The South African edition of Popular Mechanics was launched in 2002 and has fast become the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering everything from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects. In essence, it explains how our world works
AT THE WHEEL
Popular Mechanics South Africa
A flair for solar
CALENDAR UPDATE YOUR DIARY • THIS DAY IN HISTORY
TIME MACHINE • It made per fect sense at the time
The Magnetic North Pole is racing towards Russia
Uncovering the hidden secrets of procedural generation
Take a random walk
The iPad’s handwriting recognition tech shows how Apple does machine learning
Pasta’s backstory • The Geometry of Pasta is a book that adds deeper meaning to our love affair with this Italian staple.
Reader challenge: Build something useful with LEGO
Dead on target • For Hitman fans, the third instalment in the trilogy won’t let you down, delivering nearlimitless solutions to missions, enhanced graphics, and countless plot twists and surprises.
Cracking the chip: How hacking the NES made it even better
FIVE NEW NES TITLES FILLED WITH 8-BIT GAMING GREATNESS
DEFIANT VS VALOR • INSIDE THE HEAD-TO-HEAD BATTLE TO REPLACE THE BLACK HAWK
GEAR& • Must-have hardware for humans on the go
I BUILT THIS BOAT WITH A BOOK FROM 1935 • THE GENTLEMAN’S RACER DESIGN CAME FROM OLD POPULAR MECHANICS PLANS.
where food MEETS TECH • Advancements in technology are changing what we eat, and where our food comes from. Are you ready for the future of food?
DEVELOP YOUR OWN HOME-BREWING PHILOSOPHY
GREAT GATSBY • Take your sandwich-making skills to the next level, and master a South African staple.
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CRAFT A LEGACY CREATE AN HEIRLOOM TOOLBOX • BY MAKING SOMETHING THAT’S BUILT TO LAST
THE SIMPLIFIED PROCESS
CREATE A DOUBLE-BEAM MARKING GAUGE • Exceptionally handy in many applications, a double-beam marking gauge is a tool every avid woodworker should have in their workshop. This is how to make your own.
WHY BUY A WORKBENCH, WHEN YOU CAN MAKE ONE?
KREG PRIZE GIVEAWAY • WINA KREG MULTI-MARK tool!
OCCUPATION HOW TO BE GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO
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ON THE PROWL • Volkswagen’s formidable Amarok double-cab now boasts a brawnier 190 kW engine. We sussed out what that means for South Africa’s bakkie-loving public.
SYNC FOR YOURSELF • With the FordPass app, you’re more connected to your vehicle than ever, and Ford has taken us a step closer to making the car key obsolete. POP MECH got to experience the app first-hand on the launch of the new Ranger FX4.
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Clever tips and lifehacks
WIN WITH MASTER LOCK • Write to us with your tip and you could win a prize from Master Lock. This issue’s top contribution has won: