Thursday, May 14, 2026
HomePage | PicoDash.org - automotive upgrades for non-CANBUS vehicles
http://picodash.org/tiki-index.php?page=HomePage
From FB: “Basically it's a modular digital extension for old pre-CANBUS cars.
One part of the project is a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 that interfaces with various sensors on the car and either feeds a data stream to a separate GUI module or displays a simple automotive-style instrument cluster via HDMI.
Stuff like the coolant temperature sensor, washer fluid, and knock sensor are working fine. The problem I'm having is with the vehicle speed distance sensor or the VSS.”
CANADUINO Sale – Shop Deals On DIY Kits & Parts
Some interesting little electronic bits here: https://www.universal-solder.ca/sale/
9 Amazon Prime perks you may not be using
9 best Amazon Prime perks you're paying for but probably not using -
Amazon Prime's complimentary Grubhub+ membership ... Grubhub+ traditionally costs at $9.99/month ($119/year) and includes $0 delivery fees, lower service fees, and exclusive offers for members. Grubhub+ members also get 5% cash back on pickup orders.
Prime members can save $0.10 per gallon at more than 7,500 BP, Amoco, and participating AmPm and Thorntons locations across the U.S. ... Amazon suggests that filling up with its discount will save you around $70 per year...
Note: There are a few steps you need to make before obtaining your discount, but it's well worth the effort. Make sure to check out our Amazon gas how-to guide to start saving.
Prime members get access to epic discounts at Whole Foods. Sales change on a weekly basis, but past deals include 20% off select seafood, organic turkeys from $1.99/lb., 15% off pastries, and bouquets for as little as $9.99.
Prime members also get access to Whole Foods' annual sales, such as the market's popular "12 days of cheese" sale, which knocks up to 50% off select cheeses for 12 days in December. If you shop in-store, the Whole Foods app is a must as it makes it easy to stay on top of the latest deals.
Note: ... last year Amazon added a $9.95 service fee to all Whole Foods deliveries.
Fwd: Bear Creek Supply - Coated Lead Bullets for reloading
Price sheet available for download. At present, orders are by phone. Good reviews for the heavy 9mm bullets on FB.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Best Used Electric Cars for 2026 - Road & Track Expert Picks
There are some practical choices here (among others): https://www.roadandtrack.com/rankings/g43917934/best-used-electric-cars/
Saturday, May 9, 2026
DIY Budget Small Form Factor PC with Intel CPU
Depending on objectives, a refurbished SFF PC may be the best choice.
DIY Budget Small Form Factor PC with Intel CPU -
Build a Low Cost Tiny Gaming Rig That Hits 1440p Smoothly (2025):
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/sff-budget-gaming-pc-build-guide/
A comprehensive article.
How to Build a Tiny PC: https://www.howtogeek.com/896254/how-to-build-a-tiny-pc/
"There are plenty of pre-built tiny PCs out there. But what if you want to undertake the challenge, and build your very own, tiny PC? It's certainly a complicated task, but not an impossible one, as long as you control your expectations."
How to Build a Low Cost SFF 1440p Gaming PC:
https://kittybnk.com/how-to-build-a-low-cost-sff-1440p-gaming-pc/
"This guide ... provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, covering essential components, assembly tips, performance benchmarks, and strategies to save money ..."
How to Build a Compact Gaming PC With Serious RGB for Well Under $1,500:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-compact-gaming-pc-with-serious-rgb-for-well-under-1500
"... a recipe for a stellar mainstream PC that's perfect for all-out 1080p or 1440p AAA gaming and much more."
Compact, but bigger than a Mini-ITX setup.
It's easy to build a compact PC for work and play:
https://www.xda-developers.com/can-you-build-your-own-mini-pc/
"Because these systems are so compact, you don't have much room for expansion, which is why there are limitations in place for storage, RAM, and other internal components."
Distinguishes between Mini-PCs and Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs.
Mini ITX DIY vs. Pre-built SFF: Is it worth it for an everyday computer (2013)?
https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/mini-itx-diy-vs-pre-built-sff-is-it-worth-it-for-an-everyday-computer.2319063/
"DIY PCs are very weak in terms of value/$ in the low end--you can't really beat a Dell Outlet refurbished @ Amazon & other vendors. in power for the price, especially with a Windows license factored in."
Dell Desktop Computers and All-in-One PCs:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/scr/desktops/appref=all-intel-processors-processor-brand,all-in-one-form-factor
Includes several PC / monitor combinations ...
Budget SFF PC build: https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=600337531%20100897449&d=budget+pc+build&Order=1
Mostly refurbished PCs - compare to Amazon.
Thin Mini-ITX Intel CPU motherboards:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007627&d=thin+mini-itx+motherboards&isdeptsrh=1&Order=1
Includes refurbished M/Bs from $52 ... Socket LGA-1150 - 1155 (possibly getting a bit old). More expensive M/Bs naturally support more modern CPUs, NVMe M.2 SSDs, and more.
Mini-ITX cases (may need compact power supplies):
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=mini-itx+case&Order=1&N=600545970%20100007583
Some include power supplies ...
Mini-ITX power supply:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007657%20600014011&d=mini-itx+power+supply&isdeptsrh=1&Order=1
These power supplies can cost as much as some cases.
Build a Low Cost Tiny Gaming Rig That Hits 1440p Smoothly (2025):
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/sff-budget-gaming-pc-build-guide/
A comprehensive article.
How to Build a Tiny PC: https://www.howtogeek.com/896254/how-to-build-a-tiny-pc/
"There are plenty of pre-built tiny PCs out there. But what if you want to undertake the challenge, and build your very own, tiny PC? It's certainly a complicated task, but not an impossible one, as long as you control your expectations."
How to Build a Low Cost SFF 1440p Gaming PC:
https://kittybnk.com/how-to-build-a-low-cost-sff-1440p-gaming-pc/
"This guide ... provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, covering essential components, assembly tips, performance benchmarks, and strategies to save money ..."
How to Build a Compact Gaming PC With Serious RGB for Well Under $1,500:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-compact-gaming-pc-with-serious-rgb-for-well-under-1500
"... a recipe for a stellar mainstream PC that's perfect for all-out 1080p or 1440p AAA gaming and much more."
Compact, but bigger than a Mini-ITX setup.
It's easy to build a compact PC for work and play:
https://www.xda-developers.com/can-you-build-your-own-mini-pc/
"Because these systems are so compact, you don't have much room for expansion, which is why there are limitations in place for storage, RAM, and other internal components."
Distinguishes between Mini-PCs and Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs.
Mini ITX DIY vs. Pre-built SFF: Is it worth it for an everyday computer (2013)?
https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/mini-itx-diy-vs-pre-built-sff-is-it-worth-it-for-an-everyday-computer.2319063/
"DIY PCs are very weak in terms of value/$ in the low end--you can't really beat a Dell Outlet refurbished @ Amazon & other vendors. in power for the price, especially with a Windows license factored in."
Dell Desktop Computers and All-in-One PCs:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/scr/desktops/appref=all-intel-processors-processor-brand,all-in-one-form-factor
Includes several PC / monitor combinations ...
Budget SFF PC build: https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=600337531%20100897449&d=budget+pc+build&Order=1
Mostly refurbished PCs - compare to Amazon.
Thin Mini-ITX Intel CPU motherboards:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007627&d=thin+mini-itx+motherboards&isdeptsrh=1&Order=1
Includes refurbished M/Bs from $52 ... Socket LGA-1150 - 1155 (possibly getting a bit old). More expensive M/Bs naturally support more modern CPUs, NVMe M.2 SSDs, and more.
Mini-ITX cases (may need compact power supplies):
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=mini-itx+case&Order=1&N=600545970%20100007583
Some include power supplies ...
Mini-ITX power supply:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007657%20600014011&d=mini-itx+power+supply&isdeptsrh=1&Order=1
These power supplies can cost as much as some cases.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)