Monthly Archives: September 2013

How to Control Hundreds of Dumb Robots with One Clever Remote – IEEE Spectrum

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice article on a gent whom wrote some clever code to control several robots with one controller.  Worth watching the videos. http://m.spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/artificial-intelligence/how-to-control-a-hundred-robots-with-one-remote

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iPhone 5s fingerprint reader authentication isn’t for Apple only

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

This was a bit depressing, you can build apps for the fingerprint reader tech on the new iPhones…yet.  Well unless you work for Apple. http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/10/iphone-5s-fingerprint-devs/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi

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The Arduino Yún

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

The new arduino is out, it looks pretty impressive with WiFi,  wired ethernet, can run Linux, MIPS processor…TILL YOU SEE IT COSTS $69 + SHIPPING!!!!.  Like gee with those specs, I can get the beagleboard black cheaper.  It will be … Continue reading →

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Grow your own food on your windowsill

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Grow your own food on your windowsill http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/09/10/grow-your-own-food-on-your-windowsill/

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Secure your Handle with all the social media out there

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice article about the site, knowem.com, that basically searches for a given username to see if its available at xyz social sites or not.  Also maybe a good way to look and see if someone else has taken your handle … Continue reading →

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Build a remote tripwire alarm

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

This is  a funny idea using a wireless doorbell to help “Trigger” the alarm.  Simple build too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Remote-Tripwire-Alarm/

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Write-up on serial communication with ATiny

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice intro into doing serial communication with ATTiny.  Why?  well ATiny’s are cheap, and low power, but they do not have much for I/O, so serial communication is a good alternative. http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-ATTiny-Serial-Communication-with-Tiny-AVR-Pro/

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Using NFC and cards to control a robot

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting approach to control a robot via cards.  Could be a good way to teach kids programming. http://www.instructables.com/id/NFC-Card-Controlled-Remote-Car/

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Another nice write-up on a zero probe tool for CNC (maybe 3D printer too)

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on using a zero out probe to level out a table.  or find out where the high/low of the table is.  The author has the feedback go thru a limit switch point on the controller to get the … Continue reading →

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How to bend PVC trim board

Posted on September 10, 2013 by robertwilkie

I always wondered how they took PVC trim pieces and made half circle bends on them.  Well now I know (they heat the heck out of it in a big pipe, then just bend it) http://azek.com/pics/reference_documents/Heat-Form-Culvert-Pipe-Feb2008.pdf

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