Nice $10 RPi clone comes with a built in display

Posted on October 2, 2021 by robertwilkie

Pretty neat clone, it has a built in display and is like a RPI Pico. The issue I have with clones like this is support can be a bit spotty, and not very long term.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-pico-alternative-gets-a-screen

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An arduino powered haunted pumpkin

Posted on October 2, 2021 by robertwilkie

The author made this build pretty simple to do, the arduino controls some LEDS and a speaker, and gets input from what I think is an IR distance sensor, but I bet this could be adapted to Ultrasound. Once someone gets really close, it says “boo”.

https://www.instructables.com/Interactive-Jack-o-lantern-sees-You-Taunts-and-Cha/

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Making Thor’s hammer on the cheap

Posted on October 1, 2021 by robertwilkie

Cost was $8 to make, and it looks pretty good. From the build it looks like it would be the same amount of time to build if it was done with nicer materials.

https://www.instructables.com/THORS-HAMMERMjollnir-UNDER-7/

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Interesting multi-purpose table saw jig

Posted on September 30, 2021 by robertwilkie

I had to look this over a couple of times before I saw all the different functions it could do. I do like the overall build, seems a bit time consuming to make thought.

https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/3-1-table-saw-multi-jig-86700?homelistings#post186322

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Nice Robot gripper

Posted on September 29, 2021 by robertwilkie

This one uses belts to pull and grip objects.

Gripper Uses Belts To Pinch And Grasp
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Generating power as your ride your bike

Posted on September 28, 2021 by robertwilkie

Basically has the same build as a homemade wind generator, with a disk with magnets on them, and coils inside the spinning magnet hubs to charge everything. Its an interesting build, not so sure I would do it (need to widen out your fork on the bike for example). Also this will introduce a “drag” to your bike so it will reduce your speed. Still a nice idea. …me, I think I will stick with the old magneto chargers you can still get for bikes for under $20.

https://hackaday.io/project/163674-contactless-5-watt-bike-dynamo-generator

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Solar trickle charger thru OBD-II reader for car

Posted on September 27, 2021 by robertwilkie

I have thought about this myself during COVID lockdown where after a month or two of my car sitting still, the battery was pretty weak.

Solar Panel Keeps Car Battery Topped Off Through OBD-II Port
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A simple router table build

Posted on September 25, 2021 by robertwilkie

The author make a simple router table build, with accessories. Pretty straight forward build too.

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Another porch pirate preventor build

Posted on September 24, 2021 by robertwilkie

This time from a Canadian, who tried to build a prevention instead of the revenge based ones. I like the logic he put in to determine if a package was dropped off and to arm the system.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-package-security-system

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POT to PWM controller

Posted on September 23, 2021 by robertwilkie

Using an ATiny no less, bascially you turn the POT, and a PWM comes out to control the motor speed. Good for DC based motors. It also has a nice small footprint.

https://www.instructables.com/Poti-PWM-Control/

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