TheBearAK
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Re: Program requiring activation on a new computer
Is it a database program? Can we get the name of it? Some use a file in your user directory (hidden) to store the encrypted license. Some of these mid-90's programs could be fooled into checking locally for verification. Did you try google: " key verification hack"640Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wifi issues - full timer - Help appreciated
I've pretty much given up on Linksys/Cisco home routers. I've been a network manager pretty much since the early days (token ring, RS-232, etc). I used to like the Linksys routers, but then started having lots of power supply issues with them. Then once Cisco stepped in and started putting their name on the Linksys, the quality seemed to drop. For a long time I was pretty anti-DLINK because we went through a bunch of the DLINK hubs and routers that would just have a port go dead, but that seems to be a non-issue now. My current favorite for bang-for-the-buck is the Belkin routers. The AC1600 is what I've been buying for customers and have not had a single issue with any of them (more than 80 of them). And the range is really amazing considering these do not have external antennas. They are highly regarded in the gamer and hackers world because the CPU inside them is one of the fastest in a home router. That said, it still would be good to connect via ethernet to the router you have and make sure there are no issues with the ISP. 100' CAT 5e or CAT6 ethernet cables are not that expensive.676Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wifi issues - full timer - Help appreciated
First, which WiFi router do you have? Newer duel bands have a longer range. A lot of different factors can go into why you're getting drops. - How many other WiFi networks are visible in your spot? If more than just you own, make sure the channels are different from your neighbors. Modern routers should do this automatically, but neighbors might not have them and they can overlap and cause issues. - Microwaves can interfere, specially in the 2.4 Ghz range. 2.4 Ghz is also widely used and other devices like land-line telephones (wireless kind) can interfere. - Metal boxes, such as a motorhome can shield signals. As for range extenders, I've never really had much luck with them. I've gotten them to work, but they were often slow and added a lot of lag. naturist has a point, if you can just run a long ethernet cable around the house, that would be the best way of extending the network. Even if you just ran the ethernet cable from one side to the other and connected the extender. WiFi extenders usually have an ethernet port so you can use them as an Access Point.348Views0likes0CommentsRe: what's a durable yet inexpensive printer these days?
color lasers rattling down the road will dump toner inside them as well. Not as messy as wet ink, but still messy. Inkjets might be cheap to buy, but once you start making payments on the ink cartridges you'll wish you had a laser. So it really depends on how much you print. Personally, I like the Inkjets that when you replace the ink, you also replace the head. Bit more expensive, but they tend to last longer. I bought into the Epson printers when they came out with there nice inkjets where you only replaced the ink cartridge. Problem was, once the head got clogged, it was a throw-away printer.646Views0likes0CommentsRe: Dual Generators (not dual fuel, but two generators)
I don't want to hi-jack the thread, but Wind generators depend on the type of generator at the top. Some are DC right out, but the big ones are AC. From what I understand, there are two basic methods to phase them. One is to convert to DC and run through a large inverter, and the other is to have the alternator speed controlled and separated from the propeller speeds. Much like a CV transmission. The props can be spinning fast, but all they do is produce more torque. The alternator stays a constant speed. The second method is cheaper to do, but requires more maintenance. Almost all of the smaller home ones are alternators (AC) and get converted to DC to charge batteries. Then batteries feed an inverter. The reason to run AC anywhere is because you can transmit the power with lower losses. High voltage and lower amps = smaller wires.496Views0likes0CommentsRe: Two Cycle oil
I'm going to talk about my real world experiences. Synthetic oil tends to do better in colder weather. I ride snowmobiles in our cold Alaskan winters and have seen non-synthetic turn to the consistency of raspberry jam. However, since you are mixing it, the gas will counter that. (as opposed to oil injection) I've used a wide variety of 2 stroke oils. I would never dream of using a 4 stroke oil in a 2 stroke. It would most likely cause heat issues, plug fouling, and like others have said, smoke. Lots of it. If you've ever had to clean up 2 stroke oil from a floor and compared it to cleaning up 4 stroke oil, you know that is a much easier to clean up the 4 stroke oil. 2 stroke oil tends to be a bit more sticky. I've been running synthetic in everything that is 2 stroke, snowmobiles, cycles, weedwhackers, chainsaws, outboard boat and our 2 stroke generator. I usually use the Amsoil Dominator or Interceptor, but have bought the Johnson Synthetic that Walmart sells for $30 a gallon.285Views0likes0CommentsRe: Dual Generators (not dual fuel, but two generators)
Funny thing about these inverter generators, the signal coming out of the power source is AC, it then gets converted to DC, then back to AC. Why? This way you can run the generator at any RPM. The AC coming out is variable in the frequency, typically fairly high. Often the same speed as the RPM. (i.e., 900 RPM = 900 Hz). They convert that to a DC signal, and then back to a AC through the inverter. Inverter puts out a steady 50/60hz signal. often a modified square wave. Anyway, if it were me and I planned on camping a lot, I'd probably get two, but I'd get the 3000watt and then get a smaller one, like a 1000 (or 2000). Run the smaller one when you don't need AC. It can charge the batteries and run all the lights just fine. It is smaller, easier to handle and can last up to 14 hours on a tank of gas. Run the 3000 watt only when you need AC or run the Microwave. Hassling with a Y cable and having two generators running just seems like too much.495Views0likes0CommentsRe: iOS 9
ReadyToGo wrote: Typical release br Apple. Lots of sizzle and very little steak. The first fix to the OS is within days of release. Expect a couple more to fix the things that don't work correctly and probably a security issue. Did anyone notice the security update for Itunes? It's a 178 mb download. This goes for any and all operating systems. Install any version of Windows lately? Even Windows 10 goes out and downloads 34 updates during install. Windows 7 is up to 149 updates after initial install, then another 119 after you do those. If you install virtually any version of Linux from a DVD, after install you will need to do an update that is typically between 30 and 300 items. Any OS or even any major Program/App, when you go from a few thousand testers to millions of users, yes, they will find bugs.232Views0likes0CommentsRe: Evolving USB power
Don't know about other phones, but Apple's charger for the iPhone is 1A. In my experience (going on 4th battery), charging it with a larger charger can charge it up quicker, but will reduce overall battery life. For example, charging it with the iPad charger (2.1 amp) can charge it quicker, but the battery gets noticeably warm and warm/hot=bad. It also seems to not last as long per charge. I would guess this would go for any lithium rechargeable battery.490Views0likes0CommentsRe: When to leave for fall colors
Snow at higher elevations. Rain across the interior. Wind this past weekend knocked the leaves off of the trees at higher elevations, but in the valleys there is still a lot of color. Middle of hunting season, so lots of road-side campers. https://goo.gl/photos/AeyagHWkYoRF59vJ9270Views0likes0Comments
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