Author Archives: robertwilkie

AES encryption on an ATiny

The author managed to get AES running on an ATiny for building a secure channel for a doorbell.  This is neat and I am impressed that it was done (in assembly no less). http://hackaday.com/2015/02/20/aes-cmac-on-an-attiny85/

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Make your own scrub stick from PVC pipe

I like this build.  Instead of scrubbing your shower down just by a pad, the author makes a holder for the pad out of PVC so you can get more leverage out of it. http://www.instructables.com/id/PVC-Tiles-Clean-Pad/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own scrub stick from PVC pipe

Spin an old harddrive with a Soleniod

I got a kick out of this since it reminds me of steam power engines.  The author basically re-uses most of the hardrive and just attaches a bar from the heads (motor driver) to the platters. http://hackaday.com/2015/02/21/spin-up-an-old-hard-drive-with-a-solenoid-motor/

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OK I like this way to make transfers for copper clad boards

From the King of Random.  He basically uses packing tape on paper to get the toner to tranfer over and then irons that onto the board.  This looks like a good way to do this.  And much easier than some … Continue reading

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One really fancy doorbell

The author took a Raspberry Pi and basically added the camera module, display, etc to the doorbell to keep an eye on things.  I like how it calls your phone when enabled. http://hackaday.com/2015/02/22/raspberry-pi-doorbell-is-fully-featured/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, RaspberryPi, Security | Comments Off on One really fancy doorbell

OK this is a funny way to recharge a cell phone

This is a funny video where the author hacks a car battery to charge a cell phone.  I don’t think I would do this unless I absoluted needed to do so. http://hackaday.com/2015/02/22/macgyver-jedi-knights-ammo-stockpiles-and-candy-crush/

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How to see the traffic on a Vending Machine bus

Nice blog post on how to get and decode traffic on a vending machine to repurpose it.  Beats the alternative of just replacing all the boards and building your own.  I stumbled on this post by accident while digging for … Continue reading

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California getting nervous about Xerox Cal-Med

Looks like the State of California is getting worried that Xerox won’t beable to deliver on its Medicaid work. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article10713146.html

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Xerox in trouble with Medicaid…this time in Alaska

Xerox just doesn’t seem to have a handle on managing Medicaid for states.  This time Alaska is going after it. http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/February-Issue-4-2015/State-director-files-affidavit-laying-out-claims-against-Xerox/

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Hack a snow shovel

Basically the hack is to extend the lenght of the shovel.  This way you get more leverage to shovel the snow with.  Its a good idea and this winter…this maybe this weekends project. http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Better-Snow-Shovel/

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