Category Archives: Tinkering

Add a reset switch to your RPi

Posted on March 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so you don’t want to yank the power on your Raspberry Pi to reset it.  Here is a nice write-up on how to add a button to the RPi and a script so it will shutdown upon the switch … Continue reading →

Posted in RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Add a reset switch to your RPi

Put an old webcam on your RPi for security cam

Posted on March 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author is basically doing the same thing as you can with an RPi and its camera module.  But instead of buying the module, he just took an old USB webcam and used that.  Good idea overall. http://www.instructables.com/id/Old-PC-Accessories-Raspberry-PI-DoorCam-surveillan/

Posted in Cheap, RaspberryPi, Security | Comments Off on Put an old webcam on your RPi for security cam

The Pi Tank

Posted on March 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Pretty cool looking tank that has a Raspberry Pi for the brain and an XBox Kinect for sensors. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150307-create-your-own-3d-printed-robot-with-the-pi-tank-open-source-robot.html

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, RaspberryPi, robots | Comments Off on The Pi Tank

Seven easy setup RPi distros

Posted on March 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting article, the 2 items that caught my attention was the one for Minecraft (beats doing it by hand like I did), and WordPress distro PressPi. http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/vip/~3/3ZH8CQmoMp4/seven-ready-made-raspberry-pi-projects-you-can-install-1691368805

Posted in RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Seven easy setup RPi distros

Another interesting build with Motion Detection and an arduino (ATiny)

Posted on March 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

Another project with an ATiny and a motion detector (like from RadioShack) where the author uses it to turn LED lights on and off and adjust the brightness of the lights based on proximity.  The author build it own board … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino | Comments Off on Another interesting build with Motion Detection and an arduino (ATiny)

Cool laser cut wheel for a servo uses rubberbands for traction

Posted on March 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this build, thought I would modify it for CNC to cut it out (don’t have laser).  Its a pretty simple build that uses a rubber band for traction. http://www.instructables.com/id/Lasercut-wheel-with-traction/

Posted in Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Cool laser cut wheel for a servo uses rubberbands for traction

Simple Arduino (ATiny) magic-8 ball

Posted on March 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build, which is basically a yes/maybe/no answer generator with an ATiny.  This would be a fun project to do with kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-decision-box-V20-Attiny85/

Posted in Arduino, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple Arduino (ATiny) magic-8 ball

Another simple (and cheap) CNC with CD-ROM drives

Posted on March 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good write-up on using CD-ROM drives, old mechanical mice, and other scrape computer parts to make a simple CNC.  I like how he uses the sensors from a ball mouse for getting feedback on the motor movements (since not all … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Another simple (and cheap) CNC with CD-ROM drives

Good demo write-up on using a Motion Sensor

Posted on March 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on using a motion sensor with an arduino.  Radioshack sells these sensors and if you where luck enough to get one on the cheap (I did) when they closed the store, this demo will help you use it … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Good demo write-up on using a Motion Sensor

Control LED’s, or other stuff with an old IR Remote

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up…well video… using an arduino to read the data from an old remote to control other things. http://www.instructables.com/id/Control-your-LEDs-with-your-TV-remote-Arduino-IR-T/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Control LED’s, or other stuff with an old IR Remote