Category Archives: Tinkering

Interesting twist on Joule Thief to charge batteries

Posted on February 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, the author basically tweaked the design with a cap and diode added in to allow a low power charge source, like solar, to charge batteries. http://makezine.com/projects/joule-thief-battery-charger/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24%7Bfeed%7D&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24%7Bmakezineonline%7D+%28%24%7BMAKE%7D%29&utm_content=%24%7BGoogleReader%7D

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Interesting twist on Joule Thief to charge batteries

Free tech books at github

Posted on February 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

I was looking for a good python book, and stumbled on this.  Apparently you can download a whole bunch of books free on github https://github.com/vhf/free-programming-books/blob/master/free-programming-books.md#professional-development

Posted in Cheap, Software Development | Comments Off on Free tech books at github

An openhardware syringe

Posted on February 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

Thought the design was for medical stuff.  I was thinking more for cake decorating. http://3dprintingindustry.com/2015/02/02/3d-printed-open-hardware-syringe-pump-value-800m/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on An openhardware syringe

Making Robot Muscles for Kid like projects with air actuators

Posted on February 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

This could be a good way to get kids interested in other ways to build a robot.  Using air pockets and syringes. http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/printable-inflatable-pouch-motors-will-make-building-robots-as-easy-as-using-stickers?utm_source=feedburner-robotics&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IeeeSpectrumRobotics+%28IEEE+Spectrum%3A+Robotics%29

Posted in robots, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Making Robot Muscles for Kid like projects with air actuators

Converting a paper cutter to laser engraver

Posted on February 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is an interesting build.  Actually both bits are, the Silhouette Portrait papercutter is a $200 cheap CNC for paper.  Adding the $50 laser for cutting/engraving is a good idea.  And could be modified for other existing CNC’s. http://hackaday.com/2015/01/31/paper-cutter-becomes-a-laser-engraver/  

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Converting a paper cutter to laser engraver

Simple arduino O-scope

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

Simple project, I think the screen for it costs more than the arduino.  Its a good intro to getting started. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-TFT-oscilliscope/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Simple arduino O-scope

Simple Rubberband sentry gun

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

Arduino + servo + rubberband gun = neat sentry gun.  Basically the movement triggers the arduino to trigger the servo that pulls the trigger on the gun. http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-arduino-sentry-gun/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, weapons | Comments Off on Simple Rubberband sentry gun

Download and print your own parts from McMaster Carr

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

Great idea if you need to get the part quicker than shipping.  I question the copyright issues around this thought. http://www.instructables.com/id/Download-Edit-And-Print-Your-Own-Parts-From-McMast/

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Download and print your own parts from McMaster Carr

$200 CNC build

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

Simple CNC build for $200 in materials.  Worth bookmarking for future builds http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-CNC-Around-200usd/  

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on $200 CNC build

Build a status board for your battery charger

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like the use of LED’s for this status bar. http://www.instructables.com/id/12V-Battery-State-Of-Charge-Indicator/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Build a status board for your battery charger