Monthly Archives: May 2016

How to send text messages for free with a PC

Posted on May 4, 2016 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this article while looking for an API to do something like this.  Looks like there are alot of different ways to do this now.  Makes you wonder why some cell companies still charge alot for texting. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/send-free-sms-text-message-windows-pc/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on How to send text messages for free with a PC

Good write-up on Stepper Motors

Posted on May 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

This has to be one of the better write-ups I have seen on stepper motors. https://learn.adafruit.com/all-about-stepper-motors

Posted in Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Good write-up on Stepper Motors

Defeating chip and pin by saying the card is stupid

Posted on May 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting tech, the original author built a simple atiny system that would fake out the card reader so it would thing a card was mag stripe only, so it would not use the chip bit. Defeating Chip and PIN With … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Security | Comments Off on Defeating chip and pin by saying the card is stupid

Which glue to use chart

Posted on May 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice chart that was making the rounds on the net a few weeks ago.  Tells you which glues to use in which conditions. http://makezine.com/2016/03/25/dont-glue-anything-without-handy-reference-chart/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Which glue to use chart

A cardboard CNC machine

Posted on May 2, 2016 by robertwilkie

HAHAHAHA… and yes its a cardboard based CNC.  And looks like it works pretty good. http://hackaday.com/2016/04/27/cardboard-and-paperclip-cnc-plotter-destined-for-self-replication/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on A cardboard CNC machine

OK this is neat, a threadless ball screw

Posted on May 2, 2016 by robertwilkie

I had to watch the video a few times, but its bearings on a rod, and the rod spins to move the platform up and down.  No threads.  You can print out your own too. Threadless Ballscrew for 3D Printer … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on OK this is neat, a threadless ball screw

Make your own Track for a Circular Saw

Posted on May 2, 2016 by robertwilkie

I like this a bit better than the cheap jig I made.  The author basically takes 2 pieces of angled metal, and makes a guide out of it for the saw.  Good way to cross-cut wood too.  I have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own Track for a Circular Saw

How to measure RPM of a motor on the cheap

Posted on May 2, 2016 by robertwilkie

Author uses audacity, tape, and uses that to figure out the speed of the motor.  Oh you need a mic too http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Measure-RPM-of-Motor/  

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on How to measure RPM of a motor on the cheap