Author Archives: robertwilkie

Making sanding disks for your drillpress

Pretty simple build and good idea too.  My 2 cents, I would have used threaded rod instead, its hard to come by pipe with thread in it (or thread it yourself). http://www.instructables.com/id/Shop-Made-Sanding-Disc-Arbors/

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A carpet drawing bot

I got a kick out of this,  the author basically build a bot that can “draw” on the carpet by rubbing on it as its moved across the carpet.  Clever idea. http://gizmodo.com/this-clever-carpet-printer-brushes-pictures-onto-your-1622164024

Posted in Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on A carpet drawing bot

Hack a Traffic Light

Interesting article, but it points out common issues with alot of different embedded devices, such as not configuring them (changing default password).  open wireless enabled, etc etc. http://gizmodo.com/hacking-into-traffic-lights-with-a-plain-old-laptop-is-1624102517

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Interesting water only cooler

This is an interesting build that basically uses water as a radiator like cooler (instead of the typical bucket cooler with ice).  Nice build, curious how well it works thought. http://hackaday.com/2014/08/08/a-do-it-yourself-air-conditioner-with-evaporative-cooling-5-gallon-bucket/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Interesting water only cooler

Xerox to be St. Louis’s meter maid

Xerox is taking over the meter maid / parking business for the city of Saint Louis. Sounds like part of the work will be to modernize the meters. http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/st-louis-parking-meters-accept-credit-cards-smartphone-payments    

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Its amazing all the Government Social Services Xerox is in

I never stop being amazed at all the different government services Xerox manages.  This time they are taking over the payment processing for child support. ttp://www.heraldonline.com/2014/08/11/6220884/xerox-and-moneygram-to-transform.html?sp=/100/773/385/  

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Xerox laying off 120+ in Rochester

Looks like if you work for Xerox in Rochester, and you need cleaning or something fixed, you are going to have to call an outside firm.  Xerox announced it is laying off its facilities folks in Rochester, over 120 people. … Continue reading

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Nice Write-up on building an Arduino Wireless Alarm System

Good write-up on how to build a simple, wireless (RF), alarm system with arduino and mini’s.  I think it could be cheap’ed down more if so desired too. http://www.instructables.com/id/ARDUINO-WIRELESS-HOME-SECURITY-SYSTEM/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Arduino, Security | Comments Off on Nice Write-up on building an Arduino Wireless Alarm System

Laser cut Spherebot

If I only had a laser cutter CNC.  Anyways nice write-up (and free plans) for building a spherebot with a laser cutter cutting out the parts.  Most of these I see are 3D printed, or hand built.  Wish I had … Continue reading

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You can get some good parts out of an old lighter

Never thought about the parts in an old lighter for re-use.  After watching this video I am. http://www.instructables.com/id/Reusing-Dead-Electric-Lighters-for-fun/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on You can get some good parts out of an old lighter