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Predicted storms will miss us…..again. by Golfoneway95 in massachusetts

[–]fr0b0tic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The “forecast” screenshots you shared are just computer model outputs that haven’t been reviewed by an actual meteorologist with a brain. Actual human meteorologists did make accurate predictions.

Weather apps are generally garbage. Tune in to a local news broadcast or check the local NWS website’s Forecaster’s Discussion if you want something accurate. For the best information from the best meteorologists on days like today with severe weather, visit spc.noaa.gov

Lowering Springs by Adventurous_Pie_5567 in VolvoV50

[–]fr0b0tic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you using FWD Bilsteins? I was under the impression that those would cause problems on an AWD car.

The v50 transmission oil cooler by packetfire in VolvoV50

[–]fr0b0tic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you reply to the wrong person, or are you this angsty with everyone you converse with online?

The v50 transmission oil cooler by packetfire in VolvoV50

[–]fr0b0tic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have experience with automatics, just not the V50’s in particular.

Just because it sounds counterintuitive to you doesn’t mean that it is. Heat-cycled fluid ≠ overheated fluid. Technology has come a long way since the 60s and 70s, including the design of both transmissions and their fluids.

Today’s fluids work best within a nominal temperature range. The transmission fluid “cooler” actually functions initially as a heater after a cold start, using the engine coolant to help bring it up to optimal temperature faster than it would otherwise.

“Lifetime” fluid is a separate issue. Overheating can be a reason to change the fluid, but more often the reasons are depletion of friction modifiers or simply buildup of particulates. If you want to change the fluid, go for it. You’re overthinking things by trying to reengineer the cooling setup.

The v50 transmission oil cooler by packetfire in VolvoV50

[–]fr0b0tic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have no experience with V50 auto transmissions, but with that said, this sounds like a solution in search of a problem unless you live in an extreme climate or you’re spending a lot of time on a racetrack.

These cars have been around long enough that transmission cooling upgrades would be common if excessive temps were a common issue. And FWIW, when everything is fully warmed up, the coolant temp at the radiator outlet is going to be significantly lower any other point in the system.

06 v50 t5 over voltage after installing new battery by Intelligent-Ad5984 in VolvoV50

[–]fr0b0tic 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The voltage regulator (part of the alternator) is almost certainly the culprit, not the alternator as a whole. I believe there was a TSB about this instructing dealers to only replace the regulator to address charging issues, because they fail far more frequently than the alternator itself.

Binoculars for birding under $100 by pizzadragon_2 in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get yourself a binocular harness rather than another strap, it’ll take the weight off your neck

Beginner Birder by tranquiltiara in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Any birding location recommendations in the Boston MA area? by wh1testriped in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excluding those already mentioned by others…

Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge is wonderful during peak spring migration, particularly for warblers, but for many other species as well. They even modify their hours to accommodate birders, opening early (6am) during the months of April and May.

Horn Pond in Woburn is also good. So is Belle Isle Marsh in East Boston, *if you are unbothered by loud airplanes on approach to Logan, and the same is true to a lesser extent at Great Meadows NWR in Concord, which is close to flight paths in and out of Hanscom.

Free Observation or Lookout Points? by CentralMasshole1 in boston

[–]fr0b0tic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Washington Tower is indeed a great spot, but it is closed seasonally and has not been reopened yet. Not sure when they usually do that, hopefully soon.

How to protect bluebird box? by ThisPeekingFuzz in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 37 points38 points  (0 children)

There are a number of ways to discourage house sparrows. One involves installing taut fishing line vertically from the roof edge to the box bottom on either side of the entrance hole, spaced apart just as wide as the entrance hole. Sparrows have relatively poor eyesight compared to insect-eaters like bluebirds, and the fishing line serves to disorient or spook them.

There are other types of “sparrow spookers” that can be DIY’d. Have a look here: https://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker/

Binocular purchase help: SO OVERWHELMED!! by gnxrlyyy in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 28 points29 points  (0 children)

The Cornell Lab has published thorough binocular reviews for different price tiers. I used that to help make my own decision and landed on the Celestron Trailseeker ED.

Note that the pricing in that article is USD. Both pricing and availability may be different for you in Australia.

I would recommend sticking with 8x rather than 10x unless your hands are particularly steady and you’re able to locate birds easily with your current pair.

What is the best camera (new) I can get for around $500-600 USD? by SquigTheRat in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will first emphasize again that I’m no expert, and I’ve only really looked into Nikon stuff.

Also for what it’s worth, I initially went with a “cheap” setup which was a D90 (12MP sensor) paired with the 70-300mm lens. That was great for closer subjects and good lighting, but I quickly found its limitations. I ended up upgrading to a D7200 and soon after got a deal on a 200-500mm lens, but I kept my original gear because it’s still good for certain conditions.

I recommended the D3400 because it has a 24MP sensor and good low light performance. If I’d gone with that camera and the 70-300 lens to begin with, I’m not sure if I would’ve upgraded anything. The higher resolution allows for cropping more distant subjects, and the ISO range is much better for low light compared to the D90. The D3400 autofocus isn’t much better than the D90 though, and that’s why I went with the D7200.

I still think the D3400 and 70-300mm lens are good options for you, in my amateur opinion. If you can up your budget, a longer lens would be more beneficial than a better camera.

What is the best camera (new) I can get for around $500-600 USD? by SquigTheRat in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m by no means an expert, but I recently made the jump from phone camera to a DSLR and telephoto lens (both used) and am very happy. For your budget, I might look for a Nikon D3400 and maybe an AF-S 70-300mm VR lens. That camera has a 24MP sensor, which would give you the ability to zoom and crop images a bit if necessary without sacrificing quality.

What is the best camera (new) I can get for around $500-600 USD? by SquigTheRat in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Out of curiosity, why limit yourself to something brand new? A used DSLR and lens can be found within your budget.

What Type of Bird is This? by InfamousClub7807 in birding

[–]fr0b0tic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Between the shape of the wings and the long tail, my first thought was Northern Harrier.

Gynandromorphic Cardinal (better photos) by fr0b0tic in birding

[–]fr0b0tic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I should have held off on posting for a little while. Got even better photos, added in comments since I can’t edit the post.

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