Multimeters are one of the most essential tools for working with electronics. Learn how to use a multimeter to check continuity and to measure continuity, voltage, resistance, and current. Then, learn some troubleshooting tips and best practices. If you’re new to electronics or just want to brush up on how best to use this valuable tool, be sure to check out this video by @BeckyStern
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – How To Use a Multimeter
Here’s how to make a super functional and stylish canvas backpack from scratch. Whether you need something for everyday carry or a weekend adventure, this bag is sturdy, customizable, and beginner-friendly.
The final bag dimensions are 34cm tall by 24 cm wide by 12cm deep (13.5 inches tall by 9.5 inches wide by 5 inches deep).
For the Ikea-specific colorway, here are the
If you are curious about connectors, but don’t know where to start, this video will quickly bring you up to speed. Explore the many different low-voltage connector types that you can use in your projects in this video by @BeckyStern
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – The Best Connectors for DIY Electronics Projects
Today we’re taking a look inside the two most popular continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs: The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 and the Dexcom 7.
Originally developed for diabetes blood sugar monitoring, CGMs are gaining wider appeal among nondiabetics looking to track their metabolic health. It feels pretty cyborg to wear a biosensor that streams data to my phone over Bluetooth.
Here’s a guide I’ve been meaning to make for a while– consider it your jumping-off point if you want to get started making your own wearable tech. I’ve published dozens of DIY wearables projects over the years, from LED costumes to Internet-connected sensor jewelry. Here are my best tips for beginners, including answers to common questions.
The first thing you need to get started is an idea. Think about solving a problem or enhancing an experience, either for yourself or someone you know. Maybe there’s a costume or cosplay you’ve always wanted to wear.
The second thing you need is the curiosity, drive, and resourcefulness to learn the skills needed for your idea, which you do not already possess. I’m hoping this guide will help with some of that.
The final thing you need is some motivation to start and/or finish your project, which may come from within, or maybe an event or contest.
It’s important to evaluate your skill level and bite off an appropriate amount of new material to chew on, so as not to get too frustrated to finish your project. Work smarter, not harder. Readymade battery-powered fairy lights, LED strips, and EL wire are perfectly acceptable materials, especially if you’re not ready to take on microcontroller programming or soldering.
(more…)Welcome to another teardown! This time we’re taking a look at the CurrentBody LED red light therapy mask. Masks like these promise to improve various signs of skin aging.
This project was a collaboration across three continents: my friend Michelle from Lab Muffin Beauty Science in Australia, my other friend Ruth Amos in the UK, and myself (in NYC). We were very curious about these devices. How do they work? What’s the science backing up the marketing claims? Is it really worth the $400 price tag? Could we make a DIY version? We all got on the horn to talk about it.
(more…)Learn about the different types of Printed Circuit Boards, explore DIY etching techniques, and discover professional manufacturing options like DigiKey’s DK Red service for small batch orders in this video by @BeckyStern.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Your First PCB
This year for YouTube Makers Secret Santa, I got Look Mum No Comupter. Sam performs with his modular synth and other cool audio equipment and collects obsolete technology for his museum in Kent UK. We share a love for hacking toys and other ways to use electronics to be creative. I built him an audio sequencer in an old PS4 controller using sounds from his museum’s sample packs.
Materials and tools:
If you’ve ever wanted to make sense of NeoPixels, DotStars, WS2812, SK6812, APA102 and other terminology related to addressable LEDs, you’re in the right place. This episode covers how to tell the difference, and what varieties are available.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Guide to Addressable LEDs
Here’s how I made the place cards for my wedding reception using my NextDraw pen plotter and the NextDraw Merge software. Not only do they welcome guests to their seats at dinner, but each one has a personal note inside from me, my new husband, or both of us. Follow along if you’re interested in making place cards or notes like this for your own wedding or other special occasion.
Event photos by Arius Photography
Overall, I’d consider this an intermediate-level project, and an ideal first project with NextDraw Merge. This was my first big project with any plotter and the whole reason I bought it in the first place. So I’m new to plotting, and was still able to pull off this project without any problems. But I’m not new to vector graphics software.
For this project, you will need:
The NextDraw plugin works within InkScape, the open-source vector graphics software, to plot your drawings. The software comes with some sample files to test out and get familiar with plotting. Admittedly I’m more familiar with Adobe Illustrator than I am with Inskcape, but the skills are transferable.
I picked some brown letter-sized paper and experimented with some different gold Gelly Roll pens.
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