http://kevinrye.net/index.phpGeeky goodness from my hobby site.enenKevin Rye© 2006-2016 Kevin Rye2024-08-22T19:48:38-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:11:13 -0400Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsPainting2024-08-22T19:48:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/8ce00546c50dcf415947d3d1d63cc05f-485.php#unique-entry-id-485http://kevinrye.net/index_files/8ce00546c50dcf415947d3d1d63cc05f-485.php#unique-entry-id-485
It's time to add some more finishing touches! The gripper and interface arms!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsElectronics2024-08-01T18:35:29-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/df4e2780e8d24fab632d7a6d303adb0b-484.php#unique-entry-id-484http://kevinrye.net/index_files/df4e2780e8d24fab632d7a6d303adb0b-484.php#unique-entry-id-484
Now that the 3D-printing portion of R2 is pretty much complete, it's time to put on some finishing touches. That means doors and lights!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsPainting2024-07-12T18:24:43-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p12.php#unique-entry-id-483http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p12.php#unique-entry-id-483
After 13 months of work, R2 is finally on his feet! I am absolutely thrilled with the results. Every time I walk in the room and look at him, I think to myself, "I can't believe I built that!" I just need to finish the doors and then I can start to work on the electronics and the gripper and interface arms.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsPaintingLaser Cutting3D Modeling2024-07-03T18:21:06-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p11.php#unique-entry-id-482http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p11.php#unique-entry-id-482
It took six months to complete the dome and the body, but only two months to complete the legs. I thought it would have taken longer, but the weather has been good to me so I've been able to get a lot done over the past few weeks.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsPainting2024-06-26T18:02:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p10.php#unique-entry-id-480http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p10.php#unique-entry-id-480
I completed the center foot and the battery boxes. That's a milestone!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar Wars2024-04-28T18:01:32-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p9.php#unique-entry-id-479http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p9.php#unique-entry-id-479

I finally finished the foot drives. It took no shortage of time, materials, and patience!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsLaser Cutting2024-01-29T13:21:51-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p8.php#unique-entry-id-478http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p8.php#unique-entry-id-478
With the body and dome complete, it's time to start on the legs and feet. It took a little over two months to print all the parts. It was so much work! 175 pieces in total.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsElectronicsLaser Cutting2024-01-22T19:05:03-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p7.php#unique-entry-id-477http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p7.php#unique-entry-id-477
It took over a month the complete the dome. I still have to mount the holojprojectors, but I will do that later once I print the servo arms. For now, I'm calling it done.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingStar WarsPainting2023-11-12T03:45:32-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p6.php#unique-entry-id-476http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p6.php#unique-entry-id-476
With winter approaching, I was able to complete all the sanding and painting that I need to do to assemble the body and the dome. R2 is really looking awesome!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsPainting2023-10-02T19:44:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p5.php#unique-entry-id-472http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p5.php#unique-entry-id-472
After two months of painting and sanding it's really starting to look like an R2!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar Wars2023-07-29T19:58:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p4.php#unique-entry-id-474http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p4.php#unique-entry-id-474
This was the most complicated and stressful glue-up I've ever had to do with 3D printed parts!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar WarsPaintingLaser Cutting3D Modeling2023-07-12T19:45:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p3.php#unique-entry-id-471http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p3.php#unique-entry-id-471
Finally! After well over a month of printing and sanding, I have one piece ready for painting!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar Wars2023-06-21T19:53:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p2.php#unique-entry-id-473http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p2.php#unique-entry-id-473
After more than 500 hours of printing, it's really starting to look like an R2!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingStar Wars2023-06-07T19:37:59-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p1.php#unique-entry-id-470http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_r2d2_p1.php#unique-entry-id-470

I have wanted to built a life-sized, screen-accurate, R2-D2 for years. It's finally happening!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting2022-09-26T16:59:58-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p6.php#unique-entry-id-469http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p6.php#unique-entry-id-469
That's it! It's finally complete. I am so happy with how it came out. I think this is my most elaborate project yet! I can't wait to see what's next!]]>Kevin RyeLaser Cutting3D PrintingCosplayPainting2022-09-25T16:24:19-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mortal_kombat_scorpion_cosplay.php#unique-entry-id-467http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mortal_kombat_scorpion_cosplay.php#unique-entry-id-467

I took a step away from the Scale Mail Bust to work on a weekend project for my sister-in-law. She needs a Scorpion outfit for Comic-Con stat!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2022-08-21T18:06:33-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p5.php#unique-entry-id-466http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p5.php#unique-entry-id-466
I have had so much fun working on this project. It's been keeping me pretty busy for months. I am so happy with the way that it is turning out. All I need to do is complete the headdress and make a base for it.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2022-08-02T17:46:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p4.php#unique-entry-id-465http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p4.php#unique-entry-id-465

I found a really sweet headdress model that I wanted to print for the Scale Mail Bust. It's huge and will have to be broken into several smaller parts. 12 to be exact. It was a lot of work making it, but it was a lot of fun!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2022-07-31T18:37:48-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p3.php#unique-entry-id-464http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p3.php#unique-entry-id-464

I did not realize how much work would be involved in making scale mail armor. It does go together surprisingly fast once you get the hang of it. The hard and time consuming part is painting them!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2022-06-26T17:50:11-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p2.php#unique-entry-id-463http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p2.php#unique-entry-id-463

Time for some sanding and painting on the Scale Mail Bust. This was so much work!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2022-05-22T16:30:19-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p1.php#unique-entry-id-462http://kevinrye.net/index_files/scale_mail_bust_p1.php#unique-entry-id-462

The last two figurines that I made came out amazing. I've been dying to make another one. I was particularly happy with how the chainmail loincloth came out on the latest one. Ever since then I have wanted to make one with scale mail. I decided to make a bust that I can use to showcase some scale mail armor.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingFlockingPainting2022-04-29T13:22:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_figurine_and_couch.php#unique-entry-id-461http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_figurine_and_couch.php#unique-entry-id-461

It's been six months since I finished my last big project. I wanted to put together something that won't take a month to complete, but something that I could sink my teeth into over a week or two.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting2022-01-29T16:06:16-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p6.php#unique-entry-id-460http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p6.php#unique-entry-id-460

I almost finished the 20" Victoria 6 figurine a little over 2 years ago. I was never really happy with the paint job. I've been wanting to go back and repaint the figurine for a long time. I broke the hand off the other day by accident so I figured glueing it back on and redoing the paint job would be a nice weekend project.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2021-10-10T13:50:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_fifth_element_stones.php#unique-entry-id-459http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_fifth_element_stones.php#unique-entry-id-459

I've been wanting a set of the Fifth Element Stones for years. I just never got around to printing them. I figured this would be a great project to get into. I am really happy with how they came out. They look like still stone!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2021-09-05T12:49:47-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/94b8716f913d66dc80b6f72b87842fa8-458.php#unique-entry-id-458http://kevinrye.net/index_files/94b8716f913d66dc80b6f72b87842fa8-458.php#unique-entry-id-458

The Fifth Element is one of my all-time favorite movies. A few years ago, I made a clock that looks just like the Zorg Door bomb. I've been wanting to make some more props from the movie for a long time. I figured the famous temple key would be a great one day build.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2021-06-16T19:31:56-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_pillar_box_v2_v3.php#unique-entry-id-457http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_pillar_box_v2_v3.php#unique-entry-id-457

I was really pleased with the pillar box that I made for my sister last Christmas. I wanted to make one for myself, but bigger!]]>Kevin RyeLaser Cutting2021-06-07T17:59:25-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/ef89ab7ffc672d992891d57a0e9e9bef-455.php#unique-entry-id-455http://kevinrye.net/index_files/ef89ab7ffc672d992891d57a0e9e9bef-455.php#unique-entry-id-455

My Dad was watching Ancient Aliens and there was an episode about the Mayan King Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal's tomb cover. Some believe the image depicts the king at the controls of a spaceship. My Dad thought it looked really cool and asked if I could make him one for his birthday.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting2021-06-06T18:18:47-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p10.php#unique-entry-id-456http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p10.php#unique-entry-id-456

I can't believe it took me almost a year to complete this project! Granted, I took some time off because I put off purchasing a resin printer for months. I also moved to a new house. So it took me a few months to get back into the swing of things. I'm so happy with the way that it turned out. ]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2021-05-21T19:58:28-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p9.php#unique-entry-id-440http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p9.php#unique-entry-id-440

It's time to make the base for the figurine. After that I just need to paint the figurine and the project will be complete. It's been so long since I started this project that it's great to see a finish line on the horizon.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingPainting2021-05-21T18:12:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/android_sculpture.php#unique-entry-id-453http://kevinrye.net/index_files/android_sculpture.php#unique-entry-id-453

The next step in my 23" Victoria 8 figurine is to paint. I want to practice first. I decided to throw together a little sculpture to give me something to practice painting.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingStar Wars2021-05-17T17:44:47-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/a9febd50b46dee897338240009ed9587-454.php#unique-entry-id-454http://kevinrye.net/index_files/a9febd50b46dee897338240009ed9587-454.php#unique-entry-id-454

I found a really nice looking Beskar 3D model online and I thought it would be really cool to print a stack of them.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingLaser Cutting2021-04-24T19:33:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p8.php#unique-entry-id-451http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p8.php#unique-entry-id-451

The figurine clothing and armor is now complete. I just have to paint it and complete the base.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser CuttingPainting2021-04-11T20:00:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p7.php#unique-entry-id-450http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p7.php#unique-entry-id-450
For the loin cloth, I wanted to try my hand at making some chain mail. It was time-consuming and tedious work, but a nice challenge. I think the end results look really good.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2021-03-30T20:18:58-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3dprinted_microscope_stand.php#unique-entry-id-449http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3dprinted_microscope_stand.php#unique-entry-id-449

The stand for a microscope at work broke. Let's see if I can replicate it and 3D print another one.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser Cutting2021-03-24T17:37:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p6.php#unique-entry-id-448http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p6.php#unique-entry-id-448

I am really happy with the way that the shoes turned out. They are way better than the shoes that I made for the last figurine.
]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser Cutting2021-02-28T14:38:05-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p5.php#unique-entry-id-446http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p5.php#unique-entry-id-446

I took a six month break from working on the figurine because I was waiting for the ELEGOO Saturn resin 3D printer to hit the market. In the end I decided to go with the ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro printer instead. Now that I finally have a resin printer, I can get to work on printing the armor.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingUnboxing2021-02-22T12:04:31-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/elegoo_mars_2_pro.php#unique-entry-id-444http://kevinrye.net/index_files/elegoo_mars_2_pro.php#unique-entry-id-444

I've been wanting a resin 3D printer for the longest time. I can't believe I waited so long to pull the trigger.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2020-11-29T01:55:12-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_pillar_box.php#unique-entry-id-443http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_pillar_box.php#unique-entry-id-443
The 3D-printed Balgonie Place sign that I made for my Mom for Christmas came out so great that I decided to make something for my sister too. After all, they both have Scottish-themed rooms at home. I think a pillar box would make a nice addition.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting2020-11-19T09:47:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/balgonie_place_street_sign.php#unique-entry-id-442http://kevinrye.net/index_files/balgonie_place_street_sign.php#unique-entry-id-442
On the street where my Mom grew up in Scotland, there's a concrete sign on the corner of the street. I thought it would be something neat to 3D print for her.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2020-09-20T18:43:18-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p4.php#unique-entry-id-439http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p4.php#unique-entry-id-439
With the weapons complete, it was time to start designing the armor.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsPaintingClocksLaser Cutting2020-09-20T16:14:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_with_diy_7segment_displays_p3.php#unique-entry-id-438http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_with_diy_7segment_displays_p3.php#unique-entry-id-438
The enclosure for the new clock is almost complete. I just need to make the front panel and then I can assemble the PCB.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingLaser CuttingPainting2020-09-05T18:42:54-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p3.php#unique-entry-id-435http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p3.php#unique-entry-id-435
It's time to make some weapons!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2020-08-29T19:33:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p2.php#unique-entry-id-437http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p2.php#unique-entry-id-437

With all the parts to the new model printed, it was time to glue, sand, and paint.]]>Kevin RyeLaser Cutting2020-08-07T19:52:18-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rocinante_name_plate_from_the_expanse.php#unique-entry-id-436http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rocinante_name_plate_from_the_expanse.php#unique-entry-id-436

A friend of mine wanted to make a Rocinante wall plaque from the TV show The Expanse. I told him if he shot me an SVG for it, I'd be more than happy to laser cut it out of wood.]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D Modeling3D Printing2020-07-27T18:38:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p1.php#unique-entry-id-434http://kevinrye.net/index_files/23inch_3d_printed_victoria_8_figurine_p1.php#unique-entry-id-434

I was so impressed with the way that my last 3D-printed figurine turned out that I just had to make another one. This model took a whopping 148 hours and 46 minutes to print.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsLaser CuttingClocks2020-06-20T20:38:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_with_diy_7segment_displays_p2.php#unique-entry-id-430http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_with_diy_7segment_displays_p2.php#unique-entry-id-430
154 LEDs! Wow, was that a lot of work. I have to admit, this was so much harder than I thought it was going to be. I though I'd bang this out in a single afternoon, but it took three sessions of several hours each to solder all the LEDs and the connections.]]>Kevin RyeRestorationTools2020-06-04T13:32:13-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_ideal_industries_stripmaster_k1853_wire_stripper_restoration.php#unique-entry-id-432http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_ideal_industries_stripmaster_k1853_wire_stripper_restoration.php#unique-entry-id-432

My Dad gave me his vintage Stripmaster a few years back. It's pretty filthy. It's been sitting in my tool box for a while but I rarely ever use it since I always feel like I have to wash my hands after using it. I decided to finally take this thing apart and give it a good cleaning.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsLaser CuttingDIY 2020-06-03T20:39:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/magnifying_glass_with_diy_upgrades.php#unique-entry-id-431http://kevinrye.net/index_files/magnifying_glass_with_diy_upgrades.php#unique-entry-id-431
I’ve had this fold up magnifying glass for like 35 years. I use it all the time. I was using it to do all the soldering on the huge clock that I’m making. I spent all day on it and I was like man, I wish this thing had a light underneath it! ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsLaser CuttingClocks3D Modeling2020-06-01T12:37:41-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_with_diy_7segment_displays_p1.php#unique-entry-id-429http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_with_diy_7segment_displays_p1.php#unique-entry-id-429

I've always wanted to build a clock with custom built 7-segment displays. I've been itching to build a new clock for a while now so I want it to be something really cool. Maybe it'll be the biggest clock I've ever built.

]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting2020-05-17T14:58:25-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p11.php#unique-entry-id-428http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p11.php#unique-entry-id-428

I can't believe the figurine is complete. It looks awesome. It took me four months and a lot of hard work to complete.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingLaser Cutting2020-03-21T18:07:19-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p10.php#unique-entry-id-427http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p10.php#unique-entry-id-427

All the clothes and armor have been made. It was a lot of work, but it was a lot of fun. The model is looking fantastic.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2020-03-06T19:45:21-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p9.php#unique-entry-id-426http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p9.php#unique-entry-id-426

All the armor pieces have been sanded, primed, filled, painted, and weathered. They turned out amazing.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingLaser CuttingPainting2020-02-28T14:01:13-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p8.php#unique-entry-id-425http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p8.php#unique-entry-id-425

I think that's everything that I need. I can now sand and paint all the 3D-printed parts, laser cut the leather parts, and sand and paint the figurine.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingLaser Cutting2020-02-23T09:43:42-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p7.php#unique-entry-id-424http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p7.php#unique-entry-id-424

That last 3D model that I printed had clothes as part of the model. It made it really hard to paint. For this model, I decided to print the entire model without clothes and make them separately out of real materials.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2020-02-16T15:10:47-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p6.php#unique-entry-id-423http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p6.php#unique-entry-id-423

With the weapons out of the way, it was time to finish the base. It came out awesome!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting2020-02-15T18:52:56-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p5.php#unique-entry-id-421http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p5.php#unique-entry-id-421

I'm really happy with the way that the spear and shield turned out. A friend of mine turned me onto the technique of using graphite powder to give objects a metallic finish. It looks awesome.
]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D Printing2020-02-01T19:11:39-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p4.php#unique-entry-id-419http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p4.php#unique-entry-id-419
I can't believe it's been a month since I started this project. Time flies. This build is really starting to take shape. All the parts have been made and it's time to start painting.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingLaser Cutting2020-01-17T11:18:48-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p3.php#unique-entry-id-418http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p3.php#unique-entry-id-418
The Victoria 7 model has been printed and the weapons have been made. The last parts to make are the column and the base.]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingLaser Cutting2020-01-13T16:09:24-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p2.php#unique-entry-id-417http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p2.php#unique-entry-id-417

With the Victoria 7 model completely printed, it's time to make the spear and the shield.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingDAZ Studio2020-01-12T13:05:15-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p1.php#unique-entry-id-416http://kevinrye.net/index_files/twenty_three_inch_3d_printed_figurine_p1.php#unique-entry-id-416

It's time for another 3D-printed figurine. This one will be truly epic! It’s going to be bigger than the last, and way more complicated.]]>Kevin RyeLaser Cutting2019-12-07T13:06:12-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/laser_engraved_map_middle_earth.php#unique-entry-id-415http://kevinrye.net/index_files/laser_engraved_map_middle_earth.php#unique-entry-id-415

My wife is a huge Lord of the Rings fan. I've always wanted to make her a map of Middle Earth. This seems like the perfect project for the Glowforge!]]>Kevin Rye3D Modeling3D PrintingPainting2019-11-02T20:34:18-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/raiders_of_the_lost_ark_fertility_idol.php#unique-entry-id-410http://kevinrye.net/index_files/raiders_of_the_lost_ark_fertility_idol.php#unique-entry-id-410

I've been wanting to print the fertility idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark for a while. I've just never found a good enough model. Until now.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting2019-10-27T16:45:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p5.php#unique-entry-id-412http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p5.php#unique-entry-id-412
I think I just need to get my hands on a doll wig and the figurine is done.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting2019-10-01T19:20:54-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p4.php#unique-entry-id-409http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p4.php#unique-entry-id-409

More progress has been made. The model is assembled, sanded, primed, and ready for the final paint job. I also finished making the base for it.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingDIY 2019-09-29T19:21:32-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/closet_door_thing.php#unique-entry-id-411http://kevinrye.net/index_files/closet_door_thing.php#unique-entry-id-411

I love fixing things for free. ]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting3D ModelingCosplay2019-09-23T19:41:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3dprinted_sub_zero_mask.php#unique-entry-id-408http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3dprinted_sub_zero_mask.php#unique-entry-id-408
My sister-in-law is heading to Comic Con next month and is in need of a Sub-Zero Mask. I got this.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting3D Modeling2019-09-22T20:34:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p3.php#unique-entry-id-407http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p3.php#unique-entry-id-407

The guns came out awesome. I just have to glue on the thumbs and clean up all the seams and I can start with the final paint job.
]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting2019-09-21T15:05:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p2.php#unique-entry-id-405http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p2.php#unique-entry-id-405

I'm thrilled with the progress that I have made with the model. There has been a lot of printing, sanding, and painting over the last few weeks. The model is looking great.]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D Printing3D Modeling2019-08-29T17:56:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p1.php#unique-entry-id-404http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria6_figurine_p1.php#unique-entry-id-404

I'm really happy with the way that the Victoria 8 model came out. I want to make some more large-scale figurines just like it. This time, I want to give it a full paint job instead of just painting it a single color.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2019-08-28T15:07:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hamilton_khaki_automatic_chronograph_3sd.php#unique-entry-id-406http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hamilton_khaki_automatic_chronograph_3sd.php#unique-entry-id-406

I fell in love with this watch the moment I discovered it. I just had to get my hands on one. I love chronographs and Hamilton is one of my favorite brands.]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D PrintingPaintingLaser Cutting3D Modeling2019-08-24T17:49:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria_7_project_p3.php#unique-entry-id-402http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria_7_project_p3.php#unique-entry-id-402
This Black 3.0 paint is amazing. The Victoria 8 figure is all painted and secured to the base that I made. It came out awesome!
]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D PrintingPainting2019-08-04T17:02:56-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria_7_project_p2.php#unique-entry-id-401http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria_7_project_p2.php#unique-entry-id-401
The Victoria 8 model is coming out better than I had hoped. It looks awesome, and it's all ready for some Black 3.0 paint!]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D Printing3D Modeling2019-08-01T15:00:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria_7_project_p1.php#unique-entry-id-400http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_victoria_7_project_p1.php#unique-entry-id-400

As soon as I caught wind of Black 3.0 paint from Culture Hustle hitting Kickstarter, I had to have a bottle. I want to make something really cool and paint is super black!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsNixiesKits2019-07-26T16:16:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_tube_tester.php#unique-entry-id-399http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_tube_tester.php#unique-entry-id-399

Nice kit, but $60 bucks down the toilet. I should have just brought a new tube.]]>Kevin RyeLaser CuttingPainting3D Modeling2019-06-16T16:41:48-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/telephone_box_p3.php#unique-entry-id-398http://kevinrye.net/index_files/telephone_box_p3.php#unique-entry-id-398

After three weeks of work, the Telephone Box is finally complete. Wow, I can't believe how nice it came out! ]]>Kevin RyeWatches2019-06-07T16:20:31-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_ssb031.php#unique-entry-id-396http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_ssb031.php#unique-entry-id-396

The Seiko SSB031 is another watch that's been at the top of my list for almost a year. A friend at work picked one up and I fell in love with it almost immediately. ]]>Kevin RyeWatches2019-06-07T16:19:54-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/red_star_seagull_1963_reissue.php#unique-entry-id-395http://kevinrye.net/index_files/red_star_seagull_1963_reissue.php#unique-entry-id-395
My wife asked what I wanted for my birthday. Watches of course! The Red Star 1963 Seagull Reissue has been at the top of my list for some time. I just haven't pulled the trigger. ]]>Kevin RyeLaser CuttingPainting2019-06-07T15:05:44-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/phone_box_p2.php#unique-entry-id-394http://kevinrye.net/index_files/phone_box_p2.php#unique-entry-id-394
I couldn't wait to start painting, but it rained for two days. What a pain! It seems like every time I need to paint something outside, it rains!]]>Kevin RyeLaser Cutting3D Modeling2019-05-26T20:44:14-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/telephone_box_p1.php#unique-entry-id-393http://kevinrye.net/index_files/telephone_box_p1.php#unique-entry-id-393

I saw this cool British Telephone Box model on Thingiverse and I thought it would be a really cool thing to make. However, once I got into it, I realized that I'd need to redesign the model from the ground up in order to laser cut one.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser CuttingPainting2019-05-21T18:27:34-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p6.php#unique-entry-id-391http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p6.php#unique-entry-id-391

That's it! All done! Wow, this project took a log time to do, but if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing. I spared no expensive nor detail in making sure that the Footlong Fender looked as real as possible. I think it came out amazing and I learned a lot of new things with this project.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser CuttingPainting2019-04-21T13:44:48-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p5.php#unique-entry-id-389http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p5.php#unique-entry-id-389

I can't believe it's been over two months since I started this project. It's taking so long because it has to be perfect. There's been a lot of sanding, painting, sanding, and painting. A lot of trial and error, and some do overs.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser CuttingPainting2019-03-27T22:16:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p4.php#unique-entry-id-388http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p4.php#unique-entry-id-388
Such tiny parts! I've made a lot of progress on the Footlong Fender. It's been a lot of fun figuring out how to make such small parts. Each piece comes with its own challenges.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser Cutting3D Modeling2019-03-16T21:57:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p3.php#unique-entry-id-387http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p3.php#unique-entry-id-387

Work continues on the Footlong Fender. As far as the neck goes, I left off with having to make a new one. I over sanded the last one and it ended up being a do-over.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser Cutting2019-03-10T18:33:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p2.php#unique-entry-id-383http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p2.php#unique-entry-id-383

The Footlong Fender is coming along well. The body has been sanded, primed, and painted. I have a lot of the small parts made already and the neck is well underway.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingUnboxing2019-02-14T20:55:57-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/creality_cr10s.php#unique-entry-id-386http://kevinrye.net/index_files/creality_cr10s.php#unique-entry-id-386

Four years ago, my wife bought me my first 3D printer for Valentine's Day. When she asked me what I wanted this year, I asked for a new one. My ROBO 3D has served me well, but it is growing a little long in the tooth and I'd really like to have a new machine that can print larger models. ]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingLaser CuttingProjects3D Modeling2019-02-12T18:25:57-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p1.php#unique-entry-id-382http://kevinrye.net/index_files/footlong_fender_p1.php#unique-entry-id-382

My Dad recently got into guitar so I picked him up a Fender Strat for Christmas. He's really happy with it. It got me thinking about what it would take to build my own guitar. Not a full-size Fender, but a mini one. A footlong Fender!]]>Kevin RyeComputersRepairsDIY 2019-01-19T10:41:35-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hp_omen_fan_replacement.php#unique-entry-id-381http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hp_omen_fan_replacement.php#unique-entry-id-381
It's coming up on two years since I bought my kids their 17" HP Omen gaming laptops. They've been rocking these things pretty hardcore with the games and the fan on one of them is paying the price. It sounds horrible and is definitely on the way out.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2019-01-16T20:52:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_sarx055.php#unique-entry-id-385http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_sarx055.php#unique-entry-id-385

I just got an Omega Speedmaster for Christmas, and here I am not even a month later with another expensive watch. Hey, it's not my fault that our wedding anniversary is so close to Christmas! My wife asked me what I wanted. I felt bad asking for another watch, but after all, the gift for 15 years is a watch. Lucky me. She agreed to the next watch on my wishlist: the Seiko SARX055.
]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-12-25T15:47:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/omega_speedmaster_reduced.php#unique-entry-id-378http://kevinrye.net/index_files/omega_speedmaster_reduced.php#unique-entry-id-378

I’ve had my eye on a Speedmaster for some time now and I’m absolutely thrilled to finally own one. I’ve seen hundreds of Speedmaster pictures online and I can’t overstate how much better this watch looks in person. ]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-12-25T15:46:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/casio_trifecta.php#unique-entry-id-380http://kevinrye.net/index_files/casio_trifecta.php#unique-entry-id-380
Ah, the classic Casio lineup. So retro. I feel like a kid again wearing these. So cool.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-12-25T15:45:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_snk393k.php#unique-entry-id-379http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_snk393k.php#unique-entry-id-379
Check out this nice Seiko 5 that my son picked up for me for Christmas. He's only 12, but he asked my wife if she could buy it so he could give it to me for Christmas. Isn't that sweet?]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-11-05T15:59:43-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/casio_f91w.php#unique-entry-id-377http://kevinrye.net/index_files/casio_f91w.php#unique-entry-id-377

How can you say no to the classic $10 watch? This is such a fan favorite, and a true classic!]]>Kevin RyeVintageWatches2018-10-12T15:58:02-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/90s_vintage_timex_ironman.php#unique-entry-id-376http://kevinrye.net/index_files/90s_vintage_timex_ironman.php#unique-entry-id-376

I'm so glad to have the classic 90s Timex Ironman back in rotation. Ah, the memories!]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing2018-10-06T14:38:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/blade_runner2049_wooden_horse.php#unique-entry-id-375http://kevinrye.net/index_files/blade_runner2049_wooden_horse.php#unique-entry-id-375

Ever since I saw Blade Runner 2049, I've been wanting to 3D-print that little wooden horse.]]>Kevin RyeWatchesDIY Laser Cutting2018-09-15T10:52:56-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/watch_strap_box.php#unique-entry-id-374http://kevinrye.net/index_files/watch_strap_box.php#unique-entry-id-374

My collection of watch straps is starting to grow. I need a place to store them, but all the boxes that I see on Amazon just aren't fitting the bill. I love making things that you just cannot buy in stores.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-07-23T20:59:52-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_sarb033.php#unique-entry-id-373http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_sarb033.php#unique-entry-id-373
This is the much sought after Seiko SARB033. Some people call it the "baby Grand Seiko". It's no surprise; this watch is amazing!]]>Kevin RyeWatchesVintage2018-07-09T16:56:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/1976_timex_mechanical_filed_watch.php#unique-entry-id-372http://kevinrye.net/index_files/1976_timex_mechanical_filed_watch.php#unique-entry-id-372

I want to dip my toes in the vintage watch pond, but not break the bank. I figured, something no more than $50 bucks. I scoured eBay and found this little gem for $44 bucks. It's a 1976 30mm military-inspired manual wind field watch. ]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-06-17T14:53:01-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/new_watch_case_and_sotc.php#unique-entry-id-369http://kevinrye.net/index_files/new_watch_case_and_sotc.php#unique-entry-id-369

With the addition of my brand new Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph, it looks like I'm officially into watches. I'm now up to 6 watches. That's one more watch than my old watch case can hold. Time for an upgrade.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-06-06T14:40:24-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hamilton_khaki_automatic_chronograph_2sd.php#unique-entry-id-367http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hamilton_khaki_automatic_chronograph_2sd.php#unique-entry-id-367

I love field watches, and I love chronographs. This one is both. This is officially my most expensive watch, and my new favorite.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-06-05T14:54:46-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/got_my_old_hamilton_fixed.php#unique-entry-id-370http://kevinrye.net/index_files/got_my_old_hamilton_fixed.php#unique-entry-id-370

After all these years, I finally had my 2004 Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic repaired!]]>Kevin RyeCamerasPhotographyUnboxing2018-05-25T19:10:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_disappointing_nikon_coolpix_b500.php#unique-entry-id-358http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_disappointing_nikon_coolpix_b500.php#unique-entry-id-358

For my 15 year service award at work I got to pick from a catalog of gifts. Most of the stuff was in the $300 dollar range. A lot of it was overpriced rubbish, but they had a Nikon B500. I figured since my Nikon D5000 is almost 10 years old, it was time for a new one. ]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-05-04T12:47:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_snk809.php#unique-entry-id-366http://kevinrye.net/index_files/seiko_snk809.php#unique-entry-id-366

What a sweet little everyday watch. I think I've officially been bitten by the bug!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBsArduinoNixiesLaser Cutting3D Modeling2018-04-29T19:53:13-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-365http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-365

I can't believe it took four months to complete. It came out awesome. It was well worth it to be patient and do everything right.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBsArduinoNixiesLaser Cutting2018-04-28T20:29:54-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-364http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-364
Woo hoo! My controller board works. All the hardware is complete. I just need to add the audio code and make a case for it. This clock is coming together pretty quickly!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksLaser Cutting3D Modeling2018-04-08T11:10:29-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part5.php#unique-entry-id-363http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part5.php#unique-entry-id-363
I left off six months ago with the completion of all the electronics for the new VFD clock. I was really happy with the way that it came out. All that I needed to do was make a case for it. However, I needed to wait until I had my Glowforge.]]>Kevin RyeClocksLaser Cutting3D Modeling2018-03-31T15:59:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_button_panels.php#unique-entry-id-361http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_button_panels.php#unique-entry-id-361

When I made the button boards for my VFD Clock, IN-12 and IN-14 nixies clocks, the plan was to have panels laser cut from Ponoko. They did not have the right material that I wanted. I figured I'd wait until I had a Glowforge and do it myself.]]>Kevin RyeWatches2018-03-28T18:26:41-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hamilton_khaki_feld_automatic_38mm.php#unique-entry-id-371http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hamilton_khaki_feld_automatic_38mm.php#unique-entry-id-371

I've ben itching for a new watch for years. Lucky for me, I have the best wife ever and she decided to surprise me with a brand new Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm. I did not see this one coming at all!


]]>Kevin RyeUnboxingComputers2018-03-26T16:00:52-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo5c.php#unique-entry-id-362http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo5c.php#unique-entry-id-362

After 7 years, my old Drobo is growing a little long in the tooth. I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to replace it. Just a few months ago the bearings on the fan wore out. Now the drive refuses to stay connected to my Mac. Time for an upgrade.
]]>Kevin RyeClocksElectronicsPCBsLaser CuttingNixiesArduino2018-03-25T19:08:28-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-357http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-357

What a great weekend! Major progress has been made! All I need to do is finish the last two colons, design the controller board, and make a case for it.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksLaser Cutting3D Modeling2018-03-24T11:38:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_2case_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-359http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_2case_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-359

When I first designed the Word Clock 2, the plan was to laser cut the enclosure for it. However, it was going to cost too much to have it cut. It was too risky just in case the case didn't fit, or the holes in the back for the buttons weren't quite right. I decided to just 3D-print a case for it. Now that I have my own Glowforge, I can cut my own case for it!]]>Kevin RyeLaser CuttingGlowforgeDIY 3D Printing3D Modeling2018-03-18T11:40:01-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/glowforge_window_exhaust_port.php#unique-entry-id-360http://kevinrye.net/index_files/glowforge_window_exhaust_port.php#unique-entry-id-360

It's been a week and I'm having a blast playing around with the Glowforge. It's so easy to use. Although I haven't done much since it's been a busy week. It's been mostly tests and experiments. The first thing I really wanted to do was to come up with a better solution for the exhaust hose. It's not very practical just hanging the hose out the window. That, and it's a real pain to reach up to the top of the window behind the Glowforge.]]>Kevin RyeLaser CuttingUnboxingGlowforge2018-03-12T19:08:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/glowforge.php#unique-entry-id-356http://kevinrye.net/index_files/glowforge.php#unique-entry-id-356

I can't believe after all these years I finally own a laser cutter. I have wanted a laser cutter as long as I can remember. The Glowforge is such a game changer. Before the Glowforge, laser cutters were unjustifiably expensive, clunky, complicated machines to use. The Glowforge is as easy to use as a 3D printer.]]>Kevin RyeClocksElectronicsPCBsNixiesArduino3D Modeling3D Printing2018-03-11T17:21:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-355http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-355

Section one of three for my IN-18 Nixie Clock has been successfully assembled. Everything works!]]>Kevin RyeNixiesVintageElectronics3D Modeling3D Printing2018-02-26T17:50:34-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/ne2_neon_bulbs.php#unique-entry-id-354http://kevinrye.net/index_files/ne2_neon_bulbs.php#unique-entry-id-354

I need three nixie colons for the IN-18 clock. They can be found on eBay, but they are a little expensive for what they are. It's basically a glass tube and two little neon bulbs. There's no way I'm paying $12 each for those. They can be made for a fraction of that.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBsATtiny3D Modeling3D Printing2018-02-25T16:46:24-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/attiny84_thing.php#unique-entry-id-352http://kevinrye.net/index_files/attiny84_thing.php#unique-entry-id-352
I was bored while I waited for parts for my IN-18 Nixie Clock to arrive from China. So I threw together a silly little ATtiny thing that could use a 7-segment display to display a random number from 0-9. Nothing fancy, just a silly little one-day project. This will come in very handy when the kids argue over who gets the last donut or whatever. Hey kids….pick a number!]]>Kevin RyeClocksElectronicsNixiesArduino2018-01-27T16:51:19-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-353http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixie_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-353

My breakout boards finally arrived. What a long two weeks! I popped one into my breadboard and I applied 160 volts. It works! ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduino2018-01-20T21:28:31-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tpic6b595_shift_registers.php#unique-entry-id-351http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tpic6b595_shift_registers.php#unique-entry-id-351

While I waited for my IN-18 breakouts to arrive, I got to work on figuring out how I was going to drive them. I know common 74141 nixie drivers won't work, so I need another solution. I found a video over at the EEVblog that showed that the TPIC6B595 could be used to drive nixies without the need for transistors, so I figured I'd go for it.]]>Kevin RyeVintageNixiesPCBsElectronics2018-01-13T15:25:37-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixies.php#unique-entry-id-350http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in_18_nixies.php#unique-entry-id-350

When my wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I didn't hesitate: IN-18s. Six of them. After all, it's not everyday someone buys you $300 worth of tubes.
]]>Kevin RyeDIY RepairsComputersUpgrades2017-11-11T17:31:35-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_fan_replacement.php#unique-entry-id-349http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_fan_replacement.php#unique-entry-id-349

I've had my Drobo since February 2011. It's been almost 7 years. Yesterday I got home and went into the computer room and heard a horrible noise coming from the Drobo. It sounded like the fan was on the way out. It made a horrible rattling sound. The bearings were definitly shot. Time for a fan upgrade!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksPCBsLaser CuttingVFD2017-10-10T17:03:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-347http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-347

I got my PCBs in, assembled everything, and uploaded my code. Everything works as it should. I just need to design a case and it's a wrap!
]]>Kevin RyeUpgradesDIY Misc2017-10-07T13:28:55-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nerf_scope_laser_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-348http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nerf_scope_laser_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-348

I had one of those crappy spirit levels with a LASER in it. It was a piece of junk. It was falling apart. It’s been sitting in the tool box for over a decade. I was cleaning some stuff out and was about to throw it out, but I can’t just throw away a LASER. What to do with it?]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksArduinoVFDPCBs3D Modeling3D Printing2017-09-30T15:31:55-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-346http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-346
I took a break from the VFD Clock to make a Portal Weighted Storage Cube. That took about a month, and now that it's finished, it's time to revisit the clock.]]>Kevin RyeLaser Cutting3D Printing2017-08-30T10:39:59-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p5.php#unique-entry-id-345http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p5.php#unique-entry-id-345

After a month of hard work my Portal Weighted Storage Cube is complete! This was such a great project because it had a little bit of everything: 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, painting, electronics, and coding. I got to do things that I'm really good and l try a few new things too.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingNeopixelsArduino3D Modeling2017-08-26T15:17:35-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p4.php#unique-entry-id-344http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p4.php#unique-entry-id-344
All the parts are painted and assembled. All the electronics are complete and installed. I made some awesome progress this week. The last thing to do it put some finishing touches on the code and paint the Aperture Science logos onto the centers.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingNeopixelsArduino3D Modeling2017-08-19T15:03:22-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p3.php#unique-entry-id-343http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p3.php#unique-entry-id-343

I've made some great progress on the cube. All the sanding and painting is well under way, and all the electronics are pretty much finished.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting2017-08-14T19:26:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p2.php#unique-entry-id-341http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p2.php#unique-entry-id-341

I've made some serious progress on the Portal Weighted Storage Cube. All the parts have been printed, sanded, and painted. Some last minute touches, the electronics, and it'll be time for the final assembly!]]>Kevin RyeVFDPCBsElectronicsClocks2017-08-06T19:05:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_ac_filament_driver_v11.php#unique-entry-id-340http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_ac_filament_driver_v11.php#unique-entry-id-340

I took a little break from the VFD Clock to work on the Portal Weighted Storage Cube. Paint is drying, and it's supposed to rain tomorrow. So I'll probably have to take a day or two off from painting and sanding. There's no better time than the present to get back to work on the VFD Clock.]]>Kevin RyeSpeedcubing2017-07-29T12:47:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/new4x4and5x5speedcubes.php#unique-entry-id-342http://kevinrye.net/index_files/new4x4and5x5speedcubes.php#unique-entry-id-342

I picked up some new speed cubes. I wasn't really happy with my last 4x4. I picked it up on a whim since my 10 year old wanted a 2x2 and a 3x3. Take it from me. Don't start off with a cheap junky cube. Spend the money up front and start off with a great cube.. ]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D Modeling2017-07-26T17:30:10-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p1.php#unique-entry-id-339http://kevinrye.net/index_files/portal_cube_p1.php#unique-entry-id-339

I can't believe it took me so long to get around to playing Portal. I guess it all has to do with time. I never have time for video games. Rather than sit in front of the computer playing games for hours a day, I'd rather sit and make PCBs, write code, and design 3D models. Now that I've beaten Portal 1 and 2, I feel like I can finally make myself a Portal Cube and not feel like a poser.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksArduinoVFD2017-07-01T15:50:39-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-338http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-338

The good thing about making a lot of clocks is that after a while, writing the code become a bunch of cutting and pasting. The code for this clock closely mirrors that of both of my nixie clocks as well as my LCD clock. I just had to make a few small tweaks. After about two hours, I had all the code written for the time mode, date mode, and alarm mode.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsPCBsVFD2017-06-30T21:16:25-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_ac_filament_driver.php#unique-entry-id-334http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_ac_filament_driver.php#unique-entry-id-334

If you remember my last VFD clock, I attempted to design an AC filament driver for the display. I searched online for a solution and discovered the LM9022 VFD Filament Driver. Like the name suggests, it's specifically design to supply an AC signal to VFD filament from a DC source. It seemed too good to be true. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsVFD2017-06-29T20:55:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-336http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_vfd_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-336
When I set out to make my last VFD clock, I decided to drive the tubes with a MAX6921 chip. However, I couldn't for the life of me figure it out. I looked at a bunch of other projects online and tried to reverse engineer them, but I just couldn't get that chip to do anything. In the end, I gave up and decided to just drive the whole thing with transistors. With a new, more complicated clock in the works, it's time to figure out this chip.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsNixies3D Modeling3D Printing2017-06-14T16:26:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in19b_nixie_thing.php#unique-entry-id-331http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in19b_nixie_thing.php#unique-entry-id-331

While waiting for the paint to dry on my IN-14 Nixie Clock, I decided to tinker around with a small board idea to do something with this lonely IN-19 that I have. When I bought the IN-14s for my clock, the eBay seller threw one in as a way to make up for a delay in shipping. It's a cool little tube. But what would I ever use it for?]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsVFDPCBs2017-06-04T15:53:31-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_breakouts.php#unique-entry-id-335http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_breakouts.php#unique-entry-id-335

In order to start prototyping with my new VFDs, I need to make some breakout boards for them. Experience tells me that there's no easy way to jam them into a breadboard.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksVFD2017-06-03T18:45:39-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/more_vfds.php#unique-entry-id-333http://kevinrye.net/index_files/more_vfds.php#unique-entry-id-333

I just put the wraps on my last clock, the IN-14 Nixie Clock, and I already can't wait to start another one! I found some really huge ILC1-1/8L 7-segment VFDs on eBay. They're almost 4" tall. The digits themselves are 2.25" tall. Massive!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoClocksNixies3D Printing2017-06-03T18:20:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_v2_part3.php#unique-entry-id-332http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_v2_part3.php#unique-entry-id-332

I'm really happy with the way that this clock came out. It's so much nicer than my IN-12 clock. I can't wait to get started on another one!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoClocksNixiesPCBs3D Printing2017-05-20T15:10:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_v2_part2.php#unique-entry-id-329http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_v2_part2.php#unique-entry-id-329
This clock is coming along nicely. I know I designed it a few months ago, but I shelved it for a month to wrap other things up. Now that I've decided to go ahead with it, it's been less than a month and it's almost complete!]]>Kevin RyeSpeedcubing2017-05-06T15:53:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/first_4x4_speed_cube.php#unique-entry-id-330http://kevinrye.net/index_files/first_4x4_speed_cube.php#unique-entry-id-330

My son wants to get into speedcubing too. I picked up a 2x2 and a 3x3 for him. I wasn't going to buy myself anything, but I just couldn't resist picking up a 4x4 while I was at it.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoClocksNixiesPCBs2017-04-26T19:02:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_v2_part1.php#unique-entry-id-327http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_v2_part1.php#unique-entry-id-327

I left off last time with the notion that I'd be able to create a new IN-14-nixie clock based off the design that I used for my IN-12 nixie clock. The plan was to use the main controller board as-is, and combine the driver and display boards. This proved to be more difficult than I had anticipated. The routing of the high voltage traces left much to be desired, simply due to the lack of real estate. I decided to not only use the original controller board, but the driver board too. After all, OSH Park gives you three boards for each order, so I have some left over from the last clock. I might as well use them up.]]>Kevin RyeSpeedcubing2017-04-25T19:31:13-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/valk_3_speed_cube.php#unique-entry-id-328http://kevinrye.net/index_files/valk_3_speed_cube.php#unique-entry-id-328

It's been about 3 months since I picked up the Gans 356 Air Master. I've done several hundred solves on it and I love it. When I was first shopping for a speed cube, it was a toss up between the 356 Air and the Valk 3. The main reason I went with the Gans was because it's what Feliks Zemdegs used to break the last World Record. However, I was really curious to see if I made the right choice. Is the Valk 3 better?]]>Kevin RyeVintageMisc2017-03-16T18:04:20-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mattel_electronics_football_aka_starlord_scanner.php#unique-entry-id-326http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mattel_electronics_football_aka_starlord_scanner.php#unique-entry-id-326
Have you seen the new trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2? If you pay close attention to the opening scene, you'll see Starlord holding some kind of handheld scanner. I took one look at it and knew it was an old video game. I just had to have one.]]>Kevin RyeNixiesElectronics2017-03-15T15:16:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in14_nixie_tubes.php#unique-entry-id-264http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in14_nixie_tubes.php#unique-entry-id-264

Look what I scored on eBay! (LEGO guy for scale.) I've been wanting to do another nixie clock for a while. It's been a year and a half since I completed my first nixie clock. I think it's time for another one. ]]>Kevin RyeComputersLaptops2017-03-04T16:40:26-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hp_omen_laptop.php#unique-entry-id-323http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hp_omen_laptop.php#unique-entry-id-323

The OMEN really is a fantastic desktop replacement. It’s exactly what I was looking for in a laptop. I’m used to the speed and the power of my Mac Pro. To hop on an underpowered laptop and try and perform the same tasks and use the same apps as my Mac Pro just isn't going to work for me if it’s not the same experience. I'm glad I picked one up, and I’m thrilled that I saved over a $1000 by not buying the new MacBook Pro.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksVFD3D Printing2017-03-03T20:47:48-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part6.php#unique-entry-id-320http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part6.php#unique-entry-id-320

The VFD Clock is finally complete. I started it almost a year ago. However, once I actually figured out how to drive the display, it was another 7 months before I actually started it. I had so many other projects to finish first. I'm glad I waited until my plate was clear to work on this. It really came out nice. It's definitely one of my favorites. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksLaser CuttingPCBs2017-03-01T19:39:21-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7segment_clock_v4_p2.php#unique-entry-id-324http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7segment_clock_v4_p2.php#unique-entry-id-324

What a long two weeks it's been! I was dying to get my hands on the boards! The assembly was a snap and I think it came out way better than I had imagined.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D ModelingPainting2017-02-28T06:33:39-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_westworld_maze.php#unique-entry-id-318http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_westworld_maze.php#unique-entry-id-318

My wife and I just finished watching the first season of Westworld. What a great show. I don't want to give away any spoilers for those that have not seen it yet, but there's a cool maze prop in the show. As soon as I saw it, I thought to myself, "I am so 3D-printing one of those!"]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksPCBsLaser Cutting3D Modeling2017-02-21T19:04:26-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7segment_clock_v4_p1.php#unique-entry-id-322http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7segment_clock_v4_p1.php#unique-entry-id-322

A friend of mine at work cut the cord on his cable TV. Needless to say, the cable box had to be returned. Unfortunately, he relies on that little clock under the TV all the time. He asked if it was possible to basically take my Mini 7-segment Clock V2 and cut it in half. Challenge accepted!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksVFD3D Printing3D Modeling2017-02-07T22:46:41-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part5.php#unique-entry-id-319http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part5.php#unique-entry-id-319

The electronics have been assembled, so it's time to work on the enclosure. I'm almost finished with this clock. I ran out of black PLA for the base, and I still need to stain the woodfill PLA top, but I'm making excellent progress.]]>Kevin RyeSpeedcubing2017-01-29T22:29:24-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gans_356_air_master.php#unique-entry-id-317http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gans_356_air_master.php#unique-entry-id-317

I've been cubing for exactly a month now. While I'm no speedcuber, I'm still pretty proud of the fact that I've been able to go from never solving a cube before, to having a 12-solve average of 2:10 and a best time of 1:29 just using the layer-by-layer method. I don't think I will be able to solve it in under a minute without learning some more advanced techniques, or getting a faster cube. I could learn new algorithms until the cows come home, but at the end of the day the fact still remains... there's only so fast you can turn a stock Rubik's cube.
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksVFDPCBs2017-01-28T16:16:31-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-316http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-316
All the electronics are complete. I'm so pleased that everything worked on the first go without any tweaks. All that's left to do is design an enclosure for it.]]>Kevin RyeSpeedcubing2016-12-28T20:01:36-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/i_can_solve_a_rubiks_cube.php#unique-entry-id-315http://kevinrye.net/index_files/i_can_solve_a_rubiks_cube.php#unique-entry-id-315

I've been bitten by the bug! I can't stop solving this cube!]]>Kevin RyeVintage2016-12-25T19:15:26-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sinclair_cambridge_vintage_calculator.php#unique-entry-id-311http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sinclair_cambridge_vintage_calculator.php#unique-entry-id-311

This is a Sinclair Cambridge vintage calculator from 1973. It's not just any Sinclair Cambridge vintage calculator, but an original model 1.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocks3D Printing3D Modeling2016-12-18T13:10:41-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p6.php#unique-entry-id-314http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p6.php#unique-entry-id-314

It's been almost 8 months since I assembled my Mini OLED Clock. It's been sitting unfinished on my desk since then. All I needed to do was 3D print a case for it.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksVFD3D Modeling2016-12-04T14:20:19-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-313http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-313

With all the clock code written and the audio stuff worked out, it was time to pay closer attention to some of the details. Like properly driving the filaments.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksVFD2016-11-27T14:41:23-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-312http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-312

The progress that I've made on this clock over the past week is amazing. It also helped that there was a 4-day Thanksgiving weekend in the mix. All the clock code is complete, including the alarm menu and the audio.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksVFD2016-11-19T20:13:30-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-310http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vfd_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-310
It’s been at least 6 months since I last played around with this VFD. I had so many other projects in the works that I needed to finish first. I really want this clock to be something special, so I saved it for when all my other projects were complete. That, and I’m supposed to be saving my money since the holidays are right around the corner.]]>Kevin RyeDIY 3D Printing3D Modeling2016-09-18T14:19:02-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_3d_printed_guitar_stand.php#unique-entry-id-309http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_3d_printed_guitar_stand.php#unique-entry-id-309

I haven’t picked up my guitar in years. It’s mostly due to the fact that it’s in its case tucked away in my closet. Out of sight. Out of mind. I’d really like to get back into playing, but every time I think about it, I never seem to get to the point that it comes out of the case. I got to thinking that if the guitar was in the computer room where I spend most of my time, I’d be more likely to pick it up and mess around with it. I decided to make a guitar stand for it. Sure, I could hop on Amazon and buy a stand, but what fun is that?]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingMisc3D Modeling2016-09-10T15:27:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d-printed_starbound_matter_manipulator.php#unique-entry-id-308http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d-printed_starbound_matter_manipulator.php#unique-entry-id-308
My son’s really into the game Starbound. The Matter Manipulator is the tool that you start off with in the game. He’s been making paper craft Matter Manipulators for weeks. I figured since he’s really into it, I’d have a go at 3D printing one for him.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksLaser Cutting2016-08-29T19:46:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part6.php#unique-entry-id-307http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part6.php#unique-entry-id-307
I’m so thrilled that I finally completed my 15” LCD clock. It was so much work and it took a long time to complete, but it came out awesome. It's like they say... if it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingRepairsDIY Arduino2016-08-06T12:51:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/replacing_the_arduino_and_thermistor_in_my_robo3dr1.php#unique-entry-id-306http://kevinrye.net/index_files/replacing_the_arduino_and_thermistor_in_my_robo3dr1.php#unique-entry-id-306

When starting a print on my ROBO3D R1 3D printer, I periodically get an error message that pops up just after the bed has leveled. The error message pops up and the printer just stops. I have to power cycle the printer, restart MatterControl, and enter M999 into the console. I posted an entry on the ROBO3D forums asking for help. The consensus was that the extruder thermistor was bad and needed to be replaced. However, I ended up frying my board during the repair and needed to replace the Arduino MEGA inside.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksLaser Cutting2016-07-22T22:08:28-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part5.php#unique-entry-id-303http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part5.php#unique-entry-id-303

After some delays, I finally got the panels for the clock laser-cut. I thought I was going to just drop the electronics in and screw the back on, but I ended up having to redo a lot of the wiring to get things to fit. I’m still not done. As it turns out, I need to reorder some more panels to make the enclosure a little thicker. The wiring for the set buttons takes up more space that I had anticipated. So the clock’s not compete yet, but much progress has been made.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D Modeling2016-07-16T11:08:56-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/robo3d_spool_holder_extreme.php#unique-entry-id-300http://kevinrye.net/index_files/robo3d_spool_holder_extreme.php#unique-entry-id-300

A friend of mine picked up a Robo3D. Right out of the box, he pretty much agreed with me that the stock spool holder could use an upgrade. He took it to the max and built a holder than can hold 4 rolls of filament. He was kind enough to pass along the design files so that I could make one for my pinter too.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksLaser Cutting3D Modeling3D Printing2016-07-07T22:16:24-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-297http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-297

With all the PCBs assembled, it was time to get to work on the 3D model and the laser-cut enclosure.]]>Kevin RyeClocksElectronicsArduino3D Printing2016-06-14T22:26:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p6.php#unique-entry-id-298http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p6.php#unique-entry-id-298
I really wanted this clock to be something special, so I spared no expense, took my time, and made sure everything was perfect. No shortcuts, half measures, or it’ll do’s. It came out better than I’d hoped. I just hope it shows in the final assembly.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksPCBs3D PrintingElectronics3D Modeling2016-06-13T21:58:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/zorg_door_bomb_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-296http://kevinrye.net/index_files/zorg_door_bomb_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-296
After a month and a half of juggling multiple projects, the “Zorg Door Bomb” Clock has finally crossed the finish line. It came out great, and I’m really happy with the results.]]>Kevin RyeClocksPaintingDIY 3D Printing3D Modeling2016-06-06T17:21:33-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-292http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-292
With all the electronics complete, it was time to work on the enclosure. It took 15 hours to print, and a day or two for the stain to dry. I can’t believe this project is almost finished!]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingClocksPCBsElectronics2016-06-06T13:50:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/zorg_door_bomb_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-289http://kevinrye.net/index_files/zorg_door_bomb_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-289

I was so excited when the board for this clock arrived. This is such a fun project; even if it is just for a laugh.
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksElectronicsPCBs2016-05-27T21:14:04-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-295http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-295

My PCBs finally arrived! As parts and PCBs become available, I’m bouncing back and forth between this, my 3” LCD Clock and my Zorg Bomb Clock. It seems like all the PCBs showed up within days of each other. So much to do!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksPCBsLCD2016-05-27T20:17:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-291http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-291

If you've been following along lately, you know I've been juggling multiple projects. It's probably not the best way to do things, but it all just sort of happened. After a few weeks of jumping back and forth between projects, things are really starting to come together. Some of these projects are finally starting to see a finish line.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksPCBs3D PrintingATtiny3D Modeling2016-05-04T22:13:01-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-290http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-290

With the prototype working, and the code 99% complete, it was time to put together a PCB and get to work on an enclosure. I really want this clock to look sweet.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksPCBs2016-04-30T22:58:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-284http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-284

My first attempt at making an 18650 battery charger for my Mini OLED Clock was a disaster. I made some silly mistakes on the board, and needless to say, I let the smoke out. I hope this new board works.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksAudioNeopixels2016-04-28T17:17:33-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-288http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-288

The Talking Clock is coming along pretty good. However, I wanted to add a little flare to it. When the clock annunciates the time, I thought it would be really cool to have some LEDs come on. Maybe fade in and then fade out. With all the buttons that I have, the audio amplifier, and the VS1053 breakout board, I’ve pretty much run out of I/O. How am I going to PWM multiple RGB LEDs with only 1 pin left? The answer was Neopixels.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingClocksPCBs3D Modeling2016-04-23T21:02:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/zorg_door_bomb_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-287http://kevinrye.net/index_files/zorg_door_bomb_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-287

It’s the Zorg Door Bomb! The Fifth Element is one of my all-time favorite movies. I watched it again the other day and as soon as I saw Zorg’s Door bomb, I said to myself, “I’m so building that!”]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksLCDPCBs3D Modeling2016-04-23T15:47:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-285http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-285

It’s only been 3 weeks since I got my hands on some 3” LUMEX LCDs, but already I have made some fantastic progress with this clock. All the PCBs have been designed and ordered. It’s just a matter of waiting for the PCBs to arrive, designing the enclosure, and putting it together. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBsATtinyTTL2016-04-18T16:53:04-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/74154_4_to_16_decoder_demultiplexer.php#unique-entry-id-283http://kevinrye.net/index_files/74154_4_to_16_decoder_demultiplexer.php#unique-entry-id-283

I’ve had a 74154 4-to-16 Decoder/Demultiplexer sitting in my parts organizer in a drawer marked "Random Chips" for 15 years. So what's it do? Let's find out!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocksLCDPCBs2016-04-14T22:53:33-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-280http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_inch_lcd_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-280

In my last post for these awesome 3" LUMEX LCDs, I left off by concluding that I'd need some dedicated LCD driver chips. Well, I have the drivers now, and the displays look sweet!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsVFDClocks2016-04-13T22:50:56-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/figured_out_vfd.php#unique-entry-id-279http://kevinrye.net/index_files/figured_out_vfd.php#unique-entry-id-279

Back in the early 2000s, I got it into my head to build a clock. On a whim, I picked up this vacuum fluorescent display a little before I realized I was in over my head. Needless to say, it sat in a box for over 10 years. It’s time to figure it out.
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksElectronicsPCBs2016-04-09T20:40:43-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-281http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-281

My Multi-Function OLED Clock PCBs arrived. I hit a few snags putting it together, but in the end it came out fantastic. The battery board that was supposed to go with it is a different story.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsAudioClocks2016-04-07T22:49:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-278http://kevinrye.net/index_files/talking_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-278

In my last post for the VS1053 breakout board, I left off with simply playing an MP3 by pressing a button. Basically a "Hello World" for the breakout board. Now it's time to dig in and see what it'll take to make a talking clock.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoAudio2016-04-02T15:56:33-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/adafruits_vsS1053_mp3_player_breakout.php#unique-entry-id-274http://kevinrye.net/index_files/adafruits_vsS1053_mp3_player_breakout.php#unique-entry-id-274

This is going to be sweet. I got my hands on Adafruit’s VS1053 MP3 Breakout Board. Making a talking clock should be pretty easy with this!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoClocks2016-04-02T15:16:14-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lumex_3inch_seven_segment_displays.php#unique-entry-id-277http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lumex_3inch_seven_segment_displays.php#unique-entry-id-277
I picked up these sweet LUMEX S101D22TR 7-Segment LCDs the other day. They were only $3.50 a piece.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksElectronicsPCBs3D Modeling2016-03-27T15:01:47-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-276http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-276
Time for some PCBs! This clock is going to look pretty cool once it’s assembled. With a 3D model, I can get a better idea of what it’ll look like. While the PCBs are being manufactured, I can get to work on coming up with some kind of 3D-printed enclosure.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksElectronics2016-03-23T18:38:22-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-275http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-275
OK, so maybe I’m not quite ready to design the PCB yet. Although I was very happy with the way that the clock and alarm features came out, I felt that it needed more. I only used about 15K of the 328’s 32K, so there was definitely room to add some more goodies. I decided to spend another day on the code and implement a timer and stopwatch function.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksElectronics2016-03-22T20:42:04-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-273http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_oled_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-273

I’ve been meaning to make an OLED clock for a while, I just haven’t gotten around to it. I managed to score these super tiny 64x48 OLED displays from eBay for $10 bucks each.]]>Kevin RyeHackingElectronicsToolsDIY 2016-02-22T18:26:26-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_reflow_oven_p2.php#unique-entry-id-272http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_reflow_oven_p2.php#unique-entry-id-272 ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocks3D Printing3D Modeling2016-02-14T10:17:59-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_two_part_3.php#unique-entry-id-271http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_two_part_3.php#unique-entry-id-271
Wow! It really works! And it looks great! Could the case be better? Yes, but I think it looks pretty good. I am really surprised at how fast I cranked this one out. Granted, all the code (with the exception of the two new set buttons) was already written. It was just a matter of taking what I had already accomplished with version 1, and making it better. Still, I completed this project in only 2 weeks. That has to be a record for me.]]>Kevin RyeHackingElectronicsToolsDIY 2016-02-13T19:31:58-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_reflow_oven_p1.php#unique-entry-id-270http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_reflow_oven_p1.php#unique-entry-id-270

This is going to be cool. I’ve always wanted my own reflow oven.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBs2016-02-13T19:14:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_two_part_2.php#unique-entry-id-269http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_two_part_2.php#unique-entry-id-269

The Word Clock 2 is coming along great. It’s almost complete. This is the most SMD components that I’ve ever soldered onto one board. It was a little challenging, but not impossible. All in all, it took just about 4 hours to assemble and test everything.
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocks3D PrintingArduino3D Modeling2016-02-06T12:04:14-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_two_part_1.php#unique-entry-id-268http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock_two_part_1.php#unique-entry-id-268

I had to get through the busy holiday season before I could get the ball rolling again. I've taken a long enough break from my hobby stuff. One project I've been meaning to revisit for well over a year is my Word Clock. I think it’s time for a tiny all-SMD version 2!]]>Kevin RyeClocksLaser Cutting2015-08-22T22:52:10-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/crt_clock_case.php#unique-entry-id-262http://kevinrye.net/index_files/crt_clock_case.php#unique-entry-id-262
I'm really proud of this one. I learned a lot from this project, and it was a lot of fun. It has a little bit of everything: PCBs, coding, 3D-printing, laser cutting. I put a lot of work into it, and I think it came out great. It's probably my most unique clock yet.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksNixies3D Printing3D Modeling2015-08-22T19:35:20-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_final_build_p3.php#unique-entry-id-261http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_final_build_p3.php#unique-entry-id-261
Since this is my first nixie clock, I really wanted it to be something special. I've been wanting to build a nixie clock for over 15 years. I started out with a 7-segment clock back in 2001 just to get my feet wet, but I just never got around to it. I'm so glad that I bit the bullet and just went for it. I put a lot of work into this clock, and spared no expense. I learned a lot from this project. I'm sure the next nixie clock will come out even better.]]>Kevin RyeNixiesElectronics2015-08-21T19:11:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in1_vs_in3_nixies.php#unique-entry-id-263http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in1_vs_in3_nixies.php#unique-entry-id-263
I was using IN-3s for the colons on the nixie clock because I thought that was all that was available as a single bulb for use as a colon. I didn’t like the fact that they appeared to be made to be viewed from the front, not the top. I don’t like all that extra glass on top. I did a little searching and found that there’s an IN-1, and it's made to be viewed from the top. What a difference it makes!]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing2015-08-13T18:36:45-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/colorfabb_woodfill_pla.php#unique-entry-id-260http://kevinrye.net/index_files/colorfabb_woodfill_pla.php#unique-entry-id-260
The prototype case for my nixie clock came out awesome. I want to print the final version in wood-filled PLA. You know, for that vintage look. I ordered a roll of colorFabb's woodfill PLA. It's pretty expensive stuff. It's not even a full 1kg roll and it's $58 bucks, but the results are well worth it.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksNixies3D Printing3D Modeling2015-08-08T00:34:24-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_final_build_p2.php#unique-entry-id-259http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_final_build_p2.php#unique-entry-id-259

The clock is built, the case is prototyped, and the code is 90% complete. This project really picked up some steam. I'm almost finished!]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoElectronicsClocks3D PrintingPCBs3D Modeling2015-08-08T00:31:16-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_rework3.php#unique-entry-id-258http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_rework3.php#unique-entry-id-258

My new GPS button boards arrived in the mail. I hacked them into my new 3D-printed case. It works perfectly. All that's left is to firm up the code and this one's a wrap.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBsNixiesClocks2015-07-30T21:53:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_final_build_p1.php#unique-entry-id-257http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_final_build_p1.php#unique-entry-id-257
There is still much work to be done. I have to put in a bunch of code for the set buttons, the date, the alarm. Little things. I also still have to design a 3D-printed enclosure for it, as well as order some more nixies for the 2 that arrived DOA. In any case, it's coming along great!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBsHackingCRTs3D PrintingClocks3D Modeling2015-07-22T18:46:19-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/1bd2516fa29bd63919d511c8e6c68dba-255.php#unique-entry-id-255http://kevinrye.net/index_files/1bd2516fa29bd63919d511c8e6c68dba-255.php#unique-entry-id-255
I love it when everything just comes together at the end and it just works. No hacks, no head scratching, no second spins. It just works. This project involved some serious engineering, and I'm really happy with the way that it's coming out.
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBsHackingCRTs3D PrintingClocks3D Modeling2015-07-21T18:35:38-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/34e1dd56429bc621be74689deebf892e-252.php#unique-entry-id-252http://kevinrye.net/index_files/34e1dd56429bc621be74689deebf892e-252.php#unique-entry-id-252

Now that I know I can display my own custom time and date on this camcorder CRT, it's time to get serious about a PCB and a 3D-printed case.]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoElectronicsClocksPCBs3D Modeling2015-07-20T19:26:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_rework2.php#unique-entry-id-254http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_rework2.php#unique-entry-id-254

With the GPS button board designed and ordered, it was time to put together a 3D model and design a new case for the clock.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsPCBsArduinoNixiesClocks2015-07-20T17:49:03-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_main_board_pcb_build.php#unique-entry-id-249http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_main_board_pcb_build.php#unique-entry-id-249
At long last! My nixie main boards arrived. This project has been long in the making, but it's finally starting to come together.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsHackingCRTsClocks2015-07-10T11:04:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/crt_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-248http://kevinrye.net/index_files/crt_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-248
Not only have I successfully figured out how to use the TVout library to display a custom "gui" showing the date and time, but I also figured out how to hack it into a vintage camcorder viewfinder CRT.
]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoElectronicsClocks3D PrintingPCBs2015-07-06T19:24:40-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_rework1.php#unique-entry-id-250http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_rework1.php#unique-entry-id-250

The GPS Clock has been fully assembled and sitting on my desk for months. I started this clock two years ago. I just can't seem to get the code to where it needs to be. I just want to put this project to bed already!]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D Modeling2015-07-05T17:28:01-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_remote_stand.php#unique-entry-id-247http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printed_remote_stand.php#unique-entry-id-247
My wife's been bugging me to print some kind of remote stand for the bedroom. It's an awesome idea. We have 4 remotes in the bedroom and it seems like we're always loosing them. If we had some kind of caddy to put them in, I think we'd be less likely to lose track of them. I just keep forgetting about it. Although, I am reminded every time I have to hunt high and low for the Apple TV remote to end up finding it under one of the pillows. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoHackingElectronicsTVCRTs2015-06-30T20:07:48-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/crt_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-246http://kevinrye.net/index_files/crt_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-246
I've always wanted to make an oscilloscope clock or something similar using a really small CRT. Perhaps input some video with the use of something like the Uzebox ATmega game console. I found a cool little 5" black and white TV in the garbage the other day. Although it seems like it's toast and maybe a lost cause, it got me thinking about cool TV and CRT hacks.]]>Kevin RyeSoftwareElectronicsPCBsNixiesClocks3D Modeling2015-06-30T15:51:50-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_pcbs_eagle_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-243http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_pcbs_eagle_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-243
I've been struggling trying to make the PCBs since EAGLE limits the board size on the free version to 100mm x 80mm. I have to make everything modular. That means one board for the power supply, one for the audio stuff, one for all the logic, and 3 each for the nixies and the drivers. 5 PCB designs, 9 boards in all. They'll all have to be clipped together with wires and headers, etc. The whole thing seems less than ideal. I wanted to be able to just make one big board. I know I can’t make the entire clock one giant PCB. It’ll have to be at least 3 "layers" stacked up, but not made out of 9 separate boards. I bit the bullet and paid the $169 upgrade fee to the EAGLE Hobbyist version. It allows 160mm x 100mm PCBs. What a difference! Now I can make PCBs that are 6.29” long!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBs3D Printing3D Modeling2015-06-27T18:01:58-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7_segment_clock_v3_p2.php#unique-entry-id-241http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7_segment_clock_v3_p2.php#unique-entry-id-241
I hope the LEGO minifig gives you a good sense of scale. This clock is pretty small. It's amazing how small the Mini Clock has become after just 3 iterations. I'm really happy with the way that it came out.
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsPCBs3D PrintingTools3D Modeling2015-06-27T17:29:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/polarity_checker.php#unique-entry-id-242http://kevinrye.net/index_files/polarity_checker.php#unique-entry-id-242
I just can't sit still. I always have something in the works. I need to always have something in the works. This is especially true when I'm waiting two weeks for a board. I think most of my projects start during the lull of another. I especially like it when a project goes from concept to a PCB order in about an hour! If only every project was like this. I'd have a room full of gizmos!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsNixies2015-06-23T21:13:04-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_5v_12v_power_supply.php#unique-entry-id-244http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixie_clock_5v_12v_power_supply.php#unique-entry-id-244
The past few months have seen zero progress in the nixie clock department. It's time to dig back in and make some progress. In order to power the logic of my clock, I need to regulate the 12 volts that's feeding the nixie power supply PCB. I decided to go with a super small buck converter that I found on eBay for $3 bucks. Works like a charm.]]>Kevin RyeElectronics2015-05-27T20:19:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/astable_multivibrator.php#unique-entry-id-240http://kevinrye.net/index_files/astable_multivibrator.php#unique-entry-id-240

While digging through some old paperwork looking for an old receipt, I happened to find an old schematic that my Dad chalked up for me as a kid. The classic astable multivibrator. I just had to build one again for old times' sake. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksArduinoPCBs2015-05-26T15:31:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7_segment_clock_v3_p1.php#unique-entry-id-239http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7_segment_clock_v3_p1.php#unique-entry-id-239
I got my hands on a few really small 7-segment displays around 10 years ago. Back in the day, I didn't have the slightest clue as to how to multiplex them. I just put the wraps on a new 7-segment clock to replace the innards of my old 7490 clock. Seeing how easy it was to multiplex those 7-segment displays, I thought I'd have a go at trying to make another Mini 7-Segment Clock out of one of these teeny-tiny displays.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBs2015-05-26T12:47:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-238http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-238
I'm really happy that it all came together so well. I love when I design a board and it just works. I attacked this project fairly aggressively. It only took me 3 weeks to go from concept to final build. Not to mention, two weeks of that was mostly waiting for PCBs to arrive. I probably saved myself another 2 weeks by already having the enclosure built. The code was relatively straightforward and the PCBs were easy to design since I was able to apply what I've learned from my other clock builds. There wasn't much "R&D" involved at all. I basically just banged this one out. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBs3D Printing3D Modeling2015-05-21T06:57:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-237http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-237
With the display electronics complete, it was time to move beyond the concept phase and begin the actual prototyping of the 3D-printed frame. It came out better than I could have anticipated. I totally nailed it!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksPCBs2015-05-18T19:49:45-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-236http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-236
After a 13-day wait, I had my 7-segment LED breakout boards in-hand. It only took a few minutes to solder the boards together. I just have to wait a few more days for the colon boards and I can finalize the 3D-printed frame.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksArduinoPCBsTTL3D Modeling2015-05-11T20:27:01-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-235http://kevinrye.net/index_files/large_7_segment_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-235
I was extremely satisfied (and proud) of the way that the enclosure turned out for the rework of my 7490 Clock. The electronics on the other hand, is another story. The innards of that clock were from a prototype I built in 2001. It was a proof of concept. It led to the design of what would become an extremely well-polished and accurate clock. It's just a shame to throw it in a closet and forget about it. The case came out so nice and it looks great in the living room. I'm going to gut it, and replace my old 7490 prototype board with something brand new.]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoElectronics3D PrintingClocks2015-04-25T15:39:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part4.php#unique-entry-id-234http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part4.php#unique-entry-id-234
It's been almost 4 months, but it's time to put the wraps on the code for the GPS clock. I've been so busy with other 3D printing and 3D rendering projects. 3D printing a joystick for the 5-way switch has proved to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. I'd really hate to think that this $2 button is going to be the death of this $100 clock! I should have just stuck with my original design and used buttons.]]>Kevin RyeDAZ StudioSoftware3D Printing3D Modeling2015-04-24T14:17:18-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_daz_3d_models_part3.php#unique-entry-id-233http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_daz_3d_models_part3.php#unique-entry-id-233
My first "official" 3D print of Mei Lin came out pretty good. However, it could be better. Everything can always be better! Not to mention, I discovered a shortcoming in the ROBO 3D firmware that messes with the z-axis. It's no wonder my last Mei Lin print was only 11" tall! I know I eye-balled the height, but I thought I was pretty darn close to 12 inches. Knowing now that my model was probably "squished", I decided to have another go at printing it.]]>Kevin RyeDAZ StudioSoftware3D Printing3D Modeling2015-04-12T10:06:54-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_daz_3d_models_part2.php#unique-entry-id-228http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_daz_3d_models_part2.php#unique-entry-id-228
Continuing with my experiments in printing DAZ 3D models with my 3D printer, I figured I’d up-the-ante with my next print. Seeing as my last attempt was a total success, I wanted to see if I could print a model with clothes…. and twice as large!]]>Kevin RyeLEGO3D Printing3D Modeling2015-04-11T15:28:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/4x_lego_minifig.php#unique-entry-id-232http://kevinrye.net/index_files/4x_lego_minifig.php#unique-entry-id-232
I found this LEGO Minifig on Thingiverse and I just had to print one. My kids love it, but too bad it's a prop for MY desk!]]>Kevin RyeComputersRepairs2015-04-03T19:27:47-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/replacement_apc_pro_1500.php#unique-entry-id-230http://kevinrye.net/index_files/replacement_apc_pro_1500.php#unique-entry-id-230
It seems like it was only a year or two ago that I got my APC 1500 UPS battery backup. Wait, it was just the other year! Christmas of 2012 to be exact. It's only been 2 years and 3 months and already this battery is as dead as a doornail. I looked up the lifespan of the battery and it was supposed to be good for 3 to 5 years. So I feel like I got a little short-changed. Not only did I receive a timely response from APC tech support, but they said my unit is still under warranty. Within 48 hours, I had a brand new unit! ]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D PrintingSoftware3D Modeling2015-03-17T19:01:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_daz_3d_models.php#unique-entry-id-227http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_daz_3d_models.php#unique-entry-id-227
It's not the main reason I wanted to get a 3D printer, but a big one. I wanted to get a 3D printer in order to print large models of my 3D art creations. I've seen a few people do it online with mixed results. The how-to isn't widely documented and it's not a feature built into DAZ Studio by default. You'd think that printing a simple cube from one app shouldn't be any less difficult than printing a human-shaped figure from another. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done.]]>Kevin Rye3D PrintingPainting2015-03-15T20:09:52-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/i_am_groot.php#unique-entry-id-224http://kevinrye.net/index_files/i_am_groot.php#unique-entry-id-224
I was thumbing through Thingiverse looking for something fun to print. I came across a cute Little Groot figurine. I thought my wife would like it. Guardians of the Galaxy is one of her favorite movies. I used to paint D&D figurines back in the late 80s when I was a kid, so this didn't come out half bad considering it's been a good 25 years since I've painted something… and my wife loves it!]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing3D Modeling2015-02-19T17:30:23-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printing_is_awesome.php#unique-entry-id-223http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3d_printing_is_awesome.php#unique-entry-id-223
After waiting a few extra days, my patience was rewarded with the delivery of 3 rolls of filament. I think I've gotten the hang of PLA, but as far as ABS goes, I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.]]>Kevin Rye3D Printing2015-02-14T11:54:03-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/broken_robo_r1_3d_printer.php#unique-entry-id-220http://kevinrye.net/index_files/broken_robo_r1_3d_printer.php#unique-entry-id-220
After many, many years of putting off the purchase of a 3D printer, I finally bit the bullet. My wife ordered one for me and had it shipped overnight so that I'd have it for the 3-day holiday weekend!]]>Kevin RyeUpgradesComputers2015-02-13T11:53:12-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_upgrade_wd_red_drives.php#unique-entry-id-219http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_upgrade_wd_red_drives.php#unique-entry-id-219
The other night I noticed that Time Machine failed to complete a backup to my Drobo. There was some weird error about the Drobo being set to read-only. I fixed it, but it reminded me that I had an old 640 and 750 Gig drive in there that needed to be upgraded.
]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoElectronicsClocksLaser Cutting2015-01-10T17:30:37-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part3.php#unique-entry-id-218http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part3.php#unique-entry-id-218
I've been working on this clock for a long time, and a lot of effort has been put into it. I've learned so much from this project. I do have to admit some parts of the code aren't as elegant as they should be, but it works. With the code complete, all that's left to do is try my hand at designing a 3D printed joystick for the 5-way switch.]]>Kevin RyeGPSPCBsArduinoElectronicsLaser CuttingClocks3D Modeling2014-11-08T12:22:47-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part2.php#unique-entry-id-216http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part2.php#unique-entry-id-216
If you’re following along, you know that version 1.0 of my GPS clock was a total bust. I somehow managed to screw up the PCB. I had the FTDI RX and TX lines tied to the wrong port on the ATmega2560. There was just no way to rework the board. Besides, I like to keep my final projects looking neat and clean. Rework wires are just a big no-no in my book. That meant that I had to fix the error on the PCB and place another order. I got my boards and most of my parts. I soldered together what I could. So far, it looks like it’s going to work!]]>Kevin RyeMiscElectronics2014-10-26T18:16:35-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/128x64_lcd_teardown.php#unique-entry-id-217http://kevinrye.net/index_files/128x64_lcd_teardown.php#unique-entry-id-217
I don’t know what I’ll do with it, but it’s better than just throwing it out. Maybe it’ll come in handy one day. Just remember, never throw anything away unless you’ve torn it apart first!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs2014-10-18T21:04:20-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_as_isp_shield.php#unique-entry-id-212http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_as_isp_shield.php#unique-entry-id-212
Many a time have I had to set up my Arduino UNO as an ISP in order to burn the bootloader to either another Arduino or an SMD project. It’s a pain every time having to look up the pinouts and construct a cable each time. Having a shield is so much easier than messing around with jumper wires and DIY homebrew cables.

]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksNixies2014-10-17T20:05:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/more_nixie_tube_eExperiments.php#unique-entry-id-215http://kevinrye.net/index_files/more_nixie_tube_eExperiments.php#unique-entry-id-215
Moving right along with the nixie tube experiments... I decided to add a 74595 shift register into the mix and attempt to shift out some data to two of my nixie breakout boards through a 74141 nixie driver.
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsNixiesPCBsArduino2014-10-06T20:53:58-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/driving_a_nixie_with_a_74141_bcd_decoder.php#unique-entry-id-214http://kevinrye.net/index_files/driving_a_nixie_with_a_74141_bcd_decoder.php#unique-entry-id-214
In order to drive a nixie, you can use a 74141 BCD decoder. Sure, you can use transistors, but you’ll need a bunch of them. You can drive all 10 nixie segments off one 74141 chip. All you have to do is feed it a number in binary and the chip lights up the corresponding cathode on the nixie; the same way you’d drive a 7-segment display with a 74247.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsNixiesPCBs2014-10-02T19:12:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in12_nixie_breakout_board_p2.php#unique-entry-id-213http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in12_nixie_breakout_board_p2.php#unique-entry-id-213
Rev 1 of my IN-12 Nixie Breakout Board was an abomination. Upon realizing that the nixie footprint that I used for the PCB was completely wrong, I immediately re-spun the board. I got it right this time. All ten digits light up when the corresponding pin is grounded on the 10-pin header.]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoATmegaClocksElectronicsPCBsAtmel Studio2014-09-25T22:05:34-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part1.php#unique-entry-id-211http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_assembly_part1.php#unique-entry-id-211
I was amazed at how fast my GPS PCBs arrived in the mail. Usually OSH Park takes a good 2 weeks to turn around a board. However, this time they arrived in 5 days. The boards look great...and they arrived just in time for the weekend!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoNixies2014-09-20T18:48:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/flashing_a_nixie_with_an_arduino.php#unique-entry-id-206http://kevinrye.net/index_files/flashing_a_nixie_with_an_arduino.php#unique-entry-id-206
I’m in the very early stages of prototyping a nixie clock. I picked up some MJE340 power transistors to switch on some IN-3s. I can then use a digital pin on my Arduino to turn on the IN-3s through the transistor. I’ll then have myself a blinking colon for my nixie tube clock.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsNixiesPCBs2014-09-20T10:27:44-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in12_nixie_breakout_board_p1.php#unique-entry-id-204http://kevinrye.net/index_files/in12_nixie_breakout_board_p1.php#unique-entry-id-204
After a long month of waiting for PCBs, nixie pins, nixie sockets, and resistors....I was finally able to assemble my IN-12 Nixie Breakout Boards. Too bad the pinouts are backwards and half the digits don’t work. See, this is why we prototype!]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoClocksElectronics2014-09-14T18:56:26-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_5.php#unique-entry-id-210http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_5.php#unique-entry-id-210
Wow, has it been a long time since I worked on the GPS clock. A whole 8 months! The prototyping and PCB design was completed a long time ago. I just didn’t want to order the PCBs until the code was complete. The PCBs cost $60 bucks from OSH Park. That’s a lot of money to spend on PCBs that might not work, so I really wanted to make sure everything was solid. I just keep getting distracted with other projects. It’s time to just bite the bullet and finish it.]]>Kevin RyeToolsDIY ElectronicsComputersKits2014-09-13T14:16:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bench_top_power_supply_part2.php#unique-entry-id-209http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bench_top_power_supply_part2.php#unique-entry-id-209
Finally! After waiting 3 weeks for my ATX Breakout Board to arrive, I got to work on my DIY bench-top power supply. I really like the way it came out. It’s going to come in especially handy with all the upcoming nixie projects I have in mind. I’m going to get a lot of use out of it.]]>Kevin RyeKiltScotland2014-08-31T17:12:55-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_2014_scottish_games.php#unique-entry-id-207http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_2014_scottish_games.php#unique-entry-id-207
My wife kicked off with the kids to her friend’s house for the weekend. While I’d love some peace and quiet to work on PCBs, 3D renders, and code, I figured I’d bugger off and do something too. While I treasure my “me time”, this is also the weekend that the Capitol District Scottish Games are held. Any excuse to wear my kilt. Gotta represent! ]]>Kevin RyeToolsDIY ElectronicsComputersKits2014-08-24T15:01:35-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bench_top_power_supply_part1.php#unique-entry-id-205http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bench_top_power_supply_part1.php#unique-entry-id-205
My wife came home today with her friend’s 12 year old junker of a Dell. The machine is toast. The motherboard is shot. The only thing left to do was gut it for parts. The only real gem out of the lot was this 250 watt ATX power supply. I’d love to make use of Dangerous Prototypes’ ATX Breakout Board and make a bench-top power supply for prototyping.]]>Kevin RyeNixiesElectronicsKits2014-08-06T23:16:11-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/got_my_nixies_powered.php#unique-entry-id-203http://kevinrye.net/index_files/got_my_nixies_powered.php#unique-entry-id-203
Ohhhh yeaaah!!!! It only took me a decade, but I finally got one of these nixies fired up! As I mentioned in my previous post, I picked up a new nixie power supply kit off eBay for under $10 bucks. It worked like a charm.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsNixiesPCBs2014-08-03T19:51:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixies.php#unique-entry-id-202http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nixies.php#unique-entry-id-202
I’ve been wanting to build a nixie clock for over 15 years, ever since I saw the TTL nixie clock my Dad build in the 70s. Being a young lad, I was very apprehensive in dealing with the high voltages required to fire nixies. I just never had the guts. Back in 2001, I figured I’d start out small and design a TTL clock using 7490s and 7-segment LEDs. The whole clock runs off 5V and there’s zero chance of being electrocuted. It’s been a long time coming, but I think it’s finally time to bite the bullet and make a nixie clock. I’ve learned so much over the past few years working with the Arduino platform, that I’ll be able to apply what I’ve learned from all my other clock projects.]]>Kevin RyeClocksArduinoRepairsUpgradesPCBsTTL2014-07-23T18:38:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-201http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p5.php#unique-entry-id-201
I did it! I finally finished upgrading the clock internals and the enclosure. I think it came out amazing. I just can’t believe after all these years that this clock finally looks like something I can be proud to display. I’m really happy with the results.]]>Kevin RyeClocksArduinoRepairsUpgradesPCBs2014-07-09T19:46:44-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-195http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p4.php#unique-entry-id-195
The last prototype Arduino board I made for the 7490 clock rework didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped. The board did what it was supposed to do, but the implementation wasn’t that great. The more I thought about it, the more it became clear that the Bare Bones Arduino boards I designed months ago were the perfect solution. After all, it’s projects like these that inspired me to create the Barebones Arduino in the first place. ]]>Kevin RyeClocksArduinoRepairsUpgradesLaser CuttingPCBsATtiny2014-06-15T22:53:05-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-188http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p3.php#unique-entry-id-188
Since I wasn’t happy with the engraving on the first spin, as well as totally forgetting to make a cut out for the display, I revised my SVG file and resubmitted it to Ponoko. As far as the color, I think it’s going to look pretty good. I might lower the value of the resistors in order to brighten up the digits. I’ll have to see what it looks like when it’s all put together.]]>Kevin RyeWhiskyScotland2014-06-15T19:03:19-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/happy_fathers_day_2014.php#unique-entry-id-192http://kevinrye.net/index_files/happy_fathers_day_2014.php#unique-entry-id-192
My wife asked me what I wanted for Father’s day. I told her she could just buy me booze. Not only did she pick me up a bottle of Black, but she picked me up a huge 1.75 liter bottle!
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksSMDLaser Cutting2014-05-29T22:54:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lcd_clock_v2_part2.php#unique-entry-id-189http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lcd_clock_v2_part2.php#unique-entry-id-189
With my PCBs and the laser cut acrylic in hand, it was time to wrap this guy up. I think this clock came out so much better than version 1. I can’t think of a reason to do a version 3. With this, I think I’ve done all I can do with a 16x2 LCD clock.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksSMDLaser Cutting2014-05-25T20:55:55-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lcd_clock_v2_part1.php#unique-entry-id-184http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lcd_clock_v2_part1.php#unique-entry-id-184
When I had shelved this clock a year ago, I had gotten pretty far with the PCB. Although I still had some design decisions to make, as well as a ton of code to write, it was pretty much complete. Now that I’ve spent some time working with SMD Atmegas, I decided to redo the PCB to make it all SMD. ]]>Kevin RyeMiscDesignScotland2014-05-22T22:12:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/unite_the_clans.php#unique-entry-id-187http://kevinrye.net/index_files/unite_the_clans.php#unique-entry-id-187

We're going to Disney! That's right. We have a summer vacation booked for Orlando, Florida. It's going to be awesome! Between Scotland, and 3 states in the US, we're all going to converge in Florida for one huge family vacation. This calls for a commemorative t-shirt, since a family reunion of this magnitude has not been seen in years.
]]>Kevin RyeClocksArduinoRepairsUpgradesLaser Cutting2014-05-21T20:58:29-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-185http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p2.php#unique-entry-id-185
While the PCBs for the new daughterboard were being fabbed, I took the time to design a new laser-cut acrylic enclosure. It needs a few tweaks, but overall it came out awesome... and the PCB fits like a glove!]]>Kevin RyeMiscComputers2014-04-26T22:30:42-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/anker_hardware.php#unique-entry-id-179http://kevinrye.net/index_files/anker_hardware.php#unique-entry-id-179
I picked up a new USB 3 hub for my Mac, but I wasn’t happy with it at all. Despite it costing $30 bucks, it was a cheap piece of junk. I sent it back to Amazon. In my search for a better model, I came across Anker. Their stuff looks awesome. Not only did I pick up their 7-port USB 3 hub, but I also picked up a 4-port USB charger and a 2-port 10000 mAh external battery. ]]>Kevin RyeWhiskyScotland2014-04-26T13:11:05-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drinkin_the_whisky.php#unique-entry-id-181http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drinkin_the_whisky.php#unique-entry-id-181

Being born in Scotland, there’s just something that tells me that I should be drinking whisky. Isn’t this stuff supposed to run in or veins? Someone from Scotland who doesn’t drink whisky is like someone from Scotland who doesn’t own a kilt. (And yes, I own a kilt.) I decided it was time to acquire a taste for it.]]>Kevin RyeClocksArduinoRepairsUpgradesTTLATtiny2014-04-25T20:06:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-180http://kevinrye.net/index_files/upgrading_my_old_7490_clock_p1.php#unique-entry-id-180
Despite looking like a prototype, as well as a total piece of junk, I’m still very proud of the first clock I built in 2001. The 7490 clock was the first “big thing” that I ever designed and made from scratch. It’s a shame to leave it just sitting in the closet. After 13 years, I think it’s time to finally get it up and running the way it should, give it some upgrades, and a new enclosure.
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoKitsPCBsElectronicsClocks2014-04-22T20:40:50-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7_segment_clock_kit_for_sale.php#unique-entry-id-172http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7_segment_clock_kit_for_sale.php#unique-entry-id-172

My Mini 7-Segment Clock kit is a go! All my parts have come in and it’s all ready for sale! It's a neat little kit, and a neat little clock. I warn you though, it's not for the faint-of-heart! This is no beginner-kit. It's 80% SMD, so ninja skills with a soldering iron are required. Not to mention you’ll need to burn the bootloader on the Atmega.]]>Kevin RyeClocksUpgradesDIY 2014-04-06T19:15:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/darth_vader_clock_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-176http://kevinrye.net/index_files/darth_vader_clock_upgrade.php#unique-entry-id-176

Back in 2010, I scored a clock from the maintenance guys at work. They replaced all the clocks around the building and put the old ones in the break room for people to take home. I refinished it and used a 1977 Star Wars LP as the face. I was very happy with the way that my Darth Vader clock came out. It hangs in my 7-year old son's room. However, he tells me that he has a hard time seeing what time it is without numbers on the clock. Understandable.

]]>Kevin RyeMiscVintage3D ArtPrinted Material2014-04-06T12:45:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/1972_playboy_magazine_the_lenna_edition.php#unique-entry-id-175http://kevinrye.net/index_files/1972_playboy_magazine_the_lenna_edition.php#unique-entry-id-175

Say hello to the November, 1972 edition of Playboy magazine. What’s so special about this edition? I’ll tell you.... Lena Söderberg - The First Lady of the Internet.]]>Kevin Rye3D ArtMiscPhotographyPrinted Material2014-03-22T12:44:11-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_my_3d_renders.php#unique-entry-id-174http://kevinrye.net/index_files/printing_my_3d_renders.php#unique-entry-id-174

Snapfish had a 99 cent print sale the other day. My wife asked me to go nuts and print a couple hundred 5-star pictures of the kids. I figured while I was at it, I’d throw in a couple of my renders just to see what they looked like printed on photo-quality glossy paper. They came out pretty damn good.]]>Kevin RyeProjectsMiscBooks2014-03-19T21:00:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/flat_stanleys_california_adventure.php#unique-entry-id-173http://kevinrye.net/index_files/flat_stanleys_california_adventure.php#unique-entry-id-173

My 7-year old’s class has been reading the Flat Stanley book in school. Each kid in the class had to color and cut out a Flat Stanley character and send him to a relative who lives out of town. My brother lives 3,000 miles away in California, so he seemed like the obvious choice for who Flat Stanley should visit. The pictures he emailed back were so great that I decided to make my son a book in iPhoto that he could show off to the class. It would also be a nice keepsake for him, as well as a nice present and thank you for his Uncle.


]]>Kevin RyeRestorationMiscBooks2014-02-21T21:17:36-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/photo_restoration_project_part2.php#unique-entry-id-171http://kevinrye.net/index_files/photo_restoration_project_part2.php#unique-entry-id-171

Seven months ago, I started a photo restoration project commissioned by my mother-in-law. Part 1 of the project consisted of scanning in and digitally restoring 166 vintage photos. The photos varied in size from 2x3s to 8x10s. Part 2 of the project was to then create a book in iPhoto to showcase them all. My mother-in-law was so impressed with the collection of books that I’ve made over the years for my wife, that she wanted one to. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsATtinyArduino2014-02-10T19:51:01-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nightlight_two_point_zero_part2.php#unique-entry-id-169http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nightlight_two_point_zero_part2.php#unique-entry-id-169

Definitely not my best work, but it’ll do. I just wanted to use up that last PCB left over from the Tesseract build. I guess it was better to use the PCB for something rather than have it sitting in a parts drawer.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsClocks2014-02-08T19:52:20-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini7segment_clock_v2_part2.php#unique-entry-id-170http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini7segment_clock_v2_part2.php#unique-entry-id-170
I love that feeling you get when you spend weeks working on a project, it all comes together in the end and it just works. I’m really happy with the way that version 2 came out.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs3D Modeling2014-02-06T18:52:58-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/temperature_shield_bba3_part_2.php#unique-entry-id-163http://kevinrye.net/index_files/temperature_shield_bba3_part_2.php#unique-entry-id-163
I received the PCBs for the Temperature Shield a week or two ago, but I had to hold off on putting them together. I had a few other things to wrap up first. I also needed to order some more DS18B20 temperature sensors. I finally have all my parts now as well as a little free time, so it’s time to put this one together.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsAtmel StudioATmega2014-01-25T14:31:27-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_mega_assembly_part2.php#unique-entry-id-167http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_mega_assembly_part2.php#unique-entry-id-167
I left off with my MEGA MINI boards not working. I was banging my head against the wall trying to figure out what went wrong. I figured I’d shelf it for a week and look at it again another day with a clear head. I posted my schematic on the Arduino forums and asked if someone could lend a second set of eyes and let me know if it made a stupid design error. It turned out I had .1uF caps on the crystal! Can you believe it?


]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsClocks2014-01-23T20:22:11-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini7segment_clock_v2_part1.php#unique-entry-id-165http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini7segment_clock_v2_part1.php#unique-entry-id-165
My Mini 7-Segment Clock has to be one of my favorite projects to-date. I really like the way that it came out. It's so tiny!

I’ve had a lot of people ask me if I plan on selling a kit for it. I even received an email from a reader who sent off to have some boards fabbed. He put one together himself and reported that it worked out great. When someone else builds one of your designs, it's a nice little pat on the back.]]>Kevin RyePCBsElectronics2014-01-22T20:21:43-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_breadboard_io.php#unique-entry-id-164http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_breadboard_io.php#unique-entry-id-164
I was pretty chuffed with myself for coming up with the idea for my mini Button Breakout Board. I was pretty happy with how it came out. It’s only been a few months and already it has come in handy a few times. It’s just that it could be a little better. Everything can always be better!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsATtinyArduino2014-01-17T23:01:27-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nightlight_two_point_zero_part1.php#unique-entry-id-158http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nightlight_two_point_zero_part1.php#unique-entry-id-158
I really liked the way that the Tesseract came out. It was supposed to be the Night Light 2.0, but after some research it became apparent that blue LEDs mess with your sleep patterns. Blue LEDs aren’t exactly the ideal thing for a kid’s night light. I decided to use the leftover LED Display Board from the Tesseract for the new Night Light.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBsLaser Cutting2014-01-14T14:56:25-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduino_v3_part2.php#unique-entry-id-162http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduino_v3_part2.php#unique-entry-id-162
It’s only been 12 days and already I have my PCBs in-hand. This was such an easy build, and they work great. Now I just have to wait for my Temperature Shield to come in and I can complete my first project with one of these.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsMiscATtinyATmegaTools2014-01-14T14:37:42-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sparkfun_goodies.php#unique-entry-id-161http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sparkfun_goodies.php#unique-entry-id-161
I had some Christmas cash that was burning a hole in my pocket. I decided to hop on SparkFun and see if there were any goodies to be had. I already needed a few things for some upcoming projects, so I figured I'd try and see if I could get my order up to $60 bucks so that I'd qualify for free shipping.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsAtmel StudioATmega2014-01-11T13:13:39-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_mega_assembly_part1.php#unique-entry-id-150http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_mega_assembly_part1.php#unique-entry-id-150
After a 2-week wait, my MEGA MINI PCBs arrived in the mail. They turned out pretty cool. I assembled two of them and installed Atmega Studio on my PC. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to write the bootloader to them. I was able to read one of the chips, but after a quick lunch break, it stopped working. I hope I didn’t kill $36 bucks worth of Atmega2560s!
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs3D Modeling2014-01-02T16:06:39-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/temperature_shield_bba3_part_1.php#unique-entry-id-160http://kevinrye.net/index_files/temperature_shield_bba3_part_1.php#unique-entry-id-160
With version 3 of my Bare Bones Arduino board off being fabbed, as well as the laser-cut acrylic, it was time to go ahead a design my first shield.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs2014-01-02T16:05:05-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduino_v3_part1.php#unique-entry-id-159http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduino_v3_part1.php#unique-entry-id-159
I really liked the way that my Bare Bones Arduino boards came out. Both versions. They’ve really come in handy. They’re great for throwing quick projects together. However, I’d like to make a new version with holes so that they can be mounted between some sheets of acrylic. I’d also like to swap out all the through-hole components for SMD versions.
]]>Kevin RyeClocksToolsElectronicsRepairsArduinoATtiny2013-12-31T14:17:58-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock_part_four.php#unique-entry-id-156http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock_part_four.php#unique-entry-id-156
This 7490 clock has been a thorn in my side for a little over 5 years. It's never run right. It looks great, but it runs fast. Is it time for yet another rebuild, or can I just fix it with a cap or something?]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsTools2013-12-29T15:24:32-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tektronix_tds1012_oscilloscope.php#unique-entry-id-146http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tektronix_tds1012_oscilloscope.php#unique-entry-id-146
Dad’s still in heavy “clean out the garage” mode and stumbled upon more tech goodies for me! This time, it’s a Tektronix TDS 1012 oscilloscope!!!! ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2013-12-26T10:38:58-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tesseract_build_2.php#unique-entry-id-155http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tesseract_build_2.php#unique-entry-id-155
With the software and hardware for the Tesseract complete, it was time to wrap up the enclosure. I think it came out great, and the kids think it’s amazing.]]>Kevin RyeToolsElectronics2013-12-26T10:38:15-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/smd_tweezers.php#unique-entry-id-154http://kevinrye.net/index_files/smd_tweezers.php#unique-entry-id-154
I just had to have these SMD tweezers the minute I saw them on Adafruit. For a mere $30 bucks, I’m sure it’s not the best DMM out there at that price point, but I just could’t resist!]]>Kevin RyeVintage2013-12-23T20:15:32-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_mastervoice_series_ii.php#unique-entry-id-152http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_mastervoice_series_ii.php#unique-entry-id-152

The MASTERVOICE Series II is a voice-activated home automation system. It responds to your commands and carries out your requests. With it, you can turn on or off pretty much any light or appliance in your house.]]>Kevin RyeVintageTools2013-12-23T18:24:25-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_fabrex_424_vice.php#unique-entry-id-151http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_fabrex_424_vice.php#unique-entry-id-151
Check out what vintage goodie my Dad unearthed in the garage. He had no need for it, so he gave it to me. It’s a FABREX 424 vice made in England.]]>Kevin RyeToolsElectronics2013-12-23T13:03:59-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/atmega_avrispmkII_programmer.php#unique-entry-id-149http://kevinrye.net/index_files/atmega_avrispmkII_programmer.php#unique-entry-id-149
The MEGA MINI PCBs haven’t even shipped yet, but I’m all ready to go. I just picked up an AVR mkII programmer for $37.50 from Digi-Key. I have my FTDI programmer as well as my Atmega2560s. Once the PCBs come in, I should be all ready to burn the bootloader and upload some sketches.]]>Kevin RyeToolsElectronicsArduino2013-12-22T15:30:40-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sparkfun_ftdi_basic.php#unique-entry-id-148http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sparkfun_ftdi_basic.php#unique-entry-id-148
Once my MEGA MINI PCBs arrive, I’m going to need a way to upload sketches to them. I plan on using the MEGA MINI as a test-bed for my GPS clock. I’ve never soldered or in-circuit programmed an Atmega2560 before. I’d hate to waste $100 worth of tech assembling the GPS clock for it to not work. So I want to make something simple as sort of a practice run. In order to program the board, I’ll need an FTDI programmer. I picked up SparkFun’s FTDI Basic Breakout board for $15 bucks.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2013-12-17T22:41:47-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tesseract_build_1.php#unique-entry-id-144http://kevinrye.net/index_files/tesseract_build_1.php#unique-entry-id-144
After about two weeks, my Tesseract PCBs arrived. I couldn’t wait to put them together. The hardware and software are both complete. It’s just a matter of painting the enclosure and the Tesseract will be complete!
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsPCBsATmega3D Modeling2013-12-16T20:08:56-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_mega_mini_v1.php#unique-entry-id-142http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_mega_mini_v1.php#unique-entry-id-142
I’d hate to spend a good $40 bucks on the PCB for my GPS clock and find out that I screwed something up, or that I can’t solder an Atmega2560. I figured that I’d spare myself the possibility of wasting $100 bucks worth of hardware and chalk up a mini-board for the Atmega2560. Sort of a “bare bones” MEGA as a test-run. ]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoClocksElectronics2013-12-15T17:53:43-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_4.php#unique-entry-id-139http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_4.php#unique-entry-id-139
I decided to use a 5-way switch the fully control the clock’s menu system. Removing the rest of the buttons required a re-write of the menu system. I first needed to map the whole thing out in order to better visualize what options the menus would use, and what actions would be allowed in each menu. I created a spreadsheet to map it all out. It was then a matter of translating that into code.]]>Kevin RyePCBsSMDElectronicsTools2013-12-06T20:44:27-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/led_tester.php#unique-entry-id-141http://kevinrye.net/index_files/led_tester.php#unique-entry-id-141
I’ve made a few devices already that have used 0603 SMD LEDs. 0603 LEDs are beyond tiny and they’re a little trickier to work with when orientation matters. It would be so much easier if I had a quick and dirty means of testing the orientation before soldering one. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoPCBsElectronics3D Modeling2013-12-05T08:03:24-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_tesseract.php#unique-entry-id-140http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_tesseract.php#unique-entry-id-140
I’d like to try my hand and making a Tesseract. I love all the Marvel movies, as well as my kids. So I think they’ll get a kick out of seeing one on my desk.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoPCBsElectronics2013-11-18T10:57:15-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/button_breakout_board.php#unique-entry-id-137http://kevinrye.net/index_files/button_breakout_board.php#unique-entry-id-137
I came up with the idea that it would be cool to have a little button breakout board that I could quickly pop on to my breadboard when I suddenly found myself in need of some buttons. Instead of scrounging for buttons and resistors and taking up a whole ton of space, I could just simply connect a "mini keyboard" to the breadboard and be up and running in seconds.]]>Kevin RyeGPSArduinoElectronicsClocks3D Modeling2013-11-10T17:08:13-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_3.php#unique-entry-id-138http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_3.php#unique-entry-id-138
I decided to ditch the IR remote in my GPS clock in favor of buttons. Once I had all the IR code implemented, I realized that it just wasn’t the way to go. Instead of the IR remote, I’m basically going to include a keypad on the clock that pretty much mirrors the functionality of the remote.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2013-11-01T21:48:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_mega_2560.php#unique-entry-id-135http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_mega_2560.php#unique-entry-id-135
With the weekend upon me, I was eager to continue writing the code for my GPS clock. I had already identified the need to continue developing on an Arduino Mega 2560, but I’d need to order one if I was to move forward. Rather than order one from SparkFun, I grabbed a Mega 2560 from RadioShack on the way home from work. Of course, I paid an extra $10 bucks “going retail”, but it’s a small price to pay to have it in hand for the weekend rather than waiting a week for it to arrive via snail-mail.]]>Kevin RyeGPSClocksElectronicsArduino2013-11-01T16:33:06-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_2.php#unique-entry-id-123http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_2.php#unique-entry-id-123
It’s been a few months since I worked on the GPS clock. I couldn’t nail down exactly how I wanted it to work. I had a few ideas floating around, as well as a list of what features I wanted to include. However, in order to build the clock without compromises, I would have to overcome several hurdles. Considering I was already juggling a few other projects, I figured it was best to shelf it until I had a clearer vision of exactly how I wanted it to work and how I’d pull it off.]]>Kevin RyeVintageComputers2013-10-28T21:11:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/old_school_ps2_trackball.php#unique-entry-id-134http://kevinrye.net/index_files/old_school_ps2_trackball.php#unique-entry-id-134
I swung by my friend’s parent’s house the other day to hook up their new TV. While I was there, the mom asked me if I had any use for this old mouse she dug up. I immediately noticed the PS/2 to DB9 adapter on the end and knew it had to be super-old. ]]>Kevin RyeComputersVintage2013-09-21T17:29:39-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/eight_inch_floppies.php#unique-entry-id-132http://kevinrye.net/index_files/eight_inch_floppies.php#unique-entry-id-132
I found a bunch of 8” floppies in a box of garbage. I figured I’d take them home rather than see them go in a landfill. That, and I just love vintage computer stuff!]]>Kevin RyeStarbucks2013-09-14T18:25:14-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/starbucks_weekend_goodies.php#unique-entry-id-131http://kevinrye.net/index_files/starbucks_weekend_goodies.php#unique-entry-id-131
I found my self at the mall today. On the way out, I decided to grab a cup of coffee for the road. I wasn’t at all expecting to walk out with anything other than a venti Pike.]]>Kevin RyePhotography2013-09-03T18:58:47-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/wolverine_negative_digital_converter.php#unique-entry-id-130http://kevinrye.net/index_files/wolverine_negative_digital_converter.php#unique-entry-id-130
I successfully digitized my parents medium format negatives using a DIY homebrew contraption. They came out great. The next step in digitizing the family photo library involves scanning all the 110 and 35 mm negatives. My HP flatbed scanner has a slot for doing negatives, but it’s very slow and cumbersome. It would take me years to scan all the negatives that I have to do. I needed something faster. I hopped on Amazon and looked at the negative scanners they had. ]]>Kevin RyeMiscElectronics2013-08-17T21:18:16-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/guitar_hero_parts.php#unique-entry-id-129http://kevinrye.net/index_files/guitar_hero_parts.php#unique-entry-id-129
My kids had a Guitar Hero guitar that was falling apart. I was about to toss it out when I though to myself that I should tear the thing open and salvage some parts from it.
]]>Kevin RyePhotographyDIY HackingRestoration2013-08-07T10:41:30-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digitizing_medium_format_negatives.php#unique-entry-id-128http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digitizing_medium_format_negatives.php#unique-entry-id-128
I’ve decided to scan our entire family photo library. I got my parents to mail me all the negatives for all our family photos. The 35mm negatives aren’t a problem, it’s the large “medium format” negatives that need a good solid hack. Time to build a lightbox!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsSMDClocksPCBs2013-07-30T12:15:24-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-114http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part4.php#unique-entry-id-114
It’s been a good month since I submitted my PCBs for version 1.1. It seemed to take forever for the PCBs and acrylic to come in this time. I was so happy to finally put this guy together and complete the project.]]>Kevin RyeDAZ Studio3D Art2013-07-20T13:45:33-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/daz_studio_3d_modeling.php#unique-entry-id-125http://kevinrye.net/index_files/daz_studio_3d_modeling.php#unique-entry-id-125
I've been wanting to get into 3D modeling for years but the software needed to do it is crazy expensive. I’d love to use Poser. It looks amazing, but it’s $300 bucks. I could never justify the $700 price tag for ZBrush either. I found DAZ Studio yesterday. It's amazing. And it's free! Their whole deal is to give you the software for free with the hopes that you'll buy content and plugins, etc. Sounds like a good business model because I can see myself getting hooked on this.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoSoftware2013-07-17T19:57:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bootloading_atmegas_with_my_bba.php#unique-entry-id-124http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bootloading_atmegas_with_my_bba.php#unique-entry-id-124
I hopped on eBay and found that you can get Atmega328s from China for $2 a pop. Rather than spend over $30 bucks ordering them from SparkFun, I ordered a 5 pack from eBay for only $10.50. You can’t beat that! I crossed my fingers and hoped that they weren’t fakes. I’ll just have to burn the bootloader and find out.
]]>Kevin RyeAudioPCBsElectronics2013-07-16T16:26:40-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_audi_amp%20_v2_build.php#unique-entry-id-122http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_audi_amp%20_v2_build.php#unique-entry-id-122
I last left off with my Audio Amplifier PCB being a total bust. Well, not a total bust. It probably works, but I’ll never know. I’ll never be able to solder the super-tiny 8SON package that I put in version 1. Once I received the larger 8MSOP version from DigiKey, it was obvious that it was the size to use. It definitely looks like I’ll have less difficulty soldering it by hand. ]]>Kevin RyeMisc2013-07-12T19:11:25-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mushrooms.php#unique-entry-id-121http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mushrooms.php#unique-entry-id-121
We cut a tree down a few years ago, so the roots must be starting to decay. We had a week of intense heat followed by a period of rain, so it’s been pretty humid and gross out. The perfect mushroom growing conditions.]]>Kevin RyeGPSClocksArduinoElectronics2013-07-11T18:58:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_1.php#unique-entry-id-120http://kevinrye.net/index_files/gps_clock_prototyping_1.php#unique-entry-id-120
A while back I picked up a SparkFun 128x64 LCD and an Adafruit 66-channel GPS module to have a go at making a GPS clock. The great thing about setting the time and date via GPS is that I won't have to put any buttons on the clock. It'll set itself!
]]>Kevin RyeRestorationMiscPhotography2013-07-06T20:03:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/photo_restoration_project_part1.php#unique-entry-id-112http://kevinrye.net/index_files/photo_restoration_project_part1.php#unique-entry-id-112
I’ve been commissioned by my mother-in-law to put together a book of old family photos. She was impressed with my work on the last one I did for my wife. Can you blame her? That thing looks AMAZING! Unfortunately, a lot of them aren’t in any condition to be showcased in a book of “favorites”. They will all, for the most part, need some sort of photo retouching.]]>Kevin RyeMiscToolsVintage2013-07-06T17:41:24-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_drafting_supplies.php#unique-entry-id-115http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_drafting_supplies.php#unique-entry-id-115
I unearthed some of my Dad’s old drafting supplies. It’s amazing I’ve had these as long as I have and I haven’t really used them. I’ll have to try my hand at drawing something with these leads. ]]>Kevin RyeMiscVintage2013-07-05T20:30:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/pico_chip_close_look.php#unique-entry-id-108http://kevinrye.net/index_files/pico_chip_close_look.php#unique-entry-id-108
I was digging through my memory box when I came across this old plate of chips that my Dad gave me years ago. These are back from the Pico days. Who knows what they are? Could be calculator microcontrollers, could be from an Accutrac turntable.]]>Kevin RyeMisc2013-07-05T19:41:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/do_you_keep_a_memory_box.php#unique-entry-id-111http://kevinrye.net/index_files/do_you_keep_a_memory_box.php#unique-entry-id-111
Look at that! What a treasure trove of goodies! Most of this stuff is from my childhood. There’s been a few recent additions, but most of it is as old as I am. Usually when I add something, I just open the lid, toss it in, close it, and forget about it. I don’t really go through it. I do that maybe every 5 years or so. I sit down with it and thoroughly go through it and take a walk down memory lane. ]]>Kevin RyeVintageTools2013-07-05T19:32:10-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_avo_meter.php#unique-entry-id-107http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_avo_meter.php#unique-entry-id-107
This is the Model 8 Avo Meter. My Dad gave it to me. He’s had it forever. Another vintage goodie rescued from the garage.
]]>Kevin RyeMiscPrinted Material2013-07-05T16:46:40-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/electronic_house_1987.php#unique-entry-id-106http://kevinrye.net/index_files/electronic_house_1987.php#unique-entry-id-106
In 1987, we were interviewed by Electronic House magazine. I was 12 at the time and had been very much into electronics and computers for years. The magazine people fell in love the minute they saw my room. I had a TI-99/4A and a Commodore 64 next to my bed. In 1987, I guess that was unheard of for a kid. I loved a good game of Spy Hunter, but I also loved programming in BASIC. They loved my room so much, they put it on the front cover.
]]>Kevin RyeMiscCollections2013-07-04T17:37:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/retire_the_lighter_collection.php#unique-entry-id-113http://kevinrye.net/index_files/retire_the_lighter_collection.php#unique-entry-id-113
I started collecting Zippo lighters in 1993. Here you see the collection in its heyday when I still lived with my parents. You can’t exactly have all that stuff set up when you have a wife and 3 kids. Who has the space? I consider myself lucky I still have a computer room. Anyway, Apple’s releasing a new Mac Pro this fall and something tells me I’m going to need a spare $3 grand. Time to eBay the lot of it!

]]>Kevin RyeMiscVintage2013-07-04T15:59:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/speak_and_spell_keepin_it_old_school.php#unique-entry-id-110http://kevinrye.net/index_files/speak_and_spell_keepin_it_old_school.php#unique-entry-id-110
My kids got iPad minis for Christmas. They absolutely love them. They never put them down. I figured they’d get a kick out of my Speak & Spell. I wanted them to see that the Speak & Spell was my iPad of the day and that as simple as it was, it was as good as it got. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsHacking2013-07-04T13:37:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/recharging_disposable_%20e_cig_batteries.php#unique-entry-id-118http://kevinrye.net/index_files/recharging_disposable_%20e_cig_batteries.php#unique-entry-id-118
My wife buys these cheap disposable e-cigarettes. You're supposed to toss them when they're dead, but I know for a fact these use lithium rechargeable batteries, or else they wouldn't be able to supply the right voltage and current to last "800 puffs". The only question is….can you recharge the battery?
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoClocks2013-07-04T12:41:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/reading_the_temp_ds3231_and_ds18b20.php#unique-entry-id-117http://kevinrye.net/index_files/reading_the_temp_ds3231_and_ds18b20.php#unique-entry-id-117
One thing that I definitely want to add to Rev 2 of my LCD clock is the ability to display the temperature. I found out that since the DS3231 has a temperature compensated internal crystal, you can poll it for the temperature. I wondered how accurate it would be. What good is displaying the DS3231’s temperature if it runs 10 degrees over ambient? There was only one way to find out.]]>Kevin RyeStarbucks2013-07-03T16:25:05-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/starbucks_kati_kati_blend.php#unique-entry-id-116http://kevinrye.net/index_files/starbucks_kati_kati_blend.php#unique-entry-id-116
For the 4th of July holiday, my wife and kids have gone to a friend’s house for an extended 4-day weekend! You know what that means! Tinker, tinker, tinker! I picked up a bag of Starbucks’ new Kati Kati blend to fuel my weekend. There’s no stopping me!3]]>Kevin RyePCBsElectronicsAudio2013-07-01T23:16:18-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_audio_amp_take1.php#unique-entry-id-104http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_audio_amp_take1.php#unique-entry-id-104
My mini audio amp practice boards came in. I wasn’t too sure if I’d be able to solder the TPA2005D1 chip or not. Rather than waste $45 on the LCD Clock V2 PCB and make a mess of it, I figured it would be a good idea to make a practice board based off SparkFun’s breakout board. If I can’t solder the part by hand, then I’ll just incorporate SparkFun’s audio amp breakout into my clock PCB as a daughterboard.]]>Kevin RyeStarbucksCollections2013-07-01T17:51:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/starbucks_sleeve_and_card%20_collection.php#unique-entry-id-109http://kevinrye.net/index_files/starbucks_sleeve_and_card%20_collection.php#unique-entry-id-109
I’ve been “holding on to” every Starbucks gift card I’ve ever be given since 2004 along with every different sleeve that I’ve spotted since 2007. Always “holding on to”, but not “collecting”. (If that makes any sense!) But today, I’ve officially starting collecting them!]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsSMDClocksPCBs2013-06-23T15:11:34-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-103http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part3.php#unique-entry-id-103
I received my Mini 7-Segment Clock PCBs. I’m pretty excited to put one together. I think it’s going to look pretty cool, as tiny as it is. ]]>Kevin RyeHackingRepairsVintage2013-06-22T23:58:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_calculators.php#unique-entry-id-72http://kevinrye.net/index_files/vintage_calculators.php#unique-entry-id-72
My Dad, forever bestowing upon me vintage goodies of days gone by, happened across a small stash of vintage calculators he’d been holding on to for a good 40 years.]]>Kevin RyeTools2013-06-20T13:27:30-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/component_pin_sizer_smallroomlabs.php#unique-entry-id-105http://kevinrye.net/index_files/component_pin_sizer_smallroomlabs.php#unique-entry-id-105
SmallRoomLabs sell some great pin sizers on Tindie. They’re only $2 bucks a pop, but if you buy both as a set you can save yourself a dollar. They’re definitely something you need to keep around. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsMisc2013-06-13T15:34:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/parts_on_the_cheap.php#unique-entry-id-102http://kevinrye.net/index_files/parts_on_the_cheap.php#unique-entry-id-102
Don’t get me wrong, I love SparkFun and Adafruit and all those guys, but there’s definitely something to be said for buying in bulk. There’s definitely also something to be said for buying in bulk from Hong Kong! True you have to wait an extra week, but it’s so worth it to save this kind of money. ]]>Kevin RyeE-Paper ClockArduinoClocksPCBsSMD2013-06-12T20:07:31-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_final_assembly.php#unique-entry-id-101http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_final_assembly.php#unique-entry-id-101
My E-Paper boards finally arrived. I wasted no time in putting one together. I was really excited to see if I got everything right. Needless to say, I totally nailed it! It's so awesome putting in that last piece, powering it on and seeing all your hard work pay off!

]]>Kevin RyeArduinoClocksSMD3D Modeling2013-06-04T23:18:50-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lcd_clock_version2_design_decisions.php#unique-entry-id-100http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lcd_clock_version2_design_decisions.php#unique-entry-id-100
I was really pleased with the way that my LCD clock turned out. Being my first Arduino project, I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t work, but I totally nailed it! There were a few trials and errors in making a stand for it before I figured out how to make a laser-cut enclosure for it. In the end, it turned out great and it works like a charm. So, how can I make it better?]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsSMDClocks2013-06-01T20:47:14-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-99http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part2.php#unique-entry-id-99
I left off last time needing to write some code for the alarm setting feature. After a couple of hours of tinkering, I figured it out. It seemed like a nice idea at the time, but once I saw it implemented, I realized it’s not worth it.
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsSMDClocks2013-05-27T13:50:30-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-98http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_7seg_clock_part1.php#unique-entry-id-98
SMD soldering can be a little tricky, so I figured the more I do, the better I’ll get. I decided to go ahead and push on with the mini SMD 7-segment clock. After a few little projects like this, I should be a master in no time!
]]>Kevin RyeClocksLaser Cutting2013-05-26T18:52:27-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/laser_cut_lcd_clock_enclosure2.php#unique-entry-id-96http://kevinrye.net/index_files/laser_cut_lcd_clock_enclosure2.php#unique-entry-id-96

If you remember, the first attempt at getting a front panel laser cut for my LCD clock didn’t work out so well. I don’t think it was a tolerancing issue. I think I just screwed it up.
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoClocksE-Paper Clock2013-05-21T22:08:10-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_pcb_design.php#unique-entry-id-68http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_pcb_design.php#unique-entry-id-68
I shelved the E-Paper clock for a few months so I could finish up some other stuff. (Bare Bones Arduino, RGB Night Light, SpeakJet Board, and the 7490 Clock.) That stuff’s all been wrapped up, so it’s time to switch gears back to the E-Paper clock and wrap it up.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsMisc2013-05-18T16:24:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/free_parts.php#unique-entry-id-97http://kevinrye.net/index_files/free_parts.php#unique-entry-id-97
My twins just had a birthday and they received 6 of those cool birthday cards that play a greeting. I spent a good $40 bucks on the SpeakJet board, but Hallmark somehow managed to do the same thing for $3 bucks, and squeeze it into a card? What’s in there?
]]>Kevin RyeSpeakJetLaser Cutting2013-05-17T23:06:07-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_speakjet_board.php#unique-entry-id-91http://kevinrye.net/index_files/the_speakjet_board.php#unique-entry-id-91

If you’ve been following along, you know that I picked up a SpeakJet chip about a month ago. It’s a pretty cool chip. It didn’t take long to realize that it would make for a pretty cool R2-D2 project. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksTTLATtiny2013-05-17T18:51:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock_part_three.php#unique-entry-id-95http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock_part_three.php#unique-entry-id-95
I’m so happy this clock is finally complete and ticking along accurately. It’s been so long. It’s nice to see all this time, money, and hard work finally pay off with such a nice looking clock.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksTTLATtiny2013-05-02T21:41:21-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock_part_two.php#unique-entry-id-94http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock_part_two.php#unique-entry-id-94
Several months ago, I set out to finally fix the old 7490 clock that I designed back in 2008. I got busy with some other projects, so it’s been sitting on the back burner. I used a cheap crystal and a crude setting circuit to set and run the clock. The crystal module put out a 1 Hz signal that, through a series of buttons, I would steer through to the seconds, minutes, and hours section of the clock. The problem was that the signal that the crystal module put out was pretty lousy. I figured it was time to revisit the 7490 clock and see if I could use a microcontroller to improve the design.]]>Kevin RyeClocksLaser Cutting2013-04-25T15:31:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/laser_cut_lcd_clock_enclosure.php#unique-entry-id-70http://kevinrye.net/index_files/laser_cut_lcd_clock_enclosure.php#unique-entry-id-70
Although I was pretty happy with the wooden DIY stands that I made for my Arduino LCD Clock, I thought they looked a little too homebrew. I was looking for more of a “finished product” kind of look. I imagined something fashioned out of acrylic. That didn’t work. I threw around the idea of getting some acrylic laser cut, but I didn’t know the first thing about doing it.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs2013-04-20T21:18:16-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rgb_nightlight_build.php#unique-entry-id-92http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rgb_nightlight_build.php#unique-entry-id-92
I finally received the 30 RGB LED breakout boards that I designed for my RGB Night Light. Time to get my build on!]]>Kevin RyeSpeakJet3D Modeling2013-04-14T00:00:05-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fun_with_the_speakchip.php#unique-entry-id-89http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fun_with_the_speakchip.php#unique-entry-id-89
I’ve been wanting to play with the SpeakJet for a while now, but I just couldn’t justify the $25 that it sells for. It’s not SparkFun’s (sometimes marked-up) price, it’s $25 bucks pretty much wherever you can find it. I spent $99 on the SparkFun Hot Air Rework Station, so I figured I’d go for broke and add the SpeakJet to my order.]]>Kevin RyeE-Paper ClockSpeakJet2013-04-13T17:09:05-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3way_nav_switch.php#unique-entry-id-90http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3way_nav_switch.php#unique-entry-id-90
I picked up a cool little SMD 3-way nav switch breakout board from SparkFun in the hopes that I’d be able to incorporate it into my E-Paper Clock design.]]>Kevin RyeTools2013-04-09T20:46:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sparkfun_hot_air_rework_station.php#unique-entry-id-88http://kevinrye.net/index_files/sparkfun_hot_air_rework_station.php#unique-entry-id-88
I’ve been wanting SparkFun’s Hot Air Rework Station since last Christmas, but I had so much stuff on my list that I felt bad adding it. Now that I’m planning on doing some serious SMD work, it was time to bite the bullet and pick one up.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsATtinyPCBsArduino2013-04-08T18:10:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/attiny_programming_shield.php#unique-entry-id-69http://kevinrye.net/index_files/attiny_programming_shield.php#unique-entry-id-69
After a few failed attempts at making a home made PCB for my ATtiny Programming shield, I decided to go ahead and upload my Eagle file to OSH Park.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsMisc2013-04-06T15:03:13-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/adafruit_smd_book.php#unique-entry-id-87http://kevinrye.net/index_files/adafruit_smd_book.php#unique-entry-id-87
I’m planning on making a really small 7-segment LED clock. I plan to make it really small by making the switch to SMD parts. I’m basically using this project as a learning tool for SMD development.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2013-04-06T10:34:24-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rgb_night_light.php#unique-entry-id-86http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rgb_night_light.php#unique-entry-id-86
With my Bare Bones boards assembled and my RGB LED Night Light proof of concept complete, it’s time to get serious with the Night Light project.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoPCBsElectronics2013-04-05T18:11:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduin_v2.php#unique-entry-id-85http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduin_v2.php#unique-entry-id-85
Although I’m pretty happy with the way my Bare Bones Arduino boards came out, they could be smaller. I give you…version 2!]]>Kevin RyeDIY 2013-04-05T18:10:51-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_cable_management.php#unique-entry-id-83http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_cable_management.php#unique-entry-id-83
The cables under my credenza were getting a little unwieldy. Time for some DIY cable management.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2013-04-02T23:11:25-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fun_with_rgb_leds.php#unique-entry-id-74http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fun_with_rgb_leds.php#unique-entry-id-74
The SoundBox was a fun project. I learned a lot from it. But it’s a one trick pony and a total waste of the $30 worth of tech I ended cramming into that custom enclosure I made. It would be a shame to waste such a nice looking enclosure. Since I’ve been playing around with the ATtiny, I thought it would be cool to cram it full of RGB LEDs and make a cool rainbow-colored night light for the kids’ room. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoPCBsElectronics2013-04-01T22:10:59-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduino_pcb_build.php#unique-entry-id-73http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bare_bones_arduino_pcb_build.php#unique-entry-id-73
The Bare Bones Arduino PCBs that I ordered from OSH Park came back. It took 13 days to turn them around. It always seems like such an eternity!]]>Kevin RyePCBsDIY 2013-03-23T12:00:00-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/etching_at_home_take_2.php#unique-entry-id-67http://kevinrye.net/index_files/etching_at_home_take_2.php#unique-entry-id-67
Board etch FAIL. The toner transfer method is a no go, at least not with my laser printer anyway.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoE-Paper ClockClocks2013-03-22T23:00:12-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_prototyping_p2.php#unique-entry-id-66http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_prototyping_p2.php#unique-entry-id-66
I was having some trouble formatting the strings for the time and date. I kept ending up with extra zeros at the end. I posted a question over at the Arduino forums and someone suggested dumping the strings in favor of the sprintf() command.
]]>Kevin RyePCBsDIY 2013-03-21T16:27:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/etching_at_home.php#unique-entry-id-65http://kevinrye.net/index_files/etching_at_home.php#unique-entry-id-65
It’s been a good 12 years since I’ve etched my own board. I’ve been meaning to give it another go for some time, but it can be rather time consuming and the end results just don’t hold a candle to professionally made boards. I needed some parts from Jameco, so I tossed some Etchant powder into my order while I was at it. I’ve used the liquid in the past, but the powder was cheaper. I figured I’d give it a try.]]>Kevin RyePCBsArduino2013-03-19T21:28:40-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/barebones_arduino.php#unique-entry-id-64http://kevinrye.net/index_files/barebones_arduino.php#unique-entry-id-64
Back in January when I discovered the SoundBox PCBs were junk, I kicked around the idea of making a bare bones Arduino board in favor of dedicated PCBs for simple spur-of-the-moment projects. Firing off a quick project would then just be a matter of code. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoATtinyPCBs2013-03-18T22:18:13-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/playing_with_the_attiny85.php#unique-entry-id-63http://kevinrye.net/index_files/playing_with_the_attiny85.php#unique-entry-id-63
Since I finished the Word Clock, and I'm waiting for SparkFun to send me a new e-paper display, I figured it was a good time to start playing around with the ATtiny85s that I picked up a few months ago.]]>Kevin RyeWord ClockElectronicsClocks2013-03-16T19:37:37-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/completed_the_word_clock.php#unique-entry-id-62http://kevinrye.net/index_files/completed_the_word_clock.php#unique-entry-id-62
I finally nailed it. I finished the Word Clock. OK, I lied. It’s 99% complete.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoSoundBox2013-03-16T19:37:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/completed_the_soundbox.php#unique-entry-id-61http://kevinrye.net/index_files/completed_the_soundbox.php#unique-entry-id-61
Finally! At long last! The SoundBox is complete.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoE-Paper ClockClocks2013-03-10T12:01:09-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_prototyping_p1.php#unique-entry-id-59http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_clock_prototyping_p1.php#unique-entry-id-59
I know it’s been a month since I picked up the e-paper display, but I’ve been so busy with other projects. OK, let’s see what this thing can do…]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocks2013-03-09T17:23:11-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/16x2lcd_clock_new_gui.php#unique-entry-id-58http://kevinrye.net/index_files/16x2lcd_clock_new_gui.php#unique-entry-id-58
Was I happy with the GUI for my 16x2 LCD Digital Clock? Sure. I did what it needed to do. It displays the time and date. It displays the time in 24-hour mode. Why? Because it was easy. If I wanted to display the time in 12-hour format, I’d have to massage the numbers a bit. ]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsWord Clock2013-01-29T21:13:56-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/started_%20the_word_clock_pcb_build.php#unique-entry-id-57http://kevinrye.net/index_files/started_%20the_word_clock_pcb_build.php#unique-entry-id-57
After 18 days, my Word Clock PCBs finally arrived. Man, does it take forever for them to turn around a board!]]>Kevin RyePCBsElectronicsArduinoSoundBox2013-01-27T20:15:13-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/soundbox_boards_are_a_bust.php#unique-entry-id-56http://kevinrye.net/index_files/soundbox_boards_are_a_bust.php#unique-entry-id-56
It happens to the best of us. You design a board. Wait for the board. Get the board. Assemble the board. Board doesn’t work.]]>Kevin RyeClocksElectronicsArduinoE-Paper Clock2013-01-20T17:08:30-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_display.php#unique-entry-id-54http://kevinrye.net/index_files/epaper_display.php#unique-entry-id-54
I needed to pick up a few more parts for the Word Clock. I’m still waiting for the PCBs to come in, but I already identified the need for a few more switches and connectors to finish it up once the boards come in. I figured while I was at it, I’d shop around SparkFun for some cool parts to be used in future projects. ]]>Kevin RyeHackingLaptopsComputers2013-01-20T17:07:53-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/a07bf7a6bfb8b71d4ae73485bef11e58-53.php#unique-entry-id-53http://kevinrye.net/index_files/a07bf7a6bfb8b71d4ae73485bef11e58-53.php#unique-entry-id-53
My sister-in-law recently picked up a new MacBook Pro. She gave her old laptop to our niece to kick around. She ended up getting it back when it started falling apart. When I found out she was ready to throw it in the trash, I opted to take it off her hands. It’s got “photo frame” written all over it.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksRepairsTTL2013-01-20T17:07:43-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock.php#unique-entry-id-52http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fixing_the_7490_clock.php#unique-entry-id-52
I made a really nice looking clock back in 2008 using nothing by 7490 TTL Decade Counters. Despite the fact that it came out really nice, it never really worked right. ]]>Kevin RyeHackingUpgrades2013-01-19T23:47:58-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_breadboard_upgrades.php#unique-entry-id-55http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_breadboard_upgrades.php#unique-entry-id-55 
I added an LED and a USB breakout board to my breadboard. Now I can just plug the board in using any 5V USB adapter. The LED will flicker (or go out) if I’m shorting something out. It’s good to have some visual feedback that the board is powered up.]]>Kevin RyeHackingRepairs2013-01-14T20:55:42-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/can_you_fix_my_penguin.php#unique-entry-id-51http://kevinrye.net/index_files/can_you_fix_my_penguin.php#unique-entry-id-51
My 6 year old has a penguin that lights up and projects stars on his ceiling when he goes to bed. He stepped on it and broke the button. He asked me, “Dad, can you fix my penguin?”]]>Kevin RyeClocksWord Clock2013-01-12T14:19:20-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/finishing_the_word_clock_display.php#unique-entry-id-50http://kevinrye.net/index_files/finishing_the_word_clock_display.php#unique-entry-id-50
With the Word Clock display’s electronics complete, it’s time to make the baffle and the overlay.]]>Kevin RyeClocksArduinoPCBsWord Clock2013-01-06T18:30:48-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/completed_word_clock_pcb.php#unique-entry-id-49http://kevinrye.net/index_files/completed_word_clock_pcb.php#unique-entry-id-49
I completed the PCB for the Word Clock last night, but I slept on it for the night before submitting it. It’s a good thing too, because I thought of something else.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoWord Clock2013-01-03T09:42:12-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/started_the_word_clock.php#unique-entry-id-47http://kevinrye.net/index_files/started_the_word_clock.php#unique-entry-id-47
Since I finished the LCD Clock, build a few stands, and finished the SoundBox PCB, it was time to start the Word Clock.]]>Kevin RyeClocks2013-01-02T09:42:20-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/another_clock_stand.php#unique-entry-id-48http://kevinrye.net/index_files/another_clock_stand.php#unique-entry-id-48
With Christmas around the corner, I thought that the first clock based on a microcontroller that I built would make an excellent present for my Dad, since he’s the one that inspired my interest in electronics. I finished up the clock just in time. He loved it.

Since I had three boards made, I also assembled a clock for myself. I didn’t have time to make stands for both clocks, so mine had to wait. Until now…
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoPCBsSoundBox2013-01-02T09:29:25-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/soundbox_pcb.php#unique-entry-id-46http://kevinrye.net/index_files/soundbox_pcb.php#unique-entry-id-46
I completed the circuit for the FartBox. It’s time to put the wraps on a PCB and send it out to be fabbed.]]>Kevin RyeTools2012-12-26T22:05:42-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hakko_fx888_soldering_station.php#unique-entry-id-45http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hakko_fx888_soldering_station.php#unique-entry-id-45
I’ve grown tired of those $6 Radio Shack specials. After decades of cheap soldering irons, it’s time to buy the real deal.]]>Kevin RyeComputersUpgrades2012-12-26T21:05:00-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_and_macpro_hdd_upgrades.php#unique-entry-id-43http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_and_macpro_hdd_upgrades.php#unique-entry-id-43
Why, yes... that is a matched pair of 2TB drives. What ever should I do with them?]]>Kevin RyeComputers2012-12-26T20:41:28-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/my_new_apc1500ups.php#unique-entry-id-44http://kevinrye.net/index_files/my_new_apc1500ups.php#unique-entry-id-44
Since my old UPS bit the dust, I needed a new one. I threw a new APC 1500 on my Amazon wish list. My wife was more than happy to oblige and buy it for Christmas.]]>Kevin RyeTools2012-12-26T20:35:37-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/dremel_workstation.php#unique-entry-id-42http://kevinrye.net/index_files/dremel_workstation.php#unique-entry-id-42
I’ve always wanted a Dremel Workstation. I never got around to buying one so I added it to my Amazon wish list.

My wife comes through again! She got me one for Christmas.]]>Kevin RyeClocksDIY 2012-12-16T13:33:53-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/making_the_stand_take_2.php#unique-entry-id-41http://kevinrye.net/index_files/making_the_stand_take_2.php#unique-entry-id-41
The first attempt at a stand wasn’t that great. I needed to try something a little heavier than acrylic. Let’s try wood…]]>Kevin RyeArduino2012-12-13T18:44:07-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bootloading_an_atmega.php#unique-entry-id-40http://kevinrye.net/index_files/bootloading_an_atmega.php#unique-entry-id-40
Save yourself the headache and buy your Atmegas with the bootloader pre-loaded.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocks2012-12-12T22:13:33-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_lcd_clock_assembly.php#unique-entry-id-39http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_lcd_clock_assembly.php#unique-entry-id-39
I have all my parts. I have my PCBs. I have a new Dremel. It’s time to put this bad boy together!]]>Kevin RyeTools2012-12-10T18:17:04-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/dremel_4000.php#unique-entry-id-38http://kevinrye.net/index_files/dremel_4000.php#unique-entry-id-38
Woo hoo! I’m back in business. My new Dremel came today. Time to drill some holes!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsWord Clock2012-12-08T23:27:26-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/testing_200_white_leds.php#unique-entry-id-34http://kevinrye.net/index_files/testing_200_white_leds.php#unique-entry-id-34
Jameco wanted .89 cents for a white LED. That’s insane when you need 100 of them. eBay to the rescue! I grabbed 200 LEDs from a seller in China for $9 bucks! Let’s just hope they work.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsArduinoWord Clock2012-12-07T23:49:55-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock.php#unique-entry-id-36http://kevinrye.net/index_files/word_clock.php#unique-entry-id-36
While I wait for all the final pieces to fall into place with my Arduino LCD Clock, it’s time to start up another project: a Word Clock.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs2012-12-07T23:28:20-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_lcd_clock_pcbs_arrived.php#unique-entry-id-35http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_lcd_clock_pcbs_arrived.php#unique-entry-id-35
Woo hoo! The boards I designed for my Arduino LCD Clock have finally arrived! They look awesome!]]>Kevin RyeComputersUpgrades2012-12-07T23:23:45-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_hdd_replacement.php#unique-entry-id-33http://kevinrye.net/index_files/drobo_hdd_replacement.php#unique-entry-id-33

Looks like one of the hard drives in my Drobo just gave up the ghost.]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsHackingSoundBox2012-12-07T23:22:59-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/staples_easy_button.php#unique-entry-id-32http://kevinrye.net/index_files/staples_easy_button.php#unique-entry-id-32
Hum? I wonder if I can hack one of these Staples “that was easy” buttons? What makes it tick?]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsAudioSoundBox2012-12-01T23:02:06-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fartbox.php#unique-entry-id-31http://kevinrye.net/index_files/fartbox.php#unique-entry-id-31
Yes. It farts. That’s pretty funny.]]>Kevin RyeClocksDIY 3D Modeling2012-11-23T15:52:47-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/making_the_stand_take_1.php#unique-entry-id-30http://kevinrye.net/index_files/making_the_stand_take_1.php#unique-entry-id-30
I took a trip to Staples to buy an acrylic photo frame or sign holder and was very happy to see that they had 3”x5” acrylic sign holders for only $3 each. ]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsPCBs2012-11-20T21:15:28-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_lcd_clock_pcb_complete.php#unique-entry-id-29http://kevinrye.net/index_files/arduino_lcd_clock_pcb_complete.php#unique-entry-id-29
My Arduino LCD Clock PCB is complete and ready to be fabbed.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsKits2012-11-20T16:49:13-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/chronodot_breakout_board.php#unique-entry-id-28http://kevinrye.net/index_files/chronodot_breakout_board.php#unique-entry-id-28
The ChronoDot DS3231 breakout board didn’t arrive over the weekend like I had hoped. I had to wait a few more days for it. Delays! Delays! Delays!
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsKits2012-11-15T22:51:07-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/new_ds1307_kit.php#unique-entry-id-27http://kevinrye.net/index_files/new_ds1307_kit.php#unique-entry-id-27
I wish I had enough foresight to install an 8-pin DIP on the last breakout board I ordered. That way I’d have a way to test the chips I ordered from Jameco. I can’t tell if I killed the chips, or I’m just hooking them up incorrectly. In any case, I ordered another breakout board from Adafruit to test them out,]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsSoftwarePCBsClocks3D Modeling2012-11-08T20:41:49-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_design_decisions.php#unique-entry-id-24http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_design_decisions.php#unique-entry-id-24
With the clock code complete, it was time to hop online and order my parts. With the parts in hand, I’ll have an easier time laying them out on the PCB and getting the spacing right.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocks2012-11-08T19:47:07-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_code_is_complete.php#unique-entry-id-25http://kevinrye.net/index_files/clock_code_is_complete.php#unique-entry-id-25
I finished the code for the clock. I would have been finished a week ago, but Hurricane Sandy hit my town pretty hard and I lost power for 8 days. What a setback. Anyway, power’s up and it’s full-steam ahead!]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocks2012-10-24T21:46:36-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/setting_the_clock.php#unique-entry-id-23http://kevinrye.net/index_files/setting_the_clock.php#unique-entry-id-23
I reached another milestone today. I figured out how to read the state of a pin and react to its state. In other words, I can tell the Arduino to “do something” based on whether or not the pin is HIGH or LOW! This is awesome. That means I can now hook up a switch to a pin and press it to set the clock.]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronicsClocks2012-10-23T15:16:25-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/we_have_a_clock.php#unique-entry-id-22http://kevinrye.net/index_files/we_have_a_clock.php#unique-entry-id-22
I got the DS1307 up and running. It was pretty easy to interface it with the Arduino. You just hook the SDA and SCL pins to the Arduino’s analog 4 and 5 inputs, import the RTC library and you’re done.

]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2012-10-21T18:28:23-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/first_arduino_project.php#unique-entry-id-21http://kevinrye.net/index_files/first_arduino_project.php#unique-entry-id-21
My first project is going to be a clock. So I’m going to get my feet wet with a simple LCD project using the Arduino.

]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2012-10-21T18:26:44-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/ds1307_rtc_kit.php#unique-entry-id-20http://kevinrye.net/index_files/ds1307_rtc_kit.php#unique-entry-id-20
As I said on my last post, I plan on building a digital clock using an LCD and an Atmel328. For now, I just plan on getting my feet wet with a simple LCD project. Sooner or later I’m going to need a pretty reliable RTC to store the time and date. Ideally, I’d like to build a clock that grabs the time from a GPS satellite, but I’m not there yet. Adafruit and Sparkfun both sell cheap $9 RTCs as a DIY kit. Since I was ordering my Arduino board from Adafruit, I figured I’d add the DS1307 Breakout Kit to my cart too.
]]>Kevin RyeArduinoElectronics2012-10-21T18:24:53-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/finally_picked_up_an_arduino_board.php#unique-entry-id-19http://kevinrye.net/index_files/finally_picked_up_an_arduino_board.php#unique-entry-id-19
I’ve been meaning to pick up an Arduino board for years. I’ve always been amazed by the fact you can write a program and write it to a chip and have it “do something”. I’ve always wanted to make a clock out of a microcontroller instead of old school 7490 TTL chips. Counting clock pulses with 60Hz seems so “archaic” by comparison. There has to be a better way! After all, every clock you buy nowadays runs off a single chip. How do they do it?]]>Kevin RyeInsectsMisc2012-09-02T11:08:10-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/my_first_praying_mantis.php#unique-entry-id-177http://kevinrye.net/index_files/my_first_praying_mantis.php#unique-entry-id-177

I’ve always wanted to find a praying mantis, but they seem to be so rare. There I was standing on the front porch when I looked over to see a giant praying mantis just sitting there.]]>Kevin RyeInsectsMisc2012-04-10T11:08:19-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hatching_butterflies.php#unique-entry-id-178http://kevinrye.net/index_files/hatching_butterflies.php#unique-entry-id-178

You can read about it in books all you want, gloss over it in science glass, but there's something deeply satisfying/moving about being able to witness the whole process first hand. It really is something beautiful.
]]>Kevin RyeLEGOAppleMisc2011-04-29T19:15:35-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lego_happy_mac_project.php#unique-entry-id-75http://kevinrye.net/index_files/lego_happy_mac_project.php#unique-entry-id-75
Time for a LEGO project! Let’s make a Happy Mac!
]]>Kevin RyeRepairsElectronics2010-12-26T12:11:16-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nintendo_dsi_repair.php#unique-entry-id-0http://kevinrye.net/index_files/nintendo_dsi_repair.php#unique-entry-id-0
A few weeks ago, my son cracked the top display on his DSi. I ordered a new display from eBay for $12 bucks. I figured it was an easy install. Much to my surprise, replacing the top LCD involved a 100% disassembly of the entire DSi. It also involved unsoldering the speaker, mic, and camera subassemblies from the top LCD.

]]>Kevin RyeDIY Apple2010-10-10T19:15:45-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_port_iphone_charger.php#unique-entry-id-76http://kevinrye.net/index_files/3_port_iphone_charger.php#unique-entry-id-76
With the addition of the iPhone 4 to my collection, it has been made clear that I need a 3-way charging solution for my iPhones. I find myself constantly juggling power supplies, docks, and cables in order to make sure that all my iPhones are charged when I need them.]]>Kevin RyeClocksDIY Restoration2010-07-31T12:16:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/darth_vader_clock.php#unique-entry-id-1http://kevinrye.net/index_files/darth_vader_clock.php#unique-entry-id-1
They replaced all the clocks at work with cheap plastic ones from Staples. All the old-school ones made of metal and glass were headed for the garbage. Luckily, they decided to put them in a box and threw them in the cafeteria with a “FREE CLOCKS” sign.

I have an old Star Wars 12” LP from 1977 that I have always wanted to use as the face for a clock, but never got around to it. Immediately I saw the opportunity for a nice weekend project.

]]>Kevin RyeCoins2010-05-04T17:20:02-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/2010_coin_spending_spree.php#unique-entry-id-18http://kevinrye.net/index_files/2010_coin_spending_spree.php#unique-entry-id-18
My iPhone apps did really well this month and Apple deposited a nice fat check into my account. So I figured it was that time of the year to drop some cash on some coins. Gotta try and get those Dansco albums up-to-date!

After a quick review of my albums, I decided to try and fill all the 2003 and 2004 holes this time.

]]>Kevin RyeHackingDIY Apple2010-04-27T21:23:20-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/iphone_radio_hack.php#unique-entry-id-82http://kevinrye.net/index_files/iphone_radio_hack.php#unique-entry-id-82
I picked up this portable CD player years ago from the clearance rack at Staples. I think it was something ridiculous like $4 bucks. I hack it so I can connect my iPhone up to it.]]>Kevin RyeCoins2009-05-19T17:16:20-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/dansco_update_pages.php#unique-entry-id-17http://kevinrye.net/index_files/dansco_update_pages.php#unique-entry-id-17
Now that I’m back into collecting coins again, I have to update my Dansco albums. They’re way out of date. I think the last set I bought was from 2002, and I didn’t have holes to fit some of them!

]]>Kevin RyeMisc2009-05-16T17:07:54-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rubber_band_ball.php#unique-entry-id-16http://kevinrye.net/index_files/rubber_band_ball.php#unique-entry-id-16
I started this rubber band ball a good 15 years ago. Maybe even longer. I know it was in the early to mid 90s. It could even be as close as 20 years old.

]]>Kevin RyeCoins2009-05-14T17:01:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/back_into_coin_collecting.php#unique-entry-id-15http://kevinrye.net/index_files/back_into_coin_collecting.php#unique-entry-id-15
It’s been a long time. At least 7 years since I picked up a mint set. Cash is tight when you have 3 kids. It’s also pretty hard to justify to the wife why $100 on a 2001 Silver Proof set is a good deal. Anyway, I’ve decided to start filling in those holes again.

]]>Kevin RyeHackingUpgrades2009-04-16T16:51:08-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/pimp_my_tivo_2.php#unique-entry-id-14http://kevinrye.net/index_files/pimp_my_tivo_2.php#unique-entry-id-14
I bought my Mom a new Series 2 Tivo for Christmas 2007. I’ve been paying $10 a month for the past year to find out that she’s never actually used it. That’s too bad. It’s a better Tivo than my one and it’s a shame to see it go to waste. Hers records two shows at once.

]]>Kevin RyePhoto Frames2008-06-17T12:16:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_photo_frame_2.php#unique-entry-id-2http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_photo_frame_2.php#unique-entry-id-2
Well, I’m not happy with the way version 1.5 came out. So here goes 2.0.

I was looking for something unique. Something solid, but simplistic and sleek. I needed to look no further than my twin 4-year olds and their infatuation with LEGO.

So that’s what I’m going to build the enclosure out of: 476 white LEGO blocks.

]]>Kevin RyePhoto Frames3D Modeling2008-01-24T12:16:49-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_photo_frame_1_5.php#unique-entry-id-3http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_photo_frame_1_5.php#unique-entry-id-3
The Digital Photo Frame 1.0 is almost a year old. It’s time for a new revision.

]]>Kevin RyeHackingUpgrades2007-09-28T16:40:44-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/so_over_blue_leds.php#unique-entry-id-13http://kevinrye.net/index_files/so_over_blue_leds.php#unique-entry-id-13
I remember a few years ago when blue LEDs became all the rage. Back in my day it was amber and green; red was just old school. Listen to me, I sound like my old man.

]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksTTL3D Modeling2007-09-22T12:19:17-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_clock_3.php#unique-entry-id-11http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_clock_3.php#unique-entry-id-11
It’s time for a new clock. While the first clock I made was nice, it wasn’t exactly “display in the living room” material.

]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocks2007-09-22T12:19:03-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_clock_2.php#unique-entry-id-10http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_clock_2.php#unique-entry-id-10
It would be a waste to have perfectly functional prototype parts sitting in a box somewhere. If they’re going to sit in a box, might as well have them sit in a box keeping the time.

]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsKits2007-09-21T12:16:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_pov_3.php#unique-entry-id-4http://kevinrye.net/index_files/mini_pov_3.php#unique-entry-id-4
I ordered a really cool persistence of vision kit called the MiniPOV from Adafruit.com for $17.50. It’s really cool.

]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsClocksTTL2007-09-15T12:18:22-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_clock_1.php#unique-entry-id-9http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_clock_1.php#unique-entry-id-9
Ever since my Dad showed me the nixie clock he built in the 70s from 74XX TTL chips, I’ve been wanting to make my own. I’m a little nervous about playing with high voltage nixies. So for now, I’ll get my feet wet with some low voltage 7-segment displays.

]]>Kevin RyeHackingUpgrades2007-06-07T16:21:15-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/pimp_my_tivo.php#unique-entry-id-12http://kevinrye.net/index_files/pimp_my_tivo.php#unique-entry-id-12
This is a sweet Tivo upgrade kit from weaknees.com that lets you pimp out your Tivo with a second hard drive.

]]>Kevin RyeDIY Apple3D Modeling2007-04-21T19:15:52-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/thirty_inch_cinema_display_stand.php#unique-entry-id-77http://kevinrye.net/index_files/thirty_inch_cinema_display_stand.php#unique-entry-id-77
I’m tired of the clutter on my desk. None of my peripherals seem to have a home. It’s all just kind of lying under the MacBook and Display.]]>Kevin RyePhoto Frames2007-03-17T12:16:49-04:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_photo_frame_1.php#unique-entry-id-5http://kevinrye.net/index_files/digital_photo_frame_1.php#unique-entry-id-5
I wanted to make a digital photo frame from an old laptop. I’ve had various laptops over the years that I’ve found in the garbage. I kept them for a while, but eventually they all ended up in the garbage for various reasons. Mostly due to the fact that they were so old, that the hard drives and RAM would not support any OS or applications that would make them the least bit useful. Now that I think back, they all could run a screensaver! For a digital photo frame, thats all you need: an OS, images and a screensaver.

]]>Kevin RyeDIY Apple3D Modeling2007-01-13T19:15:58-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/apple_remote_stand.php#unique-entry-id-78http://kevinrye.net/index_files/apple_remote_stand.php#unique-entry-id-78
I was tired of looking at my $30 remote lying belly up on my desk like a dead Opossum. I needed to build a remote stand.
]]>Kevin RyeElectronicsDIY 2007-01-11T19:16:10-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_usb_charger.php#unique-entry-id-79http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_usb_charger.php#unique-entry-id-79
I needed a pocket sized iPod charger. You know, in case of an emergency.]]>Kevin RyeDIY RestorationApple2006-12-30T19:16:16-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/macbook_stand_restoration.php#unique-entry-id-80http://kevinrye.net/index_files/macbook_stand_restoration.php#unique-entry-id-80
This is a really old monitor stand that my Dad used to use with his ’84 Mac. Despite being over 20 years old, it’s in pretty good shape. Recently it’s been used to sport my 17” MacBook Pro. However, the vintage beige finish didn’t sit right with my theme. A little restoration was in order…maybe something a little more “Apple”. ]]>Kevin RyeDIY Apple3D Modeling2006-12-17T19:16:21-05:00http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_ipod_remote.php#unique-entry-id-81http://kevinrye.net/index_files/diy_ipod_remote.php#unique-entry-id-81
I need an iPod dock. I have the Apple Universal Dock for home, but I would like to have one on my desk at work. I can’t see myself shelling out another $40 for one. Sounds like build time...]]>