Category Archives: Tinkering

One really fancy doorbell

Posted on February 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author took a Raspberry Pi and basically added the camera module, display, etc to the doorbell to keep an eye on things.  I like how it calls your phone when enabled. http://hackaday.com/2015/02/22/raspberry-pi-doorbell-is-fully-featured/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, RaspberryPi, Security | Comments Off on One really fancy doorbell

How to see the traffic on a Vending Machine bus

Posted on February 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice blog post on how to get and decode traffic on a vending machine to repurpose it.  Beats the alternative of just replacing all the boards and building your own.  I stumbled on this post by accident while digging for … Continue reading →

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Another simple CNC build with an arduino

Posted on February 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have been seeing a new interest in home built CNC’s lately.  This one the author built for $200 Euro (230 US).  I think he could have gone cheaper (there is a nice simple CNC with arduino clone on EBay … Continue reading →

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Simple tester for Steppers with an arduino

Posted on February 20, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on how to setup and test a stepper motor relatively quickly.  This could come in handy in the future as I have been pulling steppers out of junked printers from the side of the road or dumpers and … Continue reading →

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simple low water level…I wonder if I could modify this for a pool

Posted on February 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice simple design where once the float goes down low enough, it trips a sensor indicating low water level in a coffee machine…I wonder if I could adapt this for a pool… http://www.itcamefromtheworkshop.com/2013/04/low-water-indicator-for-my-rancilio.html

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, sensors | Comments Off on simple low water level…I wonder if I could modify this for a pool

Door unlock based on calling it

Posted on February 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting project that unlocks the door and plays music based on the phone number that calls it.  I would be a little concerned thought if someone spoofs your number.  I wonder if they could do something else to make it … Continue reading →

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Combining SUMP and an Arduino to make a Logic Analyzer

Posted on February 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up, well short one, on using SUMP, an arduino project, and an arduino to make a simple logic analyzer.  Note, depending on the arduino board, you can only do 2-4 Mhz. http://www.mouser.de/blog/arduino-3-powerful-yet-overlooked-uses

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GoCupi, cheaper version of Makelangelo, and All opensourced

Posted on February 18, 2015 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on a few more interesting drawbots.  The GoCupi, which had a kickstarter project last summer.  Its around 250 (plus 20 to ship) for the entire kit.  They published all the designs and code from the looks of it … Continue reading →

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RPi + Etekcity remote power outlets = Wireless controlled outlets

Posted on February 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

I was thinking of doing this myself.  But they guy beat me too it.  He uses a Raspberry Pi to controll the Etekcity remotes (run over 433 MHz RF) and an transmitter/reciever module to controll them.  He figured out the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, RaspberryPi, sensors | 1 Comment

RPi Thermostat write-up

Posted on February 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting conversion of using an RPi for Thermostat control.  Thought I think there could be a cheaper route to do this. http://www.nooganeer.com/his/projects/homeautomation/raspberry-pi-thermostat-part-1-overview/

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