• The mechanical diode
A diode allows current to travel in only one direction. With that in mind, [Alex] built a mechanical diode that will only allow gear rotation in one direction to be transmitted through the system. But wait, by connecting two of these devices together he’s built something of a mechanical rectifier. An electrical rectifier converts alternating [...]
• Leapfrog Didj: Followup
Yesterday we mentioned the Woot! sale of the Didj, and we had some comments and emails from readers who had purchased one. We couldn’t resist either, and ordered a couple to take apart and modify. We will probably be following the work laid out by [Claude Schwarz], who seems to be one of the leading [...]

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• USB HDD enclosure to DVD connector
This is a “why didn’t I think of that?” idea. [Alec] needed a way to connect an IDE DVD drive using USB. Rather than order a connector he pulled the circuit board out of an old USB hard drive enclosure and connected to his DVD drive. Bang, recognized and running.
This will prove extremely handy if [...]
• Our favorite XBOX to HTPC hacks
Let’s face it, the original Xbox is ugly. It might have looked cool when it first came out but now most would be embarrassed to display that old beast with the rest of their entertainment hardware. This is unfortunate because the old girl still has some life in her. If you have tools, time, and [...]

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That’s right. I’m posting EVEN MORE free iPhone/iPod Touch games. This one is called Hand of Greed and, like the others, is free for a limited amount of time so get it fast! Here’s the premise: “Welcome to the Hand of Greed.
As a thief of the guild, venture forth and steal the riches before you. Be warned however, the hazards are numerous and relentless. As you challenge a trial, your life is bound to the game board for the duration of the trial.”

• Game controllers using USB host shield
Circuits@Home has put together some libraries that make it easy to use gaming controllers with an Arduino. They interface through the USB host shield. This means that PS3 controllers connect via USB through a cable or a dongle. With the Wii remote things get a little more interesting. A Bluetooth dongle is used to make [...]
• Leapfrog Didj: Handheld Linux on the Cheap
Today our good friends over at Woot! are selling the Leapfrog Didj, a low cost educational toy aimed at little kids. Lucky for hackers out there, the Didj is actually a linux device, and gaining serial console access is as easy as soldering two wires. The documentation out there is a little outdated, with a [...]

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Like poker? Everyone likes poker so I’ll pretend you said “yes”. Have an iPhone or iPod? Most people do so I’ll pretend again that you said “yes”. Like free stuff? I don’t even need to pretend this time…I know that you said “yes”. Get Ultimate Video Poker FREE for your iPod Touch or iPhone! It has lots of poker games!

• 120v switching
[Kenneth] built a 5v controlled power outlet inside of a junction box. We’ve seen plenty of projects that can switch 120v outlets using 5v logic for refrigerator controllers, lighting controllers, or grow systems, but they almost always use solid state relays to facilitate the switching. This iteration uses mechanical relays along with the necessary protection [...]
• Hacking a digital bathroom scale
[Micah] was inspired by projects he had seen of people using the Wii balance board as an input. He realized the balance board was overkill, and pricey for many applications. Since it is basically just 4 weight sensors, he thought, why not just use a scale? Often, only one sensor is needed and they’re really [...]

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• Robot band gives us so much to make fun of
[Pat Metheny] has a robot armada backing him up when he performs on stage. They’re going on tour and he’s done an interview explaining his mechanical band. Like the auto-drummer, this setup uses multitudes of solenoids to play the percussion instruments, each getting commands from a computer. It’s pretty wicked to see him use his [...]
• Ask a winner updates day 2: Answers
Not too long ago we asked our readers what they would like to hear about from the PUSH N900 winners and their hacks. We got some silly questions, and some serious, we asked both and now the PUSH teams have answered.
The Haptic Guide team took a moment of their time for us today. Their N900 [...]

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• Our thoughts on the iPad
The iPad, announced earlier this week,  has been a massive media extravaganza. Some people were elated, and some let down. We’ve been asked over and over what our thoughts on the device are. Join us after the break to find out.

[Caleb]–My grandma would love this. I really think that she is their target. It is [...]

• Another take on roasting those beans
[Andrew] takes his coffee very seriously and like any hardcore aficionado he wanted to do the roasting himself. The coffee roaster design uses a heat gun for the roasting and sources an old bread maker as a vessel. As part of the automatic bread making process there’s a little agitator arm inside which keeps the [...]

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• Contest: win Push Showcase tickets
Who is ready to win some tickets to the PUSH N900 Showcase?
The showcase is an event where all 5 teams from the Push N900 competition are going meet up in London and present their N900 hacks. Including N900s that fly, skate, Etch a Sketch(TM), and more. We also hear there is going to be a [...]
• Happy meal toy scavenging
We’re sometimes shocked at the electronics included in ‘disposable’ items. For some reason (our tech inclinations?) we’ve been getting those audio greeting cards from relatives and it kind of kills us to see the PCB, batteries, and speaker in what would have otherwise been a fully recyclable card. Now we’ve got several sets of those [...]

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Wow, long title! As the title emplies, you can get free beta keys to both of these games. Obtain a free beta key for Command & Conquer 4. You’ll need a Gamespot account (which you can get register for free). Obtain a free beta key for Battlefield Bad Company 2. You’ll need an EA Games account for that one. No problem at all! Enjoy your free beta keys.

Edit: A new method of obtaining beta keys for the game Battlefield Bad Company 2 is now available! Check out: New How to Get Free Battlefield Bad Company 2 PC Beta Keys!