Author Archives: robertwilkie

Hacking Cheap Voltmeters into Displays

Posted on August 26, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting hack where the author took some cheap voltmeters off the internet to get displays.  Makes sense since the display can add up quick. http://smokedprojects.blogspot.ca/2013/08/i2c-led-display-from-hacked-voltmeter.html

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Electric Imp Garage Door Opener

Posted on August 26, 2013 by robertwilkie

This is an interesting write-up, its using a microcontroller called electric Imp to get status and open/close a garage door over wifi.  The controller part is around $40-50 (with wifi).  It looks like the programming interface is a visual one, … Continue reading →

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Gold Scrapping from computers

Posted on August 24, 2013 by robertwilkie

I can’t say I will EVER do this, its a little too dangerous for me.  But if you are hard up, and want to get the gold from circuits….Either way the videos are fun to watch.  Or check out the … Continue reading →

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controlling RGB LEDS with Android and Arduino

Posted on August 24, 2013 by robertwilkie

From the video the arduino is just the controller of 3 power switches, the android provides the interface.  It seems like overkill to me on both ends. http://hackedgadgets.com/2013/08/24/rgb-led-strip-lights-controlled-by-an-android-and-arduino-system/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

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Comparing A Comparison of Hacker Friendly SDRs

Posted on August 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Software Defined Radio that is.  Got an old USB tuner card?  Want to listen into more stuff.  Here is your chance.  🙂 http://hackaday.com/2013/08/23/a-comparison-of-hacker-friendly-sdrs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29

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Smart Power Supply for the RPi

Posted on August 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting hack that basically allows the RPi to get a signal that its time to power down (and then power down) just like a real computer when you hit the power button.  The board inbetween is called the ATXRaspi.  Down side … Continue reading →

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The Super Altoids Stove

Posted on August 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Basically another “pocket rocket stove”.  I like this build since its pretty simple and straight forward.  I wonder how long it lasts on on load of rubbing alcohol http://www.instructables.com/id/Super-Altoids-stove/

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A trashcan rainbarrow

Posted on August 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice build and directions on taking a roughneck trashcan and making a simple rainbarrel out of it.  I see these (in red) usually on sale at Ace Hardware for $5 every so often, if you go with PVC for the … Continue reading →

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Cool water fountain

Posted on August 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Wow this is neat, and alot of work.  The author designed the templates, then put them into concrete to form.  I would love to build this next to my front walk. http://www.instructables.com/id/Sixty-Foot-Water-Feature/?ALLSTEPS

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PARC printing in Space

Posted on August 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Looks like NASA has teamed up with Xerox PARC to print circuits in space.  I am a little mixed on the printed circuits, tech has been around longer than folks think.  Just the costs haven’t really justified the need. http://www.geek.com/science/parc-is-printing-electronics-for-nasa-to-send-into-space-1568198/

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