One of the problems with cheap reader / tablets like the Nook and the Kindle is how their implementation of the Android OS cripples their true potential. While the prices of these portables are  attractive, they only function effectively as a gateway into the retailers virtual marketplace. Not satisfied to be confined to a walled garden, many a hacker has taken control by jail breaking.

Want to run the open version of Android on a relatively cheap Nook reader? It’s easier than you might think and the free and open source  code for the task fits neatly on a 4GB microSD card. Step by step instructions can be found here.

As a public service, allow us to help you get past go past the political distractions and remind you that backup itself is not a partisan issue. The long term stability of your backup provider is. Your data is an important asset, and backing it up shouldn’t be trifled with. The stability of your online backup provider is critical to the security of your data assets.

Regardless of whether you’re in one of the bickering partisan groups or not, I encourage you to try  our online backup provider of choice, Backblaze. Not only will Backblaze not risk your data backup to political currents, it’s a real bargain compared to its heavily advertised rivals. For sheer utility I don’t think there’s a better solution for the average user with it’s simple to use, but easily tweakable client software. There’s no risk to check out Backblaze. It’s free to try with a no strings $5 a month unlimited price on a month to month basis. You’ll pay even less if you choose to make a longer commitment to the service.

By using our link to subscribe to Backblaze, you’ll help support Tightwad Technica. Our endorsement is real. Tightwad Technica relied on Backblaze  to protect our archives long before it became an advertiser.

While the Open Source Tricorder isn’t as capable as the imaginary device Mr. Spock never left Enterprise without, it’s a very real and usable device. Since it’s Open Source, accelerated development to build in that capability could be just over the horizon if the project can attract enough of the world’s best and brightest as contributors. If you want one of your own today, it’s build ready as is.  Head over to TricoderProject.org for more information. Now if someone could just do a working transporter design…

From football teams to concert tours to trade show exhibits, heavy duty road cases make getting delicate equipment form one place to another in one piece possible. While you might not need one to pack a change of clothes, it makes sense to have top notch protection for laptops, cameras and other gear when you can do it on the cheap. To buy ready made, road cases are quite pricey and the stock sizes never seem to be exactly what you need. You can have one custom made for a rock star price, or you can do one yourself for less than the price of a high end nylon case.

The video above is the first of a series that covers case construction to fine detail. With a few basic tools and a little , your gear could be traveling securely at an affordable price.

Free as in Beer and Free as in Freedom are guiding principles of the Open Source Movement. Projects often begin with someone scratching their own itch and sharing the product. That’s how Bewtarget began. This not only applies to software. DIY brewers freely share their recipes and they are often improved upon by others.

Dabbling in beer making? Brewtarget can handle the calculations, free you to take that recipe another shared and make it you own. Of course you can also build a recipe from scratch and it will do the math. Brewtarget is Free as in Freedom with installers for Linux, Windows and Mac waiting for you now.

I’ve always felt that 3D printers were a little pricey considering their simplicity. The high cost of entry to fabbing your own parts could be going the way of the $5000 personal computer. According to Makibox project founder Jon Buford, it’s low cost 3D printer kit is  the real deal. Design was crowdfunded and planned enhancements will be financed the same way. Want One? You’ll need to donate $350 to the project. Caveat: Sending $350 to Hong Kong makes me a little uneasy. I’m waiting to hear from the first kit recipients before chipping in myself.

There are a number of good free schematic drawing and and simulation tools available.  What about one that runs in your browser that also produces printable files that you can share online?  Circuitlab’s new offering does just that and more:

Design with our easy-to-use schematic editor.
Accurate analysis (DC, AC & more) in seconds.
Beautiful printouts, images, and live links to share.
No installation required — try it instantly.

You can learn more and sign up for a free account at Circuitlab.com

The automated elevator for video screens has been the stuff of high end home furnishings for some time. As screens have evolved to become the dominant feature it a room, the disappearing lift in a cabinet is more appealing than ever. While this project ended up costing $1000, the concept is pretty simple. A  little Tightwad creativity could more than halve that cost, especially if you hack your own lift mechanicals instead of buying the $540 unit used in this example. (more at Intructables)

If the process of making PC boards has kept you from project building, here’s a short tutorial to help you overcome any fears. If you’ve taken an old school photography class, the methodology is very similar to making chemical prints. While the process isn’t foolproof, if you don’t get in a hurry and watch for small flaws, you’ll get excellent results the very first time.

How much radiation is around us? It might surprise you. Common household devices like smoke detectors can contain radioactive components. There’s no proof these devices create any serious risk, but there’s no harm in knowing where radiation is present. Then there is a small but real possibility that radiation come into our environment from  accidents in far away places like Japan. A Geiger counter can also be useful if you want to do a little prospecting in the great outdoors.

Another reason to build your own Geiger counter is that it’s never been easier.  A project that stands our from the many you’ll find on the Internet is this one from BroHogan. It’s a simple design that is nicely packaged and well documented. If you’re a little leery of building from scratch, BroHogan plans to offer his project in kit form soon.