Saturday, January 24, 2026

Best Automotive Oscilloscopes

5 Best Automotive Oscilloscopes 2024:
" [Best Cheap] Hantek 1008C"  - Needs a Windows laptop or PC to operate.
"... it stands out from other automotive oscilloscopes because it comes packed with cool features. Besides the waveform generator, it also boasts a built-in FFT function and basic math functions. Plus, you get 20 automatic measurements and auto cursor tracking functions – pretty handy, right?
We've tested the Hantek 1008C for various tasks like checking coils, fuel injectors, and alternator ripples. It's proven to be a valuable tool for automotive diagnostics."
"... using more than 4 channels at once slows it down. If you max it out with all 8 channels, it becomes really sluggish ..."

Top 10 Best Automotive Oscilloscopes in 2023:
"An automotive oscilloscope ... is a kind of electronic test instrument designed to graphically display different types of signal voltages as a two-dimensional plot of one or more signals as a function of time frequently.
Tracing atypical electrical waves on breaking down equipment will be impossible without an automotive oscilloscope."
"HANTEK 1008C 8CH - 
Among the different digital oscilloscopes, HANTEK 1008C Automotive Digital Oscilloscope is  designed with vast new features and capabilities. It is one of the most cost-effective 8 channels of automotive oscilloscopes ...
Key Features:
    Channel and Extraordinary Specs: It is an 8-channel oscilloscope that comes with a real-time sampling rate of 2.4MSa/sec with a 12-bit vertical resolution for spectrum analysis. It provides automatic testing functions of more than 20 types which are like interfaces in benchtop oscilloscopes.
    Multiple Sensor Types: It features a lot of sensors such as the lambda sensor, crankshaft sensor, airflow meter sensor, throttle position sensor, distributor sensor, and camshaft sensor that will make the oscilloscope simple to use.
    DAQ Card Function: This is the feature used for effective wave determination:
    Other Features: Includes a Programmable Generator to give better test outcomes and performance. The camshaft analog signals, crankshaft, and so on can easily be observed with this device. It features a play interface and USB 2.0 plug to make sure no additional power supply is required for it.
HANTEK 1008C is perfect for vehicle testing. You can also use it for the first diagnosis like the idle exhaust ignition, intake multiple vacuums.starting exhaust ignition, as well as petrol fumes adjusting valve vacuum."

HOW TO CHOOSE AN AUTOMOTIVE OSCILLOSCOPE?
Available as a PDF file.

8 Best Automotive Oscilloscopes for Car Diagnostics (Jun, 2024):


Raspberry Pi TV HAT

How to Set Up the Raspberry Pi TV HAT: A Step-by-Step Guide:


"...  the Raspberry Pi TV HAT is an expansion card for all Raspberry Pi models that allows access to live TV streams ..."


Wednesday, January 21, 2026

PowerToys Workspaces lets you automate desktop & app arrangement

PowerToys Workspaces is a feature in Microsoft PowerToys that allows users to automate the arrangement and launching of applications on their desktop with a single click -

NOTE:  Instead of putting lots of stuff in Startup, try setting up desktops for Reading, Programming (Powershell, BASIC, Python, etc.), Car Stuff, Medical, Bills, Taxes, Watching TV, etc.

Microsoft PowerToys 'Workspaces' Makes Setting up Your Windows PC Easy:
  https://www.howtogeek.com/microsoft-powertoys-workspaces-update/
"To get to a workspace in no time, save it as a desktop shortcut and pin it to the taskbar."
"Before you can use the utility, you must turn on Workspaces in your PowerToys settings. With that done, hit "Launch editor" in the Workspaces settings or press Win+Ctrl+` on the keyboard to bring up the editor. Clicking "+ Create workspace" will capture your current desktop layout."
"You can also launch an app in a workspace as an admin."
"The tool intelligently handles open apps. Instead of launching duplicates, it repositions existing windows to match your saved layout. And if you're using multiple monitors, Workspaces remembers which screen each app belongs on."

Workspaces utility for Windows desktop management (official documentation):
  "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/workspaces"

How to launch and auto arrange apps with PowerToys on Windows (Nov 2025):
  https://pureinfotech.com/launch-auto-arrange-apps-powertoys-windows/

Workspaces is the best PowerToys feature you're not using on your Windows PC:
  https://www.makeuseof.com/powertoys-workspaces-best-feature-windows/
"To create a workspace, start by arranging your apps exactly how you want them. Open all the apps you need for a specific workflow and position them using Windows snap layouts or FancyZones. Once everything looks good, press Win + Ctrl + Backtick (or your custom shortcut) to open the Workspaces editor.
Click Create Workspace, give it a name, then hit Capture. Workspaces grabs every open app and its position. Once done, you'll see a list of all captured apps in the editor. To remove any app from the list, select it and click Remove. For each app, click the dropdown arrow to access advanced options."

How to use PowerToys Workspaces to finesse your Windows desktop - Just rebooted your PC? Start your day right with the click of a button:
  https://www.pcworld.com/article/2490582/how-to-use-powertoys-workspaces-to-finesse-your-windows-desktop.html
"First, a brief recap: PowerToys is a collection of free Windows utilities, directly from Microsoft. You'll need to download the app directly from Microsoft, then enable any or all of the PowerToys apps that you wish to use."

"Basically, PowerToys Workspaces allows you to instantly launch and configure a collection of windows and/or apps across multiple screens, arranged how you want.
...
You might think of Workspaces as a bookmark of sorts: Get everything arranged just so, and then save your work."

"On my PC, Workspaces had an odd shortcut: Win + CTRL + ' which I changed just by clicking the Workspaces box. Otherwise, you simply need to click the "Launch Editor" from either the Workspaces main menu or within the Workspaces Settings menu."

Windows 11 How To:  https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/windows-11/how-to

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

FN Five-Seven MRD Review

A 20-round pistol for the 5.7mm cartridge:

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/fn-five-seven-mrd-review/

Friday, January 16, 2026

Replace ZFS with Btrfs on a home NAS

I ditched ZFS for Btrfs on my home NAS and I'm never going back:
"Things like mixing drives, adding a new disk, or enabling compression didn't require as much thought anymore, and I didn't lose out on things like snapshots — in fact, the good thing was that I didn't need to plan around them just for it to work. It was honestly quite surprising that Btrfs worked so well and without drawing attention to itself."

"The new system felt much more approachable, and I found myself checking it more often. That system was much more forgiving toward my experiments, and I didn't need to put much thought into preparation."

" I won't give you false hope — Btrfs hasn't made my NAS meaningfully faster, nor has it changed how I use it every single day. What it has actually changed is the amount of planning required to keep the system running the way I want. All the routine tasks now feel much more straightforward, and adding or replacing disks doesn't require a lot of conscious thought and planning. I don't find myself configuring the system as much as I used to."

"ZFS is much stricter about data integrity, which is a solid point in its favor. It guarantees a more reliable system when everything works in tandem, creating one you can actually rely on. If I were managing larger pools, storing critical data, or even hosting multiple users, ZFS would still be my first choice."

"It simply comes down to which file system works better where. ZFS excels when structure and long-term planning are central to the setup. Meanwhile, Btrfs works better when you need incremental growth and flexibility"

Btrfs subvolumes are a taste of flexible filesystems:

ZFS (previously Zettabyte File System) is a file system with volume management capabilities:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZFS

Btrfs is a computer storage format that combines a file system based on the copy-on-write (COW) principle with a logical volume manager:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Btrfs

Ubuntu and BTRFS:  https://linuxvox.com/blog/ubuntu-btrfs/

"During the Ubuntu installation process, you can choose BTRFS as the filesystem for your partitions. Here are the general steps:

  1. Boot the Ubuntu installation media.
  2. Select your language, keyboard layout, and other preferences.
  3. When you reach the "Installation type" screen, choose "Something else".
  4. Select the partition where you want to install Ubuntu and click "Change".
  5. In the "Use as" dropdown menu, select "BTRFS".
  6. Set the mount point (usually /) and click "OK".
  7. Proceed with the installation as usual."
Ubuntu + Btrfs + Automatic Snapshots (Snapper and Btrfs Assistant):
"This script creates Btrfs subvolumes (while still in Live CD/USB mode) for Ubuntu 24.04 (or newer) and compatible derivatives."
Includes detailed instructions to install Ubuntu with Brtfs ...

How to install and format a partition with the Btrfs on Ubuntu:

Brtfs Overview (older documentation):  https://help.ubuntu.com/community/btrfs

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Home - Safe Needle Disposal

Enter Zip Code to find locations nearby.
https://safeneedledisposal.org/

[OpenWrt Wiki] Documentation

https://openwrt.org/docs/start

[OpenWrt Wiki] OpenWrt on x86 hardware (PC / VM / server)

Follow the instructions and give it a try …
https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/installation/openwrt_x86

[OpenWrt Wiki] Welcome to the OpenWrt Project

Some folks advocate running this on an old PC. Otherwise, a lot of routers can be upgraded with it.
https://openwrt.org/

6mm GT - a newer cartridge Taking competition shooting by Storm


"While it's only been commercially available for a little over two years, the accuracy and improved feeding capabilities of the 6mm GT have made it so two years is all it took to firmly stake its claim in the world of competitive shooting."

" Size-wise, the 6mm GT is a happy medium between the longer 6mm Creedmoor and the shorter 6BR (Bench Rest)."

"The result is a more predictable and barrel-friendly cartridge than the 6mm Creedmoor. It can utilize the accurate and forgiving powders of the 6BR, has fantastic accuracy, and due to its shoulder angle and case length, it doesn't suffer from feeding issues."

Monday, January 12, 2026

Edit text files from Command Prompt & PowerShell on Win-10 & 11 — using MS Edit


"This editor is not brand-new to the operating system. In older versions, Microsoft included the MS-DOS Editor for text editing. However, Microsoft Edit is an open-source, more modern alternative with 64-bit architecture support. In addition, it's not only available for Windows 11 (and 10), but it's also available for Linux."

"To install Microsoft Edit on Windows 11, use these steps:
  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
  3. Type the following winget command to install Microsoft Edit and press Enter:
winget install --id Microsoft.Edit    "


Sunday, January 11, 2026

BookStack app for documentation

This is recommended for documenting PC & IT builds:
https://www.bookstackapp.com/

Docker Projects for Raspberry Pi (or Linux)

"Docker is used on Raspberry Pi to run isolated applications and services, avoiding conflicts with the system or other software. It simplifies installation and management across multiple environments."

"What You'll Need for These Projects:
    Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5.
    Micro SD card: 32 GB or more.
    Raspberry Pi OS installed.
    Docker & Docker Compose installed.
    Knowledge of Docker and Docker Compose."

"Pi Hole (https://pi-hole.net) acts as a local DNS server that blocks unwanted content before it even loads. Once set up, everything connected to your Wi-Fi gets ad-free browsing." Documentation: https://docs.pi-hole.net/
"Using a Pi-Hole in a container makes it isolated and easy to upgrade, without affecting other services on your Pi."
Requires: "Setting your router's DNS to point to the Pi."

"Home Assistant helps you control smart lights, thermostats, sensors, and more — all from one dashboard. It supports hundreds of devices and is incredibly customizable."

"Jellyfin and Plex let you stream videos, music, and photos from your Pi."
Plex has been around longer, but Jellyfin is apparently easier to setup & use.

"Monitor Everything with Grafana & Prometheus:
Track your Pi's performance, network stats, or even multiple devices in your home. Grafana gives you charts and dashboards, while Prometheus handles data collection and time-series storage."

"Vaultwarden is a lightweight clone of Bitwander that you can host yourself. It's perfect for keeping all your login credentials secure and syncing across devices."
"Enable HTTPS for better security."

"WireGuard VPN lets you access your home network securely from anywhere. You can browse safely on public Wi-Fi or access your NAS and Pi tools while on the go, and on the other hand, it gives you privacy and encryption for your navigation."
"While using a container, you can avoid editing the system file directly, and you can spin it up on any device as many times you want and at any time. No need to mess with iptables or system networking by hand."
Requires:  "Port forwarding on your router." & "Static IP or DDNS."
Full Guide: https://raspberrytips.com/install-wireguard-raspberry-pi/

"Run small AI models on a Raspberry Pi! With tools like Whisper (speech-to-text) and LLMs like x, you can experiment with local voice transcription or chatbots without needing cloud access."
"Docker is perfect for this because it isolates Python environments, dependencies like PyTorch, and makes setup much easier."

"Host your own Minecraft server hosted entirely on a Raspberry Pi."
"With Docker, you can isolate the game server from your OS, and make it easy to restart or tweak settings without breaking your Pi."
 
"Host a Simple Web Server or API Backend - If you're learning web development or building your own tools, using tools like Node.js, Flask, or PHP servers on your Pi is the best way to deploy them.
It can be used for hobby apps, dashboards or even self-hosted APIs."

"Create a Private Document Server - Paperless-ngx lets you scan, store, search, and organize documents in a sleek web interface. It's perfect for managing receipts or home paperwork."










Do I really need a VPN? Kim Komando debunks 3 major myths

Think you have nothing to hide? Think again. Kim Komando explains why ISPs are legally allowed to sell your private data, even the medical symptoms you type into AI. Learn how to close your digital blinds and save money on travel.

https://www.komando.com/news/security/do-i-really-need-a-vpn-kim-komando-debunks-3-major-myths/

11 Docker Projects Every Raspberry Pi Owner Could Try – RaspberryTips

These require a Pi-4 or 5, but would also be applicable to other Linux systems.
https://raspberrytips.com/docker-projects-for-raspberry-pi/

Friday, January 9, 2026

Hyper-V and Linux (use a virtual environment in Windows to run Linux)

Hyper-V and Linux: A Comprehensive Guide (Nov 2025):
https://linuxvox.com/blog/hyperv-linux/
"Hyper-V is a native hypervisor developed by Microsoft, which allows users to create and run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server."
"Combining Hyper-V and Linux enables users to leverage the power of virtualization for Linux workloads, such as running Linux-based web servers, database servers, and development environments within a Windows-based infrastructure."
"Each VM has its own virtual hardware, including CPU, memory, storage, and network interfaces. The hypervisor manages the allocation of physical resources to these virtual machines, ensuring efficient utilization."

"   CPU: Hyper-V allows you to allocate a specific number of virtual CPUs to a Linux VM based on its workload requirements.
    Memory: You can assign a fixed amount of memory to the Linux VM. Hyper-V also supports dynamic memory allocation, which can adjust the memory usage of the VM based on its needs.
    Storage: You can use virtual hard disks (VHD or VHDX) to provide storage for the Linux VM. Hyper-V supports different storage types, such as basic and dynamic disks.
    Network: Hyper-V provides virtual network adapters for Linux VMs. You can configure these adapters to connect to different network types, such as external, internal, or private networks."

"You can choose between Generation 1 and Generation 2 VMs. Generation 2 VMs have some advanced features like UEFI firmware, but some older Linux distributions may not support them."

"    For Ubuntu, you can install the Hyper-V integration services using the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install linux - image - extra - $(uname - r) linux - headers - $(uname - r)"

"    Snapshots capture the state of the VM at a specific point in time, including its disk and memory state.
# Create a snapshot of a Linux VM named "LinuxVM"
Checkpoint - Vm - Name "LinuxVM" - CheckpointName "Pre - Update Snapshot""

"    Configure the network settings of the Linux VMs to ensure proper connectivity. You can set up static IP addresses or use DHCP.
# Edit the network configuration file in Ubuntu
sudo nano /etc/netplan/00 - install - default - ethernets.yaml"

...

Best Practices for running Linux on Hyper-V:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/virtualization/hyper-v/best-practices-for-running-linux-on-hyper-v
"Use Hyper-V-specific network adapters, not the legacy network adapter
Configure and use the virtual Ethernet adapter, which is a Hyper-V-specific network card with enhanced performance. If both legacy and Hyper-V-specific network adapters are attached to a virtual machine, the network names in the output of ifconfig -a might show random values such as _tmp12000801310. To avoid this issue, remove all legacy network adapters when using Hyper-V-specific network adapters in a Linux virtual machine."

...

How to set up Ubuntu on Hyper-V:
https://documentation.ubuntu.com/server/how-to/virtualisation/ubuntu-on-hyper-v/
"The recommended method is to use the curated Ubuntu image from the Hyper-V Quick Create Gallery. This is ideal for desktop development on Ubuntu and for users interested in running a complete Ubuntu desktop environment. The Ubuntu image from the Quick Create Gallery includes pre-configured features, such as clipboard sharing, dynamic resolution display, and shared folders."

How to Run Linux on Hyper-V?  https://www.nakivo.com/blog/run-linux-hyper-v/
"Linux has excellent container support which may be a reason to install Linux on Hyper-V as a virtual machine."

How to Install Ubuntu on Windows with Hyper-V:  https://phoenixnap.com/kb/hyper-v-ubuntu
"After enabling Hyper-V, create a virtual network switch for the virtual machine to use ..."

How to Run Linux on Hyper-V:  https://www.diskinternals.com/raid-recovery/hyper-v-linux/
...