• LTAR Display

    I love the lazer tag augmented reality (LTAR) tagger.  When playing unhosted grab and go game types, your choices are between the LTAR and the LTX taggers for 25 health gametypes.  The LTAR handles much nicer in my opinion, but without an iphone the LTAR lacks any indicator of health / shields remaining during gameplay. To solve this, I wrote some software to put on my existing ammo counter circuit.  The software allows my circuit to sync with the LTAR during gameplay, or at least anticipate an accurate count of health and shields remaining.  This post will serve as a guide of assembling the ammo counter circuit, modifying the LTAR, and…

  • Halloween Yard Display: Alien Spaceship Crash

    History: I moved to a new neighborhood over a year ago, and as Halloween 2012 approached I quickly found out that tricker treating participation on my block is very low.  Standing on the street, I looked up the street and down, seeing two other neighbors aside from myself with porch lights on.  Overall, the street was dark and parents didn’t lead their kids down my street.  This all resulted in me counting less than 10 kids to my door, and me with leftover candy. Sad face. Halloween 2012: Yard Display The graveyard from last year was great and I got plenty of compliments for the clever names (written by my…

  • Cortana Dog Tags Revisited

    Next batch of cortana blanks are in and they look fantastic!  This is a new black and silver design, previously was purple and gold.  Click here to order a Cortana Dog Tag!   Next picture is a comparison of a purple cortana (populated) vs the black cortana (blank).

  • Cortana Dog Tags

    In preparation for Halo 5, I am proud to announce the availability of Cortana Dog Tags! If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, check it out here~! The Dog Tags are in the store under Blank Cortana Circuit.  Select the option to add dog tags and you will get a custom engraved dogtag, chain, and a eagle sticker! Updated July 6, 2013: Wow, thanks for the enthusiasm everyone. Cortana dogtags are sold out, there is a 3 week wait on the next batch.   Click images for high res.

  • Recipe: Boneless Chicken Wings

    I have been trying to wrap my head around these delicious chunks of chicken for a few years. After a half dozen attempts, I have it almost perfect.  The exact measurement of ingredients is less important than technique to achieve the correct texture of the batter.  Can now enjoy them at home for twice the effort and half the cost :) Time: 45 mins Cooking Tools: Large Tupperware with Lid Frying pan Tongs Whisk Paper Towels Baking sheet or oven safe bowl 1 Gallon Plastic Zipper Bag (can also use another large Tupperware) Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast 1/4 – 1/2 liter vegetable oil 8 Tbs corn starch 1/2 cup flour 2 tsp…

  • End of life on Current ammo counters

    Stock has been updated in the store, when the current ammo counters are gone there will not be more. Pending redesign. Reasoning: I went to reorder display parts today and found that my display of choice is no longer being manufactured. The alternate display I’ve prepared is more expensive, I won’t be selling many of those. Looking forward: There are other cheaper and plentiful displays available, however they are not pin compatible with my current design of ammo counters.  A new design is mandatory to use these new displays. On the bright side: I am now offering LED holders in the store.  These faux chrome holders are for the 10mm…

  • Marvel Arc Reactor Shirt: Modification

    I have dabbled with arc reactor costuming before, so when I learned of an official licensed arc reactor shirt from Marvel I jumped at the opportunity.  What I got was a good product.  Plenty bright to be seen behind a black shirt.  The arc reactor runs on AAA batteries and is velcro removable for washing the shirt. I bought mine from ThinkGeek for $30. The only problem I found with the shirt was the shirt itself.  The arc reactor is not heavy but is enough that it pulls down the collar of the shirt, making it sit awkward on your chest.  In addition, the shirt wasn’t comfortable.  I wear a large, so I ordered a…

  • Outdoor Movie Screen

    As all the worst stories begin, I found myself on pintrest and stumbled onto a new project.  Hosting movies in my backyard with a projector.  The idea is not so far fetched, movie goers have loved watching their entertainment outdoors throughout history. Nostalgia, etc. I did some research into the idea and pre-built screen kits.  The cheapest pre-build kits are on ebay.  It does not matter where you would purchase your kit online, none come with the poles.  Too big and expensive to ship.  Visiting the hardware store to look at PVC poles, I also look at connectors in the plumbing isle.  There I see all the parts that they…

  • New Sound Options in the Store

    I often get asked about offering sound functionality in my prop kits that I sell. As demonstrated by my energy sword design I had a solution for sound, but it was not a solution that I could extend to my cheaper kits. Sound is hard, not just hard but expensive. Till now. Introducing the 300 second USB recording module from <a href=”http://www.electronics123.com/300-second-usb-recording-module.html”>electronics123.com</a>. I have fully inregrated their sound module into the Backlit Ammo Counter offered in my store via an adapter circuit. The sound module can also be used stand alone, but you do not need me for that, go buy one from Electronics123! They are good folks. The need…

  • Let’s talk about luck

    Luck can be quantified. Each person has a set max amount of luck they can carry with them, and a set flow rate that their luck is replenished. A person throughout the day uses there luck all the time, without even realizing it.  Each time you take a risk, big or small, you use a portion of your luck reserves. Here is where people run into problems. Using too much luck creates a luck deficit, this is the cause of bad luck. A person who presses their luck all the time with a risky lifestyle will find themselves out of luck when they really need it. Don’t worry too much…