OutPut

October 1, 2020October 21, 2024

University School

Annual School Gala Presents

‘Make Your Mark’ Gala – University School

Lab Work – US

University School – Make Your Mark Gala, 125 Years

Print • eMarketing Email Campaign • Multi-Layered Event Invitation and More

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 @salleetech and progression photos. You can also explore other pieces and artwork under the category ‘artwork’.

September 1, 2020September 23, 2024

Multimeter PDF

Learn To Use Your Multimeter

Download the Innova 3320 Multimeter Manual

Materials – Innova Multimeter Manual PDF*

Archive – Innova 3320 Multimeter Manual

Click the Innova 3320 Multimeter PDF link below. For those of you who own an Innova 3320 Multimeter tool here is the link from Innova – form 3320. (( LOUD NOISES )) I don’t believe the manual was ever included in the original packaging. Buzz kill. PUN INTENDED. Not a huge fan of barcodes, nor the exclusion of manuals when purchasing tools. So, let’s work with what we have, again, a workaround for the time being.

However, QR codes help if you misplace your copy or Innova manual, not my preference. One improvement from my perspective Innova… kindly provide a manual with purchase. Provide a QR code for lost manuals or backup. While I’m on the topic, the barcode route requires a smartphone, tablet or smart device to capture the images, process the code (website link) and a web browser to view the document. Adobe Acrobat is required here for the Multimeter PDF Manual, for those of you who don’t have Adobe Reader handy. Again, not trying to belabor the point, a simple, newsprint weight or style, 8″x11″ (stapled or unstapled, doesn’t matter, bonus if it is in order) works as well.

Finally, when purchasing tools to evaluate electrical output, it probably should have directions. Again, sensitive subject. So, for the sake of simplicity, the Innova Multimeter archive has been written. As usual leave a comment below, share your thoughts on the use of barcodes to replace printed manuals, let us know what you’re thinking?

August 31, 2020September 27, 2024

Lego Train Depot

Project – Solder Station Build

AC Gilbert Lego Train Depot

Lab Work – Ready For Service

BOOM! Soldering Station Done

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.? Leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking!

August 31, 2020September 23, 2024

Tool Needs

Measure Precisely, Calipers

Tool Needs – Neiko and Mitutoyo Calipers

Tech | Tools – Calipers

Archive – Tool Needs, the Neiko or the Mitutoyo Calipers

A handy gadget to have in and around the shop is a set of calipers. Make Neiko brand calipers your go to for precision measurements. If you already have a set of calipers and looking to replace current stainless calipers, consider the Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper.

Regardless of which maker or brand you might choose, both are useful to have around the shop. We use one set for ‘more rugged’ measurements, such as automotive, outdoor or in not-so-clean environment. The other set stays indoors, ideally in a clean environment free of debris and contaminants. The main difference, in my opinion, is the metal-to-plastic ratio. I find it more accurate to use metal parts (Mitutoyo) compared to the metal and plastic hybrid (Neiko). Both function as mid-range calipers and are not terribly expensive. However, they are necessary for taking accurate measurements.

Check out these tools for yourself and see which one fits your needs best. Let us know what you find!

Comparison

Neiko Caliper

Mitutoyo Caliper

Question to all: Do you have a better caliper? Please let me know by sharing via email. I would also appreciate the use of comments for back-and-forth communication, especially when looking for a specific part, such as the calipers mentioned in the article or something else.

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

August 31, 2020September 24, 2024

AF 312 Wiring Schema

AdNeSC AC Gilbert Model Trains – The American Flyer Series

American Flyer Wiring Schema

AF 312 Wiring Schema - Archived American Flyer Locomotive Wiring

Materials – AC Gilbert Wiring Schema

Rewire – AF 312, with the AF 312 Wiring Schema

I thought this might come in handy for those of you out there, tinkering and wrenching with old model trains, trying to keep our historic, scale models running smoothly. I recently, needed to rewire a 50’s AF 312 Locomotive and Tinder (using the AF 312 Wiring Schema). Also, for future reference, two other models are included the diagrammatic illustration.

Drone Accessories

Wheels

Re-solder Power

The teardown effort went smoothly, with only a little trouble encountered with the tinder card. Resoldering the burnt wires wasn’t a pleasant task. However after swapping in some new wires, fresh resin, and solder, we were back in business. We cleaned out the tinder cart, removing any debris, paint, and oil deposits. The same care was taken with the wheel set, ensuring the original parts ran as they should. This effort aims at restoring and bringing the model trains back to life.

AC Gilbert Schema Diagram

Next, a similar rewire requiring coils is needed for this locomotive, but it does not have those parts. Those items seem to be missing at this point, causing a wiring and parts issue. They appear to be charging coils and connections on the circuitboard, solidifying the connection underneath the locomotive’s body. Unfortunately, this train seems to be missing parts, possibly due to age, wear or simply being lost. Unfortunately, these models need replacement parts for an aging model locomotive set so that this train can ride the rails consistently.

The rewire challenge is straight-forward, but be prepared to face challenges. Preparation is essential! Check back soon, to see if we can locate the required pieces. In the meantime, visit an AC Gilbert American Flyer train website – www.thegilbertgallery.org that cover s-scale trains, including the #336 Union Pacific Northern and the #293 New Haven Pacific locomotives which are similar to the train we are refurbishing (AF 312 Wiring Schema). Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

August 31, 2020September 27, 2024

Debian Buster

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 avery cool step forward in running a Debian ISO on a Snapdragon 410c. 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.

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

August 19, 2020January 15, 2025

The Legend of Zelda Video

Zelda – Grumble, Grumble

Lab Work – The Legend Of Zelda Video – Golden Cartridge

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

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. Thanks to @GameGrumps for the play-through, game content, and more!

August 19, 2020September 5, 2024

COFFEE WARNING

Coffee Time

Heart Coffee Co. – ((COFFEE WARNING))

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

Heart Roasters – Bodum French Press

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.

I have to brag about Heart Roasters coffee for a moment – the Ethiopia Worka Sakaro is my favorite. It’s also my prefererred 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.

Drone Accessories

Dangerously Low

Coffee Low

Last Drop

As a continuation, my go to is the Ethopian 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.

August 19, 2020September 26, 2024

On The Bench: Tech Tools

Hemostats, Rosic Core Solder, Weller, Harris, Jakemy

Soldering Kit, Tech Tools, And More

Tech Tools On The Bench - Soldering Kits, 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. I am 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.

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. 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?

August 19, 2020September 20, 2024

ROOMBA Master Sensei

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 an iRobot vacuum, cleaner or succeeding series bot? Have a different robot cleaner brand, style, make or model? Share your experience with us!