Author Archives: robertwilkie

Xerox closing another call center – almost 500 jobs

Posted on August 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

I am still amazed how these call centers can be started and closed overnight… http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/humble/news/xerox-announces-layoffs-in-houston-call-center/article_2609204b-e0d6-59f9-a631-6aa07fed132a.html

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Simple backup and restore tutorial for RPi

Posted on August 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good write-up on how to backup and restore SD images you have for the RPi on an RPi.  Me…I just dd the SD card on my linux box.  Or…get another cheap SD card. http://sysmatt.blogspot.com/2014/08/backup-restore-customize-and-clone-your.html

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Using a pressure sensor on an arduino

Posted on August 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Actually a pcduino, but this could apply to regular arduinos.  Its a write-up and sample code on how to use a basic pressure sensor.  Worth looking at if you are starting out with the stuff. http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-pressure-sensor-on-pcduino/

Posted in Arduino, sensors, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Using a pressure sensor on an arduino

Startups in Rochester NY

Posted on August 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

I got curious after talking to a few local engineers about small companies in Rochester NY.  So I started looking around.  There are several in the area that caught my attention as interesting to look at.  Most where basically “hired … Continue reading →

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Building a Rubber Band Gatling Gun

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

This is a very well done write-up on building a hand cranked rubber band gatling gun.  A while back I mentioned on for $100.  But this is much better and you can build it with kids.  Roughly, I think the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Tinkering, woodworking | Comments Off on Building a Rubber Band Gatling Gun

Nice write-up on using GBRL for CNC

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

I have heard of several folks using GBRL, arduino code for converting gcode into stepper control for CNC, but not too many step by step write-ups on how to do it. http://www.instructables.com/id/My-GBRL-cnc-controller-with-Arduino/

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Need to encrypt a file to send over email, use Minilock

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

Sounds like its a simple (free) tool that you can use to encrypt a file and send it to someone.  Worth looking at in the future. http://gizmodo.com/this-tool-makes-encrypting-files-as-easy-as-locking-you-1615667452 https://minilock.io/

Posted in Security | Comments Off on Need to encrypt a file to send over email, use Minilock

Wow, no wonder people hate calling call centers

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting article about Com Casts call centers and all the “steps” they have to run thru to try and keep you from canceling your account.  My 2 cents, I would stop they person on the phone right away and tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Xerox moving into SC’s SNAP (Food Stamp) program

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

Sounds like Xerox is making moves to take over South Carolina’s SNAP program.  It currently manages SNAP for several other states, so it makes sense to continue to take it over for other states. http://www.govtech.com/health/New-SNAP-EBT-System-to-Help-South-Carolina-Combat-Waste-Fraud-and-Abuse.html

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Plan on retiring from Xerox, think again

Posted on August 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

If you work from Xerox, and was planning on retiring from Xerox with a pension, you maybe in for a rude awakening.  Article states that Xerox, like many other companies these days, has discontinued its pension program. http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20140806/NEWS03/140809891?tags=|63|307|70|82

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