MAKE Volume 28

MAKE Volume 28 hits makers' passion for play head-on with a 28-page special section devoted to Toys and Games, including a toy "pop-pop" steamboat made from a mint tin, an R/C helicopter eye-in-the-sky, and a classic video game console. You'll also build a gravity-powered catapult, a plush toy that interacts with objects around it, and a machine that blows giant soap bubbles. Play time is a hallmark of more intelligent species-- so go have some fun!

Coffee Table MAME Console ¶

By John Baichtal and Adam Wolf

Emulate the raw fun of classic arcade games, wirelessly on your TV. (Page 48)

Check out the full Coffee Table MAME Console project build, and collaborate.

Code - Arduino sketch

Arcade Controller Arduino sketch

System schematic:

PNG image

Scalable vector graphic

Materials Sources ¶

Wayne and Layne Bluetooth Arcade Shield

MicroRAX

Classic Arcade Joysticks from Jammaboards

Sanwa OBSF-24 Arcade Buttons from DJ Tech Tools

WT12 Breakout Board (for DIY Bluetooth Arcade Controller)

Resources ¶

Build your own Arcade Controls wiki - good general resource

MAME Emulators

Official MAME site

Zophar's Domain directory of emulators

Wikipedia directory of emulators

Game ROMs (public domain)

iPac Arcade Controller (not wireless)

Front End software (manage emulators and ROMs)

Pop-Pop Steamboat ¶

By William Abernathy

Build a toy steamer that runs only on heat and the water it’s floating in. (Page 70)

See how MAKE Labs engineering intern Daniel Spangler made a Copper Pipe Alcohol Lamp for the Pop-Pop Steamboat's heat source, instead of a candle.

Gravity Catapult ¶

By William Gurstelle

Get medieval with this portable, stowable, gravity-powered trebuchet. (Page 84)

Bill Gurstelle at Maker Faire Detroit with the Gravity Catapult

With the catapult build nearing completion, intern Brian supplies the recommended weight, editor Keith suggests design improvements, and intern Dan breaks out the duct tape.

Photos of the Gravity Catapult testing at the Make Labs.

Gigantic Bubble Generator ¶

By Zvika Markfeld

Arduino-controlled Bubblebot blows enormous, undulating soap bubbles. (Page 94)

Check out the full Gigantic Bubble Generator project build, and collaborate.

Arcade Console Materials ¶

Plywood, 1/4”–3/8” thick (7mm–10mm or so), 3’×1’
Pushbuttons, arcade style (OBSF) (2)
Switch, toggle, with safety cover
Joystick, arcade style, 4-way digital (i.e. on/off, rather than variably sensitive)
I/O expander chip, 16-bit, MCP23017 Get the MCP23017-E/SP through-hole version rather than a surface-mount package.
Connectors, female (aka jacks), RJ45 (Ethernet), with PCB mounting posts (2)
Breakout boards, RJ45 (2)
Cable, RJ45 (Ethernet), 6’
Speaker, 1/4W

Bubble Mixture Materials ¶

Note: Depending on the brands you use, you may need to experiment with quantities for your soap mix to achieve optimal bubble performance.

Distilled water, 1 gallon (4 liters)
Bubble solution, 1 gallon (3.2–4 liters) from a toyshop or online
Dishwashing liquid, 14oz (400ml)
Liquid glycerin, 14oz (400ml) available from some drug stores, natural foods stores, or online

Making Your Own Frame ¶

Zvika Markfeld building his frame

Tools and Materials

Clamp or large clip (2)
Saw, for wood
Screwdriver, to match screws used
1×2 lumber (nominal), 3' (5)
Wood screws (10 or so), 1"
Hinge (2), about 1.5" long
Wood screws (12), 1/2" to attach hinges
Wood glue

1. Screw and glue together two 3'-long sticks into an uneven X shape, making the cross at about 3/4 of the length.

2. Now do another pair. Make sure the two Xs come out as identical as possible to one another, for maximum stability. Don’t worry about excess wood. You can trim it off later.

3. Connect the two Xs with a horizontal stick, using both screws and glue.

4. Leave an extra 4-5" sticking from one side, for the kit box housing the Arduino.

That's it! Now you're ready to dress it up (I used pool noodles) and add the giant bubble blowing workings.