Category Archives: Tinkering

Piccolo, the tiny CNC

Posted on March 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cute little CNC that covers a very small area.  The design is free but….for the cost.  I think around $100 in material and cuts, I would build something bigger.  Thought I have heard it down to $70…. http://www.piccolo.cc/

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Windpower build that highlights its not always worth it

Posted on March 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build for a windmill.  The author lives in an area where there is not much wind (so end result was it wasn’t worth the investment, except as a learning exerise) He did a … Continue reading →

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Wow, interns in the Valley make ALOT of cash

Posted on March 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

I just stumbled on this article and was shocked how much cash an intern in Silicion Valley and some other spots with big name companies can make.  I wish that was the case for the rest of the country. http://money.cnn.com/infographic/pf/10-best-companies-for-internships/?iid=HP_LN

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Build a lawnbot

Posted on March 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have been wanting to build something like this for years, just haven’t had the time to justify it.  SO I will post someone elses build.  Parts that concern me on this build is the removal of the deck wheels.  … Continue reading →

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Nice write-up on OctoPrint

Posted on March 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this nice write-up on OctoPrint, a service you can run on a system like an RPi to handle g-code for a 3D Printer.  There is some chatter on the net using OctoPrint with a CNC (which would … Continue reading →

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A cardboard CNC?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

Those folks at MIT have some creative stuff they build.  This time its a CNC build with a cardboard frame.  Its only for the Z & Y axis, I think.    Neat build…not so sure how stable it is.  This could … Continue reading →

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A lightweight Ubuntu, Snappy

Posted on March 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

Ubuntu has a new flavor of its release called Snappy, which is a lightwieght version of its distro.  Its goal is for VM’s, cloud based servers, and Internet of Things of course. http://developer.ubuntu.com/en/snappy/

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Build your own light up hoodie

Posted on February 27, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting build where adafuit uses a pull method to light up a hoodie light.  I would just use a switch myself. https://learn.adafruit.com/textile-potentiometer-hoodie

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Using a zipper as a switch

Posted on February 27, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, basically use the zipper to trigger a switch to an arduino. https://learn.adafruit.com/zipper-switch

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Interesting gizmo for monitoring your energy usage

Posted on February 26, 2015 by robertwilkie

Neat project, looks like setup could be painful as you go around your house and “mark” what breaker is attached to what.  I didn’t find much on how to install it into your circuit panel either. http://www.wired.com/2015/02/tiny-gadget-plugs-house-monitors-power-use/ http://www.neur.io/

Posted in Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Interesting gizmo for monitoring your energy usage