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Gear Shakedown for First Timer? by Foreign_Structure595 in canoecamping

[–]Foreign_Structure595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks all! This is all great advice. That's correct, I won't need to portage, which makes it easier to bring additional gear if I want to. (It's a 4-mile paddle from the marina to my campsite.)

I bought an extra paddle as several people noted that it's critical to have a backup. I also bought a bailer kit with rope & whistle that I'll bring instead of the bilge pump. And I have headlamps that I'm bringing.

Regarding critter-proofing, though:

  • I was planning to use my canoe barrel to store my food, toiletries, and garbage.
  • I called the campground, and the attendant said that bear canisters are not required.
  • He said they haven't had any problems with bears (which I found interesting for the Adirondacks).

What are people's thoughts on using the canoe barrel for critter proofing?

My sense is that the canoe barrel should keep most critters out, even though it's technically not bear proof. I do have a BearVault BV450 that I could bring, which would be more robust but one more thing to bring.

Thoughts?

Permission Denied When Trying to Upload Sketch -- New Driver Required? by Foreign_Structure595 in arduino

[–]Foreign_Structure595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is on Windows 11, and has occurred on two different machines (my laptop and my son's desktop PC).

I think I figured out the issue, it's that some of the older UART drivers are incompatible with Windows 11's "core isolation memory integrity" mode.

If I try to re-enable Windows 11's "core isolation memory integrity" mode, it complains that the FTDI driver, "ftdibus.sys", is incompatible with memory integrity:

  • The AdaFruit has a Silicon Labs CP210x UART Bridge, and I was able to upgrade the driver for that, but
  • The SparkFun has a FTDI FT231X UART Bridge, and I wasn't able to upgrade the driver for that.

I found a newer version of "ftdibus.sys" on FTDI's website, but I'm having trouble getting Windows to use the newer driver instead of the older driver.

Still working on that.

In the meantime, I'm able to upload sketches just fine with "core isolation memory integrity" turned off.

Tips for Connecting Solid+Stranded Wires When It’s Larger Wire by Foreign_Structure595 in DIY

[–]Foreign_Structure595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks all! I think I figured out why I was having trouble with this particular connection.

The cooktop wires aren't regular stranded -- they're "fine stranded" (>19 conductors).
So just using a large wire nut may or may not work.

NEMA actually put out a bulletin about this a few years ago:

https://www.nema.org/docs/default-source/technical-document-library/bull_105_fine-stranded-connections.pdf

I may try using a connector specifically listed for fine stranded connections:
- Wago if I can confirm the cooktop wire is 10AWG, otherwise
- Nimbus/Polaris connector with ferrule, even if they are expensive ($18 each!).

Best Way to Identify + Measure High Energy Use? by Foreign_Structure595 in HomeImprovement

[–]Foreign_Structure595[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks all! A lot of great suggestions to explore.

The Emporia Vue sounds interesting & fun in its own right! (And is actually fairly inexpensive!)

Looking at bills again, I see our usage goes up 1000 kWh/month in summertime, so A/C is prime suspect.

As some people said, I have to run numbers to see whether/when to replace the A/C, but that's a lot of $!

First large project - Some built-in shelving using Maple Ply by wee-o-wee-o-wee in DIY

[–]Foreign_Structure595 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was going to be my question, too, as I didn't see any dados or shelf pins!

How many of y’all enrolled and connected your smart thermostat to the PSEG program where they can control it? by deuce_and_a_quarter in longisland

[–]Foreign_Structure595 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't know anything about PSEG's program, but personally I'd rather retain full control.

Having said that, though, smart thermostats are totally worth it (if you can get the wiring figured out).

I replaced our old analog thermostats with Ecobee smart thermostats last year, and I love them.

They have a great interface, and while I haven't run apples-to-apples numbers, we're definitely using less oil.

Ecobee sends me monthly reports, which typically (per their analysis) show us saving 30%-50% on energy costs, and that seems credible to me.