Technabob » mod

Commodore 64 Guitar Has a Faster CPU than the NES Guitar

Conner Flynn — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:00:27 +0000

I love a good mod. The crazier the better. This one is crazy and all kinds of retro awesome. Some of you might know Jeri Ellsworth. She works for Valve and helped them start their hardware R&D department. Now she has yet another cool thing under her belt. She created this amazing Commodore 64 bass guitar/keytar.

She created it for last weekend’s Maker Faire. Apparently, it wasn’t a very difficult mod. She just went out and bought the cheapest bass guitar that she could find, took the neck off and the bottom part where the strings are attached and mounted them on a C64.

Okay it was a little harder than that. She set up a sensor on each string, which detect the sounds, then reproduce sampled notes through the original Commodore sound chip. The keyboard also produces additional synthesized sounds. Even though she thinks it could sound better, I think it sounds pretty great. This is definitely one of the cooler guitar mods we’ve seen in awhile – at least since the NES guitar.

[via Laughing Squid via Geeks Are Sexy]

2012 Wall-E Toy Controlled by a 1983 Portable Computer

Conner Flynn — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:31 +0000

Old technology meets new technology here, and in this case they can actually interface very well despite their age difference. YouTuber Aliencurv modified an old 1983 TRS-80 portable computer with 20kb of memory to control a 2012 Wall-E robot. I hear ya. That’s crazy and pointless you say. I agree. And it’s still awesome.
With the easy addition of a Bluetooth module, it can intercept the TRS-80′s keyboard input and beam it somewhere else. After that, it just took a terminal program and some extra code to turn the keystrokes into information that Wall-E can use. With that in place, you have yourself a remote controlled robot.

That computer is almost 30 years old. If not for this mod, it would be a useless paperweight. It is proof that by thinking out of the box, we can use some of our old gadgets and rescue them from obsolescence, while doing some cool things.

[via Hack A Day via Geekosystem]

Wireless Super Nintendo Controller Mod, Old School Meets New School

Conner Flynn — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:45:27 +0000

Sure, we are all used to playing video games with wireless controllers today, but back in the day you were forced to sit right in front of your console as if you yourself were attached to it, thanks to those pesky wires. Thanks to a simple mod, you no longer have to play games on your SNES as if you were in the dark ages.

Okay, simple is a relative term. Sure, it requires some basic modding skills, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. You’ll need to do a lot of fitting, wiring, and soldering work on your controller to get all the components to fit inside. You’ll be cramming in a power switch, emitter, and an LED power indicator.

If you play with your vintage console a lot, this should be well worth it so that you can gain some freedom. Check out more pics of this build over on imgur, and schematics which should work for the SNES, NES, N64 and SEGA Saturn at this link.

[via GoNintendo via Gizmodo]

Liquid Cooling Tech for Laptops is Gamer (and Thigh) Friendly

Lambert Varias — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:30:15 +0000

Liquid cooling systems have long been an option for desktop PCs, but not for slimmer computers like laptops. Until now. A company called Asetek recently demonstrated a liquid cooling system that can fit inside a gaming laptop, a promising technology for anyone who likes overclocking or not having their genitals or hands toasted by their PC.

According to Asetek, most cooling solutions in laptops make use of individual heat sinks for the CPU and GPU(s) even though the three components are “rarely” stressed simultaneously. Asetek’s solution uses the precious space it takes up more efficiently because it’s just one big cooling unit that circulates throughout the parts that heat up.

The demo video below shows an Alienware laptop with an Intel Core i7 CPU at 3.5 Ghz and two AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPUs running at 680MHz. Asetek’s cooling system allowed the CPU to be overclocked to 4.4GHz and the GPUs to be overclocked to 800MHz, a feat that the company claims would be impossible to accomplish on the stock laptop.

As was mentioned in the video, this compact liquid cooling system can also be used in other forms of computers, including all-in-one PCs. Hopefully it will be adopted by computer manufacturers soon. I wish Asetek also took temperature readings though, because that’s the aspect that I’m more interested in.

[via Asetek]

Kinect-a-Sketch Updates an Old Classic

Conner Flynn — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:30:43 +0000

What if you could play with your Etch-a-Sketch by simply moving your hands in the air? That would be pretty awesome. What once might have seemed like magic is now a reality. The Kinect-a-Sketch merges Etch-a-Sketch technology with gesture recognition.

This project comes from the folks over at Waterloo Labs. The system lets you control the Etch-a-Sketch by standing in front of the Kinect. You just use a huge pencil or your hand to control the Etch-a-Sketch and draw what you want.

The video explains it much better than I can. The main thing is that you can draw onto the Etch-a-Sketch by drawing in thin air! How long will it be until Microsoft teams up with the toy company and offers us a retail version? I would buy that in a heartbeat.

[via Geeky-Gadgets]

Sphero Gets a Ride of Its Own

Conner Flynn — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:00:33 +0000

Remember Sphero, the robotic ball of fun? Well, apparently he’s growing up really fast and has his license now, along with a new set of wheels. It was created with parts like a discarded toy car, trackball, an Arduino kit, and an H-Bridge.

A developer hacked all of these pieces together and created this neat little car for the robot ball. The Sphero drives by rolling on top of the trackball sensor. The ball is controlled by a smartphone app that can also change the color that the ball glows. The problem with the Sphero is that it is just a glowing ball and it gets old quick, but with a vehicle? Now we are talking fun.

That’s just the kind of thing Orbotix, the company behind the Sphero, is trying to encourage as they curate a development community for this little ball. They want to provide owners with as many new ideas and games as possible.

[via TechCrunch]

PS Vita Fight Stick Mod is Like Having an Arcade Cabinet with a Tiny Screen

Conner Flynn — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:00:16 +0000

The new Sony PS Vita portable gaming console recently launched worldwide, so if you are lucky enough to have one you have probably been enjoying games like Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3. Whether you like the Vita or not, here is a cool fight stick mod that you will want to check out.

This wacky mod [JP] transformed the handheld PS Vita into a full blown arcade system, with joystick controller optimized for fighters. It’s cool, if you don’t mind the tiny screen, that is. Check out the video, which shows it in action.

It’s worth noting how great the PS Vita version of Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 looks on the console. It looks every bit as good as the PS3 version. This fight stick mod on the other hand, though very impressive, just looks silly being so massive compared to the itty-bitty PS Vita. The whole setup makes this dude’s hands look huge.

[via The Verge via Geeky-Gadgets]

Homemade Metroid Arm Cannon Actually Plays Wii Games

Conner Flynn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:03 +0000

Looking to complete that Samus Aran costume with something that is actually functional? Of course you are. Samus is nothing without her arm cannon after all. This one not only looks good, it acts as a Wii-mote for playing Wii games.

There isn’t much info on this build. Just a few images from its creator. But that’s all we need to see to know this thing is indeed a working controller. One able to play Metroid and then be worn out on the town to that special occasion, whether it’s to a convention or a game with your buddy.

While the arm itself looks like it took some work to build and paint, it looks like he just mounted a standard Wii-mote inside of the custom cannon case. Well, it still gets the job done, I suppose.

[via Reddit]

16-Bit Legend of Zelda PC Case is Link-tastic

Conner Flynn — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:00:26 +0000

Building custom cases is fun. They are a lot of work, but the end result can be very rewarding. Not only can they be works of art, but they actually serve a purpose, housing your computer. Some of them will just blow you away, like this custom Zelda case built by Richard Clinton (aka “8Bit Builder”.)

You can watch him build it from start to finish in the video and it might even inspire you to make one like it. The end result here is simply amazing. Link even has a cool light-up sword. Block-by-block, Richard builds a video game masterpiece.

So check out the video as he builds his 16-bit Link PC case based on The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and go on the adventure with him. Because as you know it’s dangerous to go alone.

[via Reddit via Kotaku]

MacBook Dye Project: DIY ColorWare

Lambert Varias — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:00:29 +0000

Want to make your phased-out polycarbonate MacBook even rarer? Check out the Macbook Dye Project by a modder going by the name of The Brain, who kicked off his blog with this daunting task. As its name implies, The Brain turned his MacBook from white to black and orange using fabric dye.

Just to show you the drastic transformation that The Brain pulled off, here’s another look at the vanilla MacBook:

And here it is after being dyed:

Obviously there are several ways to change the color of the MacBook’s case, but for his project The Brain decided to use RIT fabric dye. Unfortunately, choosing the color of the dye is the only easy part of this project. You’ll have to disassemble your MacBook (you didn’t think you were going to boil the whole thing did you?) , sand down some of its parts and be very careful with the actual dyeing. The dye is toxic, it will stick everywhere and the boiling water might warp some of the MacBook case parts. Now you know why ColorWare charges so much for their services – and they don’t run the risk of melting your Mac.

If you think you’re up to the task, put on your rubber gloves and head to The Brain’s blog, BrainDeadLock Labs for the full instructions.

[via Fancy]

Project P.E.W. Mod: LARPing in Skyrim

Lambert Varias — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:52 +0000

It’s been less than a week since Bethesda Softworks released the Skyrim Creation Kit but their goodwill has already paid off. Why do I say that? Because of Project P.E.W., a mod by YouTuber birgirpall.

Notice anything different in the picture? No? That’s because Project P.E.W. doesn’t change or add anything to Skyim’s visual element. I won’t say anymore; one word is enough to spoil the awesomeness of this mod, so I suggest you turn your speakers up and play the video below:

I guess “Starring Morgan Freeman” is the new Rickroll. PC gamers can head to Steam Workshop and click on “Subscribe” to get the Project P.E.W. mod. Console users will have to make the sound effect on their own.

[via Reddit]

Space Invaders Alarm Clock Becomes a Gmail Notifier

Conner Flynn — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:58 +0000

Remember that retro looking Space Invaders clock we told you about last year? It was pretty cool by itself, but now it has become even more functional. Designer Grant Gibson turned his into an awesome Gmail notifier.

He pulled out the battery pack and put an Arduino Nano inside as well as some other parts. His genius has converted the clock into an email notifier. Whenever he gets an email, the clock moves from side to side, playing the Space Invaders music.

Check out the video. I love the way this thing moves and lights up. This is a hack that any Invaders nerd will want to do, but only a few of us will ever answer the call. Grant Gibson, we salute you.

[via Make:]

Xbox 360 Controller Hot Pocket Dispenser: Another First World Problem Solved

Lambert Varias — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:34 +0000

You’re in the middle of an intense gaming session, talking to each NPC you meet, hoping to stumble upon a line or a glitch that you can turn into a meme, when suddenly your stomach rumbles. What to do? Pause the game, get up and get food? That’s preposterous! How dare I suggest such a rational course of action! What you should do is grumble about video game controllers not having receptacles for food! Grumble no more – Ben Heck’s got your lazy ass covered.

On the latest episode of The Ben Heck Show, the famous modder made a spring-loaded container for Hot Pockets that mounts onto the Charge-and-Play port of an Xbox 360 controller. You could do what he did in the beginning and just duct tape your food on your controller, but this ridiculous invention has one practical feature – its base can be raised so that you can still reach the food easily even as it decreases in height without taking your hands off of the controller.

Initially, Ben tried to make the base electrically-powered by using parts from a Charge-and-Play adapter. But the adapter didn’t provide enough power to do the job, so he settled with the spring-loaded mechanism instead. You can skip to about 13:00 in the video to see the final product:

Combine this with a beer hat and you’re good to go. Go be a personification of the perils of convenience.

[Ben Heck Show via Kotaku]

Doom Plays on Calculators, Now in Color

Conner Flynn — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:07 +0000

This new calculator mod allows you to play Doom, not in monochrome, but in glorious color. There’s no sound in the game yet though, as the mod is still in the development stage. It runs on the Texas Instruments TI-nspire CX calculator with OS 3.1 and Ndless 3 running the Doom game.

The controls had to be tweaked a bit and a custom Doom menu was created to make it different from the plain DOS version of the game. This is one small step for games, one giant leap for calculators.

This port is packaged with the Ndless program, allowing you to unlock your hardware and perform your own hacks as well, but you won’t have time since you will be busy playing Doom. In color! On a calculator!

[via Hack a Day via Slashgear]

Skyrim My Little Pony Mod: The Stuff of Nightmares

Shane McGlaun — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:51 +0000

I used to ride My Little Pony, until I took an arrow to the knee. Thankfully, I can still get some My Little Pony Action in a horrifying, flying little girl toy way. A geek going by the gibberish name zdzichorowerzysta, which I believe to be Russian for ZOMG… Ponies, has crafted what may be the cutest and strangest Skyrim mod yet.

Zdz… made the mod for the PC version of the game and all the scary dragons have now been replaced with a cute, yellow My Little Pony that flies around burning stuff. The mod is called the “Pony Dragon Mod” and can be downloaded right now.

My Little Pony aficionados will recognize the pony here as Fluttershy.

[via Eurogamer]

Car Doubles as a Regulation Pool Table: 9 Ball, Corner Fender

Conner Flynn — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:00:55 +0000

If you like to play pool and take your game on the road, this is the car for you, since it allows you to literally bring the pool table with you. Car customizer Big Daddy Vini and Triangle Billards built this portable billiard hall onto the back of a late ’90s Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The car is fully drivable, with a top speed of about 100MPH. When the car arrives at its destination, it requires the use of its built-in leveling system to make sure that the table is perfectly flat. The pool cues are stored on door-mounted racks, though I’m not sure where the balls are stowed while driving.

Having a pool table attached to your car is awesome enough, but he didn’t stop there. There is a refrigerator and a television set in the cab. So it is basically pool in back and mini living room up front

[via Jalopnik via Neatorama]

PS Vita Plays Sega Genesis Games

Conner Flynn — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:26 +0000

The PS Vita recently launched in Japan with a bunch of games, but none of those games were old Sega classics like Sonic The Hedgehog. A developer has corrected Sony’s oversight and managed to get a Sega Genesis emulator running on the handheld, using the PlayStation Vita’s own PSP emulator. I guess that makes sense since the Sega Genesis emulator in question was originally made for the PSP.

It runs better than you might think despite being an emulator running within an emulator. It looks amazing in fact. The audio needs some work, but that should be fixed over time. Sony will probably kill this with an update at some point, but it is still pretty cool.

I’m anxious to see what else people can do with the PS Vita when it is available in all regions.

[via Tiny Cartridge via Kotaku]

Envision: If Nintendo Made a Gamecube Portable

Technabob — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:00:48 +0000

It was just yesterday that we featured a cool portable Gamecube mod which we thought was pretty nifty. But I just stumbled onto another Gamecube handheld which is even cooler. And while making portable Gamecubes is actually quite common in modding circles, the Gamecube Envision is the best portable version of the console I’ve seen yet.

What’s really cool about the Envision is how truly portable it is. Unlike most Gamecube “handheld” mods, this one skips the bulky optical drive, and requires that games be copied off to an SD card, but that’s what really helps it slim down. It’s capable of running every Gamecube game out there, except for Luigi’s Mansion, which apparently still needs some hacking to make that happen. It can also play all SNES and NES titles, as well as some N64 titles, so it’s a real dream system for Nintendo fans.

The Envision was created by Jonathan Shine (aka “Tchay777″,) and is compact enough to carry around without any problem. Dimensions are just 6.5″(w) x 4.1255″ (h) x 1.375″ (d), and it weights about a pound. It’s so impressive that it actually looks like something Nintendo themselves would have released.

It runs completely on battery power, running for about 2 hours on a full charge. It lives in a custom molded case, and has built-in controllers and speakers too. Check it out in action in the video clip below:

It took about 7 months from start to finish for Tchay to complete this excellent build, and you can check out more details and pics over on the ModRetro Forums.

[via Awesome Robo]

Sly Cube Portable Gamecube: Pay Attention Nintendo

Conner Flynn — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:00:25 +0000

The Nintendo Gamecube is probably my least favorite console ever, but this portable mod improves upon it so much that I actually want to play. With the Sly Cube, you can take your Gamecube action to go since it is now more portable.

The design is really nice on this mod and it comes to us from a modder named Slipstream. Measuring in at about 11″ (w) x 5.75″ (d) x 1.75″ (h), it’s more like a netbook than a handheld though. The Sly Cube features a nice big 7″ LCD flip screen, a built-in 7.2v 6000mAh lithium-ion battery that’s good for 3-4 hours of game time, a built-in controller and ports for still extra controllers. Oh and it has built-in rumble, memory card slots, and a charge jack.

Nintendo needs to take heed of this awesome mod. If they released something like this themselves they could have mega-sales – especially if they updated it with modern hardware. I know I would buy one.

[Bacteria Forums via Ubergizmo]

Star Trek Mailbox: to Boldly Go Where No Junk Mail Has Gone Before

Conner Flynn — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:00:39 +0000

This may be the coolest mailbox ever. Too bad it can’t just phaser your junk mail before it enters the shuttlecraft docking bay. Also too bad it can’t use a tractor beam to get the mail from the box to your door. Why didn’t I think of this? This DIY Star Trek mailbox is solar-powered and lights up, which must look amazing at night.

Its five-year mission: To explore new credit card offers, to seek out new deals in circulars, to boldly go nowhere, since it is stuck on its post.

If I can make a request, now I want to see you DIY-ers make a Millenium Falcon mailbox, and a Death Star mailbox. Then I would like you to sell them to me cheap. We need geekier mailboxes, people. Get on it.

[via TDW Geeks via Geekologie]