DIY Life

This homemade metal detector is one of the easiest projects I've seen. All you need is an AM radio, tape, and a calculator. You don't have to take anything apart or follow any complicated directions, all you do is tune the radio, stick them together and let the reaction happen. As your device moves close to the metal object the radio waves from the calculator reflect off the metal and are heard as a loud beeping on the radio. The beep is intensified as you move closer to the metal object just as it would on a commercial metal detector.

Hack together one of these next time you're searching for a hidden treasure, or just give it a try for fun. The video results are impressive and it uses materials you have, takes little time, and is super simple.

When most people think of camping they imagine a few nights of sleeping outdoors in a state or provincial park, hiking during the day, and roasting marshmallows and drinking by the fire at night. To others this sounds like a poor excuse for "roughing it," and they are not at all satisfied by regular camping. Some people want extreme survivor type experiences where they are actually battling the elements and challenging themselves to the fullest, both physically and emotionally. If you're one of these people, your season is coming. Start planning now for winter snow camping.

Snow camping takes a lot more preparation, and carries harsh impacts for those who plan poorly. If you're planning on trying this out for the first time, it's wise to get some expert advice, especially when it comes to packing. This checklist is a great resource, listing off all the snow camping essentials. Each category has an abundance of items listed under it. It is a very thorough list so be sure to check it out in its entirety. Here are the main headings:

Do you remember Heathkit? Hard to miss them if you happened upon a copy of Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, or any number of magazines in the 70's, including Rolling Stone. Heathkit once sold DIY kits of all stripes, designed to teach you electronics while you built consumer electronics. TV repair, HAM radio, ultimately even calculators and robotics were all packaged and promoted by the venerable supplier. Heathkit today is largely an educational supplier, and doesn't market to the average consumer like they used to. One could argue, with the ready supply of cheap electronics from all over the world, are people really interested in DIY electronics? Based on what I've seen from companies like Bug Lags and CrowdSpirit, I certainly hope not.

At any rate, I found a neat site that is an homage to an earlier time, when Heathkit's bread-and-butter was the DIY electronics gizmo-- the Heathkit Museum. Unfortunately I couldn't find any 70's era kits at this particular museum, the stuff I remember, and nothing on what may be the coolest Heathkit of all: the HERO robot. But there is a pretty good timeline of Heathkit's evolution here. Heathkit turned 60 this year, which is pretty outstanding, given the changing tastes of our electronic lifestyles.

I drive a Ford Expedition with over 200,000 miles on it (248,327 to be exact) -- yes, you read right -- and even though it's still in excellent condition, a new stereo for this vehicle is really out of the question (or at least it should be.) I would however still love to listen to my new iPod Nano while heading out to the grocery store or while picking up my kids from baseball camp or rather just to pass the time when stuck on the Jersey turnpike.

My dilemma: WIRED magazine says that the simple FM adapters blow. Their solution: Install an auxiliary jack to plug directly into your MP3 player.

Here's how:

1. RIP IT OUT. Most dash panels attach with screws or clips, so if you can't find screws, try pulling carefully or prying at the sides with a flat-head screwdriver. Wrap the tip with tape to avoid scratches.
2. FIND AUX INPUT. Most after-market stereos have RCA jacks -- those red and white female connectors -- at the back for hooking up extra audio sources. Some factory-installed ones have them for a CD changer or satellite radio input.
   
3. INSTALL A CABLE. Get a Y cable (also known as a RCA-to-1/4" mini stereo cable). This will connect those RCA jacks to your iPod's 3.5-mm stereo jack. Also works with non-iPod mp3 players.
   
4. FIND YOUR SPOT. Plug the cable into the RCA jacks and snake the plug to a convenient location -- like the glove box. They suggest not drilling holes if you ever want to sell the car. -- Good advice.
   
5. PUT IT BACK. Replace the dash panel. Be careful not to crimp the new wires.
   

All things considered ... It might just be easier to buy a new car.