tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57248069369451411382024-03-12T23:33:03.086-04:00Bruce GarnerThis blog, like many others, is just a place where I can document various things I find interesting. I don't expect it to mean much to very many people. So if you found yourself browsing this page by accident and don't find it appealing, just keep on surfing.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-10937055304511079532022-03-09T17:22:00.007-05:002022-03-09T17:26:49.320-05:00GT Master Wiring Diagram</p>
Someone asked for the wiring diagram for the GT Master siding gate motor I use on my Roll Off Roof. Here are a couple of pages that may be helpful.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTXfcGVVqC2vS1LX7AnpLNvQcm6NVM6QCwcj5nHo-co9kKVkSpsGFrnQtXOkHzlx3-Z-iEwOgGhOXg-VodnLdC975WD4xukcEbx1NlG9eCG01Y4pw6dMZtJkQ22P5U5MdppkcrF6OHKN1jGZUe2OBlapVa6Ku5Vxi8FabKX-vhRTSIPcyrLLdAQzuUHw" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTXfcGVVqC2vS1LX7AnpLNvQcm6NVM6QCwcj5nHo-co9kKVkSpsGFrnQtXOkHzlx3-Z-iEwOgGhOXg-VodnLdC975WD4xukcEbx1NlG9eCG01Y4pw6dMZtJkQ22P5U5MdppkcrF6OHKN1jGZUe2OBlapVa6Ku5Vxi8FabKX-vhRTSIPcyrLLdAQzuUHw"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjosIS2xAH1jgtEIFQr3SCEegQpg8xzYdPhYREMS8zbOZl1f9RlxH8Z8S8BBXF7WW2y8RKCfPe2r5624pWVhkwzSpD9Q51q5fjtUro534UuSFx2Ej0A1RxuwpidtD4jwRW81pJnjb1OAO42Pq6TsJvrBJu2HEsi4TH_kFqZ-_gtbxPJHECVKI-o2LoYow" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjosIS2xAH1jgtEIFQr3SCEegQpg8xzYdPhYREMS8zbOZl1f9RlxH8Z8S8BBXF7WW2y8RKCfPe2r5624pWVhkwzSpD9Q51q5fjtUro534UuSFx2Ej0A1RxuwpidtD4jwRW81pJnjb1OAO42Pq6TsJvrBJu2HEsi4TH_kFqZ-_gtbxPJHECVKI-o2LoYow"/></a></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-47207582752605415092022-02-07T16:24:00.001-05:002022-02-07T16:24:34.423-05:00A few pictures of the upgradesI'm not going to do much of a write up about this today, but I have a few pictures to share of the upgrades.
The only thing I have shot so far is the moon, you can see the result on my Flickr account. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/51865093209/" target="_blank">HERE</a>
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One rig will be my observatory rig and the other will be portable.
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I still have more to do, but I'm at a point it is usable.
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-12707928050568516772021-03-27T19:29:00.007-04:002021-05-03T20:09:56.035-04:00Houston, we have a rolling roof.<p> Just a quick update.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='510' height='338' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwolvRlY2fsgIajIFcUsEZzOsU1Wnv7YCYZNdXBHe-1vHoGFXHWX3CfZWn93T9XN_fOGW1rW51apvKKHBszIQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>
http://bruceg333.blogspot.com/2021/04/still-under-construction-but-functional.htmlBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-51172201656998213532021-03-21T16:01:00.001-04:002021-04-01T20:35:03.423-04:00Observatory, update two<p> It's been a month since my last update. I've had a few good weather weekends and a few terrible wet ones. But, I am making progress. Here are a few photos of the progress. As you can see, I have the four walls up, the posts and beams for the roll off section, including the garage door track. I pre-wired the pier for both electrical and USB. The roof is framed and sheathed with Solarboard. The metal has been delivered and now I just need some time to cut and install it. Then I need some extra hands to lift it in place. Once it's up there, I can build the "sled" for the roof and but the rollers in the track. When that is complete, I'll install the siding and build a door. Then it's just trimwork and paint. Clear Skys.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUrE23nEfX3-eGlGNb5L-No8UPYmwJqiL-S0zcckVrYw-N_g1XQ5ekhQCcNVwhEKbkgkK80hNZb84N3kpliRNWG_z8GrzNqSS9hf3-YDYyjl-5FhkHIQoRAgrqQopkh_CiX1QHqDbU_AG/s3455/IMG_20210227_123808817_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3455" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUrE23nEfX3-eGlGNb5L-No8UPYmwJqiL-S0zcckVrYw-N_g1XQ5ekhQCcNVwhEKbkgkK80hNZb84N3kpliRNWG_z8GrzNqSS9hf3-YDYyjl-5FhkHIQoRAgrqQopkh_CiX1QHqDbU_AG/w356-h400/IMG_20210227_123808817_HDR.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test fitting my Sirius EQ-G mount with my Sharpstar 76.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv4ClU8vZFuJWreipjo7bSpwfKld8wgjlhxYNmx5fTn_t_Oy9cq75aIM9P_MIsRL8OvVV1jDDnBm1U90xjKrjADVFLwwzaCags98h0VUR7QT0mXVXeqgduTgTV3PJ6e2Jd_nLHkvNrNSD/s4096/IMG_20210306_122049955_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv4ClU8vZFuJWreipjo7bSpwfKld8wgjlhxYNmx5fTn_t_Oy9cq75aIM9P_MIsRL8OvVV1jDDnBm1U90xjKrjADVFLwwzaCags98h0VUR7QT0mXVXeqgduTgTV3PJ6e2Jd_nLHkvNrNSD/s320/IMG_20210306_122049955_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the floor secured, I starting making walls and running conduit for the power to the pier and for the USB cable.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXRBet6F_KWp0kzT7Ys3hHq6aFqcYhQ2Ocn1CIaBCVjLBsv4WMOQuDPsjP3gzAvuwdhkT0Nk64qwGWDdv_8n1EMNdUYdxMNdUvnME9O_xrqvNonZRZMM94tb5Kk2drpRGPhysRjisBpMH/s4096/IMG_20210307_145913151_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXRBet6F_KWp0kzT7Ys3hHq6aFqcYhQ2Ocn1CIaBCVjLBsv4WMOQuDPsjP3gzAvuwdhkT0Nk64qwGWDdv_8n1EMNdUYdxMNdUvnME9O_xrqvNonZRZMM94tb5Kk2drpRGPhysRjisBpMH/s320/IMG_20210307_145913151_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four walls are up and stormy weather is in the forecast.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzebSFGn7obofXlGCXtYNqeZsGKfDJDWLQacM8BoDFsM3AUpA929kUFAsk4XuRlcq-bgLBciW5OsNO_Jjlo-6n_JdRH-otLdgsLXemawMVc2fDQx97xJ9v9l0-aIUUCg7arBY8XKsu5uuP/s4096/IMG_20210314_171330829_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzebSFGn7obofXlGCXtYNqeZsGKfDJDWLQacM8BoDFsM3AUpA929kUFAsk4XuRlcq-bgLBciW5OsNO_Jjlo-6n_JdRH-otLdgsLXemawMVc2fDQx97xJ9v9l0-aIUUCg7arBY8XKsu5uuP/s320/IMG_20210314_171330829_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the weather cleared up, I decided to test fit my RC 6 inch as well. Clearance will be good I think.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJVMpXBn973l5OCl9RVg13zUTVeX8PeYR3whEZEwydsEJkzV6zy9xz1C8t1pv7WeuywUcWHLKA8hyphenhyphenMZhyphenhyphenulMrJPh_wPJf659QgOV95IgqFYYS0yXMpM3HbvDVz71D7_GmxX09XhvlBTbu/s4096/IMG_20210320_120343623_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJVMpXBn973l5OCl9RVg13zUTVeX8PeYR3whEZEwydsEJkzV6zy9xz1C8t1pv7WeuywUcWHLKA8hyphenhyphenMZhyphenhyphenulMrJPh_wPJf659QgOV95IgqFYYS0yXMpM3HbvDVz71D7_GmxX09XhvlBTbu/s320/IMG_20210320_120343623_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to construction, I got the beams for the roll off section put together and installed. I forget to get a shot with the posts installed, but the post and garage track are both installed.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqMMVs0IaBJwCrbwogNXq4-q3Gp5ODXIw4QF8DoEYthRBnwLU0JEjaCDrwkLrfu_-xPhTrQneIlgNACsANYIJz_y3mxKs0zaBFqgxl04Nkd2gzLVDi8oy_q1gVs-B-ekqk6fBdXfyZKz_/s4096/IMG_20210321_073818229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqMMVs0IaBJwCrbwogNXq4-q3Gp5ODXIw4QF8DoEYthRBnwLU0JEjaCDrwkLrfu_-xPhTrQneIlgNACsANYIJz_y3mxKs0zaBFqgxl04Nkd2gzLVDi8oy_q1gVs-B-ekqk6fBdXfyZKz_/s320/IMG_20210321_073818229.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roof is ready for metal. I'm building it on the ground, then will have some help lifting it up where it goes. Once it is in place, I'll get the rollers installed.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-48055780749029075132021-02-21T19:26:00.003-05:002021-04-01T20:37:45.438-04:00Observatory constructing is underway<p> If you have read any of my blog posts before, you may notice that I have a lot of hobbies. I do and I don't apologize for it. I wish I had time and resources to just pursue my hobbies all the time. But alas, I don't, so I am a serial hobbyist. Most of them don't warrant a blog post, but I decided that it was time I brushed off the ol' blog site and document this one. </p><p>Lately, I've rediscovered my childhood love for astronomy. And since I already have a passion for photography, I've started becoming an astrophotographer. So after a summer and fall of hauling equipment in and out of the house every clear night I could, I decided that building an observatory would make life a lot easier on me.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XBPXmumoAt55SohEKPtMoD3_DhIlwqB5aXM3m0T9Lk8_tvvaAoHbCS_9g5F18mbDG7rauu2snhLmROfWMCENvUOH7zRgqUhyphenhyphenUmKVezQ7aAsAnCMP8QyfXY4N4nuSotqcn2Huf0h7IwVl/s4096/IMG_20210209_175503291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XBPXmumoAt55SohEKPtMoD3_DhIlwqB5aXM3m0T9Lk8_tvvaAoHbCS_9g5F18mbDG7rauu2snhLmROfWMCENvUOH7zRgqUhyphenhyphenUmKVezQ7aAsAnCMP8QyfXY4N4nuSotqcn2Huf0h7IwVl/w320-h235/IMG_20210209_175503291.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It started with a hole in the ground. I started digging into the red clay of my backyard a few weeks ago. right before we had 10 straight days of rain.<p></p><p>Using these post hole diggers I was able to get down about 40 inches before it became too difficult to operate the handles unless I made the hole wider. It's roughly 14 inches square and I didn't want to go expand it any more, so I stopped there. Hopefully I'm far enough below the frost line here in upstate South Carolina that it won't be an issue.</p><p>The idea here was to set a concrete footing with rebar then to pour a concrete pier on top of that upon which I could attach a plate that would support my telescope tracking mount. That plate is actually a brake drum just the right size to support my Orion Sirius EQ-G mount head.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2Ah_SHaePjXGI8A3u_MtkOMHK854GpsJMWb6HSEGZSHLQy1Cw_RY6MQoHNMeYzNSfZO-R-1n0akomHmWIhlLohDCtYbBojImkaQ5OctndIDjS9NFNsoHhv2BL62GyELUvViCcagHVwrX/s4096/IMG_20210220_143618577_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2Ah_SHaePjXGI8A3u_MtkOMHK854GpsJMWb6HSEGZSHLQy1Cw_RY6MQoHNMeYzNSfZO-R-1n0akomHmWIhlLohDCtYbBojImkaQ5OctndIDjS9NFNsoHhv2BL62GyELUvViCcagHVwrX/s320/IMG_20210220_143618577_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In this photo you can see that I've already laid out the perimeter of the building. This will be an 8 foot by 8 foot shed with a roll off roof. The pier is placed as near to the exact center as I could manage. The cardboard tube is a little over 8 inches in diameter and is filled with concrete, rebar and the anchors holding the break drum mounting block in place. The building will be constructed around the pier an no part of the building will be in direct contact with it. This is to prevent vibrations from the structure from interfering with the long exposers needed for astrophotography.<div><br /></div><div>I have looked at lots of other people's observatories and there are a lot of different ways to design and build them. I really love the dome style construction that I'm sure most people think when they hear the work observatory. I just don't have to stills to build a dome and the professionally made domes are outside of my budget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf69WlOO79GKE-ewXYnFxZZNItlyqn7W2aMs330hevOYks2NrXQuwB5vVi1gR7AEhfyod2R5kzYoip56fJVx4nXUxorC6HonxbzLB7e7MIbBVLURKuYHvJlrFEQBWjMW7vCSpdgKhtLuF/s4096/IMG_20210220_174051222_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf69WlOO79GKE-ewXYnFxZZNItlyqn7W2aMs330hevOYks2NrXQuwB5vVi1gR7AEhfyod2R5kzYoip56fJVx4nXUxorC6HonxbzLB7e7MIbBVLURKuYHvJlrFEQBWjMW7vCSpdgKhtLuF/s320/IMG_20210220_174051222_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are a few more photos of where I am so far. Floor joist are in and I've made cuts for the subfloor to leave space for the pier to be independent form the rest of the structure. I will end up using some sort of foam sealer to file the gaps, but nothing that will transfer vibration.<div><br /></div><div>This is where I am today. I'm going to let the concrete in the pier cure for at least a week before I put any weight on it. Right now I'm just covering it at night to keep the dew or frost off of it.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyIAWtxb7PrcpWBrPu9G66WJRBUEF0gf-MochikgjPehjA7_vYeEEE6evqQ36BPCw6IQncUrcwAAbu_JnIbwuQVE7ZUeQvj_k0vbZewpvp78toTxH3cmVJ1nhVYMz6ugpqNVX-Hp-w2UX/s4096/IMG_20210221_143636294_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyIAWtxb7PrcpWBrPu9G66WJRBUEF0gf-MochikgjPehjA7_vYeEEE6evqQ36BPCw6IQncUrcwAAbu_JnIbwuQVE7ZUeQvj_k0vbZewpvp78toTxH3cmVJ1nhVYMz6ugpqNVX-Hp-w2UX/s320/IMG_20210221_143636294_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once it has properly cured, I'll remove the form and install the floor. When I do that I'll run some conduit from a space on the pier to carry electrical and data cables to the telescope mount.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will have my old laptop installed in the shed and connected all the equipment, I will be able to remotely control the system from the comfort of my home. But, all that is down the road.<br /><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-57604226108758934842016-05-25T11:03:00.001-04:002016-05-25T11:03:30.800-04:00Coming out of hibernationIt's been years since my last update, so I thought it was time to start posting again. I'll probably start posting soon about my adventures as a new beekeeper.<br />
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That's all I have for now.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-10647262632925581152013-08-18T22:34:00.000-04:002013-11-06T11:02:21.748-05:00Vertical Drum Smoker - Part 4I took a couple of weeks off from working on my smoker to get some other work done. I did manage to cook a small Boston butt as a test before my break. It turned out really well, but I also learned a few things to improve upon for next time. I don't have a custom fire basket yet, I simply put a small Weber table top grill in the bottom of the can and used it as my firebox. It worked pretty well, but I think a basket with an ash catcher would allow for a more even flow of air and better cooking.<br />
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I resumed work on it today by putting a coat of semi-gloss black on it. I also installed a single valve and 2 caps on the bottom vent holes. I may replace one of the caps with another valve after a few more test burns. It depends on how hard it is to control the temp the way it is now. I also installed a second rack for holding a water pan, or for extra cooking space.<br />
I still need to paint the lid and maybe make a vent system for the top. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL46dIACjy7L5f5ZDZqBK2I8Ho8jOxRUMzB01OCQUevrPyXO3LtN3YeKffg7IMWqp1gfiiIaUpNhyphenhyphenMkmeJ90l43C7n4NjgoYC8cZbCfCbXSyaQyVhv3i_x_nHJ1IKXw1vbfxIr-hBcNOH/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL46dIACjy7L5f5ZDZqBK2I8Ho8jOxRUMzB01OCQUevrPyXO3LtN3YeKffg7IMWqp1gfiiIaUpNhyphenhyphenMkmeJ90l43C7n4NjgoYC8cZbCfCbXSyaQyVhv3i_x_nHJ1IKXw1vbfxIr-hBcNOH/s320/photo.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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I may work on the improvements later. I'm not real happy with the thermometer I bought, it seems to read about 50 degrees too hot. I've been shopping around and reading reviews, so I'll see where that takes me. </div>
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I may put some pipe elbows on the two side vents and place valves closer to the top. I've seen other design with this configuration, but I'm not sure it's worth the effort. It's not like it's hard to bend down and adjust the valve at ground level. I'm still considering custom paint options as well. Hopefully the 3 coats I have on it now will keep it protected from rust, but I may spice it up a little bit.</div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-6696697479689156352013-07-29T20:46:00.000-04:002013-07-29T20:48:11.943-04:00Vertical Drum Smoker - Part 3I finished up the sanding tonight and applied one coat of Rust-Oleum High Heat Flat Black paint. This is just a bottom coat to protect the metal I've been sanding. It took an entire 15 oz. can to cover the sides of the drum and part of the bottom. I'll pick up another can to finish the bottom and to do any touch up work with. I have to strip and paint the lid as well. I also picked up a can of dark blue engine enamel today and the auto parts store. I plan to use it for my top coat.<br />
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Here is a photo with most of the paint gone, I did a little more clean up work before I wiped the whole think down with alcohol to prepare it for the paint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7pkyy7DLO08jmanBgqo9OwPhowR0q3qQS__wdzQyKwlMiYgd7gSPHfy54I3Y-IKyOLjQs9g9sKsb5vfM6R74Ld29judBKapBbRPlhOitFFqc1Ox0iRWZ2amucWvUHqe2uZEAkp1ibgss/s1600/Drum-black-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7pkyy7DLO08jmanBgqo9OwPhowR0q3qQS__wdzQyKwlMiYgd7gSPHfy54I3Y-IKyOLjQs9g9sKsb5vfM6R74Ld29judBKapBbRPlhOitFFqc1Ox0iRWZ2amucWvUHqe2uZEAkp1ibgss/s320/Drum-black-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat black High Heat paint on the sides. The top is still original.</td></tr>
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Not very pretty here, but it was important to burn away and sand off any of the original paint before I use it for cooking. As you can see, I haven't done the lid yet, but it will get done too.</div>
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<span id="goog_421782073"></span><span id="goog_421782074"></span><br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-76572468558127515152013-07-29T11:34:00.003-04:002013-11-06T11:49:36.118-05:00Vertical Drum Smoker - Part 2Sunday turned into a short day for working on my smoker. Most of my day was committed to doing other things and I only had a small window to work on my drum. That window was interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm making for an even shorter day than planned.<br />
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It started the day looking like this. One of my kids asked me why I couldn't leave it green, but the paint it came with cannot stand even the relatively low heat of smoking.<br />
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<b>Note, I removed this photo from my Google+ account.</b></div>
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The black color is from the burn to start removing paint before I did any sanding. The silver is the bare metal after a bit of sanding.. I did manage to get it about 95% sanded down to the metal, but I still need to clean up the edges, dints, etc. It took about two hours of work over Saturday and Sunday to get the whole drum looking like the middle section pictured above. The bottom and lid still need to be worked on.<br />
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I'm still trying to decide what type of paint job to give it once I get cleaned up and a base coat applied. Right now I'm toward a TARDIS style paint job. Assuming I can find the paint colors I need.<br />
<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-54517018609070750332013-07-27T23:16:00.000-04:002013-11-06T11:04:18.422-05:00Vertical Drum Smoker - Part 1<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;">I've been wanting a meat smoker for a while now but the really nice ones I like are a lot more expensive that I want to spend. I noticed a quite a few DIY smokers on a number of websites. I considered a several different designs, but finally chose to build a Vertical Drum Smoker. It is also called a Ugly Drum Smoker, or UDS. I'm not going to call my an Ugly Drum Smoker because my wife told me it can't be ugly if I want to keep it in our back yard. So, I hope I can make it look pretty nice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Here is the first photo of the drum I bough yesterday. I wish I had been a little more careful picking out on with fewer dents, but this will do. This one originally contained apple juice concentrate.</span></div>
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Note, I removed the photos because there were stored on Google+ and I'm still evaluating their recent changes to the terms of service.<br />
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Here it is with an electric hot plate smoking a few apple wood chips on a cast iron skillet. I'm toying with the idea of making this one run on either charcoal or with an electric element. I'm not sure if I'll be able to reach 225 degrees with this electric hotplate. I'll have to test it again later.<br />
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I've started removing the paint and sanding the exterior so I can give it a fresh coat of heat resistant paint. I was going to take another photo, but I ran out of daylight.<br />
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Tomorrow I hope to finish sanding and if I'm lucky, I'll get a coat of paint on it..<br />
<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-12820909178238562012013-02-23T15:05:00.001-05:002013-07-29T09:22:17.645-04:00Will-full-frame on 4x5<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/8490147377/" title="Will-full-frame"><img alt="Will-full-frame by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8490147377_137dd7dd54.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/8490147377/">Will-full-frame</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-38283845853027833352012-11-25T23:08:00.001-05:002013-07-29T09:21:55.516-04:00Lauren 4x5<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/8218087783/" title="Lauren 4x5"><img alt="Lauren 4x5 by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8218087783_dfba286598.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/8218087783/">Lauren 4x5</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-51921305863684343092012-10-23T22:16:00.001-04:002013-07-29T09:21:34.407-04:00Cambo<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/8117639001/" title="Cambo"><img alt="Cambo by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8117639001_a1970d9ab5.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/8117639001/">Cambo</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-28364750169395897432012-10-03T18:36:00.001-04:002012-10-03T18:55:29.288-04:00New (used) Enlarger For My Darkroom<div style="line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7982645408/" title="OmegaD5XLEnlarger_a"><img alt="OmegaD5XLEnlarger_a by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/7982645408_cb4d97ae27.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7982645408/">OmegaD5XLEnlarger_a</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px;">I currently have a very tiny dark room and two enlargers that I have to swap in and out depending on if I'm printing from 35mm or from Medium format. I'm missing key accessories from each enlarger to allow me to only use one. When I started getting interested in large format, I decided to look for a single enlarger that will do 35mm, Medium and Large formats. And it had to be a common enough model that parts and accessories could still be found. I decided to look for either a Beselar M45 or an Omega D model. What I found was this Omega D5 XL. It's currently in a friend's garage in Knoxville where I found it on Craig's List, but I hope to bring it home soon.</span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;">I started tearing out the counter top in my darkroom (which is really just the back corner of my bedroom closet) to make room for this beast. It is a monster. I hope to have some photos up soon of it in it's new home.</span></span></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-77822779709353213222012-09-12T13:00:00.001-04:002012-10-03T19:02:43.680-04:00Speed Graphic<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7959304264/" title="IMG_8961.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8961.jpg by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7959304264_5deeddbe69.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7959304264/">IMG_8961.jpg</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">I believe this is an Anniversary Speed Graphic. This belongs to a friend of mine. He's a photojournalists with over 20 years experience, but he's never shot this one. He bought it off a veteran that used this in the pacific theater during WW2. This camera has literally been to war. I've given it a light cleaning to make it easier to use, but I'm reluctant to do too much to it. The battle scares give it character.</span></span></span><br />
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-63149942469346018902012-09-11T18:50:00.000-04:002012-10-03T18:56:33.129-04:00Stitched 4x5<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7974946354/" title="Stitched 4x5"><img alt="Stitched 4x5 by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/7974946354_c6105e8cb4.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7974946354/">Stitched 4x5</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">First portrait shot using the borrowed Speed Graphic. The 137mm lens is crazy wide and the ground glass is sort of difficult to frame with. The combination of those two facts explains how miss-framed the paper backdrop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This one was an experiment. The Speed Graphic I'm borrowing doesn't have a X-sync port on the shutter. So what I did was set the F-stop to 11 and the shutter speed to bulb. I opened the shutter with a cable release in my right hand then tripped my Alien Bee with a Cactus V4 in my left hand, then released the shutter. The Alien Bee is in a small octabox above and left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is a 4x5 negative, but my V500 only has a scan window of about 3 1/4" wide. So I scanned it in 2 pieces and stitched it together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Arista EDU Ultra 4x5 film</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm developing in trays since I don't have any hangers or daylight tanks for 4x5. I can't even use taco development because my JoBo is too short.</span></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-8622004135695102172012-08-15T10:59:00.001-04:002012-08-19T22:56:18.764-04:00Dark<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7786165898/" title="Dark"><img alt="Dark by Bruce Garner" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7786165898_06b317b986.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/7786165898/">Dark</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceg333/">Bruce Garner</a> on Flickr.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; margin: 0px;">I shot this of our friend Lauren the other night when she was over visiting my daughters. I had gotten stagnant in my portrait shooting and wanted to do something different from my normal style. I was tired of the overly posed corporate head shot type photo. I also wanted more contrast since my recent prints in the darkroom were very grey. I felt that her blonde hair would contrast nicely with a black background. She gave me exactly the expression I wanted.</span><br />
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-89457885347276399362012-03-01T00:19:00.000-05:002012-03-01T00:32:44.813-05:00Lots going onThis post is going to make it sound like I'm made of money, but I'm not really. It's just that I have several little projects going on at the same time. I've been putting back a little cash, plus it's tax return season so it going to look like I'm spending more than I am.<br />
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First of all, I've ordered some new developers. I've been using mostly Kodak HC-110 and a little Kodak D-76. I had just about given up on the D-76 since I have to mix it up a gallon at a time and it starts going bad as soon as you mix it. I like the HC-110 because of how easy it is to mix up for single roll use. Sticking with that same idea I ordered some Adox Adonal, which is the same formula as the old Agfa Rodinal. It's a very old formula that I've been wanting to try with some stand development. I also have some Diafine coming. It's a very interesting developer. It comes in an A and B solution that is largely usable at any room temperature. It's a compensating developer and doesn't necessarily develop at box speed. You need to expose your film with the developer in mind. Both have something different to offer me in the darkroom and both have very long shelf lives. I look forward to trying them out.<br />
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Speaking of trying out. I was reading a forum post about someone using some odd film. It turns out they were talking about Kodak SO-331 High Contrast Pan Intermediate 35mm film. It's supposed to be used as a motion picture film, but others have been using it in SLRs. It ships in 1000 foot rolls as opposed to the normal 100 foot rolls I usually buy. And it was cheap, $41 after shipping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHQbRT2P_zoDCfDqIdUS-nsiBopsursqOLnVwCC6k11VpusQCi7sk50CU6Ce_uUbmbocKqhapoxP0k52s0YWLk-JpTTSS_T7O3jmdX0AR_4Ls0HqTuFDsGpJnGI_UpHFfa8Kb7B9H63Ld/s1600/Eastman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHQbRT2P_zoDCfDqIdUS-nsiBopsursqOLnVwCC6k11VpusQCi7sk50CU6Ce_uUbmbocKqhapoxP0k52s0YWLk-JpTTSS_T7O3jmdX0AR_4Ls0HqTuFDsGpJnGI_UpHFfa8Kb7B9H63Ld/s320/Eastman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1000' roll of film and a bulk loader.</td></tr>
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I shot a few test frames to experiment with development in HC-110. The results were better than I expected, but I don't have the exposure and development times nailed down yet. I can't wait to try it out with the new developers I have coming.<br />
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Speaking of things I have coming. The legs on the cheap tripod I bought a few years ago finally starting turning to mush. The ballhead is still is good shape, so I ordered a new set of legs. I should have a set of Manfrotto 294 legs here on Friday. I'm also just about ready to order the new (old) film body I've been wanting, a Nikon FM2n. I'll talk more about that later.<br />
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</b>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-46502497765439361372012-02-21T23:50:00.000-05:002012-02-21T23:50:31.947-05:00New old lensA month or so ago, I got a new lens. New to me at least. I picked up a Zenzanon 150mm for my ETRS. Here it is mounted on the body alongside my 75mm. I'm hoping to pick up a 50mm in the next few months. I'd really like a 40mm, but I don't think I'm willing to invest that much into it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZOv49maCHo/T0Ryirc1TyI/AAAAAAAARas/IIvD59AyGNs/s1600/img015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZOv49maCHo/T0Ryirc1TyI/AAAAAAAARas/IIvD59AyGNs/s320/img015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronica ETRS with 150mm f3.5 (mounted) and 75mm f2.8</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6UksR-7dvk/T0RzW7HpDvI/AAAAAAAARa0/mbPB5tK3axk/s1600/img005-1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6UksR-7dvk/T0RzW7HpDvI/AAAAAAAARa0/mbPB5tK3axk/s320/img005-1st.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test photo of my daughter taken with the 150mm on my ETRS. Light is natural from window left and a reflector on the right.<br />
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</tbody></table>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-32724834380533632032012-02-21T23:28:00.001-05:002012-08-19T22:55:11.199-04:00Talking to myselfI don't really expect many folks are reading this. Outside of a few friends I send links to and a top secret government data mining project, I expect this to go largely unread. Irregardless, I will type anyway. BTW, did you know irregardless is not a word? <br />
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Since my other blog with all my photo ramblings got eaten by a giant internet worm, it won't do much good to refer to my old posts on this blog. I'll give a brief description of my photography and see how it goes.<br />
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I took a photography class in class in high school. I think it was my junior year, probably 1983-84. I enjoyed the class a lot and learned to develop film and make silver prints in the dark room. I learned a little about photography but didn't really pursue it outside of class assignments and working on the yearbook and school newspaper. An opportunity wasted.<br />
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After a few years of college I took a job as a graphic artist, mostly creating newspaper advertisements. And while over the years I worked closely with photos, it was some time before I decided to try my hand a expanding my photographic skills beyond taking family snapshots. It wasn't until after my second daughter asked for an upgrade from the family's digital point-n-shoot to a digital SLR that my interest was rekindled. We got her a Canon Digital Rebel and she proved to be quite talented with it. I was jealous of her camera almost immediately, but I fought the bug for a while. I eventually broke down and bought a Canon 40D a few lenses and a flash. Then a tripod. Then my first (and only, so far) L series lens. Then I bought an Alien Bee monolight. By this time I was actively reading photo books and blogs. Then I picked up a cheap EOS 650 on eBay. I started shooting film again. Then I was given an enlarger and some other darkroom equipment and picked some more on Craigslist. All the while I'm trying to learn as much as I can about both the science and art of photography.<br />
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Since then, I've expanded my film interest into both medium format and 35mm. I've scored a Yashica Mat LM, a Bronica ETRS, several 35mm SLRs, and rangefinders. I've love to pick up a 4x5 or *gasp* dare I dream, an 8x10 large format camera. I've mostly been shooting 35mm on a Minolta XG-7, but I have my eye on a Nikon FM2n.<br />
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I do photography because I enjoy it. I do it for myself, and as tempting as it can be, I resist the urge to try and make money doing it. Maybe one day, under the right circumstances I will, but for know I will leave shooting for money to the real pros. I don't want to be another guy with a Facebook photography business that doesn't know an f-stop from a hole in the ground. In my defense, I know what an f-stop is. More or less.<br />
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</span></span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-14171641034795650352011-12-30T16:10:00.002-05:002011-12-30T17:48:40.010-05:00iPad repaired.A while back I dropped my iPad 2 from a height of about 3 feet onto some concrete. I had a Smart Cover attached, but that was the only "protection" it had. It landed right on the corner and ended up looking something like this.<br />
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I went to the Apple store and they wanted me to pay $319 for them to swap it out for a new one. With Christmas coming up, I didn't have the extra cash to fix it so I waited a while before looking for other options. I found several places selling replacement screens and I watched several "how-to" videos about replacing the screen myself. I was just about ready to tackle fixing it myself when I stumbled upon iRepairNational.com. Their service looked good so I gave them a shot and sent it off for repair the week before Christmas. Their price was $139.95. Despite the timing, their turn around time was great. The Post Office held the shipment longer than I would have liked, but I was very happy with the repair job. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVH-Zv21fxg/Tv4onkspfKI/AAAAAAAARX4/M2pZYNivx1c/s1600/before-and-after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVH-Zv21fxg/Tv4onkspfKI/AAAAAAAARX4/M2pZYNivx1c/s320/before-and-after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can seen where they had to reshape the corner to get the glass to fit correctly, which is just fine with me since I didn't want to have to replace the back as well as the front. Overall I'm very happy with the job they did.</div>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-24638329108290429562011-12-07T20:45:00.000-05:002012-10-03T18:32:48.837-04:00Controls Are InMy X-Arcade Tankstick arrived today and I dropped it into the cabinet. I had to do a little work to get it to fit, but it's in. I tested it out with a little Centipede.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1DWwu5iux7xT-MMm-r0awOh-jrxlDdwL2l-U3FcByiylK-Lu5PtuJUP36MhWaa52sSCjFzmBpDltMK7Pv7XdiP0Zbd2gWgsUf8TqzMe-O5wEZyFxeq_VBHMGM_QXV-Tq8V7Zlq3mffig/s1600/cab-w-stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1DWwu5iux7xT-MMm-r0awOh-jrxlDdwL2l-U3FcByiylK-Lu5PtuJUP36MhWaa52sSCjFzmBpDltMK7Pv7XdiP0Zbd2gWgsUf8TqzMe-O5wEZyFxeq_VBHMGM_QXV-Tq8V7Zlq3mffig/s320/cab-w-stick.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
I know the hard core cabinet builder will scoff at my addition of the pre-made controls, but it was the best fit for me right now. I would like to eventually salvage the parts out of it and build my own, but I'll wait until after Christmas to break it. I'm going to enjoy it with my kids a while first.<br />
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If you look closely you can see that I changed the way the marquee is mounted. I went with aluminum retaining frames rather then the weaker pvc j-moulding I was using. It's much stronger now and I don't have to worry about it falling apart.<br />
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I also installed two rails inside the monitor area to hold the bezel and front glass.<br />
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It's really coming together, a few more weekends and it will be basically done*. I still need to enclose the speaker box area and clean up the keyboard drawer as well.<br />
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*I don't think projects like this are ever really done.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079914146908517304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724806936945141138.post-24563824970968526872011-12-02T19:30:00.000-05:002011-12-04T19:32:22.194-05:00Coin DoorEarlier this week I got my coin door from X-Arcade. Here is how it looks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8qs1ZFArYlo5E-9I4bXeSoGDgtBU1BUtvRacc_CJuvq8Uh24Rsmtkksv8rQd1E_4ybQJFc66Gu3w_TDUDBHB5-WTXtCKZ91IZrxfmcUzUFQv7jYLsCYWo2F_yJ-8amuuhy-UmzxQK2Ce/s1600/Coin_closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8qs1ZFArYlo5E-9I4bXeSoGDgtBU1BUtvRacc_CJuvq8Uh24Rsmtkksv8rQd1E_4ybQJFc66Gu3w_TDUDBHB5-WTXtCKZ91IZrxfmcUzUFQv7jYLsCYWo2F_yJ-8amuuhy-UmzxQK2Ce/s200/Coin_closed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> I was impressed by the quality of the door. It seems to be well made. The coin return has a red LED that has it's own AC adapter attached. The coin mech seems to work well, it accepts quarters and rejects other coins. I haven't tested the microswitch yet, but I expect it to work.<br />
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The Tankstick I ordered last weekend is on back-order but I should have it in another week to 10 days. Then I can wire the coin door into the controls. <br />
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