The Fix – DarkStar One crashing in Windows 7

DarkStar One was crashing in Windows 7. The solution involves deleting and installing some new files, but isn’t too challenging.

Darkstar One – getting to Odia

In DarkStar One, I was stuck trying to figure out how to get to Odia. Took a little searching, but I finally found it.

E2140 lapping - heatsink and processor before lapping

The lapping test – reducing temps by lapping a CPU’s heatspreader & heatsink

Lapping a CPU – the process.

Prime95 for Mac OS X

Trying to find Prime 95 for the Mac was a little tricky. After a fair bit of searching, I finally came across the download link.

Intel E2140 and Asus P5B-VM SE overclock encoding speeds

Intel E2140 + ASUS P5B-VM SE overclocking

A look at overclocking the E2140, and results!

Audigy Pinout

Optical SPDIF out on a Soundblaster Audigy 2

A detailed pinout and instructions for using SPDIF via the Audigy 2.

Instrument Cluster Light Bulbs

LED’s in an instrument cluster

The power savings by using LED bulbs in a vehicle can be substantial. But how about replacing the small bulbs in an instrument cluster?

From regular to LED bulbs – How much of a power savings can you expect?

I measure the current pulled by regular automotive bulbs, and then by their LED replacements. The difference in power draw is substantial.

Rub a dub dub, 3 men in a tub (actually a boat).

A brief, but fun riddle that involves transporting 3 people in the shortest number of trips possible.

USB hub review – the i-rocks CRYSTAL IR-4300 4-port USB 2.0 powered hub

I grabbed my first ever USB hub – the i-rocks IR-4300 and gave it a whirl. Pictures, specs, and instructions are included.

Here’s a fun one… Vista drivers for the Samsung ML-1210 printer (shared over a network)

Installing the ML-1210 on Vista, and over a network is a painful combination. I managed to do it, but it took a lot of trial and error. You’ll see why.

Sprint/Metro/Swift/Firefly Timing Belt Tensioner

How to replace the timing belt in a 1991 Chev Sprint

The process for removing a timing belt from an 89-91 Sprint/Metro/Firefly, since I’ve done this about a dozen times.

Remove brake drum cap

Replacing rear wheel bearings in a 1991 Chevy Sprint

If your car is making a lovely crunching sound, here is the full process with pictures. Rear wheel bearings for other cars are often similar.

Logitech Premium USB Stereo Headset 350 review

A look at Logitech’s headset, and some problems I ran into 2 days later.

Key broken in the ignition of your Sprint/Swift/Metro/Firefly? Here’s how to fix it.

How to get the broken key out of the ignition by removing the lock assembly. Burglars: Please don’t read.

Energizer CHDC-CA Compact AA/AAA NiMH Battery Charger Review

A review of the Energizer Battery Cooker. I mean… Battery Charger. No wait, I was right the first time.

Blast from the past: Mac OS X on a regular PC experiment in 2006

If you ever wondered what early hackintoshing looked like, hop in my time machine and take a look at one of the earliest installs in history. The 3 part series has been condensed into a single page for easy reading.

Gigabyte GA-8I915ME-GL motherboard review

A look at the GA-8I915ME-GL motherboard. Fairly spec oriented, though I do include screenshots of the BIOS as well.

Kill A Watt P4400 Review

A short look at the Kill A Watt power device – an item that helps you check the power consumption of each of your devices.

3 prong outlet jumpered neutral to ground example

Why can’t you connect neutral to ground to convert an outlet from 2-prong to 3-prong?

Another riddle (sort of). I suppose it could be a PSA too.