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Old Computer Challenge
24 days ago
- The Old Computer Challenge (OCC) is an annual event where enthusiasts use old computers or minimal setups, starting in 2021 with a 7-day task on 512MB RAM.
- Solène Rapenne founded OCC, and the community gathers on IRC (#oldcomputerchallenge on libera.chat) and a mailing list (~tekk/old-computer-challenge@lists.sr.ht).
- In 2024, Tekk took over the website management after previous organizers stepped down, and the theme is DIY (Do It Yourself), encouraging participants to create something handmade during the event.
- OCC 2024 runs from July 5th to 12th, with no strict rules but a focus on creativity, such as writing stories, making music, or publishing programs.
- Past editions had specific themes: 2023 emphasized nostalgia with old, slow computers; 2022 limited internet usage to 1 hour per day to mimic RTC modem experiences; and 2021 was the first edition with positive participant feedback.
3D Printing a Brain (2021)
19 days ago
- The project involved creating a 3D-printed brain trophy from an MRI scan in 2021.
- The process included converting DICOM to a mesh, cleaning in Blender, printing halves on an SLA printer, casting silicone molds, pouring pewter, and assembling with epoxy.
- A custom base was made using a router and chamfer bits, with a 3D-printed plaque.
- Key learnings included medical file types, new manufacturing techniques, and achieving a polished final result.
Do Wavy Walls Use Fewer Bricks? I Tested It in Blender
17 days ago
- Crinkle Crankle walls are curvy brick walls that originated in ancient Egypt but are now more common in England.
- Online sources often claim these wavy walls use fewer bricks and are stronger than straight walls, but details are sparse and contradictory.
- The author built procedural serpentine and straight walls in Blender's geometry nodes to test brick usage and strength.
- At 100 meters, the serpentine wall used 55% as many bricks as a typical straight wall, confirming the brick-saving myth.
- Lateral impact tests with heavy balls showed both wall types failed, but the serpentine wall suffered less damage, potentially lowering repair material costs.
Two nasty surprises in Home Assistant's config
16 days ago
- Motorized rolling shutters for automated control via Home Assistant.
- Created automations for temperature-based shutter management using boolean sensors.
- Encountered timezone issues affecting automation triggers, related to daylight saving time.
- Configured timezone in YAML, which reset UI settings, requiring full reconfiguration.
- Identified two bugs in Home Assistant: time-based automation offset and UI settings loss.
I also filed the corners off my MacBook
7 days ago
- Sharp edges on MacBook Air cause discomfort when using on lap.
- Author decided to file down edges with metal file and sandpaper.
- Used tape to mark areas and protect keyboard and trackpad.
- Sanded up to 1200 grit, focusing on tricky points.
- Aimed to treat laptop as a tool, not something to overprotect.
Camera Chase Vehicle
12 days ago
- The project involves building a cinematic chase camera rover using a large 1/5 scale RC chassis found at an industrial auction.
- Key components include a Movi M10 3-axis gimbal for stabilization, a VESC motor controller, and a Connex Amimon wireless HD video system for low-latency transmission.
- Custom parts like TPU fenders, a structural gimbal mount, and battery mounts were 3D printed or CNC machined to fit the chassis and improve durability.
- Power is supplied by two DeWalt 20V battery packs in series for the chassis and a separate ~14V DTAP battery for the gimbal and camera.
- Initial testing revealed gimbal balancing issues and mechanical failures, leading to upgrades like stiffer springs and flexible TPU parts to absorb impacts.
- The rover was successfully tested in ice racing conditions, capturing stabilized footage of vehicles like karts, and survived abuse including a tumble at speed.
- Camera upgrades from a Panasonic GH4 to a GH5s improved image quality, and remote lens control was implemented using a digi-pot and microcontroller.
- CAD files and 3D print designs for custom parts are shared for replication.
Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
4 days ago
- IKEA Complexity Index ranks products by assembly time based on 'complexity' (steps multiplied by total parts).
- The site includes all categories and only single-PDF products, but is not officially affiliated with IKEA.
- It describes itself as being created by a big fan of IKEA, with a friendly tone.
Dungeons and Dryers
a day ago
- The author's broken tumble dryer initially had a grinding sound, but Past Phill deferred the problem to Future Phill.
- Two weeks later, the dryer started vibrating off its shelf, prompting action during a D&D session.
- The D&D group (mostly with ADHD) helped fix the dryer while playing, removing the back panel and diagnosing a broken impeller.
- A replacement part was found on eBay by a group member within the session and arrived later.
- The author sanded the back panel to remove friction-welded impeller pieces and replaced the part easily.
- Repairing the dryer saved around £600 compared to buying a new one.

Hasty Briefsbeta

#diy

Old Computer Challenge

3D Printing a Brain (2021)

Do Wavy Walls Use Fewer Bricks? I Tested It in Blender

Two nasty surprises in Home Assistant's config

I also filed the corners off my MacBook

Camera Chase Vehicle

Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index

Dungeons and Dryers