make. break. in no particular order.

My name is Andy and I make lots of random stuff. Read more about me on the About page.

What's New, You Ask?

I've released a tiny little macOS menubar utility I use to quickly swap my SSH config files between different environments or use cases. It's called Sshwitch.

Side note: On this website, I am using the super-cool Input font for this site. If you write code and you want to use it for your code editor, grab it here: https://input.djr.com/

Latest Blog Articles

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
📆 Dec 30. 2025
📁 Computer Stuff

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

My thoughts on the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 dock

The Shed Beast: A 12x16 Wood Frame Storage Shed
📆 Mar 23. 2020
📁 Uncategorized

The Shed Beast: A 12x16 Wood Frame Storage Shed

Designing and building a massive 192 sq ft workshop shed.

Fitness Tracker Tester (& Pokemon Incubator?)
📆 Oct 12. 2016
📁 Uncategorized

Fitness Tracker Tester (& Pokemon Incubator?)

A generic device for... testing fitness trackers. Yeah, testing.

Photo Parade!

My First Amplifier Circuit: LM386 Easy Amp
2012 Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Foam Core Backdrop Support Frame
Designing a New Man Cave and Workshop
Turn a Servo Into an Inexpensive Geared Motor
FitBit Contest at meltmedia - No Cheat-O-Matic
USB Foam Dart Launcher Assimilated (Partially)
meltmedia Hack Day July 2012!
Bourbon Bottle Chandelier - Bluetooth, Dimmable, Hand-crafted
LED Reading Lamp
June 18, 2014 is the National Day of Making
Charlieplexing MORE LEDs (20, to be exact)
AVR Serial Communications Using XBee RF Modules
RoboStocking - AVR, Servo, Motor, IR Sensor, and BOOM!!! Merry Christmas!
Home-Aged Bourbon YUM!
Swanky Chinese Lamp
Rescue a Little Critter from Sticky Board Trap
Update on Backyard DIY LP Fire Pit
Tony Stark for Halloween 2010: The Arc Reactor (RT Mark II)
Hack the SparkFun Big Red Dome Button!
A Maker Review on Bluetooth Smart Beacons (or Apple iBeacons)
Objective-C/iOS/iPhone: UIColor from NSString
Solenoid-Powered 6 Brass Bell
The 2014 Southwest Maker Fest in Mesa, AZ
Touch Screens: Some Interesting History and Info
Update: LED Reading Lamp Materializing
Introducing: The Office Chairiot Mark II - Labor In Motion Again
Recycled Sparkfun Shipping Box Wire Dispenser
Stripe - Card Processing for Developers
Cigar Coolidor (Wine Cooler + Humidor = Coolidor)
My First Amplifier Circuit: LM386 Easy Amp
2012 Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Foam Core Backdrop Support Frame
Designing a New Man Cave and Workshop
Turn a Servo Into an Inexpensive Geared Motor
FitBit Contest at meltmedia - No Cheat-O-Matic
USB Foam Dart Launcher Assimilated (Partially)
meltmedia Hack Day July 2012!
Bourbon Bottle Chandelier - Bluetooth, Dimmable, Hand-crafted
LED Reading Lamp
June 18, 2014 is the National Day of Making
Charlieplexing MORE LEDs (20, to be exact)
AVR Serial Communications Using XBee RF Modules
RoboStocking - AVR, Servo, Motor, IR Sensor, and BOOM!!! Merry Christmas!
Home-Aged Bourbon YUM!
Swanky Chinese Lamp
Rescue a Little Critter from Sticky Board Trap
Update on Backyard DIY LP Fire Pit
Tony Stark for Halloween 2010: The Arc Reactor (RT Mark II)
Hack the SparkFun Big Red Dome Button!
A Maker Review on Bluetooth Smart Beacons (or Apple iBeacons)
Objective-C/iOS/iPhone: UIColor from NSString
Solenoid-Powered 6 Brass Bell
The 2014 Southwest Maker Fest in Mesa, AZ
Touch Screens: Some Interesting History and Info
Update: LED Reading Lamp Materializing
Introducing: The Office Chairiot Mark II - Labor In Motion Again
Recycled Sparkfun Shipping Box Wire Dispenser
Stripe - Card Processing for Developers
Cigar Coolidor (Wine Cooler + Humidor = Coolidor)

Maker Resources

A radnom sampling of tools and resources I find useful. View all resources →

Learning Platforms
FreeCodeCamp

A non-profit organization that consists of an interactive learning web platform, an online community forum, chat rooms, online publications and local organizations.

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Developer Tools
Pico CSS

Minimal CSS framework for semantic HTML. It makes things look great without writing classes.

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Resources for STEM

Find stuff for learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. View STEM

STEM Stuff
National Geographic Kids

This site hardly needs an introduction, but here goes… This is the kiddo version of the world-renowned National Geographic Society’s website, with videos, articles, and games to get kids interested in science and exploration. All of this to further the Society’s mission: “Using the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of the world.”

Visit Resource →
STEM Stuff
Tinkercad

“Tinkercad is a free web app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. We’re the ideal introduction to Autodesk, a global leader in design and make technology.” “Tinkercad is proud to be KidSAFE COPPA certified. Our lesson plans adhere to Common Core and NGSS standards for the classroom.“ —Tinkercad Home page

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STEM Stuff
STEMpowerUP

“[STEMpowerUP was launched] to help others find similar opportunities. Our platform consolidates STEM courses, bootcamps, scholarships, and events, providing one place where you can discover what you need to grow and succeed.“ —STEMpowerUP About page

Visit Resource →

Resources for STEM & Women/Girls in Tech

Technology is super cool and it shouldn't care who makes it that way. Women/Girls in Tech.

Women & Girls in Tech
Girls Who Code (GirlsWhoCode.com)

According to their about page, 37% of computer scientists in 1995 were women. Today, it’s down to 24%. Attrition is highest between the ages of 13 and 17. “We're reaching girls around the world and are on track to close the gender gap in new entry-level tech jobs by 2030.”

Visit Resource →
Women & Girls in Tech
A Guide for Women in STEM: Closing the Gender Gap

(From the article intro) “Women are represented far less in technical occupations than men. According to the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), only 26% of computer and mathematical occupations are held by women.” Look at this article to find out more and to find resources for women in STEM, including scholarships and women’s universities with STEM degrees.

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Women & Girls in Tech
ProjectCSGirls (ProjectCSGIRLS.com)

“ProjectCSGIRLS is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in computing and technology. Our unique idea of a technology and computer science competition for middle school girls stemmed from the fact that a large chunk of learning and development occurs during the critical middle school period.” (See the statistic above!)

Visit Resource →