Cosmic Cube - interesting found item idea

[Capt MarVell]

http://www.j4mie.org/2008/02/15/how-to-make-a-physical-gmail-notifier/

I saw this on the Make: website today, and as soon as I saw it, I thought of the Cosmic Cube (616, not the Ultimate version...). We had a thread a while back on using clear cubes, but this is an approach that I think has some validity as well. Apparently made with a promotional giveaway item that lights up. The article goes on to describe an interface for email notification, which is way beyond my interests, I just want a lightup Cube, and the electronics for that are no big deal at all (batteries, LEDs, resistors...). I'd guesstimate its size between 2" and 3" which might make it a little small, but it's still pretty cool. Anybody seen these things anywhere?

Jim

 

[KnightAsylum]

That does look like it would work well. :thumbsup
While being a Gmail fan I also appreciate him using it as a e-mail visual alarm - which is a cool idea - I would love to get my hands on one myself. Somehow it is worst hunting for something while knowing somewhere they are giving them away for free:wacko

 

[blufive]

That's a neat idea! I'll have to bookmark that page.

 

[Fizbin]

I'm pretty sure a vacuformed piece of PETG with a coat of KRYLON 'Frosted Glass' will give you the same effect once you put the electronics inside.

 

[Capt MarVell]

I'm sure that would work, but the whole point is that it's a found item. I don't seem to have a vacuformer lying around anywhere or time to mess with one...

Jim

 

[Fizbin]

I hear ya' man, but don't shoot the messenger... I was just throwing an alternative idea out there since it seems these Gmail cube aren't really all that easy to find. :angel

 

[Cptnchaos]

How about using a baseball display cube for $2.99 with the KRYLON frosted glass sparyed into the INSIDE and then one of those cheap blinky light LED's you can get at the mall and glue it to the inside.

Thats what i'm going to do. I just havent been able to find the Krylon frosted spray OR a blinky light thing...

Damian

 

[Fizbin]

There ya' go, now that's using your noggin! Great idea, Damian... btw, I found the Frosted Glass paint at Michael's, but I'm sure any art & crafts store would carry it.

 

[OB10]

I've been meaning to use one of those baseball or softball cases for a Jedi Holocron for quite some time. Maybe use a golf ball case for a Yoda Holocron.... It seems that a lot of dollar stores or teenybopper style shops (Claire's? Or something like it?) have those little rare earth magnetic backed blinkies you can stick on your shirt, belly button, use as ear rings.... Some of those have nice colors and flash patterns. Maybe Party City or Paper Warehouse or some place like that would have the blinkies. Spencer's? Gumball machines?

Obi-Bob

 

[Cptnchaos]

Cool, yeah my gf was dragging me through the Container store and I saw the baseball cubes and yelled "Eureka!!"

The softball sized ones are nice too, but I think the standard baseball size is JUST RIGHT!!!

I'll look around for the blinky light things, but I can never find one I really like, or isnt more than $9 and attatch to the top of your phone.

Glad you guys liked it.

Damian