JC Photographic

Take Your PIC

2010-11-18T20:50:00.000Z

Having a couple of days off work to make a long weekend.
Timed it right too, a new toy dropped through the letter box on Wednesday.

Been playing with microcontrollers for a while now. I use Matrix Multimedia Flowcode Software, and their hardware.
But just bought the Microchip PicKit2 to play with.
1. Its Cheap £40.00 complete with usb cable and project board
2. Its got in circuit programming capability & a built in logic analyser and UART (Missing from pickit3)

So far Im very impressed,the 3 channel logic analyser is great for a simple bit of lit like this.

Watch this space

Shuttle

2010-05-14T19:55:00.000+01:00

Just watched the last ever launch of Shuttle Atlantis live on the web. Great HD video quality
http://www.spacevidcast.com/
Not many more launches left now, the end of an era.

Website

2010-05-09T21:44:00.000+01:00

I think its time to have a re-vamp of my website.
Keep thinking about doing it using CSS. Its just finding the time to sit down and think about a layout and setting up the templates.

The asthetics of the site is the hardest part, coding is easy. :)

Long Time

2010-05-04T19:12:00.000+01:00

Where does the time go.
Not put any entries on here for ages. Lat time it was snowing, now its the beginning of May and still cold, but at least no snow.

The new PC is all setup and working well, and its quick - like greased lightning :)

White Stuff

2010-02-03T20:01:00.001Z

Started sleeting as I left work at 4-30. Just starting to snow lightly when I got home 45mins later.

Couple of hrs later we have a light covering :(
Could do without that.

Outside temperature @ 20:00 hrs + 0.6 Celcius.

RIP Athlon 2800

2010-02-03T19:47:00.000Z

The Athlon 2800 Desktop System died last week. Just over 6 years old.
The motherboard expired. Had been looking for a justification for upgrading :)

Have now got a Intel Core I5-750 system on order.

Happy Birthday Sir Issac

2009-12-24T10:44:00.000Z

Sir Issac Newton was in born in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire on Christmas Day 1642.

It's Christmas

2009-12-24T10:41:00.003Z

The holidays start here.
Still loads of snow about, but surprise surprise, it wasn't freezing this morning, just because I did'nt have to go to work.

Snow Snow Snow

2009-12-21T19:30:00.000Z

Its been %$^&*^ cold here last few days.
Anyway, its nearly christmas. Two more days to go, too being able to relax and put my feet up.
Well stocked up with the real ales

Thought For The Day

2009-12-03T19:25:00.002Z

Q. Why do so many spiders work in I.T.

A. Because they are good at web design :)

Ultrasonic Distance Transducer II

2009-11-12T21:13:00.005Z

The Ultarsonic module (and other bits) arrived on Tuesday.
A 5 pin PCB header was quickly soldered to it, this way it can be plugged into the dev block, and connected to the PIC programmer.

The flowcode program was loaded into the PIC, and the unit sprung to life.
Works over a range of 1cm to 60 cm.

Want to try and make it indicate a decimal place next.
This will mean converting the measured value to a string to allow it to be displayed on the LCD.

Ultrasonic Distance Transducer

2009-11-07T19:21:00.001Z

Watch This Space For Updates
Ordered an ultrasonic transducer module to use with the PICs. Should be here on Monday.
Got some interesting ideas to play with

The List

2009-10-11T21:51:00.000+01:00

The List is the title of the new Rosanne Cash CD
Features some really BIG names dueting with her

Great Album

Microcontroller Book

2009-10-11T21:42:00.003+01:00

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed a new book in the "What Im Reading List"

Been waiting almost a month for Smiths to get it for me.
Could have got it quicker from Matrix Multimedia, (Full Price), but Smiths had almost £10 off for buying on line, and picking up from the shop means no delivery charges either.

It uses Flowcode and the E-Block range of hardware.
Flowcode is processer independant, though you do need the relevent version to compile the code for the 3 different types of processor. (PIC , AVR or ARM)
Currently, I'm only using PICs

Bye Bye Windows 7 Explorer

2009-10-09T19:50:00.002+01:00

At last, Directory Opus is compatible with Windows 7.
That means not having to use the DREADFUL interface of windows explorer anymore.

Directory Opus

One of the best software packages I have bought in a long time.
Currently in version 9.5

PIC's & RFID's 2

2009-10-02T19:07:00.004+01:00

Im a happy bunny,

I've got the card entry system working now
One card allows entry the other sets off the alarms
Once the correct card is detected, a pass code has to be entered.
Wrong code, (Or wrong card) sets off the alarms and a reset code is needed.

Program developed using Flowcode 4, and Martix Multimedia Hardware

Next stages
Add more acceptable cards by storing them in the system.
Add more security by using the whole of the cards ID rather than the first byte of it.
Add a bigger colour display to allow better messages

Profile

2009-09-27T19:05:00.002+01:00

Uploaded a new profile pic.
This one has me in my new specs :)

PIC's & RFID's

2009-09-27T11:04:00.002+01:00

Having another "play" with the PIC System.
Just added an RFID card reader module to it. This comes with a selection of cards to experiment with,
Been writing a simple card entry door lock system.
At the moment it will activate a relay if one specific card is inserted, and turn on the alarm with any other.
The cards all have a unique ID programmed into them. The current system is simple and uses only the first byte of the UID. Using the full one will make it more secure but needs a lot more program code.

Thoughts

2009-09-11T19:50:00.002+01:00

Having a long weekend this one
Today , went and got measured up for new specs. One pair for seeing and one for reading/pc work etc.

Tomorrow is the Leicester Radio Rally, though its not been in Leicester for many years. The last 10 its been at the exhibition centre at Donnington race track. Now thanks to Bernie E, its had to move since the centre was demolished.
Now at Loughborough University. Lets see what goodies I can find there.

Final thought for the day.

1 in 10 people understand binary, the other one doesn't

Who Knows Where The Time Goes

2009-08-23T16:37:00.004+01:00

The weeks and months are flying by. Almosttwo months since my last post, and its nearly the end of August, and yet another year with a crap British summer.
Bank Holiday next weekend, so thats an omen for the rain:)

Website

2009-06-25T21:24:00.002+01:00

Really must get on and update the website.

Got a few ideas to add to it now.

Watch this space !!

Kaspersky 2010

2009-06-25T21:17:00.002+01:00

The new version of Kaspersky has been released.

Good thing with their software, no matter how many new versions are released, you get a free update if your current licence is still active.

Works well, had another update on the GUI as well.

Running under windows 7 on the laptop and XP Pro on the desktop. Will try it on the 2nd hard disk on the desktop running windows 7 soon.

Fedora 11

2009-06-16T20:09:00.002+01:00

Had a few problems getting it to install

Had to remove the SATA interface card, then V 10 would install

V 10 let me install V11 as an upgrade.

Got there in the end.

Internet & Network configured

Flowcode 4

2009-06-12T18:00:00.003+01:00

Flowcode 4 has finally been released. (Good job because I here they had formed an escape commitee)

Got the trial version installed, and I'm very impressed.

More Ferodra 11

2009-06-12T17:56:00.004+01:00

Finished downloading the ISO image last night. All 3.4 G-bytes of it :)

I'm now burning the installation DVD.

Once thats done, I can try installing it on the main PC.

Raining

2009-06-10T21:14:00.001+01:00

Its starting to rain again, where's this summer weather we are supposed to be having this year?

Fedora 11

2009-06-10T21:05:00.007+01:00

Currently downloading the new Fedora 11.
Thats one of the many different types of Linux operating system.

The dvd iso is 3.4 GB so quite a big download.

Prefer Fedora (Used to be known as Red Hat in the past) to others.
The Ubuntu is currently on the drive, where it will be installed.

Best thing about Linux is it's free.

That will be installed on one of the removable drive caddys on the main PC.
(Windows 7 is staying on the laptop)

Ubuntu 9.04

2009-06-07T20:00:00.000+01:00

This post is from my Ubuntu Linux System

More Windows 7

2009-06-03T19:29:00.005+01:00

Im really getting to like Windows 7.

It runs quick, no real problems. All main applications work. Just installed the webcam.

(It is a microsoft one so updated drivers on their site :) ).

Found google chrome as a browser really flies, much faster than IE8.

Memory Transplant

2009-05-27T18:20:00.005+01:00

Decided the laptop could do with more memory.
It can support up to 4 gig (had 1 gig), but 32 bit windows can recognise 3gig.
Ordered it from crucial, got the exact spec and a matched pair as well by using the details on their website. Laptops are muh more piccy in memory than home build desktops.

Took out the 2x512meg modules and fitted 2 x 2gig modules.

Not as easy as updating normal pc memory, getting the covers off under the bottom is a bit fiddly, but the operation worked.

Certainly runs faster but it will show more with memory hungry apps.

I now have a pair of Samsung 512meg SODIMMS without a home :(

CD Bargin

2009-05-23T19:06:00.004+01:00

Picked up a real bargin in HMV this afternoon.
Box set of 5 Simon & Garfunkel CDs + A DVD concert in Central Park (The New York one, not Scunthorpes). For the bargin price of £10.00
Even better I had a £10.00 Voucher from Barclaycard.
Its all the great stuff they did in the 60s.
May take a while to getting round to listening to all of it

Long Weekend

2009-05-21T18:48:00.000+01:00

Its a bank holiday weekend :). Im having Friday off as well
4 day weekend starts here.

Windows 7 V

2009-05-20T21:00:00.002+01:00

After a painless installation, Windows 7 is up and running. A beta of Kaspersky antivirus has been installed.
Only real snag was finding where the network setup was hidden to set the IP address manually, instead of using DHCP.
This post is being typed on the laptop and sent over the wireless network so everything is working so far.
The desktop and menus are quite different,but initial impressions I like it. Seems fairly quick but its on a dual core processor so it should be. 1 Meg Ram.
Right back to exploring and installing some software.

Windows 7 IV

2009-05-19T20:24:00.003+01:00

Windows 7 installed on the laptop.
If I can get the wireless network to connect tonight I'll be happy.
It looks good good, and seems to be working all ok. Just setting up the AV & firewall first.

Star Trek

2009-05-19T19:48:00.001+01:00

Saw the new Star Trek film on sunday.
Not been to the cinema for ages. Really enjoyed it. This on goes back to the time the crew or the original series were just starting out. All the original characters are there, just new actors, well with one exception.
Worth going to see.

Windows 7 III

2009-05-19T19:34:00.003+01:00

Currently installing Windows 7 RC on the laptop
Initially going to try the 32bit version. That way should minimise any driver problems. and software compatibility as well.

If all works after a few weeks might just try the 64bit before going back to the XP system.

Fiddle Fest

2009-05-17T10:27:00.002+01:00

Thats it for another year, but it was another good day, with some amazing music.
Had been really looking forward to seeing Uiscedwr & Karen Tweed play together, however it had been a short term guest spot and had come to an end.

Uiscedwr back to a 3 piece group.

(Uiscedwr .. pronounced ish ka door .. )
See the sleeve of the new CD for an interesting way of explaining the pronounciation.

They were still great to see perform live though. 2 Cds and 1 signed

Lunasa. A 5 piece band from Ireland. Fabulous performance. A great end to the afternoon set.

Computer Programming Advice

2009-05-14T19:16:00.002+01:00

Computer programmers Peek before they Poke.

Weather Rhyme

2009-05-14T19:09:00.004+01:00

Twas a fine foggy day in Septober,
The rain was bucketing down.
So I picked up some buckets, and flogged em' outright!
To the council for half a crown.

No, I did'nt make this up.
Its from Mike Hardings LP One Man Show

Windows 7 II

2009-05-11T20:16:00.001+01:00

Have downloaded both 32bit & 64bit versions of Windows 7 RC (release candidate).
Will shortly be giving it a try on the laptop. Not sure about being able to get drivers for the 64 bit version so will most likely try the 32bit on first. Dont think Kaspersky works on the 64bit either.

Keep the system backed up using Acronis True Image so I can soon restore the original XP system

Windows 7

2009-05-09T20:22:00.002+01:00

Currenty in the process of downloading Windows 7 RC.
I've avoided Vista totally, even though I did get a legit copy to upgrade my laptop. Still got XP on both systems.

Will proberbly put windows 7 on the laptop after a full backup and image.
XP still does everything I want.
It works , and its rock stable (Most of the time).
Watch this space for more reports.

PIC Programming

2009-05-07T18:31:00.010+01:00

Had another interesting session with my pic board.
Started to get to grips with the way the AD converter works. Used an input from the LDR
(Had to be programmed to reverse the value too) to show on the LCD Display and also to turn on a set of 1 to 4 relays, and show the number of the relay on the LCD.

Oh yes, it also shows the AD value in binary on 8 leds
The darker it gets the more relays go on. ( This means the value on the display gets lower, though the actual output from the AD gets bigger.)

Anyway it works as I wanted it too, in as much as I'm a bit limited to 16 icons with the light version of flowcode.
( I need 17 to put up another message on the display. No way round it untill I get the full version.)

Port A = LDR A-D on Bit 0
Port B = LCD Display
Port C = 8 Bit LED E-Block
Port D = 4 Relay E-Block

Now if I could just get my head round interupts. Roll on Flowcode 4 :)

The PIC is a 16F877A using the crystal clock on the development board.

CD's V

2009-05-03T17:42:00.004+01:00

It's about time I did an update on the CD's I've bought over the last month or so.

Listen - Christy Moore
Hill Of Theives - Cara Dillon
Cropredy Live 2008 - Fairport Convention
Home Before Dark - Neil Diamond
Live At The Texas Stadium - Alan Jackson, George Strait & Jimmy Buffett
Best Of The Best - Bellamy Brothers

Details to follow

Hubble

2009-04-25T10:02:00.000+01:00

On this day in 1990 the Hubble space telescope was launched ;)

Brigg Fiddle Fest 2009

2009-04-24T21:33:00.009+01:00

The tickets have arrived for this years fiddle festival. :) :)

(Its really a folk festival- except all the performers/groups have to feature a fiddle for a main part of the performance.)

They get some amazing performers on at this festival, even more so considering the venue only holds about 300 people.

There also a nice pub next door to the venue, does good food and real ales

Previous years have had Fairport Convention, Danu, Kathrine Tickell, Session A9,
Eliza Carthy & The Ratcatchers, Nancy Kerr & James Fagin.

This year is Uiscedwr, Lunasa & Solas to name but three.
Not seen any of this years acts live, though Uiscedwr has Karen Tweed as part of the line up, whom I have seen play with Kathrine Tickell.

For those who's geography is not up to scratch Brigg is a small market town in North Lincolnshire, near Scunthorpe.

(Scunthorpe is home to the incredible guitar legend Martin Simpson, as well as Iain - Southern Comfort - Matthews)

Fiddle Festival Home Page

F1

2009-04-15T19:53:00.001+01:00

The diffuser 3 are innocent !

Easter Weather

2009-04-11T21:09:00.001+01:00

So far the easter weather has not net us down. As usual its been wet, though not too cold round here anyway.
Still, its been a good excuse to stop in the pub ;)

Simple PIC Voltmeter

2009-04-11T20:58:00.006+01:00

PICs can have an input line configured as an A-D converter. The input voltage is 0 to 5. By using a pair of resistors a potential divider can be set up. By having several of these connecting by means of a switch to the input and a bit of flowcodesoftware, a simple multi-range DC voltmeter can be constructed.

Set up the development board to test the programming using the on board pot and the push switches on port c to change range. It works as expected. Will try and build it on the breadboard next ad test it in a real world application.

Not worth actually going any further, not when a basic (el-cheapo) multimeter can be bought for about £5.
Just enjoy playing with the software.
I'm realy chomping at the bit now to get hold of the full version of flowcode, come on you guys in Halifax, release V4 and relieve me of some cash :)

Flowcode for "NOT" switching

2009-04-09T19:14:00.002+01:00

Simple loop, reads the state of a switch (PortB Bit 1) in this case.
Uses a decsion if the switch is pressed, invert the bit. Small delay is needed to prevent keybounce.

Easter

2009-04-09T18:50:00.001+01:00

Had an extra day off today, makes a 5 day break over Easter.

PIC Projects

2009-04-05T20:52:00.004+01:00

Been a long time since I built a project from an electronics magazine.
Found this on the Elektor website, downloaded the article.
Its is 4 channel PLC controlled by an ECIO pic module.
4 opto-coupled inputs , 4 relay outputs & a CAN controller.
Worked first time. Programmed using flowcode.
Getting interested in PICs / microcontrollers has resparked my interest in building.
Will try to finish the SSB transceiver I started last October soon.

"NOT" The way to do it !

2009-03-29T20:08:00.002+01:00

Using the "NOT" function works, it simplifies the program too.

PIC Programming

2009-03-29T17:40:00.003+01:00

I've been trying to get a simple routine woking in flowcode to use a single push switch on one port to turn a corrisponding bit on another port on and off. Not quite a easy as I first thought.
I did it by reading the state of the port I want to switch, and then using a decision statement when the switch was pressed to change it between 1 and 0.

Thinking more about it I think a more elegant way could be done using a NOT statement.
Now where did I put my development board.

Strange Weather

2009-03-21T09:10:00.002Z

Something strange outside.
Its a Saturday morning, the suns shining from an almost cloudless blue sky and the temperature is quite reasonable too for 9-10 in the morning.

Just hope it stays like it for the rest of the day (or even the weekend)

New Toy

2009-03-18T19:40:00.021Z

Just invested in some more PIC programming hardware.

This unusual device is a PIC on a small circuit board, along with a USB socket and a build in bootloader.
This means the device can be programmed without any extra hardware. Just connect it directly to the PC.
Uses either a small programming utility to upload the asm code or from within flowcode.

The ECIO can be plugged into this project board to allow it to be used with the Matrix Multimedia E Blocks.

Power can be taken from either the USB cable or a seperate power supply.
5 V input to the screw terminals or 13.5 V to the coax socket top right.
An interesting feature is the use of a bridge rectifier on the DC input socket. This allows
either polarity to be used.

The ECIO40 module inserted in the development board.

As with all the Matrix Multimedia hardware, they are very high quality and excellent value for money.
I've still got more of the E-Blocks on the shopping list.
Just waiting for version 4 of flowcode to be released.

PIC Programming

2009-03-08T20:15:00.010Z

Been trying a bit more on the PIC development board over the weekend.
Currently still using the free version of Flowcode, though it has serious limitations of the program size and what E-Block modules it can compile to.

Keep thinking about upgrading to the full version, though version 4 is due soon, will wait to see what it brings.
The upgrade 3 to 4 is not going to be free so no point jumping in at the moment.

This is my development board. It can be used with the extra hardware modules called E-Blocks.

See the Matrix Multimedia Website for more information. Also on my website.
They are based in Halifax, thats the one in West Yorkshire not Nova Scotia.

Correction

2009-03-08T14:27:00.001Z

The snow is now setting quite quickly

Snowing (Again)

2009-03-08T14:06:00.003Z

After a nice Saturday, and a reasonable Sunday moring the rain started around midday.
By 2 pm it was sleeting/snowing/hailing.
Dont think its going to settle to much at the moment, but could still do without it.
Roll on the summer - I've had enough of the cold

CD IV

2009-03-07T19:04:00.005Z

Been spending on the cd's again.
Just wish we had a decent shop in town, instead of the tiny HMV.
Buying online is cheaper, but I like looking through the racks.

7th March 2009

The Clancy Brothers - 30 Songs Of Ireland

Not got anything in the colection by this group, and for £4.85 couldn't realy say no.

Red Arrows

2009-03-05T18:06:00.003Z

Leaving work tonight, it was a lovely afternoon. (4-30pm).
Blue sky and a lowish sun, shining on the paintwork of the Red Arrows flying about.
They probably thought, "Hmm nice evening, lets go up for a jolly and pretend were practicing for the next display."
Just a pity I didn't have time to pull over and watch them for a bit.

Winter

2009-03-04T21:17:00.003Z

The cold weather has returned to England. Not had the snow round here thankfully.
Think there might be a touch of frost in the night, my weather statiion reads 0.9°C outside at the moment.
Roll on summer I want to ditch the thick jumpers and heavy coats.
Only 23 more days of G.M.T

CD III

2009-03-01T12:56:00.006Z

28th February 2009

Various Artists - Folk Awards 2009

Every February the BBC run an awards ceremony for Folk Artists. A CD is produced with a track from each of the nominated artists. They also have a seperate disc of tracks from the nominees for the young folk award.
Total of 30 tracks, and well under a tenner, even from HMV.

Website Updates

2009-02-22T18:46:00.004Z

As I write this on the laptop, the main desktop PC is busy uploading files to my website.
I've added a new set of pages to the photography section, of my own town.

The idea is to keep updating on a regular interval, through the changing seasons.
By the end of the year, it will be interesting to see if the project has succeded.

Snow'ly Getting Warmer :)

2009-02-15T17:11:00.007Z

These images were taken on the 14th February, in about the same place as the ones posted earler on the site.
Still some snow about, but its melting fast.

Look forward to posting some in the spring when the flowers are out and trees in leaf.

Weekend At Last

2009-02-13T20:14:00.002Z

At last its Friday night.
That means :
1 - A few pints of real ale tonight.
2- No getting up early in the morning and having to defrost the car

After another cold and snowy week roll on the spring.

Yet More Snow

2009-02-08T19:56:00.016Z

Just looked out the window, and yes you've guessed it. Its SNOWING again.
Bet its going to be white over again in the morning :-(
Animals have the best idea, hibernation over the winter.
Only trouble with that is you miss Christmas.
Still, I'm nice and warm inside, working on the computer.
Current outside temperature 0.9°C Inside temperature 24.4°C

These photos were taken hand held through the window.
The camera was set to ISO 3200 and flash turned off.

This is the view out the back window

This is the view out the front window

I've a pint of Summer Lightning on the desk beside me. (Thats a bottle conditioned bitter)
Anyway, I'll post a photo below of what seems like a distant summer.

CD II

2009-02-08T13:20:00.010Z

The previous post brought me up to date with the CD's bought this year.
Now posts will reflect new purchases.

7th February 2009
Brogue - Rhythm Of The Celts.

Spotted this album in the local HMV. Never heard of them, but bought it on the strength of the cover photo & track listing.
Brogue are a Scottish duo consisting of :
Brigitte Rodrigues & David Scobie both sharing lead vocal
The music is a mix of traditional, rock and world melodies.

Did I like it, yes, and their latest album is now on my wanted list

Brogue Website

CD's

2009-02-06T20:24:00.027Z

This year I'm going to post all the CDs I buy on the blog.
This could get to be quite a large project.

3rd January 2009

The Eagles - The Complete Greatest Hits.

All the Eagles best tracks from the entire back catalogue.
Includes tracks from the last studio album, Long Road Out Of Eden.
Overall a great album, even better as its a double.

3rd January 2009

The second album of a 2 for £10 from HMV.

Amy MacDonald - This Is The Life

Heard a couple of tracks "Mr Rock & Roll" & "This Is The Life" on the radio and quite liked them.
Thought I'd risk it for a fiver.
Some tracks not to my taste, but I do like her voice.

2nd February 2009

A self titled album by a group called the "Fleet Foxes"

I'd not heard of them, until I bumped into a friend in HMV buying a copy.
We both have a similar taste in music, so I looked them up on youtube.
Liked what I heard so the following week, picked a copy up myself.

Not bad for a fiver. (I don't just buy £5 cd's :) )

Oh and the cover photograph, there is a very similar painting in the waiting room at my dentist

Yet More Snow

2009-02-05T19:26:00.002Z

Thursday Morning 7am
It just started snowing as I set off for work. (35 mles)
Main roads were not too bad, though got worse behind me. Snowed till dinner time in Lincoln.
By home time the main roads were all clear again :) though side roads looked real bad.
Good job its Friday tomorrow.

Snow Snow Snow

2009-02-02T20:24:00.002Z

Snowed on Sunday afternoon and night. Didn't get as much round here as they had in some parts of the country. Certainly nothing like London's covering.
Roads were clear going to work (Lincoln). Had some during the day, but had turned more sleet tonight and again roads were mostly clear.
Hope its the same in the morning.

No Snow (Yet)

2009-02-01T13:40:00.009Z

Its currently quite bright outside, though its tried to snow a couple of times this morning.
The weather forcast is for a lot of snow today and into next week.

Yesterday, was a lovely afternoon.
Took a few shots of the gardens near the local council offices on the way into town. Be interesting to compare them in a couple of months once the flowers start to bloom and the trees come into leaf.

Cars

2009-01-30T16:36:00.002Z

It's that time of year when I have the credit card savaged by the local Toyota Dealer.

Time for the annual car service.

This time it was fairly major one. Still not as expensive as I'd expected it to be :)

Demise Of The (Decent) Record Shop

2009-01-29T19:40:00.011Z

WH Smith has just announced it is closing the CD/DVD department in my local branch. Ok it was only a small choice, but it did add a bit more choice.

25+ years ago a small independant record shop opened in town. (Record Village) Not only did they sell a big range of music, they also hired videos. During the 80's they had 3 branchs in the area.

Not only them, I remember Smiths, Boots, Woolworth all sold records. As did Comet and a local electrical dealer, Vallences. All gone now :(

They may not have had massive shelves of music, but we had much more to look at then.
(Im talking about shops selling LP's and Cassettes. (I even remember 8-track tapes as well)

Now since Record Village closed, (mainly due to the high rents in the town) all we have is a tiny branch of HMV.

No wonder on line sales are going up.

My Local Pub

2009-01-25T14:33:00.017Z

The Malt Shovel, Ashby
As promised earlier in this blog, here are some photographs taken with the new digital camera.
Nice friendly atmosphere. Have wide range of real ales 7 on hand pump, serve good food at reasonable prices.

Click For Map

250 Years On Sunday

2009-01-24T21:47:00.014Z

Wee, sleeket, cowran tim'rous beastie,
O, what panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!

Laptop IV

2009-01-21T21:09:00.009Z

Got the laptop sorted now.

Installed Nero 7.

Just a few minor apps to consider reloading.

Keep doing a hard disk image in case I want to go back a step.

Once again, its raining (Oh what a surprise)

At least its not freezing.

Outside temperature, according to Mr Watson 3.5°C Centigrade

Laptop III

2009-01-18T20:33:00.003Z

The laptop is now almost sorted.

Main applications all loaded. Secure wireless network up & running.

Just need to install Nero now. Will have a think about upgrading to V9 first, though most likely reload version 7.

It does all I need, and the laptop has'nt blueray so don't have to have it yet.

Never did like too many icons on the desktop, so thats nice and tidy too.

Weekend

2009-01-16T19:50:00.003Z

The weekend is here at last. :) Its also halfway through January already.

Been Really busy at work since the new year, I do like the weekends.

Still rebuilding the laptop, got windows fully patched now, and some of the main applications loaded, i.e. email, photoeditor music database, firefox,acronis backup.

Still not done anything much with the digital camera. Weather was crap last weekend and its dark before I get home during the week this time of year.

Laptop II

2009-01-14T19:27:00.002Z

Finally, Windows is reinstalled. Patched, working and imaged.

Now the task of re-installing software.

Downloaded programs are being checked for latest versions before installing.

Laptop Spring Clean

2009-01-13T20:45:00.004Z

After almost 2 years since the last clean install, I decided to give the laptop a complete clearout and reload.

The C-Drive was checked to make sure everything was backed up, and then it was wiped and a clean copy of windows installed upto Service Pack 3.

Before going to download any later updates from the Microsoft site Kaspersky was reinstalled and updated.

Not yet reactived the wireless network, will use ethernet to download the updates.

Amazing how much faster a PC boots with hardly any software loaded.

Mild At Last

2009-01-11T20:01:00.006Z

Although I perfer my beer bitter, I like the weather mild :)

Managed to get the car washed this morning for the first time since late November.

It was filthy. Trouble is I have about a 35 mile trip to work so the roads are full of lorrys throwing mud everywhere.

Anyway nice and clean now. Will it still be clean at 8am tomorrow when I get to work?.

Current outside temperature 8.9° C

Cold & Frosty Night

2009-01-10T09:11:00.004Z

Last night was the coldest this winter so far.

Temperature dropped to -3.6 °C at 4.32am.

At least the fogs gone :)

Weekend & Digital Photography

2009-01-09T18:49:00.011Z

After a long and very cold first week back at work after the loooong Christmas holiday, it's the weekend again. :). I'm well ready for it. Been a busy week.

Not had chance to do anything much with my new camera either. If the weather is anything like even half decent tomorrow will try to get a few outside shots to test it. I'll have to do somemore of the pub and compare them with the old camera as well.

Will give the battery another charge tonight, don't want it running out tomorrow.

I think I'll have to invest in a spare battery and a second memory card before doing anything serious. The 2gb one will hold 500+ pictures

Thought about a 4gb or maybe even an 8gb, however 2000 pictures on one card is a lot to loose if the card dies or you have finger trouble and delete them. Will proberby go for a couple more 2gb.

I do find with digital I shoot a lot of things I would'nt take on the film camera's. At least you can just delete them either in the camera or once downloaded to the PC.

Its currently foggy outside, and the temperature is -0.6 degrees centigrade and falling quickly.

Digital Camera's III

2009-01-04T14:21:00.005Z

Tried a few test shots, very impressed with the initial results.

Need to study the manual before doing anything else, though the menu system seems quite intuitive.

Video recording works well too.

Digital Camera's II

2009-01-03T17:54:00.025Z

Treated myself to a new digital camera today. The battery is currently on charge.

Not able to play with it untill its fully charged.

Got a good deal on it, complete with case and memory card from the local camera shop.

Typical as with most things today, only a printed quick start quide. The main manual all 130+ pages is on the

CD-Rom that comes with it. You're not able to curl up in front of the fire and read a CD-Rom. :(

Camera is a Sony Cybershot W170. 10.1 Mega Pixel 28mm 5x optical zoom.

Digital Camera's

2009-01-02T14:16:00.006Z

I've decided my old compact digital is getting too long in the tooth. It's only a 2.1 Mega Pixel and the battery packs have all stopped holding charge for very long.

Think I'll be replacing it with one from the Sony Cybershot range. Just been looking at them in the local camera shop. Nice big screen, and a 10 Mega Pixel sensor.

New Year

2009-01-01T15:26:00.010Z

That's the end of 2008, had a good break over xmas.

Too much eating and real ale - but that's what Christmas is about. :)

Anyway its been bloody cold what better than being in a nice warm pub.

Thats my local "The Malt Shovel" to the left.

If you click on the image to enlarge it, you can see a cat stalking a bird on the roof line.

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T10:22:00.001Z

The week between Christmas Eve and today has flown by (funny how the time goes quicker when you're on holiday)

Still very cold - outside temperature -1.1 degrees centigrade.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T10:17:00.004Z

Its that time of year again. No more work till next year :).

Go to town for any last minute ideas for presents, then call into the pub for a couple of real ales.

Looking forward to plenty of eating and drinking

Also use the time to catch up listening to the latest CD's in the collection not had a chance to give a good play yet.

Current outside temperature 5.7 degrees centigrade.

Christmas

2008-12-20T21:15:00.004Z

It'll soon be the nice long Christmas break. Two more days at work, then thats it till the 5th January.
Looking forward to plenty of eating, drinking, and catching up listening to some CD's.
Got stocked up with plenty of good ales to sample. :)
As usual plenty of rubbish on the TV. Think they save all the %$£% for Christmas.
Anyway it'll be nice not to have to be up early for a week or so.

Mary Had A Little Lamb (Alternative Versions)

2008-12-14T20:53:00.002Z

Mary had a little lamb,
Her father shot it dead.
Now it goes to school with her,
Between two chunks of bread.

Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white and wispy.
Then it caught Foot and Mouth Disease,
and now it's black and crispy.

Mary had a little lamb.
It ran into a pylon.
10,000 volts went up its arse,
and turned its wool to nylon.

Funny

2008-12-11T21:48:00.003Z

Click on the image to see the animation.

Error Message

2008-12-11T21:45:00.002Z

Never seen this error on windows XP. Must be part of Vista :)
Current outside temperature = -0.3 Degrees Centigrade. i.e bloody cold :)

Successful Operation

2008-12-06T10:51:00.004Z

The CD player section of the Midi HiFi underwent open-case surgery this morning.
A good blast from the can of compressed air, and all is working again.
The cleaning CD was run to give the laser a good clean, and the covers replaced.
Every thing now working again.

Poorly Hi Fi

2008-12-05T15:34:00.006Z

Why O' Why does my Hi Fi system decide it wont play CDs just before every Christmas.
I know exactly what the trouble is, the laser needs a clean with my can of compressed air.
(It wont run the cleaning disk)
Good job I'm confident taking the covers off to look at it as we dont have anywhere in town that would do a repair for a reasonable price anymore. Plus it does it on a regular basis, think its because the 3 x cd changer drawers dont have a good dust seal. Somthing to look at when I decide to change it.

Its now raining, Just got back from town.
Actually, just got back from the pub. Had a couple of pints of Acorn Yorkshire Pride. (Very Nice.)
Brewery Website

Temperature outside is 5.0 degrees Centigrade. Still got 2 days left on the weekend.

Long Weekend

2008-12-04T21:43:00.005Z

Got to use up the last of the holidays, so a nice 3 day weekend starts here. Just 2 more full weeks before winding down for Christmas. Well ready for it. Usually take advantage of a nice long break to chill,relax and catch up on listening to the new cds I've bought over the last few months.
Always seem to get more listening time in over Christmas than other times in the year.

Personal nomination for the best Christmas song ever.

Fairytale Of New York - By the much missed Kirsty Macoll & the Pogues.

Keep watchning this space for my personal top 10 albums I've bought this year.

Current outside temperature, 2.9 degrees Centigrade. Not bothered , dont have to get up for work in the morning.

Snow Snow - What Snow?

2008-12-02T19:32:00.004Z

While parts of the country are basking under a blanket of white, we had a very thin dusting about 7-45 am just as I was getting towards work. Did'nt stay long either. More forcast for Thursday :)

2.0 degrees Centigrade outside at the moment, but still dropping. Looks like another frozen car in the morning.

Cold November Afternoon

2008-11-29T17:46:00.004Z

Twas a fine foggy day in septober,
The rain was bucketing down.
So I picked up some buckets,
And flogged em outright,
To the council for half-a-crown.

Been a cold , raw foggy day today. Temperature is only just now above freezing (0.1 degree C) and its still foggy outside.
Think its going to be a cold night tonight.

Friday Night Again

2008-11-28T19:59:00.008Z

I sit here ,writing this blog on a cold (1.7 degrees C outside) and foggy Friday Night.
Expect the temperature will have dropped to almost freezing by the time I venture out to the pub for a few real ales. Still its nice and warm in the shack at the moment.
Currently listening to the new album by Dido, only took a week to get round to playing it. I like it, certainly going to be one of my favourite albums of the year.
Check back at the end of December or early January 2009 for my top 10 albums added to the collection this year.

Though had other albums longer that I've not got round to playing yet as well.

MKARS-80 Transceiver Project

2008-11-23T18:01:00.012Z

The soldering Iron was warmed up this morning.
Bag 1 of components opened and tipped into a tray, and then the deed was done, the first compenent soldered to the board.

4 hours and another 97 components later, the first bag is completed.