Category Archives: Tinkering

Building a simple Proximity IR switch

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Another good write-up on how to add IR to a circuit as a switch to turn something on, in this case its LED lights.  I came across a bunch of IR switches recently and the basic circuit diagram here is … Continue reading →

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Adding RFID to an arduino

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this write-up cause its using a cheaper, off the shelf RFID reader (runs $2-5) instead of a shield that runs $20 and up. http://www.instructables.com/id/BEST-WAY-TO-TURN-ON-PC-USING-ARDUINO-AND-RFID-AMAZ/

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Using an RPi to control a CNC over WiFi

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write up on using an RPi to control a CNC with something called GRBLWeb, which is a remote for CNC control of a system.  Reality you are using an Raspberry Pi and an arduino in this project. http://www.instructables.com/id/Control-your-CNC-over-Wi-Fi/?ALLSTEPS

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App Roadie, to help make shipping cheaper

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting app that pairs drivers with folks that need to ship stuff.  Basically it helps pair a driver that is going that way anyways with someone that needs stuff shipped.  Reminds me of a TV show that was like this. … Continue reading →

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I so want one of these CNC’s

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

I remember when the lego version came out.  I so want one of these, but….hard to get the justification for $200. http://techcrunch.com/2015/03/10/pancake-bot/?ncid=rss

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Make a handle to turn your drillpress…well by hand

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build where the author added a hand crank to the top of his drillpress to turn it by hand.  Why?  Well to thread taps into objects (hard to do with the press on).  Why not just do it with … Continue reading →

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Is Astroprint better than Octoprint?

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Both items are software packages ment to run on a small computer (Raspberry Pi for example) that will allow you to control and send 3D print jobs to be processed.  Astroprint is a fork off of Octoprint from what I … Continue reading →

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Simple Large CNC for Laser Engraving

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Another nice CNC build that makes for a large cover area and somewhat portable for engraving.  I haven’t ventured into lasers yet, mostly out of safety concerns.  But this looks like a nice build and cheap to make. http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4×4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

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I like the heatsink on this Peltier fan

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author build this to use as a fan and charge a phone.  My 2 cents, I like the heatsink he is using.  Also I wonder if the bottom heatsink should be smaller…shorter to get more heat? http://www.instructables.com/id/Peltier-Fan-Phone-Charger/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on I like the heatsink on this Peltier fan

A cheap ($100) CNC/3D printer

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

I had to post this one.  The author basically takes parts from a printer carriage and other stuff and slaps a 3D printer together.  All for around $100.  I like the Arduino and RAMPS 1.4 setup.  Haven’t tried it myself … Continue reading →

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