Author Archives: robertwilkie

Government Stego for your 3D printer

Posted on February 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

Article covers a blog post on how the government may in the future force 3D print makers to put hidden serial numbers in print jobs so they could be tracked.  The same way many 2D printers do it for counterfeiting … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Security | Comments Off on Government Stego for your 3D printer

DIY nightvison for cars

Posted on February 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

I like this project, the author is building a system to not only have night vision, but has some intelligence behind it (only turn on when it detects something for example).  This maybe worth keeping and eye on.  Thought I … Continue reading →

Posted in Tinkering | Comments Off on DIY nightvison for cars

Build an opensource electric car

Posted on February 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

Another interesting article, this one on an opensource project where for about $4000 dollars, and in theory an hour of time, you could put this car kit together and have a working electric car buggy.  I wonder if that cost … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Build an opensource electric car

Program obfuscation for security

Posted on February 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting article on how Obfuscation could be used to secure cryptography.  It will be interesting if anything comes out of this research. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2014/02/cryptography-breakthrough/

Posted in Security | Comments Off on Program obfuscation for security

Chromecast API/SDK available now

Posted on February 5, 2014 by robertwilkie

Google opened up an SDK/API for the $35 Chromecast video streamer.  I wonder how long before someone hacks in some of the more free (like Hulu free) into it. http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/03/google-opens-chromecast-sdk/?ncid=rss_truncated

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Chromecast API/SDK available now

Intercom with 2 phone

Posted on February 5, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice idea for kids, its like the modern version of tin cans on a string for them.  Good idea to maybe tie a playhouse with another one. http://makezine.com/projects/simple-intercom-from-a-pair-of-old-corded-phones/

Posted in Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on Intercom with 2 phone

How Does Xerox make money when it has to keep paying lawyers?

Posted on February 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

Looks like another services dispute for Xerox in Philly.  This time over management of the stoplight cameras.  The competition is sueing saying Xerox didn’t get the contract without competition bids.  Lawyers are note cheap, so either this is a very … Continue reading →

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on How Does Xerox make money when it has to keep paying lawyers?

Steam power for kids

Posted on February 3, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on a simple example of a steam engine (balloon replaces the steam) for kids. http://steamsciproj.blogspot.com/

Posted in Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Steam power for kids

Xerox to help long term un-employed

Posted on February 3, 2014 by robertwilkie

Xerox has joined Obama’s pledge to help the long-term un-employed.  Should not be too hard since call centers have a pretty good turnover rate. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/vote-up/2014/01/31/300-employers-including-xerox-agree-to-not-discriminate-against-long-term-unemployed/5076857/

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Baltimore still going after Xerox Services

Posted on February 3, 2014 by robertwilkie

Xerox seems to have run with yet more issues with Baltimore, this time with ambulance costs instead of traffic lights. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis/bal-contractor-erred-ambulance-fees-20140202,0,6426283.story  

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Baltimore still going after Xerox Services