Category Archives: Tinkering

Simple Power Supply hack for arduino

Posted on November 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Pretty simple hack.  Take an old barrel plug and break it open, then solder on the terminals. http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Power-adaptor-for-Arduino/

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Convert a cheap 180 servo to continuous movement

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice hack to convert the servo from 180 to continuous movement around.  Why care?  Well continous cost around $10, 180’s are aroudn $6 so its a 4 dollar savings. http://www.instructables.com/id/Converting-Micro-Servos-for-Continuous-Rotation/

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Use you 3D printed parts for molds

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

This isn’t a bad idea, the author basically uses a 3D printed “shape” as a mold and then builds the part with epoxy. http://hackaday.com/2015/11/20/stronger-3d-printed-parts/ How to here http://www.instructables.com/id/Strengthening-a-3D-Printed-Part/ You could color the epoxy with toner too http://hackaday.com/2015/09/04/tint-your-epoxy-resin-with-toner-powder/

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First decent 3D printed revolver makes national headlines

Posted on November 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

It looks like a pretty good build using ABS.  Down side, you need a good sized 3D printer to print in.  And I would think it will take “days” to print out from what I can tell from the designs.  … Continue reading →

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ESP8266, an arduino killer?

Posted on November 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have heard of the ESP8266 before, but mostly as a WiFi interface system.  Turns out they make great little embedded systems boards for under $10.  With WiFi built in.  I haven’t tried these out myself yet, but its on … Continue reading →

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A $100 laser engraver?

Posted on November 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this write-up of using a simple small laser engraver.  And I got curious as to the cost of it.  Its under $100.  Pretty impressive for the price. Write-up here http://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-engravercutter/ Where to buy http://www.gearbest.com/3d-printers-3d-printer-kits/pp_240242.html  

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Texa’s student improves his concrete printer

Posted on November 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Looks like the kid that made a concrete printer a few months back in Texas is still at it with a new and improved version.  Still no spec’s or details on it thought.  Seems like folks working on this are … Continue reading →

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Print out your own simple robot arm

Posted on November 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Add in a couple of servo’s and you have a cool looking robot arm to play with called the EEZYbotARM. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20151115-the-eezybotarm-cool-3d-printed-robotic-arm-to-learn-the-basics-of-robotics.html

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Processing for the RPi

Posted on November 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK if you don’t know, processing is a simple programming language/IDE good for kids to go to the next level of programming before getting into the heavy stuff (C++/Java/Python).  Apparently you can now run it on a Raspberry Pi too. … Continue reading →

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Several different tools to convert an ISO to a bootable USB drive

Posted on November 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting review of tools to do this with.  I have used the Windows 7 tool in the past.  and ISO to USB.  But I have never heard of Yumi til this article (which that seems to be the tool of … Continue reading →

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