Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 504 pages
• Published by: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
• Edition: 1st Edition November 1, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0596003145
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0596003142
• Book Dimensions: 9.7 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.8 pounds

Reader Reviews
Contents This is a fun guide to hardware hacking projects from beginners to gurus. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 - Basic Hacks, Tools, And Techniques - How To Build A Portable Laptop Power Supply; How To Build An Aquarium Inside A Macintosh; How To Hack 802.11b Antennas; How To Build A PC Water-Cooling System; How To Hack A Furby (And Other Talking Toys); How To Hack A Video Periscope For Your Car Part 2 - Advanced Hacks, Tools, And Techniques - How To Build A Digital Video Recorder; How To Hack A Building-Size Display; How To Build A Cubicle Intrusion Detection System; How To Build An Internet Toaster; How To Build A Home Arcade Machine; How To Build A Remote Object Tracker; How To Make RC Cars Play Laser Tag; How To Build A Wearable Computer; How To Build An Internet Coffeemaker Part 3 - Appendixes - Schematic Capture Software; Communication; Easy-to-Use Microcontroller Boards; Power Sources; Resources; Index Review I'm a software guy, not a hardware nut. To me, plug and play has been a godsend. But every once in awhile, I wish I had the chance to play around with wires and such. I'd like to be able to hack together something cool just to say I could do it. And with this book, I now have the chance. Scott Fullam has put together a fun volume of projects that span the range from rank beginners to people who read schematics on a daily basis. Each project is rated for cost, time requirements, and difficulty. Based on that, you can figure out whether or not the project is one you can reasonably expect to complete based on your skill level. There are some basic instructions on tools and reading schematics, but I think that you'd be better off if you come into the project with at least a little background knowledge beforehand. You could probably figure out the easier ones, but the advanced projects will be out of your reach. Where applicable, each project also lists a bill of material and schematic drawing that will make it easy for you to get the items you need to build your dream device. There are numerous illustrations and photos to keep you on track, so if you're a visual learner you're in luck. What do I see myself doing from this book? The portable laptop power supply is a definite possibility, along with the hack for the 802.11b. I've got to imagine it's a geeky status symbol to have a soup can antenna attached to your laptop when you're sitting at the local Starbucks. I could also see the monitor aquarium being a fun project with the kids. I'm sure they can teach me something... J Conclusion If you're a true hardware hacker, you'll love this book. If you're a hardware hacker wannabe (like me), you'll still find projects you can do while being entertained by the possibilities. Comment | | (Report this)