I will stop for a bit (and goodbye OSX)

After updating my photo camera, my old Mac Mini from 2012, stuck on Catalina, is struggling to handle the photos, even after boosting RAM and SSD.

Even though the new Macintosh machines are good (as they always have been), and I am a fan of RISC processors, I really disagree with the soldered memory, and I don’t want to buy Apple products anymore..

I will keep the machine and install Linux instead.

Backing up and installing will take a bit longer, especially because I want to complete some projects and study for my job. Here are a few quick updates before catching up in September:

Navigator:

The GO version is coming up, but there are some issues when handling video streaming directly with the graphic library. I decided to add a 4G/LTE modem, as the previous tracking system was based on a 2G/GPRS network that has been shut down in some EU countries.

I will reduce any powering-up pain while trying to feed all the devices, using an industrial USB hub with all the fancy technical features to handle variable voltage, protection, and balance. The case needs a redesign.

Nautilus:

I dismantled the water tanks to make some improvements: the fresh water tank now has a floating fuel sensor to measure the water level. I am not 100% happy with the choice as those sensors are exponential and not linear, and setting up the reading is a bit annoying, especially using Arduino. The previous system (with switches) was a bit rough but more precise and error-free.

The waste water tank now has a proper floating on/off sensor and a vent to avoid any bubbling or air blockage (wired, we had no issues at all during the first trip!).

All the support for the tanks is now rust-free using stainless steel rods.

The courtesy light has been fixed. It seems that the ceiling dome (which actually contains a computer inside!) suffered water damage (likely condensation), and all lights are back on track as they should be. Furthermore… I changed the color to blue to match the one in the living space.

For the next European Trip we will drive up to Bergen!

See you in September!!!

A proper Sunny Weekend… FINALLY

Ambush!

We started the Return of The Witch Lord expansion for Hero Quest… and this was the first quest, just after opening the first door: ambush! (we survived at last)

Hero Quest, The Fellowship of Valinor

After testing the Hero Quest App with the original 1989 version, I decided to purchase the new one and a couple of expansions.

Good reboot overall, the App is functional and fun to play with… but the miniatures aren’t the same quality of the original version and the box is a bit a pain to organise.

Hike! and Hero Quest

A present from my wife, a sled dog board game… Hike!

And we tested the Hero Quest app, so we can play both as heroes!

Lenovo (IBM) family

I have been Mac user since 2003, but since 2011 I discovered how good and versatile are the IBM (now Lenovo) machines.

There’s a reason why ThinkPads are widely used in the ISS: this machines are so reliable, easy to maintain and fix, compatible with most Linux distros and most important: hackable!


Starting with a X60s, when I was looking for something portable and powerful enough to carry when travelling, I ended up with a collection of Lenovo machines.

Here the current list, but more to come, of course!

P510: hi spec workstation for my wife, data analysis. Linux / W10

X250: wife’s work laptop

X230: i7 CPU version, SIM network, my laptop. W10 / Linux on USB

X240: wife’s everyday laptop. W10

X60s: consolle laptop (Traktor). W7

X60t: used as graphic tablet (Photoshop, projects, notes…). W7 Tablet

M58p: 6163 version, used to program Arduino and other electronic projects. Linux

E530: wife’s old everyday laptop, broken, will reborn as retroconsole emu. Linux

ThinkVision T2220: my main station secondary screen

My main machine is a Mac, but I am planning to change soon.