Neural stimulators can cost thousands of dollars. But why buy them when you could build a StimJim for just $200? StimJim is a dual-channel open-source electric stimulator that combines both function generation and electrical isolation. It has two electrically isolated output channels capable of generating up to +-3mA or +-15V pulses as short as 20 […]
Category: DIY
Cheap Silicone Rubber Sealants
Labrigger has a terrific post about replacing the Kwik-Cast platinum-cure silicone elastomer ($106 for 5 mL) with Body Double Fast Set at ($30 for 400 ml). Depending on your dispensary needs, you might want to purchase a 400mL preloaded dispenser cartridge directly from smooth-on which goes with a dispenser gun for $70. Or buy a […]
MicrobeMeter: A cheap Turbidimeter
MicrobeMeter is a compact turbidimeter designed to measure aerobic and anaerobic microbial growth dynamics. A formal description of the device is available on bioRxiv. You can buy one pre-assembled for $600, or you can assemble it yourself for $420. You can also download the design for non-commercial use for free if you register with humanetechnologies. […]
The Wally120 OpenKnit Machine
Inspired by the work of Sabetta Matsumoto and Julianna Abel, we have been looking at programmable automatic knitting machines on the cheap. Several scientists research the creation of unique metamaterials by programming them with lattices of slip-knots, a process colloquially known as knitting. A low-end industrial programmable knitting machine, from Shima Seiki costs between $90,000 […]
Precision for $100: The OpenFlexure Microscope
The OpenFlexure Microscope is an open-source 3D-printed microscope, based off a precise flexure translation stage. If you’re making them in bulk and without the high-res parts, the per-unit price is probably below $100. If you’re just putting together one, the price will probably come to more like $200 and you’ll find yourself with a lot […]