Raspberry pi: set numlock at boot On my new pi laptop (to be described in a later post) it always boots to console without numlock. I would prefer numlock to be ON always. Raspbian GNU/Linux 10 (buster) Working directory /home/pi/Dev/ Script setNumLockOn INITTY=/dev/tty[1-8] for tty in $INITTY; do setleds -D +num < $tty done Service setNumlock.service [Unit] Description = Set numlock… Read More
Globally replace a font in linux There are many good fonts, but a few are terrible. In linux, we can force a replacement of a particularly hated font: Comic Sans Terminal sudo vim /etc/fonts/local.conf In this file, this will do it: <?xml version=”1.0″?> <!DOCTYPE fontconfig SYSTEM “urn:fontconfig:fonts.dtd”> <fontconfig> <match target=”pattern”> <test qual=”any” name=”family”><string>Comic Sans MS</string></test> <edit name=”family” mode=”assign” binding=”same”><string>Ubuntu</string></edit> </match> </fontconfig>… Read More
Build a split planck keyboard This is my favorite keyboard. It’s comfortable, fast, and efficient. Make one! Materials 1 Arduino pro micro 1 nice micro usb cord 48 switches (your choice) 48 diodes (1N4148 or similar) 48 keycaps (I like DSA profile) 2 ft of old ethernet cable Some wire (18 AWG to 28 AWG is fine; copper is better)… Read More
How to keep Windows 10 start menu from searching the web I am a linux guy. Since Windows Vista, I’ve found that I prefer the simplicity and predictability of open source software to the arbitrary (and silly) business decisions that Microsoft keeps foisting on its users. However, I also run Windows in order to use Excel and for games. I have come to peace with it–mostly.… Read More
45 minute kayak paddle We recently moved to within a quarter mile of a public boat launch, so I ordered an inflatable kayak. I have to tested it yet, but I know that the 3-year old will want her own paddle. I took a cedar fence picket and some round paint cans. I used the cans to mark some… Read More
Friction folder knives I recently finished the second of two friction folder knives that I’ve been working on. They started as 1095 high-carbon steel blanks that I cut out with a jigsaw. I ground them on a belt sander with ceramic belts, then heat treated them. Here’s the batch right after hardening. After hardening, I tempered them in… Read More
Battery powered speaker We’ve all seen (and heard) the battery bluetooth speakers. I wanted to make one that was still portable, but a bit more serious. Here’s my drill-battery powered speaker. It all started with the drill battery. It’s just sitting there, high-powered and easy to recharge. I found a thingiverse file that fit my ryobi battery. I… Read More
A 3D printed gaming keyboard I built a one handed keyboard last year and it got me hooked. This week I finished my third keyboard build: I’ve been using may handmade split planck for a while now, and I love it. It is fast and efficient and a joy to use. However, it is not awesome for games. The lack… Read More
Traveler’s notebook I recently made my first traveler’s notebook. These are sometimes called ‘midori notebooks’ but I think that’s a trademarked name. The main component here is the leather cover. The idea is that you create a leather wrap with elastic cord, so you can add and replace individual signatures. This one is made of bison leather… Read More
A new favorite tool Here’s a tool I’ve been meaning to make since I started woodworking. Now that I have it I’m kicking myself for not making it earlier. It would have made all of my other work more fun. What is it? The humble strop. Basically it is the final sharpening stone. This particularly fine example is a… Read More