Author Archives: robertwilkie

Making HDPE blocks

Posted on October 26, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice write up.  The author goes over how to make different colors/patterns with the plastic, then press it to make a block.  The only downside I see is the time it takes to make the block.  It would be nice … Continue reading →

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Simple Solar water heater

Posted on October 26, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice build overall.  Not so sure I would use plywood for the backing in the elements.  Could be a good away to heat small pools.  I like the use of flashing for the backing. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Solar-Water-Heater-Deluxe-Aluminum-Backed-COPP/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, solar, water | Comments Off on Simple Solar water heater

Nice write up on public key crypto

Posted on October 25, 2017 by robertwilkie

Its building off the standard Alice and Bob story.  But still worth reading. Practical Public Key Cryptography

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A cheap salt water battery

Posted on October 25, 2017 by robertwilkie

Basically iron nails and copper wire combo on a sink plunger. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Powerful-9V-Rechargable-Battery-From-Nails/  

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Cool Robot hands you can print out…or for under $10, buy

Posted on October 25, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice robot hand designs.  Pretty simple and straight forward.  but if you don’t want to tie up your 3D printer, you can buy them in a kit from robotshop.com http://www.robotshop.com/letsmakerobots/parallel-mini-gripper-project

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Cool Robot hands you can print out…or for under $10, buy

So need to unlock your subaru without a key?

Posted on October 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

There is an opensource project and toolkit you can use to do so now. Exploiting Weak Crypto on Car Key Fobs

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Cool build for a wind powered music box

Posted on October 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice build and well documented too. Making Music with the Wind

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, Wind | Comments Off on Cool build for a wind powered music box

Making giant eyeballs

Posted on October 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Pretty clever build.  Author uses kid bounce balls to paint the eyes on.  I wonder if there is something else I could use. http://www.instructables.com/id/Giant-Eyeball-Decor/

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Harddrive magnets + paint can

Posted on October 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

And you can go fishing for metal loose on floors and the ground.  Too funny, guess this would be a good fix if you are doing your roof and loose alot of nails in the process. http://www.instructables.com/id/Magnet-Fishing-Reusing-Harddrive-Magnets/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Harddrive magnets + paint can

Use and RPi with an old speaker

Posted on October 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

Its using a version of RPi called MusicBox.  Have not heard of it before, but it looks cool.  I have some older RPis (original) that this maybe a good re purposing use for. http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-Your-Old-Speaker-in-Smart-Speaker-With-Raspbe/

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