Category Archives: Tinkering

Cool looking folding shelf

Posted on September 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is a neat shelf that you can customize the size, or turn bits into bookends.  Me…I don’t think I would make it unless I had lots of scrapes around and was bored.  But still cool looking build that you … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, woodworking | Comments Off on Cool looking folding shelf

Cool stand to automate touches on a phone

Posted on September 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build on an automated “touch” for a cell phone.  The author built it for his game that he plays, I am thinking this may make a good physical tester for touch screens. http://www.instructables.com/id/Physical-Phone-Automation-Stand/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in android, robots, Software Development | Comments Off on Cool stand to automate touches on a phone

Build your own wireless FM Microphone

Posted on September 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

Using an RPi, a USB microphone, and an FM reciever (oh battery for the RPi too), you can make a wireless mic for your next speech.  Figure about $60 to build. http://www.instructables.com/id/Raspberry-Pi-Based-Wireless-Microphone/

Posted in RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Build your own wireless FM Microphone

Nice write-up on how to use Omnidirectional wheels.

Posted on September 22, 2015 by robertwilkie

Why?  Well these wheels allow for more precise turns with robots.  The author has some nice visual pictures on how to use the wheels with different configurations. http://www.instructables.com/id/Omnidirectional-Mecanum-Wheels/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Nice write-up on how to use Omnidirectional wheels.

3D print some fake batteries to extend your project

Posted on September 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK this beats my solution of soldering directly to the battery terminals.  The author here simply places his fake shell batteries into the battery compartment, and they has wire leads to the battery replacement.  Why would you do this?  Well … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on 3D print some fake batteries to extend your project

Nice collection of turtorials on using DC brushed motors

Posted on September 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good set of write-ups.  Worth keeping track of  for future needs. http://letsmakerobots.com/content/collection-my-dc-brushed-motor-tutorials

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Nice collection of turtorials on using DC brushed motors

Arduino battery shield build

Posted on September 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build that takes an cell phone battery, and power converter circuit and a charging circuit, to make a battery pack shield for an arduino. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Battery-Shield/

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Make an arduino based laser rangfinder

Posted on September 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting project, not much hardware work involved.  Down side, the !@#$# laser module is $300 dollars.  Bit out of my price range. http://hackaday.com/2014/07/01/pew-pew-an-arduino-based-laser-rangefinder/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29

Posted in Arduino, Tools | Comments Off on Make an arduino based laser rangfinder

Making CNC based business cards

Posted on September 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

Clever build, the author makes a reference card on a copper board cut to the shape of a business card.  You could modify this to have more “business card” information on it and hand it out. http://hackaday.com/2015/09/10/cnced-business-card/ original: http://protological.com/reference-pcb-business-card-cnc/

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Make a circle cutting jig for a router in 20 minutes

Posted on September 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

A nice simple build for using a scrap piece of plywood for making circles with a router.  The only thing I noticed is there is no “center hole” to mount the jig with.  Note, you see it in the video… … Continue reading →

Posted in My Projects, Tools, woodworking | Comments Off on Make a circle cutting jig for a router in 20 minutes