Author Archives: robertwilkie

How to use Android and Bluetooth

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author wrote a nice set of series on how to talk to other devices over bluetooth on android.  Well for programming that is. http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/03/11/android-e-bluetooth-1/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/03/18/android-e-bluetooth-2/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/04/28/android-e-bluetooth-3/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/05/02/android-e-bluetooth-4/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/05/04/android-e-bluetooth-5/

Posted in android, Misc-Life, robots, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on How to use Android and Bluetooth

Simple convert for a watercolorbot to a laser engraver

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice post where the author converted his watercolor bot into a laser engraver.  Note this can be done only with the newer version of the watercolorbot.  I am pretty sure the original kickstarter one may not beable to hold the … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple convert for a watercolorbot to a laser engraver

The poor man’s forge

Posted on February 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have always been interested in trying out a forge, and this sure looks like a simple and cheap way to do it.  But…..I am a little worried about working with molten metal (see bottom link). And of course here … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on The poor man’s forge

Make a keychain with an old bike chain

Posted on February 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

clever idea, the author basically takes an old bike chain, breaks off a chunk with a breaker, and puts a keychain ring thru it.  This could be a good kid project for crafts to give to family. http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-out-of-an-old-bike-chain/

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An RPi Personal Assistant

Posted on February 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have started looking into home automation again.  And one item I am interested in is voice command.  So a quick google search turned up this project with directions on using an RPi to do simple voice commands.  Its basics … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on An RPi Personal Assistant

Interesting article how farmers having a tough time with modern equipment

Posted on February 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is an interesting article how farming equipment is going high tech, but farmers are not too happy with it since everything is locked down and they can’t fix it.  So they have to get the dealer to do it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Interesting article how farmers having a tough time with modern equipment

Texas State Senator going for Xerox’s Blood

Posted on February 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Looks like the TxTag problems have hit the big-time with politics in Texas.  Now the TX reps are going after Xerox. http://kxan.com/2015/02/03/state-senator-demands-txtag-answers-from-xerox-txdot/  

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Texas State Senator going for Xerox’s Blood

My-Print-Delivery now supports Xerox Machines

Posted on February 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have not heard of these folks before.  Looks like they offer print management services and “follow you print” like stuff.  Surprised there is a demand for this type of software since I thought it was a bit of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on My-Print-Delivery now supports Xerox Machines

Make your own magnetic tray

Posted on February 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cool project, but….I think I will stick to the free ones at Harbor Frieght (with coupon). http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Magnetic-Tray/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own magnetic tray

Build a tennis ball launcher

Posted on February 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Great project, was geared toward someone in a wheelchair that wanted to play with her dog, but I am looking at it in general for anyone to use. http://www.instructables.com/id/Detachable-ball-launcher/

Posted in Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Build a tennis ball launcher