Monthly Archives: December 2014

Good article on why most folks in the tech industry don’t trust companies for outsourcing

Posted on December 31, 2014 by robertwilkie

The article hits a home-run for me.  My experience has been companies more looking for “cheap” engineers and scientists than the lack of availability.  If there was such a large demand, why are the wages for most of these folks … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Software Development | Comments Off on Good article on why most folks in the tech industry don’t trust companies for outsourcing

Build your own Grow LED light

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good LED grow lights are “Expensive”…Like $35 for a bulb.  So its nice to see a good write up on how to make your own on the cheap. http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Grow-Light-4/  

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Build your own Grow LED light

Interesting drawing Robot, Makelangelo (Drawbot)

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this looking for something else.  Its an interesting design, and doesn’t look too hard to make.  Just wish the design was a bit more “open”. https://www.marginallyclever.com/blog/drawbot/ https://www.marginallyclever.com/shop/drawing-robots/ https://github.com/MarginallyClever/Makelangelo   Update: I might have found an opensource one…stay … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, robots | 2 Comments

Make a cool lookng Mason Jar Chandelier

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Can be a pretty cheap build too.  If you are going for that country look, this maybe a build you want to check out. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Mason-Jar-Chandelier-1/

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on Make a cool lookng Mason Jar Chandelier

The last of the Janitors in Xerox Webster is gone

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Looks like the 12/24 was the last day for Xerox’s full time janitor staff, now outsourced to a local hotel group. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/money/2014/12/24/xerox-wraps-webster-layoffs/20867525/

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on The last of the Janitors in Xerox Webster is gone

Xerox vending machine for Trains, not so good

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting, Xerox apparently implemented a vending machine like system for the rails in FL, but its not working out too well. http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/9-investigates-ongoing-problems-sunrail-ticketing-/njcYR/

Posted in Xerox | Comments Off on Xerox vending machine for Trains, not so good

Nice custom toolbox out of plywood and PVC pipe

Posted on December 30, 2014 by robertwilkie

Not much info on how to build it, or plans for a CNC, but its a nice build.  Again I don’t know why this one doesn’t have a coat of paint or stain to help spruce it up even more. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Nice custom toolbox out of plywood and PVC pipe

Simple circuit for auto-power off for USB drive

Posted on December 27, 2014 by robertwilkie

Simple circuit design to turn off an external USB drive when the system using it is turned off. http://dangerousprototypes.com/2013/03/21/auto-poweroff-for-an-external-usb-hard-drive/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Simple circuit for auto-power off for USB drive

Modifying a projector to use LEDs

Posted on December 26, 2014 by robertwilkie

Author scored a cheap projector off ebay with the only problem being that the bulb was toast.  Bulbs for projectors can run 100-400 dollars (yes for a light bulb).  So he modified it to use a CREE LED.  I like … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Modifying a projector to use LEDs

A $150? CNC

Posted on December 22, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice homebrew CNC that if I total up the parts correctly, runs about $150 in materials. http://www.instructables.com/id/My-Cheap-Handcrafted-CNC-Mill-Unfinished-Prototype/

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on A $150? CNC