Author Archives: robertwilkie

Another tech that Xerox didn’t capitalize on

Posted on January 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

Article covers a knowledge base for copier/printer repair by Xerox, called Eureka, that was created 20+ years ago and still is very useful for Service Repairs.  As reading this I am thinking how big data and other knowledge base engines … Continue reading →

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Xerox ranked by employees as one of the worst places to work

Posted on January 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

The article is hinting that glassdoor maybe a good indicator of a companies performance from its employees.  Shows Xerox as an example with a 24% approval rating from employees. http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2016/01/22/apple-cisco-employees-like-the-jobs-xerox-staff-not-so-much-says-citi/

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Interesting Hydroponic system

Posted on January 22, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting build…looks like $40 in and $20 for the pump, and another $10 for the tubing (Author puts the cost at $70).  I think this could be made cheaper, but still, nice build and portable. http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-NFT-Hydroponic-System/

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Another nice CNC from CDROMS

Posted on January 22, 2016 by robertwilkie

Another nice detailed build for a CNC with CDROM drives.  The author uses the cases for support too.  Its only a plotter but still a nice build.  Cheap too since the author uses L293D2 chips on a thru hole board. … Continue reading →

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Interesting router comparison

Posted on January 21, 2016 by robertwilkie

The author compared 2 cheap routers, with a high end Nighthawk, to a homebrewed router (one of the intel stick like boxes with an SSD).  The homebrewed was the winner, but I an not to surpised (about $300 in parts).  … Continue reading →

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Use a bike wheel for a bow (actually more of a slingshot, but you get the point)

Posted on January 21, 2016 by robertwilkie

The author uses everything off an old bike wheel to make a pretty knifty box.  Note that the eye bolts are not from the bike.  If I total this up (assuming free wheel) its about $5 US to build. http://www.instructables.com/id/Bow-The-Amazing-Bike-Wheel-Bow/

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Need to make a key from the lock? Theres an App to help you out

Posted on January 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

Keysforge, appartently it will take a picture of the front of the lock and make a blank of the key for you (you then need to cut it down to size).  Pretty neat. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/01/18/keysforge_will_give_you_printable_key_blueprints_using_a_photo_of_a_lock/ https://keysforge.com/

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A nicer bottle to string build

Posted on January 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

I have seen this before, but not a nice write up on how to make one. http://makezine.com/2016/01/14/how-to-make-string-from-plastic-bottles/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24{feed}&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24{makezineonline}+%28%24{MAKE}%29&utm_content=%24{GoogleReader}

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A cheap pancake robot printer

Posted on January 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build from Odin College(?) on a pancake robot.  Looks like these things are popping up everywhere.  I like the feed control (solenoid). Edible art from a Robot Pancake Printer More info here. http://poe.olin.edu/2015/pancake/systems/index.html

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Make a can of soda implode

Posted on January 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

An empty can.  Interesting setup, basically heat up the can, then turn it upside down into a bath of ice water. http://www.wired.com/2016/01/make-your-own-tanker-implosion-with-a-soda-can/

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