Author Archives: robertwilkie

Simple Power Supply hack for arduino

Posted on November 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Pretty simple hack.  Take an old barrel plug and break it open, then solder on the terminals. http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Power-adaptor-for-Arduino/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Simple Power Supply hack for arduino

Convert a cheap 180 servo to continuous movement

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice hack to convert the servo from 180 to continuous movement around.  Why care?  Well continous cost around $10, 180’s are aroudn $6 so its a 4 dollar savings. http://www.instructables.com/id/Converting-Micro-Servos-for-Continuous-Rotation/

Posted in Cheap, robots | Comments Off on Convert a cheap 180 servo to continuous movement

Use you 3D printed parts for molds

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

This isn’t a bad idea, the author basically uses a 3D printed “shape” as a mold and then builds the part with epoxy. http://hackaday.com/2015/11/20/stronger-3d-printed-parts/ How to here http://www.instructables.com/id/Strengthening-a-3D-Printed-Part/ You could color the epoxy with toner too http://hackaday.com/2015/09/04/tint-your-epoxy-resin-with-toner-powder/

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Use you 3D printed parts for molds

need to haul a boat with you bike, $10 at the hardware store and you are all set

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

Well assuming of course you have an old kid carrier for the other end, or the wheel kit for your kayak/boat to cart it around.  The author basically has a long PVC pipe arm that you attach one end of … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on need to haul a boat with you bike, $10 at the hardware store and you are all set

So how much paper to stop a 50 cal bullet

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

7 ream apparently, which is about 3500 sheets.  So if you are building a bunker, and have lots of paper available, double up on the stacks of paper crates you you will be OK…well til it rains. http://sploid.gizmodo.com/how-much-paper-does-it-take-to-stop-a-50-cal-machine-gu-1744183162

Posted in weapons | Comments Off on So how much paper to stop a 50 cal bullet

First decent 3D printed revolver makes national headlines

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

It looks like a pretty good build using ABS.  Down side, you need a good sized 3D printer to print in.  And I would think it will take “days” to print out from what I can tell from the designs.  … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Security, weapons | Comments Off on First decent 3D printed revolver makes national headlines

Arrgggh, Heads up Xerox, Pirates off the port bow

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

Carl Icahn is buying up parts of Xerox (has over 7% right now) and may want a seat…or two…on the board of directors.  This could be a good thing for Xerox that needs some shake up to get it back … Continue reading →

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Arrgggh, Heads up Xerox, Pirates off the port bow

How to have multiple google profiles up at once

Posted on November 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Apparently you can do this with chrome.  Who knew?  I have been constantly logging in and out. http://www.howtogeek.com/233982/can-you-use-multiple-profiles-in-google-chrome-at-the-same-time/ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2364824?hl=en

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on How to have multiple google profiles up at once

Teach kids coding with Minecraft

Posted on November 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting project that is for K-5th grade in getting kids the basics of coding via minecraft. http://makezine.com/2015/11/19/teach-your-kids-to-code-with-one-hour-minecraft-puzzles/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24{feed}&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24{makezineonline}+%28%24{MAKE}%29&utm_content=%24{GoogleReader}

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Teach kids coding with Minecraft

Xerox takes over a Mall in Albany

Posted on November 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

They took over an old mall and are using it for a call center.  Not a bad idea, rent is decent, you have plenty of parking (ever been in a call center?  They pack folks in like sardines).  Power, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Xerox takes over a Mall in Albany