Dual Screen Cell Phone

Dual monitors on a computer is great, I am not sure how beneficial they are on a cell phone though…

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Vending Machine Hack

 
Here is another way to rip off a vending machine. But just because it can be done doesn’t mean you should! You may remember some issues plaguing other vending machines. It seems that some of the vending machine companies need to hire a small team of people who just try to poke holes in the product before it goes to market.
Via: Gizmodo and TechEBlog

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NES Controlled Espresso Machine

 
If you like video games, this NES Espresso Machine allows you to wake up with caffeine and a game controller in your hand.
“I have long admired the pioneering work of Rancilio Silvia owners in modding their espresso machines. Here, I present my Silvia given a PIC 16F876 microcontroller brain, a 20 character VFD display, nintendo controller, three zero-crossing solid state relays, IC thermometer, laser cut acrylic top, cold cathode ground effects and shot light. This project has stretched out for quite some time, and will likely continue on as I pick away at it some more. But for now, the bulk of the first wave of coolness is complete.”
Via: Make

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ATM PIN Numbers Hacked?

You probably remember the Tranax ATM problems. The with the Tranax machines was due to a poor password system. This latest issue is with the security of ATM PIN number for the entire ATM network worldwide!
Here are some papers that have some detailed information about the exploit.
The unbearable lightness of PIN cracking (PDF)
Decimalisation Table Attacks for PIN Cracking (PDF)
API-Level Attacks on Embedded Systems (PDF)

“Researchers who work for an Israeli computer security company say they have discovered a fundamental weakness in the system that banks use to keep debit card PIN codes secret while they are transported across bank networks – a flaw that they say could undermine the entire debit card system.
Using the methods outlined by the researchers, a hacker could siphon off thousands of PIN codes and compromise hundreds of banks, said Odelia Moshe Ostrovsky, the report’s principal author. Criminals could then print phony debit cards and simultaneously […]

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Chinook Destructive Resonance Test

 
Popular Science Blog has an interesting article about a Chinook Helicopter ground resonance test. The videos are amazing! To learn more about ground resonance the chinook-helicopter site has some good reading and lots more videos of this bird in action.
“According to PopSci’s aviation expert, Bill Sweetman, helicopters are prone to resonant effects, which is why resonance ground testing (as seen in this video) is a standard part of chopper R&D. If both blades in a twin-rotor helicopter share the same heavy vibration and the engine mounts aren’t rock-solid, the energy generated can actually make the motors start moving around the engine mounts, and the next thing you know, that bird’s goose is cooked.
Ground Resonance is an aerodynamic phenomenon associated with fully-articulated rotor systems. “Ground” implies the airframe must be in contact with the ground. “Resonance” refers to the natural vibration frequency of the airframe resulting from the design and […]

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iPod Earrings

The iRing, for the geek girl that has everything.
“I introduce the iRings, which put simply is a pair of earbuds, mutilated and turned into a little girls (well atleast I hope) fashion statement. The iRings are not availible in stores yet, but how hard could it be to turn earbuds into iRings. Now before you go grab a pair of scissors and start cutting away, make sure you have an extra pair of headphones, because your earbuds, will not work anymore once they are cut.”
Via: MP3 Buzz

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Ruben’s Tube - Watch Music with Fire

 
After watching this video I have yet another project on the list of things to build. I think I would make it out of metal and use it outside on the patio instead of burning the standard torch lights!
“The classic physics experiment involving sound, a tube of propane and fire. Created for Flash Forward 2006, but useful in any case where you are not allowed to have fire. I push through the tube 449 Hz then higher frequencies, then some jazz and then some rock. This is real life sound visualization.”
Via: Make

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R/C Beetle Battle

 
The R/C Beetle Battle is one way to get rid of a bug phobia!
“Have you ever thought about to control your beetle fighting with friends. The Remote Controle Beetles let you and your friends to experience the Beetle’s Battle.”
Via: RedFerret

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USB Electric Barbeque

You can’t create very much resistive heat using a USB port. This all changes when you have 30! Barbeque anyone?
“Because you did the last time with just the USB1 port, it failed, but if it tries thinking, don’t you think? there is no reason which can do the fried egg by the electric power of 2.5W. If is it should have increased simply it is not? With being the case that it is said, we had decided to challenge 6 USB extended cards of 5 ports with the total 30 port.”
Via: BoingBoing and Make

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Ford Windstar Monster Van

Ever see a family van turn heads? This Ford Windstar is guaranteed to do just that!
“SPECS:
* Chevy 3/4 ton frame… shortened 12 inches
* 1995 Chevy 305 V8 … Edelbrock 4 barrel intake, quadrajet carb
* Turbo 350 trans…. internals new.. clutches, bearings,… mild shift kit
* 231 Transfer Case… full time 4wd with lockout hubs
* Dana heavy duty 3/4 axles
* Cooling system…. Oversized radiator from dodge V10 truck
* Rancho 4 inch reached springs in front… blocks in rear
* Block hugger headers
* custom brush guard, nerf bars, tube bumper
Interior is original with exception of doghouse for larger engine. Complete set of new Equis white phantom […]

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Treadmill Bike

 
Why walk on the ground when you can walk a treadmill bike.
“In extolling the benefits of the treadmill bicycle, the merchant says “Today’s urban landscape is increasingly dominated by large SUV’s and multilane roadways. The Treadmill Bike’s elevated running platform means you’ll be seen over the hood of even the most heinously overbuilt motor vehicle.” (Yes, the image of sitting in traffic on my treadmill bicycle with the large SUV’s in multi lanes of traffic makes me wiggle with excitement.)”
Via: Gizmodo

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