Daily Archives: August 5, 2015

VIPER, Python for embedded systems

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

YEAH!!!  I love python, and being an embedded systems dev, this is good news.  HOWEVER, its GPLv3, so if you plan to make commercial use of this, you could be SOL. http://www.open-electronics.org/viper-python-iot-design-suite-is-now-available/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OpenElectronics+%28Open+Electronics%29

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Hacking the electric skateboard

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Again, bad security with embedded systems.  The skateboard is controlled by bluetooth, and is wide open (of course).  Sigh… http://www.wired.com/2015/08/hackers-can-seize-control-of-electric-skateboards-and-toss-riders-boosted-revo/

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Turning your Square into a Skimmer

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I hate to say it, but I saw this one coming.  The author presents how to bypass the encryption on the reader to “skim” off of it. http://gizmodo.com/a-hack-turns-the-square-card-reader-into-a-skimmer-1721941134

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Build a cantenna

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have been thinking about doing this for years.  Just never got around to it.  This is a nice write-up on how to build your own.  Note they only work on the 2.4GHz range.  My 2 cents, you can buy … Continue reading →

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Convert an old PSU to be a soldering fume ventilator

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this one.  If you have a toasted, or even an outdated power supply, this is a nice build that you can use to convert it to a fume extractor for soldering.  Heck most power … Continue reading →

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Make a Fold Down, portable(ish) workbench

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build for a simple fold down workbench.  The author attaches it to a wall for more stability, but you don’t have to.  Me…I think I will just buy used Black and Decker Workmates myself.  But if you already have … Continue reading →

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Quick and dirty swamp cooler

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Author takes a disposable cooler, a cheap fan, and some PVC elbows and makes a simple swamp cooler.  Good fix if you are on vacation and need to cool off (no A/C). http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Air-Conditioner-1/

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Using non-blocking functions instead of blocking with arduino

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

For most embedded systems developers, this is a given.  Instead of “delay” in arduino its “sleep”.  The author points out instead ot use a loop to do the toggling based on the time instead of blocking til the time runs … Continue reading →

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Add shelves to your cabinet doors

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so I am looking at some space saving ideas for the kitchen.  Can you tell?  THis one the author makes a custom shelf with 2 boards, some rods, and right angle brackets.  I figure this costs around $10 to … Continue reading →

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Use soem sticky hooks to hang pot lids

Posted on August 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this one.  The author basically uses the hooks to make spots to hold the lids on the door of the cabinet.  Its a simple idea and easy to do. http://www.instructables.com/id/Easiest-Cupboard-Pan-Lid-Organiser/  

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