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 Build Your Own LED QR Code
Instead of a decoder ring, it takes a smartphone to read the secret messages hidden in a Quick Response (QR) code. These splotchy squares are popping up everywhere -- even on the roof of Facebook headquarters. Designed to eliminate the need for a keyboard, QR codes typically direct readers to websites, phone numbers or addresses. Jameco Product Manager Ryan Winters took the QR concept to the next level by designing an expandable, programmable LED QR code. Best of all, it’s really cool looking.
Unlock the secret behind the QR message.
Electronics IQ: Circuit Symbols Quiz
Do you know what these electronic circuit symbols stand for? Let us know how smart you are!
Test your electronics IQ.
 My Story: The Electric Bike
Robert Eastman often struggles with finding a good project during the long Maine winters, but his story about converting his bicycle into an electric bike was enough to warm any do-it-yourselfer. The highlight of the build was his treasure hunt for components, but now his battery powered bike is turning lots of heads.
Learn how Eastman electrified his ride.
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Cool Briefs from Club Jameco
Briefs are projects under development. Go to Club Jameco to vote and comment on your favorite projects!
Quadcopter
By: RoboGenius
The Quadcopter uses various sensors to keep it steady. On the bottom of the Quadcopter is an ultrasonic sensor to maintain the height off the ground. It uses an Arduino mini and the Wii motion plus. The software is open source.
Dark Spot Light
By: TeeGee
The Dark Spot Light is an automated light for any closet, cabinet or drawer that is activated when the door is opened. Features auto-off to preserve the batteries and extension units to allow lighting of multiple shelves from one master device.
Portlet Programmable Outlet
By: MightyThor
This device is powered by the outlet and can control two outlets with mechanical relays. There are buttons and an LCD for user feedback, and two thermocouple inputs for accurate temperature control. This simple and versatile device is more flexible than current options (like X11 or PID controllers). It can be standalone or hooked into a network and has temperature integration.
Review more Briefs and let us know what's your favorite!
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Club Jameco Project: Cyclops Walkbot
Designed by: BobTwiggs
Club Jameco will quickly become the definitive source for every imaginable electronics project under the sun. Here’s one of the first customer designs by BobTwiggs. The Cyclops Walkbot is a fun and fast table-top bot. This is a beginner level project perfect for a supervised young hobbyist. The kit builds a little critter with a vibrating motor that gives it a happy hop.
Simple Cyclops Walker Build.
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 What's An Idea Worth?
Many of Jameco’s customers know a lot about designing new technology. There are things like copyrights and patents to protect intellectual property, but there is no way to effectively protect a business idea. That makes ideas all but worthless.
Jameco has seen its ideas mimicked and copied over the years by competitors. While flattering, flattery doesn’t pay the bills. Instead of getting mad, however, we decided to get even and found a way for your ideas to make some money for you.
Read about Jameco’s original idea borrowed from others.
If you have an idea that you would like to share with Jameco, please drop me a note. I read and respond to all my mail (although vacations slow me down).
Regards,
Greg Harris
Vice President, Marketing
Jameco Electronics
Greg@Jameco.com
 Workshops, Workbenches and Storage, Oh My!
The saying, “begin at the beginning” is never more true than in the workshop. As professionals and hobbyists alike know, the workbench is where it all begins – where the magic happens. Take a virtual tour of Jameco customer Andy Frey’s workshop. It's highly organized for its tight space and it may give you some ideas to incorporate into your own work space!
Did your workshop make it to our updated Workshop Hall of Fame?
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