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14 best DIY gadget projects of 2011
Let these innovative do-it-yourself projects inspire you to get crafty with gadgets in the new year.
Sat, Dec 10 2011 at 10:01 AM
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Photo: Charles & Hudson/flickr
Becoming a "maker" is a very green thing to do, and we love seeing fun, interesting and do-able projects to test out our builder instincts. This year, we've come across some fantastic projects by creative makers, from building your own solar-powered emergency radio to whipping up a solar oven with sun-tracking capabilities. Check out the top 14 projects from this year, and start making your to-do list.
Photo: Brown Dog Gadgets
This project is a great one to start out with, as it covers a few basics for dealing with electronic parts. Plus, it's handy to have on hand when you're out traveling and will be off the grid.
Photo: tl880linux/YouTube
If you want to keep your electricity bills down, this cool hack could be perfect for you. There seems to be no limit to the interesting uses for Kinect devices.
Photo: JabbaPoint
For those of you who want to get a little more complicated with your solar projects, this might be just the project for you.
Photo: Brown Dog Gadgets
Not only is this project inexpensive, but it's also practical — and anything that fits in an Altoids tin is cool.
Photo: LDSPrepper/YouTube
The campers among us will appreciate this low-tech gadget that's perfect for keeping warm or cooking outdoors.
Photo: donjd2/flickr
Here's a gadget project that will keep you on the move well after you've finished it.
Photo: Brown Dog Gadgets
This is a handy project that will keep your gadgets powered up any time.
Photo: linznix/flickr
This is an excellent project for anyone interested in off-grid cooking.
Photo: SolarPoweredGardener
This is the previous project taken up a notch. It enables you to cook all day long without even thinking about it.
Photo: Brown Dog Gadgets
This is an ideal gadget to get kids interested in electronics and solar power.
Photo: ModMischief
We loved this as a last-minute Halloween costume. Sure it isn't exactly a gadget, but it'll make you look like a true gadgeteer.
Photo: KAWUNEARTH/YouTube
Here's a great low-tech idea if you're considering a little eco-remodeling.
Photo: paulwheaton12/YouTube
This is a fun, simple project for foodies.
Photo: electrovlog/YouTube
And finally, anyone living along a fault line might like to check out this nifty little gadget.
Copyright Treehugger 2011
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i need a electrical gadget due for school somebody help me!!
how do u do the rocket one i would like to do that for school
Really amazing
Best DIY Gadget Projects,, cooooolll
If you live in a northern climate, are a homeowner, and don't mind losing a bit of floor space, you can tear off you sheet rock on exterior walls and build a double wall thus drastically increasing your R value. If you do not want to lose floor space, tear off the sheet rock, hire a contractor to spray in closed cell polyurethane insulation, and put up new sheet rock.
If you don't want to lose floor space strip the exterior siding, put in a vapor barrier if the existing one is leaking or doesn't exist, build Larsen trusses and put them on the outside wall, insulate and then put back the siding.