I've been having a problem where the corners of my 3d print curl up, the first few layers, and the nozzle can run into them and pull the part off the bed. Rather than figure out what the problem actually is, I've taken to blasting it for maybe half a second with one of those … Continue reading 3d print corners lifting: apply fire, mush down
Tips
Compiling other people’s code, for dummies
Here's some stuff I didn't know, when first I wanted to compile other people's code. If there's a CMakeLists.txt: mkdir build, cd build, cmake .., make If there's only a Makefile, make Subsequent "sudo make install" usually installs it somewhere accessible via path If you're missing a library or header file FOO, probably: apt-get install … Continue reading Compiling other people’s code, for dummies
Raspberry Pico fail to boot from flash
So. If you should find that the code runs from the debugger, but does not start on its own when you plug in the usb, add to your rootmost CMakeLists.txt set(PICO_BOARD pico_pair) referencing pico-sdk/src/boards/include/boards/pico_pair.h and if you don't have that file, just copy pico-sdk/src/boards/include/boards/pico.h but add these three lines near the top, after the name … Continue reading Raspberry Pico fail to boot from flash
General PCBA notes
Often specifically about JLCPCB and KiCAD. If a crystal says 20pF, it probably actually wants caps of 35pF each. C = 2L-5pF, or so. Then pick an available capacitor near that value. JLCPCB's understanding of 45* rotated components is 90* off of KiCAD's, in some way. ...But only on the pcb bottom? Expect also disagreements … Continue reading General PCBA notes
Crystal oscillator capacitors
Apparently a crystal oscillator marked "20pF" DOESN'T get 20pF caps, it gets ~35pF caps. (In the usual microcontroller's oscillator configuration, anyway.) My rule of thumb, now, is C=2L-5pF. See https://electronics.stackexchange.com/a/677202/166296 .
Thermostat wiring and voltages
TL;DR: heating systems signal with current, not with voltage, AFAICT. Story up top, hard details at the bottom. So, my fuel oil furnace started acting weird, the other day. Or rather, it had been acting weird for a while, but just to the point where you're like, "is it maybe supposed to do that?" It … Continue reading Thermostat wiring and voltages
LibreOffice Reflection
No, I don't know how to do LibreOffice Basic reflection. I'm kinda ticked about it. Spent ages trying to find how to get the area of a selection (y'know, the entirety of what a selection is?), found a ton of splintered documents and couldn't tell whether they were even applicable (and they were largely unhelpful … Continue reading LibreOffice Reflection
How to tie your tie the right length
TL;DR near the bottom. So for years, almost every Sunday I'd have to re-tie my tie in order to get it the right length. I tried looking up tricks, and found nothing. The method I use to tie my tie, you fix the length of the short end, and then tie the long end around … Continue reading How to tie your tie the right length
5 Minute Onion
Here's a tip I found on the internet somewhere: you can cook an onion in the microwave in 5 min. No special preparation, though I recommend removing the end bits and the outer papery peel. You can microwave it for less if you want more of a crunch. You can cut it up afterwards, and … Continue reading 5 Minute Onion
Highly Questionable Ideas 