Ben Watford Email

Robotics, makerspace, 3D printing

I build practical systems that survive real use.

I work on FIRST robotics, self hosting, and hands on engineering projects. I focus on reliability, clarity, and designs that are easy to iterate.

Ubuntu and Nginx CAD and fabrication Embedded and WiFi
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Ben Watford
Robotics · Homelab · Fabrication
Currently building
Live
Server
Nextcloud behind Nginx with TLS
Display
HUB75 LED panels driven over WiFi
Goal
Fast and reliable frame streaming
Robotics
Mechanical, CAD, build
Homelab
Storage, TLS, monitoring
3D printing
Tuning, mods, iteration
Mentoring
Teaching and documentation

Projects

Selected builds and systems I maintain and improve.

Nextcloud server
Self hosted

Reverse proxy setup with HTTPS, clean domain routing, and storage management.

  • Ubuntu server with Nginx
  • Let’s Encrypt automation
  • Backups and monitoring
LED matrix over WiFi
Embedded

Sending frames from a Linux host to an ESP controller driving HUB75 panels.

  • UDP protocol and framing
  • Frame prep pipeline
  • Two 64x32 panels
3D printer builds
Fabrication

Upgrades, calibration, and repeatable profiles for real world printing.

  • Motion tuning and testing
  • Material experiments
  • Design iteration

About

I like turning messy problems into reliable systems people can actually use.

How I work

I document, test, and iterate. If it cannot be rebuilt or explained, it is not done. I aim for clean configs, clear wiring, and simple failure modes.

What I am learning

Better deployment habits, stronger networking fundamentals, and building tools other people can adopt quickly.

Contact

Pick what is easiest.