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Tech gadgets are just about in every part of our lives. From turning the TV on to playing music, the types of tech gadgets we can buy and use are endless. In many ways, these gadgets make our lives easier. But they can be pretty expensive. What if you could skip buying a tech gadget you need and make it instead?
That sounds pretty interesting right? Well, it is definitely possible to make your own tech gadgets. And you don’t even need to be all that mechanically inclined. You may need to know a few basics, like what accelerometers are, or maybe resistors. To save you some time and money, we compiled a list of four DIY tech gadgets you can make at home. Let’s dive in!
1. VR Headset
If you are ready to get into virtual reality gaming (VR) you will need a VR headset. That can be pretty costly, especially if you don’t know how deep you will get into VR gaming. The good news is that you can skip the expensive store bought VR headset and make your own.
And it only costs around $100. The only challenging thing you’ll need to find is a 3D printer. The 3D printer is how you will make the frame for the headset itself. You can also use industrial strength cardboard as well, but it will need to be very strong cardboard
A challenge to build your own VR headset? Yes. But if you’re a techie, making this tech gadget could be very rewarding. And you can learn a lot about VR in the process. Here’s the VR code you can use from GitHub. Good luck on this great DIY tech gadget project.
2. Movie Projector Via Smartphone
Have you always wanted an in-home projector to watch movies on? Well, now you can get one — Or should we say make one. This DIY tech gadget project is fun and easy to accomplish. This 11 minute video is a great place to start your smartphone movie projector project
But don’t forget, you will need to have a blank white wall ready to go. How does this actually work? What you are doing to turn your smartphone into a movie projector is utilizing a magnifying lens to make your phone screen much, much larger.
However, there are little idiosyncrasies like making sure the video displayed on the wall isn’t flipped the wrong way. What is needed for this DIY tech gadget build you can make at home? Cardboard, dowels, magnifying lens, mirror, and that is pretty much it. Results — A pretty decent movie projector, and $1,000 or more extra in your bank account.
3. Home Smart Speaker
Home smart speakers are all the rage right now. And if you have some tech gadget prowess, you can make your very own at home. This DIY tech gadget build is not super easy, but certainly not very difficult.
This instructional video from Hackaday gives you pretty great instructions on how to build your DIY smart speaker at home. You will, however, need to have a smartphone or tablet you are willing to dedicate just for this DIY build. You’ll also need to have it close to a power source, because you know how much power playing music or using voice assistant can take up.
4. Password Protected Home Door Lock
This DIY tech gadget build is not for the beginner, but if you do it right, it is a pretty cool techie project you can brag about. The first thing you absolutely need to have for this tech gadget build-out at home is a 3D printer. You definitely can’t use hard cardboard like the VR headset build. Remember, you are trying to secure a door.
The 3D printer helps you cast and create the locking components that are needed to keep the door closed and locked. Why? It is hard to just buy these components, so making them is the best path to fast project success.
There is also some coding involved. Not to worry though, the coding is pretty simple. The coding allows you to control the locking mechanism via an Android device, or some other Bluetooth device. Here’s a video on the process to get you started.
Wrapping Up . . .
The above DIY tech gadgets you can make at home are a few of our favorites. From beginner to advanced, you can save money and get your tech on. Have you built any of the above devices? We want to hear from you.