Gadget Master

Here is the circuit schematic as well as build instructions and parts list for an easy to build 7x7 LED matrix.

This 3A charger was originally designed to work with small batteries such as those commonly used in motorcycles. It is possible to charge a car battery using this device but it will take a lot longer.

What do you do when Apple doesn't make a tablet palmtop? That's easy. Just follow Peter Green's lead and make one for them.

From our sister publication Made by Monkeys, a tale of what happened when engineer Dave Johnson felt ripped-off by the purchase of a cheap LED night light. He reconfigured the circuit and turned it into a much more expensive one - but at least it works.

And now for a way to bring some friendly Poltergeist activity to your very own home.

Not satisfied with the low-tech method of suspending a tennis ball from a string, Ken Swanstrom devised a better garage locator device from a laser pointer. This simple circuit is powered by a 6V DC wall wort, adjusting the output to yield 3V DC as a substitute for battery power. A CdS cell "looks" at the garage door opener light and actuates a relay, turning on the laser pointer when the garage door opens. And voila... no risk of front-end damage anymore.

Gadget Master reader David Fowler shares his tips on how to update the Arduino compatible Bare Bones Board.

When using rechargeable lithium-ion cells in large batteries, such as those in an electric vehicle, unique problems can be encountered.

If there's one person who won't be the first in line to start the new Apple iPod fan club, it's fair to say it will be Kirk McElhearn.

Here are the full build instructions to help build your very own LCD display for your printer cable.

It seems the stage is set for world domination from the humble LED.

Build a digital clock that turns AC load on/off with preset time.

One of the most hyped products in recent years, the Apple iPhone, is set to reach British shores in November.

Today sees all hands on deck at Gadget Master HQ.

We'll be taking part in blogging activities all day today, to gain some blogging tips, network with other bloggers and raise money for charity all at the same time.

Watch this space for further developments ...

While it will always be tempting to be the envy of your friends with a shiny new gadget that no else has managed to buy yet (the jealousy of friends can mean more than words ever could), sometimes it pays to wait just a little bit longer, as this article in the Wall Street Journal points out.

Every profession has certain tools of the trade that prove invaluable for the task at hand.

At the height of her career, Marlene Dietrich - that famous woman in trousers - said, 'I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.'

In an age where skinny jeans reign, and thousands flock to Top Shop hoping to emulate the style icon Kate Moss, dressing for image is a given. After all, wasn't former Givenchy svengali Alexander McQueen christened the 'enfant terrible' of British fashion?

Given the spirit of Gadget Master, we present the work of British fashion designer Hussein Chalayan MBE. Born in Cyprus, the Central St Martin alumnus showcased his Spring Summer 2007 collection which featured a vast array of garments that require an electrical engineer to operate them via a specially designed remote control.

From our friends over at the Travolution blog, comes another gadget you didn't know you needed.

It's our pleasure to present to you: the USB missile launcher.

Driving with high-beam headlights will ensure your visibility in the coming winter months, but they'll blind any driver who's coming from the other direction.

Today we discovered this interesting article from the TrustedReviews site.

It's all in the timing

So he designed a battery-powered tea timer with a built-in LED display that will brew a perfect cup of tea every time. It's simple: just fix a tea-bag on the tea timer's extension arm, place a mug of hot water underneath it and push a button according to how strong you like your tea. The microcontroller-operated, 5V circuit provides a servo motor with control pulses to lower and raise the arm and the power supply is switched off automatically via FET. Now the only thing you have to worry about is Tetley's or Earl Grey?

Who says you can't have fun with LEDs?

September's list of Top 10 Most Read Blog Entries proved to be a mixed bag.