Author Archives: robertwilkie

Good article on ways to save (or find cheaper) stuff on Amazon

Posted on April 7, 2016 by robertwilkie

Most of the stuff I already knew.  Instead of shopbots, I typically just use google.  However megashopbot.com maybe worth looking into.  Also onlinepricealert.com is another site I may have to check out. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-get-the-best-discounted-deals-on-amazon/

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Interesting tech from Xerox, print out solar cells

Posted on April 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

This sounds cool, Xerox PARC has a method to print out solar cells.  This could come in handy with printed circuits (giving them a power source).  I wonder if anything will become of this. https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601097/a-xerox-machine-for-super-solar-panels/

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Xerox CEO takes over 1/2 pay cut in 2015

Posted on April 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

The exciting part is she got docked down to 10.5 Million last year (yeah I feel soo horrible for her) from over 22mill the year before.  But what is interesting is a bunch of stockholders (at the end of the … Continue reading →

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Nice simple CNC mill

Posted on April 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is similar to a build I made, uses puckboard (HDPE plastic board, what I used too).  Its easier to cut and lighter than wood.  My build is bigger but doesn’t have nice roller bearings like this one.    Or nice … Continue reading →

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Quick portable Styrofoam Cutter

Posted on April 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build for a simple portable foam cutter.  The author uses a 9 volt battery with .2mm nichrome resistor wire. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Hot-Wire-Styro-Slicer-Foam-Cutter/

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Xerox laying off hundreds in Colorado Springs

Posted on April 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

Looks like a purge at Xerox to clean the sheets before the quarter ends. https://hackadaycom.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/very-cheap-arduino-board-out-of-a-3-usbasp-programmer-with-usb-bootloader-vzxqynsjbyu-mp4-shot0002_featured.png?w=800

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Turn a $3 AVR programmer into an ATiny

Posted on April 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

Basically the $3 AVR programmers are atiny’s that you could reprogram yourself.  Cheaper than buying an arduino itself. Dirt-Cheap USB Arduino Hack From the Past

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PJON, one wire comms for IoT

Posted on April 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

I’ll have to look at this later, the author build a simple one wire comms for 255 systems at once. PJON, Fancy One Wire Arduino Communications Protocol For Home Automation GIT https://github.com/gioblu/PJON

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Wrench won’t fit a small bolt, put some coin in it.

Posted on April 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK you really want to use the correct size wrench.  But in a pinch, this is a good workaround. http://lifehacker.com/cram-coins-between-a-wrench-and-a-bolt-when-you-dont-ha-1768252961

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Things to make from syringes

Posted on April 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

I like option 2, a dart gun. http://lifehacker.com/craft-a-diy-food-slicer-out-of-a-plastic-syringe-1768066411

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