Author Archives: robertwilkie

Adafruits Punk Collar Kit

I like the idea, but I think I would use it on my dogs, or have something on the LED’s so they don’t look like…well LEDs.  Or multi-color would be nice.  The directions are well written up, but for $30…ouch. … Continue reading

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3 Wire LCD control on the cheap

Good write-up on using a 74xx chip to keep the wire count down for an simple LCD display http://www.instructables.com/id/3-Wire-HD47780-LCD-for-less-than-1-dollar/

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Write-up on going cheap for Amtel/Arduino programmming

I like this guy, he is looking for the cheapest way (and not have to build stuff completely from scratch to program the Amtel CPU.  I could see myself doing this since I hate the thought of accidently destroying my … Continue reading

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Xerox Insider Trading

  FYI: You have to give out your email address to get the info from the first link. What is interesting is our a lot of Xerox’s senior staff has been consistently selling off their shares, and many did a … Continue reading

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Docker and Salt for Config Management

Well I have heard of Puppet and Chef, Docker and Salt are new ones to me.  Salt sounds pretty interesting and would be worth a closer look someday. http://katehenneinke.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-matrix-of-hell-and-two-open-source.html  

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Now skimmers going pro for gas pumps

These skimmers make me a little more nervous than ATM ones, since they are a replacement for the existing hardware on the pump.  In other words the crooks swap out the original cardreader (on the left) with the modified one … Continue reading

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Gaming system for your car

Actually when I saw this, I was thinking more about a nicer video setup for the kids for movies on long trips.  Only issue I see if the rearview mirror will be harder to see thru. http://www.instructables.com/id/Put-A-19in-Tv-And-Game-Console-In-Your-Car/  

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Interesting bucket hydroponic setup

Interesting setup with 2 buckets.  Seems like a bit more plumbing that is needed. http://www.instructables.com/id/Single-Dutch-Bucket-Hydroponic-Tomato-System/

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Add a Quill stop to a drill press

Simple idea (if you have the bits and tools) to add a stop for the drill press.  Me, I just raise the table. http://www.instructables.com/id/Fitting-Quill-Stop-for-Pillar-Drill-Hobbyist-Mac/

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More how to make a coin battery

The author did 2 different takes on the coin battery, My preference is for version 2 with does not need as much foil.  This would be a good project with the kids.  I am impressed that 6 pennies will power … Continue reading

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