Monthly Archives: May 2013

Article about Omni-wheels

Posted on May 9, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice article about omni wheels, and the pluses/minuses of them.  These wheels where quiet the rage a few years ago.  But expensive.  Now with 3D printers, you could make your own. http://www.open-electronics.org/how-to-build-an-omni-wheels-robot/  

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Xerox Grading software still getting allot of press

Posted on May 9, 2013 by robertwilkie

I am amazed at the amount of press this gets.  The tech isn’t that new, but…getting new “Software” into a school and get teachers to use it can be very challenging.  Maybe that’s why this is so big. http://gizmodo.com/xeroxs-new-grading-copiers-will-finally-make-scantron-496164333

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Xerox lets employees buy more vacation time

Posted on May 9, 2013 by robertwilkie

I think this is for Europe only.  Are there any folks left in UK/Europe for Xerox? http://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/benefits/flexible-benefits/xerox-changes-holiday-purchase-scheme/101931.article  

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IBM opensources some of its Crypto Tech

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting stuff, its based on homomorphic encryption, which means you can tinker with the data while its encrypted.  I tried to understand the details of how this works a year ago, and got lost quickly in the techno talk. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/03/ibm_open_source_homomorphic_crypto/

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Someone cracked RDS-TMC

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

From the sounds of it, it wasn’t hard.  RDS-TMC is a way to transmit traffic issues over the radio to car navigation systems.  The encryption part is so that only those that pay for it, get the news. http://windytan.blogspot.fi/2013/05/a-determined-hacker-decrypts-rds-tmc.html

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A fire powered charger (homebuilt

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on a thermo charger for cell.  Parts are alot cheaper than the ones you can buy direct. http://www.instructables.com/id/Battery-Charger-Powered-by-Fire/

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Use a pill bottle to make your motor water resistant

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

Simple idea.  Could be useful for homemade or teaching wind power where the kids print the motor home. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Water-resistant-Motor-Housing/?ALLSTEPS

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Cool looking concrete hanging lamp

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like the build, but…I am a little worried suspending a concrete “shade” with just the wire.  I see an electric accident waiting to happen here. http://www.instructables.com/id/HomeMade-Modern-DIY-Concrete-Pendant-Lamp/?ALLSTEPS

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Xerox top ten for lifer CEO’s

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

Urusla Burns (soon Dr. Burns) is #8 in the top ten lifers in a fortune 500 company.  Guess this means she will be around Xerox for some time. http://money.cnn.com/gallery/leadership/2013/05/06/500-lifer-ceos.fortune/8.html

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Has no-one heard of a zip gun

Posted on May 8, 2013 by robertwilkie

All these folks worried about a single shot plastic gun, hasn’t anyone heard of a zip gun, which all you need is a small tube to fit the bullet, a rubber band and a nail?  Not to mention how many … Continue reading →

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