Ever need to install a network hub, camera, or other device in a location that did not have a locally available power outlet? Need to 'extend' the power cord? In this tutorial, we'll be building a very cheap Power Over Ethernet Injector out of $2 in parts. This will let you place your power supply for your device near the ethernet hub, where power is plentiful, and place the device itself hundreds of feet away.

Caveat: There is a Power Over Ethernet (POE) standard, which we're ignoring, as this particular injector setup is for legacy products that do not offer POE support.

In my case, I'm making it for my wired network camera, a Hawking HNC-210, which is generally always situated farther away from the power outlet. It comes with a fairly short (6') power cable, which is an odd product design consideration. Since you'd generally put a camera at eye-level or higher, this cable is really too short for most installs.

Parts List: $1.80 US:

1. RJ-45) pass-thru connector 80¢
2. 2.1mm power jack and plug 50¢
3. spare (short) working ethernet cable 50¢

The first item we need is an ethernet (RJ-45) pass-thru connector, for patching 2 ethernet cables end to end. It is available at many local retailers/computer shops. I grabbed a few at BG Micro for 80¢ a piece. The nice thing about these is you're getting 2 pre-wired RJ-45 connectors for very cheap.

The Hacktory invites you to a special event to find out about Philly's offerings in helping you make your idea or invention a success. Sponsored by the American Society of Inventors and Buchanan, Ingersoll and Rooney, the event will feature local groups that focus on building and making, including The University City Science Center, NextFab, Make:Philly, Hive76, Breadboard, The Esther Klein Gallery, IndyHall, Nikola Tesla Inventors Society.

Les Anderson, CEO of Euthanex and Medico International will share how he took his ideas and understanding of his customers' needs, and turned them into successful businesses.

The event will take place at the University City Science Center on March 24th at 6 pm. For more details and to register for this free event, click here.

Join The Hacktory as we team up with Square Peg Artery & Salvage to celebrate Philly's homegrown businesses and enterprises. The event is organized by Yelp and is free and open to anyone 21 and over. Complimentary food and drinks will be served.

You must RSVP at Yelp here to attend and be sure to stop by our table!

What: Party to celebrate Philly's crafty, organic, local businesses and organizations
When: Saturday, March 20, 8-10 pm
Where: CITYSPACE 2200 Walnut St.
Who: The Hacktory and Square Peg Artery & Salvage

Thanks to everyone who made it to our class on Saturday! We had a great time hearing about everyone's projects and learning from the Arduino master, Wil Lindsay. Keep an eye out for more classes for beginners and intermediate Arduino wizards this spring!

Our local 8Static Project has started a "Kickstarter" to help raise funds for some sorely needed equipment. We've been borrowing a projector "in kind" and using a bass guitar amp to supplement a recently blown bass box.

Folks can help support 8Static through the Kickstarter program found here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1764370381/8static-phillys-premier-8...

Amazingly we've reached our goal in a few short days! Additional support means we can bring in more talent from far-flung places for our monthly shows and free monthly workshops! http://www.8static.com

Thanks to the Philly hacker scene & the rest of the world for this support! Keep it coming.. 2010 will be bigger & better sounding than ever!

By popular demand, The Hacktory again offers its fun and unique Recycled Electronics Jewelry workshop, on Saturday, December 5 from 1:00-5:00pm. Perfect timing for making cool holiday gifts on a budget!

The Hacktory's mission is to promote new ways of combining art and technology and recycling, so we created the Recycled Electronic Jewelry Workshop. Our summer workshop was sold out--everyone loved making and taking home their amazing-looking creations!

We'll be teaching basic jewelry-making concepts to people of all skill and age levels (10 years old and up), including design ideas, basic soldering and assembly skills, and how to identify materials for creating your own jewelry and small sculpture.

This workshop adds beauty and interest to the world by reclaiming and recycling things that would typically end up in our growing landfills. It's also great fun and sparks creativity in all who participate.

The cost to participate is only $20, which includes all supplies and materials including basic jewelry parts and a nice selection of awesome-looking retro electronic components for making your own creations.

Click here to reserve your seat today for this exciting workshop at The Hacktory!
(Last workshop sold out, so don't delay.)