Today, we’re taking a look inside two new LED red light therapy masks, the CurrentBody Series 2 and the Shark Cryoglow.
Tools used in this teardown:
First up is the CurrentBody Series 2 mask. It’s flexible like the previous version, but also more contoured to the shape of the face, especially under the chin.
(more…)In this video by @BeckyStern, we’re looking at benchtop power supplies – the versatile tool that provides adjustable and reliable DC power to your electronics projects. Becky covers the basics of how to use one, shows some example use cases, and lets you know what you should look for when shopping for your own.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Benchtop Power Supplies
Meet Spiker:bit, the new micro:bit-compatible accessory for building your own projects that interface directly with the electrical signals from your body. Spiker:bit provides three basic ways to measure: electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG or EKG), and electroencephalography (EEG). I’ve been a Backyard Brains fan since I met Greg Gage at Maker Faire Detroit in 2011!
To follow along, you will need:
In this video by @BeckyStern, we’re exploring the fascinating world of electric motors. Motors are everywhere—from fans to cars to robots—and understanding how they work is a key skill for anyone diving into electronics or engineering. Becky covers the basics of motors, the different types, what they’re used for, and answers some common questions beginners often have.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Introduction to Electric Motors
Today, I want to share the advice I wish I could go back and give beginner-me. If you’re just getting into DIY electronics—or even if you’ve been at it a while—these tips might save you some time and energy.
Let’s start with tools. Buying fancy tools doesn’t replace practice… but sometimes, yes, the fancy version is genuinely better.
Soldering irons and wire strippers in particular—spending a bit more here can really make your experience smoother. A good quality soldering iron heats faster, holds temperature, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re fighting the tool. But the tip must be clean to work well. Even the best soldering iron won’t work well if the tip is dirty.
(more…)Today I’m sharing a super fun project that I collaborated on with a bartender friend of mine. He asked me to make a set of illuminated mushroom drink menus inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The idea is that he presents a mushroom, and when the recipient lifts the cap, text is revealed, letting them know which drink they are about to get. I modified Wuguigui’s free mushroom desk lamp files and added a battery-powered LED circuit to create this easy glowing 3D printing project.
Supplies:
The mushroom lamp design on Printables had to be modified because it uses an incandescent light fixture, but it’s such a lovely design that I chose to build on top of it rather than recreate something similar. The white dots are printed separately from the top dome, and the two main pieces screw together with their integrated threads.
(more…)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
Today, we’re taking a look inside the Belkin Auto-tracking Stand Pro. We’ll try it out, take it apart, and analyze the design and manufacturing of the circuitry inside.
So here’s the Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro. It’s got a simple but solid design. Snap your phone into the Magsafe connector, and the stand automatically rotates to track you. It’s a cool piece of tech, and the first product to use Apple’s new DockKit accessories standard. Previously, products like this would be limited to capturing with their own apps, but now the DockKit system allows the stand to seamlessly integrate with the native camera app while capturing content or during video calls.
It has a battery inside, which makes it portable and a tripod mount on the bottom. It moves super smoothly and quietly, so I’m curious what’s going on inside.
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
