Neither is a good option if you are the enemy
Posted By RichC on April 5, 2016
BMW X5 35d weekend wrenching update
Posted By RichC on April 4, 2016
In order to start working on the BMW X5 35d upgrades this weekend, I ordered a set of "star" sockets known as E-sockets. I picked up the larger set partially because I wanted the plastic storage box … and the Torx bits (already have "some") came with it — Amazon’s price with Prime shipping was $33.90.
The new AC compressor is now installed and next is figuring out how much to take off in order to access the main headache … the DPF issue (Diesel Particulate Filter). I was quoted an unacceptably high price for this "platinum" device of over $4000 at the BMW dealership. Needless to say … I’ll be doing a little wrenching on my own. (By the way, the navigation maps update using 4 – 16GB micro SD cards in my USB device from the downloaded Torrent files went great … although the process was slow. Current maps went from 2009 to the 2016-2 release, but still don’t have a recent I-75 exit ramp in West Chester/Liberty Twp Ohio. Hmm … so much for current).
After trying to figure out just how much to remove under the car to gain access, I decided to order a BMW E70 X5 Service Manual on eBay in hope it will detail just what is required. So far, this is not easy and is probably the most difficult challenge yet. Here are a couple photos that hardly do justice in figuring out how to gain access. Unfortunately I’m stalled for now …
Replacing parts on Encore and a couple spring break photos
Posted By RichC on April 3, 2016
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A package from the Pine A64 Kickstarter FOOLED me
Posted By RichC on April 1, 2016
It has been a couple months since I backed the Pine A64 Kickstarter, but I did noticed my credit card was billed last month … meaning it was shipped??? 
Besides the hint of a March shipment in a previous email, there hasn’t been an update as to "if" the micro 64-bit computer board has left China yet. So you can imagine when a packaged appeared I was excited thinking the computer board was here … but alas …
it was only a t-shirt. 
Nevertheless, I am anticipating the Pine A64 sometime this month since the earliest backers are receiving their boards … with a few complaints I might add. Hopefully there will not be a problem with my board.
Last week I also stopped at Microcenter and pick up a new Raspberry Pi 3 starter kit … it will be interesting to set both micro computers up together and compare.
Donna Lange Makes Landfall
Posted By RichC on March 31, 2016
Donna Lange anchored aboard her boat Inspired Insanity (renamed Inspired Sanity, this trip she says) on March 29, 2016 near the Panama Canal
Solo ’round-the-world sailor Donna Lange is safely at anchor west of the Panama Canal after lousy weather stymied her non-stop circumnavigation via the Cape Horn. She detoured after suffering damage and lose of her electronics and will head for a Rhode Island completion after passing through the canal. Her initial plan was to be the first woman to sail nonstop by rounding both capes (Africa and South America) — still, she is on an impressive 2nd rounding. It is a physical undertaking on such a small 28′ boat for a 53 year old. “Keep on, keeping on” Donna!
Donna Lange set out last May from Bristol, RI on a round-the-world voyage and will be making landfall this week in Panama.
Source: Donna Lange Makes Landfall
March 30th is #ManateeAppreciationDay
Posted By RichC on March 30, 2016
According to posts on Twitter and tweets and shares among friends … today is #ManateeAppreciationDay.
My interest in learning about Manatees goes back to the the late 1970s when a small group of us college guys in Ohio decided to join the "Save the Manatee" campaign. We selfishly used it as a rally to travel to a variety of warmer Florida spots over several years when taking college trips over our breaks. Although we were economically minded and basically camped out on both east and west coasts as well as the Florida Keys … we did spend a little time on the St. Johns River helping with preserves and signage to warn boaters of the presence of these quiet, gentle and large mammals.
Here’s a short video off the stern of Encore; this one particularly liked our Zodiac! 
Amazon recipe for a low-cost Alexa for the Raspberry Pi
Posted By RichC on March 30, 2016
Amazon has released a step-by-step guide on how to turn the $35 Raspberry Pi into a voice-controlled assistant.
The instructions demonstrate how to set up the single board computer to use Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service to create a low-cost alternative to the Echo, Amazon’s $180 smart speaker.
Like other online assistants, Amazon’s Alexa responds to voice commands and can set reminders, play music and answer simple questions.
While it was previously possible to use Alexa Voice Service with a Raspberry Pi, by releasing the guide, Amazon has made it simpler for users to gain access to the service.
Alexa is similar to other voice activated companions, although Amazon’s efforts are less prominent than the likes of Apple Siri, Microsoft Cortana or Google Now.
The service is used by the Echo, which is not officially available outside the United States, as well as by free apps on iOS and Android devices, again only available in the US.
However, now, thanks to an extensive post on GitHub by Amazon, all the code required to build a Raspberry Pi version of Alexa is available online.
To build the voice-powered assistant, the guide recommends a second generation Raspberry Pi, a USB mini microphone, an Ethernet cable and a MicroSD memory card, all of which can be acquired for a lower cost than an Echo. Amazon is still looking to make money from these ‘home-made’ devices, however, with the walkthrough linking to these items on its online store.
Source: Raspberry Pi: Amazon releases recipe for baking a low-cost Alexa voice assistant | ZDNet
8 Ways to Maintain a Clean, Lean Ubuntu Machine
Posted By RichC on March 29, 2016
Once in a while, you may want to do some maintenance on your Ubuntu machine and clean up unnecessary files that are chunking up large storage space in your hard disk. Here are 8 ways that you can use to clean up your Ubuntu[…]
Source: 8 Ways to Maintain a Clean, Lean Ubuntu Machine – Make Tech Easier
Enjoying time aboard Encore with Katelyn and Drew
Posted By RichC on March 28, 2016
A bit delayed in posting to the blog, but we’ve been a bit distracted. Brenda and I met my daughter Katelyn and her husband Drew for a few days on the boat to enjoy some time together. Way too much time goes by between visits for my taste.
The weather was nice with a few wild thunderstorms (posting ani gif below), and it was plenty warm and windy for sailing. I particularly enjoyed our day beachcombing and the several meals out for local seafood (my favorite). Besides the local 12 A buoy, Fort Pierce Tiki Hut and Hurricanes, we also hit a couple regulars like Chilis and Dave’s Dinner (always a tasty but unhealthy breakfast). One thing I missed this trip was eating at Goodfellas with my good friends Mark and Dar … next time for sure!
A couple minor gear failures but it gave me time to tinker on something with the help of Drew … we get along great, which is something I was thankful for with my father-in-law (I do miss Dad Howard). 
The main halyard blog cracked (spotted by Katelyn I might add!) and a pin from the dinghy outboard motor must have disappeared (think I remember Taylor mentioning a problem the last time he had it out). We were able to temorarily replace it with a stainless steel bolt and even found time to order the new $30 part at the Suzuki dealer.
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.