Archive for December, 2010
Make’s Most Popular Projects: 2010
Make Magazine came out with a list of the top ten projects of 2010 and The Useless Machine was number 3.
Coming in at number 2 was Install a Penny Countertop by Shane Selman, and the top project was Light Switch Time Capsule by Sean Michael Ragan.
What I find interesting about the list is that only 3 projects are for “practical” purposes, the rest are for amusement or edification. I guess it’s true: man cannot live on bread alone…
Baby Orangutan Useless Machine
Posted by Brett in Useless, YouTube Videos on December 26, 2010
Jumbleview was inspired by the Make Magazine article to build this version of the Useless Machine. It doesn’t use a toggle-switch, instead it uses two micro-switches and it counts how many button presses take place. The arm comes out and presses the button the same number of times.
The Machine uses a micro controller called a Pololu Baby Orangutan B-168, which I believe to be very similar to an Arduino. The source code can be found here.
Unlike the other micro-controller based Useless Machines, this version REALLY POWERS ITSELF DOWN!
I also like how he’s designed the mechanics of the arm. Great job Jumbleview!
Useless Machine Kits For Sale!
Posted by Brett in Other Uselessness, Useful, Useless on December 13, 2010
Edited Nov. 2, 2011: Please note that I’m no longer endorsing this kit. Please check this page for the new, improved kit: saskview.com/?page_id=750
Useless Machine Kits are now available at Solarbotics for an astoundingly low, low price of $24.95:
http://www.solarbotics.com/products/60005/Included in the kits is the sweet laser-cut black acrylic case.
This is a full bundle and very easy to build. All you’ll need to supply is tape, batteries, screwdriver and any basic soldering iron and solder. This is a perfect introduction to electronics and a great way to learn basic soldering skills!
Each bundle includes:
- 1 x 39300 Black acrylic “Useless Box” construction set (with nut/bolt hardware)
- 1 x SWT8 DPDT toggle switch
- 1 x SWT9 SPDT lever switch
- 2 x #2 mounting screws for SWT9
- 1 x BHoldAA 2-AA battery pack
- 1 x DSST (double sided sticky tape, for mounting the battery pack)
- 6″ hookup wire
- 1 x GM4 gear motor
- 4 x “Little Rubber Feet” to protect your Useless machine from abrasive counter tops!
And you can buy just the sweet acrylic case itself.
Dave Hrynkiw at Solarbotics came up with a fantastic design for the case and he was kind enough to post the laser cutting template at thingiverse.com: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5065
I hope to be making a build video for the kit, and to have a couple kits to give away so stay tuned.
.
Useless Machines and Kits to Be Sold!!!
Posted by Brett in Other Uselessness, Useful, Useless on December 2, 2010
The perfect gift for that special someone who already has everything!
Although everyone wants a Useless Machine, not everyone is as into DIY as I am. So I’m hoping to have assembled Machines as well as complete kits for sale SOON.
Finding a company to partner with that can put together a complete kit including the wooden case and all the hardware has been a struggle.
Ideally the kit will include everything needed: box, arm, switches, battery holder as well as a gear motor that needs no modification. The only tools needed to build the kit are a soldering iron, small screwdriver, and glue (a wire cutter/stripper is handy but not needed).
It looks like things are going to go forward. We may have to initially offer a continuous rotation servo because the gear motors may be delayed.
Prices haven’t been finalized but I’m hoping the kit will be under $50.00 plus shipping.
If you want to be notified when the kits are available please send an email to:
I will also be offering a limited number a fully constructed Useless Machines. To be notified for the next production “run” please send an email to:
.
-
You are currently browsing the archives for December, 2010
