iRover

As many of you may know (especially if you read this blog, which, as it turns out, you're doing right now, so chances are good that you do) I am the "Director of Technology" for TJD Financial Services. As part of my job I am responsible for wiring network cables for each new computer. This usually involves busting through ceiling tiles and insulation to get inside of the ceiling to where the cables are run. I then have to throw a bundle of cable as far as I can with a 1 or 2 ft overhead clearance (needless to say this is not very far). Then I have to take down my ladder, move it forward 3 feet, climb back into the ceiling... (20 ladder moves later the end of the cable is finally where it needs to be).

To save time (and to have a little fun) I have come up with a solution. I am several prototypes into my design - a few more and I'll have the perfect cable running companion!

The original product started off as a remote controlled Hummer (H2 - not that it matters). It was (to my suprise) quickly converted into the following...



But as you can see from the following picture, ground clearance was a bit of a problem...



So iRover 1 was completely overhauled...



I had to take away the headlight, but all-in-all it is a better design...



Here is iRover 2 in action...



Driving this thing through the ceiling was not easy (which is why the next model may include a camera, who knows?!) but I was able to reach out and grab it (along with the cable) and it saved me lots of time (minus the time it took me to make the thing!)