Monthly Archives: July 2013

Docker and Salt for Config Management

Posted on July 30, 2013 by robertwilkie

Well I have heard of Puppet and Chef, Docker and Salt are new ones to me.  Salt sounds pretty interesting and would be worth a closer look someday. http://katehenneinke.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-matrix-of-hell-and-two-open-source.html  

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Now skimmers going pro for gas pumps

Posted on July 30, 2013 by robertwilkie

These skimmers make me a little more nervous than ATM ones, since they are a replacement for the existing hardware on the pump.  In other words the crooks swap out the original cardreader (on the left) with the modified one … Continue reading →

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Gaming system for your car

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

Actually when I saw this, I was thinking more about a nicer video setup for the kids for movies on long trips.  Only issue I see if the rearview mirror will be harder to see thru. http://www.instructables.com/id/Put-A-19in-Tv-And-Game-Console-In-Your-Car/  

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Gaming system for your car

Interesting bucket hydroponic setup

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting setup with 2 buckets.  Seems like a bit more plumbing that is needed. http://www.instructables.com/id/Single-Dutch-Bucket-Hydroponic-Tomato-System/

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Add a Quill stop to a drill press

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

Simple idea (if you have the bits and tools) to add a stop for the drill press.  Me, I just raise the table. http://www.instructables.com/id/Fitting-Quill-Stop-for-Pillar-Drill-Hobbyist-Mac/

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More how to make a coin battery

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

The author did 2 different takes on the coin battery, My preference is for version 2 with does not need as much foil.  This would be a good project with the kids.  I am impressed that 6 pennies will power … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on More how to make a coin battery

Intro into FPGA’s

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

Good video (40 minutes) into what an FPGA is. http://makezine.com/2013/07/28/whats-an-fpga/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24%7Bfeed%7D&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24%7Bmakezineonline%7D+%28%24%7BMAKE%7D%29&utm_content=%24%7BGoogleReader%7D

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Arduino CNC Shield

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

I am surprised this has not come out sooner.  A shield that uses Pololu Stepper motor drivers for a CNC, has switch headers, etc etc, and can fit on an arduino.  Only thing I wonder if someone will sell a pre-made … Continue reading →

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Xerox modernizing how to ticket you more Effectively

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

Interesting article on  city government services for parking and redlights, etc.  It definitely sounds like a good moneymaker (get busted for being a minute late paying the meter, and you get a  instant fine). My concern is how all of … Continue reading →

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Xerox in hot water in Houston

Posted on July 29, 2013 by robertwilkie

Sounds like Xerox (ACS) may have overstepped a bit in Houston over its billing methods for Emergency Services in Houston.  Me, sounds like someones hand got caught in the cookie jar. http://www.examiner.com/article/houston-sues-ambulance-billing-contractor-xerox-for-breach-of-contract-and-fraud

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