Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

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Preface

I’ve researched the Web looking for

some of the legendary hardware

hacks that I’ve heard about. After col-

lecting the material for these hacks in

cooperation with the original develop-

ers, I tried to organize the informa-

tion in a way that will help you do

the hack yourself. At the beginning

of each chapter, I acknowledge work

and materials provided by other

developers.

Over the years I have continued to build new and fun toys for personal

enjoyment. More than half the fun is getting my hands dirty at a bench.

I’ve also come across a number of other projects that I consider fun and

interesting. This book contains an eclectic mix of my own hacks as well as

improvements upon other hacks that intrigued me. Although some of the

projects may not seem practical at first glance, the knowledge gained by

building each project can easily be applied to your own projects. The core

equipment from each project can easily be adapted for other uses.

If you have no background in electronics, you may want to first read through

Part I, Basic Hacks, Tools, and Techniques. It will help you become familiar

with the tools of the trade and some basic soldering techniques, which are

core to many of the hacks in the chapters that follow. I also present a list

of basic tools required for most projects. If you don’t have a hacking bench

set up already, you ...