Author Archives: robertwilkie

Print out a Hydroponics system

Posted on August 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

This looks like a cool project.  The authors are basically looking for funding to make the project (actually they got it).  And they plan to publish the designs out for everyone to do.  I think.  Its hard to tell some … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Print out a Hydroponics system

Navdy, and yes I want one

Posted on August 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

OK this looks cool, Navdy is a HUD, Heads Up Display, for cards that will tie into a whole bunch of stuff to modernize your car.  I have seen “hacks” that kindof do this.  But this is the first commercial … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Navdy, and yes I want one

Cool little drawing robot

Posted on August 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting little drawing robot using a Propeller Platform controller.  It looks like the cost would be around $100 if you buy everything outright.  However if you are like me, you have most of this stuff kicking around and can compromise. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, robots | Comments Off on Cool little drawing robot

Need an old map of NY, go to the Library

Posted on August 5, 2014 by robertwilkie

Missed this one from a while back.  Apparently NY public library (NYC that is) published all its maps over the centuries onto the web.  Stumbled on this while looking for old maps of Rochester. http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/03/new-york-public-library-offers-20000-plus-historical-maps-for-free/?utm_source=mainrss

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on Need an old map of NY, go to the Library

3D printed keys and burglars

Posted on August 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

I read this article and thought to myself, If I was a burglar, why on earth would I go thru all the trouble to photo your key, flesh it out and then print it.  A Sledgehammer work work much quicker. … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Security | 1 Comment

Converting a Unipolar stepper to a bipolar

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

So why would you do this, well unipolar (5-8 wires) allow for more fine control, but have less torque to turn things.  Most 3D printers and CNC’s use bipolar too.  So…the convertion is pretty easy and you can get the motors … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Converting a Unipolar stepper to a bipolar

Xerox sues city of Rowlett

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

It sounds like Xerox had a complicated contract with the city and the city was loosing money on the deal too. http://starlocalmedia.com/rowlettlakeshoretimes/xerox-files-lawsuit-against-rowlett/article_8ea2a55e-18c7-11e4-82da-001a4bcf887a.html

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Xerox sues city of Rowlett

What Xerox can learn from Kodak and Fuji

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting article.  However I think the author missed a key point.  He pointed to Fuji as a success cause they took what they had, and used it to branch into other fields to re-invent themselves.  Where Kodak towed the line … Continue reading →

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on What Xerox can learn from Kodak and Fuji

Building a flexible CNC leadscrew nut

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build.  The author was having issues using standard nuts for moving the table of a CNC around.  SO he switched to a custom build using rubber hose, and a rounded coupling nut.  He … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Building a flexible CNC leadscrew nut

Build a Pantograph with a Dremel

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up to build a Pantograph (thing that draws, in this case cuts, a duplicate of what you are tracing).  Only thing I might do differently is a better holder for the dremel.  Maybe something that can thread in. http://starlocalmedia.com/rowlettlakeshoretimes/xerox-files-lawsuit-against-rowlett/article_8ea2a55e-18c7-11e4-82da-001a4bcf887a.html

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering, Xerox | Comments Off on Build a Pantograph with a Dremel