Author Archives: robertwilkie

$9 Charger build

Posted on February 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting build using a joule thief for a charger. http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Wind-and-Hydro-on-your-faucet-turbine-powere/

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on $9 Charger build

If I ever build a router table, I am doing this

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author build a motorized router table so he doesn’t have to manually adjust it up and down.  He is using an arduino for the controller with a displace and a DC motor to do the up/down.  I have watched … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on If I ever build a router table, I am doing this

3D print your own portable wind power

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice idea that has the frame be 3D printed out on a printrbot simple (so a small printer).  It looks like it uses cloth for the panels.  Down side, no spec’s or files or designs that I could find on … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Wind | Comments Off on 3D print your own portable wind power

Want to protect your code from Reverse Engineering

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Look at this new tech called HARES, Hardened Anti-Reverse Engineering System.  It sounds neat, but still has some weak spots.  Right now it looks like its still a research project. http://www.wired.com/2015/02/crypto-trick-makes-software-nearly-impossible-reverse-engineer/ http://blog.jacobtorrey.com/hares-faq

Posted in Security, Software Development | Comments Off on Want to protect your code from Reverse Engineering

Simple write-up on making an H Bridge

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Important circuit for converting AC to DC to/from a motor.  Good write-up. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-H-bridge-for-Motor-Control/

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple write-up on making an H Bridge

DIY Metal Etcher

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is not a toy for kids, the author basically uses a DC power supply and a wire to do the etching.  Fun to watch.  If I made one, I would only use it with rubber gloves…thick ones. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Metal-Etcher/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on DIY Metal Etcher

The Switcheroo, some new Kickstarter project that looks interesting

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this kickstarter via instructables, called Switcheroo (which starts 2/15).  The instructables look promising (below).  But…   Smartlock http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-the-Switcheroo-to-unlock-doors-with-your-smart/ remote light http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-the-Switcheroo-to-turn-on-lights-with-your-sma/ Garage door opener    

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on The Switcheroo, some new Kickstarter project that looks interesting

A cheaper way to convert a Fluorescent light to LED

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Author did a nice job writing up converting a 4 foot Fluorescent fixture to LED for $30.  I think it can be done for $20 myself and that includes powersupply.  Funny thing is this is only a little more work … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on A cheaper way to convert a Fluorescent light to LED

Poor mans IR receiver

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this idea, the author basically takes a cheap IR LED, some resistors, and one of the A/D lines on the arduino to read IR traffic.  This could be a good way to re-use old IR remotes from TV’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, sensors, Tinkering | Comments Off on Poor mans IR receiver

Programming an arduino with a cheap bluetooth adapter

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

By cheap, I mean under $5 on ebay.  Basically the authors where using an HC-06 bluetooth adapter and tied the arduino reset to one of its pins so that they could program it over bluetooth.  Not a bad hack. http://morf.lv/modules.php?name=tutorials&lasit=30

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Programming an arduino with a cheap bluetooth adapter