OutPut

August 18, 2020January 15, 2025

N64 Mario Kart Video

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 see more…

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? 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.

August 17, 2020January 22, 2025

Typhoon Video

Tyco Typhoon Hovercraft

Tech | Tools – Typhoon Video

The Typhoon Hovercraft is a Radio Controlled (RC) hovercraft…

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

Let’s begin with a history lesson. Today, 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 10 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.

August 17, 2020September 11, 2024

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.

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

August 17, 2020January 15, 2025

Street Fighter II TURBO Video

Street Fighter Tournament

Calling All Street Fighter Fans

Lab Work – Street Fighter II TURBO Video

Let’s discuss some Street Fighter updates. see more…

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 Balanka 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.

August 17, 2020December 16, 2024

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. See more…

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.

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? Well it’s time to get back to work, Nokia swap done and now its time to make some calls.

August 17, 2020December 16, 2024

Barebones Torch Video

C 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. 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 see more…

I 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.

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.

August 17, 2020September 27, 2024

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. 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!

August 16, 2020September 27, 2024

EMAX Fix – Part 2

TH2 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.

August 16, 2020September 27, 2024

Airfield Bound

Venice Airfield Bound

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?

August 16, 2020December 16, 2024

eMax Quad Rewire Video

eMax Quad Rewire, A Resolder & Power On

Patching Up the eMax Quad – eMax TH2

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… time to replace the eMax TH2 air frame, Flight Controller (FC) or FC Board, motors, motor wires and fan blades. 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.

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.