Category Archives: Tinkering

Neat mini CNC from 3D printed parts and CDROM motors

Posted on January 15, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build where the author uses the steppers from CDROM controllers to build a mini CNC from parts printed from a 3D printer.  Me…I think I would just reuse the existing carriages for the CDROM drives.  This does look much … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Neat mini CNC from 3D printed parts and CDROM motors

Opensource app to find spy cell towers

Posted on January 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting project that can tell if your phone is connected to a spy cell tower (or fake tower).  It looks like its in “alpha” development state right now.  But who knows what it will look like 6 months from now. … Continue reading →

Posted in android, Security | Comments Off on Opensource app to find spy cell towers

Cool looking tube knitting machine

Posted on January 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is a neat looking knitting machine, everything was 3D printed out and is opensource.  Definitely something worth to keep an eye on.  Looks like the most expensive thing is the 100 needles you need to buy for it. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150112-the-open-source-knitic-knitting-machine–makerbeam-arduino-and-3d-printing.html

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Cool looking tube knitting machine

New to debugging on Android, use the ADBHelper

Posted on January 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have used ADB in the past, but did not know there is now a nice helper utility to configure it now. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/new-adb-make-process-simple-easy/

Posted in android | Comments Off on New to debugging on Android, use the ADBHelper

A new beach drawing robot

Posted on January 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Pretty neat robot that draws in the sand with a set of rake like things on the back. http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/disney-research-beachbot?utm_source=feedburner-robotics&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IeeeSpectrumRobotics+%28IEEE+Spectrum%3A+Robotics%29

Posted in robots | Comments Off on A new beach drawing robot

Build a 3D print monitor

Posted on January 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice design that looks like the old mac classics.  Uses a RPi under the hood for control/monitoring. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150105-build-your-own-raspberry-pi-mini-3d-printing-monitor.html

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Build a 3D print monitor

Got an old printer? Make a rock tumbler

Posted on January 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build with an old printer parts.  Pretty simple too.  The only bits that I am concerned with is that a full fledged arduino was used (could he not use a simpler circuit?).  And …it takes 2 weeks to “polish” … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Tools | Comments Off on Got an old printer? Make a rock tumbler

Nice write-up on building a cart for a CNC

Posted on January 8, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK if you have a full sized shopbot, this is a cart you need to build.  If you don’t (like me), you can only dream.  The whole thing, with exception of bolts, is made from 1/2 plywood and looks really … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Nice write-up on building a cart for a CNC

Make a wearable temp sensor

Posted on January 8, 2015 by robertwilkie

Actually I was more interested in using the sensor, a TMP36 with an arduino.  But putting it in clothing could be a good idea. http://makezine.com/projects/wearable-temperature-sensors-for-working-in-extreme-cold/?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 Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Make a wearable temp sensor

OK these bike lights are better

Posted on January 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is a nice build and the light control is cool…but…alot of work, you have custom arduino and circuit boards, 3D printed parts, etc etc.  If you have alot of time on your hands, this would be a fun project … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life | Comments Off on OK these bike lights are better