Category Archives: Teaching and Learning

Spin an old harddrive with a Soleniod

Posted on February 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this since it reminds me of steam power engines.  The author basically re-uses most of the hardrive and just attaches a bar from the heads (motor driver) to the platters. http://hackaday.com/2015/02/21/spin-up-an-old-hard-drive-with-a-solenoid-motor/

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Interesting project from MIT for an LED garden to learn programming

Posted on February 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

You really need to watch the video to get the gist of the project.  But its interesting project. http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/18/mit-robot-garden/?ncid=rss_truncated

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | 3 Comments

Simple write-up on making an H Bridge

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Important circuit for converting AC to DC to/from a motor.  Good write-up. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-H-bridge-for-Motor-Control/

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How to use Android and Bluetooth

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author wrote a nice set of series on how to talk to other devices over bluetooth on android.  Well for programming that is. http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/03/11/android-e-bluetooth-1/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/03/18/android-e-bluetooth-2/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/04/28/android-e-bluetooth-3/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/05/02/android-e-bluetooth-4/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/05/04/android-e-bluetooth-5/

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Simple convert for a watercolorbot to a laser engraver

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice post where the author converted his watercolor bot into a laser engraver.  Note this can be done only with the newer version of the watercolorbot.  I am pretty sure the original kickstarter one may not beable to hold the … Continue reading →

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Make a keychain with an old bike chain

Posted on February 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

clever idea, the author basically takes an old bike chain, breaks off a chunk with a breaker, and puts a keychain ring thru it.  This could be a good kid project for crafts to give to family. http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-out-of-an-old-bike-chain/

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Making Robot Muscles for Kid like projects with air actuators

Posted on February 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

This could be a good way to get kids interested in other ways to build a robot.  Using air pockets and syringes. http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/printable-inflatable-pouch-motors-will-make-building-robots-as-easy-as-using-stickers?utm_source=feedburner-robotics&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IeeeSpectrumRobotics+%28IEEE+Spectrum%3A+Robotics%29

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Build an awesome $3 blow gun

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nails and screws with post-it notes for the darts, pvc pipe, pipe insulation, ducttape and a cheap laser for the gun.  Pretty impressive. http://sploid.gizmodo.com/how-to-make-a-laser-guided-blowgun-using-household-obje-1682302836

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Well this could be one way to teach kids arduinos

Posted on January 27, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author basically taped a servo to the fire switch on an xbox controller so it constantly taps it.  Thus shooting bad guys just to level the player up.  Not a bad idea where you don’t have to modify the … Continue reading →

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Match based rocket….OK totally making some of these

Posted on January 26, 2015 by robertwilkie

I see a vacation project for my summer vacation.  This could be a fun project to make with the kids.  Cheap too. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-Matchbox-Rocket-Launching-Kit/

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