Author Archives: robertwilkie

Nice simple (and cheap) garden planter build

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK so get some 4×4, 2×4 pressure treat wood, and corrugated galvanized sheet metal sheet metal and make some nice looking planters.  Figure $40 to make an 8×2 foot one.  Dirt not included. http://www.instructables.com/id/My-Lovely-Planter/

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Build a RPi Carputer

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build for a computer in your car.  I have been thinking of something similar since I don’t have bluetooth in my car and the android based car radios are way out of my price range. https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/the-carputer/    

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Nice build for LED walk lights.

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

Actually I think I might make this.  I like LED walkway lights.  But…they are never bright enough for me.  This is a nice build with stuff you can get at Home Depot.  Well except the cover…not sure where to find … Continue reading →

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A loader for a kayak on your car

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

I had to look this over 3 times before I figured out the “loader” would flip the kayak out and on the car onto the “v shaped” brackets that are already there.  Neat idea. http://www.instructables.com/id/KAYAK-LOADER/

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Cheap way to add pan and tilt to a webcam

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

Well if you have a spare 2 servos, a RPi, and an arduino that is.  Me….hum…$60 gets me one already setup…. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/diy-pan-and-tilt-network-security-cam-raspberry-pi/

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Solar powered Pottery wheel on a bike frame

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

I won’t build this but I definitely got a kick out of it.  The author basically uses the frame to hold the assembly together (and sit).  Clever idea overall. http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Bike-Frame-Pottery-Wheel/  

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Clever build for the CDROM tray motor to generate electricity

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

Good idea, leaving the CDROM caddy tray with the motor in place to generate electricity.  Actually you could create a train like motion with this and put it into a water wheel or something.  I typically just pull the motor … Continue reading →

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Make your own car top holders

Posted on August 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

If you have a roof rack, here is a cool idea for building your own brackets to hold stuff on it.  If you buy these things yourself it gets pretty pricey (well over $100).  When I first saw this write-up … Continue reading →

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DIY camping lantern

Posted on August 30, 2016 by robertwilkie

I am surprised this isn’t brighter with the # of LED’s the author has.  Basically its two containers, an inner one to hold the battery and wrap the LEDs on, and an outer one to protect it.  Nice build but….I … Continue reading →

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Pretty cool and small Hydrogen generator

Posted on August 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is a nice simple build for water to hydrogen converter.  With the exception of using razor blades, would be a good kid project.   Only which the author did steps written out instead of a video. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Hydrogen-Generator/    

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