Category Archives: Uncategorized

Star Wars Viewing Order

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It’s Star Wars day again! One of my co-workers admitted that he had never seen the movies. For shame. At least he was interested in rectifying the situation.

This sparked much discussion about what a ‘correct’ order might be.

If you’ve already seen all the movies a time or two skip ahead. If it’s your FIRST introduction here in 2024 here is my recommendation:

Release Order
Ep. 4 A New Hope
Ep. 5 Empire Strikes back
Ep. 6 Return of the Jedi
Ep. 1 Phantom Menace
Ep. 2 Attack of the Clones
Ep. 3 Revenge of the Sith
Optional
Ep. 7 The Force Awakens
Ep. 8 The Last Jedi
Ep. 9 The Rise of Skywalker

After you’ve had some time to digest. After you’ve watched other movies. After a good cry. When you’re ready to have a new Star Wars experience it’s time for a story order viewing.

Story Order
Ep. 1 Phantom Menace
Ep. 2 Attack of the Clones
Ep. 3 Revenge of the Sith
Ep. 4 A New Hope
Ep. 5 Empire Strikes back
Ep. 6 Return of the Jedi
Optional, but recommended this time
Ep. 7 The Force Awakens
Ep. 8 The Last Jedi
Ep. 9 The Rise of Skywalker

Now if you’re already a Star Wars junkie and you’re just looking for a different experience.

Machete Order
Ep. 4 A New Hope
Optional and discouraged Ep. 1 Phantom Menace
Optional depending on time Ep. 2 Attack of the Clones
Optional depending on time Ep. 3 Revenge of the Sith
Ep. 5 Empire Strikes back
Ep. 6 Return of the Jedi
Ep. 7 The Force Awakens
Ep. 8 The Last Jedi
Ep. 9 The Rise of Skywalker

Alternatively, read this Star Wars Theory and re-watch in whichever order you like.

Of course, if at any point you have the ability to watch the original theatrical cuts you should start over as though you haven’t seen anything.

What order do you like to watch the movies? How would you fit the extended movies and shows in?

Contact your Representative to End Daylight Savings

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I don’t like Daylight Savings Time. You’re here so you probably don’t either.

I wanted an easy copy/paste template letter to send to my representatives to convey my thoughts. Now that I have one I’m sharing.

Please contact your representative.

Federal Representatives: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
State Representatives: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/map
All: https://www.270towin.com/elected-officials/

Subject: Support Ending Daylight Savings Time

Honorable [Representative],

I’m writing to ask for your support in ending daylight savings time in our state. The biannual time changes cause unnecessary disruptions and confusion for everyone.

Let’s simplify our lives and improve efficiency by abolishing daylight savings time. It’s a small change that will make a big difference for all of us.

Thank you for considering this issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]

SOLVED: Revit Nested IFC Model Not Showing

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My typical path to solve a Revit issue is to describe my issue and search online. 9 times out of 10 that gives me the solution. Didn’t work this time.
My Situation: My AutoCAD Revit 2021 model “A” has a linked Revit model “B”. Inside B is a linked IFC model “C”. In A I couldn’t see the content of C, and it was very important. I looked in all the normal places of visibility graphics/phase/etc. They key to the mystery was to go into Model B and set the IFC link Reference Type to “Attachment”

After a reload, this solved my issue.

I searched for “revit ifc model in linked model not showing” & “Revit Nested IFC Model Not Showing” but neither helped. Hopefully this helps someone.

Charging Your iPad: A Look at the History of Apple’s Charging Cables

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Are you an Apple fan who has owned multiple iPads over the years? If so, you’ve probably noticed that the charging cables for these tablets have changed quite a bit since the first one was released back in 2010. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of iPad charging cables and how they’ve improved over time.

When the original iPad was launched, it came with a proprietary charging cable that featured a 30-pin connector on one end and a USB connector on the other. This cable was specifically designed for use with the iPad and couldn’t be used with other devices. It was used to charge the iPad as well as transfer data between the device and a computer.

In 2012, Apple introduced the iPad mini, which featured a new type of connector called the lightning connector. This connector was smaller, faster, and more durable than the 30-pin connector, and it was reversible, meaning you could plug it into the iPad in either direction. The lightning connector quickly became the standard charging connector for all of Apple’s devices, including the iPhone and iPod.

Fast forward to 2017, and Apple released the iPad Pro, which featured a USB-C connector instead of the lightning connector. The USB-C connector is even smaller and faster than the lightning connector, and it can be used to charge the iPad Pro as well as transfer data and video to and from the device. It’s also compatible with other devices that have a USB-C port, such as laptops and monitors.

But let’s not forget about wireless charging options! In 2018, Apple released the AirPower charging mat, which allowed users to charge their iPad and other devices wirelessly by simply placing them on the mat. Unfortunately, the AirPower charging mat was eventually cancelled due to technical difficulties.

In conclusion, the charging cables for the Apple iPad have come a long way since the first one was released. From the 30-pin connector to the lightning connector to the USB-C connector, these cables have allowed for faster charging and data transfer speeds, as well as greater compatibility with other devices. Do you have a favorite charging cable or wireless charging method for your iPad? Let us know in the comments!

Find your Straight Talk Account Number

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All the instructions I found online for how to find your Straight Talk Account Number are wrong. I have figured out the right way and am going to share it with you.

For my Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) plan the account number is the IMEI number of the phone I have been using. I’m not sure how long it takes to switch over when you insert the SIM into the new phone.

Find IMEI Android.

Find IMEI iPhone.

Use this information to transfer your number.

I hope this helps you and saves you some trouble.

2022 Honda Civic OpenPilot Car Harness

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You’re here. You probably have an 11th Gen Honda Civic and you want to run OpenPilot. Hopefully, shortly after I post this comma will make a Car Harness for this model and you’ll just buy that. Until then, hopefully I can help.

The first thing to do is open the trim at the camera and have a look at the existing connector. Here is what mine looks like.

Honda Civic 2022 Camera Connector

Check out https://techinfo.honda.com/ for what the pin-outs align to. (Look at the wire color, not the terminal number.)

Look at your connector, the standard comma ai Bosch Harness, and the harness adapter. This is the jumping off point. Obviously the pin-outs are different, if for no other reason than 2022 Honda Sensing dropped the radar.

Your first question after reviewing your connector pin-out and the comma harness pin-out should be around the adapter board.

comma ai Custom Honda Bosch Adapter Board Photo

I used a continuity checker on the adapter I received and here is the pin-out. You might benefit from double checking the one you receive. Make modifications to my notes as required.

comma ai Custom Honda Bosch Adapter Board Pinout

Now you should have all the information you need. If all of your hardware matches mine then my schematic should work.

2022 Honda Civic Bosch Pin-Out
2022 Honda Civic Harness Schematic

Now how I did it. I ordered the Car Harness for Civic 2020 (Bosch). I thought I could easily remove the pins from the MX34 connector and arrange them as needed. This was not the case. It was hard. I bought this extraction tool set. Here is a diagram that may aide you.

MX34 side view diagram

I was finally able to get most of the pins out. Leave the brown, it doesn’t move. The other cable that I wasn’t able to move (yellow) was in a place that was going to have a cable in the end. For this instance, I swapped it on the harness side with the correct cable. I labeled both sides of each cable with tape so I could identify them later.

If you get stuck there is another option. You can cut off the Bosh connector and ordered a new connector and terminals. (I think you could order a “Development vehicle” harness but I’m not sure what you get. Let me know if you go this route.)

Mouser Part Part Mfgr Description Qty USD ea.
656-MX34M12PF1MX34M12PF1JAE ElectronicsAutomotive Connectors 1$1.35
656-M34S75C4F1M34S75C4F1 JAE Electronics Automotive Connectors Socket Contact For MX34 Housing12$0.047
538-501646-12005016461200Molex CONN RECEPT 12POS 2MM 1$0.56
538-501648-1000-LP501648-1000MolexHeaders & Wire Housings IGRID FEM TERM Loose PC12$0.081
BOM

You shouldn’t need the Molex connector or terminals. However, if you’re already paying for shipping so spend the $1.53 for a little insurance.

Molex Connector Tab

On the Molex connector, gently lift the tabs and remove the pins. Then, reattach according to the 2022 schematic.

On the MX34 connector, lift the retainer, remove each cable (except brown or any other you determine remains). Insert into the MX34 connector according to the 2022 schematic, lower the retainer.

That’s it! You are now set up to install your Comma.

Backson Plush Toy

Backson Plush Toy

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If you’re reading this you probably already know what the Backson is. If so, skip ahead, if not read on. The Backson is a character from the Winne the Pooh 2011 movie. Watch this quick clip of Owl describing/making up the Backson.

Spoiler alert: In the end we find out the Backson is ‘real’ and a huge sweet heart.

With that out of the way, my 6 year old daughter really loves Winnie the Pooh & plush toys. We call them Stuffies. She’s got her Winnie. She’s got her Piglet. She’s got her Eeyore. She would like a whole set, and maybe someday she will have it.

One character that isn’t commercially available is the Backson. I thought I would try my hand at making a custom version.

I examined my reference material and prepared a pattern that looked about right.

Printable Backson Pattern

One thing I didn’t account for in the pattern is how much the fleece I bought stretches in one direction. I assumed there would be stretch but, I thought it would be a little more all direction and not as stretchy. The actual combination was different than I expected. In the end, this didn’t ruin the project. I will be more aware next time.

I did a combination of machine and hand sewing. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.

Overall, I’m happy with the result and my daughter loves it. I hope this sparks some creativity with you. Please share your creations!

Get a URL from a Google Sheets Cell with a Custom Function

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I bet you tried searching for a Google Sheets custom function that returns the URL or Link from a rich text cell. The top search result looks like it works. However it requires the parent cell to use =hyperlink(). This won’t work for us. If you push a little deeper, you’ll find user Will in RVA post a solution. This works but is cumbersome because it requires you to have a helper cell.

I took the best of both worlds and made a function that does what you really want it to do. It extracts the link URL directly from a rich text cell in Google Sheets. Go to Tools > Script editor and copy this script. Save and Enjoy!

/** 
 * Returns the URL from a rich text cell.
 * @param {A1}  reference Cell reference
 * @customfunction
 */
function linkyURL(reference){
 var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
  var formula = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveRange().getFormula();
  var args = formula.match(/=\w+\((.*)\)/i);
  try {
    var range = sheet.getRange(args[1]);
  }
  catch(e) {
    throw new Error(args[1] + ' is not a valid range');
  }
   var cell = range; 
  var cellValue = cell.getRichTextValue();
  var cellText = cell.getValue();
  var theThing = cellValue.getLinkUrl();
  if (theThing == null){
    return cellText;
  } else {
    return theThing; 
  }
}

If this helps you out please share and let me know.

Changing the order of AutoCAD Block Attributes

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I ran into an issue at work that took me a while to solve. Here is my solution.

I created some custom Blocks in AutoCAD with several Attribute fields. I decided to reorder them but found the process unintuitive and even web searching didn’t help much. After I figured out how to do it I slept and forgot again. In order to remember I am writing it down and sharing it with you.

I am using Autodesk AutoCAD 2018 but I expect most versions will have a similar solution.

  • Open the block you wish to revise
  • From the Insert tab Select Block Editor, double-click on
  • Type command BATTORDER
  • Make changes as desired
  • Select Close Block Editor, confirm Save the changes to <Current Drawing>
  • Save file.

If you know of a simpler way I would love to hear about it.

Recover Audacity project from .au data files

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In this post I tell you how to recover an Audacity project from the data files when all feels lost.

Quick introduction. Audacity is a free, open source audio recording program. It  works well and has useful features. The way it works, similar to other software, is while recording it saves a file every 6 seconds to keep from generating a giant audio file in memory. These are .au files.

Then, the program saves a .aup file which is essentially a playlist for the software to know which order to replay those files. There is a little more but that’s the basic idea.

If, for some reason, the .aup file fails to save you will feel despondent and helpless. Especially if you recorded an hour and a half interview that now appears to be completely lost. A search online for help in solving your problem will not leave you feeling better, unless you came here first.

For some reason, Audacity does not save the .au files with sequential filenames, they are random. This is a problem if you need to put them back in order. Note to developers, please change this.

For this solution I am using Audacity 2.1.xx. Navigate to the folder location for the project. Inside you should find a series of numbered folders each with approximately 256 .au files. Starting with the first sub-folder, follow these steps.

    1. Sort the folder by date created
    2. Rename so that files are sequentially named, either with bulk rename and brute force or with PowerShell or similar bulk renaming tool.
    3. In Audacity File–>Import–>Audio–> Select all the files (Do this in batches, limit to under 1000, preferable the 256 that Audacity separates folders into)
    4. Wait while it churns
    5. Ctrl+A to select all the tracks
    6. Tracks–>Align Tracks–>Align End to End
    7. Ctrl+A to select all the tracks
    8. Tracks–>Mix–>Mix and render
    9. Wait while it churns
    10. Export WAV or MP3 (name this after it’s folder so you know what order they go in)
    11. Repeat for each sub-folder

Combine these into a new file with the same Align/Mix actions as before and export as your filetype of choice.

I hope that this has helped even just one person. Have a great day!