element14 is running a Design Challenge called Enchanted Objects. The idea is to add magic, or modern technology, into older objects, enchanting them. How could you turn an ordinary household object into something extraordinary?

You can see the content intro video here.

With my recent interest in retro-electronics, an entry by Jan Cumps caught my eye. He’s repaired a vintage record player (turntable) using an Arduino and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control. For more information on his work, the project page is here. Jan’s YouTube channel is at pitface123.

In this Rockwell Automation video you’ll learn all about their latest Encabulator technology. The presenter goes through each piece of the system expertly describing both its name and its function. Now, since this video is from 2008, it is a little bit older.  And in today’s technological terms, may be difficult to understand.

(BTW, this is what you probably sound like when you try to explain your projects to your friends.)

The most well-known Olympic-Class ship is the famous Titanic. While known for his maiden voyage’s epic fail, the Olympic-class ships were amazing feats of engineering. Bill Hammock breaks down the engineering and construction of the RMS Olympic, the first of the class.

Hammock is one of the Author’s of Eight Amazing Engineering Stories, which I already reviewed here. He gives his usual excellent treatment on a subject. I included his Podcast/Video series on my 5 Electrical Engineering Podcasts you should subscribe.

I’m always amazed to learn more about these grand ships and his video doesn’t disappoint. The information comes from his university’s library, which now houses the 1909 to 1911 edition of the London-based journal, The Engineer.