Lego Base Mod 2

iPad Tablet Base

Workshop Side Projects (2)

Lego Base Mod

Lab Work – Lego Device Housing or Base

Lego® Base Mod update… it’s been awhile since I’ve posted any information or updates on the tablet/device base, so here it is base mod 2.

  • Situation – think fast, tablet housing. Need a handsfree, desktop friendly table housing.
  • Challenge Lego Base Mod 2 – build a tablet housing (landscape orientation only) to house an iPad. Regardless of what model or make, we had an iPad, make something that will work in 5 mins. Go!
  • Accessible materials – Legos®, Toothpicks, Pipe cleaners, various
  • Go!

While the Lego Base Mod 2 challenge is primarily for prototyping, try it for yourself. I’ll pull this forward, as I talked about buying bricks 300 pcs set or in bulk (4lbs) if need be. It’s handy to have bricks and Lego parts around the shop, a few bricks, some connectors and you’ve got you very own DIY project build. If this isn’t your style, we recommend getting your hands on the Brenthaven.

I’m pulling this content forward, second edition accounts for ‘tipping’ and/or stability issue, number of bricks, screen angle and orientation. Issues, devices would tip or fall forward/backward depending on how the user might set the device. Reduced a few bricks, however most were repurposed as support columns or ‘feet’ which helped acute screen angles. Moving forward, mod features portrait and landscape viewing. Caveat, charging cord need was nixed, user will have to set the tablet down when charging or charge in landscape only. There will come a point, at some point, we will include a charging cord mod down the road. Previous Side Project Lego Tablet Build article for reference. Or just start here, let’s check out a Lego mobile board housing! Or model train depot!

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

City Year

Rock The Red

City Year Presents “Rock the Red Jacket” Gala

City Year Invitation

Lab Work – “Rock the Red Jacket” Gala 2014

City Year, Annual Gala, Rock The Red Jacket 

Print • eMarketing Email Campaign • Multi-Layered Event Invitation and More.

I worked with City Year leadership, members, and students to create invitations for the “Rock the Red Jacket’ Gala and a digital campaign.  You can find more information about the student leadership association through City Year Cleveland. The goal was to foster connections between students and teachers, and provide resource and information for those involved in the student leadership group. Side note, explore other educational services and work associated with The University of Cal. Berkeley, University School, Supreme Bar Review and more.

Additionally, I personally donated a painting of the city for a closed auction to help raise money and awareness for the association. Stay tuned for more designs. You can view my latest sketches, design work and creations. More to designs to come. Check out my latest sketches, design work and/or creations via X @salleetech. You can also explore other pieces in my online portfolio and other work under the portfolio website tag. If you are interested in purchasing artwork, you can find those pieces or studies under the artwork category.

Find more items like this by using the magnifying glass (spyglass) at the top of the page to conduct a search.

NEOUPA

NEOUPA Usability Day Celebration

UPA – World Usability Day (NEO)

NEOUPA Invitation

Lab Work – UXPA – NEOUPA

NEOUPA, now, Usability Professionals Association (UXPA) – Celebrating World Usability Day

Print • eMarketing • Event Invitation and More

NEOUPA – World Usability Day 2008. Here you can find information on upcoming events, how to participate, and ways to get involved with World Usability Day.

I became involved in two ways. First I took on an active leadership role as the Experience Chair. Chair for NEOUPA (North Eastern Ohio Usability Professionals Association) and AIGA, The Professional Association for Design. During my term(s), serving both organizations simultaneously, I set goals and established the direction for learning, research, and usability sessions focused on enhancing the user experience. Secondly, I chartered a new course for the two associations by emphasizing the exploration, mastery and integration of three key disciplines: user experience, design, and development. I identified overlapping and distinct skills, worked to enhance and update professional skills, and promoted interdisciplinary collaboration amongst professions in each  field. The objective was to bring individuals together, foster collaboration, and enable professionals to deliver exceptional user experiences.

One way to spread the message and direction was through World Usability Day. Here you will find an example of marketing slip, informing the general association, non-members and leaders in the area. Although it’s been many years since my time as chair, I enjoyed learning and networking with other professionals. Today, I retain membership in both – AIGA, and UXPA, as a member at large.

University School

Annual School Gala Presents

‘Make Your Mark’ Gala – University School

US Invitation

Lab Work – US

University School – Make Your Mark Gala, 125 Years

Print • eMarketing Email Campaign • Multi-Layered Event Invitation and More

The goal of the Gala invite was to share the rich history, heritage, and future that makers create at US. The theme, ‘Make Your Mark,’ was coined to convey a message of home for a better life. This life can be created, initiated, and carried out with the values and principles shared by every US student and faculty, solidifying the message of the University School Gala. This annual event focuses on the schools successes, building a brighter future for the makers in our world, and the boys who walk the halls of US. Make Your Mark on the world.

Invitation Design Details
University School Gala Invitation

Gala Invite

US Gala Inserts

Gala Inserts

Thank you for reviewing our University School invitation design. Explore other educational services and work associated with The University of Cal. Berkeley, City Year, Supreme Bar Review and more. We appreciate your attention. Check out my latest sketches and artwork @salleetech and progression photos. You can also explore other pieces and artwork under the category ‘artwork’.

Multimeter PDF

Learn To Use Your Multimeter

Download the Innova 3320 Multimeter Manual

Innova Multimeter 3320 Manual

Materials – Innova Multimeter Manual PDF*

Archive – Innova 3320 Multimeter Manual

Click the Innova 3320 Multimeter PDF link below. For those of you who own an Innova 3320 Multimeter tool here is the link from Innova – form 3320. (( LOUD NOISES )) I don’t believe the manual was ever included in the original packaging. Buzz kill. PUN INTENDED. Not a huge fan of barcodes, nor the exclusion of manuals when purchasing tools. So, let’s work with what we have, again, a workaround for the time being.

However, QR codes help if you misplace your copy or Innova manual, not my preference. One improvement from my perspective Innova… kindly provide a manual with purchase. Provide a QR code for lost manuals or backup. While I’m on the topic, the barcode route requires a smartphone, tablet or smart device to capture the images, process the code (website link) and a web browser to view the document. Adobe Acrobat is required here for the Multimeter PDF Manual, for those of you who don’t have Adobe Reader handy. Again, not trying to belabor the point, a simple, newsprint weight or style, 8″x11″ (stapled or unstapled, doesn’t matter, bonus if it is in order) works as well.

Finally, when purchasing tools to evaluate electrical output, it probably should have directions. Again, sensitive subject. So, for the sake of simplicity, the Innova Multimeter archive has been written. As usual leave a comment below, share your thoughts on the use of barcodes to replace printed manuals, let us know what you’re thinking? 

Lego Train Depot

Project – Solder Station Build

AC Gilbert Lego Train Depot

Train Depot - Lego Brick Build

Lab Work – Ready For Service

BOOM! Soldering Station Done

It’s always great to have Legos handy, especially for building the Lego Train Depot. This model features a big smoke-stack and a unique, oblong, and somewhat unstable shape. This is where Legos come in handy. With a few blocks, you can create your very own DIY solder station. You can buy a 300 pcs set or purchase Legos in bulk (4lbs) if necessary, along with some connectors. You can find sets at garage sales or use ones you already have in storage. Look for bargains to gather the pieces and parts needed for these projects builds using Lego bricks..

For this article or application, I believed that stability would be crucial. We needed something to immobilize and stabilize the train while it sat on its top. Ironically, the train spent more time upside down than right side up. This allowed us to solder the necessary wires, clean debris, and wipe away the age. Yes, the model train spent most of it’s time on the upper ‘casting’ (locomotive mold) so that we could access the electronics housed within.

Depot Pics
train truck wheels Lego Depot

Train Wheels

train electronic, re-solder

Re-solder

Do you enjoy Lego, Lego building, etc.? Leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking!

Tool Needs

Measure Precisely, Calipers

Tool Needs – Neiko and Mitutoyo Calipers

Neiko Calipers

Tech | Tools – Calipers

Archive – Tool Needs, the Neiko or the Mitutoyo Calipers

A handy gadget to have in and around the shop is a set of calipers. Make Neiko brand calipers your go to for precision measurements. If you already have a set of calipers and looking to replace current stainless calipers, consider the Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper.

Regardless of which maker or brand you might choose, both are useful to have around the shop. We use one set for ‘more rugged’ measurements, such as automotive, outdoor or in not-so-clean environment. The other set stays indoors, ideally in a clean environment free of debris and contaminants. The main difference, in my opinion, is the metal-to-plastic ratio. I find it more accurate to use metal parts (Mitutoyo) compared to the metal and plastic hybrid (Neiko). Both function as mid-range calipers and are not terribly expensive. However, they are necessary for taking accurate measurements.

Check out  these tools for yourself and see which one fits your needs best. Let us know what you find!

Comparison
Neiko Caliper

Neiko Caliper

Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper

Mitutoyo Caliper

Question to all: Do you have a better caliper? Please let me know by sharing via email. I would also appreciate the use of comments for back-and-forth communication, especially when looking for a specific part, such as the calipers mentioned in the article or something else. 

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

AF 312 Wiring Schema

AdNeSC  AC Gilbert Model Trains – The American Flyer Series

American Flyer Wiring Schema

AF 312 Wiring Schema - Archived American Flyer Locomotive Wiring

Materials – AC Gilbert Wiring Schema

Rewire – AF 312, with the AF 312 Wiring Schema

I thought this might come in handy for those of you out there, tinkering and wrenching with old model trains, trying to keep our historic, scale models running smoothly. I recently, needed to rewire a 50’s AF 312 Locomotive and Tinder (using the AF 312 Wiring Schema). Also, for future reference, two other models are included the diagrammatic illustration.

Drone Accessories
train truck wheels2

Wheels

train electronic, re-solder

Re-solder Power

The teardown effort went smoothly, with only a little trouble encountered with the tinder card. Resoldering the burnt wires wasn’t a pleasant task. However after swapping in some new wires, fresh resin, and solder, we were back in business. We cleaned out the tinder cart, removing any debris, paint, and oil deposits. The same care was taken with the wheel set, ensuring the original parts ran as they should. This effort aims at restoring and bringing the model trains back to life.

AC Gilbert Schema Diagram

Next, a similar rewire requiring coils is needed for this locomotive, but it does not have those parts. Those items seem to be missing at this point, causing a wiring and parts issue. They appear to be charging coils and connections on the circuitboard, solidifying the connection underneath the locomotive’s body. Unfortunately, this train seems to be missing parts, possibly due to age, wear or simply being lost. Unfortunately, these models need replacement parts for an aging model locomotive set so that this train can ride the rails consistently. 

The rewire challenge is straight-forward, but be prepared to face challenges. Preparation is essential! Check back soon, to see if we can locate the required pieces. In the meantime, visit an AC Gilbert American Flyer train website – www.thegilbertgallery.org that cover s-scale trains, including the #336 Union Pacific Northern and the #293 New Haven Pacific locomotives which are similar to the train we are refurbishing (AF 312 Wiring Schema). Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Luthier Gauges

Fix String Height; Guitar Action

Stew Mac Gauges

Luthier Gauges - Stew Mac

Tech | Tools – Luthier Tools

Luthier Tools; Gauges

Someday, I’ll learn I’m not much of a luthier, but I do build, tinker and repair my own. I recently completed my first DIY build, using a premade body and genuine guitar parts – EMG Tele Pickup Set, Fender Telecaster neck and Wilkinson tuners. Now, I’m venturing into higher quality builds, like an American Tele body with full US-made parts for an American Parts Tele. As I work on these projects, I realize that I’ll need some gauges. These luthier gauges seem like they could be useful to have around. They are defintely worth the investment if you’re working on installing new quality tuners or building a fresh guitar.

If you’re in need of quality DIY guitar parts, I recommend checking out eBay, Stewmac, or Amazon a peek. They offer a variety of wood selections, premiere quality, American-made stock necks, and more. With the right tools and skills, you can fully fabricate, build and play a new guitar in just a few days (minus sanding and glue time). It’s a wild concept, but it’s possible. Speaking of gauges, this handy gauge set can help you adjust the action on both acoustic and electric guitars. Ultimately, the string height will determine the pressure needed to play a note or chord. This gauge set is a great option for DIY builds, parts builds or working on pre-made guitar stock from the Stewmac shop. While you’re shopping, be sure to check out what’s called a capo or capotasto, for quick and easy scale changes. A nice-to-have, this hand tool or accessory is a great addition to your learning arsenal, allowing you to alter your guitar’s scale in seconds and enhance your guitar skills.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

Debian Buster

SnapDragon 410c Running Debian OS

Debian Buster

Debian Buster Running on Snapdragon Board

Lab Work – Running Debian SnapDragon

Full Update: Flashed Debian Buster, installed, updated and running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410c.

Full run down avery cool step forward in running a Debian ISO on a Snapdragon 410c. Two IoT devices running Debian the same way. Speed and performance are fantastic, clean and uneventful. However, as with anything, problems come and go. The issues I encountered were minor Uneventful, minor, minor issues… more user related. Versus, compatibility issues. For example, I ran into an apt-secure(8) issue, among other minor open source hardware/software compatibility issues. Some research helped me find the solutions I needed. These minor issues shouldn’t deter anyone from flashing Debian on an IoT device. This is the puzzle or strategic side of technology that I enjoy. It’s all part of the territory. Instead of uneventful, it should be described as smooth sailing, as sailing has its own challenges.

In hindsight, it’s been a l while since I used Debian, so you have to ‘roll with the punches’, minimizing the damage or redirecting the challenge. Like most IoT device installs, you have to work through the error codes and fix what you can as the optimal scenario unfolds (flashing Debian onto a mobile/IoT device like SnapDragon or RPi).

Overall, things are running as expected. Next on the list is a full upgrade/update for the trusty Raspberry Pi4B.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?