Engraving cursive script on the CNC machine
At our last CNC project activity we had an exercise of engraving text and in particular the attempt yesterday to get a cursive script to engrave. The aim was to have a font that generated varying width engraving by varying the z-axis height during the carving out of the letters. The cutting tool was a...Continue reading→
Sean’s Christmas lights project
Member Sean has done an extensive amount of work for his Christmas lights project mostly based on addressable WLED leds and Seed Pixels. Mini Tree kit Build instructions https://www.thestockpot.net/videos/mini-tree PCBs https://www.thestockpot.net/store/p/mini-tree-pcb Mini Tree Printed supports https://www.thestockpot.net/store/p/mini-mega-tree-printed-components WLED controller DOMRAEM ESP32 WLED Addressable 2CH LED Controller https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009735039289.html Additional tools & materials used Centre...Continue reading→
Coffee Machine rescue
Repair Cafe meets coffee machine! Our fully up-market (sic) pod coffee machine, that’s only a bare ten years old, suffered a seemingly terminal malfunction recently – failing to power up when commanded. A few die-hard repair-cafe types brought their expertise to bear to troubleshoot the device – hopefully back to working condition. Close scrutiny of...Continue reading→
Coils ain’t coils
The author was co-founder of a Seaford electronics company, SPLat Controls Pty Ltd, which makes off the shelf and custom electronics controls for makers of machinery ranging from one-man startups in Pennsylvania to multinational corporations. This "Hot Tip" was originally written in 2010 as part of a series of hot tips for SPLat customers and...Continue reading→
First Model on our 3D Resin Printer
Slicing Your First Model on our new 3D Resin Printer This printer uses slicing software to convert 3D files (like ‘.stl’) into instructions the printer can read. Printer Software: Chitubox is installed on our computer. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is the target printer. Settings: Input the exposure times recommended on the bottle of the specific resin you bought....Continue reading→
Saving things from landfill – A Repair Cafe Example
Getting the Moorabbin Repair Revolution started. Saving our wallets, saving our planet—One Repair at a Time. Got something that’s broken or just not working right? We are getting going with a Repair Cafe that might help. Member Mic had just such a challenge come his way. Fixing a defective automatic jar opener… I was given...Continue reading→
Making light work of things
Upcycling Innovation: From Power-Hungry to Eco-Friendly Our members don’t just use technology—they rethink it. When our club received a donation of old halogen spotlights, we faced a dilemma. They were massive energy hogs (drawing up to 500W!) and the yellow light was a nightmare for detailed maker projects. Instead of letting them head to the...Continue reading→
Re-purpose an old Dolphin torch
Continuing on with our maker theme, member Chris being a dedicated hobbyist, has decided to rejuvenate an old Dolphin torch to use re-chargeable batteries that can be conveniently topped up from a USB charger. He used two 18650 lithium-ion batteries plus an off-the-shelf 5V regulator, new LED lamp, designed a case for them using Fusion...Continue reading→
Thermal Design Basics in electronics
THERMAL DESIGN BASICS Circuit 7805 regulator supplied by a 12V battery (allow for 14V MAX during charging) Max voltage drop across the regulator = 14-5 = 7Volts For a design load current of .5 Amp Max regulator dissipation = 7V x .5A = 3.5 Watts Regulator Specs Case 221A Thermal Resistance, Junction–to–Ambient RqJA 65...Continue reading→