A while ago, during a visit to our local tip shop I saw this object. The moment I saw it I knew I didn't need it, but the force was strong. This could become an integral part in a jet pack. Common sense prevailed and I left it there. A week or two later, I... Continue Reading →
I Searched an Idea and Google’s AI Quoted My Blog
A few days ago I had the bright idea of using a magnetic angle sensor with an anemometer. I’ve been using a Hall effect sensor, which works fairly well, but I figured if I used an angle sensor I could take readings over a fixed time and use the number of degrees of rotation to... Continue Reading →
I Asked Claude for Info, and It Built a Standalone Tool
I’ve been learning to use LCD displays with Arduino via the LovyanGFX library. What I wanted was a simple image converter, something that could turn a picture into a data array I could paste into my Arduino sketch and display on the screen. A standalone tool is born By Googling, I found an online one... Continue Reading →
Australian possums: In the heater, ceiling and their own houses
Possums have been a regular part of our lives. Many years ago, when we first moved into this house, possums had already made themselves home in the garage and in the ceiling cavity. There wasn't a door in the opening that goes under the floor and possums had managed to go through the opening and... Continue Reading →
CBs and and the PocketCom Walkie Talkies in the 70’s: My start in electronics
Around 1976 a friend and I became very interested in CB radio. The craze had not long taken off in Australia and it was still illegal to use them at that time. Dick Smith Electronics and later Tandy’s sold CB radios, antennas and accessories. Despite being illegal to use them, that didn’t stop a lot... Continue Reading →
Subscriptions vs. One time purchase: Is outright always better?
I've seen a lot of comments on social media about subscription software. All those I recall are frustrated with the change from being able to purchase outright and forced to a subscription model. I mostly agree, I'd much rather make a one-off payment than keep shelling out regularly. However, while sorting through old papers the... Continue Reading →
Garbage reminder: A useful ’80s electronic project
Back in the late 80's I built a kit that is a reminder for taking out the garbage. It was an interesting project that I originally built as a reminder to take tablets, although since then it has been mostly used as a garbage reminder. This a picture of it in the original plans. While... Continue Reading →
Blog direction for 2024
I've never been one to maintain a consistent blogging schedule. Blogging has just been something I do when I can push myself to do it. A change in circumstances A couple of weeks ago I worked what I expect was my last day as an employee. I'm currently on extended leave and have no desire... Continue Reading →
Lots of goodies at our local recycling shop
If I said I lived in a small city you would probably have a misconception about the size of the place. While it is called a city it only has a population of around 20 000. In most places of this size it would be considered a rural town. There are some advantages and disadvantages... Continue Reading →
A deceptively simple but not very secure security key
I recently recalled an interesting security key for a building car park at a block of units we stayed at a few years ago. It was a small block of units with maybe 10 - 20 units in the whole complex, probably built in the 1970s. Underneath was a carpark with a roller door to... Continue Reading →