Category Archives: Tinkering

Making a CNC Hammer Joint Box

Posted on August 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so whats the big deal on this?  Well the author build this with a drill based CNC (NO LASER).  Which to me is important since most of my CNC projects are bit based.  And most designs/build I find on … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Making a CNC Hammer Joint Box

Use a Kindle (or other android tablet) as a Monitor on RPi

Posted on August 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this, basically the author is using Remote Desktop, xdrp, on the Raspberry Pi, and the corresponding app in android. http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-use-a-kindle-fire-as-a-monitor-for-raspberr/

Posted in android, Misc-Life, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Use a Kindle (or other android tablet) as a Monitor on RPi

Build an RC Catamaran

Posted on August 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build, the author took a plastic shoe box, some PVC pipe, 2 pool noodles, and make a propeller/steering system (oh and the motor/controller from an old RC car) to make a slick boat.  Figure under $20 in parts (between … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, robots, water | Comments Off on Build an RC Catamaran

Github for the desktop

Posted on August 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

YEAH, a github desktop client that works in windows and mac (in theory windows too) and doesn’t suck.  One of my biggest issues with github, is its CONFUSING AS ALL HECK when you need to do complex things with it.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Software Development | Comments Off on Github for the desktop

Print out your own cute robot

Posted on August 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

All the files are on thingiverse if you need them.  Its a pretty simple robot that uses 2 servos, an atiny, and an ultrasound sensor to determine where to go.  Good project for kids. http://letsmakerobots.com/robot/project/attiny-can-robot

Posted in Arduino, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, robots, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Print out your own cute robot

How the increase in minimum wage could bring in a robot revolution

Posted on August 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good article.  It does a good job pointing out how the increase in minimum wage could trigger a sudden burst in robotics as companies find they have to do more with less. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/minimum-wage-offensive-could-speed-arrival-of-robot-powered-restaurants/2015/08/16/35f284ea-3f6f-11e5-8d45-d815146f81fa_story.html

Posted in Misc-Life, robots, Software Development | Comments Off on How the increase in minimum wage could bring in a robot revolution

Redo on the mearm

Posted on August 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

MeArm, was a neat cheap robotic arm.  It seems someone redid the design so it better for printing with a 3D printer, and can use steppers instead of servos. http://www.bajdi.com/mearm-forked/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, robots | Comments Off on Redo on the mearm

Opensource Medical Insturments

Posted on August 18, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting article, the author has build a stethoscope that costs $20 and can be printed out (vs $300 to buy one).  This won’t fly in the US, but in 3rd world countries…. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/14/printed_stethoscope_cccamp You can find more on this and … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Opensource Medical Insturments

Google now makes it easier for you to figure out if you should go Solar

Posted on August 18, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting, Google created a tool to look at your house from Google Earth images and figure out your solar potential.  Down side, looks like its a work in progress (several addresses I put in didn’t come up). http://www.wired.com/2015/08/much-can-save-solar-panels-just-ask-google/  

Posted in Misc-Life, solar | Comments Off on Google now makes it easier for you to figure out if you should go Solar

Hack an Amazon Dash button for other stuff

Posted on August 18, 2015 by robertwilkie

Can’t say I didn’t see this coming.  You get a wifi enabled button for $5 you know folks are going to hack it. http://gizmodo.com/hack-amazons-dash-buttons-to-do-more-than-order-stuff-1724725280

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Hack an Amazon Dash button for other stuff