MindKits News and Blog

While conducting historical research for the recent MAKE presents: The Transistor video, I came across references to an earlier iteration of the device apparently created way back in 1933 - a full 14 years before Bell Labs researchers had a working model. What makes the discovery even more compelling and inspiring is the fact that its inventor, Robert Adams, was only 13 years old when he made it. Though no patents or publications were created describing its functionality, Adams is said to have built multiple crystal radios utilizing the device. Though Dr. Robert George Adams passed away in 2006, his website documents some of his work -

 

The guys at SparkFun.com recently ran an Autonomous Vehicle Competition (AVC) and below are the video highlights including one bot that made a bee line for the drink. A huge thank you goes out to SparkFun for putting in the effort to bring us such an entertaining event. I know I was laughing while watching the video feed when I should have been working and this videoshows some of the fun that was had on the day.

 

 

What better way to learn about Arduino and what it can do than by watching a video? The team at Makezine.com have put together a series of videos detailing how to work with LED's, Servos and now the 2 axis G-Sensor. You'll find the other on the MindKits tutorials page.

 

You'll also find a triple axis accelerometer and data sheets on hooking it up here

 

The MindKits Elves have been frothing at the mouth waiting for our latest shipment from our friends at SparkFun.com. We've expanded our offering even further with the addition of new toys like Servos and the Arduino Mega along with new sensors including a long range Long Range IR Range Finder and a Li-Poly Charger  for the mobile applications.

So as you can see we're gearing up and always getting new products in so if there is something you want that we don't have drop us an email using the contact us form from the home page.

Thanks for your support and for allowing MindKits to grow at the rate it has.

Tim
MindKits Chief Ninja

They electronically switch and amplify signals by harnessing the unique abilities of semiconductor materials. Their invention has transformed the world of electronics and accelerated our entry into the digital age. Behold - the Transistor!

There is also a great article here

Simple, commonplace and absolutely vital to our electronic world - take a closer look at the current-fighting backbone of circuitry, the resistor!


MAKE presents: The Resistor from make magazine on Vimeo.

Simple yet effective, they come in a dizzying array of forms and materials. Vital to so many circuits for storage, timing, and filtration - the mighty capacitor! This video shows what they are, how they came about and what they're made of. Its a great show and tell for the inquisitive.

Tim
MindKits Chief Ninja






MAKE presents: The Capacitor from make magazine on Vimeo.

If you've ever wondered if the Arduino can work with some piece of hardware or if someone has already done the hard work for you then this is the place to find it. http://www.freeduino.org/ has the most comprehensive list of everything Arduino I've ever seen.

Certainly one to bookmark!

Regards,
Tim
MindKits Chief Ninja

Using a laser and sensor to create an electronic trip wire, this high tech photographer used the Arduino programmer to capture high speed pictures of liquid droplets, creating this outstanding collection of photographs.  His photos can be seen below, and you can learn how to make your own with the full tutorial and project code. 

If you'd like to see some more pictures from the project you'll find them here