Author Archives: robertwilkie

Build a jig to bend headers for Arduinos

Posted on December 27, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is just too funny, you can 3D print out this jig to use to bend pins so that everything fits from a pref board to an arduino. Make Your Own Arduino Header Pins Get it here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1920037

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Build a jig to bend headers for Arduinos

Using Jumper cables to stop trains

Posted on December 27, 2016 by robertwilkie

Apparently there must be some current that runs thru the rails to detect trains going over it.  So with a jumper cable, you can connect the two rails and make it look like a “train” is stuck on the tracks, … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Security | Comments Off on Using Jumper cables to stop trains

OK so if you want a mult colored LED with controls

Posted on December 27, 2016 by robertwilkie

Looks like you should pick ones with ws2812fx controllers and use a nice library that runs across multiple arduino type systems.   http://hackaday.com/2016/12/12/more-blinky-more-better-the-ws2812fx-library/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Dataplicity, a VPN/SSH connection for RPi

Posted on December 26, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting tool.  I don’t think its open source but it sounds like a nice way to remotely ssh into machines. Dataplicity lets you access your Raspberry Pi from anywhere

Posted in Cloud, Linux, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Dataplicity, a VPN/SSH connection for RPi

Take a battery operated Christmas light strand, a flickering candle, and you get spooky lights

Posted on December 26, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, take a cheap c-light set (dollar store), and a flickering candle (again the dollar store) and combine the circuitry to get a set of flickering lights.  Good idea for next halloween http://www.instructables.com/id/3-Flickering-Horror-Light-Mod/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Cool robot build (servo controller) with Arduino and android app

Posted on December 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build, I like the controls the author has for this on his phone. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Multi-Servo-Motor-Control-Via-Bluetooth-Us/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, robots | 1 Comment

Another CDROM CNC build

Posted on December 24, 2016 by robertwilkie

Man it must be popular right now, here is anotehr build.  At first I thought the author built his motor controllers, but no its an arduino shield. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Mini-CNC-Router-Drawing-by-Arduino-and/

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Make a Solenoid powered car

Posted on December 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

OMG, I think I would just use some real solenoids, but they point is made and it helps teach some electronics/electric to kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Solenoid-Engine-Car/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Make a Solenoid powered car

Another nice simple CNC build from CDROMS

Posted on December 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build for a different version of the CDROM CNC.  This one has more flexiblity over other systems for writting on large surfaces. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Arduino-Based-Mini-CNC-Machine-New-Design/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Another nice simple CNC build from CDROMS

Build some fairy light globes for C-day

Posted on December 22, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build.  Cheap to make too (Figure 2-5 dollars if you include wood). http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Fairy-Light-Globes/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on Build some fairy light globes for C-day