Author Archives: robertwilkie

Simple garage door open signal

Posted on May 22, 2014 by robertwilkie

I like this project mostly cause the light indicator is built into the light switch panel, hiding the electronics.  Now I don’t think I would include the buzzer, that would just be too annoying.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZqPcMN7284 http://www.instructables.com/id/Smart-Garage-Door-Open-Indicator/

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Building a lawnmower bot

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Stumbled on this where the author build a solar powered lawnmower robot.  Actually the controller part is solar.  Rest still is gas.  Basically its an arduino controlled robot with 2 wheelchair motors moving it along and the front wheels replaced … Continue reading →

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Build an RPi Security Camera

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Not so sure about the authors claims that such a camera commercially would cost $1000.  Anyways, for about $110 you could build your own web enabled camera with an RPi.  The instructions are pretty good and the parts are listed … Continue reading →

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Kill robocallers with an RPi

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting project that combines Raspberry Pi, with Astrisk, and a VOIP phone adapter to kill off Robo-calls.  Basically the RPi answers the phone and filters the calls. https://www.wrbishop.com/telecom/end-robocaller-solicitation-and-hangup-calls-with-asterisk/

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Issues with Chip and Pin cards (EMV)

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Now the US is finally pushing to Chip and Pin cards, its interesting to read of the security issues with these cards. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/05/19/chip_and_skim/

Posted in Security | Comments Off on Issues with Chip and Pin cards (EMV)

Nice power tool battery to USB converter

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on building a converter for a Ryobi battery to USB.  Been wanting to do this with my Ryobi stuff for some time. http://www.instructables.com/id/Cordless-tool-battery-to-USB-charger/

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Xerox CEO, will Fix Services

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Xerox’s CEO plans to fix the Services end of Xerox that looks to be floundering these days.  One of the interesting proposed “fixes” is incorporating folks from Technology end of the business.  I wonder if that is just management, or … Continue reading →

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Xerox is officially out of Nevada

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nevada gave Xerox Services the boot yesterday and no longer will they manage the states healthcare. http://www.kolotv.com/home/headlines/Xerox-Gets-The-Boot-260033281.html?ref=281 http://www.8newsnow.com/story/25567451/breaking-news-state-ends-relationship-with-xerox-over-website-problems  

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My CNC rebuild, part 1

Posted on May 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

OK I finally got the time to start putting my homebrewed CNC back together.  Times have changed since I took it apart and it sat in the corner.  First up was the Pentium 4 I originally was using for a … Continue reading →

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Use your CNC to make your own keys

Posted on May 20, 2014 by robertwilkie

Why pay $2 and up for a spare key when you can make your own with your CNC.  Well if you already have a CNC that is. The directions are not the greatest on how to do this, but you … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Use your CNC to make your own keys