Category Archives: Tinkering

Hack an HP printer to do make-up

Posted on September 24, 2014 by robertwilkie

Actually you could do the same thing with any inkjet printer that has each color separate.  Cool idea and looks pretty straight forward (thought time consuming) think to do. http://gizmodo.com/how-to-hack-an-inkjet-to-print-custom-colored-makeup-1637588862

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Wink now has a display

Posted on September 24, 2014 by robertwilkie

Wink, the makers of the $50 home controller hub, have a remote display you can by that basically runs the phone app.  For …$300.  Gee I could buy a cheap android phone for less and just mount that to the … Continue reading →

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Nice simple RFID reader for security doors

Posted on September 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

The author build a $3 arduino board, and uses that Parallax RFID reader (about $40) and some relays to add RFID to a door to unlock it.  Nice build, code could be a bit cleaner thought. http://theifdark.blogspot.ca/2014/07/arduino-rfid-card-door-lock-system-100.html

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PWM for Arduino Due

Posted on September 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on a better Pulse Width Modulator for the Arduino Due (the ARM based one). Which is much faster and cleaner than running on original arduino. http://www.kerrywong.com/2014/09/21/on-arduino-due-pwm-frequency/

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The evolution of 3D printed guns

Posted on September 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

Its an interesting article that goes over the fast pace the development into 3D printed guns is undergoing.  My 2 cents, it would be a heck of alot easier and cheaper (most folks don’t have a 3D printer) to build … Continue reading →

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Convert a cheap motor deadbolt into a wireless lock

Posted on September 19, 2014 by robertwilkie

Ironically I did something similar to this with the lightblue bean (I was a kickstarter sponsor for it too).  But…differences, my security isn’t as good.  I did not replace the electronics and hog-pogged the motor controller.  Oh and I didn’t … Continue reading →

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Simple gizmo you can print out for a phone microscope

Posted on September 19, 2014 by robertwilkie

This is pretty cool, its a simple sleeve you can print out and pop a lenses in and bang, you have a mini microscope on your phone.  Supposedly this will keep costs down to $1 too. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20140917-now-you-can-3d-print-your-own-smartphone-microscope-for-pennies.html

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Using a Kindle Fire (tablet) for an RPi Display

Posted on September 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

I like this idea, if you have the parts around, why not use them.  I was thinking this could be usefully for a more “headless” CNC system.  How is it done?  Basically you are using the Tablet for a Remote … Continue reading →

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Nice simple peristaltic pump you can print out

Posted on September 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice simple pump.  A cheaper solution can be found at harbor frieght, for garden hoses and a drill thought, and not really food safe as this one. http://tim.cexx.org/?p=1282 http://hackaday.com/2014/09/16/a-3d-printed-peristaltic-pump/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29  

Posted in Tinkering, water | Comments Off on Nice simple peristaltic pump you can print out

Make a portable Tachometer with an ardiuno

Posted on September 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build, worth doing if you are playing with motors and need to figure out how fast they are spinning. http://www.instructables.com/id/Measure-RPM-DIY-Portable-Digital-Tachometer/

Posted in Arduino, Tools | Comments Off on Make a portable Tachometer with an ardiuno