Category Archives: Arduino

OK so if you want a mult colored LED with controls

Posted on December 27, 2016 by robertwilkie

Looks like you should pick ones with ws2812fx controllers and use a nice library that runs across multiple arduino type systems.   http://hackaday.com/2016/12/12/more-blinky-more-better-the-ws2812fx-library/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Cool robot build (servo controller) with Arduino and android app

Posted on December 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build, I like the controls the author has for this on his phone. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Multi-Servo-Motor-Control-Via-Bluetooth-Us/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, robots | 1 Comment

Another nice simple CNC build from CDROMS

Posted on December 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build for a different version of the CDROM CNC.  This one has more flexiblity over other systems for writting on large surfaces. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Arduino-Based-Mini-CNC-Machine-New-Design/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Another nice simple CNC build from CDROMS

Build a remote annoying device

Posted on December 21, 2016 by robertwilkie

So you need a wireless enabled prank device?  Looks like you can build your own with an ESP and a mini speaker (oh and an power supply).  Pretty simple build. http://www.instructables.com/id/Rick-Roll-PRANK-Using-Tiny-Speaker-and-ESP8266-Nod/  

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How to run an ESP8255 for a long time on a battery

Posted on November 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice write up on how to basically use “sleep” to slow down the ESP8255 so that it doesn’t drain a battery like crazy.  This is pretty common with alot of embedded systems where they need to “sleep” between times they … Continue reading →

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A simple solar tracker to build with kids

Posted on November 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is a nice simple tracker you can make with a servo and an arduino for kids to get the basics of solar power and tracking. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Solar-Tracker-Single-or-Dual-Axis/

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Another write-up on building a mini CNC with DVD Drives

Posted on November 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

Another nice build.  I like the reusing of the CDROM cases for the frame too. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Arduino-Based-Mini-CNC-Plotter-Using-D/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Another write-up on building a mini CNC with DVD Drives

Pretty clean CDROM CNC build

Posted on October 31, 2016 by robertwilkie

This has to be one of the cleaner looking builds of a CNC with CDROM motors.  Not so sure about the $10 cost bit.  Servo is $1-2, arduino nano can be another $6-8, and L293D are another $3 each. http://hackedgadgets.com/2016/10/28/diy-cheap-cnc-machine-using-dvd-drives/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

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Retro-fitting a smoke detector

Posted on October 28, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  They author basically is adding bluetooth support to the smoke detector, the trigger is the pull on the battery when the alarm goes off.  Me…I would use an ESP2866 instead (just as cheap and wifi) and TI….well I … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, TI | Comments Off on Retro-fitting a smoke detector

Build a nice fan controller

Posted on October 28, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build for controlling a bunch of PWM PC fans. Fan Controller

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Build a nice fan controller