First Github Repo!

I've made several github repositories on at work on our local network's git website, but I had never posted my own repo outside that ecosystem. Today is my first public repo on github! I made some scripts to make it easier to change the clockrate/power consumption of the jetson nano instead of having to remember all the commands and syntax. Here it is:

Jetson Power Scripts
[Jetson Nano power management](https://github.com/nickswimsfast/jetson_powermgmt)

Good instructions for starting a [new github repo](https://kbroman.org/github_tutorial/pages/init.html).

SSH/VNC to Jetson Nano
I setup ssh beforehand with vino on the jetson itself - the default instructions weren't exactly right, but some googling later and you'll git it!. Also, I've found that using realvnc works great for connecting to it (free solution). TightVNC costs money?! Also, on my x86 windows desktop computer it was easy to use ubuntu's built-in remote desktop sharing. I also had to install openssh-server on the x86 computer, but I don't think i needed to do that on the Jetson, i think it came with that by default.

Playing with Nvidia Jetson Nano

Back again
I'm going to necro-post on my own blog... Haha how fast does time fly? I figure best way to get back into it is to just dive in...

While at Nvidia's GPU conference this year, I was lucky enough to pick up a Jetson Nano edge computer and play around with it a bit. There are quirks as its still a developer board and well its linux so its good if you can troubleshoot things as they come...

Jetson Nano + apt vncserver == bad idea
I immediately tried to install tightvncserver on my nano running ubuntu 18.04... I tried following standard desktop install instructions those didn't work. Most install instructions have you install several dependencies and desktop environments i added some gnome panels and pretty much bricked my OS. apt remove doesn't work...

Jetson Nano + VNC solution!
Then I noticed some documentation on the OS for the jetpack referencing using vino as a means of providing VNC capability. (To remotely login to your computer over the network). I tried this, but it didn't work either, specifically no indication it was running, and then i found desktop sharing icon built into linux. This is the vino package, but its broken in the UI, this website tells you how to fix it:
https://blog.hackster.io/getting-started-with-the-nvidia-jetson-nano-developer-kit-43aa7c298797

Let's see if I can keep the momentum going...

Been Awhile

It's been awhile. A lot has progressed since the last time I posted because:

• Finished the CNC machine!
• Graduated from college with two degrees in engineering
• Finished my internships.
• Got a job at a major aerospace company
• A couple patents pending...
• Bought a house
• Started working on my MBA in grad school

All this has kept me thoroughly busy, and unfortunately provides conflicts of interest when I post stuff here. So I may pick this up again in the future once I get a lull in the race of life. Full time work and school is plenty.

On the engineering side of things, I built a printrbot kit 3d Printer, and bought a xyz davinci 2.0. You can find some videos on the printrbot on my youtube.  I have to say it was an amazing feeling to build something, which then in turn builds other things. Mind blown. Get a 3D printer and go to thingiverse, it will change your life.

Off to do some homework!

New hobby!

A friend of mine, David had a single wing R/C Glider. We went out and had a grand time flying it around. So after seeing that, I got "the R/C bug." I immediately started researching it and decided to buy a Micro DLG hand thrown glider. I wanted something light weight, durable, and would teach me to fly without being too costly.

My Micro DLG assembled

I bought this one: http://www.skyhighhobby.com/micro-d-worlds-smallest-dlg-glider.html

While it was unclear at the time, I bought what I thought were the correct accessories. I was mistaken and bought the wrong size receiver. It had a 2s battery not a 1s to drive it, so i bought a second receiver that was the correct one and built it after about 2-3 weeks of waiting for parts etc.. Here are the correct items I ended up using for this plane:

- Micro DLG Glider kit

- Spektrum DX6i radio ($160 shipped)

- Spektrum SPMAR6400T DSM Ultra Micro Receiver with Two Brushed ESC's ($60)

- (Extra battery) Two F-lite 1S 3.7V 150 mAh ($10?)

- Stuff from hardware store (superglue, glue sticks, glue gun, strapping tape, and double sided tape)

SuperCub - compared to 1 gallon milk jug

A week later, I also bought a Supercub LP from http://www.redrockethobbies.com for about $170. This was the recommended plane by the gentleman I spoke to at the store. Mind was the bind'n'fly version since I already had a Spektrum DX6i. Boy was this thing big! This was an excellent learners plane, but don't underestimate the wind. I also bought a cable so I could run the free simulator. It was a GWS FMS Cable with 1/8" Mono Plug for JR (GWFSM002B) This $20 purchase was well worth it! RC Desk pilot was perfect with it. I would highly recommend this purchase and practicing several hours before flying your motor powered plane!!! I spent about 4 hours on it, and practiced landing a bunch and got to about a 90% landing rate, I even found the exact model plane for the simulator. It was remarkably good practice for the real thing!

CNC Machine progress

I've been working on my CNC, and documenting it primarily on CNCzone as I can find a lot of useful responses from experts. You can find my thread at:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_wood_router_project_log/125139-nickswimsfasts_cnc_build_log.html

For project ideas, I'm looking at the following sites:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9452

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9233

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9082

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8928

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8787

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8756

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8446

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8157

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6912 <=== violin

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:53

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:211

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:20 <== chess

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:358

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:981 <== cable carrier

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1393

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1521

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1616

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3812

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3621

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4965

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5449

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5568

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5727

And for more check out http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/5276-dinosaur_skeleton_other_models_dxf-108.html or

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/misc.php?do=showattachments&t=5276

I will not be making regular posts concerning my CNC machine on here anymore, since it has moved to the CNCzone forums.

Wood CNC Frame

I finished my first milling project on the TAIG mill, really simple modification of an airsoft scope i had laying around. I bought some fiber optic cable online, opened the ACOG scope with Torx T10. I then milled out a through hole on the LED fixture internally, I also put a hole in the top of the ACOG to run the fiber optic cable through. Threading the fiber optic cable through resulted in this dot. It is still fully adjustable via thumb screws. This scope now works in nearly all conditions, with exception to nighttime. It does work at dusk. I'd argue it works better than an LED during a bright day.

On a second note, I decided to machine the wood frame I had planned on cnczone. This wood frame consists of only 2x4's. A very cost efficient design. HEAVY though, and lots of wood. Since it doesn't cost very much, and I want to get a move on, i'm making it with the intent to upgrade the machine with a fully design 8020 aluminum extrusion frame later. So I bought a hitachi miter saw, and went to work on about 9 pieces of 2x4's 8' long. 45 minutes later I had all the pieces cut. WOW this was so much faster than the circular saw i was using before.

Graduation and more!

I've graduated (once) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in math. Woooo! I don't feel done, because I have 4 more classes to go, and I get my 2nd degree in manufacturing. I'll be doing that after my next internship with MECOP.

I bought a TAIG mill from nick carter. Great fellow, helped me through some questions, and complications i encountered. I discovered how uneducated I am about ER16 collets. The hole in the collet is suppposed to be drilled offcenter to allow the collet to "snap" into place.

I didn't have a machinist square so I used my largest parallel to roughly square up the headstock. I hope to do a proper job when i get more equipment.

CNC documentation

I will stop, or slow down my documentation of the machine on this blog. I am now using cnczone to post all my progress on the personal CNC machine. You can find it here:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_wood_router_project_log/125139-nickswimsfasts_cnc_build_log.html

I also stumbled into this VB script/mod that someone via cnczone. Worth a look, I'll probably return to look at it when I have the machine completed.

http://ninoransenberg.com/2011/04/11/backlash-probe-for-mach-3-2/

Internet finds!

While I was browsing a thread on CNCZone I stumbled on this wonderful website. It has some articles from some old popular science articles concerning metal forming, welding, machining, etc..

http://www.knucklebusterinc.com/features/category/how-to/page/2/

After browsing i came to some conclusions about my CNC router build. From looking at http://www.probotix.com/power_supplies, i decided that I need to utilize XLR connectors such as the ones from this website. They have 8 ports, so now I just need to source some shielded 4 pair wire to solder it too. I also need to ensure the gage is rated for the current. They only sold 22 gage wire there, while it was shielded, I want to be able to carry a higher load without concerns.

-------

Also found this AMAZING video, showing how with a simple mechanical advantage and some properly formed metal, you can make a suit that amplifies your movement. Iron man watch out! I'm excited because this is definitely one of the projects i want to do when i have free time. (If ever lol.) Studying for my two degrees, and moving onto my second internship is keeping me away from finishing the cnc!

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdPpWy_O09k

King Crab Walker Robot

For one of my classes I was given a toy robot to model and simulate. I took some time lapse video and made this compilation of it’s creation. Enjoy!