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Hobby Public Radio

Your ideas, projects, opinions - podcasted.

New episodes Monday through Friday.

Correspondent

NYbill

Host Image
Host ID: 235

email: nybill.nospam@nospam.gunmonkeynet.net
episodes: 33

hpr2694 :: Bandit Update

Released on 2018-11-29 under a CC-BY-SA license.

(No Spoilers)

NYbill does a quick episode to mention there are new Over the Wire, Bandit levels out.

http://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/bandit0.html

Original Episode:

http://hackerpublicradio.org/eps.php?id=2138


hpr2591 :: International Troubleshooting

Released on 2018-07-09 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill troubleshoots a DIY kit of Ken Fallon's.

The new toy:

AmScope SE400-Z
(The microscope has a nice working height underneath it so you can get your hands and tools in there.)

The offending chip:

http://www.mccsemi.com/up_pdf/SRV05-4L(SOT23-6L).pdf

Pics for the episode:

http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/collection/international-troubleshooting/


hpr2551 :: Calibrating Calibration

Released on 2018-05-14 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about the Siglent SDS1202X-E oscilloscope and the calibration pitfalls of the BA model over the newer BB model.

Pics for the episode:

http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/collection/siglent-sds1202x-e/


hpr2514 :: Electronics Calculator Kit

Released on 2018-03-22 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about building a $16 electronics calculator kit.

Kkmoon DIY Calculator Kit: https://tinyurl.com/yc9z92pc

Pics for the episode: http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/collection/electronics-calculator-kit/

Just to save anyone from searching for some secret mode on their calculators, I misspoke. I mention using my TI calculator in “Degree Mode”. I meant to say “Normal Mode”. It just happens to say DEG on the screen in tiny letters. What can I say, I’m easily distra

Oh look at that!


hpr2407 :: The Lost Episode Part 2

Released on 2017-10-24 under a CC-BY-SA license.

A follow up to “The Lost Episode”. Flashing the blank Atmega328p chip to get bring a nonworking Transistor Tester Kit to life.

There are a lot of these kits out there. Different shapes, colors, and capabilities. In my case the kit was called a: 2578AY-AT. The firmware for this particular kit is: mega328_color_kit.

    lsusb (get bus and device ID numbers.)
    sudo chmod +777 /dev/bus/usb/*bus_ID/*device_ID

    avrdude -c ‘your programmer’ -p ‘your chip’
  • In my case:
    avrdude -c usbasp -p m328p

Avrdude should communicate with the programmer and verify the chip is ready to receive instructions.

From here Avrdudess helped as I was able to use the ‘verify’ options after a write to see there was an error. Avrdudess also let me correct the error by changing the E-lock value to 0x04. Then the flash would write.

Remember to write the hex file first and the eep file second as hex would over write a eep file if it was written first.


hpr2394 :: The Lost Episode

Released on 2017-10-05 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill puts up a ‘Lost Episode’ recorded in October, 2016. A comment for Ep. 2369 asking if I have ever built one of the many Transistor Kits available jogged my memory. I still had the recording so, I’ll just throw it up. I’m not sure how many pics I can find for the episode. I’ll put up what I can.

And just for Mike Ray, I’ll leave in some bench noises I would usually edit out. ;)

The soldering vice being used:

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505162033&sr=8-3&keywords=soldering+vise

Solder sucker:

https://www.amazon.com/Electronix-Express-060820-Solder-Desoldering/dp/B00L2HRW92/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1505162388&sr=1-4&keywords=solder+sucker

The kit (This looks like the one I ordered. But, it's been about a year gone by now. This one shows firmware running on the chip in the pics. You can take a gamble on it if you’d like):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-DIY-GM328-Transistor-Tester-LCR-ESR-meter-PWM-Square-wave-Signal-Generator-/272234590655?epid=2013312516&hash=item3f627231bf:g:Y5oAAOSw3mpXLEvU

Pics for the episode:

http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/collection/2016-diy-transistor-kit/


hpr2369 :: Little Meters

Released on 2017-08-31 under a CC-BY-SA license.

Listen to more things clicking and beeping!

NYbill does a quick review of two more inexpensive multimeters, ANENG models AN8002 and AN8008.

Bonus noises! I recorded next to an open window on a gusty day. Oops…


hpr2314 :: Bad Caps

Released on 2017-06-15 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about repairing a motherboard.

Errata:

Even though I go into a bit about different types of capacitors I didn't plan on this being an episode about capacitors themselves. Even though I mention some different types. Bonus, there are also Trimmer Caps.

And yes, I know LCD's don't have a trace. The old school CRT user popped out there. You all knew what I meant.

Also, I know I mentioned getting a 90 piece cap set from Banggood. I decided to order proper Nichicon replacements from Digikey. Had this been a repair for myself, I would use the no name caps I ordered from China. But, being this repair is for a friend, I figured I better get the real deal. ...BTW they were 220 uf caps.

(Thanks Jezra for the musical interlude. We were joking calling it, "Time Passing".)

Pics for the episode:


hpr2148 :: The DSO138 Oscilloscope Kit Part 2

Released on 2016-10-26 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In this episode NYbill talks about finishing the DSO138 Oscilloscope kit.

The DSO138 Oscilloscope Kit (part 1)

3D printable case:

The kit with pre-soldered SMD parts:

Without pre-soldered parts:

The forums:

Pics for the episode:


hpr2138 :: Hack the Box with Bandit

Released on 2016-10-12 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about a Linux ‘War Game’ called Bandit.

http://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/


hpr2044 :: Bring on the Power!

Released on 2016-06-02 under a CC-BY-SA license.

It this episode NYbill talks about power supplies used for electronics work.


hpr2029 :: The DSO138 Oscilloscope Kit

Released on 2016-05-12 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In this episode NYbill talks about building a DSO138 Oscilloscope kit.


hpr2014 :: A first look at the Owon B35T Part 2

Released on 2016-04-21 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In this episode of HPR you get to hear more of the things on NYbill's electronics bench that make clicking noises.

The review of the Owon B35T's continues. Bluetooth is now working. And we get an inside look at the meter.


hpr2004 :: A First Look at the Owon B35T

Released on 2016-04-07 under a CC-BY-SA license.

You are along for the ride as NYbill takes his first look at another inexpensive Multimeter.

This is part 1 of a quick look at the Owon B35T True RMS multimeter with Bluetooth.


hpr1869 :: Irssi Connectbot

Released on 2015-10-01 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about setting up Irssi Connectbot on a Android phone to access IRC.

https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.woltage.irssiconnectbot

I don't know him. But, thanks for this handy guide on setting up key pairs with Connectbot, Michael:

http://michaelchelen.net/0f3e/android-connectbot-ssh-key-auth-howto/


hpr1858 :: Multimeter Mod's Part 2

Released on 2015-09-16 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about the second modification to his UNI-T UT61E multimeter. In this episode the switch and auto-timeout circuitry is installed.

This is a follow up to Multimeter Mod's Part 1:

A video of Asphere's 3D printer in action:

Pictures for the episode:


hpr1846 :: UNI-T UT61E Review

Released on 2015-08-31 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill does a quick review of his favourite multimeter for electronics, the UNI-T UT61E:

A photo of the inside and outside of the meter:
picture of the inside of the meter

I forgot to mention or show a picture of the data logging cable. I never use this feature so I tend to forget its there.


hpr1836 :: The Statusnet Shuffle

Released on 2015-08-17 under a CC-BY-SA license.

Theru and NYbill talk about moving a Statusnet instance to a new server. Also, upgrading an existing Statusnet instance to GNU-social.


hpr1828 :: Multimeter Mod's Part 1

Released on 2015-08-05 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about modifying his UNI-T UT61E multimeter to add two features he finds lacking.

In part one an LED back light gets installed for the LCD screen. Part two will cover the second mod, a auto-time out feature to save the units battery.

Links


hpr1817 :: Gathering Parts

Released on 2015-07-21 under a CC-BY-SA license.

The web site that started this all:

Big Muff Pi:

Parts Distributors:

Hammond Box:

Joe Knows:

Picture of the gathered parts:

When I made the reference to "two red lips" regarding resistor colors I didn't quite explain what that meant. It was a way I learned, way back when, to remember which color was which number on a resistor. I hadn't thought about it in years. It used rhyming and references scheme to line the colors up with values. 

0- Black - It's a "no" color, a zero
1- Brown - 'brow-one'
2- Red - Two red lips
3- Orange - Orange tree
4- Yellow - Yell for help
5- Green - a five dollar bill is green
6- Blue - Blue and sick
7- Violet - Violet heaven
8- Gray - Great
9- White - White wine

hpr1669 :: New Retro Computing

Released on 2014-12-25 under a CC-BY-SA license.

Sorry for the bad audio in places here. My mic was giving me troubles. Also, I know I called MythTV, Mythbox. (Mythbox was the name I gave the computer that ran MythTV here way back when.)

Links


hpr1612 :: Don't Forget the Referbs

Released on 2014-10-07 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill talks about getting a refurbished Lenovo X61 and making it more functional with a tool or two. There is also some talk of PLC's (Programmable Logic Controllers). A more in depth explanation of PLC's could be an episode in itself and might be some day. Stay tuned...

Pics for the episode: http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/collection/hacking-a-lenovo-x61/

Lenovo after market BIOS. Allows Ctrl-Fn swap in older systems. (Use at your own risk!): http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/474396-fn-ctrl-swap-all-lenovo-laptops-solved.html


hpr1503 :: Making Waves-The DSO Pocket Oscilloscope

Released on 2014-05-07 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill discusses the DSO Pocket Oscilloscope v3. A few test circuits are set up to put the scope through its paces.

The DSO at Adafruit: https://www.adafruit.com/products/468

The 555 timer chip: http://electronicsclub.info/555timer.htm#astable

The script used to blink the Teensy: http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_linux.html

Pictures for the episode: http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/collection/pics-for-an-hpr-ep-making-waves/


hpr1492 :: HPR at NELF 2014 Part2

Released on 2014-04-22 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In this episode, nybill and pokey continue conducting interviews and having a good time at the 2014 Northeast GNU/Linux Fest.

Some links to follow for things that were discussed in this episode:

We all had a great time recording this show, and we hope you enjoyed it as well. Please join us at the next Northeast Gnu/Linux Fest if you can. Thank you very much for listening.

Photos from NELF 2014

Sincerely, The HPR conference crew

P.S. Some people enjoy finding mistakes. For their enjoyment, we have included a few.


hpr1431 :: Talking Twenty Fourteen

Released on 2014-01-27 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In what has become an annual thing, Jezra and NYbill talk about their New Years predictions past and future. Better late then never, I guess...


hpr1338 :: Pumped Pi's

Released on 2013-09-18 under a CC-BY-SA license.

JRobb and NYbill talk about setting up a Pump.io server on a Raspberry Pi.

http://jrobb.org/blog/2013/08/01/raspberry-pi-pump-server/

Editor's Note 2019-02-05: The original link above is now unavailable. However, a copy was saved on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine, and this has been used instead.


hpr1331 :: A Tale of Chroot

Released on 2013-09-09 under a CC-BY-SA license.

NYbill tells of a recent adventure and misadventure with Chroot.

https://library.linode.com/rescue-and-rebuild


hpr1297 :: Mobile Hackspace (what's in my bag)

Released on 2013-07-23 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In todays episode NYbill talks about what is in his bag. Not just the every day computer bag, but also his 2600 bag of hacking goodies.

http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-CB-ISATAU2-Supports-2-5-Inch-5-25-Inch/dp/B000J01I1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373398735&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+sata

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11515

http://www.adafruit.com/

http://www.alliedelec.com/

The Postcard Club:

http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/m/postcard-club-update/

The Blue Bag:

http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/m/the-hacker-bag/

Surface mount component book:

http://media.gunmonkeynet.net/u/nybill/m/surface-mount-components/


hpr1263 :: 3G Tunnels (Sshuttle)

Released on 2013-06-05 under a CC-BY-SA license.

Timttmy and NYbill have a chat about 3G connectivity and Sshuttle. Sshuttle is app that blends VPN and SSH proxy like features. They also touch on AUR packaging and the recent Linode hacks. Then start to reminisce about OGGcamps past and the good'ol days of the Linux Outlaw forums. And what do most geeks do when they hang out? They finish up talking about their computer gear.

3g tethering

sshuttle

Timttmy http://micro-timttmy.dyndns.org/micro/

NYbill http://status.gunmonkeynet.net/


hpr1210 :: Northeast Linux Fest 2013 p3-3

Released on 2013-03-22 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In the third in our series of "Live" reports from "The northeast GNU/Linux fest", our roving reporters track down interviewees on the show floor.

From http://www.northeastlinuxfest.org/About%20us
The northeast GNU/Linux fest is an advocate of Free software. We hope to bring awareness of Free software to college students their schools, programmers and businesses. We welcome everyone from the new user to the people that have been there from the beginning.


hpr1209 :: Northeast Linux Fest 2013 p2-3

Released on 2013-03-21 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In the second in our series of "Live" reports from "The northeast GNU/Linux fest", our roving reporters track down Jon "maddog" Hall who is the Executive Director of Linux International, a non-profit organization of computer professionals who wish to support and promote Linux-based operating systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Hall_%28programmer%29

From http://www.northeastlinuxfest.org/About%20us
The northeast GNU/Linux fest is an advocate of Free software. We hope to bring awareness of Free software to college students their schools, programmers and businesses. We welcome everyone from the new user to the people that have been there from the beginning.


hpr1208 :: Northeast Linux Fest 2013 p1-3

Released on 2013-03-20 under a CC-BY-SA license.

In the first in our series of "Live" reports from "The northeast GNU/Linux fest", our roving reporters track down interviewees on the show floor.

From http://www.northeastlinuxfest.org/About%20us
The northeast GNU/Linux fest is an advocate of Free software. We hope to bring awareness of Free software to college students their schools, programmers and businesses. We welcome everyone from the new user to the people that have been there from the beginning.


hpr1174 :: Low Tech Fab (PCB Etching)

Released on 2013-01-31 under a CC-BY-SA license.

Due to an error in the encoding (ken's fault) the episode is been re-transmitted - sorry all

I this episode NYbill talks about etching copper PCB boards at home..

Photo collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44249669@N06/sets/72157632074234777/

Surface mount breakout board layouts: http://hackaday.com/2010/04/29/surface-mount-breakout-boards/

FTDI FT232RL Data sheet: http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/ICs/DS_FT232R.pdf

Sparkfun FTDI breakout board schematic: http://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/DevTools/Arduino/FTDI%20Basic-v13-5V.pdf

Tinting fluid (I didn't buy it here. This is just a good pic of the product I used): http://www.allelectronics.com/mas_assets/cache/image/6/1/0/1552.Jpg

Anyone driving through the Capital District of New York, this old, locally owned, electronics shop is still kicking: http://www.trojanelectronics.com/

A few things I forgot to mention in the episode. The muriatic acid/hydrogen peroxide etching solution can be used multiple times. Store it in plastic or glass containers. The tinting fluid can also be reused. But, it will need to be agitated and or slightly heated (place container in a bath of hot water) before reuse as the mix will settle out.


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