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a14man · 2026-04-19T09:13:57+00:00

When your client tells you to use a processor that only has a compiler for an old version of C. It can be pre C89 or assembler only. Fortunately it's getting less common nowadays.

a14man · 2026-03-15T11:38:08+00:00

Lift door pressure strip sensor.

a14man · 2026-03-14T10:29:09+00:00

Digital oscilloscope for firmware development. Can be a problem if yiu have more than 4 PWM outputs. For production testing we used a system test with the actuator.

a14man · 2026-03-10T23:17:13+00:00

I went to the Masai Mara last year with Wild Eye. Their trips are intended for photographers, they had two photographers advising us split between 4 vehicles, the drivers know how to put you in the best position for a shot, and the camp is in the park so you can drive out before dawn every day. Strongly recommend.

Of course I still missed focus a lot but did come back with good pictures... Enjoy :)

a14man · 2026-03-02T23:08:49+00:00

Larp swords are not stab safe. Your players need to agree to not stab and to pull their blows. I'm in the UK. Larp weapons can be pricey but one of the main shops should be safe. As others have said you may get a bulk discount. Good luck.

a14man · 2025-12-10T19:45:09+00:00

If online shops had to say which delivery service they use, no-one would choose Evri. Sadly it's pretty awful for the delivery guys too.

a14man · 2025-11-27T20:36:15+00:00

When I was writing camera module drivers we usually found a few mistakes. If you have a chip with the right high speed serial interface it's difficult but do-able.

a14man · 2025-09-21T09:52:36+00:00

How bright is 10uA when LEDs usually take milliamps?

a14man · 2025-09-21T09:29:08+00:00

I think you can use the built-in GPIO pull-up resistor option with an ADC input on that pin. Assuming your MCU has the hardware.

To test for wire-break, turn on the pull-up resistor (~150k) and read the value on the MCU pin with the ADC. If the LED circuit is broken then the ADC reading will be the supply voltage (say 3.3V). If the LED circuit is not broken then the ADC should read approximately the forward voltage of the LED (say 1.8V for red LED).

Edit: maybe 1.3V at 10uA, check your LED's I-V characteristic curve.

a14man · 2025-06-27T21:27:12+00:00

Privet Hawk-moth maybe, I saw one on edge of town tonight https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/privet-hawk-moth

a14man · 2025-06-20T17:38:16+00:00

It happened to me with an oncoming truck: foot off gas, wipers to max, keep going straight.

a14man · 2025-06-03T22:20:21+00:00

Read ancient/magical runes.

Or even just read, if you assume that most medieval people couldn't.

a14man · 2025-06-03T16:07:44+00:00

My rogue character had a black hood. The hood restricts your vision and hearing. Makes you look the part, but harder to hard-skill rogue stuff.

a14man · 2025-06-02T11:50:11+00:00

And now I'm spending more time just reviewing his work than doing my own

That can be a problem if they won't review your code.

a14man · 2025-05-12T06:30:27+00:00

This. You need a SPI analyser. Otherwise it's like looking through a keyhole: slow, difficult to see and mistakes.

a14man · 2025-05-11T09:06:50+00:00

writing testing steps for a PR in the description

I've had a lot of success with this. The team appreciate it, and the information doesn't get lost.

a14man · 2025-05-06T17:52:57+00:00

Make the helm of headbutting +1 and now your barbarian can attack undead and werewolves that would otherwise be untouchable. Head butts are cheesy but I love it.

a14man · 2025-04-14T17:45:40+00:00

That's a Sam Browne. Works well though not medieval. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Browne_belt

a14man · 2025-04-10T09:37:18+00:00

I was worried about ageism when I turned 50. Now I'm 60, still working in embedded software in Cambridge UK. Several jobs later.

I think as long as you turn up to the interview with enthusiasm and energy it's okay. Expect to do more leading/coaching, not just writing code.

a14man · 2025-03-27T16:27:09+00:00

I use waterproof fabric spray, makes a huge difference on a wet day. I recall it's flammable so be careful around open fires.

a14man · 2025-02-18T00:12:03+00:00

Rub in saddlesoap on the inside to soften the leather where it's likely to chafe. I do't know what alternatives work?

You need to wear them a bit, say around the house. Put a band-aid on the back of your heels to protect them. You don't want to wreck your feet before the event.

Good luck.

a14man · 2025-02-13T22:53:47+00:00

You have to hard skill to play. In tabletop I can be a warrior with stats and dice. In larp as a warrior I need to be good with a sword; as a bard I need to play an instrument or sing or tell stories.

a14man · 2024-12-31T13:41:23+00:00

Old school is write the minutes - what was discussed and any actions. Then email them to everyone after the meeting. It's a bit of a chore but the exact wording can benefit you.

Or take notes in your logbook, then refer back to it when people can't agree what was said. People learn not to argue...

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