Yes, there are a lot of names for DIY community spaces so I’ll use my own term avoiding possible misunderstandings. Most DIY community spaces are quite amazing, at least the ones I have the chance to see online. I never actually had the time or the wish to visit the ones in Lisbon so I … Continue reading DIY community spaces
tools
Geocities and audio projects.
Before wordpress, blogspot , facebook, myspace and livejournal there was a place called Geocities, on that place one could (and still can via mirrors) find lots of audio projects. If you enjoy some nostalgia do search for mirrors of Geocities or just visit the wayback machine. These day I browse the geocities a lot. You guys/gals … Continue reading Geocities and audio projects.
The kitchen table DIYer, my tale.
I have an amazing workbench but I still use my kitchen table, so what gives? Why do I still use the kitchen table to solder. Behold the domino effect! My dinner room still has leaks in the rooftop (go to the archive for more rooftop hell) so because of that I can’t actually use it … Continue reading The kitchen table DIYer, my tale.
The enclosure problem.
I have a problem…I collect boxes! XD I have lots of little black plastic boxes for projects and also some really expensive aluminium ones. I shit you not one of these days I’ll take a picture! I’m always searching for new beautiful boxes and I hate it so much because most of them suck! A nice … Continue reading The enclosure problem.
The dangers of DIY.
After working a decade in civil construction I have a pretty idea that shit happens to all of us specially if we are makers of things. My typical advice is to use protection gear and always but always think about safety first! In fact most DIY sites remember that all the time, but people forget about it … Continue reading The dangers of DIY.
Tools of the trade.
My very small corner for small DIY works, mostly audio electronics related stuff. The picture is self explanatory, I love the little pink spoon on the block…my little daughter strikes again! XD I love being a parent!
Workbench for electronics.
My workbench for electronics and small projects. I had a space problem at home and this bench is the solution. Recycled legs from an old kitchen table, pine wood because I had those boards around. Light and power on the table so I can change places fast. Sorry for the mess but my home is … Continue reading Workbench for electronics.
Headphone dummy load.
Made this today, it’s a Headphone Dummy Load to help me debug some amplifier projects, don’t want to test new amps with expensive headphones so this will do. Audio jack connected to a DPDT Switch with two resistor settings of 33 Ohms and 330 Ohms, my version is made with four 10W resistors with a 5% … Continue reading Headphone dummy load.
Do you need quality tools for DIY?
The short answer is yes you need quality tools, because cheap ones can be dangerous for you. Examples of cheap dangerous tools: Powertools can catch fire or hurt because of their high RPM. Bad electric isolation on hand tools can also send you to the graveyard if you cut the wrong live wire. Any hand tool … Continue reading Do you need quality tools for DIY?
GoldStar Oscilloscope OS-9020A.
My GoldStar Oscilloscope OS-9020A 20Mhz, the thing works it might need calibration but hell for 70€ I’m more than happy to have it on my gear. Now I only need a true signal generator.
Tools, price and DIY.
So I was searching for a cutting mat and got a nasty overpriced surprise, 35€ for a mat! These shops owners are crazy, who in his right mind pays so much for a board to cut things on? Answer…Scrap bookers, yep they actually pay for it! All other cheap ass DIYers like me, actually make … Continue reading Tools, price and DIY.
DIY Failure and learning the hard way.
Sometimes shit happens and DIY goes astray to the fail side. I’m not immune to failure and this is my report on one of my recent failures in the DIY world. Task: Recable my very beaten AKG K420. It should be an easy thing, just remove the old cable from the drivers and put a … Continue reading DIY Failure and learning the hard way.
My writing problems.
Writing better is one of the reasons for publishing this blog in English. I also want my content to reach more people, and Google translate works better in English than in Portuguese. It’s all about reaching to people, one thing is to re-publish a photo, video or song, and another is written content. I could … Continue reading My writing problems.
Audiophile DIY and the low cost myth.
So you want a cool portable headphone amplifier and have no money to buy it, maybe you’ll go the DIY route and build one, because many audio enthusiasts say it’s cheaper that way. Have no illusions my friend, audiophile DIY is not cheap if you start calculating some factors like the next ones: Finding the … Continue reading Audiophile DIY and the low cost myth.
