Keyed In [Maker Update #190] *Adafruit Edition*
This month on the Adafruit edition of Maker Update: a beacon for lost keys, a peek inside Adabox 15, spooky pianos, gaming with neopixels, more pins per pin, and a single purpose keyboard.
Dodecahedron Dance Party [Maker Update #100]
This week on Maker Update, a Jedi-worthy lightsaber, Kickstarter’s test print, an iFixit giveaway, a musical dodecahedron, sound bending, disc shooting, MIDI motors, and stringy plotters.
Tap Sensor Kit Blends Vintage Circuit With Fresh Design
Boldport’s Tap Sensor project is a beautiful refresh of a project that first appeared in the premier issue of 1974’s Elektor magazine. The organic lines of the circuit board traces — a hallmark of Boldport’s design aesthetic — look right at home on this retro project, which is largely unchanged from the original ‘70s design.
The kit includes the bare board, a few stickers, a printed link to project information, and all of the electronic components you’ll need to complete the board. In order to functionally demonstrate the project you will also need three LEDs, a breadboard, some hookup wire, female-male header wires, and a 5v power supply. If you’ve completed Boldport’s Cordwood Puzzle project, you can also hook the Tap Sensor directly to it with some header wires and skip the breadboard and LEDs.
Because Boldport’s boards are so thoughtfully labeled on the underside with component outlines and reference numbers, the project basically revolves around correctly placing and soldering things, with bonus points for clean, tight work that can complement the beauty of the board.