Author Archives: robertwilkie

Russia’s Flamethrower tank

Posted on April 5, 2013 by robertwilkie

Actually more like a missile tosser.  Pretty impressive tank.  The video is fun to watch (keep an eye out at the end for a soldier falling over from launching a missile).  Check out the video below. http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/04/russian-flamethrower-tank/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Top+Stories%29

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Sailfish SDK released (Opensource)

Posted on April 5, 2013 by robertwilkie

So what is Sailfish?  Well its another phone OS based on Linux.  It sounds like it has more multitasking functionality over android, but I am not positive on that.  A company called Jolla is doing the work and it looks … Continue reading →

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Linux based powered gun

Posted on April 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

Oh…I want this.  Its basically a tag and aim system (think Mechwarrior).  I wonder if they had to give some of the source up to the community.  The company that makes this is called Trackingpoint out of Texas.  Of course … Continue reading →

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I learn more about H1B visas from media in India

Posted on April 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

Than media here in the USA.  My opinion is that H1B visas are killing STEM based work in the US and they are depreciating wages and demand.  If that wasn’t the case, why are we not seeing more kids going … Continue reading →

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Xerox announces new iGEN

Posted on April 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

Looks like its just a bunch of software updates, no new hardware.  iGEN is a 3/4 million dollar machine that can print on all sorts of stuff. http://whattheythink.com/news/62988-xeroxs-new-igen4-delivers-more-automation-production-efficiencies-printers-gain-competitive-edge/

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Allen Kay from PARC & Apple Opinion on Apple

Posted on April 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

Allen Kay was very important to Apple in its early years.  Its interesting to see that he predicts Apple will fall apart since what kept it going was its Charismatic Leaders.  And now that those are gone (some left, and Steve … Continue reading →

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Hall affect limit switches

Posted on April 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like this idea, most of the limit switches I use for CNC are mechanical based.  This is a magnetic field based and is contact less.  It doesn’t look like it would cost much to make either.. http://hackaday.com/2013/04/03/hall-effect-limit-switches-for-a-3d-printer/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29  

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Future Engineers paid by crowdsource funding?

Posted on April 4, 2013 by robertwilkie

OK this is an idea that I have been mulling over for some time.  And after watching the success of one such project on kickstarter, I thought I would toss it out there. What about an engineer/developer of the future … Continue reading →

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Making an embedded WebServer more power efficient

Posted on April 3, 2013 by robertwilkie

With embedded systems, especially ones on battery or other self-contained power system.  Conserving power is very important.  The author here goes into how to start optimizing a system to use less power with its webpages/server. http://www.theresistornetwork.com/2013/03/fun-with-embedded-http-servers.html

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Make a sanding table for your belt sander

Posted on April 3, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like this build.  I have seen a few other jigs for belt sanders to make a table like sander out of them, but most of them involved “bolting” the sander into the jig.  This looks like you can remove … Continue reading →

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