Category Archives: Tinkering

Using Eclipse with Arduinos

Posted on November 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

Write-up on using eclipse with arduinos.  My 2 cents, I’ll stick with arduino’s IDE, its lighter wieght and dedicated.  I have had too much pain in the past setting up Eclipse for cross compiling. http://hackaday.com/2015/10/30/code-craft-using-eclipse-for-arduino-development/

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Alarm clock that slaps you awake

Posted on November 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

This was just too odd to no post up.  The author basically takes a haloween arm prop, puts it on a motor that spins around above her head when the alarm goes off.  Its affective, as long as you have … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, robots | Comments Off on Alarm clock that slaps you awake

The tech shortage is a lie

Posted on November 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good article from a startup founder about the “alleged” tech shortage, and how false it is.  Thought I think he missed one point.  The re-training of older engineers.  The overall point he makes is companies are unwilling to foster and … Continue reading →

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How to hire a dev for an app

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting article.  I like the links it uses for finding freelance developers to do your project. AppFutura UpWork ContractIQ Freelancer Guru Crew LinkedIn Smashing Magazine http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/make-mobile-app-right-developer/

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3D print a peristalic pump to feed people

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

The pump is to help feed a person whom is on a liquid based diet and can’t feed themselves.  Nice build but I wonder how long it will last on just plastic. http://hackaday.com/2015/11/10/3d-printed-peristalic-pump-has-impressive-capabilities/

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Use a small CD Motor for Rotary Input

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

As the author points out, light based encoders work but they are not cheap (think $20 each).  So an alternative is to take an cheap small DC motor an voltage divider and the analog input on an arduino to determine … Continue reading →

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A small and simple 3D printer

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  The author did the standard convert CDROMs into a mini CNC.  Thenk put a 3D printing pen (looks like a generic 3Ddoodler) on it.  I guess you can get generics for $50.  toss in the arduino and controllers … Continue reading →

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Door Lock APIs

Posted on November 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

I was reading about August Door lock API, and got curious…a google search only turned up the lockitron API…so no idea where documenation on this is. https://api.lockitron.com/

Posted in Security, Software Development | Comments Off on Door Lock APIs

You too can build your own medical capsule bot

Posted on November 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Vanderbilt released development kits  there robot capsule tech .  It looks pretty cool.  I wonder when it will become common for doctors to use these devices. http://www.ubergizmo.com/2015/11/vanderbilt-engineers-open-up-their-medical-capsule-robot-technology/?utm_source=mainrss

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Simple electronic water shut off valve

Posted on November 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is pretty funny, instead of a mechanical float switch, the author uses an interesting setup to turn the water on/off for horses.  I would recommend using a voltage regulator for the ATiny so you don’t suck down the battery … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, water | Comments Off on Simple electronic water shut off valve