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Want to do something creative with color-changing LEDs? This new programmable LED module might be just what the doctor ordered.
The BlinkM from ThingM (I just love saying that) is a compact module that contains an ultra-bright RGB LED and a microcontroller that you can program from your computer.
You’ll need an Arduino I/O board to program your BlinkM, plus…
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June 30th, 2009
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: hacks + mods interactive technology
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If you’ve been craving the light up keys of Art Lebedev’s OLED Optimus Maxiumus Keyboard, but don’t want to take out a second mortgage on your house to buy one, now you can get yourself a taste of programmable OLED goodness without breaking the bank.
United Keys OLED keyboard keep their prices on planet Earth by including only monochrome displays,…
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December 27th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: computing gadgets technology
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Looking for a way to build yourself a functional AT-ST walker? Have I got the perfect robot for you.
The AREXX YT-3000 (aka “YETi Walker”) is a bi-pedal robot which can be programmed using your PC or an remote-controlled via an IR interface. It’s powered by an ATMEGA8 microcontrolller, which can be easily programmed in C to do your bidding.…
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October 29th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: robotics
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One of the most popular posts of all time on Technabob was the wondrous Luxeed multi-color LED keyboard. While it sure looked cool, it was nearly impossible to get outside of its native land of Korea. So I’m thrilled to let you know that they’re finally available in the U.S. (sans the Korean characters).
Thanks to the fine folks over…
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August 4th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: computing gadgets strange + wonderful
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This new robotics platform out of Korea lets you build a variety of unique robots from a single set of modular parts. RoboBuilder offers a complete kit of interchangeable modules which come together to form computer programmable mini-bots.
Out of the box, there are three “standard” robot designs, HUNO, DINO and DOGY. HUNO is a humanoid robot, capable of walking…
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May 20th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: robotics
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Want to get your point across? Why not say it with light? This new kit lets you create your own custom LED light board using any pattern you want. The whole thing reminds me of a modern-day Lite-Brite.
The latest Open Source creation from Evil Mad Science Labs, “Peggy” gives you the parts you need to make a pixelated grid…
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January 31st, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: hacks + mods
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Back in the day, I did my stint designing lighting and sets for community theater companies, so I’ve seen more than my share of wooden acting. But this is the first time I’ve ever seen metal acting.
The RoboThespian is a life-sized robotic puppet, designed with one mission in mind — to entertain. Created by UK interactive exhibit builder Engineered…
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January 28th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: just plain fun robotics strange + wonderful
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Here’s a fun weekend project for all you hardware hackers out there. The Ybox2 is the latest version of a programmable IP-connected set top box which can fit entirely inside an Altoid box.
The system can be programmed to display widget-like channels on your television, using a library of freely-available software. There’s even a built-in IR sensor so it can…
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January 27th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: computing gadgets hacks + mods
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Tomy’s i-SOBOT mini robot has been receiving raves for it’s cool moves and programmability. This recent clip from Robots Dreams shows off the talented little robot doing his best bow and arrow work.
While I wouldn’t necessarily let the pint-sized robot shoot an apple off of my head, I’m still pretty impressed by the motion capabilities of the little guy.…
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January 7th, 2008
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: robotics
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RoboPhilo is a compact personal robot that offers a level of sophistication you usually don’t find in robots for under $1000, let alone in one that costs less than 500 clams.
The humanoid ‘bot comes “ready to walk,” which means you won’t have to spend hours putting together the intricate servos and wiring that might have to with other…
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December 8th, 2007
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: robotics
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I’ve certainly seen my share of stupid robot tricks in my day, but this is the first time I’ve seen one have a hysterical laughing fit.
Sure, the $3,000 Speecys SPC-101C programmable robot can walk and dance around, but more importantly, it’ll laugh at your bad jokes if you train it properly.
But you’d better dust off your best material…
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September 16th, 2007
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: robotics
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Is that drab old monochromatic keyboard getting you down? This keyboard from Korea’s Luxeed features color changing LEDs under each and every key.
While it can certainly be used to produce seizure-inducing displays of blinking color, the keyboard comes with software that lets you do more subtle things, like just set the keyboard to a light up with a single…
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August 12th, 2007
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author: technabob
filed under: computing design
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These LED watches not only show your the day, date and time, they can be programmed to scroll a custom message of your choice on their dot-matrix display.
Galaxy Programmable watches let you enter up to 121 characters for display on a bright 21 x 7 LED matrix. The watches feature a stainless steel case with an all-leather strap and…
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March 15th, 2007
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: design timepieces
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You’ll be the center of attention with this little gadget which lets you wear your own miniature LED scrolling sign board.
The $39 Infrared LED Name Badge is a tiny version of those scrolling signs you see all over the place. It’s got an array of 12 x 40 LEDs which can be programmed wirelessly via an infrared transmitter which…
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February 27th, 2007
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: gadgets
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Wowwee, known best for their Robosapien and Roboraptor educational toy robots has revealed two new models they’ll be showing off at this week’s CES show. The two new models couldn’t be more different, with one being cute and cuddly, and the other ready to eat the cute and cuddly one.
The $229 Robopanda is geared towards children will be able…
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January 7th, 2007
stumble it! digg it!
author: technabob
filed under: just plain fun robotics