Monthly Archives: January 2017

Interesting build for a smartphone connected door lock

Posted on January 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

Its using a pretty intense servo.  They have a wooden version of the deadbolt to servo device too.  It uses a raspberry pi for the controller.  I wonder why not a RPi Zero instead.  The comm’s is blynk between the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, RaspberryPi, Security | Comments Off on Interesting build for a smartphone connected door lock

5 tools (opensource) to monitor java performance

Posted on January 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

Interesting article, I haven’t done Java work in some time.  But its nice to see there are non-commerical options to see issues with performance in Java. https://dzone.com/articles/java-performance-monitoring-5-open-source-tools-you-should-know

Posted in Cheap, Software Development | Comments Off on 5 tools (opensource) to monitor java performance

build a thermal imaging scanner with low tech materials

Posted on January 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author uses a camera, arduino, a couple of servos, and a cheap temp gun to map out the camera image for thermo signatures.  Its slow, but its pretty nice overall image (the thermo is overlayed onto the camera image). … Continue reading →

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Could build for mass producing simple wind turbines for kids

Posted on January 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author put ALOT of work into this one, its a nice video with lots of templates made to make a bunch of wind powered devices for kids to experiment with.  Would I do this…no, way too much work for … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning, Wind | 1 Comment

Cool light cube build

Posted on January 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like this build.  Not too difficult to make, thought I think I no use a micro USB connector…maybe a straight USB instead just to make my life easier.  Also I think I would have added a tunnel for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Build a thermoformer with vaccum former

Posted on January 30, 2017 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  I like the idea, just no so sure I would go so fancy with everything laser cut.  Of course if I had a laser cutter that could handle it… http://www.instructables.com/id/THERMOFORMER-VACUUM-FORMER-PATTERNMAKEKER/?ALLSTEPS

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Make an electrostatic doubler and generator

Posted on January 30, 2017 by robertwilkie

This is a pretty neat build.  Good way to teach about static electricity.  The directions stink on how to build it, but pretty much looking at the pictures/video gets a good idea how it works. http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrostatic-Doubler/?ALLSTEPS

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Making your own custom grips for tools

Posted on January 27, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice build, the author uses scrap leather (I wonder what other materials we could use here) and a PLA based bottle to sew on the grips.  I may have to save this one for a rainy day. http://www.instructables.com/id/MakingFixing-Tool-Grips-With-Plastic-Bottle-String/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Making your own custom grips for tools

How to opt out of person search sites

Posted on January 26, 2017 by robertwilkie

Good article on how to opt out of sites for personal info on you http://lifehacker.com/how-to-opt-out-of-the-most-popular-people-search-sites-1791536533

Posted in Cheap, Security | 1 Comment

Convert a cheap orbital sander into a vibrating tumbler

Posted on January 26, 2017 by robertwilkie

And I just sold off my 2nd orbital too…figures.  Nice build where you can use an old, or cheap orbital to act as a lightweight vibrating tumbler. http://www.instructables.com/id/Vibratory-Tumbler-Using-Orbital-Sander/?ALLSTEPS  

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Convert a cheap orbital sander into a vibrating tumbler