Category Archives: Tinkering

Author uses one homemade CNC to make a better one

Posted on June 8, 2015 by robertwilkie

Its an impressive build, but….I can’t find the plans/design drawings on the thread the author posted this under. http://hackaday.com/2015/06/07/diy-mdf-cnc-machine-is-small-and-solid/

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Use an RPi as a wireless print server

Posted on June 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good article on how to setup a Raspberry Pi as a print server.  This is a good way to improve security of the printer (potentially) as well.  Down side.  You would be surprised how many printers out there cannot interact … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Printer Security, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Use an RPi as a wireless print server

Share files with devices over Bluetooth

Posted on June 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Surprisingly I have not done this myself.  I typically tether the phone to the PC to transfer files.  But this could be allot easier to do, if you have a bluetooth receiver on the computer. http://www.howtogeek.com/208365/how-to-use-bluetooth-file-transfer-between-os-x-and-android-5.0-devices/

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Program your arduino with an Android device

Posted on June 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Basically this is making use of one of two apps, ArduinoDroid or ArduinoCommander.  I was thinking this would be a good add if you have arduinos located in tough locations and use your phone to re-program them.  Instead of dragging … Continue reading →

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Interesting battery shield for the arduino

Posted on June 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Its a homebrewed one that uses 2 AA rechargables.  Interesting build overall.  Not so sure I would do it since there are many cheap bought solutions now. http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Arduino-AA-Undershield/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Arduino | Comments Off on Interesting battery shield for the arduino

Use FR4 board for prototype enclosures

Posted on June 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on useing this type of board for making nice enclosures for prototypes. http://hackaday.com/2015/06/03/how-to-build-beautiful-enclosures-from-fr4-aka-pcbs/

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Build a mini 3D printer with old CDROM drives

Posted on June 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK with CDROM drives controlled by steppers (harder to find that you think) and a floppy drive.  This is a nice build, but…a bit costly in other parts.  Figure $30 for arduino and stepper controller, Another $20 for the body.    … Continue reading →

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Build your own arduino solar charger

Posted on June 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build on using an arduino to controll the charge to batteries for a solar array.  Gives a nice display on stats too.  Why would you do this?  Well its a cheaper way to get information and control the charge … Continue reading →

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Interesting hacks for Printrbot hot end to make it easier to fix

Posted on June 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author went thru some interesting fixes for his hotend for a printrbot to make it easier.  The comments section mentions why not switch out for an E3D (knockoff version) head instead for around $20. http://hackaday.com/2015/06/02/cheap-hot-end-modification-allows-easy-future-repairs/

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Build a water blob

Posted on June 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

Basically take a sheet of plastic, Iron the seams, and fill with water for a giant water pillow. http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Blob/

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Build a water blob