Explicitly compatible with multiple OSes for the RasPi, so funky additional packages may not be needed for driving the rest of the setup.
The Altair 8800 Clone is a full size, fully functional replica of the computer that started a revolution – the Altair 8800. Whether used for personal or educational purposes, the Altair Clone is a great way to relive this important period in computing history and learn core computer science principles at the same time!
The Altair Clone provides an accurate, hands-on experience without having to worry about damaging a vintage computer. Built with modern hardware on the inside, the Clone is also less expensive and much easier to keep running than a vintage computer.
TERES-I Do-It-Yourself Free Open Source Hardware and Software laptop with ARM64 and x86 processors. Comes as a kit or a bunch of spare parts. FOSH/FOSS. ARM64, x86, MIPS variants. Can be upgraded piecemeal. Definitely runs Ubuntu and Android, can probably run other ported distros with a bit of work. Has all of the features and components that you'd expect, from wireless to a built-in webcam. Of course, you can probably leave out the stuff you don't want.
The BASIC Engine is a very low-cost single-board home computer with advanced 2D color graphics and sound capabilities, roughly comparable to late-1980s or early-1990s computers and video game consoles. It can be built at home without special skills or tools and using readily available components for under 10 Euros in parts, or mass-produced for even less.
How to use conductive ink and a capacitative interface kit to make a touch sensitive DJ controller that works with Linux.
Purchase equipment for lockpicking, lock hacking, and locksmithing here. Excellent prices, excellent equipment.
OpenPCR is a fully functional yet affordable ($599us) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) device, used for replicating DNA for the purposes of sequencing or barcoding (species determination). The whole kit - from the software to the hardware itself - is open source, so you can download the code, CAD, and Eagle files and build your own if you don't want to buy a kit.
Homepage of a kit that emulates an Altair 8080 system using an Arduino.
From here you can purchase a DIY kit for a circuit that implements the German Enigma cypher from World War II. Fun for cypherpunks, electronics mavens, and geeks!
An /*duino/i shield which emulates an MOS 6581... the SID chip.
An open source DIY robotics/rapid prototyping kit much like an Erector set. Lots of standardized pre-milled bars, rods, connectors, and components. Build your own plotter, CNC machine, RepRap, scanner table, or what have you. Capable of three axes of linear motion. Comes with all the electronics you need, including an Arduino, stepper motors, and a motor driver board.
The Shapeoko is an open source CNC that you can either buy as a kit or build yourself for about $300us. Work up your design on a laptop using open source CAD software, clamp feedstock on the bed, and it'll produce what you designed. Because it's open source it's not limited to wood - it could be adapted to just about any material that you can cut or grind could be. Chances are, someone's already done it and posted the docs.
Everything is also kept in a respository on Github: https://github.com/shapeoko/shapeoko