Author Archives: robertwilkie

Add a simple fan to your RPi

Posted on October 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK I haven’t had to do this with any of my RPi’s….yet.  But this is a cheap way to add a fan too cool off the RPi.  Not so sure about it being a temp fix (I can see this … Continue reading →

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So why are we going with chip based credit cards?

Posted on October 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting hack where the criminals found a way to bypass the pin needed in Europe’s chip and pin cards.  Here in the USA we are switching to chip and signature cards (basically just chip cards).  Which would make it a … Continue reading →

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Build an arduino based home security system

Posted on October 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build.  But…I think if I was going this far, this would be part of a bigger setup.  Still worth bookmarking for now. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-simple-arduino-alarm-system/

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The Palm Pistol

Posted on October 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is too funny, its a single shot .38 pistol that has a trigger up top that you squeeze with your thumb.  Its market is for elderly that can’t hold a normal gun.  I’m thinking carpel tunnel folks could use … Continue reading →

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A no-weld single wheel bike trailer

Posted on October 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this build.  Its cheap, recycles parts from an old bike Actually 2 bikes) and anyone can make it. The directions are a bit light on the hitch bit, and I think I would do a few bits differently.  … Continue reading →

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A Skirt light build

Posted on October 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is a much simplier build (but costs more) than other clothing builds I have seen.  The author uses a bunch of off the shelf materials to control the LEDs, oh and power them, instead of building her own.  I … Continue reading →

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Ouch, crappy way to find out you have been laid off

Posted on October 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Sadly I have seen similar methods before.  I know of folks that where laid off via email.  They got into the building OK (contract workers), could get to their email, and got notices from the contract house in email they … Continue reading →

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3D print your own bikini, and clean up the ocean

Posted on October 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK I am not so sure about the cleaning bit.  Anyways, the authors created a material that repels water but sucks up oil and chemicals.  And used a 3D printer to print out a custom bikini with the material.  I … Continue reading →

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“People never believe I am an engineer”, UB, CEO of Xerox

Posted on October 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Article is about the stem program and getting more women into it.  But the qoute from Ursula Burns, CEO of Xerox just about blew me away. http://fortune.com/2015/10/13/how-to-get-girls-into-stem/

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Uh Oh, Xerox going to post first quarter loss in 5 years

Posted on October 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

It looks like the charge Xerox is taking in trying to get out of building medicaid/healthcare systems is going to put it at a loss for 3rd quarter.  4th quarter for Xerox is typically bad too..soo… I wonder if layoffs … Continue reading →

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