A hobbyist has built an FPGA-based system that emulates a 486 PC, capable of running vintage OS and games like Linux 2.2.6, MS-DOS, DOOM, and Wolfenstein 3D, using a Xilinx Spartan II FPGA and a vintage i486 CPU, showcasing a remarkable DIY retrocomputing project.
You can repurpose old smartphones as free security cameras using apps like Alfred, which offer live streaming, motion detection, and cloud storage, providing an inexpensive way to enhance home security without buying new equipment.
A Massachusetts YouTuber built the world's first PoE-powered driveway gate with cameras and a strobe light to prevent unauthorized turnarounds on his remote property, showcasing an innovative and cost-effective security solution using Power over Ethernet technology.
Jackery is showcasing an expensive, ready-made solar-powered gazebo at CES, but suggests that DIY enthusiasts can build their own using solar panels and power stations from various brands, potentially saving money. The gazebo features integrated solar panels, lighting, a projector screen, and weather-resistant outlets, and can be paired with portable power stations to run various devices for hours.
Laura Miller shares her passion for building a holzhausen, a traditional Scandinavian-style cylindrical woodpile, highlighting the craftsmanship, techniques, and satisfaction derived from stacking firewood, which not only prepares her for winter but also provides a sense of achievement and aesthetic pleasure.
A creative DIY project replaces traditional map projections with a magnetic globe for playing Risk, using a fabricated steel globe and hand-transferred map, offering a fun and less contentious way to enjoy the game.
A YouTube creator in China built a near-identical Apple Watch from scratch in a week, collaborating with a team to reverse-engineer and assemble the hardware, then refining it at home, demonstrating a potential pathway for future custom tech modifications.
A creator built a cassette-based media streamer that converts Bluetooth digital audio into analog, records it onto a cassette tape, and plays it back, combining modern streaming with the nostalgic and sonic qualities of analog tapes.
A creative project where a receipt printer was modified to display and run the game DOOM, involving OS changes and scripting to print game frames, showcasing an unusual way to play classic games on unconventional hardware.
The article offers practical tips for eco-friendly holiday waste management, including reusing gift wrap and cards, recycling plastics, and repurposing Christmas trees, along with advice on storing leftovers and organizing post-holiday clutter, promoting sustainable practices during the festive season.
Kyle Tryon has revived the classic pager concept by building a custom ESP32-based device that receives MQTT alerts and plays tunes, serving as a modern on-call beeper with a nostalgic 90s design.
A creator demonstrates a novel, non-optical 3D-printed 'lens' that produces pixelated images by guiding light through a fine grid of cylindrical tubes, creating a unique artistic effect, with potential for further development.
Martin den Hoed developed the Diptyx, a DIY foldable e-reader with dual e-paper displays that mimic traditional books, powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, with open-source plans available for enthusiasts.
The article discusses how individuals with a 3D printer can create their own iPhone fold dummy, highlighting the DIY potential for tech enthusiasts and makers to customize and prototype phone designs.
Old power banks can still be useful for various practical purposes such as powering portable speakers, emergency lights, camping gear, or even jump-starting cars, provided they are still in good condition. They should be safely disposed of if damaged or swollen, but otherwise can be repurposed or even rebuilt for extended use.