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Bob Vila

I do have some level of admiration for someone who can code assembly in her sleep, but I'd rather focus on what the software does, and how it does it, than what it is written with.

In the wireless space, I've seen a lot of really excellent software--things that link position sensors and GPS and cameras and remote controls and other people. I've also seen a lot of crap. It didn't matter if it was written in J2ME or BREW or flavor-of-.NET or C++ ; what mattered was what the coder could do with the tools.

It's like any other field where talent matters. I'm sure Norm Abrams could build a set of Adirondack deck chairs using only a Dremel and a butter knife if he had to...

[norm_abram]

Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the instructions, safety rules, and EULAs that come with your power tools. Using power tools properly greatly reduces the risk of personal injury. And remember, there is no more important safety rule than to wear these, safety glasses.

[/norm_abram]

Norm, BTW, uses a Macintosh and makes a lot of his own jigs. He'll even sell you plans of how to make your own.

I have no idea whether there is a EULA on his measured drawings.

They love to read; they spend time with friends; they do all sorts of stuff. So I swear by this: Television is a waste of time.

Get off your damn high horse. Television has plenty of crap on it, but that doesn't mean the medium sucks. There's plenty of crap published in book format too. People who argue this 'television sucks' focus on the crap and ignore the quality stuff out there.

It is akin to saying 'CDs suck' because the local Wherehouse music has a rack full of NSync. If you are unhappy with the programs you watch, find better programs. There are plenty of good, entertaining, moving, educational shows on television.

Crappy TV rots brains about the same amount as crappy romance novels, or teeny bopper pop, or Gigli. Don't identify the medium with only its dregs.

-Ted

Welcome to my web page on how to make a simple ECG (electrocardiograph - also known as an EKG). Here you will find information how how to build one with less than $10 in parts. But before we get started, let's take a moment to talk about shop safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all of the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how ....ummmmm, sorry. I guess I got into a little New Yankee Workshop moment there. :) Anyways, I do want to talk about safety. This device requires you to strap electrodes across your chest. This is inherently dangerous. Both because of the pain caused by sticky tape pulling hairs out of a person's body and also because even small currents can kill. Do not attempt this experiment if you are not comfortable around electrical devices. I am not responsible for any harm you may cause yourself. I have done everything I can think of to make this safe, but don't come crying to me if you find yourself dead.

Now that I've started with this positive note, I can begin. I've split my web page into two sections. One for the impatient - who would like to make their own NOW. And the other for people who would like a little commentary from me. Oh, and those of you who just want to see the final product and don't care about the details, just skip to the Results. Happy reading!

Quick Details on building your own ECG

In Depth Information about my ECG

Introduction - What is an ECG? History behind it. What was I thinking?!

Some Stuff Sought Out - Miscellaneous things that I needed but didn't have

Adventures in Analog Land - The primary amplification circuit - all good ol' analog

Plenty of Programming - The visual basic source

Results - Maybe it's not perfect, but I think it's COOL!

Future thoughts - I still think I'm perfect, but I'm ready to argue these specifics

Notes - I didn't make this all up. Here's proof!

Not bad for about two weeks of work, eh? If any of you have any comments, questions, insults, etc; please email me. Thanks for coming.

Welcome to my web page on how to make a simple ECG (electrocardiograph - also known as an EKG). Here you will find information how how to build one with less than $10 in parts. But before we get started, let's take a moment to talk about shop safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all of the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how ....ummmmm, sorry. I guess I got into a little New Yankee Workshop moment there. :) Anyways, I do want to talk about safety. This device requires you to strap electrodes across your chest. This is inherently dangerous. Both because of the pain caused by sticky tape pulling hairs out of a person's body and also because even small currents can kill. Do not attempt this experiment if you are not comfortable around electrical devices. I am not responsible for any harm you may cause yourself. I have done everything I can think of to make this safe, but don't come crying to me if you find yourself dead.

Now that I've started with this positive note, I can begin. I've split my web page into two sections. One for the impatient - who would like to make their own NOW. And the other for people who would like a little commentary from me. Oh, and those of you who just want to see the final product and don't care about the details, just skip to the Results. Happy reading!

Quick Details on building your own ECG

In Depth Information about my ECG

Introduction - What is an ECG? History behind it. What was I thinking?!

Some Stuff Sought Out - Miscellaneous things that I needed but didn't have

Adventures in Analog Land - The primary amplification circuit - all good ol' analog

Plenty of Programming - The visual basic source

Results - Maybe it's not perfect, but I think it's COOL!

Future thoughts - I still think I'm perfect, but I'm ready to argue these specifics

Notes - I didn't make this all up. Here's proof!

Not bad for about two weeks of work, eh? If any of you have any comments, questions, insults, etc; please email me. Thanks for coming.

It does look pretty cool.