Monthly Archives: April 2014

Beverage dispenser with an RPi

Cool build, the author took a bar caddy, a bunch of 3D printed parts, and an Raspberry Pi (oh and some motors and controller board) and build an 4 tank mixer with it all.  The RPi is the controller and … Continue reading

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LiFi, using LED’s for wireless network

I got a kick out of this article, some folks in scotland build a prototype wifi network using light/LED’s.  All I can think of is IrDA…and all the odd “light” problems there was with that.  Good idea thought, and could … Continue reading

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Build an Arduino based Solar Charger

Nice write-up on how to use an arduino to be a charge controller for a solar panel.  Its a bit overkill but you could extend this for getting stats, and other information from charging.  And it could be cheapen’ed down … Continue reading

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Xerox a good stock for being on the decline

Interesting take from this Financial Writer, that Xerox is a good stock since thought its declining in value, it has potential. http://www.gurufocus.com/news/255174/the-blessing-of-a-declining-stock-price-call-me-a-charlatan  

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Correction, Xerox CEO took a 3 Million pay cut last year

Correction on previous article I had, Urusla Burns took a 3 million dollar hit in pay last year from bonuses.  Still made over 10 mill for the year thought. http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?aID=206983

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Build a simple and cheap servo tester with Attiny

Nice simple design for a servo tester.  Could be useful if you have alot of them to test out http://www.instructables.com/id/Attiny254585-PWM-generator-and-Servo-tester/

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Make a $40 Oscilloscope with touch display

The $40 is for the mega board and display.  Probes not included (so add another $10).  Good project and nice write-up for a simple cheap oscilloscope. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-Oscilloscope-Using-the-SainSmart-Mega2560-/ http://www.sainsmart.com/home-page-view/sainsmart-mega2560-board-3-5-tft-lcd-module-display-shield-kit-for-atmel-atmega-avr-16au-atmega8u2.html

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How to make cheap lithium battery packs

Nice write-up on how to convert phone batteries into useful battery packs.  What I found interesting was that the batteries have limit switches built in that need to be removed and that if you do not save the tabs, you … Continue reading

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Simple air flow sensor

Interesting build for an air sensor.  The author built it from scrapes and it seems to work OK.  Not so sure how reliable for long term solution or outdoor one it would be. http://www.instructables.com/id/low-cost-air-flow-sensor/

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A simple belt tensioner

This was worth checking out, the author just took a clothes pin and pulled out the spring part and is using that to tighten a belt.  This is important with CNC/3D systems and robots (so the belt doesn’t skip). http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:298142

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