DIY Home Automation: Coopener – Testing and retrofitting

Building a framework for Home Automation devices, starting with the worlds first IoT chicken coop.

Shed

Replaced a retaining wall and built a shed.

DIY: Complete Media System – PART 3 [Linux to Arduino comms]

The final steps to completing your project. In this final project post we will be discussing Two-way serial communications between Linux and the Arduino. Using BASH scripts to communicate Running Cron jobs to schedule the scripts At the time of...

DIY: Complete Media System – PART 2 [Hardware and OS]

Want to build your own completely flexible and customisable, yet small and energy efficient home Media System? This is not a simple media server or NAS (Network Attached Storage), although it does that too. It is everything your run-of-the mill...

DIY: Complete Media System that fits in the palm of your hand – PART 1

I already have existing servers, but I figured it would be best to build an entire Media System which stands alone and try to make it as small, efficient and automated as possible. This way, the system can be replicated...

DIY: Coolsculptor/FrankenSculptor – PART 4

This is part 4 of a four part project. Click here for Part 1 Click here for Part 2 Click here for Part 3 This part concentrates solely on the controller and cleaning up the prototype wiring to increase the ease of use...

DIY: Coolsculptor/FrankenSculptor – PART 3

This is part 3 of a four part project. Click here for Part 1 Click here for Part 2 Click here for Part 4 (DISCLAIMER: Use the information below at your own risk. I am not a doctor nor do I know...

DIY: Coolsculptor/FrankenSculptor – PART 2

This is part 2 of a four part project. Click here for Part 1 Click here for Part 3 Click here for Part 4 At this point the device is nearly ready for a test run. Temperature sensors were installed in each plate to...

DIY: Coolsculptor (Cryolipolysis) codename: FrankenSculptor – PART 1 [DIY Coolsculpting machine]

This is part 1 of a four part project. Click here for Part 2 Click here for Part 3 Click here for Part 4 I've been working on building my own Coolsculpting device as Zeltiq are offering.It is a machine which reduces...

DIY: Car side mirror replacement

I broke my left side mirror (oops!) and needed to have it replaced. Buying from manufacturer costs 3 times the amount for one mirror. Instead, I ordered a set (left and right) online with the added ability of a motorized...

DIY: Installing more double-baton fluorescent lights

I had a gift voucher the local hardware store, so I decided to buy two double-baton fluorescent lights and install them near the business end of my workshop. I tapped in to the existing lights to grab power and I...

DIY: Fix motorbike blinker cluster

My brother bought a motorbike recently. The bike was in good condition, but the blinker cluster was broken -- It wasn't able to 'click' properly to the left and sometimes it would not engage the indicator lights at all. My...

DIY: Running electricity for fairy lights underground

A couple of years ago when I turfed the back yard, I had dug a trench and installed two separate conduits running from under the house to the veggie patch. One of the conduits was to run power through it....

DIY: Installing mains power cable for air-con in garage

Yes. The garage gets very hot and I like my controlled climate. So I am having air-conditioning installed in my man-cave. The person installing the air-con is a friend of my father-in-law and we offered to run the cable from...