Gearfuse

Using the graphical programming language Processing and an Arduino microcontroller, Trevor Shannon built himself a software-based Etch-A-Sketch. The Arduino reads the input from two potentiometers and then through a serial connection, lines are produced on a computer screen. Over time, the lines disappear, just like a real Etch-A-Sketch. A simple, yet intuitive way of using the Arduino to build a project. Oh, and the knobs are made from an old iTunes gift card!

Want to give it a shot? Trevor has provided the code and schematics that you need to get started.

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Once in awhile, I come across an invention that blows my mind in terms of creativity and functionality. Jay Silver’s Drawdio most certainly fits into that category. Drawdio is a pencil that has a simple synthesizer hooked up to the graphite. Based on the conductivity of graphite, drawing on paper will produce various different sounds creating a one-of-a-kind music experience. This is user-interaction on a whole other level.

Believe it or not, you can build your own Drawdio. The famous Lady Ada is selling kits on her website for $19.50. What are you waiting for? DRAW!

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While I love power tools of all shapes and sizes, I don’t own many due to the lack of a workspace in my home. However, I did take enough shop classes in high school to know what a sharp metal blade can do to your finger. That’s why inventor Steve Gass created the SawStop, a mechanism that senses electrical conductivity and stops the blade instantly when it comes in contact with a finger or body part. Watch the above video as Steve and some friends talk table saws for a few minutes. Towards the end, Steve puts his own finger on the line to promote his product and to demonstrate how safe it really is. I think the results will surprise you.

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