John is exhibiting two of his projects at Maker Faire - a beer fetching robot controlled remotely via WiFi that uses ultrasonic sensors and a claw to grab beers, and a customised RepRap 3D printer housed in a sound insulating enclosure with a Raspberry Pi-based controller. He took up making as a hobby after being inspired by previous Maker Faires and has learned that tinkering can be easier now but projects have a tendency to grow beyond initial plans and it's better to work with others.

1. John O’Brien
John is a weekend maker
interested in 3D printing and
electronics. After being
inspired by the exciting things
at last year's Maker Faire he
decided to take the plunge and
exhibit two of his projects this
time round - a beer fetching
robot and a RepRap 3D printer.
An event of: Brought to you by: In partnership with: Thanks to:

2. Tinker tailor: Girl and Boy Hobby Blogs
www.joyfulgiraffe.com www.jweoblog.com
Oil Painting, Sewing and Crafts 3D Printing and Electronics
Come and say hello at booth EN01!

3. BeerBot: WiFi controlled beer fetching
robotics platform
Lego NXT Mindstorms
Controller & Lego Chassis
WiFi connection to steer
via SSH
Streaming Robot's Eye
Video
Ultrasonic distance
sensor
Beer grabbing claw
Raspberry Pi with PiFace
and Camera Module
1000mAh battery
Blu Tack and Rubber
Bands
Remote operated
headlights and LASER!!!

4. Squirty the RepRap: customised
RepRap Huxley with sound insulating
enclosure Raspberry Pi with
TightVNC and Pronterface
Sound insulating perspex case
RepRapPro Huxley with 3D printed adjustable vents
borosilicate print bed
Integrated spool holder
LIttle Booties

5. What I've learned so far...
• It's never too late to start tinkering
• Making stuff is much easier than it used to be
• Projects have a way of growing...
• Going it alone is slow (and less fun)
• If at first you don't succeed, stop
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5 (and try again later)