Lab Work Archives

Late Macbook Pro Battery Swap

Inspect And Fix: Late MBP Battery Repair

MBP 15″ Swap

Lab Work – Late MBP Battery Swap

The teardown and do the Late MBP Battery Swap Repair

Let’s get it! Before we begin, below are photos of the repair process. We are working on a 2013 MacBook Pro “15 Retina laptop with a new battery. Please ensure that you have selected the correct replacement parts, preferably OEM battery parts.

Find The Right OEM Parts, Find Primary and Secondary Parts

First, it is recommended to use OEM Parts, and even a second-hand OEM battery may be a better choice than non-OEM part in this case. OEM parts can be purchased from various websites such as eBay, Apple Parts, Apple Self Service Website, and iFixIt. When performing the repair, it is important to be cautious and take your time. Power and grounding are crucial, so be careful not to energize parts once the case has been unscrewed and removed. Additionally, it is helpful to have a few other items on hand for the repair.

Tools and Repair Kit for the Late MBP Battery Swap

Some other tools to have around the shop might include the Jakemy screwdriver kit, which contains Torx, hex and star bits. These are key for newer technology bolts and screws used in the assembly process or to hold hardware to the board. Additionally, it’s important to have glue tech adhesives and glue release, gloves, safety glasses, and a welding/soldering mat. These are all useful bare minimum tools to have, including glue release, a tech screwdriver set, and glue adhesive.

Jakemy – Tool Kit 99 Tool Kit
IFixit Tool Kit – (ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Repair-Business-Toolkit/IF145-278?o=14)
Tech Tool – Cutting Mat
Ground Wristband
Electronic glue, glue adhesive release
Focal Fossa – 20.04 – Ubuntu
MacOS Snow Leopard

MBP Swap

MBP Unscrew

Battery

Remove Glue

Macbook Pro Battery Replacement - Un-glue Battery process clean up

Glue Remover

Late MBP Battery Swap - Macbook Pro Battery Replacement

Remove Battery

Swap, Replace Battery

Ubuntu

Apple Certification, Apple MacBook and Robot Repairs

At this point, I’ll assume you are interested in repairs and may want to learn more? Equally as important are the OEM parts as the knowledge to do the repair yourself, intelligibly. Are you searching for parts for your own device? For more detailed information on the Late MBP Battery Swap and the power on and boot process. Check out IOS certification, Apple Certs. Lastly, have a look at this particular MacBook Pro “15 Retina tear-down via IFixit MacBook Pro “15 Retina Late ’13 Tear Down.

In conclusion, more tear-downs and repairs, check out the iPad Mini Fix, Roomba 900 Series Fix or some of our latest MBP Screen & Keys and MBP Touch bar fix. Enjoy! As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

1FYR Experience Update

Website Moved, Updates And More Outdoor Fun

1Fyr.com And More

Lab Work – 1FYR Update And Other Work

Update: The move to Bootstrap V3… in coming soon. Stay tuned for that. But for now, back to the test case, SOLVER. Let’s get you up to speed…

REWIND – We were exploring ways to play around with our cameras, light/exposure, and enhance our film during dusk. Dusk, after twilight, is being the most challenging time. You might not know, but some of the best light is during twilight . The sunset light here on the coast offers dramatic colors, landscapes, shapes, and textures to capture in images or videos. Texture refers to the subtle and stark contrasts of color. (FF) Our experiments continue as we have some fun along the way. Campfire, music, food… what more could you want?

As you will see, fires can be unpredictable, especially at dusk. We enjoy the process of building, stoking, enjoying and extinguishing a fire every month or so. We cook up some burgers, grilled sandwiches, hotdogs, and s’mores if we’re lucky. And there you have it – INTERNET CONTENT!

1Fyr Updates

Fire At Sunset

Islane Fire

S’Mores Time

I’d like to see us get to a point where we can post more videos, more often, weather permitting. Anyhow, the goal of this test was to capture and correct lighting affects. We use Adobe Premiere (Not A Sponsor) and share with you via the interwebs. We’ll post some Premiere content in next quarter or so. That might make some good content as the video/editing process is hit or miss as a noob. You know the sunlight, sun angle, twilight and how/what device captured the subject; meaning what device or camera was used to capture said subject. 1FYR Update, we chose fire, of course. A caveat, (loophole) we don’t see snow here in the South… Snow can be fun to film. All too often I forget/fail to mention the rainy season as well. Pre/post rain storms can create dramatics, drama that’s what we need! Before I move onto the subject of this post (yes, side tangent…) Don’t forget to check out 1fyr.com.

The next test case will include steel, torches and welders, yet to be purchased… Still trying to iron out what that might look like on ‘film’. But we have a few contenders to start, need to fix the campfire tool set. Specifically the shovel has all but worn through its welds and sits in two. The campfire brush is worn out to say the least, adding that to the refresh pile. The campfire grilling surface (an old repurposed baking rack) might need a little attention as well. There are more, but hopefully we’ve captured your attention.

Lastly, we will probably review some gear, welders, torches, protective clothing etc etc. Leaving you with a cliff hanger of sorts. More to come…

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

Refit EMAX Flight Controller

Cut, Fit & Refit

EMAX THS & Flight Controller Board

Lab Work – EMAX Flight Controller

ReFit EMAX FC

I thought we could revisit the EMAX FC repair on the EMAX THS. I’ve want to follow up on the previous post, focusing more on the specific, showing the repair process and refitting the EMAX FC. Along the way, I’ll share additional photos of the process as well (in case you come across this article and are in a similar situation with a failing FC). Let’s cover the entire process from start to finish – disassembly process, cutting soldering, and test flight. Once again, soldering/replacing the EMAX AIO FC. Enjoy the photos.

Drone Repair Photos

New Parts

THs

EMAX FC

Drone Frame

Add Connections

Reattach Power

Once you have all the parts, fitted, soldered and ready for flight, we will need to configure the FC. Rest, bind, configure and fly, in that order. Check out the EMAX FC and BetaFlight post for more information. You can also learn more about the repair, configuration process and in-flight troubleshooting. If you are having troubles, log into the EMAX Support Portal ) for assistance with your EMAX products. Lastly, I want to reiterate the steps to fix the FC – Support EMAX THS, remove EMAX FC screws from the Drone PC frame, Cut/Add Connection to Board, Re-Attach New Power Connector with the Battery Carrier”. Time has moved on since the original post, I wanted to share other Emax content where applicable. If you’re looking for Emax content, give these a shot (in reverse order from this postings date) – Emax Fix Part 1 and Part 2, Quadcopter Rewire, and the TinyHawk 2.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

EMAX FC and Betaflight

Install EMAX Flight Controller with BetaFlight

Fixed: EMAX & Configurators via BetaFlight

EMAX – Betaflight

Betaflight Config – Today, we (you and I) tackle some drone issues… make/model drone controller configs ((same drone, FRSKY controller profiles)), soldering/replacing EMAX AIO FC, and BETA config issues. Photos to follow.

In the meantime, sit back and relax, enjoy… enjoy the pain, the torment, cause I’ve been at this for days… Literally, days. Nothing but borrowed time; borrowed not wasted! Link above will get you your very own Betaflight configurator via Chrome extension.

FC And BetaFlight

Receiver/Modes

BetaFlight

PID Mode

BetaFlight Notes

Like most things, there are more ways to make your cake and eat it. The Chrome extension is helpful when bouncing back-and-forth between systems/releases/drones etc. I run Big Sur MacOS, Ubuntu Linux and a Win Server 7… it’s handy here, as the config remains the same, helps to maintain a certain sense of sanity. Especially when you’re a NOOB.

Two, from time to time, I run my Win7Server via MS Remote Desktop or Linux instance via (https://www.virtualbox.org) – Oracle’s Virtual Box. One advantage might be number of USB ports available… as you know, most MacBook Pros are limited to 3 of 4 USB-C ports. Unless you run usb ports, which I don’t care for (B.S. but that is for another day). Anyhow, regardless of how you run Betaflight, be aware of the nuances, versioning and pitfalls with each new iteration or release. Take notes, take screenshots, vlog about it… anything to help you remember the ‘deltas’ (change) over time. These will come in handy the next time you crash or repair your drones. Notes and support can be found here: Betaflight – Github Notes/Docs Moreover, issues came up when I swapped AIO boards, soldering power and reconfiguring modes.

For more information, I posted more about the config, more on eMAX TH2, other eMAX updates, various configs like EmuFlight and BLHeli, look for 8/17/2020 post – eMAX Fix updates Part 1 and Part 2.

1fyr Campfire Idea

Check Out 1fyr.com

One Fire, Once A Month

Lab Work – 1Fyr, One Fire, Once A Month

One Fire e.g. 1fyr, Once A Month. First and foremost, Family and friends come and enjoy the outdoors; 1Fyr.com! Well that’s the point anyhow.

Next, we are currently waiting for new content as our resources have run dry for the moment. In the process of moving spots to film outdoor firepits etc. This (means we do not have a ‘fire pit’ to film, produce and publish fires regularly, or at least once a month. The goal was is to produce regular, fun, quick content to share with you all. A great idea, share a short video of family via 1fyr, sharing memories with family and friends around the firepit. Many memories, farm gatherings, snow bound winter fireplace hot chocolate, beach firepits and more. The point is just this, share a small bit of happiness with the world; socially.

Therefore, the monthly fire concept is on hold for now. However, you can still visit the website @ 1fry.com WE will continue to post updates, or 1Fyr update(s), as they become available. We are hopeful for more content to come in the near future. Stay tuned for new updates!

Smart Device Support With Legos

Create A Tablet Base

Workshop Side Projects

Lab Work – Lego Device Housing or Base

Lego® Base Mod update… it’s been awhile since I’ve posted any information or updates on the tablet/device base, so here it is base mod 2.

Situation – think fast, tablet housing. Need a handsfree, desktop friendly table housing.
Challenge Lego Base Mod 2 – build a tablet housing (landscape orientation only) to house an iPad. Regardless, or irrespective of what model or make, we had an iPad, make something that will work in 5 mins. Go!
Accessible materials – Legos®, Toothpicks, Pipe cleaners, various
Go!

First, while the Lego Base Mod 2 challenge is primarily for prototyping, try it for yourself. I’ll pull this forward, as I talked about buying bricks 300 pcs set or in bulk (4lbs) if need be. It’s handy to have bricks and Lego parts around the shop, a few bricks, some connectors and you’ve got you very own DIY project build. Moreover, if this isn’t your style, we recommend getting your hands on the Brenthaven.

Secondly, I’m pulling this content forward, second edition accounts for ‘tipping’ and/or stability issue, number of bricks, screen angle and orientation. Issues, devices would tip or fall forward/backward depending on how the user might set the device. Reduced a few bricks, however most were repurposed as support columns or ‘feet’ which helped acute screen angles. Moving forward, mod features portrait and landscape viewing.

Thirdly, caveat, charging cord need was nixed, user will have to set the tablet down when charging or charge in landscape only. There will come a point, at some point, we will include a charging cord mod down the road.

Finally, the previous Side Project Lego Tablet Build article for reference. Or just start here, let’s check out a Lego mobile board housing! Or model train depot!

Rock The Red With City Year

Rock The Red

Presenting “Rock the Red Jacket” Gala

Lab Work – “Rock the Red Jacket” Gala 2014

City Year, Annual Gala, Rock The Red Jacket

I worked with City Year leadership, members, and students to create invitations for the “Rock the Red Jacket’ Gala and a digital campaign. You can find more information about the student leadership association through City Year Cleveland. The goal was to foster connections between students and teachers, and provide resource and information for those involved in the student leadership group. Side note, explore other educational services and work associated with The University of Cal. Berkeley, University School, Supreme Bar Review and more.

Additionally, I personally donated a painting of the city for a closed auction to help raise money and awareness for the association. Stay tuned for more designs. You can view my latest sketches, design work and creations. More to designs to come. Check out my latest sketches, design work and/or creations via X @salleecreates. You can also explore other pieces in my online portfolio and other work under the portfolio website tag. If you are interested in purchasing artwork, you can find those pieces or studies under the artwork category.

Find more items like this by using the magnifying glass (spyglass) at the top of the page to conduct a search.

NEOUPA Chapter Of UXPA

UXPA (NEOUPA) Usability Day Celebration

UXPA – World Usability Day

Lab Work – UXPA – NEOUPA

NEOUPA – North East Ohio Usability Professionals Association. Now, UXPA – Usability Professionals Association – Celebrating World Usability Day

NEOUPA presents World Usability Day 2008. Find information on upcoming UXPA events, membership details and how to join. Learn new ways to get involved as a member and help guide the usability profession forward. Read more details on the World Usability Day.

Let’s start with involvement, I was voted in as the Development and Experience Chair for the following organizations – NEOUPA and AIGA – The Professional Association for Design. Key positioning for developing skills trees, direction and empower hobbyist and professional members.

During my dual seat terms, I did the following: Set goals and established the direction for learning.

Gained agreement on research and application practices.
Held usability sessions focused on enhancing the user experience for traditional designers, web developers and software engineers.
Executing on goals set forth by the board.
Set guidelines for the two associations by emphasizing the exploration and mastery.
Integrating three key disciplines: user experience, design, and development.
Remove overlapping skills, creating focus and distinct skillsets by discipline.Implemented skill maps so students, amateurs, hobbyists and professionals can see how to grow the profession.
Worked to enhance skills and promoted interdisciplinary collaboration amongst professions in the field.

The objectives were to bring individuals together, foster collaboration, and enable professionals to deliver exceptional user experiences.

Finally, and the main topic of this message, highlighting the importance of World Usability Day. Here you will find an example of marketing slip, informing the general association, non-members and leaders in the area. Although it’s been many years since my time as chair, I enjoyed learning and networking with other professionals. Today, I retain membership in both as well as the Manatee Chamber Of Commerce, AIGA, and UXPA, as a member at large.

Learn More About Specific Design Solutions

See other examples of our work, including web, design, brand and more.

University School

Annual School Gala

‘Make Your Mark’ Gala – University School

Lab Work – US

University School – Make Your Mark Gala, 125 Years

The goal of the Gala invite was to share the rich history, heritage, and future that makers create at US. The theme, ‘Make Your Mark,’ was coined to convey a message of home for a better life. This life can be created, initiated, and carried out with the values and principles shared by every US student and faculty, solidifying the message of the University School Gala. This annual event focuses on the schools successes, building a brighter future for the makers in our world, and the boys who walk the halls of US. Make Your Mark on the world.

Invitation Design Details

Gala Invite

Gala Inserts

Thank you for reviewing our University School invitation design. Explore other educational services and work associated with The University of Cal. Berkeley, City Year, Supreme Bar Review and more. We appreciate your attention. Check out my latest sketches and artwork @salleecreates and progression photos. You can also explore other pieces and artwork under the category ‘artwork’.

Build A Lego Train Depot

Bench Solder Station Build

AC Gilbert Lego Train Depot

Lab Work – Ready For Service

BOOM! Soldering Station Done, let’s do the Lego Train Depot.

It’s always great to have Legos handy, especially for building the Lego Train Depot. This model features a big smoke-stack and a unique, oblong, and somewhat unstable shape. This is where Legos come in handy. With a few blocks, you can create your very own DIY solder station. You can buy a 300 pcs set or purchase Legos in bulk (4lbs) if necessary, along with some connectors. You can find sets at garage sales or use ones you already have in storage. Look for bargains to gather the pieces and parts needed for these projects builds using Lego bricks..

For this article or application, I believed that stability would be crucial. We needed something to immobilize and stabilize the train while it sat on its top. Ironically, the train spent more time upside down than right side up. This allowed us to solder the necessary wires, clean debris, and wipe away the age. Yes, the model train spent most of it’s time on the upper ‘casting’ (locomotive mold) so that we could access the electronics housed within.

Depot Pics

Train Wheels

Re-solder

Do you enjoy Lego, Lego building, etc.? See other Lego builds, side projects, tablet base, board housing and more. Enjoy! Don’t forget to leave a comment on our x account, @salleecreates. Let us know what you’re thinking!

Running Debian Buster OS

Qualcomm SnapDragon 410c Running Debian OS

Debian Buster

Lab Work – Running Debian SnapDragon

Full Update: Flashed Debian Buster, installed, updated and running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410c.

Full run down every step forward in running a Debian ISO on a Snapdragon 410c. I’ll through in the Raspberry PI as well. Treat lightly, here we go! Two IoT devices running Debian the same way. Speed and performance are fantastic, clean and uneventful. However, as with anything, problems come and go. The issues I encountered were minor Uneventful, minor, minor issues… more user related. Versus, compatibility issues. For example, I ran into an apt-secure(8) issue, among other minor open source hardware/software compatibility issues. Some research helped me find the solutions I needed. These minor issues shouldn’t deter anyone from flashing Debian on an IoT device. This is the puzzle or strategic side of technology that I enjoy. It’s all part of the territory. Instead of uneventful, it should be described as smooth sailing, as sailing has its own challenges.

In hindsight, it’s been a l while since I used Debian, so you have to ‘roll with the punches’, minimizing the damage or redirecting the challenge. Like most IoT device installs, you have to work through the error codes and fix what you can as the optimal scenario unfolds (flashing Debian onto a mobile/IoT device like SnapDragon or RPi).

Overall, things are running as expected. Next on the list is a full upgrade/update for the trusty Raspberry Pi4B and other OS systems via virtual machine or appliance.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

On The Bench: Tech Tools

Hemostats, Rosic Core Solder, Weller, Harris, And Jakemy

Tech Tools On The Bench - Soldering Kits, Tech Tools and More

Soldering Kit, Tech Tools, And More

Lab Work – What’s On The Bench

On The Bench – Soldering Kits, Tech Tools, Open Source OS and More

At first glance, our pro-setup, includes a solder kit and all necessary tools. It does the job well – I fixed the TinyHawk2 drone the other day. The nano was experiencing power issues with itsLEDs Having a soldering tool on hand is very useful. We use a Weller (soldering) tool for the job. Similarly, we have a Jakemy device care kit – which includes a tech screwdriver set, a essential for tech repair. I have used this set for repair. I have used this set for repairs, on Apple products, EMAX drones, tablets, and more. Eventually, we may upgrade the set but for now, Jakemy is the way to go based cost-effective choice.

RHEL/IBM

Secondly, the RedHat sticker is a memory I found, brought a found memory, brought to you by RedHat/IBM/RHEL (once an IBMer, always I guess). I have RHEL running in parallel with MACOS as I transition back into development and design. Now working full-time on my own, thanks to those at IBM, ((a special shout out)) to Jim Whitehurst and the RedHat Cloud team working with them was a joy, open source Tech Titans.

Next, I also have a few spools of Harris (solder) – Rosin Core .062″ made in the US. Harris solder is unbeatable. Next, I have a couple pairs of #Curved Hemostats, for repairs, which help keep pieces and parts in place. The same goes for the coffee mug I’m using, filled with coffee from Heart Roasters. I also have a few other repair tools, including tweezers and a tool kit.

Oracle VBOX

Lastly, I have RHEL running on VBOX. The cropped image does not show the development setup, only the repair tools. I have my MacBook Pro running VBOX with RHEL (Red Hat) personal flavor and Ubuntu. Moreover, I am relearning Linux Ubuntu, similar, but different from RHEL. As a dev type, I used a Lenovo Dev laptop running RHEL at work. Now, I am just running the operating system with the emulator as I switch it up and start building my own environment form home. Today, just running OS (version) with the emulator as I switch it up and start building my own environment for home.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking? See a few new posts that might peak your interest: Matrix Power Supply, Heart Roasters, SnapDragon – Debian and more.

Roomba Master Sensei

iRobot Maintenance- The Art of Robot Care

POWER UP: ROOMBA Master Sensei

Lab Work – Roomba Series

Become a ROOMBA Master Sensei, solve many Roomba Issues – iRobot Roomba 900 Series

Ring that bell, promoted to iRobotRoomba900 Master Sensei… tune up complete. Assuming extra pieces, swap parts as you clean…

Maintenance complete. A strong a WIFI signal is helpful when rebooting the machine use the iRobot Home app where applicable. For a thorough clean, keep all the bits, bobs, lasers, sensors, and treads clean daily and monthly. It’s imperative that maintenance is performed early and often, starting with the debris bin. Keep debris off the sensors wheel hubs, wheels and sweeper arm. Pet hair, small, fibers, and sand can cause issues and reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of the cleaning robot.

Jokingly, this is how you earn your ROOMBA Master Sensei service belt. Don’t forget to keep the charging pads clean and rust-free. Contact pad degradation means longer charge times and less efficient charges.

iRobot – Roomba 900 Series

Power On

iRobot App

Hi, do you like what you see? Engage with us! Leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking? Do you have a Mayotronics – Dolphin Pool Vacuum, iRobot vacuum, cleaner or succeeding series bot? Have a different robot cleaner brand, style, make or model? Share your experience with us!

Anthropomorphic – Dali

Interesting Take on Reality

Anthropomorphic – Dali

Lab Work – Dali, Let’s cover the Anthropomorphic – Dali

Get Some More Dali…

Dali, Salvador Dali, the Spanish Surrealist painter and printmaker, more infamously known for his surreal expressions and fanciful illusions. I must admit that I am a fan of this work. While I wouldn’t say I’m fanatical, I am intrigued by this works. His work breaks the boundaries of reality and delves into a surreal world that is uniquely Salvador Dali. While studying Art History in college, I delved deeper into Dali’s works as I explored my own surrealist illusions and study of colors. I purchased a few table-top books of his works and some small print books for reference. My influence comes more from the internet than from archival hardbound books. The surreal, dream-like, and fanciful elements in my own work are a direct reflection of Dali’s influence. He truly is a brain teaser. In addition to Dali, other artists like Parkes (modern surrealist; fantasy); even Larry Elmore have influenced my work as well. They are all incredibly skilled with an eye for detail and light. If you have the chance, I recommend taking a look at some of Dali’s work online. Check out pieces like “The Anthropomorphic Cabinet” (Anthropomorphic – Dali) from 1936. Image provided by dalipaintings.com.

See other examples we’ve created, inspired by Dali… human form, human triptych, or the movement study just a glimpse into the impact Dali has had on our creative world.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

EMAX Fix – Part 1

EMAX Repair Start

Hack-A-Thon Part 1

Lab Work – EMAX Fix – Part 1

On The Bench – TH2

Assess The Damage, Teardown

Back from the airfield, EMAX Fix – part 1. Be sure to check out the rebuild of in this series in the EMAX Quad Motor Rewire Video posted just before.

The airfield was clear, with no traffic, especially over in the helicopter and quadcopter area, so we were good to go. I unpacked the TH2 from its flight bag, got it out and up in the air with no problems. After a final check of the batteries and controller, we were ready to go. The weather was clear, and according to the flight radar, it was a clear day with mild temperatures and wind gusts of around 2-5mph. So, up we go!

Teardown

Reattach Antennae

Solder Antennae

Antennae Position

Lift is good, strong, and perhaps the easiest part of controlling the drone in flight. These drones when properly tuned , offer a smooth and vanilla flight experience. Be sure to check out the binding process using BetaFlight to bind/connect the flight controller to the remote.

There are a lot of things happening at once when flying the EMAX drones. You have to be mindful of your location, both as you ascend and descend. The flight went well, as planned/expected. I did a few loops, full power, turns, and hard bankings just to set the pace. Don’t forget to check the battery warning before your flight.

Power Leads, LED’s

Clip Leads

Resolder Leads

Clean Power Leads

Set Leads Properly

LED Seated

Now, at this point it was time to bring the TH2 home safely. As you can imagine, trouble came knocking. Damage report, minor issues included 2 LED strips out, severed antenna, severed power leads loose (+positive lead), and burned or malformed poly-frame. Don’t forget, this might be a good time to talk about light weight, super adhesives like Starbound – Super Fast. Which can be used, sparingly to tack down the led leads. We fixed the issues by clipping and prepping for new wires, ordering new LED strips and poly frame, replacing the antenna, re-soldering leads, and shrink-wrapping wires where applicable.

Similar Emax status update, time has moved on since the original article and I wanted to share additional Emax content where applicable. If you’re looking for Emax content, give these a shot (in reverse order from this postings date) – ReFit Emax Flight Controller, Emax Fix Part 1 (this article) and Part 2, Quadcopter Rewire, and the TinyHawk 2.

Wrap Up Part 1

Find EMAX parts, and more, through our Amazon Affiliate links, or visit the EMAX – US Store. For additional reference, check out the UAV Performance software used to update and run the EMAX TH and FRSky Taranis QX7s controller or more from the devs of Betaflight. Own it and have fun!

EMAX Fix – Part 2

TinyHawk 2 Repair, In Progress

eMax Fix – Hack-A-Thon Part 2

Lab Work – eMax Fix – Part 2

On The Bench – EMAX Tiny Hawk 2

In this case, we are addressing the second half of the build. Just to clarify or set the stage we have returned from the airfield with the eMax TinyHawk 2 in disparate need of repair. this is eMax Fix – Part 2. This is not the first time, nor the last time we will have this drone on the bench for repair. If you are interested in getting into drone flying, check out more EMAX Drone Kits, Drones and more here.

Total Damage, Repair

While difficult, soldering in new, nano-sized parts on these micro drones requires serious patience. Looking back, the drone may have encountered a gust of wind or air under the drone motor poly-frame; it’s hard to say. The crash wasn’t as severe as others, but the drone ended up sustaining more damage than usual. We’ve had to replace a fan blade, FC, or motor from time-to-time, but nothing like this.

Power On, Visual and Manual Checks, Power Down

LED’s Confirmed

Power On Chimes

Remove Battery

Read eMax Part 1 if you would like. Also, be sure to watch the successful rebuild video for this series EMAX Quad Motor Rewire Video which was posted just before the wrap-up article.

Additionally, similar Emax status update, time has moved on since the original article and I wanted to share additional Emax content where applicable. If you’re looking for Emax content, give these a shot (in reverse order from this postings date) – Drone Accessories, ReFit Emax Flight Controller, and TinyHawk 2.

Wrapping up the final steps, we encountered a few minor issues: 2 LED strips out, the antenna, replace positive and negative power leads, same for two of the motor wires, and a burnt out/malformed poly-frame. To fix these issues, we clipped and prepped for new wires, ordered new LED strips and a new poly frame, replace the antenna, re-soldered leads, and shrink-wrapped wires where applicable.

Venice RC Airfield Bound

Venice Bound, Let’s Test The Recent PH4 Gimbal Fix

Drone and RC Airfield

Lab Work – PH4V2 Gimbal

Airfield Bound – PH4V2 FIXED

Fixed Gimbal, freshly removed from the DJI packaging and repacked in the field case. Off to the club airfield in Venice… We are off to fly the drones! Re-posted.

Fresh Upgrade

Refreshed

It’s nice to see the drone back in working order, taking to the sky. Two, completed the requirements to fly professionally, completing and passing FAA 108 test for Part 108 Licensing. Must do, if you plan to fly professionally, beyond a hobbyist, or to take in an income based on flight. In the meantime, let’s get the drone up and push it through its paces…

Those of you who are interested in videography and flying drones, check out the drone shot article below. I don’t normally call out manufactures content or help videos, however, added a few drone shots, The Reveal, Panning, Orbit and Overhead Flight. DJI has nice article on drone shots, and how you might incorporate those shots into your flying arsenal. For more Airfield Bound articles or information on the gimbal issues, or other airfield flight tests, learn more.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

Lego Board Housing

Board Box

Borg2Borg Lego Board Containment

Lab Work – Lego Board Housing

Lego Board Housing by Borg2Borg

Who’s in for our own @LEGO_Group – lan.lego.com/clubs, Borg Housing? Anyone? Anyone? The goal of the group is to combine Lego and technology. For those who enjoy SciFi or Star Trek, you might appreciate the Borg references. So, imagine Legos and IoT boards coming together – BAM!

Lego Housing

Surrounding

HDMI Ports

Second Tie

Arrow Case

Although small, the Lego BORG housing is truly impressive. It is my own version of the BORG spaceship, capable of holding two IoT boards the @Raspberry_Pi #RPi4 And @Qualcomm #Snapdragon410C. I have also included a picture of the original Snapdragon case by Arrow – Snapdragon. Additionally, take a look a touch screen housing by Arrow – Touch Screen Housing. Comparing Arrow to the Lego Board Housing, Lego wins hands down! Both devices are currently running the latest version of Ubuntu IOT OS, allowing me to easily flash/re-flash Android and Ubuntu if necessary. It’s pretty cool. Or, if you’re looking for other work, like tear downs and Apple Repairs, check out those now.

Lastly, we create a variety of items out of Lego for the office, such as computer housing, controllers, train and IOS iPad Stands and other projects more. Give it a try, see what you can come up with!

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

DJI Phantom 4 Flight Test

DJI Phantom 4b On The Bench

Full Flight Test, Gimbal Fixed, New Lens Filters

Lab Work – Gimbal Issues

DJI Gimbal Fixed, Let’s put the Phantom 4 through it’s paces.

Quiet morning, a great day for a flight test. We are here at the airfield to see if the recently fixed gimbal passes the test. Pop opened the box, placed a battery, retrieved the transmitter and headed to the launch pad. The goal is push this Phantom 4Pro, test the gimbal mechanics at flight speed and put the drone through its paces. We take the DJI Phantom 4 out for test run following its time ‘in the DJI shop’ for repair. See our previous post specifically on the gimbal issues. Unfortunately we were not able to capture video of the gimbal issues.

Drone Shots At The Airfield

Take Off

45 Degree Angle

Flight Pad

Let’s move on. Here are a few photos that will have to do in lieu of the video. The same goes for a quick snap of the new lens filters. You can find information on PolarPro and specs on those here. Anyhow, if you have similar issues, its best to reach out to DJI if the device is still under warranty. If not, give me a shout.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

Inspect And Fix: Late MBP Battery Repair

MBP 15″ Swap

Lab Work – Late MBP Battery Swap

Find The Right OEM Parts, Find Primary and Secondary Parts

Tools and Repair Kit for the Late MBP Battery Swap

MBP Swap

Apple Certification, Apple MacBook and Robot Repairs

Website Moved, Updates And More Outdoor Fun

1Fyr.com And More

Lab Work – 1FYR Update And Other Work

1Fyr Updates

Cut, Fit & Refit

EMAX THS & Flight Controller Board

Lab Work – EMAX Flight Controller

Drone Repair Photos

Install EMAX Flight Controller with BetaFlight

Fixed: EMAX & Configurators via BetaFlight

EMAX – Betaflight

FC And BetaFlight

Check Out 1fyr.com

One Fire, Once A Month

Lab Work – 1Fyr, One Fire, Once A Month

The Star Wars Journey

Star Wars Repost 9 Movie Collection

Lab Work – Repost

StarWars Repost

Create A Tablet Base

Workshop Side Projects

Lab Work – Lego Device Housing or Base

Rock The Red

Presenting “Rock the Red Jacket” Gala

Lab Work – “Rock the Red Jacket” Gala 2014

UXPA (NEOUPA) Usability Day Celebration

UXPA – World Usability Day

Lab Work – UXPA – NEOUPA

Learn More About Specific Design Solutions

Annual School Gala

‘Make Your Mark’ Gala – University School

Lab Work – US

Invitation Design Details

Bench Solder Station Build

AC Gilbert Lego Train Depot

Lab Work – Ready For Service

Depot Pics

Qualcomm SnapDragon 410c Running Debian OS

Debian Buster

Lab Work – Running Debian SnapDragon

Hemostats, Rosic Core Solder, Weller, Harris, And Jakemy

Soldering Kit, Tech Tools, And More

Lab Work – What’s On The Bench

RHEL/IBM

Oracle VBOX

iRobot Maintenance- The Art of Robot Care

POWER UP: ROOMBA Master Sensei

Lab Work – Roomba Series

iRobot – Roomba 900 Series

Interesting Take on Reality

Anthropomorphic – Dali

Lab Work – Dali, Let’s cover the Anthropomorphic – Dali

EMAX Repair Start

Hack-A-Thon Part 1

Lab Work – EMAX Fix – Part 1

Assess The Damage, Teardown

Teardown

Power Leads, LED’s

Wrap Up Part 1

TinyHawk 2 Repair, In Progress

eMax Fix – Hack-A-Thon Part 2

Lab Work – eMax Fix – Part 2

Total Damage, Repair

Power On, Visual and Manual Checks, Power Down

Venice Bound, Let’s Test The Recent PH4 Gimbal Fix

Drone and RC Airfield

Lab Work – PH4V2 Gimbal

Fresh Upgrade

Board Box

Borg2Borg Lego Board Containment

Lab Work – Lego Board Housing

Lego Housing

DJI Phantom 4b On The Bench