Category Archives: Tinkering

Custom Stitch with an arduino

Posted on January 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build where the author uses an arduino and a servo to control where the head for an old sewing machine is positioned to get different types of stitches.  Now if it only moved the cloth too. http://hackaday.com/2015/01/07/arduino-controlled-sewing-machine-increases-stitch-options/ http://www.upcraft.it/archives/689

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Convert your old phone into a gaming system

Posted on January 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting article about converting an old android phone or tablet into a gaming system.  It requires your phone to support USB OTG (On The Go).  What is that?  Basically it means your phone can act as a USB host (like … Continue reading →

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5 apps to clean up your phone

Posted on January 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Clean Master and Startup Manager sound interesting.  I will give them both a try myself (since they are…well freeish).  Did not know CCLeaner also made an android clean app.  Looks like CCLeaner can also purge data too. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-apps-really-clean-android-device-arent-placebos/

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Hacking the Wink

Posted on January 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Another good and easier hack to get into a Wink Hub.  Wink has alot of hardware promise due to all the radio signal types it can handle.  but its limited in device support.  So hacking it could be a good … Continue reading →

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Opensource robot snowplow

Posted on January 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

If I only had time…and some extra cash.  I can see this project being a fun one to build.  I like how the treads are build off of bike chains. http://www.open-electronics.org/here-comes-the-open-source-snow-plow-robot/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OpenElectronics+%28Open+Electronics%29

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Another bluetooth garage door opener, but good for Apple

Posted on January 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Basically uses a bluetooth module instead of a headset to get the job done.  Nice project overall.  If you want you can get a pre-made one from btmate.com http://hackaday.com/2015/01/02/a-bluetooth-garage-door-take-three/

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Translate a Digital Caliper readout

Posted on January 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build with a Trinket Pro (mini arduino) where the author takes the data from a cheap harbor frieght like caliper, and translates it into a HID Keyboard data. http://hackaday.com/2015/01/03/trinket-edc-contest-usb-calipers/ http://hackaday.io/project/3745-usb-caliper-hid

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Turn your old Cell into a WiFi webcam

Posted on January 1, 2015 by robertwilkie

You know this maybe cheaper than buying a WiFi Enabled webcam, and have more power.  If you have some old android phones.  OR…maybe took advantage of some of the deals for a cheap android phone for under $20…you can convert … Continue reading →

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Good article on why most folks in the tech industry don’t trust companies for outsourcing

Posted on December 31, 2014 by robertwilkie

The article hits a home-run for me.  My experience has been companies more looking for “cheap” engineers and scientists than the lack of availability.  If there was such a large demand, why are the wages for most of these folks … Continue reading →

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Interesting drawing Robot, Makelangelo (Drawbot)

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this looking for something else.  Its an interesting design, and doesn’t look too hard to make.  Just wish the design was a bit more “open”. https://www.marginallyclever.com/blog/drawbot/ https://www.marginallyclever.com/shop/drawing-robots/ https://github.com/MarginallyClever/Makelangelo   Update: I might have found an opensource one…stay … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, robots | 2 Comments