Build your own Sputnik Satellite
Technorati tags: diy, diy sputnik, sputnik satellite, diy projects
How would you fancy your very own Sputnik Satellite? All the things you need to build one can now be found lying around the house.
BBC explains how it can be done.
1. Tomy baby monitor – transmitter and aerial
2. Wireless router – backup transmitter and aerial
3. Mercury thermometer – temperature sensor
4. x4 large batteries – power supply
5. Balloon – pressure sensor (expands and pops if case punctured)
6. Power-pack – backup power supply
7. Domestic thermostat – activates fan and changes radio signal
8. Battery powered fan – moves heat to casing (once tin lid is on)
9. Biscuit tin with foil – houses components and reflects solar radiation
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you could build one in a container smaller than a matchbox, weighing about as much as a wristwatch. The components, including a transmitter, battery and the sensors you’d need would probably cost less than £50,”