Wood & Metal working tools - Morse or Machine Taper (including Jacobs)

Morse or Machine Taper (including Jacobs):  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_taper
"Tools with a tapered shank are inserted into a matching tapered socket and pushed or twisted into place. They are then retained by friction ..."
"The Morse taper ... has evolved to encompass smaller and larger sizes and has been adopted as a standard by numerous organizations ... It is one of the most widely used types, and is particularly common on the shank of taper-shank twist drills and machine reamers, in the spindles of industrial drill presses, and in the tailstocks of lathes."

How To Identify & Determine The Size Of Your Morse Taper:
    https://solutions.travers.com/metalworking-machining/how-to-identify-determine-the-size-of-your-morse-taper
    Includes a downloadable Morse Taper Dimension Chart.

Morse Taper Dimensions:  https://uwoodcraft.com/morse-taper-dimensions/
Also see: https://drill-hq.com/2012/04/morse-taper-dimensions-chart/   &
https://www.engineersedge.com/manufacturing/morse_taper_shanks_dimensions_table_13465.htm

What are the Dimensions and Angles of Morse Tapers and Jacobs Tapers?
    https://www.zoro.com/resourcehub/what-are-the-dimensions-and-angles-of-morse-tapers-and-jacobs-tapers/
"Morse and Jacobs tapers are examples of self-holding tapers. ... Machinists are taught to take great care when handling Morse and Jacobs tapers as they are sensitive to nicks, dents, chips and dirt. When aligning the male conical taper with the female socket, if there are any imperfections or dirt, the pieces won't locate accurately nor hold reliably ..."
"The Jacobs taper, regularly abbreviated as JT, is most often used to secure drill press chucks to an arbor. The taper angles aren't consistent, varying from 1.41° per side for #0 (and the obscure #2-1/2) to 2.33° per side for #2 (and #2 short). There are also several sizes between #2 and #3: #2 short, #6 and #33."

Software Defined Radio (SDR), Raspberry Pi projects and more

10 Raspberry Pi projects based on Software-Defined Radio (SDR):
https://ke4bfi.com/2023/06/23/10-raspberry-pi-projects-based-on-software-defined-radio-sdr/
"1) Build an ADS-B receiver using Raspberry Pi and Software-Defined Radio (SDR) to track aircraft in your vicinity.
2) NOAA Weather Satellite Receiver ... can capture and process high-resolution weather images.
3) Radio Astronomy: Detect and analyze radio signals from celestial objects, such as the Sun, Jupiter, or even pulsars. F
4) Build a trunked radio scanner using Raspberry Pi and an SDR dongle.
5) Create an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver with Raspberry Pi and SDR to track ships and vessels in your vicinity.
6) Radio Direction Finding (RDF) - locate the source of radio signals. This project allows you to determine the direction of signals and can be used for various applications, including locating interference or tracking down rogue transmitters.
7) Pager Decoding: decode and monitor pager signals.
8) Turn your Raspberry Pi and SDR into a microwave cooker camera to visualize microwave radiation.
9) FM Radio Receiver:  tune in to your favorite FM radio stations and explore the world of software-defined radio.
10) Create a GSM base station using Raspberry Pi and SDR to experiment with GSM networks and protocols. This project enables you to set up a miniature GSM network and explore cellular communications.
Please note that some projects may require additional hardware, such as specific SDR dongles or antennas ..."

10 Best Software Defined Radio (SDR) Projects:

 https://www.onesdr.com/10-best-software-defined-radio-sdr-projects/

" 1)  Receiving and Decoding Radio Broadcasts, including FM, AM, shortwave, and digital radio
  2)  Tracking Aircraft with ADS-B
  3)  Monitoring Weather Satellites, receive images and data from NOAA weather satellites.
  4)  Listening to Amateur Radio Communications (ham), including SSB, CW, and digital modes
  5)  Exploring Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)
  6)  Analyzing the Radio Spectrum
  7)  Experimenting with Digital Modes
  8)  Setting Up a Local FM Transmitter - Create your own low-power FM transmitter (understand local transmission regulations!)
  9)  Building an SDR-Based Radar System - build a simple radar system for detecting objects
10)  Monitoring Satellite Communications

Fifty Things you can do with a Software Defined Radio: 

https://blinry.org/50-things-with-sdr/

"A Software Defined Radio is essentially a radio that relies on a computer to do most of its data processing. It doesn't rely on analog hardware too much – instead, most of what is does is "defined in software", hence the name.
Usually, SDRs can detect electromagnetic waves in a much wider range than a common FM radio, which makes it especially exciting! "
"(By the way, there's another great option if you don't want to buy anything – lots of people make their SDR accessible through the Internet! You can find a map https://rx-tx.info/map-sdr-points)"


Software Defined Radio Primer Part 1: Introduction to SDRs and SDR applications:
https://swling.com/blog/2018/09/software-defined-radio-primer-part-1-introduction-to-sdrs-and-sdr-applications/

SDR Primer Part 2: Exploring the world of SDRs for $200 or less:

https://swling.com/blog/tag/sdr-for-beginners/

Proxmox Virtual Environment

Recommended often on FB Home Server Setups group

https://www.proxmox.com/en/products/proxmox-virtual-environment/overview

"Proxmox Virtual Environment is a complete, open-source server management platform for enterprise virtualization. It tightly integrates the KVM hypervisor and Linux Containers (LXC), software-defined storage and networking functionality, on a single platform. With the integrated web-based user interface you can manage VMs and containers, high availability for clusters, or the integrated disaster recovery tools with ease."

Ubuntu available in Microsoft’s new WSL distribution format

https://ubuntu.com/blog/ubuntu-wsl-new-format-available

" Ubuntu on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is now available in Microsoft's new tar-based distribution architecture.

...

The new tar-based WSL distro format allows developers and system administrators to distribute, install, and manage Ubuntu WSL instances from tar files without relying on the Microsoft Store."

Some History of the ASP Pistol

Custom built in the '70s, this was one the first compact pistols in a "serious" caliber.

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/asp-9mm-subcompact-pistol-history/514391

"I was determined to design a better covert use device," he said. "No jutting front sights. No sharp edges on the pistol or its rear sights. Just a smooth transition from pocket or holster to hand."

.357 Magnum history and comparison

Compare the performance of .357 Magnum cartridges with slow-burning powder fired from barrels of various lengths.
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/Popular-357-Magnum-Marches-On-Not-Forgotten/516126

"When it comes to reaching maximum velocities with all available bullet weights, I have found W296 impossible to beat."

"Hornady XTP bullets weighing 110, 125, 140, 158, and 180 grains fit the bill perfectly. ... The five bullets have the same cannelure-to-nose measurement, and they differ only in full-diameter shank length. When loaded to the same overall cartridge length, free travel prior to rifling engagement is the same for those bullets."

"The revolver used for .357 Magnum velocity checks was a Dan Wesson Arms Model 715-VH ... with interchangeable barrels measuring 2.5, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 inches."

"A Ruger-made Marlin 1894 lever-action rifle with a barrel measuring 18.125 inches from boltface to muzzle was also used for checking velocities. ... Also serving as a paper-puncher ... was an old, reliable 6.0-inch-barreled Smith & Wesson Model 686 revolver wearing a ... scope in 2-6X magnification."

"Increasing barrel length from 4.0 to 6.0 inches resulted in an average gain of 120 fps (60 fps per inch).
Going from a barrel length of 6.0 inches to 8.0 inches increased average velocity by 119 fps, for virtually the same gain per inch.

Increasing barrel length from 8.0 inches to 18.125 inches resulted in an average gain of 469 fps, or roughly 47 fps per inch of barrel length increase."

"As bullet weight increases, velocity gain in longer barrels decreases ... When going from a 2.5-inch barrel to an 8.0-inch barrel, respective velocity increases for the 110-grain, 125-grain, 140-grain, 158-grain, and 180-grain bullets were 506 fps, 396 fps, 362 fps, 251 fps, and 210 fps. When switching from a 2.5-inch barrel to a barrel measuring 18.125 inches, the 110-grain bullet gained more than twice as much velocity as the 180-grain bullet (1,114 fps versus 519 fps)."

"I also proved to my own satisfaction that from a practical point of view, there is not a lot of difference in accuracy among the five Hornady bullets fired from my guns. Among several factors that could be at work here, all bullets being quite close to the same diameter along with all traveling the same distance prior to engaging the rifling had to be influential."

Ruger SR9c pistol and more

Is the Ruger SR9c a Good Gun for Concealed Carry?  (Mar, 2020):
https://www.guns.com/news/2020/03/10/is-the-ruger-sr9c-a-good-pistol-for-concealed-carry
"Ruger released the original SR9 design well over a decade ago in October 2007. In January of 2010, they released its smaller brethren the SR9c."
"When comparing the SR9c with the G26 you'll see that they each share a barrel length close to 3.4-inches. The SR9c is a bit longer and taller than the G26 but adds additional rounds when using the 17-round mag that comes standard with most new purchases."
"One feature that is sure to please the masses is the ambidextrous mag release, making this an ideal gun for lefties. Both models also boast an ambidextrous manual safety as well. In addition to the ambi controls, the gun also touts adjustable sights."
"The trigger was especially enjoyable and a bit surprising. For a gun that you can find brand new for under $300, you would expect some stiffness in the trigger. Instead, what you get is a very nice smooth pull with minimal mush to get through. Reset is a bit long but comes with an audible click and tactile feel."

Gun Review: Ruger SR9c (Sept, 2010): https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-ruger-sr9c/
"The only ergonomic issue: the SR9c's drum-tight slide and short height (4.51″ all in) makes racking the slide a decidedly dicey proposition."
"The SR9c is an amazingly accurate, thoroughly consistent pistol.
...
After firing well over 1000 rounds through the SR9c, I can state unequivocally that the little Ruger is the best semi-automatic the company has ever made."
"The Ruger's frame-mounted safety switch is completely inappropriate for a defensive handgun. It's easy enough to disengage the ambidextrous safety with the thumb of your gun hand before punching paper down at the range. But I'd rate the chances of switching the safety off in a gunfight at no better than 50 percent. That's IF you remember to do it. And to do THAT, you'll have to train using the SR9c's safety. Every. Single. Time."

Ruger SR-Series:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_SR-Series
"On April 9, 2008, Ruger recalled the SR9 model because, under certain conditions, it can fire if dropped with the manual safety off and a round in the chamber. This condition can occur in pistols manufactured from October 2007 to April 2008. Ruger designed a new trigger group which corrects this issue. It includes, among other things, adding a pivoting inner blade to the trigger itself, similar to that on the Glock pistol.
...
Ruger initially announced that, beginning in mid-May 2008, they would retrofit SR9 pistols having a serial number below 330-30000 with the new parts, and include a spare magazine free of charge (approximately 11,000 pistols). SR9 pistols with serial numbers of 330-30000 and higher were manufactured with the safety enhancements and are not subject to the recall."
"In 2017, twelve years after its introduction, Ruger discontinued the SR-Series of handguns. This was presumably because Ruger wanted to focus on the higher-end Ruger American Pistol and the cheaper Ruger Security-9, introduced in that same year."
"The SR9 is the first large-caliber striker fired pistol designed and manufactured by Sturm Ruger. Similar to Glock's "safe action", the striker fired SR9 features a pre-set trigger.  With this type of action, the striker is partially cocked when the slide is cycled, then is fully cocked and released when the trigger is pulled."
"The slide is available in either brushed or blackened through-hardened stainless steel, and the frame is fiberglass-reinforced nylon polymer ..."
"The SR9 also features a magazine disconnector.  The Ruger SR9 can safely be dry fired with an empty magazine in the pistol. A Ruger-issued warning states that, due to the disconnector, dry firing the pistol without the magazine inserted will cause unnecessary wear to the striker block, but published firearms industry information notes that the SR9's disconnect can be deactivated simply by removing some of the disconnector linkage."

"The Ruger SR40 started to ship in October 2010 to dealers. This is a full-size variant chambered in .40 S&W. The full-size .40 S&W magazines hold 15 rounds."
"The Ruger SR40c started to ship in June 2011. Like the SR9c is to the SR9, the SR40c is a compact version of the SR40. It is dimensionally equal to the SR9c ..."
"The Ruger SR45 chambered in .45 ACP was announced in January 2013 ..."
https://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2013/01/04/ruger-sr45/

6 Common Ruger Security 9 Problems You Must Be Aware of (Mar, 2024): https://gunsadvisor.com/problems/pistol/ruger-security-9/

Ruger Security-9:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Security-9
"Introduced in late 2017, Ruger intended to use the Security-9 to replace the Ruger SR-Series. The Security-9 managed to be even less expensive than the SR-Series as it eliminated the adjustable backstrap and ambidextrous magazine release, used an internal hammer-fired mechanism instead of a striker-fired mechanism and hardened aluminum alloy rails instead of steel rails."

Improvised housing, log cabins, etc.

Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties:  https://www.gutenberg.org/files/28255/28255-h/28255-h.htm

How to Build a Log Cabin By Hand: https://homesteading.com/build-log-cabin-by-hand/

23 DIY Log Cabins-Build For a Rustic Lifestyle by Hand: https://theselfsufficientliving.com/diy-log-cabin-build/

How to Build a Log Cabin From Scratch:  https://www.meaningfulspaces.com/how-to-build-a-log-cabin-from-scratch/

16 Best Free Cabin Plans With Detailed Instructions:  https://www.logcabinhub.com/cabin-plans/

How to Build a Log Cabin (…from Scratch and by Hand): https://www.logcabinhub.com/how-to-build-a-log-cabin/

Build A Log Cabin Using Trees From Your Own Land:  https://www.logcabinhub.com/build-a-log-cabin-using-trees/
"Fell logs in the winter when the sap content is at its lowest.
Cutting trees in the winter also allows them a longer drying period and will result in less cracks and splits.
...
Once felled, you should seal the log ends with paraffin wax (or shellac, latex paint or specially formulated end grain sealants) and debark them.
You will need to straddle your log, and use a drawknife to peel the bark off the logs towards you at a 30 degree angle."
"At an absolute minimum I would recommend drying your logs for at least 6 months, if you can leave them for a couple of years – even better."

How To Get A GMRS License

The FCC website can be obtuse - here a is a guide:

https://rockytalkie.com/blogs/rocky-talkie-blog/how-to-get-a-gmrs-license

NOTES: 

• In order to operate a GMRS  (General Mobile Radio Service) radio, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requires you to obtain a GMRS license.

• Obtaining a license costs $35.00, does not require a test, and covers your immediate family for up to 10 years.

• Start by obtaining a 10-digit FRN (FCC Registered Number) from the Commission Registration System (CORES). (Use a computer - the buttons are quite small on a mobile device).

• Once you've obtained your FRN, you can apply for a GMRS License in the FCC's License Manager ( https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp ).

Here's one company selling GMRS radios:  https://rockytalkie.com/

What The US Navy’s Massive Orca Submarine Drone Is Capable of

This long article about the future of the Navy's new unmanned undersea vehicle program contains a lot of new info to me, and both interesting and disturbing:

https://www.twz.com/news-features/what-the-navys-massive-orca-submarine-drone-is-actually-capable-of

A few thoughts -
Basically, I think this is a cool project and a hopeful sign for our Navy.  The thought that initially, these UUVs can't operate with surface units because they're too slow, indicates they may be given a lot of strategic assignments - setting things up for the future rather than being engaged in the dynamic flow of normal operations.

This is a large vehicle - besides delivering mines and other autonomous devices, I think they could be used to preposition supplies for any of our units that can go underwater to retrieve them.

I also wonder if they could be useful in protecting undersea cables, perhaps acting as a mother-ship to a small fleet of hunter-killer drones.

Having to leave from port under it's own power seems like a severe limitation - I imagine that in the near future there will be versions that can be tossed (ok - lowered) off the side of many naval vessels running at speed.  The Seals would probably love a version that can be dropped from a cargo plane along with themselves and their other gear (or containing their gear).

Current missions are planned to be a month or shorter - I believe that eventually missions will be much longer, like the X-37 that comes back to base 18 months or more after being launched into space.  The longer the mission, the less likely our adversaries can predict where the drone is.
The Orca is a diesel / electric hybrid.  It's probably manageable for the Navy to preposition diesel fuel on the ocean floor (gasp!) so the drone can refuel - this could extend their missions to the point of equipment breakage.
At $450 million each, the cost is pretty staggering - some of our adversaries are probably developing useful UUV capabilities for a lot less, probably at least an order of magnitude less money.  This could give them an overwhelming advantage in quantity ...
At this price, I doubt that they would be used for one-way missions where they're destroyed along with the target, but that mission might apply to some of their payloads.

One of the big fears would be a device like this that heads out on a mission and is unable to hear recall orders or changes to their mission.  The Navy will need to put a lot of thought into the programming to minimize the possibility of disasters.  For example, if it receives no communication at the designated contact time / point, has nuclear war destroyed our country, or has a bad solder joint crippled the drone's electronics?

Using math to select good candidates - 37% rule

Reject all of the first 37%, and then accept the next candidate that is better than any (all) of them ...

https://www.iflscience.com/struggling-over-a-big-life-decision-math-says-you-should-use-the-37-percent-rule-77590

DIY DAS and NAS for Media 2020 - Chris Bergerons Tech Blog

Use DAS to expand storage for small PCs.
https://chrisbergeron.com/2020/03/07/diy_das_part1/

The Best Temperature for Painting Your Car

Various sites indicate slightly different temperature ranges, but anything from the low 60s to the high 80s should be fine ...

https://which-kit.com/the-truth-about-the-best-temperature-for-painting-your-car/