Category Archives: Tinkering

Interesting review of micro SD cards

Posted on December 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Stumbled on this article.  Basically someone did a comparison of several different micro SD cards to see which ones where faster.  The tests are a bit informal and from my own experience, could change with time (manufacturers have a tendency … Continue reading →

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Minibain, for lightwieght Rasbian for RPi

Posted on December 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is an even more stripped down version of Debian, for the raspberry pi.  Its command line based and would be idea for systems that don’t need GUI. http://lifehacker.com/minibian-is-a-minimal-version-of-raspbian-for-the-raspb-1745290955

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Need to add WiFi to your Pi Zero?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author basically broke open an edimax wifi USB dongle, and soldered it onto the USB connections for the micro USB port.  Its cheaper that getting a USB powered hub or a micro to full sized USB adapter. http://hackaday.com/2015/11/28/first-raspberry-pi-zero-hack-piggy-back-wifi/

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Chip VS PI Zero

Posted on November 30, 2015 by robertwilkie

This was a good article that compares the new $5 Raspberry Pi to the CHIP kickstarter project ($9).  Now the author does a good job pointing out that in the end, CHIP is better.  BUT…he forgot about the momentum and … Continue reading →

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Make a circle cutting jig for your router

Posted on November 30, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build.  Only thing is I don’t have a plung router.  Which would make the build easier.  But…maybe a circular saw could do some of the same stuff.  The author is right, its worth making these yourself.  A small one … Continue reading →

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Hum, good idea for simple robot hands

Posted on November 30, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like the idea for simple pincers using an old CDROM drive, down side…they won’t be very strong. http://www.instructables.com/id/pince-robotique/

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Build your own Arduino Laser Scanner

Posted on November 30, 2015 by robertwilkie

With a scanner shield that runs $20 of course.  Its a nice build and I put this under the “cheapish” catagory since 3D scanners are NOT cheap. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Arduino-3D-Laser-Scanner/

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3D Slash runs on RPis now

Posted on November 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Actually I was more interested in 3D Slash than the fact i can run on an raspberry pi.  The software looks like a simple CAD/CAM package.  And if it can run on an RPi, means its not too CPU intense … Continue reading →

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Make your own custom boxes for christmas

Posted on November 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

The authror posted up a bunch of designs for custom laser cut boxes for packages.  Now if I only have an laser cutter/engraver…. http://hackaday.com/2015/11/24/just-in-time-for-the-holidays-laser-cut-gift-boxes/ http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/DownloadableProjects.html#CardstockBoxes

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Interesting build for a woodworking chuck

Posted on November 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  Heck alot cheaper than buying a similar one.  If you have access to a laser cutter that is.  This design might be adaptable to a CNC too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Longworth-Chuck/

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