Author Archives: robertwilkie

Is Xerox a Value Trap, Maybe not if you get rid of the CEO

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

If I read this correctly, the author is not very fond of Xerox and things is going to get worse…UNLESS…they get rid of the CEO.  The author points out that since 2007, when the current CEO, Ursula Burns, took over, … Continue reading →

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How to get an Arduino network/wireless conectivitly cheaper

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

If you are looking at the arduino ethernet shields, or even the wireless ones, you are going to fork out some big bucks (well OK $50…but that is alot for embedded).  So, put your old router to work and use … Continue reading →

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Yet another hole in Cisco Digital Phones

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Incase you haven’t heard by now. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/12/13/cisco_voip_phones_vulnerable/

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Raspberry Pi SAFE light Dimmer

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Instead of using a relay and wiring it into the AC line, this gent came up with a safer approach and uses a motor to “turn a dimmer switch”. I like this idea since it uses existing tech, and its … Continue reading →

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Panelizing a PCB board

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Not really a new idea, but the author created a script that would “copy” a PCB design so he could fit multiple boards in one given area.  WHY?  Well no matter what you are going to pay a Minimum Size … Continue reading →

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Great, now we have to worry about skimmers at stores too

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Looks like the skimmer (credit card skimmer) folks have up’ed their game and are now going after POS readers too.  I have heard stories of some folks hardwiring into an existing POS, but this sounds like it replaces the whole … Continue reading →

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Google taking aim at Amazon?

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Basically the sum of the article is that Google is extending its reach in cloud based services for companies (where Amazon is another giant in). http://techcrunch.com/2012/12/15/google-could-loosen-amazons-cloud-grip-by-redefining/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29

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The Pocket Monkey

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Nice little tool that fits in your wallet.  I have a cheap chinese wallet tool ($2.50 total).  But this looks alot nicer…Just not willing to purge $12 for it.  I am sure there will be a knockoff for it soon… … Continue reading →

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Waka Waka Portable Power

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, a small portable device that has a light and can charge phones/etc. BUT…for $65 and up…I’ll hold for now http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20121217/solar-power-social-responsibility/

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Using a Raspberry Pi with Siri for a garage door opener

Posted on December 18, 2012 by robertwilkie

Interesting idea.  If I understand it correctly, the Pi is directly wired into the network and then its controls a relay to trigger the garage door.  So figure 45 for the Pi (with shipping), $5 for the ethernet cable, and … Continue reading →

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