On the train on my way to work yesterday morning I was hit with an inspiration on how to build something like the hotpot and softpot potentiometers that sparkfun.com sells. Only, I wanted something that cost a bit less than $19. See? Commuting really is good for something! Remembering back to my days as a troublemaking youngster, I recalled that putting 12 volts across the lead of a pencil caused it to glow brightly red (and then stink up the basement). So I knew that it would conduct and that it has resistance. So I wondered if something as simple as pencil on paper could be used as a resistor. As it turns out, yes, yes it can.
Laura is a photographer who has returned to school to learn all about cinematography. She asked me to build a brightness control gadget for studio lights. So for her birthday I built one.  Dimmer Box
WARNING:
Very exciting news, Petunia has arrived! In the first post, I talked all about what prompted me to create Petunia, and some of the methods involved in creating the circuit board. Now the circuit boards have arrived, I have practiced the hot-plate soldering technique and have working prototypes to develop code on.  Petunia Prototype
I was messing with the fellows at the Sparkfun tent at Maker Faire and I hear Laura calling me over. I know it's something good if she's dragging me away from Sparkfun. So I walk over and see some etched copper circuit boards.  Circuit Etched In Copper
Just playing around a bit with a CCFL tube I stole off a "hip" computer fan and I managed to capture these great pictures. These photos were taken with a cell phone camera. I'll have to get Laura to take some higher quality shots, this is fun!  Chotchky Glass Egg
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