Author Archives: Steve

About Steve

When it comes to the desktop, Steve is a former Amiga, Windows, and Linux user, and as of six years ago, a die-hard Mac head (who, for once, isn't thinking of changing platforms again any time soon). When it comes to the server, Linux is pretty much the only game he plays. He also enjoys hardware hacking, and shouldn't be allowed near a keyboard after the sun sets (or for that matter, after it rises. Don't say I didn't warn you).

Acrylic Box Resources

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Steve

Thinking about having a box made over at Ponoko or some other maker?  Not sure how to make your perfect press-fit or T-slot acrylic enclosure?  Below are the various resources I found on the subject while looking into it myself.

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Acrylic Box In 5 Minutes?

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Steve

Come across the most interesting things when looking for random information….  Like this video: Hmmm…  If only I had a place to put my table saw.  At some point I need to try this, but it’ll have to wait until … Continue reading →

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TC: Surface Mount Madness

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Steve

My boards arrived on Friday, and I was excited.  I’ve had the TuneConsole prototype kicking around on my desk, and it really is useful.  My number one complaint with it is that I keep knocking the pushbuttons off the breadboard; … Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware Hacking, TuneConsole | 4 Comments

Review: Advanced Circuits

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Steve

As I said in my original post on TuneConsole, ordering a PCB for this project was something of an adventure.  I’m by no means experienced in this sort of thing; I usually use ExpressPCB, which has its own way of … Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware Hacking, TuneConsole | 2 Comments

Examining The Post

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Steve

My boards arrived yesterday for the TuneConsole, as expected.  Not sure why the UPS guy sat outside the house for a good twenty minutes before delivering my package, but whatever.  UPS guys are weird. I excitedly ripped into the package … Continue reading →

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Ratings & Rabbit Holes

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Steve

When it comes to the right way to rate songs in your iTunes library, there’s been tons of discussion over the years.  For me, though, the situation is much more basic:  why would I bother to rate my songs when … Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware Hacking, TuneConsole | 8 Comments

Hakko Tips On Xytronic Irons

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Steve

Need tips for your Xytronic 379 soldering station? I picked one up a couple of years ago at All Electronics for around $50.  It’s a good little temperature controlled station and fits most of my needs.  Now I want to try my … Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware Hacking | 2 Comments

Maker Business Tips

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Steve

This article is referenced in a number of places, most notably on SparkFun’s “Pitching Your Product” tutorial.  It’s an interesting (and recommended) read for anyone who wants to start a business selling the stuff they make. Something to think about … Continue reading →

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USB Design Tips From Atmel

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Steve

Dangerous Prototypes pointed out this app note over at Atmel; I assume that most of this applies to any platform, not just theirs.  Too bad I saw it after I already had boards made. Guess I’ll have to live with … Continue reading →

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An Unbiased Comparison From A Windows Site?

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Steve

I found this article over on neowin.net.  It’s a surprisingly calm and collected view of the differences between Mountain Lion and Windows 8; something I wasn’t expecting at all with a site that has ‘win’ in the name.  They make … Continue reading →

Posted in News | 1 Comment