Gears and Gadgets

One Hundred Thirty First Post: Gears and Gadgets

In the book “Windows XP Power Tools” by Jim Boyce it describes the setup of a little known modem technique. The technique is for those with dial up modems. If the user has two phone lines and two modems installed, they can use both simultaneously to double the bandwidth. The internet host must support this option for it to work. But what if you needed high bandwidth? Could something similar be done with broadband? It would only be used for something that requires that speed, but because of the complexity would probably never be programmed do to simpler methods.

Advertised in Nov. 8th “PC Magazine” is a laser cutter and etcher. The think looks quite impressive. It works similar to those laser machines found in machine shops. The only thing is the price and possible maintenance. The starting price is around 7,000 some dollars. No doubt the thing looks cool, but needs to be more affordable.

Make Magazine has a Maker Challenge were readers submit there design problems or answer them. Mine would be to modify a digital camera to act as a DV recorder. Digital cameras already have movie mode, but the movie only last for 2 to 3 minutes. There must be something that limits the size of the movie. There needs to be a way to easily bypass this. One problem when doing so is not just the complicated electronics, it is that every camera is built differently.

Also I am wondering how many people read the “circular switch” answer on Constructor’s Corner. The puzzle does not stop there. There needs to be a solution to make the tape loop. Not only must the machine do the job, the hard part is designing it so that it is easily produced and assembled. Until then...... May the Creative Force be with You