How-To Guides from Gadget Hacks: Page 155

The transistor has changed the world since 1947, and the old point contact transistor isn't the scientific darling it's always been. It's still vital to the modern world though, and in this video you'll learn how to make your own point contact transistor with germanium and phosphor bronze contacts.

Learn how to create a custom widget to use on your WordPress 3.0 blog or website. Every version of WordPress brings with it new features, new functions and new ways of doing things. Fortunately, the very same technology that allows an open-source blog publishing application like WordPress to exist in the first place also makes it easy for its users to share information about the abovesaid things through videos like this one. Take a look.

The phase-shift oscillator is one of the most common electronic parts, used in all sorts of mostly noise-making devices. If you like electrical engineering and new a new project, watch this video to learn how to make a phase-shift oscillator out of a single transistor, resistors, and capacitors.

If you are the proud owner of a laser cutter, you had better be careful with your expensive new toy. Some materials can damage the optics in your laser or produce poisonous gas when you cut them, so you need to make a gas containment chamber to work in. Watch this video to find out how to do that out of silicon wafer, silicone sealant, and a metal cookie tin lid.

For most synth players the goal is to acquire legendary pieces of 1980's gear with great amounts of money or luck. Why bother when you can make your own direct digital synthesizer (DDS) at home? Watch this video to learn how to make a DDS out of common electrical parts that will make a phat Theramin sound.

Triboluminescence is the quality that makes a substance emit light when you crush, smash, hit, or otherwise break it's molecular bonds. If you want some triboluminescent (smash-glow) crystals, watch this video to learn how to make some out of a battery, glowpaint, and fire.

Electrical engineering is a math-heavy business, and you're certainly not alone if you're studying it and having trouble with the math. Watch this video for a very cogent explanation of a simplified method for calculating resistor dividers in a circuit.

Learn how to make changes to your public profile on WordPress.com. Every version of WordPress brings with it new features, new functions and new ways of doing things. Fortunately, the very same technology that allows an open-source blog publishing application like WordPress to exist in the first place also makes it easy for its users to share information about the abovesaid things through videos like this one. Take a look.

If you're scared of using public Wi-Fi networks with Firesheep out and about, then maybe you should fight back. Don't switch to another web browser— keep using Firefox safely with the help of a new Firefox Add-on that combats Firesheep's password stealing capabilities. It's called BlackSheep, and when installed and running, it will alert you whenever Firesheep is active on your network connection.

Watch this amazing USB Bluetooth adapter hack from Kipkay. It's easy and effective, plus it will work with other wireless devices, too. Bluetooth works on a 2.4GHz short wavelength radio frequency, but it's only effective over short distances. Well, Kipkay's going to show you how to increase the range by swapping out the antenna in the bluetooth adapter with a HyperGain 2.4GHz high performance antenna.

If you use Facebook more than you probably should, then you may have noticed all of those emails they send you. You'll get one when somebody comments on your wall, when someone comments on a comment you wrote on somebody else's comment, when somebody comments on a photo someone else tagged you in, when some… well, you get the idea… a LOT of freaking emails!

Did you know that electroluminescent (EL) wire is considered by some to be the currency of Burning Man? If you're thinking of going and want to stock up before (smart) watch this video featuring EL whiz Jeri Ellsworth (smarter) teaching you how to make DIY EL wire.

EL wire is known as the Currency of Burning Man, and it's potential to create beautiful light in all sorts of settings is amazing. If you're tired of buying it and want to stock up on some DIY EL wire (which is more in the spirit of Burning Man anyway right?) watch this video to learn how to twist enamel and bare wire together to make your EL wire.

Electroluminescent substances have become more and more popular lately in all kinds of projects, from toy glasses to EQ t-shirts. They allow you to create incredibly thin circuits that can be silkscreened onto a clear flat substance. Watch this video to learn how to layer circuits and EL wire and ink to make thin, flexible light-up displays like the one inthe video.

This brief, official guide from the Google Chrome team demystifies the Google Chrome developer tools timeline panel. For more information, including a detailed overview, and to get started using the Chrome dev tools timeline panel yourself, watch this video tutorial.

In this brief, official guide from the Chromium team, we learn how to measure the execution time and memory usage of a web app with Google Chrome's built-in developer tools. For all of the details, and to get started profiling the efficiency of web apps for yourself, take a look.

In need of a quick orientation on how to use the elements and resources panel in the developer tools of the Google Chrome web browser? This brief, official video guide from the Google Chrome team will teach you everything you'll need to know.

In need of quick primer on how to get started using the Google Chrome dev tools? This brief, official video guide from the Google Chrome team will teach you everything you'll need to know. For all of the details, and to get started using Chrome's developer tools yourself, watch the clip.

Whether you're the proud owner of a Pantech Crux phone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video guide, which presents a general overview of how to set the phone up. For details, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to see what it takes to take photos and video on your own Pantech Crux, take a look.

Whether you're the proud owner of a Pantech Crux phone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video guide, which presents a general overview of how to set the phone up. For details, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to see what it takes to compose and read texts on a Pantech Crux, take a look.

Whether you're the proud owner of a Pantech Crux phone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video guide, which presents a general overview of how to set the phone up. For details, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to see what it takes to set custom wallpapers and ringtones (or ring tones) on your own Pantech Crux, take a look.

Whether you're the proud owner of a Pantech Crust phone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video guide, which presents a general overview of how to set the phone up. For details, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to see what it takes to set up a Crux yourself, take a look.

Did you know that Google Chrome has a feature called Incognito Mode that allows you to browse the web without having your history recorded or any cookies downloaded? It's perfect for shared computers, but by default you have to turn it on every time you open the browser. Watch this video to learn how to make Google Chrome default to Incognito Mode, removing one step between you and anonymous browsing.

Learn how to replicate the much-publicized iPhone lock-screen hack (before Apple patches it)! This hacker's how-to will teach you everything you need to know. For complete instructions, including a detailed, step-by-step overview, and to get started unlocking your friends iPhones, watch this video guide from Household Hacker.

The ZURBLog cleverly demonstrates how to make 3D video in 3 easy steps, using two iPod Nanos, some rubber bands and a yardstick.

Windows Phone 7 is just beyond the horizon, and is poised to be the finest mobile phone for gaming yet released. If you want to get a head start on making your own games for the Windows phone, watch this video for a walkthrough of making a shuffleboard game in Silverlight that will work on Windows Phone 7.

Need a hand figuring out how to install the Firesheep Firefox add-on on your Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC? This clip presents a complete walkthrough of the process. For all of the details, and to get started using the Firesheep cookie sniffer yourself, watch this hacker's how-to.

Ever wanted to hack your friends' Facebook accounts? With the Firesheep Mozilla Firefox browser add-on, it's easier than ever. Before you can use Firesheep to sniff account cookies, however, you'll need to download and install it. This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know.

Eager to try the Firesheep Firefox extension yourself? It stands to reason that you'll need to download and install it from its official GitHub page first. You'll find all the details, including easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on how to find and run the Firesheep XPI installer, in the clip. Get started capturing your friends' Facebook passwords with this video guide.

Firesheep! It's a good reason to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. But is it reason to stay off of open networks altogether? Certainly not! There are, in fact, a few simple steps you can take that will make you invulnerable to the malicious Firesheep Firefox addon. Learn how to protect yourself against Firesheep with this video guide.

Now available for download in the official App Store, Skyfire is a mobile web browser that converts Flash video to iPhone-friendly HTML5 on the fly. Because Apple has heretofore not supported Flash video, that's kind of a big deal! In this iPhone owner's guide, we learn how to use and navigate the various features of functions of the Skyfire smart browser. For all of the details, and to get started watching Flash video clips on your own iPhone 4, 3G or 3GS, iPad, iPod Touch or other iOS device,...

To use the information in this article you need a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch of any generation. It doesn't matter what version of the IOS you jailbroke it with - just make sure it is jailbroken. If you need help jailbreaking your iPhone WonderHowTo has plenty of tutorials. Otherwise, leave a comment and I'll help you out!

In this tutorial, we learn how to start a Twitter account. First, go to Twitter, then click on 'get started'. From here, fill in the blanks and hit 'create account'. After this, you can scan your e-mail contact list to see if anyone you know is on Twitter. Now you can personalize your account by going to the settings section and then adding a picture. You can also type in where you live, a short bio, and hometown information. Once finished, you can start to add friends to tweet with! This fun...

To test how fast your internet speed is an intermediate level skill. Start by picking an internet speed test. You can use Google or another search engine to find one. A service that is recommended in the video is DSLreports. This site does not require you to know a lot of information about your service. To test your speed start by picking a city that is near to you. Then shut down all tabs and every application that you have running. It's important to do this on every computer on your...

In this video, we learn how to use the ring/silent switch on your iPhone. First, you will find the switch which is on the side of the phone. This will allow you to turn your notifications on or off. Simply flick the switch until you see an orange dot, which means it's off. If you wish to receive vibration alerts, you can tap on settings, then sounds, then you can turn the vibrate section as either off or on. This is important, because if vibrate is off and the silent mode is on, you won't...

In this tutorial we learn how to text message with the Blackberry 8330. Start on the main menu and then click on the messages icon. From here, you will click on the menu key on your keyboard. From here, scroll down and choose the "compose sms" selection. Next, you will choose who you want to send the message to from your contacts, or choose a number you want to send it to just one time. After this, you will type in your message. Once you're done typing in your message, click on the menu key and...

In this tutorial, we learn how to solder a 0603 LED. First you will get a business card or card with a piece of masking tap. Then, place our LED on the masking tape and apply posts to it. From here, you will apply some solder to the LED as well. Make sure you apply enough pressure to the LED so it will not pop up. Use just small touch of solder and put it on the top of the iron. Touch both sides of the contact and you will have enough solder on the LED. This will finished your soldering, just...

Internet Download Manager (IDM) is a tool to increase download speeds by up to 10 times, resume and schedule downloads. Have you ever wanted to increase you download speed form 4kps to 80kps? If you answered yes then you need Internet Download Manager. It can and will increase your download speed so you can get the files you want quicker and easier than ever before.

In this tutorial, we learn how to solder for cheap. Start out by forming the wire to get it ready to solder. The trick here is to create some tension between the two ends, do this by going back and forth hitting the wires. Now, grab a torch and start to flex the wire while holding it in front of the open flame. After this, grab some of the flux you keep in a bottle and apply it to the piece. Continue to apply heat to the wire until it turns cherry red, then apply the solder with the connection....

In this tutorial, we learn how to block a website using a Linksys Router. First, go to your web browser and type in "192.168.1.1" into the address bar. After this, you will need to enter in your username and password to the pop up window. From here, go to the tab that says "access restrictions" and look for where it says "policy name". Type in 'blocked website' to the bar and then click 'enable'. From here, go down to the bottom of the page and enter in the URL of the website you want to block....