Author Archives: robertwilkie

Opensource robot platform

Posted on February 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting site,  basically they (veterbot) are trying to come up with a standard “open” robot platform that you can build from standard parts and a 3D printer.  It will be interesting to see where this goes since other attempts (like … Continue reading →

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US Patent law changes soon, what it means?

Posted on February 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

In less than a month the patent law changes from first to invent to first to file.  With a twist.  Now you could “publish” your idea and as long as you file within a year of the publish bit, you … Continue reading →

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Protect youreself, with a baseball cap?

Posted on February 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like hats, but this is different.  Its a baseball cap with a bunch of wieght on one end so you can use it like a club…wonder if this is on TSA’s list yet? http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/02/17/sap-cap-protect-yourself-with-a-baseball-cap/#!/exjun_

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Startup how to find an engineer

Posted on February 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

I found this article amusing.  Basically doe toe the “shortage” of engineers in the US.  Startup are having a tough time finding folks.  The article goes over other ways to find them.  Some of them are oldfashion and til the … Continue reading →

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Micro adjustable breadboard powersupply

Posted on February 18, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting idea, not sure what I would need to adjust a PS for so fine tuned….But you can get the layout and have a board shop make one for you.  Me…not likely http://dangerousprototypes.com/2013/02/17/micro-adjustable-breadboard-power-supply/

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Build a Wireless Robot

Posted on February 17, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting build with some scrap parts (kids old toys) , a quazi arduino, and other bits.  I think I would have skipped using bluetooth thought… http://www.instructables.com/id/Wireless-Robot-V2-Support-WiFi-Bluetooth/

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Atiny Serial Monitor using an arduino

Posted on February 17, 2013 by robertwilkie

If you are debugging an ATiny…this could be handy. http://www.instructables.com/id/Attiny-serial-monitor-using-arduino-walkthrough/  

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Make a light-up baseball cap

Posted on February 17, 2013 by robertwilkie

First saw something like this as a kickstarter project.  Nice idea and I can see kids liking it.  But not so sure about putting batteries in a cap.. http://www.instructables.com/id/EL-Wire-Cap/

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Make a solar LED Lamp post

Posted on February 16, 2013 by robertwilkie

Not too bad of a write-up, and instead of “buying” a lamp, maybe we could “reuse” an old lamp.  Only other downside is the total cost for this could be around $50-80 dollars….given this solution is mroe robust than som … Continue reading →

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A RPi in the Sky

Posted on February 15, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting build where a RPi is used to do video recordings live from flying in a balloon. Could be a good cheap spying device. http://publiclaboratory.org/notes/donblair/10-21-2012/r-pi-sky-leaffest

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