Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Custom Ruger GP100 - 7-Shot .357 Magnum (or 10mm) Belly Gun

Built by Marc Morganti, the founder, owner, & solo gunsmith at Gemini Customs:
https://gunsmagazine.com/discover/gemini-customs-ruger-gp100/

"Gemini's "normal" build usually works around an "Ultimate" barrel Marc machines from a Krieger barrel blank. I've found a 3″ barrel length to balance well with the heavier Ruger revolvers and helps aiming due to the longer sight radius. There's also a subjective feel I'll call "pointability" seeming to be more comfortable with the 3″ guns."
"My client wanted something a little different than my typical configuration with our 3″ Ultimate barrel, explained Marc. "He wanted something shorter — nearer to 2″. He fancied, as he described it, 'A 7-shot Belly Gun,'..."
"Dimensionally it's not significantly larger than a small-frame 5-shot Ruger SP101, but has 7-shot .357 magnum capacity. That's a good argument for a defensive revolver."
"Marc also cut his remarkable "V8 Hybra-port Porting" into the barrel with four ports on each side, angled "just-so.""
"Just as importantly as doing the action, Marc installs an extended-length, custom-fitted firing pin. A lighter hammer strike on a Ruger often means the need for a longer firing pin and many (most?) leave this step out. Marc also shims the hammer, hammer dog and trigger to keep things centered and running smoothly. "
"... there's a full moonclip conversion (using TK Custom 7x.357 clips) ...  the chambers get finish-reamed, honed and micro-polished, charge holes get radiused and polished and the cylinder face is polished."
"Novak 3-dot Tritium Night Sights also got installed, with a double white outline rear dot and orange outline front. Nice, bold sights, easy to see in daylight or at night."

Taurus Gauchos! - Single Action

https://americanhandgunner.com/handguns/taurus-gauchos/

Available in at least .357 Magnum & 45 Colt.

"... the Taurus Gaucho was aimed at the cowboy action market. ... What Taurus did was not a clone of the good old SAA; it was more of a combination of it and Ruger's New Model revolvers."
"The look is most definitely Colt SAA and so is the size. It fits perfectly in SAA holsters. The curves and contours are right. So are many of the details."
"With the old Colt the first click occurred when the hammer was pulled back into its so-called "safety notch." The Gaucho also has a click as the hammer reaches that notch but — LISTEN UP HERE — the Gaucho is not meant to be carried with the hammer resting in that notch. It is meant to be carried with the hammer fully down.
Where the Gaucho looks and behaves like a Ruger New Model is in its transfer bar system of ignition, and its various finishes. Instead of a firing pin mounted on the hammer, the Gaucho has a hammer with a series of steps. None of which will touch the frame-mounted firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. When that is done a piece of steel raises between the hammer and firing pin allowing energy to be transferred from the falling hammer to the pin. No pull on the trigger means no piece of steel raised to allow energy transfer. This means that technically the Gaucho can safely be carried with six rounds loaded, as opposed to the Colt SAA, which can only be carried truly safely with five rounds loaded and the hammer resting down on the empty sixth chamber."
"All in all the Taurus Gauchos are pretty decent single actions. They shot well, handled well, and are a combination of both traditional and modern."

The Sixgunner: S&W's Third Model Hand Ejector - Model 1926 .44 Special

https://americanhandgunner.com/our-experts/the-third-model-hand-ejector/

"For most sixgun applications we can get by quite well with the old-time, pleasant shooting .45 Colt or .44 Special."

"This was S&W's first foray into a large frame, double action, swing-out cylinder revolver. It may have been their first attempt, but they definitely started at the top with what many would consider the finest big bore double action sixgun ever to come from the mind of man."

"The Model 1926 was offered in blue or nickel, adjustable or fixed sights, with barrel lengths of 4″, 5″ and 6-1/2″. The vast majority were chambered in .44 Special; however, a very few came out of Springfield in .44-40 and .45 Colt."

Mag-na-ported Ruger Birdshead Single-Six Vaquero .32 H&R custom revolver

Lots of little details for any single action revolver, including:
  • Action tuned & timed, with a creep-free trigger job breaking right at 2.5 lbs
  • Shortened the 4 5/8″ barrel down to 3 1/2″ - Mag-na-port barrel
  • Trimmed the ejector-rod housing and base-pin knob
  • Milled a small fingernail notch to make base pin removal easier
  • Milled dovetail for the Garza front sight
  • The trigger and hammer were given the Mag-na-port trademarked high-polish jeweling

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

What Prepared People Do Every Day - Self Sufficient Projects

https://selfsufficientprojects.com/what-prepared-people-do-every-day/?fbclid=IwAR04hw8-PaKBJGNkVbtjkJL4Ygn_d5TnKjjx07zD8LHs8KtATkWHdnPP0sI

How to Convert a Small-Block Chevy to Coil-Near-Plug Ignition

The same approach can probably be used with other 6 & 8 cylinder engines.
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/how-to-convert-a-small-block-chevy-to-coil-near-plug-ignition/

DIY MINI 12V UPS FOR ROUTERS


Homemade mini 12v UPS for router due to power shortage problem.  I made a small 12V UPS for all internet routers. It gives 6+ hours backup in this mini UPS.  I use 18650 batteries which are salvaged from old laptop batteries. This mini UPS can also be used for other purposes such as DC fan DC lights or any gadgets which use a 12V power source.

 

Schematic diagram: https://imgur.com/a/kLQd8YY



Links for parts:

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Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Police Departments are Encrypting Radio Communication

More Police Departments are Encrypting Radio Communication:

"There are two types of encryption:
  *  Tactical: communication channels involving drug enforcement, gang enforcement, stakeout, or SWAT
  *  Full: all radio communication encrypted so no one can hear the day-to-day communication


Citizens with police scanners or scanner mobile apps could usually listen to two-way radio communications to hear the activity of their local law enforcement agency. With encryption becoming the norm, citizens are feeling out of the loop."

"The reason that police officers give for the encrypted radio waves lies in the idea of safety. Their main point is that criminals monitor police scanners so that they can pinpoint the officer's location, thus avoiding an arrest. Without public access, the police have a greater chance of apprehending a criminal."

"34 states already have some type of full police encryption. While the majority of police scanners will be silent for the public, fire, EMS, and other public safety organizations will still have open communication."


Encrypted Police Scanners Are Gaining Popularity Among Law Enforcement. What Does That Mean for Us?
As communities try to listen in on local police departments, some find theirs have turned to encrypted communications.


"But police departments and emergency communications directors who push for encryption have argued that publicly listenable airwaves make it easier for criminals to evade law enforcement, and also endanger officers."

"Some opt toward open channels over concerns that encryption might make cross-department or cross-agency communication more difficult. Joe Casey, of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, in Chicago, told Built In via email that the agency is "on schedule with a plan to secure public safety radio channels," but will nonetheless keep some frequencies unencrypted to allow outside agencies to communicate with the Chicago Police Department."

""There are legitimate privacy and safety concerns behind the decision to encrypt police communications, but that in and of itself does not give police departments carte blanche to encrypt all communication," Gabriel Kahn, a professor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, told the Santa Monica Daily Press in February. Police should be required to bring forth "quantifiable evidence" that their concerns are not merely hypothetical, while also being willing to revisit encryption decisions and take other transparency measures, he said."

    "It certainly removes a level of transparency that's been inherent in public safety in the United States for 75 years."

MotorTrend: New Cars - Car News and Expert Reviews - MotorTrend

Free digital back issues of several magazines:
https://www.motortrend.com/hotrod75animated/

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Telnet to other systems. Check Ports in Use. & more

Telnet to another system / How to Check Ports in Use, & more

telnet:  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/telnet

How To Telnet To A Server In Linux:
https://www.systranbox.com/how-to-telnet-to-a-server-in-linux/

How To Install And Configure A Telnet Server In Linux:
https://www.systranbox.com/how-to-install-and-configure-a-telnet-server-in-linux/

Find telnet client's IP address:  
https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-server-73/find-telnet-client%27s-ip-address-non-obvious-895589/

5 fun & geeky things you can do on Telnet:
https://www.digitalcitizen.life/5-fun-geeky-things-you-can-do-telnet-client/

Network Ports:  
https://ipcisco.com/lesson/network-ports/

How to Check Open TCP/IP Ports in Windows:
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28609/how-can-i-tell-what-is-listening-on-a-tcpip-port-in-windows/

Display all open ports on your network using PortScan for Windows:
https://www.ghacks.net/2014/12/18/display-all-open-ports-on-your-network-using-portscan-for-windows/
https://www.the-sz.com/products/portscan/

How to Check Ports in Use in Windows 10 & 11:
https://windowsloop.com/check-ports-in-use-windows-10/



Alias commands in Linux & more

How to Create and Use Alias Command in Linux:
https://www.tecmint.com/create-alias-in-linux/

How to Create an Alias and Use the Alias Command in Linux:
https://linuxiac.com/how-to-create-an-aliases-in-linux-for-frequently-used-commands/

How To Use The Command Prompt In Linux / How To Open Linux Command Prompt In Windows:
https://www.systranbox.com/how-to-use-the-command-prompt-in-linux/

DOS to Unix / UNIX to DOS files: Commands and Examples:
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/convert-dos-to-unix

A Comparison of Common DOS and Linux Commands:
https://archive.download.redhat.com/pub/redhat/linux/7.3/en/doc/RH-DOCS/rhl-gsg-en-7.3/ch-doslinux.html

40 Essential Linux Commands That Every User Should Know:
https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/linux-commands


Port Scanners & more

11 Best FREE IP & Ports Scanners for Open Port, IP and Service Scanning:
https://www.pcwdld.com/best-free-ip-scanners-port-service-scannin#wbounce-modal

"    SolarWinds Open Port Scanner with Engineer's Toolset – EDITOR'S CHOICE This port scanner is part of a suite of more than 60 network management tools and is very easy to use. Runs on Windows and Windows Server. 14-day free trial.

    Paessler PRTG – FREE TRIAL This package of monitoring for networks, servers, and applications includes an IP scanner and is free to use. Runs on Windows Server. Start a 30-day free trial and get unlimited free use for up to 100 sensors.

    ManageEngine OpUtils
– FREE TRIAL A package of free network monitoring tools that includes a Ping-based network scanner, and a MAC address resolver. Available for Windows Server and Linux. Start a 30-day free trial.

    Nmap A command-line utility that includes a range of network management tools, including IP address management features and a port scanner. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Advanced IP Scanner A suite of network exploration tools, including a port scanner as well as an IP scanner, that has more than 53 million users. Installs on Windows.

    Angry IP Scanner A free network address monitoring utility that includes IP management functions and a port scanning service. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Free IP Scanner by Eusing this tool searches a network, working through each IP address in a given range, reporting on whether or not that address is in use. It can also be used as a port scanner. Runs on Windows.

    NetCat A network data management utility that has IP address usage detection and a port scanning option. This is an old utility but there are many clones available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    LanSweeper IP Scanner This is a network device discovery tool that reports on attributes of discovered equipment, including the IP addresses assigned to them. Installs on Windows.

    MyLanViewer Network/IP Scanner A network scanner that reconciles discovered IP addresses to DHCP records. Runs on Windows.

    Slitheris Network Discovery This tool delivers detailed information on every device connected to the network. This includes IP address information. Installs on Windows."


7 BEST Advanced Online Port Scanners In 2022:
https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/port-scanners/
#1) SolarWinds Port Scanner
#2) ManageEngine OpUtils
#3) NMap
#4) Advanced Port Scanner
#5) Angry IP Scanner
#6) NetCat
#7) Unicornscan
#8) MiTeC Scanner
Online Port Scanners


Top 5 Free Open Port Check Tools in 2022:
https://www.upguard.com/blog/best-open-port-scanners
Good discussion before talking about specific tools.

* Nmap (short for Network Mapper) is one of the most popular free open-source port scanning tools available. It offers many different port scanning techniques including TCP half-open scans.

* Wireshark is a free network sniffing tool that's used to detect malicious activity in network traffic. This tool can also be used to detect open ports.

* Angry IP scanner is a free network scanner offering a suite of network monitoring tools.

* NetCat is a free port scanning tool that uses the TCP/IP protocol across different connections.

* Advanced IP scanner is a windows solution that can analyze IP addresses and ports.


Being Armed: It’s Most Important Part of Being Armed


"The common factor in each of these incidents is that not a single shot was fired. When you study news reports and videos, as I do, it is interesting how many times the mere presence of a gun is all that it takes to discourage criminal activity. Crooks simply don't like it when it looks like the odds are anywhere near even."

Saturday, December 3, 2022

40 S&W PCC

A 40 S&W AR-15 can be built on a 9mm lower.  Barrels are a bit difficult to locate - here are a few sources:
Uppers & Barrels:
https://www.newfrontierarmory.com/product-category/barrels/ar-9-40-barrels/40-sw/

https://www.opticsplanet.com/new-frontier-armory-new-frontier-ar9-40-match-bbl-16-1-16-40s-w-black.html

https://shootinginnovationsllc.wpcomstaging.com/product/40sw-ramped-pcc-barrel/

https://moriartiarmaments.com/ar-40-.40-sw/ar-45-.45-acp-16-slick-side-lightweight-keymod-upper-half-with-ramped-bcg-and-charging-handle-ma45ureceiver-16

https://www.opticsplanet.com/cmmg-mkgs-40s-w-resolute-upper-group-receiver.html?_iv_code=2CM-URC-CP75-40B9894-CT

Lowers:
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/complete-hybrid-mike-9-9mm-lower-receiver-prod145562.aspx

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/ar-15-mike-9-complete-billet-rifle-lower-receiver-prod124109.aspx

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/ar-15-mike-9-9mm-billet-lower-receiver-stripped-prod120143.aspx

Some ballistics:  http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/40sw.html
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/images/vertruler.png

AR 40 Build Guide:
 https://www.80percentarms.com/blog/ar-40-build-guide-/
 
#AR-15, #AR15, #AR-40, #AR40, #AR-45, #AR45, #AR-9, #AR9, #AR-16, #AR16, #M-16, #M16, #Glock

Diabetes Drugs Side Effects & Interactions

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-drugs-side-effects-interactions

Friday, December 2, 2022

Air Fryer Churros - The Slow Roasted Italian

https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/air-fryer-churros/

How to remove 2022 Sienna middle row seats

I've been a Toyota Sienna owner ever since ... 2003. ... My daughter and son-in-law were interested in buying my 2017 Sienna with 70,000 miles so I happily sold it to them ... I bought this 2023 Sienna LE plus sight unseen as our dealership did not have any in inventory. ... there are quite a few changes (and not for the better) since the 2017.
  • First, I'm not getting near the gas mileage on this hybrid version as what Toyota suggests
  • They've eliminated a number of storage compartments in the rear cargo/passenger area,
  • removed one of the dual glove compartments
  • eliminated the rear clothes hooks
  • changed up the center console between the front seats creating more bulk with less storage
  • made the middle row of seats not removable.
I had asked my Toyota salesman at the time of initial purchase if the middle seats were removable with a latch and he had indicated they were. I use my van for business and primarily hauling cargo so the middle and rear seats are of no use to me. I was quite dismayed to find out the seats don't snap out like all of my previous Siennas. ... I did a little online research and found a youtube video on how to remove the seats and did it myself in about 15-20 minutes.
These middle seats also have airbags so if you are planning to take seats out, you'll need to order two little airbag simulator plugs to insert in the cables where the two seats were. This will cancel out the airbag failure warning indicators on your dashboard.
Be sure and follow the instructions in this video to disconnect the airbags and remove the seats.

Spot hidden surveillance cameras in your Airbnb, VRBO, and rental

With the room dark, use a flashlight to see the reflection off of lenses. More tips in article:
https://www.komando.com/kims-column/find-hidden-cameras/842239/

Sunday, November 27, 2022

What Year Was Peak Wagon in America?

There were two model years when American car shoppers had 47 station wagons to consider, either 1964 or 1977.
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a39372850/what-year-was-peak-wagon-in-america/

Saturday, November 26, 2022

10 Free Twitter Aggregators to Increase Social Media Engagement - Curator.io

https://curator.io/blog/free-twitter-aggregators

Are There Open Source Social Media Aggregators? - Juicer Social

Note that these apps need to be updated by you when social media sites are updated.
https://www.juicer.io/blog/are-there-open-source-social-media-aggregators

The Best Social Media Aggregators - Curator.io

https://curator.io/blog/the-best-social-media-aggregators

10 of the Best Social Media Aggregators To Try Out

https://influencermarketinghub.com/social-media-aggregators/

Free Social Media Aggregator Tools - Curator.io

More focused on aggregation rather than marketing:
https://curator.io/blog/free-social-media-aggregator-tools

6 Free Social Media Management Tools to Make Life Easier

https://ducttapemarketing.com/free-social-media-management-tools/

18 Best Free Social Media Management Tools 2022 - Codeless

There is a convenient table that breaks down the monthly costs:
https://codeless.co/free-social-media-management-tools/

The 23 Best Free Social Media Management Tools in 2020 for Boosting Engagement

https://www.bluleadz.com/blog/best-free-social-media-management-tools

16 Free Social Media Management Tools You Can’t Skip in 2022

This article starts with apps that are actually free (for low volume users):
https://www.socialchamp.io/blog/free-social-media-management-tools/

Leading Free Social Media Management Tools for 2023

Most are free for a couple of weeks and then have substantial monthly fees …
https://influencermarketinghub.com/free-social-media-management-tools/

You Can Run Apple Mac OS On The Wii | Nintendo Life

Use to stream videos?
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/random-move-over-apple-you-can-run-mac-os-on-the-wii

Six snacks that won’t spike blood sugar

https://www.naturalremedees.com/topic/22/

Thursday, November 24, 2022

The 5-hour rule

The 5-hour rule: How to turn a wasted day into a successful one -
We each have the same 24 hours in the day. How will you spend yours?
https://bigthink.com/smart-skills/5-hour-rule/

"... according to "the 5-hour rule," how we choose to spend those hours might mean the difference between success and mediocrity."
"The average person sleeps around eight hours ... That leaves 16 waking hours left to spend ... We need to subtract the seven to eight hours a day during which most people work ... So, we're down to nine remaining hours.
Much of those nine hours are taken up by life administration: shopping, housework, unpaid labor (e.g. care work), and eating and drinking. Of course, there are massive cultural differences lurking in that category ... The country where people spend the least time eating and drinking is the USA (63 minutes)."
... According to the OECD, "Around the world, women spend two to ten times more time on unpaid care work than men." This has a knock-on effect in how many leisure hours the genders have to spend."
"One of the key findings that comes up again and again is known as the "5-hour rule." In short, this is the rule where we spend one hour a day learning, reflecting, and thinking. We do this five times a week (which makes up the "5-hour" rule). The rule dates to Benjamin Franklin, who would devote (at least) an hour each day specifically to learning something new. ... Today, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates all employ some version of the 5-hour rule.
The idea is that devoting an hour of your day to education exercises the mind, improves your skills, and rehearses great discipline. In education-speak, the 5-hour rule gives us both knowledge and skills."
"... here are three "first steps" to the 5-hour rule.
Learn…however you can. Reading print on a book is one way of learning, but it's not the only way. ... Today, podcasts, audiobooks, and spoken radio are all great ways to spend your hour. What's more, the internet is full of educational, entertaining, and enlightening long-form articles ...

Experiment. ... The most successful people in life were not those who stumbled on some magic treasure in the woods, but who tried and failed, tried, and failed again.
In his book Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure, Tim Harford says success means we "first, seek out new ideas and try new things; second, when trying something new, do it on a scale where failure is survivable; third, seek out feedback and learn from your mistakes as you go along." Try something new. Try something differently. When we experiment, we both have fun and learn a great deal"

"Reflect. Failure is only valuable insofar as it improves the future. In the words of Samuel Beckett, "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." Each failure is different, and each defeat is closer to victory than the last. There are many ways to reflect. For some, it might mean a diary, journal, or ten minutes spent simply ruminating. ... When we reflect on our days and our mistakes, we turn failures into learning experiences."


Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Thoughts on Revolver Reliability

https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/thoughts-on-revolver-reliability
Quotes:  
"Semi Automatic's ammunition is used to function the gun. This is both a wonderful benefit in some cases and detrimental in others. Because the ammunition is functioning the gun, the ammunition and the firearm need to work well together."
"Bullet design, weight, energy generated, and tolerances are all critical to functional reliability of the pistol. It only has to be reliable and of decent quality in a revolver."
"I cannot emphasize enough, these guns {revolvers} are incredibly reliable in all their size ranges when clean, maintained and during an initial encounter. That is the reliability I am looking for in a daily carry defensive tool. Reliability when dirty and shot a bunch and with minimal proactive maintenance? This area is owned by the modern semi automatic service pistol."


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

How to Change a Car Battery | News | Cars.com

Newer vehicles make changing car batteries more difficult.
https://www.cars.com/articles/how-to-change-a-car-battery-459296/

A navigation system to supplement and backup GPS

A navigation system has been created that is more accurate than GPS -
The new alternative positioning system (called SuperGPS) could achieve an accuracy of 10 centimeters.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/a-navigation-system-has-been-created-that-is-more-accurate-than-gps

"... with a few ... innovations, the telecommunication network could be transformed into a very accurate alternative positioning system that is independent of GPS,"
"The team succeeded in developing a system that can provide connectivity similar to mobile and Wi-Fi networks. It also has accurate positioning and time distribution. The new system can be used in a wide range of applications, including automated vehicles and next generation mobile communication systems."
"The research team realized that weak radio signals relying on satellites can make GPS inaccurate. If the radio signals are reflected or blocked by buildings, then they can no longer send over accurate positioning and information.
"This can make GPS unreliable in urban settings, for instance," ... He mentioned another big issue involving the future of autonomous vehicles, which cannot function off of unpredictable GPS positioning."
"The research team created a process that would connect the mobile network to an accurate atomic clock, so it can broadcast times messages for positioning, similar to GPS satellites."
With these techniques we can turn the network into a nationwide distributed atomic clock – with many new applications such as very accurate positioning through mobile networks"

How even a small nuclear war could cause global famine

Even a small nuclear war could cause global famine -
https://interestingengineering.com/science/nuclear-war-could-cause-global-famine

What technologies could be used to clean soot from the upper atmosphere?
  *  Launch chemicals that bind soot particles together and cause them to fall rapidly?
  *  Launch vehicles that draw in great volumes of air and filter it on the way out?
  *  Create an air-borne algae or bacteria that eats the soot and falls to the surface?
  *  Use nuclear weapons to create firestorms that clear out the soot?


Is Your Chamber Empty? | Sheriff Jim Wilson

http://sheriffjimwilson.com/2022/11/21/is-your-chamber-empty/

Four Essential Steps to Taking Back Your Garage | Family Handyman

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/craftsman-take-back-your-garage/

Monday, November 21, 2022

The DIY Laptop

The DIY Laptop

https://www.freethink.com/series/challengers/right-to-repair?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BigThinkdotcom
"Framework wanted to build a laptop with the right to repair at its heart, but one still the roughly the same size and weight as other laptops on the market.
...
Framework currently offers two different laptop models. The Framework laptop arrives put together, but is still customizable, upgradeable, and repairable. 
The DIY laptop option allows consumers to build their own laptop from a kit of modules, creating a customized product right off the bat. You can bring your own choice of operating system, memory, storage, and WiFi capabilities, or buy them from Framework."

Now available with the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors  https://frame.work/
"A thin, light, high-performance 13.5" notebook that's designed to last that's totally upgradeable, that respects your right to repair, that's optimized for Linux, that respects the planet"  Starting at $819
"We've built the Framework Laptop from the ground up to be upgradeable in ways that no other high-performance notebook is. In addition to adding memory and storage, you can choose the ports you want, customize the bezel color and keyboard language, and even upgrade your entire mainboard!"
"With two SO-DIMM sockets and one M.2 2280 socket, the Framework Laptop DIY Edition is configurable and upgradeable to an insane 64GB of memory and 8TB of storage."
"Compatible with Windows 11 Home and Pro and works out of the box with a wide variety of Linux Distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora."
"The Framework Expansion Card system lets you choose exactly the ports you want and which side you want them on. With four bays, you can select from USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, ultra fast storage, and more."

Check sale prices on 11th gen motherboards ...




Performance modifications for Volvo's 240

A small block Ford is a fairly common engine swap for these - a Chevy LS can also be made to fit.  There are some turbocharged 4-cylinder engines (including Volvos!) that would liven one up also (and a V6s!).

 Volvo's 240 was not sporty in standard form, but it could be. Here's how I'd build it -
A blend of factory and aftermarket parts could bring out the classic brick's athletic side:
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/hibi-1990-volvo-240-dl/

"American V-8 engine swaps (https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/jim-motavalli/paul-newmans-v-8-volvos-getting-groceries-style) are commonplace in rear-drive Volvos today, but I'd prefer to keep a Swedish four-cylinder lump under the hood. And while my first inclination was towards installing a late 780 Turbo's stout 188hp/206-lb-ft turbocharged B230FT, I'm now leaning towards the rarer B234F, a.k.a. the 16-valve.

This DOHC variant, which admittedly isn't as hassle-free as its SOHC 8-valve sibling, was introduced for 1989 in the mid-range 740 GLE 16-valve. It featured a better-breathing four-valve head and made a peppy 153 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in standard form.

Thankfully, it's possible to make a hybrid engine by mounting the 16-valve head on the existing block and changing certain components, if a complete B234F isn't readily found.

The 16-valve engine came mated to the M46 four-speed manual with button-operated electric overdrive fifth gear ..."

The Perfect V8 Swapped Volvo: https://www.motortrend.com/features/perfect-v8-swapped-volvo/

Tested: Old Volvo Wagons Are a V-8 Swap from Serious Speed:
    https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a33324644/tested-volvo-v-8-wagons/
"Anything with 240,000 miles on it is only $2000 to buy," says Converse. "We've converted a number of cars that had over 200,000 miles on them. We go around on an anti-squeak campaign, replacing suspension and body bushings. At 200,000 miles, a Volvo body is still good, but what makes it feel old is rattles and squeaks."


1971 - 74 Plymouth Road Runner

I didn't really like these when they were new - they've grown on me.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1971-plymouth-road-runner
"The convertible was dropped for '71, so all Road Runners were two-door hardtops built with unitized construction. When shopping, inspect the cowl where it meets the firewall—rust is common here and is labor-intensive to repair. Vinyl roof coverings were available both full and canopy style. Rust can dig into the metal underneath the vinyl so check the roof over carefully for bubbles and blisters."

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

How to Recycle Old Used Laptop Batteries to make a DIY 24V 72AH Power Backup Battery System

https://practicalsurvivalist.com/how-to-recycle-old-used-laptop-batteries-to-build-a-diy-a-24v-72ah-ammo-can-battery-bank/

Dorman replacement and improved parts for Lincoln Mark VIII

Inside the Chevy 409 V8


Inside the Chevy 409 V8:
https://macsmotorcitygarage.com/inside-the-chevy-409-v8/
"The 409 story actually starts here, with the 348 cubic-inch W-Series V8 introduced for 1958. Chevrolet product planners recognized that domestic passenger cars were rapidly growing in size and weight, topping two tons, and feared that the small but mighty 283 CID V8 would soon be insufficient. Experimental X and Y-Series engines, essentially scaled-up versions of the small-block V8, were tried before the Chevrolet engineering team, led by John Rausch, Howard H. Kehrl, and Donald H. McPherson, determined that an all-new engine was the preferred course.
The name for the W-Series V8 is easy to remember due to the distinctive valve cover shape, which resembles the letter W, sort of. Goals for the new V8 included low manufacturing cost and a compact footprint so it could fit in the same vehicle applications as the small-block. Mission accomplished, as the W-Series arrived only 2.70 inches wider and 1.78 inches longer than the existing V8."
"Of course, the trademark feature of the W-Series V8 was its distinctive combustion chamber design. In place of a conventional bowl-type chamber in the cylinder head. The block deck was milled at 74-degree angle (16 degrees from perpendicular) to form an oval, wedge-shaped chamber in the top of the cylinder itself. While unusual, this design was not quite unique. Ford Motor Co. also used this configuration on its MEL V8 engine family of 1958-1967, and it was found on some industrial engines in America and Europe.
...
Compression ratio for the original 348 CID version of 1958 was set at 9.5:1, while the 409 CID V8 sported a CR of 11.25:1 when it launched in 1961."
"The big news for Chevy performance enthusiasts arrived midway through the 1961 model year with the introduction of the mighty 409 CID V8. The larger displacement was achieved with an increase in both bore and stroke to 4.312 inches by 3.50 inches, yielding exactly 408.89 cubic inches. The main and rod journal diameters and other features are the same as the 348, but the 409 crankshaft will not fit in a stock 348 block due to its larger counterweights."
"The 409 enjoyed widespread availability for the first time—and truly got on the map—with the 409-horsepower version introduced for 1962. This was no doubt the version of the engine the Beach Boys were singing about in their 1962 hit song, 409. Sporting big-valve heads and a dual-quad intake manifold with a pair of Carter AFB D-Series carburetors, the engine quickly became top dog at the drag strips and drive-ins of the time ... "

Ford’s Forgotten Big Block: The 1958-68 MEL V8:

Ford's Forgotten Big Block: The 1958-68 MEL V8:
" ... the MEL V8 (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) is largely forgotten today."
https://macsmotorcitygarage.com/fords-forgotten-big-block-the-1958-68-mel-v8/
"Between 1958 and 1968, the MEL V8 was produced in four displacements: 383, 410, 430, and 462 cubic inches. All were built on the same basic architecture with 4.90-inch bore spacing, and they all shared the unusual design feature shown above. There were no combustion chambers in the cylinder head. Instead, the block deck was machined at a 10-degree angle, forming a wedge-shaped combustion space in the top of the cylinder bore. "
"Among production MEL V8s, the ultimate in looks and muscle might well be the 1958 Mercury Super Marauder, a special package with three two-barrel Holley carburetors and a fabulously styled cast-aluminum air cleaner assembly"

"If you look at Engine Masters you will see that Jon Kaase won the Vintage Engines Masters Competition with a MEL engine pouring out over 750 horsepower:

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S) / GR86 & Subaru BRZ sports cars

Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S) / GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_86

"According to the 86's designers, "The goal was to create an authentic rear-wheel drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG."
...
First generation (ZN6/ZC6; 2012) - In the United States, Scion were allocated 10,000 units of the 2013 model year production, while Subaru was limited to only 6,000 units.
...
The 86's low-weight design uses an aluminium hood, a fixed roof, and a trunk as opposed to a hatchback.  To improve driving dynamics, the boxer engine is mounted low in a front engine / rear drive layout, yielding a weight distribution of 53% in front and 47% in the rear and a low centre of mass height.
The 86's engine, known by the Toyota code 4U-GSE and Subaru code FA20, is a naturally aspirated engine that uses Subaru's flat-four engine design, with the addition of Toyota's D-4S injection system, which uses Gasoline direct injection (GDI). With its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, its engine runs on 98 RON (premium unleaded) fuel and features a compression ratio of 12.5:1
...
The second-generation BRZ went on sale in the US in late 2021.
The badge-engineered Toyota version was briefly named the "GR 86".  It was later renamed "GR86", without the space, for digital marketing reasons."

Toyota (Camry) Solara, coupe & convertible

Toyota (Camry) Solara, coupe & convertible
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry_Solara
Second generation (XV30; 2004–2008):

The second generation of the Camry Solara was completely redesigned ... and introduced to the public for the 2004 model year and featured a curvier body, with the option of adding XM radio and/or a navigation system. 
Based on the platform of the 2002 Camry sedan, the Gen 2 body is heavier than the Gen 1.5 body. The four-cylinder engine was carried over from the previous generation, while the optional V6 was a new 3.3 L unit rated at 225 net hp at 5,600 rpm (168 kW) and 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) of torque at 3,600 rpm. The four-cylinder engine could be coupled to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 was offered only with a five-speed U151E automatic transmission. Both engines featured Toyota's VVT-i technology.
  The convertible was offered only with the 3.3 liter V-6 and the 5-speed MMT automatic transmission.
Rather than being adapted from the coupe like the first-generation car—which had been criticized for poor structural rigidity—Toyota claimed that the second-generation convertible was specifically designed and built as such, with a more rigid body structure for decreased levels of noise and vibration.
In June 2006, a restyled 2007 Solara was introduced, with new LED tail lights, a revised rear bumper, and a redesigned front fascia.  Interior changes include Optitron gauges, blue backlighting in the rest of the car's controls, a new steering wheel design, revised shifter, MP3 and WMA CD playback capability, external audio device auxiliary port connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice-activated navigation on the SLE V6 models.
The second-generation Solara sold below expectations, as it inherited the unexciting handling from its Camry parent.  Despite the structural redesign, the convertible was still criticized for soft handling that did not feel sporty, and for significant body shake.  From model year 2005 to 2008, sales fell from roughly 50,000 units annually to just over 20,000.
  After the 2008 model year, the coupe was discontinued due to faltering sales, but the convertible, which accounted for the majority of units sold, continued to be produced. ... production was quietly suspended in December 2008, with sales continuing from inventory to gauge demand. In June 2009, Toyota announced that sales had not met expectations, and that production would not resume.

How to Choose the Best Dash Cam

Monday, November 14, 2022

20+ Budget-Friendly Garage Storage Ideas You Can Easily DIY - Page 10 of 51 - worldtravelling

https://worldtravelling.com/24-simple-projects-for-quickly-putting-the-garage-in-order/10/

At Home And On The Go: 40 Inventive Hiding Spots To Keep Valuables Safe - mydiwise

https://mydiwise.com/dyvaluehide/

How to heat your Garage by using an Outdoor Wood Burning Boiler and an old car radiator

https://practicalsurvivalist.com/diy-video-how-to-heat-your-garage-by-using-an-outdoor-wood-burning-boiler-and-an-old-car-radiator/

DIY Steam Engine power for electric generator

Cheap and Simple Oscillating Steam Engine:  https://www.instructables.com/A-Simple-Steam-Engine-Anyone-Can-Build/
"... replace the wood parts with aluminum ones."
"... check out the totally awesome animation by the guys over at www.animatedengines.com ... I should note that this animation is of a "double acting" engine, in that is has ports on both the bottom and the top of the cylinder where mine is a "single acting" engine with ports just on the top. This just means that the engine relies more heavily on the momentum of the flywheel to keep it running but is a lot simpler to build."
https://content.instructables.com/F1J/YYSX/GAA0EX1C/F1JYYSXGAA0EX1C.pdf

Building A Steam Engine From A Lawn Mower -
If you want to build a low-dollar steam engine, all you need is a 4-cycle lawn mower engine.
https://www.farmcollector.com/steam-traction/build-a-steam-engine-from-a-lawn-mower/
"... try to find an engine with good compression. I later found out that with bad rings the engine would run fine but the steam would slip past the rings and condense in the crankcase and push the oil out."
"A boiler is a bomb in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing. A boiler is constantly moving even if it's standing still. Every time the pressure rises the temperature rises and the metal expands, and when the pressure drops, temperature drops, and the metal shrinks just as if the boiler metal was being bent back and forth to a very small degree.
Boilerplate is a very soft high grade of steel. Good boilerplate up to 3/4-inch thick can be hammered over on itself without showing any signs of cracking or stress. ... The harder the steel, the sooner it'll happen. That's why boilers should only be made of boilerplate. Also all A.S.M.E. boilers are stress relieved after being welded by placing them in an oven for several hours to relieve the stress of the welds."

How to Convert a 2 Cycle Engine to Steam | Weed-eater to Steam/Air Engine
https://tngun.com/diy-2-cycle-to-steam-engine-convertion-project/
Video explains how the check valve makes it work ...

How to Build a DIY Steam Boiler:  https://tngun.com/diy-steam-engine-boiler/
Video shows a pressure cooker used as a boiler ... Connected to the steam engine with a compressed air hose.

Steam Powered Electricity Generator:
Very low power demonstartion kit ...

How to Make Steam Power Plant at Home - a Cool Science Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xHNidlhNes

Power Your Home and Workshop With Steam:
A complex design requiring a well equipped shop to comeplete.

Other steam engine projects

Steam boiler projects







Saturday, November 12, 2022

Comparing Compact SUVs

These aren't the smallest SUVs, but are reasonable in size and performance:

Every 2022 Compact SUV Ranked from Worst to Best -
Ranking the compact crossover SUV segment, from Bronco Sport to Tucson.
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15380025/best-small-compact-suv-truck/
Some highlights:

"... the off-road-oriented Jeep Compass trim is still no Jeep Wrangler, but this small Jeep model, which sits between the subcompact Renegade and the compact Cherokee, is surprisingly capable off-the-beaten-path—when properly equipped."
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/compass

"GMC's Terrain benefits from a light refresh for 2022 ... A 170-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and nine-speed automatic transmission continue to motivate this compact SUV. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optionally available. The Terrain's ride is on the firm side and, like its Chevrolet-badged Equinox sibling, the build quality inside is less than stellar—especially given the GMC's base price."
https://www.caranddriver.com/gmc/terrain

"... the compact Jeep Cherokee can be outfitted for off-the-grid exploration, albeit for a hefty premium. All-wheel drive is standard on most trims, although the Latitude Lux comes standard with front-wheel drive. Every Cherokee features a 271-hp 3.2-liter V-6, although Latitude Lux and Limited models are optionally available with a 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that packs 295 pound-feet of torque—56 lb-ft of twist more than the V-6. Predictably, the fuel economy figures of the Cherokee's high-horsepower engines fall short of class leaders."
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/cherokee

"Ford offers its Escape with a wide variety of powertrains. Strictly gas-powered Escapes rely on a 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine for motivation, however, a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 is also available. The former engine offers both front- and all-wheel-drive options and delivers adequate performance, while the latter is all-wheel-drive-only and makes the Escape quite zippy. The Escape is also available in gasoline-electric and plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid forms. Going the hybrid route nets buyers a 2.5-liter gas engine and two electric motors for a total of 200 horsepower and an EPA-rated 41 mpg combined in front-drive guise. Opt for all-wheel drive and that figure falls to 40 mpg. The all-wheel-drive Escape PHEV, meanwhile, matches the all-wheel-drive hybrid's combined fuel economy figure, but nets an EPA-rated 37 miles of all-electric driving range. We like the refined ride quality of the Ford Escape as well as its spacious cabin and modern features. Its major drawbacks are its subpar interior materials and its starting price, which is a bit overzealous for what base the Escape offers."
https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/escape

"... the Subaru Forester is still one of the best all-around compact crossovers and an affordable way to get all-wheel drive."
https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/forester
"Except for the too-spartan base model, the Forester comes generously equipped and all models come with Subaru's suite of driver-assistance features as standard."

"The Toyota RAV4 ... As before, strictly gas-powered RAV4s feature a 203-hp four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RAV4 Hybrid models have standard all-wheel drive and rely on a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that produces a peak of 219 horsepower. The RAV4 Prime is the most powerful variant. It's a plug-in hybrid model with 302 horsepower. Our only major complaint with this well-rounded compact SUV centers on its relatively loud four-cylinder engine."
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/rav4
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/rav4-hybrid
"... the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime aim to bring impressive fuel efficiency to the compact-SUV segment. And they succeed. But their electrified powertrains come with other benefits too, specifically better performance."

"Honda's CR-V isn't the sportiest or best-looking compact SUV, but it is a well-rounded one. Every solely gas-powered CR-V comes with a 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and one of the best CVTs available. The 212-hp gasoline-electric CR-V Hybrid, meanwhile, comes standard with all-wheel drive ..."
https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v
"The EX and EX-L are gas-only models. The Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid come exclusively with the hybrid powertrain and those are the two we'd recommend most. The front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid Sport is tempting. It comes at a reasonable starting price of $33,695 and carries an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city, beating the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's city rating, and comes with stylish black exterior accents, black 18-inch wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sport Touring Hybrid is more expensive but comes standard with all-wheel drive and a host of luxury features that really elevate the experience."

"The Hyundai Tucson benefits from a complete overhaul for the 2022 model year. Along with its bold new looks, the model adds gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options to the mix. Lesser gas models rely on a coarse 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 for motivation. It mates to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which shoots power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive, however, is optional. The hybrid setup, meanwhile, makes 221 horses, while the plug-in nets 261 and offers up to 33 miles of electric-only driving, per the EPA. Both come standard with all-wheel drive."
https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/tucson

"The Mazda CX-5 impresses with its luxurious feel and affordable pricing. This Mazda offers more than just a comfortable, well-appointed ride, though, as the CX-5 is actually enjoyable to drive. Buyers can opt for either a 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 or a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4, both of which mate to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard across the line."
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
"... it should be noted that the CX-5 offers more headroom than the CX-50"

"A new nameplate has joined Mazda's lineup in the form of the 2023 CX-50 SUV, which is well-equipped to take on compact crossover rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. ... it will be sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5, which is on an older platform.  The CX-50 is available with either a naturally aspirated 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged version of that engine making 256 horsepower. All models come with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A hybrid model is also in the works that will use a powertrain from Toyota."
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-50
"Although it's barely larger than the company's CX-5 SUV, the CX-50 wears more rugged styling, which is a departure from the more refined, upscale designs found elsewhere in the Mazda lineup."



How to Heat your Home or Garage by building Solar Air Heating Collectors that uses no electricity or batteries

Looks like a mini-Trombe wall
https://practicalsurvivalist.com/diy-solar-air-collector/

"9 rows of 17 soda pop cans, a total of 153 355ml soda cans are used for the collector. The aluminum pop cans are painted with flat black paint to ensure all sunlight is absorbed and not reflected. "

 

Friday, November 11, 2022

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Piston Rings and Engine Heat: Do You Really Need a Bigger Radiator?

"To verify the results, the test with the fractional rings was run twice. That ring package generated about 15 degrees higher water temperature and nearly 20 degrees higher oil temperature compared to the thinner metric ring set.
The results confirm piston-ring-to-cylinder-wall friction as a meaningful contributor to engine operating temperature, and identifying friction as the source of the heat was quite easy. The standard fractional rings reduced engine power by nearly 20 lb-ft of torque and more than 15 hp compared to the gas-ported metric ring set.
...
Motor oil provides as much as 40% of piston cooling, so a hotter piston would lead to hotter oil. However, in both the dyno and real-world tests, the oil temperature decreased along with the water temperature.
...
By going to thinner piston rings, friction can be significantly reduced, and the benefits are increased horsepower and reduced operating temperatures.

Does this performance increase come at a cost in durability? The answer is no. Back to the test at Shaver's—used oil samples were taken from each test cycle and analyzed by an independent oil lab. Those results revealed a 55% reduction in wear by going to the thinner rings.
...
Automakers have gone from thicker, cast-iron rings to thinner, steel rings over the last several decades. Why? Primarily to improve fuel economy, but as a convenient side-effect, today's engines also last much longer than before.
...
It's not hard to find off-the-shelf pistons these days with either 1.0mm/1.0mm/2.0mm or .043-inch/.043-inch/3.0mm ring grooves."

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/piston-rings-versus-engine-temperatures/

Friday, October 21, 2022

Use a VPN so no one can see your IP address


Your IP address: What it is and why you need to protect yours if you care about privacy:
https://www.komando.com/privacy/protect-your-ip-address/815714/
"Tracing someone else's IP address is legal. Authorities only step in when people use one another's IP addresses for crimes. All of the apps and websites you use collect your IP address along with other private data."

The best free VPN 2022:  https://www.techradar.com/vpn/best-free-vpn

Top 7 Truly Free VPN Providers of October 2022: https://vpnoverview.com/best-vpn/free-vpn/
  1. PrivadoVPN: Best free VPN for Windows and Mac users
  2. ProtonVPN: Best free VPN with unlimited data
  3. Hide.me: Best free VPN in terms of customer support
  4. TunnelBear: Best free VPN if you're looking for many server locations
  5. Atlas VPN: Best free VPN for Android and iOS
  6. Windscribe: Best free VPN for fast connection speeds
  7. ZoogVPN: Best free VPN for FireTV