Author Archives: robertwilkie

A simple and cheap swamp cooler

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK this takes the cake, its a PC fan, power supply, and a juice box filled with ice.  As long as you have the materials, this is a nice simple personal cooler for you. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Mini-Air-Conditioner/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on A simple and cheap swamp cooler

Convert old printer rollers into caster wheels

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting idea, the author 3D printed out the holder for the “wheel” from a roller from a Xerox machine.  The rubber rollers are pretty durable and the rubber part will help with not slipping of the wheel.  Not so sure … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, robots | 1 Comment

What to do with old tablets or phones

Posted on July 7, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting article on mod’s for old tablets (or phones).  I got a kick out of this $50 shield for arduino to use functionality of a tablet. The security camera idea I have seen before too. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-things-make-old-android-tablet/

Posted in android, Arduino, Misc-Life | Comments Off on What to do with old tablets or phones

Make simple poster hangers

Posted on July 5, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, use some cheap lattice board, double back tape (not so cheap) and some nice nut bolt combos for a poster board hanger.  The author has 2 styles, one that only hangs from the top, another where there is … Continue reading →

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Building a weather station

Posted on July 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is a different take where the author uses IR sensors to figure out wind speed. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Anemometer-and-Windvane-for-Standalone-Weather/?ALLSTEPS  

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Switching from Evernote to OneNote

Posted on June 30, 2016 by robertwilkie

So…have you heard that Evernote is changing its pricing and free tiers.  And not in a good for consumers way.  More of a “its going to cost more” way.  So…I migrated to OneNote, Its been something I wanted to try … Continue reading →

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Top 15 printed GoPro accessories

Posted on June 30, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK I only see a few here I would print out (vs just buy on the cheap).  The golapse trolley would be one.  The knucklebar would be another good one.  Rest I could live without. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160629-top-15-3d-printed-gopro-accessories.html

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20 cent conduit fitting, some electric tape, and a beer bottle

Posted on June 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

And you have simple Tiki Torch. http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Diy-Recycled-Beer-Bottle-TIKI-Torch/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on 20 cent conduit fitting, some electric tape, and a beer bottle

Nice solar light jar build

Posted on June 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build, I don’t know if I would glue the light in since I like being able to take it apart, but I do like the use of cheap hose clamps to hold the jar to a post. http://www.instructables.com/id/Jar-Solar-Lights-That-Wont-Fill-Up-With-Water-and-/

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Good guide on selecting motors (basics)

Posted on June 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

Another nice write-up I stumbled on with Adafruit on selecting a motor.  Its a multi-page one, but worth reading. https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-motor-selection-guide

Posted in Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Good guide on selecting motors (basics)