Gadgets

Compatible Android OTG Devices

Posted on:

Android has a little known feature that provides built-in support for USB hardware devices.  Provided you have the right adapter, you can plug in a keyboard, mouse, gaming controller, or USB drive and it will just work.  This is due to a USB specification called USB On-The-Go (OTG) and it’s an amazing piece of functionality. My Frankenstein tablet project generated a lot of interest for OTG with Android and I wanted to explore the idea further.  […]

Gadgets / Projects

Building a Frankenstein Tablet

Posted on:

Lately I have been fascinated with Android’s built-in support for USB hardware devices.  Provided you have the right adapter, you can plug in a keyboard, mouse, gaming controller, or USB drive and it will just work.  This is due to a USB specification called USB On-The-Go (OTG) and it’s pretty amazing. I had an older Nexus 9 tablet laying around and I wanted to see if I could extend its functionality with some bolt-on upgrades.  This […]

Software / Solidworks

The Best Solidworks PC – 2018 Edition

Posted on:

Another year, another new Solidworks release.  Not too many new features this year on the software end but it’s worth taking a look at updated hardware for a new workstation.  Parts are cheaper, performance has increased, it may be the right time to update. This article is a refresh from my workstation build last year.  Not a whole lot has changed regarding a workstation build but by now you should be on Windows 10 and be considering a ridiculous amount […]

Gadgets / Software

N64 on Android

Posted on:

It’s possible to play N64 games on any Android device.  In fact it’s easy.  It’s made possible by the magic of Android N64 emulation and Android’s extensive USB support that works with USB controllers. To make it happen you’ll need: USB N64 controller USB adapter dongle N64 emulation app Your favorite N64 ROMs It’s as easy as plugging in some cables.  I had to remap my controller buttons in the emulator to get started.  You can […]

Gadgets / Software

List of Tomato Compatible Routers

Posted on:

This is a comprehensive list of routers that are compatible with Tomato firmware.  The two active communities supporting continuing work on Tomato firmware are Tomato by Shibby and AdvancedTomato.  Both are great and have passionate developers contributing to each mod. I recently upgraded my router and I found it difficult to find a good router that was readily available, compatible with Tomato, and had the features I needed.  I decided to make a list of all of […]

Machinery / Petroleum

Pipeline Welding

Posted on:

Another /r/welding gem.  This is an interesting video covering  pipeline welding and it has a humorous amount of angry Canadian welders. This ain’t a goddamn pool party. A good look at the welding shacks and pipe welders with a quick primer on the hot-pass, fill, and cap weld sequence.

Machinery / Petroleum

Offshore Welding

Posted on:

I stumbled across this album in /r/welding of a pipe laying vessel out in the Gulf of Mexico.  It’s always interesting to see specialized equipment for a specific industry.  The album covers joint prep, welding, inspection, and laying. Here are some of the highlights:

Software

The Best Solidworks PC – 2017 Edition

Posted on:

EDIT: This article has been updated in Building a Solidworks PC – 2018 Edition Dassault has shuffled out another release of Solidworks.  I have become pessimistic with upgrades and none of the new 2017 features seem to be game changers.  Maybe something clever will warm my crusty engineer heart. This article is a refresh from my workstation build last year.  Not a whole lot has changed regarding a workstation build but by now you should be on Windows 10 and be […]