Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
See the full, free guide on Instructables: instructables.com/Droid-Style-RC-Animatronics-Using-Bottango-and-ESP
Here's the Kame32 project by Javier Isabel that inspired this project (and is used for the leg and torso of this design): javierih.com/robots/kame32
Here's the Comet Crawler project by Odd_Jayy that also served as inspiration: digikey.com/en/maker/projects/how-to-build-a-diy-comet-crawler-robot/b2b8a57bd0594b3d88507aaf84173966
Watch our weekly show Maker Update on the DigiKey YouTube channel: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBQazB0HUyRcKZjZi2zkoExhDlJFvLFR
See the full, free guide on Instructables: instructables.com/Droid-Style-RC-Animatronics-Using-Bottango-and-ESP
Here's the Kame32 project by Javier Isabel that inspired this project (and is used for the leg and torso of this design): javierih.com/robots/kame32
Here's the Comet Crawler project by Odd_Jayy that also served as inspiration: digikey.com/en/maker/projects/how-to-build-a-diy-comet-crawler-robot/b2b8a57bd0594b3d88507aaf84173966
Watch our weekly show Maker Update on the DigiKey YouTube channel: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBQazB0HUyRcKZjZi2zkoExhDlJFvLFR
![Sun Powered CNC [Maker Update #30]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDejLQxcVo0/mqdefault.jpg "Sun Powered CNC [Maker Update #30]
This week, an all natural laser engraver, a fume-free portable workstation, 3D printed Lego tape, and a collection of vintage Mac software you can use in your browser. This weeks Cool Tool is Knipex Cutters: http://amzn.to/2onGa20
Expanded show notes: http://wp.me/p7HjS6-bE
Kitty Car Update
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kitty-grabs-back-electric-gokart-racing#/
Projects
Solar Draw by rabbitcreek
https://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Draw/
Stepper Motor Screw with Nut Slider
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Phases-4-Wires-DC-4-9V-18-Degrees-Drive-Stepper-Motor-Screw-with-Nut-Slider-/222027233255
Fume Extractor by I Like to Make Stuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNbNKMQhCOQ
Cool Tools Minute
Knipex High Leverage Cutters
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2onGa20
Adam Savage review: http://kk.org/cooltools/knipex-high-leverage-cutters/
This weeks Cool Tools podcast:
Simone Giertz
http://kk.org/cooltools/simone-giertz-robot-maker-and-youtuber/
Tools/Tips
Tips of the Week: Shop Vac Digging, Know Your Bolts, and Arranging Your Drivers
http://makezine.com/2017/04/14/tips-of-the-week-shop-vac-digging-know-your-bolts-and-arranging-your-drivers/
Patterns Collection - for Bending Rigid Materials by CncFactory
http://www.instructables.com/id/Patterns-Collection-for-Bending-Rigid-Materials/
3D Printed Lego Tape
https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-lego-tape/overview
Internet Archive Brings 80s and 90s Mac Programs Back to Life
http://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/gaming/a26119/internet-archive-brings-old-macintosh-products-back-to-life/
https://archive.org/details/softwarelibrary_mac
Maker Faires http://makerfaire.com/map/
New Orleans Mini Maker Faire New Orleans, Louisiana
Maker Faire Sachsen Chemnitz
Maker Faire Burlington Burlington, North Carolina
Maker Faire Westport Westport, Connecticut
Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Red Deer Mini Maker Faire Red Deer, Alberta
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
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Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Robots, Skulls and Middle Fingers [Maker Update #03]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iCeBkPLlr-Y/mqdefault.jpg "Robots, Skulls and Middle Fingers [Maker Update #03]
This week on Maker Update, a robot dog that probably won’t kill you, a skull made out of string, a lamp made out of veneer, and ways to measure things with parts of your body.
Show Notes
Project of the Week
Worlds Smallest MAME cabinet (Philip Burgess)
https://learn.adafruit.com/worlds-smallest-mame-arcade-cabinet
News
Ghost Robotics $10k Minitaur robot
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/ghost-robotics-minitaur-quadruped
Projects
Veneer Lamp (Gluekoza)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Veneer-Lamp-1/
Sugar Skull String Art (Nerehma)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Sugar-Skull-String-Art/
Tools/Tips
Body Ruler (via Gareth)
http://www.vendian.org/mncharity/dir3/bodyruler/
PiBakery
http://www.pibakery.org/
Events
The Deconstruction
http://thedeconstruction.org/manifesto/
Maker Faires
http://makerfaire.com/map/
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Project Power [Maker Update #61]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ixFuppvvRRs/mqdefault.jpg "Project Power [Maker Update #61]
This week, a solar-powered plant monitor, Dale and Naomi make up, a macro for your GoPro, and Make’s desktop fabrication guide. The Cool Tool this week is the DLI IoT Relay: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00WV7GMA2/ctmakerupdate-20
++Show Notes++
Advanced Project
Solar Soil Moisture Meter With ESP8266 by bekathwia
https://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Soil-Moisture-Meter-With-ESP8266/
News
Dale and Naomi Make Up
https://makezine.com/2017/11/19/apology-to-naomi-wu/
https://twitter.com/RealSexyCyborg/status/932363497647751168
More Projects
DIY Action Cam Macro Lens by JON-A-TRON
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Action-Cam-Macro-Lens/
Cool Tools Minute
http://cool-tools.org
DLI IoT Relay
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00WV7GMA2/ctmakerupdate-20
Tools/Tips
Make: Desktop Fabrication Guide is out
Visual 3D Print Finishing Guide by Tom Nardi
https://hackaday.com/2017/11/15/visual-3d-print-finishing-guide/
How to Use Pepakura for Armor Making by Waynes Workshop
https://blog.adafruit.com/2017/11/17/how-to-use-pepakura-for-armor-making/
USB-A Male Plug to 5-pin Terminal Block
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3628
Look for Black Friday sales from Pololu, Sparkfun, and Adafruit
https://www.pololu.com/blackfriday2017
https://www.sparkfun.com/BFCMSale2017
Maker Faires
http://makerfaire.com/map/
Make Faire Galicia Spain
Lviv Mini Maker Faire Ukraine
Pleasant Prairie Mini Maker Faire USA
Kuala Lumpur Mini Maker Faire Malaysia
Get Maker Update weekly emails (w/bonus links!)
http://eepurl.com/cCJF21
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Power Tool Tachometer [Maker Update #42]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jb3eijXzBTw/mqdefault.jpg "Power Tool Tachometer [Maker Update #42]
This week,, Pterodactyl automata, a tachometer for your tools, Hackaday Superconference, understanding screws, and making better projects. This week’s Cool Tool is poster putty https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BKQDB4/ctmakerupdate-20
SHOW NOTES
(extended notes available here: http://wp.me/p7HjS6-g1)
Projects
Pterodactyl, Pseudo Style by Greg Zumwalt
https://www.instructables.com/id/Pterodactyl-Pseudo-Style/
Pro Trinket Tachometer by Bill Earl
https://learn.adafruit.com/pro-trinket-tachometer/overview
News
New Make: magazine (v58)
http://makezine.com/2017/07/09/twim-magazine-volume-58-first-maker-share-mission/
Hackaday Superconference tickets on sale
http://hackaday.com/2017/07/10/hackaday-superconference-tickets-and-proposals/
Cool Tools Minute
http://cool-tools.org
Poster Putty
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BKQDB4/ctmakerupdate-20
5 Fantastic Uses for Poster Putty article by Gareth Branwyn on Make:
http://makezine.com/2016/07/09/5-fantastic-uses-poster-putty/
Tools/Tips
Collin Cunningham on Cool Tools Podcast
http://kk.org/cooltools/collin-cunningham-creative-engineer-at-adafruit-industries/
Screws: What You Need to Know by Essential Craftsman (Scott Wadsworth)
https://youtu.be/N3jG5xtSQAo
Tips of the Week: Tool Layout, Parachute Bags, Glove-Love, and Bendy Sticks
http://makezine.com/2017/07/07/tips-of-the-week-5/
Beckys Project Documentation Tips
https://www.instructables.com/id/5-Tips-for-Documenting-DIY-Projects/
Maker Events
http://makerfaire.com/map/
Maker Faire Bodensee Friedrichshafen
Maker Faire Xian Xian, Shaanxi
Waterbury Mini Maker Faire Waterbury, Vermont
Dublin Maker http://www.dublinmaker.ie/
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Revenge of the Fish [Maker Update #40]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jz5V__Rvzyc/mqdefault.jpg "Revenge of the Fish [Maker Update #40]
This week on Maker Update: how to give a fish a hammer, Intel gives up, Raspbian gets an update, Printrbot tries for infinite Z, a love letter to gaffer tape, and a better way to trim a zip-tie. This week’s featured Cool Tool is Gaffer Power Gaffer Tape: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01DFNNE7Y/ctmakerupdate-20
Show Notes
(Extended show notes available here: http://wp.me/p7HjS6-fx)
Advanced Project of the Week
Fish Hammer Actuation Device by neilmendoza
https://www.instructables.com/id/Fish-Hammer-Actuation-Device/
News
INTEL Discontinues Joule, Galileo, and Edison Product Lines
http://hackaday.com/2017/06/19/intel-discontinues-joule-galileo-and-edison-product-lines/
Raspbian Update https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/a-raspbian-desktop-update-with-some-new-programming-tools/
PrintrBot PrintrBelt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaycGSPEv38
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsHptT5x7fg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQY0iIToW0&t=0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp_zlJSb5o0
DIYode Magazine
https://diyodemag.com/
Cool Tools Minute
http://cool-tools.org
Gaffer Power Gaffer Tape 2 Inch X 30 Yards
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01DFNNE7Y/ctmakerupdate-20
Gaffer Power Gaffer Tape 3 Inch X 30 Yards - Black
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01FZXLN5C/ctmakerupdate-20
Gaffer Tape Review by Monty Zukowski 10/6/03
http://kk.org/cooltools/gaffers-tape/
Tools/Tips
Twisting Zip-Ties to Cut Them (via Make)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqIJcgxEZMQ
http://makezine.com/2017/06/23/tips-of-the-week-cordless-tool-battery-hack-3d-printing-sanding-grips-and-the-orbital-sawing-stroke/
Instructables Contests Ending Soon
http://www.instructables.com/contest/
Maker Faires
http://makerfaire.com/map/
Institute of Imagination Mini Maker Faire London
Maker Faire Detroit Dearborn, Michigan
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Zip-Tie Lamps, ESP32, and a Monster Detector [Maker Update]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kCKUoYB8OqQ/mqdefault.jpg "Zip-Tie Lamps, ESP32, and a Monster Detector [Maker Update]
Weekly news from the maker universe.
News from this episode...
ESP32 Released
http://hackaday.com/2016/09/05/new-part-day-the-esp32-has-been-released/
Projects in this episode...
Zip Tie Starlight lamp:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Zip-Tie-Starlight/?ALLSTEPS
Solar Powered Fairy House:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Fairy-House/?ALLSTEPS
Hot Wire Foam Cutter:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-Hot-Wire-Foam-Cutter/?ALLSTEPS
Monster Detector:
http://makezine.com/projects/monster-detector/
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Heartbeat Lights [Maker Update #32]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lh7STi1x_VQ/mqdefault.jpg "Heartbeat Lights [Maker Update #32]
This week, lights that synchronize with your heartbeat, a $30 synthesizer kit, cardboard pinball, modified NERF guns, Pi shims, and a good, fast wood finish. Our Cool Tool is this heat shrink kit http://amzn.to/2oQLPO0
Show Notes
(Full show notes with photos: http://makerprojectlab.com/heartbeat-lights-maker-update-32/)
Support my Indiegogo Fundraiser
https://igg.me/at/K0qz3q4ABFk/x/16196059
Advanced Project
Collins Lab: Pulse Room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nkrAPfqf20
Pulse Sensor
https://pulsesensor.com/products/pulse-sensor-amped
News
ArduTouch is an all-in-one Arduino synthesizer learning kit for $30
http://cdm.link/2017/04/ardutouch-one-arduino-synthesizer-learning-kit-30/
http://cornfieldelectronics.com/cfe/projects.php
ULTiM8x8
https://hackaday.io/project/21430-ultim8x8
https://www.crowdsupply.com/maniacal-labs-wyolum/ultim8x8
New Pinbox 3000
https://www.pinbox3000.com/
My Original Pinbox 3000 Review
http://makezine.com/2016/02/09/building-pinbox-3000-cardboard-pinball-machine/
Recent PinBox hacks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ZiXTzyP-c
More Projects
Nerf Gun LED Light Mods by Scott McCulley
https://learn.adafruit.com/n3rfgun?view=all
Pokemon Planter by Flowalistik
https://blog.adafruit.com/2017/04/27/pokemon-planter-by-flowalistik/
Heat-Shrink Raspberry Pi Zero W by leefiles
https://blog.adafruit.com/2017/04/28/heat-shrink-raspberry-pi-zero-w-raspberrypi/
Cool Tools Minute
http://cool-tools.org
Deluxe 200-piece Color Coded Heat Shrink Tubing
http://amzn.to/2oQLPO0
Thank you for using this link to support this show and the Cool Tools blog and podcast.
Tools/Tips
PiMoroni On/Off Shim
https://shop.pimoroni.com/collections/new-products/products/onoff-shim
Easy Wood Finish by Make Something
https://youtu.be/dhnVKWyp1UU
Maker Faires
http://makerfaire.com/map/
Stark Mini Maker Faire Canton, Ohio
Greater Newark Mini Maker Faire Newark, New Jersey
Chicago Northside Mini Maker Faire Chicago, Illinois
Athens Mini Maker Faire Athens
Hampton Roads Mini Maker Faire Hampton, Virginia
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Tiki Volcanoes & Double Pendulums [Maker Update #24]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mURrW53F46M/mqdefault.jpg "Tiki Volcanoes & Double Pendulums [Maker Update #24]
This week on Maker Update: glow in the dark chaos, a workstation for electronic forensics, a tiki bar basement volcano, cases for your knobs, and maker classes. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
SHOW NOTES
Projects
Pendulus by Make Anything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ1hF cubA
https://www.devinmontes.com/pendulus
https://www.instructables.com/id/The-Chaos-Machine-Double-Pendulum/
PCB Workstation w/Crane Arms
https://blog.adafruit.com/2017/03/03/updated-pcb-workstation-with-crane-arms-3dprinting/
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2111631
Older version
http://makezine.com/projects/3d-print-the-ultimate-helping-hands-for-a-pcb-workstation/
Basement Volcano
https://blog.adafruit.com/2017/03/03/basement-volcano-for-tiki-bar-made-with-neopixels-and-raspberry-pi-piday-raspberrypi-raspberry_pi/
https://vixenlabs.com/2016/02/22/kilauea-cove-build-part-1/
Tools/Tips
Latest MagPi Magazine is out #55
https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/issues/55/
New issue of Make hitting Newsstands
3D Printed Cases for Electronic Components
https://www.hackster.io/circuito-io-team/fun-cases-for-electronic-components-94b7db
Free Instructables Classes
https://www.instructables.com/classes/
Theres Even a Class on Writing an Instructable
https://www.instructables.com/class/How-to-Write-an-Instructable-Class/
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
![Zoetrope Fidget Spinner [Maker Update #37]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n0y1_eKFUlw/mqdefault.jpg "Zoetrope Fidget Spinner [Maker Update #37]
This week on Maker Update, a zoetrope and a fidget spinner make a baby, an SLS printer from Formlabs, a Raspberry Pi weather chamber, component carnage, and a tiny OLED Pi screen. Our featured Cool Tool is the Hakko FX-901 cordless soldering iron: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00FZPUA28/ctmakerupdate-20
SHOW NOTES
(Full show notes available here: http://wp.me/p7HjS6-eW)
Advanced Project of the Week
Zoetrope Fidget Spinner by JON-A-TRON
https://www.instructables.com/id/Zoetrope-Fidget-Spinner/
News
Formlabs Announces Desktop SLS Printer, Automated Manufacturing System
http://makezine.com/2017/06/05/formlabs-fuse-1-form-cell/
https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/fuse-1/
More Projects
Storm Glass - the Weather Forecasting Lamp That Simulates Real Weather Conditions! by The Modern Inventor
https://www.instructables.com/id/Storm-Glass-the-Weather-Forecasting-Lamp-That-Simu/
Component Creatures by randofo
https://www.instructables.com/id/Component-Creatures/
Cool Tools Minute
http://cool-tools.org
Hakko FX-901 Soldering Iron
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00FZPUA28/ctmakerupdate-20
Tools/Tips
Tom Sachs Travel Kit (submitted by Andrew Cavette)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUtz4TvgzA3/
Tips of the Week: Big Wrench/Small Bolt, Organizing Screws, Mailbox Garden Tool Stash by Gareth Branwyn
http://makezine.com/2017/06/02/tips-of-the-week-2/
Pi Camera Focal Length Adjustment Tool
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3518
Adafruit PiOLED - 128x32 Monochrome OLED Add-on for Raspberry Pi
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3527
Announcements
Vacation mode activated next week
Kitty Grabs Back Build Diary
http://makerprojectlab.com/making-the-kitty-grabs-back-electric-go-kart/
Maker Faires
http://makerfaire.com/map/
Maker Faire Berlin Berlin
Maker Faire Paris Paris
Eastern Long Island Mini Maker Faire Port Jefferson, New York
Vancouver Mini Maker Faire Vancouver, British Columbia
Eugene Mini Maker Faire Eugene, Oregon
Manila Mini Maker Faire Bonifacio Global City
Castelo Branco Mini Maker Faire Castelo Branco
Hamilton Mini Maker Faire Hamilton, ON
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/c/makerprojectlab?sub_confirmation=1
Maker Update is a weekly video series that comes out every Wednesday morning, covering news, projects, tips, and events that will interest the maker and DIY community.
Find more online:
Blog: http://makerprojectlab.com
Facebook: http://fb.me/makerprojectlab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerprojectlab/
Send snail mail to:
Maker Project Lab
PO Box 1016
Alameda, CA 94501")
