Hack N Mod - Amazingly Cool Hacks, Mods, and DIY Projects

How to: Build a PC into your Coffee Table

aunindita — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:05:11 +0000

We’ve seen some neat computers built into desks before, but this build brings the PC straight into the living room (complete with water cooling). The entire coffee table was built from scratch using 2″x6″ planks, so you’ll need to harness your inner carpenter to pull this off. Although the image above looks like you’d have to hunch over to use the PC, the ledge in front of the monitor is actually a footrest. The mouse and keyboard are wireless, allowing the user to relax on the couch.

After sanding, staining, and applying protective resin, the computer innards were installed including:

16GB RAM
ASUS P8 Z77-VLK Motherboard
i5 3570k 3.4 GHz processor
Gigabyte Nvidia GTX 550Ti video card
128GB Solid State hard drive
Liquid cooling.

Check out the detailed project pictures to see how it all came together!

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DIY Open Source Laptop

aunindita — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:45:50 +0000

We’ve seen open source computing power grow steadily over the years: First the Arduino, then the Raspberry Pi, and now the open source laptop. Yes, you read that correctly: the goal of this project is to create a laptop built entirely with open source materials. The laptop is powered by a quad-core ARM CPU, features an on-board FPGA, and has plenty of GPIOs.

The PCB is just 4.5″ x 6″ and its height is governed by the ethernet port at 0.60″. In terms of memory, it can handle up to 4GB of a 64-bit, DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM. The creator hopes to release a the laptop in kit after some additional testing and debug. In the meantime, check out the project details to learn more about this complex project.

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Open Air, Vertical Case Mod Built by Hand (No CNC)

aunindita — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:24:44 +0000

Let’s face it, even some of the best case mods we feature are built in a typical shape: a rectangular prism. This mod, on the other hand, literally thinks outside the box by mounting the computer’s components in an vertical, open air configuration.

“The bottom of the case houses the PSU, water cooling pump & reservoir, a fan controller, and a 7″ touchscreen (underneath the radiators). The standing backbone of the case is only 3cm wide and contains the watercooling tubing, wiring for motherboard, 2 SSD’s and the RGB LED controller.”

The entire mod was built it by hand using basic tools (files, hacksaw and a small drill). No CNCs were used. Top it all off with some sexy blue LEDs and you’ve got an epic case mod! The build document was well photographed throughout the construction process to help understand how the entire chassis was built. Hopefully it has inspired your own case modding projects!

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How to: Dirt Simple LED Lighting for Bike Wheels

aunindita — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:38:37 +0000

Biking at night is quite dangerous, even with a headlight. To make yourself more visible (and more awesome), learn how to easily add LEDs to your bike’s wheels! This way, you’ll be clearly visible to drivers and also have an spectacular glow emitting from your bicycle.

Literally, all you need are some LED rope lights and batteries. After some basic cutting and soldering, you’ve got yourself a neat DIY bike upgrade. The best part is people of all ages love the result making this is a perfect weekend project for parents and children. Check out the full details to build your own!

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How to Create a Dedicated Pandora Radio Streamer

aunindita — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:12:53 +0000

Everyone loves Pandora, but let’s face it: it’s a shame to leave a PC on for the sole purpose of streaming music . You can buy various devices which come “Pandora ready” such as AV receivers, Roku, and Xbox OR…you can have the satisfaction of building your own using a Raspberry Pi!

As you’re likely aware, the Raspberry Pi is a competent, credit-card sized Linux PC. All you need to build your own “Pandora’s Box” is a Raspberry Pi, LCD, and a few switches (for controlling the music). Ready to build your own? Learn how using these step-by-step instructions.

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Hack a NES Zapper into a Burning Laser Gun

aunindita — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:20:46 +0000

Ray guns, lasers, and lightsabers have been part of the sci-fi world for decades. We’ve featured a few neat steampunk ray guns in the past, but this NES zapper gun which was fitted with a surprisingly affordable 2W Blu-Ray diode is in a whole separate category. Check out how it ignites matches almost instantly:

The laser gun is incredlby easy to build: The creators used the 445nm diode, did a bit of soldering, and added batteries. They did add some safety features including a lock and heatsink. To build your own, see the step-by-step process complete with detailed images.

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How to: Integrate Google’s Nexus 7 into your Car Dashboard

aunindita — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:57:20 +0000

Let’s face it, most automotive manufacturers (besides Telsa Motors) are horrible at designing user friendly dashboards. It’s 2013, yet our dashboards are still filled with dozens of non-intuitive knobs and buttons. Enter the highly affordable Google Nexus 7 which makes for a cheap, yet fantastic upgrade to your car for years to come. In this example, the tablet is removable for use outside of the car.

Internet is passed to the Nexus 7 via 3G cell phone tethering. Using additional 3rd part hardware, the tablet can take control of key parts of your vehicle such as the stereo. Overall, it’s a unique way to improve your stock dashboard and add value to your ride.

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Hexacopter + Hexapod = An Eerie Robotics Masterpiece

aunindita — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:50:51 +0000

Hexacopter: Similar to a quadracopter, except with 6 blades instead of four. Hexapod: A 6-legged robot which walks like a spider. Why not combine the two? These makers decided to combine the them into one horrifying contraption. It crawls like a spider and flies like a helicopter. See it in action:

To build it, they started with a standard hexapod electronics kit and replaced the structural components with lightweight, carbon fiber. Next, they added the a six-rotor configuration to provide stability during flight. As you can see, the results are eerie, but fantastic!

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Incredible Transforming Desk from the 1700′s

aunindita — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:08:31 +0000

This incredible transforming desk literally has hidden passages inside its hidden passages. At first glance, it looks like a beautiful, ornate piece of furniture. But in reality, many of its shiny brass embellishments are actually buttons which open secret drawers. Keep in mind all of this is achieved mechanically – No electronics were used.

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But wait, there’s more! The crafsmanship doesn’t stop with just one desk. Here’s yet another piece from the same artist:

The number of secret drawers and cubbyholes never ends! Hopefully you’re now fully inspired to build your own secret passages in your furniture or home.

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DIY Google Street View System

Joe L — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 04:20:30 +0000

Now you can have your very own copy of Google’s revolutionary camera system! Use it to make your own street view videos from a car or you can even mount it on a backpack and take it hiking with you. You can even install a remote control for convenience. The system below is a pre-made kit, but you can also learn how to construct your own street view system.

The camera provides 360 x 160 degrees of coverage with a resolution of 7500 x 3750 pixels. Images are automatically geo-tagged and your altitude and heading are also logged. Go build your own system and tell us about it!