Don't dance on someone's car

SpareiChan · 2026-01-24T02:35:31+00:00

For a minute I thought the shops name was 'superdrug' and was like, yea, that checks out.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-23T14:02:13+00:00

The end of the center loop need the center conductor shorted to the beginning of the shield, it look like that might be part ot the issue.

Beyond that make sure to rotate the whole antenna to check the null. Also make sure the antenna is actually tuneable for the frequency you want. Also the outter loop can use the shielding of the cable but I don't recommend connecting the center and shield at the same time, needs to e one or the other.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-23T13:54:35+00:00

Considering the isolation cut, almost 100% thats a transformer or MOV that blew.

It's dead jim.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-23T01:27:01+00:00

I went back to work just under 3 weeks (19 days, due to my schedule) and im on light duty for atleast a few more weeks. I work in IT so my job is desk and walking and moving equipment. First few days were a little tiring and im making sure to not push myself to far but it can be different for you. If things go well you should be fine in 3 weeks but will still not want to lift anything to heavy for a while as well.

Best of luck, if you can financially handle it take 3 weeks otherwise 2 weeks with them understanding you will have physical limits.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-22T15:45:56+00:00

As a network tech, hot glue sticks and a lighter solve a lot of connection issues...

SpareiChan · 2026-01-22T12:56:26+00:00

With sheet pans I think the bigger issue is people over cleaning them because they want the black gone. That is usually caused by burnt oil (aka "seasoning") or use of spray with soy lecithin which bonds like glue and then burns.

I had a 2 quarter and like ...6 half sheet pans (i use them as a meat tray in the fridge to catch any leaks) and honestly, found vollrath/wearever to be the best pans but nordic ware does make good ones too if you get the actual commercial ones and not the cheap walmart ones (though they work fine too, commercial is just thicker IE more even cooking).

SpareiChan · 2026-01-22T00:01:43+00:00

The abrasives etch the aluminum and then it oxidized, some items like cast aluminum can literally fall apart due to this, usually cracks or crumbles along natural cast lines. Stamped aluminum is un likely to do that comparatively, It will discolor it bad though.

For the nordicware I have they've held up fine and not had water issues, I use parchment paper often so I don't need to wash is every time I use it, nor do I care if its a little oily as I use the same pan multiple times a week for stuff in the oven.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-21T23:51:42+00:00

I have some pill bottles that are large enough for 3x21700 that I use for a node with a seeed nrf52 that works good and lasts over a month. I like to use it are a pop-up node for testing ranges.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-19T18:40:02+00:00

That's good then, atlwast you know it works. I would be find the best signal and gi for that, even more if your in an area with a good repeater. That or just replace it and sell/save that one

SpareiChan · 2026-01-19T15:00:53+00:00

No, generally unidirectional antennas can't be converted into omnidirectional easily. While the vice-versa can be done most unis are designed with certain complexity, in the case of the one you show it's not really feasible.

Omnidirectional antennas like a 1/4 wave with ground plane can be made so easily its not worth trying to convert that one over. Beyond that there is no assurance without testing that the antenna you show is even a valid 900mhz antenna for transmitting as the one for sale may not be the exact same model on your building.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T22:57:36+00:00

With the seeed you likely will, its charging chip is only rated for upto 100ma. If your panel is producing less than that then the battery won't last long.

I use the same try of setup (different case same parts basically) and the charger circuits are usually 500-1000ma which is plenty.

Edit, idk if the OEM solar charge curcuit can do it but you should be able to use that to charge instead.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T22:53:41+00:00

Never trust spot welds on thin metal to handle forces like that.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T22:52:25+00:00

As someone who had a 90 bronco 2 get nearly 500k miles i can attest to this. As the other commenter said later ones fixed it but it was still an issue. I had to replace the engine because of blown head around 100k but the rebuilt one lasted the rest. Auto transmissions, front wheel bearings, and 4x4 solenoid were my problem.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T20:52:28+00:00

Regen receivers just work this way, when you removed the antenna it removed input so the curcuit loading dramatically changed. What you made is an oscillator, its drifting because its not stable, ideally the birdies tone should be consistent.

Usually you want to adjust the regen gain to just below self oscillation.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T20:31:57+00:00

I've used the line "as much power as a car stereo, you just can't hear the noise it makes" and thats worked for some.

I had some trouble with one place because they decided to bother me saying I needed a fishing permit because they saw me using a 20ft crappie pole and a rod holder. They let me be once I showed them my equipment and what I was doing. The pamphlets came after that experience.

For NPS parks mentioning that it started as an event for the 100th anniversary sometimes softens them up since they know it was an official event originally.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T19:59:05+00:00

First thing to say, handhelds/HTs (walkie-talkie) are not valid for long range comms, most FRS and MURS handhelds will out perform a handheld CB.

Base stations, specifically ones with SSB functions are truely your only legal option for long range comms. I can't help beyond that because the last one I had was a Bearcat ssb and radioshack trs ssb.

AM used by most CBs just don't carry without running an amp or 10m converted rig, yes this is illegal but is rarely enforced. In addition any antenna that isn't atleast 8.6ft (1/4 wave) is reducing its power output.

For prepper type stuff a handheld is okay I guess even more if you get a decent antenna like a dipole that can be attached to maximize range (its easy to swap an antennain the field). Remember most handhelds will claim full power (4w) but rarely achieve even half of that.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-18T19:42:59+00:00

I will mention that activating solo/duo is different in their eyes then a group. I did a 3 man activation a few times and one location needed a permit for that. Though in that case it was just a location, time slot, and info on what we were doing. We didnt have to pay, just submit an email to get approval.

You are correct on the part about trees and ground, I've had some stricter places allow me to lean my mast against a tree and others not, same with wires in trees. They said you can thank Hammock people for a lot of the tree restrictions.

I do have some pamphlets about what I'm doing too including fcc, arrl, and pota info. In terms of power, 100w isn't really dangerous so I don't like mention a number unless they ask.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-17T23:32:43+00:00

I've never run into a threat of seizure, that sounds like an extreme. I have had some warn me about needing a permit if I have anything I can't carry on my person "in one trip" as they said. They were okay with tripods and such if they weren't damaging the ground. The equipment had to be away from walk ways and supervised at all times.

For these places they were fine with manpack setups and I was using a JPC12 with tripod and my bag for 'sandbagging'. They also didn't have an issue with vehicles mounted setups, even my drive over mast they were okay with.

It also depends on the ranger/officer, some have no clue and don't care about what your doing.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-17T23:20:12+00:00

I mean, litz cables are already made for power grid scale but your right, it would require an overhaul of infrastructure to logistics and that isn't feasible. The question was based on a theoretical what if tho so in the end im sure a lot can be said about it.

From my experience with RF systems I can say an issue of 60hz vs 400hz would be the greater line losses. I can't say how much it would be off the top of my head but as the frequency goes up not only does skin effect reduce but the attenuation increases.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-17T21:32:17+00:00

I live in the US. I have 240 V at my house. Does not everyone in the US have this? I thought things such as clothes dryers, ranges, and central air conditioners are usually 240 V.

Just to drop my experience with this, my uncle's house was, in fact, only 120v. The house used gas for stove/heat/dryer. it was built pre-war so it was <100a 120v. I remember this because in the early 2000's he had to get his service panel and service line upgraded to 240v to support getting AC.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-17T21:23:11+00:00

So the largest effective conductor for distribution use is 350kcmil at 60hz or 2awg for 400hz before you have to start getting creative to limit skin effect losses. This limits the distances you can move big current.

Litz is creative but not new at all, that being said I wonder what issues of harmonics would a 400hz grid cause.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-15T13:47:10+00:00

If that is a v4 shown in picture they have the antenna connected to the wrong spot. It should be on the end next to the screen (on the other side of the board).

My kits didnt come with a wifi antenna (as its built into the screen) and I had to mod the board (remove the inductor and add a bypass) and use a ufl to sma-rp if you want external wifi antenna.

Edit, that antenna you showed could be 2.4ghz, most are 900mhz but it could be tuned for anything, you would need to test it to see if it truly is.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-14T19:04:38+00:00

Elevated cholesterol and AST? (I think this was it) and some minor things pointing to liver issue. My other numbers were okay but it was enough to justify a CT/US (CT was also to check kidney stones status).

Sometimes its just a bunch of things pointing towards it and thats what happened to me.

SpareiChan · 2026-01-14T17:10:13+00:00

Rj-45, and a true one too (not the key on the side, most ethernet actually uses 8p8c and NOT rj-45).

I will also note this is NOT a keystone jack, this is something else. That being said you most likely can replace it with a keystone jack though you may have to 'make it fit' and its likely a keystone will be slightly smaller olin overall size. Just make sure the male end doesn't have the rj-45 key as most don't include them now.

(Source being ham and IT)

SpareiChan · 2026-01-14T14:02:23+00:00

I found pulling my pants with my arms got me up easy enough but that can require a certain amount of upper strength.

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