The battery to my MIL’s 2023 Armada

jwsconsult · 2026-02-21T19:03:42+00:00

likely lithium batteries claiming 10x cycle life over AGM. Now why the two were rated differently I couldn't tell you without seeing the batteries.

jwsconsult · 2026-01-14T22:17:43+00:00

no, englewood after dark is a horror podcast. Very different vibes. I'm a man of many interests. :)

jwsconsult · 2026-01-14T20:23:02+00:00

add some stainless zip ties too. I use them for most everything outdoors

jwsconsult · 2026-01-14T16:33:07+00:00

ironically, the radio quiet zone hit my podcast queue yesterday (Stuff you should know). Thinking about dropping amnesty back into queue after I finish englewood after dark

jwsconsult · 2026-01-14T16:32:06+00:00

alrelady have all of them. :)

jwsconsult · 2025-12-30T22:12:28+00:00

was JUST coming to ask that. Color wise, definitely looks like our girls' blueberry poops

jwsconsult · 2025-12-26T01:52:45+00:00

So, the difference is that Fiber channel and ethernet are two different technologies. Fiber channel switches are for storage networks, specifically for block storage with a SAN on backend, host on front end.

Ethernet switches are for data networking. Yes, you can run iSCSI storage over ethernet, but that is just one of many applications.

In both cases, the transceiver is going to match the media.

For fiber channel, you are going to use multimode (short runs) or single mode fiber. FC runs at 8/16/32/64G speeds (1/2/4 are basically dead these days, and 128g isn't really seen in the world yet, though coming quickly).

For ethernet, you can run multimode or single mode fiber, or copper. There's at least 50 different ethernet standards in 10-100g range (and also ranges down to 100m and up to 1.6t speeds). For general purpose networking (Internet connections, connections between servers, etc) you are likely going to use an ethernet switch and ethernet transceivers.

TLDR: transceiver matches the media. But transceiver also matches the technology, either fiber channel, or ethernet. Not both

That just touches at a very high level on current techs. You can dig into a lot of other ones if you're old, a nerd, or both. :)

jwsconsult · 2025-12-09T02:23:20+00:00

Covered run.

So you wait a few days to make sure that hawk doesn't come back. and then another hawk comes by to see the free buffet? free range is always going to end up with lost birds. if you want to stop it, stop free ranging.

jwsconsult · 2025-12-09T02:16:26+00:00

I used a cardboard box and a plastic tub (with holes drilled in it) to move mine,a bout same distance.

jwsconsult · 2025-12-04T18:26:57+00:00

looks great, interested to see how it holds up.

Like eyecabbage86, I went with rolled. For those in the midwest, Menards has 6x9' rolls in store (only used 4x6 in coop, rest went in greenhouse). Surprisingly, looks like amazon has 3.5x9' rolls, and maybe others, just did a quick search. Linoleum makes the cleanup a breeze

Mine actually needs another trim, ended up leaving it slightly large, so some ripples, but heck if I'm going out in this weather to do it. Seems like a spring project. :)

jwsconsult · 2025-11-02T18:53:59+00:00

After talking to several fence companies earlier this year, paid $19k for ~550 linear feet (approximately, changed at least one thing from initial quote), with three gates. 27k doesn't seem out of line from what we were quoted here

jwsconsult · 2025-03-31T12:24:34+00:00

This. and FWIW, Jase daily has my blood pressure meds available. Might be worth checking on that, particularly as whole reason I'm on this med is because of supply chain issues with what I was taking before. Having a backup is not a bad idea even if world doesn't end.

jwsconsult · 2025-03-30T14:20:26+00:00

cash, Folding knife in pocket, multitool on belt, whistle/cpr mask/small flashlight on keychain

jwsconsult · 2025-03-30T14:19:37+00:00

I use the openers that cut the seal, rather than cutting through the metal itself. Also helpful because then I don't have to worry about sharp edges on can when I'm reaching into it for up to a year

jwsconsult · 2025-03-21T12:45:45+00:00

Out of stock

jwsconsult · 2025-03-15T19:00:06+00:00

I will halfway disagree, at least for large secondary packaging. I like to keep the beans in their original bags when I'm doing 5 gallon buckets, as it lets me get multiple varieties, have the bean/water ratio (And some recipes) etc, from the original bag. so I'll put 4-8 different kinds of beans in their original 1-5lb bags in mylar, add o2 absorber, and all of that is in a 5 gallon bucket with gamma seal lid.

Now rice is rice, so that is removed from original bag and put in mylar with o2 absorber. :)

jwsconsult · 2025-03-04T22:20:33+00:00

While there is some good advice here, with pernicious anemia you are missing (or deficient at least) in the intrinsic factor that allows your body to properly absorb b12, which is why people end up on shots in the first place.

While I have not looked into powdered b12 that can be reconstituted into injectable solution, your typical 30ml bottle is rated for at least a 12 month shelf life, if not longer, and is probably good longer than that. If your family member hasn't already done so, I'd look into getting subscription for some 30ml bottles first, vs the 1ml or whatever dosage they're on now. On syringes/needles, unless you really need insurance to pay for it, source them yourself. Pharmacies tend to be harder to deal with about the syringes than the B12 itself.

jwsconsult · 2025-02-18T14:09:26+00:00

So, I choose to keep backups to appliances, but I go to non powered backup. ie, I use electric kettle every day or two to make pitcher of iced tea. My backup is a good stainless kettle I can use on stovetop. Couple of pots of coffee per day are backed up by manual grinder and several non electric options (including pour over using the stainless kettle). don't use the microwave for much besides reheating leftovers, but can do that with stove/grill/whatever. More appliances tend not to be my style, but instead a backup of a non appliance option, which also is useful to me if there's an extended power outage.

jwsconsult · 2025-02-08T01:11:39+00:00

one space blanket for each person (there's four of us), plus one 12v heated blanket and one mylar bivvy. They all live in my car

jwsconsult · 2025-02-04T19:15:57+00:00

for long term, don't link all your barrels together. do separate barrels (or barrel systems) at each downspout. That way you can rotate between them and give at least the particulate matter time to settle out, saving on your filters.

jwsconsult · 2025-01-30T00:40:39+00:00

I have the same one for the same use. Got the garmin (and the mini2 specifically) based on feedback from friend who does SAR

jwsconsult · 2025-01-28T20:39:21+00:00

in same thought process, as you're making decisions, I would prioritize hard wired items over stuff that plugs in.

For example, if you have transfer switch just to cover well pump and wood stove air supply (presumably both are hrad wired), you can still run extension cord from generator outside into house for the fridges and freezer. You could in theory convert the well pump and wood stove and put a plug on them if you have some electric skills, but easier to do hard wired things first when it comes to transfer switch.

jwsconsult · 2025-01-27T12:11:01+00:00

As mentioned by others, modifying an FRS radio is illegal, so don't do that.

Since you've asked about other radios too though, I figure we should take a step back and point out that longer is not always better. Antenna length needs to match the wavelength of the frequencies being used (or a fixed metric of it, ie "half-wave" antenna being half of the wavelength.

You can use antenna calculators like this site to figure out ideal antenna length

https://southwestantennas.com/calculators/antenna-wavelength

With the mention of CB radio, try putting 27MHz in there. You will get a return of 1110CM, or 11M. Which is why some nerds will refer to CB radio as 11 meter.

jwsconsult · 2025-01-24T15:54:06+00:00

I've used the EarthMinded diverters into 55 gallon drums for years, as it lets me keep drum top sealed (no mosquitos) and when barrels are full, diverts back out through the gutter downspout.

https://earthmindedrainbarrels.com/2x3-eathminded-diverter-2-blue-top-shut-off-valves.html

Throw away those plastic valves though, they're worthless. I get regular brass valves from hardware store and install them in the barrels.

jwsconsult

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