The Wii Remote has an infrared camera in the front that is normally watching for the infrared LEDs that are mounted in the sensor bar. This camera is actually quite sensitive and can be used for some cool things! Jcl5m has come up with a method that uses reflected IR light from small reflectors to provide the Minority Report style interaction.

Via: Hack a Wii

Carlos demonstrates how to build a simple IR detector. Looks like it could be done for a dollar or two.

“An IR signal is “seen” by a reverse biased IR diode which produced an electrical signal according to the light intensity. This signal is then amplified trough a transistor and used to power an ordinary LED. This means that the LED will light up when the IR diodes receives some IR light (from a TV remote for instance).”

Here is a creative way to carve your pumpkin next year! Have a look at this Instructable for more details.

“Pumpkin carving with the Tesla CD Turbine, Steampunk Edition. New design of the little turbine made from CD’s gets put to the test. Will the barely held on, magnetically-coupled, spinning Skilsaw blade, cut through the tough and messy flesh of the poor, tearful Pumpkin??”

Thanks Rick

Congratulation to the last contest winner.

I have got lots of good feedback for this flashlight, hope the winner enjoys it.

This contest will run for this weekend only (November 10- 11, 2007) . Ending time is based on central standard time. To enter, identify the item pictured above and give an example of what can be done with it. Please do not give the answer in the comments.

Send an email to contest @ hackedgadgets.com with “Name the Thing Contest” as the subject, and the message body consisting of:
* The name of the item in the above picture
* An example of what the item pictured above can be used for

The winner will be chosen at random from all of the correct entries.

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Added November 14, 2007

Thanks to all who entered.
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Below is a pictures of the prize.

This LEGO NXT robot is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor fireworks show. Just line it up and let it go.

“This autonomous NXT robot will light multiple fireworks in a sequence - while the family sits back and watch the display!!

It uses a MINDSTORMS NXT, two light sensors (one for navigation and other to detect a lighted fuse) and an Ultrasonic detector (to adjust the torch arm height depending on the height of the fireworks fuse wire. It uses three motors - two for motion and and the third for the torch arm elvator.”

Interested in Tech? Do you stumble across fantastic hacked creations and need a place to show off your cool finds? Why not write for Hacked Gadgets! If you think you are up for the challenge please click the Contact Us link in upper left. Please provide a sample of your work and why you would make a great Hacked Gadgets writer. If you are curious of the readership of this site have a look at some stats here.

Here are a few things that would be an asset (in no particular order):
* Passion for hacking things or a love of hacked stuff
* Time to write one to five articles per week
* Have interesting ideas for future contests
* Electronic background would be helpful (self taught or formal)
* Ability to write good English content

The Gamerator is one heck of a gaming machine… And just think when you get thirsty all you have to do is full your mug from the center of the game system!

“Introduce yourself to THE GAMERATOR … the ULTIMATE gaming machine in the world of home entertainment.

Pre-loaded with 187 licensed classic arcade games … the Gamerator has everything from Tecmo Bowl to Pac Man, Street Fighter to Galaga, and 180 more games in between (see below for full list). NOTE: Buyer will receive the original licensed copies of all games listed. These are not emulators or knock-offs, they are the original games.

Other Gamerator features include …

* A refrigerated interior capable of holding a pony keg of domestic beer

* A 24 inch flat screen television

* Two conveniently-placed cup holders to house your beverage while playing

In addition, the Gamerator can be fully customized to your particular needs. Virtually any video game system on the market (past or present) can be hooked up to the Gamerator … XBox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, NES, Genesis, etc. NOTE: Most gaming systems require an adaptor (not included) to use the dual joystick system, though all can be played with original system controllers. As is, the Gamerator runs using an XBox (adaptor included).”

Via: TheBBS