Monthly Archives: July 2015

Using Mint Bills to …well pay bills

Interesting article about Mint Bills, a tool the help with paying bills out on time.  It looks like the basics are free…so I am not sure if you pay more for advanced features, or they just get to sell of … Continue reading

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Google opensources a bluetooth beacon protocol

Interesting, Google put out a open-source bluetooth module for creating bluetooth beacons called Eddystone.  I know Apple tried this a few years back.  But…now we have bluetooth low energy, and this is “free” to build on.  So….It could go somewhere.  … Continue reading

Posted in Cheap, Software Development | Comments Off on Google opensources a bluetooth beacon protocol

How to pull the wifi password off a computer

This is worth bookmarking.  Have you forgotten that ultra complicated wifi password you setup, well here are some ways (have to run as admin or sudo depending on the system) to get it from the computer. Linux security find-generic-password -ga … Continue reading

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Nice build to convert old CDROM drives into a laser engraver

I have seen these builds before, but not as nice looking as this one.  All stuff you print out for the build too. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150709-thingiverse-user-creates-an-amazing-3d-printed-photon-laser-engraver.html

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Nice build to convert old CDROM drives into a laser engraver

OK going to do this too

Nice hack where the author adds tie downs to his car via old straps and bolting them into the pre-existing bolts under the hood and other spots.  Guess what I am going to do to my car. http://hackaday.com/2015/07/12/adding-tie-down-points-to-almost-any-car/

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Make a copy of a key with a gift card and a handle

Basically you do a transfer of the key pattern with soot from the candle on the key, and cut out the shape on the card and use a screwdriver to turn it in the lock. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-open-a-lock-HACK-PLASTIC-CARD-/

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Interesting PC build for a gaming system

I was looking at building a new computer since the old one…is…well old.  Its a nice build and the most expensive bit is the video card ($200), so if I reuse case, and cheap out on the card for now, … Continue reading

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Tutorial on the NRF24L01 2.4 Ghz transmitter

I wanted to bookmark this write-up cause these boards are cheap, and a good way to add wireless comm’s to an arduino project.  BUT…not alot of good info out there about them. http://www.instructables.com/id/Wireless-Remote-Using-24-Ghz-NRF24L01-Simple-Tutor/

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life, sensors | Comments Off on Tutorial on the NRF24L01 2.4 Ghz transmitter

Oh this is going on my todo list, pool pressure sensor

On of the many items I work on is automating my pool.  Right now everything is open loop, so I have no feedback on if anything is working or not.  Not so sure I would use zigbee for communication, but … Continue reading

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Simple tutorial on controlling a DC motor with an arduino

Good write up, only thing it drives the motor one way only.  🙂 http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-drive-a-DC-Motor-with-Transistor-Arduino-Tu/

Posted in Arduino, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple tutorial on controlling a DC motor with an arduino