OutPut

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?

The Legend of Zelda Video

Link Saves Hyrule And more, The Legend Of Zelda

@gamegrumbs Zelda – Grumble, Grumble

Lab Work – The Legend Of Zelda Video

“Grumble, Grumble” (reference noted above) Everyone needs a little 80s gamer nostalgia; The Legend Of Zelda Video – @gamegrumps.

Quick Take

What’s there to say about The Legend of Zelda? It’s the original Golden Cartridge, the original combat, action RPG (don’t shoot the messenger). It should be considered the first action RPG type game… creating the genre of games we mostly see today or classify as action RPGs. I think that is where the genre was defined, moving away from the sword and boomerang attacks. There is plenty of strategy, role playing and action… just saying for those who care that others classify this game as a “hack’n slash”, “beat’em” up…. It’s all of those, but, more so an action RPG, hence the strategies around “speed running” Zelda. You have got to give it to game designers Miyamoto and Tezuka… as it was one of the first games and what I consider one of the best action RPG adventures.

Let’s move on from here. The game is awesome and get’s better the more you play. Learning the puzzles and strategies is key to this Action RPG genre, The Legend of Zelda being a defining game. But I digress!

Find the whistle, beat up the ‘Grumble Grumble’ guys and save the Hyrule once and for all securing the Triforce… therefore saving Princess Zelda. There is far more to the story, but do your due diligence where applicable.(watching the play-through again as I rewrite this story).

The last Zelda game I played was Zelda: Ocarina of Time… in ’98. What a jump from ’86 to ’98. Anyhow, I’d like to play both games again, at some point. Fast forward to Zelda, Breath of the Wild. Thanks to @GameGrumps for the play-through, game content, and more!

Out Of Coffee Warning

Coffee Time With Heart Roasters

Heart Coffee Co. – Coffee Time

Tech And Tools – French Press, Coffee Beans and Heart Roasters

Heart Roasters – Bodum French Press, raise the coffee warning.

COFFEE WARNING…running low, DANGEROUSLY LOW on coffee! Those of you who know what I’m talking about, get ready! Let’s chat about coffee, more specifically Heart Roasters’ blend coffee. I love this stuff from Heart Roasters. For those of you in the South Florida area, #PerqSRQ stop in there and satisfy your coffee creating with #HeartRoasters coffee. They offer a variety of local snacks, breakfast rolls, and drinks to go with your breakfast.

Before we get to far into the coffee beans, are you looking for the tech side of coffee? See our coffee links. Learn how to descale your favorite coffee machines with a little vinegar. Or fix your handheld nano mixer and frothers. And, let’s highlight our favorite camp percolator, used anywhere, for you outdoors people, and experienced campers.

Next, I have to brag about Heart Roasters coffee for a moment – the Ethiopia Worka Sakaro is my favorite. COFFEE WARNING! It’s also my preferred blend to run through the French press. I use the Bodum French Press, which is nothing to fancy, but it works well and brews great small batches.

Coffee Consumption

Dangerously Low

Coffee Low

Last Drop

As a continuation, my go to is the Ethiopian variety, which in my opinion, is the best I can get my hands on, week over week or when in a bind. It’s consistency, flavor, and roast are just right on a day-to-day basis. The Worka Sakaro brews well in the Bodum Chambord French press… as I want to reiterate. You can pick up a frenchie p for around $40.

Don’t skip this COFFEE WARNING, get coffee now. Make your morning coffee a bit more pleasurable with @Heart, Cheers.

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.

Watch BB KING Live Video

Listen To “The Thrill” By BB KING

The Crossroads 2010 – The Thrill

Lab Work – BB King Video, by Rhino. Who Is Your Favorite Blues Artist? Singer/Writer?

Enjoyed the “The Thrill” by BB King? Interested in watching similar videos in our collection?

Hot Take

Like I said, I’m a fan of B.B. (Blues Boy) King (check out the BB King Video), it seems like just yesterday when I BB for the first time. Not in the sense that it feels like it was a long time ago, but more so because it was a day I remember for the music, guitar sound, pace and song writing. I didn’t know what the words meant back then, since I was very young.

It was probably one of the first Blues sounds I remember. The music I do recall Clapton, Vaughan, Shaft, Chicago, Otis Blood, Sweat and Tears, BB, and 50’s or Oldies. Always the Oldies. Anyhow, this might be cliche, or kitschy, but the above song is a great rendition of “The Thrill is Gone” by BB King.

It’s been awhile since I listened to any kind of Blues or BB’s music. Let this be a lasting memory of the day I found blues and blues music. Check out this video and more like it on YouTube or explore other videos in the same video category.

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!

Guitar Lesson Video

Learn The Acoustic Version Of “Aint No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

@justinGuitar – “Aint No Sunshine”

Lab Work – Guitar Lesson Video – Justin Sandercoe covers “Ain’t No Sunshine” Easy Guitar Lesson by Bill Withers

A classic YouTube guitar less video, guitar lessons online, see more.

Hot Take

First, let’s cover Guitar lessons online from Justin Sandercoe known as @justinGuitar. Mr. Sandercoe teaches us how to play “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. Justin has been cranking out guitar videos for a long time (2010 or 2011). As a native Tasmanian guitarist, he has got the skills. Also, he has been sharing guitar knowledge online since the early 2010’s.

Guitar Skills, Songs and How-to-play

Next, I’ve have known about him and watched his videos since around 2014. This cover of a Bill Wither song is a great example of how, once you have the basics down, you can move on to more complex songs and general chord progression and more. I started working with Justin online sometime after I picked up a second-hand acoustic guitar in the 2014 timeframe.

My goal was to restart the learning process, as I had previously struggled with the F chord. It was just matter of practicing, building hand strength, and so on. I thought I would never master that chord, I still haven’t.. but I can play it consistently.

So, I still have to make a conscience effort in order to set time up in my day to train and go over the things (skills I do have) on a monthly basis, but I made a commitment to try and play 20 mins a day minimum. My plan is to play more often, for a longer period of time as we closed to the end of the year.

If you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or have a family member or friend starting out, Justin can help with all the basics… holding the guitar, strumming, chords etc., all good practice before you might start in studio lessons.

Justin Guitar has over 1.5M subs, 1.2K videos on his channel @justinGuitar. Check out his lessons, website and more videos and others like it on YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

N64 Mario Kart Video

Earn The Kart Championship, Beat Fellow Mario Kart Racers

@modernXP Let’s See Mario Kart 64

Lab Work – N64 Mario Kart Video, Count it, One of the Greats. A Top Tier Game, Mario Kart 64.

Easily one of the Top 5 games of all time.

Quick Take

I think I would invest in a N64 today, just for N64, watch N64 Mario Kart video for reference. One of my Top Three Games in all categories, and racing of all time.

By the way, I still consider Street Fighter and Mario Kart (check out the Mario Kart Video if you need a refresher) to be in my Top 5 maybe even Top 2 favorite games (in game play). It’s been years since I last played Mario Kart, but that might change possibly early in the year. Do you have another favorite N64 game? Perhaps F-Zero, Goldeneye, or WaveRacer?

What’s your favorite game? I mentioned N64 games, but I should broaden the question to include favorite games of all time, as my initial statement encompassed all time. It seems reasonable to consider the Top 5 or 10 games of all time every now and again. So, why Mario Kart*?

*Updated here in the late Sept. 2024 – It’s simplicity and easy to play, accommodating for adding or removing players. Players can join and leave, which is beneficial in gaming situations involving multiple players. Nowadays, you may have online competition and fellow teammates to consider. It might be worth exploring the Nintendo Switch to see if this holds true.

Favorite character? Favorite Game? Mario, Mario Kart probably… but don’t count out Yoshi or Toad… and in a pinch Donkey Kong.

Favorite course, probably Frappe Snowland or maybe Yoshi Valley. The Battle fort is interesting as well. Moving on, favorite power up, probably the red shells for offense, or star for defense. All have there “power up” advantages, I’d probably include just a single shell as well for defense.

Anything you would change? I wouldn’t change much, probably not anything as the game is great. I’m not sure if online gaming would be helpful. Single player runs are just as enjoyable as group or multiplayer runs. Anyway, check back later, I’ll place an update on the site, once I figure out what we’re going to do about the Switch idea. In the meantime, watch @modernXP tackle Mario Kart N64.

Otis Redding Video

Dig On Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of the Bay”

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding

Law Work – Otis Redding Video “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay” by Rhino

I love this Otis Redding song, watch the Otis Redding video. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”, it’s a family favorite.

Hot Take

First, The Big O, The King of Soul… I have fond memories of listening to Otis Redding and his music. Similarly, not sure I remember a song more in my life, than Otis’s “Sittin’ On The Dock of The Bay. I can’t discern or distinguish between much of the music I heard as a young child.

Secondly, I’ve shared some of this before in other articles, I do remember artists such as Otis, BB King. Same for Steve Ray, Shaft, Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Temptations. Most of what would be considered doo-wop today. There are others, but what stands out to me most are the strong vocals, a full band (with a strong horn section), blues, soul and dance hall music.

Just sit back and listen to some of his song: Sittin’, These Arms of Mine, Hard To Handle, My Girl, Your One, It’s too late, For Your Precious Love and Only Man… there are a ton of songs.

Watch Otis, the Classics and more via @Rhino on YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

Tyco Typhoon RC Video

Drive The Tyco RC Typhoon Hovercraft

@oldieToys Tyco Typhoon Hovercraft

Tech And Tools – Typhoon Video

The Typhoon Hovercraft is a Radio Controlled (RC) hovercraft… follow along as @oldieToys covers the Tyco Typhoon Video.

Quick Take

Wait, what? RC HOVERCRAFTS ARE REAL! Who knew? Tyco does!

Let’s begin with a history lesson. Today, drones are the new RC craft. I fly drones of all shapes and sizes and have my FAA Part_107 license, so I can operate anything under 49 lbs… safely. There were two RC toys or models that I wanted growing up, the Tyco Typhoon and a classic RC helicopter.

I’m not sure why, but my love for RC vehicles led me to fly drones today.Let’s talk about the Tyco Typhoon. It was an incredible machine. Take a look at the video. What stands out to you the most? RC hovercrafts(that’s the correct answer). This was one of my first and only “teenage/adult”-ish toys growing up. It had real NiMH and NiCd Batteries not just 15 D batteries, a reliable, true remote transmitter and everything you needed to have for a cool ten minute run over cement, dirt, water, ice, or hardened snow (like an igloo).

It was about the durability, the consistency of the drive, the controllability, agility. The more kid-friendly versions had limited controls, maybe just forward and backward, with a turn function built into the reverse setting. Or, in some cases, just a “go” button. The more advanced RC vehicles had a trigger and steering wheel, some of which are still in use today (FrSky, DumboRC, Radiolink, etc.) For more information, you can check horizonhobby.com.

Watch this video and others like it on YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

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?

Street Fighter II Turbo Video

Become The Street Fighter II Turbo Tournament Champion

@retroTech07 Street Fighter Fans

Lab Work – Street Fighter II TURBO Video

Let’s discuss some Street Fighter updates.

Quick Take

Best fighting game, Top Five Games of All Time. Let’s quickly get to the heart of the post, The Street Fighter II Turbo video, the series is my favorite fighting series, with the best combos and possibly ranking number one on the all time list. Mario Kart? NHL, I haven’t discussed NHL in a while, but it’s definitely in the top one or two games of all time.

My favorite character? Either Ryu or Ken. They have great strength and combo sets… If there’re already chosen, E Honda or Blanka would be my second choice. It’s important to have a strong second character just in case. Honestly, I can play with all the characters at this point.. but those are my favorites.

My favorite opponent? That would be Guile, I enjoy the stage, the background and his move set.

My favorite game in the series is SNK vs Capcom Street Fighter on Dreamcast.

My least favorite boss on The Street Fighter II Turbo game? Probably M. Bison followed by Balrog. Balrog can be a real challenge in SFII until you get used to his moves, then comes Sagat the kickboxer and M. Bison. M. Bison can be tough, until you figure out the patterns, combos and fighting strategy. Overall, all the characters are challenging until you grasp the basics like combos and patterns.

If you get a chance to play any games in this series, go for it. Street Fighter 2, 2 Turbo might be the best, followed by SNK vs Capcom and the new SF 6. In my opinion, SF 6 is very different from the earlier versions, including Street Fighter 1 back in 1987.

While the core is remains the same and character moves have starting points, the versions of the moves are different. The game has evolved over time, especially with the inclusion of specials. I’ll leave it at that.

Thanks to @RetroTech07, @Retro takes up this epic challenge, Street Fighter II Turbo walkthrough.

Watch SRV Crossfire Video

Caught In A “Crossfire” Video

SRV – Crossfire

Lab Work – Crossfire Video by SRV Stevie Ray Vaughn

STEVE RAY VAUGHN. Nothing compares to a little “Crossfire” by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. Watch the Crossfire video by SRV.

Quick Take

Steve Ray Vaughn hits home… hard. Stevie’s songs always seem to make their way into my life at the most unexpected times, check out the “Crossfire” video. Times of struggle, hardship, and maybe even a little bit of failure. His songs speak to the heart of the matter, resonating with the soul and hitting you right in the ‘crossfire’… for lack of a better analogy. Weird right? The music finds me in those ‘times’ and brings me back or helps build me up for the next fail. Fail fast (chuckle).

Blues Fans

Anyhow I’m a big Steve Ray Vaughan blues fan. As an aspiring (very novice), guitarist, I admire his ability to play the guitar like it’s a art of his body or an extension of his body. It’s crazy, like BB King, it’s the better part of their body. I’m sure there were many years of practice, failure, etc., prior to stardom. It is truly amazing to see people like BB and Stevie who can play an instrument like they do.

Watch this video and others like it on YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

Watch Tech Toys Video

Gadgets, Tech, Newtonian Fluids and Drones

@NextLevel Tech Toys and Gadgets Video

Tech And Tools – Tech Toys Video

Next Level Sci Fi Toys (Tech Toys Video via @nextlevelscience) Do you like electronics? Check out @NextLevelScience to discover the latest next-gen toys?

Hot Take

Quick tech and gadget video, somethings on the horizon that are going to bring alot of joy and happiness to folks in the gadget and tech community. First, I don’t typically share videos like these, can be spammy or kitschy… Next, I’m truly sorry if you feel this way…. However, there are some cool gadgets and tech in the video. Let’s have a look.

Secondly, I thought you might be interested in seeing such as cool Newtonian fluid gadgets, the lights, the spider drone (which is very cool tech) and wave-board (hydrofoil) concepts. Very interesting tech toys in the video, I’m in it for the drones, the quadcopters (RC aircraft, helicopters, quad-motor craft), RC cars, trucks and the spider-like drone. What a cool concept.

Drones, Quadcopters and Clubs

Let’s cover more of my favorite tech, robots, drones and RC concepts – robot cars, trucks, autonomous vehicles etc. All time favorite, RC helicopters, remember RC Helicopter magazines from the local library. This is probably the defining moment, why I got licensed as a FAA licensed drone pilot and main reason I got into drones (mini and nano quads). Today, I fly at the local airfield, local RC club here in Florida. Are into RC flight? Check out your local RC clubs for more information on membership, times, club videos, club events, rules and regulations.

Lastly, lego, pushing the big stone… interesting, right? I don’t know, I thought it was worth the couple 2 or 3 minutes to take a peak at what gadgets are out there. That at the time, we not mainstream. Today, we have most of the items in the video. The technology step or turn, continues to turn ever so much faster. Check out my quadcopter posts, EMAX TH2, EMAX Troubleshooting video, drone accessories and more

You might be in luck! Cool gadgets and tech video, next level sci-fi gadgets. You like electronics, check out @NextLevelScience to dig up the latest next generation toys.

Galaxy s10+ Damage Video

Nokia 3310

Gear – Galaxy s10+ Damage Video, hot swap for the Nokia 3310

A Galaxy s10+ Damage Video… Time to switch to backup to the backup phone, Nokia 3310, as the Samsung S10+ lost power, its glass is damaged, and more.

Quick Take

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is now DOA at this point (time of post), damage is beyond repair (insurance will cover a replacement). So, it’s time for a phone swap, the video is short, showing the S10+ damage, but more importantly, we’ve got a back up phone ready to go. Time to send out the old Samsung S10+ to be replaced and swap in a fan favorite, the Nokia 3310 3g version. Let’s move on, the new version, same old workhorse of a phone. Never would I think of swapping a Nokia for a Samsung… However, no phone, means no business. The S10+ is/was in this case, a great smart device. The only hang up is the Google-fied version of a Samsung Phone. Moreover, I can’t get much out of it if you don’t have a Google account to shop, download and run apps on the phone.

Damage Inspection

The Galaxy s10+ Damage Video doesn’t show the internal damage all that well, more the surface screen and lack of ability to show a picture on the screen. Let’s change that, with a Nokia swap.

Next, these phones are legendary, long battery life – check, cool games – check, texting/sms – check, radio – check. What more could you possibly want out of a smartphone. Did I mention it can even take a fall from 5ft (assuming normal drop patterns and free fall speeds etc.,)? This Nokia can take a lot of punishment. Batteries are replaceable too! Finally, a moment of nostalgia, I remember those days, unlimited talk, text, snake… back up battery just in case.

Finally, I wonder why the world moved on from smartphones like the 3310? For phone, a bit of nostalgia, ASCII art can be fun to create on the Nokia 3310. Well it’s time to get back to work, Nokia swap done and now its time to make some calls.

Post updates, interested in more Samsung related materials, check out Samsung Next Generation phones, like the s215g and reasons to upgrade to the latest and greatest.

Barebones Torch Video

Handheld Battery Light Source

One The Bench – Barebones Torch (Light Source)

Lab Work – C Battery Barebones Torch Video

Side projects: cleaning up some old solder welds, and built a small light source, see the barebones torch video.

Quick Take

I thought I would put together a simple video showcasing how to make a small device that lights up a room using just a C Battery, Paperclip and a lightbulb. I recently came across this video sometime ago and also saw it pop up in an at home science experiment. This is a simple little experiment with a C battery. Honestly, I would assume you could make this small flashlight with most electronics ‘sized’ batteries. Again, this is just an assumption of course, as I didn’t try the experiment with a difference size myself.

Barbones Build

So, put together a barebones torch yourself. Simply choose a battery (preferably a standard C or D size battery), grab a paperclip, something that can transmit electricity and somewhat malleable. Untwist the paperclip, if you choose that as your connecting metal wire. Untwist and retwist the paperclip so that it can stretch each of the battery ends, being sure the metal can sustain pressure on both poles, positive and negative, and do the same for a twist around the bulbs base. This will allow the battery’s poles to pass the required electricity to light the bulb. Voila! Light in a pinch.

For more at home experiments or ‘light in a bind situations’, you can always see our video playlists, or check the video category on our website.

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?

eMax Quad Rewire Video

eMax Quadcopter Rewire, Resolder & Power On

Patching Up the eMax Quad, Watch the eMax Quad Rewire Video

Lab Work – eMax Quad Rewire Video

We cover the eMax Quad Rewire Video for future reference… following the crash, a few activities are in store…

Quick Take

Time to replace the eMax TH2 air frame, flight controller (FC) or FC Board, motors, motor wires and fan blades. Here’s a quick eMax drone rebuild.

A quick peek underneath, revealed a few more items, copper leads, LED’s, alarm and flash FC board data to get the drone back to working condition (or as expected). This post really celebrates the fix itself, showing the motors work properly, alarm for arming/disarming the drone for flight and visual confirmation the LED’s do in fact work as expected.

Visual Inspection

The video, although short, helps to describe working condition, press play to reveal post soldering work on the bench and FC updates via BetaFlight. Time has moved on since this original video/video post, however, I wanted to share other eMax content where applicable. In fact below, there are a few links to see the work in progress or the actual fix while on the bench (which is a three part project). So, give those a look for more background or context for the final post here.

If you’re looking for eMax content, give these a shot (in reverse order from this postings date) – eMax FC, eMax Fix Part 1 and Part 2, Quadcopter Rewire video (this post), and the TinyHawk 2 mini project. More to come, stay tuned.