Monthly Archives: December 2013

Use a Google Wallet Card to get Cash from Visa Gift Cards

Posted on December 27, 2013 by robertwilkie

I wonder how long this hack will last till the credit card companies catch on. Basically you transfer the money to google wallet, then withdraw the cash from the ATM. http://lifehacker.com/use-a-google-wallet-card-to-withdraw-cash-from-visa-gif-1490240324?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifehacker%2Ffull+%28Lifehacker%29

Posted in Misc-Life, Security | Comments Off

3D printed, electrostatic motor

Posted on December 26, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting design (note the metal used was not 3D printed). it seems to have plenty of power behind it while running on very little electricity. But…its a bit bulky. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20131226-free-energy-an-3d-printed-electrostatic-motor-with-high-torque.html

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Tinkering | Comments Off

How to get print on a PerfBoard

Posted on December 26, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on how to transfer an image onto a prefboard. Basically you print it out on a laser printer, then use an iron to transfer it. And cool water to remove the paper. I haven’t tried this myself so … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off

Christmas Present That Lights Up under the tree

Posted on December 25, 2013 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this project. My 2 cents, I think I would skip the charger bit and go with a basic battery oriented design. Maybe build something based on an LED throwie? http://m.instructables.com/id/Christmas-Present-That-Lights-Up-When-You-Put-it-U/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off

3D printer for Jello Shots

Posted on December 25, 2013 by robertwilkie

I saw this about a month ago, Its basically a take on the CD ROM to CNC conversion. As I have found out, most CD-ROM drives use DC motors now so finding ones with steppers is hard. http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/26/3d-jello-shot-printer/ http://spritesmods.com/?art=jello3dprinter&f=yt … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off

Salvaging Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)

Posted on December 24, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on salvaging LCDs from devices (like printers) for use with other circuits. The author does not point out that he was lucky getting the datasheets for these displays. I have searched high and low for many LCD’s I … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off

Simple Spherebot with Arduino

Posted on December 24, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up by the author on building a simple spherebot to “paint eggs” with an arduino controller. You still need a 3D printer, but the parts are much smaller (and could be outsourced easier). http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Arduino-Controlled-EggbotSpherepot/

Posted in Arduino, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off

Yeggi, Search Engine for 3D Objects

Posted on December 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

I stumbled across this by accident. Its a website that seems to combine a bunch of different 3D print design sites (like thingiverse) and is a one stop search for them all. Worth bookmarking for now. http://www.yeggi.com/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off

Nice starting point for CNC software

Posted on December 23, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up from hack-a-day on a good starting point for software for CNC. It goes over free, cheap, and not so cheap solutions that a tinker could afford. http://hackaday.com/2013/12/23/software-advice-for-anyone-thinking-about-a-cnc-router/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hackaday%2FLgoM+%28Hack+a+Day%29

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off

A cheap hydroponic setup

Posted on December 20, 2013 by robertwilkie

Wow, plastic cups and dollar store scrubbies to make a system for hydroponics. I am impressed. Thought you still have to buy a pump. http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Hydroponic-Grow-Pot/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off