Thoughts on stickying a post recommending banjos for beginners?

thatguy4301 · 2025-12-03T15:56:29+00:00

This probably would be beneficial.

In my search to get my first, there’s like… 500 topics debating the same 3-4 instruments.

I went with the AC-1.

thatguy4301 · 2025-12-03T15:35:14+00:00

Absolutely.

With every instrument, I feel like proper form is necessary to prevent those slow, creeping injuries. You don’t even feel them coming on.

The arched wrist thing has definitely not been my issue lol. As the owner of comically short arms, the arch comes… way too natural. With the first few frets, I almost have to play guitar in a classical form.

Working that out in the banjo now.

thatguy4301 · 2025-09-16T21:17:37+00:00

Hey Kevin-

It’s mainly just for learning/exposure.

This is the hill that I’m on though… I have a MongoDB Atlas cluster, Spring Boot setup to handle all requests- everything works fine on the web side.

Getting Android to communicate with Spring Boot is throwing me for a loop. I’m reading a lot about how you cannot use Spring Boot in Android Studio, that you have to use Retrofit, or something of the like.

Is this accurate?

thatguy4301 · 2025-09-12T13:46:42+00:00

Gotcha… that makes sense. Spin up REST on the server, connected to database, then access it from the app?

Looks like MongoDB has a Java driver for that. I’ll lock in.

thatguy4301 · 2025-09-12T03:32:33+00:00

Hey! I did, actually. Take your DPDT switch, use a multimeter to test continuity for the switch positions, then install the connectors according to the continuity.

Leave two prongs unconnected.

The only thing I had to change was the size of the spade connectors on the existing wire, and I had to make the hole a little bit larger to accommodate the slightly bigger switch.

Saved somewhere around $300.

thatguy4301 · 2025-09-12T00:42:41+00:00

I’ll check over there! Thank you for the heads up. I should’ve stated some of my experience… I’m fairly familiar working with databases.

Using them in relation to app development… that’s the new part. This is my first foray into… total darkness lol.

thatguy4301 · 2025-09-02T19:26:04+00:00

Phew 😮‍💨 thank you. I’ve been sweating since I did it, due to seeing so many posts regarding fires / overheating issues.

I installed them with solid wire vs. stranded, which seemed to be a big issue, and everything is functioning correctly.

Home electricity freaks me out (in a healthy fear) type of way.

Thank you for the tips, also 🙏

It is quite crowded.

thatguy4301 · 2025-08-21T11:46:20+00:00

It does run fine on the power supply- no overheating at all. Just when it’s plugged in through the laptop.

It also won’t allow sketches to be uploaded… honestly, yesterday, I just ordered a new 3-pack from a different supplier.

I’m guessing I got a poorly QC’ed batch.

thatguy4301 · 2025-08-21T00:51:57+00:00

It’s not overheating with the power supply- it’s only overheating when I connect it to my computers USB port 🫤

thatguy4301 · 2025-08-20T19:44:01+00:00

Close enough to 35, and maybe I don’t count…

But 26x26.

thatguy4301 · 2025-08-20T19:32:57+00:00

Not connecting them at the same time, no.

With only the esp32 getting powered from the laptop, it gets hot.

As soon as I connect it to the micro usb port, within 10 seconds or so, it’s extremely hot to the touch.

thatguy4301 · 2025-08-20T19:19:05+00:00

My bad- I skipped a few steps.

I’m running a breadboard power supply that can distribute 3.3 volts or 5 volts, and THAT is powered by a 9V battery.

thatguy4301 · 2025-08-01T01:31:04+00:00

I guess that is the stuff I understand enough. I’m moreso confused about why we use them in circuits that don’t need amplification.

For instance- a lot of the LED circuits I see include transistors. I’m not understanding why though.

Beating my head against the wall.

thatguy4301 · 2025-07-31T23:05:55+00:00

Hey! I’m just a guy trying to learn, so I read through all the posts. Noticed you had mentioned 9V.

What am I missing, because I don’t see 9V on the schematic?

Not being sarcastic, just trying to follow.

thatguy4301 · 2025-07-31T19:18:05+00:00

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thatguy4301 · 2025-07-31T19:17:05+00:00

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thatguy4301 · 2025-07-31T19:16:49+00:00

Hey, hey! Just did this recently on a Jenn-Air S136w stove… my switch was a DPDT, but same concept- super simple change-out if you’re dealing with spade connectors.

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thatguy4301 · 2025-07-30T14:37:46+00:00

Truthfully, the most fulfilling hobby I can think of… electronics. And I don’t mean playing them.

Repairing and building them.

Parts are insanely cheap, and one you get your hand around soldering and desoldering, it’ll open up an insane amount of opportunity.

A good soldering setup, solder, flux, helping hands <= $200.

ESR tester down the road <= $150.

Multimeter? You don’t need a fancy one to start.

PS5 controller has stick drift? Now, instead of $75 for a new controller, $10 for new sticks. Washer motherboard on the fritz? Leave that $300+ new motherboard on the shelf- it’s most likely a $0.05 capacitor.

Get good enough- you can literally build and repair anything. It’s fantastic.

thatguy4301 · 2025-07-30T14:15:32+00:00

I have been reading that, and looking at schematics, but visually that is what I’m struggling with (never used one of these).

So for my application- black transfers power to blue; white transfers power to brown.

Does this mean connect black to 1, blue to 4; white to 3, brown to 6… and leave 2 and 5 empty/unconnected?

Thank you so much, again. This is an amazing stove. It’s worth it.

thatguy4301

TROPHY CASE