Author Archives: robertwilkie

Make your own custom beam compass

Posted on July 8, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build, pretty simple too.  If you need to draw out some big circles this would be the way to go. http://jayscustomcreations.com/2015/01/incredibly-easy-beam-compass/

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Build an NeoPixel LED headband

Posted on July 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build with what looks like an ATiny like board.  I know kids would like this better if it was a bit more seemless and the battery pack was easier to hide. http://www.instructables.com/id/NeoPixel-LED-Headband/

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Build an NeoPixel LED headband

Re-use old laptop batteries for power banks

Posted on July 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

I am a bit torn on this idea.  On one hand, the parts are only going to cost you $1-2 dollars each.  But, you are guessing that the laptop battery has those AA cell sizes, and that they actually hold … Continue reading →

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Make a cheap duck pond

Posted on July 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Or Dog Pond?  Anyways, the author bascially uses a 5 gallon bucket, a kiddie pool, and a simple pump that its output is glued into a hole in the bucket.  You could simplify this more by just having the top … Continue reading →

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Simple manual mini indoor garden

Posted on July 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this idea, and ….I don’t think you need to have a 3D printer to make it.  You could glue 2 caps together and use them instead. http://www.instructables.com/id/3Dponics-Mini-Indoor-Garden/

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Portable Drum Sander

Posted on July 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

This would TOTALLY be worth making.  The author basically takes a rolling pin, some threaded rod, and bam….drum sander for your drill.  If you have lots of tables and such to sand down, this would be worth it.  Its cheap … Continue reading →

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How to upgrade an XBox 360 to an XBox One, with coding

Posted on July 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

I don’t know how successful this is, but with Microsoft phasing out support for the xbox360, this maybe worth looking at. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-upgrade-your-Xbox-360-to-Xbox-One/

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Another write-up on using Nokia 5110 display with arduino

Posted on July 1, 2015 by robertwilkie

I can’t get enough of these write-ups, as I have had way to many issues with wiring in these displays. http://www.instructables.com/id/Nokia-5110-graphics-tutorial/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Another write-up on using Nokia 5110 display with arduino

Make a guide for your circular saw

Posted on July 1, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on building a straight edge guide for your circular saw.  This is on my todo list but…I am thinking of upgrading my saw first.  As the author points out. you could most likely get HomeDepot to make the … Continue reading →

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Using a small 3D printer to build a big one

Posted on June 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this write-up.  Basically the author took the concepts of a rep-rap to heart.  My 2 cents, I would just use purchased bar slides instead of printing them out.  God must have take over a day per side to … Continue reading →

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