The ZoomTown experiment has reached a fork in the road, what to do?

The results of the most recent test involving test trips have been very disappointing and extremely discouraging.  This episode discusses the possible futures of the ZoomTown Experiment.

Cheers

Chris

Let's do some basic testing on the 5 zoomies and see what the path forward looks like

The first 5 zoomies are assembled so it is time for some basic power up and functionality testing.  Also covered in this video is the plan to move forward to the final phase which is "THE ZOOMTOWN EXPERIMENT".  Still a lot of work ahead but we are getting closer!

Cheers!

Chris

#raspberrypipico #robot  #micropython

Changes to production schedule for the remainder of this year.

There will be a pause in the production of 'This Maker's Tools" videos.  Other business matters require my attention which will probably continue to the end of this year.  

As it turns out, even if you do retire, you still can't keep up the aggressive pace of taking on more work all the time.  I appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Cheers!

Chris

Moving Forward & Building 5 Zoomies

 This episode will share information about the changes to the Zoomie and the assembly process.

Cheers

Chris

Digital Readouts For Machines. See Why They Are So Good!

The digital readout, or DRO as it is commonly called, revolutionized the use of manual machine tools.  They are now practically standard equipment on most machines.  Now, with more competition, they are economical enough for the home machinist.  See how the digital readout increases: quality, accuracy, and efficiency.  Here are some of the questions answered in this short video:

• What is a Digital Readout?
• What does a Digital Readout do?
• How much do Digital Readouts cost?
• How do Digital Readouts improve manual machine utilization?
• Are Digital Readouts just for industrial machines?

Cheers!

Chris

If you make things, you should consider adding a Milling Machine to your shop.

Milling Machines are awesome tools that enable you to make very precise objects.  While their appearance is similar to that of a drill press, the milling machine can do so much more, so much better.  In this review, we will be coving a variety of topics and answering these questions:  

• What is a milling machine? 
• What makes a milling machine better than a drill press? 
• How much does a milling machine cost? 
• What features make for a good milling machine? 
• Do hobbyists have milling machines? 

Cheers!
Chris

JUST RELEASED, THE ALL NEW RASPBERRY PI 500 PLUS ! ! !

Its time for another new computer! Introducing the NEW Raspberry Pi 500+ 

Questions answered and topics covered.

• What does the Raspberry Pi 500+ cost?
• What is new on the Raspberry Pi 500+?
• What are the specs of the Raspberry Pi 500+?
• How does the new keyboard feel on the Raspberry Pi 500+?
• Is the Raspberry Pi 500+ fast?
• How do I get the Raspberry Pi 500+ up an running?
• How to setup the SSD drive boot drive on the Raspberry Pi 500+? 

Cheers!

Chris

Magnetic Bases Are Very Useful, Yet Unknown, Tools. See Why?

Magnetic Bases, AKA Mag Base is a tool that is primarily utilized with another tool, the dial, or dial test indictor.  In recent years, they have also been used for other purposes and have helped solve problems.  This short video explores what these are, and what they are used for.  Here are some of the questions answered in this short video. . .

• What is a Magnetic Base?
• What is a Magnetic Base used for?
• How are Magnetic Bases used?
• What make a good Magnetic Base?
• What does a good Magnetic Base cost?

Cheers!

Chris

Testing Results, Root Cause of Problem, We Are Go To Move Forward!

The testing performed during the last month provided some really great information on the overall status of the Zoomie.  During that test, and the filming of it, I found the root cause of another "bug" which took me by surprise.   

Cheers

Chris

Dial Indicators Can Be Useful In Many Shops, Learn More About Them Here?

Dial Indicators are found in every machine shop.  They are precision instruments that allow you to easily and accurately measure various objects or features of objects.  This video explores this fascinating tool to help you decide if it could be useful in your shop.  Some of the questions and topics covered include:

• What is a dial indicator?
• What is different about a dial indicator from a Test indicator?
• What is a dial indicator used for?
• How much do dial indicators cost?
• How accurate are dial indicators?
• What I can measure with a dial indicator?

Cheers!

Chris

Looking At Maneuver Changes - The Logic Has Changed

With all the changes in the last few months regarding simplification, a lot has changed in the code for making each maneuver. Sensors have been removed (Hall effect),  and other sensors are being used in a very different way than before.  The simplification of road markings has eliminated the need for about 95% of markings!  All of this helped to discover underlying problems and ultimately, to get things to work MUCH BETTER.

This video explains how each maneuver is commanded and performed.  Details include code review and top level explanations.

Cheers!

Chris

What Is A Nibbler Tool and Why You Need One For Your Shop

The Nibbler is a tool that will make an impossible job possible.  These handheld tools allow you to safely cut a variety of thin materials efficiently and relatively accurate.  This video covers these topics about the Nibbler tool:  

• What is a Nibbler? 
• What is a Nibbler used for? 
• Why a Nibbler works better than other tools? 
• What materials can you cut with a Nibbler? 
• How thick of material can you cut with a Nibbler? 
• How to you use a Nibbler? 
• Can it cut Metal? 

Cheers! 

Chris

Is It Worth Having a Drill Press In Your Shop?

Drill presses are popular machines used in many industries and have numerous applications.  In this video  we will explore some of the key features of drill presses and some of things you can do with it besides drilling holes.

1. What is a Drill Press?
2. What can I do with a drill press?
3. How much do drill presses cost?
4. Should I buy a drill press?

Cheers!

Chris

This Maker's Tools videos will be released on Saturday mornings

In an effort to find a larger audience for our segment "This Maker's Tools" I will be switching the release day to Saturday mornings.  The next video will premiere on 8/30/2025.

Cheers!

Chris

Testing is Proving That the Zoomie is Headed in the Right Direction!

There has been so many problems with the Zoomie robot, that the whole ZoomTown Experiment was hovering over the garbage can.  This last major push has brought about some remarkable improvements and new hope for the future of the ZoomTown Experiment.  This overview video will present information from some testing, the recent arrival of new motors/encoders, and the path to move forward. 

Cheers!

Chris

How Many Hobby Knives Should You Have?

The Hobby Knife is a VERY USEFUL tool that has found its way into shops of all types. Often called an X-ACTO knife mistakenly, Hobby Knives have been around for over 100 years, this video gives you information about this tool that you may not already know. Topics covered in this video:

• What is a Hobby Knife?
• What is an X-ACTO knife?
• Who uses Hobby Knives and where are they used?
• What do Hobby Knives cost?
• What features make for a GOOD Hobby Knife?
• What are the weaknesses of most Hobby Knives?
• Short demo of how to use a Hobby Knife.

Cheers

Chris

The TRUTH About Getting One Million Views on YouTube

Take a look at the brutal reality of YouTube even after hitting 1 MILLION views.  Whether you are starting out, or just thinking about creating your own YouTube channel, you will benefit greatly from this video. In this rare, open and brutally honest discussion about operating a YouTube channel, you gain a perspective few ever talk about.  Topics covered include:  

• How much MONEY can you make as a YouTuber? 
• How much WORK is it to run a YouTube channel? 
• What SKILLS do I need to make videos? 
• Is it DIFFICULT to produce a YouTube channel? 
• How many VIDEOS do I need to get to 1 million views? 
• How much COMPETITION is there on YouTube? 
• What are the UPSIDES to doing a YouTube channel 
• What are the DOWNSIDES to operating a YouTube channel? 
• Is it WORTH doing a YouTube channel?   

Cheers!

Chris

Used extensively in electronics and soldering, but what is it?

Work holding is critical for most hand tasks.  When working on circuit boards you need a device to hold the circuit board securely and because of the unique shape, specialized devices are used.  These tools can be very simple and very complex.  This video covers a lot of information about circuit board holders with plenty of tips to help you make the best choice to use. Here are some of the questions answered in this story:

• What is the name of this tool?
• What is a Circuit Board Holder used for?
• Who would use a Circuit Board Holder?
• How much do Circuit Board Holders cost?
• What attributes are beneficial on a Circuit Board Holder?
• Are there different types, sizes, etc. ?

Cheers

Chris

Mysterious Interrupt Problem Solved - Great lesson in Troubleshooting

This story is about HONEST trouble shooting, debugging, and self evaluation. Making mistakes is assured in just about anything and this leads to problems that need be dealt with. This video dives into the process of discovering mistakes made, how they were covered up, how they were discovered and fixed.  It is wrapped up with a VERY HONEST self evaluation what I did wrong in this project.

If your trouble shooting skills are lacking, this video will certainly give you some pointers to help you stay on target and focused on an HONEST solution.

Cheers!

Chris

Soldering Irons, very useful tools for electronics, but invest wisely.

Soldering Irons are used in electronics (and other applications) all over the world and have been used for centuries!  In this video, we will be discussing Electric soldering irons that are used for electronics.  For anyone considering the purchase of a soldering iron, this video will be helpful as it answers these questions:

• What is the name of this tool?
• What is a soldering iron used for?
• Who would use a soldering iron?
• Why do you need to solder parts together?
• What is the history of soldering irons
• How does a soldering iron work?
• How much do soldering irons cost?
• What features are beneficial?
• How do you use a soldering iron?

Cheers

Chris