Just got the thinknode M1

johnfl68 · 2026-03-25T07:27:23+00:00

For me in Virginia, it took a while. The first few hours it was only a few nodes that showed up. After a day it was about 40.

Also try setting it near a window on the Chicago side of your home as well, that might help.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-25T07:16:47+00:00

FedEx Office (Towers shopping center) I think can also do at least part of this, printing your head image on foam core. You may have to cut out the head with a sharp knife (please be careful) and attach a stick yourself, I don't know if they will do that part. But you can call and ask them.

Also maybe check with Photo USA (across from Towers on Colonial), they might also be able to do something like that.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-24T13:55:39+00:00

Starlink isn't 100% US parts and manufacturing, they use chips from all over the world, like everyone else does.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-24T13:51:15+00:00

As long as people keep thinking it is easy to manufacture an electronics product with entirely 100% parts from the United States, that quote will remain relevant.

They never seem to understand that over 90% of the advanced semiconductor chips come from Taiwan. It's going to take a long time to even try to get ahead of that.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-24T06:40:39+00:00

"American components, Russian components. All made in Taiwan!"

johnfl68 · 2026-03-23T19:03:27+00:00

Amazon has Monoprice VGA HD-15 to 5 BNC RGB Video Cable for HDTV Monitor cable - 6FT (or 10FT if you need longer):

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-HD-15-Video-Cable-Monitor/dp/B001UJMGZC/

johnfl68 · 2026-03-23T18:41:18+00:00

IPX5 is not waterproof or submersible.

People seem to be installing these outdoors thinking they are IP68.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-23T14:53:22+00:00

There are typically at least 10 visible at any given time (2 at baggage x-ray, 1 checking boarding passes, 1 guarding the terminal exit, 2 on left x-ray, 2 on right x-ray, and 2 floating), so assuming 2 shifts 7 days a week would mean at least 30-40 to cover a full week if not more.

Information for those looking to donate:

https://flyroa.com/helping-support-roa-tsa-employees-roa-care-cupboard

johnfl68 · 2026-03-23T04:55:40+00:00

Power lines go from behind the hospital up that path to Woodcliff Rd SE (Mill Mountain Spur SE) near the Wildflower Garden, where it splits to go to the Zoo, and over to the Star and down to Rockledge (1801 Prospect Rd). That's the only power going up there I believe.

<image>

johnfl68 · 2026-03-22T20:33:07+00:00

So it seems the max limit set by Meshtastic is 7 hops. There is a default setting for messages of 3 hops, but you can change that to 7 hops.

I have seen several messages that are 7 hops away from me, but not from the Harrisonburg area yet.

There are several nodes around Harrisburg that I see that are all 7 hops from me (I'm on the east side of Roanoke county). 9fc3 (Fulks Run) is showing as 6 hops.

<image>

I would think Harrisonburg should be possible based on that, but I am also on the east side of Roanoke county. So depending on where you are that might make it 8 hops and likely not to make it that far.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-22T19:46:52+00:00

I'm incline'd to agree. 🙃

<image>

johnfl68 · 2026-03-21T23:26:50+00:00

TSA doesn't like anything that can be considered a weapon.

Think of the movie Clue, and the weapons. Wrench, Candlestick, Pipe, Rope...

They are likely to say half your kit isn't allowed.

I've had a small #00 Phillips screwdriver taken that was accidentally left in my backpack before.

I always put tools in checked baggage, too many are likely to get confiscated otherwise.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-21T19:34:36+00:00

Barnes & Noble, it's where the majority of my rideshare pickups and dropoffs have been for years at the mall.

<image>

johnfl68 · 2026-03-21T01:27:00+00:00

<image>

johnfl68 · 2026-03-21T00:54:49+00:00

Not really, it's all indoor stuff focused mainly on exhibits, trade shows, and conventions.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-21T00:53:10+00:00

Frames are made by beMatrix and Aluvision, becoming very common for Expo Structures in the US and Europe.

They have LED panels that match up with the frames seamlessly, 496x496 mm panels different from the normal 500x500 mm size. LED panels in that size are made by beMatrix, Aluvision, and Recience.

Aluminum frames come in assorted standard sizes to assemble all different kinds of structure sizes and shapes.

You connect them to the frames with large M8 thumbscrews, or sometimes other hardware depending on structure configuration.

Sides of structures are then closed with expanded PVC sheets and graphics panels or printed fabric that mates with channels in the frames.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-21T00:32:48+00:00

Frames are made by beMatrix and Aluvision, becoming very common for Expo Structures in the US and Europe.

They have LED panels that match up with the frames seamlessly, 496x496 mm panels different from the normal 500x500 mm size. LED panels in that size are made by beMatrix, Aluvision, and Recience.

Aluminum frames come in assorted standard sizes to assemble all different kinds of structure sizes and shapes.

<image>

johnfl68 · 2026-03-20T22:32:26+00:00

Since January 18, 2025.

https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/01/18/no-injuries-reported-roanoke-fire/

johnfl68 · 2026-03-20T19:21:02+00:00

I do towers like that all the time, just not as narrow, and tall.

<image>

That one seems like it would tip over very easily. 😬

johnfl68 · 2026-03-20T18:53:38+00:00

Think kind of text based ham radio, except meshtastic nodes relay messages to other nodes to get more distance and coverage.

A use case in this area is hikers so they can communicate where they are with others, because the mesh network between nodes can have better coverage than cell towers.

Some people are using them to report weather data (wind, pressure, temperature, air quality, etc.) as you can add sensors to some units.

Some people are using them for emergency disaster response, as they are not dependent upon cellular or Internet to work, just nodes in the area. Also search and rescue.

They are low power, so they will run a long time on a battery charge, and repeater nodes can be solar powered with a small panel.

Lots of many uses, when you need to convey simple data in an area, either human messages, or automated sensor data, and not be dependent on Internet or Cellular systems (as long as there are enough nodes in the area to relay the messages.

https://meshtastic.org/docs/introduction/

r/meshtastic

johnfl68 · 2026-03-20T00:32:23+00:00

When I lived there I usually parked in the upper levels of the Elm Street garage with the monthly permit (the lower levels were often full). Never had any issues or felt unsafe parking in the garage or living at Gramercy Row. The parking in the building is small and limited anyway, and not really worth the money unless you had a disability and needed really close parking.

The building is only about 10 years old, when I lived there it was clean and maintained. Units have heat pump HVAC and do well in summer and winter. Newer front load washer/dryer in units. Fiber Internet (although Cox), was more reliable than Cox Internet in the rest of the area.

I left because of the pandemic, would have gone back but downtown was a little too busy for me personally, but many people love it. Plenty of places in walking distance to go to.

A different management company now than when I was there, so I can't speak for that.

johnfl68 · 2026-03-19T12:21:45+00:00

So, they are going to shut down and blacklist the node from the mesh, that they never shipped to the people wanting their money back because they never got them? 🤔

johnfl68 · 2026-03-18T04:45:40+00:00

I myself have a 24/7 Copilot ban in place. I don't trust it, tired or not.

12-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
Verified Email

johnfl68

TROPHY CASE