding to new technologies but I find I am always worried about how that will effect my electric bill. Is there a way to have machines/routers/NAS' turn on based on traffic requests and such that kind of stuff. That and just generally ways to be more energy efferent (not including using different light bulbs because we all know about that) in your home.

Expanding on my above idea, I think it would be awesome if I could wire my home electronics (i.e: my computer,router, etc.) to turn off or turn on based on a wireless transmitter that I could keep on me. This way when I leave my home stuff turns off that isn't in use and when I return stuff automatically turns back on. This way each person in the house could even have a set of peripherals that are triggered by there presence.

Oh! and Bring P. Norton back! That was an awesome surprise. That is about all I have...

dafox

06-05-2007, 02:00 AM

It would be awesome to have an episode on how to beat the Stacker arcade machine :)

xzon

06-06-2007, 04:14 PM

make a show about programming and stuff like that like a tutorial
its fun and like make some cool api
or so on :)

NEW SITE! (zeti.sytes.net)

soapergem

06-08-2007, 05:11 AM

One idea for a show that is very often overlooked but could be very valuable to the community would be a in-depth look at something like Hylafax (i.e. *nix fax server software), and demonstrate things like sending and receiving faxes directly from PHP, Perl, etc.

tempesta

06-08-2007, 07:30 AM

like some fax-addition to asterisk? .....is that a feasible idea?

adcurtin

06-20-2007, 09:29 AM

Subsystm idea - How to put custom songs into Guitar Hero for PS2, plus modding a PS2 to make it compatible with the custom version.

tempesta

06-20-2007, 02:17 PM

Subsystm idea - How to put custom songs into Guitar Hero for PS2, plus modding a PS2 to make it compatible with the custom version.

http://www.destructoid.com/totally-metal-hack-allows-custom-guitar-hero-ii-songs-29339.phtml

go nuts.

Also....didn't they mod the ps2 on the broken?

tailspower2001

06-22-2007, 03:34 AM

Mac OSX on PC, hacking Apple TV using Windows XP, Linux MCE vs Windows MCE, and how to view Revison 3 video on X-BOX 360 with out having to recode the XIVD formated AVI file and modding the system.

sibilant

07-05-2007, 03:11 AM

Sorry, wrong forum...

cypher_ftw

07-05-2007, 01:54 PM

I loved the crane episode because even if you dont necessarily want a crane game all that info on the controller board was awesome. So I reckon more episodes on the robotics side would rock. Especially if its things that we can mod/convert into other wikid things.

* How-To/Uses-Of Programmable Microcontrollers
* Pro Case modding Techniques (more of a subSystm really)
* Open-Source Hardware (Neuros OSD)
* Hackable hardware in general

Keep up the great work.

firefalcon

07-15-2007, 12:35 AM

You should incorporate FPGA projects into the show. No knock on microcontroller folks, but FPGAs are a lot more versatile. You can implement any hardware circuit that you want to inside an FPGA (size limiting). This includes microcontrollers, processors, etc. There are great sites with open source hardware and projects like OpenCores.org, FPGAArcade.com, and FPGA4Fun.com to name a few. I don't know what your target demographic is, but for advanced shows aimed at people in their twenties or early thirties FPGAs would be a great topic.

---Matthew Hicks

toadx

07-16-2007, 04:42 AM

I'd love to see a follow-up to episiode #12. You should go through some more advanced functionality such as interfacing the chip to an LCD as you mentioned at the beginning of the episode.

ascendeddaniel

07-18-2007, 07:20 AM

I would definitely like to see more episodes using microcontrollers. I have used them and programmed them before, but actually seeing a project using one (rather than reading about one) is very interesting and encouraging.

An idea from my personal experience is building a model rocket that can take video. I used a microcontroller to control the camera inside. Details are at camerarocket.com (http://camerarocket.com).

petewall

07-18-2007, 09:59 PM

firefalcon

07-20-2007, 12:54 AM

What I'd like to see is something that you can put in a car or motorcycle that would get your current speed and the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and calculate your following distance.

On a similar note, DL.tv did an episode recently where they had a OBD-II reader that could give speed, gas mileage, and much much more. It shouldn't be that hard to find out the language that OBD-II speaks and put a board and some connectors together to make our own device.

modusoperandi

07-29-2007, 06:02 PM

I want to see a linux powered MAME cabinet. I've been working on getting my MAME cab conversion running and I know SYSTM can do it right!

I second this idea. I've been looking for 2 or 3 old racing game cabinets to gut and create a multiplayer racing setup in my basement. But just a general home arcade show would be awesome.

fazz-munkle

08-01-2007, 11:55 PM

I second this idea. I've been looking for 2 or 3 old racing game cabinets to gut and create a multiplayer racing setup in my basement. But just a general home arcade show would be awesome.

To get the ball rolling here are some links to some great sites:

http://arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm
http://www.happcontrols.com/
http://www.ultimarc.com/
Project Arcade (http://www.amazon.com/Project-Arcade-Build-Your-Machine/dp/0764556169/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-3814220-6110047?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186008794&sr=8-1)

I have the book. And even though I haven't built one yet (no room to, I live in an apartment) it really gets me going everytime I read through it. I've made many plans and it's the one geeky thing of late that I've really planned out to the letter. I just need the space and time to do it.

d4rk_fr33dan

08-17-2007, 09:43 PM

There should definitly be an episode devoted to soldering. Maybe just an episode of subsystm but it is the essential skill for almost any project and could be dangerous if someone doesn't know how to do it properly.

uthanda

09-04-2007, 07:38 PM

Not sure how to do it, but I'd like to see an episode where the team builds a 5v and 12v power supply for powering many of the computer-related devices I have laying around the house.

In my case, I have 3 external hdds, dsl bridge, 2 switches and a SIP-based ATA that all take either 5v or 12v input (with varying amp requirements). I'd like to buy (or I'm afraid) build a single supply for all items.

toyota2300

09-05-2007, 04:08 AM

Don't know if some one has done this let say, I have couple laptops the mother board doesn't work but the screen does, Can it be convert it to like a photo portrait, and if some one has done it were can i get the info

amardilo

09-07-2007, 11:36 PM

I am not sure if anything like this has been posted before but I would like to see something like building a water cooled PC.

I always wanted to build an ultra silent water cooled PC but I can't find a detailed video (with good production values and audio) to walk me through it and show the parts actually being fitted. There is also a lot of text based content on doing this but it looks like a lot of text to read :D.

techdoctor

09-17-2007, 07:20 AM

This idea maybe just one of a bunch of things to put in a full size show:

How to remove a screw when someone has mangled the head.

we've all had the problem, and caused it!

There are a few things on the market designed to remove them, but do they work??

The Tech Doctor.

hadees

09-19-2007, 03:46 AM

Show ideas:

1. How to build a Mame cabinet.
2. How to setup an openbsd router.
3. Home Automation (learning how to make your own x10 devices would be cool)

m3wthr33

12-20-2007, 06:25 AM

Currently on the PS3, the Guitar Hero 3 Les Paul does NOT work with Rock Band. A patch was made, but Activsion blocked the release of it, because they're assholes.

However, being that they're both USB devices, that leaves a possibility for a device to be made. One that converts the signal of the Les Paul and fools the PS3 into thinking it's the Rock Band Strat.

That might be out of the scope of the show, but if you got it working, you'd get a lot of attention.

wkdown

12-21-2007, 07:15 PM

I recently got an iTouch from my wonderful fiance for my birthday. This thing is so handy, I hardly ever use my PDA anymore.

Would it be possible to have an episode with fun things to do with a PDA? Like make it into a universal remote, install Linux on it, etc...

(FYI, the PDA I have is a Palm Tungsten E2)

subassy

01-02-2008, 09:06 PM

I wanted to suggest a show on some awesome things you can do with the bootable Windows project, Bart's PE.

The original home page is here: Bart's PE Builder (http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/)

Whilst the most useful information is here: 911CD Forums (http://www.911cd.net/forums/)

What I would really like to do is, using Bart's PE, completely automate my Windows installation process over the network.

In other words boot into Bart's PE, automagically backup my current drive setup with Ghost or whatever (to a network storage location) then proceed to prep the drive and install XP Pro all without user intervention. Have all the drivers installed and all the settings already provided for the install. Then, once the OS is installed, a new script takes over and installs my needed apps like office, winrar, a PDF reader, firefox and all my games.

For the show it would be both how to automate all these steps as well as how to set up Bart's PE and grab all the various install files from a separate storage location on the network.

Oh sure, it sounds easy... :D

Besides that just setting up Bart's PE to do things like play audio and other devices to work would be awesome.

Helpful links:
OfflineSysPrep (http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=19397&hl=offlinesysprep)
Driver Packs (http://driverpacks.net/DriverPacks/)

rbaile28

03-17-2008, 02:47 AM

3. Home Automation (learning how to make your own x10 devices would be cool)

I think this is a great idea, x10 stuff is really powerful but definitely intimidating, complicated, and expensive. There is also some stuff on youtube with people using ipods and iphones to control the systems. With the infatuation with everything iphone at rev3 it seems interesting that this hasn't been thrown around yet.

gues7

03-17-2008, 04:38 AM

On a similar note, DL.tv did an episode recently where they had a OBD-II reader that could give speed, gas mileage, and much much more. It shouldn't be that hard to find out the language that OBD-II speaks and put a board and some connectors together to make our own device.

OBD II Cable (http://pinouts.ru/CarElectronics/obdii_cables_pinout.shtml)
ScanTool OBD Front End (http://sourceforge.net/projects/scantool)

gues7

03-17-2008, 04:47 AM

Well said Wookie. Indeed, kudos. I was wondering if you could increase the wireless capabilities between a mobile platform and a given station by using a linear amp and A/D Converter at both ends to communicate within the system you described at a higher freq., perhaps in the 3GHz range? Don't higher freq., by their nature, allow for more bandwidth? I've never tried it. And I know, that more than likely, it would require more than a little midnight engineering.

If you mean using an A/D Converter for the signal to be transmit it's self, a problem will be conforming to the Nyquist criterion which states the minimum possible sampling frequency, to provide an output with no signal distortion other than quantization noise is twice the frequency being sampled, IE if your sampling a 3GHz signal, you need a 6GHz A/D converter, it would be highly impractical and very expensive... even for a low bit count A/D due purely to the speed involved.

At those frequencies tracks & cabling will create a filter of some sort based on the capacitance between tracks and resistance of the material its self, once you get that high you need really professional gear...

Also, any amp that is working up around 3GHz would have to be very well designed for the same reason as above.

Finally, some bands are regulated by the FCC (US), COMREG (IE) or OFCOM (UK) [there are others, they are just the ones I know] so it would have to use a unlicensed band for example 2.4GHz or 5.2GHz (I think thats the one anyway, not too sure) which is designated for consumer & private wireless communications...

mikwit

03-21-2008, 01:25 AM

I'd really like to see an ep on making speakers, most specifically a good subwoofer. and then maybe compair them to pat's B&Ws.

cubby

03-21-2008, 03:31 AM

Hey first post. I've got a few ideas for consideration:

Model Rocketry - There could definitely be a show or two on this. Aerial video and photography have been mentioned in thread before. But I'd also be interested in a wireless launch controller. With enough available channels this could also function as an automated fireworks launcher (using rocket ingnitors to light the fuses). There's also the possibility of other electronic sensors in the rocket to play around with.

Weather balloons - There have been some posts on hackaday and make about DIY weather balloons that have gotten some very impressive results. Unfortunately a lot of the information about balloons seems to disappear after a while. Here are some links that are still up:
http://www.natrium42.com/halo/flight2/
http://vpizza.org/~jmeehan/balloon/
http://www.pegasushabproject.org.uk/wiki/doku.php
http://members.shaw.ca/sonde/index.htm - This one is actually an autonomous glider taken up by a balloon.

Robotics - Some robot stuff has already been done, but there should be some more autonomous stuff, even if its just little r/c stuff. If it could be done cheaply enough there could even be a mini DARPA-like contest later on.

Home Wiring - Wiring the house with ethernet, audio, video, etc., a common dream for the technically inclined, can be a very daunting task. A show with how-to and best practices would be cool. This could go along with a show/s on home automation/wired home/security.

General electronics and microcontroller stuff - (This isn't as much something to be added to the show as feedback of past shows) The electronics how-to shows have been really helpful, keep 'em coming. More crazy fun projects like the crane would be good. Earlier someone mentioned how great the crane show was not only because it controlled a crane, but because the electronics behind it were well explained.

Thanks for reading!

cubby

marklar

03-25-2008, 03:06 AM

I got a show idea that will blow this place away...

http://www.hommie.net/forum/nuke.jpg

Bah tasers and cannons lets make a nuke!!!

hoobie7

03-26-2008, 02:26 AM

How 'bout a hard drive window mod??

Example:
http://hoobie7.com/Computer%20Mod%20Stuff/HDDWindowMod/HDDWindowMod1.html

Hoobie:)

computoman

03-27-2008, 01:41 PM

I got a show idea that will blow this place away...

http://www.hommie.net/forum/nuke.jpg

Bah tasers and cannons lets make a nuke!!!

Last persion I knew that put ip a message like that had a visit from the feds and the feds gave them free room and board.

robdob

03-29-2008, 01:17 AM

You guys should do an episode on replacing the individual cells in a laptop battery that no longer takes a charge. Now THAT would be a good episode. I think it would be more cost effective (not to mention "COOLER") to purchase the individual cells and replace the old ones in a dead battery pack than it would be to buy a new battery from the manufacturer.

highlanderjames

03-29-2008, 07:02 AM

I'd like to see a show about the ins and outs of linux. installing files,tweeks,hacks all the good stuff that someone wanting to learn linux but is a tactile learner and not a book reader can use.

rupert

03-29-2008, 03:45 PM

Heres the main body of an email I sent a while ago and since have been informed that in the US, you guys don't use SCART leads, apparently you guys just use RCA. So please read RCA where ever you read SCART below.

[I was watching systm and came up with what I think is a good idea. I'm a university student in England living in a house with 3 other students. When we can find time to just veg out and watch a film in the evening, we do.
Our biggest problem is the fact that we either, all have to troop into someone else's room to stare at a tiny screen, or cart a laptop into the sitting room; which is also hard to see.
So I figured if i could link the tv to the laptop it would make viewing much better. you ask why not just use S-video (we dont have any).
The idea I came up with is making a cable going from VGA(monitor port(forgot the technical term)) to SCART. I am currently endevouring to make this but have alot of work on and have a habit of blowing things to hell when I make them. So I was wondering if you guys could do an episode investigating this, so the masses can be informed of alternatives to starying at tiny screens. I believe there is some issue with the signal strengths between vga output and scart.
I hope this warrants an investigation. I look forward to watching the next episode.
P.S. that robot episode was genius.

Many thanks,

Rupert.]

diggnationviewer

04-02-2008, 05:43 AM

How about hacking your brain with a "Brain Machine"?
I have seen two different kinds, one using a printer cable and another
using a mini POV (persistence of vision) kit.

hoobie7

04-13-2008, 02:16 AM

*Bing!* (Light Bulb)

How about a DIY Projector?
Or better yet HD DIY Projector?

LINK: http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15376&hl=

Hoobie

karelm

04-13-2008, 05:03 AM

While I loved the show on DIY Wifi antenna's I think you should do another show on them and go in to a little bit more in depth .

darknessgp

04-13-2008, 06:05 AM

While I loved the show on DIY Wifi antenna's I think you should do another show on them and go in to a little bit more in depth .

odd I feel the opposite. I only ended up watching about half the show, if that. Though, I have no need for a DIY antenna, ATM. So it was most likely due to a lack of interest in the topic.

happybando

04-14-2008, 05:28 AM

i'd like to see some unconventional ideas of uses for an extra computer. i have an extra one lying around doing mostly nothing.

possible ideas to get started with:
- media server
- tv computer
- extra computer to do intense processing tasks

also, learning about xgrid would be pretty cool. i know what it does and i understand the concept, but i does it have any practical application for someone like me?

computoman

04-14-2008, 07:17 PM

A show about home thin client network would be neat also.

computoman

04-14-2008, 07:19 PM

anothervictim

10-10-2008, 09:34 PM

Hi All,

I am an amateur photographer and video producer. I have been looking around the web in search of plans or diagrams that will help me in putting together a diy litepanel style lights. If you do not know what they look like here is a pic

http://www.s131567196.onlinehome.us/images/pic_micro_dv_lg.jpg

its a series of super bright led lights with a dimmer control built in. I can seem to find actual plans on how to put one together. So I thought, why not come to my fav show forum and ask.

I also thought that this might be a fairly simple project for someone looking to get into modding and soldering. I'm sure there isn't any super special electronics behind building this light. I just don't know what parts to buy or not to buy, i.e resistors, capacitors or if they have to be the flux kind ;)

Any how, hope this makes it to the show.

Or if anyone can point me in the right direction that would be awesome too...

thank you guys so much!

Systm rocks!

haku

10-10-2008, 10:30 PM

That's actually not a bad idea for a Systm episode, a basic battery+switch+LED circuit but with many, many LEDs.

I've done something very similar for my bike, I embedded 60 3mm white LEDs into a standard Cateye front reflector, turning it into an excellent front light that allows me to easily see when going down unlit lanes/paths at night:

http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/LEDBikeLight15.jpg
http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/LEDBikeLight16.jpg

On the handlebars I've got a switch that allows me to switch between 18 LEDs and all 60 LEDs so I don't annoy other road users - it's almos painful to look at with all 60 on.

A couple of notes about LEDs for making a similar setup as a camcorder light:

LED colour - in my general research of different LEDs (3mm, 5mm, Luxeon Star, Cree X-Lamp etc.) I've stumbled across more than one forum posting saying how the colour of the camcorder light is extremely important and that most people prefer filament bulb lighting setups because of the larger colour spectrum the put out compared to LEDs. Also, if you were to buy cheap bright white LEDs from two different eBay sellers you're unlikely to get identical colour LEDs, some have a slight blue tint whilst other have a warmer colour. You can buy 'warm' colour LEDs if you want to avoid having a light with a blue tint to it.

LED beamspread - when I first started my idea of embedding LEDs into the reflectors as a permanent lighting setup on my bike I used cheap 5mm LEDs, but switched over to cheap 3mm LEDs becuase the beamspread was much smoother (and I could cram more into such a small area) - all the different 5mm LEDs I've tried produced spotlight effects whilst the 3mm LEDs have more of a (smooth) gradual drop in light intensity from the center outwards, and this makes seeing the road/path much nicer than having a spotlight. But there is an easy way to make your LEDs very wide angle - cut the heads off! quickest and easiest way is with an angle grinder (with facemask & eye protection), the end effect is good.
But that's not to say all 5mm LEDs have a spotlight effect, the Nichia one in my Photonlight (http://www.photonlight.com/Photon-Freedom-Micro-Keychain-LED-Flashlights-p/fm-led-keychain-flashlight.htm) has a smooth beamspread, but being Nichia made I suspect their LEDs aren't cheap.

Wiring them up is pretty easy, for my 60 LED bike light I opted to use a 5v supply, having the LEDs in sets of 3 in parallel with a 33ohm resistor for each set of 3. The kind of project you're suggesting, veroboard would be an ideal base for the LEDs as they would all be perfectly aligned and spaced apart. How many & what resistors you use depends on the power source (4x AA's would be the easiest solution but not last very long).
Getting different brightness levels from the light panel is easy too, just use a switch or two for turing on different amounts of LEDs, you could go as far as using a rotary switch so you could have say 5 different brightness levels.

edit: I've been taking a look at the http://www.litepanels.com/ site and they have some great stuff, looking at the prices of their lights (cheapest is over $800!) I can definitely see why you want to make your own light, and they have a neat solution to the colour of the LEDs - coloured gels to tint the light how you want it.

davmoo

10-11-2008, 03:42 AM

I'm working on a full color fully adjustable LED light panel. Since its a "spare time project", and normally I only read about the concept of "spare time" in books, it may be another month or so before its actually finished. Maybe I should be thinking about putting some video around it...

As far as the color of white LEDs and video goes, yeah, it makes a difference. Also one has to be concerned about how the intensity is varied if that is desired in the circuit...merely changing the voltage with a pot will also change the color output on pretty much all white LEDs. Much better to use PWM. But that does add complexity.

haku

10-11-2008, 03:59 AM

I'm wondering how they manage to make the Litepanels adjustable between 0% & 100% brightness, without flickering, because the Photonlight I have uses PWM to adjust it's brightness and that flickers on a video camera. The light looks pretty neat when you spin it around whilst dimmed as you get a string of dots or dashes depending on the brightness level.

davmoo

10-11-2008, 10:04 AM

I'm going to guess that the way the Litepanel does it is to simply use a higher pulse rate. Over 75 hertz or so it shouldn't be visible.

sparky42

12-05-2008, 05:34 AM

We have a sticky in the tekzilla forum for show suggestions. Can we have one here for Show suggestions??

imagitronics

12-05-2008, 08:38 AM

I second the nomination.

masherscf

12-05-2008, 01:48 PM

That seems reasonable. Keep it clean.

imagitronics

12-06-2008, 10:29 AM

Excellent. It's high time we have a show about the arduino! I don't care what you do with it, I just want to see the pain in Dave's eyes when he has to forgo his PICs for AVR.

jcfuller

12-07-2008, 03:44 PM

How about doing a show on pros/cons of commercially available weather stations ( or just temp recorders) comparing with a diy setup ( wireless and wired, usb or serial )
What's available for the diy'er ?
I have several old computers with only 1.1 usb but all have serial ports. I thought about using one as an outside temperature recorder/displayer with access from my little network.
I would prefer opensource software (linux) as these machines have had windows stripped from them.

This is what I have now:
http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/8610/index.php
I'm not sure if it is even available anymore or not.
It's software is propitiatory and Windows only (It does run under wine but takes forever) and it's not real time.

These are a couple of sites google turned up for commercial items
http://www.logicbeach.com/EL-USB/EL-USB-main.html
http://www.microdaq.com/basic_data_loggers.php
Lascar USB K Type Thermocouple Datalogger

I am primarily interested in a Temperature only serial setup. I would like some sort of wireless system but using a K Type Thermocouple might also fit my needs (not sure if the Thermocouple wire being crimped when running under a closed window would effect the validity?)

Love the Show.

James

mithrill

12-08-2008, 01:32 AM

I was recently at my brother-in-laws house and he had setup a x10 home security system for about $50 using a kit he purchased online. He had a basic system but it worked nicely.

I further researched x10 and found out that it can do all kinds of things and can even by tied into a PC. The options are limitless. Combine this with the DIY nature of x10, you've got a great idea for a show.

I would really like to show an episode or series of episodes on x10 home security but anything x10 would be great. Anyone else agree?

ExtremeTech.com (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,32834,00.asp) has a related article for those who would like to learn more about the topic.

sherwood

12-08-2008, 01:41 AM

How about a DIY led 4x4 cube, or led coffee table, or anything cool with LED's

:)

xibalba

12-08-2008, 02:55 AM

DIY flame thrower, or a homemade chainsaw.

dosbomber

12-09-2008, 03:57 AM

How about a DIY led 4x4 cube, or led coffee table, or anything cool with LED's
:)

A show on multiplexing/charlieplexing an LED display or sign could be quite good. Plenty of kits out there too if you want to go the easy route.

DIY flame thrower, or a homemade chainsaw.

DIY psychotherapy or anger management? ;)

sparky42

12-09-2008, 04:36 PM

There is an older suggestion thread that probably should have been stickied, but I'll put the url here so people can check it out too.

http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95&page=1

computoman

12-10-2008, 06:42 AM

See hal5....

mithrill

12-14-2008, 08:25 PM

sparky42

12-15-2008, 03:50 AM

One thing that I've been looking into and keep running into is sites offering to patent my ideas for me. Between Calkins and Norton and maybe a little help from Dave Randolph (does he still even post here??) systm could do a show on what it takes to get ideas patented. If anyone else knows of a decent way to get this done, let me know.

http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?p=472678#post472678

lukas2k

12-16-2008, 09:15 PM

Here's a few suggestions of fun projects...

A silent phone ringer with a rotational police light

Noise reduction headphones done with cheap headphones and construction earmuffs

Wiimote whiteboard (like Johny Chung Lee has done, http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/)

Or get Lee as a guest on your show!

MSI Wind modding

bleve

12-17-2008, 09:53 AM

I'd like to see a show dedicated to a motion activated toilet mod. You know, like the toilets in public restrooms, except even better.

bleve

12-17-2008, 10:05 AM

Oh, and build an Arduino.

computoman

12-19-2008, 06:08 AM

I would like to see old thin clients or the like converted to be a media server or even a working computer.

http://thunderlord.net.pl/evo/
www.nslu2-linux.org
http://computoman.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/linux-still-amazes-me/

amal8301

12-24-2008, 05:42 PM

I want a show on how to stream content from my Mac with Boxee to my PS3. That is all.:D

derive

12-30-2008, 08:11 PM

How about cyber forensics or creating a cyber forensics work station?

Why not take this one full circle with episode 73? 3D laser imaging is making an entrance into digital forensics.

http://www.isite3d.com/pdf/I-SiTE_devastation_scene_mapping.pdf

derive

12-30-2008, 08:27 PM

I plan on adding two more monitors to my media/gaming machine at home (horizontal span). However, with a one inch border around my hdtv/monitor, it will leave a two inch gap between the displays. What are the chances Systm can run an episode on setting up three displays and modding the monitors to minimize the gap between the displays?

peoplespeoplespl

01-02-2009, 08:35 PM

hi im new on this forum... but im trying to build a led light from lamina leds http://www.laminaceramics.com/ProductsandSolutions/ProductsandSolutions/TitanSeries/Titan.aspx they are pretty bright, www.zylight.com - they use same leds for their light but they are vey expensive... also i know the driver what they probably use its on the www.eldoled.com,
now im use sony Led light HVL-LBP, and its great... - if somebody need a photos of this light inside... i made couple photos
i need to bulild something like litepanels www.litepanels.com 12" by 12"...
but at least twice brighter...
thx

lukas2k

01-03-2009, 01:00 AM

I saw that you guys have nice teleprompters at Rev3... are they homemade?

That would be a cool idea to make one...

fishtoprecords

01-04-2009, 04:12 AM

build an Arduino.

Use it to drive servos for robotics.

Actually, one mostly buys an Arduino and then adds hardware and hacks software. But they are cool and cheap.

damn-randall

01-05-2009, 05:08 AM

+1

I would love to be able to add an LED litepanel to my rig. I just don't have the budget for a retail one right now.

ghostwalker42

01-05-2009, 01:57 PM

In car Media center. i would like to see how you guys would do it..

mmgunner

01-06-2009, 12:43 AM

davmoo

01-06-2009, 02:50 AM

My thought on dimming the LED's would be to drop the voltage using a variable resistor or similar, this could be done with three different groups of LED's each with its own color (RGB) thus making a full color spectrum available.

You're going to find that merely dropping the voltages with a pot will actually have very little real effect on the brightness (and yes, this is the voice of experience). Especially with colored LEDs. Better to go with a simple 555 timer PWM circuit to vary the brightness.

laramsfreak

01-08-2009, 06:54 AM

I'd really like/need to make a portable battery Power Pack (like
Bowens Explorer 1500ws Battery Generator just as an example) used to power studio strobes/flash units for photography. A good set is typically over $1,000. I'm sure you guys can come up with something at a fraction of the cost.

thedre

01-10-2009, 05:42 AM

I watch most of the shows (No TSR, sorry Alex or iFanboy, no interest) and watched a number of the canceled shows. The thing that I have noticed over time is that the one show that would benifit the most from hi-def recording is not shot as such! Systm always involves little parts and screen text that you can never read or in some cases see. I love Tekzilla and Diggnation but let's be honest, you don't need them in hi-def.

Not really a show idea but more like constructive criticism.

stupoop

01-12-2009, 02:59 AM

make a pwm fan controller

alexisproff

01-12-2009, 09:18 AM

i'v got an old 3.5 flopy disk driver from an old pc, and i wood (i'm norwegian an this is phonetical) like to get som ideas on some thing cool to do with it.

of nostalgi it could be fun to se what to do to get it up and running as an disk drive agen

mrfluff

01-15-2009, 12:35 AM

i have had my 40 gig ps3 for around a year and a half now and a very irritating friend managed to jam a disk into the blue ray drive. i went ahead and opened the thing up and got my disk out but the drive now does not work. i was wondering if you could do a show about what you can do with a ps3 besides games, eg. running linux ect... it would also be interesting to see what els could be made from an old brueray drive.

Many thanks and keep up the great work, love the show.

Jake from england

birdd

01-16-2009, 07:01 AM

You mentioned in one of the previous episodes of Tekzilla about doing another episode of Systm about Asterisk... Great idea... i loved the original one with Kevin, but would be great to see it done again with today in mind... and maybe even cover some mods like Home Automation, etc that can be done using Asterisk...

Maybe revisit the podcasting episode covering both Video + Audio, with Beginners - Intermediate - Expert setups?

Another idea is maybe home linux server... using Samba for file sharing, etc + a podcast catcher software for downloading podcasts to central location on the network rather than multiple people downloading the same thing with itunes... and then maybe even streaming to PCs (i guess using VLC or something simular on the client end) and other devices...

But yeah really would love to see an episode on Asterisk done again... :-)

Also another idea is building some DIY Camera Gear, such as Softboxes, Backdrop stands, and other stuff like that

johnkim

01-17-2009, 02:57 AM

So I just got a 16gb iPod Touch as an early b-day gift and while I'm totally stoked and happy that I got one, I wish apple made them with a camera. I know that the camera feature is on the iPhone but I mean, c'mon?! I just heard of the GiiNii Android Tablet, a couple of weeks ago and they were able to build in a camera (it looks a tad bigger than an iPod Touch/iPhone). While it's too easy to just whine and complain that Apple doesn't do half of the things that most consumers would think would be a no-brainer idea (does the iphone/itouch even have an official copy/paste feature yet?) I've decided that I'm just gonna figure a way to hack my way through it.

Recently I just renewed my contract w/ Verizon with a new LG Decoy VX 8610. I really like it. And I was wondering if I could get a male miniUSB to female USB cable and take pictures with the phone but keep it on my iPod touch?

johnkim

01-17-2009, 04:54 AM

What about making webcams or camera phones act as a camera for an ipod touch? see, I just got a 16gb iPod Touch as an early b-day gift and while I'm totally stoked and happy that I got one, I wish apple made them with a camera. I know that the camera feature is on the iPhone but I mean, c'mon?! I just heard of the GiiNii Android Tablet, a couple of weeks ago and they were able to build in a camera (it looks a tad bigger than an iPod Touch/iPhone). While it's too easy to just whine and complain that Apple doesn't do half of the things that most consumers would think would be a no-brainer idea (does the iphone/itouch even have an official copy/paste feature yet?) I've decided that I'm just gonna figure a way to hack my way through it.

Recently I just renewed my contract w/ Verizon with a new LG Decoy VX 8610. I really like it. And I was wondering if I could get a male miniUSB to female USB cable and take pictures with the phone but keep it on my iPod touch?

rinkscustoms

01-18-2009, 08:36 PM

RepRap (http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/WebHome) is a prototyping machine tht melts plastic through a modified glue gun mounted to a XYZ plotter table. It can make most of it's own parts so it can help pay for itself over time.

I can see this as being a really good starter setup with david laser scanner setup, yet another systm episode.

fishtoprecords

01-18-2009, 11:47 PM

Yeah, its cool technology. Check the video from the CCC 25c3 conference.

fishtoprecords

01-19-2009, 02:49 AM

revision3fan

01-19-2009, 02:12 PM

computoman

01-20-2009, 01:49 AM

a multiple episode how to set up a server and router so you do not need Orb or any of those online media websites. No one needs to know your media choices.

haxwithaxe

01-21-2009, 02:17 AM

Hey guys,
I've been wanting to start into gpu processing. I'm wondering what to look for in a videocard to get the most FLOP/s for my money, and if there's anything special to look for in the way of mother boards. Also which standard ATI's or NVidia's is most likely to sit happy with linux systems (ati usually has good(proprietary) drivers but NVidia tends to be more linux friendly)?
Love the show; especially the one on usb batteries.

hax

haxwithaxe

01-21-2009, 04:54 AM

Even better idea than my last one. Electric vehicle on the cheap. Mabe a couple of cheapo electric drills in tandem to power a scooter type vehicle around town. Maybe work in an explanation of how pots work. Or how to calculate gear ratios (I sadly switched from a BS in MechE before i got to the fun stuff like that). I haven't seen a decent explanation of how one calculates bicycle-type gear ratios (lots for cars/trucks) any where on the web and that would be a really useful tool in any garage hackers tool kit.
Again, love the show. I'd go nuts without it.
hax

herrea

01-23-2009, 03:19 PM

Hey Systm guys, I have an idea for a great project. How about taking an EMF Detector like this on on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Mel-8704-Paranormal-Instrument-EMF-Meter/dp/B001HTOHTS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1232723722&sr=8-9), removing it from it's case and reassembling it in a Star Trek TNG Tricorder like this (http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Next-Generation-Tricorder/dp/B000BW0VS8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1232723785&sr=8-3).

I've always wished I could find a Star Trek tricorder that actually did something other than flash and make noises. I'm really interested in making one since I'm going on a Ghost Hunting Tour in St. Augustine, FL in March. Love the show, thanks!

fishtoprecords

01-26-2009, 02:29 AM

Installing X to do Y is not worth watching. Its boring TV.

How about banning all shows that are just about downloading software and installing them on a computer. Boring, and there are zillions of other podcasts that do that.

Require something physical to bolt, solder, weld, microcontrol, etc.

If it doesn't take a tool, ban it.

haxwithaxe

01-26-2009, 04:33 PM

How about a review of approaches to solder SMT components for under, say, $100. I know it can be done by hand if you are talented. And there are hot air units. And toaster ovens and even an electric skillet

You might be interested in this video. IT'S AMAZING!!! I had no idea anything so hard could be made to look so simple and easy.
<href>http://www.hackszine.com/blog/archive/2008/03/howto_fast_smt_soldering.html</href>
Sorry for the slightly off topic post.

xcorvis

01-27-2009, 07:30 PM

fishtoprecords

01-27-2009, 07:38 PM

http://www.nycresistor.com/2009/01/20/mp3-grenade/#more-1123

haku

01-29-2009, 06:41 AM

I have a pile, literally a pile of Apple remotes. (I work at a college and we get them with the iMacs we use in the labs.) Is there something I can do with these? Hack them to work with other equipment or scavenge them for batteries and other parts?

You can use it on your PC to control your media player software (WinAmp, PowerDVD etc.), just need an IR receiver & suitable software to utilise the receiver. I used to use a program called "Girder" back when it was free, now it costs $50 so you'll have to pay for it or find a freeware app (there must be some out there).

morrison1002

01-29-2009, 07:41 AM

judaz

01-31-2009, 03:03 PM

They should do a show about putting a homing device in your PC. I mean some times it happens. people take your PC. Make something where when they turn it on. it powers on and you can find it. or laptop

Great idea! Was about to post that suggestion myself.
I'm looking for a "Call home" software that as soon as the computer boots up and is connected to the internet the IP-adress and more is automaticly sent to an e-mail or something like that..
Any info on location or anything could be useful if your computer gets stolen,

If there is an hardware solution, GPS or anything, it would be useful to.

subassy

02-01-2009, 08:46 PM

I would like to see a detailed setup of the mod/hack described in this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd3-eiid-Uw).

Some how he uses the sensor bar/wii remote to create some kind of 3D optical illusion. I mean he makes it seem clear the only thing I didn't catch was whether or not he used one the new "3D ready" screens or if it was just a normal screen. I think it was normal. I'm not sure.

Anyway a walk through of how to get that going would be cool. And if that only takes 10 minutes or something then maybe some practical uses of it as well. I don't know I'm not that creative :).

More info is at the author's site (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/).

enporter

02-04-2009, 02:37 AM

1.) I wouldn't mind seeing a "How to upgrade car audio system." Basically give resources and a lesson of how everything works then if you guys had the time as well as resources, actually upgrade a car system with speakers + subs + audio head device etc.

2.) sort of like an add-on to the first one pretty much a "How to add tech to your car." I dunno adding a computer to the car to easily interface gadgets to it, adding dvd screens to the car or any other crazy techno gadget ive heard to add to the car.

3.) What with the big Iphone craze now, maybe show how to jailbreak a phone to customize it like crazy, or any other hacks etc. (if you guys are allowed to do that)

4.) Maybe a "How to tether internet connections" like getting cellular internet from a device then feeding it to a wireless connection. etc.

5.) Or a "How to build a Cell/Wifi signal jammer" For informational purposes of course, considering its illegal in U.S.

6.) A "How to make a wireless computer monitor" I've heard of people taking usb wireless interfaces and connecting a computer monitor into it. Don't know how practical it is or how well it works but it sounds cool.

So those are just a few, I know they're a little random. I know a couple of these might not be do-able but I figured I would post them anyways.

adessmith

02-04-2009, 08:25 PM

I've had this idea and started working on it a couple of years ago. (Before I knew anything about the rovio)

I created a post in the main systm thread with all the details.

The junk laptop I was gonna use died and I abandoned the project. I'm getting ready to get back to it now.

My approach was:
A "tank like" robot base
A laptop with wifi (actually gonna be using a thin client now)
USB controled relays to control the motors (via www.phidgets.com)
And a usb webcam.

Throw in some noob Visual Basic programming skills... Poke a hole in your firewall, and You got yourself a robot you can drive around your house via the internet when you arent home. (ala poor mans rovio)

Details can be found here:
http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26133

kjones23

02-07-2009, 01:35 AM

Hey guys, love the show. First time poster, long time viewer. I just got my hands on my very own EEE 901 and I started looking into some of the mods and upgrades available for it. The touch screen idea sounds really cool, especially for around $100. There are two versions available, one solderless and the other requiring some soldering, and I thought it could make for another great episode of systm. The one caveat is the website where I found the touch screen kits. Has anyone ever heard of or dealt with fidohub? The site seems like it might be a little shady, but there are some pretty detailed pics that make it appear pretty legitimate. Here's the link to the website if you guys are interested...

http://www.fidohub.com/buy.php?no=77

I will be most likely be trying this out myself when I can scrounge up $100, and after I find out a little bit more about if fidohub is trustworthy enough to send my money to. If anyone knows anything about the site, any input would be much appreciated. Well hope some of you find this as interesting as I do. Keep up the great work!

mshaker

02-07-2009, 01:22 PM

I hope this show request is David Calkins kind of thing...

I would like to build a PC controlled Pinball machine, but I need to know:

How do I control solenoids? (Maybe using an LED Controller such as the LedWiz from http://groovygamegear.com and some transistors or relays?)

How do I supply power to solenoids? (Do I need a transformer and capacitors as big as my head?)

I'm sure that Systm viewers could find plenty of non-pinball uses for controlling high power devices from a PC: robots, door locks, foam missile launchers...

- Mark

fishtoprecords

02-08-2009, 04:11 AM

I would like to build a PC controlled Pinball machine
I love pinball machines, but why would you want a PC controlling it? All the good ones just used relays. They are really dirt simple, if you ignore the scoring and flashing lights.

The whole point of pinball is that its physical, with real balls, flippers that are real, tilt switches, etc.

Maybe an arduino to keep score.... But pinball is driven by switches and metal balls.

computoman

02-08-2009, 07:45 AM

computoman

02-08-2009, 07:59 AM

How about a review of approaches to solder SMT components for under, say, $100. I know it can be done by hand if you are talented. And there are hot air units. And toaster ovens and even an electric skillet

I would like to see that I have quite a few chips that are too small for me to solder normally.
maybe even add a second episode about freeing electronic parts from old equipment for reuse.

computoman

02-08-2009, 08:28 AM

A tsop hack on the original xbox might be neat.

judaz

02-08-2009, 03:10 PM

Would love a show on how to build your own EPROM burner from cheap parts. Would be nice to have if a friend accedently upgrades his BIOS with the wrong version or if you buy a new motherboard that only supports your CPU with the latest BIOS version, but you have no way of upgrading the BIOS without buying another CPU.

Could relly come in handly, built one many years ago, but that was for the older EPROM modells for 386 and 486.

Could really use a new one, not having to shell out tons of money buying a professional device, that you use once or twice

bluepanda

02-09-2009, 05:47 AM

I would love to see a show on how to set up and program an arduino to gather sensor data and perhaps save it to a spreadsheet and email if certain thresholds are met.

You could make an inexpensive multi tempreature reporting device for a PC perhaps. You could monitor doorways for movment in shops. The possiblities are endless.

Sensors are cheap the arduino is cheap Id just love to know the basics of how to build it and how to gather the data with minimal coding.

computoman

02-09-2009, 07:23 AM

I had to laugh at this, but would like to see if it really works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY8Wi7XRXCA&feature=related

computoman

02-09-2009, 07:43 AM

Since Patrick is so good at making antennas. Maybe we could see a hd for tv antenna.

judaz

02-12-2009, 11:42 PM

How about a DIY show? Would be really nice if you did one, has been a long time since last.

Would be nice to see you actually build something, instead of "here is how you start a program and here is how you can click with the mouse"- programs

jcduerr

02-17-2009, 03:15 AM

since i have lost almost all intrest in systm do something new and innovative to keep me intrested. stuff like the OLD systm did(i understand hacking wifi and war driving is out of the question ect ..... ) im talking like MAME build or robots or making something out of nothing, break open that tool box again before i can not open another systm again

phildopharcyde

02-19-2009, 07:11 PM

How about a Mineral oil submerged computer. I have seen several on youtube, but always in some large fish tank with the components laying about. a custom setup would be nice, and mineral oil can be inexpensive if you buy it by the gallon at a feed store, like tractor supply. I heard of people buying baby oil for $2-$3 per 12oz's. That would add up quick. And tap plastics sells bonding kits to make water tight joints with their plastics, plus they cut to spec.

Just a thought.

proletariat

02-20-2009, 06:00 AM

I would like to see Pat and Dave build a decent pottery wheel. my significant other is into art; she currently uses a wheel at school. since every one i have seen is $1000 it would be aweseome to see one built much cheaper. plus who doesn't want to build something that spins around like crazy.

mooy

02-21-2009, 03:18 PM

Hello, Is it possible to make a DIY electric cannon/Railgun. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun

stickychopstix

02-26-2009, 11:18 AM

I've been looking at the Cintiq line of tablets from WACOM for a while. Being the artist I am I drooled over this piece of technology. Here's what went through my mind as I checked it out.

Pro:

It's a tablet / screen hybrid so you can where you are drawing instead of having to look up and down like with a regular tablet.

Con:

Price tag

For the price of these I can probably buy myself a Civic off of Craigslist. So here I am looking for a sucker on ebay or craigslist that will sell it for a low price...until I found the wikipedia entry on graphics tablet-screen hybrids...and the reference links.

(http://www.bongofish.co.uk/wacom/wacom_pt1.html)
(http://forum.bongofish.co.uk/index.php)

Apparently, someone decided to try and slap a WACOM tablet behind an LCD screen and turn it into what can be called the Frankenstein of a WACOM Cintiq. Very rough and had some kinks but hey it works. The only problems I had with this was:

1) The "tutorial/guide" I was looking at was more of a log of his quest to make a DIY Cintiq at home.

2) I want to try this with my Presario V6000 laptop (I'm a traveling man. I draw as I go)

I was wondering if you guys could do a segment on this, maybe make something close to a guide, explain technicals on the way, and if at all possible make a laptop version. Separating the segment into different budget types would probably be nice too. Maybe the bragging rights project would include extras like a desk with a rotating point so you can turn your screen using one of those spinning table thingies they have at the restaurants or a econobox plan where you only use oh I don't know...cheap things...

Anyhow, that's my suggestion for now. The whole plan is laid out already on the website so it shouldn't be too much of a problem would it? You guys can even add your own little geeky touch to the project. You seem to like doing that a lot ;D

digital69

02-27-2009, 04:26 AM

I think with the world crashing into the depths of hell its time to FTA.

Its long over due that systm hasn't done a show on legal FTA using those boxes like coolsat pansat etc....

mshaker

02-28-2009, 12:49 PM

Pinball is driven by switches and metal balls.

True. But, trying to implement advanced features such as different scoring modes, multi-balls, audio effect playback and etc. using only relays is beyond my capabilities. Have you ever seen the inside of an Electro-Mechanical Pinball games head? yikes!

- Mark

computoman

03-02-2009, 09:50 PM

Star Trek Dr. Spock probably have an logic orgasm with such a machine.

afclark

03-03-2009, 07:19 PM

vangald

03-14-2009, 10:09 AM

How about an episode that shows how to convert old video game hardware into musical instruments in order to play Chiptune and Bitpop music?

It could also include "newer" video game hardware as well as vintage synths.
I think it would also be interesting to look at some of the effects used in Dub Boxes as well.

mvoska

03-14-2009, 05:51 PM

Hey Systm crew can you build a DIY hovercraft (not a mini one, one that a person could ride on) here are some sites to help
http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Riding-Hovercraft
http://amasci.com/amateur/hovercft.html

thanks
Mvoska

haku

03-16-2009, 01:16 AM

Back on this subject, I recently discovered http://www.dimensionengineering.com are now selling a new DC-DC stepdown converter capable of delivering 25 watts at over 90% efficiency, which has inspired me to re-do my front light on my electric bike with the lights powered from the bike's battery (as they are now).

I'm going to try and get a circuitboard made to hold 300 ultrabright white 3mm LEDs in a 15x20 grid array, very tightly packed so hopefully will be able to squeeze them into an area less than 9cm x 7cm. It'll be 5x as bright as what I've currently built/using, meaning I'll be able to see much further down unlit paths/roads, and for general road night cycling keep it to 60 or 120 LEDs so leaving plenty ready to be lit at the touch of a button - really be able to high beam inconsiderate drivers who don't dip their lights :D

If I can get a circuitboard made I'll try to get a small batch made, I think the additional cost won't be that much compared to having a single board made, plus with the price of 1,000 3mm LEDs from China under £30 I could make my own handheld torch with the remainder LEDs & circuitboards (might need a car battery to power it though...)

kiwifrog

03-16-2009, 05:36 AM

You're going to find that merely dropping the voltages with a pot will actually have very little real effect on the brightness (and yes, this is the voice of experience). Especially with colored LEDs. Better to go with a simple 555 timer PWM circuit to vary the brightness.

Or use a picaxe -08M ( http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/ ) Then you can programme(in basic) the amount of dimmage, by altering the pwm on pin2 from the swing from a pot on a 5v rail on pin 1. Also this gives you the advantage of testing different pwm rates till the flicker stops.

Mike.

davmoo

03-17-2009, 01:48 AM

Funny you should say that. I'm waiting for a package of pic axes to be delivered this week for toying with that very idea.

kiwifrog

03-17-2009, 08:02 AM

Funny you should say that. I'm waiting for a package of pic axes to be delivered this week for toying with that very idea.

Picaxe I love them, so quick and easy to do what ever you want. and best thing is no programmer necessary. I've played with a similar dimmer project recently. Below is the code I wrote for it. I know its not very elegant but I was in a real hurry.

This turns off at 0 volts to almost fully on at 5 volts.

let dirs = %00000101

SYMBOL TADC = b2

High 2
pwmout 2 off

Main:
readadc 1, TADC
Select case TADC
case 0 to 33
pwmout 2 off
Case 33 to 90
pwmout 2,99,360
case 91 to 189
pwmout 2,99,340
case 140 to 195
pwmout 2,99,300
case 195 to 199
pwmout 2,99,250
case 199 to 201
pwmout 2,99,200
case 201 to 202
pwmout 2,99,100
case 203 to 210
pwmout 2,99,45
endselect

goto main

Mike.

haku

03-17-2009, 02:22 PM

xfuuey

03-17-2009, 04:51 PM

Wish this thread was integrated with the other show ideas in here (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24721). :rolleyes:

kiwifrog

03-17-2009, 09:59 PM

David, you reading this? can we do an episode on PICs pleeeeeease! a "Build your own dimmable, programmable portable bright light" episode using a PIC as the main controller would be ideal, just think, you get to play with LEDs and PICs! :D

I would like a flashing function for my future bike lighting setup, so using a PIC for the control box on the handlebars with some FETs or something (for the up to 2A @12v power requirement of 300 LEDs) could be the way to go, right now I've kept it simple by using switches for different light levels because there's not really much to go wrong.

I'm Talking about PICAXE's, not PIC's, PICAXE is a pic with a boot-loader installed. The code is written in pbasic, and is uploaded via serial through just 3 pins. And they're cheap as chips :) . http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/

The code from above was driving a large 100amp fet through a mosfet driver, I could dim a large car lamp, driven from a car battery to a very fine amount. In the end it was used for controlling a hho tank in a car, drawing 20amps.

Your flashing idea could be achieved in around 5 lines of code(it's that easy, really!!). ;)

haku

03-18-2009, 02:03 AM

The code is written in pbasic,

http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/GoOn.gif

:D

Looks like PICAXE is the ideal way to get into chip programming, I taught myself Basic on the ZX Spectrum & BBC Micro back in the 80s and even wrote a simple programming language within that language on the BBC. Bit rusty now in the ole programming stakes but I can learn fairly quickly.

melmaks

03-19-2009, 06:31 AM

In the March 2008 issue of Nuts and Volts they show how to make a rail gun. and there have been many shown on You Tube
These gun are able fire menetic objects varius distances varing on many aspects of parts i think i would be a great project to show how to make one

melmaks

03-19-2009, 06:34 AM

Rail guns are becoming more comin to hobiestest and they can fire a veriety of objects at various speeds and distances varieing on parts

exodusfx

03-19-2009, 07:27 AM

Guys,
I have build sub boxes for cars and installed many of Amplifiers into cars. I have had the idea of making a home subwoofer with some of my spare car subwoofers and amplifiers. The one problem car amplifiers run on DC and houses run on AC power. A great hitting home subwoofer cost big bank where car woofers and amps and some plywood is a much better db per dollar. How can I get car amplifers to run on AC?

Austin of http://www.therealaustin.net/

It's really easy. You buy a plate amplifier, mount on your enclosure, plug into AC and connect to your reciever. Done.

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=505&CFID=7537353&CFTOKEN=66757495

tinhead

03-20-2009, 11:14 AM

Well here is some thing i have been thinking of...

Home VPN.
Through "Site-to-Site" VPN or roaming VPN clients like OpenVPN.
Difference with static/dynamic IP, NAT-T and more..

Timer activated blinder lifter.
In the morning, the blinders automatically lifts and let in the sun. So you dont have to buy a Philips wakeup light....

xcorvis

03-20-2009, 03:38 PM

Rail guns are becoming more comin to hobiestest and they can fire a veriety of objects at various speeds and distances varieing on parts

A railgun from scrap parts would be pretty cool. You can get capacitors from old disposable cameras and I'm sure there are designs all over the place.

To expand on it, you could set up a shooting gallery too.

afclark

03-20-2009, 10:43 PM

Guys,
I have build sub boxes for cars and installed many of Amplifiers into cars. I have had the idea of making a home subwoofer with some of my spare car subwoofers and amplifiers. The one problem car amplifiers run on DC and houses run on AC power. A great hitting home subwoofer cost big bank where car woofers and amps and some plywood is a much better db per dollar. How can I get car amplifers to run on AC?

Austin of http://www.therealaustin.net/

PS. I know what a plate amplifier is and why buy another amp if I have 3 laying around doing nothing.

afclark

03-20-2009, 10:44 PM

It's really easy. You buy a plate amplifier, mount on your enclosure, plug into AC and connect to your reciever. Done.

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=505&CFID=7537353&CFTOKEN=66757495

Yeah, I've seen those, I would like to re-use the car amps I have laying around.

dirtyhat

03-21-2009, 12:57 AM

AC -> DC power converter, if you look around you can find them really cheap...

Example (http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/heavy-duty-voltage-converter.html)

kiwifrog

03-21-2009, 06:47 AM

AC -> DC power converter, if you look around you can find them really cheap...

Example (http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/heavy-duty-voltage-converter.html)

A large 12v transformer, a large bridge rectifier, a large capacitors for smoothing and perhaps a choke if your fussy, and your done. Or go to your local electronics store and pick up a 5 - 10 amp 12v dc power-supply for around NZ$30.

Mike.

natesac

03-22-2009, 03:10 AM

There does not seem to be a good kit to wire a motorcycle helmet that plays nice with iPhone. Trying to use the iPhone ear buds under a helmet is a nightmare. It would be nice to hack together a low profile speaker set with a mic and pause/play/skip button. This would be a permanent audio solution that would allow you to play/pause/skip/answer the phone with one touch of a carefully placed button. I have had trouble finding the right headset to take apart to glue into the helmet.

love the show

-Nathan

computoman

03-22-2009, 04:58 AM

maybe covering the helment in iphones and see whow well they protect you in an accident.

jackwhite21

03-23-2009, 02:56 AM

Multi-Touch Sensing through Frustrated Total Internal Reflection
this would be a cool topic and i have been researching it myself

http://www.instructables.com/id/Interactive-Multitouch-Display/

http://cs.nyu.edu/~jhan/

http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/1982/

http://tbeta.nuigroup.com/

http://vvvv.org/tiki-index.php?page=Downloads

http://www.estreetplastics.com/Clear_Acrylic_Plexiglass_Sheets_1_4_Thick_s/28.htm

http://dkc1.digikey.com/us/digihome.html

jackwhite21

03-23-2009, 03:05 AM

PLEXIGLAS® EndLighten
this might work for you for even soft light difusion

http://www.methacrylate-monomers.com/methacrylates/MCMSbase/Pages/ProvideResource.aspx?respath=/NR/rdonlyres/4404E155-43AE-429A-88B9-DC983C7ED39D/0/23219PEndLighten_en.pdf

davmoo

03-23-2009, 04:11 AM

PLEXIGLAS® EndLighten
this might work for you for even soft light difusion

Actually that looks very interesting. Interesting enough I'd buy a small sheet right now if the price isn't silly stupid. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find anyone online who wants to tell me the price up front. Everyone is "click here to request a quote", and I have a simple rule on that...if you can't just post your prices, then your prices are too high and I'll find another supplier or another product.

phil-mize

03-23-2009, 05:01 AM

this would be EPIC! but i doubt it would make it to the show... cause then u would have little kids making these and murder will run through the streets! (kidding):D

haku

03-23-2009, 06:19 PM

Way to go, merging this thread with other threads with multiple posts hasn't worked properly, the latter part of this thread is now a mashup of separate discussions with no indication of what topic some posts were replying to.

There was some interesting discussions happening and now those are scattered in amongst the posts of this thread.

exodusfx

03-24-2009, 01:31 AM

PS. I know what a plate amplifier is and why buy another amp if I have 3 laying around doing nothing.

Then go to a yard sale and buy someone's old car battery charger. It's what mom & pop audio shops have used for display walls for years.

joel_p

03-24-2009, 08:00 PM

im not sure if this suggestion has been put up yet, but.....how to make a 12v power supply out of an old computer atx ps....would be handy for those who wants to power up a car stereo in there room or office...charge usb devices...Just utilize the 12v and 5v rails on the old atx. Ive done this for my r/c car chargers. Its easier to lug around that atx ps than my old rivergate 20a power supply..good clean power on the cheap.
just a thought.

exodusfx

03-25-2009, 05:31 AM

dakalb

03-26-2009, 04:29 AM

I just happenstanced across a video of yours on youtube about watercooling a cpu with a number of different items, mainly with a focus on the high flow pump and a dodge radiator(sp?). Anyways, I was writing in to make a suggestion on how to get that temp down even further, with some of your manufacturing expertise. I have seen ads online for a phase change cooler, and while I understand that this is just a fancy name for a refriderator, I would like to see one ripped out of an old refriderator and placed in such a way to cool the radiator that then cools the resivior(sp) for a water cooling system. I think the ideal situation here would to be able to keep the temp really cold, but warm enough that the tubing doesn't attract condensation, or maybe insulate the tubing and waterblocks so they don't. This has been a fantasy of mine so let me see it happen.

xcorvis

03-27-2009, 02:59 PM

How about a episode on doing wireless site surveys and creating a wireless heat map? There's a ton of ways to do it with GPS, but what about indoors where GPS doesn't work? It wouldn't be very useful for someone at home, but I'm sure there are tons of small offices with a handful of APs and a tight budget.

viperssxt

03-31-2009, 06:22 AM

I all ways though is would be cool to make a computer cluster out of old computers i had.

bzltyr

04-01-2009, 05:32 PM

First of all, I absolutely love the show! Here's a few items from my "episode/series wish-list":

- How to build an 80's style arcade gaming console. Include Linux/xmame setup and configuration; integrating gaming controls like joysticks, buttons, trackballs, etc.

- A home-brew Flight Simulator. Many similar concepts of the arcade console but centered around an application like Flight Gear.

- A home-brew Race Car Sim. Same as flight sim, but centered around an application like TORCS.

Thanks for providing an opportunity to provide feedback.

fishtoprecords

04-01-2009, 06:22 PM

Inspired by this: http://warrantyvoidifremoved.com/cnc
but its light on details.

First step would be to just salvage the stepper and head motion from a free dead inkjet, connect it to microcontroller and then control it with PC/linux/mac

gta_bmx

04-02-2009, 01:16 AM

Hop-up someone's engine with some easy mods -- high power coil/ignition, K&N filter/intake, new chip, etc.. Come on guys, autos are tech also. 1940's and 1950's geeks didn't have computers, but they were using their backyard trees as an engine hoist to drop a flat head Ford V8 into their T bucket hot rods.

haku

04-07-2009, 12:42 AM

I'm Talking about PICAXE's, not PIC's, PICAXE is a pic with a boot-loader installed.

Thank you for posting that, a week ago I ordered a PICAXE 18X starter kit for building a bike light 'simulator' and getting back into the deep thinking of programming loops/states/inputs/outputs again. At the weekend I finished this little box:

http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/LEDBikeLightSim.jpg

using all 5 inputs and all 8 outputs. (superbright LEDs are so difficult to photograph!)

Row of 5 LEDs represents the 300 (5 x 60) LEDs of the front light, the single red & white LEDs are going to be on the caps of the axles of the bike and the two large LEDs next to each other represent the 16 bright red LEDs of the rear light.
This is what my bike currently looks like at night with it's 60 front LEDs & side+rear LEDs:
http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/PegLed1.jpg

rvissers

04-07-2009, 04:36 AM

How about a episode on repair/replace laptop hinges...maybe hacking them?

kiwifrog

04-07-2009, 05:36 AM

Thank you for posting that, a week ago I ordered a PICAXE 18X starter kit for building a bike light 'simulator' and getting back into the deep thinking of programming loops/states/inputs/outputs again. At the weekend I finished this little box:

Looks good too, Nice Job. I've had all these little projects that I've recently been involved in and the picaxe ic's have helped me every time.

Mike.

guysmilez

04-07-2009, 09:57 AM

just thinking a lot of projects could be improved and new projects could become a reality with this device called the AnyVolt Micro http://www.dimensionengineering.com/AnyVoltMicro.htm

im just starting in circuits so im not sure but i think there could be a good portion of a show sticking this on a arduino board and other circuits with the need of mobile battery power. they also have bigger versions too...

my thread:
http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27445

computoman

04-10-2009, 02:22 AM

Just an idea.. nte2013 = uln2003 turret gunner. use the other 4 ports to fire missiles or whatever.. use special chips or second parallel port to add ports. great project for i386 or whatever.

http://electronics-diy.com/schematics/stepper_motor.jpg

computoman

04-11-2009, 11:14 PM

http://www.fatmanandcircuitgirl.com

haku

04-13-2009, 04:13 AM

kiwifrog, wiring & programming the PICAXE was as easy as I hoped it would be, took 3 complete rewrites of the code but the 3rd time I nailed it and it's working just how I wanted it to (swtich-off delays, momentary & locking states on the input buttons etc.). In fact it was so easy it's opened up a whole new world of possibilities of projects & things I've wanted to do over the years but not had the know-how to start or finish them, including this:

SHOW IDEA: DIY Thermal Imaging device

Commercially made thermal imaging devices (like Systm episode 50 (http://revision3.com/systm/flir/)) cost thousands, but you could make your own rudimentary thermal imager for taking static shots, useful for finding out where you're losing heat on a building etc.

Use a suitable sensor, such as the TPA81 Thermopile Array (http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/htm/tpa81tech.htm) with an i2C interface, $110 (http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R255-TPA81.html) in US, £53 (http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/acatalog/Thermal_Array_Sensor.html) in UK.
Ignore the single servo control on the TPA81 board and use your own two servos for pan/tilt control.
A PICAXE would be ideal for reading the i2C sensor output, controlling the two servos & feeding the sensor data to a computer through serial.

My only problem with such a project would be the PC side of things, writing the software to capture the data from serial to create a thermal image with.

kiwifrog

04-13-2009, 10:19 AM

My only problem with such a project would be the PC side of things, writing the software to capture the data from serial to create a thermal image with.

Java Net Beans. It's open source, and serial port compatible, and can handle more than more expensive software developing solutions do.

Mike.

xcorvis

04-14-2009, 03:11 AM

A really simple one - a DIY force carbonation rig. Make your own soda (a la Cube Cola (http://sparror.cubecinema.com/cube/cola/)), carbonate water, fruit juice, wine, etc... I just put my own together, it's pretty neat.

sneakyshank

04-14-2009, 10:54 PM

Everyone these days has an old Motorola Razor laying around. I would like to see a hack where you could take advantage of the video camera on the phone and one or both of its screens in an unusual way. How about an electronic peep hole for your front door?

debpu06

04-15-2009, 06:15 PM

willboyo

04-19-2009, 12:20 AM

I was wondering if there could be an episode on different things to do with older computers. I know there was an episode about NAS and making a firewall, but for someone who has a house filled with old computers and even an old xbox or two hates to see them sit and go to waist I was wondering what else they could be used for.

I agree with this!

I would love to get some ideas on what to do with my old computers. I have 3 computers in total. I only use the one at the moment. I'm thinking about networking them up, stripping one down and setting that up as a server maybe but I'm inexperienced and I would love to see what you guys would do in this situation.

P.S.

Love the show!!

fishtoprecords

04-21-2009, 04:49 AM

networking them up, stripping one down and setting that up as a server maybe but I'm inexperienced and I would love to see what you guys would do in this situation.

There are already a bunch of shows on this stuff. See "firewall" or "media server" or MythTV.

sparky42

04-21-2009, 10:56 PM

OK, how is it that the diggreel can go behind the scenes of mythbusters, but systm can't?

I'm thinking build-off. But what to build?? Suggestions?

xibalba

04-21-2009, 11:59 PM

Should have tried to get one of the Mythbusters to guest host an episode since they did the behind the scenes stuff on digg reel.

madmarv

04-22-2009, 09:49 AM

Is there a DIY way to make a LED Hula Hoop? These things look great for long exposure photography, but the cheapest one starts at $95.

http://superhooper.org/LEDhoops.html

cp1

04-23-2009, 02:47 AM

Would like to know if you guys have any info on how to build a voltage regulator for a windmill so as not to over charge or over volt the batterys.

haku

04-23-2009, 03:15 AM

I wanted to post this in the DIY Litepanel thread, except someone thought it fit to merge it with this thread, so I'm posting here.

Last week I had 15 small boards made to hold 60 3mm LEDs & 20 resistors, at a cost of £5+VAT per board. Today I received 1500 3mm LEDs (1000 white, 500 red) & soldered up a couple of boards. I'll be using 5 of these for the front light of my bike for a total of 300 LEDs, although most of the time when cycling at night just one of the 60 LED boards will be lit & maybe dimmed by PWM:

http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/BikeLight300-1.jpg
http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/BikeLight300-3.jpg
http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/BikeLight300-4.jpg

Main problem I have to deal with so far is heat, the boards get burning hot after a few minutes, so I'll probably have to run them at a lower voltage than originally calculated for.

haku

04-25-2009, 02:38 AM

Finished all 5 'bars' today, discovered that I can run the entier 300 LED array from a 10 watt DC-DC converter at running at 10v and it doesn't get nearly as hot as running from 12v. Temporarily stuck it over my existing 60 LED front light and went for a spin along dark road & cycle tracks - it's UNREAL, like you've got your own personal piece of daylight!

http://www.haku.co.uk/pics/BikeLight300-5.jpg

dmorn22

04-27-2009, 06:23 PM

I loved the Mothers Day Linux box idea. :)

I would like to see a show on how to make a kitchen PC with a recipe program, music player, cook timers and even some thermocouples to stick into your beef wellington to let you know when its done. Monitor fridge and freezer temps? Web controlled stove? That may be going to far.

acciaiox

05-02-2009, 12:50 AM

http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2005-06/titanium-technicolor

I remember reading this way back when....tried it out but never yielded any kind of result.

I'm sure you guys could figure it out :")
--Daniel

crypsis

05-07-2009, 02:49 AM

Hello, I would like to see more on reflow soldering of surface mount devices. As microcontrollers have gotten smaller, surface mount chips, diodes, and other components have become more useful in the making of small projects. I have seen projects online to make a reflow oven from a hotplate or toaster oven or even using a desoldering iron with a air pump to do hot air soldering, but I am unsure as to how useful these projects could be. I would love to see an episode on surface mount techniques and equipment. Thanks

Michael

kiwifrog

05-07-2009, 05:28 AM

I would love to see an episode on surface mount techniques and equipment. Thanks

I'd very much doubt that anyone at systm would have the skills for that sort of soldering, I've watched several of their soldering techniques and most are rather poor.

The quickest and easies way of fitting a microcontroller is by hand, it's take me around a minute to fit a smd IC.

So because your unlikely to ever see this episode made, because none of the forum suggestions are ever looked at, I found you this page, it has a video on the skillet technique you mention.

http://hackedgadgets.com/2009/04/01/diy-skillet-soldering-machine/

But try the hand solder method first, its well worth it. See this video it's exactly how I do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_cDV92IuWY&feature=related

Mike.

crypsis

05-07-2009, 10:46 AM

First, Wow! Thank you for the links, I watched the youtube one first and it was amazing. It really made me more confident that I would have a chance at surface mount soldering. Do you have a website for the DVD or video yet? I would love to get a copy. I have a degree in Electronics Engineering, but we never went over any surface mount soldering techniques. Thanks again, I can only hope they might do a show on this subject to help others get over any fear of surface mount components.

Michael

vartok

05-12-2009, 05:06 AM

how about building a DIY workbench case... kinna like this one

http://www.xoxide.com/hspc-topdeck-tech-station-14x95.html

im not very good at coming up with plans for this kind of thing

trippank

05-13-2009, 06:49 PM

I would like to see a system that can track the sun during the day to increase the amount of sun a PV array or solar collector get. It can be single axis and track the sun East to West as it moves across the sky.
For instance, right now I have a Solar Flat plate collector that I built using aluminum channel, copper piping, and insulation to preheat the water before it goes into my gas water heater. I have an old 50 gallon tank inline and before the gas heater. I use a pump that takes water out of the lower element hole, pumps it up thru the solar collector, then flow back into the tank through the upper element hole. A differential controller turns the pump on when there is a 15 F difference between the water in the tank versus the water coming out of the collector. I can raise the temp in my storage tank from 68 F coming off the street to 100 F by the end of the day. That way at night when all the kids’ baths are taken, the makeup to the Gas water tank is at 100 F instead of 69 F.
If I could always have the collector perpendicular to the sun (via the tracker), I could heat the water even more as tracking promises ~ 20% increase.
I envision putting three sensors on the collector. The two outer ones at slight angle and the center one perpendicular. Like \ | / . The outer two give outer limits. Kind of like the four sensors on the line following robots.
You could even put in a time circuit that knows approximately where the sun should be for a starting point or so that the panel is not constantly tilting East to West at night trying to find the Sun.
I have never messed with a Parallax controller, but I would love to start thanks to Systm.
As a side note, you could also use this setup to track and follow cube mates with an attached nerf gun (if he was holding a flashlight)

Thanks,
Tripp

intrudah

05-13-2009, 08:39 PM

Hi,

I am trying to build a kiosk that can allow people to come and choose open source software and burn them on a CD. They will only have to pay a small fee for the cost of the blank CD. This is my bid to promote Linux and other open source software.

My major hurdle now is how to build an automated CD loader like the one in this page : http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/florian/ .

I have been following your series and I love it. I am no robotics expert, I have played around with electronics for a while but am no expert.

I would be very glad if you would make a show on how to build this robotic DVD burner.

Thanks a lot.

Kofi ( from Ghana )

fredhag

05-14-2009, 01:49 PM

My searching skills must be weak because I don't see a post for anyone suggesting synchronized holiday lights. I am amazed by all the youtubes of these projects (such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJISYEbPF4E) . There are a number of instructables for doing a very simple one conencting a sound sensor with a relay but that's like a single channel thing. I am imagining a two-part project: (1) building an 8-16 channel relay-based system for switching sets of lights and (2) creating or trying to adapt some functionality from something like one of Audacity's plug-ins that would discover an mp3's beat and develop the multi-channeled script based on trying to use frequency ranges (I am assuming this will not be foolproof but might simplify what I have to do to choreograph music and lights) and include an FCC-approved residential fm transmitter so cars can tune to the simulcast. I am guessing the 2nd half would be less physical for systm but maybe a simple, more manual tool for doing the synchronization (I have no ideas for what to do here - maybe a keylogger app that one can use to record keystrokes while playing the mp3 such that one can program the script - a few channels every pass).

xcorvis

05-19-2009, 10:21 PM

I saw this and got all excited.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/transformers-usb-flash-drive-is-ready-to-ravage-your-files-brin/

It's a usb drive built in the shape of a classic Transformer. With the tiny flash drive components we have today, it should be possible to insert them into some of the smaller Transformers like Ravage or Rumble, or some other vintage geek toy (or even, god forbid, a Go-Bot).

dsmart5

05-22-2009, 05:40 PM

I would like to see a show explaining how to install a second power supply in a computer. My home-built system is very power hungry:

AMD Phenom 9950 CPU
Gigabyte MA790X-UD4P mobo
4GB DDR2-1066
EVGA 9800 GTX+ Graphics card
PCI Gigabit NIC
Hauppauge 2250 TV Tuner
LG 22x Lightscribe DVD burner
Various USB devices
(8) HDDs !
- (1) 160GB
- (3) 500GB
- (2) 640GB
- (1) 750GB
- (1) 1TB
PSU: OCZ Game X Stream 600W

I will soon be replacing the 500, 640, & 750 HDDs with 1TB drives. Yes, I've considered offloading the drives to a NAS or e-sata external raid, but it's cheaper to do an internal raid.

As my system has grown, I've purchased bigger PSUs. When I upgraded my video to the current 9800 GTX+, I noticed the system started to behave sluggishly on boot. At power-on, the fans are supposed to go to max RPM for a few seconds then back down to normal RPMs. With the 9800, the fans stumble on the way up to max. I've done some calculations and find that I need at least 800W. However, there is a stumbling point. The 9800 needs at least 24A on its +12V rail.

So here's the problem: single PSUs that fill my needs get exponentially more expensive as the amps & watts go higher. What I would be interested in seeing is a dual PSU system with both PSUs wired to the same power switch on the case. My questions would then be which components get hooked to which power supply? Would you put all the HDDs on one? Or would you use a PSU just for the graphics card's aux power? How would you mount the 2nd PSU and wire it in to the case switch?

Thanks for your time!

Dean