Author Archives: robertwilkie

Build a hidden compartment in your kitchen chairs

Posted on May 22, 2015 by robertwilkie

I really like this build, but….one of the comments is right, you should have some sort of switch or magnet or something to keep it latched.  Also I am a little concerned about the screw placement.  If they are too … Continue reading →

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Article on alternatives for NEST convinces me NEST is the best

Posted on May 22, 2015 by robertwilkie

I saw this article and first think I think of, is something that has all the functionality of NEST thermostats, But cheaper. Boy I was wrong.  Most of them have more features than NEST, and some start out cheaper but … Continue reading →

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For $50 convert your landline to be free forever

Posted on May 22, 2015 by robertwilkie

Well free as long as google voice is free.  The article talks about using a device called Obihai, that will basically be a translator between google and your houses land line.  Interesting device.  They run between $40-50 bucks each. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/keep-landline-ditch-phone-bill-with-simple-device/

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Updated directions for Turning an RPi into a media server

Posted on May 15, 2015 by robertwilkie

These directions take into account using the new XBMC software, Kodi, which has a whole bunch of updates.  Note the author is using RPiB2, and its overclocked (has heatsinks on it too).  This is important cause things like RaspBMC are … Continue reading →

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Marinate boiled eggs in soy sauce for extra favor

Posted on May 15, 2015 by robertwilkie

It sounds pretty interesting make for boiled eggs.  Going to try it out myself this weekend. http://lifehacker.com/marinate-eggs-in-soy-sauce-to-upgrade-your-ramen-or-sal-1704495959

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WifiMapper, app to find free wifi locations

Posted on May 15, 2015 by robertwilkie

Made by the same folks as OpenSignal, its an app that apparently will show you nearby free wifi locations.  Right now its only for Apple, but android expected in a few months. http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/vip/~3/5Kpn3W3btd0/wifimapper-helps-you-find-free-wi-fi-anywhere-in-the-wo-1704593993

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Make custom LED wiring

Posted on May 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I know this is a simple build with LED’s, but I brought it up since if you buy a pre-made solution just like this, it can run $5-10 each.  This would keep the costs to under a buck potentially.  Only … Continue reading →

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All seasons light up earrings

Posted on May 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build.  The board is custom and uses an ATiny system.  If you build 3-4 of these, it looks like you can get the cost down to $15 (author things $10 each). http://www.instructables.com/id/Electronic-All-Seasons-All-Holidays-LED-Earrings/

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Building an RPi Weather Station

Posted on May 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on a build of a solar powered Weather Station controlled by a Raspberry Pi.  There is allot of hardware components to this build.  No idea on the cost, but it doesn’t look like it would be under $100.  … Continue reading →

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Make hidden drawers in your PC

Posted on May 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I found this write up amusing, the author basically stash stuff inside the computer in one of the empty bays meant for a CD-ROM.  Why do I find this amusing?  If I was a thief, I would be stealing the … Continue reading →

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