Category Archives: Tinkering

Amazon gives Prime users unlimited free photo storage

Posted on November 5, 2014 by robertwilkie

Not so sure on this one, since like the gmail bit, I am putting photos up where Amazon can get to them…. http://lifehacker.com/amazon-gives-unlimited-photo-storage-to-prime-customers-1654430098

Posted in Cheap, Cloud, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Amazon gives Prime users unlimited free photo storage

How to figure out if your printer will work in Linux

Posted on November 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

I forget that sometimes one pain in the butt issues with linux is printing.  Below is a nice write-up to see if your printer is supported by linux, and how to set it up. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/printing-linux-choosing-right-printer-getting-work/

Posted in Cheap, Linux | Comments Off on How to figure out if your printer will work in Linux

Build your own Arduino based, one arm, drawing bot

Posted on November 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

What is nice about this build, is not only using an arduino, but servos for the motors too.  Its a pretty simple build and could easily be done with kids.  I wish the write-up was a bit better thought. http://www.instructables.com/id/Drawing-Robot/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, robots, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Build your own Arduino based, one arm, drawing bot

A simple (and cheap) arduino based mini CNC

Posted on November 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice simple CNC build from CDROM drives.  Its not the prettiest, but the write up is good and it runs.  I like one of the comments that references a cheap bit holder (collet) here.  Would I build one of these? … Continue reading →

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Have a CNC, make your own barstools

Posted on November 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

I love these stools…if I only have an CNC big enough to make them with. http://www.instructables.com/id/CNC-Router-Bar-Stool/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Have a CNC, make your own barstools

Some new write-ups on building an arcade cabinet with RPi’s

Posted on November 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

Too good write-ups on how to build an arcade cabinet with an RPi as a controller.  One is more countertop oriented and involves lots of cutting of wood.  The second is a mini desktop one that you 3D print out … Continue reading →

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Using a RPi for CAD

Posted on November 3, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting write-up of using easel as a CAD all the way to the CNC for editting.  Easel is an app based CAD solution that supposedly can go all the way to gcode.  I haven’t tried it myself, and its supposedly … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, RaspberryPi | 1 Comment

How to install drivers for ATiny and USBasp in Windows

Posted on November 3, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good write-up on how to do it, of course if you use linux…. http://rayshobby.net/?p=9912

Posted in Arduino | Comments Off on How to install drivers for ATiny and USBasp in Windows

Another nice project on using an arduino and RFID to control a door

Posted on October 31, 2014 by robertwilkie

In this case the author is controlling a garage door.  Only down side is the RFID readers can get pricey. https://bitbucket.org/jason955/arduino-access-control

Posted in Arduino | Comments Off on Another nice project on using an arduino and RFID to control a door

How to make money as an opensource developer

Posted on October 31, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting article, covered the usually stuff (consulting, support, add ons), but the ending had an interesting bit about some sites that offer bounty’s to improve or build an opensource project.  My 2 cents, unless you have a hot project, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Software Development | Comments Off on How to make money as an opensource developer