Category: technology
All things technical or technology related
Long awaited and much needed update to my breakPDF application!
Ages ago, i built a php app for processing pdfs made of mupdf. i even made a go at a MacOS version. it was never very good and it broke with MacOS updates. This new complete rewrite now available! enjoy.
Product page can be found here.
Dual WAN fully engaged!
This is was a long time coming. i’ve had the equipment for years, but it was always needed elsewhere. Finally home, it’s up and running. smoother and more reliably than with any previous deployment. Just in time for me to accidentally unplug my Spectrum modem!
I was surprised and impressed by the integration with the Starlink that Unifi exhibited. including obstruction info and firmware info on the Unifi dashboard.
VCF 2026! give away all the things and maybe get a few more
It’s that time of year again, and the Vintage Computer Festival. When i clean out my garage and marvel at all the incredible past computing and electronics that are kept working with love and proficient attention to maintenance. not my first visit, or even my second.
This year i brought three carloads, with xServes, xRAIDs, and fiber channel gear! Time Capsules in original packaging. iMacs and laptops from many generations and many operational statuses.
There was a demo of adult themed “dirty” original nintendo games. i never knew. custom cases, or custom lights, here was an Amiga 500 made clear. looking good.
Two of my dream systems were in the consignment room. i was proud that i didn’t go home with a 20th Anniversary Mac nor a MacTV. it was hard, but had to be done.
Preparing even more epic VCF deliveries this year!
The Vintage Computer Festival is getting tons of goodies from me. This year i’ve got literally three carloads! (thanks Eric & Harry) Some is so good it’s destined for the consignment room. Don’t worry i’ve got plenty for the free table. i’ve got a box of unused 3.5″ 500GB PATA disks! spares for the xRAID. who needs 7TB of 2GB fiber SAN? Form an orderly line please.
Going with the retro look with my new Hak5 Pineapple Pager!
Launched at Defcon 33 and eagerly awaited by wifi tinkerers and technologists. i finally received mine. i’m still figuring out the functionality from potential. As a handheld device, unlike the rest of the pineapple line, it is designed to be used from the device. i was looking for an always monitoring device with audio and haptic alerts. it’s handheld nature makes extracting logs a novel concept, but it is already providing insight into my wireless space. 
I love the default look with all it’s retro elements. From war games to classic MacOS, out of the box it has more retro style than it’s 90s pager reveals. it operates on 3 wifi bands! (2,5,6) and maybe bluetooth as well eventually. This is just the beginning as the firmware gets more mature and additional content is added by the users. this is with the stock hardware. Hak5 is already selling USB modules for ethernet, GPS, and LoRa for even more functionality. i’ll update as i get more capable with the gadget. currently it does eat it’s battery very enthusiastically. i don’t think i’ve gotten more than 2-3 hours of use on a charge. (but i don’t yet know what i am doing)
Status update:
Now with 100,000 miles!
No Kings 2.0 with an even bigger turnout!
Better weather, funnier signs, and even more engaged neighbors! At the second No Kings rally, everyone was delightful and excited about positive change in the USA.
LA 3D Club turns 70!
Lots of awards presented. i’ve got to enter more photo competitions. https://la3dclub.com/
My first visit to Akihabara electric town
This has become more of a tourist/shopping experience than the electronics bazaar. I saw some incredible stuff. There was an entire floor of Apple products, with more stuff than any Apple store. Some of the old school electronics designers remain and sell wares from tightly packed market stalls. i picked up this awesome clock.
