Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Level Bolt Connect - makes your current lock smart.
About $220:
Check their list for your current lock's compatibility -
Monday, October 30, 2023
Twist Rate Stability Calculator | Berger Bullets
Determine if you should use these bullets with your barrel …
https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/
https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/
Saturday, October 28, 2023
OpenFan – DIY PC Fan Controller – Sasa Karanovic
Works with about any OS, and can be remotely accessed over the LAN:
https://sasakaranovic.com/projects/openfan-controller/
https://sasakaranovic.com/projects/openfan-controller/
Friday, October 27, 2023
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
How Far Does the Apple Watch Walkie Talkie app Reach?
Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Range: How Far Does It Reach (2023)?
https://www.iphonelife.com/content/apple-watch-walkie-talkie-range-how-far-does-it-reach
"The Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie range is actually not limited, since it uses cellular data or WiFi to communicate instantaneously."
...
This means that as long as you have cellular or Wi-Fi connection, you'll be able to chat with someone across the country. The only limitation is that you'll want to check whether you have enabled the FaceTime app to use cellular data on your iPhone."
"Before you can get started with using the Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch, you should check to make sure you have FaceTime enabled on your iPhone. If FaceTime is not enabled, your Walkie-Talkie app will not work at all."
How Far Does the Apple Watch Reach? - How close to your iPhone your Watch needs to be:
https://www.lifewire.com/how-far-does-the-apple-watch-reach-5216329
"Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice.
If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi."
"The critical question for that scenario is: How far apart can the Apple Watch and iPhone be?
The answer depends on how the Watch and iPhone connect. The two devices connect via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology. The most recent Apple Watch models use Bluetooth 4.0, which has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet.
The maximum connection distance supported by Bluetooth 4.0 isn't always quite that long in real-world use. In many cases, the maximum length will decrease because of environmental circumstances: primarily walls and floors and the number of wireless signals in any given area.
What Happens When an Apple Watch Is Out of Bluetooth Range?
What happens if the Apple Watch and iPhone are so far apart that they can't connect to each other? That's where Wi-Fi comes in.
If the Watch and iPhone can't connect over Bluetooth, they fall back to trying to connect via their built-in Wi-Fi chips.
In that case, if the iPhone is connected to a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi network (the Watch isn't compatible with 5Ghz Wi-Fi networks), the Watch attempts to make contact with it over Wi-Fi. That means the supported distance between the devices, in that case, is anywhere that Wi-Fi can reach. While that's not necessarily a lot farther apart than with Bluetooth, it does mean that the Watch and iPhone can communicate with each other when they're in the same building, for example."
Use Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208917
https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-use-walkie-talkie-on-apple-watch/
What is the range of the walkie talkie app?: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250268474
"Walkie-Talkie is a Push-to-Talk FaceTime audio connection. It's range is anywhere you can connect to the internet."
Check The WiFi Connection On Your Apple Watch:
https://www.upphone.com/learn/how-to/devices-lh/apple-watch-lh/check-your-apple-watchs-wifi-connection/
"Since your Apple Watch uses the same Wi-Fi connection as your iPhone, we'll make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi."
How to know whether your Apple Watch is connected to the internet or not:
https://www.idownloadblog.com/2022/01/20/internet-connectivity-on-apple-watch/
How to use Wi-Fi on the Apple Watch: https://www.imore.com/how-your-apple-watch-connects-wi-fi-networks-when-away-your-iphone
"Your Apple Watch can only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks."
https://www.iphonelife.com/content/apple-watch-walkie-talkie-range-how-far-does-it-reach
"The Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie range is actually not limited, since it uses cellular data or WiFi to communicate instantaneously."
...
This means that as long as you have cellular or Wi-Fi connection, you'll be able to chat with someone across the country. The only limitation is that you'll want to check whether you have enabled the FaceTime app to use cellular data on your iPhone."
"Before you can get started with using the Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch, you should check to make sure you have FaceTime enabled on your iPhone. If FaceTime is not enabled, your Walkie-Talkie app will not work at all."
How Far Does the Apple Watch Reach? - How close to your iPhone your Watch needs to be:
https://www.lifewire.com/how-far-does-the-apple-watch-reach-5216329
"Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice.
If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi."
"The critical question for that scenario is: How far apart can the Apple Watch and iPhone be?
The answer depends on how the Watch and iPhone connect. The two devices connect via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology. The most recent Apple Watch models use Bluetooth 4.0, which has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet.
The maximum connection distance supported by Bluetooth 4.0 isn't always quite that long in real-world use. In many cases, the maximum length will decrease because of environmental circumstances: primarily walls and floors and the number of wireless signals in any given area.
What Happens When an Apple Watch Is Out of Bluetooth Range?
What happens if the Apple Watch and iPhone are so far apart that they can't connect to each other? That's where Wi-Fi comes in.
If the Watch and iPhone can't connect over Bluetooth, they fall back to trying to connect via their built-in Wi-Fi chips.
In that case, if the iPhone is connected to a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi network (the Watch isn't compatible with 5Ghz Wi-Fi networks), the Watch attempts to make contact with it over Wi-Fi. That means the supported distance between the devices, in that case, is anywhere that Wi-Fi can reach. While that's not necessarily a lot farther apart than with Bluetooth, it does mean that the Watch and iPhone can communicate with each other when they're in the same building, for example."
Use Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208917
https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-use-walkie-talkie-on-apple-watch/
What is the range of the walkie talkie app?: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250268474
"Walkie-Talkie is a Push-to-Talk FaceTime audio connection. It's range is anywhere you can connect to the internet."
Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby:
Check The WiFi Connection On Your Apple Watch:
https://www.upphone.com/learn/how-to/devices-lh/apple-watch-lh/check-your-apple-watchs-wifi-connection/
"Since your Apple Watch uses the same Wi-Fi connection as your iPhone, we'll make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi."
How to know whether your Apple Watch is connected to the internet or not:
https://www.idownloadblog.com/2022/01/20/internet-connectivity-on-apple-watch/
How to use Wi-Fi on the Apple Watch: https://www.imore.com/how-your-apple-watch-connects-wi-fi-networks-when-away-your-iphone
"Your Apple Watch can only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks."
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Dillon – DRAM WORX - glass powder chamber
Reduce static risks:
https://dramworx.com/products/dillon/
https://dramworx.com/products/dillon/
Sunday, October 22, 2023
BitLocker slowing down SSDs on Windows 11 by up to 45%
BitLocker is now installed by default with Win-11 Pro ...
An Open-Source 8088 BIOS
Finally, An Open-Source 8088 BIOS -
"The Intel 8088 is an interesting chip, being a variant of the more well-known 8086."
8088 BIOS: https://github.com/skiselev/8088_bios
Windows Build Instructions:
Decoding The 8088: https://hackaday.com/2023/10/09/decoding-the-8088/
Friday, October 20, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Kindle on PC notes:
Tidy Up: How to Manage Your Amazon Kindle Devices and Content (June 2023) - Are you juggling a lot of Kindle devices, ebooks, and other types of content through Amazon? Here's how to keep your books and devices in order:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/manage-your-amazon-kindle-devices-and-content
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/manage-your-amazon-kindle-devices-and-content
How to share & synchronize work on Windows, macOS, and Linux at the same time
Why limit yourself to just one major operating system when you can work with the same apps and files seamlessly across three?
These tips also apply when working with different systems all running Windows or Linux.
"The easiest way to work across platforms is to use an online office suite, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho Office or the iCloud versions of Apple's Pages, Numbers, and Keynote applications.
That's not your only option, however. Microsoft Office is available for both Windows and macOS (plus iPadOS), and can conveniently synchronize documents via OneDrive. As a free alternative, LibreOffice also works on the Mac, PC, and Linux, and integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive to simplify managing and accessing your documents. "
"... you may prefer to set up your own WebDAV server for convenient document storage and sharing. This can reside on a commercial web host or on your own hardware – an easy way to set it up is via the Nextcloud collaboration framework, which is included in the DietPi OS distribution for the Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers."
"When you're working across multiple devices, the most fundamental requirement is retaining access to all your files. You could use a cloud provider like Box or OneDrive, but these only offer limited space unless you pay for a premium service.
You may prefer therefore to provision your own centralized storage across your local network, by repurposing an old computer as a file server, or as a NAS using TrueNAS Core. This gives you ongoing control and oversight over your shared storage, and complete freedom to expand it over time."
"Sharing peripherals between operating systems:
If you're using multiple computers on the same desk, you'll want to share peripherals where possible. ...
If you're using multiple computers on the same desk, you'll want to share peripherals where possible. ...
Switching to a multiplatform keyboard like the Logitech K780 can help. This wireless keyboard has combined Start/Alt, and Alt/Cmd keys to suit different platforms, and can instantly switch between three separate Bluetooth hosts at the touch of a function key – so you can easily share it between PC, a Mac and a tablet. The Logitech M720 mouse can likewise pair with three devices and switch between them as required.
...
...
If your PC is running a Professional edition of Windows 10 or 11, you can use Microsoft's Remote Desktop tool to access it from the Mac desktop. Connect using your PC's IP address, and your Windows username and password."
"... another tool you can try is Chrome Remote Desktop, which is a free add-on for Chrome-based browsers. Install it on both devices. Once installed, you'll be prompted to give each computer a unique name, and create a PIN of six or more digits to secure it. Now when you visit the web page on one machine, you'll be able to access and use the other one – as long as they're both logged into the same Google account."
Friday, October 13, 2023
KelTec P50 Blowback Semiauto 5.7x28mm Pistol
The KelTec P50 blowback-operated sem-iauto pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm with a 50-round magazine is an impressive combination of capacity, versatility and fun.
"It's a blowback-operated semi-auto chambered in 5.7x28 that holds an impressive 50 rounds in the magazine. The magazine design itself is not entirely new—it's the same used in FN's P90 submachine gun that first appeared over 30 years ago—but virtually everything else about this gun is original to KelTec."
Ruger 57 Pistol Review
The new Ruger-57 looks to put a charge into the 5.7x28mm pistol market:
"Externally, the Ruger-57 looks like a stretched Security-9, with a few unique features. This is a polymer-framed pistol, but it is not striker-fired. It is a single-action pistol with an internal hammer.
There is an ambidextrous 1911-style thumb safety that blocks the movement of the trigger: up for Safe, down for Fire. The safety can be engaged when the hammer is not cocked, and the long lever, while narrow, is easy to work with your thumb. There is also a safety lever on the trigger to prevent impact-related accidental discharges.
This pistol appears stretched because it sports a 4.94-inch barrel to get as much as possible out of the bottleneck high-velocity cartridge. Why 4.94 inches? Ruger says it's because the slide has a recessed breech face, so the distance between the breech face in the slide and the tip of the barrel is actually 5.0 inches."
"The Ruger's slide forward of the rear sight is drilled and tapped for an optic adapter plate, available separately at ShopRuger.com. Currently, the only plate available fits Burris and Vortex red dots."
"Current 5.7x28mm loads offer bullets between 28 and 40 grains in weight, running between 1,650 and 2,000 fps out of a handgun-length barrel. Most 40-grain loads will do roughly 1,700 fps."
Cartridge Comparison:
"The .22 TCM is meant for 1911-style guns, and it's basically a very shortened .223 case loaded with truncated 39- or 40-grain bullets. Out of pistol-length barrels, 40-grain bullets will do more than 1,900 fps.
The .22 WMR is a long rimfire round originally designed for small game rifles, but numerous pistols have been chambered in this cartridge. Loads offer bullets between 30 and 50 grains. This cartridge performs better out of rifle-length barrels, but in handguns you can expect to send 30-grain bullets downrange approaching 1,600 fps.
In terms of power, the 5.7x28mm fits between the .22 TCM and .22 WMR. However, there are other considerations.
As I mentioned, the .22 TCM is a proprietary cartridge, and Armscor/Rock Island Armory is the only company making ammo for it, and there are currently only two loads offered. Ammo for the .22 WMR is made by a number of companies, can be found all over and is the least expensive of these three calibers."
"Ballistically, it's more than suitable for small game. Hornady's V-Max bullets, available in several different 5.7x28mm loads, are designed to excel on small game. As a defensive pistol, you have merely to turn on your computer to hear the screeching of people proclaiming the 5.7x28mm cartridge is unsuitable for defensive use—never mind the fact that it was specifically designed for anti-personnel use. While the number of actual shootings involving this cartridge is low, it seems to have proven itself roughly as effective as a standard handgun round while providing less recoil, more magazine capacity, but more muzzle blast.
In ballistic gel block testing, these bullets, when fired out of handguns, vigorously fragment, and the bases penetrate 12 to 18 inches."
" With great sights, a long sight radius and an excellent trigger, shooting this pistol accurately and at speed is easy, whether you're hunting, plinking steel or training a new shooter. Currently, the only downsides are the availability of ammo and its cost."
Ruger LC Charger 5.7x28 Cheek Pistol
The new Ruger LC Charger 5.7x28 excels in the unorthodox role of cheek pistol. Using the cheek as a third point of contact when pistol shooting is the third dimension of shooting for the author.
Smith & Wesson Adds 5.7x28mm Caliber to M&P Line
Smith & Wesson jumps into the 5.7x28mm market with a well-designed version of its M&P pistol:
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Smith & Wesson M&P .22 WMR Rimfire Pistol
The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum, chambered in .22 WMR, is ideally suited for small-game hunting or plinking.
"The frame is described in S&W literature as full-sized ... The weight of the empty pistol is a mere 22 ounces, and it balances perfectly in the hand. The magazine capacity is a whopping 30 rounds, and two magazines come with the gun, all packed in a fitted hard-plastic case."
"The M&P 22s have S&W's unique TEMPO gas-operated action that keeps all parts locked up and in place until the bullet passes the gas port."
"... the M&P22 gobbled up all the ammo I fed it and placed the bullets pleasingly close together, including the 45- and 50-grain loads ...
The S&W literature states that it is critical the M&P22WMR should only use ammunition with jacketed bullets (JHP, TMJ, or FMJ) or the Hornady V-MAX with a polymer tip. Ammunition with copper-plated or polymer-coated bullets will not function reliably. Also, S&W says that birdshot loads will not reliably function in the pistol. Lastly, the primer sensitivity of some ammo may not function reliably either, so S&W has provided a list of ammo that they have tested and found reliable."
"... the M&P 22 is optics ready, and that most micro red dots can be mounted on the slide right out of the box."
" This pistol is REALLY LOUD! Be sure and wear good ear protection! Also, the ejected empties are red hot, so don't let them slip down your shirt collar!"
" Until recently, handguns for the .22 WMR were mostly limited to excellent revolvers from Ruger and Smith & Wesson. A void was the lack of suitable semi-auto pistols to fire it. Attempts to develop semi-auto pistols to fire the .22 (WMR) have met with varying degrees of success.
... Smith & Wesson has brought forth a new model that fills this void under the trusted M&P banner."
MSRP: $649
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Easy Car "Hacks"
Good uses for cooking spray, baking soda, insulation, hair conditioner, socks, and more.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Heinlein's Future History
The Future History is a series of stories created by Robert A. Heinlein. It describes a projected future of the human race from the middle of the 20th century through the early 23rd century:
The Future History Chart: http://templetongate.net/graphics/literature/fhchartlarge.gif
Monday, October 2, 2023
Sunday, October 1, 2023
TFB Review: Alpha Foxtrot 1911-S15, It Takes Glock Mags! -The Firearm Blog
This 9mm 1911 accepts G-43X magazines.
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/07/20/alpha-foxtrot-1911-s15/
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/07/20/alpha-foxtrot-1911-s15/
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