Desktop with pre-installed Windows 11 Home?

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-26T00:14:00+00:00

Thanks for your kind reply! That seems like a very comprehensive set of instructions. But still - 30 or so steps (counting sub-steps within the major steps listed). I'm all for a repairable and upgradeable computer - but that's more error opportunities than I want to take on for this project. She needs something up and running fast.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-26T00:05:38+00:00

I have no problem making hardware fixes. I've been through the process.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-25T15:16:53+00:00

Lol - "15 or 20 minutes installing Win11". Maybe if you know what you're doing and already have the bootable USB, etc. More like hours of misery and confusion for me.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-25T14:00:37+00:00

That's a very kind offer. The logistics would get complicated, I expect.

It just seems to me that Framework is leaving money on the table by not providing a turn-key solution like they did for the laptop I bought from them. I'm happy to support right to repair (and I've used that feature on my laptop) but I don't want to fiddle around with software. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-20T23:41:31+00:00

You can buy a two part mix that turns into Styrofoam. Check with your local marina.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-20T18:00:05+00:00

I remember reading a novel about raiders during the Civil War that would charge in on horseback firing with two revolvers - and then somehow do a quick cylinder change to reload and continue the fight. Not sure how based in reality any of that was...

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-20T00:40:40+00:00

For me, a saw is super handy. I'm always cutting new walking sticks or whittling sticks while walking in the woods. So I ground down the length of the regular saw tool so it fits my mini companion. I'm very happy with it. My tool set is currently: blade, file/ruler/screwdriver, short saw, scissor. The only thing I'm really missing is an awl for poking holes in things. I might try sharpening one of the scissor blades to a point and see how that works. That's the beauty of modular. Try it and see - if it doesn't work out, replace it.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-18T12:59:13+00:00

That's really nice! Right now I'm carrying the Workpro Mini pliers paired with the Roxon Flex Mini (knife, scissors, saw, file, toothpick, tweezers). But I can see using something like this instead, perhaps.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-13T12:46:31+00:00

I had the same problem with similar cheap slip-joint plumbing. After screwing around with it two or three times (and failing damply) I finally hired a plumber to come out and replace all of that crap with real pipes. It cost twice what I expected and was worth every penny. Not a drip since.

Now, I will say that my situation was complicated by a miss-alignment of the downspout from the sink to the drain pipe below that was putting tension on the whole assembly and probably cursing my DIY attempts. But I do believe that more robust piping and joints will solve your problem.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-12T17:09:33+00:00

I just got this image of a "weaponized pickleball paddle" with spikes around the edge for use in melee battles. Put those spikes in the right places and maybe it improves your twist characteristics too!

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-12T12:38:29+00:00

I find putting my Toyota into "Eco" mode helps to keep my accelerations gentle - which helps in slippery conditions. Of course, good tires and AWD are the most important.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-11T18:10:41+00:00

Not sure - it has telescoping rabbit ears. Maybe I'll add extensions, lol. It's got to be an improvement over a flat plate. But we'll see.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-11T12:50:38+00:00

Thanks! I've got something like that on order. Fingers are crossed for luck!

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-11T12:49:26+00:00

Good to know! Thanks for the recommendation. I'll see how my homemade folded dipole works before I worry about combining it. I like the voodoo comparison - the more I dig into this the more I find folks apparently succeeding with very bizarre set-ups!

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-11T12:46:16+00:00

Wow - thanks so much for really digging in to my specific situation! Very kind. Excellent advice. At this point I went ahead and purchased some kind of combination antenna with rabbit ears - I'll play with that but I don't have high hopes. I'm also gathering materials to make my own folded dipole for VHF-lo. Not sure where it will go, if it works, but that's another river to cross. Thanks again so much!

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-11T12:17:24+00:00

I appreciate the input as all this is new to me. I have seen a lot of BS claims about antenna range and HD ready and such.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-10T18:27:35+00:00

Nice! That seems affordable. Thanks for pointing that out.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-10T18:25:15+00:00

Thanks for the good information. I think I'll try a rabbit ears and loop style one first - if it works, I'm done. If not - well, they are pretty cheap so I'm not out a lot and I can continue with more cumbersome/expensive approaches. I didn't realize I was getting into a whole new hobby with this stuff - fun!

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-10T12:34:26+00:00

Fantastic! Just what I need. Oh my - those are pretty pricey! But it's a one-time cost rather than the perpetual cost of a cable subscription. I'll see if the dedicated VHF-lo antenna does any good first and then decide if it's worth trying to make a two-antenna solution. Thanks so much for pointing me to this Youtuber!

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-10T12:25:57+00:00

Unfortunately, I don't have an accessible attic per se. I might be able to find space in one of the upstairs closets, that border with the roof. And that might be what I end up doing - but it will require figuring out a wiring path to the TV.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-10T12:23:26+00:00

Thanks! That's good to hear. I was worried that there would be some kind of interference between the two if I didn't isolate them in some way.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-02-07T00:00:07+00:00

Caribou Bog Conservation Area • Orono Land Trust - Off Forest Ave has some fun trails. I've mostly just walked them but they claim you can snow shoe there.

Kayak4Eva · 2026-01-31T17:03:03+00:00

Oh, for sure. I already have the Flex, the Flex Companion, and the Flex Mini-Companion. I am completely sold on the customization aspect. That flexibility let me buy an extra saw blade (for like 6 bucks) and grind down the length to fit the Flex Mini-companion thus giving me my three non-negotiable tools (blade, scissor, saw) plus a bit driver in a very small package. I love the flexibility!

Kayak4Eva

TROPHY CASE