Hello
I’m Joseph Taylor
I'm a Technical Manager and Electronic Engineering graduate, responsible for the infrastructure, security and web applications that keep a business running. This site is where I document the projects I've worked on, and share a little about myself.
I'm a fan of using technology to solve problems, through code, 3D printing, laser cutting and electronics.
I work as a Technical Manager in the mechatronics manufacturing industry, where I plan, develop, maintain and support the business-critical IT systems: Windows and Linux servers, the network, public-facing websites and internal web applications. Day to day that means patching and vulnerability remediation, responding to support incidents, documenting what I do on the company wiki, and delivering technical projects alongside departmental managers. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Electronic Engineering from the University of Brighton, and started out designing test and production equipment before moving through technical sales into my current role.
Outside of my regular employment, I enjoy working on technical projects, either by myself or with friends. Some recent things I've worked on are:
A brief overview of my skills.
Infrastructure & Systems
Keeping servers, networks and backups healthy across Windows, macOS and Linux:
Microsoft Azure and Entra ID, Docker, cPanel/WHM, computer networking, system patching and vulnerability remediation, and off-site backup monitoring.
Development
Building websites and internal web applications:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, PHP, MySQL, PowerShell, Python, C++ (Arduino), VBA, XAML, API integration and Git/GitHub.
Design & Making
Taking an idea from sketch to a physical, working thing:
Fusion 360, PCB and schematic design with EasyEDA and Proteus, 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, soldering, plus the Affinity and Adobe suites and DaVinci Resolve.
Support & Communication
Explaining complex technical concepts to any audience, from first-time users through to academic researchers:
technical documentation, stakeholder communication, service-desk support, and project delivery from requirements through to deployment.
Projects that generate additional income.
To utilise my 3D printer farm while not printing parts for JTEE3D, I've developed a user-friendly system that takes an STL file upload as input, and outputs a quotation. The user is able to specify parameters such as colour and material, and can pay by credit card. Try it yourself here...
We started building websites over 15 years ago, steadily improving and teaching ourselves how to host websites for other people. Through word of mouth, we have designed and hosted multiple websites, and expanded our design skills to print media. Go to the website...
I currently sell modified Apple AirTags to make them almost half of their original size, for use in wallets, purses, etc. Having sold over 1,200 units, I've learned a lot about the importance of efficient design for additive manufacture, international shipping challenges and supply management. Check out JTEE3D...
Built with a friend, the platform sends declaration requests by email or SMS using the ClickSend API, captures a digital signature from the passenger, and automatically generates a compliant PDF. Declarations are stored in a searchable records system so pilots can satisfy CAA audit requirements. Built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP.
Write ups, photos and links to things I've worked on; that I can share.
home labTo expand my off-site backup strategy, I situated a NAS in a location where only Ethernet is accessible (no mains power). I built a box that incorporates a 12V 65W PoE extractor and PoE switch, that allows me to power a Synology NAS and other PoE devices such as CCTV and LED lights.
home labA good friend of mine offered for me to host a PC at his to act as an off-site backup. I 3D printed a chassis to hold a small PC, PiKVM and HDD suspended in bungee cords to keep the noise to a minimum. I'm able to connect to the PC and PiKVM via Tailscale, which means my friend doesn't need to configure anything on his network. I also have a VPS I use with firewall rules setup to forward traffic through Tailscale, essentially giving the PC a static IP I have full control over.
home labAfter running Ethernet almost everywhere, I connected it up to my "home lab panel", which includes a Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro, PoE switch (for the wireless APs) and a small i7 PC. It acts as a good test-bed for experimenting with different network configs.
hardware modification3D printed case for a disassembled Apple AirTag, using an off-the-shelf speaker. Initially made for myself, I listed it on Etsy as an experiment and I'm now at over 1,200 orders. I have made the 3D models free for anyone to download and modify.
View on Etsy
pcb designDissatisfied with the electronics soldering kits available online, I designed a circuit for beginners to learn about basic electronic components and soldering, much like the Maplin soldering kits I built when I was younger. I plan to make the kit available for sale, with easy to understand documentation. I aim to design more soldering kits.
custom pcI took an HP ProDesk small form factor (SFF) PC, designed and 3D printed a mount for an Nvidea GTX 1060 GPU to fit (just) inside. I also upgraded the CPU cooler, chassis fans and power supply. I did modify the PSU to upgrade the fan and remove unused cables and connectors.
vehicle modificationsAfter successfully installing cruise control in my car, my brother challenged me with adding it to his car. It was more involved and required removing the steering wheel, but I was successful.
universityFor one of my university assignments, I designed an AM radio, selecting suitable components and winding the ferrite core with a calculated number of turns. I achieved 100% for this assignment.
universityThis assignment taught me the different types and operating principles of stepper motors. I designed a circuit that interfaced with an Arduino to switch between wave, full-step and half-step drive mode. The speed could also be controlled with a potentiometer.
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vehicle modificationsFrequently travelling between East Sussex and Essex, I decided to add cruise control to my Vauxhall Corsa. It involved replacing the indictor stalk and programming the ECU via the OBD II port.
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universityIn 2018, I worked in a group to compete in the University of Brighton's Robot Wars challenge. I adopted the role as leader and achieved a 100% mark on the assignment.
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universityPartnered with my friend Justin, we designed and built a frequency counter using mostly transistor-transistor logic (TTL) components.
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universityPartnered with my friend Justin, we programmed an Arduino to interface with a custom-built dual stepper motor driver board. For extra marks, we added environmental sensors and a display. We both achieved a 100% mark for this project.
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electronicsTo save some money, I created my own USB cable for an APC UPS. I used an RJ50 to D-sub 9 cable, then a D-sub breakout board to expose the USB pins. I achieved this for less than the cost of an official APC cable.
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universityThis assignment demonstrated the principles behind an AC to DC Power Supply, including different rectifier circuits, the relationship between different circuit components and load performance of the regulator circuit.
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