Author Archives: robertwilkie

Build a mini plasma cutter

Posted on August 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Using pencil lead, a bunch of 9 volt batteries, and some aligator clips to cut a sheet of aluminium foil.  Interesting build.  As the article goes on, would be interesting to put to a CNC.  I like how he daisy … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on Build a mini plasma cutter

Rolljam, neat way to hack a rolling code remote

Posted on August 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting way to hack a remote for a car or garage door opener, basically you “steal” a code from the remote (and jam it so it doesn’t get to the receiver).  Then you can use it.  It looks like the … Continue reading →

Posted in Security | Comments Off on Rolljam, neat way to hack a rolling code remote

VIPER, Python for embedded systems

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

YEAH!!!  I love python, and being an embedded systems dev, this is good news.  HOWEVER, its GPLv3, so if you plan to make commercial use of this, you could be SOL. http://www.open-electronics.org/viper-python-iot-design-suite-is-now-available/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OpenElectronics+%28Open+Electronics%29

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on VIPER, Python for embedded systems

Hacking the electric skateboard

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Again, bad security with embedded systems.  The skateboard is controlled by bluetooth, and is wide open (of course).  Sigh… http://www.wired.com/2015/08/hackers-can-seize-control-of-electric-skateboards-and-toss-riders-boosted-revo/

Posted in Security | Comments Off on Hacking the electric skateboard

Turning your Square into a Skimmer

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I hate to say it, but I saw this one coming.  The author presents how to bypass the encryption on the reader to “skim” off of it. http://gizmodo.com/a-hack-turns-the-square-card-reader-into-a-skimmer-1721941134

Posted in Security | Comments Off on Turning your Square into a Skimmer

Build a cantenna

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have been thinking about doing this for years.  Just never got around to it.  This is a nice write-up on how to build your own.  Note they only work on the 2.4GHz range.  My 2 cents, you can buy … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on Build a cantenna

Convert an old PSU to be a soldering fume ventilator

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this one.  If you have a toasted, or even an outdated power supply, this is a nice build that you can use to convert it to a fume extractor for soldering.  Heck most power … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Convert an old PSU to be a soldering fume ventilator

Make a Fold Down, portable(ish) workbench

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build for a simple fold down workbench.  The author attaches it to a wall for more stability, but you don’t have to.  Me…I think I will just buy used Black and Decker Workmates myself.  But if you already have … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make a Fold Down, portable(ish) workbench

Quick and dirty swamp cooler

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Author takes a disposable cooler, a cheap fan, and some PVC elbows and makes a simple swamp cooler.  Good fix if you are on vacation and need to cool off (no A/C). http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Air-Conditioner-1/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Quick and dirty swamp cooler

Using non-blocking functions instead of blocking with arduino

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

For most embedded systems developers, this is a given.  Instead of “delay” in arduino its “sleep”.  The author points out instead ot use a loop to do the toggling based on the time instead of blocking til the time runs … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life, Software Development | Comments Off on Using non-blocking functions instead of blocking with arduino