Aircraft Compass Teardown
We didn’t know what a C-2400 LP was before we saw [David’s] video below, but it turned out to be pretty interesting. The device is an aircraft compass and after …read more Continue reading Aircraft Compass Teardown
Author Archives: Al Williams
Spell Checking Your Programming from the Linux Command Line
For most of us who didn’t do well in high school English class, spell checkers are a real game-changer. Sure, you can still swap a “to” and a “too,” but …read more Continue reading Spell Checking Your Programming from the Linux Command Line
Build a New ZX81
[Retro Shack’s] ZX81 died, and while he tried to figure out the fix, he decided to build a new one. Of course, building a circa-1980-something computer from new parts is …read more Continue reading Build a New ZX81
Web Assembly, Music Synthesis, and the Beauty of Math
The electronics hobby has changed a lot since the advent of the microprocessor. Before that — and with the lack of large-scale integrated circuits — projects in magazines tended to …read more Continue reading Web Assembly, Music Synthesis, and the Beauty of Math
Finite Element Analysis vs Real World
In advanced engineering circles, the finite element method — or, more commonly, finite element analysis — is a real staple. With the advent of more powerful home computers, though, even …read more Continue reading Finite Element Analysis vs Real World
Ptychography Shows Atoms at Amazing Revolution
Cornell University enhanced electron microscopy using a technique known as ptychography in 2018. At the time, it allowed an electron microscope to resolve things three times smaller than previously possible. …read more Continue reading Ptychography Shows Atoms at Amazing Revolution
Getting Started with Aluminum Extrusions
T-slot extrusions used to be somewhat mysterious, but today they are quite common thanks to their use in many 3D printers. However, it is one thing to assemble a kit …read more Continue reading Getting Started with Aluminum Extrusions
Technical Audacity and the Phone Book
I often think we — or maybe the people who control our money — lack the audacity to take on really big projects. It is hard to imagine laying the …read more Continue reading Technical Audacity and the Phone Book
Affordable Transilluminator Helps Visualize DNA
If you want to examine the results of gel electrophoresis — and who doesn’t — you need a transilluminator. These devices can be quite pricey, though, so you might want …read more Continue reading Affordable Transilluminator Helps Visualize DNA
Affordable Transilluminator Helps Visualize DNA
If you want to examine the results of gel electrophoresis — and who doesn’t — you need a transilluminator. These devices can be quite pricey, though, so you might want …read more Continue reading Affordable Transilluminator Helps Visualize DNA