Gadget Hacks How-Tos
HowTo: Use Skype over 3G on an American Google Android Smartphone
Though only just released, the official Skype client for Android has already been unlocked. Thanks to xeudoxus of DroidForums.net, American Android users may now do what their European counterparts have been able to do all along: make free Skype-to-Skype voice calls over 3G.
How To: Set up your own micro forge to make nails and other small iron parts
Become a blacksmith in your spare time! You don't need a complicated setup to start forging your own iron nails. This video shows you how to make your own microforge using a fire brick, a few pieces of hardware and a fuel sorce. Now all you need is the raw materials!
How To: Build an enclosure box for your electronics projects
If you want user friendly electronics projects, you'll need to build an enclosure case around it. Not only will this help it look cool, you can also protect it from dust, water or other kind of damage. This tutorial shows you how to make a great looking user intereface and enclosure box for your electronics projects.
How To: Make a homemade rocket from a can of compressed air
Rockets can be made from things you can buy at any electronics store - like a can of compressed air. You can even buy your own kit, or assemble your own by following the instructions in this video. Once you've built the chassis, just insert a can of compressed air and let it ride!
How To: Build a remote control with a two mile range for your digital camera
A remote control for a camera? Why not! You won't have to worry about racing the timer function any more! Build a remote control for your digital camera that will take the picture whenever you want. The range is as far as two miles!
How To: Build your own turret board using the press fitting method
Assemble a hammer, a number 43 drill bit, a turret setter, an X-acto knife or hobby knife, the plastic for the board and, of course, your layout! Once you have everything, this tutorial shows you how to build what you need to end up with a functional turret board.
How To: Run PreSonus StudioLive 24 from an Apple iPad
In this video tutorial, we learn how to set up an Apple iPad as a remote control for PreSonus StudioLive 24. Whether you're new to PreSonus' DAW or new to digital recording more generally, you're sure to find much to take away from this free video software tutorial. Take a look.
How To: Start running apps with the App Launcher on your Android phone
Here's a quick tip for Android phone users! You can use the App Launcher (the icon is at the bottom of your phone, near the center) to open up your app screen, listing all your apps. From there, run all your favorite Android apps!
How To: Run Flash on your Android mobile phone by updating your system
Flash is now supported by the Android family of phones! You need to run two updates to Froyo and then install Adobe Flash onto your phone. Once you've done that, you can get the Flash player directly to your phone and browse Flash-based content on the web!
How To: Use the SimilarWeb Firefox plugin to find websites like the ones you love
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use SimilarWeb, a free extension for the Mozilla Firefox web browser, which makes finding new websites a relative cinch. For all the details, and to get started using this great browser extension yourself, take a look.
How To: Build a hand cranked charger for your Android phone
Is your Droid always running out of power, and a charger isn't always convenient? Start with a hand cranked flashlight, then wire it up so you can charge your phone by hand! Great for pulling your dying phone out of emergencies.
How To: Repair home appliances with the use of a voltmeter
With a voltmeter, you can safely check the AC and DC voltage levels, measure resistance and even measure amperage or give circuit readings. What this means is that you can use this to diagnose problems that some of your household appliances might be having.
How To: Hack a voice changing toy to make it sound even crazier
Start with a toy bullhorn that alters the sound of your voice when you speak into it. Then mod it using a few potentimeters and a few resistors as demonstrated in this video. Now you have a toy with an even crazier pitch!
How To: Make your own colored sidewalk chalk
Let your creativity out by making your own sidewalk chalk, which you can color however you want. You'll need plaster of paris, a mixing bowl, powdered tempura paint, warm water, wax paper and tubular molds. Once you mix everything and colored with the paint, set your mold, let them dry and then start drawing!
How To: Repair a cracked or broken iPhone screen for cheap
You don't need to buy a whole new iPhone if your screen has accidentally cracked. You can effect this repair with a cheap repair kit you can buy online. Then follow the tutorial to replace your screen (be careful!). Much cheaper than getting a new phone!
How To: Make your own stylus for an Apple iPad
Because it's touch sensitive, you'll need to make a special kind of stylus to work with your iPad. This tutorial shows you how to take the kind of foam that electronics chips are stored on (conductive foam) and then attach it to a paintbrush to make the stylus.
How To: Root your Barnes & Noble Nook eReader to gain superuser access
Giving yourself root access will let you have superuser status on your B&N Nook eReader. Make sure your reader is on airplane mode, then connect it to your computer and follow the steps outlined in this tutorial to gain root access to your reader.
How To: Attach a digital camera to a bicycle helmet
All you really need is a drill and some hardware to build a mount for your digital camera. Drill a few holes in your helmet, and then apply the bolts and washers as explained in the video for your own helmet-mounted camera.
How To: Make and launch your own amateur rockets
Want to get started in rocketry? You can buy launch kits from a hobby store, as well as a few rocket engines and an igniter. Once you have acquired these items, this tutorial will show you how to make a rocket body and launch your creation into the sky.
How To: Make your own laser diode driver for less than three dollars
You can make a laser diode driver extremely inexpensively - the materials in this tutorial cost less than three dollars in total. Find out what to buy, and then this tutorial shows you how to assemble your purchases for a laser diode. Awesome!
How To: Broadcast your own FM pirate radio station
Become the producer of your own pirate radio show! The mind behind Free Radio Berkeley shows you how to build your own FM transmitter, which is what you need to start broadcasting. Once you have all your hardware, set it up and all you need now is programming!
How To: Set up your own low powered FM pirate radio station
Want to start your own rebellion against the hegemony of the American media? You can set up your own FM radio station and start broadcasting what you want. This tutorial shows you everything you need to know to become a pirate radio producer.
How To: Build your own burning red laser for less than thirty dollars
You can construct your own burning red laser very easily and very cheaply. All you need are a soldering iron, Phillips head screwdriver, an LPC-815 laser diode, and a RKCSTR driver. Once you have everything together, follow this video to build a burning red laser.
How To: Use your iPad to become a field recorder or podcast producer
You can instantly get audio onto your iPad using a few extra hardware accessories to plug in a USB microphone, which allows you record audio input. Then you can use several apps directly on the iPad to start editing and creating your own audio content.
How To: Install a Pixel Qi screen onto your netbook computer
A Pixel Qi (pronounced 'chee') screen allows for some really amazing display options when added to your netbook. This tutorial shows you how to remove the original screen and repalce it with this amazing new screen. All you really need is a screwdriver!
How To: Build a burning laser from leftover spare computer parts
You can actually build a burning red laster by assembling a few spare parts taken from old computers! This tutorial shows you what you'll need to look out for, and then how to build it. You'll probably need a diode, but that's likely the only thing to purchase!
How To: Use your cellphone to keep tabs on what's going on at home
Monitor your home by using your cellphone! No matter how far away you are, you can use a smartphone to be able to know what's going on while you're away. This tutorial shows you many of the applications available in the various app stores you can use to monitor your home through your smartphone.
How To: Use perfboard prototyping for your electronics projects
Perfboard, or perforated board, is a simple board with evenly spaced holes and lined with metal which can be soldered on one side. The holes let you set up a board with circuits and wires as you need them for your own project. This tutorial shows you everything you need to know to build electronics on your own perfboard.
How To: Create a double pendulum out of polycarbonate plastic and skateboard bearings
While single pendulums can seem orderly, a double pendulum can be extremely chaotic. This tutorial shows you how to build your own double pendulum out of polycarbonate plastic, skateboard bearings and a few various pieces of hardware. Then follow the tutorial to get your own crazy chaotic double pendulum.
How To: Output timecodes through the headphone jack in your iPhone or iPod
This very simple timecode app lets you set up your own timecode, which you can output either directly through the screen, or through your headphone jack. This tutorial shows you a few uses to which you can put this innovative Apple app.
How To: Attach a few spin-activated LED lights to a yo-yo
Here's a fun weekend project you can use to add to a common toy. Get a yo-yo with concave sides, a few pieces of thin plastic (like from a CD case) and a few lithium-powered LEDs. Then follow this tutorial and get a yo yo that lights up when you play with it!
How To: Use Skype on your iPod Touch by modding the headphone jack
You can certainly use Skype to make free Internet phone calls through your iPod Touch, though the microphone/headphone combo headset sold by Apple is thirty dollars. Make one for a fraction of that cost using a headphone splitter and the mod process outlined in this video.
How To: Turn an old pair of headphones into a wireless reciever box
Take a pair of headphones with a broken case (though with the inner electronics still intact), and then get together the hardware listed in this video. Once you have gotten the circuit board out of the headphones, you can mod this into a wireless receiver box for your favorite pair of headphones.
How To: Build a ghost phone out of an old rotary phone and headphones
Here's a creepy weekend project! Take an old analog rotary phone (which you can easily find in an antique or vintage store). Unscrew the earpiece and then alter the parts according to the tutorial so you can start 'talking to ghosts'.
How To: Analyze your Gmail usage with the Graph Your Inbox Chrome extension
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use the Graph Your Inbox! extension for the Google Chrome web browser to visualize Gmail usage over time. For all of the details, and to get started using Graph Your Inbox! yourself, watch this home-computing how-to from Tekzilla.
How To: Ever Wonder How it Feels to Get Shot?
WWF's latest campaign uses augmented reality to raise awareness for the endangered Siberian tiger by demonstrating how it "feels" to be hunted down and shot. Created by Leo Burnett Moscow, thousands of special AR t-shirts featuring the tiger were printed and distributed to stores in Moscow. Each time the wearer passes in front of a "special video mirror" (re: web cam), a bloody shooting animation is triggered.
How To: Turn an iPhone into a remote control with Apple's Remote app
In this clip, you'll learn how to install and use the Apple Remote application. It's an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful iPhone owner's guide from popSiren.
How to Play Warcraft III: Frozen Throne online with Garena
In this clip, you'll learn how to play Blizzard's popular real-time strategy game, Warcraft III, on Garena. It's an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.
How To: Get started using the Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 beta
In this clip, you'll learn how to use the basic features and functions of the beta version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9. It's an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.
How To: Make your own backlit keyboard with electroluminescent wire
In this clip, you'll learn how to convert a standard USB keyboard into a backlit keyboard with a little bit of el wire. It's an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.