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!

Domo Wobbly Balancing Robot Thing
Touch Screens: Some Interesting History and Info
Solenoid-Powered 6 Brass Bell
Focus, Dammit! Or, How I've Learned to Control A.D.D.
FitBit Contest at meltmedia - No Cheat-O-Matic
Standing Desk Improvisation Inspiration with Little Perspiration
The 2014 Southwest Maker Fest in Mesa, AZ
Ventilation Upgrade
Charlieplexing MORE LEDs (20, to be exact)
What makes a Maker tick?
Lipstick Camera Turned Video Microscope
Update on Backyard DIY LP Fire Pit
Welcome!
DIY Workshop Stereo Boombox Kinda Thing
Updated Office Chairiot Mark II Systems Schematic
Fix Missing Comments Problem in Notepad WordPress Theme
Desktop Warp Core - The Early Years
meltmedia meltHack-A-Palooza V: The Lost Pushbutton
Making Mad Props for meltmedia's Interactive Superhero Marketing Launch: The Rest of the Props
2012 Kentucky Bourbon Trail
LED Reading Lamp
Bourbon Bottle Chandelier - Bluetooth, Dimmable, Hand-crafted
What happens when a fat guy on a golf cart parks on my iPhone?
AVR Serial Communications Using XBee RF Modules
Update: LED Reading Lamp Materializing
Easy DIY PVC Poolside Towel Rack
Rescue a Little Critter from Sticky Board Trap
My First Amplifier Circuit: LM386 Easy Amp
Objective-C/iOS/iPhone: UIColor from NSString
Quick Little 3.3V and 5V Benchtop Switching Power Supplies
Domo Wobbly Balancing Robot Thing
Touch Screens: Some Interesting History and Info
Solenoid-Powered 6 Brass Bell
Focus, Dammit! Or, How I've Learned to Control A.D.D.
FitBit Contest at meltmedia - No Cheat-O-Matic
Standing Desk Improvisation Inspiration with Little Perspiration
The 2014 Southwest Maker Fest in Mesa, AZ
Ventilation Upgrade
Charlieplexing MORE LEDs (20, to be exact)
What makes a Maker tick?
Lipstick Camera Turned Video Microscope
Update on Backyard DIY LP Fire Pit
Welcome!
DIY Workshop Stereo Boombox Kinda Thing
Updated Office Chairiot Mark II Systems Schematic
Fix Missing Comments Problem in Notepad WordPress Theme
Desktop Warp Core - The Early Years
meltmedia meltHack-A-Palooza V: The Lost Pushbutton
Making Mad Props for meltmedia's Interactive Superhero Marketing Launch: The Rest of the Props
2012 Kentucky Bourbon Trail
LED Reading Lamp
Bourbon Bottle Chandelier - Bluetooth, Dimmable, Hand-crafted
What happens when a fat guy on a golf cart parks on my iPhone?
AVR Serial Communications Using XBee RF Modules
Update: LED Reading Lamp Materializing
Easy DIY PVC Poolside Towel Rack
Rescue a Little Critter from Sticky Board Trap
My First Amplifier Circuit: LM386 Easy Amp
Objective-C/iOS/iPhone: UIColor from NSString
Quick Little 3.3V and 5V Benchtop Switching Power Supplies

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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Resources for STEM

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

STEM Stuff
Computer Science Unplugged

“CS Unplugged is a collection of free learning activities that teach Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. We originally developed this so that young students could dive head-first into Computer Science, experiencing the kinds of questions and challenges that computer scientists experience, but without having to learn programming first.” —CSUnplugged.org About 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

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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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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
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
Tips for Getting Girls Involved in STEM

SAM Reader Brielle sent me this link from ITHARE.com. From the ITHARE About page: [They are a collection of] H.A.R.E.[s], which stands for “Honest And Restless Engineer”. Other H.A.R.E. rabbits may include other sub-species, such as “Heartless And Rough Engineer”, or “Hyperactive And Rebellious Engineer”, or even “Harebrained And Reckless Engineer”. Overall, some scientists argue that all H.A.R.E.s can be described by the following formula: H[a-z]* And R[a-z]* Engineer, but this is still a subject of numerous debates within Rabbit Academia.

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