Author Archives: robertwilkie

Alarm clock that slaps you awake

Posted on November 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

This was just too odd to no post up.  The author basically takes a haloween arm prop, puts it on a motor that spins around above her head when the alarm goes off.  Its affective, as long as you have … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, robots | Comments Off on Alarm clock that slaps you awake

The tech shortage is a lie

Posted on November 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good article from a startup founder about the “alleged” tech shortage, and how false it is.  Thought I think he missed one point.  The re-training of older engineers.  The overall point he makes is companies are unwilling to foster and … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Software Development | Comments Off on The tech shortage is a lie

How to hire a dev for an app

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting article.  I like the links it uses for finding freelance developers to do your project. AppFutura UpWork ContractIQ Freelancer Guru Crew LinkedIn Smashing Magazine http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/make-mobile-app-right-developer/

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3D print a peristalic pump to feed people

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

The pump is to help feed a person whom is on a liquid based diet and can’t feed themselves.  Nice build but I wonder how long it will last on just plastic. http://hackaday.com/2015/11/10/3d-printed-peristalic-pump-has-impressive-capabilities/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, water | Comments Off on 3D print a peristalic pump to feed people

Use a small CD Motor for Rotary Input

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

As the author points out, light based encoders work but they are not cheap (think $20 each).  So an alternative is to take an cheap small DC motor an voltage divider and the analog input on an arduino to determine … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, sensors | Comments Off on Use a small CD Motor for Rotary Input

A small and simple 3D printer

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  The author did the standard convert CDROMs into a mini CNC.  Thenk put a 3D printing pen (looks like a generic 3Ddoodler) on it.  I guess you can get generics for $50.  toss in the arduino and controllers … Continue reading →

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Make an air powered broom

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Pretty clever hack where the author makes a T-shape broom with 1 inch PVC, puts holes in the bottom of it and uses it to sweep stuff around (oh its hitched up to his air compressor).  Figure about $15 in … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make an air powered broom

Theft ring of Xerox Toner (over 7 million) busted

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

A group of folks in Florida found a way to get toner from Xerox for basically free, and then resold it on the Internet.  Apparently taking in over 7 million dollars worth of toner in 5 years.  Well they have … Continue reading →

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Theft ring of Xerox Toner (over 7 million) busted

Walmart is suing Xerox

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Remember that big disaster in 2013 where Xerox food stamp services messed up and folks ended up on “unlimited money” cards.  Which caused a panic at Walmarts and food stamp folks stormed the stores to take advantage of the problem.  … Continue reading →

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Door Lock APIs

Posted on November 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

I was reading about August Door lock API, and got curious…a google search only turned up the lockitron API…so no idea where documenation on this is. https://api.lockitron.com/

Posted in Security, Software Development | Comments Off on Door Lock APIs