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Starting the next generation Fitbit Cheat-O-Matic, but changing the name, switching to proper high-end bearings, and make a sturdier base and cam follower mechanism. Should be slick if everything fits nicely and plays nicely.
The last two FitBit competitions at the office didn’t work out for me as far as timing. I was injured both times, so I build a machine to run the heck out of my FitBit! This time around, however, I’m healthy and kicking butt! This article is just my thoughts on our FitBit competitions and FitBit cheating.
We’re moving! Not real far, but we’re moving. My commute to the office is about 30 minutes, which isn’t horrible, but in a 5.7-liter V8 truck, it’s not as cheap as it could be, either. My wife’s commute is an hour, poor thing. BUT, we happened upon a great house sitting on 0.8 acres of land centrally located in the metro Phoenix area only ten minutes away from my office and 15 minutes away from my wife’s.
I highlighted the 0.8 acres of land because… DETACHED WORKSHOP!!!
I was watching old engineering videos from 1939 on YouTube one day and saw a cool demonstration of a cam and follower in a machine of unknown purpose. I realized then that I could make a very simple contraption using 3D printing and a geared DC motor to shake a Fitbit up and down very easily. It could be super-simple to assemble, cheap to print all the parts but the motor and probably run off a simple 12V wall wart power supply.
With great pool comes great towel mess! This is a simple DIY project that uses inexpensive PVC pipe, a few screws and a shade umbrella stand to make a very practical towel tree for summertime poolside organization. I think it took me all of an hour, maybe two, to assemble and paint. Total cost, a hair over $50. If you don’t paint it, less than $50.
It was pretty easy to build a large wood frame shed or mini workshop, actually. Used wood framing that is 24-inch-on-center, salt box roof design, and a cool storage unit type of steel roll-up door.
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