PKL

ricci, 11 days ago to random

When will I ever learn, running software is always a mistake

PKL, 14 days ago to random

I haven't been this excited about (build your own) new tool day for a while. I hope it works...

PKL, 14 days ago to random

At this point, I'm convinced that black paint is the correct answer to >90% of computer vision problems.

PKL, 16 days ago to random

I was recently gifted an iFixit screwdriver kit that doesn't include any regular hex drivers. Is everything just Torx now? Did I miss one of the Secret Meetings?

That said, Phillips heads were included, which is great because #ploopy products use those. Yay!

PKL, 16 days ago to random

Revisiting work seems to mostly be instances of wondering whether I did something for a good reason or whether I was lazy/stupid that day. 'Cuz honestly, it's hard to tell sometimes.

jacqueline, 17 days ago to random

battery cage instead of adhesive brings me joy

phillmv, 17 days ago to random

@PKL hi Phil! nice to chat with ya :)

i confess when you told me about ploopy i had this running thru my mind: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bcVUBw8nAJw

PKL, 18 days ago to random

The (unacceptably high) difficulty level of updating a rooted Android phone is an incredibly clear signal that Google prioritizes its monopoly control over the OS in a way that completely compromises security.

It lowkey blows my mind that in the year 2024 you can really buy a computer where the value prop is: we assumed you're a gullible moron, so the training wheels are welded on. Here, look at all these ads you can't turn off.

PKL, 20 days ago to random

In the latest installment of my hotplate saga, I got a replacement for the little blue one and got a new one.

Plus: case is grounded, teardown shows thoughtful assembly, standard IEC connector used for AC in. Little risk of electrocution.

Minus: turns on automagically to previous setpoint (200C olat my station) whenever power is provided. SURPRISE HEAT.

jacqueline, 29 days ago to random

as promised, i will be delighting my customers with spot uv

PKL, 29 days ago to random

Sometimes I have to design the weirdest looking stuff, and I can feel myself losing my grip on reality a bit.

Today's project was a vacuum jig for screen printing, and if we're being honest, it's just a box with many, many (carefully considered) holes in it. If I stare at it long enough, I start wondering if I'm in a simulation.

PKL, 1 month ago to random

My little misadventure in tooling has reminded me of the One Rule of Buying Electrical Things From Chinese Marketplaces (and, increasingly, Amazon), which I have included below as a PSA:

Thou shalt open and inspect every tool that cometh from Overseas. Chief among thy concerns shall be lapses in electrical safety, followed by fire hazards.

Every tool shall be inspected, regardless of how cute it is.

PKL, 1 month ago to random

I'm on a bit of a tool hunt to improve the speed and quality of rework, and I found this tiny hot plateOHMYGODITSSOCUTE!!!!!

Seriously though, it's surprisingly effective when paired with a good hot air tool.

Also, I've already burned myself quite badly. Useful, yes. Safe, no.

PKL, 1 month ago to random

By the by, SHOW THE STYLE OF MASTER is its own special kind of slogan genius. Colour me low-key jealous.

PKL, 1 month ago to random

Sometimes I read an application note for a component or system and it says something I don't understand. Usually, I reach for another app note to get more detail, or maybe a paper.

Then, the next note (and the next) will say something contradictory, or just as confusing. At that point, I propose one ought assume nobody knows what they're doing, and it's time to start looking for pennies to rub together in the R&D budget.

mdekstrand, 1 month ago to random

If a blind student wants to do a CS undergrad specifically to work in assistive technology, what schools would be particularly good for that? (Feel free to boost for reach.)

Natanox, 1 month ago to diy

Is there some term for ultrabright LEDs? Talking about those you most likely need a cooling solution for, that output 50+ lumen (around 200.000+ mcd) on a tiny surface. Ebay isn't helpful with its search right now. Need something to attach next to the webcam so the OctoPrint cam can actually see stuff. #diy #engineering #3DPrinting

PKL, 1 month ago to random

I've murdered a usb port on most of the computers I've had. I'm starting to think it's a kind of mark of the trade.

Also, an interesting anecdote: most computers can sink surprisingly large ground currents through USB. I've accidentally passed >10A (for a short time) this way without damaging equipment.

Finally, wisdom: are you debugging something high powered by plugging a PC into it? Run it off the battery if you don't have isolation.

PKL, 9 months ago to random

Doing some experiments with new driver designs. This one uses kapton as the suspension for the driver instead of foam. It's about 11dB more sensitive, which is a great step forward.

bear_lab, 2 months ago to 3DPrinting

I wish we could find a better solution than grub screws for attaching pulleys to shafts in 3D printing. Small-scale requirements make it difficult to use other industrial systems.

Grub screws often loosen under the effect of vibration even with Loctite. They also introduce eccentricity. And the tip of the grub screws marks the shaft, making it difficult to remove the pulley.

Any idea how we could improve this?

#3dprinting #3dptech #3dprinting_tech #pulley #motion #belt #grub_screw @3dprinting