Apologies for the potato …
Follow my progress and learn from my experiences.
Fedora 28 was released this month. Here are my notes from moving into a new install. I make periodic backups on some external hard drives, so for $BACKUPDIRECTORY$ I’m using the path to my backups on the externals. The $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$ refers to where I store the key that I made for my UEFI system to self-sign my virtual box drivers.
Notes are offered, questions may be answered.
use ‘mediawriter’ (install from repos first) to make a bootable USB
when installing, delete sda8 & sda9. These are the /boot/efi && luks-encrypted root partition (Note – I’m using a guided install but not separating my Home folder from the root drive like Fedora does. Your sda8/9 will vary.)
use the guided partioning, then delete /home, and delete the partition size of /. Apply, so that /home is stored in /
Reboot to fresh os
copy dotfiles back from backup drive
run move-in.sh
pop a terminal run this:
time cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/Documents/ . > /dev/null && time cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/Music/ . > /dev/null && time cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/Pictures/ . > /dev/null && time cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/Downloads/ . > /dev/null
pop a new terminal and run this:
su -c “dnf install -y cura youtube-dl chromium firefox thunderbird wget pulseaudio-equalizer hexchat vlc geany geany-plugins-* gimp yakuake keepassx ImageMagick optipng php && dnf groupinstall -y ‘Development Tools’ && dnf -y update”
With firefox & thunderbird installed:
cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/.mozilla/ . && cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/.thunderbird/ . && cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/.config/chromium/ ./config/
Now at least you can get firefox & thunderbird back up
With thunderbird, you’ll need to do “Repair Folder” on your inboxes/folders/etc
Fixing themes:
Window Borders: Adapta
Icons: Breeze-dark
Controls: Adwaita-dark
Desktop: Adara-Dark
Install Virtual Box:
su -c “dnf install VirtualBox system-config-users VirtualBox akmod-VirtualBox kmod-VirtualBox -y”
add user to groups vboxsf & vboxusers
reloadvbox in .bashrc
And copy over all your old VirtualBox stuff:
cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/VirtualBox\ VMs/ . && cp -r $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/.config/VirtualBox/ .config/
Sign the drivers with:
su
/usr/src/kernels/$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.priv $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.der $(modinfo -n vboxdrv)
/usr/src/kernels/$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.priv $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.der $(modinfo -n vboxpci)
/usr/src/kernels/$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.priv $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.der $(modinfo -n vboxsf)
/usr/src/kernels/$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.priv $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.der $(modinfo -n vboxnetflt)
/usr/src/kernels/$(uname -r)/scripts/sign-file sha256 $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.priv $DRIVER KEY DIRECTORY$/driversigningkey.der $(modinfo -n vboxnetadp)
systemctl restart systemd-modules-load.service
exit
Thanks to https://gist.github.com/gabrieljcs/68939c7eeadfabfdbc6b40100130270d
Cura preferences – Cura does not like restoring from the backup.
Install your printer software again, HP Deskjet 2600 is still not supported:
su -c “dnf install hplip-libs hplip”
system-config-printer
Add with the system-config-printer wizard
Change the page size – right click the printer, properties, Printer Options, Page size
Chirp
system-config-users
Add user to tty group
will have to reboot to take effect, or you can su – $(whoami) && chirpw to get around it temporary like
Good time to make a waypoint in your backups
mv $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/ $BACKUPDIRECTORY$/$(date +”%Y%M%d”)
I recently purchased a new VHF\UHF radio. I intend to purchase 2 of the same radios, one of which will reside in my go-box and one which will be installed in my new car (that I do not own yet). One of the things that attracted me to the was the crossbanding feature. Another was that it was not yaesu\icom.
Another one of the things that attracted me to the Alinco’s DR-735 Clone Utility was the programming software … which is actually terrible and undocumented. I’m going to relate a few things about the programming software as I haven’t seen any documentation. Hopefully this will help someone having a bonehead day.
First – it requires .Net 4.5 which is happily installs … with a japanese installer. Good thing we just keep clicking next right? Ugh. But it does actually install, and run.
Configuring channels is hard – let’s export from my CHIRP config and remix that to import as the clone utility. But … it appears that the cvs import is broken. I received strange errors like “Subtone NG : Line=3” until I managed to craft a CVS file that the program was happy with:
Once I was able to edit my cvs file to match the exported format from the software, … I was barely able to import simplex channels. I could not load repeaters from the cvs file (even one that was exported by the software itself). I don’t understand the problem and ended up putting in the first memory manually. Copy/paste does work though, so once you struggle through setting up the first repeater you can copy\paste and then edit the rest:
But here’s what really screwed me up (for to long). If you’re working on a smaller computer, like a netbook you’ll get a cryptic error message. If you’ve worked serial ports before you’ll instinctively know what the problem is. Until you get a larger screen though, you won’t be able to do anything about it. Here’s from a VM shrunk down:
And here’s from a VM that I left at the full 1920×1080 of my new computer:
You’ll notice off in the right hand side a dropdown saying “COM3.” Yes, that’s right. You lose the option to configure the com port the clone software expects to use! Once I tried a bigger monitor (for some reason the external display on my netbook goes to 1280) I was able to select the proper COM port and then only upload the first channel of my config. Turns out you have to select all the channels you want to upload.
In my mind, the com port selection should be with the File\Write menus, not where it can get lost. I can understand the CVS import failing (to an extent). But a properly crafted CVS, or indeed, one exported by the program itself should import more then just the simplex options in the config.
I have to give the clone utility 1 star since it seems mostly broken. How does the radio follow suite? Suffice it to say I am glad I did not buy 2 from the start. I look forward to the radio functioning well enough that I have no reservations about buying a second.
I just bought myself a new camera lens for my rebel. The venerable nifty fifty. I also just built this, so … photo time.
Smart self would have also taken photos with the kit lens to compare against, but I was not operating as smart me at the time.
Bonus feature: my janky photo booth! That’s three sheets of Dollar Store foam board (in eggshell or white or ivory or puce if you like) on a tv tray and a <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016YPA9Q4″>Aputure Camera Light</a> duct taped to a microphone stand. Janky for sure, but it works. Remember, if it works, it works and 90% of the time – that’s what matters.
On October, I helped out my local ham club doing background logistics for the floats in the Pumpkin Fest Parade. Our job was to get the floats out in the order they should be, monitor the progress of the floats through the parade, and radio if something went south. Pretty interesting work, if a bit boring. If you get the chance you should definitely help out your local club with a parade.
Here is my “kombat rig” that I wore while helping out.
The list of things I’d do differently is pretty short. I’d dress a bit warmer. I’ll also wear my electronic muffs. I wasn’t thrilled about cutting off my hearing entirely – if something happens I want to hear. But if the noise gets to loud it will cut off. And I should have packed some snackage to munch on once the parade got started.
Previously I had used a back pack. It worked, but it was really over kill for the situations I have worked. My car is always within walking distance, so now I prefer this super simple, light weight rig. I will be adding this radio carrier to the mix.
Parts from left to right:
Just a fun little project.
Much like shooting, ham radio is expensive. I think all fun hobbies are. But after spending $820 for the radio, I wasn’t in the mood (or the financial state) to drop another $100 to $150 on an Alinco Power Supply. Slick as spit, but not worth it.
So, here is what I came up with:
My power supply has the following features:
So, here is my Bill of Materials:
A few build notes:
The total cost of the arrangement? Not counting the sundries I had on hand, $54.04. Not bad, a third of the cost and quite a bit more fun. You could do this even cheaper if you skipped the power powerpoles and the other features, but charging phones is good. When I first made it, I had the radio and a cut off power cord running directly to the power supply unit. It worked, and worked well, but I wanted to make things cleaner for sure.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below. 73, and good night all.
Edit: I posted this to /r/amatuerradio and generated a fair response. I would like to highlight Megas3300’s RF Choke. This is probably needed for mine as well, but so far I’ve only used this on VHF. A proper HF antenna system awaits.
This time, 4 months have come and gone. What have I been doing this time?
As luck would have it, not much. I have honestly been quite stagnant over the last few months. But I’ll try to mention a few things.
To follow up on last month’s comments building a diplexer, I ended up deciding that the completed ones I have are functional. My meter shows the same amount of reflected power regardless of if an antenna is connected directly or if I have the diplexers connected into the circuit.
I did learn something. Crossing coax causes the signal to “jump” from one line to the other. How I learned was this that the line going into my SWR meter and then out to the antenna was crossed. Also, it looks like the BF-F8HP has built in SWR protection.
I do have another board with coax connected. Anyone want to buy one? I’m selling for about 1/2 the price of the Arrow diplexers – basically cover the parts and a pittance of time.
My amatuer radio club recently did an activation for the ARRL’s National Parks On The Air. I did the 2M station, managing about 7 quick QSO’s. I did learn about band plans, in a capability I didn’t have before. I purchased a Yaesu FT-857. The event went well, and we qualified (10 LotW certified contacts).
Speaking of ham radio, I also tested and passed for the General Class license. This means I have useful HF privileges. Only an autotuner and HF antenna away from getting on the HF bands.
Well, I won’t be uploading of a soldering the Handi-Finder. It works fairly well. I will try to get a video of it in use …. sometime. It’s not the best kit or instructions but it is doable.
Well, no, not really. Over the course of the summer I decided to forgo my vacations this year instead to purchase firearm parts and gear. So I did.
Another month has come and gone, so what things have I been up to?
So, I started working on an amateur satellite duplexer. Due to the nature of the Icom W32a, it makes sense to do this. Suffice it to say, its been troublesome. My problems started like this:
So, this must be a cable problem. I decided I needed to order new cables. They’ll be here Wednesday, but it will be Monday before I can test everything
I ordered all my cables from Air802. They’re quick and I’ve heard that they’re priced competitively. I can’t recommend them enough. They’re very willing to help you with finding exactly what you need. Another plus is that I get my order a day or two later, even with the cheapest shipping. After my trouble with the cheap crap I ordered from fleabay, the extra price is worth it.
Other then my issues with testing them, I have to say that Digikey did as well as they always do. I’ll have to do a full write up on the diplexer, but Lee (K0LEE) was very helpful in getting replacements for the inductors. I tried to find exact replacements and ended up giving up and contacting him for help. A prompt response later and I had the information I needed. If you build them your self (and build 2), expect to spend about $32 for each. If you’re inclined, this is quite a bit cheaper then Arrow’s list price. The paranoia in testing comes from having the Icom that I would hate to destroy.
Went on another fox hunt with the club. We changed up the technique quite a bit. I’ll be lazy and pretty much copy\paste my after action report on the event:
One thing I did think was effective was when Kris and I were using the arrow antenna/yagi to track it (the fox) in the truck with the antenna through the moon roof. I think if we had the time, and had I brought it, my handifinder would have been a good thing to deploy paired with a baofeng in the cemetery. Since we were about two blocks away, proceeding on foot would have made it easier to note the subtle changes. This make me excited to test this arrangement a member of the club purchased. I think it be an excellent replacement for the yagi-through-the-roof arrangement. I wish I had been able to get on the parking garage in town to get an initial bearing.
Normally I don’t talk about guns here on the blog. I love guns. I even have some of the scary black ones. Now, I could like to various jokes about them, liberals, or whatever. I’ve wanted to, and that’s why there are not ads on this blog. I feel that talking about firearms could easily be misconstrued as encouraging violence. Not a thing I want to have to explain. This blog will always be ad free as a result. (If you think I deserve a reward for wrting, the homepage has my amazon wish list.)
Being a gun lover though, I feel the need to talk about Orlando. The media (and the Democratic Side of Congress) is in outrage about the events, and demanding that law-abiding citizens submit to their demands despite the ineffectiveness of those demands where implemented (stateside with California, cityside with Chicago and more). While I’d love to be brief, Orlando doesn’t lend to brevity. Not out of laziness, but due to the succinctness of what I wrote, I will quote Core Concept Podcast.
At Core Concept Podcast, its no secret we strongly support the 2nd Amendment and the right to Concealed Carry. We do not agree with the opinion of the 9th Circuit Court of California(Commy-fornia if you must). The Constitution was written as a whole to guarantee the safety and freedom of every citizen of the United States. It was not written to guarantee the prosperity of its citizens, though as a whole it has created one of the most prosperous nations in the world.
The attacks in Orlando are terrifying. Its not about being a gay, lesbian, or straight person. Its about an individual mass murdering defenseless people. Regardless of your position (a split decision here on the podcast), these attacks were, and any imitation there of, are immoral and wrong. We both believe that all people can find reason and ways to live in peace with each other.
But we also believe that a person should be ready to defend themselves. That it is better to be a warrior in a garden then a gardener in a war. That personal security is the duty of each and every individual for them to secure for themselves. Even when relaxing, you must not let your situational awareness fail. To stay “left of bang.” When your awareness fails, you’re right of bang, and being right of bang means that people will die.
Our world is a dangerous place, full of evil people doing evil things. Regardless of your religion, orientation or race, life is always precious. As the days continue (and they will), let us all remember that. Let us guard ourselves and each other. Because those who walk the path of darkness will always look to spread it.
Expect gun posts in the coming months.
