The Technic Alley

FIRST Lego League 2017/2018: Theme Hydrodynamics – All about Water

By editor, on August 12th, 2017

The FIRST Lego League (FLL) fever is on again! This year’s theme is titled Hydrodynamics: it’s about water — how we find it, how we use it and how we dispose it. As always, FLL has picked another great theme for this year’s competition.

At this point, team registration is open, and thousands of teams have already . . . → Read More: FIRST Lego League 2017/2018: Theme Hydrodynamics – All about Water

Wireless security cameras for your home: Convenience with some challenges

By editor, on August 11th, 2017

I have been experimenting with various options for home security cameras for a while. After I got some good results with the Ring Stick-up Camera in my backyard, I added a Ring Pro doorbell and another Stick-up camera in my driveway. I also have a Nest indoor camera in my family room.

All the cameras use WiFi to . . . → Read More: Wireless security cameras for your home: Convenience with some challenges

Convert Your Old Wifi Router into a Wifi Access Point

By editor, on August 11th, 2017

Are you wondering what to do with that old WiFi Router after you upgraded? You might be able to use it like a WiFi Access Point to improve coverage in your home.

I just replaced my old Cable Modem / WiFi Router combo Netgear C3700 with an Arris Surfboard SB6190 Cable Modem along with a LinkSys EA4500 . . . → Read More: Convert Your Old Wifi Router into a Wifi Access Point

How Much Customer Support Is Artificial Intelligence Based?

By editor, on July 18th, 2017

Many of the well established companies now have chat based customer support. This is convenient in many ways if you are good at typing: you can get support without having to go on the phone, so you don’t disturb others at home or work; you can be very precise in the info you share, so there . . . → Read More: How Much Customer Support Is Artificial Intelligence Based?

Smart Lighting – Initial Thoughts on Philips Hue Light Starter Kit

By editor, on July 18th, 2017

The recent Amazon Prime Day had some interesting geeky offerings. One of them was the Philips Hue Light Starter Kit that comes with a Hue Light Bridge and three white and color Hue Light bulbs. The regular list price for the kit is around $199, and it was on offer for about $120.

After having used the . . . → Read More: Smart Lighting – Initial Thoughts on Philips Hue Light Starter Kit

Review: Ring Stick-up Cam with Solar Panel

By editor, on June 21st, 2017

I have been looking for ways to mount security cameras around my house to get good coverage of all doors and windows. If the cameras can be mounted in the yard, pointing towards the house, it is possible to get large areas covered with a relatively smaller number of cameras. That would mean that the cameras . . . → Read More: Review: Ring Stick-up Cam with Solar Panel

Advantages of Disadvantages

By editor, on June 2nd, 2017

In his book “David and Goliath,” Malcolm Gladwell talks about cases where an apparent disadvantage may have helped an individual to actually perform better. He starts with the example of David, a small-boned shepherd who defeats the giant Goliath. Gladwell reasons that David was very light and quick on his feet, while Goliath was big, clumsy, . . . → Read More: Advantages of Disadvantages

FIRST Lego League – 2015 TRASH TREK Challenge

By editor, on September 12th, 2015

This year’s FLL challenge is all about cleaning up! A great way to make young innovators aware of this massive environmental reality and motivate them to think and create new ways to manage all the junk!

From the FLL site:

We’re not talking trash – we’re cleaning it up! In the 2015 FIRST® LEGO League TRASH TREKSM Challenge, . . . → Read More: FIRST Lego League – 2015 TRASH TREK Challenge

FIRST Lego League 2014 – FLL WORLD CLASS Challenge

By editor, on September 25th, 2014

From the FLL website:

What is the future of learning? FIRST® LEGO® League teams will find the answers. In the 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS℠ Challenge, over 265,000 children from 80 countries will redesign how we gather knowledge and skills in the 21st century. Teams will teach adults about the ways that kids need and want to learn. . . . → Read More: FIRST Lego League 2014 – FLL WORLD CLASS Challenge

Electric Vehicle Economics – Would an EV be a good option for you?

By editor, on June 21st, 2013

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming popular commute vehicles in places like the silicon valley. Attractive leasing options, availability of charging options at home, commercial charge stations, and at some company parking lots are encouraging many people to switch to EVs. Are they yet an economically viable option for an average commuter? Read this article to . . . → Read More: Electric Vehicle Economics – Would an EV be a good option for you?