moving some junk

I recorded a couple motorized gadgets I put together with junk, tape, and rubberbands. They move very slow because of the weight of batteries. They are propelled by vibrations which is an easy way to build it (no gears) but not very effective.

modified toys hex bugs new level

When I stop and think about it, I've modified toys since I was young. The better word for it is customized. The custom cars were the ultimate but being too young and too broke I had fun with model cars and slot cars (note to self - post something about slot cars).

I have posted about the hex bug before. Most recently I found a new use for an old cellphone battery. Just crude modifications with a battery and LED. Here's that post.

I just found a site that takes hacking the hex bug to another whole level - say hexadecimal.

Now this looks more professional - but I still like my clown head.

Applied Inspirations offers the details of an extensive hex bug hack. So if you want more from your $10 hexbug take a look.

Now here's an idea - thinking of my last post about GPS - add GPS to the hex bug and map something. Of course the hexbug doesn't travel over uneven or soft surfaces.

Clown head keeps spinning

Been here before? Maybe you remember my first post on a modified toy.

After that, my wife happened to find this old toy with a clown head. That lead to the next modification (2.0 ??) check this if you like

Well putting it up on youtube and looking around the net, I discovered bristle bots. Do some searching you'll find many variations - here's a fairly large one. (quad bristle?)

Basically it's a fun way to reuse your toothbrush vs. cleaning toilets or whatever.

My first bristle bot attempt was not too stable. It moved a few inches and fell on its side. Then the idea of using a paper clip and a couple of brushes to form the TRI-BRISTLE. (like the outrigger idea for canoes)

So now I have combined the clown head and the bristle bot.

take apart recreate