Calling all reviewers, technical users. We want your input i.e. review or commentary on products and services, like the Aircannon, SHURE microphone setup, kits and more.

Outdoor Lights

Landscape Lighting Update

Quick LED Board Replacement

LED Board Swap

Lab Work – Outdoor LED lighting Board Swap

The project involves replacing Outdoor Lights, the existing boards with new parts, installing new boards, and more.

Landscape lighting is a essential indoor and outdoor need/functional element for those who need to be outside in the yard at night. . Rather it’s for a backyard bbq, campfire and s’mores or find your loving pets… Low voltage, LED lights help to illuminate an otherwise dark exterior space. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand: Klein Tools Ratcheting Screwdriver (or various screwdrivers including a Philips Head), a tech driver set – Klein Tools Screwdriver Set (featuring smaller bits) for boards, electrical tape and Klein Tools Klein Kurve Stripper and Cutters wire cutters/pliers for cutting, stripping and connecting wires. If you have those items on hand, you should be ready to go. Other items you may need include wire caps (twist-on’s), DeWalt Rapid Heat Glue Gun (a hot glue gun) and extra glue sticks. Depending on the initial installation, you may only need the tools mentioned above. It’s always helpful to keep some of these items around the office for such a project.

Connect New Boards
Frayed Wires

Frayed Wires

Quick Connects, Wire Caps, Glue
Quickly, I wanted to make sure it’s stated outdoor lighting should have sealed connections – wire caps and glue if you have them. It’s important to keep those wires protected, connected and in good working order. Cut and strip only what you need, cover, tape and protect what might have been exposed during the stripping process. Once,  you have the correct wires prepped, stripped and connected… be careful to replace the wires back in the housing (in our case, fencing or fence tube). Connections are key to turning lights on use connectors if available or simply twist on a wire cap and apply some hot glue to protect connections from the elements.
Conclusion and Fun Project
We love quick fixes and enjoy fixing things around the office and home. If the task is too complex, it’s best to consult a professional. In this instance, we reached out to an electrician to discuss voltage, the replacement process, and any potential issues when dealing with outdoor lighting. Safety is paramount when working with electricity, outdoor lighting, or technology, so always process with caution. If you have the necessary tools and patience to install, take the time to fix outdoor low-voltage lighting solutions. If you’re looking for more project work, check out our Barebones Torch video. A great project to do at home with the young members of the family. Enjoy!

Husky Heavy Duty Inflator

Husky Brand Air Tools

Husky Heavy Duty Inflator and Tire Pressure Gauge

Brown Widow

Tech | Tools – Air Compressor Inflator

The Husky Heavy Duty Digital Inflator

I am not very familiar with the Husky brand or line, but I picked this up at the store. The recent weather change triggered the TPMS notification requesting air. This is not unusual, as following the summer months or just at the peak of winter, automotive tires require regular maintenance. As mentioned in our more recent posts – Kreg Measuring Tools, calipers, backlog post and gadget update, we’ve got some more air tool coverage coming your way. We’ll be picking up nailers and air wrenches next. This article will focus in on more air tools and the compressor we use around the shop. The same goes for trucks, farm and yard equipment. You can never go wrong with a tire gauge and an air inflation system. In any case, I wanted to give this a try over the next couple of months to see what kind of life we can get out of the Husky Tire Inflator.

Inflator and Compressor

I bought this one specifically because of the digital gauge. Most others are manual or have tire pressure dial-style gauge. There is nothing wrong with those, just wanted to see if the money was worth spending for digital read out. As far as an inflator, the tool has all the power and air it needs. Here are the tool specifics:

  • Multi-purpose, tire pressure gauge and inflation with variable PSI output
  • Suitable for cars, trucks, ATVs, golf carts, and motorcycles
  • Requires 2 AAA batteries (included)
  • Temperature Range -20°F to 120°F
As a side note, I bought the inflator to go with the DeWalt 2.5 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor (find this at your local hardware or big box hardware stores). It is a handy light weight compressor with 90 PSI, a 2.5 Gallon Tank, and a max PSI rating of 200. It is easy to use, with dual quick connectors, ball valve drain, etc.  A great compressor to have around the shop for light duty work.

Anyhow, look for an update or two over the next few weeks. We are looking for longevity, wear and tear. Check back for more.

Highlights and Takeaways

Need some air? A TPMS alert? Are my tires under inflated due to a weather change, or something worse like a puncture or complete failure?

Air Compressor Tool – Tire Gauge and Inflator
blank

Gauge And Inflator

blank

Digital Display

DeWalt Air Compressor

2.5 Air Compressor

DeWalt Compressor

Quick Connectors

Takeaway

Keep your tires inflated, and stay safe on the road. Regular testing, regular cleaning and maintenance will help prolong the life of your tires. Also consider picking up the Husky Heavy Duty Air Inflator, or DeWalt Portable Air Compressor at your local retailer. Let us know your experience or share the brand/system you use in your shop or maker space.

Interested in other tool articles, reviews or commentary? Check out the reviews on our newest hand tools as we update our tool kit. You’ve gotta love handy tools and equipment that work; tools that just work. Anyhow, give these articles a read, more to come.

Matrix Bench Power Supply

Variable DC Bench DC Power Supply

Supply, Control, Test and Power

Matrix Bench Power Supply

Tech | Tools – Matrix DC Power Supply

The Matrix DC Power Supply – This Power Supply is variable, adjustable Bench DC Power Supply, used for testing, maintenance and more

If you need more power on the bench, power more than the supplied battery or charging cord. If you have not lost or damaged the manufacturer supplied leads and cables. consider getting yourself a Matrix Bench Power Supply. It’s easy to use, portable, compact, self-regulating and lightweight. Adding a new bench supply to your lab, maker-space or home office can be beneficial.

We highly recommend Matrix Power Supplies, and are excited to try out the new Matrix MPS-3210. An affiliate link will be posted on our Shop Page – under electronics.

If you already have a bench power supply and would like to share your own commentary or recommendations, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. We always enjoy learning about others’ experiences and appreciate healthy product competition. If you do not have a bench supply, consider checking out Matrix Power Supply to see if there’s a Matrix model that fits your needs.

Kreg Measuring Tool

Multi-Mark Multi-Purpose Marking and Measuring Tool

Carpentry Tools & Accessories

Kreg Tool

Tech | Tools – Measure, Mark, Prep Tool

The Kreg Measuring Tool – Measure, Mark; Multi-use metal, 3d printing, wood or carpentry.

Whether you’re at home, around the office, or in the shop. You’ll need something like the Kreg Measuring and Marking tool. One tool for measuring angles and mark up wood or metal. The Kreg Measuring Tool is a versatile and usful tool for finding angles. This tool is perfect for measuring right angles on-the-go, making layouts easily repeatable and ensuring accuracy while working int he field or on various projects. I personally own one now and I find it incredibly easy to use, handy for setting standard angles like 90 and 45 degrees, or manually adjusting the slide as needed. The Kreg is truly unbeatable in my opinion, for marking, designing, measuring and leveling in the field.

Mark & Design
Measure

Measure

Mark

Mark

Angles

Angles

Multi-Purpose

Multi-Purpose

I recommend Kreg Tools,  for all tasks, marking-to-measuring. I have also used both the pocket-hole jig set… Other, new hand tools (coming soon, out by the time you read this and same for the new calipers), calipers. These tools go wellw with the theme of this post, measuring tools are usful for my 3D prints and I will soon be writing up an article on the pocket-hole set.  Be sure to check out the Kreg multi-purpose tool and other Kreg tools on our Shop Page – tools.

Hand Tools

More Tools Around The Shop

Flush Cutters, Manual Sharpeners/Quick Edge Tools, and The Wen Bench Grinder

Klein Tool Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Uncover new tools, cutters, sharpeners and bench grinders!

Discover new hand tools like the Klein Tool flush cutters, Speedy Sharp burr tool, Smith’s and Benchmade sharpeners. For those big jobs, consider the Wen Bench Grinder. Need to cut something quickly and confidently? Utilize the Klein Tool Diagonal Cutting Pliers. If you have dull knives and carving tools, shop our favorite tools, measuring tools – Kreg mark and measure, calipers and learn more about the Benchmade and Smith Manual Field Sharpeners. For tough outdoor steel, rely on the Wen grinder.

Flush Cutters and Speedy Sharp
Cutters

Klein Flush Cutters

Sharpeners by Speedy Sharp

Speedy Sharp

Hopping into the more refined tools that are essential to have in the shop, those that aid in working more efficiently. Let’s begin with the Klein Tools flush cut pliers, perfect for cutting without leaving any rough edges. Say goodbye to dull carving tools or chisels. Get your hands on a variety of manual sharpeners, progressing from the Benchmade Field Sharpener, to the Speedy Sharp to remove and define that burr.

While you’re out in the field the guided Smith’s pocket sharpener is ideal for hooks and quick edge work. Additionally, for tools that require fine sharpening and extra power when steel is necessary for outdoor tasks such as cutting grass, wood chisels, hand tools and scissors that need some special attention, the Wen Bench Grinder.

Generally speaking, the official name for flush cutters is diagonal cutting pliers with precision, or wire ‘snips’ in layman’s terms! Previous posts have covered deburring tools, like the AFA Deburring set or the Klein Tools screwdrivers. While those tools have been discussed in previous posts, today we are focusing on flush cutters. Surprisingly, flush cutters are used daily in the shop, garage and yard. I use these cutters all the time, with an easy-to-use ‘squeeze’ and firm handle setup, sometimes spending hours cleaning up prints or cutting zip-ties. It’s helpful to have a comfortable set of cutters around the office.

Additionally, flush cutters, as implied by the name, leave zip ties and copper wires clean and snag-free. Maintenance is easy – simply spray lubricant on them every so often, towel dry, and then run them through a sharpener for clean, flush cuts as intended. All you #makers out there, make sure to have a sharp pair of cutting pliers (snips) for any delicate wire work or clean-up effort.
Cut A New Edge, Forming An Edge (Burr)

Moving on, those of you who use hand tools  such as carving knives, whittling knives or field knives, it is important to keep a proper edge on them. Who can forget about the Speedy Sharp sharpeners? When a new edge is needed, turn to Speedy Sharp for a quick repair or to fix a damaged blade or broken edge. Simply run the diamond cutter across the damaged area quickly to create a new, fresh edge that is perfect for our next step. Hone and clean up the edges with the Smith’s pocket sharpener, which allows for coarse to fine edge work. By doing so, we are one step closer to achieving a fine edge.

Smith’s Pocket Sharpener, Benchmade Field Sharpener
Sharpener by Smith

Smiths Pocket Sharpener

Sharpener by Benchmade WorkSharp

Benchmade WorkSharp

Tools & Sharpeners

Tools & Sharpeners

Sharpeners for small tools

Sharp Tools

Introducing the Benchmade Field Sharpener designed specifically for knives and other hand tools such as scissors or fishing lures. This compact field sharpener is perfect for fine-turning edges while out in the field, creating a precise 20-degree edge angle for most pocket knives and carving tools.  Finish off your sharpening process with the ceramic edge for an incredibly sharp finish, and use the strop on the other end for a polished touch. This handy field sharpener is a must-have for any workshop Stay tuned for our upcoming article on sharpening stones, going up-to 8000 grit!

Tool Variety, Applications and Wen Bench Grinder

Let’s dive into the world of cutters, sharpeners, and bench grinders as we wrap up with the Wen Bench Grinder. Do you have an old worn out scythe, pruners, axes or tree trimming knives? Are you a farmer in the field who needs a high-quality bench grinder to fix your field tools? Whether you need to fix warped edges or hone those stubborn cutting edges on old, tough tool steel the Wen Bench Grinder is the perfect choice.

All-In-One Bench Grinder
Bench Grinder by Wen

Wen Bench Grinder

Power when you need it, unlike hand tools, this grinder has variable speeds to help grind away rust, age, work blemishes, fractures and dents. You can’t go wrong with the wheel options, which include both an 80/36 grit wheel option, a light and guards/rest so that a sharpened edge may emerge. Perfect for bigger jobs, providing power when you need it.

More tools you say? Check out the following: , or may be you need something bigger, bolder… lightning! how about the Lincoln Electric 140 Welder? How about what’s on the Gadget Backlog – ? Working on that car again I see, pick up a telescoping magnetic picker… fan favorite by the way! Same for the Calipers, I like our updated caliper set by Mitutoyo, an upgrade from the Neiko set. All relative to the post and to have around any shop, office or garage space.

So far,  we’ve covered the best guided, field hand sharpeners, flush cutters and bench grinder for our #makers space. Leave a comment below for other suggestions, hand tools or sharpeners to have around the shop.

Part 2 – Latest Drawing Tools

Moleskin Pads, Staedtler Instruments, Princeton, Liquitex and More

Part 2 – Pencils, Pads, Tools and More

Moleskin Art Album

Part 2 – Latest Drawing Tools,  ‘Tools of The Trade, Markers, Pencils, Precision Tools, Erasers, Brushes, Paint Markers and More’ series

Need supplies quickly? In Part 2 – Drawing Tools, we will discuss supplies that are running low and those that have been used around the shop for the longest time. Some of these supplies have been with me for 15 years, and others for over 20 years. In previous post, we talked about the Amazon Affiliate direction. For continuity and to prepare for upcoming posts in early to mid-June about our 3D print upgrades, it’s important to have the right parts. So, let’s share the latest list of art supplies. Check out part two of our to-do list on the producer’s product page. 

Part 2, Continues

In Part2 – Latest Drawing Tools we will focus less on the items mentioned above, as they are already essential in my drawing kit. However, we will discuss easels, additional brushes, and Moleskin albums or pads. The list of supplies goes on, including math sets (squares, compass, angles), sharpeners, on-the-go pads or albums, paints, paint markers, and drawing tools (mechanical) to keep on hand.

Recent Purchases, Recommendations

Moleskin – Art Watercolor Album 3.5×5.5 inch, (1 pad, 60 sheets)
Staedtler 4H Pencils – Mars Lumograph Pencils 4H (12)
Staedtler Instrument Math Set – Writing Instrument Math Set (14)
Staedler Mechanical Pencils* – Mechanical Pencils (3)
Strathmore – Sketch Pad, 8.5×11 inch, 1 pad (100 sheets)
Luxi – Sketch Book, Top Spiral, 9×12 inch, 1 pad (100 sheets)

Princeton* – Aspen Series Paint Synthetic Brushes, Acyrlic and Oil (5)
Liquitex – Marker set – Liquitex Professional Paint Marker Set, Monochromes (3)
Liquitex Markers – *Individual – Professional Paint Marker, Carbon Black (1)
Acrylic Paint BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, Tube Set (48)

More Recommendations

First, easels are a tough, rare breed of ‘kit’ to have around the shop. I’ve used desktop easels, metal easels and composites of some kind, only to come back to the Studio H. The Studio H can be found on Blick, specifically the Blick Studio Heavy-Duty H-Frame Easel, which is more importantly on wheels! I’m going to brag on this H-frame easel for a moment.  While other easels can be found on Dick Blick or Utrecht, this easel is tough, agile and easy to put together.  It has a nice shelf for convenient storage, where you can store additional tools, rulers, or markers, especially nice to have when using those Liquitex paint markers mentioned above. It’s easy to clean, accommodates oversized work,  and sits on wheels, so maneuverability and the ‘space’ the easel consumes around the shop can be kept to a minimum.

Brushes

Next, let’s talk brushes, specifically the Princeton Catalyst Series brushes and *Golden/Utrecht acrylic paints. Occasionally, I will buy second-hand or slightly flawed brushes so that I always have the right brush for any situation. Therefore, the Princeton Catalyst and Aspen series are my go-to brushes for acrylics. I also want to mention that I consistently use Liquitex Basics-to-Advanced viscosities of paint. I stock up on Basics for commonly used colors, while opting for high-density, firm acrylics for filling, highlighting, or shadowing. It has been quite some time since I changed my paint selection, approximately 27 years ago. Regardless, easels, paints and brushes can all be found on our shopping list page. Feel free to browse those items in the cart, as they have been purchased multiple times.

In closing, we highly recommend the items listed on the shopping list, as they have been purchased more than three times over. In certain cases, such as the Liquitex paints, they have been purchased for over 27 years. Supply consumption varies, as supplies come and go. A never-ending cycle.  Therefore, I like to occasionally add new items to test, place on the bench, and experiment with. It’s always important to test new supplies, versus those that are necessary for immediate purchase. Discover the supplies that best suit your needs and circumstances. Enjoy and good luck with your creative endeavors. Refer to Part One for more information.

Lastly, Keep Building Your List

Let’s end with an old saying ‘No pain, no gain’. I would venture to say. While building your supply list can be daunting and suppliers change, solving the problem of the list is the fun part. Sometimes things work out, while others should remain in the trash receptacle (or, on the never buy list).  It’s part of being a consumer, which involves consumption, right? In all honesty, this part can be fun, so make it enjoyable! Turn it into a game if you choose, wheel and deal.

Before we move off of the new supplies. I don’t want to forget a few other upgrades around the office to share such as the GTRacing Mesh Back Chair a new upgrade here in the office… long awaited change, and time for the older model to be replaced with a new mesh back gaming chair. The Fisher Space Pen for you outer space fans… posted back in January 2021. Awesome pen, I use it on the road for any and all writing needs! Check back in a few weeks for updates. Items to look out for on the list include Moleskin pads or albums, and a few other goodies. Spoiler alert: there are additional 3D print upgrades, parts, and a new series just around the corner… less than a week away!

 

Latest Drawing Tools

SHARPIE, Sakura, Ohuhu, Prismacolor and More

Illustration Kit – Pencils, Pads, Tools and More

Ohuhu Marker Set

Latest Drawing Tools, Tools of The Trade

What will it be? Markers, pencils/coloring pencils, precision liners, erasers, brushes, paint markers; need more? Come shop online with me. We can look for refills, thin-liners, chiseled markers and new additions like the Ohuhu Alcohol Markers to expand our toolkit.

Amazon Affiliate Shopping List

Let’s talk about the Amazon Affiliate Shopping list. Recently, I’ve included the option to share Amazon products as an affiliate. This allows me to share products and recommendations for items I personally purchase for the shop. In this instance, we will discuss thin-liners, markers, and line tools, in order to provide our thoughts on products you may be interested in purchasing. 

Even better, think of it  as a reference guide with recommendations for items that have yet to be purchased. For those who have already made selections, a bookmark could be useful to have around your work area, especially if you aspire to be a hobbyist or professional designer.  Regardless, this post serves  as a vehicle to promote Amazon Affiliate products via Amazon, among others. As you may have noticed, we do not heavily promote our content on social media, so the content in this first part is an effort to share our experiences with products in the market or perhaps just an exercise in futility.

In the coming weeks, I will be delving into each post, updating product links, and reposting links to products as *an affiliate  to assist shoppers like you in purchasing goods and services that we recommend. The shopping list, or ‘shop with us page‘ is now available here. This is particularly important for new posts, links, and future posts to share, add value or share our experiences with the products and services we use.

TPU Action

Moving forward, let’s consider the items mentioned in our early June posts regarding ‘TPU Action‘. A list of parts has been provided for you to browse and purchase for your shop! Take note of my mistakes (they could save you money) or simply think of it as putting money back in your pocket. Additionally, for those of you who are able to buy supplies through Amazon, or Prime, I will be sharing discount codes at a later date (not toady, as I’m currently working to find deals and affiliate links). I will also be mentioning specific days and time periods when Amazon offers special promotions. Speaking of, Prime Day 16th & 17th is approaching quickly. Hopefully, the purchaser page will be a helpful too, providing an easier way to recommend products and services through Amazon. 

Latest Suppling List

Let’s cover the art supplies in two part series, pens, markers, and erasers. Secondly, sharpeners, on-to-go pads, paints, paint markers and drawing (mechanical) tools to have around…

Sharpie – Markers – Variety Pack (6)
Sakura Pigma – Pro Brush Pens (6)
Sakura Pigma Micron – SAKURA Pigma Micron Pens, select sizes and colors (1)
Ohuhu – Ohuhu Alcohol Brush Markers (168)
Ohuhu – Ohuhu Alcohol Blenders (6)
TFIVE – Acrylic Marker Pens (2)

Prismacolor – Markers, Pencils and Tools
Marker Set Fine/Chisel – Prismacolor – Premier Double-ended Markers (24)
Marker Set Fine/Brush – Prismacolor – Premier Double-ended Markers (12)
Erasers – Prismacolor – Premier Magic Erasers (12)
Colored Pencils – Prismacolor – Premier Eraseble Colored Pencils (24)
Pencil Set – Prismacolor Premier Graphite Pencils With Erasers & Sharpeners

Wrap up

Finally, all items on our shopping list can be purchased above or on our shopping list. These items have been purchased within the last 4 months.  Typically, they are considered must-haves, essential for use in and around the office. For example, it is useful to have various types of Sharpies – thin-liners, regular barrel type (more common size with a fine tip), and heavy-duty chiseled tips. Sharpies are almost required in the #markers space for marking bed plates and prints. There are areas of opportunity when it comes to nibs, nobs, and globs. For those in desperate need, they provide a simple way to write on most surfaces. See Part Two.

Part Two for your convenience. If you are going into art school, are a hobbyist, or need a school art supply list, please bookmark this series. It will help you maintain and improve your supplies list. It serves as a convenienct reminder of products we have recommended in the recent past.

Lastly, keep your supplies fresh, stocked up and within reach. Keeping office art supplies stocked can be a huge task, with dried paint tubes, markers, and broken tips. As the post mentioned, it can sometimes fee like an exercise in futility.

The D&D Goods

Books, Starter Sets and More

So, Dungeons & Dragons… Want to Play?

D&D Essentials Kit

The D & D Goods, Gear and Imagination – Let’s Hop Into the World of RPG Gaming.

Let’s discuss the basics, of D&D Starter Kit. All you need is a starter kit, some dice and a friend or two. With a little imagination, creativity and people who can work with minimal direction, you can setup a basic game of D&D. 

Start a clan or cohort of player characters who are whisked off to battle, encountering orcs, goblins, and challenges unique to the world of RPGs (role playing games). However, there’s a catch if you’ve never played the game, read the books, or watched learn-to-play videos on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Rumble or D&D content on ‘how to get started, game play and game strategy’. For simplicity’s sake, let’s leave the ‘how to’s to the to the experts. This article is more of a summary of our process, journey and learning how to play one of the original RPG games. Let’s outline our RPG journey.

Starter Sets, Dice and Imagination

Starting with the D&D Starter and/or Essentials Kit is extremely helpful. The Starter Set was particularly successful for us in terms of our campaign. By campaign, I mean a successful storyline that runs from start to finish, or sometimes just the time we started playing until the day ended. It could also refer to the order of play and our willingness to fail. I’ll discuss that more later.

For starters, the Essentials or Starter D&D kits are the way to go. We skipped the online version and just got the premade character sheets, six dice, a mini game or campaign (Lost Mine of Phandelver), D&D rulebook, and most importantly, a group of people willing to learn and not necessarily know how to play.

That’s it! So, what’s the catch? The punchline is that you can play regardless of experience. However, it’s extremely helpful to have someone in the group with ‘any’ level of D&D experience. We did not. So, the recommendation here is simple: read what you can, get the adventure started, start with what you know from other games you might have played, ‘discard’ what you don’t ,and have fun.

Kits, Books, Dice, Accessories and More

Starter Set – D&D Starter Set
Essentials Kit – D&D Essentials Kit
Core D&D Rulebooks Gift Set Object – D&D Core Rulebooks Set (Hardcover)
Starter Set – D&D Start Set
Dungeon Masters Guide – D&D Dungeon Masters Guide
D&D Art & Arcana – D&D Art & Arcana
Character Sheets – D&D Character Sheets
Spellbook Cards – D&D Spellbook Cards
Icewindale Book – D&D Icewindale Rime of the Frostmaiden
Fizban’s Book – D&D Fizban’s Treasury Of Dragons
Chessex D& Dice – Chessex D&D Dice

The DM (Dungeon Master) Role, Experience

The most important role in the game is that is the role of the Dungeon Master or DM for short. DM’s act as the campaign narrator, the judge, and with some experience, can create epic journeys filled with ice giants, mountain trolls, ancient wizards, clockwork stone samurai warriors, and dragons. After all, it is called Dungeons and Dragons. Before you face those dragons, a word of caution: experience can be beneficial. Replaying min-campaigns or campaigns you’ve already completed as a group can help improve situational awareness and guide you on how to behave as a player-character rathar than an NPC (non-player character).

Once again, the DM can assist campaign players in various ways: replaying scenarios on a small scale, developing new character activities, creating new situations. or realms. These tools are helpful in learning how to play, improving teamwork, enhancing character attributes and skills, and gaining a better understanding of the game quickly. 

Enjoy The Pitfalls, Work To Elevate Your Game Play

In our case, gaming, we navigate pitfalls, traps, and dragons to survive. The main goal is to have fun, while the Dungeon Master DM manages basic rules, functions, and gameplay. To play, you will need a DM, character sheets, a story  (campaign books are available for all levels of play), a rulebook, and some dice.

Quickly, let’s touch on the DM screen (DM screens contain quick tips, notes and situational actions to help the DM move the game along). It’s not game ending if you don’t have one and the DM relies on paper ‘screens’. What’s important is that most starter kits, depending on the edition,  include some version of a DM screen. The same goes for the DM guide and player rulebook.

This is a good starting point in the article where we added a few other D&D pieces to enhance game play. Ok, ok. I must admit, we picked up some second hand campaign books, additional character sheets (blank, with the skills needed to create a character from scratch), and a digital/web-based dice-rolling app. This is handy when space is limited. Whether new or used, refurbished or the latest edition, we chose to add something new at longer intervals.

Additional Accessories

Introducing the Core Rulebooks Set with Original Cover Art, including the DM Screen, DM Guide, Monster Manual and Player’s Handbook. We have chosen to maintain a longer interval between game additions, sticking to the basics. Adding new elements such as pieces, books, or parts would disrupt the flow of the game. It took several months to full appreicate the benefits of running a campaign with Monster Cards and maps (we projected our campaign maps on the TV). This proved to be a handy way to visually understand the campaign and create the illusion of a cave or dungeon, especially for a less skilled group of players.

RPG’s – Role Playing Games

Let’s take a moment to define RPG play. The concept is quite simple; players roll dice, make moves to observe, discover, or take action each round of play. 

The same goes for the characters, many of whom are monsters that take a a turn by rolling dice, adding a layer of complexity to the game. All of us were new to the game, yet, we had a Dungeon Master, some players, character sheets, dice and a pre-made story. Kudos to us early on in the journey, as we had no idea what we were getting into. We completely ignoring time elements, rules, items characters ‘carry with them’, magic, or player strengths/weaknesses, durability and XP.

We immersed ourselves in the story, made strategic moves, faced the best D&D Goods and challenges presented by the DM’s monsters, and then moved on to the next. adventure. At its core, that’s the essence of the game. While note groundbreaking, we soon realized that these sessions served as valuable training excesizes that helped our team establish out play style for future campaigns. Let’s emphasize the enjoyment of RPGs, revisiting campaigns can be exciting. The main reason being the game’s incredible flexibility, allowing for a different experience each time it is played.  With different DMs, varying character strengths, and evolving situations, the player-characters  grow and the gameplay experience evolves. Lastly,  we probably should have stuck with our premade characters a bit longer. For those who have never  played, there is no right or wrong way to approach the game. The key is to make the most of what you have, whether using premade characters or creating your own.

D&D Goods, Successes, DM’s and Game Play

Now, the key to our success was the premade character sheets included in the kits. We had no idea how to play, a DM… and some sheets. Characters levels, arcane, dexterity, what? Skipping this part, is not critical to the story, the point is, the more you play, the rules and gameplay evolve. Assuming the group can accept the lack of knowledge and that there is no inherent game expert to guide the game; then it sounds like you’ve got a game!

Hours, days, and even weeks have passed, replaying the essentials. This is where the DM (mentioned above, whose experience is key) can help elevate game play. Adding the D&D core books (D&D Goods) i.e. the DM’s Guide, Monster Manual and Player’s Handbook. to the mix was essential . The Essential Kit and/or Starter Kit can be replayed as much or as little as you desire. Today, we revisit the journey from time to time. The game offers a level of flexibility, rules can come and go, or maybe a better way to describe the journey, leave it up to the Dungeon Master!

Respect for the DM, get the D&D goods. Books and bulk dice purchases came sometime later as we added new players. Most players resorted to the digital dice apps for player moves and actions where applicable. We won’t go into detail, keeping this high level. Introducing new elements to the game/campaign, week by week ( generally, months at a time). Stick with it, you’ll figure it out!

Expand, Purchase Core D&D Goods, Dice Sets and More

Finally, we worked to refine our game play, by adjusting the D&D goods and complexity as needed. The amount of changes made often depends on the team’s available playtime. It can be a gradual process, but having an intuitive and creative DM is crucial, so a big thanks to our DM! Dm’s have the ability to breathe life into the storyline, introducing unique challenges such as crisis situations, periods of difficulty, high-pressure scenarios, troubled times and moments of campaign glory! There is never a ‘wrong direction’ in the game – the more you learn, the more opportunities you have to create a new character or try a different storyline.

The direction and strategy can only ‘grow’ from today-to-tomorrow. Any suggestions? Keep it simple, light and refreshing. Focus on building character  strengths, avoiding complexities, and gaining strength and XP (experience points) for warriors. Arcane abilities for Mages, stealth for thieves. Additionally, cohort successes can benefit from various play styles, complementing team play or player-character types. Be mindful of limitations, and work to mitigate character weaknesses. Lastly, rely on your D&D clan your clan and a little imagination will get you through the tough times.

Finally, Ok, you want to play? Get yourself some D&D goods, game books, accessories and more (tables, cups, merch).

Alpha Numeric Domain Salad

Solve Issues Finding A Domain Name

Use The Soup, Domain Soup

ICANN Helps with Alpha Numeric Domain Salad

Finding the right domain name

These days, it’s getting tougher by the minute. All the 3, 4, 5, 6 and some 7- letter combination domains are all gone (purchased). Now, what do I do?

A new year, a new you (business you). Move past the Alpha Numeric Domain Salad (or soup) and keep it simple and short. Questions, arise: Is it time to create a new domain or find an alternative? What’s a domain broker? Whatever the reason, the strategy might be more difficult than you think. With loads of questions, it’s time for a domain buying strategy. More and more our domain strategy is put to the test. Rankings, rage clicks, drops and more… all play a role in our evolving domain buying strategy. Keep ICANN handy, ICANN – stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers; on second thought, get to know ICANN and NameCheap.

Try The Soup; Domain Name Soup

Try, the Domain Name Soup app, i.e the soup… I call it. Sometimes, the ‘soup’ is what you need to find a unique name, combination or similar sounding name. Do so with Domain Name Soup. It might help you move past the alpha numeric domain salad.

These days, with AI and old web tools like Domain Name Soup, you might find the trick you need to cover a client’s business name or a service provided in an area of expertise – all not a problem just a few years ago. Let’s start with domain brokers.  We’ve used them, and they are what they are ‘at a price’. Guess who wins in that transaction? Again, unless you’re trying to purchase an existing stable domain, coming out of pocket might be your best bet.

Try Alternative Top Level Domains

Tip: when trying to evaluate your next move, start by finding a registrar. Begin with a few words that you feel represent your brand or influence. Try different domain sub-categories, partial and combined alpha-numeric characters, country codes and more.

We tend to avoid .org’s, .co’s, and other similar options. This may be more of a personal preference, or perhaps a slight nod to nostalgia for early dot.com days. Above all, aim to find something you can truly own for at least a year. Jokes aside, all domains come with an annual expense, whether you like it or not. It’s not the 20s or early 2000s anymore; now it’s all about X (formerly Twitter) handles, IG accounts, TikTok, ChatGPT, and AI algorithms. Find a domain that resonates with you. Consider getting a D.B.A. if needed (consult a lawyer for advice), or simply choose a catchy domain that’s available.

Domains can be pricey and finding the right one isn’t easy, but just find something you can work with and give it a try! In addition to ICANN, which can assist with domain research, consider using domain brokers like NameCheap (a popular registrar) or any of the thousands of others in the market. They can help you find a domain at the best price, that makes the most sense for your needs. Be cautious, as some domain owners prefer to remain private and may not want to be contacted. Be patient and make best decision for your business of brand. 

Other Means of Support

While were fixing things today, let’s share a few other helpful tips. Such as cleaning up URLs, GoDaddy Bounceback services, email deliverability, knowing when to clear the cache, and how to Flush DNS on a Mac/Apple. Additionally,ipconfig /flushdns for Windows, and sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches on Linux.

We’ll also cover how to maintain your digital footprint i.e. activity on the web and what to do when the interwebs are completely down; really down. Choose down detection. These tips are super handy when starting a new website from scratch because eventually, you will come across these issues in one way or another. It’s bound to happen.

Weller 70w

Soldering Kit by Weller

Weller 70w Solder Kit

Weller Soldering Kit

Weller Tools

Needs must be had, time for a new Weller Soldering iron… with that in mind, the Weller 70w Solder Kit did just the trick. The Weller 70w Solider Kit.

Weller 70 Kit
Weller 70

Weller 70

Ready To Solder

Ready To Solder

Unboxing

Unboxing

Weller Features

Weller Features

What’s in the kit? The kit includes the soldering iron, power unit, cord, tips, sponge and iron holder. It is a handy soldering kit to have in and around the office. Recently, there have been a need for more consistent power, temperatures, and overall better performance when comparing it to the original solidering iron/wood burning kit in the shop. Although the Weller 30w kit purchased many years ago has been helpful, its wood-burning capabilities have not been necessary.

For a hobby kit, that includes wood-burning and soldering tools, it is a useful tool to have around. Recently, there has been a need for ‘more power’ and ‘precise temperatures’ for a few items in the shop. For those following the 3D printer build, the Weller 70w was put to the test rewiring and replacing thermistor wires, fan wires and the hot end. I also tested the Weller 70w unit on an old hack, the 9V cell battery hack, and some car audio system wire for good measure. We will be soldering new wires into the guitar rebuild, including new wires, connectors, and more. Stay tuned for the guitar rebuild!

More On The Weller 70w

First impressions of the Weller 70W soldering iron are positive; it heats up quickly, is responsive, has a convenient housing, and comes with spare tips for small jobs. The responsiveness of the iron is impressive, and the tips are easy to clean. The digitized interface allows for precise soldering temps, and the housing coil protects the heating element. It is easy to use and gets the job done efficiently. 

When comparing the soldering kits I have used, Weller has consistently been my brand of choice. While i don’t use a soldering iron frequently, when I do I trust Weller to deliver. The original Weller 30W Wood Burning or Hobby Soldering Kit has met all my needs. I have used it for vaious tasks such as repairing vintage train parts, fixing drone boards and fans, and working on home audio speakers, and soldering car audio wires like battery wires, guitar wires, head unit power wires, and remote wires. The Weller 30w hobby kit was great, not ideal, but got the job done.